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nāyam ātmā pravacanena labhyo and nāyam ātmā balhīnenalabhyo

Muṇḍaka Upaniṣad and Śvetaśvatara Upaniṣad

The eyes are the windows to the soul, and for a devotee, they are also the means to see the Lord. But seeing the Lord is not a matter of mere curiosity or ambition. It is a matter of love, humility and grace.

A devotee has an intense desire to see the Lord, because he loves Him more than anything else. He longs to behold His beautiful form, His enchanting smile, His captivating eyes. He wants to offer his obeisance, his prayers, his service to the Lord. He wants to experience the bliss of His presence,His touch, His voice.

But a devotee is also humble. He knows that he is not worthy of seeing the Lord, who is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the source of all existence, the master of all opulence. He knows that he is a fallen soul, a conditioned being, a sinner. He knows that he has offended the Lord in many ways, knowingly or unknowingly. He knows that he has no qualification, no merit, no claim to see the Lord.

This paradoxical situation creates a mood of viraḥ or love in separation. The devotee feels an intense pain of separation from the Lord, but also a hope of meeting Him someday. He feels a deep gratitude for the Lord’s mercy, but also a fear of displeasing Him. He feels a burning eagerness to see the Lord, but also surrender to His will. This is the highest state of devotion, the culmination of our philosophy.

But how can one attain this state? How can one see the Lord? The answer is simple: by the Lord’s grace. The Lord is not an object that can be seen by our material senses. He is not bound by our logic or our expectations. He is not obliged to reveal Himself to anyone. He is free and independent. He can only be seen when He chooses to reveal Himself

Bhagavān is the ultimate reality that can only be known by grace, not by mere hearing. This is the essence of all Upanishads, the sacred scriptures that reveal the highest truth. This is the foundation for all other teachings, the axis around which everything else revolves. This is the bhakti perspective, the path of devotion that seeks to love and serve Bhagavān in all forms and aspects.

So a devotee prays sincerely and earnestly for that mercy. He begs the Lord to show Himself to him, even for a moment. He expresses his longing and his lamentation, his joy and his sorrow, his faith and his doubt. He reveals his heart to the Lord, without any pretense or pride. He accepts whatever the Lord gives him, without any complaint or demand.

He serves the Lord in every possible way, with every possible mood. He serves Him physically by cleaning His temple, by cooking for Him, by dressing Him, by offering Him flowers and fruits. He serves Him mentally by meditating on Him, by remembering Him, by glorifying Him, by singing for Him. He serves Him emotionally by loving Him, by trusting Him, by surrendering to Him.

He does all this with an attitude of humility and gratitude. He does not think that he is doing anything great or special for the Lord. He does not think that he deserves any reward or recognition for his service. He does not think that he has any right or claim over the Lord. He thinks that he is simply doing his duty as a servant and a friend of the Lord.

He thinks that whatever he does is insignificant compared to what the Lord does for him. He thinks that whatever he has is a gift from the Lord and belongs to Him. He thinks that whatever he wants is subordinate to what the Lord wants for him.

He thinks that he is nothing and the Lord is everything.

This is how a devotee sees the Lord: with eyes of devotion.

Have you ever wondered if you truly exist? How can you prove that you are not a product of artificial intelligence or a computer simulation? How can you know that you have a soul or a consciousness that makes you different from a zombie?

These are some of the questions that have puzzled philosophers, scientists and spiritual seekers for centuries.

The Zombie Problem

One way to approach the question of existence is to imagine a scenario where you encounter a zombie. A zombie is a creature that looks and acts like a human, but has no inner life or emotions. It is just a mindless automaton that follows its programming. How would you tell the difference between a zombie and a real human?

You might think that you can simply cut the zombie and see if it bleeds or feels pain. But what if the zombie is made of carbon and has a sophisticated system that mimics blood and nerve signals? What if the zombie can also talk and respond to your questions, but only by repeating what it has heard before or using a pre-programmed algorithm?

The problem is that you can never be sure that the zombie is not just pretending to be alive. You can’t access its inner experience or verify its consciousness. You can only observe its external behavior, which may be indistinguishable from a human’s. This means that you can’t prove your own existence either, because you could be a zombie yourself and not know it.

The Simulation Hypothesis

Another way to challenge the question of existence is to consider the possibility that we are all living in a computer simulation. This idea has been popularized by movies like The Matrix and The Truman Show, but it also has some scientific and philosophical support.

One argument for the simulation hypothesis is based on String Theory, which is a branch of physics that tries to explain the fundamental nature of reality. According to string theory, there is a lower quantum reality beyond the strings of normal physics where digital codes (010101) exist. These codes could be the source of everything we see and experience in our world.

