As you noted, the local teacher as Guru is a feature of other Sampradayas, and Indian culture in general. Hopefully we can pick-up on that soon! It is amusing to me now, but when I first joined ISKCON I always envisioned my Guru as being my teacher, as someone I studied with on a day-to-day basis (much the way I’ve studied with professors in universities).
“He asked me “Is it possible for me to be Krsna Conscious and remain a soldier?
Srila Prabhupada stopped walking, turned and asked me “And how did you answer him” evidently interested in my reply.
I said “Well Srila Prabhupada…I told him that this Bhagavad Gita was originally spoken to the greatest soldier in the history of the world. His name was Arjuna and Lord Krsna states in this converstation ….that the message of the Gita is most importantly, meant for the saintly kings and their soldiers.
[But not for asuras,whose only aim is to grab the middle eastern oil fields!]
Srila Prabhupada paused for a moment, thoughtful, and then smiled and said “You have answered rightly! Arjuna WAS a military man!”
Then Srila Prabhupada invited us in to his quarters and asked us point blank “So tell me more about this book distribution!”
I proceeded to tell him more and he asked various questions. At one point I told him of another young soldier I had met the previous day – who purchased 4 Bhagavad Gitas from me saying “These are for my buddies on the base down at Fort Jackson. 8 of us fellas get together every week and study this Gita”.
Srila Prabhupada looked at me surprised and asked “OUR Bhagavad Gita?” I immediately replied “Yes Srila Prabhupada. YOUR Bhagavad Gita!” Srila Prabhupada looked at his servant and smiling said “Just see!”. Clearly he was pleased. He was pleased that they were carefully reading on the base together in Fort Jackson. He most certainly would be pleased if they read it and act upon it – while engaged in fighting upon the battlefield!
[So,if this soldier read this Gita,he should be now in the Army of Lord Caitanya,fighting against evil and not for evil!Maybe he is?]
So do not entertain a single doubt about your dedicated service to Srila Prabhupada. Nor your dedicated service to all the men in your company there in this battlefield. Soldiers of the genuine warrior class are not called upon to decide the issues that lead to and result in war. Their job is to prosecute the war – and as effectively and successfully as possible.
Many will object to this and cite so many seemingly reasonable arguments against this fact.
As much objection as there may be to this or any war – still war remains with us as a facet of human existence. There are so many who will protest or struggle against all that appears to unnecessarily generate war in this world. Still no one has been able to prevent what often in hindsight appears inexplicably irrational, unprovoked or unwanted.
[If you go to the right websites,you can easily understand the real reasons why this war has started:Money,power,greed!The evil warmongers are getting filthy rich,by all means:sale of weapons,juicy military contracts,and trillions worth of underground wealth,while the dumb soldiers will just serve as instruments for such bloody victory,killing innocents and ruining the environment,for a long time! http://alternet.com http://vaticanassassins.com
Why this occurs cannot be explained too well by the materialists; those who do not see or acknowledge the Divine Hand or Will of the Lord behind all that happens in this world. But His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada provided us the most comprehensive explanation for this phenomena called WAR in his rendition of the Krsna Book Volume III Chapter 10. This chapter highlights Lord Balaram’s touring of the Sacred Places. Here are the facts about WAR given us by Srila Prabhupada:
“When Lord Balarama returned to Prabhasatirtha He heard from the brahmanas that most of the ksatriyas in the Battle of Kuruksetra had been killed. Balarama felt relieved to hear that the burden of the world had been reduced. Lord Krsna and Balarama appeared on this earth to lessen the burden of military strength created by the ambitious ksatriya kings. This is the way of materialistic life: not being satisfied by the absolute necessities of life, people ambitiously create extra demands, and their illegal desires are checked by the laws of nature or by laws of God, appearing as famine, war, pestilence and similar catastrophes. ” Srila Prabhupada once gave another example in this regard to illustrate just how and why such catastrophes are from time to time forced upon mankind in this world.
Srila Prabhupada’s arrival in the West just delayed the 3rd world war,by the benediction of his preaching,followed by his disciples afterwards. He gave all instructions how to create an alternative society,with simple living in self sufficient farms,distributing his literature,prasadam,the Holy Names,protecting cows….but such instructions are not being carried out as it should be,and so many devotees have to work with karmis as there are not facilities enough.By carry on killing other human beings in materialistic wars,the burden is daily increased,and it won’t be a surprise to have soon a nuclear war,thus eliminating a good portion of world’s population. Cities can be destroyed,while there will be more living possiblilities in rural areas,where the Founder Acarya asked devotees to stay.So,the only divine army is Sri Caitanya’s Army,armed with vedic knowledge,beads and prasadam.
