We are not musicians. We are Krsna bhaktas.
It is not necessary for us to utilize these different
musical talents for spreading Krsna Consciousness.
Srila Prabhupada: “My opinion is that it is not necessary for us to utilize these different musical talents for spreading Krsna Consciousness. I would rather see people follow strictly the path of Lord Caitanya and His Sankirtana devotees. We are using mrdanga, karatala, that is enough. We are not musicians. We are Krsna bhaktas. Therefore we do not stress so much importance on these different musical talents. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God Himself. Had He thought it would have been better to spread Krsna Consciousness by another way He would have done so. But no, simply with mrdanga and karatala, traveling and chanting Hare Krsna, asking everyone to chant Hare Krsna, preaching simply Srimad-Bhagavatam philosophy, this is the process. There is no need for us to try and add anything to this simple method. It will only be a distraction. Therefore I request you to follow the simple path of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu and help me spread this wonderful mission all over the world. Keep yourself pure and fixed up in Krsna Consciousness by following the basic principles that I have given; chanting 16 rounds daily, following the four regulative principles, rising early, attending mangala arati and classes etc. This is of the utmost importance.” (Srila Prabhupada Letter — Bombay 28 December, 1974)
Srila Prabhupada:
” My opinion is that it is not necessary for us to utilize these different musical talents for spreading Krishna Consciousness. I would rather see people follow strictly the path of Lord Chaitanya and His Sankirtana devotees. We are using mrdanga, karatala, that is enough. We are not musicians. We are Krishna bhaktas. Therefore we don’t stress so much importance on these different musical talents.”
Srila Prabhupada:
” I am so glad that Mr. Harrison (George Harrison) is composing song like “Lord Which We So Long Ignored.” He is very thoughtful. When we actually meet, I shall be able to give him thoughts about separation from Krishna and they will be able to compose very attractive songs for public receptions.
The public is in need of such songs and if they are administered through nice agents like The Beatles, it will surely be a great success.”
What can we make of these two different statements that seem to ‘conflict’, any thoughts?
Daso Smi
Sudarsana
Sudarsana: What can we make of these two different statements that seem to ‘conflict’, any thoughts?
Srila Prabhupada:
” I am so glad that Mr. Harrison (George Harrison) is composing song like “Lord Which We So Long Ignored.” He is very thoughtful. When we actually meet, I shall be able to give him thoughts about separation from Krishna and they will be able to compose very attractive songs for public receptions.
The public is in need of such songs and if they are administered through nice agents like The Beatles, it will surely be a great success.”
Mahesh: I am giving the way I understand it: here “for public receptions” a class that George Harrison was dealing with. This shows it is better for the ordinary public class who are in that sort of music at PUBLIC RECEPTIONS instead of zero Krsna Consciousnesss to get something. They do NOT want ANYTHING to do with Krsna. They will NOT take it. But – it is a way to give them sugar candy coated pill. Something that will reach to that PARTICULAR audience.
Srila Prabhupada:
” My opinion is that it is not necessary for us to utilize these different musical talents for spreading Krishna Consciousness. I would rather see people follow strictly the path of Lord Chaitanya and His Sankirtana devotees. We are using mrdanga, karatala, that is enough. We are not musicians. We are Krishna bhaktas. Therefore we don’t stress so much importance on these different musical talents.”
Mahesh: this is more of an instruction to those who ARE IN Krsna Consciousness. It is directed to the devotees to keep THEIR lives DEVOTIONAL. Srila Prabhupada uses the word WE: *We* are using mrdanga, karatala, that is enough. *We* are not musicians. *We* are Krishna bhaktas. This is for when devotees go street sankirtana etc.
Both statements are based on the philosophy of SIMULTANEOUS oneness AND difference. Perfect reconciliation:
KB 82 Lord Krsna and Balarama Meet the Inhabitants of Vrndavana
The WHOLE PHILOSOPHY is considered on the basis of inconceivable, SIMULTANEOUS ONENESS AND DIFFERENCE.
Note: Therefore we don’t allow songs which are not sung by liberated souls like Bhaktivinoda Thakura, Narottama dasa Thakura. They are liberated souls. We don’t allow any literature which is not given by liberated soul.
720821SB.LA Lectures
Uttama, uttama means udgata-tama. This material world is tama, ignorance, darkness. And Krsna is beyond this material world; therefore He is called para. Para means transcendental. So uttama-sloka. So when we offer our prayers to krsna, they are not ordinary words. Therefore those who are not liberated soul, they cannot offer prayers actually. we have to repeat the prayers offered by liberated soul, not by ordinary man. Because he is not yet uttama, he is not yet in the transcendental platform. Therefore we don’t allow songs which are not sung by liberated souls like Bhaktivinoda Thakura, Narottama dasa Thakura. They are liberated souls. We don’t allow any literature which is not given by liberated soul. Literatures, they are always following Vedic principles. Vedas, the original transcendental literature, and any literature which is produced under the guidance of Vedic literature, that is also nice. That is perfect. Therefore whenever we write something, we give immediately vedic evidence. We give some sanskrit verse. This means that we are not manufacturing ourself. What we have heard from the parampara system, from higher authorities, we are presenting, simply, in our own language, and the evidence is this Vedic verse. This is perfect literature.
