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[[Category:1974 - Conversations]]
<div class="code">740206RC.VRN</div>
[[Category:1974 - Lectures and Conversations]]
[[Category:1974 - Lectures, Conversations and Letters]]
[[Category:1974-02 - Lectures, Conversations and Letters]]
[[Category:Conversations - India]]
[[Category:Conversations - India, Vrndavana]]
[[Category:Lectures, Conversations and Letters - India]]
[[Category:Lectures, Conversations and Letters - India, Vrndavana]]
[[Category:Conversations and Lectures with Hindi Snippets]]
[[Category:Audio Files 30.01 to 45.00 Minutes]]
<div style="float:left">[[File:Go-previous.png|link=Category:Conversations - by Date]]'''[[:Category:Conversations - by Date|Conversations by Date]], [[:Category:1974 - Conversations|1974]]'''</div>
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Prabhupāda: My Godbrother's son-in-law, they came (indistinct).


Guru dāsa: Any service for me?
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<div class="center">[[Vanipedia:740206 Conversation - Srila Prabhupada Speaks a Nectar Drop in Vrndavana|''' <span style="display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center"><b class="fa fa-solid fa-volume-up" style="font-size: 330%">&nbsp;</b><big>Listen to a 'Nectar Drop' created from this lecture'''</big></span>]]</div>
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Prabhupāda: What you are doing there now?


Guru dāsa: Um, I've just been talking with Saurabha about the Māyāpur plans to present at this conference in Vancouver, Exposition. We're making a presentation there.
<div class="code">740206R1-VRNDAVAN - February 06, 1974 - 31:26 Minutes</div>


Prabhupāda: Oh.


Guru dāsa: So we're getting that together. Tomorrow I'm leaving.
<mp3player>https://s3.amazonaws.com/vanipedia/full/1974/740206R1-VRNDAVAN.mp3</mp3player>


Prabhupāda: For Vancouver?


Guru dāsa: No, I'm go..., tomorrow I'm going to join Bhavānanda for a week, Bhavānanda Swami. Then I go to Delhi to see... And I'm also going to Bhuvaneśvara for Gopāla Kṛṣṇa. Then I'm going to Delhi to see that American Ambassador again about putting our name on the food list, Indo-American food list, then Vṛndāvana, then Vancouver.
'''Prabhupāda:''' My Godbrother's son-in-law, they came to see me.


Prabhupāda: So (indistinct) Delhi. Then?
'''Gurudāsa:''' Any service for me?


Guru dāsa: New York.
'''Prabhupāda:''' What you are doing there now?


Prabhupāda: New York. Delhi to New York?
'''Gurudāsa:''' Um, I've just been talking with Saurabha about the Māyāpur plans to present at this conference in Vancouver, acquisition. We're making a presentation there.


Guru dāsa: Yes.
'''Prabhupāda:''' Oh.


Prabhupāda: (indistinct)
'''Gurudāsa:''' So we're getting that together. Tomorrow I'm leaving.


Guru dāsa: Yes.
'''Prabhupāda:''' For Vancouver?


Prabhupāda: (indistinct)
'''Gurudāsa:''' No, I'm go . . . tomorrow I'm going to join Bhavānanda for a week, Bhavānanda Swami. Then I go to Delhi to see . . . and I'm also going to Bhuvaneśvara for Gopāla Kṛṣṇa. Then I'm going to Delhi to see that American Ambassador again about putting our name on the food list, Indo-American food list, then Vṛndāvana, then Vancouver.


Guru dāsa: I think it is direct. That I can do.
'''Prabhupāda:''' So gradually there will be . . . (indistinct) . . . go where?


Guest (1) (Indian man): (Hindi with Prabhupāda) In relation with our business also, I am thinking of going.
'''Gurudāsa:''' New York.


Prabhupāda: No business. (laughter) Don't go. Business is this hari kīrtana.  
'''Prabhupāda:''' New York. Delhi to New York?


Guest (1): (Hindi) I just said that I had thought of that in my own different way also.
'''Gurudāsa:''' Yes.


Prabhupāda: (Hindi)
'''Prabhupāda:''' Then go to the Western . . . (indistinct)


Guru dāsa: People carry on business for happiness and enough to eat and enough clothing. That, no separate endeavor is necessary. Kṛṣṇa gives it all, and more happiness. We can attest to that because we did business. All of us were businessmen.
'''Gurudāsa:''' Yes.


Prabhupāda: (Hindi with guest) Oh, I see that are (indistinct).
'''Prabhupāda:''' New York then . . . (indistinct)  


Guest (1): No, I am not leaving. Whether Kṛṣṇa gives me fifty rupees or five million rupees, it does not make much difference, because I am in the line, because I am in the line.
'''Gurudāsa:''' I think it is direct. That I can do.


Prabhupāda: That's all.
'''Indian man:''' America <span style="color:#ec710e">chala jayega.</span> <span style="color:#128807">(Went to America.)</span>


Guest (1): I may leave any time.
'''Prabhupāda:''' <span style="color:#ec710e">Idhar baithiye. Akele aya aap toh?</span> <span style="color:#128807">(Sit here. You all came alone?)</span> . . . (indistinct) . . . <span style="color:#ec710e">dekhiye kaise ye log sab prachaar kar rahe hai.</span> <span style="color:#128807">(Just see how this boy is preaching.)</span>


Prabhupāda: No, no that's all right.
'''Indian man:''' <span style="color:#ec710e">Humare un karovar ke liye jaane ka vichaar tha wo toh kab jan jan ka sajjan hai.</span> <span style="color:#128807">(I was thinking of going there for business purposes, but that will be after the business is established well, then we will see.)</span>


Guest (1): I may leave any time also.
'''Prabhupāda:''' <span style="color:#ec710e">Kya?</span> <span style="color:#128807">(What?)</span>


Prabhupāda: That is our purpose to (indistinct).
'''Indian man:''' In relation with our business also, I am thinking of going.


Guest (1): Unfortunately some things happened, and some court matters are going on.
'''Prabhupāda:''' No business. (laughter) Don't go. Business is this ''hari kīrtana''. <span style="color:#ec710e">Dekho ye log</span> business <span style="color:#ec710e">sab jaante hai. Toh unse</span> business <span style="color:#ec710e">kaun karega?</span> <span style="color:#128807">(Just see, they know how to do business very well but who will do business with them?)</span>


Prabhupāda: Court?
'''Guest (1):''' Anyway, kind of you. I just said that I had thought of that in my own different way also.


Guest (1): Court matters, some, some law suits, etc. which I have filed which aggregate to the extent of about crore rupees or so.
'''Prabhupāda:''' Business is bad.


Prabhupāda: Hm.
'''Gurudāsa:''' People carry on business for happiness and enough to eat and enough clothing. That, no separate endeavor is necessary. Kṛṣṇa gives it all, and more happiness. We can attest to that because we did business. All of us were businessmen.


Guest (1): Oh, I mean I'll get that much. That could be as good amount as you (indistinct).
'''Prabhupāda:''' <span style="color:#ec710e">Humara ye sab prchar me kam se kam</span> daily <span style="color:#ec710e">dus hazaaar aadmi ekhathe hote hai. Koi humara . . .</span> <span style="color:#128807">(In our preaching program about ten thousand people attend everyday. Our nothing is)</span> . . .


Prabhupāda: Where? Where? Your claim?
'''Guest (1):''' <span style="color:#ec710e">. . . koi kam nahi karta hai.</span> (indistinct) . . . <span style="color:#128807">(Nothing falls short. The Lord only gives.)</span>


Guest (1): Yes, yes.
'''Prabhupāda:''' <span style="color:#ec710e">Hum aise hi rehte hai.</span> (indistinct) . . . <span style="color:#128807">(They stay here like this, they are all well educated people)</span> . . . (indistinct) . . . oh, I see that are . . . (indistinct)


Prabhupāda: You have to, you have to pay so much stamping fee.
'''Guest (1):''' No, I am not leaving. Whether Kṛṣṇa gives me fifty rupees or five million rupees, it does not make much difference, because I am in the line, because I am in the line.


