(b) Cultivation of knowledge – For those unable to take to Krishna conscious path – It is better to cultivate knowledge
(c) Result of knowledge – One understands his real position
(d) Knowledge will develop to meditation – Then one can gradually understands the Supreme Personality of Godhead
Some processes make one understand that one himself is the Supreme, that sort of meditation is preferred if one is unable to engage in devotional service
If one is unable to meditate in such a way, then there are Vedic prescribed duties for different Varnas
But always one should give up the result of labor – Employ the result for some good cause
(e) Why ‘renunciation of fruits’ is mentioned as better than ‘meditation’ – Although karma-yoga is the lowest on the yoga-ladder, Krishna says that it is better than meditation, because it is more practical and it does not disturb the mind with harsh and impractical requirements for renunciation.
(a) Reasons – One may be unable to sympathize for Krishna conscious acts because of social, familial, religious considerations or any other impediments.
(b) What is the hope/recommendation for them – Sacrifice the accumulated results to some good cause
(c) Authority for such matter – Such procedures are given in Vedic rules:
Many yajnas
Special functions of punya, etc.
(d) How that helps – One may gradually elevate to the state of knowledge
(e) Practical examples – Charity to hospitals / Social institutions – such sacrifices of hard earned results purify the mind and one can gradually understand Krishna consciousness.
(f) In what cases social service, community service, national service is recommended: Krishna consciousness is not dependent on any other experience because Krishna consciousness itself purify the mind, but if there are impediments to Krishna consciousness then one can try to give up the results of his actions for some good causes
In that respect, social service, community service, national service etc. may be accepted
(g) Principle behind this philosophy – Ref. Bg. 18.46 – If one decides to sacrifice for the Supreme cause, even if he does not know , that the Supreme Cause is Krishna, he will gradually understand.
Text 12.12
THEME: If you cannot take to “this practice” (“This practice” refers to the following of the principles of Krishna consciousness as recommended in Text 12.10)
Then engage yourself in ‘cultivation of knowledge’ (Knowledge here refers to Bramha-jnana – knowledge of soul different from the body)
Better than ‘knowledge’ however is ‘meditation’ – Yogic meditation by which one will realize the Supersoul
Better than ‘meditation’ is ‘renunciation of the fruits of action’
Benefit of such renunciation – “peace of mind”
Learnings from Purport 12.12
(a) Two kinds of devotional service
Way of regulative principles
Way of full attachment in Love of Godhead
(b) Cultivation of knowledge – For those unable to take to Krishna conscious path – It is better to cultivate knowledge
(c) Result of knowledge – One understands his real position
(d) Knowledge will develop to meditation – Then one can gradually understands the Supreme Personality of Godhead
Some processes make one understand that one himself is the Supreme, that sort of meditation is preferred if one is unable to engage in devotional service
If one is unable to meditate in such a way, then there are Vedic prescribed duties for different Varnas
But always one should give up the result of labor – Employ the result for some good cause
(e) Why ‘renunciation of fruits’ is mentioned as better than ‘meditation’ – Although karma-yoga is the lowest on the yoga-ladder, Krishna says that it is better than meditation, because it is more practical and it does not disturb the mind with harsh and impractical requirements for renunciation.
(a) Reasons – One may be unable to sympathize for Krishna conscious acts because of social, familial, religious considerations or any other impediments.
(b) What is the hope/recommendation for them – Sacrifice the accumulated results to some good cause
(c) Authority for such matter – Such procedures are given in Vedic rules:
Many yajnas
Special functions of punya, etc.
(d) How that helps – One may gradually elevate to the state of knowledge
(e) Practical examples – Charity to hospitals / Social institutions – such sacrifices of hard earned results purify the mind and one can gradually understand Krishna consciousness.
(f) In what cases social service, community service, national service is recommended: Krishna consciousness is not dependent on any other experience because Krishna consciousness itself purify the mind, but if there are impediments to Krishna consciousness then one can try to give up the results of his actions for some good causes
In that respect, social service, community service, national service etc. may be accepted
(g) Principle behind this philosophy – Ref. Bg. 18.46 – If one decides to sacrifice for the Supreme cause, even if he does not know , that the Supreme Cause is Krishna, he will gradually understand.
