Swami B. V. Tripurari

Question on today's Swami call:At the end of last Saturday's class, you spoke about the simplicity of Srila Bhaktikavi Atulananda Acarya Maharaj and about how this beautiful quality was so favorable to his devotional life, although it could sometimes be misunderstood by others. You also mentioned that perhaps you might speak a little more about this topic in today's class. If you consider it appropriate, we would be very grateful to hear more about it.Can we change our character traits through sadhana?Can nondevotees go to Vaikuntha?Is it possible to enter Goloka Vrindavan before one has attained perfection?Should a disciple aspire to meet their spiritual master when, at some point or in some lifetime, they attain liberation?What happens if, in a future life, Krishna sends you a different spiritual master?What happens when the disciple's rasa differs from that of their Gurudeva?How can we avoid overidentification with the moods of Srila Narottama Dasa Thakura and Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura when we read their prayers?We try to avoid material influences in our life, but should be also try to avoid certain spiritual influences?Can I reconcile the maha mantra with Patanjali's meditation practice?

Questions on today's Swami call:Some time ago, I asked Srila Gurudeva Atulananda: "If you are no longer physically present, in whom may I take refuge?" He had previously told me that Srila Tripurari Maharaja was a vast source from which bhakti flowed; he reminded me of that conversation and repeated that I could take refuge in you. What must I do so you accept me?Pranams Guru Maharaj. When Raghunath Das Goswami's Gurudev left, he expressed how much separation he felt to say in his sloka, "I have come to Vrindavan, but in separation from my Guru I see Govardhan is like a tiger coming to eat me! I see Radha Kunda—the highest place of Radha-Krishna's Pastimes—looks like a snake coming to eat me." Could you comment on this verse, please?Since Gurudeva's departure I have been struggling to do my sadhana and I don't know what to do. What do you advise in this case? Thank you for yesterday's meeting.In the context of Sri Guru's departure, how do we transition from vapu to vani?Why did Srila Prabhupada take shelter in Srivasangan to pray for mercy to execute the order of his guru before traveling to the United States? What is the particular importance of this place?How long did it take you to process Srila Prabhupada’s physical departure? Also, how long did it take for you to “find” your new Guru even after hearing the so many instructions that Srila Prabhupada left regarding this aspect?What can one do with all the things left unsaid to Gurudeva, and the human feelings of pain and grief? What can we do with that?Some years ago you mentioned a couple of ideas you had for further Bhagavad-gita commentaries. Have you written more commentaries since then?What is the singificnce of mentioning the names of Sri Sri Radha and Krishna, Mahaprabhu, Nityananda etc. in a certain order?Do sakhya-rasa-upasakas wake up later than those aspiring for madhurya-rasa, given that they will wake up later in the lila?Is guru-bhakti as central to vaidhi-bhakti as it is to raga-bhakti?By way of explaining what uttama bhakti is not, please contrast it with the various forms of misra bhakti, such as bhakti misra yoga and bhakti misra jnana. In particular, can you please describe the differences in the goals or results of misra bhakti, any sampradayas who follow these paths, or sections of the Bhagavatam that described these paths as a point of comparison to uttama bhakti? Finally, what are some ways of thinking that we might recognize in ourselves that may represent misra bhakti and therefore a misunderstanding of uttama bhakti?How is it possible to attain Vaikuntha with material desires?

During this special Q&A session on the departure of the spiritual master, the following questions were asked:After the passing of our guru, what do we need to feel to completely accept a shiksha-guru as the same with our gurudeva? Is the relationship one of complete surrender or rather distant? Will we be ready someday?"Could you guide us on how to understand the spiritual perfection and eternal service of our gurudeva after his departure? Is it right for his disciples to try to know his eternal spiritual identity, or is it better to focus on serving his teachings and following his example?""I have always heard it said to devotees that the guru is not liberated until all his disciples are liberated first. I have never read this before and would like to know if this is recorded in the shastra, and if so, whether it refers to the samashti or vyashti guru." [20:24]"Gurudeva remembers us, where is he at this moment?" "Our beloved Gurudeva Bhaktivedanta Atulananda left this world at 7:41 in the morning. Is there within the Gaura Lila or the Ashta-kaliya Lila of Mahaprabhu any meditation or pastime corresponding to that time of the day that can help us to contemplate spiritually his departure? How should we meditate on that moment from the perspective of Gaura Lila?" "What inner qualities allowed the associates of Mahaprabhu to participate in the confidential kirtans of Srivas Angan, and what do those pastimes teach us about the nature of true participation in Sankirtan?" "I have a question about two seemingly conflicting feelings that I have been experiencing following the departure of our beloved Gurudeva: On the one hand, his joining Nitya-lila has been a wakeup call for me, making me feel that we can no longer afford to waste time, awakening a sense of urgency to introspect, take sadhana seriously, and deepen my understanding of gurutattva. At the same time, grief makes me feel that I need time, that I am not ready to move forward or accept another shelter. How can I harmonize these feelings of urgency and needing more time?"

Questions on today's Swami call:In Circle of Friends, on page 301, Krsna is absent from Vraja, appearing as if a *sphurti - a hallucination. it is written that Yasoda’s experience of Krsna in dreams while separated was actual. “Indeed, he said he was eating her cooking daily” meaning that in the dreams he was eating it. Is this the same way a Murti of Sri Krsna eats Mahaprasadam?What does the 'Sri' in 'Sri Guru' refer to?I have recently translated the Sanga "Santa -Rasa in Vraja" (from April 2nd 2006). In the last paragraph of the text, you write: "Great devotees view the world through the lens of their bhava, and this may afford them different angles of vision at different times. Furthermore, some of Sri Krishna’s devotees experience the suddha-rati known as svaccha (transparent), in which they taste the rati of those with whom they associate, moving between santa, dasya, sakhya, and madhurya". My question is: "Is svaccha then included in one's sthayi bhava, being somehow akin to empathy? Or is it a separate sthayi-bhava itself like sakhya, vatsalya or madhurya?" Thank you.Is svaccha-rati like rati-abhasa?Is there anything like ekadasa-bhava initiation for sakhya-rasa?Did Sri Uddharana Datta Thakura live with the realization of his svarupa from the time that Nityananda Prabhu blessed him?Why is it important to chant the holy names of God in Sanskrit? Does this language have any special significance in the transcendental realm?Sanskrit has a certain explanatory power, but Krishna's name is said to be one with him. Are those Sanskrit words (Sri Krishna's names and the names of his associates) something more than just explanatory?If I understand correctly, Sri Krishna's human-like pastimes are always taking place in some universe. Does this mean that in every universe there is a planet equivalent to Earth, with similar characteristics and even beings similar to those we know here, so that the līlā remains the same in essence and form? Or can the details of each universe vary?How do you approach your own worship of Sri Giriraja Maharaja?Did Srila Prabhupada say that we cannot worship Giriraja?Could we understand then that the Sanskrit names of Krishna and the siddha devotees are the translation of their names from the lila's language of love?How does one overcome the demon of duplicity? An example in my own life would be trying to become logically coherent and persuasive in my arguments absolute atheism and monism, then when people are drawn to me I try to orient them to Yourself and the Saintly people of our lineage. How do I stop putting myself "first" and infront of orienting others toward the revealed knowledge? Do I just present you and others plainly? by just imitation of your words I feel like parrot is that enough to progress and earn your grace?How can regain taste in hearing and chanting?

Questions on today's Swami call:Dear Maharaj, please accept my most humble obeisances. As you know our dearest Sripad Gurudeva Atulananda left this world for the eternal past times in Goloka Vrindavan, leaving his disciples heartbroken by the separation. I am trying to navigate this situation where I feel completely lonely and lost without my beloved spiritual master. I turn to you with humility and sincerity since I know how deeply Gurudeva loved you and your instructions are the most valuable jewels we can receive. Please instruct us how to move on with the physical absence by our Guru, what should one know and never forget? How does a sincere disciple move forward and stay sheltered? How can this pain of separation be an offering to the lotus feet of the master? And also if you wish, please share some insights about Sripad Gurudeva Atulananda. Please pray for us his disciples and please accept my sincere gratitude for your divine instructions that have been an essential part of my spiritual life for many years.Did any of Mahaprabhu`s students follow him when he became a Vaisnava?Why are Jnana and Yoga considered external practices by Bhakti’s standards, when they are deeply internal by the world’s standards. Is it because they involve the material energies?Do you have any favorite Gaudiya Vaishnava poet or poem?Is it a Gaudiya practice to accept a previous acarya as a patron saint?Can we practice the feeling of separation?Excuse me, Maharaj. Reverences. At the beginning, you spoke about Gurudeva Atulananda and about taking shelter in another person. While it is true that there may be other people, such as yourself, who inspire us, my question is: how can we avoid losing our connection with our own guru?