Guest (1): No. The maximum stamp duty to be paid is fifteen thousand. Even if you've got a claim of fifteen crore, fifteen thousand is the maximum stamp duty you have to pay. You don't have to pay more.
'''Prabhupāda:''' That's all.


Prabhupāda: Fifteen thousand you have to pay?
'''Guest (1):''' I may leave any time.


Guest (1): Yes.
'''Prabhupāda:''' No, no, that's all right.


Prabhupāda: (Hindi) ...in this age, Kali .  
'''Guest (1):''' I may leave any time also.


Guest (1): (Hindi) ...he owes me money and I couldn't get my money back from him.
'''Prabhupāda:''' That is our purpose to do something.


Prabhupāda: If you have no money, then you cannot get justice, because he's claiming it is right claim, but if he had no fifteen thousand, then he could not claim it. Fifteen thousand is there, then (indistinct), so on , so on. So anyone who has no money, he cannot get justice in Kali-yuga. (Hindi)
'''Guest (1):''' Unfortunately some things happened, and some court matters are going on.


Guest (1): A lot of that fifteen thousand is exempted in some cases, but even then you have to figure out some (indistinct) and remain in the, I mean present yourself in the court in the mood to argue and talk and all that things. So naturally if you don't have even that much, you have to forego (indistinct). What you're saying is hundred percent true. Yes. It's like that.
'''Prabhupāda:''' Court?


Prabhupāda: And nowadays bribe also.
'''Guest (1):''' Court matters, some, some lawsuits, etc., which I have filed which aggregate to the extent of about ''crore'' rupees or so.


Guest: Yeah. This is a must.
'''Prabhupāda:''' Hmm.


Prabhupāda: Fourth-class, śūdra (indistinct), bribe.
'''Guest (1):''' Oh, I mean I'll get that much. That could be as good amount as you file . . .


Guest (1): (indistinct) one of the partners. (indistinct) another partner.
'''Prabhupāda:''' Where? Where? Your claim?


Guest (2): (indistinct) The demand it as a bribe also.
'''Guest (1):''' Yes, yes.


Guest (1): (indistinct) your partner like that?
'''Prabhupāda:''' You have to . . . you have to pay so much stamping fee.


Guru dāsa: Because blind leaders, we have allowed bribery to come about. In the passport line you have to stand because they suspect one thief. Every man who is a gentleman also has to stand and be inspected. It's Kali-yuga.
'''Guest (1):''' No. The maximum stamp duty to be paid is fifteen thousand. Even if you've got a claim of fifteen ''crores'', fifteen thousand is the maximum stamp duty you have to pay. You don't have to pay more.


Guest (1): One thing is there, when I am worried about this thing or that thing, this is the place where I get peace of mind. I forget everything.
'''Prabhupāda:''' Fifteen thousand you have to pay?


Prabhupāda: That's a fact.
'''Guest (1):''' Yes.


Guest (1): And I don't come here with any expectation, not for liberation or anyone or anything, this or that. I, what I get...
'''Prabhupāda:''' Anartheno nyaya rohita . . . in this age, Kali.


Prabhupāda: If you're getting...
'''Guest (1):''' (indistinct Hindi) . . . he owes me money, and I couldn't get my money back from him.


Guest (1): I am liberated that way already. I don't care about the liberation of tomorrow. Yeah, that's true.
'''Prabhupāda:''' If you have no money, then you cannot get justice, because he's claiming after all it is right claim, but if he had no fifteen thousand, then he could not claim it. Fifteen thousand is there, then <span style="color:#ec710e">. . . vaqil</span> <span style="color:#128807">(. . . lawyer)</span> so on, so on. So anyone who has no money, he cannot get justice in Kali-yuga. Anartheno nyaya rohita. <span style="color:#ec710e">Nyay milega hi nahi</span> <span style="color:#128807">(You will not get justice)</span> . . . (indistinct)


Guru dāsa: Yes, I understand. We are in the same boat.
'''Guest (1):''' A lot of that fifteen thousand is exempted in some spaces, but even then you have to field yourself two times . . . (indistinct) . . . and remain in the . . . I mean present yourself in the court in the mood to argue and talk and all that things. So naturally if you don't have even that much, you have to forego . . . (indistinct) . . . what you're saying is hundred percent true. It's like that.


Guest (1): Actually you are much advanced, so it will be very difficult for you to.... I am still at the lower level and struggling against those things.
'''Prabhupāda:''' Yes. And nowadays bribe also.


Guru dāsa: Only advanced because I'm putting more time in. Otherwise, not more advanced.
'''Guest (1):''' Yeah. This is a must.


Guest (1): Yeah. Capacity has improved. Our capacity is still limited. We are still embroiled in the...
'''Prabhupāda:''' Fourth-class, ''śūdra'' . . . (indistinct) . . . bribe.


Guru dāsa: Advanced means such and such a person has spent so many times in the business house, twenty-five years, he gets a gold watch. The only reason I may be more advanced is 'cause I get peace of mind, too, so I stay longer. [break]
'''Guest (1):''' It is concerning one of the partners. . . . (indistinct) . . . another partner.


Guest (2): We have got an appointment. We have got.... [break]
'''Guest (2):''' (indistinct) . . . they demand it as a bribe also.


Guest (3): ...somewhere. Saturday they close at, by 3 or 3:30 so I want to go before that.
'''Guest (1):''' (indistinct) . . . your partner like that?


Prabhupāda: So, you can go before 3:30. There is no difficulty (laughter)
'''Gurudāsa:''' Because blind leaders, we have allowed bribery to come about. In the passport line you have to stand because they suspect one thief. Every man who is a gentleman also has to stand and be inspected. It's Kali-yuga.


Guest (3): (Hindi)
'''Guest (1):''' One thing is there: When I am worried about this thing or that thing, this is the place where I get peace of mind. I forget everything.


Prabhupāda: (Sanskrit) (laughter)
'''Prabhupāda:''' That's a fact.


Guest (3): (Sanskrit) bhijāyate.  
'''Guest (1):''' And I don't come here with any expectation, not for liberation or anyone or anything, this or that. I, what I get . . .


Prabhupāda: So I have seen this instrument. Destiny is very strong. Karmaṇā daiva-netreṇa jantur deha upapattaye [[SB 3.31.1]] . Therefore śāstra says that you try for that thing which was not possible in many other lives. In each life everyone gets father, mother, son, and the father's duty to son, son, that is going on. When you take birth as demigod-Indra, Candra, Varuṇa—or as human being or as animal the care-taking business is there. Even the small ant during rainy season, when there is so much flood, they take the eggs on the head—you have seen the red ant?—and finding out some place. The care-taking is there. Even the birds, a sparrow. So when their, the season for laying down eggs, they bring some straws, and keep like that to make a nest for taking care of the eggs. So this taking care by the father and mother, beginning from the ant up to the Indra, Candra devas , that is there.
'''Prabhupāda:''' If you're getting . . .


<PS:"Verse in purp">yas tv indragopam athavendram aho sva-karma-<CR>bandhānurūpa-phala-bhājanam ātanoti <CR>karmāṇi nirdahati kintu ca bhakti-bhājāṁ<CR>govindam ādi-puruṣaṁ tam ahaṁ bhajāmi<CR> [Bs. 5.54]
'''Guest (1):''' I am liberated that very day. I don't care about the liberation of tomorrow. Yeah, that's true.