Another argument for the simulation hypothesis is based on probability. Some thinkers have suggested that if it is possible to create realistic simulations of human civilizations, then there must be many more simulated worlds than real ones. Therefore, it is more likely that we are living in one of them than in the original one.

The simulation hypothesis raises many questions about the nature of our existence. Who created the simulation and why? How can we tell if we are in a simulation or not? What happens if we escape or end the simulation? Do we have free will or are we predetermined by the code?

The Spiritual Perspective

A third way to approach the question of existence is to look at it from a spiritual perspective. Many religions and traditions have claimed that there is more to reality than what we perceive with our senses. They have taught that we have a soul or a spirit that transcends our physical body and connects us to a higher power or a divine source.

One example of such a perspective is found in the Bhagavad Gita, which is a sacred text of Hinduism. The Bhagavad Gita says that we are not our body, mind or senses, but we are the soul (consciousness), which is eternal and indestructible. The soul is part of God (super consciousness), who is the source of all existence.

The Bhagavad Gita also says that we cannot see God with our eyes, but we can experience him within ourselves through self-realization. Self-realization is the process of discovering our true nature and identity as souls and as part of God. It is achieved by practicing yoga, which means union with God.

The spiritual perspective offers a different way of answering the question of existence. It does not rely on external evidence or logical arguments, but on inner experience and intuition. It does not deny the reality of the physical world, but it also acknowledges the reality of the spiritual world. It does not claim to prove our existence, but it invites us to realize it for ourselves.

Conclusion

The question of existence is one of the most profound and fascinating questions that humans have ever asked. There is no definitive answer or proof that can satisfy everyone, but there are many ways to explore and understand it.

We can use our reason and logic to examine the possibility of zombies or simulations. We can use our imagination and creativity to envision alternative scenarios or realities. We can use our faith and spirituality to seek guidance and connection with something greater than ourselves.

Ultimately, the question of existence is not just an intellectual exercise, but a personal journey. It challenges us to reflect on who we are, why we are here, and what we want to do with our lives. It invites us to discover our true potential and purpose as beings who exist in this mysterious and wonderful world.

Many devotees assume that the joy, sweetness and emotions they feel in their devotion are genuine, but that may not always be true.How can we tell if our experience is authentic and not just a feeling, a thought, or a delusion?There are four indicators of real experience in devotion.

1.Transcendental Happiness

There are two kinds of happiness: one that comes from the world and one that comes from God.

The worldly happiness depends on external circumstances. When things go well, we feel happy. When things go wrong, we feel sad.

The divine happiness is different. It involves both happiness and sadness at the same time.

When we transcend the world and its attachments, we see the reality. We realize that we are far away from God and that we have neglected Him for a long time. We feel very sorry for this and we want to return to Him. This makes us very sad.

But this sadness is not negative. It is also mixed with happiness because we know God and we love Him. We feel a deep pain in our heart because we are separated from Him, but we also feel a sweet joy because we are remembering Him.

If we truly love God, we will experience both happiness and sadness at the same time. This is the true happiness from God which is called transcendental because it comes from God who is beyond this world.

2. Loss of Interest in Material Desires

Once you have tasted the real sweetness of God, you will find that the things that you were crazy about will no longer attract you.

3. Absolute Union with Absolute Will

If your experience is true, then you will align your Will with the Will of God.

4. Freedom from All Past Sinful Reactions

All your past sinful habits and negative traits will be erased, and you will acquire all the positive traits that God possesses.

The above four signs indicate that we are having a true experience of devotion and that we are tasting the true sweetness of God. They may not be fully manifested, but even if they manifest to a slight degree, they show that we are on the right path

Have you ever wondered why you are here? What is the meaning of your life? Is there a reason for your existence, or are you just a product of chance and chaos?

These are some of the most profound and important questions that humans have ever asked. And yet, many people today seem to ignore or avoid them.

They think that the modern world has made these question irrelevant, as we are supposed to enjoy and have fun without worrying about the deeper meaning of our existence.

Philosophers  think that this question is absurd, and scientist think life is nothing but a random and chaotic process of mutations and chance, with no ultimate goal or direction.

Still others think that life without a purpose is a miserable and animalistic existence, as we are doomed to sink into sex, violence, frustration, and madness.

But is this really true ? Is this really satisfying? Can we really find happiness and fulfillment in life without purpose?

Religion offers an answer to these questions. Religion claims that the purpose of life is to realize God, the supreme source of all existence, intelligence, and morality. Religion also provides us with logical arguments for the existence of God, as well as practical guidance on how to achieve God realization.

