Upadesamrita/NOI - Reading

Comment

Comment by NOI.padmanabhadas on August 29, 2009 at 6:50pm

Verse 10 added as Audio .

Comment by murari das das on June 15, 2008 at 3:53am

Verse 11:

In conclusion, the glories of Radha-Kunda are continued.
We should be particularly clear on what it actually means to bath in and derive the supreme benefit from Radha-Kunda.
In Anuvrtti it is stated:
"By transcendentally residing ( aprŒakrta-vŒasa) on the banks of ‚RŒadhaŒ-Kunda and by transcendentally bathing (apraŒkrta-snŒana) in its waters, one will obtain the topmost prema. What is meant by aprŒakrta-vŒasa and aprŒakrta-snŒana? Remaining thoroughly aloof from all desires for material sense enjoyment, one should constantly perform deep meditational worship
(mŒanasa-bhajana)in strict devotion to S‚r”imat”i RaŒdhikŒa for the duration of one's life. After shedding this material body, one will attain an eternal spiritual body and be intently engaged in direct, eternal service to S‚r”imat”i RŒadhikŒa. Only one who bathes in RaŒdhaŒ-Kunda in this way attains the topmost prema."

Also from Piyusa-varsini-vrtti:
"The ji”va who has overcome the influence of matter and who has attained his inner perfected spiritual form as a gopi” ( aprŒakrta-gopi”-deha) should reside, in the mood of a maidservant (paŒlyadaŒsi) of S‚r”imati” RaŒdhikŒa, on the banks of transcendental RŒadhaŒ-Kunda in the divine land of Vraja (apraŒkrta-vraja)in the resplendent grove ( ku–nja) of the spiritual master,who is situated in his eternal form as a female friend (guru-rŸupaŒ-sakhi”) of ” RŒadhaŒ-Krsna. Living there, the pure spirit soul (apraŒkrta-ji”va) should externally take constant shelter of chanting harinŒama. Internally, in his spiritually perfected eternal form as a gopi”, he should render service to ‚Sri”mat”i RŒadhikaŒ while deeply meditating on ‚Sri Krsna's eightfold daily pastimes (asta-kaliya-lila”Œ). This is the culmination of bhajana for the devotees who have taken shelter of S‚ri” Caitanya MahŒprabhu's feet."

We should therefore be clear on the distinction between a superficial and genuine attachment to Krsna.
As described in Nectar of Devotion, Chapter 18:
This imitative attachment can be divided into two headings—namely, shadow attachment and para (transcendental) attachment. If someone, without undergoing the regulative principles of devotional service or without being guided by a bona fide spiritual master, shows such imitative attachment, this is called shadow attachment. Sometimes it is found that a person actually attached to material enjoyment or salvation has the good fortune to associate with pure devotees while they are engaged in chanting the holy name of the Lord. By the good grace of the Lord one may also cooperate and join in the chanting. At that time, simply by the association of such pure devotees, the moonlike rays from their hearts reflect on him, and by the influence of the pure devotees he may show some likeness of attachment caused by inquisitiveness, but this is very flickering. And if by the manifestation of such shadow attachment one feels the disappearance of all material pangs, then it is called para attachment.
Such shadow attachment or para attachment can develop if one associates with a pure devotee or visits holy places like Vrndavana or Mathura, and if an ordinary man develops such attachment for Krsna and fortunately performs devotional activities in the association of pure devotees, he can also rise to the platform of pure devotional service. The conclusion is that transcendental attachment is so powerful that if such attachment is seen manifested even in some common man, by the association of a pure devotee it can bring one to the perfectional stage. But such attachment for Krsna cannot be invoked in a person without his being sufficiently blessed by the association of pure devotees.

Imitation of a good thing is desirable, which is actually the case as vaidhi-bhaktas, until by the blessings of Krsna and the Vaisnava's our bhajan deepens to level described above.
Therefore, the cultivation and maintenance of greed for it's attainment is required at every stage until the supreme perfection is achieved.

Comment by murari das das on June 15, 2008 at 2:12am

Verse 10:

The most dear to Krsna is Srimati Radharani. Similarly, Radha-Kunda is also dear to Krsna.
Those who therefore have sufficient bhakti sukrti are qualified and granted residence at Radha-Kunda to perfect their Krsna Consciousness.

Comment by murari das das on June 15, 2008 at 1:35am

Verse 9:

This verse elaborates on the principle of perfect, more perfect and most perfect considerations.

Though Mathura is superior to Vaikuntha because Krsna took birth there, the forest of Vrndavan is better than Mathura. More perfect still is Govardhana Hill where Krsna performed various pastimes. The most perfect place however, is Radha-Kunda which is the storehouse of Krsna's divine love.

