Leicester, UK Bhagavat Katha named as Krishna Speaks

A divine Shrimad Bhagavat Katha by Pujya Bhaishri was held in Leicester, UK, known as Krishna Speaks, attended by over 5,000 people each day. We present a daily summary of the katha as well as various videos with bhajans/kirtans sung in this katha and short clips of discourses.

Day 1 Katha

• Katha is a 1-2-1 conversation. How can we say that looking at thousands of chairs and this organisation? The fun is, there is a distinct relationship between the listener and speaker. We feel that the speaker is talking about ourself. How does he read my mind? It’s not like that. This is the miracle of Shrimad Bhagavat.
• Why is it called the Bhagavat? Because God Himself speaks, Krishna speaks. It is not our belief, ego, selfishness speaking.
• To start with, Lord Adinarayan (God) told this to Lord Brahma. Then God in the form of Brahma told his son Narad followed by God in the form of Narad told Ved Vyasji. Ved Vyasji wrote and spread this and told his son Shukdev. God in the form of Shukdevji told this to Pariksheet at the banks of Maa Ganga.
• I often get children asking me, “When we go to a temple, why does God not speak to us when we pray?” I tell children, Krishna speaks to you in the form of Bhagavat. You want to hear him, come to a katha.
• Do not consider life a punishment or burden. Quoting the story of Gautam Buddha as Siddhartha who saw misery everywhere, illnesses, ageing, death etc and happiness only being an illusion, Pujya Bhaishri said that our Rishis gave us thoughts from the Vedas this life and world is a gift from God. Life is a celebration. Respect yourself and others.
• If you live life rightly and in a noble way, heaven will come here? What is heaven? A place where there is no fear, death, age, disasters. Healthy food and pure water/ drinks are available. Such a life is possible. We can bring heaven in our life if we perform Yagya Karma, working hard.
• We are not in a prison. This world is not a prison. God has showered extreme grace upon us by giving us this human body. The event of every baby born is as important as manifestation of God on earth. This world is Vraj. When Lord Krishna plays his flute he awakens the Gopi within us, then he arrives and life becomes a Raas.
• God gave us this human body as we have done lots of good deeds. We are blessed. Enjoy it with righteousness, let us not be in distress, perform good deeds, be happy and spread this happiness to others. Every breath is precious. We have limited time on this earth. Don’t waste it in quarrelling and crying. Krishna does not like idleness. Perform actions, work hard and whatever you earn spread the wealth.
• Sitting in Katha, we will get answers to our questions even without asking. We will understand that the key to happiness is me. We are being sad with our own permission. No one can stop us from being happy.
• Krishna says, I am with you and you are supposed to fight your battle. Krishna helps us recognise our strength. The Prasad we get from Krishna’s temple is a smile. Life is a battle but fight it with a smile like Lord Krishna did.
• So now that we are grateful for our life, let us listen carefully to what Krishna will further tell us.

Day 2 Katha

On Day 2, Pujya Bhaishri visited LOROS – a hospice that treats and looks after terminally ill patients. He met several patients and gave them messages of compassion and also wrote in the Guest Book at LOROS. He said that this life and body are a gift of God. He creates and maintains us, and when the time comes, this body and our aatma go back into Him. The following photos and videos from that visit.

