20210518 Question and Answer Session

The following is a Question & Answer Session zoom given by His Holiness Jayapatākā Swami Mahārāja on May 18th, 2021 in Śrī Dhāma Māyāpur, India.

Question: How can we develop so much attachment to the holy name as Murāri Gupta has?
Is it possible to achieve in this very life or is it a result of many years of devotional service? 

—Akhil Verma

Jayapatākā Swami: Yes, next question! You can achieve it even in this life, by getting the mercy of pure devotees, or you can also take many lives. Depends, what you want.

Question: During the online Bhagavad-gītā class a question was raised about Śrī Paramātmā entering and exiting the body. When does He enter the heart of a living entity and when does He quit? Are there any scriptural references available? 

—Dāmodara Dhanañjaya dāsa

Jayapatākā Swami: You see the Lord accompanies us in all our births and therefore, when we enter, He enters. When we leave, He leaves. This is described in the Bhagavad-gītā. 

Question: I have become very disturbed in provoking or negative situation. How to remain undisturbed and to be firm in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, in spite of these? Please help.

—Harihara Kṛṣṇa Caitanya dāsa

Jayapatākā Swami: In the material world there are always provoking situations. Therefore, it is said we should take shelter at the lotus feet of Lord Kṛṣṇa, or taking the shelter of the spiritual master who is Kṛṣṇa’s representative. If we practice this, then naturally we can become firm.

Hare Kṛṣṇa! 

Question: This universe is liberated by Vāsudeva Datta’s desire, so we are in that same universe. After that it is refilled again with jīvas? 

—Lakṣmī Jayakumārī

Jayapatākā Swami: So Kṛṣṇa can do that, nothing is impossible for Him. But if we take the mercy of Vāsudeva Datta, then we can get liberated to Kṛṣṇa consciousness, in this lifetime.

Question: If we are trying to follow the regulations and practicing devotion, does that mean all our sinful reactions already vanished by Kṛṣṇa’s mercy, or as I am not perfect in Kṛṣṇa consciousness I have to suffer for my past sinful actions? If I have to suffer then will it affect my devotional service? 

Jayapatākā Swami: Nothing can disturb your Kṛṣṇa consciousness if you don’t let it. And we may get free from all our sinful actions. But then if we again commit more, then that is a new situation. So not only should we get freed from the previous ones, but we should also avoid making new sinful reactions. 

Question: What is the significant meaning of holding a straw or grass between one’s teeth? 

—Sucitra Revatī devī dāsī, West Bengal

Jayapatākā Swami: That means approaching in great humility. So holding a blade of grass in your teeth means you are taking a very humble position. 

Question: How can we have a proper attitude like Vāsudeva Datta? 

—Gopa Gopikā devī dāsī, Chile

Jayapatākā Swami: Well, if we take inspiration from the example of Vāsudeva Datta, and try to emulate that, then naturally, gradually we can achieve similar consciousness. 

Question: What happens to one who leaves his body thinking of the spiritual master? 

—Golokapriya Gaurāṅgī devī dāsī

Jayapatākā Swami: Since the guru is a pure devotee, always thinking of his guru and Kṛṣṇa, therefore by thinking of the spiritual master, one can also achieve Kṛṣṇa.

Question: Śrīla Prabhupāda says that his purport are his ecstasies. Where to find the best of Jayapatākā Swami?

Jayapatākā Swami: First we should read all the translations and purports of Śrīla Prabhupāda. They are what inspires me. And what I know, is simply by the mercy of Śrīla Prabhupāda.