Consciousness, the Missing Link

Modern scientists are trying to find evidence in the fossil record to prove that human beings and apes both evolved from a common ancestor. But to date they still have not been able to do so. It is an interesting situation that the scientific community blindly accepted Darwin's theory and then was obliged to go out and find the evidence to prove that his theory was correct. Even though they have still have not come up with the evidence, they still tenaciously cling to the so-called truthfulness of Darwin's theory.

If they are truly interested to find the missing links between the species, we can enlighten them in this regard. The missing link connecting one species to another is consciousness. Whatever consciousness one has upon a leaving a particular body, that consciousness will carry him to his next body. He can evolve to a higher form. He can devolve to a lower form. Or he can remain at the same level. If he makes his consciousness perfect by absorbing it in Krishna, he escapes the evolutionary cycle of birth and death and re-enters his original home in the transcendental spiritual sky to enjoy an eternal existence, full of knowledge, and full of bliss.

Sankarshan Das Adhikari

Answers According to the Vedic Version:

Question: How to Chant?

I am chanting 16 rounds of the Hare Krishna mahamantra every day very easily, which is very surprising.

What should one think of while doing japa to stop the mind from flickering to worldly topics instead of hearing the chanting?

Are there any offenses to avoid while chanting japa? If on any particular day I feel I can chant more than 16 rounds, should I do so? Should one chant more on festival days?

Thanks,

Your humble servant and student,

Simran

Answer: Like a Child Crying for Mother

While chanting japa one should keep his mind fixed on the sound of Krishna's name. And you should utter the names in the mood of a small child calling out for his mother. The ten offenses to be avoided are:

(1) To blaspheme the devotees who have dedicated their lives for propagating the holy name of the Lord.
(2) To consider the names of demigods like Lord Siva or Lord Brahma to be equal to, or independent of, the name of Lord Vishnu.
(3) To disobey the orders of the spiritual master.
(4) To blaspheme the Vedic literature or literature in pursuance of the Vedic version.
(5) To consider the glories of chanting Hare Krishna to be imagination.
(6) To give some interpretation on the holy name of the Lord.
(7) To commit sinful activities on the strength of the holy name of the Lord.
(8) To consider the chanting of Hare Krishna one of the auspicious ritualistic activities offered in the Vedas as fruitive activities (karma-kanda).
(9) To instruct a faithless person about the glories of the holy name. (Anyone can take part in chanting the holy name of the Lord, but in the beginning one should not be instructed about the transcendental potency of the Lord. Those who are too sinful cannot appreciate the transcendental glories of the Lord, and therefore it is better not to instruct them in this matter.)
(10) To not have complete faith in the chanting of the holy names and to maintain material attachments, even after understanding so many instructions on this matter.
(It's also offensive to be inattentive while chanting.)

Whenever possible you should always chant extra rounds beyond the required 16. Especially on festival days this is nice.

Sankarshan Das Adhikari