Brief Summary
This lecture, recorded in 1972, centers on the essence of Krishna consciousness and devotional service. It emphasizes surrendering to Krishna, spreading His message, and understanding that devotional service transcends material desires and liberation. The lecture uses stories and examples to illustrate how material satisfaction is ultimately unattainable and how engaging in Krishna's loving service brings true fulfillment and liberation.
- Importance of spreading Krishna's message and surrendering to Him.
- Devotional service (bhakti-rasa) is superior to material pursuits and liberation.
- Material desires are insatiable, while Krishna consciousness brings true satisfaction.
Introduction
The lecture begins with an introduction to the nectar of devotion, recorded on October 21, 1972, in Vrindavan. It sets the stage for a discussion on Krishna consciousness and its significance.
Spreading Krishna's Message
The speaker emphasizes the importance of spreading the message of Lord Krishna throughout the world. He encourages the audience to become members of this movement, gain strength from it, and preach Krishna's message. Quoting the Bhagavad Gita, he highlights that preaching Krishna's message is most dear to Krishna.
Surrender to Krishna
The lecture stresses the need to abandon all forms of religiosity and surrender to Krishna. It explains that Krishna Himself asked everyone to surrender, and by following Krishna and His teachings, one can attain true fulfillment.
The Essence of Krishna Consciousness
The speaker reiterates that the core of Krishna consciousness is to spread Krishna's message. He encourages everyone to follow and distribute this message extensively throughout the world.
Krishna as the Supreme Controller
The lecture clarifies that Krishna is the supreme controller, and everyone else is governed by Him. This understanding is central to the message being conveyed.
Bhakti-rasa and Liberation
Bhakti-rasa, or Krishna Consciousness, can be understood by serious students and brings an auspicious life free from anxieties. It minimizes the value of liberation because bhakti-rasa itself is sufficient to produce a feeling of liberation by attracting the attention of the Supreme Lord.
Material Satisfaction is Impossible
The speaker explains that human life is often misguided by pursuits of religion, economic development, sense gratification, and liberation. People try to satisfy their senses to the greatest extent but are ultimately defeated because nobody can be fully satisfied materially.
Story of a Dying Man
To illustrate the insatiable nature of material desires, a story is shared about a minister who took someone to a dying man. Even on his deathbed, the man was looking at a young woman, indicating that material desires, particularly sexual desires, remain unfulfilled until the very end.
Falling Down from Liberation
The lecture warns that even after reaching the platform of liberation, there is a chance of falling down if one neglects the lotus feet of Krishna. Bhakti-rasa is sufficient to produce a feeling of liberation because it attracts the attention of the Supreme Lord.
Experiencing Satisfaction in Krishna's Service
Engaging in the loving service of the Supreme Personality of Godhead leads to immediate satisfaction. Even simple acts like walking down the street in Krishna consciousness can bring a separate, transcendental experience of satisfaction.
Examples of Devotees
The speaker shares examples of great leaders and aristocratic individuals who gave up material possessions and comforts to engage in Krishna's service. These individuals found greater satisfaction in devotional service than in material pursuits.
Purity of Devotional Service
Devotional service to Krishna is so exalted that devotees lose interest in material things. Pure devotional service is free from all material contamination.
Materialists vs. Devotees
The lecture contrasts the activities of materialists with those of devotees. Materialists engage in activities like excessive sleeping, sex, and unnecessary travel, while devotees find satisfaction in serving Krishna.
Krishna's Mercy and Preaching
Lord Krishna personally came to distribute Krishna-prema (love of Krishna). By surrendering to Krishna's principles and preaching His message, one can receive His grace and blessings.
Conclusion
The lecture concludes by encouraging everyone to follow the instructions of the acharyas (spiritual teachers) and spread Krishna consciousness all over the world, which will glorify their lives.
