Bhagavad Gita 1.8 to 10

[Paramananda das]

 

 

 

"KC Movement Even In Politics"

 

73/07/12 London, Bhagavad-gita 1.10

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Pradyumna: "Translation: Our strength is immeasurable, and we are perfectly protected by Grandfather Bhisma, whereas the strength of the Pandavas, carefully protected by Bhima, is limited." [Bg. 1.10]

Prabhupada: So Duryodhana is very proud of his strength, military strength, because he was empowered, he could gather. And over and above that, Bhisma is the commander-in-chief. He is giving protection. And on the other side, the Pandavas, they are not empowered. Somehow or other, they gathered some soldiers from relatives. Therefore their strength was limited in consideration of the other party. And that is, being protected by Bhima. Duryodhana always considered Bhima as a fool. Therefore he is very much confident that "Our side is being protected by Bhisma, and the other side, although Bhima is very strong, but he has no brain very much." So he was very hopeful of victory.

But in the previous verse he said, anye ca bahavah sura mad-arthe tyakta-jivitah. Tyakta-jivitah means "They have come to lay down their life for me." This is a foretelling because actually, whoever joined the Battlefield of Kuruksetra, none of them returned. Tyakta-jivitah. So it is already concluded that although Duryodhana is very much proud of his military strength protected by Bhisma, still, tyakta-jivitah, they would surely die. This is the conclusion. Nana-sastra-praharanah sarve yuddha-visaradah. No, not a single person inexperienced was there. Yuddha-visaradah. Visarada means very expert, fighting. Still, they would have to lay down their life because it is Krsna's plan that all these fighting men, they were not ruling properly according to the tenets of Vedic injunctions. Therefore they were demons. Military strength for self-aggrandizement is demoniac. Military strength is required to rule over the kingdom but not to misuse them for aggression to others' country or others' kingdom. That was not allowed.

So when Krsna appeared, there were many kings. Although they were under the ruling of the Pandavas, still, Hastinapura, still they were fighting. That is natural. If one has no Krsna consciousness, then his strength and opulence would be misused. And if one is Krsna conscious, then he would use his strength and opulence very properly. So these kings were meant for giving protection to the citizens, to train them to the Vedic conception of life. But they were not doing that. Therefore they were demons.

Although they were ksatriyas, still... Ksatriyas are meant for representing the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Actually, Krsna is the proprietor. Sarva-loka-mahesvaram. Sarva-loka-mahesvaram, suhrdam sarva-bhutanam jnatva mam santim rcchati [Bg. 5.29]. So He is the proprietor. Sarva-loka. Sarva-loka means all the planets, all the universes. Because they are created by Krsna, by Krsna's bodily effulgence, brahmajyoti. So they are created by Krsna's. Just like from the sunshine these planets are created, similarly from brahmajyoti, innumerable universes are created.

yasya prabha prabhavato jagad-anda-koti-
kotisv asesa-vasudhadi-vibhuti-bhinnam
tad brahma niskalam anantam asesa-bhutam
govindam adi-purusam tam aham bhajami
 [Bs. 5.40]

So it is all creation of Krsna. Aham sarvasya prabhavo mattah sarvam pravartate [Bg. 10.8]. Everything has come out from Krsna's body, external, therefore He is the proprietor. If I have created something, then I am the proprietor. It is very easy to understand. In the Vedas also, it is said eko narayana asit: "Before the creation only there was Narayana." In the Catuh-sloki Bhagavata also it is said, aham evasam evagre [SB 2.9.33/34/35/36]. So before creation there was Krsna. When we speak of Krsna, it does not mean Krsna was alone. Krsna means with His form, with His pastimes, with His paraphernalia, with His entourage, everything. When we speak of king, it does not mean king is alone. As soon as we speak of king, we must understand the king, king's kingdom, king's secretaries, king's ministers, king's queen, king's palace, so many things. Similarly, when the Vedas says that eko narayana asit, "Before creation there was only Narayana." So Narayana with His paraphernalia, with His expansion... Narayana has expansion in the spiritual world, vaikuntha jagat, innumerable Vaikuntha planets. You have seen the picture. Innumerable. We have given only twenty-four names, but there are innumerable.

