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SB Preface<\/a>: <\/span><\/p>\n \u015ar\u012bmad-Bh\u0101gavatam begins with the definition of the ultimate source. It is a bona fide commentary on the Ved\u0101nta-s\u016btra by the same author, \u015ar\u012bla Vy\u0101sadeva, and gradually it develops into nine cantos up to the highest state of God realization. The only qualification one needs to study this great book of transcendental knowledge is to proceed step by step cautiously and not jump forward haphazardly like with an ordinary book. It should be gone through chapter by chapter, one after another. The reading matter is so arranged with its original Sanskrit text, its English transliteration, synonyms, translation and purports so that one is sure to become a God-realized soul at the end of finishing the first nine cantos.<\/p>\n The Tenth Canto is distinct from the first nine cantos because it deals directly with the transcendental activities of the Personality of Godhead \u015ar\u012b K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a. One will be unable to capture the effects of the Tenth Canto without going through the first nine cantos. The book is complete in twelve cantos, each independent, but it is good for all to read them in small installments one after another.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n SB 2.2.30, Purport<\/a>: <\/span><\/p>\n When we speak of hearing and chanting, it means that not only should one chant and hear of the holy name of the Lord as R\u0101ma, K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a (or systematically the sixteen names Hare K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a, Hare K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a, K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a, Hare Hare\/ Hare R\u0101ma, Hare R\u0101ma, R\u0101ma R\u0101ma, Hare Hare), but one should also read and hear the Bhagavad-g\u012bt\u0101 and \u015ar\u012bmad-Bh\u0101gavatam in the association of devotees.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n SB 2.7.53, Purport<\/a>: <\/span><\/p>\n In the \u015ar\u012bmad-Bh\u0101gavatam, the science of God, the first nine cantos prepare the ground for hearing the Tenth Canto. This will be further explained in the last chapter of this canto. In the Third Canto it will be more explicit. A pure devotee of the Lord, therefore, must begin reading or hearing \u015ar\u012bmad-Bh\u0101gavatam from the very beginning, and not from the Tenth Canto. We have several times been requested by some so-called devotees to take up the Tenth Canto immediately, but we have refrained from such an action because we wish to present \u015ar\u012bmad-Bh\u0101gavatam as the science of Godhead and not as a sensuous understanding for the conditioned souls. This is forbidden by such authorities as \u015ar\u012b Brahm\u0101j\u012b. By reading and hearing \u015ar\u012bmad-Bh\u0101gavatam as a scientific presentation, the conditioned souls will gradually be promoted to the higher status of transcendental knowledge after being freed from the illusory energy based on sense enjoyment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n SB 5.6.16, Purport<\/a>: <\/span><\/p>\n The pastimes of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and His devotees are recorded in \u015ar\u012bmad-Bh\u0101gavatam so that those who recite these pastimes and listen to them will become purified. Nitya\u1e41 bh\u0101gavata-sevay\u0101 (SB 1.2.18<\/a>). As a matter of principle, devotees should read, speak and hear \u015ar\u012bmad-Bh\u0101gavatam persistently, twenty-four hours daily if possible. That is the recommendation of \u015ar\u012b Caitanya Mah\u0101prabhu. K\u012brtan\u012bya\u1e25 sad\u0101 hari\u1e25 (CC Adi 17.31<\/a>). One should either chant the Hare K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a mah\u0101-mantra or read \u015ar\u012bmad-Bh\u0101gavatam and thereby try to understand the characteristics and instructions of the Supreme Lord, who appeared as Lord \u1e5a\u1e63abhadeva, Lord Kapila and Lord K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a. In this way one can become fully aware of the transcendental nature of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. As stated in Bhagavad-g\u012bt\u0101, one who knows the transcendental nature of the Lord’s birth and activities attains liberation from material bondage and returns to Godhead.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Lecture on BG 4.9 — Bombay, March 29, 1974<\/a>: <\/span><\/p>\n The people who are reading K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a book very seriously, and tries to understand K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a, he will understand. K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a is very kind. As soon as he begins reading K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a book with a little faith and adherence, K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a will be very much pleased.