Indra, there is indragopam, one very small insect. It is also called indra, indragopam, insect. And another Indra is the King of heaven. So śāstra says from this Indra to that indra, everyone is bound up by his karma . It includes all others, from this indra to that Indra. Karmāṇi nirdahati kintu ca bhakti-bhājām [Bs. 5.54] . Everyone is bound up by the resultant action of his karma. It cannot be changed. So śāstra says don't try to change your karma-phala. Better utilize that energy for becoming advanced in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Because you cannot change the destiny. That is not possible. Then shall I not endeavor for improvement of my economic, economic position? No. Why? I am, because destiny, whatever you have got your destiny, you'll get it. How shall I get it? Now suppose if you are put into some unwanted circumstances. You do not want it. You are forced to accept it. So similarly, as distressed condition comes upon you without your wanting, similarly, the position of happiness also will come to you, even you don't have to try for it. Tal labhyate duḥkhavad anyataḥ sukham . Just like distressed condition, unhappiness, nobody wants, but it comes, by force. Similarly, the conditional happiness of life. Because everyone's life is mixed up with some distress or happiness. Nobody can say, "I am simply happy." That is not possible. Distress is there, but nobody wants distress. But it comes. So why happiness will not come? So don't waste your time in this way, because you cannot change this. This will come, automatically. You try for Kṛṣṇa consciousness, which you never tried. That is recommended. And there is a Bengali verse, janame janame sabe pitā mātā pāya: to take care of oneself by the fathers, that is available in every life. Because the ant is also taking care. That is not human society, but he's still taking care. The tiger also taking care. The small cubs, they're loitering on the, on the body of the lion, and he is feeling very nice. Even monkeys, I have seen. One monkey came in window, and she had one small child, and somehow or other the child came inside my room. She, that outside monkey, became mad after it. So I had to take... (laughs) The affection is there. The ant, they're affectionate, the snake affectionate, tiger affectionate, man is affectionate. That is given; otherwise who will take care? So therefore the Vaiṣṇava kavi says, janame janame sabe pitā mātā pāya: in every life you'll get father and mother and their protection, kṛṣṇe guru nahi mile bhaja hari ei, but in every life you cannot get Kṛṣṇa and guru take care of. Because unless you get Kṛṣṇa and guru, then you are within the cycle of birth and death. And you get father and mother and their care, that is all right, but kṛṣṇa-guru does not come in that way. That you have to search out. Ei rūpe brahmāṇḍa brahmite kona bhāgyavān jīva guru-kṛṣṇa-kṛpāya pāya bhakti... [[CC Madhya 19.151]]. Because Kṛṣṇa, guru will give you the nucleus of devotional life. Kṛṣṇa guru nahi mile bhaja hari ei.  
'''Gurudāsa:''' Yes, I understand. We are in the same boat.


So actually, that is the fact, and I was going to tell about Śrīdhara Swami. Śrīdhara Swami was a great devotee, so he was thinking of taking sannyāsa. So he was contemplating that "I shall now leave my home and take sannyāsa ." So in the meantime, his wife became pregnant. Then he thought that "I was thinking like that. Anyway, this has happened, and if I take sannyāsa now, what people will say, that 'His wife is pregnant and he has taken sannyāsa, he has gone out of home.' " So he waited, the child was born, and the mother died. (laughing) Then he thought, "I do not know what Kṛṣṇa desires. Who will take care of this child, motherless child?" So that he was thinking very deeply. One lizard dropped before him, one small child lizard. Mother gave birth to a child this morning, and the small lizard was staying, and immediately small ant came before the mouth of that small lizard, and he ate. Then Śrīdhara Swami thought, "The every arrangement is there. Why I am thinking of this or that?" Immediately went away. Actually, that is the position. The actual care is taken by Kṛṣṇa, eko yo bahūnāṁ vidadhāti kāmān, nityo nityānāṁ cetanaś cetanānām ( Kaṭha Upaniṣad 2.2.13). He is taking care of everyone.
'''Guest (1):''' Actually you are much advanced, so it will be very difficult for you to . . . I am still at the lower level and struggling against those things.


So destiny is that we should devote our life for awakening Kṛṣṇa consciousness. This human life is meant for that purpose. By nature's way, prakṛteḥ kriyamāṇāni guṇaiḥ karmāṇi sarvaśaḥ [[BG 3.27]] , nature is bringing us. As soon as we become sinful, we are dropped down to suffer the sequence of sinful life in different varieties. Again, just like a man, criminal, is put into the jail, but when his time is finished, again he is made free. Similarly, the cycle of birth and death, dehāntara-prāptiḥ, tathā dehāntara-prāptiḥ [[BG 3.27]] , one after another, is going on. So the animal life means reaction of sinful life, and upper class of life, demigods, means result of pious life. Two kinds of things are there, sinful and pious, through the cycle of birth is going on. But this human form of life or above human form of life, it is a chance for understanding the real value of life, and therefore for human beings there are guidances, these Vedas, Purāṇas, Vedānta-sūtra. It is meant for the human beings, not for the cats and dogs. Anādi-bahirmukha jīva kṛṣṇa bhuli gela ataeva kṛṣṇa veda-purāṇa kaila [[BG 3.27]] . So it is recommended in the human form of life, first of all training as a brahmacārī, then he may remain as gṛhastha for sometime. The life is divided into four parts, twenty-five years. Suppose I live a hundred years: twenty-five years to become brahmacārī , remain as brahmacārī , and twenty-five years to remain as gṛhastha , family man, and twenty-five years as vānaprastha and twenty-five years as sannyāsa . This is system, Vedic system. Sannyāsa means vānaprastha is the prepāration for sannyāsa, and sannyāsa means completely dedicated to the service of Kṛṣṇa. This is our system. Just like you are spirit soul. Our business is not here. Our business in the spiritual world. Here, by circumstances you have fallen into the material condition, but if you take "This is all-in-all our duty," that is not advised in the śāstra. It is circumstances. We have fallen into, under certain circumstances, so we have to take care of. The real duty is to how to save myself from this material entanglement.
'''Gurudāsa:''' Only advanced because I'm putting more time in. Otherwise, not more advanced.


So our, this institution, that is our ambition, that we are giving, trying to give facilities, at least to some intending person, especially retired person, to take advantage of this institution. As far as possible live, for we have got rooms like that. Live there and take little prasādam and fully devote time how to advance in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. That is success of life. So it is authorized by the śāstras, pañcāś ordhvaṁ vanaṁ vrajet. Therefore you'll find still. But now the things have changed that every holy places there are so many men retired. [break]
'''Guest (1):''' Yeah. Capacity has improved. Our capacity is still limited. We are still embroiled in the . . .


Pradyumna: (chanting Sanskrit to Bhagavad-gītā 1.28) [break]
'''Gurudāsa:''' Advanced means such-and-such a person has spent so many times in the business house, twenty-five years, he gets a gold watch. The only reason I may be more advanced is 'cause I get peace of mind, too, so I stay longer. I don't go. (break) . . . Prabhupada from 1923 to '37


Prabhupāda: "...with my family member shall come to fight with me, so what shall I say, that I have to kill my nephew, I have to kill my brother, I have to kill my grandfather, this is the fight? No, no I am not going to fight. Let them all fight." That is natural. So read it.
'''Guest (2):''' We have got an appointment. We have got . . . (break)


Pradyumna:
'''Guest (3):''' . . . somewhere. Saturday they close at . . . by 3 or 3:30, so I want to go before that.