He told the story of the teacher who was tired of the misbehavior of two of his students. They were causing such disturbance that the rest of the class was not able to concentrate on their studies. So the teacher called the two young rascals to the front of the class. He raised his cane, threatening to strike them both, but instead of beating them himself, he ordered them “You each take hold of the others earlobes with both hands and you grip them tightly! Now - when I order you …you each pull the other’s ear until I order you to stop!” The boys were shocked - but - they saw that unless they did as he compelled them to do - he would beat them even more severely with his cane! So - when the teacher ordered “NOW PULL you rascals!” they each in turn began tormenting the other by pulling on the others ears. Naturally - as each pulled harder and harder - they became more and more angry with the other! They were now not only tormented by the teacher and his cane - but they were directly tormented and wounded by the other! In time - the teacher then relented and order them to cease. “Now go back to you seats and see that you do not disturb my class again” he commanded them.
So this is the situation of this material world. Srila Prabhupada says in the introduction to his translation of the First Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam - we are all forced to suffer “large scale quarrels over less important issues”.
[Those who follow the guidelines of Srila Prabhupada will be spared the consequences of such quarrels,if they create rural communities,that will be protected by the Lord! ]
Now – into the midst of this “large scale quarrel” you and so many other US soldiers and Iraqi nationalists have found themselves thrust into battle. Sometimes as comrades. Sometimes as enemies. Certainly this present conflict could be discussed and analyzed – literally to the point of tears – and indeed it most certainly has been and will continue to be – but all that discussion from every possible angle – does not change the moment to moment – day to day life of one G.I. or Iraqi fighter one iota! Each of you – on each side of this conflict is confronted by your prescribed duties as they pertain to your position as soldiers. There are many who would argue vehemently against your doing this or accepting your duties in this way. I would not. As you have stated – “I signed on for this to lead my men and I take it this commitment seriously”.
[If there were a krsna conscious Army,with real ksatriyas obeying to pure brahmanas,the war would be a Holy war! And anyone who dies during such war,will be guaranteed to evolve to higher planets or reincarnation in vaisnava families.But serving demonic leaders does not guarantee anything good!Any sane person should never sign into such an army!]
However – your efforts to bring the beautiful opportunity of Krsna Consciousness, the chanting of the Lord’s Holy Names and the acceptance of His prasadam – to any and all who might be willing and grateful to accept it – whether they be US Soldiers or otherwise – are indescribably pleasing to His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada. I applaud your efforts and wish only to encourage you and the “boots on the ground” your fellow soldiers, to continiue.
[I beg all who have read Srila Prabhupada’s books to resign immediately from such army …before it’s too late!]
You can inquire from every single man and woman who ever seriously engaged in the distribution of Srila Prabhupada’s books and they will all tell you that we all found and still find the military men of the US forces to be some of the most sincerely interested in receiving Srila Prabhupada’s books. All of us have literally COUNTLESS stories that demonstrate how they valued and or value receiving them. Naturally they are faced with very important and oft times vexing circumstances. Having the comfort of the Lord and His simple devotees – who deliver to them unsolicited the sweet names of Lord Krsna and His prasadam, in the midst of what are extraordinary circumstances – will have a lasting impact upon each of them who can take advantage of your wondeful efforts.
Certainly – YOU more than anyone from the safety of our computers in the West – knows exactly how sensitive the situation there is as regards the sentiments of the Iraqis. Any attempt on our part to caution you in this regard has most certainly been deeply considered by both you and your Commanding Officers there in the midst of it all.
[There are millions of Iraqis who are peaceful citizens,who can be live with people of other faiths,and can even become vegetarians and vaisnavas. Most of them had their countries invaded in the past by Islamic terrosists,forcing them to convert or die. They preferred to stay alive,still secretly loving God in their heart,and in Afghanistan and North India,secretly worshipping Hanuman,Lord Rama or Lord Krsna.Expert inter religious encounters can bring enlightenment to them as well as Srila Prabhupada’s books in Arabic,as such treasures are not found in their libraries.As soon as they would read His Divine Grace’s books,some will be enlightened!
