SRI ISOPANISAD BHAKTI CAITANYA SWAMI Introduction 1. Srila Prabhupada
talks about Veda, or the source of knowledge. We cannot be such because we have
four defects: a) Make mistakes eg. Gandhi b) Illusion eg. we think we are this body
c) Cheating eg. even though we are not educated in so many things we claim to be
very advanced in knowledge d) Imperfect senses eg. can you show me God? But we
cannot see our hand in dark 2. An example of the validity of Vedic classifications:
varnasrama. Srila Prabhupada gives examples of stool of cow, and bone of conch
So the idea is that Vedic knowledge is higher and should be accepted 3. Bottom
page viii, Srila Prabhupada explains that particularly Vedas are necessary for
knowledge of things beyond our perception. eg. Who is your father? So the Vedas
are like our mother and we should accept them. 4. Bottom page ix, 3 ways to get
knowledge: a) pratyaksa — direct experience. eg size of sun b) anumana —
inference — all men are mortal (p xii) c) sabda — aurally received knowledge of
things beyond us 5. How to know about spiritual world — it is beyond us. Only way
through sabda. And the Vedas and all the acaryas say Krsna is God avoid ascending
process (aroha), take descending 6. But even if you approach the Vedas it is very
hard — Brahma samhita on speed of mind. So you have to approach them through
guru Qualifications: tad-vijnanartham sa gurum evabhigacchet samit-panih srotriyam
brahma-nistham “In order to learn the transcendental science, one must approach
the bona fide spiritual master in disciplic succession, who is fixed in the Absolute
Truth.” (Mundaka Upanisad 1.2.12) Otherwise Krsna can be very confusing — oldest
and youngest etc. 7. Process undergone by Vyasa in dividing Veda
Finally we come to Vedanta sutra, which begins: Janmady asya yatah This happens
to also be the first verse of Srimad Bhagavatam. So we have to study Srimad
Bhagavatam and Bhagavad-gita under guru.
SRI ISOPANISAD Invocation 1. The first aspect of completeness is the
completeness of the 3 features of the Absolute Truth. They all fit into the context of
the Bhagavan feature 2. He has created this material world to also be complete. It
has its time scale, and when it runs out it will be destroyed, and there is nothing that
can be done to change it. 3. The 3rd feature of completeness is that Lord Krsna has
given full facilities for everyone to come to Him. We try to exploit material nature, but
it makes things disjointed We cannot enjoy independently — example given of the
hand's relationship with body
the
Srila Prabhupada said in lecture on Invocation: "So if you want to get out of this
entanglement, there is complete arrangement, facility, complete facility. Tesam
satata-yuktanam bhajatam priti-purvakam. There is another verse, that “Those who
are engaged in devotional service,” Krsna says, yoga-ksemam vahamy aham, “I take
personal charge for their maintenance.” This is complete arrangement." 4. So we can
only realize the complete harmony of things when we work in relation with the whole
— not by materially trying to harmonize etc. Srila Prabhupada said: “And all forms of
incompleteness are experienced only on account of incomplete knowledge of the
complete." Srila Prabhupada said: "Just like a big machine, and there is a small
screw. So the complete facility, completeness of that small screw, is to become fitted
in the particular place. Then it has got value. And if it is out of touch of the machine,
falls down, it has no value. So complete facility is there. Just yourself dovetail into
that hole and the screw is placed there, oh, it has value. When a screw is lost, you
have to purchase from the store at the cost of two dollars. And when it is fallen down,
it is not even worth one cent. The same screw." "So to live in the forest is in the
mode of goodness, and to live in the city, or town, is..., is in the mode of passion,
and to live in slaughterhouse and brothel and drunkards, these are the residential
quarter in ignorance. And to live in the temple is transcendental, above goodness,
pure goodness. In the material world goodness is sometimes mixed up with
ignorance and passion, but in the spiritual world there is pure goodness—no
contamination or tinges of passion and ignorance. Therefore it is called suddhasattva.
SRI ISOPANISAD Mantra One 1. This is continuing the theme of the completeness
of everything. If we interfere with anything, there is reaction. 2. Srila Prabhupada first
talks about the 4 defects — we have already discussed this. 3. We should recognize
His position — it is described in the Vedas. In Bhagavad-gita Krsna explains: bhumir
apo nalu ........ apareyam itas tv anyam 4. So we should be careful enough to stick
with our quota and not interfere with the natural quotas of others.
Srila Prabhupada gives example of the cow eating grass, and then giving milk. that
milk — it is for us.
But she does not use
5. It's very important that everyone recognize the situation, otherwise there will be
fighting between the capitalists and the communists or whoever. 6. One great
example of imbalance which is having grave consequences is meat eating. But it is
not just a matter of being vegetarian. One must only eat food offered to Krsna. 7.
