If someone is unable to purchase the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam due to high price can we give him Caitanya-caritāmṛta? | Questions and answers

At what point we as followers of Śrīla Prabhupāda should start reading the writings of the previous ācāryas and what should be our mood?

Questioner: Devotee

Date: 2023-10-29

Jayapatākā Swami: Śrīla Prabhupāda, he wanted that his brahminical disciples

be more knowledgeable

and therefore he said that to get second initiation one should get Bhakti-śāstri.

And he said that sannyāsīs should have Bhakti-vaibhava.

And previously he explained to Haṁsadūta and his wife

that all my men and women disciples should pass the Bhakti-vedānta degree.

At that time Bhakti-vedānta had the Teachings of Lord Caitanya

and that they could accept disciples.

So of course, in India, they are still debating

whether ladies can be gurus.

But according to Śrīla Prabhupāda,

he said that if they are knowledgeable,

they could be guru.

So any way I would like to have all my disciples

to get the Bhakti-vedānta degree,

Bhakti-Sārvabhauma

and in this way

learn all the philosophy.

After that, then Śrīla Prabhupāda was saying that we could read Jīva Gosvāmī’s Ṣaṭ-sandarbhas,

those who are very qualified.

So I think that first devotees should study the books of Śrīla Prabhupāda

and then naturally they can after finishing that,

could read other books that Śrīla Prabhupāda recommended.

Link: 20220401 Question and Answer Session

Category: [Sādhanā / Reading / Śāstra]

Because of our services, we may not get enough time to actually read and deliberate on the philosophy. So how can we be assured that by doing just the service, we can still go back to Godhead ?

Questioner: Anon

Date: 2022-08-03

Jayapatākā Swami: Prabhupāda gave me a service of building Māyāpur and then at that time day and night we had two shifts of construction we were working - 600 people working under us - three devotees.

So then I went up to Prabhupāda and said I just want to take out two hours a day for reading books, because I am not getting any chance to read, so I want to take out.

Prabhupāda got angry at me and said, "You think there is a difference between serving and building my project and reading my books?

You see any difference?" (laughter)

"No."

"Then? Then?"

"Hare Kṛṣṇa"

That’s it.

Of course, the point is that while somehow or other I still managed to squeeze out half hour here there something.

It takes some desire.

This idea that we have to stop our service to read… actually, if we really go through our schedule, cut down, or even… you know, cut down on all the little times that we were wasting our…whatever.

If we really go through the schedule we can squeeze out some time every day.

And if there is really so much service that uh, needs to be done, well, that is also a shelter.

That protects us.

We have to see, if that much emergency service we have to do.

There was a big emergency in Māyāpur.

Of course, Prabhupāda generally tells everyone we should read for an hour a day.

But if we attend two classes that is also reading.

If we are hearing a class that is also reading, it is not that one is not reading.

We are hearing the Bhāgavatam every day.

In addition to that we can get time for reading, we have to just really economize.

That way if we have a desire that we want to do our service so quickly and so perfectly so that we can get little time for reading,

not little more time for sleeping or little more time for gossip… as soon as there’s a little time, we all start to gossip, or we do something else.

We have more taste sometimes for prajalpa, for other things, but if we actually tried to squeeze out the time then when we have a little time we immediately sit down and read.

So that is very good, we don't want to have a lot of spare time.

How much can we read anyway?

We can only read as much as we serve.

Service creates in us an appetite for reading.

So that way if you are competing with your time to do as much service then even do it more efficiently by which you can fit in a little more time for reading, you see.

Then it will be difficult for māyā to catch you.

In the spiritual world there is sevya, sevā and sevaka.

There is the served, the service and the servitor.

The process, the person… Everything is the, the person served, the process of service and the servant these three items are completely spiritual therefore the spiritual world is called Absolute.

There is no tinge of material contamination there.

We just have to see if our… if we can keep our consciousness in the service then there is no problem.

If our consciousness is becoming agitated we need some special instructions, then we have to discuss with authorities.

As long as the consciousness is good, one doesn’t have to think that well, just by serving you are not going to get where you want to go, because actually this service is completely pure.

Rather, just like Pra… I don't chant more than 16 rounds.

First, I will chant 16 rounds then I will read.

Then after I complete what I consider enough reading then I will chant more than 16 rounds, you see.

My priority is, first finish my rounds then read.

Sometimes devotees chant 20 rounds, 30 rounds.

Not always, but sometimes they chant more rounds.

My next priority after rounds is reading.

Then after that then more rounds sometimes if I have more time.

