"Suppose you have another life. Is it guaranteed that you will be born as a human being? You may fall again. So my Guru Maharaja used to say that "finish all business in this life."
SB Lecture 1.16.24 - Hawaii, January 20, 1974
"Seriously. My Guru Maharaja used to say like this: "Finish this business in this life. Don't drag it out into the next life."
Lecture SB 6.3.18 - Gorakhpur, 11th Feb 1971
"My Guru Maharaja used to say that 'Why should you wait for another life? Finish the process of Krsna consciousness in this life." In this life. Why should you leave it for another life?"
Lecture SB 7.6.5 - Vrndavana, December 7, 1975
"My Guru Maharaja used to say that "don't risk waiting for another life. In this life. Because there is no certainty."
CC Madhya Lecture 6.154 - Gorakhpur, 16th Feb 1971
"My Guru Maharaja, Sri Srimad Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami Prabhupada, used to say that each of his disciples could reach the spiritual world in this life without waiting for another life to perform devotional service."
SB 4.12.43, purport
"So I'm repeating my spiritual master's order that "don't wait for another life. It's too risky, another life. We can be born into a good family or not."
Lecture SB 1.7.20-21 - Vrndavana, September 17, 1976
"We should also be determined to finish our duties in performing devotional service in this life; we should not wait for another life to finish our work."
SB 4.8.72, purport
Devotee: Prabhupāda, I heard that the spiritual master will always come back until his devotees, his disciples, have achieved God-realization. Can you explain this?
Prabhupada: Yes. But don't try to take advantage of it. (laughs) Don't try to trouble your spiritual master like that. Finish your business in this life. This is especially suited for those who are loose. The devotee, the disciple must be serious in serving the spiritual master. If he is intelligent, he should know that "Why should I act in such a way that my spiritual master has to make an effort to get me back again? Let my business end in this life." That must be the correct way of thinking. Not that, "Oh, I'm sure my spiritual master will come, let me do all the nonsense". No. So if you have any affection for the spiritual master, then you should finish your business in this life so that he doesn't come back to retrieve you. Everything is alright? Do not take advantage of this deal. Instead, be serious about completing this life. This is a fact."
Lecture on BG 6.46-47 - Los Angeles, February 21, 1969
Yes, no doubt. If a neophyte devotee Vaidhi Bhakta leaves the body, he/she will have to be born again. Undoubtedly. There is never loss and diminution and he/she will be born in a family of devotees.
Only those who have made the transition from Vaidhi to Raganuga with at least 50% of the Anarthas clean can receive Krpa Siddha in this very life because they have developed some quality.
"Kṛpā-siddha means even if he has not followed strictly all the regulative principle, still, by the mercy of ācārya or a devotee, or by Kṛṣṇa, he is elevated to the perfectional stage. That is specially." (Srila Prabhupada - Purport to Gaurangera Duti Pada)
Krpa Siddha means that Radha Krsna (Mahaprabhu) gives special mercy even if the devotee is not 100% perfect. But if They don't want to give Krpa, then even these will have to be born again.
Srila Prabhupada explains that we should perform Sadhana and wait for Krpa.
Especially in India they like to make things look complicated and difficult to achieve. For example, among so many, one has to be born in the next life in order to be Brahmana, etc., etc. Smartas.
Once I asked Mahanidhi Madangopal Das Babaji by mail for a Govardhana Sila to worship. He said that it was not possible to worship Govardhana Sila outside Vrndavana. And you have to be an inhabitant of Radha Kunda to be able to worship. And he has to receive Govardhana Sila in a mystical way. Let Govardhana come by Itself. See? Everything is very difficult, complicated.
What did I do? I contacted another Radha Kunda Babaji who explained that Govardhana Sila can be worshiped anywhere. Mahaprabhu worshiped Govardhana Sila outside Vrndavana.
And then he gave a Govardhana Sila to a friend who spends many months in Radha-kunda and she brought it to me.
Finito !!!
Then there are Gurus who only give initiation after many years. They complicate and make it very difficult.
They also like to claim that Raganuga Bhakti is very difficult etc.
No doubt reaching the highest stages is very rare and difficult.
But starting the process of Raganuga Bhakti is very simple. Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura in Ragma Vartma Candrika explains that Raganuga begins in the initial phase of Bhajana Kriya.
No one but Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura in his Rāga-vartma-candrikā explains that it begins in ... Bhajana-kriyā !!!
That's it. In the very beginning, after Sādhu-saṅga !!!
atha rāgānugā bhakti-majjanasyānartha nivṛtti niṣṭhā-rucy-āsakty-antaraṁ prema bhūmikārūḍhasya sākṣāt svābhīṣṭaprāpti-prakāraḥ pradarśyate
"It will now be described how a Rāgānuga devotee gradually advances through the devotional stages of Anartha-nivṛtti (the elimination of impediments), Niṣṭhā (fixation), Ruci (taste), Āsakti (attachment to the beloved Deity), up to the stage of Prema (love of God) and the direct attainment of the beloved Deity."