Text 12.12
THEME: If you cannot take to “this practice” (“This practice” refers to the following of the principles of Krishna consciousness as recommended in Text 12.10)
Then engage yourself in ‘cultivation of knowledge’ (Knowledge here refers to Bramha-jnana – knowledge of soul different from the body)
Better than ‘knowledge’ however is ‘meditation’ – Yogic meditation by which one will realize the Supersoul
Better than ‘meditation’ is ‘renunciation of the fruits of action’
Benefit of such renunciation – “peace of mind”
Learnings from Purport 12.12
(a) Two kinds of devotional service
Way of regulative principles
Way of full attachment in Love of Godhead
(b) Cultivation of knowledge – For those unable to take to Krishna conscious path – It is better to cultivate knowledge
(c) Result of knowledge – One understands his real position
(d) Knowledge will develop to meditation – Then one can gradually understands the Supreme Personality of Godhead
Some processes make one understand that one himself is the Supreme, that sort of meditation is preferred if one is unable to engage in devotional service
If one is unable to meditate in such a way, then there are Vedic prescribed duties for different Varnas
But always one should give up the result of labor – Employ the result for some good cause
(e) Why ‘renunciation of fruits’ is mentioned as better than ‘meditation’ – Although karma-yoga is the lowest on the yoga-ladder, Krishna says that it is better than meditation, because it is more practical and it does not disturb the mind with harsh and impractical requirements for renunciation.
(a) How to perform work for Krishna – based on Bg. 11.55
Sympathetic to propagation to Krishna consciousness
e.g. Every endeavor needs land, capital, organization, labor like in any other business
e.g. Can build a temple / Help in publication
(b) If one cannot sacrifice results of his activities, at least sacrifice some percentage of his results.
Text 12.11
THEME: : If you cannot practice 12.10 (Working in consciousness of Krishna) then
Try to give up all results of your work and be self-situated
Learnings from Purport 12.11
(a) Reasons – One may be unable to sympathize for Krishna conscious acts because of social, familial, religious considerations or any other impediments.
(b) What is the hope/recommendation for them – Sacrifice the accumulated results to some good cause
(c) Authority for such matter – Such procedures are given in Vedic rules:
Many yajnas
Special functions of punya, etc.
(d) How that helps – One may gradually elevate to the state of knowledge
(e) Practical examples – Charity to hospitals / Social institutions – such sacrifices of hard earned results purify the mind and one can gradually understand Krishna consciousness.
(f) In what cases social service, community service, national service is recommended: Krishna consciousness is not dependent on any other experience because Krishna consciousness itself purify the mind, but if there are impediments to Krishna consciousness then one can try to give up the results of his actions for some good causes
In that respect, social service, community service, national service etc. may be accepted
(g) Principle behind this philosophy – Ref. Bg. 18.46 – If one decides to sacrifice for the Supreme cause, even if he does not know , that the Supreme Cause is Krishna, he will gradually understand.
Text 12.12
THEME: If you cannot take to “this practice” (“This practice” refers to the following of the principles of Krishna consciousness as recommended in Text 12.10)
Then engage yourself in ‘cultivation of knowledge’ (Knowledge here refers to Bramha-jnana – knowledge of soul different from the body)
Better than ‘knowledge’ however is ‘meditation’ – Yogic meditation by which one will realize the Supersoul
Better than ‘meditation’ is ‘renunciation of the fruits of action’
Benefit of such renunciation – “peace of mind”
Learnings from Purport 12.12
(a) Two kinds of devotional service
Way of regulative principles
Way of full attachment in Love of Godhead
(b) Cultivation of knowledge – For those unable to take to Krishna conscious path – It is better to cultivate knowledge
(c) Result of knowledge – One understands his real position
(d) Knowledge will develop to meditation – Then one can gradually understands the Supreme Personality of Godhead
Some processes make one understand that one himself is the Supreme, that sort of meditation is preferred if one is unable to engage in devotional service
If one is unable to meditate in such a way, then there are Vedic prescribed duties for different Varnas
But always one should give up the result of labor – Employ the result for some good cause
(e) Why ‘renunciation of fruits’ is mentioned as better than ‘meditation’ – Although karma-yoga is the lowest on the yoga-ladder, Krishna says that it is better than meditation, because it is more practical and it does not disturb the mind with harsh and impractical requirements for renunciation.
(a) How to perform work for Krishna – based on Bg. 11.55
Sympathetic to propagation to Krishna consciousness
e.g. Every endeavor needs land, capital, organization, labor like in any other business
e.g. Can build a temple / Help in publication
(b) If one cannot sacrifice results of his activities, at least sacrifice some percentage of his results.
Text 12.11
THEME: : If you cannot practice 12.10 (Working in consciousness of Krishna) then
Try to give up all results of your work and be self-situated
Learnings from Purport 12.11
(a) Reasons – One may be unable to sympathize for Krishna conscious acts because of social, familial, religious considerations or any other impediments.