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Lecture on BG 7.2 — San Francisco, September 11, 1968<\/a>: <\/span><\/p>\n Therefore K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a says that out of many, many thousands of people, somebody is interested for making perfection of his life. And out of many, many thousands of men who are actually trying to make perfection of their life, you’ll find somebody\u2014or you may not find out\u2014who knows God or K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a. But K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a is so kind that He comes Himself to be known by everyone. And He’s so kind also that before His departure from this material world, He leaves behind Him this Bhagavad-g\u012bt\u0101 so that you can know from His personal talks what is God. So if you read Bhagavad-g\u012bt\u0101 rightly, as it is spoken by K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a, not foolishly interpreting nonsensically, but as it is, as it is… Call the spade a spade. K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a says that “I am the Supreme Personality of Godhead.” Don’t interpret this version with your foolish interpretation, but accept K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. And by His acts, by His sastric knowledge, wisdom… Everyone accepted previously, all the \u0101c\u0101ryas. So we have to follow the footprints of the \u0101c\u0101ryas.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Lecture on BG 9.4 — Melbourne, April 22, 1976<\/a>: <\/span><\/p>\n So faith is required in every step. Without faith you cannot make step. Simply you have to find out the person that “He is worthy of keeping my faith.” Here is K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a. He is accepted worthy of accepting His instruction. So take it very seriously. The Bhagavad-g\u012bt\u0101 is there. Then your life is successful.<\/p>\n So what K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a says, next verse? First of all He says,<\/p>\n First of all in the beginning of the instruction one has to learn what he is, in the Second Chapter. Now, this is Ninth Chapter, far away. If we read chapter after chapter very nicely, then we come gradually to the perfection of knowledge.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Lecture on SB 1.5.1-4 — New Vrindaban, May 22, 1969<\/a>: <\/span><\/p>\n \u015ar\u012bmad-Bh\u0101gavatam you should study very scrutinizingly, critically. And there is explanation of great, I mean, stalwart devotees. In \u015ar\u012bmad-Bh\u0101gavatam there are eight kinds of commentary. In Bhagavad-g\u012bt\u0101… They are authorized. They are not ordinary commentaries. Ordinary commentary, there may be many. Similarly, \u015ar\u012bmad Bhagavad-g\u012bt\u0101 there are nine kinds of commentary. So \u015ar\u012bmad Bhagavad-g\u012bt\u0101 or Bh\u0101gavata, they are themselves illuminating. Just like sunlight\u2014there is no need of a lamp to see the sunlight. Similarly, \u015ar\u012bmad-Bh\u0101gavatam or Bhagavad-g\u012bt\u0101, they are self-illuminating. Simply word to word if you try to understand, then you’ll get enlightenment. Still, there are \u0101c\u0101ryas who can help you.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Lecture on SB 2.3.17 — Los Angeles, June 12, 1972<\/a>: <\/span><\/p>\n So hearing is not very difficult job. But you must hear from the realized soul. That is… Sat\u0101\u1e41 prasa\u1e45g\u0101n mama v\u012brya-sa\u1e41vida\u1e25. If you hear from a professional man, that will not be effective. Hearing must be from s\u0101dhu, from devotee, from the lips of the devotee. Just like \u015aukadeva Gosv\u0101m\u012b was speaking to Mah\u0101r\u0101ja Par\u012bk\u1e63it. So … Or even if you hear yourself, you read books, you will save your life. If you simply read K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a book or Bhagavad-g\u012bt\u0101 or Teachings of Lord Caitanya, then you know the… As long as you are reading, the sun is unable to take your life. It is not possible for the sun to take your life. So if you constantly read, then where is the opportunity of sun’s taking your life? That means you are becoming immortal. People are very much anxious to become immortal. Nobody wants to die. Everyone knows that “I shall die.” But if there is immediately some danger, fire, immediately you go away from this room. Why? I do not wish to die. I do not wish to die. Although I know I must have to die. Still, why do I go away? I know that…<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Lecture on SB 2.9.3 — Melbourne, April 5, 1972<\/a>: <\/span><\/p>\n Cow protection means just like Bhagav\u0101n, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, He is tending the cows. He is going, taking the cows personally from His royal palace going to the forest whole day, working there. Is it not, cowherds boy? And taken some little fruit, mother, whatever mother has given. They are playing that. So this is cow protection, not that “Somebody will give money and we shall keep some third class cows and feed there and become cow protector.” We must tend the cows very nicely so that they give us sufficient milk. And with that milk we shall live. “No, because we are giving protection to cow, you send money for the cows and the cow protectors, and earn money there and give us money. We shall eat nicely and sleep.” As soon as this practice is going on, then next will be: “Give me some LSD, give me something else.” This will go on. We don’t want that.