Further evidence:
http://www.prabhupadanugas.eu/news/?p=41793#more-41793
Haribol! Mahesh Raja Prabhu.
Thank you for your input on this topic. Your choice of Srila Prabhupada’s quotes and purports are well taken and relevant. Always glad to hear from you!
Daso Smi
Sudarsana
Why HDG. Srila Prabhupada allows particularly Sriman Harrison (George Harrison) to compose Krsna Consciousness songs which speaks for itself in Srila Prabhupada’s message as quoted in Mahesh Raja Prabhu’s comment is that Shri George Harrison is one of the well known personality in this world who did serve SELFLESSLY Srila Prabhupada’s mission with his name, fame, prestige, position and money very appropriately.
For those regular Krsna Bhaktas His Divine Grace also gives specific instructions in this regard as well ;
” Srila Prabhupada: ” My opinion is that it is not necessary for us to utilize these different musical talents for spreading Krishna Consciousness. I would rather see people follow strictly the path of Lord Chaitanya and His Sankirtana devotees. We are using mrdanga, karatala, that is enough. We are not musicians. We are Krishna bhaktas. Therefore we don’t stress so much importance on these different musical talents.”
So, there is no ‘conflict’. It is simply a matter of gradation as it appears.
Hope it helps.
Hare Krishna. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Note: Devotees will find these instructions helpful:
69-05-26. Letter: Jadurani
Please accept my blessings. I thank you very much for your letter dated May 9, 1969, and I have noted the contents carefully. REGARDING YOUR QUESTION ABOUT KIRTANA, PRACTICALLY WE ARE NOT CONCERNED WITH THE INSTRUMENTS. THEY ARE USED SOMETIMES TO MAKE IT SWEETER, BUT IF WE DIVERT OUR ATTENTION FOR USING THE INSTRUMENTS MORE, THAT IS NOT GOOD. GENERALLY KIRTANA IS PERFORMED WITH MRDANGA AND KARATALAS, but if somebody is expert instrument player, he can be admitted to join Sankirtana. WE CAN ACCEPT EVERYTHING FOR KRISHNA’S SERVICE, BUT NOT TAKING THE RISK OF DIVERTING ATTENTION TO ANY OTHER THING WHICH WILL HINDER OUR KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS. THAT SHOULD BE OUR MOTTO, OR PRINCIPLE.
75-02-02. Letter: Rupanuga
REGARDING INSTRUMENTS FOR TEMPLE KIRTANAS, KARATALA AND MRDANGA ARE SUFFICIENT. THERE IS NO NEED OF OTHER INSTRUMENTS.
76-06-30 Letter to: Satsvarupa Goswami, (new98) letters
WITH REGARD TO YOUR QUESTION ABOUT BENGALI STYLE KIRTANA AND MRDANGA PLAYING, ONE OR TWO STYLES IS BEST. TO INTRODUCE MORE STYLES IS NOT GOOD. IT WILL BECOME AN ENCUMBRANCE. Who is that Krsna das Babaji who is teaching? IF WE INTRODUCE SO MUCH EMPHASIS ON STYLE OF KIRTANA, THEN SIMPLY IMITATION WILL GO ON. DEVOTIONAL EMOTION IS THE MAIN THING. IF WE GIVE STRESS TO INSTRUMENT AND STYLE THEN ATTENTION WILL BE DIVERTED TO THE STYLE. THAT WILL BE SPIRITUAL LOSS.
69-07-01. Letter: Mukunda
SO I REQUEST YOU NOT TO DIVERT YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MUSICAL SIDE. I KNOW YOU ARE A MUSICIAN, AND NATURALLY YOU HAVE GOT A TENDENCY FOR MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT, BUT AT THE PRESENT MOMENT OUR MAIN BUSINESS IS TO PUSH THE SANKIRTANA MOVEMENT. SO, AS YOU ARE DOING, TAKE THE SANKIRTANA PARTY TO VARIOUS PLACES, AND THIS WILL BE THE MOST APPRECIATED. IF YOU ADULTERATE OUR SANKIRTANA MOVEMENT WITH SOME BUSINESS MOTIVE, THEN IT WILL BE SPOILED IMMEDIATELY. BE CAREFUL IN THAT WAY.
69-10-30. Letter: Tamala Krsna
I am pleased to note that there is interest in having our Sankirtana Party perform in various public engagements. The same thing is going on here, and they have been invited to such places as Amsterdam and Germany. So if you can also do this, it is nice. But do not change our principles. PRACTICING IS ALREADY DONE BY KIRTANA. IT IS NOT REQUIRED FOR US TO BECOME ARTISTS. OUR MAIN POINT IS SERVICE TO KRISHNA, NOT TO PLEASE AN AUDIENCE. WE SHALL NOT DIVERT OUR ATTENTION TOO MUCH TO ADJUSTMENT OF MUSICAL SOUNDS. PEOPLE SHOULD NOT MISUNDERSTOOD THAT WE ARE A BAND OF MUSICAL ARTISTS. THEY MUST KNOW THAT WE ARE DEVOTEES OF KRISHNA. OUR DEVOTIONAL PRACTICE AND PURITY SHALL BE SO STRONG THAT WHEREVER WE CHANT THERE WILL BE IMMEDIATELY AN IMPRESSION IN THE AUDIENCE FOR DEVOTION TO KRISHNA.
