SB 7.13.35 – 7.13.

46

September 10, 2013

Bhaktivedanta class

10 sep 13/Keshava Dasa

7.13.35

– we can learn from so many things

– we should see a guru everywhere

– the word guru means “heavy”

7.13.36

– we should accumulate wealth and 50% used for ISKCON

– its not wrong to be wealthy (Grihastas) because a lot can be done

– but we should live simply nevertheless

7.13.37

– this is sanyasi dharma : should be dependent on Krishna

7.13.38

– we should be simple and use whatever comes our way but not agitated

7 13.39

– should not be attached to bodily decorations

7.13.40

– simple living : we should voluntarily accept austerity

– everything we get is based on our karma. Some have destiny to gain a lot of wealth and some
don’t. Irrespective of this – we must serve Krishna. In the material world, anything can happen.

7.13.41

– there is reference to transmigration of soul : they come and they go

– don’t be attached to material situations as they can change quickly

7.13.42

– we should see things equally.

7.13.43

– discrimination between matter and spirit can be achieved by devotional service

7.13.44

– Krishna mentions this in Gita also. We need to hear this again and again. We are not body but
soul.

7.13.45

– we don’t listen to public opinion.

7.13.46

– regardless of how the guru may appear externally, he must be accepted as a learned person

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SB 7.13.24 – 7.13.34

September 9, 2013

Bhakti Vedanta class

Keshava Dasa / 09 09 13

7.13.24

– material world is Durga – a place of struggle and misery. For a devotee, it’s is Krishnas mercy.

– when a devotee wishes to enjoy the material world, Krishna gives a reminder

– for a non devotee also, it is Krishnas mercy.

– material world is meant for detachment

– We have to be convinced that this is not our home and make it our last birth

– the remedy is to follow Krishnas advice : we have to surrender to Him.

– we have to enjoy in Krishnas service (even our kirtans)

7.13.25

– take advantage of the human form of life

– we are very fortunate that Krishna and lord chaitanya have appeared so very recently

– Bhakti siddanta Maharaj expected all his disciples to go back to Krishna in this life itself

– devotee has no fear of death – its all attractive for them because it reunites them with Krishna
7.13.26

– goodness seems restrictive in beginning but pleasure later

– passionate means wanting pleasure immediately but suffering later

– men and women should segregate and have limited association. Difficult in the beginning but
will help in purification as time goes by. Practice brahmacharya.

– devotees must learn to disassociate with non-devotees. Otherwise we will imitate them over
time and it will create chaos.

7.13.27

– renunciation leads to happiness

SB 7.13.11- 7.13.23

September 3, 2013

Bharivedanta class

03 Sep 13 / Keshava Das

7.13.11

– ajagara means phyton and vritti means regulation

– consciousness of a sanyasi is a guru to everyone else

– he is fully dependent on Krishna and does not depend on his own arrangements

– sometimes we see that when a sanyasi stays at one place, the community grows. So it’s based
on a particular sanyasi and circumstance.

– main austerity is preaching but need not take unnecessary austerities

– the sage that Prahlad sees wants to completely detach from material problems

7.13.12
– going to a holy place is to seek out holy people

– we should not judge others externally about their spiritual advancement

7.13.13

– we understand someone’s consciousness when they start to speak and how they act

– we should judge a devotee by their actions before they became a devotee

– we should offer respect to Vaishnavas

7.13.17

– eat as much as you can to do service properly

– if you eat too much, you will sleep too much and will be agitated by sex desire

7.13.18

– young person can over eat and aged should eat less

7.13.19

– devotees like to be active. They don’t like to waste time. But very advanced may not be active

7.13.20

– devotees speak sweetly

7.13.21

– a devotee is expert. An advanced person can judge someone’s quality very quickly

– we reject those who are offensive.

7.13.22

– Krishna gives you intelligence

7.13.23

– to give KC, we will associate

– we should quote Sanskrit as reference point

SB 7.13.1 – SB 7.13.10

September 2, 2013

Bhaktivedanta Class

Keshava Das / 02 Sep 13

These verses cover the sanyasa ashram

7.13.1

– This description is very apt during the Vedic ages. But it’s very difficult to do so in today’s age.

– those who are able to do so are very elevated people.