<\/p>\n Similarly, the GBC member means they will see that in every temple these books are very thoroughly being read and discussed and understood and applied in practical life. That is wanted, not to see the vouchers only, “How many books you have sold, and how many books are in the stock?” That is secondary. You may keep vouchers… If one is engaged in K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a’s service, there is no need of vouchers. That is… Everyone is doing his best. That’s all. So we have to see that things are going on very nicely. So in that way the GBC members should divide some zones and see very nicely that things are going on, that they are chanting sixteen rounds, and temple management is doing according to the routine work, and the books are being thoroughly discussed, being read, understood practically. These things are required. Now, suppose you go to sell some book and if somebody says, “You have read this book? Can you explain this verse?” then what you will say? You will say, “No. It is for you. It is not for me. I have to take money from you. That’s all.” Is that very nice answer?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Lecture on SB 2.9.4-8 — Tokyo, April 23, 1972<\/a>: <\/span><\/p>\n We cannot imitate K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a, but we can follow K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a. We can follow His footsteps, how He was living. He was a g\u1e5bhastha. He was not a sanny\u0101s\u012b. So our sanny\u0101s\u012b is not very great credit. To remain g\u1e5bhastha, because we are going back to Godhead, back to home, the whole, our master, is g\u1e5bhastha. Not only g\u1e5bhastha, He has got so many wives. So to become sanny\u0101s\u012b is not very great credit, according to our Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava philosophy. To become perfect house-holder, that is credit. Perfect householder, like K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a. Read K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a book regularly. Why these books are written? Only for selling? Taking statistics, “How many books you have sold?” You learn, read. Always read, twenty-four hours. As soon as you get time, read. I do that. I do that. Reading, writing, or chanting. But when there is no other way, you sleep little. Not to enjoy sleep, but because it is not possible to continue, all right, sleep one hour, two hours, three hours, four hours, five hours. Not more than that. Not that I am sleeping, enjoying life, up to eight o’clock, twelve o’clock.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Lecture on SB 5.5.5 — London, September 3, 1971<\/a>: <\/span><\/p>\n So read books profusely, and learn the problems of life and the solution of life. Everything is there. Read it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The Nectar of Devotion — Los Angeles, June 23, 1970<\/a>: <\/span><\/p>\n Hare K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a. So we have published our Nectar of Devotion. So every one of you should read this Nectar of Devotion repeatedly. The whole substance of Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava philosophy and activities, everything is there. So every one of you read this Nectar of Devotion once, twice, thrice. Unless you have got full-fledged ideas what is this devotional service… That was written by… Actually, it was spoken by Lord Caitanya to R\u016bpa Gosv\u0101m\u012b. For ten days continually He instructed R\u016bpa Gosv\u0101m\u012b at Pray\u0101ga, Da\u015b\u0101\u015bvamedha-gh\u0101\u1e6da. You have seen the picture in TLC. Caitanya Mah\u0101prabhu was at Allahabad, Pray\u0101ga, and R\u016bpa Gosv\u0101m\u012b met Him there. He was offering obeisances flat. You have seen that picture. So at that time Caitanya Mah\u0101prabhu personally gave him instruction what is this cult of bhakti. So for ten days. And he took note of it and later on he placed this book in the form of Bhakti-ras\u0101m\u1e5bta-sindhu. That is in Sanskrit. It will be difficult for you. Therefore I have presented a summary study, and the summary study has come to 407 pages. If we would have elaborately described each and every verse, then it would have come to at least thousand pages.<\/p>\n So the whole substance is creamed. You should take advantage of this. And don’t indulge in much unnecessary talks. Time should be very properly utilized.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The Nectar of Devotion — Bombay, January 8, 1973<\/a>: <\/span><\/p>\n If we take the chance of living with the devotees, and try to serve the Gosv\u0101m\u012bs, who wanted to establish the mission of Lord Caitanya Mah\u0101prabhu, then our life will be successful. This is Bhakti-ras\u0101m\u1e5bta-sindhu. Study Bhakti-ras\u0101m\u1e5bta-sindhu very minutely, and this result you will achieve very easily. \u015ar\u012bla R\u016bpa Gosv\u0101m\u012b has left The Nectar of Devotion.