Questions on today's Swami call:In one of your classes, you mentioned that Bhaktivinoda Thakur sent letters to Western scholars in an effort to draw their attention to his ideas. You also said that finding those letters would be a real gem. Were those letters ever found? If so, could you share a little about them?Gurumaharaj, during the years I lived in Mayapur, a question repeatedly arose in my heart. I have always been fascinated by how the spiritual atmosphere of Vṛndāvana, centered on Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa, came to take root and flourish so deeply in Bengal, a land with such a distinct cultural identity. From a historical perspective, how did this transmission take place? Who were the personalities, traditions, and historical developments that served as bridges between Vraja and Bengal? And considering that it was primarily through Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and His followers that the divine mood of Vṛndāvana was widely disseminated and established in Bengal, what historical, cultural, and spiritual conditions prepared the ground for this message to be received so deeply and embraced so wholeheartedly?Gurumaharaj, when you reflect upon the life and teachings of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, is there a particular pastime, teaching, or aspect of His personality that has taken on a special significance for you over the years and that you would like to share with us?Dear Guru Maharaja, In the last Swami call you talked about Srila Prabhupada shakti avesa and about shakti avesa avatars in general. We accept this concept that Avatars of the Lord, the shakti avesas (the ones that are jivas and not Bhagavan himself, like Narada, Prthu or Prabhupada) can receive at one point different types of shaktis of the Lord. One could argue that it is the same concept that bhakti is not in the jiva and at some moment that jiva is invested with some type of Shakti. In this case those jivas invested with some type of svarupa shakti (in this case Bhava) would be called as Devotees or Bhava Bhaktas.Jaya Guru Maharaja. Good morning. If a householder has to attend to other duties than bhakti, is that a distraction, or is it just bhakti mixed with karma?Jaya Maharaja. Is it true that Gokula manifest in the material world is superior to Goloka in the spiritual world?

Questions on today’s Swami call:Dandavats, Guru Maharaja. Please accept my humble obeisances. I have a question that has been on my mind. If Mahāprabhu spent much of His early life as Nimāi Paṇḍita, deeply engaged in nyāya, grammar, and scholarship in Navadvīpa, what was the transformative element in His meeting with Īśvara Purī that brought forth such profound ecstatic devotion? More specifically, what was present in Īśvara Purī—and in the line of Śrī Mādhavendra Purī—that revealed and nourished the intimate mood of Vraja within Mahāprabhu's līlā? I would be very grateful to hear your insights on this point.Are there any earlier examples of madhurya-rasa in the Madhva-sampradaya?Dandavat pranams, Guru Maharaja. At what stage does divine love cease to be something we consciously practice and reveal itself as our intrinsic nature?In BG 7.28 Krsna says "all beings are born deluded, bewildered by the dualities arising from desire and hate." Is Krsna referring to the Jiva/soul or the material psycho-physical mechanism?In the Purport of BG 8.22 you mention "Krsna is attained by unalloyed devotion, devoid of even the desire for liberation or one's own spiritual benefit." What kind of spiritual benefit is being indicated here? Thanks Guru Maharaja, my loving obeisances!Pranams, Maharaja. Thanks to the work of Srila Bhaktikavi Atulananda, we have a large number of devotional songs available in Spanish. Personally, I find it very beneficial to sing in my native language, since I can better understand the meaning of the words and feel that I can connect with them more deeply on an emotional level. My question is this: Is there any loss or spiritual disadvantage in singing devotional songs in one's own language rather than in Sanskrit, Bengali, or Vrajabhasa? Is there any particular benefit that is preserved only when singing in the original languages?For a while now, I have been wondering about how the personal process of realisation for Srila Prabhupada (and also Jesus and other messiahs) looked like. I think Srila Prabupada had famously said that there was never a time when he didn’t think about Krishna, right? But do you have perhaps insights into the „personal awakening“ of Srila Prabhupada to his divine mission on earth? Was he born „ready to go“ so to speak, or were there gradual moments of discovery of his own Shaktyavesh-ness and insights into his feelings - apart from the Jaladuta poem?Pranams, Guru Maharaja. What will be the theme of your lecture series at the upcoming retreat in Poland?Dandavats, Guru Maharaja. Do you have any thoughts on the importance of Tantra in Gaudiya Vaisnava lifestyle. I am asking this, as our reading group is currently reading "Rasa: Love Relationships in Transcendence,” and I thought it might help us all to know this.

Questions on today's Swami call:Dandavat Pranams Guru Maharaja! Recently I came across Guru Gita from the Skanda Purana, and it made me wonder if we have any such texts in our tradition that comprehensively speak of the Glories of Sri Guru and explain the Guru Tattva that practitioners can read and meditate upon.There is this discussion in Jaiva Dharma, chapter 9, that confuses me: Adwaita dasa says: " You have said that śakti is the embodiment of consciousness, that it possesses will, and that it is beyond the influence of the three qualities of material nature. This is correct, but only insofar as śakti operates fully under the support of a pure conscious entity, and is thus considered identical with that powerful entity. Desire and consciousness depend on the Supreme Being. Desire cannot exist in śakti; rather, śakti acts in accordance with the desire of the Supreme Being." This passage seems to say that śakti has a will but no desire, which is really confusing to me, as it would make her less "alive" than jiva who obviously has a will and has desires. Perhaps it is my English that clouds the meaning. Could Guru Maharaj clarify this thing more, please? Thank you.I have been studying Gaudiya Vaishnavism and practicing in the tradition for a few years but have yet to take the leap into initiation. How does one know when the time is right? Is any decision made without any shadow of uncertainty? Or is uncertainty the only thing that is certain? Thank you.You mentioned last time, that for your confirmation in the Catholic church you chose St Francis as a patron saint. That is amazing! If you like to share with us; how old were you, what exactly made you choose him from all the others and what did choosing a patron saint actually practically mean for your young life?I would very much like to know what happened to Bhakti Ananda Sagara Maharaj.Ultimately, what is the reason Arjuna decides to fight? Could it be said that he fights for the many reasons Krishna gives him throughout the Gita conversation, or does he ultimately do it for bhakti? I also wondered, based on several verses of the Gita and other scriptures, to what extent Bhakti, by aiming for the highest, ends up including the benefits of other processes in the resulting benefits of bhakti.My other question is somewhat related to this: Is bhakti limited to expressing itself only through the angas, or processes of bhakti? This relates to the initial point: if one studies the angas of bhakti, nowhere does it say "go and kill your relatives."I say all this because some Vaishnava sects mock the "Vinod Parivar preaching campaigns" and other details that we could say differentiate us as a sect, but since some of these details aren't directly related to bhakti, they consider it a deviation.

Questions on today's Swami call:My question is a bit strange: what should one do in case onebecomes a target of an "attack" by someone who can utilize spirits/ghost entities or some kind of energetic influence or spells? I remember Bhaktivinoda Thakur used to read the Bhagavatam when he was attacked by the mistik who pretended to be Bhagavan. But for one whois far less eligible than Bhaktivinoda Thakur, what should one do?I recently listened to a devotee podcast called „Nectar Talks“ (from Alachua) where mother Vegavati dasi mentioned that, back in the day, a Mexican-born devotee named Gilbert brought you, Swami Tripurari, to the devotees. Do you have any memories of Gilbert or Vegavati dasi that you would want to share with us? :)(Follow up to first question) Is the Sri Narasimha Kavacha Mantra appropriate for this as well?How is it possible that Mahā-Māyā covers the svarūpa of the conditioned soul, which is sat-cit-ānanda and directly related to the svarūpa-śakti of Kṛṣṇa?How did Srila Jiva Goswami compose his teachings?Is anything we do that is unrelated to Sri Krishna an offense?A turned away jiva gets trapped by maya. Is it this entrapment that causes us to not go directly to Sri Krishna when we turn towards him?How can a baddha-jiva offend Krsna if he has no real connection to svarupa-shakti in his anistha-stage of bhajana-kriya, or is it only figuratively spoken of as an offense?Is it true that if you attain devotion to god in another way than Prema bhakti it takes longer for the soul to fully reach the spiritual realm?The saktyavesa avatars who are souls who get certain energy of the Supreme inside of them, in what moment the divine energy enters the individual soul? When they get out of the womb or is it inside already part of them before birth?Is there a place for assisted dying in Gaudiya Vaishnavism?Is it appropriate for a devotee to practice not being afraid of death, or should one simply practice surrender as part of their sadhana and let fearlessness come as a byproduct?When we deal with animals who suffer, we have the practice of having them euthanized, but this is not something they choose. For assisted dying, however, humans choose it for themselves. Can you comment on this?