In this article, we will explore the religious views of the purpose of life in three simple steps.✅.

Step 1: Proving God’s Existence 🧐

Religion is not based on blind faith, superstition, or mysticism. Religion is based on reason and logic. The existence of God is a rational proposition that can be supported by various arguments. In the Western tradition, this branch of knowledge is called theology. In the Indian or Eastern or Vedic tradition, it is called Vedanta.

Religion gives us three powerful arguments for the existence of God:

 i) The First Cause Argument 🔥

The first cause argument states that everything that exists has a cause. The universe exists, therefore it has a cause. But what is the cause of the universe?

Science has come up with many theories of the origin of the universe and the origin of life, such as the Big Bang theory, the Inflation theory, etc. But these theories only push back the question one step further: what caused the Big Bang? What caused the Inflation? What caused the point that exploded or inflated?

The first cause argument says that there must be a first cause that is un caused, eternal, and independent of space and time. This first cause is God. God is the cause of all causes, the creator of all creation.

 ii) The Origin of Life Argument 🧬

The origin of life argument states that life comes from life. Science claims that life came from matter, but there is no evidence for this claim. On the contrary, Louis Pasteur proved that life does not come from matter. Life comes from life.🌱

Religion says that life comes from life, and ultimately from God. God is the source of all life.

 iii) The Cosmological Argument 🌠

The cosmological argument states that the universe is governed by some laws, such as physical laws, Newtonian laws, Einstein’s laws, quantum laws, etc. These laws are unchangeable and universally applicable.

Who made these laws? If there are laws, then there must be a lawgiver.

This lawgiver must be intelligent and powerful enough to design these laws in such a way that the universe keeps on running without being dissolved or crashed.

The cosmological argument says that this lawgiver is God. God is the controller of everything.

 iv) The Moral Argument ❤️

The moral argument states that we all have a moral sense in us. We all want to help others, we all have a sense of mercy, a sense of love and to be loved. Where does this moral sense come from? Why do we have it? Why do we feel guilty when we break it?

The moral argument says that this moral sense is created and sustained by God. God is the source of all morality, the giver of all conscience.

Step 2: Seeking God Realization 😇

Religion tells us that the purpose of life is to realize God. God is not only the creator and controller of the universe, but also our loving father and mother, our dearest friend and well-wisher, our supreme beloved and master. God wants us to know Him, to love Him, to serve Him.

Religion also tells us how to realize God. Here are some ways to realize God:

Through Scriptures,📖

Through Prayer,🙏

Through meditation,🧘‍♂️

Through Service,🤝

Through Devotion💖

Religion urges us to attain God realization because it will bring us ultimate satisfaction, peace, and happiness. Nothing else can satisfy our deepest longing for meaning and value. Nothing else can fill our hearts with joy and bliss.

Step 3: Rejecting All Other Goals 👀

Religion tells us that no other goal, no other purpose, is worth pursuing except God realization. All other goals are temporary, illusory, and unsatisfying. They will only lead us to more bondage, suffering, and ignorance.

Some people think that becoming rich is the purpose of life. But money cannot buy happiness, nor can it buy love. Money can only buy things that will eventually decay, break, or be stolen.

Some people think that becoming famous is the purpose of life. But fame is fleeting, fickle, and false. Fame can only bring envy, criticism, or indifference from others.

Some people think that becoming powerful is the purpose of life. But power is corrupting, dangerous, and destructive. Power can only bring fear, violence, or rebellion from others.

Some people think that becoming happy is the purpose of life. But happiness is relative, dependent, and conditional. Happiness can only come from external sources that are beyond our control and subject to change.

Religion tells us that the only goal that is eternal, real, and satisfying is God realization. God realization is the highest and most noble aspiration of the human soul. God realization is the ultimate fulfillment of our existence.

Conclusion

Religion offers a clear and compelling answer to this question: the purpose of life is to realize God, the supreme source of all existense,intelligence,and morality.

Religion also gives us logical arguments for the existence of God, as well as practical guidance on how to achieve God realization.

Religion invites us to embark on the most exciting and rewarding adventure of our lives: the quest for meaning.

Find your way to connect with God and experience His presence in your life.

The flute is one of the most beloved companion of Krishna, the supreme personality of Godhead. It’s difficult to imagine Krishna without His flute.

Why’s that?

Although there are different types of flutes, such as bansuri, vamsi, and murali, but they all give us some common profound lessons in devotional life.

