Engaging Senses in Devotional service

Lord Rshabha Dev's teachings

SB 5.5.27
The true activity of the sense organs — mind, sight, words and all the knowledge-gathering and working senses — is to engage fully in My service. Unless his senses are thus engaged, a living entity cannot think of getting out of the great entanglement of material existence, which is exactly like Yamarāja’s stringent rope.

No material remedy to get out of distress, only devotional service is the solution

From 3.5.2
Vidura said: O great sage, everyone in this world engages in fruitive activities to attain happiness, but one finds neither satiation nor the mitigation of distress. On the contrary, one is only aggravated by such activities. Please, therefore, give us directions on how one should live for real happiness.

3.5.4: Therefore, O great sage, please give me instruction on the transcendental devotional service of the Lord, so that He who is situated in the heart of everyone can be pleased to impart, from within, knowledge of the Absolute Truth in terms of the ancient Vedic principles delivered only to those who are purified by the process of devotional service.

3.5.13: For one who is anxious to engage constantly in hearing such topics, kṛṣṇa-kathā gradually increases his indifference towards all other things. Such constant remembrance of the lotus feet of Lord Kṛṣṇa by the devotee who has achieved transcendental bliss vanquishes all his miseries without delay.

These verses are similar in mood to Sri Prahalada Maharaja Prayers to Lord Narasimha Deva:

SB 7.9.17 — O great one, O Supreme Lord, because of combination with pleasing and displeasing circumstances and because of separation from them, one is placed in a most regrettable position, within heavenly or hellish planets, as if burning in a fire of lamentation. Although there are many remedies by which to get out of miserable life, any such remedies in the material world are more miserable than the miseries themselves. Therefore I think that the only remedy is to engage in Your service. Kindly instruct me in such service.

SB 7.9.18 — O my Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva, by engaging in Your transcendental loving service in the association of devotees who are liberated souls [haṁsas], I shall become completely uncontaminated by the association of the three modes of material nature and be able to chant the glories of Your Lordship, who are so dear to me. I shall chant Your glories, following exactly in the footsteps of Lord Brahmā and his disciplic succession. In this way I shall undoubtedly be able to cross the ocean of nescience.

SB 7.9.19 — My Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva, O Supreme, because of a bodily conception of life, embodied souls neglected and not cared for by You cannot do anything for their betterment. Whatever remedies they accept, although perhaps temporarily beneficial, are certainly impermanent. For example, a father and mother cannot protect their child, a physician and medicine cannot relieve a suffering patient, and a boat on the ocean cannot protect a drowning man.

SB 7.9.20 — My dear Lord, everyone in this material world is under the modes of material nature, being influenced by goodness, passion and ignorance. Everyone — from the greatest personality, Lord Brahmā, down to the small ant — works under the influence of these modes. Therefore everyone in this material world is influenced by Your energy. The cause for which they work, the place where they work, the time when they work, the matter due to which they work, the goal of life they have considered final, and the process for obtaining this goal — all are nothing but manifestations of Your energy. Indeed, since the energy and energetic are identical, all of them are but manifestations of You.

SB 7.9.21 — O Lord, O supreme eternal, by expanding Your plenary portion You have created the subtle bodies of the living entities through the agency of Your external energy, which is agitated by time. Thus the mind entraps the living entity in unlimited varieties of desires to be fulfilled by the Vedic directions of karma-kāṇḍa [fruitive activity] and the sixteen elements. Who can get free from this entanglement unless he takes shelter at Your lotus feet?

Sadhusangastaka- 3.25.26- Result of association

SB 3.25.26: Thus consciously engaged in devotional service in the association of devotees, a person gains distaste for sense gratification, both in this world and in the next, by constantly thinking about the activities of the Lord. This process of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is the easiest process of mystic power; when one is actually situated on that path of devotional service, he is able to control the mind.