<div class="conv_verse">
'''Prabhupāda:''' You can go before 3:30. There is no difficulty. Prasadam be ready by half past twelve, one (laughter)
vepathuś ca śarīre me<br />
roma-harṣaś ca jāyate<br />
gāṇḍīvaṁ sraṁsate hastāt<br />
tvak caiva paridahyate<br />
[[BG 1.29]]
</div>


<PS:Lecture> Prabhupāda: "So how can I kill my brother and nephew and others, family members? So my bow is dropping." Go on.
'''Guest (3):''' No, why bother? . . . (indistinct Hindi)


Pradyumna:  
'''Prabhupāda:''' ''Prasāde sarva duḥkhānāṁ''. (laughter)


<div class="conv_verse">
'''Guest (3):''' Hānir asyopajāyate.
na ca śaknomy avasthātuṁ<br />
brahmatīva ca me manaḥ<br />
nimittāni ca paśyāmi<br />
viparītāni keśava<br />
[[BG 1.30]]
</div>


Prabhupāda: Yes, viparītāni. "I came to fight, to gain my kingdom, but I see the opposite." Viparītāni. "I'll not be able to enjoy my kingdom by killing them." (indistinct) Go on.
'''Prabhupāda:''' I can tell you one practical. So I have seen this instrument. Destiny is very strong. ''Karmaṇā daiva-netreṇa jantur deha upapattaye'' ([[SB 3.31.1|SB 3.31.1]]). Therefore ''śāstra'' says that you try for that thing which was not possible in many other lives. In each life everyone gets father, mother, son, and the father's duty to son, son, that is going on. When you take birth as demigod—Indra, Candra, Varuṇa—or as human being or as animal, the care-taking business is there. Even the small ant during rainy season, when there is overflood, they take the eggs on the head—you have seen the red ant?—and finding out some place. The care-taking is there. Even the birds, a sparrow. So when their . . . the season for laying down eggs, they bring some straws and keep like that to make a nest for taking care of the eggs.  


Pradyumna: Ah, translation?
So this taking care by the father and mother, beginning from the ant up to the Indra, Candra ''devas'', that is there.


Prabhupāda: No, no. You can go on.
:''yas tv indragopam athavendram aho sva-karma-''
:''bandhānurūpa-phala-bhājanam ātanoti''
:''karmāṇi nirdahati kintu ca bhakti-bhājāṁ''
:''govindam ādi-puruṣaṁ tam ahaṁ bhajāmi''
:(Bs. 5.54)


Pradyumna:
''Indra'', there is ''indragop'', one very small insect. It is also called ''indra, indragop'', insect. And another Indra is the King of heaven. So ''śāstra'' says from this Indra to that ''indra'', everyone is bound up by his ''karma''. It includes all others, from this ''indra'' to that Indra. ''Karmāṇi nirdahati kintu ca bhakti-bhājām'' (Bs. 5.54). Everyone is bound up by the resultant action of his ''karma''. It cannot be changed.


<div class="conv_verse">
So ''śāstra'' says don't try to change your ''karma-phala''. Better utilize that energy for becoming advanced in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Because you cannot change the destiny. That is not possible. Then shall I not endeavor for improvement of my economic . . . economic position? No. Why? I am, because destiny, whatever you have got your destiny, you'll get it. How shall I get it? Now suppose if you are put into some unwanted circumstances—you do not want it—you are forced to accept it. So similarly, as distressed condition comes upon you without your wanting, similarly, the position of happiness also will come , even you don't have to try for it. ''Tal labhyate duḥkhavad anyataḥ sukham'' ([[SB 1.5.18|SB 1.5.18]]). Just like distressed condition, unhappiness, nobody wants, but it comes by force. Similarly, the conditional happiness of life . . . because everyone's life is mixed up with some distress or happiness. Nobody can say: "I am simply happy." That is not possible. Distress is there, but nobody wants distress. But it comes. So why happiness will not come? So don't waste your time in this way, because you cannot change this. This will come, automatically. You try for Kṛṣṇa consciousness, which you never tried. And that is recommended.
na ca śreyo 'nupaśyāmi <br />
hatvā sva-janam āhave<br />
na kāṅkṣe vijayaṁ kṛṣṇa<br />
na ca rājyaṁ sukhāni ca<br />
[[BG 1.31]]  
</div>


Prabhupāda: Translation.
And there is a Bengali verse, ''janame janame sabe pitā mātā pāya'' (Prema-vivarta): to take care of oneself by the fathers, that is available in every life. Because the ant is also taking care. That is not human society, but he's still taking care. A tiger also taking care. The small cubs, they're loitering on the . . . on the body of the lion, and he is feeling very nice. Even monkeys, I have seen. One monkey came in the window, and she had one small child, and somehow or other the child came inside my room. She, that outside monkey, became mad after it. So I had to take . . . (laughs) The affection is there. The ant, they're affectionate; the snake affectionate; the tiger affectionate; the man is affectionate. That is given. Otherwise, who will take care? So therefore the Vaiṣṇava ''kavi'' says, ''janame janame sabe pitā mātā pāya:'' in every life you'll get father and mother and their protection; ''kṛṣṇe guru nahi mile bhaja hari ei:'' but in every life you cannot get Kṛṣṇa and ''guru'' take care of. Because unless you get Kṛṣṇa and ''guru'', then you are within the cycle of birth and death. And you get father and mother and their care, that is all right, but Kṛṣṇa-guru does not come in that way. That you have to search out. ''Ei rūpe brahmāṇḍa brahmite kona bhāgyavān jīva guru-kṛṣṇa-kṛpāya pāya bhakti'' . . . ([[CC Madhya 19.151|CC Madhya 19.151]]). Because Kṛṣṇa-''guru'' will give you the nucleus of devotional life. So ''kṛṣṇa guru nahi mile bhaja hari ei'' (Prema-vivarta).


Pradyumna: "I do not see how any good can come from killing my own kinsmen in this battle, nor can I, my dear Kṛṣṇa, desire any subsequent victory, kingdom or happiness."
So actually, that is the fact. And I was going to tell about Śrīdhara Svāmī. Śrīdhara Svāmī was a great devotee, so he was thinking of taking ''sannyāsa''. So he was contemplating that, "I shall now leave my home and take ''sannyāsa''." So in the meantime, his wife became pregnant. Then he thought that, "I was thinking like that. Anyway, this has happened, and if I take ''sannyāsa'' now, what people will say, that 'His wife is pregnant and he has taken ''sannyāsa'', he has gone out of home.' " So he waited, the child was born, and the mother died. (laughing) Then he thought, "I do not know what Kṛṣṇa desires. Who will take care of this child, motherless child?" So that he was thinking very deeply. One lizard dropped before him, one small child lizard. <span style="color:#8B0000">Maane,</span> <span style="color:#128807">(Means,)</span> gave birth to a child this small, and the small lizard was staying, and immediately small ant came before the mouth of that small lizard, and he ate. Then Śrīdhara Svāmī thought, "The every arrangement is there. Why I am thinking of this and that?" Immediately went away. Actually, that is the position. The actual care is taken by Kṛṣṇa, ''eko yo bahūnāṁ vidadhāti kāmān'', ''nityo nityānāṁ cetanaś cetanānām'' (Kaṭha Upaniṣad 2.2.13). He is taking care of everyone.


Prabhupāda: Naturally this will be. Then?
Best thing is that we should devote our life for awakening Kṛṣṇa consciousness. This human life is meant for that purpose. By nature's way, ''prakṛteḥ kriyamāṇāni guṇaiḥ karmāṇi sarvaśaḥ'' ([[BG 3.27 (1972)|BG 3.27]]), nature is bringing us. As soon as we become sinful, we are dropped down to suffer the sequence of sinful life in different varieties. Again, just like a man, criminal, is put into the jail, but when his term is finished, again he is made free. Similarly, the cycle of birth and death, ''dehāntara-prāptiḥ, tathā dehāntara-prāptiḥ'' ([[BG 2.13 (1972)|BG 2.13]]), one after another, is going on. So the animal life means reaction of sinful life, and upper class of life, demigods, means result of pious life. Two kinds of things are there, sinful and pious, through the cycle of birth is going on. But this human form of life or above human form of life, it is a chance for understanding the real value of life, and therefore for human beings there are guidances, these ''Vedas, Purāṇas, Vedānta-sūtra''. It is meant for the human beings, not for the cats and dogs. ''Anādi-bahirmukha jīva kṛṣṇa bhuli gela ataeva kṛṣṇa veda-purāṇa kaila''.