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Ratha-yatra — San Francisco, June 27, 1971<\/a>: <\/span><\/p>\n One of the book is known as Teachings of Lord Caitanya. It is very important book. If you want to learn this K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a consciousness movement, we have got enough books. You can scientifically and philosophically study. But if you have no inclination to study, if you simply take to this chanting of Hare K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a, gradually everything will be revealed unto you, and you will understand your relationship with K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Lecture on Maha-mantra — New York, September 8, 1966<\/a>: <\/span><\/p>\n There are five authorities, recognized authorities, in India so far this is…, spiritual life is concerned. One of them is \u015ar\u012b R\u0101m\u0101nuj\u0101c\u0101rya and other is \u015aa\u1e45kar\u0101c\u0101rya. The other is Madhv\u0101c\u0101rya, other is Vi\u1e63\u1e47u Sv\u0101m\u012b, and other Nimb\u0101rka, Nimb\u0101ditya (?). Principal. The whole, I mean, some of them flourished, say, two thousand years before; some of them 1,500 years before; some of them eleven hundred years before. Just like there are different ages, they have come. But all of them, in spite of their coming in different ages, they all are in one opinion\u2014k\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47as tu bhagav\u0101n svayam: (SB 1.3.28<\/a>) “K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a, Lord K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a, is the Supreme Personality of Godhead.” Just like we have cited, \u012b\u015bvara\u1e25 parama\u1e25 k\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a\u1e25 (Bs. 5.1): “The supreme controller, the Supreme Lord, is K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a.” Now, we can see from His presentation of this Bhagavad-g\u012bt\u0101 how supreme He is. He spoke this truth five thousand years before, and continually, for five thousand years, all scholars are studying this scripture, and studying very devotedly to understand it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Room Conversation — April 2, 1972, Sydney<\/a>: <\/span><\/p>\n Prabhup\u0101da: You read regularly, Nectar of Devotion, regularly. All these books should be regularly read. That will give you guidance. You haven’t got to ask repeatedly to me; everything is there.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Morning Walk — February 26, 1976, Mayapura<\/a>: <\/span><\/p>\n Jayapataka: Service and reading are nondifferent?<\/p>\n Prabhupada: Yes, if one is actually reading. Just like Rupa Gosvami. He was reading. Nana-sastra-vicaranaika-nipunau. But he must be expertly reading, not as a book worm, expert.<\/p>\n Jayapataka: And on the other hand, sometimes devotees are only engaged in service, and then, without reading, and they…<\/p>\n Prabhupada: But every, everyone… You cannot expect everyone is capable for reading.<\/p>\n Jayapataka: They have desire to read, but they have no opportunity. And then in their service, they become… They lose sight sometimes, where they, because of fallen condition, they cannot remember Krsna in their service. But while reading, one can easily…, cannot help but remember Krsna.<\/p>\n Prabhupada: If he cannot remember Krsna, he will sleep. That is the test. When you have seen so many reading but sleeping, that means there is no Krsna. Yahan krsna tahan nahi mayara adhikara. Sleeping is maya, so if he’s thinking of Krsna, there cannot be sleeping.<\/p>\n Jayapataka: No, I’m talking not about the reading half, but the service half.<\/p>\n Prabhupada: Service also… Everything depends on advancement in Krsna consciousness. If Krsna is there, either you read or work as a coolie, the same thing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Room Conversation — February 16, 1977, Mayapura<\/a>: <\/span><\/p>\n Prabhup\u0101da: What can they do in darkness? (laughter) That is the only engagement in darkness.<\/p>\n Jayapat\u0101k\u0101: They could have chanted Hare K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a.<\/p>\n Prabhup\u0101da: No… Even Hare K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a people. N\u0101vivikt\u0101sano bhavet, m\u0101tr\u0101 svasr\u0101 duhitr\u0101 v\u0101 (SB 9.19.17<\/a>). It is strictly forbidden: “You should not sit alone even with your mother, sister or daughter, what to speak of wife.” Balav\u0101n indriya-gr\u0101mo vidv\u0101\u1e41sam api kar\u1e63ati: “The senses are so strong, even learned persons, advanced, they also become victimized.” Balav\u0101n indriya-gr\u0101ma\u1e25. Balav\u0101n means very strong. When the… It is forbidden even with mother, sister or…, and daughter. That is the only capturing instrument in the material world. Maithunyam ag\u0101ra, prison house of sex, this material world. It is a prison house, but locked up by sex. The ordinary prison house, they are locked up by guards, and here the locking process is sex. Maithunyam ag\u0101ra. The words are selected in Bh\u0101gavata. They are thinking free. (laughs) They are imprisoned, locked up. And everyone falsely thinking, “I am free. Our nation is free. I am free.” What nonsense free? You are locked up already. That he does not… Now this word is used, maithunyam ag\u0101ram aj\u00f1a\u1e25. He has preferred to remain in this prison locked up by sex because he is rascal. Maithunyam ag\u0101ram aj\u00f1a\u1e25.