Srimad Bhagavad Gita AS IT IS

Bhagavad Gita:   Chapter 6 - Dhyana-yoga

TEXT 47
                          yoginam api sarvesam
                          mad-gatenantar-atmana
                        sraddhavan bhajate yo mam
                          sa me yuktatamo matah

WORD FOR WORD
   yoginam--of yogis; api--also; sarvesam--all types of; mat-gatena--abiding in Me, always thinking of Me; antah-atmana--within himself; sraddha-van--in full faith; bhajate--renders transcendental loving service; yah--one who; mam--to Me (the Supreme Lord); sah--he; me--by Me; yukta-tamah--the greatest yogi; matah--is considered.
 
TRANSLATION
   And of all yogis, the one with great faith who always abides in Me, thinks of Me within himself, and renders transcendental loving service to Me--he is the most intimately united with Me in yoga and is the highest of all. That is My opinion.
 
PURPORT by HDG Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupad:

   The word bhajate is significant here. Bhajate has its root in the verb bhaj, which is used when there is need of service. The English word "worship" cannot be used in the same sense as bhaj. Worship means to adore, or to show respect and honor to the worthy one. But service with love and faith is especially meant for the Supreme Personality of Godhead. One can avoid worshiping a respectable man or a demigod and may be called discourteous, but one cannot avoid serving the Supreme Lord without being thoroughly condemned. Every living entity is part and parcel of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and thus every living entity is intended to serve the Supreme Lord by his own constitution. Failing to do this, he falls down. The Bhagavatam (11.5.3) confirms this as follows:

                         ya esam purusam saksad
                         atma-prabhavam isvaram
                         na bhajanty avajananti
                     sthanad bhrastah patanty adhah

   "Anyone who does not render service and neglects his duty unto the primeval Lord, who is the source of all living entities, will certainly fall down from his constitutional position."

   In this verse also the word bhajanti is used. Therefore, bhajanti is applicable to the Supreme Lord only, whereas the word "worship" can be applied to demigods or to any other common living entity. The word avajananti, used in this verse of Srimad-Bhagavatam, is also found in the Bhagavad-gita. Avajananti mam mudhah: "Only the fools and rascals deride the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Krsna." Such fools take it upon themselves to write commentaries on the Bhagavad-gita without an attitude of service to the Lord. Consequently they cannot properly distinguish between the word bhajanti and the word "worship."

   The culmination of all kinds of yoga practices lies in bhakti yoga. All other yogas are but means to come to the point of bhakti in bhakti-yoga. Yoga actually means bhakti-yoga; all other yogas are progressions toward the destination of bhakti-yoga. From the beginning of karma-yoga to the end of bhakti-yoga is a long way to self-realization. Karma-yoga, without fruitive results, is the beginning of this path. When karma-yoga increases in knowledge and renunciation, the stage is called jnana-yoga. When jnana-yoga increases in meditation on the Supersoul by different physical processes, and the mind is on Him, it is called astanga-yoga. And when one surpasses the astanga-yoga and comes to the point of the Supreme Personality of Godhead Krsna, it is called bhakti yoga, the culmination. Factually, bhakti-yoga is the ultimate goal, but to analyze bhakti-yoga minutely one has to understand these other yogas. The yogi who is progressive is therefore on the true path of eternal good fortune. One who sticks to a particular point and does not make further progress is called by that particular name: karma-yogi, jnana-yogi or dhyana-yogi, raja-yogi, hatha-yogi, etc. If one is fortunate enough to come to the point of bhakti-yoga, it is to be understood that he has surpassed all other yogas. Therefore, to become Krsna conscious is the highest stage of yoga, just as, when we speak of Himalayan, we refer to the world's highest mountains, of which the highest peak, Mount Everest, is considered to be the culmination.

   It is by great fortune that one comes to Krsna consciousness on the path of bhakti-yoga to become well situated according to the Vedic direction. The ideal yogi concentrates his attention on Krsna, who is called Syamasundara, who is as beautifully colored as a cloud, whose lotuslike face is as effulgent as the sun, whose dress is brilliant with jewels and whose body is flower-garlanded. Illuminating all sides is His gorgeous luster, which is called the brahmajyoti. He incarnates in different forms such as Rama, Nrsimha, Varaha and Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and He descends like a human being, as the son of mother Yasoda, and He is known as Krsna, Govinda and Vasudeva. He is the perfect child, husband, friend and master, and He is full with all opulences and transcendental qualities. If one remains fully conscious of these features of the Lord, he is called the highest yogi.

   This stage of highest perfection in yoga can be attained only by bhakti-yoga, as is confirmed in all Vedic literature:

                         yasya deve para bhaktir
                         yatha deve tatha gurau
                       tasyaite kathita hy arthah
                          prakasante mahatmanah

   "Only unto those great souls who have implicit faith in both the Lord and the spiritual master are all the imports of Vedic knowledge automatically revealed." (Svetasvatara Upanisad 6.23)

   Bhaktir asya bhajanam tad ihamutropadhi-nairasyenamusmin manah-kalpanam, etad eva naiskarmyam. "Bhakti means devotional service to the Lord which is free from desire for material profit, either in this life or in the next. Devoid of such inclinations, one should fully absorb the mind in the Supreme. That is the purpose of naiskarmya." (Gopala-tapani Upanisad 1.15)

These are some of the means for performance of bhakti, or Krsna consciousness, the highest perfectional stage of the yoga system.

Thus end the Bhaktivedanta Purports to the Sixth Chapter of the Srimad Bhagavad-gita in the matter of Dhyana-yoga.

His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

Copyright 1983 The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International. Used with permission.

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Prabhupada Uvacha:
(here's some nectar, sometimes it comes in the form of Srutakirti prabhu's diary, other times from Govinda dasi's diary, Hari Sauri prabhu's Transcendental Diary, Bhurijan prabhu's book, or sometimes from a letter, or other related source, but still nectar...)

Take birth again and again

Vipina told Prabhupada an example he had heard which seemed to exemplify life in the material world and the suffering it produces. "The male and female black widow spiders have sex life. After the sex life the female spider consumes the male spider, eats him alive."