Srila Prabhupada says it begins at Nisthita Bhaja Kriya. The same.
Of course, our process is that of Sadhana Bhakti and we must go through all the stages to Prema in order to enter the spiritual world.
But Radha Krsna (Mahaprabhu) can offer Krpa, if They want, to those Sadhakas who have not gone through all the final stages.
This is our hope !!!
In fact, I have full confidence that those Sadhakas who have at least started the process of Raganuga Sadhana Bhakti they will receive Krpa.
Mahaprabhu, Mahaprabhu, Mahaprabhu Sri Krsna Caitanya!!!
Krpa Siddha is very, very, very rare for Vaidhi Bhaktas to enter Vrndavana.
But it is not so rare for those who started Raganuga Sadhana Bhakti. It is my feeling.
<Personally I find your attempts at differentiating between vaidhi and raganuga bhakti confused and confusing.>
It's very simple. Those devotees who worship Radha Krsna with respect and reverence aim to attain Vraja but have not yet awakened Lobha (the desire to serve in a specific Rasa).
They are Vaidhi Bhaktas (Ajata Ruci Raganugas). They crave Vrndavana but have not yet awakened Lobha.
For these Vaidhi Bhaktas (Ajata Ruci Raganugas) Krpa Siddha is very, very, very rare.
However for those devotees who awakened Lobha, that Prabhupada says is after Anartha Nivritti, Krpa Siddha is not uncommon.
There are two paths:
Vaidhi Bhakti - Those who aim for Vaikuntha, worship Laksmi Narayana with reverence and respect.
Raganuga Bhakti - those who aim for Vrndavana, intimately serve Radha Krsna in Vatsalya, Sakhya or Madhurya.
In Raganuga Bhakti 64 rules (Vaidhi) are also followed. In the beginning they are followed without Lobha and after Anartha Nivritti they are followed with Lobha.
The only exception are Mudras, Nyasa and Ahangrahopasana. The rest follows everything.
No confusion !!!
Lobha (initial greed) by Jiva Gosvami, Visvanatha Cakravarti, Srila Bhaktivinoda and Srila Prabhupada:
"When a person develops a taste for the aforesaid specific rāga [i.e., any of the four major rasas], even though that rāga itself has not arisen in her or him, the heart becomes like a crystal, shining as it reflects the rays of the moon of that rāga.
By hearing about this rāga from scripture or from one’s teacher, one develops a taste for the actions of the rāgatmika associates also, that are expressions of this rāgatmika-bhakti.
Then by adhering to the rāga of a particular associate of the Lord, according to one’s taste, one executes devotion, which is called rāgānugā."
(Jiva Gosvami Bhakti Sandharba, Anuccheda 310)
"Bābājī: When one hears about the intensely sweet bhāvas of the vraja-vāsīs, one’s intelligence (buddhi-apekṣā) begins to consider how one may enter into those dealings. That desire (apekṣā) is the symptom that lobha has awakened.
“What are the sweet bhāvas of the vraja-vāsīs towards Kṛṣṇa? Is it possible for me to obtain such bhāvas? How can this be obtained?” This intense yearning is the symptom of greed, and one who does not have it does not have the adhikāra for rāgānugā-bhakti. This you should understand.
(Srila Bhaktivinoda - Jaiva Dharma, Chapter 21)
"If, after hearing the sweetness of the feelings of the associates of Sri Krsna in Vraja Lila, led by the passion of love, one think: "May I also achieve such feelings."
(Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakur - Raga vartma Candrika 1.5)
"Hamsadutta: So Prabhupada, a neophyte devotee, he may think it might be very nice to be Krishna’s friend, but he may actually be a blade of grass and he’ll be fully satisfied when he comes to that stage? ...
Prabhupada: No. But when, at the time of devotional service, if such impetus comes, that means he has got such relation. It is to be developed. That’s all. That means the actual relationship with Krishna is coming out gradually. It is being developed. So one has to develop it, following the footsteps of the Krishna’s friends in Vrindavana. These are described here."
(Srimad Bhagavatam 6.3.16-17, Gorakhpur, 18/02/71)
This is Lobha.
And Lobha is the starting point of Raganuga Sadhana Bhakti.
Very clear, consistent and powerful statements from our Acaryas about greed, Lobha. Not one of them mentioned anything about first being freed from all Anarthas and material desires, or being very advanced, or even purity, nor do they mention those things anywhere else in conjunction with being qualified for Raganuga Bhakti. They all said – greed, Lobha is the sole qualification to begin this process.
In fact, Visvanatha Cakravarti even went as far as to say that, “nor does the candidate ever consider whether or not he is qualified for the path of Raganuga Bhakti.”
So no confusion here right.
Srila Prabhupada explains that Raganuga Sadhana Bhakti starts after at least 50% of the Anarthas are clean in Nistha.
This is Acarya's instruction and not mine ok?
No confusion right?