One sun can bring light to a whole universe! ]
I write to you only to tell you – that for however long you are either obliged or willling to remain there – perform your duties as efficiently and expertly as possible and simultaneously continue to share this wonderful and simple process of Krsna Consciousness with every man you can. In so doing – you will be pleasing His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada unlimitedly and you will be doing the greatest possible good for yourself and all the men you so support.
Despite all that may appear as threatening or chaotic or unwanted or undesirable around you all there in Iraq at this time, if you all can simply hear the following from His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada, taken from the 11th Chapter of his rendition of the Krsna Book, entitled “The Meeting of Lord Krsna with Sudama Brahmana” – and apply it moment to moment – then despite what your circumstance might look like – you will see it – as it actually is.
King Pariksit continued: “The capacity for talking can be perfected only by describing the transcendental qualities of the Lord. The capacity for working with one’s hands can be successful only when one engages himself in the service of the Lord with those hands. Similarly, one’s mind can be pacified only when he simply thinks of Krsna in full Krsna consciousness.
[Pretty difficult after a day of killing,intoxicated by radioactive fumes from explosions,and constant fear of dying!But it’s not too late to come back home…..for the joy of your family,all vaisnavas,and Srila Prabhupada…and join His Divine Army of preachers!
Ys,
Cidanandas AT gmail.com
This does not mean that one has to be very thoughtful, but one simply has to understand that Krsna, the Absolute Truth, is all-pervasive by His localized aspect as Paramatma. If only one can think that Krsna, as Paramatma, is everywhere, even within the atom, then one can perfect the thinking, feeling and willing function of his mind. The perfect devotee does not see the material world as it appears to material eyes, but he sees everywhere the presence of his worshipable Lord in His Paramatma feature.”
I salute you prabhu and all your fellow soldiers who are taking this gift of Krsna Consciousness so seriously and are so generously offering it to one another in the spirit of our Dear Srila Prabhupada.
Hare Krsna!
Praghosa Das NYC pdhedemark@yahoo.com
Very important points
I like your distinction between teacher and preacher very much, thank you for this.
Of course, in other sampradayas the conception of local teacher as guru is very much there, as it is in both scripture and tradition.
Kripamoya Das
Dear Kripamoya Prabhu,
Thank you for your comments.
As you noted, the local teacher as Guru is a feature of other Sampradayas, and Indian culture in general. Hopefully we can pick-up on that soon! It is amusing to me now, but when I first joined ISKCON I always envisioned my Guru as being my teacher, as someone I studied with on a day-to-day basis (much the way I’ve studied with professors in universities).
Yours,
Janakirama dasa
interesting
Nice!
“He asked me “Is it possible for me to be Krsna Conscious and remain a soldier?
Srila Prabhupada stopped walking, turned and asked me “And how did you answer him” evidently interested in my reply.
I said “Well Srila Prabhupada…I told him that this Bhagavad Gita was originally spoken to the greatest soldier in the history of the world. His name was Arjuna and Lord Krsna states in this converstation ….that the message of the Gita is most importantly, meant for the saintly kings and their soldiers.
[But not for asuras,whose only aim is to grab the middle eastern oil fields!]
Srila Prabhupada paused for a moment, thoughtful, and then smiled and said “You have answered rightly! Arjuna WAS a military man!”
Then Srila Prabhupada invited us in to his quarters and asked us point blank “So tell me more about this book distribution!”
I proceeded to tell him more and he asked various questions. At one point I told him of another young soldier I had met the previous day – who purchased 4 Bhagavad Gitas from me saying “These are for my buddies on the base down at Fort Jackson. 8 of us fellas get together every week and study this Gita”.
Srila Prabhupada looked at me surprised and asked “OUR Bhagavad Gita?” I immediately replied “Yes Srila Prabhupada. YOUR Bhagavad Gita!” Srila Prabhupada looked at his servant and smiling said “Just see!”. Clearly he was pleased. He was pleased that they were carefully reading on the base together in Fort Jackson. He most certainly would be pleased if they read it and act upon it – while engaged in fighting upon the battlefield!
[So,if this soldier read this Gita,he should be now in the Army of Lord Caitanya,fighting against evil and not for evil!Maybe he is?]
