N.E.T.W.O.R.K of Bhagavatam

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

The following is an excerpt from the lecture given by our loving Guru Maharaja H.H. Maha Vishnu Goswami on 12.12.2006 on Srimad Bhagavatam 11.7.1-3 at Sri Sri Radha-NeelMadhav Dham, Rajkot.

In the summary of this chapter Uddhava states that renouncing material things in a spirit of detachment is the source of the highest auspiciousness, but such renunciation is certainly extremely difficult to accomplish for living entities other than the devotees of the Supreme Lord, because those living entities are very attached to sense gratification.

Gurudeva explained that our relation with Krishna is eternal either we consider Him as our friend, master, child or whatever but one thing we should never forget is that He is our eternal Father and so He is very well aware of our requirements and desires. And whatever we possess today or tomorrow according to our karma is by His mercy only. Therefore renouncing anything to attain success in our devotional service has to be our prime motive. Srila Prabhupada makes this point in his purport to Srimad Bhagavatam 1.2.14, "If realization of the Absolute Truth is the ultimate aim of life, it must be carried out by all means." 'All means' implies that we should be ready to do anything and everything to please Krishna.

There are so many renounced people in this world. Even many of us have renounced something or the other - televisions, cinemas, eating outside etc. But that is not enough. Maharaja said, "Ananya Bhakti should be performed; Our approach should be to love Him. Though genuine demands are always to be fulfilled, still our demands have to be almost nil. Krishna is so merciful and whatever we deserve we are provided. More than anything else we have to be different from general mass of people. Knowingly or unknowingly we (devotees) are very dear to Krishna. Ananya bhakti also demands austerities to be performed and if there are no austerities nothing can be achieved."

Gurudeva clarified on this point further,"Whatever austerities we perform are ultimately for our benefits only, pulling us out of the cycle of 8,400,000 births and deaths. Material activities or anti-devotional service is the reason for our unsuccessfulness in every step of our life. Hence we should be always ready to increase our austerities. "

Maharaja concluded with a hammering remark,"Krishna is present here with us in the form of Bhagavad gita and Srimad Bhagavatam. Bhagavad gita should be on the tip of our tongue and Srimad Bhagavatam is magnified Bhagavad gita. Bhagavatam teaches us the knowledge to live, let live and the art of dying. It is only Bhagavatam which can connect us with Krishna because it's N.E.T.W.O.R. K. (Nothing Except The Words Of Real Knowledge) is extremely powerful. When we do not follow Krishna's instructions we separate ourselves from Him."

"Just as only oxygen is suitable for breathing similarly only Prabhupada's Bhagavatam can satisfy our soul. This Bhagavatam has to also be compulsorily passed down. I may know and you may know but this should also be presented to our future generation. Preach purely and seriously so that we can spread this NETWORK for the generations to come."

I am very fortunate and delighted to share with you these words of wisdom from our Guru Maharaja by whose slight glance upon us can deliver us to our eternal father.

Chant,

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna

Krishna Krishna

Hare Hare

Hare Rama Hare Rama

Rama Rama

Hare Hare

and be happy.