Srila Prabhupada laughed. "So we are also killing by and by, and she kills immediately -- that is the difference. Tulasi dasa has said that: din ka dakini rat ka baghini, palak palak rahu cuse, duniya sab bara hoke ghare ghare baghini sei. That there is an animal who is at daytime a witch and at nighttime she's tigress. So her only business is to suck the blood. But people are so mad that everyone is keeping that tigress; every home, there is a tigress like that."

"That's their wife," I said.

Srila Prabhupada continued laughing. "At daytime, witch, and nighttime, tigress. This is her picture. But people know it, and still, they keep one tigress at home. So that lady spider and lord spider, that is everywhere. But here gradually, and they are immediately; that is the difference, the process is the same."

He described the selfdefeat of sex indulgence. "People want to enjoy by sex, by seminal discharge, but what is this? His blood. By forty drops of blood one drop of semina is created. So one ounce of semina discharged means forty ounces of blood sucked. This is a fact. So he is enjoying his own blood, and he's thinking, 'I am enjoying.' Therefore he's compared with the camel. Camel eats the thorny twigs, and the thorns prick the tongue and blood comes out. So after twig is mixed with blood, it becomes tasteful, and he thinks thorn is very nice. So thorn is not nice; nice is his blood, own blood. But he, because he's animal, he's thinking it is very nice."

In speaking about the entrapment of sex life Prabhupada wasn't just referring to the living beings on this planet. He briefly mentioned a story from the Eighth Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam. "In the heavenly planets the woman is described that during summer the body is very cool of the woman, and during winter the body is very warm. That is the nature of the woman in the heavenly planets. And their breast is very, very tight and strongly built, and their youthfulness never diminishes. These are the description of the heavenly woman. Bhagavata, everything is there. Mohini-murti began to play with the ball, and the description of the breast is there and armpit. So she was playing ball one hand and one hand a bunch of hair would become [loose], immediately she was taking care. So with this beauty Lord Siva become mad. As soon as one man sees the breast and this armpit of young woman, then he is finished."

"So what happens to us?" Vipina asked.

"It is every man that this is the position, this is the position. And so long we will be charmed with these things, he has to take birth again and again."

- From the "A Transcendental Diary Vol 3" by HG Hari Sauri dasa

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Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.15.47-48
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Pradyumna: "Thus by pure consciousness due to constant devotional remembrance, they attained the spiritual sky, which is ruled by the Supreme Narayana, Lord Krsna. This is attained only by those who meditate upon the one Supreme Lord without deviation. This abode of the Lord Sri Krsna, known as Goloka Vrndavana, cannot be attained by persons who are absorbed in the material conception of life. But the Pandavas, being completely washed of all material contamination, attained that abode in their very same bodies."

Prabhupada: Tad-dhyana udriktaya. Dhyana means meditation. So the Pandavas, always they were thinking of Krsna. While they were eating, they were sitting, they were sleeping, they were talking, they were fighting -- Krsna. This is Krsna consciousness. When Arjuna was fighting, so there was also Krsna. When they were dealing in politics with Duryodhana, there was Krsna. Krsna is his friend, always talking with him, staying with him, sleeping with him, eating with him.

So anyone can do that. Krsna consciousness is so nice. If in our ordinary life we deal with Krsna as Arjuna did and the Pandavas did, so where is the difficulty for us? There is no difficulty. Simply we have to practice it. And that practice is bhaktya. This is only possible through devotional service. Krsna was so near to the Pandavas on account of their devotion. Narada Muni eulogized the Pandavas that "Jnanis and yogis, they cannot reach even, but by your devotion, He is living with you as friend. Not only as friend, but sometimes as your order-carrier." Pandavas sometimes, during their negotiation with Duryodhana, sometimes asked Krsna, "Krsna, You take this letter and deliver to Duryodhana." Agreed, "Yes, I will go." So ordinary peon. Then ordinary chariot driver, Partha-sarathi.

So this is possible. If you become devotee of Krsna, then you can live with Krsna, even in this life. Even in this life. Because Krsna is omnipotent, if you are really devotee of Krsna, He will talk with you, He will dance with you, He will eat with you, everything. Premanjana-cchurita-bhakti-vilocanena [Bs. 5.38]. Again this bhakti. By bhakti, prema, love. Premanjana-cchurita-bhakti-vilocanena santah sadaiva [Bs. 5.38]. Santah, saintly persons. This word, Sanskrit word, santah, is also I think Latin. "Saint," santah. Santah means saintly persons. So santah, those who are saintly persons, those who have developed love of Krsna, they can see Krsna every moment. Santah sadaiva. Sadaiva means "every moment." They do not see anything except Krsna. That is saintly person. Rascals inquire, "Have you seen God?" "Not seen God, sir. He is seeing every moment." There is no question of seeing God once. No. Sadaiva. Santah sadaiva.

How one can see sadaiva? Krsna is already there. Isvarah sarva-bhutanam hrd-dese 'rjuna tisthati [Bg. 18.61]. The location is given here in the Bhagavad-gita, that you can see God, not you have to go far away from your place. Wherever you are, you can see, because God is within your heart. Isvarah sarva-bhutanam hrd-dese [Bg. 18.61]. Sarva-bhutanam. Not only for human being, but also animals, beasts, trees, plants, aquatics, insects -- everyone, beginning from Brahma down to the ant. God is everywhere. Andantara-stha-paramanu-cayantara-stham. God is within this universe, within your heart, even within your atom. So where is the difficulty? Simply you have to make your eyes to see Him. That's all. That is premanjana-cchurita-bhakti-vilocanena [Bs. 5.38]. Love. It is not very difficult to understand. If you love somebody, then you can see him always. When you are in office, you are seeing. When you are eating, you are seeing. You are seeing... If you are actually love. So if it is possible materially, how much greatly it is possible spiritually and perfectly? It is possible. Simply by this method, bhaktya visuddha-dhisanah pare.

