My heart fills with profound gratitude as I pen down these words of thanks. First and foremost, my deepest reverence goes to Srila Prabhupada Jee and Mahavishnu Goswami Maharaj, whose divine teachings and blessings have graced my path with the illuminating wisdom of the sacred Bhakti tradition. It is their bountiful realization that has provided me with the invaluable opportunity to perform daily little devotional service at the beloved Rajkot ISKCON temple.
In this quest, I found myself blessed with the guiding light of a true Siksha Guru, Vaishnavseva Prabhuji (President at Rajkot ISKCON Temple). His profound insights and patient tutelage have opened my eyes and heart to understand the teachings of Srila Prabhupada, Maharaj, and Devakinandan Prabhu in a deeper and more meaningful way.
This collection of Devakinandan Prabhuji's keynotes is my humble attempt to immortalize the wisdom I have received. It is intended for my daily reference, a gentle reminder to keep me aligned on my spiritual journey.
Devakinandan Prabhuji's teachings touched my soul in a way that will forever resonate with me.
- Kishan Barai (a devotee in making)
Youtube.com/@DevakinandanDas
Devakinandan Prabhuji Key Notes:
108 Gems of Enlightenment
1. Devakinandan Prabhuji teaches us about the beautiful principle of surrendering to Krishna with love instead of fear. He reminds us that when we engage in devotional service, it should bring us joy and make us smile.
2. If our devotional service doesn't bring us happiness, Prabhuiji suggests that it's worth considering whether we need to reconnect with the material world.
3. Krishna always has a big smile on His face, no matter what situation He's in. This smile represents His divine nature and shows us that He is always filled with love and happiness. It's a wonderful inspiration for all of us to remember that we can also find joy and contentment by surrendering to Krishna with love in our hearts.
4. Renunciation does not mean giving up one's duties or responsibilities but rather dedicating them to Krishna.
5. Never assess an individual based on their appearance only. Many are under the misconception that beauty equates to goodness and reliability.
6. Devakinandan Prabhuji has always reminded me that our focus should solely be on Krishna, and not on other devotees. Perfection in devotees isn't something we should expect, as this is a significant lesson he shared.
7. Following in the footsteps of Srila Prabhupada Jee, Mahavishnu Goswami Maharaj (Guruji of Devakinandan Prabhuji) also reiterated the teaching that we should refrain from finding faults or passing judgment on others. However, the challenge lies in turning these theories into practice; it is difficult to reach a point where we abstain from judging others spontaneously. To address this, Maharaj initially acknowledges our natural tendency to identify faults in others. The proposed solution is simple yet effective: whenever our mind points out a flaw in a devotee, we must make a deliberate effort to recognize something positive in them. By cultivating this habit, we can gradually reach a point where we refrain from passing judgment on devotees, enabling us to concentrate wholly on our devotion to Krishna.
8. Spiritual knowledge is revealed knowledge, which cannot be understood by simply reading scriptures. The true understanding of scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita is not dependent on one's IQ or material intelligence. Many may quote from it but fail to incorporate its teachings into their lives.
9. The principle of victory and defeat is deeply tied to our faith and consciousness. The real defeat for a devotee is when they lose their consciousness or awareness of the divine.
10. The real victory in spiritual life is when we perform devotional service without a tinge of material motive. No scripture says you stop the work, but the quality of the work got to improve, and that becomes a devotional service.
In pursuing Krishna consciousness, perfection or quality isn't measured by the perfect outcomes of our desires or plans before Krishna and Gurudev. True perfection or improved quality isn't about flawlessness in our efforts. Rather, it's measured through continuous and sincere engagement in devotional service - Vaishnavseva Prabhuji (My Siksha Guru)
Devakinandan Prabhuji illustrated this principle by pointing to the story of Jatayu, who, despite not succeeding in his efforts, received the highest benediction from the Lord because of his pure intentions and devotion.
11. A devotee should not measure their progress in devotional service based on material progress. Instead, they should understand that devotional service involves a lot of cleansing and testing.
