I have recently taken up Krishna Consciousness, because I am attracted to the four practices of to live a more spiritually centered life:
- japa
- satsang
- kirtan
- prasadam
An read an interesting article by Chaitanya Charan Das about satsang:
https://www.gitadaily.com/association-works-but-making-it-work-is-our-responsibility/
When Chaitanya Prabhu speaks of keeping discussions focused on Krishna, does that limiting discussions to scripture and advancing spiritual practice (regarding scripture, the four practices above and the four regulatory principles)? Or, is it appropriate to discuss personal situations in satsang?
I learned from my father to never complain about problems. He was the youngest son, but his older brothers were afflicted such that they were unable to contribute to the household. My father ensured that his sisters got proper marriage, he ensured that my cousins got proper education, and he took care of his own family. He did all this without any complaint. He would always say in Bengali, "Maa Kaali paye debe" (Maa Kali will provide).
I feel like I have bottled up my problems, which has lead to blunders and frustration, but is it appropriate in satsang to open up and discuss my problems? It seems like complaining, which seems like that would be contrary to Krishna Consciousness, and would deviate conversations from proper focus. I don't want to misuse the sangha.
I am new to this, so I'm still trying to figure it out. Please excuse my ignorance!
Haribol!
Replies
Goodness & Light are sanonamis
Light is protected i.e. transcendental*
As it is "on-average 10 sec. is mind's"focus-time*
So the company of those with -"onePointed" focus on the
Source energies of the God Heads,will soon there-after
have that (betterment in unconditional healing Loving energies
Infinently ) to offer. Yes OM's- or Divine sound vibrations are not all created equal! Perhaps chang is an eternal factor that transental behaviours should be utilized for trancendent results (Darma) our duty to our future & for the Sake of our imperfect pasy. "To the degree one' serrenders, serves, honors my relationship with them, He reword s accordingly" krishna paraphrased!- Krishna is actually. I feel,
The *most diverce the embodiment of infinite understandings strenth & beauty of carrecter. His darshon is * the *ISKCON MORNING PROGRAM OR (Mun'gul Arrow-teek) /Deity Darshon\. Krishina is the muse the mentor, the Source or Life energies & the Conchusness one always wants to imbew.(Bhakti-Darshon*) is that opining up of an opp. to address & or serve GodHead from a-little closer! Darshon!?
This energy & light of (goodnass) or/Sincear honest intentions is contagious invigorating by celebrating happiness joy & a greater potential(s)
I get that. Like this body -it performs better, "after stretching"?
We tend-to enhance our spiritual reach, experience & understandings.
Our-facelties of mind & intelligence are certainly
Enhanced by think-tanks of all sourts, however, as u-mentioned. - God centered conversation is always the aim* & what is ti be expected there, yes, & at all times.
Good question accually* Don't speak or center topicks on your self, norr personal circumstance Not in an asimbly. Privately yes.
Nectar of Instruction.
https://www.vedabase.com/en/noi/4
On how to perform devotional activities in the company of devotees, 6 activities are mentioned . One of which is "Revealing ones mind in confidence "
Srila Prabhupada established ISKCON to assist each other in hearing and chanting about Krsna however we are coming from a contaminated state so to ask questions and reveal ones mind in confidence to offer and receive prasadam , to enquire confidentiality etc is essential in developing faith and spiritual progression.
After all you have come to Iskcon for help no??
Hare Krsna,
PAMHO.
The stage where we think that all our material problems can be solved by chanting is very advanced stage and we cannot expect everyone to be in that stage from beginning. Even Gita mentions Brahmabhuta prasannatma na sochati na kancshati.... God realised person does not lament or hanker, right at the end, in Ch 18. Until then, we will need to address our problems and issues, and we may need help in doing that.
Nothing wrong in going to a spiritual guide to solve material issues, because spiritual guide will not only give material solution, he will also give spiritual insighits and learnings from the material problems. This will increase the horizons of both, making them realise that one can learn to surrender in each and every situation.
It may not be a good idea to belittle someone else's problems saying all problems are temporary. Yes, they are. The problem is - we are so used to bodily concept of life, that we do not realise it.
The initial devotees of SP were drawn to his divine grace because of his love, not the philosophy alone. If you see the series, remembering Srila Prabhupada on youtube, you will the memories of all these initial devotees is how much love they got from Srila Prabhupada that till date they love him so much. ISKCON realises that love and care is an essential part of nuturing devotees. That is the reason there is a separate cell called Devotee Care. The entire concept of Bhakti Vriksha format of congregational preaching is Friendship before Philosophy. Even in the material world, there is a saying - Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.
It is important to care for devotees, esp budding devotees who are new to the movement. This care is what distinguishes ISKCON from other sampradayas.
Haribol,
Your servant,
Radha Rasamayi DD
Great reply mata ji.. thanks for the correction.
truly Iskcon is doing a great deed by counselling people on all spheres of normal life.
they need to have counselling on these issues.
I am sorry to have answered this question hastily thinking the person quite matured in understanding what is truth of life.
I feel bad when ever u point out differentiating comparing other sampradayas. I guess every one as a right to speak up their mind.
" Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care"
I do not represent any Sampradaya.. basically was pointing out what came up in the mind... out of concern for the person only not for showing off knowledge what I know.
There was no discussion about Sampradayas in the topic.
