Nothing Sweeter than Gita

There is truly nothing sweeter than the Bhagavad-gita. The transcendental sound vibrations of this ultimate of all conversations elevate anyone who hears them to the transcendental plane beyond the mundane world of birth and death. Just as Arjuna was liberated by hearing the Bhagavad-gita, we can also become liberated by hearing the Bhagavad-gita. The only condition is that we have to hear it in the same mood of humble submission as Arjuna. In the first chapter of the Bhagavad-gita Arjuna holds onto his material consciousness and remains in a state of misery. But in the second chapter he realizes his foolishness and humbly submits himself to Krishna as His disciple. In this way he becomes fully qualified to be liberated by the message of the Gita. And this way we will also. We simply must agree to become the surrendered disciples of Krishna, or in His absence to His representative, the bona fide spiritual master.

Sankarshan Das Adhikari

Bhagavad-gita Lecture
16 May 2010--Sofia, BulgariaSankarshan Das Bhagavad-gita Lecture

Sankarshan Das Bhagavad-gita Lecture

Answers According to the Vedic Version:

Question: Too Old for Initiation?

Dear Guruji,

Referring to your answer on the subject matter of a recent "Thought for the Day", I have not taken initiation, as I consider myself too old (70 years) for the same. However, I am strictly following all the regulative principals, ever since I became a Life Patron of ISKCON in 2006, including taking only Krishna Prasadam (no food outside the home) and doing 20 rounds of Hare Krishna Mahamantra every day, observing full Ekadasi fast (when I do four extra rounds), reading Srimad Bhagavatam and Bhagavad-gita every day along with Prabhupada's other books.

Do you still advise still Initiation for me, as the important thing is discipline and devotion.

Thanks, V.R.
Chennai, India

Answer: Initiation More Essential for the Elderly

The older we get the greater the need for initiation because the older we get the closer we are to death. At the time of death it is essential that we have the full blessings and protection of the bona fide spiritual master to help us cross over the ocean of birth and death and enter into the eternal spiritual world of Lord Sri Krishna. Therefore initiation is essential and is even more essential for those who are older.

Sankarshan Das Adhikari

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