12. The mind and senses cannot be controlled if they are used for sense gratification.
13. The Patanjali system of yoga is mechanical, while bhakti-yoga requires feeling and heart.
14. Engage the mind in the service of Krishna, rather than trying to control it artificially.
15. The real wealth of a person is their reservoir of good qualities and good behavior.
16. Focus on serving Krishna and Vaishnava, rather than focusing on one's own satisfaction.
17. Sacrifice in devotional service, both in terms of engagement and offering.
18. Faith can be cultivated by dedicating time to interact with fellow devotees, engaging in discussions, and undertaking devotional services for Krishna, rather than participating in unproductive activities.
19. Krishna never forgoes an opportunity to protect his devotee and he never allows his devotee to go unprotected.
Protection begins when we chant the holy names of the Lord.
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare
20. Be patient and favorable to Krishna, even in difficult situations.
21. Have faith in God in dealing with conflicts. We should have faith in Krishna and trust in His plan.
22. We should not let conflicts affect our spiritual progress. Instead, we should use them as opportunities for spiritual growth.
23. There is a huge importance of prayer in dealing with conflicts. We should pray to God for guidance and strength in dealing with conflicts.
24. The plans of the pure devotees are as good as the plan of the Lord.
25. When a devotee prays for another devotee, Krishna becomes bound to the devotee out of love and takes care of him.
If we pray for others, then someone will pray for us in return. Therefore, we should always focus on praying for others rather than solely for ourselves. This cycle of reciprocal prayers amplifies their potency, making them even more powerful.
26. A devotee may not be perfect but his perfection is that he is always interested in satisfying the Lord.
27. Krishna is so kind that He says He will preserve what you have and give you what you lack.
28. Krishna is the humblest personality. If He finds a devotee is glorified by all of us, He becomes so happy with us.
29. The act of renunciation, or giving up attachments, is a key part of spiritual growth. This doesn't mean rejecting or accepting, but serving.
30. Detachment is not about renouncing the world, but about not being affected by it.
31. Renunciation is not about giving up material activities, but about gaining a higher taste for spiritual activities. This is the real meaning of renunciation.
32. Renunciation is not about giving up everything but about giving up the desire for a sense of gratification.
33. Renunciation is not about leaving the world but about leaving the mentality of enjoying the world.
34. Renunciation is not about rejecting things but about accepting everything in relation to Krishna.
35. Renunciation is not about becoming indifferent to the world but about becoming indifferent to the false ego.
36. Renunciation is not about becoming detached from everything but about becoming attached to Krishna.
37. Renunciation is not about becoming hard-hearted but about becoming soft-hearted towards Krishna and His devotees.
38. Renunciation is not about becoming unemotional but about directing our emotions toward Krishna.
39. Renunciation is not about becoming inactive but about becoming active in devotional service.
40. Renunciation is not about becoming irresponsible but about taking responsibility for our spiritual life.
41. Renunciation is not about becoming aloof but about becoming absorbed in Krishna.
42. Renunciation is not about becoming proud but about becoming humble.
43. Renunciation is not about becoming pessimistic but about becoming optimistic about our spiritual future.
44. Renunciation is not about becoming lifeless but about becoming full of spiritual life.
45. Renunciation is not about becoming joyless but about becoming joyful in Krishna consciousness.
46. Renunciation is not about becoming fearful but about becoming fearless in Krishna's protection.
47. Renunciation is not about becoming a loner but about becoming a lover of Krishna.
48. Renunciation is not about becoming a loser but about becoming a winner in the spiritual race.
49. Renunciation is not about becoming a beggar but about becoming a giver of Krishna consciousness.
50. Renunciation is not about becoming a quitter but about becoming a fighter against material energy.
51. Renunciation is not about becoming a hater but about becoming a lover of all living entities.
52. Renunciation is not about becoming a destroyer but about becoming a protector of our spiritual values.
53. Renunciation is not about becoming a doubter but about becoming a believer in Krishna's words.
54. Renunciation is not about becoming a complainer but about becoming a compiler with Krishna's instructions.
55. Renunciation is not about becoming a blamer but about becoming a claimer of our spiritual heritage.
56. Renunciation is not about becoming a problem but about becoming a solution to the problems of material existence.
57. Devakinandan Prabhuji emphasizes that renunciation is a by-product of genuine devotional service.
58. Krishna values the devotion of the devotee more than the material offerings made to him.
Do not have a target to earn more even to serve the Lord. Instead, desire to serve more to Krishna. He Himself will pour the resources required for you to serve Him better.