So, in this way, somehow or another we have to adjust everything without actually reducing.

We should not reduce, we should think how to further increase.

If there is so much service that you have no time for reading and if… if… if you are so expert that you are also not giving any time for māyā in your day, well then you are still safe.

And of course, you are attending class, so some reading is there, that is also reading.

Not that Prabhupāda did not think this was reading.

Then you can further become expert or arrange to engage other devotees who may not be as fully engaged and squeeze out a little time for reading.

Our goal is not to reduce service, but somehow fit everything in, increasing, as far as possible.

And if that can’t be done with one's own service then you try to train some other people to take up more responsibility.

Make more devotees, train them up, is that alright?

Devotee: Yes.

Link: 19821013 Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 5.5.19

Category: [Sādhanā / Sevā], [Sādhanā / Reading / Śāstra], [Kṛṣṇa (Godhead)]

Before finishing Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam can we also suggest or let the devotees read the Caitanya-bhāgavata and Caitanya-caritāmṛta?

Questioner: Devotee

Date: 2024-05-11

Jayapatākā Swami: When we chant Hare Kṛṣṇa

we chant Pañca-tattva before that.

śrī-kṛṣṇa-caitanya prabhu-nityānanda
śrī-advaita gadādhara śrīvāsādi-gaura-bhakta-vṛnda

Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa, Hare Hare
Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma, Hare Hare

The thing is that the teachings of Caitanya-caritāmṛta are very advanced.

Therefore, as far as the teachings are concerned we may be able to understand it better there.

Now we know in principle, basic, that Lord Caitanya is very merciful,

and we can know basic things about Lord Caitanya.

But to read Caitanya-caritāmṛta there are some pastimes which are very advanced

and we may not understand all the nectar.

So we study something before,

something after.

We know that Lord Caitanya, He has given us the special mercy.

Hare Kṛṣṇa!

He (Vrajeśvara Gaura dāsa) is reminding me that in the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam introduction Śrīla Prabhupāda has given description of Lord Caitanya in about 50 pages, and you can read that too.

Haribol!

I am finishing my class quickly so you can have your prasāda soon!

Srila Jayapataka Swami Gurumaharaja Ki! Jay!

Srila Prabhupada Ki! Jay!

Gaur Premanande!

Link: 20240205 Evening Address | Question-and-Answer session

Category: [Sādhanā / Reading / Śāstra], [Sādhanā / Technicalities]

Can somebody start reading Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam before finishing Bhagavad-gītā As It Is. How can I increase my ruci or taste for hearing devotional topics?

Questioner: Devotee

Date: 2023-02-22

Jayapatākā Swami: Reading Bhagavad-gītā first and then Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is also recommended.

But some people, they like to read many books at one time.

So, it is fine if someone reads Bhagavad-gītā and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.

Someone may read Bhagavad-gītā and Nectar of Devotion.

Link: 20220915 Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.19.20

Category: [Sādhanā / Reading / Śāstra]

Can we read Caitanya-caritāmṛta before finishing the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam?

Questioner: Cārurūpa Mādhava dāsa:

Date: 2022-10-17

Jayapatākā Swami: Generally, we read the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam first and then the Caitanya-caritāmṛta.

But we can start reading Bhāgavatam and simultaneously read Caitanya-caritāmṛta.

But usually Caitanya-caritāmṛta philosophy is very high and one may not understand it.

I am trying to write a Kṛṣṇa type book

on Lord Caitanya’s pastimes

and keep the philosophy down;

so that then, one can go and read the Caitanya-caritāmṛta and get all the philosophy.

So it is good we know a little bit of Caitanya-caritāmṛta but

it is not that you leave aside Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam totally.

You should have a regular routine of reading the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.

If you have time, then you can read a little bit of the Caitanya-caritāmṛta as well

or the Śrī Kṛṣṇa Caitanya Book that I am compiling.

Link: 20190114 Question and Answer Session

Category: [Sādhanā / Technicalities], [Sādhanā / Reading / Śāstra]

Does reading Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books regularly and listening to your classes also qualify as association ?

Questioner: Harihara Kṛṣṇa Caitanya dāsa

Date: 2022-08-29

Why not?

Of course, all these things are very helpful in your spiritual life.

But we have to avoid also the association of non-devotees.

And that is why it would be good if there is some temple nearby

you can attend and to associate with devotees.

But if there are no devotees and you have Śrīla Prabhupāda books,

listen to my classes.

We see now by internet we have various Jayapatākā Swami Śiṣya Samūha [JSSS] programs,

you can attend them.

Actually, on the internet, we see YouTube I visit various temples every day.

