ISKCON Board

How A Butcher Became A Devotee By Tearing Pages Of Srila Prabhupad Ji's Books ?

Today one devotee shared with us about his meeting with two Russian devotee couples in Srirangam. Those Russian devotees were earnestly looking out for the place where Mahaprabhu's lotus feet are being worshiped in Srirangam. After taking them to that place, this devotee inquired those Russian devotees as to how they came to know about Krishna consciousness. One of that Russian prabhuji was earlier working as a butcher in a slaughter house. Somehow some merciful Vaishnava had been doing book distribution even outside the slaughterhouses in Russia. Some people who were working in those slaughter houses got those books. But later they tore the pages as they could not understand English.

That day after tiring hours of work in the slaughter house, this Russian prabhuji, with his clothes tainted with blood of the animals he had slaughtered, came and sat down to rest for sometime. By Krishna's arrangement, he saw the torn pages of Srila Prabhupada's "Science of Self-Realisation" book. He picked up that page and studied its contents. The subject matter in that page attracted him so much that he asked the people around about further details. The people who had torn that book told him, that there were some Asian people who had given them these books, but since it was in English, they had torn it. Those people also told him that these book distributors could be found down the street, singing some song. Immediately this Prabhu went to that place and met the devotees. He spoke with them for nearly 6 hours and then there was a complete transformation in his life. Realising the gravity of the sinful activity involved in killing animals, this Prabhu not only gave up his job on that day, but he also went and shared the details of the contents which he had read and heard from the devotees to his wife and another couple who were their friends. That was the beginning of their spiritual journey and over period of time, both the couples dedicated their life in serving the cows and spreading the message of Srila Prabhupada.

This real life incident is a real eye-opener on how powerful even a page of Srila Prabhupada's book is. If studying a single page of Srila Prabhupada's book can bring such a great transformation in the life of a butcher, then what to speak of all the volumes of wonderful writings he has left for us. Indeed the books of His Divine Grace are brhad mrdanga and the sankirtan of book distribution can drive away all anarthas and bring a very great revolution in this world.

HUSBAND AND WIFE AS TRUE BENEFACTORS FOR ONE ANOTHER!

When the husband is executing his activities very nicely it is credit not only to the husband himself, but it is a credit to his wife also. In materialistic marriages generally there are too many troubles and frustrations because the basic principle for both the husband and wife is their own personal sense gratification. Therefore there is inevitable conflict and divorce petition. But in a Krishna Conscious marriage the basic principle is for both husband and wife to serve Krishna nicely and to help the partner advance in spiritual life. In this way both the husband and wife are true benefactors for one another and there is no question of any serious conflicts or separation.

GOD ACCEPTS OUR LOVE AND SINCERITY

Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Gosvami Maharaja

"But in everything we do, devotion and sincerity are the real things. There is a word in Sanskrit - bhava grahi janardana - this means the Lord accepts service in devotional emotion. If we are sincere in offering something to the Lord in devotional love, He will accept it. The procedure may not be very correct, but the desire being sincere, He accepts our offering. This is also confirmed in the [scripture] Bhagavad-gita. He accepts foodstuffs from devotees [His saintly servants] because they are offered to Him in complete love and affection. That is required."

(excerpt from a lecture in Germany on Dec. 16, 2001)

When Krishna Becomes Devoted To Us ?

Just like we become devoted, similarly,

God also becomes devoted to us.
。
You don't think that one-sided devotion.
No.

Just like love is never one-sided.

Love is reciprocation,
reciprocation. 。

Similarly, although God is great,

He becomes a devotee of the devotee.

He takes pleasure in that way.

It is clearly stated that

"I also try to devote Myself for his service."

As we take pleasure in serving God,

similarly,
。
God also takes pleasure by serving the devotee.

That is reciprocation.

