Swami B. V. Tripurari

Pranama to Sri Sri Guru Gauranga and the Vaishnavas

The questions in this Swami call are the following:

I heard you mentioning that at the time of initiation one's body is transformed in sadhaka-deha and is no longer material to a degree to which one is engaged in Bhakti. Is this statement actually about a theological aspect of initiation, or rather about a transformative nature of devotional service, or both?

Dandavat Pranama Guru Maharaja,

Srila Prabhupada said, initiation is a formality when one accepts a spiritual master. In that case at which moment does the transformation to sadhaka deha begin - at the moment of accepting and surrendering to a guru, the moment the guru grants shelter, or the moment of the diksha ceremony?

Can the name Mukunda refer to Sri Krishna liberating his devotees from desires for karma and jnana?

Is the giving up of desire for karma and jnana connected with any of the limbs of saranagati?

According to the descriptions in Padma Purana Krsna came back to Vrndavana and his different manifestations - purna-kalpa-praksa, purnatama-prakasa, and purna-prakasa left for Goloka, stayed in Vraja, and left for Dwarka respectively. However other narrations speak of Krsna being born in and never having left Vrndavana. How do we understand and reconcile these differences in Krsna's various manifestations? Is Krsna present in his different manifestations in Goloka Vrndavana as well?

Pranama to Sri Guru Gauranga and the Vaishnavas 🙏 

The questions in this Swami call are the following:

Should we make offerings to the deities according to the timings of Gaura- and Krishna-lila?

What is the relationship between lust and envy?

What readings do you recommend for studying what lilas Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Sri Sri Radha Krishna are engaged in throughout the day?

Do you have a favorite flower as they are described in the lila?

Do you have any advice for those of us who feel disconnected from the sacredness of the natural world?

Why did Srila Prabhupada choose to ride in Subhadra Devi’s cart during Ratha Yatra?

Is the form of Paramatma eternal?

Is there shakti in Brahman?

Where is Lord Balarama during the war of Kurukshetra?

What is the Gaudiya Vaishnava view of Brahman?

What manifests from the jivas?

Question on today's Swami call:

At the end of last Saturday's class, you spoke about the simplicity of Srila Bhaktikavi Atulananda Acarya Maharaj and about how this beautiful quality was so favorable to his devotional life, although it could sometimes be misunderstood by others. You also mentioned that perhaps you might speak a little more about this topic in today's class. If you consider it appropriate, we would be very grateful to hear more about it.

Can we change our character traits through sadhana?

Can nondevotees go to Vaikuntha?

Is it possible to enter Goloka Vrindavan before one has attained perfection?

Should a disciple aspire to meet their spiritual master when, at some point or in some lifetime, they attain liberation?

What happens if, in a future life, Krishna sends you a different spiritual master?

What happens when the disciple's rasa differs from that of their Gurudeva?

How can we avoid overidentification with the moods of Srila Narottama Dasa Thakura and Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura when we read their prayers?

We try to avoid material influences in our life, but should be also try to avoid certain spiritual influences?

Can I reconcile the maha mantra with Patanjali's meditation practice?

During this special Q&A session on the departure of the spiritual master, the following questions were asked:

After the passing of our guru, what do we need to feel to completely accept a shiksha-guru as the same with our gurudeva? Is the relationship one of complete surrender or rather distant? Will we be ready someday?

"Could you guide us on how to understand the spiritual perfection and eternal service of our gurudeva after his departure? Is it right for his disciples to try to know his eternal spiritual identity, or is it better to focus on serving his teachings and following his example?"

"I have always heard it said to devotees that the guru is not liberated until all his disciples are liberated first. I have never read this before and would like to know if this is recorded in the shastra, and if so, whether it refers to the samashti or vyashti guru." [20:24]

"Gurudeva remembers us, where is he at this moment?"

"Our beloved Gurudeva Bhaktivedanta Atulananda left this world at 7:41 in the morning. Is there within the Gaura Lila or the Ashta-kaliya Lila of Mahaprabhu any meditation or pastime corresponding to that time of the day that can help us to contemplate spiritually his departure? How should we meditate on that moment from the perspective of Gaura Lila?"

"What inner qualities allowed the associates of Mahaprabhu to participate in the confidential kirtans of Srivas Angan, and what do those pastimes teach us about the nature of true participation in Sankirtan?"

"I have a question about two seemingly conflicting feelings that I have been experiencing following the departure of our beloved Gurudeva: On the one hand, his joining Nitya-lila has been a wakeup call for me, making me feel that we can no longer afford to waste time, awakening a sense of urgency to introspect, take sadhana seriously, and deepen my understanding of gurutattva. At the same time, grief makes me feel that I need time, that I am not ready to move forward or accept another shelter. How can I harmonize these feelings of urgency and needing more time?"

Questions on today's Swami call:

Some time ago, I asked Srila Gurudeva Atulananda: "If you are no longer physically present, in whom may I take refuge?" He had previously told me that Srila Tripurari Maharaja was a vast source from which bhakti flowed; he reminded me of that conversation and repeated that I could take refuge in you. What must I do so you accept me?

Pranams Guru Maharaj. When Raghunath Das Goswami's Gurudev left, he expressed how much separation he felt to say in his sloka, "I have come to Vrindavan, but in separation from my Guru I see Govardhan is like a tiger coming to eat me! I see Radha Kunda—the highest place of Radha-Krishna's Pastimes—looks like a snake coming to eat me." Could you comment on this verse, please?

Since Gurudeva's departure I have been struggling to do my sadhana and I don't know what to do. What do you advise in this case? Thank you for yesterday's meeting.

In the context of Sri Guru's departure, how do we transition from vapu to vani?

Why did Srila Prabhupada take shelter in Srivasangan to pray for mercy to execute the order of his guru before traveling to the United States? What is the particular importance of this place?

How long did it take you to process Srila Prabhupada’s physical departure? Also, how long did it take for you to “find” your new Guru even after hearing the so many instructions that Srila Prabhupada left regarding this aspect?

What can one do with all the things left unsaid to Gurudeva, and the human feelings of pain and grief? What can we do with that?

Some years ago you mentioned a couple of ideas you had for further Bhagavad-gita commentaries. Have you written more commentaries since then?

What is the singificnce of mentioning the names of Sri Sri Radha and Krishna, Mahaprabhu, Nityananda etc. in a certain order?

Do sakhya-rasa-upasakas wake up later than those aspiring for madhurya-rasa, given that they will wake up later in the lila?

Is guru-bhakti as central to vaidhi-bhakti as it is to raga-bhakti?

By way of explaining what uttama bhakti is not, please contrast it with the various forms of misra bhakti, such as bhakti misra yoga and bhakti misra jnana. In particular, can you please describe the differences in the goals or results of misra bhakti, any sampradayas who follow these paths, or sections of the Bhagavatam that described these paths as a point of comparison to uttama bhakti? Finally, what are some ways of thinking that we might recognize in ourselves that may represent misra bhakti and therefore a misunderstanding of uttama bhakti?

How is it possible to attain Vaikuntha with material desires?

Questions on today's Swami call:

In Circle of Friends, on page 301, Krsna is absent from Vraja, appearing as if a *sphurti - a hallucination. it is written that Yasoda’s experience of Krsna in dreams while separated was actual. “Indeed, he said he was eating her cooking daily” meaning that in the dreams he was eating it. Is this the same way a Murti of Sri Krsna eats Mahaprasadam?

What does the 'Sri' in 'Sri Guru' refer to?

I have recently translated the Sanga "Santa -Rasa in Vraja" (from April 2nd 2006). In the last paragraph of the text, you write: "Great devotees view the world through the lens of their bhava, and this may afford them different angles of vision at different times. Furthermore, some of Sri Krishna’s devotees experience the suddha-rati known as svaccha (transparent), in which they taste the rati of those with whom they associate, moving between santa, dasya, sakhya, and madhurya". My question is: "Is svaccha then included in one's sthayi bhava, being somehow akin to empathy? Or is it a separate sthayi-bhava itself like sakhya, vatsalya or madhurya?" Thank you.

Is svaccha-rati like rati-abhasa?

Is there anything like ekadasa-bhava initiation for sakhya-rasa?

Did Sri Uddharana Datta Thakura live with the realization of his svarupa from the time that Nityananda Prabhu blessed him?

Why is it important to chant the holy names of God in Sanskrit? Does this language have any special significance in the transcendental realm?

Sanskrit has a certain explanatory power, but Krishna's name is said to be one with him. Are those Sanskrit words (Sri Krishna's names and the names of his associates) something more than just explanatory?

If I understand correctly, Sri Krishna's human-like pastimes are always taking place in some universe. Does this mean that in every universe there is a planet equivalent to Earth, with similar characteristics and even beings similar to those we know here, so that the līlā remains the same in essence and form? Or can the details of each universe vary?

How do you approach your own worship of Sri Giriraja Maharaja?

Did Srila Prabhupada say that we cannot worship Giriraja?

Could we understand then that the Sanskrit names of Krishna and the siddha devotees are the translation of their names from the lila's language of love?

How does one overcome the demon of duplicity? An example in my own life would be trying to become logically coherent and persuasive in my arguments absolute atheism and monism, then when people are drawn to me I try to orient them to Yourself and the Saintly people of our lineage. How do I stop putting myself "first" and infront of orienting others toward the revealed knowledge? Do I just present you and others plainly? by just imitation of your words I feel like parrot is that enough to progress and earn your grace?

How can regain taste in hearing and chanting?

Questions on today's Swami call:

Dear Maharaj, please accept my most humble obeisances. As you know our dearest Sripad Gurudeva Atulananda left this world for the eternal past times in Goloka Vrindavan, leaving his disciples heartbroken by the separation. I am trying to navigate this situation where I feel completely lonely and lost without my beloved spiritual master. I turn to you with humility and sincerity since I know how deeply Gurudeva loved you and your instructions are the most valuable jewels we can receive. 

Please instruct us how to move on with the physical absence by our Guru, what should one know and never forget? How does a sincere disciple move forward and stay sheltered? How can this pain of separation be an offering to the lotus feet of the master? And also if you wish, please share some insights about Sripad Gurudeva Atulananda. Please pray for us his disciples and please accept my sincere gratitude for your divine instructions that have been an essential part of my spiritual life for many years.

Did any of Mahaprabhu`s students follow him when he became a Vaisnava?

Why are Jnana and Yoga considered external practices by Bhakti’s standards, when they are deeply internal by the world’s standards. Is it because they involve the material energies?

Do you have any favorite Gaudiya Vaishnava poet or poem?

Is it a Gaudiya practice to accept a previous acarya as a patron saint?

Can we practice the feeling of separation?

Excuse me, Maharaj. Reverences. At the beginning, you spoke about Gurudeva Atulananda and about taking shelter in another person. While it is true that there may be other people, such as yourself, who inspire us, my question is: how can we avoid losing our connection with our own guru?

Questions on today's Swami call:

In one of your classes, you mentioned that Bhaktivinoda Thakur sent letters to Western scholars in an effort to draw their attention to his ideas. You also said that finding those letters would be a real gem. Were those letters ever found? If so, could you share a little about them?

Gurumaharaj, during the years I lived in Mayapur, a question repeatedly arose in my heart. I have always been fascinated by how the spiritual atmosphere of Vṛndāvana, centered on Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa, came to take root and flourish so deeply in Bengal, a land with such a distinct cultural identity. From a historical perspective, how did this transmission take place? Who were the personalities, traditions, and historical developments that served as bridges between Vraja and Bengal? And considering that it was primarily through Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and His followers that the divine mood of Vṛndāvana was widely disseminated and established in Bengal, what historical, cultural, and spiritual conditions prepared the ground for this message to be received so deeply and embraced so wholeheartedly?

Gurumaharaj, when you reflect upon the life and teachings of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, is there a particular pastime, teaching, or aspect of His personality that has taken on a special significance for you over the years and that you would like to share with us?

Dear Guru Maharaja, In the last Swami call you talked about Srila Prabhupada shakti avesa and about shakti avesa avatars in general. We accept this concept that Avatars of the Lord, the shakti avesas (the ones that are jivas and not Bhagavan himself, like Narada, Prthu or Prabhupada) can receive at one point different types of shaktis of the Lord. One could argue that it is the same concept that bhakti is not in the jiva and at some moment that jiva is invested with some type of Shakti. In this case those jivas invested with some type of svarupa shakti (in this case Bhava) would be called as Devotees or Bhava Bhaktas.

Jaya Guru Maharaja. Good morning. If a householder has to attend to other duties than bhakti, is that a distraction, or is it just bhakti mixed with karma?

Jaya Maharaja. Is it true that Gokula manifest in the material world is superior to Goloka in the spiritual world?

Questions on today’s Swami call:

Dandavats, Guru Maharaja. Please accept my humble obeisances. I have a question that has been on my mind. If Mahāprabhu spent much of His early life as Nimāi Paṇḍita, deeply engaged in nyāya, grammar, and scholarship in Navadvīpa, what was the transformative element in His meeting with Īśvara Purī that brought forth such profound ecstatic devotion? More specifically, what was present in Īśvara Purī—and in the line of Śrī Mādhavendra Purī—that revealed and nourished the intimate mood of Vraja within Mahāprabhu's līlā? I would be very grateful to hear your insights on this point.