69-07-02.Muk Letter: Mukunda
AS I HAVE ALREADY WRITTEN TO YOU, WE SHOULD NOT TRY TO BECOME A VERY POPULAR MUSICAL PARTY. MUSIC IS ONE OF OUR ITEMS FOR CHANTING, BUT WE ARE NOT MUSICIANS. WE SHOULD ALWAYS REMEMBER THIS FACT.
70-02-08. Letter: Tamala Krsna
Regarding the six months contract for L250 per week from engagements in halls, colleges, clubs, etc., it is very good news. BUT ONE THING WE MUST REMEMBER THAT WE ARE NOT PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANS OR CONCERT PARTY. OUR MAIN BUSINESS IS TO VIBRATE THE HOLY NAME OF KRISHNA EVERYWHERE SO THAT THE PEOPLE WILL BE BENEFITED BY HEARING THE TRANSCENDENTAL SOUND. THE MUSICAL TRAINING IS NOT SO IMPORTANT AS IT IS TO KEEP OURSELVES SPIRITUALLY FIT IN SPIRITUAL STRENGTH, THAT WE SHOULD NOT FORGET. If we are in spiritual strength, there will be no scarcity of money; and the spiritual strength is that each and every one of us must chant the sixteen rounds of beads and follow the rules and regulations with great adherence.
74-12-28. Letter: Jagadisa Pandita
My opinion is that it is not necessary for us to utilize these different musical talents for spreading Krsna Consciousness. I would rather see people follow strictly the path of Lord Caitanya and His Sankirtana devotees. WE ARE USING MRDANGA, KARATALA, THAT IS ENOUGH. WE ARE NOT MUSICIANS. WE ARE KRSNA BHAKTAS. THEREFORE WE DO NOT STRESS SO MUCH IMPORTANCE ON THESE DIFFERENT MUSICAL TALENTS. SRI CAITANYA MAHAPRABHU IS GOD HIMSELF. HAD HE THOUGHT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER TO SPREAD KRSNA CONSCIOUSNESS BY ANOTHER WAY HE WOULD HAVE DONE SO. BUT NO, SIMPLY WITH MRDANGA AND KARATALA, TRAVELING AND CHANTING HARE KRSNA, ASKING EVERYONE TO CHANT HARE KRSNA, PREACHING SIMPLY SRIMAD-BHAGAVATAM PHILOSOPHY, THIS IS THE PROCESS. THERE IS NO NEED FOR US TO TRY AND ADD ANYTHING TO THIS SIMPLE METHOD. IT WILL ONLY BE A DISTRACTION. Therefore I request you to follow the simple path of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu and help me spread this wonderful mission all over the world. Keep yourself pure and fixed up in Krsna Consciousness by following the basic principles that I have given; chanting 16 rounds daily, following the four regulative principles, rising early, attending mangala arati and classes etc. This is of the utmost importance.
SB 4.20.25 Lord Visnu’ s Appearance in the Sacrificial Arena of Maharaja Prthu
My dear Lord, You are glorified by the selected verses uttered by great personalities. Such glorification of Your lotus feet is just like saffron particles. WHEN THE TRANSCENDENTAL VIBRATION FROM THE MOUTHS OF GREAT DEVOTEES CARRIES THE AROMA OF THE SAFFRON DUST OF YOUR LOTUS FEET, THE FORGETFUL LIVING ENTITY GRADUALLY REMEMBERS HIS ETERNAL RELATIONSHIP WITH YOU. Devotees thus gradually come to the right conclusion about the value of life. My dear Lord, I therefore do not need any other benediction but the opportunity to hear from the mouth of Your pure devotee.
PURPORT
IT IS EXPLAINED IN THE PREVIOUS VERSE THAT ONE HAS TO HEAR GLORIFICATION OF THE LORD FROM THE MOUTH OF A PURE DEVOTEE. THIS IS FURTHER EXPLAINED HERE. THE TRANSCENDENTAL VIBRATION FROM THE MOUTH OF A PURE DEVOTEE IS SO POWERFUL THAT IT CAN REVIVE THE LIVING ENTITY’S MEMORY OF HIS ETERNAL RELATIONSHIP WITH THE SUPREME PERSONALITY OF GODHEAD. In our material existence, under the influence of illusory maya, we have almost forgotten our eternal relationship with the Lord, exactly like a man sleeping very deeply who forgets his duties. In the Vedas it is said that every one of us is sleeping under the influence of maya. We must get up from this slumber and engage in the right service, for thus we can properly utilize the facility of this human form of life. As expressed in a song by Thakura Bhaktivinoda, Lord Caitanya says, jiva jaga, jiva jaga. The Lord asks every sleeping living entity to get up and engage in devotional service so that his mission in this human form of life may be fulfilled. This awakening voice comes through the mouth of a pure devotee.