Srila Prabhupada sums up by saying that the root problem is disobedience of Lord
Krsna’s laws: "On the other hand, if one is sober and knows the laws of nature,
without being influenced by unnecessary attachment or abhorrence, he is sure to be
recognized again by the Lord and thus become eligible for going back to Godhead,
back to the eternal home.” Srila Prabhupada explains: "So unless we come to the
standard of pure goodness, without any tinge of passion and ignorance, it is not
possible, God realization. Therefore bhakti means anyabhilasita-sunyam jnanakarmady-anavrtam, jnana-karmady-anavrtam. Jnana is the platform of goodness,
and karma is the platform of passion and ignorance. So bhakti means anyabhilasitasunyam, without any material desires, devoid of, freed from all kinds of material
desire and uncovered by ignorance, passion and goodness. Goodness also. To
become very good man in this world, that does not mean that he is freed from this
material contamination. He’s contaminated by the goodness quality." 8. So we have
to have some preliminary knowledge of what God is. Srila Prabhupada was once
questioned why he thought Krsna is God, and Srila Prabhupada replied that do you
knwo what the qualifications of God are. The person did not. Jut like if you are
looking for a medical school you have to have some idea of what it is, other wise you
will be misled. (Story of man looking for gold)
SRI ISOPANISAD Mantra Two 1. Verse: Idea is that if we act as described in Mantra
one we will be unentangled, and life will be very nice. 2. Purport: Para 1: Life is hard,
and we are inclined to become entangled. 3. Para 2: But in the human form we have
the opportunity to get free from all this. But we have to be careful, as there are 3
types of work we may become involved in, and they have 3 different types of results:
Karma Akarma Vikarma Most people would prefer karma, as that will elevate one to
higher material levels. 4. Para 3: Akarma is better, as one will become freed from the
whole cycle of material existance. 5. Para 4: There is no harm in being materially
good (altruism, socialism, nationalism, humanitarianism), but those good activities
should be done for Krsna. 6. Para 5: In Bhagavad-gita Lord Krsna makes the point
that the result of such Krsna conscious activities is so great that they can save one
from the greatest type of fear: a) If one does a small amount of Krsna conscious
activity (eg take prasad) one can be guaranteed a human birth b) If one is trying to
serve Krsna but one has some major difficulty one simply needs to continue with
one's devotional service and one will be quickly reinstated. (BG 9.30)
Therefore the devotee does not feel that there is an urgent need to get out of the
material world. He will stay and serve Lord Krsna: Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu said
na dhanam, na janam ..... Srila Narottama dasa Thakura said: tandera carana sevi
........ 7. Para 6: If one does one's materially good activities in this spirit one will be
doing karma yoga, which is recommended in Bhagavad-gita.
SRI ISOPANISAD Mantra Three 1.
Verse: If the needs of the soul are neglected, either through simple or sophisticated
materialism, one is lost, and falls down from the human form.
2.
Para One: In the human form of life there are some responsibilities that are not there
in animal life. (Mention about birds and children not being arrested if they are on land
marked “trespassers will be prosecuted).
3.
Para Two: Human form is rarely achieved, so we should remember that and be
mindful of the implications. Example given of material world being like ocean, human
body like good boat, acaryas and sastras like expert boatmen, facilities of human
form like favourable breezes
4.
Para Three: Animals are just as concerned with what they are doing as we are. But
we have much better opportunities and facilities to do things than they do. Why?
Because we have higher duties to perform. But in human society people are always
ignoring these duties and being caught on the animal platform. Thus they suffer
rather enjoy as they are due.
5.
Para Four: We are given this human form of life for self realization, but if we don’t
utilize for this we end up working like animals. In this way we are prepared for future
lives as animals.
6.
Para Five: Even if we fail to become fully successful in Krsna consciousness in this
life we will still get the opportunity in our next life. Krsna is very kind. But the pseudo
religionists suffer terrible reactions.
7.
Para Six: Conclusion is that we have to live like humans.
SRI ISOPANISAD Mantra Four 1. Verse refers to four characteristics of the Supreme
Personality of Godhead (the first one is apparently contradictory: a) He is fixed in
one place, but He is the swiftest b) Can't be approached even by the demigods c)
Localized, but controls all parts of the creation d) The most excellent (Bhagavan) 2.
Para One: Brahma samhita referred to: One cannot approach the Supreme Lord
through mental speculation Only through bhakti He is in Goloka, but He's allpervading also, particularly through His energies (example of heat and light
emanating from fire is given). 3. Para Two: There are 3 main types of energies: a)
Internal b) Marginal c) External
Srila Prabhupada explains that there are so many divisions within each type
(demigods and humans within marginal potency). Material world is external energy,
spiritual world is internal. 4. Para Three: But one should not make the mistake of
thinking that the Lord has become impersonally distributed everywhere, or has lost
His personality through being distributed (not like when you tear up a piece of
paper). Srila Prabhupada refers to parasya saktir vividhaive sruyate. 5. Para Four:
He is hard to understand by even great persons, so what to speak of demons and
other unqualified people? Srila Prabhupada explains that this verse is supporting
personalism, because it is giving so much detail about the features of the Lord. 6.
Para Five: We are one in quality, but not quantity. Therefore it is hard to understand
all about the Lord, but through the descending process we can understand as much
as possible. 7. Para Six: We have energy and initiative of our own, but we should not
misuse that (according to Mantra One). That is maya. 8. Para Seven: All our
potencies are coming from Krsna, so they should be used in His service. We must
be submissive. From Srila Prabhupada’s lectures on Sri Isopanisad: "This is also
confirmed in Brahma-samhita: goloka eva nivasaty akhilatma-bhutah. Krsna,
although He is always in Goloka Vrndavana, He has nothing to do. He is simply
enjoying in the company of His associates, the gopis and the cowherds boy, His
mother, His father. Free, completely free. And those who are associates, they are
still more free. Because when the associates are in danger, Krsna has got some
anxiety how to save them, but the associates, they have no anxiety. “Oh, there is
Krsna.” Just see. (chuckles) The associates, they have no anxiety. Any, anything
happening, you will read in the Krsna book—so many dangers. The boys, along with
Krsna, they used to go every day with their calves and cows and play in the forest on
the bank of the Yamuna, and Kamsa will send some demon to destroy them. So you
have seen, you will see also pictures. So they’ll enjoy simply because they are so
much confident. That is spiritual life. Avasya raksibe krsna visvasa palana. This
strong faith, that “Any dangerous condition, Krsna will save me,” this is surrender.
There are six phases of surrender. The first thing is that we should accept which is
favorable for devotional service; we shall reject anything which is unfavorable to
devotional service. And the next is that to introduce oneself with the associates of
the Lord. Just like Krsna has got so many associates, you can... That will, of
course... Not artificially. When you are advanced you’ll understand what is your
relationship with Krsna. Then if you introduce yourself with that association, then the
next stage is confidence that “Krsna will give me protection.” Actually, He is giving
protection to everyone. That is a fact. But in maya we think that we are protecting
ourself, we are feeding ourself. No. That’s not the fact."
