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Balaram’s Plow and Krishna’s Flute

Hare Krsna

Please accept my humble obeisance. All glories to Srila Prabhupada

 

Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami Maharaja

Gour Govinda Swami: Rules and regulations are needed at the beginning, that'ssadhana-bhakti. Therefore we have two paths: sadhana-bhakti and raganuga-bhakti. Therefore, Balaram's plow and Krishna's flute. Balaram has a plow in his hands and Krishna has a flute in his hands. Why? Balaram will cultivate. Sädhana-bhakti is cultivation. The cultivated field is the heart. After being properly cultivated by sadhana-bhakti, then comes karsana, you'll come to raga-bhakti. Then Krishna's flute will attract you, akarsanaKarsana and akarsana are the activities of Krishna-Balaram.

Devotee 1: Doesn't sadhana-bhakti mean that very little love is there?

Gour Govinda Swami: Love will generate! Love will be produced if properly cultivated. If guru sows the seed of the bhakti creeper but your land is barren, then it will never sprout. Gopinath Acharya said to his brother-in-law Sarvabhauma, usarabhumite yena bijera ropana — "I am just sowing seed in a barren land. How it will sprout, germinate?" tanra krpa yabe habe — If Mahaprabhu showers mercy, then it will happen. (Cc. madhya6.105-106]

After the field of the heart has been cultivated and all anarthas are gone, then you'll be attracted to Krishna. Then you will hear Krishna's flute and be attracted.

What are you doing?" Guru gives you a kick to help you understand. With one kick, everything will be finished. One kick is enough.

My Guru Maharaja used to say that the blacksmith has a big hammer. With one stroke of that hammer, everything is finished. Nityananda's kick is Balaram's plow. It goes to the deepest regions of the heart. That kicking is his mercy.

 

Devotee 1: Should we pray for that kicking?

Gour Govinda Swami: Yes! Pray for that kicking from Nityananda Ram, Balaram. You should beg for his mercy, welcome it. Don't be afraid of it.

— From a lecture in Bhubaneswar, 1 March 1992.

 

 

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