🕳️ The Holes in the Flute 🕳️

One of the most important features of the flute is that it has holes in its body. These holes are not defects, but qualities.

The holes of flute signify the austerities and sacrifices that the flute has undergone to become fit for Krishna’s service. The flute was once a bamboo, but it had to endure the pain of being cut, hollowed and pierced by hot metal to become a musical instrument.

Similarly, a devotee has to undergo various difficulties and challenges in the path of bhakti. These difficulties are not obstacles, but opportunities.

They purify the devotee’s heart and mind from material attachments and selfish desires. They also increase the devotee’s dependence on Krishna and His mercy. Only by facing these difficulties with patience and faith can a devotee attain Krishna’s association.

The holes in the flute also produce different notes or surs when Krishna blows into it. There are seven main notes: sa, re, ga, ma, pa, dha and ni. These notes represent the different emotions and moods that Krishna expresses through His flute.

The notes can be short or long, depending on the size of the holes. The short notes signify fine and happy and naughty emotions of Krishna and the long notes signify even much finer and sad and romantic emotions of Krishna. A devotee should learn to appreciate the variety and beauty of Krishna’s flute music.

## 🎋 The Making of the Flute 🎋

Another important feature of the flute is how it is made. The flute is made from a bamboo that is carefully selected to make a perfect flute for Krishna. The craftsman cuts the bamboo from its roots, removes its branches and leaves, hollows out its core and makes holes in its body.

The making of the flute is a symbolic process of transformation from a material entity to a spiritual entity.

• – The bamboo represents the conditioned soul who is bound by material nature and karma.
• – The cutting of the bamboo represents the detachment from worldly attachments and false ego.
• – The removal of the branches and leaves represents the renunciation of unnecessary activities and distractions.
• – The hollowing out of the core represents the emptying of one’s mind from material thoughts and desires.
• – The making of the holes represents the acceptance of difficulties and hardships as part of one’s purification.

The craftsman represents the spiritual master or guru who guides and instructs the disciple on how to become a pure devotee of Krishna. The guru knows how to mold and shape the disciple according to Krishna’s will and pleasure. The guru also knows how to protect and preserve the disciple from harm and danger.

The bamboo does not resist or complain when it is being made into a flute. It surrenders itself completely and feels happy that it has been chosen for such a noble purpose. It does not envy or compete with other bamboos who remain in their original state. It also inspires other bamboos who aspire to become flutes for Krishna.

## 🍯 The Nectar in the Flute 🍯

The flute contains divine nectar that comes from Krishna’s lips and breath. This nectar fills up the holes in the flute and makes it vibrate with ecstasy. This nectar also flows out from the flute and reaches the ears and hearts of those who hear it.

The nectar in the flute represents the love and grace that Krishna bestows on His devotees who serve Him sincerely and selflessly.

The nectar in the flute also represents the bliss and joy that a devotee experiences when he is connected with Krishna which is  not temporary, but eternal.

👉In essence, Krishna plays flute to attract the hearts of His devotees and to express His love for them.The flute is also a metaphor for the devotee’s life and attitude.

Know that God’s grace has descended upon you when

Anything related to Lord is perceived as if it is Lord Himself

Anything unrelated is perceived with indifference,

Anything in opposition to Lord is opposed.

(Vallabhacarya)

You may cry, shiver, or faint while chanting, but none of these signs guarantee that you have received the Lord’s mercy or grace. You may also feel blissful while chanting, but that is not a sure proof of the Lord’s favor. For all these signs could be mere shadows of the real symptoms, or just emotional reactions, or even deceptive tricks of Maya.

The only way to confirm that you have received the Lord’s grace is when your outlook, your vision, your way of thinking completely changes, by a full 180 degrees.

When you receive the Lord’s grace, you will stop caring about things related to yourself, and you will care deeply about things related to the Lord. You will be indifferent to things that have no connection to the Lord, and you will resist anything that goes against the Lord.

These symptoms were present in our beloved Srila Prabhupada. He strongly opposed atheists, scientists, and philosophers. He was totally unconcerned with any worldly or charitable activities. And he gave utmost importance and attention to anything or anyone that had even a slight relation to the Lord.

Do you think a preacher should respect everyone equally? You may think so,because God is in every soul. But this is a❌idea.

BhaktiSiddhanta Sarasvati said that this is a demonic philosophy. A preacher should not be naive,but wise.He should know who is a beginner,who is an advanced,who is a fake,who is deviated and who is not.

Why is this important? Because seeing God in every soul is not enough.One has to understand God’s mission too. God’s mission is to free people from their karma and their body.He wants them to stop the cycle of birth and death and go back to Him.This is the ultimate goal of life.

So,how should a preacher deal with different people? He should follow four principles: love God, befriend advanced devotees, show mercy to new devotees or the ignorant,and ignore the envious.

Love God ❤️

This is the most important thing.Love is for God alone.He is the source of all love and happiness.He is our eternal friend and master.

Be friend advanced devotees 🤝

This is how we can learn from them and grow in our devotion.They have knowledge (jñāna), experience (anubhav),and devotion (ṛtam). They can guide us and inspire us.We should close our mouth and open our ears to take association from them.

Show mercy to new devotees or the ignorant🤚

This is how we can help them and share the message of God with them.They have ideas based on ‘me and mine’. We do not agree with them,but we can be nice and friendly to them. We should close our ears but open our mouth to give them association.

Ignore the envious 🙏

This is how we can protect our selves and avoid unnecessary conflicts.Envious people get more envious when we tell them about God.If preaching makes them more envious,we should ignore them by not preaching.Unless we are strong and smart enough to convince them that Krishna is God.

👉This is the art of preaching. By following these principles,a preacher can serve God’s mission and also help others in their spiritual path.He can also protect himself from the lower modes of nature and stay fixed in his love for God.

We can never thank God enough for His amazing grace and all the good things He has done and is doing for us.

Every time we try to thank Him by serving Him, He is so kind to accept our thanks even though we don’t serve Him perfectly. But that makes us owe Him even more. It’s a never-ending cycle. But that’s okay. That’s what love is.

Love doesn’t make sense but it feels good. Love is apparently illogical but sweet. We want to keep owing God more and more so that we are always His loyal servants. Love takes away our freedom but it gives us security. Everyone owes God a lot.

Those who know this are His followers, and those who don’t are His deniers. Among those who know this, those who try to thank Him by serving Him purely make God owe them!!

The verse 4.11 of Bhagavad Gita is a mysterious one. But don’t worry, I will explain it to you.

ye yathā māṁ prapadyante
tāṁs tathaiva bhajāmy aham
mama vartmānuvartante
manuṣyāḥ pārtha sarvaśaḥ

As all surrender unto Me, I reward them accordingly. Everyone follows My path in all respects, O son of Pṛthā.

This verse has various meanings.

-Krishna manifests as bliss within matter for those who consider matter to be the ultimate reality.

-Krishna shows His corporeal effulgence as impersonal light for those who believe He is impersonal, while concealing His lovely transcendental form.

-Krishna deceives those who deceive Him by concealing His pure devotion from them.

-Krishna surrenders to those who surrender to Him by finding an opportunity or an excuse to serve them.

-Krishna loves those who love Him by revealing His form, qualities, and pastimes unto them.

-Krishna does not hear the prayers and chanting of those who do not listen to His instructions.

-Krishna considers the pleasure of the senses of those who consider His pleasure by bestowing delight in devotion on them.

-Krishna entangles those who reject Him in the cycle of birth and death.

-Krishna manifests as Vishnu or Narayana, the supreme Lord of creation, for those who are struck by His power.

-Krishna manifests as the darling of Vrindavan for those who are impressed by His sweetness.

-Krishna shames those who shame Him by hypocrisy in devotion by engaging them in sense-gratification and causing them to fall.

-Krishna glorifies those who glorify Him by making them famous as great devotees.

The five elements of the body will laugh within, on those who mislead others.

Thirukurral Kural -271

Cheaters who mislead others will be led astray by God and His creation. God will ensure that even their own bodies betray them. No one will work for them, for they do not work for others. Such is the law. The law of nature. The law of God.

Even the five elements of their own bodies will revolt against these cheaters, filling their lives with misery and suffering. Anxiety, disease, old age, and death will haunt them relentlessly.

Have you ever wondered why we all experience disease, aging, and death? Are we cheating someone? Are we misleading others.

Indeed, we are cheating ourselves and not anyone else by cheating God by neglecting devotion to Him. God, in His mercy, sustains our lives by providing sunlight, moonlight, water, air, and food. Yet, we fail to express gratitude. Is this not extreme selfishness? Will God not feel deceived?Are we not those cheaters?

Imagine a lover who gives everything to their beloved, only to be met with indifference and ingratitude. Such is God’s plight when we fail to acknowledge His help, His existence, and His love.

The entire creation, the five elements, the celestial beings, destiny, and time itself will turn against us if we cheat God by neglecting to devote our lives to Him. We will have to face punishment in form of disease, aging, and repeated death, until we learn to love the Lord, to stop cheating Him, and to cease misleading one selves and others.