SRI ISOPANISAD Mantra Five 1. Verse mentions another three further interesting
and apparently contradictory characteristics of the Supreme Lord: a) Walks, but
doesn't walk b) Far away, but very close also c) Inside everything, but also outside
Srila Prabhupada explains in lecture on verse 5: "Just like crude example I give you,
that the sun and, at noontime, it is on your head and somebody walking eastern side
or western side, he also sees the sun is also walking with him. Long ago, about forty
years ago, when I was householder, my second son, he was four years old. He was
walking with me, and he said, “Oh, father, why the moon is coming with us?” This is
very intelligent. Yes. So similarly, if a material object can walk so swift... You have
seen. You are going on aeroplane or train, you’ll see the moon or sun is
going with you. So how it is not possible that Krsna cannot walk? Although He’s
situated... But you ask your friend, “Where is the sun? Where is the moon?” He’ll
say, “Oh, it is on my head.” So you cannot say that the sun is walking, but at the
same time it is. 2. Para One: Srila Prabhupada explains that these contradictions are
being presented to establish the inconceivable nature of the Lord. The
impersonalists accept only the impersonal features (eg He doesn't walk), and
overlook the personal. The dualists accept only the personal and overlook the
impersonal, but the followers of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu accept both. 3. Para
Two: We cannot see Him, but that does not mean He doesn't exist. He is far away,
but He can be here with us any time. 4. Para Three: Because of the Lord's
contradictory nature the materialists become confused about Him and try to ignore
Him. They are fond of thinking He is an ordinary person, because He does some
things which appear ordinary. In His pastimes sometimes Lord Krsna acted like an
examplary ordinary person (eg showing respect to His elders). Other times He did
things which were clearly superhuman (Universal Form). 5. Para Four: On this basis
He can accept our service as He likes, even thought the ways may be inconceivable
to the ordinary person — eg as the Deity. (Give some examples of the extraordinary
nature of the Deity) 6. Para Five: This is the mercy of the Lord, and can be
appreciated by the devotees. 7. Para Six: He reciprocates according to how we
approach Him. 8. Para Seven: 'Saguna', 'nirguna' must be understood. They are
often misunderstood. 9. Para Eight: Story of Lord Nrsimhadeva. He appeared by His
inconceivable potencies. He can do anything indirectly through His potencies, but
sometimes He appears personally to do things. This is to please His devotees. 10.
Para Nine: Summary. Both impersonal and personal have to be understood.
SRI ISOPANISAD Mantra Six 1. Verse: Three conditions for achieving a non-envious
consciousness: a) See everything in relation to Supreme Lord b) See all entities as
His parts and parcels c) See Him within everything 2. Para One: Srila Prabhupada
explains that this is the condition of the maha bhagavata. Srila Prabhupada then
explains about the three levels of devotees. First the kanistha adhikari: a) Goes to
the church, temple or mosque b) Considers God to present only there c) Don't know
who is in which position spiritually, or who is realized d) Mechanical and quarrelsome
3. Para Two: Madhyama adhikaris described: a) Recognize four different categories
and relate with them differently 4. Para Three: Uttama adhikari described: a) Sees
everything in relation with Krsna b) Doesn't discriminate between different categories
c) Sees all on the spiritual platform, regardless of their material situation d) But does
see how they are relating with Krsna e) Simply tries to do good for them, regardless
of how they act
He sees that they are all obeying Lord Krsna, even if unwillingly. Like criminals are
rebelling against the state, but they also have to obey the police when they are
caught. 5. Para Four: Don't imitate uttama adhikari. You'll become "false
philanthropist." To achieve universal peace and brotherhood you have to learn from
uttama adhikari, who will teach you how to actually come to the spiritual platform. 6.
Para Five: Anupasyati — see, through following. Sastra-caksusa. Eg seeing the
Deity — nondevotees see it as statue, but devotees see as worshipable. 7. Para Six:
Must be received through parampara. 8.
Para Seven: Bhagavad-gita 18.54 (brahma bhuta prasanatma ....) Only liberated
people can become uttama adhikaris, not politicians
For example, he might hear someone say the word government and he would
exclaim, "Oh Govardhana. Govardhana dhari." He would convert everything and
relate it to Krsna. As they were walking they saw a train going on a bridge and
somehow or other this reminded him of Vrndavan, so he called out, "rasa mandala,
rasa mandala! One time Vamsi Das asked his servant, Ananta Vishvambhara Das,
"Did you hear what Gauranga was saying?" to which Ananta replied, "I could see
that you were talking to Him, but I could not hear what He was saying to you." So
Vamsi Das answered, "He has told Vamsi Das, `You don't go outside for begging for
three days. Now you have become too old, so I will feed you.'" Vamsi Das continued,
"This Gauranga, He wants to serve me." Then he went and fetched a stick and
started threatening Gauranga, "You don't go outside for serving me! If You go
outside I'll break Your leg!" Occasionally, when Vamsi Das was cooking, Gauranga
would complain to him; "I'm so hungry. Feed Me quickly." to which he would reply,
"Just wait, I'm still cooking." But if Gauranga was persistent he would tell Him, "You
get outside. Go outside!" However, many rats used to come daily, digging a hole in
the earth next to the hut, making a big pile of soil in their endeavours to come and
eat those bananas, but Vamsi Das never harmed them. Sometimes, when Vamsi
Das would see a rat, he would point at it and say, "aichor aryaichor" or "saichor,"
meaning "this is a thief," and then point at Krsna and say, "He is also a thief."