A PURE DEVOTEE ALWAYS ENGAGES IN THE SERVICE OF THE LORD, TAKING SHELTER OF HIS LOTUS FEET, AND THEREFORE HE HAS A DIRECT CONNECTION WITH THE SAFFRON MERCY-PARTICLES THAT ARE STREWN OVER THE LOTUS FEET OF THE LORD. ALTHOUGH WHEN A PURE DEVOTEE SPEAKS THE ARTICULATION OF HIS VOICE MAY RESEMBLE THE SOUND OF THIS MATERIAL SKY, THE VOICE IS SPIRITUALLY VERY POWERFUL BECAUSE IT TOUCHES THE PARTICLES OF SAFFRON DUST ON THE LOTUS FEET OF THE LORD. AS SOON AS A SLEEPING LIVING ENTITY HEARS THE POWERFUL VOICE EMANATING FROM THE MOUTH OF A PURE DEVOTEE, HE IMMEDIATELY REMEMBERS HIS ETERNAL RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LORD, ALTHOUGH UP UNTIL THAT MOMENT HE HAD FORGOTTEN EVERYTHING.
FOR A CONDITIONED SOUL, THEREFORE, IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO HEAR FROM THE MOUTH OF A PURE DEVOTEE, WHO IS FULLY SURRENDERED TO THE LOTUS FEET OF THE LORD WITHOUT ANY MATERIAL DESIRE, SPECULATIVE KNOWLEDGE OR CONTAMINATION OF THE MODES OF MATERIAL NATURE. Every one of us is kuyogi because we have engaged in the service of this material world, forgetting our eternal relationship with the Lord as His eternal loving servants. It is our duty to rise from the kuyoga platform to become suyogis, perfect mystics. The process of hearing from a pure devotee is recommended in all Vedic scriptures, especially by Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. One may stay in his position of life–it does not matter what it is–but if one hears from the mouth of a pure devotee, he gradually comes to the understanding of his relationship with the Lord and thus engages in His loving service, and his life becomes completely perfect. Therefore, this process of hearing from the mouth of a pure devotee is very important for making progress in the line of spiritual understanding.
Letter to: Ramesvara
—
NEWSLETTER
26 November, 1976
Dear Ramesvara Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. The following is an extract from a morning class on S.B. 5.6.3, delivered on 25.11.76. Srila Prabhupada has requested that it be sent to all temples and G.B.C.
“If you pat your subordinates it will increase their faulty habits and if you chastise them, they will improve. Therefore it is advised that either your son or disciple, you should always chastise them, never give them leniency. So a little leniency, immediately so many faults will grow. Now for our practical life we are known all over the world as shaven headed, is it not? Now we are becoming hair-headed, we are forgetting shaving. Because there is a little leniency, immediately faulty things are creeping in. So we should be known as shaven-headed, not hair-headed. This is discrepancy. At least once in a month you must be clearly shaven-headed. On the bright fortnight, on the day of purnima, four days after ekadasi. Once in a month, in the bright fortnight we must be shaven-headed. It is not desirable that in grown up age also, you be chastised. that is not desirable-that is also difficult because when the disciple or son is grown up, if he is chastised, then he breaks. So before being chastised we should be conscious that this is our rules and regulations, we must observe. Therefore it is advised by Canakya Pandit (Sanskrit) After the 16th year of the disciple or son, he should be treated as friend because if you chastise when he is grown up then he will break up- that is also another risk. So our request is that instead of chastising, with folded hands I request you, don’t you become hippies again by growing hair. Keep your head cleansed at least once in a month. That is my request. Neither I can chastise you, I am an old man and you are young men.”And in the room after the lecture:
S.P.: “At least once in a month you must be shaven-headed.”
Dev.: “Actually we usually shave more than once a month-every two weeks because even after two weeks it looks a little dirty.
Dev.: “You can get good wigs.”
S.P.: “No. There is no need. That is also mental concoction. Nowadays you can go with coat, pant and shaven head, noone will criticize. It has become fashion. Russians, they use, Krushchev, I have seen, shaven head.
Dev.: “They don’t have a sikha. That’s all.”
S.P.: “It is practice only”
And also there was some discussion regarding the new G.A.P. record: “A Change of Heart”. In your recent BBT newsletter you quoted Srila Prabhupada as saying: “Why not in the temple.” When he was asked whether it could be played in the temple. However, I was under the impression that he had said “Not in the temple.” Therefore, to clarify matters Jagadisa prabhu again inquired from His Divine Grace. Please bear in mind that Srila Prabhupada has heard one full side of the album. His Divine Grace’s comments were as follows:
HSd.: Srila Prabhupada, when you were in L.A., you heard that new record by Krsna Kanti…
HSd.: …this pop music, you know, the tape you just got. The western style music
HSd.: In the new BBT newsletter which just came yesterday, there is a statement by Ramesvara that you were asked whether this record could be played in the temples and you replied: “Why not in the temples” Hari Sauri thought you said, “not in the temples,” but Ramesvara,..