So, now the internet we can associate with different devotees.

Via internet we can have good association, satsaṅga but we can also get into bad association.

So we should take the good and leave the bad.

Link: 20211218 Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.13.29

Category: [Gauḍīya History / Śrīla Prabhupāda], [Sādhanā / Reading / Śāstra], [Vaiṣṇava Dealings / Association (Sādhu-saṅga)]

Every day I make a resolve that I will do so many rounds of chanting, this much reading of scriptures and then do my studies. But I am not able to keep this program steadily.

Questioner: Devotee

Date: 2024-02-20

Jayapatākā Swami: Why you are not able to keep the program? What is it that your mind gets attracted to and does not let you do your daily routine properly?

That is your enemy.

You have to hear from the senior devotees about which is the obstacle that stops you.With the weapon of knowledge, you have to cut that.

Doing this you will become strong.

Doing exercise, in one day suddenly you cannot lift 100 kilos!

Slowly 20, 30, 40, 60, and finally in the future you can life 100 kilos.

Maybe more also.

Now His Holiness Bhānu Swami can lift a lot of weight!

I cannot!

He does exercise every day.

You are trying, that is good.

You should not feel disappointed.

Just keep going.

Link: 20200911 Zoom Session with Bangladesh National Youth Gathering

Category: [Emotions / Enthusiasm], [Sādhanā], [Sādhanā / Chanting (Japa)], [Sādhanā / Reading / Śāstra]

How can I increase my taste in reading Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books?

Questioner: Devotee

Date: 2023-08-16

Jayapatākā Swami: Before you read chant your praṇāmas

to guru and Śrīla Prabhupāda.

In that way read the book with full attention.

And then gradually by reading every day your taste will increase.

Link: 20230322 Question and Answer Session

Category: [Gauḍīya History / Śrīla Prabhupāda], [Sādhanā / Reading / Śāstra]

How can I increase the dependence on holy name and Bhāgavatam?

Questioner: Devotee

Date: 2023-10-29

Jayapatākā Swami: Kṛṣṇa and His name are not different.

And the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is the literary incarnation of Lord Kṛṣṇa.

So if we chant Hare Kṛṣṇa, if there is any anxiety or danger,

Kṛṣṇa helps us.

We have great devotees like Prahlāda Mahārāja, he always took shelter of the holy name and His teachings.

But the demon father Hiraṇyakaśipu asked is your God in this column?

He is everywhere, Prahlāda Mahārāja said.

Then Hiraṇyakaśipu kicked the column.

There was a sound ohh….

Hiraṇyakaśipu was looking where is that sound coming from.

Then Narasiṁhadeva came out from the column.

So, you put your faith in Kṛṣṇa, His holy name, the śāstras, He will never let you down.

Prahlāda Mahārāja was an innocent boy, but his father was a demon.

So Prahlāda was not trying to purposely trouble his father.

So if you read the history of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam then that will strengthen your faith.

Link: 20220618 Question and Answer Session

Category: [Emotions / Enthusiasm], [Sādhanā], [Sādhanā / Chanting (Japa)], [Sādhanā / Reading / Śāstra]

How can I make advancement in devotional life? I try to chant 16 rounds, but I don’t get time to read books. How can I improve in all aspects of spiritual life?

Questioner: Anon

Date: 2022-08-01

If you fix a specific time to read books daily then your reading habit will grow

and if two persons can sit and read, that way your reading habit will increase.

There are some books which are in audio version which you can hear while cooking or doing some work.

Link: 20201011 Zoom Session With Singapore Bengali Devotees

Category: [Sādhanā], [Sādhanā / Chanting (Japa)], [Sādhanā / Reading / Śāstra]

How to concentrate only on Kṛṣṇa as our mind is not stable. Am reading Bhagavad-Gītā and Bhāgavatam, and doing japa but not able to focus mind on Kṛṣṇa?

Questioner: Devotee

Date: 2024-03-15

Jayapatākā Swami: Devotional service is a somewhat gradual process.

After taking initiation,

there is the stage of anartha-nivṛtti,

where the mind is somewhat fluctuating.

Gradually we rise above that,

to become fixed on the level of niṣṭhā.

From there we develop a taste.

Then when you are recognizing your mind is fluctuating,

again and again you have to bring it back to Kṛṣṇa.

In that way you can advance in your devotional service.

Just like, there is a prayer to the mind,

like, Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura, he wrote a book,

Vaiṣṇava Ke?,

I wrote some commentary on that.

Who is a Vaiṣṇava?

He is praying to his mind, what kind of a Vaiṣṇava are you?