Questions on today's Swami call:Jay Sri Radhe most respected dear Swamiji, deeply grateful to be able to reconnect with YOU like this. U might remember me under the NAME of MALATI. Much of the FAITH & STRENGH 4 BHAKTI YOU did implant into my SOUL - many years ago. I still remember WORD by WORD many of the Secrets & Divine treasures u told me 1993 in VRINDAVAN. My question please: HOW would u explain/ combine / see the DIFFERENT ASPECTS of the DIVINE FEMALE like DEVI LAKSMI, DEVI SARASVATI, DEVI DURGA, PARVATI, MAHA KALI DEVI in contest with SRI RADHA in terms of TATTVA & RASA please??? LUVING, RESPECTFUL PRANAMS from Austria. Ps. How is my dear friend VRINDARANYA? Jay Guru Maharaj! Pranams! We are in the month of Purusottama. Could you speak a little about it?Dandavats, dear Guru Maharaj. In Jiva Gosvavni's epistemology as presented in the Tattva Sandharbha, the ultimate pramana is śabda, which applies to the revealed Vedas and scriptures such as the Bhagvad Gita and the Srimad Bhagavatam. Although the knowledge from these scriptures is final for us, when I read them I wonder why they sometimes use rather imprecise language that allows for a rather broad interpretation. Leaving aside the apparent contradictions in these scriptures, the Sanskrit terms themselves can have many meanings. Take for example the word 'atma' which in some places in the Bhagavad Gita is translated by one Vaishnava commentator as jiva and by another as Paramatma or even mind. I wonder if this way of compiling the scriptures is intended to allow for a broad interpretation so that anyone can get from these scriptures what they desire or believe in, in accordance with the comparison of these scriptures in the Srimad Bhagavatam to the wish-fulfilling tree, nigama-kalpa-taror? However, it seems to me that it would be easier to accept the scriptures as the ultimate pramana if they used unambiguous and precise language, and thus we would avoid such polemics, for example about the nature of the self as we have today. So I'm curious what your opinion is on this, Guru Maharaj. Dandavat Pranams, Guru Maharaj. We have different important shades and colours. Gaura and Shyam for example. Are there other prominent beautiful colours and complexions one should meditate on? Thank you!Hare Krishna Maharaj, dandavats. In the Srimad Bhagavatam, we hear that Krishna appeared from Vasudeva and Devaki in an extraordinary way, first appearing in the mind and heart of Vasudeva and then passing into the mind and womb of Devaki. This process concluded with an aishvarya manifestation of the Supreme in his four-armed form, rather than a physical birth. However, we hear Srila Jiva Goswami and other acharyas, such as Srila Vishwanath Cakravarthi, reveal that Vrajendranandana Krishna (svayam-bhagavan) was actually born from Yasoda, who had twins. This leads to the question: Did Krishna manifest a process similar to that of Devaki and Vasudeva in Nanda and Yasoda, or, given his special relationship with his devotees in Vrindavan, was Krishna essentially born from Yasoda's body?(follow up) Can the imprecise meanings of Sanskrit terms sometimes be the main cause of controversy even among Vaishnavas, for example, about the nature of the jiva, as we have today?Hare Krishna Guru Maharaja. In Sri Caitanya Caritamrita Adi 1.3.65 it says: "In other incarnations the Lord descended with armies and weapons, but in this incarnation His soldiers are His plenary parts and associates." Guru Maharaj, can you share your explanation and perspective on this verse. Thank you 🙏🙏🙏🙏Dandavat Pranams Dear Gurudeva! While I understand fully that in order to make progress as a neophyte on the path of bhakti, I must associate with Vaishnavas. However, due to my withdrawn nature as an introvert as well as my experiences with others in all kinds of relationships I'm carrying so much hurt that I feel hesitant to reach out to devotees - due to the apprehension of being a waste of their time or for fear of rejection. What can I do? Thanks for your merciful and kind association!Dandavats Guru Maharaja and devotees, this is a Vaishnava Pati Das from Chile. My eldest son, Arjuna, has been asking us for a few years now if it's possible for him to receive diksha from you. He is currently twelve years old, and since you began traveling to Chile, he has shown an interest in you.My wife, Visnupriya, and I wanted to know your opinion on this matter, as we have seen many devotees who have pressured their children to receive initiation, and we don't want to force them into anything. However, Arjuna has a genuine interest, and on his last two visits, he has asked if he can receive diksha from you. My wife and I would be very grateful if you could share some thoughts with us so we can address this issue properly and also fulfill our duty as parents to provide our children with a balanced life.

Dear Guru Maharaja, is it possibly an upset for Radharani to have Sri placed next to Krsna?Are interfaith relations ultimately not meant to last, since the practitioners will attain different goals?Where in Bhaktivinoda Thakura's writings are the theological points of Christianity and Vaishnavism you spoke of found in, Guru Maharaja?Guru Maharaja mentioned recently that he says special prayers after waking up. If they are not something secret, could he share them with us, please?Are lilas that constitute the goal of different traditions sometimes overlapping?Maybe I'm not remembering everything but I think Srila Prabhupada spoke of the Aquarian Gospel telling about Jesus coming to Puri, so maybe there's an overlap there?Are there mystical experiences of loving encounters with divinity that do not necessarily correspond to the aspiration of Gaudiya Vaishnavas?Is there any verse we can meditate on that emphasizes the compassionate nature of Srimati Radharani?If the conditioned souls who reach Krishna are said to be more dear to him because they overcome Maya, isn't this unfair in a way for those eternally liberated.And can the eternally liberated choose to go through Maya and experience it and to choose Krishna again?In your classes, you mentioned that the window the Goswamis gave us to enter Vrndāvana is the moment just before Krna leaves to kill Kamsa. Why is that particular moment emphasized?Also, didn't Śrila Prabhupāda seem to enter through the picnic during the Brahma-vimohana-lilã? And wouldn't that still be within purva-răga?

Questions on today’s Swami Call: Bhaktivedanta Swami in his purport says in his purport to Bhagavad Gita 10.38: "Among the confidential activities of hearing, thinking and meditating, silence is most important because by silence one can make progress very quickly." These words sound very inspiring, could you comment on this?Dandavats, dear Guru Maharaja. I have a question about the theodicy problem: Can the suffering of this world be justified by Krishna's need to engage maya shakti if the very existence of maya shakti is itself an expression of His will?Good morning, Guru Maharaja. If there are jivas that will never be liberated, does that put in question the absoluteness of Bhagavan?Hare Krsna, Guru Maharaja. If there was no Maya-sakti, could Bhagavan still be called omnipotent?What does Srila Sridhara Maharaja mean by “the absolute is by itself and for itself”?Can you please say some words to bless our bhakti-shastri course that we are offering?Dandavats, Maharaja. On Mother’s Day, would you like to say some words about the divine feminine?Why did Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu take sannyasa from Keshava Bharati rather than Isvara Puri?I would like to ask about Jaya and Vijaya. They played their roles really well. I`m wondering if they were acting under the influence of yoga maya when they became demons or did Narayan put them temporarily under the influence of maya śakti? Thank you.Hare Krsna and dandavat pranama! For a baddha-jiva maya is the controling agent of their lives and reality, and for a devotee it is yogamaya. Does the individual move from the influence of one to the other through their sadhana and/or saranagati? If so, can we understand it as an instance of one's consciousness shaping one's reality? Dandavat pranama, Guru Maharaja.Hare Krishna, dear Guru Maharaja and dear devotees. Pranaam! I have four questions all relating to the topic of writing. (1) I was wondering if you (GM) have developed a certain writing routine with all your books. like e.g. reciting special prayers before you write? (2) Did you ever experience writer's block and if yes, what did you do? (3) From a practical point of view, what tips would you give aspiring (spiritual) writers? (4) And a last question: Do you keep a daily journal, and would you recommend it for us as daily sadhana? Thank you so much.How are we to reconcile the apparent fact that some real devotees are not allowed to have darshan of Lord Jagannatha while some non-devotees are allowed to?What is Sri Isvara Puri’s identity in Krishna-lila? How does it relate to him being the diksa guru of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu?

