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The Bhagavad Gita is a sacred scripture that contains the teachings of Lord Krishna to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. It is considered one of the most important texts , as it reveals the essence of Vedanta, the philosophy of self-realization. By studying the Bhagavad Gita, one can gain many benefits, both spiritual and material. In this article , I will discuss ten of these benefits, based on the verses from the Bhagavad Gita itself.

1. Spiritual Benefits

The Bhagavad Gita says that whatever benefits one may get by studying the Vedas, performing sacrifices, practicing austerity, and giving charity, one can surpass them all by simply studying the Bhagavad Gita (BG 8.28). This is because the Bhagavad Gita reveals the supreme goal of life, which is to attain the love of God.

2. Universal Accessibility

The Bhagavad Gita is not meant for a particular class or caste of people, but for everyone who is interested in the truth. The Bhagavad Gita declares that even the most sinful, low-born, or unqualified person can attain the highest perfection by taking shelter of Krishna. (BG 9.32). Therefore, anyone, regardless of their gender, occupation, or background, can read the Bhagavad Gita and benefit from its teachings. The Bhagavad Gita is also easy to understand, as it is written in the form of a dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna, and covers various topics such as karma, dharma, yoga, reincarnation, liberation, and devotion.

3. Connection and Protection

The Bhagavad Gita teaches us how to connect with Krishna, the source of all happiness, through the process of bhakti-yoga, or loving service. By reading the Bhagavad Gita, we can learn how to offer our actions, words, and thoughts to Krishna, and thus become free from the bondage of material existence. When we are in touch with Krishna, He protects us from falling down or breaking our connection with Him. He helps us to maintain our devotion and gives us the highest love, which we do not have (BG 9.22). In other words, Krishna guides and nurtures us as a friend, a father, a mother, and a lover.

4. Perseverance and Inspiration

The Bhagavad Gita assures us that Krishna’s devotees will never perish, even if they commit some mistakes or face some difficulties in their spiritual path. This means that nothing can destroy Krishna’s devotee, as He is always with him or her. However, a devotee may go through ups and downs in his or her devotion, but maya, the illusory energy, cannot take the devotee away from Krishna. Krishna protects His devotees from falling down permanently from the platform of bhakti. He gives them inspiration from within and guidance and warnings through His representatives, the guru and the Vaishnavas, so that they do not give up bhakti completely (BG 9.31). Krishna also protects their bhakti from being destroyed by the problems they face in their life and preserves their faith in Him, His names, and His devotees. Otherwise, one may doubt Krishna, the guru, and the Vaishnavas, and leave bhakti.

5. Fearlessness and Wisdom

The Bhagavad Gita enables us to become free from fear and lamentation, which are the causes of misery in this world. Krishna says that a devotee will not lament for the past or worry about the future, but will live in the present with full awareness of his or her eternal identity as a soul, part and parcel of Krishna. The devotee will become free from fear of death, disease, old age, and suffering, as he or she knows that these are temporary and do not affect the soul, which is immortal and blissful. By studying the Bhagavad Gita under the guidance of a guru and the Vaishnavas, one can act in the present without fear and lamentation, by learning from the past and planning for the future. One becomes wise and gentle by reading the Bhagavad Gita (BG 18.54).

6. Becoming a dhīra

By reading the Bhagavad Gita one becomesa dhīra, a person who is self-controlled and detached from the material world. A dhīra conquers kāma (lust) and krodha (anger) by controlling his senses and desires. He understands that his body and mind are constantly changing, but he is not, i.e., he is not attached to the body and mind. Because he does not identify himself with the body, he transcends the bodily platform. (BG 2.13).

6. Becoming a sthita-prajña

By reading the Bhagavad Gita one becomesa sthita-prajña, a person who is steady in wisdom and equanimity. A sthita-prajña remains undisturbed in any condition by reading the Bhagavad Gita. Prajña means consciousness and sthita means stable. There is a difference between a dhīra and a sthita-prajña. A dhīra is detached from the body and mind and is free of kāma-vāsana (desire for enjoyment). A sthita-prajña is undisturbed and unaffected by any situation in this world. He is not troubled by any problem in his life. He is almost dead from the world’s perspective. (BG 2.54).

7. Becoming a Pandita

By reading the Bhagavad Gita or following its injunctions, one becomes a paṇdita. A paṇdita has all good qualities, including vinaya (humility), the queen of all good qualities, vidyā (knowledge), or the wisdom of life. He also sees every living entity with an equal vision as part and parcel of Bhagavān (God). He does not discriminate between a good and a bad person and a sinful and pious person. A paṇdita sees that everyone is part and parcel of Bhagavān and tries to bring everyone back to Bhagavān. (BG 5.18).