Are there any earlier examples of madhurya-rasa in the Madhva-sampradaya?

Dandavat pranams, Guru Maharaja. At what stage does divine love cease to be something we consciously practice and reveal itself as our intrinsic nature?

In BG 7.28 Krsna says "all beings are born deluded, bewildered by the dualities arising from desire and hate." Is Krsna referring to the Jiva/soul or the material psycho-physical mechanism?

In the Purport of BG 8.22 you mention "Krsna is attained by unalloyed devotion, devoid of even the desire for liberation or one's own spiritual benefit." What kind of spiritual benefit is being indicated here? Thanks Guru Maharaja, my loving obeisances!

Pranams, Maharaja. Thanks to the work of Srila Bhaktikavi Atulananda, we have a large number of devotional songs available in Spanish. Personally, I find it very beneficial to sing in my native language, since I can better understand the meaning of the words and feel that I can connect with them more deeply on an emotional level. My question is this: Is there any loss or spiritual disadvantage in singing devotional songs in one's own language rather than in Sanskrit, Bengali, or Vrajabhasa? Is there any particular benefit that is preserved only when singing in the original languages?

For a while now, I have been wondering about how the personal process of realisation for Srila Prabhupada (and also Jesus and other messiahs) looked like. I think Srila Prabupada had famously said that there was never a time when he didn’t think about Krishna, right? But do you have perhaps insights into the „personal awakening“ of Srila Prabhupada to his divine mission on earth? Was he born „ready to go“ so to speak, or were there gradual moments of discovery of his own Shaktyavesh-ness and insights into his feelings - apart from the Jaladuta poem?

Pranams, Guru Maharaja. What will be the theme of your lecture series at the upcoming retreat in Poland?

Dandavats, Guru Maharaja. Do you have any thoughts on the importance of Tantra in Gaudiya Vaisnava lifestyle. I am asking this, as our reading group is currently reading "Rasa: Love Relationships in Transcendence,” and I thought it might help us all to know this.

Questions on today's Swami call:

Dandavat Pranams Guru Maharaja! Recently I came across Guru Gita from the Skanda Purana, and it made me wonder if we have any such texts in our tradition that comprehensively speak of the Glories of Sri Guru and explain the Guru Tattva that practitioners can read and meditate upon.

There is this discussion in Jaiva Dharma, chapter 9, that confuses me: Adwaita dasa says: " You have said that śakti is the embodiment of consciousness, that it possesses will, and that it is beyond the influence of the three qualities of material nature. This is correct, but only insofar as śakti operates fully under the support of a pure conscious entity, and is thus considered identical with that powerful entity. Desire and consciousness depend on the Supreme Being. Desire cannot exist in śakti; rather, śakti acts in accordance with the desire of the Supreme Being." This passage seems to say that śakti has a will but no desire, which is really confusing to me, as it would make her less "alive" than jiva who obviously has a will and has desires. Perhaps it is my English that clouds the meaning. Could Guru Maharaj clarify this thing more, please? Thank you.

I have been studying Gaudiya Vaishnavism and practicing in the tradition for a few years but have yet to take the leap into initiation. How does one know when the time is right? Is any decision made without any shadow of uncertainty? Or is uncertainty the only thing that is certain? Thank you.

You mentioned last time, that for your confirmation in the Catholic church you chose St Francis as a patron saint. That is amazing! If you like to share with us; how old were you, what exactly made you choose him from all the others and what did choosing a patron saint actually practically mean for your young life?

I would very much like to know what happened to Bhakti Ananda Sagara Maharaj.

Ultimately, what is the reason Arjuna decides to fight? Could it be said that he fights for the many reasons Krishna gives him throughout the Gita conversation, or does he ultimately do it for bhakti? I also wondered, based on several verses of the Gita and other scriptures, to what extent Bhakti, by aiming for the highest, ends up including the benefits of other processes in the resulting benefits of bhakti.

My other question is somewhat related to this: Is bhakti limited to expressing itself only through the angas, or processes of bhakti? This relates to the initial point: if one studies the angas of bhakti, nowhere does it say "go and kill your relatives."

I say all this because some Vaishnava sects mock the "Vinod Parivar preaching campaigns" and other details that we could say differentiate us as a sect, but since some of these details aren't directly related to bhakti, they consider it a deviation.

Questions on today's Swami call:

My question is a bit strange: what should one do in case onebecomes a target of an "attack" by someone who can utilize spirits/ghost entities or some kind of energetic influence or spells? I remember Bhaktivinoda Thakur used to read the Bhagavatam when he was attacked by the mistik who pretended to be Bhagavan. But for one whois far less eligible than Bhaktivinoda Thakur, what should one do?

I recently listened to a devotee podcast called „Nectar Talks“ (from Alachua) where mother Vegavati dasi mentioned that, back in the day, a Mexican-born devotee named Gilbert brought you, Swami Tripurari, to the devotees. Do you have any memories of Gilbert or Vegavati dasi that you would want to share with us? :)

(Follow up to first question) Is the Sri Narasimha Kavacha Mantra appropriate for this as well?

How is it possible that Mahā-Māyā covers the svarūpa of the conditioned soul, which is sat-cit-ānanda and directly related to the svarūpa-śakti of Kṛṣṇa?

How did Srila Jiva Goswami compose his teachings?

Is anything we do that is unrelated to Sri Krishna an offense?

A turned away jiva gets trapped by maya. Is it this entrapment that causes us to not go directly to Sri Krishna when we turn towards him?

How can a baddha-jiva offend Krsna if he has no real connection to svarupa-shakti in his anistha-stage of bhajana-kriya, or is it only figuratively spoken of as an offense?

Is it true that if you attain devotion to god in another way than Prema bhakti it takes longer for the soul to fully reach the spiritual realm?

The saktyavesa avatars who are souls who get certain energy of the Supreme inside of them, in what moment the divine energy enters the individual soul? When they get out of the womb or is it inside already part of them before birth?

Is there a place for assisted dying in Gaudiya Vaishnavism?

Is it appropriate for a devotee to practice not being afraid of death, or should one simply practice surrender as part of their sadhana and let fearlessness come as a byproduct?

When we deal with animals who suffer, we have the practice of having them euthanized, but this is not something they choose. For assisted dying, however, humans choose it for themselves. Can you comment on this?

Questions on today's Swami call:

Jay Sri Radhe most respected dear Swamiji, deeply grateful to be able to reconnect with YOU like this. U might remember me under the NAME of MALATI. Much of the FAITH & STRENGH 4 BHAKTI YOU did implant into my SOUL - many years ago. I still remember WORD by WORD many of the Secrets & Divine treasures u told me 1993 in VRINDAVAN. My question please: HOW would u explain/ combine / see the DIFFERENT ASPECTS of the DIVINE FEMALE like DEVI LAKSMI, DEVI SARASVATI, DEVI DURGA, PARVATI, MAHA KALI DEVI in contest with SRI RADHA in terms of TATTVA & RASA please??? LUVING, RESPECTFUL PRANAMS from Austria. Ps. How is my dear friend VRINDARANYA? 

Jay Guru Maharaj! Pranams! We are in the month of Purusottama. Could you speak a little about it?

Dandavats, dear Guru Maharaj. In Jiva Gosvavni's epistemology as presented in the Tattva Sandharbha, the ultimate pramana is śabda, which applies to the revealed Vedas and scriptures such as the Bhagvad Gita and the Srimad Bhagavatam. Although the knowledge from these scriptures is final for us, when I read them I wonder why they sometimes use rather imprecise language that allows for a rather broad interpretation. Leaving aside the apparent contradictions in these scriptures, the Sanskrit terms themselves can have many meanings. Take for example the word 'atma' which in some places in the Bhagavad Gita is translated by one Vaishnava commentator as jiva and by another as Paramatma or even mind. I wonder if this way of compiling the scriptures is intended to allow for a broad interpretation so that anyone can get from these scriptures what they desire or believe in, in accordance with the comparison of these scriptures in the Srimad Bhagavatam to the wish-fulfilling tree, nigama-kalpa-taror? However, it seems to me that it would be easier to accept the scriptures as the ultimate pramana if they used unambiguous and precise language, and thus we would avoid such polemics, for example about the nature of the self as we have today. So I'm curious what your opinion is on this, Guru Maharaj.

Dandavat Pranams, Guru Maharaj. We have different important shades and colours. Gaura and Shyam for example. Are there other prominent beautiful colours and complexions one should meditate on? Thank you!

Hare Krishna Maharaj, dandavats. In the Srimad Bhagavatam, we hear that Krishna appeared from Vasudeva and Devaki in an extraordinary way, first appearing in the mind and heart of Vasudeva and then passing into the mind and womb of Devaki. This process concluded with an aishvarya manifestation of the Supreme in his four-armed form, rather than a physical birth. However, we hear Srila Jiva Goswami and other acharyas, such as Srila Vishwanath Cakravarthi, reveal that Vrajendranandana Krishna (svayam-bhagavan) was actually born from Yasoda, who had twins. This leads to the question: Did Krishna manifest a process similar to that of Devaki and Vasudeva in Nanda and Yasoda, or, given his special relationship with his devotees in Vrindavan, was Krishna essentially born from Yasoda's body?

(follow up) Can the imprecise meanings of Sanskrit terms sometimes be the main cause of controversy even among Vaishnavas, for example, about the nature of the jiva, as we have today?

Hare Krishna Guru Maharaja. In Sri Caitanya Caritamrita Adi 1.3.65 it says: "In other incarnations the Lord descended with armies and weapons, but in this incarnation His soldiers are His plenary parts and associates." Guru Maharaj, can you share your explanation and perspective on this verse. 

Thank you 🙏🙏🙏🙏

Dandavat Pranams Dear Gurudeva! While I understand fully that in order to make progress as a neophyte on the path of bhakti, I must associate with Vaishnavas. However, due to my withdrawn nature as an introvert as well as my experiences with others in all kinds of relationships I'm carrying so much hurt that I feel hesitant to reach out to devotees - due to the apprehension of being a waste of their time or for fear of rejection. What can I do? Thanks for your merciful and kind association!

Dandavats Guru Maharaja and devotees, this is a Vaishnava Pati Das from Chile. My eldest son, Arjuna, has been asking us for a few years now if it's possible for him to receive diksha from you. He is currently twelve years old, and since you began traveling to Chile, he has shown an interest in you.

My wife, Visnupriya, and I wanted to know your opinion on this matter, as we have seen many devotees who have pressured their children to receive initiation, and we don't want to force them into anything. However, Arjuna has a genuine interest, and on his last two visits, he has asked if he can receive diksha from you. My wife and I would be very grateful if you could share some thoughts with us so we can address this issue properly and also fulfill our duty as parents to provide our children with a balanced life.

Dear Guru Maharaja, is it possibly an upset for Radharani to have Sri placed next to Krsna?

Are interfaith relations ultimately not meant to last, since the practitioners will attain different goals?

Where in Bhaktivinoda Thakura's writings are the theological points of Christianity and Vaishnavism you spoke of found in, Guru Maharaja?

Guru Maharaja mentioned recently that he says special prayers after waking up. If they are not something secret, could he share them with us, please?

Are lilas that constitute the goal of different traditions sometimes overlapping?

Maybe I'm not remembering everything but I think Srila Prabhupada spoke of the Aquarian Gospel telling about Jesus coming to Puri, so maybe there's an overlap there?

Are there mystical experiences of loving encounters with divinity that do not necessarily correspond to the aspiration of Gaudiya Vaishnavas?

Is there any verse we can meditate on that emphasizes the compassionate nature of Srimati Radharani?

If the conditioned souls who reach Krishna are said to be more dear to him because they overcome Maya, isn't this unfair in a way for those eternally liberated.

And can the eternally liberated choose to go through Maya and experience it and to choose Krishna again?

In your classes, you mentioned that the window the Goswamis gave us to enter Vrndāvana is the moment just before Krna leaves to kill Kamsa. Why is that particular moment emphasized?

Also, didn't Śrila Prabhupāda seem to enter through the picnic during the Brahma-vimohana-lilã? And wouldn't that still be within purva-răga?

Questions on today’s Swami Call: 

Bhaktivedanta Swami in his purport says in his purport to Bhagavad Gita 10.38: "Among the confidential activities of hearing, thinking and meditating, silence is most important because by silence one can make progress very quickly." These words sound very inspiring, could you comment on this?

Dandavats, dear Guru Maharaja. I have a question about the theodicy problem: Can the suffering of this world be justified by Krishna's need to engage maya shakti if the very existence of maya shakti is itself an expression of His will?

Good morning, Guru Maharaja. If there are jivas that will never be liberated, does that put in question the absoluteness of Bhagavan?

Hare Krsna, Guru Maharaja. If there was no Maya-sakti, could Bhagavan still be called omnipotent?

What does Srila Sridhara Maharaja mean by “the absolute is by itself and for itself”?

Can you please say some words to bless our bhakti-shastri course that we are offering?

Dandavats, Maharaja. On Mother’s Day, would you like to say some words about the divine feminine?

Why did Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu take sannyasa from Keshava Bharati rather than Isvara Puri?