Can you share something about your relationship with Agnideva Prabhu who passed away recently?What is the role of reason in the life of faith?Dandavats Guru Maharaja. I want to know what how you felt after Srila Prabhupada’s disappearance. What did you think to be the right succession of leadership in Iskcon? Did the eleven zonal acharyas/gurus appoint themselves or were they chosen by Prabhupada or the GBC? And have you had the opportunity to read the room conversation from may 28and the July 9 letter about the appointment of the 11 ritviks by Prabhupada?Radhe Radhe! Please accept my humble obeisances. I would like to ask: how do we know that the soul of a departed person has gone to the spiritual world, or somewhere else? I often hear that when a bhakta leaves this world, it is said that he or she has gone to Krishna. Who can truly know this, and how is it confirmed?

Questions on today’s Swami Call: If Krishna's marriage to Radha and the young gopis happens during the gopi vasta harana lila, and is a legitimate form of marriage, then it seems the gopis' subsequent marriages to their "husbands" would be parakiya and their relationships to Krishna would be svakiya. Jiva Goswami says so I believe. Is this correct? Is this another case of wonderful inconceivable simultaneous difference and non-difference? Also, if all the young gopis are expansions of Srimati Radharani and all their "husbands" expansions of Krishna, or at least his parshads, may we think (as I like to) that their marriages were in fact very happy and satisfying and the gopis went to Krishna for rasa lila not out of any sense of dissatisfaction or cheating tendency but that in the sound of the flute and in Krishna's form they found a more concentrated manifestation of what they loved in their own husbands. Indeed, since we are discussing lila and not some ordinary event, is it possible that the gopis may not have left their husbands at all, but expanded themselves into two, with one staying at home and the other rushing off to be with Krishna? I have some technical questions about bhakti. First, is there a difference between bhakti and bhakti yoga? I'd like to know if it's called bhakti yoga at a certain stage. In other words, do śuddha-bhaktas also practice bhakti yoga?Another question is based on something you said in Chile. You cited a source, but I'm not sure if it was from the Śrī Sampradāya, where they differentiated between bhakti and śaraṇāgati, emphasizing that if you weren't qualified for bhakti, you could practice śaraṇāgati. I'd like to know if it's possible to elaborate on this a bit or add some perspectives. I found it very interesting.In the Śrī Sampradāya, is śaraṇāgati a process or an attitude?Has any acarya commented on the parallell between Lord Balarama returning to Vraja to console the Vraja-vasis and Lord Nityananda returning to Navadvipa to console the Navadvipa-vasis?For someone who is integrating into the Vaiṣṇava saṅgha, what do you recommend they begin studying, and in what order? And on the other hand, what does Gurumaharaj expect from his students?(Reading of Caitanya-caritamrta Madhya Lila 15.16-19)Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu instructed Raghunatha Dasa Gosvami: “You should not eat very palatable food, nor should you dress very nicely.” Raghunatha Dasa set a great example of renunciation by living very simply, and Mahaprabhu did the same. Jesus also led a materially poor life. Today, under the banner of preaching, service, or preserving the image of the tradition before society, it seems that the main representatives of spiritual traditions enjoy special material comfort: they eat sumptuously, dress opulently, travel in luxury cars, associate with the most privileged sectors of society, and so on.I wanted to ask: if the six Gosvamis, Mahaprabhu, Jesus, and other great personalities set the example of living simply, why is that aspect not considered essential to emulate today for the benefit of devotion? Thank you.Isn’t today GM’s 51st anniversary of taking sannyas in Vrindavan? Just wondering, if it’s okay or common to congratulate? If yes, happy „birthday“! Also I was wondering if GM would like to say a bit about the encounter he had with Yogi Bhajan in LA, as he briefly mentioned last week.

Questions on today's Swami Call:Hare Krishna, Guru Maharaja. Dandavat pranams. Is it okay to read the Sri Caitanya-Caritamta before completing the Srimad Bhagavatam? Also, what is your favorite book?As Sri Krishna's mercy flows downward reaches the lowest places, is the best way to attain his mercy to lower and humble ourselves?Does the topic of mercy and effort relate to the Bhagavad-gita verse where Sri Krishna says he is the source of both remembrance and forgetfulness?Srila Sridhara Maharaja said, "Gadadhar Das represents the halo of Radharani, but Gadadhar Pandit represents Her mood, Her nature-Her heart." Can you explain this statement?How are will and desire related?How did Sri Radha feel during her wedding?What is the significance of offering a ghee lamp to the source of all light, Sri Krishna?Can you share any insights on Srila Bhaktivionoda Thakura's emphasis on the worship of Sri Sri Gaura Gadadhara?Hare Krishna, Gurudeva! Could you share something about how Sikhism relates to Gaudiya Vaishnavism?What is the significance of the depictions of SriRadha carrying Sri Krishna's flute?

Questions on today's Swami Call:When our mind is filled with bhakti, are we connecting directly with Sri Krishna?How do we figure out what seva to offer if we are not aware of our gifts? Or if we have an idea of what our gifts are, how can we overcome our fear that by expressing them we may be seen as not humble?How should we understand the phrase "Krishna will provide"?Does the form of Lord Jagannatha correspond with Sri Krishna meeting Srimati Radharani at Kurukshetra?What does it mean that goptrtve-varanam is the angi of saranagati?How can we honor all that bhakti has done for us while being humble about our own standing?

Questions on today's Swami call:How to hear the caitya-guru before we have reached higher stages of bhakti?Are there any contemporary sadhus that you would recommend hearing from?What is the difference between Dvaraka bhava and Mathura bhava?If Sri Krishna is supposed to be humanlike, why did he mature faster than normal?Why do some devotees in the Brhad-Bhagavatamta say that they have not received any mercy?Is there evil according to Gaudiya Vaishnavism?Will sincere engagement in karma- or jnana-yoga lead to bhakti?Can you explain the sruti smrti puranadi verse in relation to questions of varnasrama and the female diksa guru debate?It is said that one has the follow the Vedic injunctions unless one has firm faith in bhakti. How should firm faith in bhakti be understood here?

Questions on today's Swami call:Dear Guru Maharaja, how can learn to see the good qualities in others like you do instead of getting stuck on bad qualities that I perceiveIf one does the heavy lifting of overcoming a bad tendency in this life, will one be reborn without that tendency in the next life?What is the role of constructive criticism in Gaudiya Vaishnavism?Dandavats Guru Maharaja. How can a person leave the plane of tama-guna?What are your thoughts on focusing on sastra and not look elsewhere for answers in our spiritual development?Is gratitude part of bhakti-rasa?Dear Swami Tripurari, how does one develop real sincerity?(Comment from Sajjan)Srila Sridhara Maharaja said that when we begin practicing Krishna consciousness, it feels like we are risking everything and are not sure i will gain anything. Later on, we feel that there is no risk and no gain. Finally, we feel that there is no risk and all gain. Do these feelings correspond with certain stages of sadhana-bhakti?Jay Guru Maharaja. How can we truly let go of attachment to reasoning?

Questions on today's Swami call:Is the limb of saranagati called atma-niksepa the same as the limb of bhakti called atma-nivedanam?Could the idea that bhakti is not inherent cause the problem of thinking that one has to go to a different guru if one does feel they are making progress?Is it correct that the svarupa-sakti in the jiva is minute and needs stronger

Questions on today’s Swami call:The Narada Bhakti Sutra offers different definitions of bhakti. How would you define bhakti?Comment: It appears that Bhagavad-gita 10.10 goes well with the emphasis of the Bhaktivinoda parivara that everything will be revealed from within in due course of our practice.XXXWhat is the role of varnasrama in the practice of bhakti?What do you think of attempts among devotees to modernize varnasrama dharma?Comment: Alex O’Connor, a famous atheist, is becoming interested in advaita vedanta. What is the difference between buddhi yoga and bhakti yoga?What is the point of modern devotees trying to spread something so outdated as varnasrama dharma?What would you say to your godsiblings who point to Srila Prabhupada’s desire to establish varnasrama dharma?