For example, he might hear someone say the word government and he would
exclaim, "Oh Govardhana. Govardhana dhari." He would convert everything and
relate it to Krsna. As they were walking they saw a train going on a bridge and
somehow or other this reminded him of Vrndavan, so he called out, "rasa mandala,
rasa mandala! One time Vamsi Das asked his servant, Ananta Vishvambhara Das,
"Did you hear what Gauranga was saying?" to which Ananta replied, "I could see
that you were talking to Him, but I could not hear what He was saying to you." So
Vamsi Das answered, "He has told Vamsi Das, `You don't go outside for begging for
three days. Now you have become too old, so I will feed you.'" Vamsi Das continued,
"This Gauranga, He wants to serve me." Then he went and fetched a stick and
started threatening Gauranga, "You don't go outside for serving me! If You go
outside I'll break Your leg!" Occasionally, when Vamsi Das was cooking, Gauranga
would complain to him; "I'm so hungry. Feed Me quickly." to which he would reply,
"Just wait, I'm still cooking." But if Gauranga was persistent he would tell Him, "You
get outside. Go outside!" However, many rats used to come daily, digging a hole in
the earth next to the hut, making a big pile of soil in their endeavours to come and
eat those bananas, but Vamsi Das never harmed them. Sometimes, when Vamsi
Das would see a rat, he would point at it and say, "aichor aryaichor" or "saichor,"
meaning "this is a thief," and then point at Krsna and say, "He is also a thief."
SRI ISOPANISAD Mantra Seven 1. Verse: One has to see all living beings as
spiritual, and one in quality with the Supreme Lord. Then one will never be in illusion
or anxiety. 2. Para One: Only the madhyama and uttama devotees can see
spiritually. Everything is one with the Lord in quality, although not quantity. Srila
Prabhupada gives the example of sparks in relation to the fire. So the uttama
adhikari sees oneness in the sense of everything being the energy of the Lord. There
is and is not a difference, but the oneness cannot be overlooked. Srila Prabhupada
explains explains in SI lecture on this verse: "If one is cent percent one with the
Supreme Lord, then how he has come under the control of maya? This question,
they cannot answer." The spark separated from the fire loses its fiery quality. Most in
ignorance, less in passion, and in goodness it is most manifest. So we need at least
madhyamas — brahmanas. People who can act on the spiritual platform and lead
others to it. Srila Prabhupada makes the point that this verse is explaining the
perfection of Krsna consciousness. 3. Para Two: The living entities can possess up
to about 80% of the qualities of the Lord, in minute quantity. He possesses them all
in full: (1) beautiful features of the entire body; (2) marked with all auspicious
characteristics; (3) extremely pleasing; (4) effulgent; (5) strong; (6) ever youthful; (7)
wonderful linguist; (8) truthful; (9) talks pleasingly; (10) fluent; (11) highly learned;
(12) highly intelligent; (13) a genius; (14) artistic; (15) extremely clever; (16) expert;
(17) grateful; (18) firmly determined; (19) an expert judge of time and circumstances;
(20) sees and speaks on the authority of Vedas, or scriptures; (21) pure; (22) selfcontrolled; (23) steadfast; (24) forbearing etc. 4. Para Three: We are meant for
enjoyment, and always seek it, but in the wrong way. We are making the wrong
centre. 5. Para Four: Godless civilization is based on illusion, and can only produce
anxiety. So we have to make everything isavasya centred. 6. Para Five: We can only
develop spiritual perception through devotional service. That is the real platform for
that. Srila Prabhupada gives the example of a family. In order for all the family
members to be happy they have to obey the father. Same principle applies in relation
to Krsna. 7. Para Six: Lord Krsna is not impersonal. We have to respond to Him
personally and we will become happy and become free from illusion.
SRI ISOPANISAD Mantra Eight 1. Verse: Such an elevated soul has realized the
Supreme Personality of Godhead. The Lord's characteristics mentioned here are: a)
Not material body b) Omniscient c) Cannot be subjected to criticism d) No veins e)
Pure, uncontaminated f) Self sufficient knower, who fulfills everyone's desires 2.
Para One: We see how different the Lord's form is from the living entities.
There is no difference between His body and Himself. 3. Para Two: We cannot
conceive of such a form. But we should understand that it is a form — He is not
formless. He has so many potencies, so He has a form, but not the limited type that
we have. Therefore He is called "omnipotent." 4. Para Three: The Deity is an
example of such a form. Deities are installed in temples by devotees who have
realized Mantra Seven, therefore They are fully potent. 5. Para Four: Unfortunately
the fools cannot appreciate His forms, so He withdraws Himself from them. He can
only be appreciated through devotion, and reveals Himself according to the degree
of one's devotion. 6. Para Five: The verse also makes the point that the Lord has
been supplying everything since time immemorial. Srila Prabhupada gives the
example of how having a certain qualification is not enough. One has to be
recognized by authority. 7. Para Six: He fulfills their desires in whatever way they
like, even to the point of letting them go to hell if they really want. But if they want to
go back to Godhead, He helps in all respects. 8. Para Seven: Only He is selfsufficient. He is also so pure that impure things become purified through contact with
Him. Even if He appears to do something sinful it is actually completely pure and
purifying. Srila Prabhupada explains that this is the most important part of this verse.
SRI ISOPANISAD Mantra Nine 1.
Verse: Those ignorantly engaged in materialism will go to the darkest region. Those
cultivating so-called knowledge will go to even worse places!
2.
Para One: Ignorance is dangerous, but misguided knowledge is even worse.
Evidence is seen in current society — so much stress etc.
3.
Para Two: First mantra explained the essence of real knowledge — that the
Supreme Lord is the owner and controller of everything. The absence of that is
ignorance. Less educated society less dangerous than one educated in wrong ideas.
4.
Para Three: Most people dedicated to sense gratification, to the exclusion of Mantra
One.
5.
Para Four: Bhagavad-gita 7.15 talks of mudhas and mayayapahrta jnanas. But the
latter’s so-called knowledge is just like the jewel on the head of a cobra.
6.
Para Five: There is also be a class called veda-vada-rata, who have misguided
knowledge of the Vedas.
7.
Para Six: Real goal of real religion is to go back to Godhead, in terms of Mantra One.
8.
Para Seven: But veda-vada-ratas are not interested in that. They are interested in
material advancement through their misguided knowledge. They oppose the real
Vedic standards, like disciplic succession.
9.
Para Eight: Veda-vada-ratas have their own conception of parampara.
10. Para Nine: They are like self made Gods — but what is their qualification?
SRI ISOPANISAD Mantra Ten
1.
Verse: Truly wise people have deduced that the results of having real knowledge
and not having it are quite different.
2.