I would like to ask about Jaya and Vijaya. They played their roles really well. I`m wondering if they were acting under the influence of yoga maya when they became demons or did Narayan put them temporarily under the influence of maya śakti? Thank you.

Hare Krsna and dandavat pranama! For a baddha-jiva maya is the controling agent of their lives and reality, and for a devotee it is yogamaya. Does the individual move from the influence of one to the other through their sadhana and/or saranagati? If so, can we understand it as an instance of one's consciousness shaping one's reality? Dandavat pranama, Guru Maharaja.

Hare Krishna, dear Guru Maharaja and dear devotees. Pranaam! I have four questions all relating to the topic of writing. (1) I was wondering if you (GM) have developed a certain writing routine with all your books. like e.g. reciting special prayers before you write? (2) Did you ever experience writer's block and if yes, what did you do? (3) From a practical point of view, what tips would you give aspiring (spiritual) writers? (4) And a last question: Do you keep a daily journal, and would you recommend it for us as daily sadhana? Thank you so much.

How are we to reconcile the apparent fact that some real devotees are not allowed to have darshan of Lord Jagannatha while some non-devotees are allowed to?

What is Sri Isvara Puri’s identity in Krishna-lila? How does it relate to him being the diksa guru of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu?

Can you share something about your relationship with Agnideva Prabhu who passed away recently?

What is the role of reason in the life of faith?

Dandavats Guru Maharaja. I want to know what how you felt after Srila Prabhupada’s disappearance. What did you think to be the right succession of leadership in Iskcon? Did the eleven zonal acharyas/gurus appoint themselves or were they chosen by Prabhupada or the GBC? And have you had the opportunity to read the room conversation from may 28and the July 9 letter about the appointment of the 11 ritviks by Prabhupada?

Radhe Radhe! Please accept my humble obeisances. I would like to ask: how do we know that the soul of a departed person has gone to the spiritual world, or somewhere else? I often hear that when a bhakta leaves this world, it is said that he or she has gone to Krishna. Who can truly know this, and how is it confirmed?

Questions on today’s Swami Call: 

If Krishna's marriage to Radha and the young gopis happens during the gopi vasta harana lila, and is a legitimate form of marriage, then it seems the gopis' subsequent marriages to their "husbands" would be parakiya and their relationships to Krishna would be svakiya. Jiva Goswami says so I believe. Is this correct? Is this another case of wonderful inconceivable simultaneous difference and non-difference? Also, if all the young gopis are expansions of Srimati Radharani and all their "husbands" expansions of Krishna, or at least his parshads, may we think (as I like to) that their marriages were in fact very happy and satisfying and the gopis went to Krishna for rasa lila not out of any sense of dissatisfaction or cheating tendency but that in the sound of the flute and in Krishna's form they found a more concentrated manifestation of what they loved in their own husbands. Indeed, since we are discussing lila and not some ordinary event, is it possible that the gopis may not have left their husbands at all, but expanded themselves into two, with one staying at home and the other rushing off to be with Krishna? 

I have some technical questions about bhakti. First, is there a difference between bhakti and bhakti yoga? I'd like to know if it's called bhakti yoga at a certain stage. In other words, do śuddha-bhaktas also practice bhakti yoga?

Another question is based on something you said in Chile. You cited a source, but I'm not sure if it was from the Śrī Sampradāya, where they differentiated between bhakti and śaraṇāgati, emphasizing that if you weren't qualified for bhakti, you could practice śaraṇāgati. I'd like to know if it's possible to elaborate on this a bit or add some perspectives. I found it very interesting.

In the Śrī Sampradāya, is śaraṇāgati a process or an attitude?

Has any acarya commented on the parallell between Lord Balarama returning to Vraja to console the Vraja-vasis and Lord Nityananda returning to Navadvipa to console the Navadvipa-vasis?

For someone who is integrating into the Vaiṣṇava saṅgha, what do you recommend they begin studying, and in what order? And on the other hand, what does Gurumaharaj expect from his students?

(Reading of Caitanya-caritamrta Madhya Lila 15.16-19)

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu instructed Raghunatha Dasa Gosvami: “You should not eat very palatable food, nor should you dress very nicely.” Raghunatha Dasa set a great example of renunciation by living very simply, and Mahaprabhu did the same. Jesus also led a materially poor life. Today, under the banner of preaching, service, or preserving the image of the tradition before society, it seems that the main representatives of spiritual traditions enjoy special material comfort: they eat sumptuously, dress opulently, travel in luxury cars, associate with the most privileged sectors of society, and so on.

I wanted to ask: if the six Gosvamis, Mahaprabhu, Jesus, and other great personalities set the example of living simply, why is that aspect not considered essential to emulate today for the benefit of devotion? Thank you.

Isn’t today GM’s 51st anniversary of taking sannyas in Vrindavan? Just wondering, if it’s okay or common to congratulate? If yes, happy „birthday“! Also I was wondering if GM would like to say a bit about the encounter he had with Yogi Bhajan in LA, as he briefly mentioned last week.

Questions on today's Swami Call:

Hare Krishna, Guru Maharaja. Dandavat pranams. Is it okay to read the Sri Caitanya-Caritamta before completing the Srimad Bhagavatam? Also, what is your favorite book?

As Sri Krishna's mercy flows downward reaches the lowest places, is the best way to attain his mercy to lower and humble ourselves?

Does the topic of mercy and effort relate to the Bhagavad-gita verse where Sri Krishna says he is the source of both remembrance and forgetfulness?

Srila Sridhara Maharaja said, "Gadadhar Das represents the halo of Radharani, but Gadadhar Pandit represents Her mood, Her nature-Her heart." Can you explain this statement?

How are will and desire related?

How did Sri Radha feel during her wedding?

What is the significance of offering a ghee lamp to the source of all light, Sri Krishna?

Can you share any insights on Srila Bhaktivionoda Thakura's emphasis on the worship of Sri Sri Gaura Gadadhara?

Hare Krishna, Gurudeva! Could you share something about how Sikhism relates to Gaudiya Vaishnavism?

What is the significance of the depictions of Sri

Radha carrying Sri Krishna's flute?

Questions on today's Swami Call:

When our mind is filled with bhakti, are we connecting directly with Sri Krishna?

How do we figure out what seva to offer if we are not aware of our gifts? Or if we have an idea of what our gifts are, how can we overcome our fear that by expressing them we may be seen as not humble?

How should we understand the phrase "Krishna will provide"?

Does the form of Lord Jagannatha correspond with Sri Krishna meeting Srimati Radharani at Kurukshetra?

What does it mean that goptrtve-varanam is the angi of saranagati?

How can we honor all that bhakti has done for us while being humble about our own standing?

Questions on today's Swami call:

How to hear the caitya-guru before we have reached higher stages of bhakti?

Are there any contemporary sadhus that you would recommend hearing from?

What is the difference between Dvaraka bhava and Mathura bhava?

If Sri Krishna is supposed to be humanlike, why did he mature faster than normal?

Why do some devotees in the Brhad-Bhagavatamta say that they have not received any mercy?

Is there evil according to Gaudiya Vaishnavism?

Will sincere engagement in karma- or jnana-yoga lead to bhakti?

Can you explain the sruti smrti puranadi verse in relation to questions of varnasrama and the female diksa guru debate?

It is said that one has the follow the Vedic injunctions unless one has firm faith in bhakti. How should firm faith in bhakti be understood here?

Questions on today's Swami call:

Dear Guru Maharaja, how can learn to see the good qualities in others like you do instead of getting stuck on bad qualities that I perceive

If one does the heavy lifting of overcoming a bad tendency in this life, will one be reborn without that tendency in the next life?

What is the role of constructive criticism in Gaudiya Vaishnavism?

Dandavats Guru Maharaja. How can a person leave the plane of tama-guna?

What are your thoughts on focusing on sastra and not look elsewhere for answers in our spiritual development?

Is gratitude part of bhakti-rasa?

Dear Swami Tripurari, how does one develop real sincerity?

(Comment from Sajjan)

Srila Sridhara Maharaja said that when we begin practicing Krishna consciousness, it feels like we are risking everything and are not sure i will gain anything. Later on, we feel that there is no risk and no gain. Finally, we feel that there is no risk and all gain. Do these feelings correspond with certain stages of sadhana-bhakti?

Jay Guru Maharaja. How can we truly let go of attachment to reasoning?

Questions on today's Swami call:

Is the limb of saranagati called atma-niksepa the same as the limb of bhakti called atma-nivedanam?

Could the idea that bhakti is not inherent cause the problem of thinking that one has to go to a different guru if one does feel they are making progress?

Is it correct that the svarupa-sakti in the jiva is minute and needs stronger

Questions on today’s Swami call:

The Narada Bhakti Sutra offers different definitions of bhakti. How would you define bhakti?

Comment: It appears that Bhagavad-gita 10.10 goes well with the emphasis of the Bhaktivinoda parivara that everything will be revealed from within in due course of our practice.XXX

What is the role of varnasrama in the practice of bhakti?

What do you think of attempts among devotees to modernize varnasrama dharma?

Comment: Alex O’Connor, a famous atheist, is becoming interested in advaita vedanta. 

What is the difference between buddhi yoga and bhakti yoga?

What is the point of modern devotees trying to spread something so outdated as varnasrama dharma?

What would you say to your godsiblings who point to Srila Prabhupada’s desire to establish varnasrama dharma?

Questions on today’s Swami call:

There is a song that is said to be written by Sri Vrindavan Das Thakura, the translation of which mentions Nityananda Prabhu dancing with sakhis. What should we make of this?

Why did Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu show his sadbhuja form to Sri Nityananda Prabhu? Is there any worship of Sri Sadbhuja Gauranga in the Bhaktivinoda parivara?

Pranams, dear Guru Maharaja. Is the vanaprastha ashram a part of our lineage?

What are your thoughts on lab-produced meat?

What role do stories from the oral tradition play in our lineage?

As tomorrow is Siva-ratri, could you share something about Lord Shiva? How should we as Krishna-bhaktas approach him? You have previously mentioned a ceremony at the Gopisvara Mahadeva (Shiva) temple in Vraja where his devotees walk on glass and that you once partook in this practice. What was the significance of that?

Is there a relationship between Lord Narasimhadeva and Lord Shiva?

Why does the Vedanta-sutra define Brahman as the cause of the world?

Dandavats. Can you explain the metaphor you sometimes use of freeing a fly from a spider’s web?

Can you share something about reading scripture sequentially versus reading the same part many times?

Questions on today's Swami call:

Does Sri Krishna ever jokingly encourage his gopa friends to unite with gopis?

Hare Krishna! Dandavats, Guru Maharaja. If calamity is predicted in scripture, is there any point in praying for the world?

Why did Lord Krishna create the yugas?

Are the secondary rasas more prominent in the material world?

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura says that adept sadhakas can advance faster. What is the crucial difference between an adept and a non-adept sadhaka?

If one has rejected one's guru and entire devotional life and later wants to come back to the path, can one keep one's initiated name and continue to chant even though one is no longer following the guru who gave one the name and mantra?

How can we reconcile the statement of the Srimad Bhagavatam that "one living being is food for another" with Srila Sridhara Maharaja's statement that "the environment is friendly"?

Questions on today's Swami call:

How can one carry the environment of the dhama with one when leaving after a visit?

Are we practicing raganuga-bhakti before we attain ruci?

Are the terms aparoksa/paroksa synonymous with jnana/vijnana?

Could you share something about your experience in leaving Iskcon?

When external circumstances keep me from doing my desired amount of book distribution seva, I feel unproductive and depressed. Is that a bad or a good thing? Also, could you share any advice on distributing books in 2026?

Could you share something about Sri Advaita Acarya today on his appearance day?

What is the difference between the stages of dhruvanusmrti and samadhi?

Questions on today's Swami call:

If I made a commitment to be patient and kind, would it be okay to detach from this commitment in extenuating circumstances?

How can I avoid offering too ordinary prayers to Sri Krishna rather than dignified prayers?

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's associate Kalidas would accept maha-prasadam from everyone without considering their level of advancement. I myself find it difficult to accept maha-prasadam from anyone, even from advanced devotees. What principle is being taught through the story of Kalidas, and how can I overcome my mental block?

Have you ever had to deal with devotees being jealous of you? How did you handle that? And if you were to praise a disciple, would it be okay for others to be jealous of them? Can jealousy be helpful in any way?

Can you comment on the affection, anger and indifference of the guru towards a disciple? What do if one feels the guru is angry for no good reason? How can one avoid the guru becoming indifferent?

Dear Maharaja, can you share something about your connection with Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Maharaja, as today is his appearance day?

How do you understand the relationship between experiential realization and scriptural authority in the development of true knowledge (inana), and where do you see these two approaches converging?

Questions on today's Swami call:

In Jaiva Dharma, the jiva-shakti is called incomplete. How could any of Bhagavan's shaktis be incomplete?

Can you simplify the description from Jaiva Dharma of how Bhagavan manifests in relation to his different shaktis, such as cit-shakti, jiva-shakti, and maya-shakti?

Are jivas manifest in the world through the jiva-shakti?

What does it mean to be a "transformation" of a shakti? Because "transformation" implies change.