Vaishnavas are known to be caring and have deep concern and empathy for others.
All Vaishnavas are equal in the eyes of lord.
Anyways..
Hare Krishna.
Hare Krsna,
PAMHO.
My reply was not directed at you, definitely not your sampradaya. My reply was simply to bring out the importance of caring in a spiritual relationship. When a person is hurt, that hurt needs to be addressed. If that person was of the level that everything can be solved by chanting, then he wouldnt be hurt in the first place na.
And if there are unresolved emotional issues, then what better forum than a spiritual forum to resolve them, from body mind and soul. So many people approach with so many issues - you would be surprised. I encourage them because it is better to address one's issues than keep it bottled up and let it manifest in the form of an illness or bitter behaviour at a later point in time.
You do not represent any sampradaya, dont be under any misconception. Please dont take it personally whenever any other sampradaya is mentioned. You were not even remotely in my thoughts when I wrote that.
In fact, just to put on record - I have the highest highest regard for Sri Vaishanavas and other authorised sampradayas. See from Krsna's point of view - He wants souls to return back to Him, He has authorised 4 paths. Does it matter to Him which path the soul has taken, as long as the soul returns to Him? Its like we holding a kirtan program in our house, and distinguishing people on the basis of the path they took to reach our house. What could be more preposterous. These are really petty things one should not even spare a moment on.
By mentioning that ISKCON takes care of its devotees unlike other sampradayas, I have hurt other's feelings and take back my sentence.
Haribol,
Your servant,
Radha Rasamayi DD
Radha mataji isn't it wrong to say iskcon is the only group which cares for devotees
Hmm.. I see that u want to vomit all that frustrations blunders and problems to someone.. to find solution to them.
But tell me one thing.. Is Kaliyuga effects act only on you?? Every person in this Kaliyuga are attacked by similar problems. Everyone is facing some issue or other==>> be it financial, or social, health issues or mental conditions or problems with relatives and children problems with husband/wife. IS anyone totally happy ??? NO ONE is happy.
Why are we not happy? is the next question.
We r not happy becoz we are identifying ourself with the body. False ego made us believe that we are the body and this made us a slave to the body.. We seek pleasure in temporary things ( like wife, children, relatives friends , money , house, property).. Just give a thought...Were these things existed before with you in ur past life.. are they going to follow with u in ur future life?? Can u take the money u saved to ur next life???? nahi na
They why u identify urself with that which is temporary? Samsaram Ashashwatam Dukhalayam ... All are in jail....All are suffering equally.. How much ever we discuss we cannot get happiness or bliss in anyways.
Only way to get rid of this is to come out of the false ego that u are body and that ur happiness is depended on the external factors like...wife, children, society, money health...
You are soul and part and parcel of the Superme Personality of Godhead..being part of Supreme Bliss. you have a natural tendency to seek happiness. HERE YOU IS UR SOUL NOT THE BODY..
But alas! you are seeking happiness and bliss in temporary things..material world. which give u temporary happiness and permanent sadness.
So turn ur self to Supreme Lord Sri Krishna now to find ur ultimate destination.
Soul's ultimate destination is finding Bliss in being part and parcel of Supreme Lord.
So there is no solution to ur temporary frustrations all are facing the same all are conditioned souls all are in the same prison. Why to simply discuss about problems..? It better discuss something which gives bliss to ur Soul.
Body is anyways temporary.. One day it will turn into ashes. all the relations and things that are making or giving problems and frustration now, wont exist later in ur future births this is all a temporary thing..
SB 7.2.21 — My dear mother, in a restaurant or place for drinking cold water, many travelers are brought together, and after drinking water they continue to their respective destinations. Similarly, living entities join together in a family, and later, as a result of their own actions, they are led apart to their destinations.
Just as travelers meet at a place to quench their thirst..we have been congregate at a place and when the purpose is solved we move out.
IS there any necessity to discuss problems? when all are in the same situation as urs?
It is better to discuss some thing which will give us a permanent solution to all problems.....breaking the cycle of birth and deaths.. .. once and for all.. By discussing ultimate solution to get rid of everyone's problems......That is discussing Only about Sri Krishna.
Hare Krishna.
Hare Krsna Prabhuji,
PAMHO.
What I know of this is, at the time of satsang, you discuss Krsna and topic of satsang only. During the discussion, you will be in a position to gauge who you think is advanced, matured enough to counsel you. Then privately, you can mention your problems to that prabhuji or mataji or both (in case of couple) and sort out things in your mind.
Typically, people dont want to discuss their personal issues in public.
We do a lot of such counselling in our groups and also I do online. If you are comfortable, you can discuss with me separately also.
The advantage of satsang is - one learns a lot more than just the philosophy. One learns inter personal relationships, so many small small things about why things are the way they are, or what to do or not do in a particular situation, it is automatically therapy. Still, for faster results, you could share.
One comment - kudos to your father. That generation is not there anymore. Our generation is not so giving. You are fortunate to have such a father. His pious deeds will help you in your life.
Haribol,
Your servant,
Radha Rasamayi DD
i have learnt it's better to tell your problems to the Lord and leave it to Him. at most u can discuss with an advanced devotee. one thought is you shouldn't discuss it in satsang otherwise energy of satsang may go down. i don't know your situation so forgive me i may be wrong !
hari bol