Comment by murari das das on June 15, 2008 at 1:20am

Verse 8:

Though devotional service may be performed anywhere at anytime, in terms of what is more favourable to the cultivation of bhakti there is perfect, more perfect and most perfect considerations.
CC Madhya 22.128
sadhu sanga nama kirtan bhagavat sravana
mathura vasa sri murtira sraddhaya sevana
“One should associate with devotees, chant the holy name of the Lord, hear Srimad-Bhagavatam, reside at Mathura and worship the Deity with faith and veneration."
Here the most favourable location for peformance of bhajan is described and confirmed in the commentaries on verse 8 of Upadesamrta. Vraja mandala is the most favourable place for those bhaktas who are cent percent serious about advancing and perfecting their bhajan.

C.C.Madhya 23.14-15
adau sraddha tatah sadhu
sango 'tha bhajana kriya
tato 'nartha nivrttih syat
tato nistha rucis tatha
athasaktis tato bhavas
tatah premabhyudancati
sadhakanam ayam premnah
pradurbhave bhavet kramah
“‘In the beginning there must be faith. Then one becomes interested in associating with pure devotees. Thereafter one is initiated by the spiritual master and executes the regulative principles under his orders. Thus one is freed from all unwanted habits and becomes firmly fixed in devotional service. Thereafter, one develops taste and attachment. This is the way of sadhana-bhakti, the execution of devotional service according to the regulative principles. Gradually emotions intensify, and finally there is an awakening of love. This is the gradual development of love of Godhead for the devotee interested in Krsna consciousness.’

In Anuvrtti it is mentioned that when a strong taste develops at the stage of ruci, the bhakta abandons the path of vaidhi for raga-marga, thus rejecting any vaidhi principles that create an obstruction to progress on the path of ragatmika bhakti, taking the principle of accepting and rejecting to the next level, until ultimately one gives up the material body to fully engage in devotional service under the guidance of the residents of Vraj in Goloka Vrndavan.

Comment by murari das das on June 14, 2008 at 9:52am

Regarding Verse 7 of Sri Upadesamrta:

George Harrison states in the Words From Apple section of Krsna, The Supreme Personality of Godhead that "everybody is looking for Krsna". Some know it, most don't.
Those perpetually wandering in the cycle of birth and death, though who cannot appreciate the association of the internal potency of Krsna due to being covered by the external material energy of the Lord, may due to some unimaginable good fortune obtain the mercy of Guru and Krsna and recieve the seed of the creeper of bhakti, as stated in C.C.Madhya 19.151:
brahmanda brahmite kona bhagyavan jiva
guru krsna prasade paya bhakti lata bija

Then, by carefully watering the root of the creeper of devotional service through the process of hearing and chanting, one's eternal loving relationship with Krsna is revived:
C.C.Madhya 22.107
nitya siddha krsna prema sadhya kabhu naya
sravanadi suddha citte karaye udaya
“Pure love for Krsna is eternally established in the hearts of the living entities. It is not something to be gained from another source. When the heart is purified by hearing and chanting, this love naturally awakens.

Those fortunate enough to obtain sadhu sanga and have their attention directed back to the lotus feet of the Lord thus engage in sravanam kirtanam etc until their pure love for Krsna is fully revived.

Careful attention is thus given to glorify guru as follows:
om ajnana timirandhasya
jnanajana salakaya
caksur unmilitam yena
tasmai sri guruve namah
"I was born in the darkest ignorance, and my spiritual master opened my eyes with the torch of knowledge. I offer my respectful obeisances unto him."

Thus the jaundice-like state of ignorance is dispelled and the bhakta relishes the sweet taste for glorifying the name, form, qualities etc of Krsna.

Comment by murari das das on May 21, 2008 at 10:42am

Dandavat pranams.

I beg the pardon of the devotees for my greedily filling this forum with my posts, though it is simply my attempt in keeping up with the program...

Verse 5 of Sri Upadesamrta describes the 3 classes of devotees, namely kanistha, madhyama and uttama adhikaris.
In support of this verse are the 3 verses from Srimad Bhagavatam SB.11.2.45-7

Furthermore, Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu has given a simple means of ascertaining the class of a devotee which is also mentioned in Jaiva Dharma, based on the faith and dedication of one to the chanting of krsna-nama:
One who chants hari-nama only sometimes can be known as a kanistha adhikari, one who constantly chants hari-nama is known as a madhyama adhikari, and one who causes others to chant is known as an uttama-adhikari.

Of particular interest is the re-iteration of the supreme engagement of service to the uttama-bhakta as supported by Bhaktivinoda Thakura's Suddha Bhakata verse 1:
suddha bhakata carana renu
bhajana anukula
bhakata seva parama sidhi
prema latikara mula
"Dust from the lotus feet of pure devotees is conducive to devotional service, while service to the Vaisnava's is itself the supreme perfection and the root of the creeper of divine love."

Verse 6 brings to mind a material conception I had when I first came into the association of devotees. I had the tendency to think that if a devotee's life is perfect, then the devotee must also be perfect in everyway. The idea that a devotee could be forgetful, have apparent bodily defects etc and still be considered exalted was something that took some time adjusting to. In fact, what is more important are the activities of the devotee in relation to service to Krsna.

