Beyond Illusion

As long as we base our understanding of reality on what we perceive through our imperfect senses, we can never know things as they are. We will always be more or less in a state of illusion. And because of being in illusion we will make so many mistakes. And if in spite of these mistakes we consider our vision of reality to be perfect, we are cheating both ourselves and others. Therefore we must base our understanding of reality on something other than our imperfect senses. We should base our understanding of reality on the knowledge that is revealed to us by the source of reality, i.e. Krishna or God.

Sankarshan Das Adhikari

Explaining Krishna Consciousness to Christians

On Sunday 9 September 2007 I spoke to a hall full of Christians at First United Methodist Church, in Georgetown, Texas. They very eagerly, respectfully, and joyfully heard my half hour lecture on the philosophy and practices of Krishna consciousness. Then for twenty minutes up until the end of the allotted time I answered their many sincere questions. I was able to directly experience how relevant and attractive the philosophy of Bhagavad-gita is for the entire world. If we can simply give everyone the opportunity to hear what is the science of Krishna, we can gradually attract the entire world.

Answers According to the Vedic Version:

Question: How to Advance with No Association?

You have kindly said that under proper guidance and spiritual association one should reawaken one's original love for Godhead. But what if in certain circumstances one cannot associate with the devotees? This is my first question.

My second is: How can one begin devotional service unto the the Lord? It seems very difficult to regulate the mind, to keep it from hovering and getting attracted to material pleasure. Take the example of intoxication. It is possible for me to avoid tea and coffee for not more than 2 or 3 or 4 days. Consistency in keeping a spiritual attitude is practically a very, very difficult task. So please kindly suggest a permanent solution for this problem of mine.

Hare Krishna,

Your's Obediently,

Anand

Answer: Take Full Advantage of Whatever Association You Do Have

If you are away from devotee association, you should take more advantage of whatever association you do have. You have the association of Srila Prabhupada through his books. You have the association of Krishna through His holy names. You have Krishna prasadam. My association is also there through my recorded videos and lectures and through my e-course. You may also personally inquire from me and be guided by me. If you take full advantage of whatever association you now have, Krishna will see your sincerity and He will give you more and more association.

The beginning of devotional service is to chant the Hare Krishna mantra and taste Krishna prasadam. If you absorb your tongue in this way, you will get a higher taste and naturally lose your taste for the lower taste of tea, coffee, and other unnecessary things.

Sankarshan Das Adhikari