Niranjana Swami's Quote Of The Day

Topic

November 7

For a devotee, "hell" means forgetfulness of Krishna. However, the devotee does not pray to Krishna to be delivered from hell. A devotee simply prays that the Lord will situate him in a place that
will allow him to remember the Lord. Whether it is heaven, hell, or in liberation, the devotee rejects the idea that he can be happy without remembering Krishna. But he does not remember Krishna for his own happiness. He remembers Krishna because his mind cannot give up thoughts of Krishna for even a moment.
(Collected Letters To My Disciples, Pg 22, 5th Paragraph)

November 6

In your present situation—obligations of work, classes, family, etc.—you should be careful to not neglect that which gives you the strongest internal, spiritual strength. A devotee whose faith is still not yet strong must always be careful to not be swept back under Maya's influence. Every devotee needs protection against Maya. Srila Prabhupada once said to one of his disciples, "The difference between you and me is that I will never fall down because I am always afraid of Maya." At every step we must seek protection— what to speak of during our first steps.
(Collected Letters To My Disciples, Pg 22, 1st Paragraph)

November 5

It is during these stressful times when a devotee can make progress and jump over obstacles that Maya puts in front of him/her. When a devotee directs his attention towards Krishna during those moments of utter helplessness and despair, those moments can be the most rewarding. Krishna is there watching. He is there in your heart and He knows when you see no one other than Him to turn to.
(Collected Letters To My Disciples, Pg 21, 2nd Paragraph)

November 4

Certainly, there is much service to be performed for the Lord's pleasure in relation to preaching to the fallen souls of Kali yuga, and we all have a connection to serving Lord Caitanya's movement in that way. Some of us, however, may be more active in the preaching field than others. But there is no diminution of the Lord's pleasure from those who are cultivating their internal devotional attitude and remembrance of the Lord—especially for those who have physical limitations of the body. Such cultivation is service, for, without it, we have no hope of ever pleasing Lord Krishna in our intimate roles in Goloka, Vrindavana.
(Collected Letters To My Disciples, Pg 18, 2nd Paragraph)

November 3

The more advanced devotee will always take the humble position. Ultimately, Krishna recognizes our genuine humility. Humility is the best way to teach others, even if it appears that they need chastisement. You should never think that you would be at a loss by remaining humble. A devotee will always benefit, and, ultimately, will gain respect in a natural way—not in a forceful way.
(Collected Letters To My Disciples, Pg 17, first Paragraph)

November 2

Lobha, or intense covetousness, usually does not awaken until the devotee achieves steadiness at the completion of anartha-nivritti. This stage is called nistha. This means that anarthas must practically be all gone and that one can perform kirtan and bhajan without any distraction.As long as the anarthas of lust, anger, greed, envy, faultfinding, and desire for respect remain in the heart, and one commits offenses to the holy name, he lacks the qualification to covet such a relationship with Krishna. However, when the heart is purified through chanting and hearing about the Lord's pastimes in Vrindavana from a qualified devotee, then, symptomized by the stage of steadiness in chanting, one can meditate on such prayers to the Lord for perfectional
service.
(Collected Letters To My Disciples, Pg 13, last Paragraph)

November 1

Certainly at every stage a sincere devotee is dependent upon mercy. Nevertheless, having received that mercy, the devotee should sincerely repent for his past offenses so that he will not commit them again. That is always the aim of the sincere devotee. He does not want to commit offenses again. He voluntarily accepts suffering through sincere repentance, and by this suffering he remembers to avoid that which was the cause of that suffering.
(Collected Letters To My Disciples, Vol 3, Pg 10, 2nd Paragraph)

October 31

A Krishna bhakta is niskama, without material desires. Those who are performing yoga meditation, the muktis (liberationists) and the bhuktis (sense gratifiers) are so filled with lusty desires that they cannot find peace. The Krishna bhakta is peaceful because he knows that all desires are fulfilled by Krishna. Instead of striving to fulfill them himself, he engages favorably in Krishna’s service and doesn’t worry about anything.
(Bhaktyaloka, Moscow,1.12.97)

October 30

When we are in a position to petition the Lord, what should we ask of Him? The science of Krishna consciousness is based on knowing what to ask for. To learn this science, we can examine the examples of the great Vaisnavas. What have the pure Vaisnavas asked for when they were in the Lord’s presence? Prabhupada contrasted them with the many materialists who begged him for material benedictions: “Swamiji, please bless my son to become a famous doctor...” We should not ask for such blessings. Elevated Vaisnavas ask to hear and chant about Krishna. They ask for devotion. They ask for service. They are not interested in material boons given either by Krishna or His pure devotees. None of these desires enter into their relationship with the Lord.
(Bhaktyaloka, Moscow,1.12.97)

October 29

Making decisions that are favorable to bhakti takes patience, because we cannot always immediately see the results of our activities. We have to leave the results up to Krishna and remain dependent upon Him. If we are able to fully depend upon Krishna in every endeavor, always trying to do what is best for His service, Krishna may choose to arrange things beyond anything we could have expected.
(Bhaktyaloka, Moscow,1.12.97)

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