(b) What is the hope/recommendation for them – Sacrifice the accumulated results to some good cause
(c) Authority for such matter – Such procedures are given in Vedic rules:
Many yajnas
Special functions of punya, etc.
(d) How that helps – One may gradually elevate to the state of knowledge
(e) Practical examples – Charity to hospitals / Social institutions – such sacrifices of hard earned results purify the mind and one can gradually understand Krishna consciousness.
(f) In what cases social service, community service, national service is recommended: Krishna consciousness is not dependent on any other experience because Krishna consciousness itself purify the mind, but if there are impediments to Krishna consciousness then one can try to give up the results of his actions for some good causes
In that respect, social service, community service, national service etc. may be accepted
(g) Principle behind this philosophy – Ref. Bg. 18.46 – If one decides to sacrifice for the Supreme cause, even if he does not know , that the Supreme Cause is Krishna, he will gradually understand.
Text 12.12
THEME: If you cannot take to “this practice” (“This practice” refers to the following of the principles of Krishna consciousness as recommended in Text 12.10)
Then engage yourself in ‘cultivation of knowledge’ (Knowledge here refers to Bramha-jnana – knowledge of soul different from the body)
Better than ‘knowledge’ however is ‘meditation’ – Yogic meditation by which one will realize the Supersoul
Better than ‘meditation’ is ‘renunciation of the fruits of action’
Benefit of such renunciation – “peace of mind”
Learnings from Purport 12.12
(a) Two kinds of devotional service
Way of regulative principles
Way of full attachment in Love of Godhead
(b) Cultivation of knowledge – For those unable to take to Krishna conscious path – It is better to cultivate knowledge
(c) Result of knowledge – One understands his real position
(d) Knowledge will develop to meditation – Then one can gradually understands the Supreme Personality of Godhead
Some processes make one understand that one himself is the Supreme, that sort of meditation is preferred if one is unable to engage in devotional service
If one is unable to meditate in such a way, then there are Vedic prescribed duties for different Varnas
But always one should give up the result of labor – Employ the result for some good cause
(e) Why ‘renunciation of fruits’ is mentioned as better than ‘meditation’ – Although karma-yoga is the lowest on the yoga-ladder, Krishna says that it is better than meditation, because it is more practical and it does not disturb the mind with harsh and impractical requirements for renunciation.
(a) Text 12.8 vs. Text 12.9 – Text 12.8 refers to those who have already developed attachment to Krishna and 12.9 refers to those who have not developed
(b) Definition of ‘bhakti-yoga’ – bhakti-yoga is the “purification of the senses” by prescribed rules and regulations
Material existence – Senses engaged in sense gratification
Bhakti-yoga – Senses when engaged in direct contact with Supreme Lord are purified.
(c) Service in spiritual existence is the ‘platform of pure love’
In contrast – Service in material existence – One serves some master but there is no love; only wants some salary
(d) How to achieve that stage of pure love – Practice devotional service with present senses
(e) Is “Love” an external imposition – No
Love is dormant in all
Heart is contaminated by material association
(f) How to follow regulations of devotional service – Guidance of spiritual master / rise early / enter temple and offer prayers / chant Hare Krishna / offer flowers to Deities / cook for the Deities, honour prasadam, constant hearing of Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam from pure devotees
(g) Qualifications to practice –‘Anyone’ can practice;
(h) Guarantee of success – There is surity of love of Godhead
Text 12.10
THEME: If you cannot practice 12.9 (practicing the regulations of Bhakti-Yoga) then
Engage all external senses for working for Krishna
Work for Krishna\
Benefit – You will come to the perfect stage
Learnings from Purport 12.10
(a) How to perform work for Krishna – based on Bg. 11.55
Sympathetic to propagation to Krishna consciousness
e.g. Every endeavor needs land, capital, organization, labor like in any other business
e.g. Can build a temple / Help in publication
(b) If one cannot sacrifice results of his activities, at least sacrifice some percentage of his results.
Text 12.11
THEME: : If you cannot practice 12.10 (Working in consciousness of Krishna) then
Try to give up all results of your work and be self-situated
Learnings from Purport 12.11
(a) Reasons – One may be unable to sympathize for Krishna conscious acts because of social, familial, religious considerations or any other impediments.
(b) What is the hope/recommendation for them – Sacrifice the accumulated results to some good cause
(c) Authority for such matter – Such procedures are given in Vedic rules:
Many yajnas
Special functions of punya, etc.
