Author: Abhaya Caranaravinda Das

It is usual for the devotees to become very enthusiastic whenever they are questioned concerning the Almighty Personality of Godhead. That is the sign of a pure devotee of the Lord. Such discourses on the transcendental activities of the Lord purify the atmosphere in which such discussions are held, and the devotees thus become enlivened while answering such questions. It is purifying both for the questioners and for one who answers the questions.

As soon as we deteriorate our standard, then everything will be spoiled. Therefore I am so much strict about the standard.

Prabhupada: You should read these books so nicely. Just like big lawyer — they go to the court and they cite: "Under such and such section or under such and such clause." Yes. So he is a big lawyer. Similarly, we have got so many books. If we can give reference immediately from the books, that means you are reading. Big lawyer means who can give immediate reference from the law book, not that simply he's got this stamp...

A devotee, trying to excuse a mistake he had made, said to Srila Prabhupada, "I'm just a fool". Srila Prabhupad responded, "You should approach the spiritual master thinking yourself a fool, but it is not good to remain a fool after being instructed by him". On another occasion Srila Prabhupada said that as long as we think ourselves a fool before our guru then we will be alright, but as soon as we stop thinking ourselves a fool, then...

In the Western countries, newspaper is very popular thing, a huge bundle of newspaper. Although he'll not read, the newspapermen supplies huge bundle of newspaper. And wasting of paper, printing, unnecessarily cutting the trees, for running on the paper mill. This is sinful activity. They are not reading so many nonsense books and newspapers, but paper is required, there is demand. So paper mill requires cutting of the trees unnecessarily.

Yes, we are fighting impersonalism and voidism with pure devotional service. Impersonalism and voidism kills the natural aptitude of devotion which is lying dormant in everyone's heart. Therefore we are printing books like our KRISHNA book so that people may know it that the supreme absolute truth is a person. The perfection of every living creature is to render transcendental loving service to that Supreme Person and thereby go back home, Back to Godhead.

The Nectar of Instruction has come out very nice. It is very important and must be immediately read by all devotees. In the near future we shall introduce the Bhakti-sastri examination for second initiation and this shall be one of the required books of study. Anyone who reads it will immediately understand what Krishna Consciousness is. Some minister in Bombay recently asked me how to create morality amongst the students, because the students are all vagabounds. If this book...

The glaring attraction of city, that is maya. In the modern age people are more attracted by the city life, but we should know city life... Not for the devotee; generally, people in general, they like city life, but that is maya. Maya means "which is not fact." We are thinking that this way we shall be happy, but that is not fact. This is called maya. Ma-ya — "it is not."

There are two ways of association – by vani and by vapuh. Vani means words, and vapuh means physical presence. Physical presence is sometimes appreciable and sometimes not, but vani continues to exist eternally. Therefore we must take advantage of the vani, not the physical presence. The Bhagavad-gita, for example, is the vani of Lord Krsna. Although Krsna was personally present five thousand years ago and is no longer physically present from the materialistic point of view, the Bhagavad-gita...

There is no need by any of my disciples to read any books besides my books. In fact, such reading may be detrimental to their advancement in Krsna consciousness--except in certain authorized cases, for example, to read some philosopher like Plato to make an essay comparing his philosophy with Krsna's philosophy. But otherwise, all such outside reading should be stopped immediately. It is simply another botheration. If my students cannot even read my own books thoroughly, why should they...

I am very glad to learn also that you are feeling joy while chanting the mantra Hare Krishna. Yes, it is exactly like this. If anyone chants this mantra in good faith and in simple understanding, then surely this transcendental vibration will act immediately in spiritual bliss. Please therefore continue to chant this mantra as many times as possible throughout the day and night. I do not think there is any inconvenience or loss on your part if you...

Prabhupada's flight to Melbourne landed and he was escorted to a press conference in the airport's VIP lounge. A hundred jubilant devotees sat on the floor as reporters questioned Prabhupada, who sat with Madhudvisa on a raised dais. The questions were the usual: Reporter: What is your name? Prabhupada: A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami. Reporter: What do the "A" and the "C" stand for?