9. Freedom from Birth and Death

By reading the Bhagavad Gita, one can be freed from the cycle of birth and death forever, if one desires so .Even if one does not desire so, reading the Bhagavad Gita will develop the desire. The Bhagavad Gita teaches that the soul is eternal and indestructible, and that it transmigrates from one body to another according to its karma (actions). However, by surrendering to Bhagavān and following His instructions, one can break the cycle of birth and death and attain His abode, which is beyond the material world. (BG 4.9 and BG 8.16).

10. Becoming Dear to Krishna

The ultimate benefit of reading the Bhagavad Gita is to become dear to Krishna, the supreme object of love. If we become dear to Krishna, it does not matter whether or not we get the other benefits. We practice bhakti for this purpose. This is the main benefit. It is not important whether Krishna is dear to us, but what is more important is if we are dear to Krishna. Therefore, Krishna did not say that He becomes dear to the one who reads the Bhagavad Gita. He said that the one who reads the Bhagavad Gita becomes dear to Him. (BG 12.20).

Conclusion

The Bhagavad Gita is a treasure of wisdom and spirituality that can enrich our lives in many ways. By studying it, we can learn how to control our senses and emotions, how to remain calm and composed in any situation, how to acquire knowledge and humility, howto liberate ourselves from the cycle of birth and death, and how to develop love and devotion for Kṛṣṇa, the supreme goal of life. The Bhagavad Gita is not just a book, but a living guide that can transform our consciousness and lead us to the highest perfection.

What is so special in Bhagavad Gita?

Bhagavad Gita is a sacred scripture that has inspired and influenced many people throughout history. It is a dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna, prince who faces a moral dilemma before the great war of Kurukshetra. In this dialogue, Krishna reveals the essence of all spiritual knowledge and guides Arjuna to perform his duty with detachment and devotion.

Why is Bhagavad Gita taught before Vedas and Upanishads?

Bhagavad Gita is considered to be the essence of all the Vedas and Upanishads, the ancient scriptures that contain the highest wisdom of the Indian civilization. According to Shankaracharya, a renowned philosopher and commentator, Bhagavad Gita is like the milk that is extracted from the cow of the Upanishads by the cowherd boy Krishna, and given to the calf Arjuna, who is the intelligent drinker of that milk.

Bhagavad Gita contains many verses that are directly taken from the Upanishads, and also explains them in a simpler and more practical way. It also introduces some new concepts that are not explicitly found in the Upanishads, such as the concept of avatar, the concept of maya, and the concept of grace and mercy.These concepts are essential for understanding the nature of God, the world, and the self, and for attaining the ultimate goal of life.

What are the names and features of Bhagavad Gita?

Bhagavad Gita has many names that reflect its glory and significance. Some of these names are:

Gita Upanishad: The Upanishad of the Song of God.

Ganga: The river of divine knowledge that purifies the mind.

Samsai Nashini: The destroyer of all doubts and illusions.

Bhagavad Gita: The Song of the Supreme Lord.

Bhagavad Gita is a book that has many features that make it unique and attractive. Some of these features are:

It is concise and comprehensive: It has only 700 verses and 18 chapters, but it covers all the topics of spirituality, such as Karma yoga, Gyana yoga, Bhakti yoga, dharma, etc. It gives an overview of each topic and also refers to other scriptures for more details.

It is simple and profound: It uses easy Sanskrit language that can be understood by anyone, but it also conveys deep and sublime truths that can satisfy the most advanced seekers. According to Madhvachraya every verse of Bhagavad Gita has at least 1000 levels of interpretation and meaning, and at least 8 levels of meaning are known in human society.

It is relevant and universal: It is not a book that is applicable only to a particular time, place, or circumstance, but it is a book that deals with the eternal problems and solutions of human life. It addresses the questions and challenges that every person faces in their journey of self-realization, and offers the best guidance and inspiration for achieving the highest perfection.

How to celebrate and distribute Bhagavad Gita?

Bhagavad Gita is a book that deserves to be celebrated and distributed to everyone who is interested in spiritual knowledge and practice. One of the ways to celebrate Bhagavad Gita is to observe Gita Jayanti, the day when Bhagavad Gita was spoken by Lord Krishna to Arjuna. This day falls on the 11th day of the bright fortnight of the month of Margashirsha, which corresponds to the month of December in the Gregorian calendar. On this day, devotees and admirers of Bhagavad Gita recite, study, and discuss the teachings of Bhagavad Gita, and also offer their gratitude and worship to Lord Krishna and Arjuna.