S.P.: No, not in the temple. If the wordings are alright, if there is no mistake in the set up of the wording, the change of musical tune, that is not harmful. Hare Krsna, this vibration you can make in different tune, we are already doing that.
HSd: But we are talking about these songs they are writing, philosophy songs, like this “caterpillar had a change of heart”
S.P.: Therefore we see the wording.
D: If the words are alright, can they be played in the temple?
GKd: Because no one can hear the words, it’s the pop music that people hear.
Ak Sw: The words are just like modern pop songs, you can’t really tell what it means. I suggested to these people: “Why don’t you put music to Prabhupada’s books. Take the words straight from prabhupada’s books…
HSd: No, Prabhupada has approved this method for attracting karmis, but the thing is, when you become a devotee,..
S.P.: Yes.
Ak Sw: That kind of music reminds us of past bad sinful activities,..
HSd: The question is whether it should be played in the temple or not?
S.P.: Temple it may not be played. What is the use of playing in the temple?
GKd: I know from practical experience Srila Prabhupada, I just played the record, it is all current pop music with English philosophy wording and the brahmacaris were so agitated. They came to listen to it and they were taking fun of it like the pop songs.
Ak Sw: Because that style of music reminds us of the night club.
S.P.: Therefore I said it is better not to make these records.
GKd: Just your records and parampara records should be played I think. There are so many tapes of your records.
HSd: Yes, but this style they are doing now they explain that they wanted it because then that way they will be able to get them played on the radio; otherwise, they won’t play bhajans or anything on the radio. But there’s a distinction between that kind of music and pure Krishna Consciousness music. Even though the words indicate Krishna Consciousness, most of the songs are written in such a way that it’s like, indirect. It’s not directly Krsna. It’s indirect.
S.P.: Yes, indirect.
HSd: Like they give this thing: “A caterpillar changed his mind,” like that. It provokes some speculation.
S.P.: No. Indirect (it’s) for gross outsiders. not for us. Therefore it should not be played in the temple. Gross outsiders only.
Kindly send a copy to each of our centers as soon as is conveniently possible. His Divine Grace specially requests that the system of shaving on the fourth day (the head) after Ekadasi, on Purnima, be introduced immediately in all centers.
Hoping this meets you in good health and Krsna Consciousness.
Your eternally worthless servant,
Hari Sauri Das, personal servant
Approved: A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami.
Yes! what Srila Prabhupada is saying about ‘direct’ and ‘indirect’ is most relevant here and most important to consider. The song ‘My Sweet Lord’ is a classic and (though I don’t play the radio myself!) you often hear it played on radio and in shopping malls (in Australia anyway!) very often. This would, I guess be considered ‘indirect’ but most uplifting when I hear it in a public place when I am out and about. Radha Krishna Temple Album could be considered BOTH ‘direct AND ‘indirect’ because while also being played by radio stations etc (although much less frequently these days compared to My Sweet Lord) Srila Prabhupada ordered that it be played in the Temple.
George Harrison was a very advanced soul, brilliant songwriter/wordsmith and musician and pleased Srila Prabhupada immensely with his devotion and music. So this this is the real key. When The Acharya is pleased then Krishna becomes pleased also and all auspiciousness and blessings are bestowed on such a person and his family for eternity by The Supreme Lord Sri Krishna.
As Srila Prabhupada has explained, better to keep it simple when chanting Maha Mantra in the temple (less is more) too much changing key, changing melody disturbs the rhythm of the chanting as people find difficult to follow, whereas constant rhythm and simplicity has more ‘hypnotic’ effect and it is easier to concentrate just on the mantra.
Thank you Mahesh Raja Prabhu for those quotes by Srila Prabhupada. When The Acharyas words are spoken who can deny their authority and power? Only a fool! Is it not?
Daso Smi
Sudarsana
Hare Krsna! Nice to hear from you Sudarsana Prabhu.
To me this sums up WHO we have to HEAR: Srila Prabhupada the PURE devotee:
SB 4.20.25
AS SOON AS A SLEEPING LIVING ENTITY HEARS THE POWERFUL VOICE EMANATING FROM THE MOUTH OF A PURE DEVOTEE, HE IMMEDIATELY REMEMBERS HIS ETERNAL RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LORD, ALTHOUGH UP UNTIL THAT MOMENT HE HAD FORGOTTEN EVERYTHING.