It is a very heavy prayer

because he chastises his mind.

And Śrīnivāsa Ācārya wrote a book, Manaḥ Śikṣā,

Teaching the Mind.

So somehow we have to bring the mind under our control.

That is the position of bhakti-yoga.

We don’t let the mind wander,

we keep it engaged in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, all the time.

Link: 20200424 Zoom Session to Kanhaiyādeśa

Category: [Sādhanā / Chanting (Japa)], [Sādhanā / Reading / Śāstra]

How to develop a taste for reading Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books?

Questioner: —Sundara Nitāi dāsa, Ujjain.

Date: 2022-10-15

Jayapatākā Swami: Sundara Nitāi dāsa, If you read the books every day, your taste will increase.

And I was reading last night, Śrīla Prabhupāda said that those who are somehow in connection with the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement,

they should read all of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books –

Bhagavad-gītā, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Caitanya-caritāmṛta, and others.

Otherwise, one may fall down and leave Kṛṣṇa consciousness because of inadequate knowledge.

So you can pray to Kṛṣṇa that you can read the books without offence.

And by regularly reading, then you will gradually increase your taste.

Link: 20220515 Question and Answer Session

Category: [Emotions / Enthusiasm], [Sādhanā], [Sādhanā / Reading / Śāstra]

How to read Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books regularly without failure? I am skipping frequently from reading.

Questioner: Paramapuruṣa Mādhava dāsa

Date: 2022-01-05

Jayapatākā Swami: Paramapuruṣa Mādhava dāsa, what can I say?

How to read Śrīla Prabhupāda books regularly without failure?

You say you are skipping frequently from reading.

So we would like you to get the different degrees –

Bhakti-śāstrī, Bhakti-vaibhava,

Bhakti-vedānta, Bhakti-Sārvabhauma.

So naturally to get those degrees you have to read those books.

So making a system to regularly read,

that needs to be done.

And initially maybe you don’t have a taste.

But after sometime, you develop a taste

and then you will be thinking how to get more time to read.

So much nectar!

In the first canto of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam

we are reading how Yudhiṣṭhira was the emperor of the world.

When he heard that Kṛṣṇa had left the world,

had gone back home back to Godhead,

all the Vṛṣnis also went back,

then immediately he enthroned his grandson Parīkṣit

and then he went giving up his crown, belt

and then he prepared himself to go back home back to Godhead.

Link: 20201109 Question and Answer Session

Category: [Sādhanā / Reading / Śāstra]

I am facing difficulty in practically applying the teachings of the Bhagavad-gītā. Even though I have read a particular verse, when it comes to applying it in a situation, I forget it. Need your guidance?

Questioner: IYF Māyāpur

Date: 2022-08-03

We read something, we want to apply it,it stays with us.

You say at the time you forget.

What should I do?

I used to go out, I would preach and sometimes I would forget.

And I would tell people, ok I will see you tomorrow.

Then I would think there was an answer but what is the answer.

So I would talk to some senior devotee

and I would be ready to face them.

Next time I had the answer.

Link: 20201018 Zoom Session with Mayapur IYF Youths

Category: [Day-to-day Life], [Emotions / Confusion], [Sādhanā / Reading / Śāstra]

I am not able to read Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books. How to increase the taste to read Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books?

Questioner: Devotee

Date: 2024-04-27

Jayapatākā Swami: At first you might not have a taste for reading Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books.

But you should still read.

I must have read the books maybe five or ten times.

At first, it was not so much taste, but I knew it was medicine, I had to read it.

Now, I read every day.

And it is very blissful!

So, I got my Bhakti-vaibhava degree, by studying.

And now on the 12th canto of the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam to get my Bhakti-vedānta degree!

How many of you have the Bhakti-śāstrī?

So, Bhakti-śāstrī is mainly Bhagavad-gītā.

And everybody should read that and get the degree.

Bhakti-vaibhava is six cantos of the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.

And Bhakti-vedānta is the last six cantos.

Bhakti-Sārvabhauma is Caitanya-caritāmṛta.

Read, read, read. Read and put it to practice,

it sticks with you.

Link: 20240201 Evening Darśana and Question-and-answer session

Category: [Gauḍīya History / Śrīla Prabhupāda], [Sādhanā / Reading / Śāstra]

I have been distributing Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Bhagavad-gītā and also worship them, but now I have become invalid and disabled. What could be the reason for this?

Questioner: Devotee

Date: 2023-02-15

Jayapatākā Swami: This is due to the time factor.

And bhakti, vairāgya, jñāna, they are eternal tattvas.