This is the fruit of carefully performed devotional service under the guidance of nice sadhus.
means- consctanly thinkign abt the pastimes of the Lord, constant meditation and contemplation
end- material attraction is gone that so called happiness and distress is gone - no more anarthas- no more frustrations blocking the mercy of Krishna in our lives and there are symptoms - one can control the mind- two aspects- sankalpa and vikalpa- accepting and rejecting  become fixed able to do it properly in KC

Conditiponed ten dency - fruitive very strong, wishing to control and enjoy - experiencing dualities - all this is teh ineraction of the elements with the mind-we are completely distinct from the 24 elemnts and one who is fixed in self relaization does not identify with that stuff - withdraw consiousnes form there and place it in Krishna.

Stregth to do that comes from devotionl service - away from material existence towards KRishna- this is possible when you have mental control.

Mind is binary processor - 1 or zero - accepting rejecting- rejecting sense gratification - even heavenly planets in favor of Krishna's senses - we contemplate his pastimes, creation, etc- krishna sees dormant living entities in Maha vishnu - wnat to do something - so he keeps them busy and to rectify their consciousness

rjubhir- yogamargaya - easy process of yoga -

Sadhusangastaka: The glories of Pure Devotional Service:Text 20

The healthy natural posn of well being of the jiva- until we get there some illusion will act one us, the happiness will be incomplete.
"Devotional service is so powerful that by one's service attitude everything is revealed"
Text 19: speaks abt the stage of perfection - very high - for that stage DS is completely necessary

Text 20- is how does DS begin. This topic has been eleevated to such an elevated posn - how do you even begin it- by the association by one who has it - through that contact it is awakened.

SB 3.25.20: Every learned man knows very well that attachment for the material is the greatest entanglement of the spirit soul. But that same attachment, when applied to the self-realized devotees, opens the door of liberation.


Through association and faith one can achieve that- impossible becomes possible- Krishna Das Kaviraj Goswami says one who has faith in Lord CM even one who is blind can see stars in the sky, the lame can climb can climb a mountain and a fool can understand the conclusion of the Vedas.


Moksa dvaram apavrtam how - through mahat seva - rendering service to the great souls - in the purport SB refers to that verse Rshabaha Dev to Bharat Maharajaa nd his 99 brothers and the contrast to this association with unholy principle can lead to degradation to hell.


Final para of purport- sadhu and mahatma can be used interchangeably. The great souls take the posn of taking shelter of KRishna and letting go of otehr shelters. For every Vedic stmt for every injunction there is a provision - e.g tolerate duality so what do you do- invest consciousness in that which is not dual. Where is the mind supposed to be invested - Krishna.


What is teh result of a sadhu?
Opens the door to liberation - how- the sadhu will teach how to become a devotee, a worshipper and sincere servitor of the Lord.


2 things mentioned by SP:


1) Sadhu will give us instruction - not for material things, but how to cut the know of contamination of material attachment
2) How to engage ourselves in Devotionals ervice


Devahuti tells Kapila Dev that he is the axe- axe is the instruction - she has to apply the instruction - the strength to do it comes with the instruction - one whose faith is strong understands it-capacity for mission impossible becomes possible through faithful application of the instruction - if faith is not strong- then what you can apply you bapply sincerely and gradually faith and strength will increase and you can apply more and more- that is the realization of a faithful follower.


Going back to how SP treats this:


Principle: Consciousness is the platform of attachment - wherever we place our consciousness thats where our attachment will go- 


Attachment is innate for the soul - in the purified stage - attachment to KRishna if not pure you will be attached to somethign else- why is it hard- because we are attached to something else


SP said it takes les than a moment to become KC
in that 2 things have to be given up - tendency for speculation and tendency for fruitive results because we are attached to those two things it takes longer


Through association and serving sadhus consciousness can eb transferred.


Key message at the beginning of the ashtaka verses: Consciousness is the platform of attachment.


Middle sadhu SP speaks about- who is  a sadhu?
Sadhu in BG described as one who unflinchingly engaged in Devotional service - even if one is not following the strict rules of devotional service if one has unflinching faith in Krishna he is a sadhu - a strict follower- the tides come and go - and then there might be Tsunami  or a huge tidal wave- it doesnt stop it keeps going and going and floods everything- some material circumstance overcomes the devotee- circumstantial fall down - one who has tendency of smoking associates with one who smokes he starts smoking to- this is accidental fall down- but then when he realizes he immediately gives it up and becomes situated in his unflinching faith


we must be very careful what circumstances we allow ourselves to be exposed to- we say no because we are strict followers - we allow circumstances to overwhelm us- but then to follow int he spirit of sadhur eve sa mantavyah - we immediately come back to dry land and follow the process of devotionals service sincerely


All perfection just sadhu sanga- means hear and serve - then dense darkness of illusion is removed by the light by transcendental association.