Another way to celebrate and distribute Bhagavad Gita is to participate in the Gita Marathon, a campaign that is organized by the followers of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) every year in the month of December. The aim of this campaign is to distribute as many copies of Bhagavad Gita as possible to the people of the world, and to share the message of love and peace that Bhagavad Gita offers.

It is said that anyone who reads Bhagavad Gita once will have all his doubt cleared, all his illusions vanquished, and all his attachments severed, and he will become pure and enlightened.

The Bhagavad Gita is a sacred scripture that contains the dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. It is considered to be one of the most influential and universal texts , as it reveals the essence of all Vedic knowledge and wisdom. The Bhagavad Gita has three unique features that make it stand out from other scriptures:

1. It is a law book (Gives decisions)

There are two types of scriptures:

Informative (Updash Sastra): These are the scriptures that give information about various topics, such as the four Vedas, the 18 Puranas, the 108 Upanishads, the Ramayana, etc.

Decisive (Nirnaya Sastra): These are the scriptures that give decisions or conclusions about the ultimate goal of life, such as the Bhagavad Gita.

The Bhagavad Gita gives the decision that the supreme goal of life is to surrender to Lord Krishna and engage in His devotional service. It also explains how to perform different types of activities (karma), how to define various concepts (bhakti), and how to distinguish between the real and the unreal (gyana) in relation to Krishna.

For example, Krishna says in BG 15.15:

By all the Vedas, I am to be known. Indeed, I am the compiler of Vedanta, and I am the knower of the Vedas.

This is the decision of the Bhagavad Gita, that the ultimate purpose of all the Vedas is to know Krishna, who is the source of all knowledge and the supreme personality of Godhead. By reading all the Vedas, one may not understand Krishna, but by understanding the Bhagavad Gita, one can understand all the Vedas.

2. Less letters more meaning (Gita is concise but precise)

The Bhagavad Gita is composed of only 18 chapters and 700 verses, but it contains the essence of all the Vedic literature, which consists of millions of verses. How is this possible? According to Madhvacharya, one of the great commentators on the Bhagavad Gita, every verse of the Gita has at least 1000 meanings. And according to Krishna Himself, every verse has at least three meanings: scientific, spiritual, and Godly. This is how Krishna compressed all the knowledge into just 700 verses.

3.A Source of Complete Knowledge

The Bhagavad Gita is not just a religious scripture, but also a treasure of universal knowledge and wisdom. It covers various topics and disciplines, such as spirituality, science, philosophy,psychology, medicine, law, etc. It also teaches us how to live a balanced and harmonious life, by following the principles of karma, bhakti, and gyana.

The Definition of Science

Science is usually understood as a systematic method of observing, hypothesizing, experimenting, and theorizing about the natural phenomena. However, the Bhagavad Gita gives a different and deeper definition of science, which is based on the principle of cause and effect. In the 13th chapter, verse 5, Krishna says:

The field of activities and the knower of the field, the knowledge and the object of knowledge, and the process of knowing –these are the subject matter of this chapter.

This verse implies that science is not just about studying the external world, but also about understanding the internal world, the self, and the relationship between the self and the supreme self, Krishna. Science is also about knowing the ultimate cause of everything, which is Krishna, who is the source of all knowledge and the compiler of Vedanta, the essence of all the Vedas. This definition of science is more comprehensive and profound than the modern definition of science, and it was spoken by Krishna five thousand years ago.

The Structure of the Bhagavad Gita

The Bhagavad Gita has 18 chapters and 700 verses, which are divided into three sections, each consisting of six chapters. The first section deals with karma-yoga, the yoga of action, which teaches us how to perform our duties and activities in a responsible and detached way, without being attached to the results. The second section deals with bhakti-yoga, the yoga of devotion, which teaches us how to love and serve Krishna, the supreme personality of Godhead, and how to connect everything with Him. The third section deals with gyana-yoga, the yoga of knowledge, which teaches us how to discriminate between the real and the unreal, the eternal and the temporary, the spirit and the matter, and how to attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Another way of understanding the structure of the Bhagavad Gita is that the first section gives us the decision, the second section gives us the definition, and the third section gives us the distinction. The decision is about what to do and what not to do, according to the principles of dharma, or the universal law of nature. The definition is about how to understand various concepts and terms in relation to Krishna, such as austerity, charity, sacrifice, renunciation, etc. The distinction is about how to use our intelligence and wisdom to discern the truth from the illusion, and to realize our true identity as the eternal servants of Krishna.