But jñāna, vairāgya they became old in Kali-yuga.

But by Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, they became rejuvenated.

If you think that because of distributing books you will remain in this material world forever?

Anyway, we have a limited time to live.

And by your distributing books, after this life we hope you will not have to take birth again!

We should avoid offences.

Link: 20220910 Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.3.40

Category: [Sādhanā / Philosophical questions], [Sādhanā / Reading / Śāstra]

I read Bhagavad-gītā but I don’t remember. I listen to Bhagavad-gītā and I remember. So should I stop reading?

Questioner: Devotee

Date: 2024-02-02

Jayapatākā Swami: Of course, since I had a stroke in 2008,

my eyesight is a little poor.

So I can read when the fonts are very big.

But now I found that either I can have people read to me or I have audio books.

So, if you are better equipped to hear class, you can hear the Bhagavad-gītā with the purports.

Draviḍa Prabhu and other devotees in California,

they have produced audio Bhagavad-gītā.

There may be audio gītās in different websites, I don’t know.

But usually if you read gītā and use what you read, you can remember it.

Like you read it something and that day you think I can use it – when you talk to someone you say, oh, I read this verse in the Bhagavad-gītā today.

Na hanyate hanyamāne śarīre (Bg. 2.20).

Link: 20221024 Evening Darśana

Category: [Sādhanā / Reading / Śāstra]

I read the Bhagavad-gītā and other books but when I go to preach, it does not stay in my mind. What should I do ?

Questioner: Devotee

Date: 2022-08-27

Jayapatākā Swami: If you read, it should stay in your mind.

So, I don’t know why it doesn’t stay in your mind.

You can read a little bit

and say that

if something that doesn’t stay in your mind, you can tell them that you will read and tell them later.

So then you can read again,

refresh your mind

and use it.

If you don’t use it, you lose it.

If you use it, then naturally you can keep it.

Do you take cow’s milk?

Link: 20201118 Zoom Prabhupāda Kathā

Category: [Emotions / Confusion], [Sādhanā / Preaching], [Sādhanā / Reading / Śāstra]

I want to know what is the right mood to take the initiation test?

Questioner: Liz Valero

Date: 2022-10-05

Jayapatākā Swami: You have to listen to and read the books.

Understand the teachings, at least the basic books.

If you read the books, the questions are fairly simple. For instance, what is the difference between the body and soul.

You can have the questions in advance, no secret.

So if you want the questions, we can send you.

So any way don’t feel anxiety.

We want you to pass your test.

And if you don’t pass it first time,

you can ask for the answers.

Next time you pass.

I think they are not so difficult.

Why do you believe that Kṛṣṇa is God?

Questions like that, they are very simple.

More complicated for second initiation.

They have to pass Bhakti-śāstri.

For first initiation, they are very simple.

Okay? No anxiety! Be calm!

Link: 20200818 Question and Answer Session

Category: [Day-to-day Life / Education], [Emotions / Enthusiasm], [Sādhanā / Reading / Śāstra], [Sādhanā / Sevā]

In the Bhagavad-gītā (9.5), Kṛṣṇa says that all beings are in Him but He is not in them. Could you elaborate?

Questioner: Devotee

Date: 2022-10-05

Jayapatākā Swami: Since He is the Absolute Truth,

so everything is in Him.

But He is bigger than anything else.

So it is not that anyone can contain Kṛṣṇa totally.

He is bigger than everything.

He is the cause of all causes.

And He is without any cause Himself.

Link: 20200818 Question and Answer Session

Category: [Kṛṣṇa (Godhead)], [Kṛṣṇa (Godhead) / Spiritual World / Dhāma], [Material World], [Sādhanā / Philosophical questions], [Sādhanā / Reading / Śāstra]

Is it an offense to not be attentive while reading/hearing ?

Questioner: Vraja Kīrtana dāsa

Date: 2022-10-14

Jayapatākā Swami: Śrīla Prabhupāda, he was sitting in the class of his Gurudeva. And someone came and talked to him. He looked away; he was listening to the devotee. And the guru said, “You no need to hear?” So, he thought that as a great blessing, because the guru noticed them. So definitely we want to give our full concentration while class is going on. Hare Kṛṣṇa!

Jayapatākā Swami: Śrīla Prabhupāda, he was sitting in the class of his Gurudeva.

And someone came and talked to him.

He looked away; he was listening to the devotee.

And the guru said, “You no need to hear?”

So, he thought that as a great blessing, because the guru noticed them.

So definitely we want to give our full concentration while class is going on.

Hare Kṛṣṇa!