Visuddha. Visuddha means purified. Our consciousness is not purified at the present moment, but if we purify it... That purification also is possible by becoming in touch with Krsna always. And this touch is very easily made possible. Srnvatam. This is the chance, srnvatam. Srnvatam means by hearing, by aural reception. Simply those who are coming here, even they do not know anything about it, but God has given this ear, and let him hear about Krsna. We are therefore discussing so many... We have written so many books simply about Krsna. Not all books published -- we have published about twenty books -- but we have to finish it. It cannot be finished, but at least, to some extent it will be finished by sixty books. And what is that subject matter? Krsna. That's all. People cannot imagine that about God, sixty books can be written. There is no, I mean to say, system of religion where you can find... Not only... Sixty is the minimum. Sixty books of four hundred pages can be written simply on God. So there is possible... If we divert our attention to Krsna consciousness, we can chant Krsna -- Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare. Kirtanad eva krsnasya. We can read about Krsna whole life, such big literature. Whole life. If you read twenty-four hours daily -- that you cannot -- still, you have to devote your whole life to finish this literature.

So we have got enough material to become Krsna conscious. My Guru Maharaja was questioned by one big politician. He came to see him. So my Guru Maharaja... He was asking, "What are your activities?" So at that time he was publishing one paper. I think it is still published in Mayapura. It is called... What is called, Dainik? Daily news, it was a daily newspaper, small. Navadvipa Prakash, like that. Nadiya Prakash. Nadiya Prakash. So daily. So this politician inquired from Guru Maharaja, "You are publishing a daily paper about God consciousness?" "Yes." "No, what you are writing?" He was surprised. The politicians think that newspaper can be filled up with rubbish political news only. That's all. They cannot think that newspaper can be filled up by news from spiritual world. Yes. They have no idea. They have no idea there is spiritual world. So my Guru Maharaja explained that "Why you are thinking of only one small newspaper? You do not know what is spiritual world. This material world is one-fourth portion of the whole creation of the Lord. And the three-fourths' portion is the spiritual world. And in this one fourth portion there are innumerable universes. And in one of the universes... This is one of the universe. And in each universe there are millions of planets. And this planet, earthly planets, is only a small planet in that universe. And on this earthly planet, there are so many cities. And in each city, there are so many newspapers. And each newspaper has got so many editions. This is the position of the material world. Now, think over the spiritual world. It is... The spiritual world is three fourths, three times bigger than this material... And there are so many planets, so many universes, and so many activities. So we can produce not one newspaper daily, but every minute a newspaper. We can produce. Unfortunately, there is no customer. You see? This is the difficulty. For material news, there are so many customers, but when we put something, spiritual news, no customer. This is the difficulty. Otherwise... You are thinking of one newspaper daily. We could issue every second a newspaper about spiritual news." So this sixty books is not sufficient. It is simply an introduction to the spiritual activities of the spiritual world. People have no interest. They do not know. We are simply trying to introduce it.

So this can be understood by visuddha-dhisanah, purified meditation. That requires practice, how to purify. Visuddha-dhisanah tasmin narayana-pade. And it can be achieved by persons, ekanta-matayo gatim. A person who has decided, "Now, in this life, I must go back to home, back to Godhead," for him, it is possible. This decision. So that is called... In Bhagavad-gita it is described,

vyavasayatmika buddhir
ekeha kuru-nandana
bahu-sakha hy anantas ca
buddhayo 'vyavasayinam

One how has decided that "This life, it is not ordinary life like the cats and dogs. It is human life. I have got advanced intelligence. And it is possible in this life to back to home, back to Godhead, athato brahma jijnasa, simply by cultivating spiritual knowledge. So why shall I waste my time like cats and dogs?" This determination required. "The cats and dogs are busy in eating, sleeping, sex life, and one day it dies. So why shall I waste my time in that way? I have got good intelligence. Krsna has provided me better standard of life. I can lie in nice room, not like the cats and dogs on the street. Krsna has provided for me so nice foodstuff which I can offer to Krsna, patram puspam phalam toyam, so nice fruits, grains, milk. So let us utilize these things given by Krsna."

Krsna has given different foodstuff for different animals and human beings. Krsna has given stool for the pigs and so nice foodstuff, fruits and grains and milk, for the human being. Not that every food is for everyone. No. What is called? "One man's food, another man's poison." So the stool is also a kind of food. Everything is a kind of food. Even the stone is also food. You know? The pigeons, they eat the stones particles. They can digest. For them, the hardest peas are supplied. So they can digest. Payara-matara. It is called in India, payara-matara. Payara means pigeon. Pigeon's peas. They require such thing. Just like the gorilla. The gorilla animal, where they live in the African jungles... We have read book. There are trees, the fruits of that tree are so hard, harder than the iron bullet. You can hammer on the bullet; it may bend. But that fruit will not bend. So those fruits are taken by the gorillas, and they chew it just like you chew peanuts or something like that, yes. (laughter)

So Krsna has given different foodstuff for different animals. So for human being who is determined to go back to home, back to Godhead, they have got their food. For them, no meat-eating. For them, fine kacuri, rasagulla, puri, for them. As you are... I think Dr. Benard Shaw, he wrote one book, You Are What You Eat. If you eat stool, then you are stool. Because after all, this body will be stool. Because after death, the result is either the body becomes stool or ash or earth. Those who are burying on the ground, in due course the body will turn into earth. That's all. And those who are burning, like in India, Hindus do, this will turn into ash. And those who are throwing for being eaten by the animals and birds... Just like Parsees do in India... They throw, and vultures come, and they eat it, within a second. So after eating, it will be stool of the vulture. That's all. So this beautiful body will be resulted in three things: either stool, earth or ash. And we are taking so much care -- for stool, earth, and ashes. And the occupier of the body? Forgotten. And we are advanced scientists. This is our position.