So do not entertain a single doubt about your dedicated service to Srila Prabhupada. Nor your dedicated service to all the men in your company there in this battlefield. Soldiers of the genuine warrior class are not called upon to decide the issues that lead to and result in war. Their job is to prosecute the war – and as effectively and successfully as possible.
Many will object to this and cite so many seemingly reasonable arguments against this fact.
As much objection as there may be to this or any war – still war remains with us as a facet of human existence. There are so many who will protest or struggle against all that appears to unnecessarily generate war in this world. Still no one has been able to prevent what often in hindsight appears inexplicably irrational, unprovoked or unwanted.
[If you go to the right websites,you can easily understand the real reasons why this war has started:Money,power,greed!The evil warmongers are getting filthy rich,by all means:sale of weapons,juicy military contracts,and trillions worth of underground wealth,while the dumb soldiers will just serve as instruments for such bloody victory,killing innocents and ruining the environment,for a long time!
http://alternet.com
http://vaticanassassins.com
Why this occurs cannot be explained too well by the materialists; those who do not see or acknowledge the Divine Hand or Will of the Lord behind all that happens in this world. But His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada provided us the most comprehensive explanation for this phenomena called WAR in his rendition of the Krsna Book Volume III Chapter 10. This chapter highlights Lord Balaram’s touring of the Sacred Places. Here are the facts about WAR given us by Srila Prabhupada:
“When Lord Balarama returned to Prabhasatirtha He heard from the brahmanas that most of the ksatriyas in the Battle of Kuruksetra had been killed. Balarama felt relieved to hear that the burden of the world had been reduced. Lord Krsna and Balarama appeared on this earth to lessen the burden of military strength created by the ambitious ksatriya kings. This is the way of materialistic life: not being satisfied by the absolute necessities of life, people ambitiously create extra demands, and their illegal desires are checked by the laws of nature or by laws of God, appearing as famine, war, pestilence and similar catastrophes. ” Srila Prabhupada once gave another example in this regard to illustrate just how and why such catastrophes are from time to time forced upon mankind in this world.
Srila Prabhupada’s arrival in the West just delayed the 3rd world war,by the benediction of his preaching,followed by his disciples afterwards. He gave all instructions how to create an alternative society,with simple living in self sufficient farms,distributing his literature,prasadam,the Holy Names,protecting cows….but such instructions are not being carried out as it should be,and so many devotees have to work with karmis as there are not facilities enough.By carry on killing other human beings in materialistic wars,the burden is daily increased,and it won’t be a surprise to have soon a nuclear war,thus eliminating a good portion of world’s population. Cities can be destroyed,while there will be more living possiblilities in rural areas,where the Founder Acarya asked devotees to stay.So,the only divine army is Sri Caitanya’s Army,armed with vedic knowledge,beads and prasadam.
He told the story of the teacher who was tired of the misbehavior of two of his students. They were causing such disturbance that the rest of the class was not able to concentrate on their studies. So the teacher called the two young rascals to the front of the class. He raised his cane, threatening to strike them both, but instead of beating them himself, he ordered them “You each take hold of the others earlobes with both hands and you grip them tightly! Now - when I order you …you each pull the other’s ear until I order you to stop!” The boys were shocked - but - they saw that unless they did as he compelled them to do - he would beat them even more severely with his cane! So - when the teacher ordered “NOW PULL you rascals!” they each in turn began tormenting the other by pulling on the others ears. Naturally - as each pulled harder and harder - they became more and more angry with the other! They were now not only tormented by the teacher and his cane - but they were directly tormented and wounded by the other! In time - the teacher then relented and order them to cease. “Now go back to you seats and see that you do not disturb my class again” he commanded them.
So this is the situation of this material world. Srila Prabhupada says in the introduction to his translation of the First Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam - we are all forced to suffer “large scale quarrels over less important issues”.
[Those who follow the guidelines of Srila Prabhupada will be spared the consequences of such quarrels,if they create rural communities,that will be protected by the Lord! ]
Now – into the midst of this “large scale quarrel” you and so many other US soldiers and Iraqi nationalists have found themselves thrust into battle. Sometimes as comrades. Sometimes as enemies. Certainly this present conflict could be discussed and analyzed – literally to the point of tears – and indeed it most certainly has been and will continue to be – but all that discussion from every possible angle – does not change the moment to moment – day to day life of one G.I. or Iraqi fighter one iota! Each of you – on each side of this conflict is confronted by your prescribed duties as they pertain to your position as soldiers. There are many who would argue vehemently against your doing this or accepting your duties in this way. I would not. As you have stated – “I signed on for this to lead my men and I take it this commitment seriously”.