The three philosophers Descartes,Ludwig,and Thomas Kuhn gave this concept of decision definition and distinction and that was there 5000 years ago in bhagavad-gita.

The Scope of the Bhagavad Gita

The Bhagavad Gita has a wide and diverse scope, as it covers various fields and disciplines of knowledge, such as physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, psychology, sociology, politics, economics, ethics, etc. It also has knowledge of languages, such as Sanskrit, English, etc. Another example of the scope of the Bhagavad Gita is the 16th chapter, which deals with the moral and legal aspects of life. It describes the qualities of the divine and the demonic natures, and the consequences of following them. It also gives the rules of conduct, behavior, and punishment for different types of people, such as the brahmanas, the kshatriyas, the vaishyas, and the shudras. It also explains the concept of achar, vyavahar, and praschit, which are the laws of personal conduct, social norms, and civil laws, respectively.

The Bhagavad Gita also has knowledge of medicine, which is based on the principle of balance. It teaches us how to maintain our health and prevent diseases by balancing our habits of eating, sleeping, recreation, and work. It also teaches us how to balance the three modes of material nature, which are goodness, passion, and ignorance, and how to transcend them by the practice of bhakti-yoga. The Bhagavad Gita also has knowledge of psychology, which is based on the principle of cognition. It teaches us how to control our mind and senses, and how to develop our intelligence and consciousness. It also teaches us how to deal with different types of emotions, such as fear, anger, lust, greed, envy, etc., and how to cultivate positive emotions, such as love, compassion, joy, peace, etc.

The Bhagavad Gita also has knowledge of philosophy, which is based on the principle of logic. It teaches us how to reason and argue, and how to present and defend our views. It also teaches us how to appreciate and critique different schools of thought, such as the sankhya, the yoga, the nyaya, the vaisheshika, the mimamsa, and the vedanta. It also teaches us how to reconcile and synthesize different perspectives, and how to arrive at the ultimate conclusion, which is the supremacy of Krishna and His devotional service.

The Bhagavad Gita is a source of complete knowledge, which can satisfy the needs and aspirations of all kinds of people, such as the philosophers, the scientists, the artists, the linguists, the lawyers, the doctors, the psychologists, the politicians, the economists, the ethicists, etc. It also teaches us the three eternal truths, which are virtue, knowledge, and happiness. It teaches us how to attain these three goals by following the principles of karma, bhakti, and gyana. The Bhagavad Gita is not only a scripture, but also a guide, a friend, and a teacher, who can help us in every situation and circumstance of life.

Prakṛti: The Divine Law of Cause and Effect

Prakṛti is a Sanskrit word that means “nature” or “the original or natural form or condition of anything”. It is a key concept which describes the material and spiritual worlds as manifestations of prakṛti, the creative energy of Bhagavān, the Supreme Controller. Prakṛti operates under the laws of cause and effect, which are designed by Bhagavān for the welfare of all living being.

The Material and Spiritual Worlds

There are two types of prakṛti: bhautika prakṛti and adhyātmika prakṛti. Bhautika prakṛti is the material world, and Adhyātmika prakṛti is the spiritual world.The material world is a reflection of the spiritual world, but it is temporary, illusory, and full of suffering. The spiritual world is the eternal, real, and blissful abode of Bhagavān and His devotees.Bhagavān did not make different laws for the material and spiritual worlds. The laws of the material world are derived from the laws of the spiritual world. Therefore, Śrīla Prabhupāda, the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), said that if we want to understand the spiritual world, we should understand the material world. The material world is a school where we can learn the lessons of karma and dharma, and prepare ourselves for the ultimate goal of life: kṛṣṇa-prema, pure love of God.

The Cause and Effect of Prakṛti

The principle of cause and effect is the basis of all laws in this world, be it physical, moral, or spiritual. Everyaction has a corresponding reaction, which is either favorable or unfavorable, depending on the nature of the action. The cause of prakṛti is Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is the source of everything. The effect of prakṛti is to facilitate the evolution of consciousness of the living entities, who are part and parcel of Kṛṣṇa.

In the spiritual world, the cause is Kṛṣṇa, and the effect is prem, the pure love that binds Him and His devotees in an eternal relationship of service and reciprocation. In the material world, the cause is also Kṛṣṇa, but the effect is prakṛti, puruṣa, and cetana. Prakṛti is the material nature, which provides the varieties of forms and situations for the living entities. Puruṣa is the enjoyer, who is the individual soul that identifies with the body and mind and tries to enjoy prakṛti. Cetana is the consciousness, which is the symptom of the presence of the soul and the potential for spiritual awakening.