Para One: Bhagavad-gita 13th Chapter lists so many components of knowledge.
(See notes on other sheets)
3.
Para Two: Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura says that by becoming materially
knowledgeable one becomes an ass.
“So Bhagavata says, “One who has accepted this combination of bile, mucus, and
air as self, he is an ass.” 4.
Para Three: Because they are not trained properly, young men today are showing so
many disqualifications, which are not there in young brahmacaris.
“So here is one word, iti susruma. Susruma means heard. The word meaning is
there. “It is heard.” In the Vedic disciplic succession, it is never said, “It is
experienced.” That is the secret of Vedic understanding. No student will... Just like
people are now engaged in researching what is there in the moon planet. So this is
material policy, to try to understand things by his own experience. Pratyaksa, direct,
experimental knowledge. The Vedic understanding is different. It is sruti. Sruti means
to hear from authoritative source. That is real knowledge.” 5.
Para Four: An example of one of the wrong ideas which is causing so much trouble
now is nationalism.
6.
Para Five: Because of nationalism there is so much chaos, and so much waste.
7.
Para Six: Dhiras can give such good knowledge. We should approach them.
8.
Para Seven: Real knowledge from the dhiras explains about the real nature of this
material world, and of us, and how to interact.
9.
Para Eight: One can only become dhira through surrendering to a guru in
parampara.
10. Para Nine: Adhiras (eg modern politicians) cannot be teachers. ”Visvanath• I pay
my obeisances to devotion of Supreme Lord by whose grace knowledge stands and
becomes useful. In this 3rd 6 chapters there is explanation of knowledge mixed with
devotion. Humility means that one should not be anxious to have the satisfaction of
being honored by others. The material conception of life makes us very eager to
receive honor from others, but from the point of view of a man in perfect
knowledge—who knows that he is not this body—anything, honor or dishonor,
pertaining to this body is useless. One should not be hankering after this material
deception. Pridelessness is also discussed in the same context. Srila Prabhupada
makes the point that some people join spiritual organizations for impure reasons,
and advertise themselves as spiritually advanced, but there should be a test for this.
He says: “he can judge by these items.” (End of first para) Nonviolence is generally
taken to mean not killing or destroying the body, but actually nonviolence means not
to put others into distress. People in general are trapped by ignorance in the material
concept of life, and they perpetually suffer material pains. So unless one elevates
people to spiritual knowledge, one is practicing violence. One should try his best to
distribute real knowledge to the people, so that they may become enlightened and
leave this material entanglement. That is nonviolence. Tolerance means that one
should be practiced to bear insult and dishonor from others. If one is engaged in the
advancement of spiritual knowledge, there will be so many insults and much
dishonor from others. This is expected because material nature is so constituted.
Even a boy like Prahlada, who, only five years old, was engaged in the cultivation of
spiritual knowledge, was endangered when his father became antagonistic to his
devotion. The father tried to kill him in so many ways, but Prahlada tolerated him. So
there may be many impediments to making advancement in spiritual knowledge, but
we should be tolerant and continue our progress with determination.
Simplicity means that without diplomacy one should be so straightforward that he
can disclose the real truth even to an enemy. As for acceptance of the spiritual
master, that is essential, because without the instruction of a bona fide spiritual
master one cannot progress in the spiritual science. One should approach the
spiritual master with all humility and offer him all services so that he will be pleased
to bestow his blessings upon the disciple. Cleanliness is essential for making
advancement in spiritual life. There are two kinds of cleanliness: external and
internal. Steadiness means that one should be very determined to make progress in
spiritual life. Without such determination, one cannot make tangible progress. And
self-control means that one should not accept anything which is detrimental to the
path of spiritual progress. Real renunciation (tied in with self-control). Srila
Prabhupada explains that we should be careful to let the senses only engage in
Krishna conscious activity. False ego means accepting this body as oneself. When
one understands that he is not his body and is spirit soul, he comes to his real ego.
One should try to understand the distress of accepting birth, death, old age and
disease. There are descriptions in various Vedic literatures of birth. In the SrimadBhagavatam the world of the unborn, the child’s stay in the womb of the mother, its
suffering, etc., are all very graphically described. It should be thoroughly understood
that birth is distressful. As for detachment from children, wife and home, it is not
meant that one should have no feeling for these. They are natural objects of
affection. But when they are not favorable to spiritual progress, then one should not
be attached to them. The best process for making the home pleasant is Krishna
consciousness. Happiness and distress are concomitant factors of material life. One
should learn to tolerate, as advised in Bhagavad-gita. One can never restrict the
coming and going of happiness and distress, so one should be detached from the
materialistic way of life and be automatically equipoised in both cases. Generally,
when we get something desirable we are very happy, and when we get something
undesirable we are distressed. But if we are actually in the spiritual position these
things will not agitate us. To reach that stage, we have to practice unbreakable
devotional service. Devotional service to Krishna without deviation means engaging
oneself in the nine processes of devotional service —chanting, hearing, worshiping,
offering respect, etc.—as described in the last verse of the Ninth Chapter. That
process should be followed. Naturally, when one is adapted to the spiritual way of
life, he will not want to mix with materialistic men. That would go against his grain.
One may test himself by seeing how far he is inclined to live in a solitary place,
without unwanted association. Naturally a devotee has no taste for unnecessary
sporting or cinema-going or enjoying some social function, because he understands
that these are simply a waste of time. As far as self-realization is concerned, it is
clearly stated here that bhakti-yoga is especially practical. As soon as there is a
question of devotion, one must consider the relationship between the Supersoul and
the individual soul. Summary: Beginning from practicing humility up to the point of
realization of the Supreme Truth, the Absolute Personality of Godhead, this process
is just like a staircase beginning from the ground floor and going up to the top floor.
Now on this staircase there are so many people who have reached the first floor, the
second or the third floor, etc., but unless one reaches the top floor, which is the
understanding of Krishna, he is at a lower stage of knowledge. (In other words,
without bhakti all these qualities are useless.)
SRI ISOPANISAD Mantra Eleven
1.