(d) How that helps – One may gradually elevate to the state of knowledge
(e) Practical examples – Charity to hospitals / Social institutions – such sacrifices of hard earned results purify the mind and one can gradually understand Krishna consciousness.
(f) In what cases social service, community service, national service is recommended: Krishna consciousness is not dependent on any other experience because Krishna consciousness itself purify the mind, but if there are impediments to Krishna consciousness then one can try to give up the results of his actions for some good causes
In that respect, social service, community service, national service etc. may be accepted
(g) Principle behind this philosophy – Ref. Bg. 18.46 – If one decides to sacrifice for the Supreme cause, even if he does not know , that the Supreme Cause is Krishna, he will gradually understand.
Text 12.12
THEME: If you cannot take to “this practice” (“This practice” refers to the following of the principles of Krishna consciousness as recommended in Text 12.10)
Then engage yourself in ‘cultivation of knowledge’ (Knowledge here refers to Bramha-jnana – knowledge of soul different from the body)
Better than ‘knowledge’ however is ‘meditation’ – Yogic meditation by which one will realize the Supersoul
Better than ‘meditation’ is ‘renunciation of the fruits of action’
Benefit of such renunciation – “peace of mind”
Learnings from Purport 12.12
(a) Two kinds of devotional service
Way of regulative principles
Way of full attachment in Love of Godhead
(b) Cultivation of knowledge – For those unable to take to Krishna conscious path – It is better to cultivate knowledge
(c) Result of knowledge – One understands his real position
(d) Knowledge will develop to meditation – Then one can gradually understands the Supreme Personality of Godhead
Some processes make one understand that one himself is the Supreme, that sort of meditation is preferred if one is unable to engage in devotional service
If one is unable to meditate in such a way, then there are Vedic prescribed duties for different Varnas
But always one should give up the result of labor – Employ the result for some good cause
(e) Why ‘renunciation of fruits’ is mentioned as better than ‘meditation’ – Although karma-yoga is the lowest on the yoga-ladder, Krishna says that it is better than meditation, because it is more practical and it does not disturb the mind with harsh and impractical requirements for renunciation.
(a) Text 12.8 vs. Text 12.9 – Text 12.8 refers to those who have already developed attachment to Krishna and 12.9 refers to those who have not developed
(b) Definition of ‘bhakti-yoga’ – bhakti-yoga is the “purification of the senses” by prescribed rules and regulations
Material existence – Senses engaged in sense gratification
Bhakti-yoga – Senses when engaged in direct contact with Supreme Lord are purified.
(c) Service in spiritual existence is the ‘platform of pure love’
In contrast – Service in material existence – One serves some master but there is no love; only wants some salary
(d) How to achieve that stage of pure love – Practice devotional service with present senses
(e) Is “Love” an external imposition – No
Love is dormant in all
Heart is contaminated by material association
(f) How to follow regulations of devotional service – Guidance of spiritual master / rise early / enter temple and offer prayers / chant Hare Krishna / offer flowers to Deities / cook for the Deities, honour prasadam, constant hearing of Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam from pure devotees
(g) Qualifications to practice –‘Anyone’ can practice;
(h) Guarantee of success – There is surity of love of Godhead
Text 12.10
THEME: If you cannot practice 12.9 (practicing the regulations of Bhakti-Yoga) then
Engage all external senses for working for Krishna
Work for Krishna\
Benefit – You will come to the perfect stage
Learnings from Purport 12.10
(a) How to perform work for Krishna – based on Bg. 11.55
Sympathetic to propagation to Krishna consciousness
e.g. Every endeavor needs land, capital, organization, labor like in any other business
e.g. Can build a temple / Help in publication
(b) If one cannot sacrifice results of his activities, at least sacrifice some percentage of his results.
Text 12.11
THEME: : If you cannot practice 12.10 (Working in consciousness of Krishna) then
Try to give up all results of your work and be self-situated
Learnings from Purport 12.11
(a) Reasons – One may be unable to sympathize for Krishna conscious acts because of social, familial, religious considerations or any other impediments.
(b) What is the hope/recommendation for them – Sacrifice the accumulated results to some good cause
(c) Authority for such matter – Such procedures are given in Vedic rules:
Many yajnas
Special functions of punya, etc.
(d) How that helps – One may gradually elevate to the state of knowledge
(e) Practical examples – Charity to hospitals / Social institutions – such sacrifices of hard earned results purify the mind and one can gradually understand Krishna consciousness.