[If there were a krsna conscious Army,with real ksatriyas obeying to pure brahmanas,the war would be a Holy war! And anyone who dies during such war,will be guaranteed to evolve to higher planets or reincarnation in vaisnava families.But serving demonic leaders does not guarantee anything good!Any sane person should never sign into such an army!]
However – your efforts to bring the beautiful opportunity of Krsna Consciousness, the chanting of the Lord’s Holy Names and the acceptance of His prasadam – to any and all who might be willing and grateful to accept it – whether they be US Soldiers or otherwise – are indescribably pleasing to His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada. I applaud your efforts and wish only to encourage you and the “boots on the ground” your fellow soldiers, to continiue.
[I beg all who have read Srila Prabhupada’s books to resign immediately from such army …before it’s too late!]
You can inquire from every single man and woman who ever seriously engaged in the distribution of Srila Prabhupada’s books and they will all tell you that we all found and still find the military men of the US forces to be some of the most sincerely interested in receiving Srila Prabhupada’s books. All of us have literally COUNTLESS stories that demonstrate how they valued and or value receiving them. Naturally they are faced with very important and oft times vexing circumstances. Having the comfort of the Lord and His simple devotees – who deliver to them unsolicited the sweet names of Lord Krsna and His prasadam, in the midst of what are extraordinary circumstances – will have a lasting impact upon each of them who can take advantage of your wondeful efforts.
Certainly – YOU more than anyone from the safety of our computers in the West – knows exactly how sensitive the situation there is as regards the sentiments of the Iraqis. Any attempt on our part to caution you in this regard has most certainly been deeply considered by both you and your Commanding Officers there in the midst of it all.
[There are millions of Iraqis who are peaceful citizens,who can be live with people of other faiths,and can even become vegetarians and vaisnavas. Most of them had their countries invaded in the past by Islamic terrosists,forcing them to convert or die. They preferred to stay alive,still secretly loving God in their heart,and in Afghanistan and North India,secretly worshipping Hanuman,Lord Rama or Lord Krsna.Expert inter religious encounters can bring enlightenment to them as well as Srila Prabhupada’s books in Arabic,as such treasures are not found in their libraries.As soon as they would read His Divine Grace’s books,some will be enlightened!
One sun can bring light to a whole universe! ]
I write to you only to tell you – that for however long you are either obliged or willling to remain there – perform your duties as efficiently and expertly as possible and simultaneously continue to share this wonderful and simple process of Krsna Consciousness with every man you can. In so doing – you will be pleasing His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada unlimitedly and you will be doing the greatest possible good for yourself and all the men you so support.
Despite all that may appear as threatening or chaotic or unwanted or undesirable around you all there in Iraq at this time, if you all can simply hear the following from His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada, taken from the 11th Chapter of his rendition of the Krsna Book, entitled “The Meeting of Lord Krsna with Sudama Brahmana” – and apply it moment to moment – then despite what your circumstance might look like – you will see it – as it actually is.
King Pariksit continued: “The capacity for talking can be perfected only by describing the transcendental qualities of the Lord. The capacity for working with one’s hands can be successful only when one engages himself in the service of the Lord with those hands. Similarly, one’s mind can be pacified only when he simply thinks of Krsna in full Krsna consciousness.
[Pretty difficult after a day of killing,intoxicated by radioactive fumes from explosions,and constant fear of dying!But it’s not too late to come back home…..for the joy of your family,all vaisnavas,and Srila Prabhupada…and join His Divine Army of preachers!
Ys,
Cidanandas AT gmail.com
This does not mean that one has to be very thoughtful, but one simply has to understand that Krsna, the Absolute Truth, is all-pervasive by His localized aspect as Paramatma. If only one can think that Krsna, as Paramatma, is everywhere, even within the atom, then one can perfect the thinking, feeling and willing function of his mind. The perfect devotee does not see the material world as it appears to material eyes, but he sees everywhere the presence of his worshipable Lord in His Paramatma feature.”
I salute you prabhu and all your fellow soldiers who are taking this gift of Krsna Consciousness so seriously and are so generously offering it to one another in the spirit of our Dear Srila Prabhupada.
Hare Krsna!
Praghosa Das NYC
pdhedemark@yahoo.com