<\/p>\n Pradyumna: Where is that, \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da?<\/p>\n Prabhup\u0101da: In the… Find out, Fifth, Fifth Canto, Fifth Chapter. Bh\u0101gavata is the only guide. Read Bh\u0101gavata, repeatedly whole life. Safe. Always. Always, whenever there is time, read, read, read.<\/p>\n Vy\u0101sadeva has done this s\u0101tvata-sa\u1e41hit\u0101. Anartha. To live in this material world is anartha, unnecessary. Hm? You have got it?<\/p>\n Pradyumna:<\/p>\n Prabhup\u0101da: Aj\u00f1a\u1e25.<\/p>\n Jayapat\u0101k\u0101: Which verse?<\/p>\n Pradyumna: It’s Canto Five, Chapter Five, verse number seven. “Even though one may be very learned and wise, he is mad if he does not understand that the endeavor for sense gratification is a useless waste of time. Being forgetful of his own interest, he tries to be happy in the material world, centering his interests around his home, which is based on sexual intercourse and which brings him all kinds of material miseries. In this way one is no better than a foolish animal.”<\/p>\n Prabhup\u0101da: Yes. Maithunyam ag\u0101ram aj\u00f1a\u1e25. The selection of words in Bh\u0101gavata are, from even literary point of view, perfect. Pada\u1e41 pada\u1e41 yad vipad\u0101\u1e41 na te\u1e63\u0101m (SB 10.14.58<\/a>). Bhav\u0101mbudhir vatsa-pada\u1e41 para\u1e41 pada\u1e41 pada\u1e41 pada\u1e41 yad vipad\u0101\u1e41 na… This is literary. Sam\u0101\u015brit\u0101 ye pada-pallava-plavam. Again plava\u1e41 plavam. Anupr\u0101sa. This is literary, anupr\u0101sa.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Letter to Ann Clifford — Los Angeles 2 August, 1969<\/a>: <\/span><\/p>\n So if you will come to our temple on Park Avenue and chant and speak with the devotees as far as possible, you will find that all lesser attachments and lesser enjoyments will fall very short of your attachment for and attraction for service of the Lord in Krishna Consciousness. That is a fact, and my special request to you is that you seriously read our literature, especially Bhagavad-gita As It Is, chant Hare Krishna always; then you will find your life becoming sublime.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Letter to Oliver — Los Angeles 19 August, 1969<\/a>: <\/span><\/p>\n So try to understand this philosophy of Krishna Consciousness by reading our books and literatures, discussing amongst the devotees and chanting Hare Krishna Mantra as much as possible. Whenever there is any inquiries, you can write to me directly, and I shall try to reply them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Letter to Hamsaduta — Tittenhurst 2 November, 1969<\/a>: <\/span><\/p>\n So these Christian and Buddhist scriptures were delivered for a different class of men, and we needn’t spend our time in studying their doctrines. You should read our own books over and over again and as far as possible do not try to enter into controversy. We do not concern ourselves with any other religion. Our religion is to become the servant of the servant of the servant of Krishna (CC Madhya 13.80<\/a>).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Letter to Vasudeva — London 20 November, 1969<\/a>: <\/span><\/p>\n Krishna is very merciful to His sincere devotees, but also we have to remember that Maya is very strong. Therefore, we have to always be engaged in serving Krishna. At every moment we should be doing this or that service for Krishna’s transcendental pleasure. If we do not remember this, then Maya is right there to grab us. It all depends upon our leaning towards Krishna or towards Maya. If you lean towards Krishna, you will be in Krishna Consciousness; and if you lean towards Maya, then you will be captivated by material nature. Krishna and Maya are just like light and shadow which are directly next to one another. If you move a little this way, you are in light and there is no question of shadow. But if you move a little the other way, you are in darkness. So if we remember to always be engaged in Krishna’s service, then there will be no Maya and everything will be all right. Please always remember this great secret of advancement in Krishna Consciousness. So as you are showing promise to be a nice artist, I think you may next paint some pictures of the Spiritual Masters in the line of disciplic succession. Also, continue to fix up the new temple nicely and promote the Sankirtana Movement as far as possible. These, along with promoting our literatures will give you sufficient engagement to fill your time. Also, continue to chant all of your rounds daily, and read our magazines and books as much as possible. In this way your future will be very bright, and surely you will be able to do great service to this movement within your lifetime.