So actually, either in this material world or in the spiritual world, all planets, Vaikuntha planets or kuntha planets... Here in this material world, kuntha planets. Kuntha means anxiety. Here, in any planet you go, the anxiety will be there. This is material. Sada samudvigna-dhiyam asad-grahat. Why anxiety? Because we have accepted something asat, which will not stay. But we are eternal, we want to stay. Our natural position is eternity. So we don't want this temporary body. Therefore we try to save the body as much as possible. But it will not be saved. Because we have accepted something nonsense, which is not compatible with our existence. The modern civilization, they do not know it. They think it that death is natural sequence. It cannot be avoided. No. It can be avoided. It can be avoided. But these rascals, they do not know how to avoid it, although it is mentioned in the Bhagavad-gita how you can avoid death. Birth, death, old age and disease, these are the problems, but they do not know how to solve these problems. They are simply engaged in some temporary business. And they are fighting. They are making plans. They are making diplomacy. But in the real problem they do not touch, neither they know how to solve it. But this Krsna consciousness movement can solve it. These rascals may understand this fact, that this Krsna consciousness movement is not a sentiment, so-called religious movement. It is a scientific movement to solve all the problems of life. This is Krsna consciousness.

So in the Bhagavad-gita it is said, tyaktva deham punar janma naiti mam eti [Bg. 4.9]. Punar janma naiti. If you can avoid next birth... Next birth means to accept another material body. Tatha dehantara-praptih, tatha dehantara-praptih [Bg. 2.13]. After giving up this body, we have to accept another body. These rascals, they do not understand it. So many defects in the modern civilization, full of ignorance, and still, they are passing as great scientists, great philosophers, great politicians. Real knowledge they haven't got. So try to give them real knowledge. Tatha dehantara-praptih. This is the crucial point, dehantara-praptih. One has to accept another body. So if you can find out a means so that you do not accept another body, then you are safe. Because as soon as you accept another body, janma, birth, then where there is janma, there is mrtyu, death also. And between janma and mrtyu, birth and death, there is disease and old age. So Krsna says that tyaktva deham punar janma naiti: [Bg. 4.9] "One can avoid accepting another material body." How? Janma karma me divyam yo janati tattvatah. Simply try to understand Krsna, what is Krsna, why Krsna appears, why Krsna takes part in politics, why Krsna... so many, Krsna's activities.

So this is... Our Krsna consciousness movement means: try to understand Krsna. Simply if you try to understand... You cannot understand Krsna fully. That is not possible. Krsna is unlimited. But to our limited knowledge, whatever is possible, that is stated in the Bhagavad-gita. As far as we can understand about Krsna, if we simply understand Krsna, His transcendental nature, His transcendental activities, divyam... Janma karma me divyam. Divyam means transcendental. It is not ordinary. Tattvatah, in truth, in fact. Then you become free from this janma-mrtyu-jara-vyadhi [Bg. 13.9]. Very easy thing.

Therefore try to understand Krsna. How you will understand Krsna? Krsna is so great. Sevonmukhe hi jihvadau svayam eva sphuraty adah. Atah sri-krsna-namadi na bhaved grahyam indriyaih [Brs. 1.2.234]. You cannot understand Krsna by these blunt material senses. That is not possible. You have to purify it. You have to purify it. Tat-paratvena nirmalam. Simply by Krsna consciousness, always thinking of Krsna, all your senses will be purified. This is the process. Sevonmukhe hi jihvadau. And you can begin service with your tongue.