59. The solution to all material problems is the execution of devotional service.
60. The performance of devotional service helps us overcome material hankerings, envy, and fear.
61. Material qualifications are not necessary for devotional service.
In the service of Krishna, our talents and abilities find their most profound and fulfilling expression, nurturing our spiritual growth and strengthening our connection with the divine.
62. One does not become a loser by giving to the Lord. One becomes a gainer by millions of times.
63. The spiritual master is the representative of Lord Krishna. He is the one who guides us back to Krishna, and we should feel a deep sense of gratitude and love for him.
To gauge whether Krishna is pleased or displeased with us, we can seek insight through our spiritual master or their esteemed senior devotees. If our guru expresses satisfaction with our actions, it is a sign that Krishna is also happy with us.
64. The spiritual master is always present in his instructions. If we follow these instructions carefully, we will always feel his presence and guidance.
You must understand that physical proximity does not matter. Now we are right in front of you, but if you lack the faith, both of us are not very much connected. You may be in Singapore, but if you have faith and obey, we are connected very strongly. We will be even closer than now. This is the thing. The distance is not created by space but by the lack of faith. - Mahavishnu Goswami Maharaj
65. The spiritual master never sees anything bad in his disciples. He always sees their potential and encourages them to progress in their spiritual journey.
66. The spiritual master's instructions are our shelter. They protect us from material energy and keep us focused on our spiritual goals.
67. Envy is a symptom of our attachment to the material world and fruitive activities. It forces us to forget that at the end of our lives, we are not remembered by our material acquisitions but by our devotion and character.
68. When faced with envy or competition, one should not become agitated but should tolerate and learn from those who are doing better.
69. Tolerance is not a weakness: It's about being empowered to handle situations without reacting impulsively.
70. Tolerance and kindness go hand in hand: Genuine kindness stems from a place of understanding and tolerance.
71. Tolerance in happiness is challenging: It's often harder to remain grounded and focused on Krishna during good times than during challenges.
72. Tolerance is about understanding: Recognizing that everyone is acting based on their nature and the modes they are influenced by.
73. Tolerance doesn't mean compromising on standards: While embracing diversity, we should ensure that spiritual standards are maintained.
74. We can attain equivalent benefits by fostering an inner appreciation and respect for the devotional services others perform for Krishna.
75. Chanting helps us to eradicate envy and anger and purify our hearts.
76. The difference between an advanced devotee and a struggling devotee can be as little as five minutes of contemplation.
77. A surrendered devotee is meek and humble, not imposing their views on others.
78. A devotee should accept whatever Krishna has given as perfect.
79. The association of devotees makes one smile, indicating the joy and satisfaction derived from such an association.
80. Krishna's devotees are humble, admitting their mistakes and asking for forgiveness.
81. For a person who is self-satisfied, there is no distress; they feel happiness everywhere.
82. The power of devotional service becomes like suitable shoes, protecting us from the pain of life's pebbles and thorns.
83. Devakinandan Prabhuji also emphasizes on the importance of mercy, both receiving it and giving it. Mercy is seen as a divine quality that helps one progress in their spiritual journey.
84. The love for Krishna is not just about affection, but about a deep, personal relationship with Krishna.
85. We should enjoy the moment of devotional service rather than always looking forward to the next thing.
86. Discontent leads to fault-finding, which prevents us from seeing Krishna.
87. The secret to satisfaction and happiness is the joy of service. We all have an innate propensity to serve.
88. The problem with our expectations is that they will anguish us before anyone else does. It's not anybody's fault, it's our expectations.
89. There is a huge importance of hearing in the process of spiritual realization. By attentively hearing about Krishna, one can see Krishna.
