Krishna Janmastami-Krishna's Appearance Day

Today in Austin, Texas USA is the most auspicious day, Sri Krishna Janmastami, the appearance of our most beloved Lord Sri Krishna in this world. 5,000 years ago Krishna appeared in this world to save us from our suffering in the cycle of birth and death. This is His causeless mercy upon us. Today we are thus celebrating His mercy by chanting, reading, serving, and fasting all day and honoring the Lord with a midnight arati after which we can break our fast. Those who cannot fast all day may take some fruits. Check http://www.krishnadays.com to find out when Janmastami is in your area.

Krishna Appears in Kamsa's Prison 5,000 Years Ago

Krishna Appears in Kamsa's Prison 5,000 Years Ago

Krishna's First Bathing Ceremony

Krishna's First Bathing Ceremony

Answers by Citing the Vedic Version

Question: What Happens to Karma at Initiation?

What happens to our karma at the moment of initiation? Is there any difference before and after spiritually or materially?

Thank You.

Sri

Answer: A Chance to Become Free from Karma

Regarding karma and initiation, Srila Prabhupada has answered your question as follows in a letter he wrote from Los Angeles to Jaya Gopala das dated 11 January 1970:

"An initiated devotee is given the chance for becoming free from the entanglement of karma wheel. Initiated means beginning, not perfection. The Spiritual Master's business is to guide him to the perfectional point. But if one does not strictly follow the guidance of a bona fide Spiritual Master his initiation does not bear any meaning. The initiation performance is an agreement by the disciples to abide by the order of the Spiritual Master. Therefore, if the Spiritual Master is bona fide and the disciple is serious to abide by His order, then the success is sure. But if a disciple follows strictly the devotional way of life, he is no longer a karmi and all his activities which may appear to be like ordinary work, or it may be activity according to Scriptural injunction, are counted as devotional service. And devotional service in all circumstances is free from the actions and reactions of karma."

Sankarshan Das Adhikari

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