Now, this is also very surprising. By utilizing our tongue, we can become perfect. This is also unknown to the modern science. By utilizing the tongue, one can become perfect. Yes. This is the process. If by the tongue you chant Hare Krsna mantra, and by the tongue you taste prasadam, you will be perfect, simply by executing these two things. Do not accept anything, do not allow the tongue to touch anything which is not offered to Krsna. This is one item. And another item -- engage the tongue, always chanting Hare Krsna. You become perfect. Is it very difficult task? Anyone can do. Hare Krsna maha-mantra, anyone can chant. And nice prasadam, anyone can take. And actually, it is happening so. How these European, American boys and girls, they are advancing, they are realizing? Simply by that process, tongue: chant Hare Krsna, take prasadam. So you can introduce this process all over the world. Give them chance to chant Hare Krsna mantra. But it is difficult also. There was a cartoon? That one...?

Hamsaduta: Hayagriva...?

Prabhupada: No, no, that one old lady is requesting her husband, "Chant chant chant," and the husband is replying, "Can't can't can't." (laughter). There was a cartoon. So we are requesting everyone, "Please chant," and they are replying, "Can't." Still, they will not chant. This is the difficulty. Otherwise, we can deliver all the people on this earth back to home, back to Godhead, simply by this process. Chant and take prasadam. This should be...

Just like the other day we held the festival, Ratha-yatra. Chant and take prasadam. That's all. Organize this all over the world. They will be saved. They will understand Krsna. Sevonmukhe hi jihvadau svayam... [Brs. 1.2.234]. Krsna will appear. Krsna... You cannot see Krsna. That is not possible. You cannot order Krsna, "Please come, I will see You." No. When He is pleased with your service, He will come. "Yes, I am here. See Me." That is the history. Just like Dhruva Maharaja. Dhruva Maharaja was meditating, and within six months, he saw Krsna, face to face. So everyone can see. Everyone will be able, provided we utilize the tongue. Sevonmukhe hi jihvadau. Jihvadau. Jihvadau means "beginning with the tongue." We have got senses, all senses, eyes, ears, touch, so many senses. But begin with the sense, tongue. Try to control the tongue and engage in Krsna's service.

Therefore Bhaktivinoda Thakura says, sarira abidya-jal, jodendriya tahe kal: "This body is material body and the senses are our greatest enemies," jodendriya tahe kal. "So out of all the senses," ta'ra madhye jihwa ati lobhamoy sudurmati, "of all the senses, the tongue is formidable." It is sudurmati, it has no limit to taste. I have seen in Japan. Twenty miles away they are coming to taste some fried birds in the hotel. You see. They have got bus. The hotel has got their own bus, and they bring customers from the city and they are coming after office hours just to taste some jungle birds, fried. There is a hotel.
Devotee: Wild duck.

Prabhupada: Maybe, whatever it may be. You have tasted? (laughter) So the tongue is so formidable enemy. Simply for tasting, they will commit so many sinful activities. They will commit so many abominable actions simply for tongue. And that is a straight line. Tongue, then belly, then genital. So if you can control the tongue, the other things will be controlled. Therefore, ta'ra madhye jihwa ati lobhamoy sudurmati. Lobhamoy, it is very greedy. And sudurmati, it very difficult to control.

Just see. Simply for tongue, so many slaughterhouses are being maintained. I have seen. Those who are meat-eaters... I have seen in the airplane. A small piece of meat they are eating, not very much. But for these small pieces, so many population, huge quantity of slaughterhouse is being maintained. They cannot give up that small piece of meat. What is the difficulty? They can make... The same thing can be made by milk, milk product, channa. What do you call curd? Cheese. You prepare cheese and fry it. You'll get the same taste. But let the animal live, take its milk, and prepare so many milk preparations. But these rascals will not do. You kill simply for this tongue. It is so strong, this tongue. They cannot give up this, I mean to say, formidable tongue. He is demanding, "You must give me meat." So they are obliged. And for this obligation, they are committing so much sinful activities, abominable activities. And becoming bound up by the laws of nature to accept a body within the 8,400,000 species of life, and becoming the worm in the stool.