Questions on today’s Swami call:There is a song that is said to be written by Sri Vrindavan Das Thakura, the translation of which mentions Nityananda Prabhu dancing with sakhis. What should we make of this?Why did Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu show his sadbhuja form to Sri Nityananda Prabhu? Is there any worship of Sri Sadbhuja Gauranga in the Bhaktivinoda parivara?Pranams, dear Guru Maharaja. Is the vanaprastha ashram a part of our lineage?What are your thoughts on lab-produced meat?What role do stories from the oral tradition play in our lineage?As tomorrow is Siva-ratri, could you share something about Lord Shiva? How should we as Krishna-bhaktas approach him? You have previously mentioned a ceremony at the Gopisvara Mahadeva (Shiva) temple in Vraja where his devotees walk on glass and that you once partook in this practice. What was the significance of that?Is there a relationship between Lord Narasimhadeva and Lord Shiva?Why does the Vedanta-sutra define Brahman as the cause of the world?Dandavats. Can you explain the metaphor you sometimes use of freeing a fly from a spider’s web?Can you share something about reading scripture sequentially versus reading the same part many times?

Questions on today's Swami call:Does Sri Krishna ever jokingly encourage his gopa friends to unite with gopis?Hare Krishna! Dandavats, Guru Maharaja. If calamity is predicted in scripture, is there any point in praying for the world?Why did Lord Krishna create the yugas?Are the secondary rasas more prominent in the material world?Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura says that adept sadhakas can advance faster. What is the crucial difference between an adept and a non-adept sadhaka?If one has rejected one's guru and entire devotional life and later wants to come back to the path, can one keep one's initiated name and continue to chant even though one is no longer following the guru who gave one the name and mantra?How can we reconcile the statement of the Srimad Bhagavatam that "one living being is food for another" with Srila Sridhara Maharaja's statement that "the environment is friendly"?

Questions on today's Swami call:How can one carry the environment of the dhama with one when leaving after a visit?Are we practicing raganuga-bhakti before we attain ruci?Are the terms aparoksa/paroksa synonymous with jnana/vijnana?Could you share something about your experience in leaving Iskcon?When external circumstances keep me from doing my desired amount of book distribution seva, I feel unproductive and depressed. Is that a bad or a good thing? Also, could you share any advice on distributing books in 2026?Could you share something about Sri Advaita Acarya today on his appearance day?What is the difference between the stages of dhruvanusmrti and samadhi?

Questions on today's Swami call:If I made a commitment to be patient and kind, would it be okay to detach from this commitment in extenuating circumstances?How can I avoid offering too ordinary prayers to Sri Krishna rather than dignified prayers?Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's associate Kalidas would accept maha-prasadam from everyone without considering their level of advancement. I myself find it difficult to accept maha-prasadam from anyone, even from advanced devotees. What principle is being taught through the story of Kalidas, and how can I overcome my mental block?Have you ever had to deal with devotees being jealous of you? How did you handle that? And if you were to praise a disciple, would it be okay for others to be jealous of them? Can jealousy be helpful in any way?Can you comment on the affection, anger and indifference of the guru towards a disciple? What do if one feels the guru is angry for no good reason? How can one avoid the guru becoming indifferent?Dear Maharaja, can you share something about your connection with Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Maharaja, as today is his appearance day?How do you understand the relationship between experiential realization and scriptural authority in the development of true knowledge (inana), and where do you see these two approaches converging?

Questions on today's Swami call:In Jaiva Dharma, the jiva-shakti is called incomplete. How could any of Bhagavan's shaktis be incomplete?Can you simplify the description from Jaiva Dharma of how Bhagavan manifests in relation to his different shaktis, such as cit-shakti, jiva-shakti, and maya-shakti?Are jivas manifest in the world through the jiva-shakti?What does it mean to be a "transformation" of a shakti? Because "transformation" implies change.Pranams, my dear Guru Maharaja. Could Ananta Sesa and Kaliya be seen as analogies to Yoga-maya and Maha-maya? And could the fact that Krishna does not kill Kaliya indicate that the ego is not to be destroyed but rather made purified and subservient to Sri Krishna?Is the point of Brad-aranyaka-upanisad 4.3.30 that knowledge would cause suffering for the liberated self and therefore it is unmanifest?How can there be several devotees in Krishna-lila with the same name?How can I get rid of the anartha of being disturbed by kirtan that is not to my liking?Is it okay not to always have questions, philosophical or practical, to ask the guru? And who do you turn to when you have questions yourself?Should we try to see Sri Krishna's hand in material situations?Why is Sri Krishna's quality of beauty particularly emphasized in our tradition?

Questions on today's Swami call:What is the difference between Lord Shiva and Maha-Sankarshana?Dandavat pranams, Guru Maharaja. What can we lear from experiences where we thought we were going to die but forget to pray?Should I eventually give up my habit of offering Sri Krishna ready-made cakes from the store?If Lord Shiva and Maha-Sankarshana are one, why is it listed among the ten offenses to the holy name to consider the demigods like Lord Shiva to be independent of or on the same level as Sri Krishna?Can you comment on the different levels of remembrance (smaranam)?I heard a story about Bhakti Saranga Goswami being warned that he was cheated by other Vaishnavas. His response was that he wished to keep his faith in those Vaishnavas even if they were cheating him. How can we understand this attitude?How can I know if Sri Krishna accepts my offerings?Do you believe that Sri Krishna's lilas continue on earth as long as someone remembers them with love?What is the difference between the separation from Sri Krishna felt by the sadhaka and that felt by the associates of Sri Krishna in the lila?Would you like to say something about Sri Jagadisha Pandit as it was his appearance day recently?Why is it that orthodox Gaudiya Vaishnavas disapprove of certain lineages that worship Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu while approving of traditions that are more removed, such as the abrahamic religions?Do you have any plans to go to India, and do you have any plans for 2026?In your book Joy of Self you say that a real guru has no disciples, but rather sees their disciples as being sent by Sri Krishna to engage the guru in service. At the same time, the guru honors the sentiments of the disciple as it is inspired by Sri Krishna. Can you explain

1. Follow-up from last week on consciousness: "If the difference between vishaya (object) and ashraya (subject/shelter) disappears at a certain point, then in terms of the subjective experience of the manjaris, does the difference between Radha and Krishna also disappear to them, and does service to one become service to the other?" [00:25]2. Object of consciousness: "Can consciousness also be the object of consciousness? On one hand, no, because consciousness belongs to subjective reality and is the experiencer, not the experienced. On the other hand, God, His form, name, and companions are all spiritual (sat-chit), which means they can be experienced with our consciousness. Does God as pure consciousness become the object of our consciousness?" [09:48]3. Nature of consciousness: "Can we say more properly that consciousness is the function or attribute of the jiva, or is it their very essence?" [26:54]4. Spiritual progress (Kanishta stage): "If the madhyama-kanishta stage corresponds to nistha, then how can we recognize our spiritual progress at the kanishta-kanishta stage? Does this initial stage also have any gradations or levels? Is there any place where one can read about this?" [30:16]5. Kardama Muni and Lord Kapila: "Why did Kardama Muni leave home to meditate on the Paramatma when the Lord Himself, Lord Kapila, was his son in his home? Secondly, was Kardama Muni in vatsalya-rasa?" [34:49]6. Qualities in disciples: "What are the most important qualities you would be pleased to see in your students?" [40:47]7. Process of Sharanagati (Surrender): "Does the process of sharanagati involve an inner aspect (releasing the tendency to control and placing trust in Krishna) and an outer aspect (taking practical steps to improve one's life, such as seeking guidance or reorganizing daily activities)? Is this understanding and approach correct?" [48:49]8. Sharanagati and Shradha: "I would like to understand more how sharanagati and shradha are not considered an anga (limb) of bhakti while being also the very base of it and one of the stages of bhakti development?" [50:40]9. Adversity and service: "If you accept your situation and understand it for what it really is, there stops being a problem—there are only service opportunities. How does this apply to everyday problems for someone at the kanishta stage? Is it through practicing tolerance and humility, or something else?" [01:00:00]