(661220 - Lecture BG 09.29-32 - New York)

Chapter 16: The Divine and Demoniac Natures

TEXTS 11-12

cintam aparimeyam ca
pralayantam upasritah
kamopabhoga-parama
etavad iti niscitah
asa-pasa-satair baddhah
kama-krodha-parayanah
ihante kama-bhogartham
anyayenartha-sancayan

TRANSLATION: They believe that to gratify the senses unto the end of life is the prime necessity of human civilization. Thus there is no end to their anxiety. Being bound by hundreds and thousands of desires, by lust and anger, they secure money by illegal means for sense gratification.

PURPORT: The demoniac accept that the enjoyment of the senses is the ultimate goal of life, and this concept they maintain until death. They do not believe in life after death, and they do not believe that one takes on different types of bodies according to one's karma, or activities in this world. Their plans for life are never finished, and they go on preparing plan after plan, all of which are never finished.

Chapter 16: The Divine and Demoniac Natures

TEXT 21

tri-vidham narakasyedam
dvaram nasanam atmanah
kamah krodhas tatha lobhas
tasmad etat trayam tyajet

TRANSLATION: There are three gates leading to this hell-lust, anger, and greed. Every sane man should give these up, for they lead to the degradation of the soul.

PURPORT: The beginning of demoniac life is described herein. One tries to satisfy his lust, and when he cannot, anger and greed arise. A sane man who does not want to glide down to the species of demoniac life must try to give up these three enemies which can kill the self to such an extent that there will be no possibility of liberation from this material entanglement.

Achutam Keshavam Krishna Damodaram
Ram Narayanam Janki Vallabham

Who says God doesn't come?
Call him with love like Mira did.

Who says God doesn't eat?
Serve him food with devotion like Shabri did.

Who says God doesn't sleep?
Make him sleep with love like Mata Yashoda

Who says God doesn't dance?
Make him dance like the Gopis.

Significance of plough and flute.
Taking Care of Bhakti-Latā

A brilliant lecture on Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Ādi-līlā 8.50-57 by Śrī Śrīmad Gour Govinda Swami Maharaja.

The significance of Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma – plough and flute – is cultivation and attraction. First Lord Balarāma will use His plough and repeatedly cultivate the land. Only after all filth and nasty things are destroyed, the land, which is the heart, is properly cultivated. Then the land is ready for the seed, the bhakti-latā-bīja, to be sown. Then you, the mālī, or gardener, have to take care of it by regular watering. Śravaṇa-kīrtana-jale karaye secana – if you water the seed gradually by the process of śravaṇa and kīrtana [hearing and chanting], the seed will begin to sprout. This śravaṇa, hearing from the lips of sādhu, Vaiṣṇava, guru, ācārya and chanting under his guidance, is watering.

-5th December, 1991 in Bhubaneswar, India.

KRISHNA'S ORNAMENTS ARE HIS DEVOTEES

Kṛṣṇa-karṇāmṛta 90

I bow down to Kṛṣṇa, who is the only ornament of the entire world, yet who is ornamented by the pitcher-like breasts of Rādhā. He is the great, central jewel among the necklace of emerald-like young girls of Vraja.

In this world, all things are Kṛṣṇa’s property. Kṛṣṇa is like an ornament for the devotees.

This is Kṛṣṇa’s beauty. When Kṛṣṇa sees that His devotees are dancing, singing, and playing, and He becomes very happy. This is Kṛṣṇa’s ornament. Kṛṣṇa decorates His body with His devotees. This is Kṛṣṇa’s sweetness.

When a person studies and becomes expert in some field, then this qualification is his ornament. But Kṛṣṇa’s ornaments are all His pure devotees.

Mahā Lakṣmī gives gold, pearls, diamonds, and mundane wealth. This is her decoration and ornament, her power and capacity. But Kṛṣṇa doesn’t give anything like this—any stone or mundane thing—Kṛṣṇa gives the sweetness of Vraja anurāga. The Vraja-devīs decorate Kṛṣṇa with flowers, creepers, leaves, and peacock feathers. Kṛṣṇa wears that and becomes very happy.