• Pujya Bhaishri explained that when the world was created, the sky was created first. Through the sky air was created, through air, light was created, through light, water was created and through water, land was created. The quality of sky is speech. There was an intense desire to hear this speech and our ears grew. Remember, our senses grow.
• Our desires and thoughts create our world. When you desire and think about something, you make a resolution, similar to what is done before a Yagya or Pooja. This is of great importance. Then you work to achieve that resolution successfully. During that resolution among people, the hearts for that same resolution MUST be the same, for example, our Krishna Speaks Katha. Therefore, ensure you have good desires for a good cause. Whatever you are and have is due to your thoughts, do not fault others for it.
• Pujya Bhaishri then taught us in the Krishna’s school, a Gujarati quote: A house within house, within a house, there resides Damodar. Meaning, the world is the first house made by God. In this we have our house/this marquee which we have made. In this reside us, our body made by Shri Krishna, in which God resides. Thus see all in God. There is nothing except Him and even when there is nothing, He still exists.
• Citing, his visit to LOROS and the compassion he saw there, Pujya Bhaishri said this is why we must help one another. Our Rishis never thought of themselves, they always thought of the welfare of others. Do not be selfish. A selfish person can never be Godly.
• Pujya Bhaishri then recited the shloka from the Bhagavat, Satchidanand rupaya…. This answers our question, who is Krishna, what is He like? What does He do?
• Shri Krishna is the Supreme Truth, He is in everything, the lifeless and those with life. Even what you consider as lifeless is actually not lifeless, it is dormant life. Otherwise, how is a slice of pizza, eaten by living people, able to give us energy? Shri Krishna is conscience and He is bliss. The entire universe is made of bliss, you me, what we speak, what we listen, this is why we are here!
• Shri Krishna is the creator, operator and destroyer of this world. This is what He does. Also, he removes our sorrows on just bowing to Him.
• Explaining the importance of Gujarati language, Pujya Bhaishri advised parent to ensure children learn Gujarati and all children to do so too. What if we don’t, So what? Let me tell you, if you don’t, your culture will vanish followed by your identity and you will become merely like a statue with a name.
• Before we start the Bhagavat, we must first understand it’s importance. Naradji did not, although he had received it from his father Brahmaji. He recited Vedas, Gitaji to awaken Gyan and Vairagya, the sons of Bhakti Devi, at the banks of Maa Yamuna but failed. Shri Sanatkumar then narrated Shrimad Bhagavat at the banks of Maa Ganga. Shrimad Bhagavat is the essence of all the Vedas and Upanishads. Through this, Gyan and Vairagya regained their youth and arrived at the banks of Maa Ganga.
• Bhagavat must be listened, heard or recited daily. It awakens the God within us. Krishna occupies our heart and pushes the material world away. It purifies us. Through the story of Dhundhukari, who had committed every sin you can think of, Shrimad Bhagavat liberated him and he gained God’s abode. Shri Shukdevji said that Bhagavat is not available anywhere, even in heaven. It is only available to us blessed humans on earth. Even if it is for half a minute, listen, your liberation from materialistic bondage is guaranteed. You will feel independent and thus happier.
• Let us now enter into the first chapter of the Shrimad Bhagavat.

Day 3 Katha

• God who creates & operates this world also tells us how to live life greatly. The all capable universal father’s children must also be great and capable, not cowards. Excessive discipline & expectations from your children discourages the child and hides their capability. We are also so overly protective of our children and this makes them weak and lazy. Throw them in the deep end and let them learn their capabilities.
• Pujya Bhaishri explained in detail about the FIVE vital principles of Hinduism that all of us, including our children MUST know. Remove any one of this and we lose the identity of Hinduism.
• 1. Yagya – The entire universe is a form of and cycle of Yagya: the sun, wind blowing, rain, plants growing and so on. For example, through this Yagya of rain, food grows, and through food, life is created, sustained and destroyed? How? Our Upanishads explain. A true teacher is one who inspires children to ask questions and then search for the answers. So to continue, when we eat this food, 7 things are nourished in our body, one of them being, creating life as an embryo. This child is then nourished with that the mother eats. When the child is born, the mother’s milk, then solid foods sustain life. When the body dies on getting older, the weight of the ashes is the same as when we were born. How scientific is this! Every action of ours is a Yagya. If it isn’t it leads to our downfall. How do we make our actions a Yagya? Firstly, perform actions for others’ welfare. Leave our selfish motive behind. Secondly, perform actions with no attachment for the result. Thirdly, perform actions with the best of your ability, how can I continuously improve? Trust in your hard work.
• 2. Sanskaar (sacraments) – There are 16 Sanskaars in Hinduism. One of them is called Jaat- karma sanskar – explaining the significance of this, Pujya Bhaishri said it is as simple as living correctly, so having a shower, dressing well, washing up after eating etc. This is how you respect yourself. If you do not respect yourself, no one will. Similarly, when we lie, we are insulting ourselves.
• 3. Caste system – There are lots of misunderstanding with this amongst Hindus and non-Hindus. People say it is a taint, No! This caste system is not based on our caste from birth. It is an organisation based on our values and actions applicable to the whole world, Krishna speaks. We are all born with values. So Brahmins are those who are interested in studying and teaching. Our scientists are Brahmins. Warriors are this who want to protect the country so our politicians and soldiers. Vaishyas are interested in business and they are very good at it, example, Mark Zuckerberg on Facebook which is running in billions now. Finally, Shudras, labourers who want to serve, are action orientated, for example, clerical workers. This caste system is not in descending order, it is horizontal.
• 4. Re-incarnation – is not just a belief, it is a fact. The body dies but the soul is immortal. So simply, the soul changes body when it gets old. However, the incarnation we get is based on our deeds in this life. Remember, we will take nothing with us when we die except our actions and we will then bear the results of these.
• 5. Four Purushartha (aims): Dharma (righteousness), Artha (Economic values), Kama (pleasure) and moksha (liberation). Dharma does not mean religion. It is a wider term. It is having those capabilities and qualities to do something exceptional for the welfare of others, for example the different professions, lawyer, singer etc. Earn wealth righteously and by working hard. Then enjoy what you have earned with others, not solely, and do not accumulate it. This will lead to liberation.
• Then Pujya Bhaishri recited the 1st shloka ending Satyam Param Dhimahi from Bhagavat, meaning God is the Supreme Reality. Bhagavat was also being narrated by Sutji to Shanunakji and other rishis who asked 6 questions.
• Lastly Pujya Bhaishri explained that righteousness is doing that which makes us develop love for God, meaning, loving one another.
• Hindu Dharma is so broad that it has several paths so that you can pick one you like to reach the same goal. It is not about religious conversion. If you want to convert, convert a Hindu/ Muslim/ Christian to a good human being. The definition of Dharma is universal. Thus, I am proud to be a Hindu.
• Now let us proceed in the journey of Bhagavat in listening to the 24 incarnations of God narrated by Shri Ved Vyasji.