They do not know how the material law is working. Prakrteh kriyamanani gunaih karmani sarvasah [Bg. 3.27]. Prakrti, nature, is so strong. It is acting very nicely. So we have to become very careful. That carefulness you cannot do any other way. Especially in this age. Simply if you surrender to Krsna, if you become Krsna conscious, Krsna will take care of you, and you will be saved. Thank you very much. Hare Krsna. (end)

 

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Bhagavad-gita 1.10 -- London, July 12, 1973

 

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PAMHO AGTSP Text 8 bhavan bhismas ca karnas ca kripas ca samitim-jayah ashvatthama vikarnas ca saumadattis tathaiva ca Translation There are personalities like you, Bhishma, Karna, Kripa, Asvatthama, Vikarna and the son of Somadatta called Bhurisrava, who are always victorious in battle. Commentary by Srila Prabhupada Duryodhana mentions the exceptional heroes in the battle, all of whom are ever victorious. Vikarna is the brother of Duryodhana, Asvatthama is the son of Dronacarya, and Saumadatti, or Bhurisrava, is the son of the King of the Bahlikas. Karna is the half brother of Arjuna, as he was born of Kunti before her marriage with King Pandu. Kripacarya’s twin sister married Dronacarya.   Commentary by Sri Vishwanatha Chakravarthi Thakur Saumadatti refers to Bhurisrava, the son of Somadatta. This below text is from http://www.bhagavad-gita.org/Gita/verse-01-08.html   Rudra Vaisnava Sampradaya:   Visnuswami   Sridhara Swami's Commentary   The most powerful commanders are being named now. Samjitinjayah means always victorious in battle. This applies to Drona and Bhishmadeva and all the warriors named herein. The son of Somadatta was known as Bhurishravas.   Brahma Vaisnava Sampradaya:   Madhvacarya   Madhvacarya's Commentary   Madhvacarya has no commentary so we present Baladeva Vidyabhusana's. The names Duryodhana has mentioned are: Bhavah referring to Drona himself. Vikarna who is the younger brother of Duryodhana and Bhurisrava is the son of Somadatta. Samitinjayah means ever victorious and is applied to Bhishma, Karna, Kripa and Asvatthama, the seven maha-rathas mentioned.   Sri Vaisnava Sampradaya:   Ramanuja There is no commentary for this verse.   Kumara Vaisnava Sampradaya:   Nimbaditya   Kesava Kasmiri's Commentary   Here Duryodhana by the word bhavan is qualifying Drona as well as three others while mentioning those who are powerful in his army. The adjectivesamitinjaya meaning always victorious in battle applies to these four being Drona, Bhisma, Karna and Krpa. Then he points out others who are almost as powerful as these four such as Asvatthana and others. Asvatthama is the son of Drona. Vikarna is the younger brother of Duryodhana, Bhurisrava is Saumadatti the son of Somadatta who was the son of Bahilika the cousin of Bhishma Text 9   anye ca bahavah sura mad-arthe tyakta-jivitah nana-shastra-praharanah sarve yuddha-visaradah Translation There are many other heroes who are prepared to lay down their lives for my sake. All of them are well equipped with different kinds of weapons, and all are experienced in military science. Commentary by Srila Prabhupada As far as the others are concerned—like Jayadratha, Kritavarma and Salya—all are determined to lay down their lives for Duryodhana’s sake. In other words, it is already concluded that all of them would die in the Battle of Kurukshetra for joining the party of the sinful Duryodhana. Duryodhana was, of course, confident of his victory on account of the above-mentioned combined strength of his friends. Commentary by Sri Vishwanatha Chakravarthi Thakur "They are willing to give up their lives in order to help me (tyakta jivitah)." This is the intended meaning of Dhuryodhana, though the literal meaning is "They have given up their lives." Actually however, Krishna will say: mayaivaite nihatah purvam eva nimitta-matram bhava savyasacin These warriors have already been killed by me before the war has started. You be my instrument, O Arjuna. BG 11.33 Thus, the literal meaning of Duryodhana's words are also completely true Rudra Vaisnava Sampradaya:   Visnuswami   Sridhara Swami's Commentary   Duryodhana pushes his point further by stating that many other powerful heroes as well are all determined to lay down their lives for the attainment of his purpose and the achievement of his desire. They are all formidable in battle as well.     