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Letter to Jayapataka – So. La Cienega Blvd. Los Angeles, Cal. 90034 February 13, 1970<\/a>: <\/span><\/p>\n Now we want some men who understand all the purports of the Shastras so that they will be able to face any questionnaires put to them especially \u2026\u2026\u2026. This is a very important business, and I want all of my disciples to be thoroughly versed in this way. Our first business to every initiated devotee is to chant daily sixteen round of beads without fail, and to follow the regulative principles rigidly, and our literatures must be studied with great attention. We have presented the complete philosophy of Krsna Consciousness in our books Bhagavad Gita as it is, Srimad Bhagawatam, Teachings of Lord, Chaitanya, Krsna, and others being printed, so the classes and personal study should be undertaken penetratingly. Please see that all the devotees are following these principles; this program is the essential basis of our spiritual advancement. If chanting and following of the regulation is done sincerely, without offense, all questions and doubtful points of philosophy will be cleared up by realization of Krsna from within the heart of the devotee.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Letter to Goverdhan – So. La Cienega Blvd. Los Angeles, Cal. 90034 March 6, 1970<\/a>: <\/span><\/p>\n I hope you will read our books attentively and you should ask guidance in understanding Krsna Consciousness from your elder God-brothers. If you stick to the principle of regularly chanting Hare Krsna and executing devotional service, Krsna will give you all protection in all circumstances of life.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Letter to Unknown — Los Angeles 12 April, 1970<\/a>: <\/span><\/p>\n For the further understanding of this religious process I would recommend you to read our three books namely Sri Isopanisad, Bhagavad-gita As It Is, and Easy Journey to Other Planets. When you have finished them, you can read Srimad-Bhagavatam and Teachings of Lord Caitanya. Besides these we have many other books and our “Back to Godhead” magazines, in which we are fully describing about this religion only. So you read them one after another, and whenever there is a question you may write to me and I shall be very glad to answer it as far as possible.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Letter to Tejiyas — Los Angeles 20 May, 1970<\/a>: <\/span><\/p>\n Please follow the rules and regulations for advancing in Krsna Consciousness beginning with strict observance of the four restrictions, and chant daily the prescribed number of sixteen rounds on the beads, and you will grow strong in spiritual strength. Study our literatures with the cooperation of your God-brothers and sisters in Buffalo, and any questions you may have may be submitted to Srimad Rupanuga for answering. So in this way always find some engagement in Krsna’s service and you will be supremely happy and successful in your life.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Letter to Sriman Murthy — Los Angeles 22 May, 1970<\/a>: <\/span><\/p>\n Krsna’s further mercy upon you is exhibited that you are now living in our Temple. Our different centers are specially meant for reclaiming sincere souls to understand Krsna Consciousness, and if you are more serious about Krsna Consciousness then you should not only read our books and literatures with due care, but also if possible you should come here and live with me for some time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Letter to Aditi — India 29 September, 1970<\/a>: <\/span><\/p>\n\n\nSB Canto 2<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
\nOne should also read and hear the Bhagavad-g\u012bt\u0101 and \u015ar\u012bmad-Bh\u0101gavatam in the association of devotees.\n<\/div>\n\n\nBy reading and hearing \u015ar\u012bmad-Bh\u0101gavatam as a scientific presentation, the conditioned souls will gradually be promoted to the higher status of transcendental knowledge after being freed from the illusory energy based on sense enjoyment.\n<\/div>\n\n\nSB Canto 5<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
\nAs a matter of principle, devotees should read, speak and hear \u015ar\u012bmad-Bh\u0101gavatam persistently, twenty-four hours daily if possible.\n<\/div>\n\n\nLectures<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
\nBhagavad-gita As It Is Lectures<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