7.13.2

– Srila Viswanath Chakravarti says that a sanyasi should be completely renounced

– actually, most of the devotees in some capacity are renounced through our regulative
principles

– must renounce sense gratification and material possessions/opulence

– if a grihasta uses all possessions in Krishnas service, then they are as good as a tridandi sanyasa
as per Prabhupada
– we offer obeisances to sanyasi because they have conquered their sex desire as per Prabhupad

– when a strict and qualified brahmacari or sanyasi speaks, it is like fire – very powerful

– should live simply

7.13.3

– basic principle of sanyasi is that he is dependent on Krishna. This is the basic principle of
devotion is surrender – He is the maintainer and He is the protector

– does not even store food for later use

– he just wanders on foot, village to village

– he is satisfied constantly rendering service to Krishna.

– each of the ashram has a religious principle – brahmacari is studying, Grihasta is charity,
vanaprasatha is austerity and sanyasi is preaching.

7.13.4

– he is technically on the spiritual platform

– sees everything and everyone connected to Krishna

– he should not see anything or anyone for his personal sense enjoyment

– we must not live too opulently but a simple and respectable one

– do not let sense gratification come in the name of Krishna Consciousness

7.13.5

– one must have realisation to maintain renunciation – understanding the difference between
maya and Krishna

– he should see Krishna everywhere without illusion

– must use everything in Krishnas service

– maya is very powerful – in like a needle and out like a plough

7.13.6

– this is the vision of a sanyasi : sees everything controlled by the time factor

7.13.7

– one must keep oneself always engaged

– we must not be like crows wasting time over useless things

– don’t be a sanyasi just to read books but to be purified

– we must not preach as a business. It should not be a money making endeavour. 3 people gets
purified – speaker, enquirer and listener.

7.13.8

– Jiva Goswami comments that a devotee can make many disciples but not for material purposes

7.13.9

– 4 types of sanyasis are mentioned. This section of Bhagavad is talking about Paramahamsas

7.13.10

– sanyasis often don’t get involved in material desires. Grihastas means having material
problems.

– we should not go to sanyasis with our material problems because it is not their business. We
should respect their ashram.

SB 7.12.11 – 7.12.31

August 27, 2013

27 August 13

Keshava Das, Bhaktivedanta

7.12.11

1. Prabhupad is emphasising the importance of abstaining from sex life

2. There is license for sex once a month to beget children for Grihastas

3. Sex life causes attachment to the material world. Following varnashram system ensures giving
up this desire. It should be done gradually.

4. Grihasta ashram is meant for purifying oneself

5. One must follow the instructions of the spiritual master in all Varnas and ashramas.

6. Purpose of KC is not to absorb ourselves in the identity of a particular varna and ashram. Our
aim should be to release ourselves from all attachment.

7. Order of the guru is the pride of the disciple.

8. Varnashram system is like a safety net.

7.12.12

1. These are done to be simple and give up bodily concept of life

2. Some of these things can be done for the sake of bodily maintenance but not sense
gratification

7.12.13

1. Everyone should study the Vedas. In order to progress in spiritual life, one must study.

2. This is why distribution of books are important.

3. Also, we must be where the crowd is. If they are on Internet, we should be there with our
message.

4. If grihasta ashram can be avoided because one is strong in their pursuit of absolute truth, then
it is good.

7.12.16
1. We must transcend all attachments in this world

2. We must see the Supreme personality as Supreme and all living entities as His part and parcel

7.12.18

1. Husband and wife together but associate less by focusing more on spiritual advancement

7.12.18 till end

1. We should learn the difference between reality and illusion. This is what bhagavatam teaches
us.

SB 7.12.1 – 7.12.10

August 26, 2013

26 Aug 13

Keshava Das | Bhaktivedanta Class

7.12.1

Brahmacari – brahman means the spirit and acharya means one who sets an example or one
who moves. So, literally it means moving in the spiritual platform. There is no word called
“brahmacarani” – SP set this up because he wanted the women to experience this level of living

A Brahmana may go through all the 4 ashramas. A Sudra remains as grihastas. We must
understand that Sudras are also qualified group of people. In today’s world, all employees are
sudras – those who work for others. And we have a very small percentage of brahmanas and
sannyasi.

The boys would go to the ashram of the guru to be trained in their particular varnas.
If we have not gone through brahmacari ashram, then we must make up for last time

The first step in training is Sense Control. But in today’s world, it is lose control and hence there
is so much chaos in the world. One must control their urges.