FOR A CONDITIONED SOUL, THEREFORE, IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO HEAR FROM THE MOUTH OF A PURE DEVOTEE, WHO IS FULLY SURRENDERED TO THE LOTUS FEET OF THE LORD WITHOUT ANY MATERIAL DESIRE, SPECULATIVE KNOWLEDGE OR CONTAMINATION OF THE MODES OF MATERIAL NATURE.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
It is BEST to hear Srila Prabhupada this life AS MUCH AS WE CAN:
https://krishnastore.co.uk/audio-mp3-audio-om-45_47.html
There was a time when these Srila Prabhupada lectures, morning walks, etc were in tapes form and the ISKCON “boys club” charged HIGH EXORBITANT price for the tapes hence making them UNAVAILABLE to the masses. Today they are so cheap ANYONE can get access – the dam of HUGE EXPLOITATION prices have been busted the flood-gates have really opened to hear Srila Prabhupada nectar to our hearts content. The best gift in life for anyone.
The power of sound cannot be overestimated. So just to illustrate this, in the late 70s I was taking Jimmy Barnes (lead singer of Cold Chisel) to a gig in (Hornsby) Sydney together with my brother Terry. Between sets Jimmy said ”hey Steve, check this out” and handed me an exercise book. “Don, (the bands leader and keyboard player) just wrote this song, what do you think”? The song was called ‘Khe Sahn’ about a soldier, demoralized by drugs, prostitutes and the Vietnam war. The lyrics to the song are very raw and graphic, but war and the trauma of war are very dark and gruesome and this resonated with people as this war provoked very strong emotions in people. At first the song was banned but now it been voted the ”most popular Australian song of all time” I didn’t know what to make of the song at the time I was reading the words, but it kind of hit me later when I heard them play it.
So when I hear ‘My Sweet Lord’ I think wow! it is so rare for a song with such devotional intensity to become so ‘mainstream’ and popular. It really is something very special and transcendental and most importantly very dear to Srila Prabhupada. Popular musicians are very ‘nervous’ about songs which have a spiritual or religious message as they can fall flat and end ”careers”, so this was quite a leap of faith for George Harrison as it is very difficult to predict what will be the public reaction.
My Sweet Lord has the same tune as “She’s So Fine” but I think this was unintentional so George had to ‘buy’ the rights to “She’s So Fine” to avoid a court case…..bitter sweet I guess! but the amount that they play it over the airwaves probably makes up for it!
As you have explained so nicely Mahesh Prabhu, the most powerful sound is that which emanates from the mouth of the Pure Devotee AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada because he is Sri Krishna’s direct representative. Although the ‘material’ sounds and ‘indirect’ sounds are a very powerful influence nothing is more powerful and purifying than the sound which comes from the lips of the Pure Devotee Srila Prabhupada. Our spiritual lives depend completely on the words of our eternal spiritual master Srila Prabhupada It is for this reason that when I am listening to Bhajans I only want to hear devotional songs by Srila Prabhupada and not from the mouths of ‘show pony Fiskcon apologists’ and “Rod Stewart impersonators”!
Your advise to hear from Srila Prabhupada AS MUCH AS WE CAN is the best advise anyone can give, in fact only yesterday I ordered some new Srimad Bhagavatams and Caitanya Caritamrta, Bhagavad Gitas etc.
FISKCON demons want to change the words of the Acharya (which as Srila Prabhupada explains are actually the ”WORDS SPOKEN BY SRI KRISHNA HIMSELF TO HIS PURE DEVOTEE SRILA PRABHUPADA”). These demons and bogus “gurus” have NO FAITH in these powerful words spoken by The Supreme Lord so they continue to manufacture and speculate and ‘poison’ their unfortunate followers who are being cheated and deluded.
It is not that we want people to be ”attracted” to Krishna because Krishna is already ALL ATTRACTIVE that is what the word Krishna means. Demons are much attracted to Krishna also (look at the GBC!) but they are ENVIOUS and they want to enjoy Krishna’s power.
What we really want is for persons to recognize that the only way for purification of the heart to take place and self realization to manifest is to accept the divine instruction of Srila Prabhupada as our sole Diksha Guru and representative (by his own order) and follow his instructions……..from the mouth of the Pure Devotee! not from usurpers, pretenders, and flunky’s. There is no other way to Sri Krishna’s heart that through the divine order of His PURE REPRESENTATIVE SRILA PRABHUPADA.
Hare Krishna
Sudarsana
Well said Sudarasana prabhu, thanks for sharing. That started my day off on a good note.
Hare Krishna :))))
your friend and servant
Sundar
Sudarsana Das Vanacari:
… in fact only yesterday I ordered some new Srimad Bhagavatams and Caitanya Caritamrta, Bhagavad Gitas etc.
Mahesh: this good news – I suggest that ALL the devotees PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE get these ORIGINAL Srila Prabhupada books whilst they are still AVAILABLE:
“ANYONE WHO READS THE BOOKS, THAT IS ALSO CHANTING AND HEARING. Why distinguish between chanting and book distribution? These books I have recorded and chanted, and they are transcribed. It is spoken kirtana. So book distribution is also chanting. These are not ordinary books. It is recorded chanting. Anyone who reads, he is hearing.”