Pradyumna:
So it is recommended in the human form of life first of all training as a ''brahmacārī'', then he may remain as ''gṛhastha'' for sometime. The life is divided into four parts, twenty-five years. Suppose I live a hundred years: twenty-five years to become ''brahmacārī'', remain as ''brahmacārī;'' and twenty-five years to remain as ''gṛhastha'', family man; and twenty-five years as ''vānaprastha''; and twenty-five years as ''sannyāsa''. This is system, Vedic system. Sannyāsa means.. ''vānaprastha'' is the preparation for ''sannyāsa'', and ''sannyāsa'' means completely dedicated to the service of Kṛṣṇa. This is our system. Just like you are spirit soul. Our business is not here. Our business in the spiritual world. Here, by circumstances, you have fallen into the material condition, but if we take, "This is all-in-all our duty," that is not advised in the ''śāstra''. It is circumstances. We have fallen into . . . under certain circumstances, so we have to take care of. The real duty is to how to save myself from this material entanglement.


<div class="conv_verse">
So our this institution, that is our ambition, that we are giving . . . trying to give facilities, at least to some intending person, especially retired person, to take advantage of this institution. As far as possible live, for we have got rooms like that. Live there and take little ''prasādam'', and fully devote time how to advance in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. That is success of life. So it is authorized by the ''śāstras, pañcāśordhvaṁ vanaṁ vrajet''. Therefore you'll find still. But now the things have changed that every holy places there are so many men retired. (break)
kiṁ no rājyena govinda<br />
kiṁ bhogair jīvitena vā<br />
yeṣām arthe kāṅkṣitaṁ no<br />
rājyaṁ bhogāḥ sukhāni ca<br />
[[BG 1.32]]
</div>


Prabhupāda: Generally we improve our material condition just to become happy with relatives. When we construct a new house, we invite relatives. So they may come, they will say, "Oh, you have done very nice," and he is also pleased, "My relatives, they have seen." But "If all the relatives are killed, then how it will be possible for me to enjoy the kingdom?" Yeṣām arthe kāṅkṣitam rājyam.
'''Pradyumna:'''


Pradyumna: Bhogāḥ sukhāni ca.
:. . . ''yuyutsuṁ samupasthitam''
:''sīdanti mama gātrāṇi''
:''mukhaṁ ca pariśuṣyati''
:([[BG 1.28 (1972)|BG 1.28]])


Prabhupāda: Yes, bhogāḥ sukhāni ca. Then?
(break)


Pradyumna: Ta ime 'vasthitā yuddhe.
'''Prabhupāda:''' ". . . with my family member shall come to fight with me, so what shall I say, that I have to kill my nephew, I have to kill my brother, I have to kill my grandfather, this is the fight? No, no, I am not going to fight, let them all die." That is natural. So read it.


Prabhupāda: "They, for whom I wanted this kingdom, they are in my path. I have to kill them. So what kind of fight is this?" Then?
'''Pradyumna:'''


Pradyumna:
:''vepathuś ca śarīre me''
:''roma-harṣaś ca jāyate''
:''gāṇḍīvaṁ sraṁsate hastāt''
:''tvak caiva paridahyate''
:([[BG 1.29 (1972)|BG 1.29]])


<div class="conv_verse">
'''Prabhupāda:''' "So how can I kill my brother and nephew and others, family members? So my bow is dropping." Go on.
prāṇāṁs tyaktvā dhanāni ca<br />
ācāryāḥ pitaraḥ putrās<br />
tathaiva ca pitāmahāḥ<br />
mātulāḥ śvaśurāḥ pautrāḥ<br />
śyālāḥ sambandhinas tathā
</div>


Prabhupāda: "I have to kill them, all the religious and family members." Then?
'''Pradyumna:'''


Pradyumna: Etān na hantum icchāmi.
:''na ca śaknomy avasthātuṁ''
:''brahmatīva ca me manaḥ''
:''nimittāni ca paśyāmi''
:''viparītāni keśava''
:([[BG 1.30 (1972)|BG 1.30]])


Prabhupāda: "I don't like. I don't want this fight." (laughs)
'''Prabhupāda:''' Yes, ''viparītāni''. "I came to fight, to gain my kingdom, but I see the opposite." ''Viparītāni''. "I'll not be able to enjoy my kingdom by killing them." That thing is said there. Go on.


Pradyumna: Ghnato 'pi madhusūdana.
'''Pradyumna:''' Ah, translation?


Prabhupāda: "Then let them kill me. I'll tolerate that. But I am not going to kill them." Then?
'''Prabhupāda:''' No, no. You can go on.


Pradyumna:
'''Pradyumna:'''


<div class="conv_verse">
:''na ca śreyo 'nupaśyāmi''
api trailokya-rājyasya<br />
:''hatvā sva-janam āhave''
hetoḥ kiṁ nu mahī-kṛte<br />
:''na kāṅkṣe vijayaṁ kṛṣṇa''
nihatya dhārtarāṣṭrān naḥ<br />
:''na ca rājyaṁ sukhāni ca''
kā prītiḥ syāj janārdana<br />
:([[BG 1.31 (1972)|BG 1.31]])
[[BG 1.35]]  
</div>


Prabhupāda: So in this way he decided, or he made a plan, not to kill. From superficial, material point of view, he was very nice gentleman. But Kṛṣṇa actually chastised , kutas tvā kaśmalam idaṁ viṣame samupasthitam, aśocyān anvaśocas tvaṁ prajñā-vādāṁś... [[BG 2.11]]. "You are talking like a very learned man, but you are fool number one." This is the instruction of Bhagavad-gītā . And then at last He said that "The most confidential part of knowledge I am telling you," sarva-dharmān parityajya mām e... [[BG 2.11]]. "What I say, you do. That means I am asking you to kill, to do that." So he said, kariṣye vacanam, "Yes." That is Kṛṣṇa consciousness. "I do not like to do it, but Kṛṣṇa wants me to do, all right." This is Kṛṣṇa consciousness. It is very difficult. (laughing) I do not like to do, but Kṛṣṇa likes to do, I have to do it. This decision is very good. A Kṛṣṇa conscious person, a devotee, is prepared to do anything nonsense for Kṛṣṇa, even in the estimation of ordinary person. People ask me that "You are spreading Kṛṣṇa consciousness and he is, say, encouraging war," because they have got experience of the last two wars in Western country. So when Kṛṣṇa encouraging the war, they do not take it very nicely. They say, "What kind of God He is?" because they have suffered in the war, and then we are presenting a God who is encouraging war. So there was one lawyer, you know, Goldsmith. He helped me, incorporated this...
'''Prabhupāda:''' Translation.


Devotee: In New York.
'''Pradyumna:''' "I do not see how any good can come from killing my own kinsmen in this battle, nor can I, my dear Kṛṣṇa, desire any subsequent victory, kingdom or happiness."


Prabhupāda: New York, yes. He was very good friend. So he was asking that "How it is good, Swamiji, that Kṛṣṇa is encouraging war, fight?" Although Arjuna was making own plan not to fight, Kṛṣṇa took the trouble for instructing him Gītā and then inducing to change his plan: "Go on, fight!" (end)
'''Prabhupāda:''' Naturally this will be. Then?


{{CV_Footer|{{PAGENAME}}}}
'''Pradyumna:'''
 
:''kiṁ no rājyena govinda''
:''kiṁ bhogair jīvitena vā''
:''yeṣām arthe kāṅkṣitaṁ no''
:''rājyaṁ bhogāḥ sukhāni ca''
:([[BG 1.32-35 (1972)|BG 1.32]])
 
'''Prabhupāda:''' Generally we improve our material condition just to become happy with relatives. When we construct a new house, we invite relatives. So they may come, they will say: "Oh, you have done very nice," and he is also pleased, "My relatives, they have seen." But "If all the relatives are killed, then how it will be possible for me to enjoy the kingdom?" ''Yeṣām arthe kāṅkṣitam rājyam''.
 