Verse: Only people who can learn about nescience and real knowledge side by side
can become transcendental.
2.
Para One: The problems of death have not been solved by science.
3.
Para Two and Three: Example of Hiranyakasipu.
4.
Para Four: If he failed, then what chance to the modern demons have?
6.
Para Five: So we shouldn’t bother with this struggle in material life. We should go
back to Godhead.
7.
Para Six: This knowledge is given in sastra.
8.
Para Seven: Lord Krsna has sent representatives and come Himself to help us.
9.
Para Eight and Nine: One has to learn the process of material life from sastra. The
goal is not sense gratification, but one’s senses will become pleased through
devotional service. This is real enjoyment. Example of necessity of reducing fever in
order to become happy — not try to enjoy in sick condition. But materialists are
thinking the main thing to do is to increase the temperature, but at the same time
they complain that everything is going to hell.
10. Para Ten: This doesn’t mean we neglect the needs of the body, but that we
make the best use of a bad bargain. Regulation should be there so we live a healthy
life — for God realization.
11. Para Eleven: We have to concentrate on Srimad Bhagavatam and the 18 items
from Bhagavad-gita.
12. Para Twelve: The essence has been given by Srila Rupa Goswami: hear and
chant about Lord Krsna.
13. Para Thirteen: So in summary, unless we dedicate our activities of religion,
economic development and sense gratification to Lord Krsna we will be covered by
nescience.
SRI ISOPANISAD Mantra Twelve 1.
Verse: (Very similar to Verse Nine. Only difference in the Sanskrit is
avidyam/asambhutim in 2 nd lines of 9/12, and vidyayam/sambhutyam in 4th lines)
The demigod worshippers go to deep maya, and the impersonalists go to an even
worse place.
2.
Para One and Two: The attempt to figure the Absolute Truth out by one’s brain
power will end up being a process of negation. One will negate the material realm,
and at best end up an impersonalist.
3.
Para Three: They will not be able to come to the conclusion of the form of the Lord or
His personality. But through surrender one can understand the Lord.
4.
Para Four: Bhagavad-gita explains the process of demigod worship in the 7 th
chapter. It only gives temporary results, of cessation of material pains. But for
permanent relief one has to come to the spiritual platform.
5.
Para Five: Different destinations of different worshippers explained.
6.
Para Six: If one goes to the planets of the demigods one stays within the material
world, but if one goes to Krsnaloka, which is beyond the material world, and which is
where the Lord enjoys with His associates, then one gets out altogether
7.
Para Seven: It is foolish to practice religion with a goal within the material world.
These rascals become misled by atheists and impersonalists, who have imperfect
conceptions.
8.
Para Eight: The impersonalists (who often claim to be avataras) and the pseudoreligionists make a perfect relationship of cheaters and cheated. Srila Prabhupada
explains in the middle of page 88: “These impersonalists
generally pose themselves as incarnations of God to foolish persons who have no
knowledge of Vedic wisdom. If such foolish men have any knowledge at all, it is
more dangerous in their hands than ignorance itself.” They don’t even worship
demigods properly. 9.
Para Nine: Real knowledge and detachment can only arise from devotional service
to Lord Krsna. They try to make a show of devotional service through philanthropic
work etc., but they don’t actually come up to the standard. They disobey so many
important injunctions, like surrendering to a bona fide spiritual master. (They
sometimes claim to be ex-disciples of some other bogus person).
10. Para Ten: These rogues are actually the most dangerous elements in all society.
There is no religious government to help with this, and thus everything becomes
corrupted. But they cannot escape Krsna. They go to the very worst place.
SRI ISOPANISAD Mantra Thirteen 1.
Verse: (Very similar to Verse Ten. The only difference is vidyaya/sambhavad in the
first line of 10/13, and avidyaya/asambhavat in the second lines). According to the
undisturbed authorities, who are really clear on the subject, there is a distinct
difference between the supreme cause, and that which is not supreme.
2.
Para One: One has to hear from bona fide sources in parampara. It makes a big
difference whether we worship Krsna or demigods. We will get whatever we deserve,
based on what we worship or do. We can go to Krsnaloka, heavenly planets or stay
here, as Srila Prabhupada says: “And if we wish to remain on this wretched planet
with our planning commissions and our stopgap political adjustments, we can
certainly do that also.”
3.
Para Two: It is not that all roads lead to the same place. Example of plane to
Calcutta not going to Bombay. So we have to receive knowledge according to:
“evam parampara praptam.”
4.
Para Three and Four: The Lord re-established the parampara to Arjuna, because he
was a great devotee, and was therefore able to take the responsibility nicely. But
there are so many Bhagavad-gita commentaries by people who don’t accept Krsna.
How can they help?
5.
Para Five to Ten: The idea of “the worship of the supreme cause” is very important.
Lord Krsna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. This is confirmed by sastra —
first sruti (various Upanisads p95), then smrti (Moksa Dharma [Mahabharata] and
Varaha Purana p96 top), then Brahma Samhita and Bhagavad-gita (p96), Vedanta
sutra (p97 2nd para), then Srimad Bhagavatam. This is pouring water on the root of
the tree.
6.
Para Eleven to Thirteen (p98 to top p99): Sri Isopanisad supports this idea.
Particularly good to serve the Lord by chanting His names in this age.
7.
Para Fourteen: Upanisads little indirect, but Bhagavad-gita more direct. It is known
as the summary of all the Upanisads. So we should focus on Bhagavad-gita, and
also Srimad Bhagavatam, which is even more directly dealing with the same subject
matter. If we do so the Lord in the heart will reciprocate.
8.
Para Fifteen: Those in passion and ignorance can hardly become purified. Lord
Krsna from within the heart removes passion and ignorance, and one comes to
goodness. This can be done by anyone. There is no limit. All they have to do is
surrender to a bona fide spiritual master.
9.
Para Sixteen: Read last para as summary.
SRI ISOPANISAD Mantra Fourteen 1.