Therefore it is said, visuddha-dhisanah pare. Those who are purified in their thinking process... Those who are thinking, "I am this body," they are third-class rascals. The present world is simply full with third-class rascals. Because everyone is thinking, "I am American," "I am American," "I am Indian," "I am white," "I am black," "I am Hindu," "I am Muslim," "I am Christian." So "I am this body." That's all. But they cannot. They cannot. Therefore it is said, virajena atmanaiva. Virajena. Virajena means one who has become completely washed, cleansed, viraja. Raja. Raja means this material world, and vi means vigata, without. Virajenaiva. And it is very difficult to come to this position. Therefore it is said, avapur duravapam. It is very difficult to come to this stage of life, but the Pandavas, avapuh, they got it. And for whom it is very difficult? That is also: asadbhih. Asadbhir visayatmabhih.

Who is asat? Asat means that does not exist, or that will not exist. There are two things: one thing will exist permanently, and one thing will not exist. It may exist for few minutes, or few hours or years. So this material world is asat, because it will not exist. Just like your this material body, it will not exist. Everyone knows. Everyone knows that it is born at a certain date, it will continue for certain years, it will produce some by-products, it will change into different forms, and then it will become old and then dwindle and one day finish. This is called sad-vikara, six kinds of changes. It is not progress. If one is progressing in his age, it is not progress. It means he is going to death. Suppose I am seventy-eight years old. So I have... Seventy-eight years I have already died. Only, say two or five years, or something like remaining balance. So people say "advanced age." No. Advanced in death, not advanced in age. So this is asat. It will not stay. It has begun to die from the very moment of his birth. If you ask a newly born child how old it is, the mother says, "It is one month old." So one month means he has already died one month. And balance months and years he has to die. Simply he has to wait for that death. So this kind of duration of life is called asat. And this kind of existence, the material existence, it also asat. Narottama dasa Thakura therefore sings, sat-sanga chadi' kainu asate vilasa, te-karane lagila ye karma-bandha-phansa. "I gave up sat-sanga, om tat sat, spiritual society. I associated myself with the material society. Therefore I am now entangled by karma by karma, one after another, one after another."

So spiritual realization is difficult for persons, asadbhih. Why it is difficult? Visayatmabhih. Because they are simply attracted by the four principles of material life: eating, sleeping, sex life and, one day, death. They cannot. One must be above this interest. One must be very sane man, that "These kinds of interests are there in the animals. So if I am also interested in only these things, then where is the difference between this dog and me?" Something more.

That information is given in the Bhagavad-gita. Avinasi tu tad viddhi yena sarvam idam tatam. Yena sarvam idam. This body is perishable, asat. But there is another sat, means permanent thing. What is that? Avinasi tu tad viddhi. You try to understand that thing, which is eternal. What is that? Yena sarvam idam tatam, that which is spreading all over your body. You pinch your body. You feel pain. Why? Because there is consciousness. The consciousness is permanent. And as soon as the consciousness is gone, you chopped up your hand, no response. So take... It is a very nice statement. Tat, that consciousness, is avinasi, is eternal. Where is the difficulty?

So those who are not interested to understand this consciousness and the origin of consciousness, they are asat. They cannot understand what is spiritual life. Therefore the beginning of spiritual life... In the Bhagavad-gita, it is said that dehino 'smin yatha dehe [Bg. 2.13]. In this body, in this asat, this temporary body, there is the proprietor of the body. Dehino 'smin yatha dehe. The proprietor of the body. So that is to be understood. So how it can be understood? Vidhuta-kalmasah. Those who are washed off of the sinful act... Therefore we prescribe that "Don't be associated with sinful activities." What is that? Illicit sex, meat-eating, intoxication and gambling. One who is washed off of these, vidhuta-kalmasa sthanam, that sthanam, that place, is virajena atmanaiva vidhuta-kalmasah... Those who are washed of... Otherwise it is not possible. If you think that "I shall do this and do that," then do this, not that. That is finished. You go on doing this life after life, and remain in this material world. That is the point.

Sri Yudhishthira MahArAj said, “Oh JanArdana, what is the name of the EkAdasii that occurs during the dark fortnight (krishna paksha) of the month of Jyeshtha (May-June) ?  I wish to hear from You the glories of this sacred day of Hari. Please narrate everything to me”

Lord Sri Krishna said, “Oh king, your inquiry is wonderful because the answer will benefit the whole human society. This EkAdasii is so sublime and meritorious that even the greatest sins can be erased by its purity.

“Oh great saintly king, the name of this unlimitedly meritorious EkAdasii is AparA EkAdasii. Whoever fasts on this holy day becomes famous all over the universe. Even such sins as killing a brAhmana, a cow, or an embryo; blasphemy; or having sex with another man’s wife are completely eradicated by observing AparA EkAdasii.

“Oh king people who bear false witness are most sinful. A person who falsely or sarcastically glorifies another; one who cheats while weighing something on a scale; one who fails to execute the duties of his varna or Ashrama (an unqualified man’s posing as a brahmin, for example, or a person’s reciting the Vedas wrongly); one who invents his own scriptures; one who cheats others; one who is a charlatan astrologer, a cheating accountant, or a false Ayurvedik doctor – all these are surely as bad as persons who bears false witness, and they are all destined for hellish punishments. But simply by observing AparA EkAdasii, all such sinners become completely free of their sinful reactions.

“Warriors who fall from their kshatriya-dharma and flee the battlefield go to a ferocious hell. But, Oh Yudhishthira, even such a fallen kshatriya, if he observes fasting on the AparA EkAdasii, is freed of that great sinful reaction and goes to heaven.

“That disciple is the greatest sinner who, after receiving a proper spiritual education from his spiritual master, turns around and blasphemes him. Such a so-called disciple suffers unlimitedly. But even he, rascal though he be, if he simply observes AparA EkAdasii, can attain to the spiritual world. Listen, Oh king, as I describe to you further glories of this amazing EkAdasii.