(f) In what cases social service, community service, national service is recommended: Krishna consciousness is not dependent on any other experience because Krishna consciousness itself purify the mind, but if there are impediments to Krishna consciousness then one can try to give up the results of his actions for some good causes
In that respect, social service, community service, national service etc. may be accepted
(g) Principle behind this philosophy – Ref. Bg. 18.46 – If one decides to sacrifice for the Supreme cause, even if he does not know , that the Supreme Cause is Krishna, he will gradually understand.
Text 12.12
THEME: If you cannot take to “this practice” (“This practice” refers to the following of the principles of Krishna consciousness as recommended in Text 12.10)
Then engage yourself in ‘cultivation of knowledge’ (Knowledge here refers to Bramha-jnana – knowledge of soul different from the body)
Better than ‘knowledge’ however is ‘meditation’ – Yogic meditation by which one will realize the Supersoul
Better than ‘meditation’ is ‘renunciation of the fruits of action’
Benefit of such renunciation – “peace of mind”
Learnings from Purport 12.12
(a) Two kinds of devotional service
Way of regulative principles
Way of full attachment in Love of Godhead
(b) Cultivation of knowledge – For those unable to take to Krishna conscious path – It is better to cultivate knowledge
(c) Result of knowledge – One understands his real position
(d) Knowledge will develop to meditation – Then one can gradually understands the Supreme Personality of Godhead
Some processes make one understand that one himself is the Supreme, that sort of meditation is preferred if one is unable to engage in devotional service
If one is unable to meditate in such a way, then there are Vedic prescribed duties for different Varnas
But always one should give up the result of labor – Employ the result for some good cause
(e) Why ‘renunciation of fruits’ is mentioned as better than ‘meditation’ – Although karma-yoga is the lowest on the yoga-ladder, Krishna says that it is better than meditation, because it is more practical and it does not disturb the mind with harsh and impractical requirements for renunciation.
(a) Devotee is transcendental from very beginning – Lives in Krishna without a doubt
In devotional service one lives in direct relationship with Supreme Lord
Not lives on a material plane, but lives in Krishna o When one chants the Holy name (Holy Name and Krishna are non-different ), Krishna and internal potency dances on the tongue o When the devotee honours prasadam he becomes ‘Krishna-ized’
(b) Service gives realizations – One who does not engage in such service, cannot understand how it is possible, although the process is there in the Bhagavad-gita and other Vedic literatures
Text 12.9
THEME : If one cannot perform devotional service as per 12.8 (fixing one’s Mind on Krishna without deviation) then practice ‘’Sadhana’’
Follow the regulative principles of Bhakti-yoga
Benefit – Develop a desire to attain ‘Me’
Learnings from Purport 12.9
(a) Text 12.8 vs. Text 12.9 – Text 12.8 refers to those who have already developed attachment to Krishna and 12.9 refers to those who have not developed
(b) Definition of ‘bhakti-yoga’ – bhakti-yoga is the “purification of the senses” by prescribed rules and regulations
Material existence – Senses engaged in sense gratification
Bhakti-yoga – Senses when engaged in direct contact with Supreme Lord are purified.
(c) Service in spiritual existence is the ‘platform of pure love’
In contrast – Service in material existence – One serves some master but there is no love; only wants some salary
(d) How to achieve that stage of pure love – Practice devotional service with present senses
(e) Is “Love” an external imposition – No
Love is dormant in all
Heart is contaminated by material association
(f) How to follow regulations of devotional service – Guidance of spiritual master / rise early / enter temple and offer prayers / chant Hare Krishna / offer flowers to Deities / cook for the Deities, honour prasadam, constant hearing of Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam from pure devotees
(g) Qualifications to practice –‘Anyone’ can practice;
(h) Guarantee of success – There is surity of love of Godhead
Text 12.10
THEME: If you cannot practice 12.9 (practicing the regulations of Bhakti-Yoga) then
Engage all external senses for working for Krishna
Work for Krishna\
Benefit – You will come to the perfect stage
Learnings from Purport 12.10
(a) How to perform work for Krishna – based on Bg. 11.55
Sympathetic to propagation to Krishna consciousness
e.g. Every endeavor needs land, capital, organization, labor like in any other business
e.g. Can build a temple / Help in publication
(b) If one cannot sacrifice results of his activities, at least sacrifice some percentage of his results.
Text 12.11
THEME: : If you cannot practice 12.10 (Working in consciousness of Krishna) then
Try to give up all results of your work and be self-situated
Learnings from Purport 12.11
(a) Reasons – One may be unable to sympathize for Krishna conscious acts because of social, familial, religious considerations or any other impediments.