The cause of the body is Kṛṣṇa, and the effect of the body is to use it as a medium to attain Bhagavān. The human body, which is very rare but obtained without effort (by the laws of karma), is considered a suitable boat to cross the material ocean. We in this body are situated in this world, sometimes experience happiness and distress. This fact in itself is the proof that we are trapped in prakṛti.

The Role of Jīvātmā in Prakṛti

But what is the reason for one’s happiness and distress? It is neither Bhagavān nor prakṛti, but jīvātmā, the individual soul, who is responsible for his happiness or distress. Jīvātmā wants to enjoy prakṛti (bhoktṛtve) violating the laws of prakṛti.

There is a reason why prakṛti is there (cause and effect). Because jīvātmā does not want to understand the system and act against it, jīvātmā suffers or enjoys. One may be thrilled breaking the laws of prakṛti but at the cost of distress. One who follows the rules will be happy. One gets happiness and distress in this world, not just distress alone. There are rules of prakṛti which are very stringent and the consequences of jīvātmās breaking them. One who acts according to the system and follows the rules will always be happy. This is only possible when we give up an independent mentality.

In other words, one should give up ahankār, the false ego, and follow the system given by Bhagavān and not create one’s own. Sense gratification does not only mean engaging the senses in sense enjoyment but also breaking the system. You will be healthy and happy if you know the rules of keeping the body healthy and follow them (cause and effect). Similarly, one will be happy if one understands and follows the rules of the maryāda, the social and moral order.

Humility means understanding the laws behind the creation, body, and bhakti and moving forward without breaking them. Breaking the laws of Bhagavān is bhog, material enjoyment, which leads to bondage and suffering. Following the laws of Bhagavān is yoga, the process of linking with Him, which leads to liberation and bliss.

Conclusion

Prakṛti is the divine law of cause and effect that governs the material and spiritual worlds. It is the creative energy of Bhagavān, who is the ultimate cause of everything. By understanding and following the laws of prakṛti, we can attain the highest goal of life: kṛṣṇa-prema pure love of God.

Govardhan lila is a special pastime of Lord Krishna and his devotees, as it reveals many secrets of pure devotion. Goverdhan lila teaches us how to serve, how to increase our service and how to maintain our service. Govardhan lila is also a pastime of bliss, as Krishna and his devotees experience the highest joy experiencing all mellows of devotion at the same time.

The Meaning of Govardhan

The word Govardhan is made of two words: Go and Vardhan. Go has 32 meanings some of them mean earth, cows, gopis, mountain, clouds and renunciation. Vardhan means to intensify or increase. Therefore, Govardhan means

Krishna increases the bliss of the earth (vraj Bhumi) by standing on it.

Krishna gives bliss to the cows, that is why he is known as Govinda, the protector of cows.

Krishna gives bliss to the gopis, the cowherd girls who love him with all their hearts. The gopis have a secret that only Krishna knows.

Krishna gives bliss to the mountain, Govardhan, by touching it with his hand and feet.

Krishna gives bliss to the lord of clouds, Indra, by killing his sinful tendency and making him surrender to him

Lastly, Krishna increases the power of renunciation of the Govardhan hill. It was because of the touch of Krishna that Govardhan easily tolerated the pain of torrential rains send by Indra.

The Teachings of Govardhan Lila

Govardhan lila teaches us many lessons about devotion and service. Some of them are:

Despite all the suffering and miseries, Govardhan was in bliss because he was serving Krishna. For devotees, service converts miseries into utter joy.

Govardhan was fortunate to come in contact with Krishna for seven days and nights. He showed us how to come in contact with Krishna through service. It is only in service that Krishna will touch us and satisfy our souls.

To serve Krishna, a devotee can be on top of him. By the mercy of Krishna, a devotee can do more than the Lord.

Govardhan satisfied Krishna in all respects. Therefore, a devotee should plan to increase the pleasure of the Lord.

The best service to Krishna is to engage others in His service as Govardhan have all Vrajvasis full seven days of service to Krishna.

Kartik month is the most auspicious and sacred month for the followers of Sanatan Dharma.It is also known as Damodara month, as it commemorates the pastime of Lord Krishna being bound by the love of his mother Yashoda.

Kartik month is dedicated to the worship of Lord Krishna. It is also the month of Kartik nakshatra, which is associated with Radha Rani, the supreme goddess of devotion and the eternal consort of Lord Krishna.

