20210725 Q&A Session

The following is the Q&A session for the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (1.9.47) class given by His Holiness Jayapatākā Swami Mahārāja on July 25th, 2021 in Śrī Māyāpur, India.

Question: Bhīṣmadeva had departed during uttarāyaṇa, he was waiting for uttarāyaṇa and departed. In that case why do we follow Bhīṣma Pancaka during dakṣiṇāyana?

Jayapatākā Swami: Uttarāyaṇa was the second consideration, but the actual fact was that Kṛṣṇa was present. So he wanted to leave with full concentration on Kṛṣṇa. But we observe the Bhīṣma Pancaka at the time it is prescribed. The śāstra say that at the end of Kārtika month, from Ekādaśī to Pūrṇimā. Why it is done at this time, I do not know. But this is mentioned in the Hari-bhakti Vilāsa and also in other scriptures in this way.

Question: Why did Bhīṣmadeva being a mahājana who attained perfection place his own vows higher than taking Kṛṣṇa’s side in the battle? 

Jayapatākā Swami: Because he was being maintained by Duryodhana. There is a saying in Bengali jaar nuun khāo taar guṇa gāo. Whoever you take food from or somebody’s salt, you be grateful to that person. So he felt obliged to be on Duryodhana’s side. Duryodhana was accusing him of being partial to the Pāṇḍavas and not fighting fully. Then Bhīṣmadeva took five arrows and did pūjā and took a vow that, with these five arrows, I will kill the Pāṇḍavas. As long as Kṛṣṇa does not interfere. Then Duryodhana said alright, give me those five arrows, I will hold them till tomorrow. He kept the five arrows, put them on his bed. Then Arjuna came to see him. In the night time they would meet each other like friends but in the day time they would fight. So Arjuna said, you owe me a boon, I saved you from the Gandharvas, you said you would give me a boon? Yes, ok, Duryodhana said. I heard you have five arrows, I want those, Arjuna said. How did you know? HOW DID YOU KNOW? Kṛṣṇa told me, Arjuna said. So, Arjuna took those five arrows from Duryodhana. So although Bhīṣma was on the other side, it was a unique situation. So although he was in Duryodhana’s side, he knew all along that Kṛṣṇa was the Supreme Personality of Godhead. It is a unique situation. Last question

Question: If I know that somebody is dying in front of me and I am aware that this person is not interested in Kṛṣṇa, God, but he is dying in front of me and because I know he has no interest in Kṛṣṇa, he will have to take birth again in this material world, what should be my duty at that time, towards this devotee?

Jayapatākā Swami: If in some way you can get him to remember Kṛṣṇa, that will be very nice. By chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa in his ears. At that time, you can chant the Bhagavad-gītā loudly. If you can get him to chant Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā mantra after this, it will be very nice. And at the time of his death you can pour some drops of Gaṅgā water on his head. And at the time of cremation of his body, if you place one or two twigs of dry tulasī, then he will reach the supreme destination.