(b) What is the hope/recommendation for them – Sacrifice the accumulated results to some good cause
(c) Authority for such matter – Such procedures are given in Vedic rules:
Many yajnas
Special functions of punya, etc.
(d) How that helps – One may gradually elevate to the state of knowledge
(e) Practical examples – Charity to hospitals / Social institutions – such sacrifices of hard earned results purify the mind and one can gradually understand Krishna consciousness.
(f) In what cases social service, community service, national service is recommended: Krishna consciousness is not dependent on any other experience because Krishna consciousness itself purify the mind, but if there are impediments to Krishna consciousness then one can try to give up the results of his actions for some good causes
In that respect, social service, community service, national service etc. may be accepted
(g) Principle behind this philosophy – Ref. Bg. 18.46 – If one decides to sacrifice for the Supreme cause, even if he does not know , that the Supreme Cause is Krishna, he will gradually understand.
Text 12.12
THEME: If you cannot take to “this practice” (“This practice” refers to the following of the principles of Krishna consciousness as recommended in Text 12.10)
Then engage yourself in ‘cultivation of knowledge’ (Knowledge here refers to Bramha-jnana – knowledge of soul different from the body)
Better than ‘knowledge’ however is ‘meditation’ – Yogic meditation by which one will realize the Supersoul
Better than ‘meditation’ is ‘renunciation of the fruits of action’
Benefit of such renunciation – “peace of mind”
Learnings from Purport 12.12
(a) Two kinds of devotional service
Way of regulative principles
Way of full attachment in Love of Godhead
(b) Cultivation of knowledge – For those unable to take to Krishna conscious path – It is better to cultivate knowledge
(c) Result of knowledge – One understands his real position
(d) Knowledge will develop to meditation – Then one can gradually understands the Supreme Personality of Godhead
Some processes make one understand that one himself is the Supreme, that sort of meditation is preferred if one is unable to engage in devotional service
If one is unable to meditate in such a way, then there are Vedic prescribed duties for different Varnas
But always one should give up the result of labor – Employ the result for some good cause
(e) Why ‘renunciation of fruits’ is mentioned as better than ‘meditation’ – Although karma-yoga is the lowest on the yoga-ladder, Krishna says that it is better than meditation, because it is more practical and it does not disturb the mind with harsh and impractical requirements for renunciation.
(a) Devotee is transcendental from very beginning – Lives in Krishna without a doubt
In devotional service one lives in direct relationship with Supreme Lord
Not lives on a material plane, but lives in Krishna o When one chants the Holy name (Holy Name and Krishna are non-different ), Krishna and internal potency dances on the tongue o When the devotee honours prasadam he becomes ‘Krishna-ized’
(b) Service gives realizations – One who does not engage in such service, cannot understand how it is possible, although the process is there in the Bhagavad-gita and other Vedic literatures
Text 12.9
THEME : If one cannot perform devotional service as per 12.8 (fixing one’s Mind on Krishna without deviation) then practice ‘’Sadhana’’
Follow the regulative principles of Bhakti-yoga
Benefit – Develop a desire to attain ‘Me’
Learnings from Purport 12.9
(a) Text 12.8 vs. Text 12.9 – Text 12.8 refers to those who have already developed attachment to Krishna and 12.9 refers to those who have not developed
(b) Definition of ‘bhakti-yoga’ – bhakti-yoga is the “purification of the senses” by prescribed rules and regulations
Material existence – Senses engaged in sense gratification
Bhakti-yoga – Senses when engaged in direct contact with Supreme Lord are purified.
(c) Service in spiritual existence is the ‘platform of pure love’
In contrast – Service in material existence – One serves some master but there is no love; only wants some salary
(d) How to achieve that stage of pure love – Practice devotional service with present senses
(e) Is “Love” an external imposition – No
Love is dormant in all
Heart is contaminated by material association
(f) How to follow regulations of devotional service – Guidance of spiritual master / rise early / enter temple and offer prayers / chant Hare Krishna / offer flowers to Deities / cook for the Deities, honour prasadam, constant hearing of Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam from pure devotees
(g) Qualifications to practice –‘Anyone’ can practice;
(h) Guarantee of success – There is surity of love of Godhead
Text 12.10
THEME: If you cannot practice 12.9 (practicing the regulations of Bhakti-Yoga) then
Engage all external senses for working for Krishna
Work for Krishna\
Benefit – You will come to the perfect stage
Learnings from Purport 12.10
(a) How to perform work for Krishna – based on Bg. 11.55
Sympathetic to propagation to Krishna consciousness
e.g. Every endeavor needs land, capital, organization, labor like in any other business
e.g. Can build a temple / Help in publication
(b) If one cannot sacrifice results of his activities, at least sacrifice some percentage of his results.