But do you know why Kartik month is so important? And how can you make the most of this month to please Radha Rani and attain her service? In this article, we will explain the significance and the best practices to achieve Radha Dasyam, the ultimate goal of life.

The Significance of Kartik Month

Kartik month is the best time to perform various spiritual practices, such as fasting, chanting, reading scriptures, visiting temples, offering lamps, donating to charity, and serving the devotees. By observing the rituals and vows of Kartik month, one can attain the blessings of Lord Damodhar and Radha Rani, and achieve the ultimate goal of life, which is to love and serve them.

Kartik month is also the month of gratitude, as it marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the winter season. It is a time to thank the Lord for his mercy and protection, and to share his gifts with others.

The Goal of Radha Dasyam

The internal reason for celebrating Kartik month is that we are worshipping and pleasing Radha Rani, the presiding goddess of this month and the embodiment of service, Radha Dasyam. Radha Rani is the most beloved of Lord Krishna, and she serves Him with the highest devotion and love. She is also the source of all the gopis, who are the best examples of pure devotees. Radha Rani likes this month because of His quality of bhaktvatsalya, or affection for his devotees, because of which He gives himself to His devotees.

The ultimate goal of Radha Dasyam is Krishna Dasyam, which means to serve Lord Krishna the way Radha Rani serves him. Krishna Dasyam is the highest stage of devotion, and it is very rare and difficult to attain. Only by the mercy of Radha Rani and her associates, one can hope to reach this stage. But Radha Dasyam is also not a cheap thing, and it requires a lot of sincerity, purity, and dedication. In Kartik month, we have a great opportunity to please Radha Rani and get her favor by following her instructions and examples.

How to Achieve Radha Dasyam in Kartik Month

To achieve Radha Dasyam, we need to develop the following qualities and practices:

1.Spiritual anxiety: Anxiety to serve Lord Krishna, and to serve him more and more. This is not the same as material anxiety, which is caused by attachment and ignorance. Spiritual anxiety is sweet and blissful, and it increases our love for Lord Krishna. We should always be eager to serve him, and never be satisfied with our service.

2.Detachment and determination: Detachment from everything in this material world except service to Lord Krishna, and determination to follow His will and His devotees’ instructions. We should not be distracted or influenced by the allurements or obstacles of this world, but focus on our spiritual goal. We should have firm faith in the scriptures and the guru, and follow their guidance without hesitation

3.Preaching: Preaching means to glorify Lord Krishna and spread His message all over the world. This is the innermost desire of Radha Rani, and the best way to please her. By preaching, we also benefit ourselves and others, as we purify our hearts and awaken our dormant love for Lord Krishna. Preaching can be done in various ways, such as speaking, writing, singing, distributing books, etc.

4.Expertness: Expertness means to serve Lord Krishna with skill and intelligence, and to make our service refined and pleasing. We should learn from the gopis, who were experts in serving Lord Krishna in every way. They knew His likes and dislikes, His moods and preferences, His needs and desires, and they served Him accordingly. They also served Him with creativity and spontaneity, and always surprised Him with their love.

5.Surrender: Surrender means to give up our own will and accept the will of Lord Krishna. We should not entertain our own desires or opinions, but let Lord Krishna decide what is best for us. We should be ready to do anything and everything for His pleasure, even if it is difficult or painful. We should also surrender to His devotees, especially to Radha Rani and her associates, and serve them with humility and respect.

These are the five essential qualities and practices that will help us achieve Radha Dasyam in Kartik month. Of course, we should also follow the basic rules and regulations of bhakti, such as chanting the holy names, reading the scriptures, observing the festivals, etc. But we should do them with the mood of serving Radha and Krishna, and not for our own benefit.

Take full advantage of Kartik month and make rapid progress in your spiritual life. Kartik month is a golden opportunity to please Radha Rani and Lord Krishna, and to get their mercy and love. If we sincerely follow the above guidelines, we can hope to achieve Radha Dasyam, the highest perfection of life.

The phrase “Cleanliness is next to Godliness” is a popular proverb that emphasizes the importance of purity in our lives. Besides that cleanliness is fundamental to establishing and preserving purity in the community.

Of all the ways, Sravaṇam (hearing) and kīrtanam (chanting) are considered as the best and the easiest ways to cleanse one’s heart.

Sravanam

Hearing is compared to sweeping. Just as one sweeps the floor with a broom to collect all the dust, hearing similarly cleanses the heart from the dust of all material attachments. By repeatedly hearing about the topics of God, one develops detachment from the material world. Hearing also cleans up various doubts,the tendency to sin, and ignorance lodged deep within in the subconscious mind.