Pranams, my dear Guru Maharaja. Could Ananta Sesa and Kaliya be seen as analogies to Yoga-maya and Maha-maya? And could the fact that Krishna does not kill Kaliya indicate that the ego is not to be destroyed but rather made purified and subservient to Sri Krishna?

Is the point of Brad-aranyaka-upanisad 4.3.30 that knowledge would cause suffering for the liberated self and therefore it is unmanifest?

How can there be several devotees in Krishna-lila with the same name?

How can I get rid of the anartha of being disturbed by kirtan that is not to my liking?

Is it okay not to always have questions, philosophical or practical, to ask the guru? And who do you turn to when you have questions yourself?

Should we try to see Sri Krishna's hand in material situations?

Why is Sri Krishna's quality of beauty particularly emphasized in our tradition?

Questions on today's Swami call:

What is the difference between Lord Shiva and Maha-Sankarshana?

Dandavat pranams, Guru Maharaja. What can we lear from experiences where we thought we were going to die but forget to pray?

Should I eventually give up my habit of offering Sri Krishna ready-made cakes from the store?

If Lord Shiva and Maha-Sankarshana are one, why is it listed among the ten offenses to the holy name to consider the demigods like Lord Shiva to be independent of or on the same level as Sri Krishna?

Can you comment on the different levels of remembrance (smaranam)?

I heard a story about Bhakti Saranga Goswami being warned that he was cheated by other Vaishnavas. His response was that he wished to keep his faith in those Vaishnavas even if they were cheating him. How can we understand this attitude?

How can I know if Sri Krishna accepts my offerings?

Do you believe that Sri Krishna's lilas continue on earth as long as someone remembers them with love?

What is the difference between the separation from Sri Krishna felt by the sadhaka and that felt by the associates of Sri Krishna in the lila?

Would you like to say something about Sri Jagadisha Pandit as it was his appearance day recently?

Why is it that orthodox Gaudiya Vaishnavas disapprove of certain lineages that worship Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu while approving of traditions that are more removed, such as the abrahamic religions?

Do you have any plans to go to India, and do you have any plans for 2026?

In your book Joy of Self you say that a real guru has no disciples, but rather sees their disciples as being sent by Sri Krishna to engage the guru in service. At the same time, the guru honors the sentiments of the disciple as it is inspired by Sri Krishna. Can you explain

1. Follow-up from last week on consciousness: "If the difference between vishaya (object) and ashraya (subject/shelter) disappears at a certain point, then in terms of the subjective experience of the manjaris, does the difference between Radha and Krishna also disappear to them, and does service to one become service to the other?" [00:25]

2. Object of consciousness: "Can consciousness also be the object of consciousness? On one hand, no, because consciousness belongs to subjective reality and is the experiencer, not the experienced. On the other hand, God, His form, name, and companions are all spiritual (sat-chit), which means they can be experienced with our consciousness. Does God as pure consciousness become the object of our consciousness?" [09:48]

3. Nature of consciousness: "Can we say more properly that consciousness is the function or attribute of the jiva, or is it their very essence?" [26:54]

4. Spiritual progress (Kanishta stage): "If the madhyama-kanishta stage corresponds to nistha, then how can we recognize our spiritual progress at the kanishta-kanishta stage? Does this initial stage also have any gradations or levels? Is there any place where one can read about this?" [30:16]

5. Kardama Muni and Lord Kapila: "Why did Kardama Muni leave home to meditate on the Paramatma when the Lord Himself, Lord Kapila, was his son in his home? Secondly, was Kardama Muni in vatsalya-rasa?" [34:49]

6. Qualities in disciples: "What are the most important qualities you would be pleased to see in your students?" [40:47]

7. Process of Sharanagati (Surrender): "Does the process of sharanagati involve an inner aspect (releasing the tendency to control and placing trust in Krishna) and an outer aspect (taking practical steps to improve one's life, such as seeking guidance or reorganizing daily activities)? Is this understanding and approach correct?" [48:49]

8. Sharanagati and Shradha: "I would like to understand more how sharanagati and shradha are not considered an anga (limb) of bhakti while being also the very base of it and one of the stages of bhakti development?" [50:40]

9. Adversity and service: "If you accept your situation and understand it for what it really is, there stops being a problem—there are only service opportunities. How does this apply to everyday problems for someone at the kanishta stage? Is it through practicing tolerance and humility, or something else?" [01:00:00]

• [00:43]: I would appreciate your guidance regarding the Mridu stage of Anartha-nivritti as described in Madhurya Kadambini. When I am conscious of an anartha being triggered and there is emotional pain, I notice that remembering Krishna and taking shelter of philosophical understanding brings relief. Is this movement from being absorbed in the anartha to returning to remembrance a healthy sign of progress?

• [09:02]: I understand that chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra is our bhajan. How important is archan (deity worship)? Could you please give some guidelines on how to do archan at home for busy householders?

• [24:40]: My question relates to Gopa-swami and Jaiva Dharma, specifically about sakhas like the older surit-sakhas (Virabhadra and Mandalibhadra). Mother Yashoda gives them weapons to protect Krishna from demons. But in Vraja, there are no demons, only rumors. Does this mean drawing a sword to protect Krishna is only possible in the prakata-lila (manifest pastime), or does it also happen in the aprakata-lila?

• [28:09]: I heard a devotee quoting that one cannot practice humility, and any attempt to do so is a symptom of pride, because real humility is a natural state that can only be bestowed upon us. Could you please say something about that?

• [38:24]: If Shri Krishna is Vishaya (the object of love) and Radharani is Ashraya (the shelter of love), how does a manjari tread this path? Her love for Krishna is subtle, while her dasyam (service) for Shri Radha is her life air. How does her love for the Ashraya (Radha) exceed her love for the Vishaya (Krishna)?

• [46:46]: (Follow-up) In the "Circle of Friends" you mention that Krishna is both Rasa and Rasika, being both the Vishaya and the Ashraya for his friends. You also mention that for intimate devotees, the distinction between Ashraya and Vishaya dissolves. Is this specific to sakhya-rasa due to equality among friends, or does it happen in other rasas as well?

• [58:11]: Do the priya-narma-sakhas have equal love for Radha and Krishna, or are they a mirror of the manjaris, meaning they take Krishna's side and have more affection for him?

• [59:24]: (Follow-up) Regarding the "no-self" concept in Advaita Vedanta—my experience is that, just as in Gaudiya Vaishnavism, there are different levels of understanding. Some say there is no individual self, while others (like Ramana Maharshi) say the Self is the only reality. How do we distinguish between these perspectives and the Gaudiya view?

• [00:00:21]: Is the fear justified that if someone sees Krishna personally while awake, they might be considered insane and unable to perform their service to the Guru?

• [00:06:50]: Who is the Sri Guru who resides in the heart along with Paramatma, if Paramatma is a passive witness and Guru provides active guidance from within?

• [00:09:40]: Could you explain the "Sphota" theory regarding the meaning of words and the idea that someone with wrong understanding or bad intentions can turn even a sacred mantra into a materialistic sound?

• [00:16:01]: Does the statement that good spiritual instructions are only useful when they match the practitioner's stage of spiritual realization apply only to the topic of meditation?

• [00:24:35]: Why does Balarama carry a plow and a mace? Is there a specific meaning behind these symbols?

• [00:30:56]: Why does Radha ask Balarama to marry the Gopis who are in love with him?

• [00:31:37]: Are there specific techniques or practices that help the heart retain and realize the supernatural sound vibrations of the Lord?

• [00:36:12]: How can one control the desire for recognition, validation, and respect from others?

• [00:47:08]: Are there "sakhi" (female friends) of Krishna in Vraja, and does sakhya-rasa (friendship) extend to the maidens, or is it exclusive to certain groups?

• [00:50:31]: How should we approach an atheist who believes that if God exists, He must be evil because He allows suffering in the world?

Questions on today's Swami call:

Obeisances, Srila Maharaja. How do the levels of kanistha, madhyama, and uttama relate to the nine stages of bhakti?

Pranam, Guru Maharaja. Will our eternal identity and service upon attaining perfection be determined by qualities inherent one one's self or by the desires of Sri Sri Radha Krishna?

Is sakhya-rasa an uddipana for other Vraja-vasis than the gopis?

Dandavat pranam, do the disciples of a guru carry krishna-shakti to other people?

Are there any disciples of Srila Prabhupada or Srila Sridhara Maharaja that have inspired you?

What did Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati mean when he said he perceived his gurus, Srila Gaurakisora Das Babaji and Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura as Svarupa Damodara and Gadadhara Pandit?

Dandavat pranam, Guru Maharaja. Can you tell us about the members of the catur-vyuha?

Are Karanadakasayi-, Garbhodakasayi-, and Kirodakasayi-Vishnu three separate deities?

If the vision of Goloka only descends on those engaged in Vraja-bhajana, why are descriptions of Goloka necessary?

What does it mean that some of Sri Krishna's lilas are enacted in conjunction with the maya-sakti?

What can we learn from the attitude of the bull of dharma speaking in the first canto of the Srimad Bhagavatam?

Is there a connection between the pastimes of mother Yashoda tying Sri Krishna to the grinding mortar in the Damodara-lila and the cowherd boys tying him to a tree?

How does the shift happen from material to spiritual personality?

Questions on today's Swami call:

Dandavats, Maharaja. Pranama to you and all the devotees here. You mentioned in another session that one can make Krishna-bhakti a limb of one's guru-bhakti, rather than the other way around, and this will be pleasing to Sri Krishna. How does one do this? Could it, for example, be to pray to Krishna to bless us in fulfilling the desires of our spiritual master?

Radhe Radhe! What did you mean when you said that your inner guide inspired you to wear gopi-candana tilaka?

Why did Srila Krishnadas Kaviraja Goswami liken Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu to a lion?

Can you explain Srila Jiva Goswami's verse stating that one has to be identical with God in order to worship him?

Pranama, dear Guru Maharaja. If the hladini- and sandhini-shaktis are presided over by Srimati Radharani and Lord Balarama, who presides over the samvit-shakti?

Can you share your thoughts on the differing statements from our acharyas about whether or not we can attain the spiritual world immediately at the end of this life?

Was it Mahaprabhu who also prayed to take birth among devotees wherever that might be?

Can you say some warming words about Gita Jayanti and tell us what your plans are?

Can you share some words of inspiration for the December book distribution marathon?

Questions on today's Swami Call:

To what extent is Gaudiya Vaishnavism intertwined with Bengali culture? Is it necessary to adopt this culture to experience Gaudiya Vaishnavism fully?

What does it mean that Sri Krishna's lilas are present in his name?

Pranams, Maharaja. If someone is aspiring for madhurya-rasa and joints the lineage of Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, will they join the group of Sri Nayana-mani Manjari upon attaining perfection?

I have noticed you are now wearing gopi-candana instead of Syama-kunda tilaka. How come you changed tilaka?

Is it true that by associating with devotees, rendering service, and practicing sadhana we will awake our desire serve Sri Sri Radha Syama in our eternal svarupa?

Sometimes it is said that pure devotees have no enemies. Why does it look like they do, for example, in the cases of Srila Haridas Thakura and Prahlada Maharaja?

Hello, Maharaja. What does it mean that karma is not eternal?

What does Srila Jiva Goswami mean when he says that nama-kirtanam is more powerful than nama-smaranam?

Questions on today’s Swami call:

Dear Guru Maharaja. My husband does not identify as a Vaishnava, but he is supportive of my practice and also approves of me teaching our children about bhakti. I think of him as a Vaishnava and serve him prasadam. However, he does not like food without onion, and according to deity worship standards, onions should not be offered to Sri Krishna. Can I still serve my husband food with onions, meditating that I am serving a Vaishnava according to his preferences?

Why do demons appear in the lila of Sri Krishna? Is it to show what happens when we turn away from Sri Krishna?

What is the significance of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu worshipping Sri Advaita Acarya with the mantra "yo 'si so 'si namo 'stu te”, meaning "Whatever You are, You are — but I offer My respects unto You”?

What happens with deities that get stolen and end up in a place where there are no devotees around?

How can we dispose of mahaprasad items if we are in a country where such items cannot legally be disposed of in the way our scriptures prescribe, such as burning, burying or putting them a river?

Does Bhagavad-Gita 5.16-17 refer to realizing one’s bhava and seva and entering the spiritual world?

Are there any examples that illustrate Lord Balarama’s being the presiding deity of the rasa of laughter (hasya-rasa)?

Can you explain the differences between eligibility for vaidhi-sadhana-bhakti and for raganuga-sadhana-bhakti?

Pranams, Guru Maharaja. One devotee said that earlier in the history of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, when there were not many members, the small groups of practitioners made for an informal atmosphere suitable for the practice of raga-bhakti. But when it became bigger, things became more formal, and that is more suitable for spreading vaidhi-bhakti to the masses, and then there will be small pockets of people interested in raga-bhakti. What is your opinion on this view?

Questions on today’s Swami Call:

Can you share some advice to encourage our children in Krishna consciousness, especially pre-teens?

If we are not the actual doers of action (as per Bhagavad-Gita 3.27), do we have free will?

Pranams, Guru Maharaja. Regarding the title and artwork of your upcoming book, ”Birds of the Same Feather”, using the analogy from the Upanishad’s of two birds in the tree, isn’t this usually referring to the atma and Paramatma whereas your book is about the atma and Bhagavan?