Verse: (Similar to Verse Eleven) One has to understand clearly Lord Krsna, and His
name, form, qualities and pastimes, as well as the material world with its varieties in
order to go back to Godhead.
2.
Para One: Material science has advanced in so many ways but is not at all able to
deal with the fundamental problems of life. We are forced to accept the six stages of
life, and there is nothing we can do about it.
3.
Para Two and Three: Length of life makes no real difference — everyone dies.
Material scientists are trying to make this world deathless by material means, and
they overlook the Vedas.
4.
Para Four: Visnu Purana tells us of three main energies. We are marginal, but we
belong in the superior energy.
5.
Para Five, Six and Seven: Different planets are there with their different time scales,
but only in the spiritual world can we become free from time. Lord Krsna rules their,
and one can only approach Him through devotional service.
6.
Para Eight and Nine: So we have to go there to overcome all these problems. We
are trying to dominate the material nature and even Lord Krsna, but we cannot. We
are dominated by them. We have to educate people how to really solve the problems
of life.
7.
Para Ten and Eleven: So we have to understand both Lord Krsna and the material
nature in relation to Him. There is no other way, and we have to help all people to do
this.
SRI ISOPANISAD Mantra Fifteen 1.
Verse: The Lord sustains everything, but still the speaker cannot see Him. He longs
to see the face of his beloved Lord, and asks that the brahmajyoti covering it be
removed.
2.
Para One: The 3 features of the Absolute Truth are described, and it is explained
that the Bhagavan feature is sustaining the others. Therefore the speaker is
appealing to this feature of the Lord.
3.
Para Two: Lord Krsna is an ocean of bliss, and this is seen in His childhood
pastimes in Vrndavana. Even pastimes that might appear immoral (eg stealing
butter) are transcendentally wonderful.
4.
Para Three and Four: To enter those pastimes is not easy — the example of the
cowherd boys is given. Lord Krsna is always engaged in such pastimes in the 5
rasas.
5.
Para Six: So if Lord Krsna is always enjoying like this in the spiritual world, we might
wonder how He is maintaining the material world. This is done through he Supersoul.
6.
Para Seven: To realize God is a great science. It is not easy. Even if one becomes
advanced through sankhya (and one realizes the 24 elements) or impersonalism
(and one realizes the brahmajyoti) one will still not see the Lord face to face.
Somehow one has to get the potency to penetrate the elements and the veil of
brahmajyoti to see Him in person.
7.
Para Eight: That Paramatma who is sustaining the material world (as explained in
Para Six) is one of the three Visnu forms beyond the 24 elements, and beyond the
brahmajyoti.
8.
Para Nine: Perfect knowledge means to understand Lord Krsna as the source of the
brahmajyoti. This verse is proof that the impersonal theory that we and God are one
is not true, as if it was, we would not have to pray to have the effulgence taken away
so we could see the face of the Lord.
9.
Para Ten: One who has no knowledge of the potencies of the Lord may realize the
brahmajyoti. One who has knowledge of His material potencies one may realize
Paramatma. But one has to realize His personality.
10. Para Eleven: Bhagavad-gita makes it clear that the personalist is the highest
yogi.
SRI ISOPANISAD
Mantra Sixteen 1.
Verse: The Lord is being referred to in different features in which He is kind to
people, and also the fact that we are one with Him in quality is being mentioned. The
devotee again wants to see the Lord directly.
2.
Para One: The oneness of the sun and its rays is similar to our oneness with Krsna.
Just as within the sun there is the sun-god, similarly within Goloka Vrndavana, from
which the brahmajyoti comes, there is Lord Krsna, enjoying His pastimes.
3.
Para Two: The impersonalists are dazzled by the brahmajyoti and cannot see the
Lord’s face.
4.
Para Three: The 3 features of the Absolute Truth are progressively more auspicious.
The words of this mantra are clearly not supporting impersonalism.
5.
Para Four: Srila Jiva Goswami’s Bhagavat Sandarbha quoted. He defines the
meaning of the term “Bhagavan”: a) Bhaga means “one who fully maintains” and “the
guardian” b) Ga means “guide,” “leader” or “creator” c) Van means “every being lives
in Him” and “He lives in every being”
This indicates that He has all six opulences. 6.
Para Five: Krsna: a) Fully maintains His devotees b) Guides them on the path to
devotional perfection
As the leader He: a) Gives the desired result of devotional service, by giving Himself
to the devotees b) He helps them to see Him face to face c) Thus He helps them
reach Him in Goloka Vrndavana As the creator He: a)
Can bestow all necessary qualifications on the devotee so he can reach Him
(There is now a change of theme) The Lord is the cause of all causes, so He is
source of His own enjoyment, through His internal potency. The external potency,
which is not exactly directly manifested from Him, comes from the Purusas. Through
Them He creates, maintains and destroys the material creation. 7.
Para Six: The jivas are also differentiated parts of the Lord’s Self, and when they
desire to enjoy independently they are put into this world, and they bring this world to
life by their energy, but He is the ultimate controller as the Supersoul.
8.
Para Seven: So there is a gulf of difference between the Lord and the jivas.
9.
Para Eight: The all-pervading feature of the Lord which exists in all states and from
which all jivas have come is known as Brahman. Lord Krsna is the origin of Brahman
and Paramatma, so He is the source of all jivas, and everything that exists. One who
understands this becomes a devotee, who becomes fully attached to Him and
relishes being with other devotees, glorifying Krsna. The imperfect devotees, who
have only realized Brahman and Paramatma, cannot appreciate these activities of
the pure devotees. The Lord favours these pure devotees, which also cannot be
understood by the jnanis and yogis, who think that advancement comes through their
own strength. But the Lord is very kind to the devotees.
SRI ISOPANISAD Mantra Seventeen
1.
Verse: The devotee is appealing that his material body be consumed again by
material nature, and that the Lord remember all he has done, so that he may come
to Him.
2.
Para One: These material bodies are artificial impositions on us.
3.
Para Two: Material nature cleverly gives bodies according to our different desires,
but humans are not meant to live like meat eating animals, they are built to be
vegetarian.