“The merit attained by one who performs all of the following acts of piety is equal to the merit achieved by one who observes AparA EkAdasii: bathing three times daily in Pushkara-kshetra during Kartika (October-November); bathing at Prayag in the month of Magh (January-February) when the sun is in the zodiac of Capricorn; rendering service to Lord Shiva at VarANasi (Benares) during Shiva-ratri; offering oblations to one’s forefathers at GayA; bathing in the sacred Gautami River when Jupiter transits Leo (Simha); having darshan of Lord Shiva at KedArnAtha; seeing Lord BadrinAth when the Sun transits the sign of Aquarius (Kumbha); and bathing at the time of a solar eclipse at Kurukshetra and giving cows, elephants, and gold there in charity. All the merit one gets from performing these pious acts is gained by a person who observes the AparA EkAdasii fast. Also, the merit attained by one who donates a pregnant cow, along with gold and fertile land, is attained by one who fasts on this day.

“In other words, AparA EkAdasii is an axe that cuts down the fully matured forest full of trees of sinful deeds, it is a forest fire that burns sins as if they were kindling firewood, it is the sun blazing before one’s dark misdeeds, and it is a lion stalking the meek deer of impiety.

“Therefore, Oh Yudhishthira, whoever truly fears his past and present sins must observe AparA EkAdasii very strictly. One who does not observe this fast must be born again in the material world, like one bubble among millions in a huge body of water, or like a small ant among all other species. NOTE

“Therefore one must faithfully observe the sacred AparA EkAdasii and worship the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Trivikrama. One who does so is freed of all his sins and promoted to the abode of Lord Vishnu.

“Oh BhArata, for the benefit of all humanity I have thus described to you this the importance of the holy AparA EkAdasii.

“Anyone who hears or reads this description is certainly freed from all kinds of sins, oh best of saintly kings, Yudhishthira.

1/.  Pushkara-kshetra, in western India, is the only place on Earth where a bona-fide temple of Lord BrahmA is to be found.

2/. The Vedas declare, narAh budbudA samAh: “The human form of life is like a bubble in water”. In water, many bubbles form and then suddenly burst a few seconds later. Thus if a person does not utilize his rare human body to serve the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna, his life has no more value or permanence than a bubble in water. Therefore, as the Lord herein recommends, we should serve Him by fasting on Hari-vAsara, or EkAdasii.
 In this regard, Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada writes in the Srimad Bhagavatam (SB 2:1:4 purport) “The great ocean of material nature is tossing with the waves of time, and the so-called living conditioned are something like foaming bubbles, which appear before us as bodily self, wife, children, society, countrymen, etc. Due to a lack of knowledge of self, we become victimised by the force of ignorance and thus spoil the valuable energy of human life in a vain search after permanent living conditions, which are impossible in this material world.”

The Pandava Nirjal Ekadasi Menu:

Srila Prabhupada's suggestion for Bhima ekadasi (Pandava nirjal ekadasi)

Everyone can fast according to degree of health

On the dvadasi one should give full pots of water to brahmanas and feed them before breaking one's fast.

SAMVATSARASYA YA MADHYE EKADASYO BHAVANTI HI
TASAM PHALAM AVAPNOTI PUTRA ME NA ATRA SAMSAYAH
ITI MAM KESAVAH PRAHA SANKHA CAKRA GADADHARAH

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 15/25 from PADMA PURANA Vyasadeva speaks to Bhimasena)

 Oh son, Lord Keshava, Who holds the club, disk, conch and lotus flower in His hand, personally told me that all of the merit achieved by fasting on whatever EkAdasis fall in one year can be attained by fasting on this one EkAdasii (nirjalA EkAdasii). Of this, there is no doubt.

ATMADROHAH KRTASTES TU YAIR ESA NA HY UPOSITA
PAPATMANO DURACARA DUSTAS TE NA ATRA SAMSAYAH

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 15/33 from PADMA PURANA Vyasadeva speaks to Bhimasena)

 Anyone who does not fast on this particular EkAdasii (nirjalA EkAdasii), they should be understood to be sinful, corrupted and suicidal person without a doubt.

The Story of PANDava NirjalA EkAdasii:

PANDava NirjalA EkAdasii - Jyeshtha-shukla EkAdasii - from Brahma-vaivarta PurANam.

Once Bhimasena, the younger brother of Maharaja Yudhisthira, asked the great sage Shrila VyAsadeva, the grandfather of the PANDavas, if it is possible to return to the spiritual world without having observed all the rules and regulations of the EkAdasii fasts.

Bhimasena then spoke as follows, “Oh greatly intelligent and learned grandfather, my brother Yudhisthira, my dear mother Kunti, and my beloved wife Draupadi, as well as Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva, fast completely on each EkAdasii and strictly follow all the rules, guidelines and regulative injunctions of that sacred day. Bring very religious, they always tell me that I should also fast on that day too. But, Oh learned grandfather, I tell them that I cannot live without eating, because as the son of VAyudeva – Samanaprana, (the digestive air) hunger is unbearable to me. I can give widely in charity and worship Lord Keshava properly with all manner of wonderful upacharas (items), but I cannot be asked to fast on EkAdasii. Please tell me how I can obtain the same merits result without fasting.”

Hearing these words, the grandsire of Bhima, Srila VyAsadeva said, “If you want to go to the heavenly planets and avoid the hellish planets, you should indeed observe a fast on both the light and dark EkAdasiis.”

Bhima replied, “Oh great saintly intelligent grandfather, please listen to my plea. Oh greatest of munis, since I cannot live if I eat only once in a day, how can I possibly live if I fast completely? Within my stomach burns a special fire named Vrika, the fire of digestion. Agni the fire-god, descends from Lord Vishnu through BrahmA, from BrahmA to Angirasa, from Angirasa to Brihaspathi, and from Brihaspathi to Samyu, who was Agni'’ father. He is the gatekeeper in charge of Nairritti, the south-eastern direction. He is one of the eight material elements, and Parikshit MahArAja, he is very expert at examining things. He examined MahArAja Shibi once by turning into a dove (for further information on this incident see Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada’s Srimad Bhagavatam commentary to 1:12:20. Purport.)

Agni is divided into three categories; DavAgni, the fire in wood, JatharAgni, the fire in the digestion in the stomach, and VadavAgni, the fire that creates fog when hot and cold streams mix in for example the ocean. Another name for the fire of digestion is Vrika. It is this powerful fire that resided in Bhima’s stomach.