'''Pradyumna:''' ''Bhogāḥ sukhāni ca.''
 
'''Prabhupāda:''' Yes, ''bhogāḥ sukhāni ca''. Then?
 
'''Pradyumna:''' ''Ta ime 'vasthitā yuddhe''.
 
'''Prabhupāda:''' "They, for whom I wanted this kingdom, they are in my path. I have to kill them. So what kind of fight is this?" Then?
 
'''Pradyumna:'''
 
:. . . ''prāṇāṁs tyaktvā dhanāni ca''
:''ācāryāḥ pitaraḥ putrās''
:''tathaiva ca pitāmahāḥ''
 
:mātulāḥ śvaśurāḥ pautrāḥ
:śyālāḥ sambandhinas tathā . . .
:([[BG 1.32-35 (1972)|BG 1.33-34]])
 
'''Prabhupāda:''' "I have to kill them, all the religious and family members." Then?
 
'''Pradyumna:''' ''Etān na hantum icchāmi''.
 
'''Prabhupāda:''' "I don't like. I don't want this fight." (laughs) Then?
 
'''Pradyumna:''' ''Ghnato 'pi madhusūdana.''
 
'''Prabhupāda:''' "Then let them kill me. I'll tolerate that. But I am not going to kill them." Then?
 
'''Pradyumna:'''
 
:''api trailokya-rājyasya''
:''hetoḥ kiṁ nu mahī-kṛte''
:''nihatya dhārtarāṣṭrān naḥ''
:''kā prītiḥ syāj janārdana''
:([[BG 1.32-35 (1972)|BG 1.35]])
 
'''Prabhupāda:''' So in this way he decided, or he made a plan, not to kill. From superficial, material point of view, he was very nice gentleman. But Kṛṣṇa actually chastised, ''kutas tvā kaśmalam idaṁ viṣame samupasthitam, aśocyān anvaśocas tvaṁ prajñā-vādāṁś'' . . . ([[BG 2.11 (1972)|BG 2.11]]): "You are talking like a very learned man, but you are fool number one." This is the instruction of ''Bhagavad-gītā''. And then at last He said that "The most confidential part of knowledge I am telling you," ''sarva-dharmān parityajya mām e'' . . . ([[BG 18.66 (1972)|BG 18.66]]): "What I say, you do. That means I am asking you to kill, you do that." So he said, ''kariṣye vacanam'', "Yes." That is Kṛṣṇa consciousness. "I do not like to do it, but Kṛṣṇa wants me to do, all right." This is Kṛṣṇa consciousness. It is very difficult. (laughing) I do not like to do, but Kṛṣṇa likes to do, I have to do it. This decision is very good. (break) . . . a Kṛṣṇa conscious person, a devotee, is prepared to do anything nonsense for Kṛṣṇa, even in the estimation of ordinary person. People ask me that "You are spreading Kṛṣṇa consciousness and He is, say, encouraging war," because they have got experience of the last two wars in Western country. So when Kṛṣṇa encouraging the war, they do not take it very nicely. "What kind of God He is?" They have suffered in the war, and then we are presenting a God who is encouraging war. So there was one lawyer, you know, Goldsmith. He helped me, incorporated this . . .
 
'''Devotee:''' In New York.
 
'''Prabhupāda:''' New York, yes. He was very good friend. So he was asking that, "How it is good, Swāmījī, that Kṛṣṇa is encouraging war, fight?" Although Arjuna was making his own plan not to fight, Kṛṣṇa took the trouble for instructing him ''Gītā'' and then inducing him to change his plan, "Go on, fight!" (end)

Latest revision as of 04:58, 7 February 2024

His Divine Grace
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada




740206R1-VRNDAVAN - February 06, 1974 - 31:26 Minutes



Prabhupāda: My Godbrother's son-in-law, they came to see me.

Gurudāsa: Any service for me?

Prabhupāda: What you are doing there now?

Gurudāsa: Um, I've just been talking with Saurabha about the Māyāpur plans to present at this conference in Vancouver, acquisition. We're making a presentation there.

Prabhupāda: Oh.

Gurudāsa: So we're getting that together. Tomorrow I'm leaving.

Prabhupāda: For Vancouver?

Gurudāsa: No, I'm go . . . tomorrow I'm going to join Bhavānanda for a week, Bhavānanda Swami. Then I go to Delhi to see . . . and I'm also going to Bhuvaneśvara for Gopāla Kṛṣṇa. Then I'm going to Delhi to see that American Ambassador again about putting our name on the food list, Indo-American food list, then Vṛndāvana, then Vancouver.

Prabhupāda: So gradually there will be . . . (indistinct) . . . go where?

Gurudāsa: New York.

Prabhupāda: New York. Delhi to New York?

Gurudāsa: Yes.

Prabhupāda: Then go to the Western . . . (indistinct)

Gurudāsa: Yes.

Prabhupāda: New York then . . . (indistinct)

Gurudāsa: I think it is direct. That I can do.

Indian man: America chala jayega. (Went to America.)

Prabhupāda: Idhar baithiye. Akele aya aap toh? (Sit here. You all came alone?) . . . (indistinct) . . . dekhiye kaise ye log sab prachaar kar rahe hai. (Just see how this boy is preaching.)

Indian man: Humare un karovar ke liye jaane ka vichaar tha wo toh kab jan jan ka sajjan hai. (I was thinking of going there for business purposes, but that will be after the business is established well, then we will see.)

Prabhupāda: Kya? (What?)

Indian man: In relation with our business also, I am thinking of going.

Prabhupāda: No business. (laughter) Don't go. Business is this hari kīrtana. Dekho ye log business sab jaante hai. Toh unse business kaun karega? (Just see, they know how to do business very well but who will do business with them?)

Guest (1): Anyway, kind of you. I just said that I had thought of that in my own different way also.

Prabhupāda: Business is bad.

Gurudāsa: People carry on business for happiness and enough to eat and enough clothing. That, no separate endeavor is necessary. Kṛṣṇa gives it all, and more happiness. We can attest to that because we did business. All of us were businessmen.

Prabhupāda: Humara ye sab prchar me kam se kam daily dus hazaaar aadmi ekhathe hote hai. Koi humara . . . (In our preaching program about ten thousand people attend everyday. Our nothing is) . . .

Guest (1): . . . koi kam nahi karta hai. (indistinct) . . . (Nothing falls short. The Lord only gives.)

Prabhupāda: Hum aise hi rehte hai. (indistinct) . . . (They stay here like this, they are all well educated people) . . . (indistinct) . . . oh, I see that are . . . (indistinct)

Guest (1): No, I am not leaving. Whether Kṛṣṇa gives me fifty rupees or five million rupees, it does not make much difference, because I am in the line, because I am in the line.

Prabhupāda: That's all.

Guest (1): I may leave any time.

Prabhupāda: No, no, that's all right.

Guest (1): I may leave any time also.

Prabhupāda: That is our purpose to do something.

Guest (1): Unfortunately some things happened, and some court matters are going on.

Prabhupāda: Court?

Guest (1): Court matters, some, some lawsuits, etc., which I have filed which aggregate to the extent of about crore rupees or so.

Prabhupāda: Hmm.

Guest (1): Oh, I mean I'll get that much. That could be as good amount as you file . . .

Prabhupāda: Where? Where? Your claim?

Guest (1): Yes, yes.

Prabhupāda: You have to . . . you have to pay so much stamping fee.

Guest (1): No. The maximum stamp duty to be paid is fifteen thousand. Even if you've got a claim of fifteen crores, fifteen thousand is the maximum stamp duty you have to pay. You don't have to pay more.

Prabhupāda: Fifteen thousand you have to pay?

Guest (1): Yes.