On this verse VCT makes the comment- cause of bhakti is association with devotees- doors for liberation starting with salokya, samipya, sarsti , sarupya- excluding sayujya the door for liberation (Vaishnav) is open for those who associate with devotees- however such liberation is an unsought result for a pure devotee- going back to 3.25.13- these fruits of bhakti are not the reason to pursue bhakti- they are secondary- not the purpose for taking up bhakti


Text 23- connects with 20 - 2 types of attachment of these two types- one results in material misery  the other results in ultimate liberation- Text 13- nihksreyasaya- continuous thought of Krishna- constitutional posn is restored- Xcendental happiness- other so called happiness is insignificant. e.g firefly when the light of Xcendental knowledge is illumined what is the value of speculative knowledge, beauty etc- just like we do not notice the firefly during the daytime.


When there is Xcendental happiness material happiness is insignificant.


Applying the principle of bhakti works- therefore one of the principles SP taught us- those who touch fire for cooking must be Brahmanas as much as those who touch the deities- princple - concsiousness should eb clean- specially with Radha Krishna Deities - that which is prepared by those persons or offered by those persons - the effect is different.


Sadhu sanga gives instructions - he will not pick up and put us on a higher place- that comes by application and the strength to apply comes from faith.


Real friendship is where you are helping to elevate one another and hanging out is not.


I want to compromise just to be accepted- somehow I want to give them Krishna- give them a higher taste- atleast let me be happy who i am - internally we should not change. If they want to do something else - (they may not like itif i do not do it) we say happily we will not do it - when they see we are happy in not doing it- they will be attracted- they sasy "Whats happening" whats your secret- and you tell them something they can hear - and you are consistent like that - they may not read KRishna Conscious books- you will be protected and you help them take another step- your role is not to look down at them or become like them ytour role is in whatever helps them- extend something that helps them take one step- accept who you are in front of friends- BVT cordial dealings is nice- what is not to be done is can you give me advise about my family etc- we do not got here-

Sadhusangastakam - Verses 3.25.23 -24- How to recognize a sadhu - Part2

The perfection of Devotional service is made possible by association of devotees. Then we learned what are the characteristics of a sadhu - having that understanding one can recognize one - pay attention and cultivate and let that person become an object of your affection.

A sadhu does the thankless task of impressing upon others the importance of devotional service.- meet with so many opposing elements

One can have difficulties and risk in DS but devotees tolerate that inconvenience and danger because they are in service to the Lord - tolerant merciful- expand that message to so many others - human and animal society.

sadhava- one who abides by the principles must be a devotee of a lord

Text 22- staunch devotional service and renounced for the welfare of others. - test renunciation -e energy, resources, self everything employed in the service of the Lord.

SB 3.25.23: Engaged constantly in chanting and hearing about Me, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the sādhus do not suffer from material miseries because they are always filled with thoughts of My pastimes and activities.


FRom 3.2.3-6 -How should we associate with a sadhu and what is teh consequence-
Krsna had just finished speaking uddhava gita - and it was the same day that krsna had left- uddhava his life and soul was gone and vidura comes and he says - just seeing you reminds of krsna , baalaraama and all the people of dwarka


From 3.2.6 : given to Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī by Lord Śrī Caitanya: "The living entities all over the universes are enjoying the effects of the respective fruitive results of their own work, life after life. Out of all of them, some may be influenced by the association of pure devotees and thus get the chance to execute devotional service by attainment of taste. This taste is the seed of devotional service, and one who is fortunate enough to have received such a seed is advised to sow it in the core of his heart.

The topic is sadhu sanga- sadhu like a tree and lotus feet of the Lord are like a tre- just like a creeper grows by attaching itself to a tree- the sadhu is like a tree gives support and water to grow for the creeper and the tree is attached to lotus feet of the Lord and therefore the creeper of our DS will grow.This is how sadhu sanga works.

Activity of grlofying through hearing and chanting- is the bhagavt form- from that all forms of service come through- "Ordinary conditioned souls, being forgetful of the activities of the Lord, are always full of anxieties and material tribulations. On the other hand, since the devotees always engage in the topics of the Lord, they are forgetful of the miseries of material existence."

root of any misery is forgetfulness of Krishna- we have  a bad bargain- this body material exience is a bad bargain we got a bopdy and now we are stuck with it- make the best use of a bad bargain use it in service to Krishna - along with bad bargain tolerate the miseries come along with it. Move one - to that which is sadhu guided - real misery is we forgot krishna - we are going on forgetting him that is misery- our reral happiness is separated from us

Why is the association of devotees so valuable?

1) One who is a a sadhu-devotee- they have unflinching mood of service in all circumstances - independent of circumstance - humble service to Krishna- because of this humble mood Krishna manifests in their heart- he is attracted to them - he is ever present in their consciousness and a when a devotee speaks devotee opens their heart- Uddhava just hearing Krishna's name - he became intensely absorbed- he was there with Krishna - but he wanted to serve Vidura and he spoke his heart to him - through sound vibration consciousness is transmitted. Potential of the association where trasnmitter and reciever are both tuned - teh potential of that is consciousness is transferred not just dos and donts - and int he process of receiving that sound vibration one gets even a glimpse of Krishna that is o powerful , meaningful and full of light- darkness is dispelled

What is that exp when glimpse of KRishna is recd through sound vibration?

That is the taste from 3.2.6 - something that encourages us to go further in devotional service. Krishna give a glimpse of Him- that is so powerful it keeps us goin- our chantign is like that until sudddha naama it is nam-abhasa- reflection of the Holy Name and that is so poweful it is retaining our KC- and in the assoc of a sadhu one who had that quality described by Kapilas Dev Krishna is there in teh heart- it is the Shyama Sundara form not 4 armed

the principle of sadhu- sanga is association that xfers from the heart of the sadhu to our heart if we are attending to taht association properly-

Anotehr poetic image given about the heart fo the devotee- is like crystal it takes on the color of that its surrounding - crystal shines - thus heart of the devotee shines radiantly- if there is a desire in the heart of a devotee ot connect with Krishna in the association of sadhu the covering diminshes and teh awakened state of love for KRishna is attained- ikt is more than hanging out- attach ourself with teh sadhu in a mood of service primarily hearing

sadhu wants to help everyone free them from material condition - through method of hearing- enlivening to the heart of ths sadhu to see people hearing sincerely.

Take it through the ear and the magic of hearing.

Kapila Dev's instruction is not just hanging it out it is attaching onself to the adhu through service.

Let the mind become attached from Text 23- naitān mad-gata-cetasaḥ thoughts are filled by thoughts of Krishna  chracteristic of a sadhu - their mind and heart are absorbed in Krishna - we become attached to that association through hearing and applying then material disease is gone.

SB 3.25.24: O My mother, O virtuous lady, these are the qualities of great devotees who are free from all attachment. You must seek attachment to such holy men, for this counteracts the pernicious effects of material attachment.

bad bargain- we got misery while looking for happiness- cant get released by complaining about it- message of the sadhu is to cut the affinity for material attachment and bring to spiritual attraction.

This verse is the answer to Devahuti's initial question.

From the purport -

We have to rise above the modes of nature, 2 nd chapter BG be Xcendental to the modes of natures- which pollutes our consciousness, what do you do- cannot find anything pure in this world - how do we find anything pure in this contaminated world- bring you consciousness to that which is supremely pure- how? through sadhu sanga- a pure devotee is free from modes of nature and it is our duty to seek out

We must become a sadhu - become a benefit to the world- how? by taking these instructions to heart.

Those who are sadhus- do not feel the contamination of the material world - as we surrender to the Lord he reciprocates accordingly- therefore be a kitten 

sadhu cuts with words - message of SB-- cuts bondage of attachment to fruitive activity and its results.Prahlada's perfection - protected from so many difficulties by constant remembrance of the Supreme Lord - VCT's commentary- the fault of material association is destroyed by sadhu sanga

We must become attached to the instructions as receive and follow then catching the glimpse of Krishna in those instructions and carrying it in our hearts

Association tranffers contents from one person's heart to anotehr person's heart - surround our heart by sound vibration of saintly persons then that heart also becomes cleansed and filled with Krishna Consicousness
Association with advanced devotees is essential for those who want to advance in Krishna Consciousness - those who are free from illusion , false prestige and false association are elegible to center the kingdomn of God- So we need to cultivate underdtaning of that which is eternal and by that sadhu sanga- material dualities and lust and bewliderment of material circumstances is removed and thus we become eligible tro enter the kingdom of God.

in contaminated state we are immersed in modes of material nature- how do you get out of the contact? What are you supposed to do?

You cant do something and you cant do nothing - you cant counteract by further material activity? BG message is the process of sacrifice - take this tendency and use it in service- dovetail- karma yoga- then the elevation in Bhakti from the present circumstances to attachment to Krishna- how to free from modes of materila nature?

Association of sadhus-associate with devotees-by KC we will not feel the contamination of being in this places. - Sadhu sanga is a foundational prcnciple of spirtual life and give up the material association. By sadhus words attachment to material existence can be cut.


Deliberate and circumstantial fall down - as soon as the circumstance os removed teh beceome situated properly - then we regard that person as a sadhu- they were covered because of the overwhelming circumstance they became covered but after the circumstance is removed they continue bhajatae mam ananya bhak- should i listen to my mind or follow Krishna's opinion.

Sadhusangastaka - 3.25.21-22 - How to recognize a sadhu Part1

Text 20- all that is being described can be obtained through devotional service in the association of devotees.
Attachment should be self realized devotees- sadhu who has the following qualifications- one who has unflinching faith in Krishna. engages in devotional service, strict follower
while in association of devotees one should serve - then  the dorr/gateway to liberation opens

What are the gifts from the sadhu?
SAdhu thoughts absorbed in Radha Krishna and Their pastimes - they teach you how to be attached tot he Supreme Lord, a worshiper, servitor of the Lord how to become attached to the Lord.

How to associate with a sadhu?
By hearing from them - and after that you associate by following their instructions - instructions not to improve material conditions but how to cut the knot of material attachment and how to elevate ourselves to the platform of Devotional service -

Summary of Text 20- Path of liberation begins with sadhu sanga.

VCT saysNext 4 verses describe the secondary characteristics of a devotee
Primary quality of the devotee- swarupaa lakshana - other qualitites follow- one you find that one quality then KRishna decorates His devotee with otehr qualities- the primary characteristic- attachement to Krishna- Krsna eka saranama-

Devahuti used a term to describe Kapila Deva- the most worthy object of surrender - from having taken full shelter of Krishna then other natural qualities appear - by associating with teh Supreme Pure we exhibit His qualities

SB 3.25.21: The symptoms of a sādhu are that he is tolerant, merciful and friendly to all living entities. He has no enemies, he is peaceful, he abides by the scriptures, and all his characteristics are sublime.


Karunika- merciful - one of the most outstanding qualities other than the quality of surrender to Krishna - devotees are not concerned about their own welfare- they are concerned about the welfare of others - e.g HJaridas Thakur , Prahlada Maharaj- one of his first prayers wass aksing forgiveness for his father.

When being compassionate hrdships will come- therefore titiksiva - tolerant , eg SP tolerated so many difficulties for all the people- he appreciated so much his devotees who sacrificed everything - In PS's appreciation for Bhakti Tirth Swami as a PRinceton student graduate gave up a very prominsing career just to become a servant of Prabhupada - as a black man enerting the communist countries- to give colleges SB sets often risking his life

There is great risk - in acting in a selfless manner for uncivilized people of this world. But the devotee will do that- because their attachment to the SPG and aliginign themselves tot he will of the SPg through and teh disciplic succession is very strong.

suhrda - best friend well wishing friend - in the heart it is Krishna and outside it is Vaishanav who holds know enmity towards anyone always well wishing towards everyone- 6 Goswamis were dhira to both in Vrindavan- loved by everyone - very friendly to everyone it was their nature -

santah - sadhi is calm  and he quiety and peacefully follows the principles of scripture - and a devotee of the Lord(sadhava)- in VCT's commentary he identifies sadhava as straightforward - the opposite is duplicitous,say one thing do one thing

Real qualities are not created by circumstances- they are not circumstantial - they are substantial - they remain in all circumstances because it is based on the qualities of the soul- principle quality of the soul is Krishna eke saranam

Such a sadhu engages in staunch devotional service..

SB 3.25.22: Such a sādhu engages in staunch devotional service to the Lord without deviation. For the sake of the Lord he renounces all other connections, such as family relationships and friendly acquaintances within the world.

renounced order of life- sanyasi and grahastha who has dedicated everything to the service to the Supreme Lord

You can be a grhastha and fully dedicated to the Personality of Godhead - eg BVT with ten children and Govt service, Jayadeva Goswami, Vyasadeva- even Kunti Devi is makign such a prayer- cut the material portion I have of the Pandavas and the VRsnis - same is being said here- material affinity is absent for a grahastha sadhu - a sadhu has to be one situated in his characteristic- it doesnt have be a man, saffron where.

The Sanskrit ananyena bhāvena - undivided devotiona following that bhaktiḿ kurvanti ye dṛḍhām very fixed in their devotion - practicing voluntary austerity- incressing rounds on ekadasi day- etc some kind of vrata where you are increasing spiritual and decreasing material involvements just in principle- satying very regulated- increases determination and will gradually increase the desire to quanitiatively and qualitatively improve - that is teh char of a sadhu. 

When there is detachment from worldly obligation to fulfill attachment for spiritual duties  - when you become a genuine devotee- all obligations to forefathers, parents, etc are fulfilled- living a responsible life is a full time job- all the debts are taken care of - Canakya Pandit saya three things ahev to be attendted immd - fire , disease and death- do not let it linger - fulfill it completely- become properly situated as a devotee - they may not be taking care of this detail that detail - but they are fixed in their DS.

All otehr principles are meant to bring you tot his one principle - surrender to Krishna.

Kapil Dev is a saktyaevsha avatar- an empowered incarnation of the Lord -

Qualities of Cdental intelligence can retain two opposing wualities ate teh same time-

Craing very strongly at teh same time detached- detachme ntprinciple is everythign is in Krishna's hand - I am a servant not controller or enjoyeer- as a servant- I care becaue Krishna care- I also have caring capacity but I am not the controller so I serve in a very caring way- at the same time KRishna is the decider of all things and it may take some time and ultimately everythign is in KRishna's hand - I may want to teh outcome to eb such and such but i should not it is in Krishna's hand - e.g SP cared for people whom he did not know- but ntohign was happening- he did not lose his enthu- and he continued- for a long time nothing happenedn he continued caring for KRishna's happiness and even when somethign happened he continued caring he did nto get attached

2 litmus tests or measures- over a period of time is the DS stauch, tivra bhakti - not fading , always always

When there is some inconvenience or some obstacle or somebdoy is rude or harsh how do they respond to that - to teh obstacle, difficulty, to the reversal of nature - do they remain dhira in those circumstances.Is DS generated by circumstance or is it coming from the heart

3.25 The Glories of Pure Devotional service: 18 - 19

SB 3.25.18: In that position of self-realization, by practice of knowledge and renunciation in devotional service, one sees everything in the right perspective; he becomes indifferent to material existence, and the material influence acts less powerfully upon him


Not just conceptual but application- not just finding the root but watering the root.
"Material influence acts less powerfully"


2 ways to look at it - 
like immune system - if 2 people are exposed to the same virus one contracts it the otehr doesnt - SP is that Karma? SP said - if immune system is strong one contracts the disease - if it weak then you get it.  Weak immune system mayb ekarma but we can stregthen the immune shystem- what is that immune system - drawing your attention that he Surpeme withdrawing from matter. If that is there then you are protected.


Sat swarupa Maharaj said a story- SP sent him to start a temple in Boston- they reneted a place to stay when SP was visiting them- they took him in a taxi from the airport tot he rental place . Taxi driver says " You are one of the Swamis. What does that mean? You sleep on a bed of nails" SP said "Better than that. I can enter in a room full of naked women and not get affected by that" Thus SP immune system is strong- teh attraction to Krishna is so great taht even if teh cause of atrraction is there one is not disturbed- dhira- one who is not disturbed even when there is a reason to be disturbed.