 Only when I eat to my full satisfaction does the fire in my stomach become satisfied. Oh great sage, I might possibly be able to fast only once, so I beg that you tell me of an EkAdasii that is worthy of my fasting and that includes all other EkAdasiis. I shall faithfully observe that fast and hopefully still become eligible for liberation’s release.”

Shrila VyAsadeva replied, Oh king, you have heard from me about the various kinds of occupational duties, such as elaborate Vedik ceremonies and pujas. In the Kali-yuga, however, no one will be able to observe all these occupational, functional duties properly. I shall therefore tell you how, at practically no expense, one can endure some small austerity and achieve the greatest benefit and resultant happiness. The essence of what is written in the Vedic literatures known as the PurANas is that one should not eat on either the dark or light fortnight EkAdasiis.” As stated in Srimad Bhagavatam (Mahabhagavat PurANam) 12:13:12 and 15.) the Bhagavat PurANam is itself the essence or cream of all VedAnta philosophy (sara-vedAnta-sAram), and the Srimad Bhagavatam’s unequivocal message is that of full surrender to Lord Sri Krishna and the rendering of loving devotional service to Him. Observing EkAdasii strictly is a great aid in that process, and here Shrila VyAsadeva is simply stressing to Bhima the importance of the EkAdasii vratam. “…One who fasts on EkAdasiis saved from going to the hellish planets.”

Hearing Shrila VyAsadeva’s words, the son of VAyu, Bhimasena, the strongest of all warriors, became frightened and began to shake like a leaf on a banyan tree in a strong wind. The frightened Bhimasena then said, “Oh grandfather, what should I do? I am completely unable and ill equipped to fast twice in a month throughout the year! Please tell me of the one fasting day that will bestow the greatest benefit upon me!”

VyAsadeva replied, “Without drinking even water, you should fast on the EkAdasii that occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Jyeshtha (May-June) when the sun travels in the sign of Taurus (Vrishabh) and Gemini (Mithun), According to learned personalities, on this day one may bathe and perform Achamana for pratiprokshana purification. But while performing Achamana one may drink only that amount of water equal to a drop of gold, or that amount it takes to immerse a single mustard seed. Only this amount of water should be placed in the right palm for sipping, which one should form to resemble a cow’s ear. If one drinks more water than this, he might as well have drunk wine – despite the soaring heat of summer (in the northern hemisphere and cold in the southern hemisphere).

“One must certainly not eat anything, for if he does so he breaks his fast. This rigid fast is in effect from sunrise on the EkAdasii day to sunrise on the DwAdashii day. If a person endeavours to observe this great fast very strictly, he easily achieves the result of observing all twenty-four other EkAdasii fasts throughout the entire year.

“On DwAdashii the devotee should bathe early in the morning. Then, according to the prescribed rules, guidelines and regulative injunctions, and of course depending on his ability, he should give some gold and water to worthy brAhmaNas. Finally, he should cheerfully honour prasAdam with a brAhmaNa.

“Oh Bhimasena, one who can fast on this special EkAdasii in this manner reaps the benefit of having fasted on every EkAdasii during the year. There is no doubt of this, nor should there be. Oh Bhima, now hear the specific merit one gets by fasting on this EkAdasii. The Supreme Lord Keshava, who holds a conch, discus, club and lotus, personally told me, ‘Everyone should take shelter of Me and follow My instructions.’ Then He told me that one who fasts on this EkAdasii, without taking even drinking water or eating, becomes free of all sinful reactions, and that one who observes the difficult nirjalA fast on Jyeshtha-shukla EkAdasii truly reaps the benefit of all other EkAdasii fasts.

“Oh Bhimasena, in the Kali-yuga, the age of quarrel and hypocrisy, when all the principles of the Vedas will have been destroyed or greatly minimised, and when there will be no proper charity or observance of the ancient Vedik principles and ceremonies, how will there be any means of purifying the self? But there is the opportunity to fast on EkAdasii and become free of all one’s past sins.

“Oh son of VAyu, what more can I say to you? You should not eat during the EkAdasiis that occur during the dark and light fortnights, and you should even give up drinking water (nir = no jalaa= water) on the particularly auspicious EkAdasii day of Jyeshtha-shukla EkAdasii. Oh Vrikodara (veracious eater), whoever fasts on this EkAdasii receives the merits of bathing in all the places of pilgrimage, giving all kinds of charities to worthy persons, and fasting on all the dark and light EkAdasiis throughout the year, in one go. Of this there is no doubt.

 Oh tiger among men, whoever fasts on this EkAdasii truly becomes a great person and achieves all manner of opulence and wealth, grains, strength, and health. And at the fearful moment of death, the terrible YamadUtas, whose complexions are yellow and black and who brandish huge maces and twirl mystic pAsha ropes in the air for binding their victims, will refuse to approach him. Rather, such a faithful soul will at once be taken to the supreme abode of Lord Vishnu by the Vishnu-dUtas, whose transcendentally beautiful forms are clothed in gorgeous yellowish garments and who each hold a disk, club, conch and lotus in their four hands, resembling Lord Vishnu. It is to gain all these benefits that one should certainly fast on this very auspicious and important EkAdasii, even from water.”

When the other PANDavas heard about the benefits to be gained by following Jyeshtha-shukla EkAdasii, they resolved to observe it exactly as their grandfather Srila VyAsadeva had explained it to their brother, Bhimasena. All the PANDavas observed it by refraining from eating or drinking anything, and thus this day is also known as PANDava NirjalA DvAdashii (technically it is a Maha-DvAdashii).