Brahma Vaisnava Sampradaya:   Madhvacarya   Madhvacarya's Commentary   Madhvacarya has no commentary so we present Baladeva Vidyabhusana's. That is not all, there are innumerable warriors in great numbers in my army of their calibre. Bahavah meaning innumerable refers to Jayadratha, Krtavarma, Salya and countless others who have all pledged their very lives for his sake and due to their sincere affection for him, with their extraordinary strength and their unsurpassed skill in military science his victory is assured.   Sri Vaisnava Sampradaya:   Ramanuja There is no commentary for this verse.   Kumara Vaisnava Sampradaya:   Nimbaditya   Kesava Kasmiri's Commentary   The question may be raised are these the only warriors on Duryodhanas side. In this verse that question is answered by the words anye meaning many others, others like Jayadratha and Salya and Krtavarma who are all ready to lay down their lives for him. If it were to be further questioned as to their capability, this would be verified by 2 descriptive adjectives nana-sastra-praharanah meaning they are equipped with various missles as their weapons andyuddha-visarada meaning they are expert in all forms of military science.    Text 10   aparyaptam tad asmakam balam bhismabhiraksitam paryaptam tv idam etesam balam bhimabhiraksitam Translation Our strength is immeasurable, and we are perfectly protected by Grandfather Bhishma, whereas the strength of the Pandavas, carefully protected by Bhima, is limited.  Commentary by Srila Prabhupada  Herein an estimation of comparative strength is made by Duryodhana. He thinks that the strength of his armed forces is immeasurable, being specifically protected by the most experienced general, Grandfather Bhishma. On the other hand, the forces of the Pandavas are limited, being protected by a less experienced general, Bhima, who is like a fig in the presence of Bhishma. Duryodhana was always envious of Bhima because he knew perfectly well that if he should die at all, he would only be killed by Bhima. But at the same time, he was confident of his victory on account of the presence of Bhishma, who was a far superior general. His conclusion that he would come out of the battle victorious was well ascertained. Commentary by Sri Vishwanatha Chakravarthi Thakur Our troops are not up to standard (aparyaptam): we cannot fight against the Pandavas. Even though protected all around by Bhisma, who has fine intelligence and is experienced in fighting and theory, Bhisma has partiality for both sides. The Pandavas are very well protected (paryaptam abhiraksitam) by Bhima, though having gross intelligence and not thoroughly conversant with fighting and theory. In other words, they are well equipped to fight against us.     Rudra Vaisnava Sampradaya:   Visnuswami   Sridhara Swami's Commentary   Duryodhana is implying that allthough his army is mighty it is insufficient due to the fact that Bhishmadeva being affectionate to the Pandavas as well as the Kauravas is not totally committed to victory for him; but Bhima being completely committed to the defeat of the Kauravas makes the victory of the Pandavas stronger and more likely to be successful.   Brahma Vaisnava Sampradaya:   Madhvacarya   Madhvacarya's Commentary   Madhvacarya has no commentary so we present Baladeva Vidyabhusana's. Now the question arises that if the armies on both sides were equal in might, how is it possible that victory is assured? Duryodhana gives the answer in this verse by using the word aparyantam in the sense of being unlimited. Duryodhana to conceal his fear exclaims that his army is unlimited and moreover they are protected by Bhishma who is the most intelligent and a maha-ratha; whereas the Pandava army protected by Bhima of less intelligence is limited. This is why the Kaurava victory is assured.   Sri Vaisnava Sampradaya:   Ramanuja There is no commentary for this verse.   Kumara Vaisnava Sampradaya:   Nimbaditya   Kesava Kasmiri's Commentary   So it may also be put forth that if Duryodhana is so convinced of his superiority then why does he need to assure himself. In this verse although he states his army is unlimited by its tone it implies by his reply that the army of his with all the mighty heroes previously mentioned protected by Bhishma seems inadequate, whereas the army of the Pandavas which is protected by Bhima seems adequate to him.