Kīrtanam

Kīrtanam on the other hand makes one’s heart cool. It is like mopping the floor with water after sweeping. Kirtanam performed with a purified heart, brings śānti (peace), saṅtuṣṭi (satisfaction) and rasa(bliss)

Rewards of Sravanam and Kirtanam

The more the heart is clean by śravaṇam and kīrtanam, the more the life becomes decorated with good qualities like truthfulness, compassion, peace, austerity, simplicity, respecting others, pridelessness , nonviolence,tolerance,and the quality of serving guru and Vaiṣṇavas.

And when the heart is clean, cool, and beautifully decorated with good qualities, it is believed that God comes to reside within us.Cleansing one’s heart and decorating it with good qualities is considered as the best service to God.

Conclusion

The heart is like a temple, a sacred place within, where God resides. But just like any temple, it needs to be maintained with sweeping and washing so that it’s not left stained. The more we hear and chant, the more our heart will shine with qualities so pure that it will become a suitable place for God to live in.

In the realm of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, there are several festivals that hold immense significance, such as Balaram Jayanti, Janmashtami, Gaura Purnima, Rama Navami. However, the festival that stands above all, the one without which all other celebrations lose their essence, is **Radhastami**.

The Exclusivity of Radhastami

Radhastami is not just another festival; it is a divine celebration reserved for the liberated ones. Sadhakas (practitioners) although they cannot access the profound depths of Radhastami, are eligible to worship and glorify this auspicious occasion.

The Divine Duo: Radha and Krishna

Radhastami marks the day when Radha graced this world with her divine presence. As Gaudiya Vaishnavas, it becomes our duty to understand who Radha is. But before we delve into the mysteries of Radha, we must define our ultimate goal -God. In this divine journey, Radha is the path and God, or Krishna, is the destination.

Krishna, as defined in the Upanishads by the statement “Raso Vai Sah,” is the embodiment of happiness and bliss. To share this divine bliss with us, Krishna expands Himself as Radha. He condenses all His bliss and gives it a form -Srimati Radha. Thus, Krishna and Radha are one in essence. Without Krishna, Radha is lifeless, and without Radha, Krishna remains unseen.

The Blissful Service of Srimati Rādhārāṇī

Radha, being the embodiment of divine bliss, serves to bring joy to God and His devotees. She reigns supreme and provides the necessary strength to serve Krishna. She knows that true bliss can only be achieved through service to God. Being the embodiment of bliss herself, who better than her knows what service truly means? Thus, she shares her experience and knowledge of service with sincere devotees.

The Essence of Service

Service is a trinity composed of Yagya (sacrifice), Daan (charity), and Tapa (austerity).

-Yagya signifies sacrificing the concept of “I” and letting go of all traces of selfishness.

-Daan involves offering your mind to God -constantly thinking about and planning for His service.

-Tapa represents happily enduring all hardships in God’s service.

Worshiping Srimati Radha

To worship someone means to please them. The best way to please Radha is by sincerely serving her Lord, Sri Krishna -that’s her ultimate desire from us.Let’s pray to Sri Radha for a single-minded service attitude that pleases Krishna.

Let’s borrow an atom from her ocean of service attitude and offer it back to her in the form of service to Krishna.

“Work now. Samadhi later.” -Śrīla Prabhupada

This principle suggests that one should engage intensely in preaching work along with śravaṇam and kīrtanam, embodying the spirit of a goṣṭhyānaṅdī. As one attains Kṛṣṇa prema through Bhagavān’s mercy, they should evolve into a bhajanānaṅdī.

The Dual Role: Bhajanānaṅdī and Goṣṭhyānaṅdī

One should strive to be a bhajanānaṅdī from within while portraying the role of a goṣṭhyānaṅdī externally. To become a bhajanānaṅdī, one must possess three qualities: desire to attain Kṛṣṇa prema, freedom from the desire for honor, and readiness to present oneself as a fool to avoid association of non-devotees.

Bhajanānaṅdī Spirit

When one harbors a strong desire to become a bhajanānaṅdī, Bhagavān considers him to be a bhajanānaṅdī. One should engage in preaching work while nurturing the desire for the day when they will be in samādhi or become mad in Kṛṣṇa prema. However, merely cultivating this desire is not sufficient; one must also strive internally to become a bhajanānaṅdī or attain Kṛṣṇa prema avastha.