But really, all over the world, Kṛṣṇa’s most important ornaments are His followers. Lotuses are the decorations of a lake, in the same way, if any devotee’s heart has Kṛṣṇa present there, this is their decoration, and the devotees are the decorations in Kṛṣṇa’s heart.

Prahlāda Mahārāja came in a demon family, but he was the ornament in the dynasty of demons. Dhruva came and decorated his dynasty, and so many other devotees come in this world and are the decorations of this world.

In the early morning after the rain, if you look west, you may see a rainbow with seven colors decorating the sky. It is very beautiful and attracts your heart. Watching this, you feel great pleasure. In the same way, if anyone remembers Kṛṣṇa—His qualities, color, form—all that appears in the heart.

Śrīmatī Rādhārānī understands Kṛṣṇa’s desire and decorates Herself accordingly. When Kṛṣṇa watches Her later, He begins to sweat and thinks, “How is this possible? How does She understand My heart? My desire is ever-present with Her. How She combs Her hair! How Her body is covered with mehendi, kuṁkuma and karpura! The perfume She uses!”

Kṛṣṇa’s earrings, peacock feather, and so many things of His are imprinted on Her saree. She also feels great bliss, for all She does is for the happiness of Kṛṣṇa.

Nectar for the All Attractive Krsna Karnamrita Bilvamangal Takura

Bhakta Bhandava Publication Sripad Premanada Prabhuji

What converted a ruthless hunter into a devotee?
Glories to Srila Prabhupada!

(Once Nārada Muni visited Prayāga for having a holy bath at the confluence of Gangā and Yamunā.)

Therein, he saw half-killed rabbits, birds, deers.. all making pitiful noise.
Nārada Muni met that hunter and explained to him that it is a great sin to kill animals in this way.
But the hunter took great pleasure to see the half-killed animals suffering.
He requested him to kill the animal completely from the next day. It is a great sin to kill an animal, but even more sinful is to half-kill them.
(Due to the associations of a great devotee, the hunter's heart softened and he became afraid of his sinful activities.)

Then, the hunter took his shelter and inquired for the method by which these sins can be counteracted.
Narāda Muni ordered the hunter to break his bow. The hunter was hesitant, but the Muni promised to arrange enough foodstuff for his livelihood.
He also gave him instructions to donate, serve the holy Tulasī and chant the holy names of the lord:
Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa, Hare Hare/ Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma, Hare Hare.

The hunter started following these instructions and became a Vaishnava consequently. The nearby villagers visited his hut and brought eatables with them.
One day, Narada Muni along with sage Parvata visited his hut. Upon seeing them the hunter thought of bowing down at their feet.
But a few ants were obstructing his path. He carefully cleared them by his clothe.

Great devotees are like touchstones who can convert even a hunter into a devotee…

(This hunter who previously half-killed animals ended up becoming a Vaishnava and was not even giving pain to ants.)

By the influence of pure devotees like Nārada, even a hunter can be engaged in Krishna's devotional service.

The Key to happiness is the reduction of desires.

For one who has conquered his mind, a mind is best of friends, but for one who has failed to do so, a mind is the greatest enemy.

Why Do Devotees Fall Down Even After So Much Sadhna ?

"IF I SURRENDER TO KRSNA, THEN MY LIFE IS SUCCESFUL. THIS MUCH. IS IT VERY DIFFICULT?"