90. While chanting hare Krishna maha-mantra one's focus should be on hearing their own voice rather than forcibly manipulating the natural progression of thoughts.
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare
91. Krishna is so kind that he appears to his devotees in the form they remember him in. He enters into the heart of a devotee who is hearing about him, cleanses the heart, and then asks the devotee in what form they would like to see him.
92. Despite being the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna is willing to be subordinate to the desires of his devotees. He is ready to serve his devotees in whatever capacity they desire.
93. The devotees conquer Krishna through their devotion and service, and Krishna conquers the devotees through his love and mercy.
94. Devotees who have no material desires can conquer Krishna. Krishna gives himself to such devotees. Devotees carry a singular desire to enhance their service to Krishna under the guidance of the Guru.
95. We cannot cheat Krishna, as he is the supreme absolute truth. Any attempts to do so will eventually be exposed and cause disturbance.
96. Srimad Bhagavatam 5.19.27: The Supreme Personality of Godhead fulfills the material desires of a devotee who approaches Him with such motives, but He does not bestow benedictions upon the devotee that will cause him to demand more benedictions again. However, the Lord willingly gives the devotee shelter at His own lotus feet, even though such a person does not aspire for it, and that shelter satisfies all his desires. That is the Supreme Personality’s special mercy.
97. Devakinandan Prabhuji also emphasizes the importance of humility in the process of spiritual realization. He gives the example of Lord Brahma, who despite being a great personality, shows humility in his prayers to Krishna.
98. Devakinandan Prabhuji imparted to me that a demigod lacks the ability to satisfy the material desires of a living being unless Krishna gives his consent. However, one must refrain from criticizing the demigods. The Srimad Bhagavatam tells us that demigods are occasionally referred to as 'God' because they are devotees of God. Despite their divine powers, demigods sometimes forget their connection with God, but they are fundamentally good devotees and are often regarded as gods, given that a devotee of God tends to embody godlike qualities. Therefore, it is crucial to remember that we should always abstain from criticizing any devotees.
99. We can offer prayers to the demigods, asking them to bestow their blessings upon us so that our devotion towards Krishna may intensify.
100. Devakinandan Prabhuji mainly emphasizes the importance of effort in the process of spiritual realization. He says that even if we are naturally inclined towards something, we still need to put in effort.
101. Krishna willingly took on the role of a servant to his devotees, such as when he served as Arjuna's charioteer during the Battle of Kurukshetra.
102. There is a mutual conquering between Krishna and the Gopis, where Krishna conquered the minds of the Gopis with his flute, and the Gopis conquered Krishna with their love and devotion.
103. There is a huge significance of Srimati Radharani being the supreme goddess and worshipable by everyone, as she is the full power and Krishna is the possessor of the full power.
104. Never be in a hurry to see Krishna, as one cannot see, hear, or touch Krishna with material senses. Instead, one should engage in chanting and work in such a way that Krishna will see us. There is a huge importance of attitude in devotional service, as success in devotional service depends very much on one's attitude.
“One should chant the holy name of the Lord in a humble state of mind, thinking oneself lower than the straw in the street; one should be more tolerant than a tree, devoid of all sense of false prestige and ready to offer all respect to others. In such a state of mind one can chant the holy name of the Lord constantly.” - Chaitanya Charitamrita Adi 7.50
105. If we squeeze time for Krishna, Krishna will give us more time. The more we want to spend time with Krishna, the more Krishna will give us.
106. There is a huge importance of chanting the Hare Krishna mantra as a way to cross the ocean of samsara (cycle of birth and death) in a peaceful and blissful way.
The Hare Krishna mantra is recommended as the most potent mantra for the current age (Kali Yuga) according to the Vedic scriptures.
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare
107. Chanting Krishna's name doesn't require any qualifications. It's the act of chanting that makes one qualified.
108. We should always preach to the extent of our own actions, implementations, and realization.
Always remember while preaching, 'We are not here to prove, but to improve. Once we improve, it will automatically be proven.'
If by chance one meets a devotee, one’s life is immediately successful, and one is freed from material bondage. - Words of Srimad Bhagavatam (Srila Prabhupada) Purport 10.10.41