Some verses I thought relevant are the famous quote from Caitanya Caritamrta:
C.c.M.8.128
kiba vipra, kiba nyasi, sudra kene naya
yei krsna, tattva vetta, sei guru haya
"Whether one is a brahmana, a sannyasi or a sudra-regardless of what he is, he can become a spiritual master if he knows the science of Krsna."

Also:
C.c.M.23.39
yanra citte krsna prema karaye udaya
tanra vakya kriya mudra vijneha na bujhaya
"Even the most learned man cannot understand the words, activities and symptoms of a person situated in love of Godhead."

As the saying goes "it takes one to know one."What we can understand however, is that the path of bhakti is a descending process, not ascending, whereby we are all ultimately dependent on the mercy of Guru and Gauranga in order to progress at all.
Therefore:
mukam karoti vacalam
pangum langhayate girim
yat kripa tam aham vande
sri gurum dina tarinam
"I offer my respectful obeisances unto my spiritual master, the deliverer of all fallen souls, whose mercy turns the dumb into eloquent speakers, and enables the lame to cross mountains."

Comment by murari das das on May 8, 2008 at 2:55am

PAMHO prabhus.

What I found helpful in summarising verse 3 is the following paragraph from Piyusa-varsini-vrtti:
"The first half of this verse indicates attitudes
which are favourable for the cultivation of bhakti and
the second half describes how a devotee should conduct
his life. Enthusiasm, optimism, patience, executing
activities which nourish bhakti, renouncing bad association
and adopting the good behaviour of devotees are
the means of obtaining success in bhakti."

Furtherly applicable to the 1st half of verse 3 can be the following:
CC Madhya 22.128
sadhu sanga nama kirtan bhagavat sravana
mathura vasa sri murtira sraddhaya sevana
“One should associate with devotees, chant the holy name of the Lord, hear Srimad-Bhagavatam, reside at Mathura and worship the Deity with faith and veneration."

The following from Anuvrtti supports the 2nd half of verse 3:
"Even if one possesses all good qualities, if he is devoid
of bhakti, those very qualities merely transform into
faults. But all virtuous qualities certainly reside within
one who possesses bhakti. Therefore, the path of bhakti
is characterised by saintly conduct."
Also:
SB 5.18.12
yasyasti bhaktir bhagavaty akincana...."all good qualities are automatically manifest in the heart of a pure bhakta..."
Though practise of saintly qualities is required, the genuine and lasting presence of such qualities are established in the heart thru the cultivation of bhakti.

My attempt at summarising verse 4 is that we should interact and share with devotees what is ultimately favourable for their advancement and maintenance of their Krsna Consiousness, and one should be careful to avoid engaging in the same interaction with non devotees.

Begging for the mercy of the vaisnavas,

Murari das das

Comment by murari das das on April 29, 2008 at 10:38pm

I'd like to continue contributing to this forum, to re-affirm my committment if anything else...
Verse 1 of Upadesamrita provides us with the reality of what is required to actually advance in Krsna Consciousness beyond the kanistha platform.
Bhaktivinod Thakur states "How can Mukunda ever be manifest to a person whose heart is invaded by lamentation, anger and other agitations?"
It's certainly grounding to be reminded that despite our sentiments towards spiritual life, the actual criteria for advancement is clearly explained in these verses.
However, we should never be despondent because there is only gain to be had on the path of bhakti.
"akama sarva kamo va....Whether one is free of material desire, full of material desire, or desiring liberation, still the best course of action is to be engaged in devotional service."
Of course, our good fortune (bhakti sukrti) is increased thru sadhu sanga.." sadhu sanga, sadhu sanga, sarva sastre kaya..." Thus we should always maintain a greed for associating with uttama bhaktas in order to develop resolute determination and pin-pointed focus on Krsna.
For worldly minded grhastha devotees like myself who more often than not openly engage in the activities described in verse 2, this experience can help in exercising my 2nd class intelligence to develop detachment (or repulsion) from such undesirable things, and a firm resolve in their avoidance. This can springboard the development of the principle "living in the world, but not being of it "....whilst patiently cultivating our Krsna Consciousness.

These are my thoughts on the first 2 verses. Please correct any inconsistencies in my comments.

ys,
Murari das das

Comment by Jaya Gopal Dasa on April 19, 2008 at 1:34pm

Dandavat Pranamas All!

Thanks for the post Murari das prabhu :) That was most inspiring and clarifying for this lowly mind of mine :)

i plan on starting each week on Sunday (USA), so mi made flash cards of verses 1 & 2, and now that Sripad BV Vishnu-Daivata Maharajaji has provided the audio hopefully i can memorize them properly.

looking forward to delving into the nectarean essence of this most illuminated text with all of you :)

your grateful aspiring servant,
Jaya Gopal das

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