Link: 20200909 Although Being in a Predicament, the Barber Receives a Boon of Residence in Goloka (Part 2)

Category: [Anarthās], [Aparādha (Offenses)], [Sādhanā], [Sādhanā / Reading / Śāstra], [Sādhanā / Sevā]

It is said nityam-bhāgavata-sevayā - does it mean that we should specifically read Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam daily or reading other books of Śrīla Prabhupāda works too?

Questioner: Devotee

Date: 2022-09-16

Jayapatākā Swami: You should read all of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books

but having read, you may read other books one time.

But Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam you should read every day.

Bhagavad-gītā is necessary for preaching,

the Bhāgavatam takes you to sambanda, abhideya and prayojana.

Link: 20220506 Question and Answer Session

Category: [Gauḍīya History / Śrīla Prabhupāda], [Sādhanā / Reading / Śāstra], [Sādhanā / Sevā]

It is said that if someone donates Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam on Bhādra Pūrṇimā, they go back to Goloka. Would one who has already passed away also attain the same benefit if somebody donated a set on their behalf?

Questioner: Vijaya Gaura Kṛṣṇa dāsa.

Date: 2022-10-12

Jayapatākā Swami: Interesting question.

So, we know that people offer piṇḍa at the Gayā temple.

And we have heard, how people can offer the effect of Ekādaśī.

We can offer the fruit to someone else.

So it would seem that one could offer the fruit of the donation of the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.

I don’t have on hand the direct verse saying that.

But a son who helps the father from the hellish condition is called the putra.

Pu is a hell.

And tra means in short, to deliver.

Putra means one who delivers the parent from hell.

Putrī is the female of the same.

So, it certainly cannot hurt a person, to give such a donation.

We hope that they would go to Goloka.

Certainly, he would be blessed in many ways.

Link: 20200822 Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.1.23

Category: [Festivals], [Kṛṣṇa (Godhead) / Spiritual World / Dhāma], [Sādhanā / Reading / Śāstra]

It is said that vedeṣu durlabham adurlabham ātma-bhaktau (Brahma-saṁhitā 5.33). So that means just by reading one cannot please Kṛṣṇa, one can only please Kṛṣṇa by devotion. But then we also say that one should read books. Some people say, why not just chant Hare Kṛṣṇa, why to read?

Questioner: Devotee

Date: 2023-08-16

Jayapatākā Swami: Oṁ tat sat!

I met a devotee, he said I am reading, there is no need to chant.

People make all kinds of excuses.

So one can say, we can only chant, no need to read.

So I will read and no need to chant.

But we should read, we should chant.

Now Śrīla Prabhupāda, he was giving his purports, which are a way to associate with Śrīla Prabhupāda.

So, I had a lot of personal association with Śrīla Prabhupāda.

Even then, to read what Śrīla Prabhupāda wrote is also very important.

Because he gave his own purports to the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam ślokas.

The purports included the tikas, of different purvācāryas

and also Śrīla Prabhupāda’s own realizations.

That is why it is important to read to have the association of Śrīla Prabhupāda.

And we should chant, by chanting, it purifies the heart.

By reading, when the heart is purified by chanting, then the topics go into the heart.

Link: 20230322 Question and Answer Session

Category: [Sādhanā / Reading / Śāstra]

Please tell people the greatness in the month of Dāmodara from Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books

Questioner: Devotee

Date: 2023-12-19

Jayapatākā Swami: So you want to give synopsis of the question.

Basically she is saying that how do we tell people the greatness, in the month of Dāmodara from Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books.

So through the different Vedic literatures, the greatness of the month of Dāmodara is mentioned.

But that is in the Padma Purāṇa and other Purāṇas.

Slightly mentioned in the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam,

but the most important thing is to engage in devotional service and then during these special months and special days we get multiple benefits.

So to encourage people to engage in devotional service.

We mentioned how Jagāi and Mādhāi, by receiving the mercy of Nitāi-Gaura, they were able to achieve perfection in their lives.

So have them take up the service of Nitāi-Gaura.

Have them chant Hare Kṛṣṇa.

Have them discussing in the holy month of Dāmodara.

Engage them in offering a lamp to Kṛṣṇa, chanting His holy names and doing some services to the devotees of the Lord and the Lord.

In this way, one may get a tastes.

Don’t be attached to the result.

If the persons accepts or maybe the person does not accept.

We don’t have the potency yet, then bring the person to someone who is more advanced

and by their association, that person might get changed.

In the market of the holy name described by Bhakti Vinoda Ṭhākura,

he said how some people sell the goods and some people act as brokers.

They bring the people to the sellers of the goods.

If you have the goods to sell, if you have the personal capacity to give Kṛṣṇa, then you give.

If you don’t have the capacity, you give Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books or bring them to someone who is more advanced

and then that person can hopefully be able to influence the person.

But don’t be discouraged.

Do as far as you can and sometimes may overtly show some disregard but later they change.

But this question said, he or she really believes in what she says and therefore the person remembers.

So the person may outwardly show disdain but inwardly he may be affected,

that how this devotee, how Priyanka is so sincere, I don’t believe in anything.

I was in one TV show in Montreal, Canada,

and they paid me at that time 45 dollars,

I had to play the part of a devotee. And ha! Ha!

It was not difficult for me.

My parents in the show they were trying to tell this kind of personal court.

I was wondering if I got some tips from my father, how I would use it in the service of Kṛṣṇa.

Which I discussed.

Alright, my father said, this acting father,

if I give a gift I want my son use it, not give it to the organization to use it for Kṛṣṇa.

That was the whole thing.

Then the judge, the personal judge was supposed to give his order.

So naturally there was scope for advertisement.

So during the stop the actor said, he really believes in what he is saying!

I don’t believe in anything.

That was his off the record comment.

So the judge he found that I was right, ha! Ha!

But it is a fact that most people don’t believe anything.

That was an eye opener for me.

Link: 20191021 Śrī Krishna Caitanya Book

Category: [Sādhanā / Reading / Śāstra], [Vratās (Austerities)], [Vratās (Austerities) / Kārtika-māsa-vratā]

Reading books for two hours minimum daily. Can you kindly clarify Guru Mahārāja. As a brahmacārī, two hours daily is possible, but as a working devotee can I also read two hours Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books and preaching whatever time permits? Or just focus on preaching service with maybe 45 minutes of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books since many times we need absorption?

Questioner: Hemāṅga Haladhara dāsa

Date: 2022-01-05

Jayapatākā Swami: I don’t know where you are based?

[A-side: from Bengaluru Guru Mahārāja.]

Bengaluru is famous for intense traffic jams.

So one could listen to Śrīla Prabhupāda books on the earphone.

Or if one is driving in the car use the loudspeaker system.

So that also counts for the reading time.

So when a lady is cooking she can play Śrīla Prabhupāda’s recorded lectures

or Bhagavad-gītā in audio.

So, see how much time you have, apart from your work,

and how much time can you spend reading and how much time in preaching.

If you don’t repeat what you read,

you may forget it.

So preaching is also part of reading.

It helps you to absorb the teachings.

Link: 20201104 Question and Answer Session

Category: [Sādhanā / Reading / Śāstra]

Should we follow a routine as in the place and time when it comes to reading Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam?

Questioner: Devotee

Date: 2023-02-22

Jayapatākā Swami: Tapan Miśra, the minister of education has recently published a book about how to read.

So he describes that if we make a habit of reading then it is very good.

And in the beginning, you may read for less time,

but by doing it regularly every day you can gradual increase the capacity.

This is our opportunity to associate with Śrīla Prabhupāda!

Thank you very much!

All glories to Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam!

Link: 20220915 Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.19.20

Category: [Sādhanā / Reading / Śāstra]

Sometimes it happens that different people tell me to read different books, this book or that book. Could you please tell me the right order of books that should be read?

Questioner: Devotee

Date: 2023-09-02

Jayapatākā Swami: Just like we have the Bhakti-śāstrī, Bhakti-vaibhava, Bhakti-vedānta,

Bhakti-Sārvabhauma,

so first book is Bhagavad-gītā, Īśopaniṣad, Nectar of Instruction, first part of Nectar of Devotion.

And of course, with that some of the small books.

Then there are the first six cantos of the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.

And then the second six cantos of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.

Then the Caitanya-caritāmṛta.

Link: 20230421 Question and Answer Session

Category: [Sādhanā / Reading / Śāstra]

There are many activities in spiritual life such as chanting, reading, deity service, Vaiṣṇava-seva and so on. Which one is to be given more importance ?

Questioner: Harihara Kṛṣṇa Caitanya dāsa

Date: 2022-09-08

Link: 20211003 Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.11.28

Category: [Sādhanā], [Sādhanā / Chanting (Japa)], [Sādhanā / Reading / Śāstra], [Vaiṣṇava Dealings], [Vigraha Āradhana (Deity Worship)]

We are reading that all these Svarūpas are mentioned in the Gauḍa-gaṇoddeśa-dīpikā, who has revealed all these in the dīpikā?