4.
Para Three: One body comes after another, but we are meant to get out of this cycle
of birth and death and go back to Godhead, where we have eternal forms.
5.
Para Four: An intelligent person sees the oneness which is there among all living
beings on the spiritual platform., and then surrenders to Krsna.
6.
Para Five: The brahmajyoti is full of spiritual sparks, some of who sometimes want to
fall down. So to be in the brahmajyoti is not perfection. That is found in pure
devotional service.
7.
Para Six: Srila Prabhupada explains that the devotee makes this type of prayer at
the time of death. He wants to go back to Godhead, so he wants to remember Krsna,
and He wants Krsna to remember him. The karmis remember their material activities
and take material bodies accordingly.
8.
Para Seven: Unlike the animals, dying humans can remember their life like a dream.
So seeing their minds are surcharged with material desires, they then take birth
again, and are not able to get spiritual bodies. But even if a devotee is not able to
remember Krsna, Krsna remembers him. Even if the devotee does not ask Krsna to
remember him and what he has done, the Lord does.
9.
Para Eight: The Lord’s relationship with the devotees is very intimate and deep, as
described in Bhagavad-gita 9.30-34.
10. Para Nine: Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura gives very interesting explanation of how
9.30 may work, in terms of the balance between the material and spiritual sides of a
devotee. 11. Para Ten: The impersonalists cannot penetrate the brahmajyoti
because they don’t believe in the personality of the Absolute Truth. 12. Para Eleven:
There are nine devotional processes, performed by nine devotees. If one does these
regularly one will keep one in constant contact with the Lord, and in this way at the
end of life one will remember Krsna. 13. Para Twelve and Thirteen: This mantra’s
explanation appears in Srimad Bhagavatam. Maharaja Pariksit asked Sukadeva
Gosvami what is the duty of a person at the time of death, and SG replied with
Srimad Bhagavatam 2.1.5. 14. Para Fourteen: So one should dedicate all one’s time
to Krsna consciousness. 15. Para Fifteen: Read last paragraph. In Bhagavad-gita
18th Chapter Lord Krsna explains the rigorous process of the jnanis, who may or
may not realize Him. Then in vs. 56 He says: sarva-karmany api sada kurvano madvyapasrayah mat-prasadad avapnoti sasvatam padam avyayam “Though engaged in
all kinds of activities, My pure devotee, under My protection, reaches the eternal and
imperishable abode by My grace.” In his purport, Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti
Thakura says: Arjuna: This doesn't sound logical. Jnani takes many births and
performs so much austerity after so long and so much difficulty. How is it possible,
bhakta has little knowledge and isn't renounced? What is the logic? Krsna: The logic
is that it is beyond logic. It is by My mercy. My mercy has inconceivable power in it.
Story of Lord Rama and Vibhisana. Mantra 18, Para 7: If one takes shelter of a bona
fide spiritual master, it is to be understood that he has obtained the grace of the
Lord. The Lord appears as the spiritual master for the devotee. Thus the spiritual
master, the Vedic injunctions and the Lord Himself from within—all guide the
devotee in full strength. In this way there is no chance for a devotee to fall again into
the mire of material illusion.
SRI ISOPANISAD Mantra Eighteen 1.
Verse: The speaker humbly throws himself at the lotus feet of the Lord, and begs for
guidance and for help to become free from his karma.
2.
Para One: By surrendering to the Lord one’s karma is burnt away. Otherwise one will
inevitably be involved in vikarma, and one will create a bad future.
3.
Para Two: Birth is not the only thing. Main thing is to be well trained.
4.
Para Three: Bhagavad-gita explains that if one falls from the path of yoga one will
get the opportunity in one’s next life.
5.
Para Four: Through surrender one is elevated to the spiritual platform quickly, and
the Lord gives all help, which is not available to others. The Lord has the potency to
elevate even the most fallen.
6.
Para Five: The Lord mercifully gives good direction to the devotee.
7.
Para Six: To err is human, but Lord Krsna helps the sincere devotees, even if they
make mistakes, and He corrects them. Either through sadhu, sastra and guru, or
directly from within the heart.
8.
Para Seven: One has to learn all this under good direction. If one gets the direction
of a good spiritual master it is to be understood that he has the mercy of the Lord.
The Lord actually appears to the conditioned soul as the spiritual master. Thus he
reaches perfection. This whole process is hinted at in this mantra, and Srimad
Bhagavatam 1.1.17-20 elaborately explains it:
srnvatam sva-kathah krsnah punya-sravana-kirtanah hrdy antah stho hy abhadrani
vidhunoti suhrt satam Sri Krsna, the Personality of Godhead, who is the Paramatma
[Supersoul] in everyone’s heart and the benefactor of the truthful devotee, cleanses
desire for material enjoyment from the heart of the devotee who has developed the
urge to hear His messages, which are in themselves virtuous when properly heard
and chanted. nasta-prayesv abhadresu nityam bhagavata-sevaya bhagavaty uttamasloke bhaktir bhavati naisthiki By regular attendance in classes on the Bhagavatam
and by rendering of service to the pure devotee, all that is troublesome to the heart is
almost completely destroyed, and loving service unto the Personality of Godhead,
who is praised with transcendental songs, is established as an irrevocable fact. tada
rajas-tamo-bhavah kama-lobhadayas ca ye ceta etair anaviddham sthitam sattve
prasidati
As soon as irrevocable loving service is established in the heart, the effects of
nature’s modes of passion and ignorance, such as lust, desire and hankering,
disappear from the heart. Then the devotee is established in goodness, and he
becomes completely happy. evam prasanna-manaso bhagavad-bhakti-yogatah
bhagavat-tattva-vijnanam mukta-sangasya jayate Thus established in the mode of
unalloyed goodness, the man whose mind has been enlivened by contact with
devotional service to the Lord gains positive scientific knowledge of the Personality
of Godhead in the stage of liberation from all material association. 9. Para Eight:
Hearing and chanting is the essence of all devotional practices. Through focussing
on this one becomes a pure devotee.