Pañca-draviḍa: Prabhupāda, why is it that a devotee falls down, that he wants to surrender to Kṛṣṇa and again he falls back to the material world to become a false enjoyer?
Srila Prabhupāda: He's more sinful. Yeṣām anta-gataṁ pāpam. He has not yet finished his sinful activities; therefore it takes some time. Neither he surrenders fully. Just like somebody said, "I want to enjoy material world." Just see. That is sinful.
Puṣṭa Kṛṣṇa: Kṛṣṇa will protect any living entity who surrenders?
Prabhupāda: Yes.
Puṣṭa Kṛṣṇa: Even from all sinful reactions.
Prabhupāda: Yes.
Puṣṭa Kṛṣṇa: Ahaṁ tvāṁ sarva-pāpebhyo (BG 18.66).
Prabhupāda: Yes, if he surrenders actually. He says. He says, ahaṁ tvāṁ sarva-pāpebhyo.
Gurukṛpā: That surrender has to be with perfect knowledge, or else it won't be strong enough.
Prabhupāda: If he surrenders, the knowledge will be there. That knowledge.... It is very psychological. If you surrender.... If I surrender to you, I must have some conception that you are very big. That much conception will help you, not more than this. Simply accept that Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme. Kṛṣṇa bhakti kaile sarva karma kṛta haya. If you simply understand this, that "If I surrender to Kṛṣṇa, then everything is in my knowledge..." Sraddha śabde viśvāsa sudṛḍha niścaya, kṛṣṇa bhakti kaile sarva karma... And then he becomes immediately. And if I surrender to Kṛṣṇa, then my life is successful. This much. Is it very difficult?

[Excerpt from Morning Walk Conversation- March 14, 1976, Mayapur]

How Do Devotees Attain Perfection In Krishna Consciousness ?

śrī-viṣṇoḥ śravaṇe parīkṣid abhavad vaiyāsakiḥ kīrtane
prahlādaḥ smaraṇe tad-aṅghri-bhajane lakṣmīḥ pṛthuḥ pūjane
akrūras tv abhivandane kapi-patir dāsye ’tha sakhye ’rjunaḥ
sarva-svātma-nivedane balir abhūt kṛṣṇāptir eṣāṁ parā

“ ‘Mahārāja Parīkṣit attained the highest perfection, shelter at Lord Kṛṣṇa’s lotus feet, simply by hearing about Lord Viṣṇu. Śukadeva Gosvāmī attained perfection simply by reciting Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. Prahlāda Mahārāja attained perfection by remembering the Lord. The goddess of fortune attained perfection by massaging the transcendental legs of Mahā-Viṣṇu. Mahārāja Pṛthu attained perfection by worshiping the Deity, and Akrūra attained perfection by offering prayers unto the Lord. Vajrāṅgajī [Hanumān] attained perfection by rendering service to Lord Rāmacandra, and Arjuna attained perfection simply by being Kṛṣṇa’s friend. Bali Mahārāja attained perfection by dedicating everything to the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa.’

CC Madhya 22.136

This verse appears in the Padyāvalī (53) and the Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu (1.2.265)

Why do you worry unnecessarily? Whom do you fear? Who can kill you? The soul is neither born nor dies.

The only way you can conquer me is through love, and there I am gladly conquered.

How Can We Satisfy Krishna Without Even Satisfying Him ?

Suppose you have given somebody power of attorney to do some business.

So after finishing the business,
if you see the paper, not very favorable, it has not been done very nicely, still you have to accept.

Because your representative has signed it.
Yes.

Therefore
yasya prasādād bhagavat-prasādaḥ **.

Kṛṣṇa not satisfied,
but if your guru is satisfied, then Kṛṣṇa must be satisfied.

This is Kṛṣṇa's obligation.

Because He has sent representative.

(Prabhupada lecture Bg As it is 13.1-2 Paris, August 10th 1973)

Why Don't Atheist Understand Krishna ?

In the Bhagavad-gītāthe Lord says thatHe treats His devotee in proportion to the degree of surrender made by the devotee.He reserves the right not to expose Himself to anyone and everyone,
except those who surrender unto Him.Therefore, for the surrendered soul,
He is always within reach,whereas for the unsurrendered soul,
He is far,
far away,
and cannot be approached.

(Sri Isopanisad Verse 5p)

There are atheists of various categories who do not believe in a creator, but that is due to a poor fund of knowledge. The modern scientist, for example, has created space satellites, and by some arrangement or other, these satellites are thrown into outer space to fly for some time at the control of the scientist who is far away. Similarly, all the universes with innumerable stars and planets are controlled by the intelligence of the Personality of Godhead.