© 2001 The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International. Used with permission.

There is a test one can take and see if everything is understood:

Test#GT009

Krishna consciousness Movement Even in Politics

Questions

 

1. Match the following:

Terms	Write/Indicate correct match		Meaning
Tyakta-jivitah means		1	Anxiety
Visaradha means		2	Beginning with tongue
Sarva-loka means		3	Transcendental
Kuntha means		4	It has no limit to taste
Divyam means		5	All the planets, all the universes
Tattvatah		6	It is greedy
Jihvadau means		7	Nature
Sudurmati		8	They have come to lay down their life for me
Lobhamoy		9	In truth
Prakrti		10	Very expert, fighting

 

 

2. State TRUE or FALSE.

a.       If one has Krishna consciousness, then his strength and opulence would be misused.

b.      Similarly simply try to understand Krishna, what is Krishna, why Krishna appears, why Krishna takes part in politics, Krishna’s activities.

 

3. Fill in the blanks.

a.       ___________ are meant for representing Supreme Personality of Godhead.

b.      Birth, death, old age, and diseases, - these are the ___________.

 

4.      Check All that applies:

What qualities in a devotee/ preacher are emphasized in this lecture?

a.       Simply by Krishna consciousness, always thinking of Krishna, all your senses will be purified.

 

5.      Check All that applies:

What is the meaning of Krishna consciousness as emphasized in this lecture?

a.       If by the tongue you chant Hare Krishna mantra, and by the tongue you taste the prasadam, you will be perfect, simply by executing these two things.

 

 

Test#GT009

Krishna consciousness Movement Even in Politics

Answers

 

1. Match the following:

Terms	Write/Indicate correct match		Meaning
Tyakta-jivitah means	8	1	Anxiety
Visaradha means	10	2	Beginning with tongue
Sarva-loka means	5	3	Transcendental
Kuntha means	1	4	It has no limit to taste
Divyam means	3	5	All the planets, all the universes
Tattvatah	9	6	It is greedy
Jihvadau means	2	7	Nature
Sudurmati	4	8	They have come to lay down their life for me
Lobhamoy	6	9	In truth
Prakrti	7	10	Very expert, fighting

 

 

2. State TRUE or FALSE.

a.       If one has Krishna consciousness, then his strength and opulence would be misused. FALSE

b.      Similarly simply try to understand Krishna, what is Krishna, why Krishna appears, why Krishna takes part in politics, Krishna’s activities. TRUE

 

3. Fill in the blanks.
   1. Ksatriyas are meant for representing Supreme Personality of Godhead.
   2. Birth, death, old age, and diseases, - these are the problems.

 

4.      Check All that applies:

What qualities in a devotee/ preacher are emphasized in this lecture?

a.       Simply by Krishna consciousness, always thinking of Krishna, all your senses will be purified. TRUE

 

5.      Check All that applies:

What is the meaning of Krishna consciousness as emphasized in this lecture?

a.       If by the tongue you chant Hare Krishna mantra, and by the tongue you taste the prasadam, you will be perfect, simply by executing these two things. TRUE

 

 

If you notice any discrepancy in the answers or have any questions or comments please email [e-mail]

 

Quiz Master: Madhava Das Prabhuji

Madhava Das prabhuji is Bhakti Sastri and has been giving lectures on Gita and Bhagavatam for over ten years.

He is disciple of HH Gopal Krishna Goswami and based in Nairobi, Kenya

 

 

Chant and be happy

Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krisna Hare Hare

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare