Bhakti-sastri Messages

Recording for Thursday 13th November 2008

Bhakti Sara Dasa — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 23:46:05 GMT

Bhagavad-gita Verses 18.56-78.

Recording for Sunday 9th November 2008

Bhakti Sara Dasa — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 06:09:57 GMT

Bhagavad-gita Verses 18.50-55.

Recording for Thursday 6th November 2008

Bhakti Sara Dasa — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 23:29:52 GMT

Bhagavad-gita Verses 18.41-49.

Recording for Thursday 30th October 2008

Bhakti Sara Dasa — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 10:37:04 GMT

Bhagavad-gita Verses 18.26-40.

Recording for Thursday 23rd October 2008

Bhakti Sara Dasa — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 23:46:58 GMT

Bhagavad-gita 18.1-12 - Karma-yoga: Superiority of working in devotion over renunciation of work.

Recording for Sunday 19th October 2008

Bhakti Sara Dasa — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 10:15:08 GMT

Bhagavad-gita Verses 17.20-28

Recording for Thursday 16th October 2008

Bhakti Sara Dasa — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 00:17:25 GMT

Bhagavad-gita 17.11-19 - Sacrifices, austerities & charity in the modes.

Essay Questions for Module 2

Bhakti Sara Dasa — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 02:46:37 GMT

The deadline for submission is November 23rd.

Please refer to Bhagavad-gita Chapters 10-18 mostly (and some references from chapters 1-9 if appropriate). Remember to achieve the objectives for each aim in your essays. (See Students Handbook pages 28-31).

Part A: Preaching Application:

Please answer the following question in about 500 words (1½-2 pages).

After a public lecture, a guest asks the question: ‘How can we distinguish between different religious practices and determine their respective merits?’

In your response refer to verses from the 14^th & 17^th Chapters of the Bhagavad-gita and give specific attention to some the Sanskrit words in of the verses you select.

Acknowledge the tension, this question raises. Explain how the 14^th & 17^th Chapters of the Bhagavad-gita can help to resolve this tension, possibly with reference to of contemporary religious issues.
Be careful to avoid two extremes in your response, namely: stating that one religious tradition (‘ours’) is right and all others are wrong suggesting that all religions are equal.

Part B: Understanding:

Please answer the following 2 questions in about 500 words each question (1½ pages).

Srila Prabhupada writes: “The mode of goodness is better than the modes of passion and ignorance, but one who takes directly to Krsna consciousness is transcendental to all three modes of material nature.” (BG 17.28 purport)

Explain how the mode of goodness is better than the modes of passion and ignorance. Is cultivation of the mode of goodness is necessary in Krsna consciousness? If so, why? Is the mode of goodness automatically achieved by practice of Krsna consciousness? If so, how? How is Krsna consciousness transcendental to all three modes of material nature?

In your response, refer to appropriate verses, analogies, purports and lectures from Bhagavad-gita (Ch 1- 18). Give specific attention to the Sanskrit words in some of the verses you select.

Explain the relationship between the jiva (individual soul), prakrti [material nature], and isvara (the Supreme Lord). Discuss the cause of the suffering of the jéva in relation these and draw a conclusion. Refer to appropriate verses, analogies, purports and lectures from Bhagavad-gétä (Ch 1- 18). Give specific attention to the Sanskrit words in some of the verses you select.

Part C: Mood & Mission

Please answer the following question in about 500 words (1½-2 pages).

How has studying Bhagavad-gita Chapters 10-18 deepened your understanding Srila Prabhupada’s mood & mission?

Recording for Sunday 12th October 2008

Bhakti Sara Dasa — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 03:29:14 GMT

Bhagavad-gita Verses 17.1-10 - Faith, worship & foods in the modes.

Recording for Thursday 10th October 2008

Bhakti Sara Dasa — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 06:16:38 GMT

Bhagavad-gita Verses 16.19-24 - Results of demoniac activities and the choice of elevation or degradation.

Recording for Thursday 2nd October 2008

Bhakti Sara Dasa — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 23:39:13 GMT

Bhagavad-gita Verses 16.1-9: Transcendental & demoniac qualities.

Recording for Thursday 25th September 2008

Bhakti Sara Dasa — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 01:38:36 GMT

Bhagavad-gita Verses 15.5-15.

Recording for Sunday 28th September 2008

Bhakti Sara Dasa — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 01:38:50 GMT

Bhagavad-gita Verses 15.16-20.

Recording for Sunday 21st September 2008

Bhakti Sara Dasa — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 06:44:45 GMT

Bhagavad-gita Verses 15.1-4.

Recording for Thursday 18th September 2008

Bhakti Sara Dasa — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 23:01:14 GMT

Bhagavad-gita Verses 14.19-27.

Recording for Sunday 14th September 2008

Bhakti Sara Dasa — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 03:23:08 GMT

Bhagavad-gita Verses 14.10-18.

Recording for Thursday 11th September 2008

Bhakti Sara Dasa — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 23:39:30 GMT

Bhagavad-gita Verses 14.1-9.

Recording for Thursday 4th September 2008

Bhakti Sara Dasa — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 11:35:12 GMT

Bhagavad-gita Verses 13.20-26.

B.Gita Homework for Ch 14-1-27 -- Th./11th; Su./14th; Th./18

Gangesvara — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 09:34:43 GMT

For Thursday 11th/9 read B.G Ch 14.1-9. Answer content question 2 and generic question 6.

For Sunday 14th/9 read B.G Ch 14.10-18. Answer content question 1 and generic question 7.

For Thursday 18th/9 read B.G Ch 14.19-27. Answer content question 1 and generic question 10.

Also read the student workbook sheets for Chapter 14 sections A-C.

Recording for Sunday 31st August 2008

Bhakti Sara Dasa — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 02:41:33 GMT

Bhagavad-gita Verses 13.8-19.

Re: Bhakti-sastri 2008

Aniruddha — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 09:19:48 GMT

Premila, this course is mainly for persons who can attend the classes in Melbourne. Whereabouts are you situated?

Re: Bhakti-sastri 2008

premila mounowah — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 07:43:13 GMT

I would like to know more about the course on the Bhagavad-gita

Recording for Thursday 14th August 2008

Bhakti Sara Dasa — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 10:39:50 GMT

Bhagavad-gita Verses 12.13-20.

Recording for Sunday 10th August 2008

Bhakti Sara Dasa — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 03:17:00 GMT

Bhagavad-gita Verses 12.8-12.

Recording for Thursday 7th August 2008

Bhakti Sara Dasa — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 13:00:23 GMT

Bhagavad-gita Verses 12.1-7.

Recording for Sunday 3rd August 2008

Bhakti Sara Dasa — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 02:27:33 GMT

Bhagavad-gita Verses 11.45-55.

Recording for Thursday 31st July 2008

Bhakti Sara Dasa — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:19:14 GMT

Bhagavad-gita Verses 11.32-44.

Recording for Sunday 27th July 2008

Bhakti Sara Dasa — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 03:34:42 GMT

Bhagavad-gita Verses11.14-31.

Recording for Thursday 24th July 2008

Bhakti Sara Dasa — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:27:48 GMT

Bhagavad-gita Verses 11.1-13.

Recording for Sunday 20th July 2008

Bhakti Sara Dasa — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 02:01:45 GMT

Bhagavad-gita Verses 10.31-42.

Recording for Thursday 17th July 2008

Bhakti Sara Dasa — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:09:15 GMT

Bhagavad-gita Verses 10.12-30.

Recording for Sunday 13th July 2008

Bhakti Sara Dasa — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 03:51:24 GMT

Bhagavag-gita Verses 10.7-11.

Recording for Thursday 10th July 2008

Bhakti Sara Dasa — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:11:13 GMT

Bhagavad-gita Verses 10.1-5.

Recording for Thursday 19th June 2008

Bhakti Sara Dasa — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:33:12 GMT

Bhagavad-gita Verses 9.27-34.

Recording for Sunday 15th June 2008

Bhakti Sara Dasa — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 02:36:28 GMT

Bhagavad-gita Verses 9.20-26.

Recording for Thursday 12th June 2008

Bhakti Sara Dasa — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 11:14:47 GMT

Bhagavad-gita Verses 9.11-19.

Recording for Sunday 8th June 2008

Bhakti Sara Dasa — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 21:40:50 GMT

Tips on how to do the Essay Questions.

Homework for Sunday 8th June

Aniruddha — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 05:38:26 GMT

Read Ch 9. Verses 11–19 and answer the following questions

Explain the qualities of a mahatma.
How is it that one engaged in devotional service to Krishna has already performed all sacrifices?
Choose one verse in this section which you consider most useful in preaching. Explain why and discuss. (PrA)

Recording for Bhakti Sastri 5th June 2008

Bhakti Sara Dasa — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 10:56:35 GMT

Bhagavad-gita Verses 9.1-10.

Homework for Thursday 5th June

Aniruddha — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 06:17:46 GMT

Read chapter Ch9. Verses 1–10 and answer the following questions.

How does one develop faith in Krishna?
Explain the answer to the apparent contradiction in verse 4 and 5, “and yet everything that is created does not rest in me ... ”
Choose 1 personal quality mentioned in this section. Write down the specific behaviour traits that demonstrate this quality. Explore how well you are doing in developing this quality (perhaps even ask a devotee friend).

Recording for Bhakti Sastri 1st June 2008

Bhakti Sara Dasa — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 08:39:33 GMT

Bhagavad-gita Verses 8.20-28.

Recording for Bhakti Sastri 29th May 2008

Bhakti Sara Dasa — Thu, 29 May 2008 10:38:16 GMT

Bhagavad-gita Verses 8.14-19.

Recording for Bhakti Sastri 25th May 2008

Bhakti Sara Dasa — Sun, 25 May 2008 03:55:56 GMT

Bhagavad-gita Verses 8.7-13.

Recording for Bhakti Sastri 22nd May 2008

Bhakti Sara Dasa — Thu, 22 May 2008 11:24:50 GMT

Bhagavad-gita Verses 8.1-6.

Homework for Sunday 25/05/08

Gangesvara — Mon, 19 May 2008 20:55:33 GMT

Read Bhagavad-gita Chapter 8 texts 7-13.

Answer the following questions:

Answer the relevant Student workbook questions.

Answer Student handbook question 2 (content).

Answer Student handbook question 14 (generic).

Homework for Thurs 22/05/08

Gangesvara — Mon, 19 May 2008 20:48:35 GMT

Read Bhagavad-gita Chapter 8 texts 1-6.

Answer the following questions:

Answer the relevant Student workbook questions.

Answer Student handbook question 1 (content).

Answer Student handbook question 5 (generic).

Recording for Bhakti Sastri 18th May 2008

Bhakti Sara Dasa — Sun, 18 May 2008 01:42:08 GMT

Bhagavad-gita Verses 7.24-30.

Recording for Bhakti Sastri 15th May 2008

Bhakti Sara Dasa — Thu, 15 May 2008 20:06:00 GMT

Bhagavad-gita Verses 7.15-23.

Essay Questions for Module One

Aniruddha — Thu, 15 May 2008 00:53:41 GMT

The following essays must be completed and handed in by 29th June. They can be mailed to me, aniruddha at pamho.net. If you are having difficulty with the fonts you can download them from here. Right click and choose Save As. Make sure they are saved with the .ttf extension, then install the new fonts on your system. There are two fonts, Sca Helvetica and Sca Helvetica Bold.

Understanding

Please answer the following two questions.

Question 1

In the purport to Bhagavad-gétä 2.31, Çréla Prabhupäda refers to Varëäçrama-dharma as “the steppingstone for spiritual understanding”. In an essay of about 400 words (1-1.5 pages), explain this phrase and the corresponding relationship between Varëäçrama-dharma and bhakti-yoga, particularly with reference to the perceived need (or otherwise) for varëäçrama, and citing evidence to support your case from the Bhagavad-gétä (Chapters 1-9).

As you do so, include the following:

A concise comparison of the results of following varëäçrama-dharma with the results of practicing bhakti-yoga.
A discussion of whether the practice of varëäçrama-dharma is required in the practice of bhakti-yoga.

(Select at least 1 appropriate verse (from BG Chapters 1-9 or from verses qoted therein) in your answer and giv specific attention to some of the Sanskrit words in the verse you select.)

A discussion of how (if at all) the practice of varëäçrama-dharma may assist the practice of bhakti-yoga.

(Select at least 1 appropriate verse from Bhagavad-gétä Chapters 1-9 or from verses quoted therein, and give specific attention to some of the Sanskrit words in the verse you select.)

Draw a conclusion summarizing your responses to the above and specifically answering the question “Who is required to follow varëäçrama-dharma?”

Question 2

Prabhupäda writes: “The culmination of all kinds of yoga practices lies in bhakti yoga. All other yogas are but means to come to the point of bhakti in bhakti-yoga.” (6.47 Purport.)

Write an essay of about 400 words (1-1.5 pages) explaining how the different yoga practices described in chapters 1-6 are progressive and lead to bhakti yoga.

Describe briefly, in your own words, the different yoga systems, mentioning where they are described. You should also:

(1) Select one appropriate verse which concisely summarises the whole process of karma yoga and give specific attention to some of the Sanskrit words in that verse.

(2) Explain how bhakti yoga contains all the essential elements of the different yoga practices described in chapters 1-6. Include appropriate verses, statements and analogies from purports and lectures to support your answer.

(3) Explain why Krishna describes the other yoga systems to Arjuna (since bhakti yoga is all that is required.)

Describe how realization about Brahman, localized Paramätmä and ultimately the Supreme Personality of Godhead Kåñëa is achieved via these different systems.

Personal Application

Please answer the following question.

Çréla Prabhupäda writes in the purport to Chapter 8, Verse 28 of the Bhagavad-gita, “Study of the Vedas is not meant for the recreation of armchair speculators, but for the formation of character.” Please write a concise 400 word essay explaining how you are applying this instruction in your own life, citing at least two references from Bhagavad-gétä Chapters 1-9.

Initially explain why it is important to apply sastra in one’s life. Subsequently, select at least one verse that is particularly relevant to you and explain why. Mention how you are practically applying (or plan to further apply) these lessons in your life, and reflect on how your personal spiritual life is developing by applying these particular lessons. Optionally, you might want to mention any challenges you face.

Preaching Application

Please answer one of the following two questions.

Question 1

You meet a middle-aged, respectable gentleman who says that the same result that is achieved by worshiping Krishna can be achieved by worshiping any of the devas.

Respond to him in about 400 words, making reference to the Bhagavad-gétä (Chapters 1-9). Make sure your response is balanced, neither being offensive to the demigods nor condoning their indiscriminate worship.

Question 2

Just after a Sunday feast lecture, one young Western lady – whom you know is very analytical and who studies philosophy - states, “God is within all of us, as you have mentioned, so we can always get direction from him, at any moment. We therefore don’t need a guru to advance in spiritual.”

Respond to her in about 400 words, making reference to the Bhagavad-gétä (Chapters 1-9). Make sure your response is balanced, acknowledging the importance of God within, whilst expressing the authentic ISKCON view about the need for accepting a guru.

Mood and Mission

Please answer the following question.

Çréla Prabhupäda writes,

“Men who are ignorant cannot appreciate activities in Kåñëa consciousness, and therefore Lord Kåñëa advises us not to disturb them and simply waste valuable time. But the devotees of the Lord are more kind than the Lord because they understand the purpose of the Lord. Consequently they undertake all kinds of risks, even to the point of approaching ignorant men to try to engage them in the acts of Kåñëa consciousness, which are absolutely necessary for the human being.” (BG purport 3.29)

In a response of about 400 words:

Explain what, in this connection, is the ‘real purpose of the Lord’.
Explain how, in this connection, ‘the devotees of the Lord are more kind than the Lord’.
Briefly explain how this statement relates to a difference of practice between members of ISKCON and those those belonging to its broader tradition (e.g. Hinduism in general, other Vaishnava traditions, other Gaudiya Vaishnava traditions) and explore some of the reasons for the differences.
Explain how this statement gives us an insight into Çréla Prabhupäda’s and ISKCON’S mood & mission.

Why is it important to understand Çréla Prabhupäda’s and ISKCON’S mood & mission.

Homework for Sunday 18/5/08

Gangesvara — Mon, 12 May 2008 22:00:14 GMT

Read Bhagavad-gita Chapter 7 texts 24-30.

Answer the following questions:

Answer the remaining Student workbook questions (Sections G, H & I).

Answer Student handbook question 2 (content): Summarise the main point & purport of verse 27.

Answer Student handbook question 10 (generic): Choose one verse or passage from this section which you consider most useful in preaching. (PrA)