Dandavats, Guru Maharaja. Is it appropriate to pray to Sri Radha, Sri Krishna’s primary shakti, to keep us away from the external shakti, the material energy?

Hare Krsna, Gurudeva. I hope you are well. How does a falldown from a high level of bhakti to a lower level show itself?

If the devotees in Vaikuntha look the same as Lord Narayana, how do you tell them from one another?

Dandavats, Guru Maharaja. Could it be said that demons live inside us in this age in the form of anarthas?

How would you describe humility? 

What books would you recommend to study Gaudiya Vaishnava philosophy in a systematic way?

In the Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Svarupa Damodara says that even a highly advanced Vaishnava who has accepted Sri Krishna as the Lord will change their mind if they hear the Vedanta commentary of Sankaracarya. Why would that be?

What is the connection between Sri Prabhodananda Saraswati and the Radha-Vallabhis?

Pranams, dear Maharaja. Should I be critical of others for their own good, or just focus on my own practice?

Questions on today’s Swami Call:

Did Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s teachings reach the whole world during his manifest lila on Earth?

Good morning, Maharaja. Pranama. What is the difference between Sri Krishna and the sages’ glorification of him?

What is the difference between the unmanifest and the manifest lilas of Sri Krishna?

Dear Guru Maharaja, can you tell us something about the extraordinary devotee Sri Akincana Krishna Dasa Babaji?

Pranama. At what point did it become a practice to offer a gheelamp to Srimati Yasoda Devi binding Lord Damodara?

Why is Sri Gadadhara Pandit not mentioned in Sri Caitanya-caritamrta 3.1?

Is there any separation in the unmanifest lila of Sri Krishna?

Is the rope in Damodara lila conscious?

Can you tell us something about the spiritual teacher Ramana Maharshi?

Can you say something about the festival of Diwali?

Where does transcendental faith (nirguna sraddha) reside?

Questions on today's Swami Call: 

In what ways could the Brahma-vimohan-lila be an entry point for those desiring servile (dasya-) or friendly love (sakhya-rati) for Sri Krishna?

Dear Maharaja; in the Bhagavad-Gita, Sri Krishna says he spoke this knowledge to the sun god. How come there is no Surya vaishnava sampradaya?

(Comments from Sajjan about the Kumara sampradaya, the sun god, and the upcoming appearance day of Srila B. R. Sridhara-Deva Goswami Maharaja)

Besides the tenth canto of the Srimad Bhagavatam, are there any other biographies of Sri Krishna? 

Dandavats pranama, Guru Maharaja. Is the Srimad Bhagavatam itself sweet and deep, or do the commentaries add those dimensions?

Is it correct to assume that the more advanced a devotee is the less he cares about the qualification (adhikara) of other devotees? Thank you, Maharaja.

Could it be said that the beginner (kanistha) devotee is characterized by faulty discrimination?

My loving obeisances, Guru Maharaja. Is it correct to see our human condition with all its weaknesses as an impetus for surrender to Sri Krishna?

Dandavats, Maharaja. Thank you. What is the significance of the rope binding Sri Krishna's belly being praised in the Damodarastakam?

How should we understand Srila Prabhupada's statement that the Srimad Bhagavatam should be received from representatives of Sukadeva Goswami in the renounced order?

Questions on today’s Swami Call:

What do the terms chaya- and pratibimba-bhakti-abhasa mean?

I fear death since I became a mother, as I wouldn’t be able to care for my children if I died. How can I turn fear into trust?

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura said both that attaining anartha-nivrtti will automatically awaken one’s svarupa and that one needs to focus on artha-pravrtti to attain perfection. How can these statements be harmonized?

Pranama, Maharaja. Why is Sri Krishna’s Damodara-lila especially emphasized during the month of Kartika?

Why is the Damodara month considered to be Srimati Radharani’s month?

Is there a particular calling for each devotee to perform a certain service in their sadhaka-deha?

Some devotees talk about a second wave of bhakti coming over the world. What do you think about this idea?

Questions on today’s Swami call:

If jivas have different origins, such as Maha-Vishnu (for those in samsara) or Lord Balarama (for eternal associates of Sri Krishna), would a jiva going from the material world to Vaikuntha, could this be seen as changing nationality, or is it rather like becoming a world citizen?

Throughout my life I have been attracted to both Gaudiya Vaishnavism and Advaita Vedanta. I am now 50 years old. What do you think I should do?

Could a devotee both be bliss and taste bliss?

Pranama Gurudeva; namaskar. I feel inspired to support Srimati Radharani in her yudha-vira bhava with Sri Krishna. Is that possible?

Can you share something about Sri Jahnava Thakurani’s inner identity and her contribution to our sampradaya?

Dandavats, Swami Maharaja. How could demons enter Vrindavan, which is a spiritual place?

It seems that we can find examples of both spiritually responsible suicide as well as delusional suicide. What is your perspective on this?

Why did Srila Prabhupada say that the stars reflect the light of the sun?

Questions on today’s Swami call:

Sometimes it seems that even spiritually powerful devotees have gone astray theologically. How can this be?

What constitutes sadhu sanga?

Srila Sridhara Maharaja says that devotees need to prepare themselves for times when Sri Krishna will appear indifferent to them. Why are such experience necessary?

Would Srila Haridas Thakura’s getting beaten up in different marketplaces be an example?

How can we inspire faith in the Veda in others?

How to deal with interfaith questions where there are important differences such as Hindus having deities while the Bible says one should not worship graven images?

What are your thoughts on ahimsa?

Questions on today’s Swami call:

Are there demigods in the unmanifest lilas in the spiritual world?

What is the interrelation between Bhagavan, Brahman, and the jivas?

It is said that chanting the holy name will purify us, but it is also said that we need to chant purely for the practice to be effective. Can you explain this seeming contradiction?

Please, would you elaborate on the sixth verse of Gurvastakam by Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura, as much as time allows?

Questions on today’s Swami call:

It appears that Gaura-lila is a meeting place for devotees from different spiritual realms. Is this so only in the pastimes manifest in the world (prakata-lila) or also in the spiritual world (aprakata-lila)?

Are there devotees with the love of servitude (dasya-rati) as their dominant emotion (sthayi-bhava) in Vraja-lila?

Do the pastimes of separation draw jivas into the lila as there is a need for their service there?

Guru Maharaja, please accept my humble obeisances. What is the relationship between our actions and our inner states? On what should we base the latter?

When we go on pilgrimage, for example to Vrindavan, is it enough to see the place as an excitant (uddipana) for our bhakti, or is it important to emphasize as a historical fact that Sri Krishna was physically there 5000 years ago?

What would you answer to the argument that one could meditate on anything, such as a flame, and experience the same results as from meditating on Sri Sri Radha Krishna?

What should I keep in mind as I serve Srimati Tulasi-devi?

Do you have any thoughts or advice to share about today’s lunar eclipse?

The description of the Gopala yantra in Gopala-tapani Upanisad is very complicated and technical. Can you explain it?

The Vraja-vasis are not aware that Sri Krishna is God, but in times of calamity they take shelter of him. Why is that?

Questions on today's Swami call:

Is it common to have stronger feelings for one's own guru than for Sri Krishna?

Today being Sri Radhastami, is there anything you would like to share about Srimati Radharani or any recommendations for reading and chanting on this day? Also, if you have any particular recommendations for those aspiring for manjari-bhava or priya-narma-sakha-bhava, I would be interested to hear those.

It is said that Lalita-sakhi recommends qualified newcomers to enter Sri Radha's group. How does it work for those aspiring for sakhya-rasa? Also, in Jaiva Dharma we hear that two disciples of the same guru can view the guru according to their own rasas. Could you explain this?

How come Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu sometimes encouraged devotees along the lines of a bhava that was different from their own?

What does the word 'sudhama' refer to in your pranama mantra?

Could you say something in glorification of Sri Visakha sakhi?

Can I worship a statue of Sri Sri Radha Krishna that I bought in a shop?

Questions on today’s Swami call:

Dandavats pranama, Guru Maharaja. What keeps the vibhinnamsa-jiva separate from Sri Krishna in liberation?

Would you like to share some verses that you like to meditate on?

Where can I find the story about the hunter who was purified by Narada Muni’s association and chanting of the holy name?

What verses do you like to meditate on for japa?

Pranama, Maharaja. Can one worship Srimati Radharani as a baby, similar to Laddu Gopal?

If the jiva is not a doer, who is performing the action of chanting the holy name?

What is your understanding of Sri Radha’s age? Different sources give different accounts as to when she was born, some saying before Sri Krishna and others saying after Sri Krishna.

How to develop and strengthen one's guru-nistha?

What kind of liberation did the demons attain when they were killed by Sri Krishna?XXXWhat is the idea behind the teaching that one should keep one’s guru a secret?

Questions on today’s Swami Call:

Would you like to say something about Srila Prabhupada on the occasion of his appearance day?

I heard that Srila Sridhara Maharaja would not perform the Jhulan Yatra festival with his deities as it’s too elevated. What are your thoughts on this?

What is the scriptural basis for referring to Lord Balarama as the original guru?

Why are some deities of Sri Sri Krishna Balarama decorated with brahmin threads?

Is the teaching of the Panihati festival that one cannot approach God without the blessing of the guru?

As Lord Balarama is the presiding deity of the rasa of joking and laughter (hasya), what kind of sense of humor does he have?

Questions on today’s Swami call:

Can we break free from our material confinement at once, or do we need to collect many moments of clarity to stay in clarity permanently?

Have you always had the fortune to be in the association of devotees? Could you share any guidance on practicing sadhana in solitude?

(comment from Bijaya Kumara about Trana Karta Dasa’s book “O’Hare Krishna Airport”)

Could you say something about the significance of the numbers 8 and 18 in Sri Krishna’s magic creation and in our tradition?

Does Sri Krishna feel separation from the baddha-jivas?

If a jiva enters brahma-sayujya, would Sri Krishna be longing for that jiva forever?

Hare Krishna, Maharaja. Dandavat pranams. Is there a possibility of attaining vatsalya-rati for Srimati Radharani, seeing her as a daughter?

Dear Guru Maharaja, dandavat pranama. What is Srimati Radharani’s favorite name of Sri Krishna?

Did you have the opportunity to meet Gour Govinda Maharaja? Can you 

Questions on today’s Swami call:

Do circumstances like what kind of country we live in and where we live in that country make a difference for our spiritual practice? For example, I have heard that living in the countryside, especially in a Western developing country, may pose obstacles.

It is said to be an offense to preach the glories of the holy name to the faithless. Does this also include simple recommendations to the general public like “chant the holy name and be happy”?

You often say that the lila of Sri Krishna is humanlike, but in one article you wrote that Sri Krishna is both fully divine and fully human. Can you please explain?

Hare Krsna, Gurudeva. Pranama. Could you please share about the significance and conception of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s deities, Sri Sri Gaura Gadadhara?

Is Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu experiencing the type of love with anyone in Gaura-lila that he had with Uddhava in Krishna-lila?

Pranams, Guru Maharaja. Hare Krishna. Can you share something about the different kinds of bhakti in Garuda and Hanuman?

I heard that you have met Srila Sridhara Maharaja. Can you tell us about your relationship with him?

What would be the function of navels in Goloka?

I would like to set a good example of Krishna consciousness for my child. How can I know whether I’m truly practicing bhakti? What would be a good book for me to read as a beginner?

What is your opinion on the worship of Salagrama shilas?

Pranams, dear Guru Maharaja. In Aesthetic Vedanta, commenting on the gopis feeling that they have no devotion, you describe how one feels further from Bhagavan the closer one gets, and also that his presence is both humbling and reassuring. Can you say something more about this?

Questions on today’s Swami Call:

Dandavats, Guru Maharaja. What is your response to members from other sampradayas questioning the validity of ours?

What is the difference between labeling a teaching as valid siddhanta for others although we do not follow it ourselves and labeling a teaching as apa-siddhanta?

We have heard from you that the Kama-gayatri is a form of the Brahma-gayatri and that it is connected with the Gopala-mantra. Can you share something more about its meaning and the effects of chanting it?

You explained in a recent lecture in Poland that Lord Jagannatha’s mercy became available in this world through a blessing of Narada Muni. Could you say something more about why Lord Jagannatha is so merciful?

I feel like an outsider in the Vaishnava community, feeling like others have a relationship with Sri Krishna while I do not. I do, however, feel happy for these devotees. Is this normal or is it a mental problem? 

Is it best to avoid preaching to people who are likely to become inimical, as they may offend bhakti, or could we try to give them a chance?

What is your instruction regarding deity worship during one’s menstrual period, and what is your reasoning behind it?

What do you think are the best arguments for reincarnation ?

Questions on today’s Swami Call:

Pranams dear Guru Maharaj. I am curious if Krishna’s words “think of me” in Bhagavad-Gita 9.34 can be also understood as “be with me”? Sometimes I have moments in japa when I feel I want to just stay and be more present, rather than continue chanting at that specific moment.

Jay Guru Maharaja! I have a question regarding Vaishnava aparadha. Could someone’s difficulty in committing themselves to the practice be a result of Vaishnava aparadha in a previous life? If so, how can one become free from its effects? How to counteract it? How to make amends?