Questioner: Devotee

Date: 2023-09-05

Jayapatākā Swami: The writer.

One who wrote it down!

One of the associates of Lord Nityānanda, He analyzed the different pastimes.

Kavi Karṇapura we went to his temple he has Jagannātha Baladeva Subhadrā in a village called Maheśa.

Just by hearing the names of the associates we can every easily get love of Kṛṣṇa.

Link: 20230411 Question and Answer Session

Category: [Sādhanā / Reading / Śāstra]

We have so many varieties of devotional service, like chanting, reading Śrīla Prabhupāda, Deity worship and visiting holy dhāmas. Sometimes we see that when we are more attracted to one method the other methods are getting less importance and we are not able to do them. So whether more reading or more of chanting, or more of Deity worship or more of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books reading, which one is more important?

Questioner: Devotee

Date: 2023-08-16

Jayapatākā Swami: In every yuga, there is a particular, which is most important.

In Kali-yuga, śravaṇam kīrtanam is most important.

Reading books is one form of śravaṇam.

There are nine practices of devotional service

and by practicing any one then also it is possible to be delivered.

But in Kali-yuga it is especially recommended that we chant and hear.

But we should chant, hear remember,

pay obeisances, offer prayers

and do the arcanam,

and do pāda-sevanam, do some service,

considering oneself as the servant of the Lord,

considering the Lord as one’s friend

and offering everything to the Lord,

ātma-nivedenam.

These are the nine practices of devotional service.

Link: 20230322 Question and Answer Session

Category: [Emotions / Confusion], [Sādhanā], [Sādhanā / Chanting (Japa)], [Sādhanā / Reading / Śāstra], [Vigraha Āradhana (Deity Worship)]

What book should I read, which chapter in the Dāmodara month?

Questioner: Rūpaśrī Vasudhā devī dāsī

Date: 2022-01-05

Jayapatākā Swami: In the Kṛṣṇa Book, the chapter on the Dāmodara-līlā is there,

that can be read.

Link: 20201103 Question and Answer Session

Category: [Sādhanā / Reading / Śāstra]

When I read Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books I feel very connected to him. But due to lack of time I am unable to read as much and thus feel guilty. What should I do?

Questioner: Devotee

Date: 2022-08-27

Whether there is any time to do books

during your study,

that you have to analyze

and like, housewives when they are cooking, they can listen to Śrīla Prabhupāda’s class, or his books audio version.

I don’t know specifically what your schedule is that you can give any time in the day for reading.

Sometimes there is so much service to do for your studies,

when there is no time for māyā,

that is good.

Link: 20201118 Zoom Prabhupāda Kathā

Category: [Gauḍīya History / Śrīla Prabhupāda], [Sādhanā / Reading / Śāstra], [Sādhanā / Time Management]

Which one do you recommend first – Caitanya-bhāgavata or Caitanya-caritāmṛta?

Questioner: Devotee

Date: 2023-09-05

Jayapatākā Swami: Since Caitanya-caritāmṛta has the purports of Śrīla Prabhupāda, it would be better to read its purports first.

Although in my compilation, I have going chronologically about the life of Lord Caitanya.

So, the Caitanya-bhāgavata comes first

because that is dealing with His early life.

And then there are other books

and then the Caitanya-caritāmṛta.

But this is at the end of the book and here we have some of the pastimes of Lord Nityānanda and His associates.

This book, I am not putting in the Bengali, I am just telling the translation and purport.

Like the Kṛṣṇa Book.

Link: 20230413 Question and Answer Session

Category: [Sādhanā / Reading / Śāstra]

You always say we should read the books. But I am not able to read the books daily. We have heard them on the app, different audio apps, is that equal? Is that okay?

Questioner: Devotee

Date: 2023-09-02

Jayapatākā Swami: In any way, you can get the knowledge, that is alright.

Hearing the audio books is one way.

These are the process of śravaṇam and kīrtanam.

So reading that is a form of śravaṇam,

if you are hearing, that is śravaṇam.

For me every night I hear one chapter of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.

Link: 20230421 Question and Answer Session

Category: [Sādhanā / Reading / Śāstra]

You said that Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam we can worship like Deity. We have Gaura-Nitāi and Rādhā-Mādhava, can we place Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam as our main Deity on the altar along with guru-paramparā and worship?

Questioner: Devotee

Date: 2023-02-15

Jayapatākā Swami: Why not?

Link: 20220910 Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.3.40

Category: [Sādhanā / Reading / Śāstra]

Question: If someone is unable to purchase the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam due to high price can we give him Caitanya-caritāmṛta?

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