A student should develop good character by becoming attached and serving the spiritual master.
When we sacrifice for the spiritual master, he is pleased. In ISKCON, we preach – giving KC to
others on behalf of the spiritual master. Everything is for the spiritual teacher. He has only 3 bags
– bead bag, book bag and sleeping bag. He should always be busy and lead a simple life.

7.12.2

Student must be trained up in brahmanical life – chanting mantras, yagyas and worship

Student must be spiritually focused. They must put Krishna in the beginning and end of the day.

7.12.3

Students aim is to study the vedas under the guidance of a guru/advanced devotees.

As ISKCON devotees, we must take this opportunity of studying Bhakti Sastri, Bhakti Vedanta etc.
To systematically study and propagate the teachings of the vedas.

7.12.4

Student must live simply. Dressing is not meant to attract the opposite sex. As devotees, we
must dress properly though. On festival days, women should dress opulently.

Kusa grass is pure, deer skin has musk which repels the snake, water pot for staying suchi, stick
for protection at times perhaps and in some traditions they keep matted hair.

7.12.5

Brahmacari is fully dedicated to the guru. The main service is to collect money for the temple.
When he gives 100% to spiritual master, it is easy to give charity in grihasta ashram. In ISKCON,
everyone must give something to the spiritual master and temple every week. One should not
be overly attached to their money and become a miser.

7.12.6
People in vedic culture had good training. Segregation of gender is necessary for vedic
advancement. The association is limited and we must keep this standard in the temple also. One
must not be frivolous in our dealings and be too care-free.

We must be careful in our dealing with non-devotees as they are not trained in spiritual matters.

7.12.7

There are different types of brahmacaris. 2 of them are – (1) one who never discharges semen
(2) one who is in brahmacari ashram but knows will get married one day

Sex life is the active principle in the material world because one wants to enjoy separately from
Krishna. If you use sex life to produce Krishna Conscious children, then it is dharmic.

7.12.8

There should always be respectful dealings between gender. A learned man should see all
women as mother and hence in ISKCON, we address them as “mataji” and the women sees men
as “prabhu”.

In today’s world, women are exploited and men have no respect for them.

7.12.9

Men lose their intelligence while with women and find it hard to focus on their spiritual purpose.

Married couple in early days could only spend an hour or so with each other because rest of the
time, other family members are present. This avoids unnecessary arguments between each
other.

7.12.10

Until you are self-realized, be careful with the opposite sex.

SB 7.11.25 – 7.11.35

August 20, 2013

0
Bhaktivedanta Class

Keshava Das | 20 Aug 13

11.25

Varnasankara are those who don’t follow any spiritual regulations

These verses are based on real vedic context. It’s hard to find this calibre of character. Modern
age is different. So, it is very hard to impose all of these values on oneself.

Wife renders service to husband : Sometimes we find that the wife is more enthusiastic and
advanced in Krishna Consciousness and motivates the husband as well. So, the situations is not
one-sided. But the basic point is that the wife should be respectful to the husband. This will keep
a balanced relationship.

Everyone in the material world has “purusha-bhava”, that we are masters. Men like to dominate
and feel in control even if he is less intelligent. But because of his “ahankara” or his false ego, he
wants to be the leader. And a wife should permit this so that there is peace in the household.

Both husband and wife should control their false ego.

Husband should be in the right mood and not consider everything is meant for his pleasure. He
should not be carried away by the service of his wife. And same with the wife. They should keep
Krishna as the centre of all activities. They should consider as a servant to each other.

Laxmi arrives where there is no quarrel in the home. It is also said that the husband-wife
quarrels are not taken seriously by anyone. There will always be quarrels but one should try to
minimize it.

Everyone should learn some communication skills. If each party listens more, there will be better
understanding between one another.

If a wife speaks sweetly, it will completely disarm the man.

If a wife can cook expertly, it will bind the man to her.

If one is harsh to you, tolerate. Don’t react in the same way

11.26-27

The relationship between husband and wife should be of love and affection.
ISKCON will survive due to love and trust too.

Husband and wife should serve each other without expecting anything in return

Everyone in the world is looking for love. Material world is very exploitative.

11. 28

If a partner is fallen in character and habits, one can separate if they wanted to.

Men and women have a lot of defects. They need to tolerate each other. They need to comprise
with each other as much as possible.

Both man and woman should not be too demanding or have high expectation of each other.

