Appointment with Krishna 4/12

(Compiled from notes on lectures of H. H. Mahavishnu Goswami)

We are continuing the topic "Appointment with Krishna", the nectarean instructions flowing like a river from our beloved Gurudev’s lotus mouth incessantly and thereby the living entities scorched by the severe heat of material existence get the ultimate respite. As stated by Srila Prabhupada the nectarean flow of devotional service is so potent that even the onlooker also becomes liberated from the influence of the modes of passion and ignorance (1.5.28 purport).

1. Krishna Consciousness is a Great Fortune
To come together and think about Krishna is a great fortune, because this is the perfection of human existence. It is very difficult to have this human birth. It is extremely or nearly impossible to keep in touch with Srila Prabhupada's literatures. Because we are most of the time engrossed in outward activities, we hardly find time. To come to Krishna who is pure we have to have a clean mind.

2. Cleanliness
The name of Krishna is uttama sloka. He is praised with transcendental songs. We are all abhadra. Our minds are dirty. Unless we clean our mind it is very difficult to follow this supreme auspicious path of bhakti. First requirement of bhakti is that our body and mind should be in a healthy condition. For the body to be healthy, fresh food and air are required. But they have become rare commodities. Physical exercises (walking) are completely absent. Chronic disease starts. We have plenty of undigested food in our stomach. Unless we are healthy we cannot touch Bhagavad gita. Our mind has to be sincerely attracted to Krishna and His instructions somehow or other. Not following the instructions of Krishna will make us diseased. In order to become at ease we have to come to these programs. Otherwise we will be forced to take antibiotics. Always keep in touch with Srimad Bhagavatam. This is the way to increase our consciousness known as Krishna Consciousness. This is the only way to be happy. It is not sectarian way. This is the sanaatan way and it is called Bhakti Yoga. If our mind is healthy, body will automatically become healthy.

3. Connection with Krishna is a Priority
Connection with Krishna is a priority. Material jobs can go on. The flow of Lakshmi is there. Lakshmi is there where Narayana is there. Without Krishna we cannot enjoy Lakshmi. We will destroy ourselves if we follow Ravana mentality. Once we avoid Ravana’s mentality then saintly behavior will manifest in us.

4. Saintly Behavior is a Must
Humanity thrives because of saintly behavior. Saintly behavior is the priority in our life. Saintliness is not anyone's monopoly. Everybody has to be a saint. Saint and sanity goes together. We can never be sane if we are not connected to Krishna's names, pastimes and qualities. We have heard so many years. Still we are not realizing because of our dirty mind. This needs to be cleaned by chanting His names. Then we can become a devotee.

5. Devotees are Peaceful
Once we are clean and become saintly by chanting His names, we can become devotees. Devotees are workers and not shirkers. Doing your prescribed material duties expertly is a must so that it ensures the continuous flow of Lakshmi. Unless Lakshmi flows smoothly we may not be able to assemble here and hear about Krishna peacefully.

6. Sincere Devotional Service
Once we are peaceful and if we really sincerely desire to hear about or discuss about His activities and glorification, He will give time and Lakshmi. We are busy with so many things within this world because of increased prices. We have to somehow or other get attracted to Him. Sincere desire to get attracted to the Lord will solve all the problems. He recognizes the sincerity. He knows what type of Bhaava we are in. He is bhaava grahi janardhana. As soon as He is satisfied with the sincerity of the soul, He arranges the minimum Lakshmi for maintenance and time. We have to try in this direction. Procrastination is to be avoided completely.

7. Renunciation is a Must
Try to renounce something from the beginning so that we can renounce at the time of death. This is the eternal truth. Maharaja after instructing so gravely and seriously, by his unlimited compassion (adhabhra karunaa) advised by the most encouraging statements for the deep-rooted conditioned souls like me that If you are not able to do any of above, try to execute at least this one thing - Chant the names of Krishna.

8. Chant the Names of the Lord
Whatever condition we are in please chant on japa mala beads. If you can’t chant on beads then at least chant on your fingers and if you can’t chant on your fingers, at least start chanting. KRISHNA WILL COUNT. How much more we can go? The chanting is appointment with Krishna. Do not miss this appointment. The Lord will be pleased and then He will give time and place for worship.

Srimad Bhagavatam confirms Maharaj's profound statement on chanting in Chitraketu's prayer 6.16.44:

na hi bhagavann aghatitam idam
tvad-darsanaan nrnaam akhila-paapa-ksayah
yan-naama sakrc chravanaat
pukkaso 'pi vimucyate samsaaraat

"My Lord, it is not impossible for one to be immediately freed from all material contamination by seeing You. Not to speak of seeing You personally, merely by hearing the holy name of Your Lordship only once, even candalas, men of the lowest class, are freed from all material contamination. Under the circumstances, who will not be freed from material contamination simply by seeing You?"

I pray to the unlimitedly merciful Gurudev, Srila Prabhupada and Lord Sri Krishna to give me the mercy and unassailable strength so that my incorrigible mind can be controlled by this TOPMOST APPOINTMENT WITH THE LORD and thereby save myself from degradation.

Chant,

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna

Krishna Krishna

Hare Hare

Hare Rama Hare Rama

Rama Rama

Hare Hare

and be happy.