Prabhupāda: Anartheno nyaya rohita . . . in this age, Kali.

Guest (1): (indistinct Hindi) . . . he owes me money, and I couldn't get my money back from him.

Prabhupāda: If you have no money, then you cannot get justice, because he's claiming after all it is right claim, but if he had no fifteen thousand, then he could not claim it. Fifteen thousand is there, then . . . vaqil (. . . lawyer) so on, so on. So anyone who has no money, he cannot get justice in Kali-yuga. Anartheno nyaya rohita. Nyay milega hi nahi (You will not get justice) . . . (indistinct)

Guest (1): A lot of that fifteen thousand is exempted in some spaces, but even then you have to field yourself two times . . . (indistinct) . . . and remain in the . . . I mean present yourself in the court in the mood to argue and talk and all that things. So naturally if you don't have even that much, you have to forego . . . (indistinct) . . . what you're saying is hundred percent true. It's like that.

Prabhupāda: Yes. And nowadays bribe also.

Guest (1): Yeah. This is a must.

Prabhupāda: Fourth-class, śūdra . . . (indistinct) . . . bribe.

Guest (1): It is concerning one of the partners. . . . (indistinct) . . . another partner.

Guest (2): (indistinct) . . . they demand it as a bribe also.

Guest (1): (indistinct) . . . your partner like that?

Gurudāsa: Because blind leaders, we have allowed bribery to come about. In the passport line you have to stand because they suspect one thief. Every man who is a gentleman also has to stand and be inspected. It's Kali-yuga.

Guest (1): One thing is there: When I am worried about this thing or that thing, this is the place where I get peace of mind. I forget everything.

Prabhupāda: That's a fact.

Guest (1): And I don't come here with any expectation, not for liberation or anyone or anything, this or that. I, what I get . . .

Prabhupāda: If you're getting . . .

Guest (1): I am liberated that very day. I don't care about the liberation of tomorrow. Yeah, that's true.

Gurudāsa: Yes, I understand. We are in the same boat.

Guest (1): Actually you are much advanced, so it will be very difficult for you to . . . I am still at the lower level and struggling against those things.

Gurudāsa: Only advanced because I'm putting more time in. Otherwise, not more advanced.

Guest (1): Yeah. Capacity has improved. Our capacity is still limited. We are still embroiled in the . . .

Gurudāsa: Advanced means such-and-such a person has spent so many times in the business house, twenty-five years, he gets a gold watch. The only reason I may be more advanced is 'cause I get peace of mind, too, so I stay longer. I don't go. (break) . . . Prabhupada from 1923 to '37

Guest (2): We have got an appointment. We have got . . . (break)

Guest (3): . . . somewhere. Saturday they close at . . . by 3 or 3:30, so I want to go before that.

Prabhupāda: You can go before 3:30. There is no difficulty. Prasadam be ready by half past twelve, one (laughter)

Guest (3): No, why bother? . . . (indistinct Hindi)

Prabhupāda: Prasāde sarva duḥkhānāṁ. (laughter)

Guest (3): Hānir asyopajāyate.

Prabhupāda: I can tell you one practical. So I have seen this instrument. Destiny is very strong. Karmaṇā daiva-netreṇa jantur deha upapattaye (SB 3.31.1). Therefore śāstra says that you try for that thing which was not possible in many other lives. In each life everyone gets father, mother, son, and the father's duty to son, son, that is going on. When you take birth as demigod—Indra, Candra, Varuṇa—or as human being or as animal, the care-taking business is there. Even the small ant during rainy season, when there is overflood, they take the eggs on the head—you have seen the red ant?—and finding out some place. The care-taking is there. Even the birds, a sparrow. So when their . . . the season for laying down eggs, they bring some straws and keep like that to make a nest for taking care of the eggs.

So this taking care by the father and mother, beginning from the ant up to the Indra, Candra devas, that is there.

yas tv indragopam athavendram aho sva-karma-
bandhānurūpa-phala-bhājanam ātanoti
karmāṇi nirdahati kintu ca bhakti-bhājāṁ
govindam ādi-puruṣaṁ tam ahaṁ bhajāmi
(Bs. 5.54)

Indra, there is indragop, one very small insect. It is also called indra, indragop, insect. And another Indra is the King of heaven. So śāstra says from this Indra to that indra, everyone is bound up by his karma. It includes all others, from this indra to that Indra. Karmāṇi nirdahati kintu ca bhakti-bhājām (Bs. 5.54). Everyone is bound up by the resultant action of his karma. It cannot be changed.

So śāstra says don't try to change your karma-phala. Better utilize that energy for becoming advanced in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Because you cannot change the destiny. That is not possible. Then shall I not endeavor for improvement of my economic . . . economic position? No. Why? I am, because destiny, whatever you have got your destiny, you'll get it. How shall I get it? Now suppose if you are put into some unwanted circumstances—you do not want it—you are forced to accept it. So similarly, as distressed condition comes upon you without your wanting, similarly, the position of happiness also will come , even you don't have to try for it. Tal labhyate duḥkhavad anyataḥ sukham (SB 1.5.18). Just like distressed condition, unhappiness, nobody wants, but it comes by force. Similarly, the conditional happiness of life . . . because everyone's life is mixed up with some distress or happiness. Nobody can say: "I am simply happy." That is not possible. Distress is there, but nobody wants distress. But it comes. So why happiness will not come? So don't waste your time in this way, because you cannot change this. This will come, automatically. You try for Kṛṣṇa consciousness, which you never tried. And that is recommended.

And there is a Bengali verse, janame janame sabe pitā mātā pāya (Prema-vivarta): to take care of oneself by the fathers, that is available in every life. Because the ant is also taking care. That is not human society, but he's still taking care. A tiger also taking care. The small cubs, they're loitering on the . . . on the body of the lion, and he is feeling very nice. Even monkeys, I have seen. One monkey came in the window, and she had one small child, and somehow or other the child came inside my room. She, that outside monkey, became mad after it. So I had to take . . . (laughs) The affection is there. The ant, they're affectionate; the snake affectionate; the tiger affectionate; the man is affectionate. That is given. Otherwise, who will take care? So therefore the Vaiṣṇava kavi says, janame janame sabe pitā mātā pāya: in every life you'll get father and mother and their protection; kṛṣṇe guru nahi mile bhaja hari ei: but in every life you cannot get Kṛṣṇa and guru take care of. Because unless you get Kṛṣṇa and guru, then you are within the cycle of birth and death. And you get father and mother and their care, that is all right, but Kṛṣṇa-guru does not come in that way. That you have to search out. Ei rūpe brahmāṇḍa brahmite kona bhāgyavān jīva guru-kṛṣṇa-kṛpāya pāya bhakti . . . (CC Madhya 19.151). Because Kṛṣṇa-guru will give you the nucleus of devotional life. So kṛṣṇa guru nahi mile bhaja hari ei (Prema-vivarta).

So actually, that is the fact. And I was going to tell about Śrīdhara Svāmī. Śrīdhara Svāmī was a great devotee, so he was thinking of taking sannyāsa. So he was contemplating that, "I shall now leave my home and take sannyāsa." So in the meantime, his wife became pregnant. Then he thought that, "I was thinking like that. Anyway, this has happened, and if I take sannyāsa now, what people will say, that 'His wife is pregnant and he has taken sannyāsa, he has gone out of home.' " So he waited, the child was born, and the mother died. (laughing) Then he thought, "I do not know what Kṛṣṇa desires. Who will take care of this child, motherless child?" So that he was thinking very deeply. One lizard dropped before him, one small child lizard. Maane, (Means,) gave birth to a child this small, and the small lizard was staying, and immediately small ant came before the mouth of that small lizard, and he ate. Then Śrīdhara Svāmī thought, "The every arrangement is there. Why I am thinking of this and that?" Immediately went away. Actually, that is the position. The actual care is taken by Kṛṣṇa, eko yo bahūnāṁ vidadhāti kāmān, nityo nityānāṁ cetanaś cetanānām (Kaṭha Upaniṣad 2.2.13). He is taking care of everyone.

