By Liubomir Turcanu
This documentary presents views of Hare Krishna spiritual leaders on the topic of realizations in spiritual practice. Interviews are made in the background of Festival in the Ukraine “Bhakti-Sangama 2017” with more than 10.000 participants from all over the world. Complete morning program is shown: mangala-aratik, Tulasi puja, mantra meditation, greeting of the Deities, Guru puja, kirtan, Shrimad-Bhagavatam class and part of seminar lecture on family relations in spiritual culture.
My name is Liubomir and I’m a videographer from Chisinau, Moldova. I’m also practicing Krishna Consciousness for 4 years.
Trying to learn more about bhakti-yoga path presented by International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) founder Srila Prabhupada in Bhagavad-Gita As It Is, I’ve accumulated some questions regarding spiritual realizations. For example their role in spiritual practice, difference between imagination/sentiments/games of the mind and real spiritual realization or revelation.
I have published the first part of the documentary –
Russian version – https://youtu.be/UALIHhjqKcs
Humbly request that you read my book:
God is Not Dead, The Testimony of a Fortunate Seeker, by Paul H. Dossick, MD
Spiritual realization has several levels. Brahma-bhuta stage is very dependent upon one being finished with the desire to lord over matter, remaining aloof and free from influence of the three modes of nature. Krishna perfectly explains this practically with explanation in chapter 14 Bh. Gita, verses 22-25. Further, elaborated with example of inverted banyan tree, Ch. 15: 1 (cut down the illusory tree and seek the shelter of the Supreme Personality of Godhead).
Higher realizations are directly the result of "Causeless Mercy of Sri Krishna." This includes genuine glimpses of Vaikuntha and Sri Krishna, as well as the true Brahmajyoti. One can definitively express that it is Krishna Who comes to visit the bhakta, giving His darshan, beauty, love and charm beyond material separatist experiences or emotions. All the while purging the conditioned jiva soul from material exploitation, inviting devotional relationship with Him.
Krishna is indeed real, and I have, after discussing with Srila Prabhupada in 1971, received his blessing to share this personal experience with others. Chapter 6 my book details this revelation.
I will say that if one is without envy, they will appreciate and hopefully be more hopeful themselves that Krishna consciousness, bhakti yoga, is the pathway Home, without a doubt. Pusta Krishna das