One lecture series in LA on 6th chapter BG- on controlling the mind. SP was descriiding dhira- when there is cause for disturbance and one is not disturbed that is wonderful.
Justifying "I am disturbed because of them" - how abt becomign undisturbed in difficult situations- how to address that - Kapila Dev is giving that system - one different to duality and it acts less powerfullly upon him


It acts less powerfully - just like time acts differently acc to our consciousness of KC- the heavenly planets to the Indra Gopa germ their 100 years is our 24 hours - our six months in the heavenly planet is 12 hrs. So one year is one day. As you get higher in consciousness you get closer to eternal time- it contracts or explands acc to consciousness. Similarly material energy- or existence- doesmnt mean you live forever - it means that it doesnt act upon you in the same way- in a situation one poerson maybe disturbed but it doesnt affect you - that is being said here.


Back to the immune system eg- if your ressutance is sytrong you will not be affected by the contamination. Similarly from teh purport:"One understands his constitutional position by knowledge and vairāgya, renunciation. Without knowledge, one cannot have realization."

Why are we putting our time in understanding all these things.

Haridas Thakur is saying that in order to chant Hare KRishna one must have sambandha Jnana. Many chant for fun to have a nice time(YOga people) but do abominable things - they will not get the full fruit from what is intended from chanting- commonly there is misconceptions of the Absolute Truth, Krishna and the purpose of spiritual life . Thus SP says here : "Without knowledge, one cannot have realization" . - good knowledge you act on it - it works upon u - thus faith increases with that relaization- when you appraoch with stronger faith you can hear more- when we read BG we sunderstand something we didnt understand previously - part is Krishna is evr fresh - Krishna also discloses what we need to hear. The point being presented in the verse and purport- knoweldge is not theoretical it must be applied it has potecny and when it is applied - neutralizes happiness and distress- we get absorbed in KRishna and not get slapped areound by material energy- we decide to not try material energey again we place our consicounsess in KRishna - thus material influence acts less powerrfully.

 jñāna-vairāgya-yuktena:Varieties of service . Whatever situation we may be in we remain abosrbed in service and keep doing it. FRom the purport: " jñāna-vairāgya-yuktena: when one is in full knowledge of one's constitutional position and is in the renounced order of life, detached from material attraction, then, by pure devotional service, bhakti-yuktena, he can engage himself as a loving servant of the Lord."


 Bhakti follows understanding what is what? you do the spiritual side and detach from the material side- then "paripaśyati means that he can see everything in its right perspective. Then the influence of material nature becomes almost nil. " Right perspective- Krishna's perspective.  Who does something belong to? Soemthing that SP taught - do not blame oanother- who is serving as the instrument of your karma-I can blame someone or take responsibility that it is my karma coming because I misused my free will.

Brahma-bhūtaḥ prasannātmā: [Bg. 18.54] when one is self-realized he becomes happy and free from the influence of material nature, and at that time he is freed from lamentation and hankering. The Lord states that position as mad-bhaktiḿ labhateparām [Bg. 18.54], the real state of beginning devotional service.

The real devotional service is the unmixed kind- thus we havent gotten there yet- keep performing the mixed and striving the unmixed and KRishna alone has to be pelased- cultivate devotional service- RG"s defn of Bhakti- anusilanaa- abhyas yogena yuketena continue to practice - follow the example fo the persons- immediately take their association - sadhu sanga we need that.

SB 3.25.19: Perfection in self-realization cannot be attained by any kind of yogī unless he engages in devotional service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, for that is the only auspicious path.

Now he is at the top- talking abt the highest goal. In sankhya yoga being presented - there are components of knowledge and meditation. When we are reading those we must remember that without devotional service we cannot attain perfection. Complete detachment from ast indreyah isnt going to be experience without bhakti.