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna

Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

Hare Rama Hare Rama

Rama Rama Hare Hare

Chapter 4: Transcendental Knowledge

TEXT 4

arjuna uvaca
aparam bhavato janma
param janma vivasvatah
katham etad vijaniyam
tvam adau proktavan iti

TRANSLATION: Arjuna said: The sun-god Vivasvan is senior by birth to You. How am I to understand that in the beginning You instructed this science to him?

Chapter 4: Transcendental Knowledge

TEXT 5

sri-bhagavan uvaca
bahuni me vyatitani
janmani tava carjuna
tany aham veda sarvani
na tvam vettha parantapa

TRANSLATION: The Blessed Lord said: Many, many births both you and I have passed. I can remember all of them, but you cannot, O subduer of the enemy!

Chapter 4: Transcendental Knowledge

TEXT 3

sa evayam maya te 'dya
yogah proktah puratanah
bhakto 'si me sakha ceti
rahasyam hy etad uttamam

TRANSLATION: That very ancient science of the relationship with the Supreme is today told by Me to you because you are My devotee as well as My friend; therefore you can understand the transcendental mystery of this science.

PURPORT: There are two classes of men, namely the devotee and the demon. The Lord selected Arjuna as the recipient of this great science owing to his becoming the devotee of the Lord, but for the demon it is not possible to understand this great mysterious science. There are a number of editions of this great book of knowledge, and some of them have commentaries by the devotees, and some of them have commentaries by the demons. Commentation by the devotees is real, whereas that of the demons is useless. Arjuna accepts Sri Krsna as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and any commentary on the Gita following in the footsteps of Arjuna is real devotional service to the cause of this great science.

What should we do if someone tells to not believe in god?

There are many athiest who doesn't believe in god because they cannot see him. But krishna tells in bhgavad gita that when fire exists then the smoke covers fire so we cannot say that fire does not exists.

So just like that World exists because of god. And Srila Prabhupada gave more examples in Bhagavad Gita As it is. Please read the book.

How can we experience complete spirituality?

We can experience complete spirituality by realizing ourselves as eternal souls. Most people are blocked from understanding who they really are, because their understanding of themselves is limited to their body and mind. One can transcend this existential, all-pervading ignorance, and become situated in complete spirituality by chanting the holy names of God.

Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare

Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare

"This mantra, consisting of 16 words and 32 syllables, is the only means against evil in the age of Kali. After searching through all the Vedic literature, one cannot find a method of religion more sublime for this age than the chanting of Hare Krishna."

--- Kali-santarana Upanishad

The vast majority of all human beings on the planet are identified with their body ad its culture, and this false understanding of oneself is the root cause of all problems in the world.

The sages say:

“One who identifies his self as the body composed of mucus, bile and air, who assumes his family are permanently his own, who thinks the land of his birth is worshipable, but who never feels kinship with or even visits those who are wise in spiritual truth -- such a person is no better than a cow or an ass.” —SB 10.84.13

In a class on this sloka, Srila Prabhupada states:

So the world is under the bodily concept of life, so they are thinking that "We are Americans,'' "Indians.'' This is the disease. So they are described as animals, go-kharah. Go means cow; kharah means ass.

So this Krishna consciousness movement is to save them from this animal consciousness. Krishna consciousness means real consciousness, and without Krishna consciousness, just animals. Therefore that Prahlada Maharaja says,

sukham aindriyakam daitya / deha-yogena dehinam

sarvatra labhyate daivad / yatha duhkham ayatnatah

[SB 7.6.3]

Dehatma-buddhi. So long we are under the concept of this body, that "I am this body,'' his business is sense gratification, because this body means senses. We have got varieties of senses. So bodily concept of life means the senses are dominant. Therefore, beginning from the animals up to the human being, under the bodily concept of life they're busy simply for sense gratification. Nature is giving chance, "All right.''

Because everyone who has come to this material world, that is for sense gratification. Those who deny to satisfy Krishna, they are sent here, "All right, you satisfy your sense by your labor here.''