Text 12.11
THEME: : If you cannot practice 12.10 (Working in consciousness of Krishna) then
Try to give up all results of your work and be self-situated
Learnings from Purport 12.11
(a) Reasons – One may be unable to sympathize for Krishna conscious acts because of social, familial, religious considerations or any other impediments.
(b) What is the hope/recommendation for them – Sacrifice the accumulated results to some good cause
(c) Authority for such matter – Such procedures are given in Vedic rules:
Many yajnas
Special functions of punya, etc.
(d) How that helps – One may gradually elevate to the state of knowledge
(e) Practical examples – Charity to hospitals / Social institutions – such sacrifices of hard earned results purify the mind and one can gradually understand Krishna consciousness.
(f) In what cases social service, community service, national service is recommended: Krishna consciousness is not dependent on any other experience because Krishna consciousness itself purify the mind, but if there are impediments to Krishna consciousness then one can try to give up the results of his actions for some good causes
In that respect, social service, community service, national service etc. may be accepted
(g) Principle behind this philosophy – Ref. Bg. 18.46 – If one decides to sacrifice for the Supreme cause, even if he does not know , that the Supreme Cause is Krishna, he will gradually understand.
Text 12.12
THEME: If you cannot take to “this practice” (“This practice” refers to the following of the principles of Krishna consciousness as recommended in Text 12.10)
Then engage yourself in ‘cultivation of knowledge’ (Knowledge here refers to Bramha-jnana – knowledge of soul different from the body)
Better than ‘knowledge’ however is ‘meditation’ – Yogic meditation by which one will realize the Supersoul
Better than ‘meditation’ is ‘renunciation of the fruits of action’
Benefit of such renunciation – “peace of mind”
Learnings from Purport 12.12
(a) Two kinds of devotional service
Way of regulative principles
Way of full attachment in Love of Godhead
(b) Cultivation of knowledge – For those unable to take to Krishna conscious path – It is better to cultivate knowledge
(c) Result of knowledge – One understands his real position
(d) Knowledge will develop to meditation – Then one can gradually understands the Supreme Personality of Godhead
Some processes make one understand that one himself is the Supreme, that sort of meditation is preferred if one is unable to engage in devotional service
If one is unable to meditate in such a way, then there are Vedic prescribed duties for different Varnas
But always one should give up the result of labor – Employ the result for some good cause
(e) Why ‘renunciation of fruits’ is mentioned as better than ‘meditation’ – Although karma-yoga is the lowest on the yoga-ladder, Krishna says that it is better than meditation, because it is more practical and it does not disturb the mind with harsh and impractical requirements for renunciation.
PROGRESSIVE STAGES OF DEVOTION (12.8-12.12)
LINK BETWEEN SECTION I & SECTION II: Having established the superiority of Bhakti, the question now arises “How to perform devotional service?”. In the next five verses, Krishna, beginning with the highest stage, describes levels of achievement in bhakti
PROGRESSIVE STAGES OF DEVOTION
(12.8) – Topmost stage (direct) MIND FIXED IN KRISHNA (RESULT: Will live in relationship with Krishna)
↑
(12.9) FOLLOW REGULATIVE PRINCIPLES OF SADHNA-BHAKTI (RESULT: Develop desire to attain Krishna)
↑
(12.10) WORK FOR KRISHNA (RESULT: Will come to the stage of devotional service)
↑
(12.11) Lowest stage (indirect) RENUNCIATION, CULTIVATION OF KNOWLEDGE & MEDITATION (RESULT: Purification, peace and gradual elevation)
Text 12.8
THEME : Perform devotional service by thinking exclusively of Krishna
Fix mind upon Me
Engage all your intelligence in Me
Benefit – You will ‘live in Me’ always without a doubt
Learnings from Purport 12.8
(a) Devotee is transcendental from very beginning – Lives in Krishna without a doubt
In devotional service one lives in direct relationship with Supreme Lord
Not lives on a material plane, but lives in Krishna o When one chants the Holy name (Holy Name and Krishna are non-different ), Krishna and internal potency dances on the tongue o When the devotee honours prasadam he becomes ‘Krishna-ized’
(b) Service gives realizations – One who does not engage in such service, cannot understand how it is possible, although the process is there in the Bhagavad-gita and other Vedic literatures
Text 12.9
THEME : If one cannot perform devotional service as per 12.8 (fixing one’s Mind on Krishna without deviation) then practice ‘’Sadhana’’
Follow the regulative principles of Bhakti-yoga
Benefit – Develop a desire to attain ‘Me’
Learnings from Purport 12.9
(a) Text 12.8 vs. Text 12.9 – Text 12.8 refers to those who have already developed attachment to Krishna and 12.9 refers to those who have not developed
(b) Definition of ‘bhakti-yoga’ – bhakti-yoga is the “purification of the senses” by prescribed rules and regulations
Material existence – Senses engaged in sense gratification
Bhakti-yoga – Senses when engaged in direct contact with Supreme Lord are purified.