In the second verse of his Prapanna Jivamritam, Srila Sridhar Maharaj offers his pranams to the deity called Gaura Sarasvati. I am wondering if he is speaking of his spiritual master in this verse or if there is indeed a deity of Lord Gauranga called Gaura Sarasvati. Could you explain the meaning of this verse, please? Thank you.

Pranama. Hare Krsna. Does Srimati Radharani represent bhakti in our lives?

Pranam Maharaj. I would like to know what in your perspective is the biggest change what happens when one gets Harinam initiation? What happens to practise? And as a follow up question, What kind of requirements you have if one would wish to become your disciple?

What is the proper honorific title for a female sannyasi? Like when we call a male sannyasi simply ”Maharaja”.

What does the word ”gopi” mean to you? I feel like something may have been lost in the translation into English as ”cowherd girl”.

Could you share something about the mood and attitude one should have while trying to distribute devotional books to the public?

Could you share something about your recent research on the different views on Sri Caitanya Caritamrta’s asirvada sloka?

Can you explain the meaning of the statement ”kirtana prabhave smarana svabhave” from Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura’s song Vaishnava ke?

Questions on today’s Swami Call:

How can I improve my japa, considering that I do not have very much time for it every day?

Hari bol. Pranams, Guru Maharaja. Are our fears rooted in the prospects of experiencing the opposites of the qualities of the self (sat cit ananda)?

Jaya Gurudeva. Hari bol. What does the soul actually do if it takes the path of Arciradi after death?

Should the jivas follow Lord Brahma’s example in purifying themselves as he represents the collective of jiva souls?

How come some of the demons that Sri Krishna killed attained sayujya-mukti before they attained love of God?

Is it true that if you don’t attain prema in this lifetime you will have to go through the 8 million types of species before getting a human form again?

What were Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s teachings regarding Radha-dasyam?

Is the festival of Ratha Yatra related with the pastime of the Vraja-vasis meeting Sri Krishna at Kuruksetra?

Questions on today’s Swami call:

0:00 News.

1:16 How can one control their anger?

5:50 What does it mean that an ajata-ruci raganuga sadhaka can serve Sri Krishna directly?

9:16 Can you give examples from the lila of how the stages of prema appear in different orders in sakhya- and madhurya-rasa respectively?

20:32 Can a devotee enter the lila as a well-wisher of Sri Sri Radha Krishna in terms of their union without becoming directly involved in bringing about their union?

23:56 On page 335 in Circle of Friends you mention vivarnagra-sakha. Who is that?

 26:53 I would like to ask you some spiritual guidance in regards my inner self-doubting critic. I have tried to deal with it on the psychological level, but could you give some advice from the spiritual perspective?

43:34 (Comment from Sajjan)

48:59 Can our own aspiration to be a devotee be our teacher?

52:00 What does it mean that an ajata-ruci raganuga sadhaka can serve Sri Krishna directly? (same question as earlier)

53:26 We are all sorry and shocked to hear that Gopati the peacock passed away. Could you share something about this special mystical soul and his time at Audarya?

56:55 Could you say something about the importance of the Gayatri mantra and how we can chant it properly?

Questions on today’s Swami call:

0:00 Is there any benefit to practice of bhakti if the understanding of it is covered by any of the three modes of nature?

5:49 To what extent do brahmavadis understand or accept the three aspects of the absolute (Brahman, Paramatma, and Bhagavan), particularly the form of Bhagavan?

12:26 Pranama, Maharaja. Have you had the occasion to advice devotee couples in situations where they have felt a sense of disconnect from one another with regards to practicing Krishna consciousness?

20:31 How can a beginner devotee recognize and advanced devotee?

25:45 How important is it to take shelter of a pure devotee?

38:42 Can a devotee serve as a guru on the strength of the holy name although they may not be entirely pure?

39:45 Is it appropriate for devotees to speak proudly of their guru’s purity although it appears that the guru’s qualification does not match the definition of a pure devotee?

44:49 How should be deal with intermediaries between ourselves and our guru when we do not find them trustworthy although our guru trusts them?

55:36 Are Sri Krishna’s friends helping him pass the painful time of separation from Sri Radha by entertaining him?

56:54 What mood should a devotee imbibe in order to carry on happily with practice although they may have lingering philosophical doubts?

Questions on today’s Swami call:

0:00 Pranama, Guru Maharaja. The Upadesamrta instructs that we should be both eager and patient. How can we keep up the eagerness when progress is slow?

12:57 On the occasion of the Panihati festival, can you please share about your experience of visiting Panihati with Srila Prabhupada?

18:40 Can we become free from the fear of death already as sadhakas?

24:14 How are we to understand the idea that some jivas will remain forever in the material world?

42:03 Could you please share some words about the meaning and significance of the song Jaya Radha Madhava?

55:14 Speaking of the Panihati festival, something that stands out to me in that lila is Lord Nityananda’s spirit of inclusivity. Can you comment on this?

Questions on today’s Swami call:

0:00 News

2:59 It is described that Sri Krishna and Lord Balarama changed into Vasudeva and Sankarsana when they left Vrindavan for Mathura. Did the cowherd boys also change when they went to attend the wrestling match in Mathura?

11:30 Is the change from Sridama sakha to Garuda a change in tattva?

17:00 Good morning, Maharaja. How should we understand the teaching that Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva are related to the gunas of rajas, sattva, and tamas?

28:17 I am aspiring to receive initiation from your godbrother HH Sacinandana Swami. Can you share what you know of him so that I may get to know him from your perspective?

34:25 Pranama. Can you share some advice for devotee couples where the partners have different gurus?

56:44 Why is Lord Shiva called Gopishvara? Isn’t Gopishvara a name of Sri Krishna?

Questions on today’s Swami call:

0:00 Pranama, Guru Maharaja and assembled devotees. How does a neophyte devotee cultivate steady detachment from the material world?

13:00 Why did Lord Vishnu ask Lord Shiva to spread the mayavada doctrine?

21:09 Sri Vrindavan Das Thakura is identified with both Srila Vyasadeva and the cowherd boy Kusumapida. How does that work?

32:48 Is the Brahma-Vimohan-Lila happening once in every day of Lord Brahma?

35:19 Can you explain the word tivrena that qualifies bhakti-yoga in Srimad Bhagavatam 2.3.10, especially in the case of someone who is full of material desires?

50:31 You have explained that there is compassion with regards to the physical and mental suffering of others and compassion with regards to their being unaware of their relationship with Sri Krishna. Would it make sense to cultivate the first kind and let the second kind arise by itself?

54:00 With regards to the second kind of compassion, as it is significantly harder to make someone else aware of their relationship with Sri Krishna than it is, for example, to feed someone who is physically hungry, is that feeling enough in itself to help others?

56:54 Is it a good practice to name one’s child or pet after Sri Krishna?

Questions on today's Swami Call:

0:00 Dandavats, Gurudeva. What is the best prayer to Lord Narasimhadeva?

6:04 Can you elaborate on how Giriraja Govardhana appears in different ways to different devotees?

20:29 Do chapters 82-84 in the tenth canto of the Srimad Bhagavatam correspond with the Ramananda Samvad and Brhad-Bhagavatamrta with regards to bhakti-tattva?

28:38 Can you explain Srila Jiva Goswami's statement that jivas sometimes play the role of Narada Muni?

41:23 What does it mean exactly that one becomes more attached to the object of love (Sri Krishna) than to the love itself (bhakti) in the stage of asakti?

45:19 Could the limb of saranagati called raksisyatiti-visvaso be interpreted to mean that Sri Krishna protects our faith and turns difficult situations into opportunities for spiritual growth?

49:00 What is your take on the teaching that ajata-ruci raganuga sadhakas can think of themselves as fallen maidservants?

Questions on today’s Swami call:

0:00 News.

0:38 What’s the difference between sastra-yukti and sastra-nipuna?

10:05 Can you expand on the teaching that most jivas in the spiritual world are nitya-siddha tatastha-sakti-jivas?

35:37 How can we speak our truth to worshippers of the devas and devis without offending or discouraging them?

51:59 It is said that we should not disturb people with jnana if they are not eligible, whereas bhakti can be shared with anyone. But it seems that bhakti has a fair amount of jnana baked into it. How can we balance our sharing of bhakti in this regard?

1:02:43 It is said that there is no time in the spiritual world, and yet Sri Krishna’s daily pastimes are divided into eight time periods. What does this mean?

Questions on today’s Swami call:

Is it correct that one should only attend to the sound of the holy names during japa, or could one also engage in visualization?

Do priya-narma-sakhas engage in play fighting with Sri Krishna?

How do the stages of bhakti from sraddha to prema correspond to the levels of adhikara from kanistha to uttama?

Dandavat pranams and good morning, Guru Maharaja. In Bhakti Rasamrta Sindhu 1.3.54, Srila Rupa Goswami says that by a slight offense to a devotee of the Lord one’s bhava will become of an inferior type. Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura comments on this verse that “Madhurya-rati becomes dasya-rati. Dasya-rati becomes santa-rati.” I was confused about how one’s bhava could change like this being that the jiva has an inherent svarupa. Could you please clarify this? Thank you.

Does Subala-sakha have feminine qualities?

Can you clarify the gradation of devotees as given in Sri Brhad Bhagavatamrta?

Pranams, Guru Maharaj and assembled devotees. My question is about jivas and the journey back to Godhead. How does a jiva fall in the first place? Or is that a category error?

Questions on today’s Swami call:

0:00 In Circle of Friends, you wrote that the devotees never cease to be amazed at seeing demons in the disguise of devotees. Can you explain this?

13:44 Why is the relationship between Sri Gadadhara Pandit and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu described in terms of friendship rather than romantic love?

21:52 Dandavats Maharaja. Do you think we can dissipate our shadow sides simply by shedding the light of our own awareness on them?

28:59 What do you mean when you describe Sri Krishna’s flute sound as haunting?

31:56 Does Akrura have a Vraja-lila svarupa?

34:08 At what point does it become unfavorable to bhakti to focus on the dark side of the world or of oneself?

45:56 If every jiva has an inherent svarupa, does the imply that those jivas who attain brahma-sayujya were destined to do so?

57:56 if a jiva is stuck in Brahman, is there a unique Vraja-lila svarupa stuck there that will never enter Krishna-lila?

Questions on today’s Swami call:

0:00 News.

0:20 Bhakti is ever-fresh and will naturally express itself in newer and newer ways through acaryas. At the same time, the desire to share bhakti in new ways could be an anartha, and so could the desire to hear about bhakti in new ways. Can you help me understand the distinction?

5:09 Srila Rupa Goswami writes that an uttama-adhikari is sastra-nipuna, a scriptural genius. How can we differentiate such a devotee from someone who is merely interested in presenting bhakti in novel ways?

15:43 It seems that modern society has a boredom phobia, and it also affects devotees. Is it not okay to simply accept that our sadhana can be boring sometimes?

20:01 Is there a hidden or special reason that Lord Balarama did not side with the Pandavas during the Kuruksetra war?

24:20 Guru Maharaja, I feel that you have exemplified the true character of sannyasa ashram. Even so, would you ever consider renouncing the renounced order?

32:35 I was wondering if you could also speak on babaji vesha or an orderless vow of renunciation for devotees in the Bhaktivinoda parivara?

43:32 Pranama. Could you please share some insights about the panca-tattva?

48:56 Pranama, Maharaja. Could you kindly share some essential teachings about the limb of bhakti called kirtan?

56:10 Can you shed light on that ontological relationship between Lord Balarama and Sri Ananga Manjari?

Questions on today's Swami Call:

Dandavat pranama, dear Guru Maharaj. In circle of friends, during the first meeting of Sri Radha and Sri Krishna, Subal Sakha instructs Rupa Manjari to fan Krishna. Kindly reveal more about how Krishna’s sakhas also act as leaders to manjaris.

Is the fact that the manjaris have dasya for Srimati Radharani the reason that dasya is so prominent in Gaura-lila?

It appears that in Gaudiya Vaishnavism there is a broad range of views on many topics of our philosophy, 

Dandavats, Srila Gurudeva. Can you elaborate more on the relationship between omniscience, madhurya and aisvarya in regards to prayer? Also, what does it mean to be a saranagata when presenting prayers to Sri Krsna?

Questions on today's Swami call:

0:00 News.

2:29 Dandavats, Maharaja. A friend from a traditional Vaishnava lineage shared with me one of their teachings, saying that a devotee will keep reincarnating in this tradition due to the particular contributions it provides to the development of bhakti. What is your opinion on this?

19:40 My dandavats, Maharaja. Is an aspiring devotee obligated to believe in the cosmology as presented in our scriptures? Would it be an offense to the Vedas not to believe in those descriptions?

33:21 What is the value of simple worldly faith such as village superstition? Conversely, what is the value of faith in scripture based on theory rather than experience?

50:05 (Comment from Gurunistha on the origins of curd)

51:48 How can I get rid of negative traits and cultivate bhakti towards Sri Krishna? I have been trying. Can you please advise me?

59:55 Would you like to say something on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Krishna Balarama Mandir in Vrindavan, which also coincides with the 50th anniversary of you taking sannyasa?