Be strict with oneself and be lenient with others

11.29

Ideally, the wife should serve the husband faithfully and the husband should serve the spiritual
master.

SP says that without a doubt the wife will go back to Vaikuntha if the husband is spiritually
elevated

11.35

This is Lord Chaitanya’s teaching – accepting one by qualification rather than birth

SB 7.11.13 – 7.11.24

August 19, 2013

Bhaktivedanta Class : Canto 7

Keshava Das | 19 Aug 13

11.13 – 11.14
In order to have a Varna-ashrama system, one must have Garbhadhana ceremony performed.
Bhakti Vinoda Thakur recommends that the couple should hold a festival in their home with
chanting, then one can unite. SP mentions that one should do 50 rounds before they unite.

One can retain their semen if they have higher taste. This higher taste can be obtained if one is
constantly engaged in devotional service. If one is engaged in sex to develop KC children, then
one can be said to be a brahmacari.

Today’s population is “varnasankara” – unwanted population. This population are not conceived
with mantras and hence they are dull in consciousness. The remedy is mantra again. The
population needs to be refined through the sankirtan movement. Even though they have been
borne in an impure state of consciousness, by the process of sankirtan one can be rectified.

11.15

Brahmanas have 6 occupational duties – studying vedas, worshipping deity and giving charity are
the most important. SP wanted to create a brahmanical society. If we are involved in jobs, we
must aim at finishing this occupation soon with sufficient savings and then spend the rest of the
life preaching. A brahmana should not accept a wage because when they do, they become
controlled. Brahmanas should be unrestricted. When Sudama entered Dwaraka, he was not
stopped. Everyone else would have been. This was because of him being a brahmana.

Unless we are very pure, we should not accept charity. If we receive charity and we feel that we
are not qualified, then we should give it to the deity/temple. Whenever you touch money, there
is Karma attached to it. Do not let the spirit of sense gratification come in the way of Krishna
Consciousness.

The King takes 1/6th of the karma of their citizens. When you take the position of leadership,
there is a lot of responsibility.

11.17
One becomes a brahmana by qualification and not by birth. SP said that if all one does is deity
worship in temple and no preaching or sastric discourses, then one will fail.

11.18 – 20

A brahmana should not be lower to others. Everyone else is supposed to respect a brahmana.
But a brahmana should never be proud. In ISKCON, we should treat each other as devotees of
Krishna and treat everyone with affection.

11.21

One should surrender to Krishna. Then all good qualities manifest and increase, not only in this
life but in the next also.

11.22

These qualities of a Kshatriya is what our current world leaders should possess.

11.24

The Sudra qualities mentioned here are very high compared to Sudras of today. In the ancient
days, the Sudras were very proud, attached, loyal and protective of their masters because they
looked after each other very well.

SB 7.11.1 – 7.11.12

August 13, 2013

Tuesday, 13 Aug 13 : 7pm-9pm

Bhakti Vedanta Class : HG Keshava Dasa

Main subject matter of the first 10 chapters is about the inclination of a devotee and inclination
of a demon portrayed by Sri Prahalad and Hiranyakasipu. We also learn about pure devotional
service. Chapter 11 – 15 talks about “mishra” bhakti – devotional that is mixed. It is very difficult
to come to the point of pure devotional service because we have material desires. In order to
rectify these desires, these 5 chapters deal with Varnashrama system.

Verse 11.2

One eventually serves Krishna directly or indirectly

SP mentions the service attitude of a living entity to Krishna in the introduction to BG

SB is speaking about Bhagavat Dharma. It is taking about the essential quality of a living entity.
This is called Dharma. The nature of the soul is “seva”. It’s nature is to serve. Sanatana Dharma
means eternal service.

Varnashrama regulates us and brings us to pure devotional service. This ashrama helps us fulfil
our material desires while progressing in devotional service.

SP mentions that Varshrama dharma is the beginning to human life. Otherwise, one is
considered to be living like a polished animal.

Through this ashrama, we learn to use everything in Krishna’s service. This helps us balance our
material and spiritual needs.

If you have material desires, it’s important to fulfil them but without forgetting to dovetail in
Krishna’s service.

Although Krishna says to abandon everything, He also says that we can fulfil our material desires
in a regulated way.

We must remember that material desires are like wild fire. When one is finished, a new one will
arise. But if one practices devotional service sincerely, material desires will eventually fade away
because one gets attached to Krishna.