• [00:43]: I would appreciate your guidance regarding the Mridu stage of Anartha-nivritti as described in Madhurya Kadambini. When I am conscious of an anartha being triggered and there is emotional pain, I notice that remembering Krishna and taking shelter of philosophical understanding brings relief. Is this movement from being absorbed in the anartha to returning to remembrance a healthy sign of progress?• [09:02]: I understand that chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra is our bhajan. How important is archan (deity worship)? Could you please give some guidelines on how to do archan at home for busy householders?• [24:40]: My question relates to Gopa-swami and Jaiva Dharma, specifically about sakhas like the older surit-sakhas (Virabhadra and Mandalibhadra). Mother Yashoda gives them weapons to protect Krishna from demons. But in Vraja, there are no demons, only rumors. Does this mean drawing a sword to protect Krishna is only possible in the prakata-lila (manifest pastime), or does it also happen in the aprakata-lila?• [28:09]: I heard a devotee quoting that one cannot practice humility, and any attempt to do so is a symptom of pride, because real humility is a natural state that can only be bestowed upon us. Could you please say something about that?• [38:24]: If Shri Krishna is Vishaya (the object of love) and Radharani is Ashraya (the shelter of love), how does a manjari tread this path? Her love for Krishna is subtle, while her dasyam (service) for Shri Radha is her life air. How does her love for the Ashraya (Radha) exceed her love for the Vishaya (Krishna)?• [46:46]: (Follow-up) In the "Circle of Friends" you mention that Krishna is both Rasa and Rasika, being both the Vishaya and the Ashraya for his friends. You also mention that for intimate devotees, the distinction between Ashraya and Vishaya dissolves. Is this specific to sakhya-rasa due to equality among friends, or does it happen in other rasas as well?• [58:11]: Do the priya-narma-sakhas have equal love for Radha and Krishna, or are they a mirror of the manjaris, meaning they take Krishna's side and have more affection for him?• [59:24]: (Follow-up) Regarding the "no-self" concept in Advaita Vedanta—my experience is that, just as in Gaudiya Vaishnavism, there are different levels of understanding. Some say there is no individual self, while others (like Ramana Maharshi) say the Self is the only reality. How do we distinguish between these perspectives and the Gaudiya view?

• [00:00:21]: Is the fear justified that if someone sees Krishna personally while awake, they might be considered insane and unable to perform their service to the Guru?• [00:06:50]: Who is the Sri Guru who resides in the heart along with Paramatma, if Paramatma is a passive witness and Guru provides active guidance from within?• [00:09:40]: Could you explain the "Sphota" theory regarding the meaning of words and the idea that someone with wrong understanding or bad intentions can turn even a sacred mantra into a materialistic sound?• [00:16:01]: Does the statement that good spiritual instructions are only useful when they match the practitioner's stage of spiritual realization apply only to the topic of meditation?• [00:24:35]: Why does Balarama carry a plow and a mace? Is there a specific meaning behind these symbols?• [00:30:56]: Why does Radha ask Balarama to marry the Gopis who are in love with him?• [00:31:37]: Are there specific techniques or practices that help the heart retain and realize the supernatural sound vibrations of the Lord?• [00:36:12]: How can one control the desire for recognition, validation, and respect from others?• [00:47:08]: Are there "sakhi" (female friends) of Krishna in Vraja, and does sakhya-rasa (friendship) extend to the maidens, or is it exclusive to certain groups?• [00:50:31]: How should we approach an atheist who believes that if God exists, He must be evil because He allows suffering in the world?

Questions on today's Swami call:Obeisances, Srila Maharaja. How do the levels of kanistha, madhyama, and uttama relate to the nine stages of bhakti?Pranam, Guru Maharaja. Will our eternal identity and service upon attaining perfection be determined by qualities inherent one one's self or by the desires of Sri Sri Radha Krishna?Is sakhya-rasa an uddipana for other Vraja-vasis than the gopis?Dandavat pranam, do the disciples of a guru carry krishna-shakti to other people?Are there any disciples of Srila Prabhupada or Srila Sridhara Maharaja that have inspired you?What did Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati mean when he said he perceived his gurus, Srila Gaurakisora Das Babaji and Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura as Svarupa Damodara and Gadadhara Pandit?Dandavat pranam, Guru Maharaja. Can you tell us about the members of the catur-vyuha?Are Karanadakasayi-, Garbhodakasayi-, and Kirodakasayi-Vishnu three separate deities?If the vision of Goloka only descends on those engaged in Vraja-bhajana, why are descriptions of Goloka necessary?What does it mean that some of Sri Krishna's lilas are enacted in conjunction with the maya-sakti?What can we learn from the attitude of the bull of dharma speaking in the first canto of the Srimad Bhagavatam?Is there a connection between the pastimes of mother Yashoda tying Sri Krishna to the grinding mortar in the Damodara-lila and the cowherd boys tying him to a tree?How does the shift happen from material to spiritual personality?

Questions on today's Swami call:Dandavats, Maharaja. Pranama to you and all the devotees here. You mentioned in another session that one can make Krishna-bhakti a limb of one's guru-bhakti, rather than the other way around, and this will be pleasing to Sri Krishna. How does one do this? Could it, for example, be to pray to Krishna to bless us in fulfilling the desires of our spiritual master?Radhe Radhe! What did you mean when you said that your inner guide inspired you to wear gopi-candana tilaka?Why did Srila Krishnadas Kaviraja Goswami liken Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu to a lion?Can you explain Srila Jiva Goswami's verse stating that one has to be identical with God in order to worship him?Pranama, dear Guru Maharaja. If the hladini- and sandhini-shaktis are presided over by Srimati Radharani and Lord Balarama, who presides over the samvit-shakti?Can you share your thoughts on the differing statements from our acharyas about whether or not we can attain the spiritual world immediately at the end of this life?Was it Mahaprabhu who also prayed to take birth among devotees wherever that might be?Can you say some warming words about Gita Jayanti and tell us what your plans are?Can you share some words of inspiration for the December book distribution marathon?

Questions on today's Swami Call:To what extent is Gaudiya Vaishnavism intertwined with Bengali culture? Is it necessary to adopt this culture to experience Gaudiya Vaishnavism fully?What does it mean that Sri Krishna's lilas are present in his name?Pranams, Maharaja. If someone is aspiring for madhurya-rasa and joints the lineage of Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, will they join the group of Sri Nayana-mani Manjari upon attaining perfection?I have noticed you are now wearing gopi-candana instead of Syama-kunda tilaka. How come you changed tilaka?Is it true that by associating with devotees, rendering service, and practicing sadhana we will awake our desire serve Sri Sri Radha Syama in our eternal svarupa?Sometimes it is said that pure devotees have no enemies. Why does it look like they do, for example, in the cases of Srila Haridas Thakura and Prahlada Maharaja?Hello, Maharaja. What does it mean that karma is not eternal?What does Srila Jiva Goswami mean when he says that nama-kirtanam is more powerful than nama-smaranam?

Questions on today’s Swami call:Dear Guru Maharaja. My husband does not identify as a Vaishnava, but he is supportive of my practice and also approves of me teaching our children about bhakti. I think of him as a Vaishnava and serve him prasadam. However, he does not like food without onion, and according to deity worship standards, onions should not be offered to Sri Krishna. Can I still serve my husband food with onions, meditating that I am serving a Vaishnava according to his preferences?Why do demons appear in the lila of Sri Krishna? Is it to show what happens when we turn away from Sri Krishna?What is the significance of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu worshipping Sri Advaita Acarya with the mantra "yo 'si so 'si namo 'stu te”, meaning "Whatever You are, You are — but I offer My respects unto You”?What happens with deities that get stolen and end up in a place where there are no devotees around?How can we dispose of mahaprasad items if we are in a country where such items cannot legally be disposed of in the way our scriptures prescribe, such as burning, burying or putting them a river?Does Bhagavad-Gita 5.16-17 refer to realizing one’s bhava and seva and entering the spiritual world?Are there any examples that illustrate Lord Balarama’s being the presiding deity of the rasa of laughter (hasya-rasa)?Can you explain the differences between eligibility for vaidhi-sadhana-bhakti and for raganuga-sadhana-bhakti?Pranams, Guru Maharaja. One devotee said that earlier in the history of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, when there were not many members, the small groups of practitioners made for an informal atmosphere suitable for the practice of raga-bhakti. But when it became bigger, things became more formal, and that is more suitable for spreading vaidhi-bhakti to the masses, and then there will be small pockets of people interested in raga-bhakti. What is your opinion on this view?