(c) Service in spiritual existence is the ‘platform of pure love’
In contrast – Service in material existence – One serves some master but there is no love; only wants some salary
(d) How to achieve that stage of pure love – Practice devotional service with present senses
(e) Is “Love” an external imposition – No
Love is dormant in all
Heart is contaminated by material association
(f) How to follow regulations of devotional service – Guidance of spiritual master / rise early / enter temple and offer prayers / chant Hare Krishna / offer flowers to Deities / cook for the Deities, honour prasadam, constant hearing of Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam from pure devotees
(g) Qualifications to practice –‘Anyone’ can practice;
(h) Guarantee of success – There is surity of love of Godhead
Text 12.10
THEME: If you cannot practice 12.9 (practicing the regulations of Bhakti-Yoga) then
Engage all external senses for working for Krishna
Work for Krishna\
Benefit – You will come to the perfect stage
Learnings from Purport 12.10
(a) How to perform work for Krishna – based on Bg. 11.55
Sympathetic to propagation to Krishna consciousness
e.g. Every endeavor needs land, capital, organization, labor like in any other business
e.g. Can build a temple / Help in publication
(b) If one cannot sacrifice results of his activities, at least sacrifice some percentage of his results.
Text 12.11
THEME: : If you cannot practice 12.10 (Working in consciousness of Krishna) then
Try to give up all results of your work and be self-situated
Learnings from Purport 12.11
(a) Reasons – One may be unable to sympathize for Krishna conscious acts because of social, familial, religious considerations or any other impediments.
(b) What is the hope/recommendation for them – Sacrifice the accumulated results to some good cause
(c) Authority for such matter – Such procedures are given in Vedic rules:
Many yajnas
Special functions of punya, etc.
(d) How that helps – One may gradually elevate to the state of knowledge
(e) Practical examples – Charity to hospitals / Social institutions – such sacrifices of hard earned results purify the mind and one can gradually understand Krishna consciousness.
(f) In what cases social service, community service, national service is recommended: Krishna consciousness is not dependent on any other experience because Krishna consciousness itself purify the mind, but if there are impediments to Krishna consciousness then one can try to give up the results of his actions for some good causes
In that respect, social service, community service, national service etc. may be accepted
(g) Principle behind this philosophy – Ref. Bg. 18.46 – If one decides to sacrifice for the Supreme cause, even if he does not know , that the Supreme Cause is Krishna, he will gradually understand.
Text 12.12
THEME: If you cannot take to “this practice” (“This practice” refers to the following of the principles of Krishna consciousness as recommended in Text 12.10)
Then engage yourself in ‘cultivation of knowledge’ (Knowledge here refers to Bramha-jnana – knowledge of soul different from the body)
Better than ‘knowledge’ however is ‘meditation’ – Yogic meditation by which one will realize the Supersoul
Better than ‘meditation’ is ‘renunciation of the fruits of action’
Benefit of such renunciation – “peace of mind”
Learnings from Purport 12.12
(a) Two kinds of devotional service
Way of regulative principles
Way of full attachment in Love of Godhead
(b) Cultivation of knowledge – For those unable to take to Krishna conscious path – It is better to cultivate knowledge
(c) Result of knowledge – One understands his real position
(d) Knowledge will develop to meditation – Then one can gradually understands the Supreme Personality of Godhead
Some processes make one understand that one himself is the Supreme, that sort of meditation is preferred if one is unable to engage in devotional service
If one is unable to meditate in such a way, then there are Vedic prescribed duties for different Varnas
But always one should give up the result of labor – Employ the result for some good cause
(e) Why ‘renunciation of fruits’ is mentioned as better than ‘meditation’ – Although karma-yoga is the lowest on the yoga-ladder, Krishna says that it is better than meditation, because it is more practical and it does not disturb the mind with harsh and impractical requirements for renunciation.