Bhakti Vinodha Thakur explains 3 types of dharma in his book – Jaiva Dharma

A question may arise whether one in grihasta ashrama can be a pure devotee or not because of
the strong bodily connection and the need to fulfil material desires. In one sense, we are not.
But it depends on the sincerity of devotion. Sri Prahlad, Yudhistra, Srila Prabhupad etc are pure
devotees although they were in grihasta ashram.

Varnashrama is a safety net. Every material action within has to be regulated.

Verse 11. 4

The importance of passing on unadulterated knowledge is important

SP is stressing the importance of the parampara or disciplic succession

Narada Muni can be seen to be initiating/instructing Dhruva, Prahlada, sons of Daksha, Vyasadev
etc. And he is a part of the sampradaya. It is important to hear the message of the Lord from the
parampara either from vapu or vani. These individuals are our gurus. Hearing from them purifies
our consciousness.

Verse 11. 5

SP is emphasising that the guru represents Krishna. He is the adi-guru. Bhagavatam is His sound
vibration. The qualification to become a guru is simply representing Krishna.

SP wanted all of us to be gurus. Although we might be overwhelmed by our defects, we must

accept the order of SP and Lord Chaitanya to be a spiritual teacher. We must repeat whatever we
have heard from our teachers.

Verse 11. 7

One cannot manufacture a religion. It must come from Krishna Himself.

Religious principles are important but it should lead one to Bhakti. Religion means to reconnect
with God.

SP says that we must follow the bhakti-sastras. There are portions that are more important that
others. We are not interested in the karma-kanda sections etc. We must dwell on the writings of
the gosvamis as they are as good as vedic literatures. We base our life upon these teachings.

Our principle authority is Srimad Bhagavatam

Verse 11.8 – 12
Before Narada even speaks about Varnashrama dharma, he talks about the requirement of these
30 good qualities. This implies that irrespective of which ashram or varna you belong to, one
must first focus on generating godly qualities.

If you look at the list in CC, there are 22 qualities of which one is devotion to Krishna alone.
When one is connected with Krishna, all the good qualities will manifest.

We must develop good qualities. But in the world today, there is more emphasis on personality
and achievement. In Vedic civilization, the emphasis is on the quality of one’s heart. A brahmana
is one with an ideal character and the most effective way to get such a character is to engage in
devotional service.

SB 7.11.13 – 7.11.24

August 19, 2013

Bhaktivedanta Class : Canto 7

Keshava Das | 19 Aug 13

11.13 – 11.14

In order to have a Varna-ashrama system, one must have Garbhadhana ceremony performed.
Bhakti Vinoda Thakur recommends that the couple should hold a festival in their home with
chanting, then one can unite. SP mentions that one should do 50 rounds before they unite.

One can retain their semen if they have higher taste. This higher taste can be obtained if one is
constantly engaged in devotional service. If one is engaged in sex to develop KC children, then
one can be said to be a brahmacari.

Today’s population is “varnasankara” – unwanted population. This population are not conceived
with mantras and hence they are dull in consciousness. The remedy is mantra again. The
population needs to be refined through the sankirtan movement. Even though they have been
borne in an impure state of consciousness, by the process of sankirtan one can be rectified.

11.15
Brahmanas have 6 occupational duties – studying vedas, worshipping deity and giving charity are
the most important. SP wanted to create a brahmanical society. If we are involved in jobs, we
must aim at finishing this occupation soon with sufficient savings and then spend the rest of the
life preaching. A brahmana should not accept a wage because when they do, they become
controlled. Brahmanas should be unrestricted. When Sudama entered Dwaraka, he was not
stopped. Everyone else would have been. This was because of him being a brahmana.

Unless we are very pure, we should not accept charity. If we receive charity and we feel that we
are not qualified, then we should give it to the deity/temple. Whenever you touch money, there
is Karma attached to it. Do not let the spirit of sense gratification come in the way of Krishna
Consciousness.

The King takes 1/6th of the karma of their citizens. When you take the position of leadership,
there is a lot of responsibility.

11.17

One becomes a brahmana by qualification and not by birth. SP said that if all one does is deity
worship in temple and no preaching or sastric discourses, then one will fail.

11.18 – 20

A brahmana should not be lower to others. Everyone else is supposed to respect a brahmana.
But a brahmana should never be proud. In ISKCON, we should treat each other as devotees of
Krishna and treat everyone with affection.