Questions on today’s Swami Call:Can you share some advice to encourage our children in Krishna consciousness, especially pre-teens?If we are not the actual doers of action (as per Bhagavad-Gita 3.27), do we have free will?Pranams, Guru Maharaja. Regarding the title and artwork of your upcoming book, ”Birds of the Same Feather”, using the analogy from the Upanishad’s of two birds in the tree, isn’t this usually referring to the atma and Paramatma whereas your book is about the atma and Bhagavan?Dandavats, Guru Maharaja. Is it appropriate to pray to Sri Radha, Sri Krishna’s primary shakti, to keep us away from the external shakti, the material energy?Hare Krsna, Gurudeva. I hope you are well. How does a falldown from a high level of bhakti to a lower level show itself?If the devotees in Vaikuntha look the same as Lord Narayana, how do you tell them from one another?Dandavats, Guru Maharaja. Could it be said that demons live inside us in this age in the form of anarthas?How would you describe humility? What books would you recommend to study Gaudiya Vaishnava philosophy in a systematic way?In the Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Svarupa Damodara says that even a highly advanced Vaishnava who has accepted Sri Krishna as the Lord will change their mind if they hear the Vedanta commentary of Sankaracarya. Why would that be?What is the connection between Sri Prabhodananda Saraswati and the Radha-Vallabhis?Pranams, dear Maharaja. Should I be critical of others for their own good, or just focus on my own practice?

Questions on today’s Swami Call:Did Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s teachings reach the whole world during his manifest lila on Earth?Good morning, Maharaja. Pranama. What is the difference between Sri Krishna and the sages’ glorification of him?What is the difference between the unmanifest and the manifest lilas of Sri Krishna?Dear Guru Maharaja, can you tell us something about the extraordinary devotee Sri Akincana Krishna Dasa Babaji?Pranama. At what point did it become a practice to offer a gheelamp to Srimati Yasoda Devi binding Lord Damodara?Why is Sri Gadadhara Pandit not mentioned in Sri Caitanya-caritamrta 3.1?Is there any separation in the unmanifest lila of Sri Krishna?Is the rope in Damodara lila conscious?Can you tell us something about the spiritual teacher Ramana Maharshi?Can you say something about the festival of Diwali?Where does transcendental faith (nirguna sraddha) reside?

Questions on today's Swami Call: In what ways could the Brahma-vimohan-lila be an entry point for those desiring servile (dasya-) or friendly love (sakhya-rati) for Sri Krishna?Dear Maharaja; in the Bhagavad-Gita, Sri Krishna says he spoke this knowledge to the sun god. How come there is no Surya vaishnava sampradaya?(Comments from Sajjan about the Kumara sampradaya, the sun god, and the upcoming appearance day of Srila B. R. Sridhara-Deva Goswami Maharaja)Besides the tenth canto of the Srimad Bhagavatam, are there any other biographies of Sri Krishna? Dandavats pranama, Guru Maharaja. Is the Srimad Bhagavatam itself sweet and deep, or do the commentaries add those dimensions?Is it correct to assume that the more advanced a devotee is the less he cares about the qualification (adhikara) of other devotees? Thank you, Maharaja.Could it be said that the beginner (kanistha) devotee is characterized by faulty discrimination?My loving obeisances, Guru Maharaja. Is it correct to see our human condition with all its weaknesses as an impetus for surrender to Sri Krishna?Dandavats, Maharaja. Thank you. What is the significance of the rope binding Sri Krishna's belly being praised in the Damodarastakam?How should we understand Srila Prabhupada's statement that the Srimad Bhagavatam should be received from representatives of Sukadeva Goswami in the renounced order?

Questions on today’s Swami Call:What do the terms chaya- and pratibimba-bhakti-abhasa mean?I fear death since I became a mother, as I wouldn’t be able to care for my children if I died. How can I turn fear into trust?Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura said both that attaining anartha-nivrtti will automatically awaken one’s svarupa and that one needs to focus on artha-pravrtti to attain perfection. How can these statements be harmonized?Pranama, Maharaja. Why is Sri Krishna’s Damodara-lila especially emphasized during the month of Kartika?Why is the Damodara month considered to be Srimati Radharani’s month?Is there a particular calling for each devotee to perform a certain service in their sadhaka-deha?Some devotees talk about a second wave of bhakti coming over the world. What do you think about this idea?

Questions on today’s Swami call:If jivas have different origins, such as Maha-Vishnu (for those in samsara) or Lord Balarama (for eternal associates of Sri Krishna), would a jiva going from the material world to Vaikuntha, could this be seen as changing nationality, or is it rather like becoming a world citizen?Throughout my life I have been attracted to both Gaudiya Vaishnavism and Advaita Vedanta. I am now 50 years old. What do you think I should do?Could a devotee both be bliss and taste bliss?Pranama Gurudeva; namaskar. I feel inspired to support Srimati Radharani in her yudha-vira bhava with Sri Krishna. Is that possible?Can you share something about Sri Jahnava Thakurani’s inner identity and her contribution to our sampradaya?Dandavats, Swami Maharaja. How could demons enter Vrindavan, which is a spiritual place?It seems that we can find examples of both spiritually responsible suicide as well as delusional suicide. What is your perspective on this?Why did Srila Prabhupada say that the stars reflect the light of the sun?

Questions on today’s Swami call:Sometimes it seems that even spiritually powerful devotees have gone astray theologically. How can this be?What constitutes sadhu sanga?Srila Sridhara Maharaja says that devotees need to prepare themselves for times when Sri Krishna will appear indifferent to them. Why are such experience necessary?Would Srila Haridas Thakura’s getting beaten up in different marketplaces be an example?How can we inspire faith in the Veda in others?How to deal with interfaith questions where there are important differences such as Hindus having deities while the Bible says one should not worship graven images?What are your thoughts on ahimsa?

Questions on today’s Swami call:Are there demigods in the unmanifest lilas in the spiritual world?What is the interrelation between Bhagavan, Brahman, and the jivas?It is said that chanting the holy name will purify us, but it is also said that we need to chant purely for the practice to be effective. Can you explain this seeming contradiction?Please, would you elaborate on the sixth verse of Gurvastakam by Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura, as much as time allows?

Questions on today’s Swami call:It appears that Gaura-lila is a meeting place for devotees from different spiritual realms. Is this so only in the pastimes manifest in the world (prakata-lila) or also in the spiritual world (aprakata-lila)?Are there devotees with the love of servitude (dasya-rati) as their dominant emotion (sthayi-bhava) in Vraja-lila?Do the pastimes of separation draw jivas into the lila as there is a need for their service there?Guru Maharaja, please accept my humble obeisances. What is the relationship between our actions and our inner states? On what should we base the latter?When we go on pilgrimage, for example to Vrindavan, is it enough to see the place as an excitant (uddipana) for our bhakti, or is it important to emphasize as a historical fact that Sri Krishna was physically there 5000 years ago?What would you answer to the argument that one could meditate on anything, such as a flame, and experience the same results as from meditating on Sri Sri Radha Krishna?What should I keep in mind as I serve Srimati Tulasi-devi?Do you have any thoughts or advice to share about today’s lunar eclipse?The description of the Gopala yantra in Gopala-tapani Upanisad is very complicated and technical. Can you explain it?The Vraja-vasis are not aware that Sri Krishna is God, but in times of calamity they take shelter of him. Why is that?

Questions on today's Swami call:Is it common to have stronger feelings for one's own guru than for Sri Krishna?Today being Sri Radhastami, is there anything you would like to share about Srimati Radharani or any recommendations for reading and chanting on this day? Also, if you have any particular recommendations for those aspiring for manjari-bhava or priya-narma-sakha-bhava, I would be interested to hear those.It is said that Lalita-sakhi recommends qualified newcomers to enter Sri Radha's group. How does it work for those aspiring for sakhya-rasa? Also, in Jaiva Dharma we hear that two disciples of the same guru can view the guru according to their own rasas. Could you explain this?How come Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu sometimes encouraged devotees along the lines of a bhava that was different from their own?What does the word 'sudhama' refer to in your pranama mantra?Could you say something in glorification of Sri Visakha sakhi?Can I worship a statue of Sri Sri Radha Krishna that I bought in a shop?