"When 75% of the unclean things are purified, then our faith in God becomes fixed. Then Nasta-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu nityam bhagavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). Not all clean, but Praya, say, seventy-five per one hundred purified. At this time you become fixed in devotional service, Naiṣṭhikī. There are different phases of devotional service. As I have explained several times. First of all, śraddhā, sadhu-sanga, bhajana-kriyā, anartha-nivṛttiḥ syat. When anartha- nivṛttiḥ syat, all undesirable things end, at this time, Nistha, firm faith. Then bhagavaty uttama-śloke bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī. So as long as there are unclean things, our faith and devotion in Krsna will not be very fixed sometimes in us turn away, let's go. But then Nasta-prāyeṣu, when seventy-five percent of unclean things are purified, then our faith in God becomes fixed. Bhagavaty uttama-śloke. If all undesirable things are overcome, then you will have firm faith. Bhaktir bhavati na iṣṭhikī. Nityam bhagavata-sevayā, Nasta-prāyeṣu abhadreṣu ... Nasta [SB 1.2.18]. It is not that I will be completely free from all sinful activities, but Prayeṣu, say, FIFTY percent, SIXTY percent of the filth is gone. At this time, Nasta-prāyeṣu abhadreṣu... How did this happen? Nityam bhagavata-sevayā." (Śrīla Prabhupāda - Lecture SB 1.2.18, 1.2.12 - 21/08/72)
<there is zero mention of raganuga bhakti sadhana there! That is your speculative addition.>
"Hamsadutta: So Prabhupada, a neophyte devotee, he may think it might be very nice to be Krishna’s friend, but he may actually be a blade of grass and he’ll be fully satisfied when he comes to that stage? ...
Prabhupada: No. But when, at the time of devotional service, if such impetus comes, that means he has got such relation. It is to be developed. That’s all. That means the actual relationship with Krishna is coming out gradually. It is being developed. So one has to develop it, following the footsteps of the Krishna’s friends in Vrindavana. These are described here."
(Srimad Bhagavatam 6.3.16-17, Gorakhpur, 18/02/71)
<It is important to understand that this greed will not come by personal effort alone. It comes only by the grace of Krsna Himself and by the grace of a raganuga-bhakta.>
Yes of course. Association is essential.
If we listen or read Srila Narayana Maharaja's lectures immediately Lobha will awaken in us. Undoubtedly.
Srila Prabhupada explains that Raganuga Bhakti starts after Anartha Nrvitti in Nistha.
He explains that Nistha is when we have at least 50% of the Anarthas cleared.
For God's sake, where's the speculation here?
It's very clear !!!
<Where does Srila Prabhupada clearly say>
"We must always remember, however, that such eagerness to follow in the footsteps of the denizens of Vraja (Vṛndāvana) is not possible unless one is freed from material contamination. In following the regulative principles of devotional service, there is a stage called anartha-nivṛtti, which means the disappearance of all material contamination." (Śrīla Prabhupāda - Nectar of Devotion 16)
<yes, but that doesn't say that such greed follows such a stage.>
"We must always remember, however, that such eagerness to follow in the footsteps of the denizens of Vraja (Vṛndāvana) is not possible unless one is freed from material contamination. In following the regulative principles of devotional service, there is a stage called anartha-nivṛtti, which means the disappearance of all material contamination." (Śrīla Prabhupāda - Nectar of Devotion 16)
For me in this quote Srila Prabhupada is clearly saying that after anartha-nivṛtti comes Lobha. And what comes after anartha-nivṛtti? It is Nistha.
It's very clear to me.
<I have never heard from my gurus that the first steps are vaidhi, and then automatically the next few are raganuga>
Yes. Vaidhi and Raganuga are two different paths.
When it is said that the first steps are vaidhi it is because in Raganuga the 64 rules are also followed. Just that. But they are followed with another motivation.
<There is a false logic here:
To say that greed is not possible unless one is freed from material contamination does NOT imply that greed is the natural consequence of such freedom.>
Undoubtedly, it is not because one is free from material contamination that he will automatically enter Raganuga Bhakti.
Srila Rupa Gosvami explains in Bhakti Rasamrta Sindhu that the cause (Lobha) of entering Raganuga Bhakti is by seeing the sweetness of the Deity, by hearing the pastimes of Vrndavana and by associating with a Raganuga Bhakta. The association being the most important.
There is no confusion here.
Regarding the Anarthas. Srila Prabhupada is very clear. With at least 50% of the Anarthas cleared, the devotee is already in Nistha and able to awaken Lobha by association of a Raganuga Bhakta.
SRILA PRABHUPADA MEIO TERMO:
A devotee wrote in and provided us this reference from His Holiness Tamal Krishna Gosvami Maharaja.
“I remember Prabhupada’s promise to me in Bombay: If anyone sacrifices sense gratification by giving his life for spreading Krsna consciousness, at the time of his death Lord Caitanya will personally come and cover any of his inadequacies and take him back to Godhead.”
[Servant Of the Servant, chapter 15: Dancing to the Brhad Mrdanga]