\nAs soon as he begins reading K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a book with a little faith and adherence, K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a will be very much pleased.\n<\/div>\n\n\nIf you read Bhagavad-g\u012bt\u0101 rightly, as it is spoken by K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a, not foolishly interpreting nonsensically, but as it is, as it is… Call the spade a spade.\n<\/div>\n\n\nIf we read chapter after chapter very nicely, then we come gradually to the perfection of knowledge.\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\nSrimad-Bhagavatam Lectures<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
\n\u015ar\u012bmad-Bh\u0101gavatam you should study very scrutinizingly, critically. And there is explanation of great, I mean, stalwart devotees.\n<\/div>\n\n\nAs long as you are reading, the sun is unable to take your life. It is not possible for the sun to take your life. So if you constantly read, then where is the opportunity of sun’s taking your life?\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe GBC member means they will see that in every temple these books are very thoroughly being read and discussed and understood and applied in practical life.\n<\/div>\n\n\nRead K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a book regularly. Why these books are written? Only for selling? Taking statistics, “How many books you have sold?” You learn, read. Always read, twenty-four hours. As soon as you get time, read. I do that. I do that. Reading, writing, or chanting.\n<\/div>\n\n\nSo read books profusely, and learn the problems of life and the solution of life.\n<\/div>\n\n\nNectar of Devotion Lectures<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
\nSo we have published our Nectar of Devotion. So every one of you should read this Nectar of Devotion repeatedly. The whole substance of Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava philosophy and activities, everything is there. So every one of you read this Nectar of Devotion once, twice, thrice.\n<\/div>\n\n\nIf we take the chance of living with the devotees, and try to serve the Gosv\u0101m\u012bs, who wanted to establish the mission of Lord Caitanya Mah\u0101prabhu, then our life will be successful. This is Bhakti-ras\u0101m\u1e5bta-sindhu. Study Bhakti-ras\u0101m\u1e5bta-sindhu very minutely, and this result you will achieve very easily.\n<\/div>\n\n\nFestival Lectures<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
\nIf you want to learn this K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a consciousness movement, we have got enough books. You can scientifically and philosophically study.\n<\/div>\n\n\nGeneral Lectures<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
\nWe can see from His presentation of this Bhagavad-g\u012bt\u0101 how supreme He is. He spoke this truth five thousand years before, and continually, for five thousand years, all scholars are studying this scripture, and studying very devotedly to understand it.\n<\/div>\n\n\nConversations and Morning Walks<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
\n1972 Conversations and Morning Walks<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
\nAll these books should be regularly read.\n<\/div>\n\n\n1976 Conversations and Morning Walks<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
\nHe must be expertly reading, not as a book worm, expert.\n<\/div>\n\n\n1977 Conversations and Morning Walks<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
\nBh\u0101gavata is the only guide. Read Bh\u0101gavata, repeatedly whole life. Safe. Always. Always, whenever there is time, read, read, read.\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
\nCorrespondence<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
\n1969 Correspondence<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
\nMy special request to you is that you seriously read our literature, especially Bhagavad-gita As It Is.\n<\/div>\n\n\nSo try to understand this philosophy of Krishna Consciousness by reading our books and literatures, discussing amongst the devotees.\n<\/div>\n\n\nYou should read our own books over and over again.\n<\/div>\n\n\nContinue to chant all of your rounds daily, and read our magazines and books as much as possible. In this way your future will be very bright, and surely you will be able to do great service to this movement within your lifetime.\n<\/div>\n\n\n1970 Correspondence<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
\nWe have presented the complete philosophy of Krsna Consciousness in our books Bhagavad Gita as it is, Srimad Bhagawatam, Teachings of Lord, Chaitanya, Krsna, and others being printed, so the classes and personal study should be undertaken penetratingly.\n<\/div>\n\n\nI hope you will read our books attentively and you should ask guidance in understanding Krsna Consciousness from your elder God-brothers.\n<\/div>\n\n\nRead them one after another.\n<\/div>\n\n\nStudy our literatures with the cooperation of your God-brothers and sisters in Buffalo, and any questions you may have may be submitted to Srimad Rupanuga for answering.\n<\/div>\n\n\nIf you are more serious about Krsna Consciousness then you should not only read our books and literatures with due care.\n<\/div>\n\n\nStudy our literatures with the help of your senior God-brothers and sisters.\n<\/div>\n\n