Questions on today’s Swami call:Dandavats pranama, Guru Maharaja. What keeps the vibhinnamsa-jiva separate from Sri Krishna in liberation?Would you like to share some verses that you like to meditate on?Where can I find the story about the hunter who was purified by Narada Muni’s association and chanting of the holy name?What verses do you like to meditate on for japa?Pranama, Maharaja. Can one worship Srimati Radharani as a baby, similar to Laddu Gopal?If the jiva is not a doer, who is performing the action of chanting the holy name?What is your understanding of Sri Radha’s age? Different sources give different accounts as to when she was born, some saying before Sri Krishna and others saying after Sri Krishna.How to develop and strengthen one's guru-nistha?What kind of liberation did the demons attain when they were killed by Sri Krishna?XXXWhat is the idea behind the teaching that one should keep one’s guru a secret?

Questions on today’s Swami Call:Would you like to say something about Srila Prabhupada on the occasion of his appearance day?I heard that Srila Sridhara Maharaja would not perform the Jhulan Yatra festival with his deities as it’s too elevated. What are your thoughts on this?What is the scriptural basis for referring to Lord Balarama as the original guru?Why are some deities of Sri Sri Krishna Balarama decorated with brahmin threads?Is the teaching of the Panihati festival that one cannot approach God without the blessing of the guru?As Lord Balarama is the presiding deity of the rasa of joking and laughter (hasya), what kind of sense of humor does he have?

Questions on today’s Swami call:Can we break free from our material confinement at once, or do we need to collect many moments of clarity to stay in clarity permanently?Have you always had the fortune to be in the association of devotees? Could you share any guidance on practicing sadhana in solitude?(comment from Bijaya Kumara about Trana Karta Dasa’s book “O’Hare Krishna Airport”)Could you say something about the significance of the numbers 8 and 18 in Sri Krishna’s magic creation and in our tradition?Does Sri Krishna feel separation from the baddha-jivas?If a jiva enters brahma-sayujya, would Sri Krishna be longing for that jiva forever?Hare Krishna, Maharaja. Dandavat pranams. Is there a possibility of attaining vatsalya-rati for Srimati Radharani, seeing her as a daughter?Dear Guru Maharaja, dandavat pranama. What is Srimati Radharani’s favorite name of Sri Krishna?Did you have the opportunity to meet Gour Govinda Maharaja? Can you 

Questions on today’s Swami call:Do circumstances like what kind of country we live in and where we live in that country make a difference for our spiritual practice? For example, I have heard that living in the countryside, especially in a Western developing country, may pose obstacles.It is said to be an offense to preach the glories of the holy name to the faithless. Does this also include simple recommendations to the general public like “chant the holy name and be happy”?You often say that the lila of Sri Krishna is humanlike, but in one article you wrote that Sri Krishna is both fully divine and fully human. Can you please explain?Hare Krsna, Gurudeva. Pranama. Could you please share about the significance and conception of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s deities, Sri Sri Gaura Gadadhara?Is Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu experiencing the type of love with anyone in Gaura-lila that he had with Uddhava in Krishna-lila?Pranams, Guru Maharaja. Hare Krishna. Can you share something about the different kinds of bhakti in Garuda and Hanuman?I heard that you have met Srila Sridhara Maharaja. Can you tell us about your relationship with him?What would be the function of navels in Goloka?I would like to set a good example of Krishna consciousness for my child. How can I know whether I’m truly practicing bhakti? What would be a good book for me to read as a beginner?What is your opinion on the worship of Salagrama shilas?Pranams, dear Guru Maharaja. In Aesthetic Vedanta, commenting on the gopis feeling that they have no devotion, you describe how one feels further from Bhagavan the closer one gets, and also that his presence is both humbling and reassuring. Can you say something more about this?

Questions on today’s Swami Call:Dandavats, Guru Maharaja. What is your response to members from other sampradayas questioning the validity of ours?What is the difference between labeling a teaching as valid siddhanta for others although we do not follow it ourselves and labeling a teaching as apa-siddhanta?We have heard from you that the Kama-gayatri is a form of the Brahma-gayatri and that it is connected with the Gopala-mantra. Can you share something more about its meaning and the effects of chanting it?You explained in a recent lecture in Poland that Lord Jagannatha’s mercy became available in this world through a blessing of Narada Muni. Could you say something more about why Lord Jagannatha is so merciful?I feel like an outsider in the Vaishnava community, feeling like others have a relationship with Sri Krishna while I do not. I do, however, feel happy for these devotees. Is this normal or is it a mental problem? Is it best to avoid preaching to people who are likely to become inimical, as they may offend bhakti, or could we try to give them a chance?What is your instruction regarding deity worship during one’s menstrual period, and what is your reasoning behind it?What do you think are the best arguments for reincarnation ?

Questions on today’s Swami Call:Pranams dear Guru Maharaj. I am curious if Krishna’s words “think of me” in Bhagavad-Gita 9.34 can be also understood as “be with me”? Sometimes I have moments in japa when I feel I want to just stay and be more present, rather than continue chanting at that specific moment.Jay Guru Maharaja! I have a question regarding Vaishnava aparadha. Could someone’s difficulty in committing themselves to the practice be a result of Vaishnava aparadha in a previous life? If so, how can one become free from its effects? How to counteract it? How to make amends?In the second verse of his Prapanna Jivamritam, Srila Sridhar Maharaj offers his pranams to the deity called Gaura Sarasvati. I am wondering if he is speaking of his spiritual master in this verse or if there is indeed a deity of Lord Gauranga called Gaura Sarasvati. Could you explain the meaning of this verse, please? Thank you.Pranama. Hare Krsna. Does Srimati Radharani represent bhakti in our lives?Pranam Maharaj. I would like to know what in your perspective is the biggest change what happens when one gets Harinam initiation? What happens to practise? And as a follow up question, What kind of requirements you have if one would wish to become your disciple?What is the proper honorific title for a female sannyasi? Like when we call a male sannyasi simply ”Maharaja”.What does the word ”gopi” mean to you? I feel like something may have been lost in the translation into English as ”cowherd girl”.Could you share something about the mood and attitude one should have while trying to distribute devotional books to the public?Could you share something about your recent research on the different views on Sri Caitanya Caritamrta’s asirvada sloka?Can you explain the meaning of the statement ”kirtana prabhave smarana svabhave” from Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura’s song Vaishnava ke?

Questions on today’s Swami Call:How can I improve my japa, considering that I do not have very much time for it every day?Hari bol. Pranams, Guru Maharaja. Are our fears rooted in the prospects of experiencing the opposites of the qualities of the self (sat cit ananda)?Jaya Gurudeva. Hari bol. What does the soul actually do if it takes the path of Arciradi after death?Should the jivas follow Lord Brahma’s example in purifying themselves as he represents the collective of jiva souls?How come some of the demons that Sri Krishna killed attained sayujya-mukti before they attained love of God?Is it true that if you don’t attain prema in this lifetime you will have to go through the 8 million types of species before getting a human form again?What were Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s teachings regarding Radha-dasyam?Is the festival of Ratha Yatra related with the pastime of the Vraja-vasis meeting Sri Krishna at Kuruksetra?

Questions on today’s Swami call:0:00 News.1:16 How can one control their anger?5:50 What does it mean that an ajata-ruci raganuga sadhaka can serve Sri Krishna directly?9:16 Can you give examples from the lila of how the stages of prema appear in different orders in sakhya- and madhurya-rasa respectively?20:32 Can a devotee enter the lila as a well-wisher of Sri Sri Radha Krishna in terms of their union without becoming directly involved in bringing about their union?23:56 On page 335 in Circle of Friends you mention vivarnagra-sakha. Who is that? 26:53 I would like to ask you some spiritual guidance in regards my inner self-doubting critic. I have tried to deal with it on the psychological level, but could you give some advice from the spiritual perspective?43:34 (Comment from Sajjan)48:59 Can our own aspiration to be a devotee be our teacher?52:00 What does it mean that an ajata-ruci raganuga sadhaka can serve Sri Krishna directly? (same question as earlier)53:26 We are all sorry and shocked to hear that Gopati the peacock passed away. Could you share something about this special mystical soul and his time at Audarya?56:55 Could you say something about the importance of the Gayatri mantra and how we can chant it properly?