Eleven Causes for Dejection

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

The 14th chapter of the first canto of Srimad Bhagavatam describes the circumstances concerning the disappearance of Lord Krishna from this earth after the Kuruksetra war. Some time after the war was over, Arjuna went to Dwaraka to see Lord Sri Krishna and other friends. In the mean time Maharaja Yudhisthira observes signs indicating the Lord's disappearance from the world, and as he is contemplating on these bad omens Arjuna returns from Dwaraka. He comes before Yudhistira with tears in his eyes and appears utterly dejected. First, Maharaja Yudhistira enquires about the welfare of the inhabitants of Dwaraka and then he raises questions concerning the cause for Arjuna's dejection from verse 1.14.39 to 1.14.44. In a nectarean and instructive Srimad Bhagavatam class the 24th of January 2006 here in Rajkot, our spiritual master H. H. Mahavishnu Goswami Maharaja pointed out these ten causes and that we should learn how to avoid them on our path of bhakti-yoga. The causes are as follows, including Maharajas instructions on how to avoid them:

1) Health is not good
We can do nothing about the health since it is under Krishna's control. Good health is thus a gift from Krishna. However we must take care of our health by natural means. Avoid basmas (metal which is turned back in to organic matter). Only take medicines which are coming directly from the tree. Our food itself is medicine if we follow the proper diet. Spices like ginger, cinnamon, pepper are wonderful medicines which will prevent all kinds of diseases.

2) Disrespect and neglect
We disrespect others because we think we are going to be here forever, and we are always neglecting others at least mentally. To avoid neglect to ourselves we should never take help from others unecessarily. If others disrespect or neglect us we should never retaliate. Maharaja says 'No retaliation is the best retaliation.' This formula is found in Srimad Bhagavatam verse 1.18.48.

tiraskrtaa vipralabdhaah
saptaah ksiptaa hataa api
naasya tat pratikurvanti
tad-bhaktaah prabhavo 'pi hi
"The devotees of the Lord are so forbearing that even though they are defamed, cheated, cursed, disturbed, neglected or even killed, they are never inclined to avenge themselves."

If we do not retaliate then our material account with that person is cut short, and we avoid wasting time and energy with further series of retaliations. Common people do not follow this therefore they are moved by the lower modes. Our duty is to take them out of this.

3) Unfriendly words and threats
We are always faced with inimical words from others. The same formula of "No retaliation is the best retaliation." applies here. Maharaja Parikshit prayed in verse 1.19.16: "Again, offering obeisances unto all you brahmanas, I pray that if I should again take my birth in the material world I will have complete attachment to the unlimited Lord Krishna, association with His devotees and friendly relations with all living beings." If we always try to be friendly with everyone around us, there will not be unfriendly interactions.

4) Not being able to give charity to the needy
In Bhagavatam (6.10.6) it is stated that those who are too selfish do not care for others and therefore do not give charity to the needy people. But such a tendency is the cause of dejection. To avoid this, therefore we have to be generous towards needy people.

5) Not able to keep up the promise
If you are not able to promise then keep your mouth shut.

6) Not being able to give protection
Certain people in certain conditions should be protected, if we neglect to protect them we will not be able to go to Bhagavatam.

7) Dealings with Women
Women are to be always respected as mothers. Disrespect to women means destruction.

8) Conquered by inferiors or equals
Naturally, being defeated by others, leads us to dejection. But the best way to conquer anything in this world is through hearing and reciting Srimad Bhagavatam (tato jayam udirayet - Srimad Bhagavatam is the very means of conquest).

9) Not taking care of old men and boys and not feeding them
We have to be magnanimous in giving prasadam to everyone, especially old men and young kids who are dependent souls. In not doing this service, we tend to become narrow-minded and selfish and it leads to dejection.

10) Loss of intimate relative or friend
This is not under our control therefore we should not be dejected. In a previous lecture Maharaja pointed out two verses which explain that the passing of embodied souls is under the full control of the Lord, therefore we cannot protect anybody, so why should we lament. The body is destined to be destroyed, therefore it is better for to keep one's focus on the eternal destination, both for one's own sake and for the real benefit of others.
1.13.41

naarada uvaaca
maa kancana suco raajan
yad isvara-vasam jagat
lokaah sapaalaa yasyeme
vahanti balim isituh
sa samyunakti bhutaani
sa eva viyunakti ca
"Sri Narada said: O pious King, do not lament for anyone, for everyone is under the control of the Supreme Lord. Therefore all living beings and their leaders carry on worship to be well-protected. It is He only who brings them together and disperses them."
1.13.46
kaala-karma-gunaadhino
deho 'yam paanca-bhautikah
katham anyaams tu gopaayet
sarpa-grasto yathaa param
"This gross material body made of five elements is already under the control of eternal time [kala], action [karma] and the modes of material nature [guna]. How, then, can it, being already in the jaws of the serpent, protect others?"

TheLord is the Supreme protector and maintainer, if we allow Him to be so and accept His way, then where is the cause for dejection?

11) Separation from Krishna
Feeling bereft of Krishna is the ultimate cause of dejection and sadness. To avoid this, we have to follow the process of devotional service through chanting the holy names, studying the shastras and serving the Lord and devotees constantly. In these three activities we can always realize Krishna and hence we will never be separated from Krishna. These devotional activities, hence, are the source of supreme joy.

Chant,

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna

Krishna Krishna

Hare Hare

Hare Rama Hare Rama

Rama Rama

Hare Hare

and be happy.