Shrila VyAsadeva continued, Oh Bhimasen, therefore you should observe this important fast to remove all your past sinful reactions. You should pray to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna in this way making your sankalpa declaration, ‘Oh Lord of all the devas (demigods), Oh Supreme Personality of Godhead, today I shall observe EkAdasii without taking any water. Oh unlimited Anantadev, I shall break fast on the next day, DwAdashii.’  Thereafter, to remove all his sins, the devotee should honour this EkAdasii fast with full faith in the Lord and with full control over his senses. Whether his sins are equal in volume to Mount Sumeru or to MandarAchala Hill, if he or she observes this EkAdasii, the sins that have been accumulated all become nullified and are burned to ashes. Such is the great power of this EkAdasii.

“Oh best of human beings, although a person should also give water and cows in charity during this EkAdasii, if for some reason or other he cannot, then he should give a qualified brAhmaNa some cloth or a pot filled with water. Indeed, the merit achieved by giving water alone equals that gained by giving gold ten million times a day.

“Oh Bhima, Lord Sri Krishna has said that whoever observes this EkAdasii should take a Holy bath, give charity to a worthy person, chant the Lord’s Holy names on a japa-mAla, and perform some kind of recommended sacrifice, for by doing these things on this day one receives imperishable benefits. There is no need to perform any other kind of religious duty. Observance of this EkAdasii fast alone promotes one to the supreme abode of Sri Vishnu. Oh best of the Kurus, if one donates gold, cloth, or anything else on this day, the merit one obtains is imperishable.

“Remember, whosoever eats any grains on EkAdasii becomes contaminated by sin and verily eats only sin. In effect, he has already become a dog-eater, and after death he suffers a hellish existence. But he who observes this sacred Jyeshtha-shukla EkAdasii and gives something in charity certainly achieves liberation from the cycle of repeated birth and death and attains to the supreme abode. Observing this EkAdasii, which is merged with DwAdashii, frees one from the horrible sin of killing a brAhmaNa, drinking liquor and wine, becoming envious of one’s spiritual master and ignoring his instructions, and continually telling lies.

“Furthermore, Oh best of beings (Jivottama), any man or woman who observes this fast properly and worships the Supreme Lord JalshAyi (He who sleeps on the water), and who on the next day satisfies a qualified brAhmaNa with nice sweets and a donation of cows and money – such a person certainly pleases the Supreme Lord Vasudeva, so much so that one hundred previous generations in his family undoubtedly go to the Supreme Lord’s abode, even though they may have been very sinful, of bad character, and guilty of suicide, etc. Indeed, one who observes this amazing EkAdasii rides on a glorious celestial airplane (vimAna) to the Lord’s abode.

“One who on this day gives a brAhmaNa a waterpot, an umbrella, or shoes surely goes to the heavenly planets. Indeed, he who simply hears these glories also attains to the transcendental abode of the Supreme Lord, Shri Vishnu. Whoever performs the Shraddha ceremony to the forefathers on the dark-moon day called amAvasya, particularly if it occurs at the time of a solar eclipse undoubtedly achieves great merit, but this same merit is achieved by him who simply hears this sacred narration – so powerful and so dear to the Lord is this EkAdasii.

“One should clean his teeth properly and, without eating or drinking, observe this EkAdasii to please the Supreme Lord, Keshava. On the day after EkAdasii one should worship the Supreme Personality of Godhead in His form as Trivikrama by offering Him water, flowers, incense, and a brightly burning lamp. Then the devotee should pray from the heart, ‘Oh God of gods, Oh deliverer of everyone, Oh Hrishikesha, master of the senses, kindly bestow upon me the gift of liberation, though I can offer you nothing greater than this humble pot filled with water.’  Then the devotee should donate the waterpot to a brAhmaNa.

“Oh Bhimasena, after this EkAdasii fast and donating the recommended items according to his ability, the devotee should feed brAhmaNas and thereafter honour prasAdam silently.”

Shrila VyAsadeva concluded, “I strongly urge you to fast on this auspicious, purifying, sin-devouring DwAdashii in just the way I have outlined. Thus you will be completely freed of all sins and reach the supreme abode.”

These stories have been summarised and slightly changed or abbreviated from how they are found in the celebrated book, "Ekadasi: The Day of Lord Hari" 1986. HH Krishna Balaram Swami. Bhaktivedanta Institute Press. pages 87-91.

The Ekadasi Page:

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati's Navadwip Panjika Intro'

Vaishnava Calendar Page
Ekadasi Vratas according to Hari Bhakti Vilas smriti
Ekadasis Throughout the year in detail - their observances, benefits, and individual origin

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TRANSLATION
This child will be a munificent donor of charity and protector of the surrendered, like the famous King Çibi of the Uçénara country. And he will expand the name and fame of his family like Bharata, the son of Mahäräja Duñyanta.