Krishna can satisfy His senses without any labor, but we have to satisfy our senses by dint of our labor. Not easily. You cannot become a millionaire so easily, or he cannot be a citizen in the heavenly planet so easily. That is our experience. So if some man from a poor family become..., wants to become a citizen of America, a rich man, it is not so easy. You have to undergo through so many things to get the citizenship.

There are so many, that your country, yes, they have got big immigration department simply to consider this application of different countries for citizenship, or to immigrate. I have seen, in Montreal, people applying for citizenship or immigration, big line, very big line, and a similar immigration department in Canada, there is no problem. So people very much anxious to become citizens or immigrate in America, because it is rich country.

So as there is restriction here in this place, in this planet, that you cannot enter any other country... If you think their country is very nice, actually, in comparison to other countries, there are so many facilities in America. At least, one can earn money like anything. So people are inclined to become citizen. But that is not easy, even within this planet. So how you will easily enter moon planet and other heavenly planets without being competent? It is not possible.

So we are called conditioned soul because we are conditioned according to this body. Deha-yogena dehinam. The..., according to karma, the certain privileges or disadvantages, what you are destined to receive, that is already a fact according to your birth. Just like somebody's suffering from asthma, so he has got a body from a father and mother, and from the very beginning there is asthma. That body is the symptom, or the result, of his past karma. Therefore the material advantages or disadvantages are already settled up according to his body.

So those who are sane man, they are confident that "Krishna has given me this body according to my past karma, so let me not improve. Let me not waste my time for improving the advantages and disadvantages of this material world.'' But you cannot do it. The body is already there, according to your karma. Karmana daiva-netrena [SB 3.31.1].

[The Personality of Godhead said: Under the supervision of the Supreme Lord and according to the result of his work, the living entity, the soul, is made to enter into the womb of a woman through the particle of male semen to assume a particular type of body.]

It is already given to you. So people should be satisfied. Just like when I got the body of an ass, you can [indistinct]. And the advantage and dis-advantage, that ass is meant for becoming a beast of burden. He has to do that. Similarly, there is a body, the hog, he has to eat stool.

So we should know it, that either we are born in such a country, such society, the body is there, and I can get my happiness and distress according to this body. This is subtle fact. But they do not know. They're simply trying to..., unnecessary wasting time for bodily comforts. "Oh, you are so comfortable. Let me try.'' Huh? "I shall try also.'' So Prahlada Maharaja says, "No, don't waste your time in that way. Your time is very valuable.''

So that was Vedic civilization. Brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya, sudra, everyone is expert, but everyone is engaged in Krishna consciousness. Krishna consciousness, there is no bodily barrier. No. "Because I have got a particular type of body, therefore Krishna consciousness is forbidden for me,'' no, that is not. In any body, any circumstances, you can cultivate Krishna consciousness.

But not materially. But people, they do not know. They think that "Krishna consciousness, there is no need, but let me improve my bodily comfort.'' This is called illusion. Just try to understand. He cannot improve, even by an inch, the burden, but still... But you can improve, or you can purify, your consciousness. That is open to all, irrespective of bodily [indistinct].

And that is actually happening. You have got a different body from before [indistinct]. But everyone, you, taking to Krishna consciousness, Krishna says, "It doesn't matter what kind of body you have got -- low-born or high-born or this born or that born. I have no such conception. If you want Me, you can get Me." Te 'pi yanti param gatim. Mamaivamso jiva-bhutah [Bg 15.7]: "You are all My parts and parcels. Every one of you are equally important to Me.''

Similarly, a devotee of Krishna also sees. He does not see the outward cover. He sees that "Every living entity is part and parcel of Krishna. So he is now forgetful of his real position. So let us help him that he may come to Krishna consciousness and become successful.'' This is our position. There is no question of bodily barrier. Ahaituky apratihata [SB 1.2.6].

[The supreme occupation [dharma] for all humanity is that by which men can attain to loving devotional service unto the transcendent Lord. Such devotional service must be unmotivated and uninterrupted to completely satisfy the self.]