Questions on today’s Swami call:

0:00 News.

1:16 Why did Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu show himself as Lord Vishnu to Sri Raghava Pandit?

4:27 What is the difference between prema-bhakti and vishrambha-bhakti?

11:48 What is the role of Lord Shiva in Krishna-lila and Gaura-lila?

17:32 Is mount Nandisvara related to Lord Shiva?

21:03 There is an ashtakam dedicated to Lord Shiva attributed to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Can you comment on this?

25:40 I’m attached to the idea of God protecting the helpless. Sometimes it appears that he does not, and it makes me feel resentful. How can I overcome this obstacle?

31:40 Can one be a peaceful sadhaka? Is peace contradictory to bhakti?

49:40 There is are ways for madhurya-rati upasakas to meditate on deities of Sri Sri Krishna Balarama when having darshan of them. What could be a meditation for sakhya-rati upasakas having darshan of Sri Sri Radha Krishna?

53:55 Can you say something more about Lord Shiva taking on the form of a cowherd boy in Krishna-lila?

58:14 Could it be that Sri Krishna is showing his qualities of playfulness, wittiness, and compassion to lower-level sadhakas by answering their prayers through synchronistic events?

Questions on today’s Swami call:

It is said that if we have the right intention, our bhakti practice will please Sri Krishna even if we happen to make technical mistakes?

Pranama, Guru Maharaja and the assembled devotees. Is there any scope within Gaudiya Vaishnavism to see God as one’s father, like in Christianity and other faith traditions?

How does the moods cultivated in saranagati, seeing God as one’s protector and maintainer, compare to seeing God as the father?

(Comment from Gurunistha das regarding the sweetness and majesty of God as they manifest in the form Sri Guru)

Is Sri Krishna aware of his majesty as Lord Brahma prays to him at the end of the Brahma vimohana lila?

How can we meditate on following the lead of Sri Radha while chanting the Brahma gayatri?

The Uddhava Gita teaches to make service to others the sole reason for one’s existence. How does this relate to serving Sri Krishna?

Questions on today’s Swami call:

0:00 It is said that the role of the guru is to correct us, but a guru should also be free from the propensity to criticize. Is this a contradiction?

35:06 (Comment from Sajjan das regarding affection and criticism)

37:36 Do you think that it should be specified at initiation what the format will be for further instruction from the guru?

40:27 (Comment from Gokulacandra das regarding sweet and bitter medicine)

43:38 Is the story of Srila Rupa Goswami chastising Srila Jiva Goswami relevant to us as sadhakas?

50:50 If we do not understand the instruction of the guru, would you recommend to sit with the unknown and discomfort and have trust that acceptance will eventually come by practice?

56:10 I have heard that one can take birth on Sri Krishna’s planet, Goloka, by accumulating good karma. What happens there?

1:00:29 What is the relation of the rasa of fear (bhayanaka-rasa) to madhura-rasa?

1:02:45 Dandavat pranams, Guru Maharaja. Can you explain the concept of eligibility (adhikara) for study and practice of Gaudiya Vaishnavism?

1:09:03 Jaya, Guru Maharaja. I hope you are well. I have a concern about associating with devotees. Sometimes I experience that associating with other devotees simply turns into gossip and criticism. Is it better to try and find just a few like-minded devotees to associate with rather than a big community?

Questions on today’s Swami call:

0:00 What’s the difference between when sthayi-bhavas are mixed and when they are bundled?

7:30 Dear Guru Maharaja; some pure devotees set the example of not speaking or hearing negative things about other devotees even when those things are true. Others set the example of criticizing the misbehavior of other devotees to show the correct path. Which example are we to follow?

15:20 Dandavat, Guru Maharaja. Sometimes we are disillusioned about material life, but that does not necessarily make us inspired to serve Sri Krishna. How can we turn this mere disillusionment into something positive?

20:06 Dandavat, Maharaja. You recently mentioned representatives of other parivaras criticizing Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura and Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura. Can you elaborate on this or direct me to where I can find out more about this topic?

40:06 The Gita describes the soul as a ten thousandth of the size of the tip of a hair. How does such become form in the spiritual world? Is it analogous to how it animates form in the material world?

47:20 On page 152 of Circle of Friends, you refer to the suhrt-rati that the gopas and their parents have for one another. Can you explain how this works?

51:08 (Follow up to previous question) Thank you, Guru Maharaja; pranama. So the love of the friend (suhrt-rati) is going both ways between the parents and the young gopas?

52:24 Pranama. In your commentary on Bhagavad-Gita 2.59 you mention that a drop of spiritual experience coming from following the teachings of the scriptures is more confirming than an ocean of scriptural mandates. Yet we are generally not encouraged to share about deep spiritual experiences as this could bring about pride. It seems, however that sharing could also be inspiring for others. How should we approach spiritual experiences? And on the other hand, how do we explain the instances where devotees practice for many years without having any deep spiritual experiences?

1:01:34 It’s an absolute pleasure to meet you, Swami. Could you share what it was that made you accept Sri Krishna as the highest form of the Godhead?

Questions on today’s Swami call:

0:00 Nityananda Trayodashi

12:43 Is a vrtti something like a samskara?

14:09 Dandavats pranama, Guru Maharaja. How did Subala-sakha manage to save Srimati Radharani from being caught by Jatila?

17:36 Pranama, Gurudeva. On this special day of Sri Nityananda Trayodasi, can you speak something about how Lord Nityananda reflects the light of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu? Do we need this reflective light as the direct light of Sri Caitanya would be too strong?

29:42 Is Hadai Pandit in Gaura-lila identified with Vasudeva in Krsna-lila?

31:18 Did Lord Balarama choose not to be present for the killing of Aghasura?

39:19 When you speak about the jiva as a dravya, is that the same thing as a vastu?

41:20 Dandavats, Maharaja. Today we are celebrating Sri Varaha-dvadasi in Europe. Can you say something about why Sri Krishna appeared as a boar?

44:39 Can you kindly elaborate on Srila Prabhupada’s connection to the lineage of Lord Nityananda?

51:25 Is the love that the manjaris have for Srimati Radharani part of their sthayi-bhava?

Questions on today’s Swami call:

0:00 News.

1:34 Sometimes it is said that one can simply practice surrender (saranagati) if one is not able to practice the limbs of bhakti. Other times it is said that surrender is practiced by practicing the limbs of bhakti. Can you resolve this apparent contradiction?

11:02 What does Sri Krishna wear in the winter season?

17:44 Hare Krishna, Maharaja. My cat passed away recently, and it felt like it had a truly Krishna conscious passing. Is that possible?

22:51 Did Srimati Radharani have divine qualities before meeting Sri Krishna?

27:40 Srila Prabhupada writes in his commentary to Caitanya-Caritamrta Adi Lila 1.19 that beginners, intermediate devotees, and perfect devotees worship Sri Madan Mohan, Sri Govinda, and Sri Gopinatha respectively. Can you explain how this works practically?

37:38 How much is our gurunistha shown by our avoiding association of people who do not appreciate our guru?

55:28 The Vedanta-sutra says that the world is created out of God’s lila. I heard from devotees that certain jivas become envious of Sri Krishna, and that’s why they are in the world. Can you comment on this?

Questions on today’s Swami call:

0:00 Among the nine processes of bhakti listed by Sri Prahlad Maharaja, what does ‘sakhyam’ refer to?

0:05:40 Can you comment on the position of Madhumangala, as he is curiously both a brahmana and a priya-narma sakha?

0:10:33 Would failure to follow the regulative principles and chant 16 rounds of japan prevent one from delving into deeper topics of Krishna consciousness, and does following these practices indicate that one is not taking Krishna consciousness cheaply?

0:20:23 What is the history of the term ‘sahajiya’ as it is used in the Gaudiya sampradaya?

0:24:56 The Bhagavatam states that if one is engaged in service to Sri Krishna one does not have any debt to anyone else, as everyone is a part of him. But wouldn’t one want to serve others if one sees them as parts of Krishna?

0:30:25 Forgiveness is a natural quality of brahmanas. How could people dominated by lower modes of nature learn to practice forgiveness, and what about if one is suffering from physical and emotional abuse?

0:37:25 What is your opinion about the Jiva Institute?

0:45:12 Does the conditioned jiva act through the maya-shakti, or is it rather acted upon by that same shakti?

Questions on today’s Swami call:

0:00 News.

0:00:28 It appears that narrations of Sri Krishna’s sakhya-rasa pastimes are easier to digest for beginners than the madhurya-rasa pastimes. Is this true?

0:12:13 Is the belief that one has to be psychologically balanced to enter Krishna-lila tantamount to karma-misra bhakti or the belief that one has to be accomplished in karma and jnana before practicing bhakti?

0:15:24 If a madhurya-rasa bhakta is preaching the glories of other rasas, might that sound different from when bhaktas in those rasas preach about the same thing, given the different vantage points?  

0:19:33 Is it offensive to believe that one has to be psychologically balanced to enter Krishna-lila?

0:20:18 Sometimes it is said that Narada Muni is a sadhana-siddha and at other times that he is a nitya-siddha. Can you explain this?

0:25:18 Did Sanskrit use to be spoken popularly or has it always been only an academic language?

0:27:04 How is it possible for demons to enter the lila?

0:31:27 Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura states in his commentary to Bhagavad-Gita 9.26 that a woman cannot make offerings to the deities during her period. Why is that so and in what other circumstances would women or men be unqualified to make offerings?

0:39:47 What is the referent of the word “self” according to Gaudiya Vedanta? Do individual jivatmas have unique forms?

0:45:35 If the jiva is a doer, what does it do?

0:52:36 As the jiva comes closer to the goal of bhakti, does its will express itself directly and naturally, uncovered by the mind?

0:54:55 Does the pure will of the jiva correspond with the siddha-deha?

57:02 Does the individuality play itself out in the material world?

1:03:13 Are some jivas destined to follow Advaita Vedanta?

0:00 With regards to Srimad Bhagavatam

11.19.3, who does it mean that the perfect knowledge of the transcendentalist maintains God in happiness?

3:50 In text 38 of the same chapter, it says that truthfulness means to speak the truth in a pleasing way. I have also heard that the truth should be spoken whether it's pleasing or not.

Can you comment on this?

16:38 Guru Maharaja, how can we see our work as part of our sadhana when it appears to be entirely mundane?

25:10 With reference to Srila Prabhupada's purport to Bhagavad-Gita 2.34, how do I ensure that I am not misusing Sri Krishna's friendship, and what are some ways I might be misusing it?

37:41 What is the best process for our bhajana?

39:38 Why is the path of yoga recommended in the scriptures when it appears that it only brings the practitioner deeper into illusion as they become attached to the yogic siddhis?

44:01 Dandavat pranama, Guru Maharaja. I was very moved by what you said in a lecture about the yajnapatnis, the wives of the brahmins in Krishna-lila. You said that the cowherd boys were very attracted to see the yajnapatnis after hearing about the sacrifices they had made. Can you elaborate more on this? Does it make a difference if the one who has sacrificed is a sadhana- or a nitya-siddha?

51:09 How may sadhakas in the lower stages of sadhana approach descriptions of the aprakata-lila so as not to become confused about it's apparent mundanity?

57:48 Dandavats, Srila Guru Maharaja. Can you speak on the idea that Arjuna and Kunti exist within the prakata-lila perpetually?

Questions on today's Swami call:

0:00 News.

1:06 There are scriptural statements that can be taken to mean that everyone is encouraged to become gurus. But it seems that many people are unqualified for that task. Is it then okay to not become a guru?

35:49 What does it mean when it is said that in the stage of ruci one is more attached to bhakti than to Sri Krishna, whereas in a sakti one becomes more attached to Sri Krishna directly?

45:27 Hare Krsna, Maharaja. What is the difference between the prakata and the aprakata lila?

48:01 How is possible that matter is inert but Maya-devi is a person?

0:00 News.

00:40 Guru Maharaja, I’m wondering why Srila Prabhupada chose Sri Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura’s Gurvastakam for mandala arati. I also wonder why in Iskcon the last verse of the song is not sung. And why is there a song for Sri Guru during the morning arati and a song for Sri Gauranga during the evening arati?

09:10 Who’s song is Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s Gaura-arati based on?

11:05 Does Navadvipa dhama exist eternally on earth? Is there a Navadvipa planet in the spiritual sky?

14:48 Dandavats, dear Guru Maharaja. It is said that bhakti, requiring only our faith, is more generous than the paths of jnana or yoga which have many prerequisites. At the same time it is said that if bhakti practices are taken up without surrender then the practice is lifeless. Surrender is very difficult. How can we reconcile this?

24:18 Srila Prabhupada made the point that Sri Krishna is more generous in the form of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, because in the Bhagavad-Gita he required surrender whereas in Gaura-lila he freely gave out bhakti. It seems then that Srila Prabhupada separates faith from surrender. Can you explain this? 

26:12 What are some ways of surrendering to Sri Krishna in the midst of the movements of the gunas in terms of directing our attention?

42:33 How to best practice tolerance of the material dualities?

48:18 It is said that when Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Nityananda Prabhu met for the first time, most of their communication was non-verbal. What emotions and so on did they communicate in that way?