In the purport SP refers to  Na yujyamānayā means "without being dovetailed." Dovetail term was used by BSST - it s atechnical term - woodowkr join with one piece fitting into other- becomes trsonger that orginal piece of wood - where material propensity and service to KRishna are joined- e.g Lord Brsham in Sri Brahma Samhita- after all of his fantastic realization he is at the top of relaization - speaks to SPG directly and expresses a doubt- I have this relaization and also have a doubt- I have this desire to create a universe and the impetus to do that was given to him by SPG- he says I will become entangled If i do that- what to do ? this dovetail- connect that with principle activities of Bhakti- that becomes as powerful and elevating as direct devotional service itself - thus mind and senses will not be purified if you do not do that tendency you have - perform the prewscribed duty and think of KRishna. Yeah but this is difficult- my mind is all over the place- that is the assignment - and we commit ourselves to this assignment- that which you are attached to you always think of- boy girl romance thing - whatever they are doing they are thinking of each other.

Therefore become attached to KRishna and think about him - then you will do whatever is pleasing to him- with that let go of the other stuff dont carry your stuff on the back.

Burden of material existence comes from tamo guna- we are not meant for that we are meant for sel realization -

2.41: vyvasyatmika buddhih purport- SP speaks about faith you achieve one thing everythign will be achieved- if I can just achieve devotion to Krishna everythign else will follow - the higehst perfection of Krishna Consicousness complete detachment from the bodily conception of life - cant egt there if you hold on to that. He says one should eb so convinced and realized that tehre is no chance for Sense gratification to enter our lives.

Material benefit is temporary, spiritual benefit is beyond the conecpt of matter- but that is not the ultimate- the ultimate is within that spiritual benefit recognizing who is that Suprem Person and that we enegage the SPg purposefully then it is nihsreyasaya.

Tendency can be changed by practice- practice becomes secodn nsture- practice that I am a servant- it is actually our nature then it becomes second nature- change of habit takes time and some investment of consciousness . That is one teh behavior side and then there si consciousness.like teachign children to say please and thank you-  they may say it but change in consciousnes i noit here- so behavior has changed , but once inside they also develop humility and gratutude then coniosuness has changed - so we cultivate  not only the behavior but also the consciousness- it is not easy but it is natural.

3.25 The glories of pure devotional service:Summary from 13-17

To get to Bhakti there has to be knowledge - transfer consciousness from matter to spirit - detachment from matter attachment to spirit
Duality in the form of happiness and distress - one who is situated in the system of Yoga becomes free from duality- detached from happiness and distress. -

There is advice from all vedic wisdom presented in the purport- matrasparshas tu ... tams titikisasva bharata- one should tolerate that duality- doesnt mean grit your teeth and bear it- it means withdraw consicousness from asat and place it in sat- by this process of yoga one becomes delivered from impermmanenet mnaterial activity-
Thus we must understand the realm of matter and spirit. Knowledge can help on get a foothold the purpose is not knowedlge itself unto itself- it is to distinguish b etween matter and spirit and place consciousness in spiriit.

Text 13:
FRom the purport:
In the material world, everyone is trying to get some material happiness, but as soon as we get some material happiness, there is also material distress. In the material world one cannot have unadulterated happiness. Any kind of happiness one has is contaminated by distress also. For example, if we want to drink milk then we have to bother to maintain a cow and keep her fit to supply milk


Spiritual life is not about becoming lazy- its about placing our efforts in the realm of spirit.


Text 14:
Kapila Dev said he will explain the anceint yoga system - it is doable(serviceable)


SB 3.25.15: The stage in which the consciousness of the living entity is attracted by the three modes of material nature is called conditional life. But when that same consciousness is attached to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one is situated in the consciousness of liberation.


Jack in the box - kids like to play with it. Adults do the same thing. Senses meet sense objects there is pleasure - and then we get hit. WE keep doing it like donkeys and keep getting entangled - getting punched in the face.


Recognixing that this is problematic one needs to withdraw consicousness from that and plkace it in the Supreme. Thats what KApila Deva is sayingt o Devahuti.


SB 3.25.17: At that time the soul can see himself to be transcendental to material existence and always self-effulgent, never fragmented, although very minute in size.


SP compares the minuteness to spark in the fire- qualititative oneness and quantitive difference.
Acintya bheda abheda becomes a part of the picture.