Sri Krishna Janmashtami Celebrations—Part 04

Giriraj Swami: So, we thank you for joining us on the most auspicious occasion of Sri Krishna Janmashtami. The celebration of these holy days is one of the many gifts that Srila Prabhupada has given us when he came to America and presented Krishna consciousness. When Srila Prabhupada first came, a swami, or so-called swami, in another mission told Srila Prabhupada, “Now you have come to America, you have to learn how to eat with a knife and fork.” And Srila Prabhupada said, “No, I am going to teach them to eat without knife and fork.” So, Srila Prabhupada has given us a whole culture.

In Bombay, I was approached to write a contribution to a book called Gurus, Godmen, and Good People, which featured about a dozen spiritual personalities, or so-called spiritual personalities. The idea was that a follower of each personality should write the chapter about the personality. So they approached me to write the chapter about Srila Prabhupada, and I informed Srila Prabhupada by letter about the invitation. He replied through his secretary, and I think it was appropriate that he replied through his secretary because it might have sounded a bit proud if he had said it himself. But his basic answer was that he should be presented as having taken the Vedic culture from India and transplanted it in total in America. He said, just like with a tulasi sapling, if you are going to transplant a tulasi sapling, you have to be very careful when transplanting it so that it is not damaged or harmed or compromised in any way. So yes, Srila Prabhupada said that among all swamis, he stands alone. He said not only has he presented the Vedic culture as it is, but people are accepting the Vedic culture as it is. The particular process that Srila Prabhupada gave us, coming from Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is kevala ānanda-kāṇḍa, which means simply joyful: just chanting, dancing, feasting, and philosophy.

Once, when one of Srila Prabhupada’s disciples was speaking in front of Srila Prabhupada and explaining, more or less, what I just said—that our philosophy is chanting, dancing, feasting, and philosophy, and a little work. And Srila Prabhupada interrupted him and said, “No work.” So then the disciple continued, “Chanting, dancing, feasting, and philosophy, and a very little work.” And again Srila Prabhupada interrupted, “No, no work.” So, Srila Prabhupada has given us a very simple and sublime process, and it leads to the highest destination. Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura gives a beautiful example to illustrate how this process can elevate anyone to the highest position. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s mercy, and he said it is just like a king who has many valuable jewels in his treasury, and he is intoxicated and he goes out and starts distributing these most precious gems and jewels to anyone he sees on the street. He says that is the mood of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu; He is intoxicated on love of God, and He is taking these most precious gems of Krishna consciousness and distributing them freely to anyone and everyone.

And Srila Prabhupada, pursuant to the mission of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu through paramparā, through the order of his spiritual master, he came to the West and he has given us this simple and sublime process: just chanting, dancing, feasting, and philosophy, and the association of devotees. Srila Prabhupada’s said, Krishna consciousness is 90 percent association, and we are fortunate to have such a wonderful community of devotees here. There are very nice, sweet devotees under the leadership of Vaisesika Prabhu and Nirakula Mataji, and so that association is very relishable.

I just spoke to a person who is relatively new, just, I think, in the last few months, came from India to the area, and she was saying how nice the people are. They are just so friendly and encouraging and supportive. So that is really a wonderful community. So, that 90 percent of Krishna consciousness is association, and this is a wonderful association. I don’t know if it is off-topic, but last night I went to Bhakti-SF, and I was really pleased with the program there. So many new people from all different types of backgrounds coming, and it reminded me of the early days when Srila Prabhupada first came to America and was preaching to newcomers. So that was also very enlivening and encouraging.