Goṣṭhyānaṅdī Spirit

A Goṣṭhyānaṅdī’s mission is to distribute Kṛṣṇa prema. Their target is to bring people into bhakti under the shelter of Śrīla Prabhupāda and the parampara. This may involve bringing many people into bhakti, building temples, and writing books. However, it’s equally important to work on the bhajanānaṅdī aspect.

Balancing the Dual Roles

The trick lies in balancing and giving equal importance to both roles. For instance, from 5 am to 9 am could be dedicated to maṅgala ārati, chanting, and SB classs for cultivating the bhajanānaṅdī aspect. The rest of the day, from 9 am to 6 pm, could be dedicated to the goṣṭhyānaṅdī aspect. Both these aspects will be rendered weak if one puts efforts less than 100% in each of them.

If one focuses solely on the internal work of the bhajanānaṅdī aspect and neglects the external work of the goṣṭhyānaṅdī aspect, they risk falling from their spiritual path. One cannot act as a bhajanānaṅdī externally unless they have attained Kṛṣṇa prema.

Conversely, if one focuses only on the goṣṭhyānaṅdī aspect and neglects the internal work of the bhajanānandi aspect, their bhāva will be spoiled and they will never attain Kṛṣṇa prema. Such a person may develop an egoistic mindset, thinking, “I am a guru. I am a preacher,” which can lead to their downfall.

Practical Tips for Becoming a Bhajanānaṅdī

1. During the time allocated for cultivating the bhajanānaṅdī aspect, one should not think about goṣṭhyānaṅdī related activities. One should not think about this material world, devotees, or preaching, but only about Bhagavān.

2. During free time, one should read pastimes of Bhagavān to nourish the bhajanānaṅdī aspect.

3. One should also contemplate on questions like “How far am I from Kṛṣṇa prema? How to go up to that stage? What hurdles are there?”

The Parallel Path of Bhajanānaṅdī and Goṣṭhyānaṅdī

Both the bhajanānaṅdī and goṣṭhyānaṅdī aspects should progress in parallel in one’s devotional life. This balance ensures that one can become a bhajanānaṅdī internally and a goṣṭhyānaṅdī externally, maintaining a harmonious blend of internal spiritual cultivation and external preaching efforts.

In conclusion, becoming a bhajanānaṅdī internally and a goṣṭhyānaṅdī externally requires discipline and balance between internal spiritual cultivation and external preaching efforts.

The desire to see God is key to ending the cycle of birth and death. Merely performing religious activities without the genuine desire to see God is not enough. Continuous devotion driven by this desire is what leads to the divine vision of God.

New devotees, known as kaniṣṭha adhikarīs, who perform devotional activities out of fear or under pressure, will not achieve the divine vision of God. True or devotion should be free from fear.True devotion is driven only by a deep and passionate desire to see and be with the divine.

Cultivating the Desire to See God

The desire to see God can be cultivated through the process of hearing. Among all spiritual practices, śravaṇam (listening to spiritual discourses) is considered paramount as it kindles the desire to see God. The speaker should aim to inspire listeners to yearn for liberation from worldly existence and instill in them a longing to see God. A discourse that fails to evoke such urgency is deemed ineffective.

It is recommended that one should seek knowledge from those who ardently wish to escape the cycle of birth and death, aspire to see God, and ultimately attain Him.

Gaining Experience from Śravaṇam and Kīrtanam

When an individual aspires to see God and attain Him, they draw upon their experiences or realizations (anubhava) from śravaṇam and kīrtanam (singing praises of God). This continuous engagement helps augment their desire to see and attain God.

Preparation to see God

Seeing God is not simply a matter of yearning; it necessitates being qualified of such a vision. The singular prerequisite for this is cultivating service attitude. As one’s dedication to serving God intensifies, so does this service attitude. As this service attitude intensified, gradually one gets prepared to see God.

However, as elucidated by Srila Prabhupada, the secret to seeing God is not to try to see Him, but to engage in deeds that would make Him want to see you. This philosophy might lead novices in devotion to lack a genuine desire to see God, serving Him in a passionate and mechanical manner instead. Conversely, those driven by emotion aspire to see God without acquiring the necessary pre qualification.

In contrast, a genuine devotee engages in service to God with a longing to see Him, not to fulfill personal desires but to serve Him better.Rather than demanding to see God, they harbor a hopeful yet patient attitude, serving God diligently while awaiting the moment He chooses to reveal Himself.

Conclusion

In conclusion, seeing God is not a matter of demand but a result of sincere longing for serving and attaining Him . Even though one may yearn for the sight of God, it is ultimately up to Him to reveal Himself.