Best thing is that we should devote our life for awakening Kṛṣṇa consciousness. This human life is meant for that purpose. By nature's way, prakṛteḥ kriyamāṇāni guṇaiḥ karmāṇi sarvaśaḥ (BG 3.27), nature is bringing us. As soon as we become sinful, we are dropped down to suffer the sequence of sinful life in different varieties. Again, just like a man, criminal, is put into the jail, but when his term is finished, again he is made free. Similarly, the cycle of birth and death, dehāntara-prāptiḥ, tathā dehāntara-prāptiḥ (BG 2.13), one after another, is going on. So the animal life means reaction of sinful life, and upper class of life, demigods, means result of pious life. Two kinds of things are there, sinful and pious, through the cycle of birth is going on. But this human form of life or above human form of life, it is a chance for understanding the real value of life, and therefore for human beings there are guidances, these Vedas, Purāṇas, Vedānta-sūtra. It is meant for the human beings, not for the cats and dogs. Anādi-bahirmukha jīva kṛṣṇa bhuli gela ataeva kṛṣṇa veda-purāṇa kaila.

So it is recommended in the human form of life first of all training as a brahmacārī, then he may remain as gṛhastha for sometime. The life is divided into four parts, twenty-five years. Suppose I live a hundred years: twenty-five years to become brahmacārī, remain as brahmacārī; and twenty-five years to remain as gṛhastha, family man; and twenty-five years as vānaprastha; and twenty-five years as sannyāsa. This is system, Vedic system. Sannyāsa means.. vānaprastha is the preparation for sannyāsa, and sannyāsa means completely dedicated to the service of Kṛṣṇa. This is our system. Just like you are spirit soul. Our business is not here. Our business in the spiritual world. Here, by circumstances, you have fallen into the material condition, but if we take, "This is all-in-all our duty," that is not advised in the śāstra. It is circumstances. We have fallen into . . . under certain circumstances, so we have to take care of. The real duty is to how to save myself from this material entanglement.

So our this institution, that is our ambition, that we are giving . . . trying to give facilities, at least to some intending person, especially retired person, to take advantage of this institution. As far as possible live, for we have got rooms like that. Live there and take little prasādam, and fully devote time how to advance in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. That is success of life. So it is authorized by the śāstras, pañcāśordhvaṁ vanaṁ vrajet. Therefore you'll find still. But now the things have changed that every holy places there are so many men retired. (break)

Pradyumna:

. . . yuyutsuṁ samupasthitam
sīdanti mama gātrāṇi
mukhaṁ ca pariśuṣyati
(BG 1.28)

(break)

Prabhupāda: ". . . with my family member shall come to fight with me, so what shall I say, that I have to kill my nephew, I have to kill my brother, I have to kill my grandfather, this is the fight? No, no, I am not going to fight, let them all die." That is natural. So read it.

Pradyumna:

vepathuś ca śarīre me
roma-harṣaś ca jāyate
gāṇḍīvaṁ sraṁsate hastāt
tvak caiva paridahyate
(BG 1.29)

Prabhupāda: "So how can I kill my brother and nephew and others, family members? So my bow is dropping." Go on.

Pradyumna:

na ca śaknomy avasthātuṁ
brahmatīva ca me manaḥ
nimittāni ca paśyāmi
viparītāni keśava
(BG 1.30)

Prabhupāda: Yes, viparītāni. "I came to fight, to gain my kingdom, but I see the opposite." Viparītāni. "I'll not be able to enjoy my kingdom by killing them." That thing is said there. Go on.

Pradyumna: Ah, translation?

Prabhupāda: No, no. You can go on.

Pradyumna:

na ca śreyo 'nupaśyāmi
hatvā sva-janam āhave
na kāṅkṣe vijayaṁ kṛṣṇa
na ca rājyaṁ sukhāni ca
(BG 1.31)

Prabhupāda: Translation.

Pradyumna: "I do not see how any good can come from killing my own kinsmen in this battle, nor can I, my dear Kṛṣṇa, desire any subsequent victory, kingdom or happiness."

Prabhupāda: Naturally this will be. Then?

Pradyumna:

kiṁ no rājyena govinda
kiṁ bhogair jīvitena vā
yeṣām arthe kāṅkṣitaṁ no
rājyaṁ bhogāḥ sukhāni ca
(BG 1.32)

Prabhupāda: Generally we improve our material condition just to become happy with relatives. When we construct a new house, we invite relatives. So they may come, they will say: "Oh, you have done very nice," and he is also pleased, "My relatives, they have seen." But "If all the relatives are killed, then how it will be possible for me to enjoy the kingdom?" Yeṣām arthe kāṅkṣitam rājyam.

Pradyumna: Bhogāḥ sukhāni ca.

Prabhupāda: Yes, bhogāḥ sukhāni ca. Then?

Pradyumna: Ta ime 'vasthitā yuddhe.

Prabhupāda: "They, for whom I wanted this kingdom, they are in my path. I have to kill them. So what kind of fight is this?" Then?

Pradyumna:

. . . prāṇāṁs tyaktvā dhanāni ca
ācāryāḥ pitaraḥ putrās
tathaiva ca pitāmahāḥ
mātulāḥ śvaśurāḥ pautrāḥ
śyālāḥ sambandhinas tathā . . .
(BG 1.33-34)

Prabhupāda: "I have to kill them, all the religious and family members." Then?

Pradyumna: Etān na hantum icchāmi.

Prabhupāda: "I don't like. I don't want this fight." (laughs) Then?

Pradyumna: Ghnato 'pi madhusūdana.

Prabhupāda: "Then let them kill me. I'll tolerate that. But I am not going to kill them." Then?

Pradyumna:

api trailokya-rājyasya
hetoḥ kiṁ nu mahī-kṛte
nihatya dhārtarāṣṭrān naḥ
kā prītiḥ syāj janārdana
(BG 1.35)

Prabhupāda: So in this way he decided, or he made a plan, not to kill. From superficial, material point of view, he was very nice gentleman. But Kṛṣṇa actually chastised, kutas tvā kaśmalam idaṁ viṣame samupasthitam, aśocyān anvaśocas tvaṁ prajñā-vādāṁś . . . (BG 2.11): "You are talking like a very learned man, but you are fool number one." This is the instruction of Bhagavad-gītā. And then at last He said that "The most confidential part of knowledge I am telling you," sarva-dharmān parityajya mām e . . . (BG 18.66): "What I say, you do. That means I am asking you to kill, you do that." So he said, kariṣye vacanam, "Yes." That is Kṛṣṇa consciousness. "I do not like to do it, but Kṛṣṇa wants me to do, all right." This is Kṛṣṇa consciousness. It is very difficult. (laughing) I do not like to do, but Kṛṣṇa likes to do, I have to do it. This decision is very good. (break) . . . a Kṛṣṇa conscious person, a devotee, is prepared to do anything nonsense for Kṛṣṇa, even in the estimation of ordinary person. People ask me that "You are spreading Kṛṣṇa consciousness and He is, say, encouraging war," because they have got experience of the last two wars in Western country. So when Kṛṣṇa encouraging the war, they do not take it very nicely. "What kind of God He is?" They have suffered in the war, and then we are presenting a God who is encouraging war. So there was one lawyer, you know, Goldsmith. He helped me, incorporated this . . .

Devotee: In New York.

Prabhupāda: New York, yes. He was very good friend. So he was asking that, "How it is good, Swāmījī, that Kṛṣṇa is encouraging war, fight?" Although Arjuna was making his own plan not to fight, Kṛṣṇa took the trouble for instructing him Gītā and then inducing him to change his plan, "Go on, fight!" (end)