PURPORT
A king becomes famous by his acts of charity, performances of yajïas, protection of the surrendered, etc. A kñatriya king is proud to give protection to the surrendered souls. This attitude of a king is called éçvara-bhava, or factual power to give protection in a righteous cause. In the Bhagavad-gétä the Lord instructs living beings to surrender unto Him, and He promises all protection. The Lord is all-powerful and true to His word, and therefore He never fails to give protection to His different devotees. The king, being the representative of the Lord, must possess this attitude of giving protection to the surrendered souls at all risk. Mahäräja Çibi, the King of Uçénara, was an intimate friend of Mahäräja Yayäti, who was able to reach the heavenly planets along with Mahäräja Çibi. Mahäräja Çibi was aware of the heavenly planet where he was to be transferred after his death, and the description of this heavenly planet is given in the Mahäbhärata (Ädi-parva 96.6–9). Mahäräja Çibi was so charitably disposed that he wanted to give over his acquired position in the heavenly kingdom to Yayäti, but he did not accept it. Yayäti went to the heavenly planet along with great åñis like Añöaka and others. On inquiry from the åñis, Yayäti gave an account of Çibi’s pious acts when all of them were on the path to heaven. He has become a member of the assembly of Yamaräja, who has become his worshipful deity. As confirmed in the Bhagavad-gétä, the worshiper of the demigods goes to the planets of the demigods (yänti deva-vratä devän [Bg. 9.25]); so Mahäräja Çibi has become an associate of the great Vaiñëava authority Yamaräja on that particular planet. While he was on the earth he became very famous as a protector of surrendered souls and a donor of charities. The King of heaven once took the shape of a pigeon-hunter bird (eagle), and Agni, the fire-god, took the shape of a pigeon. The pigeon, while being chased by the eagle, took shelter on the lap of Mahäräja Çibi, and the hunter eagle wanted the pigeon back from the King. The King wanted to give it some other meat to eat and requested the bird not to kill the pigeon. The hunter bird refused to accept the King’s offer, but it was settled later on that the eagle would accept flesh from the body of the King of the pigeon’s equivalent weight. The King began to cut flesh from his body to weigh in the balance equivalent to the weight of the pigeon, but the mystic pigeon always remained heavier. The King then put himself on the balance to equate with the pigeon, and the demigods were pleased with him. The King of heaven and the fire-god disclosed their identity, and the King was blessed by them. Devarñi Närada also glorified Mahäräja Çibi for his great achievements, specifically in charity and protection. Mahäräja Çibi sacrificed his own son for the satisfaction of human beings in his kingdom. And thus child Parékñit was to become a second Çibi in charity and protection.
Dauñyanti Bharata: There are many Bharatas in history, of which Bharata the brother of Lord Räma, Bharata the son of King Åñabha, and Bharata the son of Mahäräja Duñyanta are very famous. And all these Bharatas are historically known to the universe. This earth planet is known as Bhärata, or Bhärata-varña, due to King Bharata the son of Åñabha, but according to some this land is known as Bhärata due to the reign of the son of Duñyanta. So far as we are convinced, this land’s name Bhärata-varña was established from the reign of Bharata the son of King Åñabha. Before him the land was known as Ilävati-varña, but just after the coronation of Bharata, the son of Åñabha, this land became famous as Bhärata-varña.
But despite all this, Bharata, the son of Mahäräja Duñyanta was not less important. He is the son of the famous beauty Çakuntalä. Mahäräja Duñyanta fell in love with Çakuntalä in the forest, and Bharata was conceived. After that, Mahäräja forgot his wife Çakuntalä by the curse of Kaëva Muni, and the child Bharata was brought up in the forest by his mother. Even in his childhood he was so powerful that he challenged the lions and elephants in the forest and would fight with them as little children play with cats and dogs. Because of the boy’s becoming so strong, more than the so-called modern Tarzan, the åñis in the forest called him Sarvadaman, or one who is able to control everyone. A full description of Mahäräja Bharata is given in the Mahäbhärata, Ädi-parva. The Päëòavas, or the Kurus, are sometimes addressed as Bhärata due to being born in the dynasty of the famous Mahäräja Bharata, the son of King Duñyanta.

Rämeçvara: On the calendar it says it is Bhéma-ekädaçé.
Prabhupäda: Bhéma-ekädaçé, yes.
Rämeçvara: So I’ve been told that if one fasts on Bhéma-ekädaçé, that it is like fasting on all the ekädaçés. Is that true?
Prabhupäda: Yes. Ekädaçé is meant for fasting, either Bhéma or Arjuna. But we cannot fast, therefore we have to take little fruits and.... Otherwise, ekädaçé means fasting.
Tamäla Kåñëa: If it is possible, should we go without eating at all?
Prabhupäda: Yes. But don’t lie down and sleep.
Mahendra: Eating mahä-prasädam is also fasting.
Prabhupäda: Who says?
Mahendra: You said that to Paramahaàsa Swami once.
Prabhupäda: And you heard from Paramahaàsa.
Mahendra: No, I was in the room. It was when he was trying to observe Caturmäsya.
Prabhupäda: I never said that.
Mahendra: Oh, okay, I must have heard wrong.
Prabhupäda: If there is service and, on my fasting, service will be stopped, then I can take. First consideration, service. Now if somebody feels weak, he can take mahä-prasäda, render service.
Rämeçvara: That priest that has now become your disciple, he’s joining Satsvarüpa Mahäräja’s party. He’s very interested, and Satsvarüpa Mahäräja has said he would like him to come to travel together and study.
Prabhupäda: Very good.

( ACBSP. Morning Walk. June 7th 1976. Los Angeles)

Fasting:
"One who is physically unable to fast on Ekadasi may read the glories of each Ekadasi when it occurs and recite all the names of the Ekadasis; thus he will achieve the same goal as the person who observes the full Ekadasi vow."

Whether one is a Vaisnava or a Saivite, everyone should fast on Ekadasi day.

EKA BHUKTENA NAKTENA BALA VRDDHA ATURAH KSIPET
PAYO MULA PHALAIR VAPI NA NIRDVAD ASIKO BHAVET

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/91 from MARKANDEYA PURANA)

 A child, an old man or a person unable to fast can take something to eat in the evening or once in the day, whether it be milk, fruit or water, but should properly follow the Ekadasi fast. One should not give up fasting on Ekadasi.

VYADHIBHIK PARIBHUTANAM PITTA ADHIKA SARIRINAM
TRINSAD VARSADHIKANAN CA NAKTA-ADI PRIKALPANAM

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/93 from BAUDHAYANA SMRTI)

 Any person who is diseased, or who is dominated by bile or who has aged more than thirty years (after householder life), they are advised to eat in the evening on the Ekadasi day.

 Srila Sanatana Gosvami remarks, "Aging more than thirty years means after household life ends. This is understood to be around sixty years of age, so thirty years added to that is ninety years." Furthermore, "One should go to the forest at the ate of fifty". According to this statement, a grhastha's life is said to be fifty years, that is he has decided to live in his family life until the age of fifty. Even then, if one adds thirty years, if becomes approximately eighty years. Therefore, fasting is recommended until a minimum age of eighty (actually it means throughout life).

ASTA ETANY AVRTAGHNANI APO MULAM PHALAM PAYAH
HAVIR BRAHMANA KAMYA CA GUROR VACANAM AUSADHAM

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/100 from MAHABHARATA, UDYOGA PARVA)

 Water, fruits, roots, milk, ghee, the request of a brahmana, the order of a spiritual master and medicine do not wane one's fast.