(letter from Srila Prabhupada, dated October 19,1974)
“A pure devotee always engages in the service of the Lord, taking shelter of His lotus feet, and therefore he has a direct connection with the saffron mercy-particles that are strewn over the lotus feet of the Lord. ALTHOUGH WHEN A PURE DEVOTEE SPEAKS, THE ARTICULATION OF HIS VOICE MAY RESEMBLE THE SOUND OF THIS MATERIAL SKY, THE VOICE IS SPIRITUALLY VERY POWERFUL BECAUSE IT TOUCHES THE PARTICLES OF SAFFRON DUST ON THE LOTUS FEET OF THE LORD. As soon as a sleeping living entity hears the powerful voice emanating from the mouth of a pure devotee, he immediately remembers his eternal relationship with the Lord, although up until that moment he had forgotten everything..”
(from Srimad-Bhagavatam “The Creation of the Fourth Order”, Lord Visnu’s Appearance in the Sacrificial Arena of Maharaja Prthu, 4.20.25.)
https://krishnastore.co.uk/srimad-bhagavatam-set-original-30-volume-h-krishna-502.html
https://krishnastore.co.uk/sri-caitanyacaritamrta-17-volume-set-1974-edition-h-krishna-3415.html
https://krishnastore.co.uk/audio-mp3-audio-om-45_47.html
Hare Krsna Mahesh prabhu,
I received my new ‘original’ set of Srimad Bhagavatam 2 weeks ago… fabulous it’s now in original 30 volume format. Devotees in Australia can order direct from Mandapa prabhu’s Krsna Store on 0754728277. Only $199 + freight. I received mine after 2 days via Fastway couriers, only $10 freight from Eumandi to Gold Coast. Freight is cheaper if you call Mandapa’s warehouse direct.
I also found my original TFO that was mailed to me. It’s the one that has the ‘white’ binding… all glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Yhs,
Balaram das.
Balarama Prabhu
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada! Please accept my humble obeisances. Hare Krsna!
Nice to hear from you. Glad to hear that these Original Srimad-Bhagavatams are going out. Actually, we can see that this ASSOCIATION with Srimad Bhagavatam is SERVICE to Srila Prabhupada the MAHA-BHAGAVATA and this is the ONLY THING that can save us all. Srila Prabhupada mentions that the Book Bhagavata is IDENTICAL with Bhagavata the person and we CAN serve Srila Prabhupada EVEN Just by REMEMBERING HIS INSTRUCTIONS. Srila Prabhupada states “THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE SPIRITUAL MASTER’S INSTRUCTIONS AND THE SPIRITUAL MASTER HIMSELF”. Just see! HOW Srila Prabhupada is so kind to us:
SB 1.2.18 T Divinity and Divine Service
nasta-prayesv abhadresu
nityam bhagavata-sevaya
bhagavaty uttama-sloke
bhaktir bhavati naisthiki
SYNONYMS
nasta–destroyed; prayesu–almost to nil; abhadresu–all that is inauspicious; nityam–regularly; bhagavata–Srimad-Bhagavatam, or the pure devotee; sevaya–by serving; bhagavati–unto the Personality of Godhead; uttama–transcendental; sloke–prayers; bhaktih–loving service; bhavati–comes into being; naisthiki–irrevocable.
TRANSLATION
By regular attendance in classes on the Bhagavatam and by rendering of service to the pure devotee, all that is troublesome to the heart is almost completely destroyed, and loving service unto the Personality of Godhead, who is praised with transcendental songs, is established as an irrevocable fact.
PURPORT
HERE IS THE REMEDY FOR ELIMINATING ALL INAUSPICIOUS THINGS WITHIN THE HEART WHICH ARE CONSIDERED TO BE OBSTACLES IN THE PATH OF SELF-REALIZATION. THE REMEDY IS THE ASSOCIATION OF THE BHAGAVATAS. THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF BHAGAVATAS, NAMELY THE BOOK BHAGAVATA AND THE DEVOTEE BHAGAVATA. BOTH THE BHAGAVATAS ARE COMPETENT REMEDIES, AND BOTH OF THEM OR EITHER OF THEM CAN BE GOOD ENOUGH TO ELIMINATE THE OBSTACLES. A devotee Bhagavata is as good as the book Bhagavata because the devotee Bhagavata leads his life in terms of the book Bhagavata and the book Bhagavata is full of information about the Personality of Godhead and His pure devotees, who are also Bhagavatas. Bhagavata book and person ARE IDENTICAL.
The devotee Bhagavata is a direct representative of Bhagavan, the Personality of Godhead. So by pleasing the devotee Bhagavata one can receive the benefit of the book Bhagavata. Human reason fails to understand how by serving the devotee Bhagavata or the book Bhagavata one gets gradual promotion on the path of devotion. But actually these are facts explained by Srila Naradadeva, who happened to be a maidservant’s son in his previous life. The maidservant was engaged in the menial service of the sages, and thus he also came into contact with them. And simply by associating with them and accepting the remnants of foodstuff left by the sages, the son of the maidservant got the chance to become the great devotee and personality Srila Naradadeva. These are the miraculous effects of the association of Bhagavatas. And to understand these effects practically, it should be noted that by such sincere association of the Bhagavatas one is sure to receive transcendental knowledge very easily, with the result that he becomes fixed in the devotional service of the Lord. The more progress is made in devotional service under the guidance of the Bhagavatas, the more one becomes fixed in the transcendental loving service of the Lord. The messages of the book Bhagavata, therefore, have to be received from the devotee Bhagavata, and the combination of these two Bhagavatas will help the neophyte devotee to make progress on and on.