11.21

One should surrender to Krishna. Then all good qualities manifest and increase, not only in this
life but in the next also.
11.22

These qualities of a Kshatriya is what our current world leaders should possess.

11.24

The Sudra qualities mentioned here are very high compared to Sudras of today. In the ancient
days, the Sudras were very proud, attached, loyal and protective of their masters because they
looked after each other very well.

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Report this ad

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SB 7.11.1 – 7.11.12

August 13, 2013

Tuesday, 13 Aug 13 : 7pm-9pm

Bhakti Vedanta Class : HG Keshava Dasa

Main subject matter of the first 10 chapters is about the inclination of a devotee and inclination
of a demon portrayed by Sri Prahalad and Hiranyakasipu. We also learn about pure devotional
service. Chapter 11 – 15 talks about “mishra” bhakti – devotional that is mixed. It is very difficult
to come to the point of pure devotional service because we have material desires. In order to
rectify these desires, these 5 chapters deal with Varnashrama system.
Verse 11.2

One eventually serves Krishna directly or indirectly

SP mentions the service attitude of a living entity to Krishna in the introduction to BG

SB is speaking about Bhagavat Dharma. It is taking about the essential quality of a living entity.
This is called Dharma. The nature of the soul is “seva”. It’s nature is to serve. Sanatana Dharma
means eternal service.

Varnashrama regulates us and brings us to pure devotional service. This ashrama helps us fulfil
our material desires while progressing in devotional service.

SP mentions that Varshrama dharma is the beginning to human life. Otherwise, one is
considered to be living like a polished animal.

Through this ashrama, we learn to use everything in Krishna’s service. This helps us balance our
material and spiritual needs.

If you have material desires, it’s important to fulfil them but without forgetting to dovetail in
Krishna’s service.

Although Krishna says to abandon everything, He also says that we can fulfil our material desires
in a regulated way.

We must remember that material desires are like wild fire. When one is finished, a new one will
arise. But if one practices devotional service sincerely, material desires will eventually fade away
because one gets attached to Krishna.

Bhakti Vinodha Thakur explains 3 types of dharma in his book – Jaiva Dharma

A question may arise whether one in grihasta ashrama can be a pure devotee or not because of
the strong bodily connection and the need to fulfil material desires. In one sense, we are not.
But it depends on the sincerity of devotion. Sri Prahlad, Yudhistra, Srila Prabhupad etc are pure
devotees although they were in grihasta ashram.

Varnashrama is a safety net. Every material action within has to be regulated.

Verse 11. 4

The importance of passing on unadulterated knowledge is important

SP is stressing the importance of the parampara or disciplic succession

Narada Muni can be seen to be initiating/instructing Dhruva, Prahlada, sons of Daksha, Vyasadev
etc. And he is a part of the sampradaya. It is important to hear the message of the Lord from the
parampara either from vapu or vani. These individuals are our gurus. Hearing from them purifies
our consciousness.

Verse 11. 5

SP is emphasising that the guru represents Krishna. He is the adi-guru. Bhagavatam is His sound
vibration. The qualification to become a guru is simply representing Krishna.

SP wanted all of us to be gurus. Although we might be overwhelmed by our defects, we must

accept the order of SP and Lord Chaitanya to be a spiritual teacher. We must repeat whatever we
have heard from our teachers.

Verse 11. 7

One cannot manufacture a religion. It must come from Krishna Himself.

Religious principles are important but it should lead one to Bhakti. Religion means to reconnect
with God.

SP says that we must follow the bhakti-sastras. There are portions that are more important that
others. We are not interested in the karma-kanda sections etc. We must dwell on the writings of
the gosvamis as they are as good as vedic literatures. We base our life upon these teachings.

Our principle authority is Srimad Bhagavatam

Verse 11.8 – 12

Before Narada even speaks about Varnashrama dharma, he talks about the requirement of these
30 good qualities. This implies that irrespective of which ashram or varna you belong to, one
must first focus on generating godly qualities.

If you look at the list in CC, there are 22 qualities of which one is devotion to Krishna alone.
When one is connected with Krishna, all the good qualities will manifest.

We must develop good qualities. But in the world today, there is more emphasis on personality
and achievement. In Vedic civilization, the emphasis is on the quality of one’s heart. A brahmana
is one with an ideal character and the most effective way to get such a character is to engage in
devotional service.