Bhakti line is so nice that there is no cause and effect.

Cause and effect is for this body. Karmana, by my previous activity, I get a certain type, particular type of body, cause and effect. That is not applicable in devotional service. Ahaituky apratihata.

"Because I am high-born, I will have Krishna consciousness,'' no. Or "Because I am low-born, I cannot have Krishna consciousness,'' that is not. Ahaituky. There is no such cause and effect. Apratihata. Apratihata means without any barrier. Everyone. Never mind.

The body is not barrier, we should always remember. Bodily concept of life is the consciousness of the animals, and spiritual concept of life is the consciousness of the perfect being. I am servant, eternal servant of Krishna. This we should know. We should not try for bodily program. We should simply try to improve our Krishna consciousness, how we can better serve Krishna.

That is our business. Bodily comforts, this comfort, that is already settled up with this body. But we should also know that anyone who is Krishna conscious, if he has got any slight desire for bodily comfort, he'll get that. He'll get that. But without Krishna consciousness, if he tries, that is not possible.

If I have got slight desire for my material improvement, Krishna will satisfy you, if you take to Krishna consciousness. That means you are double way benefited: you get Krishna consciousness as well as your desire for material benefit. That is also there. But without Krishna consciousness, if you want to improve your material condition, that is not possible. Deha-yogena de...

You may become rich, that's all right, but comfort does not depend on your richness. If you're not Krishna conscious, it does not mean because you have got some money by struggling very hard you'll get.

There are so many rich men you'll find, they are not comfortable. I have heard from our students, their parents, just like Syamasundara was telling, his father is taking... What is that pill?

Syamasundara: Sleeping tablets.

Prabhupada: Sleeping tablets. He cannot sleep. Similarly, Brahmananda was telling about his father. So if we can earn money, you can make a good bank balance, that does not mean that you will get bodily comfort. That is not. That is already fixed up, according to your karma. So don't waste your time for improving bodily comforts.

Simply try to improve how you'll become more and more Krishna conscious, how you will serve Krishna more and more, very nicely. That should be all. Tasyaiva hetoh prayateta kovido [SB 1.5.18]. For that purpose our life should be engaged, not for so-called bodily comfort. That is already fixed-up.

So any questions?

Devotee: You said that if you have some material desire and you take to Krishna consciousness, you get double benefit -- that the material desire is fulfilled and also you get Krishna consciousness.

Prabhupada: Yes.

Devotee: But if you have that material desire, does that slow up your advancement?

Prabhupada: By Krishna consciousness it will vanish. But Krishna is so kind, because you desire, He'll give you. He'll give you. Krishna is so kind that "Oh, you wanted this? All right, you take!'' That is the benefit of Krishna consciousness. You get both the things. You reject, "No, I asked for...'' That is real pure devotion. "For this paltry happiness I requested Krishna. What a fool I was.'' But Krishna will give you, because you desire.

Therefore Dhruva Maharaja regretted that "I was such a fool that I came to in the forest to develop Krishna... for asking my father's property. What a nonsense I was.'' But Krishna gave him. Better than. He demanded that "I shall have a property...'' Because that was child. His stepmother insulted, so he was determined. Narada Muni had requested him, "My dear boy, you are child.

Why you be afflicted to this insult? You are now to play.'' So he said, "Your instruction is very nice, but I am so degraded, I cannot accept it as such. If you kindly give me some way that I can get,'' I mean, "material opulence better than my grandfather and father. You just give me such and such.''

His father was Uttanapada. Grandfather was Brahma. So he wanted a post better than Brahma. So he was given: "Oh, yes, you'll get.'' But when he was offered a better position than Brahma, he regretted, that "What I..., what a fool I was.'' He requested, "Sir, I am very much satisfied simply by Your...'' "Never mind. You enjoy, then you come back.'' Krishna is so kind.

=> Lecture on Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.84.13 – December 10, 1971, Delhi

How to find God?

The simple way and formula to find God is not to find him. Get lost in his love and he himself will come to find you.