SB 3.7.20 P Further Inquires by Vidura
The path of liberation, as recommended by all authorities, is to serve the mahatma transcendentalists.
SB 5.5.20 P Lord Rsabhadeva’ s Teachings to His Sons
However, it is also advised, mahiyasam pada-rajo-‘bhiseka–one has to serve the mahiyan, one who is very spiritually advanced. Mahat-sevam dvaram ahur vimukteh: BY SERVING THE MAHAT, THE EXALTED DEVOTEE, ONE’S PATH FOR LIBERATION IS OPEN
Adi 1.35 The Spiritual Masters
The service of the spiritual master is essential. IF THERE IS NO CHANCE TO SERVE THE SPIRITUAL MASTER DIRECTLY, A DEVOTEE SHOULD SERVE HIM BY REMEMBERING HIS INSTRUCTIONS. THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE SPIRITUAL MASTER’S INSTRUCTIONS AND THE SPIRITUAL MASTER HIMSELF. IN HIS ABSENCE, THEREFORE, HIS WORDS OF DIRECTION SHOULD BE THE PRIDE OF THE DISCIPLE. If one thinks that he is above consulting anyone else, including a spiritual master, he is at once an offender at the lotus feet of the Lord. Such an offender can never go back to Godhead. It is imperative that a serious person accept a bona fide spiritual master in terms of the sastric injunctions. Sri Jiva Gosvami advises that one not accept a spiritual master in terms of hereditary or customary social and ecclesiastical conventions. One should simply try to find a genuinely qualified spiritual master for actual advancement in spiritual understanding.
Note: Srila Prabhupada’s PURPORTS of the Srimad Bhagavatam are THE REAL MESSAGE of the Srimad Bhagavatam and Srila Prabhupada being IDENTICAL is the CURRENT LINK:
SB 2.9.7 P Answers by Citing the Lord’ s Version
As already stated, Brahma is the original spiritual master for the universe, and since he was initiated by the Lord Himself, the message of Srimad-Bhagavatam is coming down by disciplic succession, and in order to receive THE REAL MESSAGE OF SRIMAD-BHAGAVATAM ONE SHOULD APPROACH THE CURRENT LINK, OR SPIRITUAL MASTER, IN THE CHAIN OF DISCIPLIC SUCCESSION.
Hare Krsna!
ys mahesh
Got my books today and am overjoyed with the quality of them. The price is less than half of what they used to sell for way back in the 80s! It is also wonderful that the books are going to those who really want them with very efficient, friendly service and speedy freight delivery.
Daso Smi
Sudarsana
Note: Hare Krsna! Just been reading Srimad Bhagavatam and thought this was appropriate here:
SB 7.9.18 P Prahlada Pacifies Lord Nrsimhadeva with Prayers
ONE SHOULD CHANT THE BONA FIDE SONGS RECEIVED FROM THE DISCIPLIC SUCCESSION. IN BHAGAVAD-GITA IT IS SAID THAT THE CHANTING IS POWERFUL WHEN ONE FOLLOWS THE DISCIPLIC SUCCESSION (EVAM PARAMPARA-PRAPTAM IMAM RAJARSAYO VIDUH). MANUFACTURING MANY WAYS OF CHANTING WILL NEVER BE EFFECTIVE. HOWEVER, CHANTING THE SONG OR THE NARRATION LEFT BY THE PREVIOUS ACARYAS (MAHAJANO YENA GATAH SA PANTHAH) IS EXTREMELY EFFECTIVE, AND THIS PROCESS IS VERY EASY. Therefore in this verse Prahlada Maharaja uses the word anjah (“easily”). Accepting the thoughts of exalted authorities through disciplic succession is certainly much easier than the method of mental speculation, by which one tries to invent some means to understand the Absolute Truth. The best process is to accept the instructions of the previous acaryas and follow them. Then God realization and self-realization become extremely easy. By following this easy method, one is liberated from the contamination of the material modes of nature, and thus one can certainly cross the ocean of nescience, in which there are many miserable conditions. By following in the footsteps of the great acaryas, one associates with the hamsas or paramahamsas, those who are completely freed from material contamination. Indeed, by following the instructions of the acaryas one is always freed from all material contamination, and thus one’s life becomes successful, for one reaches the goal of life. This material world is miserable, regardless of one’s standard of life. Of this there is no doubt. Attempts to mitigate the miseries of material existence by material methods will never be successful. One must take to Krsna consciousness to become really happy; otherwise happiness is impossible. One might say that becoming advanced in spiritual life also involves tapasya, voluntary acceptance of some inconvenience. However, such inconvenience is not as dangerous as material attempts to mitigate all miseries.