52:13 Is the pastime of Sri Nityananda Prabhu and Sri Haridasa Thakura going from door to door preaching an eternal lila?

56:57 Is there any loss in reciting the prayers of our acaryas translated into our mother tongue if our mother tongue is neither Sanskrit or Bengali?

0:00 Could you recommend poetic works dealing with Krishna lila?

04:15 Should we direct our prayers to Sri Krishna or to Lord Caitanya, or Sri Radha or to different appearances of the absolute according to the circumstance or level of advancement?

27:57 Do you have any advice for dealing with stress and anxiety in the moment as it is affecting one?

34:00 Is Yoga-maya present in Vraja-lila?

36:06 In what rasa is the Kaliya serpent with Sri Krishna?

38:20 How is the Kama-gayatri understood from a sakhya-rati point of view?

52:55 Could it be said that all of Gaudiya Vaishnavism is poetry?

57:53 What is the most important part of deity seva, the physical or the mental aspect?

0:00 News.

00:00:59 You sometimes make the point that 'I' is the smallest, most used, and least understood word in the English language. Have you read that somewhere?

00:01:30 Was Lord Brahma really able to overpower the cowherd boys in the Brahma vimohana lila?

00:07:11 Did Sri Krishna experience sakhya-rasa during the year that he took the form of the other cowherd boys?

00:09:15 Is selfless love in this world akin to the prema of the spiritual world?

00:13:08 As sadhakas we try to see Krishna everywhere, and everything in Krishna, yet we feel separation from him. What is this separation if he is actually present everywhere?

00:16:31 What do you mean by ontological good and evil?

00:21:50 Is the following of rules or the expression of love that pleases Sri Krishna? I am wondering because of the story where Sri Krishna sends Narada Muni to gather footdust from Krishna's devotees to cure Krishna's headache.

00:29:02 Why did Sri Krishna not make any effort to bring Pradyumna back when he was kidnapped? Was it because they are aware of actually being sakhas from Vraja-lila taking these new forms in Dvaraka rather than feeling as father and son?

00:30:42 Why must a sakhya-rati upasaka enter Krishna-lila during go-dhuli and at no other time?

00:37:47 Was Sri Krishna betrothed to the gopis during the year of the Brahma vimohana lila?

00:46:40 What would be the Vedic perspective on experiences of deja vu?

00:48:40 Why is Sri Radha sometimes jealous?

00:53:14 Why did Lord Balarama take time off from cowherding after coming out of Sri Krishna's spell during the Brahma vimohana lila?

0:00 News.

00:02:56 Is chanting Sri Krishna’s names a service to Krishna?

00:33:52 What is lila-kirtana?

00:40:39 Do other angas of bhakti depend on kirtan?

00:45:46 Is Sri Haridas Thakura’s threefold practice of kirtan something that can be followed by anyone?

00:54:18 Why does Sri Krishna not speak directly about bhakti in the Vedas?

0:00 News.

00:00:25 Can you say something about the elaborations on the maha-mantra by our acaryas?

00:10:12 I have heard about one way of seeing the maha-mantra as being names of Sri Krishna chanted for the pleasure of Sri Radha. Is this bona fide?

00:18:48 One of the offenses to the holy name is to give interpretations. How should we understand this offense, given that our acaryas have given elaborations of the maha-mantra?

00:21:00 Some people say that since even Lord Shiva is affected by lust, we have no hope of overcoming it. This does not sound right to me. How should we see Lord Shiva and our own predicament?

00:35:43 In the Ramananda-samvad, Ramananda Raya speaks about Sri Krishna and Sri Radha taking one another’s place. What does this mean?

00:40:44 Some time ago you mentioned that there is a difference between loving the guru and loving the guru’s knowledge. Would you like to say something more about this?

00:48:46 Is there a difference between serving the guru and following the guru’s instructions?

00:50:02 Is it okay to share one’s deep spiritual realizations widely, or should one keep them to a small circle?

0:00 News.

00:01:44 Jaya, Maharaja. You speak very naturally about higher topics. Have your insights come from your own practice or through the guidance of a particular sadhu?

00:11:49 What is the significance of Kuruksetra with regards to madhurya rasa? As Radha and Krishna could not have full union in that setting because of the social circumstances, is it also that sadhakas in lower stages get in the way of their guru uniting with Krishna?

00:25:50 Would service of Sri Radha in Kuruksetra be rendered in the prakat-lila to intensify one’s prema and enter into the aprakat-lila?

00:28:18 What is the definition of diksa? When and why is it needed?

00:47:12 Is Madhavendra Puri a disciple of the Madhva lineage?

00:51:06 Would it be helpful to someone who is ill to the point of dysphoria and unable to enjoy anything to connect with Krishna?

00:54:05 Hare Krsna, Guru Maharaja. You mentioned a couple of times in Poland that if someone is aspiring for priya-narma sakhya-bhava, it is a good combination to follow Subala sakha and Visakha sakhi. I am aware this is a high topic, but if you think it would be helpful for the devotees, could you say something more about this?

uestions on today's Swami call:

In Gaudiya Vaishnavism it is taught that devotees embody five types of love. How is the type of love chosen?

How do the attributes of the soul play a part in our lives or reflect into our everyday lives if in any way?

Can you explain how a samskara that happens in time can have an effect on an eternal svabhava?

Can you explain the analogy of the gold box and the gold-plated box that is used to describe different types of perfected persons?

Srila Saraswati Thakura said that there is no need to erase everything that was there in our life before we came in contact with bhakti. A preacher, using a tech analogy, said that we should ctrl+alt+delete everything that is not bhakti. Can you comment on this?

How balanced do we have to be in terms of sattva-guna to be able to approach high topics such as bhava and lila?

Is varnashrama needed to keep devotees morally upright?

0:00 News.

01:19 How come we cannot shorten the realization gap between disciple and guru faster? Why does it need to take several lifetimes?

14:38 On this long path, how do we make sure to not go astray?

21:11 In the Uddhava-Gita it is said that there are three ways to worship: Vedic, Tantric, and mixed. Can you elaborate on this?

24:51 Some devotees are of the opinion that the book distribution in the early years of ISKCON not only gave the mission a bad reputation but also harmed those who were involved. What are your thoughts on this?

38:31 You have said that there are two windows of opportunity in Gaudiya Vaishnavism. Have I understood it correctly that those are manajari-bhava through Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and sakhya-rasa through Sri Nityananda Prabhu?

51:00 In the lilas of Sri Krishna and Lord Ramacandra, both humanlike, they take birth like human beings while their consorts, Sri Radha and Sri Sitadevi, do not. Is there a special significance to this?

54:30 Can we worship deities that are not made of the arca-vigraha materials listed in the Srimad Bhagavatam?

0:00 If one prays to Sri Krishna for a material boon before one learned that it is more wise to simply ask for devotional service to Sri Krishna, and the boon was granted, should one keep the boon or return it?

04:35 What would your opinion be of a devotee giving harinama initiation to others after having distanced themselves from their own guru who was engaged in bad conduct?

09:16 Dandavat pranama, Guru Maharaja. In your book Circle of Friends you outline the progression from sthayi-bhava and through the stages of prema in sakhya-rati. Would this outline also apply to madhurya-rati?

11:46 Hare Krishna. I have a question about my deity worship. I received deities of Jagannatha Baladeva Subhadra but without the Sudarsana cakra that usually stands next to them. Do I need to find a Sudarsana cakra for them?

14:53 How did Lord Jagannatha get the title ‘Swami’?

17:38 Hare Krishna, Guru Maharaja. What is the significance of Sri Krishna’s makara-shaped earrings?

23:17 Obeisances, Guru Maharaja. Do you have any recommendations for the month of Kartika with regards to study, sadhana, or observances?

29:22 Obeisances, Maharaja. What is your opinion on the statement that “Prabhupada has already given us everything”?

42:37 Pranama, Gurudeva. Are there more personalities in Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu other than Radha and Krishna, such as different avataras of Krishna? Gaura-ganoddesa-dipika appears to suggest so.

47:45 Sri Jiva Goswami states that the cowherd boys despite their strength have no inclination to kill the demons that appear in the lila as they are prevented by Yoga-maya. In Nectar of Devotion, however, it says that the younger friends of Krishna are eager to fight the demons. Is it only this group of friends who are eager to do so, and do they only want to fight but not kill?

53:58 Why does Sri Krishna not appear clearly to me when I chant?

0:00 Technicals details.

0:46 Is the division of Vishnu into Karanadakasayi, Garbhodakasayi, and Ksirodakasayi unique to the teachings of the Gaudiya sampradaya?

6:06 Dandavats, Maharaja. Thank you for maintaining your association with us every Sunday. Can you please share an explanation of the term ‘aesthetic rapture’ that you often use?

25:56 When did Sri Sukadeva Goswami study the Srimad Bhagavatam?

30:34 Why did Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu need the permission of Sri Advaita Acharya to leave the public sphere and do internal practice?

38:21 Why is it that Pariksit Maharaja, in the first canto of the Srimad Bhagavatam, chapter 17, text 26, refers to Lord Sri Krishna as an Incarnation? Isn’t Krishna present in His original form?

42:40 What is the difference between the satya-sankalpa and satya-kama attributes of the jiva?

44:59 Please accept my obeisances, Maharaja. What is your opinion on holding kirtan sessions for a non-devotee audience and charging money for them?

1:09:27 Is charging for a kirtan session essentially any different from selling books on the street?

0:00 News.

00:01:37 What is the origin of harinama-initiation in Gaudiya Vaishnavism? Who is Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's harinama-guru? Is someone with only harinama-initiation a full member of the tradition? 

00:13:47 Can you share something about the pastime of Srila Jiva Goswami appearing to Srila Prabhupada at Radha Damodara mandir?

00:18:42 It is common for religious groups to consider themselves the chosen ones, that the form of God they worship is the highest, and that the names they use to refer to God are the most appropriate. How do we as Gaudiya Vaishnavas justify our belief that we are supposed to dress in Indian clothes and use Sanskrit names of God?

00:33:29 How do we explain that the Vishnu-avataras appear all over the universe but not outside of India on Earth?

00:40:57 What should our mood be when preaching so that we are inviting rather than proselytizing?

00:46:16 Is it common for a sadhaka's personal deity to communicate to the sadhaka through the mind and heart?

00:50:18 Do you have a recommended order for reading your books?

00:56:33 What did you mean when you wrote that Kaliya became both the asraya- and visaya-alambana?

Questions on today's Swami call:

0:00 Appearance day of Bhaktivinoda Thakura

00:20:38 Working as a counsellor, I sometimes feel depleted when having to deal with the grief of many people. What can I do in my Krishna consciousness to handle situations like this?

00:28:37 How should we think about the details of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s inner life, given that his relationship to his diksa-guru, who is said to have revealed those details to our Thakura, appears to have been distanced at some point?

00:56:03 Sri Krishna says that he cannot repay the gopis for their service. Is this also true for the service of the priya-narma-sakhas?

Questions on today's Swami call:

0:00 How should we understand arcana? Regardless of the different standards of worship found in different temples and homes, what are your general guidelines regarding arcana?

00:21:52 How should we understand the statement of Sri Krishna, “ācāryaṁ māṁ vijānīyān”?

00:36:00 In Brhad-Bhagavatamrta, Srimati Radharani refers to Janasharma as her devotee as he is worshipping Durga, who is her expansion. Is Srimati Radharani’s blessing Janasharma because he is destined to be a priya-narma-sakha?

00:42:06 With Sri Radhastami coming up, is there a particular way that someone aspiring for priya-narma-sakhya bhava can petition Srimati Radharani for blessings?

00:43:18 There is a statement from Srila Rupa Goswami that vraja-bhakti can only be attained by intense eagerness. What does he mean when he says that it has to be purchased at any cost if available anywhere?

00:52:27 I recently became a father. How can I make sure taking care of my son will not become a distraction to my Krishna consciousness?

2024 (Poland Retreat) Q&A Compassion of the Lord

2024 (Poland Retreat) Q&A Saved from Brahmasayujya

2024 (Poland Retreat) Initiation into the Bhaktivinoda Parivar

2024 (Poland Retreat) Swami Bhakti Kamala Tirtha High Ideals

2024 (Poland retreat) Srila Tripurari Swami reading from Circle of Friends

2024 (Poland Retreat) Three Main Figures of Priyanarma Sakhya Rasa

2024 (Poland Retreat) Sacred Preface of Circle of Friends

Theological Trainwreck

Q&A Progressive Experience in the Life of Devotion

2024 (Poliand retreat) Srila Tripurari Swami Morning Reading Circle of Friends

 Home Going requires a Home Knowing Person

Srivasa Thakura is Madhumangala in Braja

Questions/topics on today's Swami call:

Lord Balarama and the sandhini-sakti

It appears that Nityananda Prabhu does not manifest vatsalya-bhava as much as he does as Lord Balarama. What could be the reason for that?

What can I do when I desperately need sadhu sanga, but my immediate situation does not allow it?

What are the fundamental teachings that you impart to your married and unmarried students with regards to chastity/sexuality?

Sri Krishna says we should think of him and love him, but under the spell of illusion, I sometimes think, “Who am I to love Krishna?” What can I do to overcome this mindset?