Day 4 Katha

• Every faith has teachings. People have faith in their religion. However, we MUST never think that only our religion is right and the rest are wrong. Lord Mahavir was once asked, which religion is right and wrong? Lord Mahavir had replied that if you prefix the word ‘also’ to religion, then they are all right and if you prefix ‘only’ to religion then they are all wrong.
• The plural of religion is dangerous. Let it remain singular. Respect all religions and be convinced of your path of religion. If you change religion, you will not change yourself. If religious conversion becomes an agenda of this world then this will become dangerous for humanity, world peace and brotherhood. As Mahatma Gandhi Bapu said, Truth is God. Removing the hatred within you and developing love for all is religion. This will bring peace.
• We have all understood from the past four days, that God created this world. At the start, there was nothing but the Supreme Truth. So what raw materials did God use to create this world? Through the example of a gold necklace, Pujya Bhaishri explained that the necklace is not separate from gold. But the jeweller requires many materials to make the necklace. However, when God created this world, he did not use any raw materials otherwise that would mean there is something in addition to the Supreme Reality. Krishna Speaks that I manifested myself into all that you see. Everything is me. So, when there was nothing, I was there, all that you see is me, and when there will be nothing, I will still be here. The message is, see God in all and love everyone.
• Enlightening us on idol worship, Pujya Bhaishri said that this didn’t begin until Dwapar Yug due to an unstable mind and qualities such as laziness, such that people found it hard to concentrate. Idol worship is an aid to stabilise the unstable mind of humans.
• We are ignorant of our religion. Listen to Katha but after, Pujya Bhaishri advised, we must read our scriptures daily for at least one hour. Then ask great, knowledgeable saints questions on what you cannot understand.
• Pujya Bhaishri then listed the 24 incarnations of God and explained that they are not restricted to 24. There are countless incarnations and will keep happening whenever Dharma is in danger and people are in trouble to provide new solutions for changing issues in the world.
• The narration of Bhagavat started with the following questions asked by Shri Shaunak Rishi: How did Vyasji create the Bhagavat? With who’s inspiration? Why? Why did Shukdevji, who had nothing left to learn, learn Bhagavat? Why did King Pariksheet have to leave his kingdom and listen to Bhagavat?
• In Dwapar Yuga, Ved Vyasji was born from his parents Parashar ji and Satyavati ji. He organised the Vedas into four Vedas and then split this further into 4 Upavedas. He then created Puranas and History to help understand the Vedas. However, he was still not at peace. Seeing this Naradji came to his hermitage and explained, “A righteous, role model society will not be established from only the principles of do’s and don’ts and temptations of heaven and hell. People will question who has seen heaven and hell?” Krishna speaks, hell is the door to greed, anger and lust.
• Naradji inspired Ved Vyasji to do something that will increase love and devotion for God. He then narrated his story of his past life and narrated the Bhagavat in 4 shlokas to Ved Vyasji. Ved Vyasji then wrote Bhagavat into 12 cantos, 335 chapters and 18,000 shlokas. He then taught this to his son Shukdevji, who has intense and ever increasing devotion for God.
• In Mahabharat, despite Ashwatthama being forgiven by Draupadi for killing her 5 sons when they were asleep, Ashwatthama tried to kill the 5 Pandavas and their grandson who was in their widowed daughter-in-law, Uttara’s womb. Lord Krishna saved the Pandavas. Uttara took refuge in God who entered her womb through her breath and saved her son, who was born as Pariksheet. God protects us all when we are in our mother’s womb.
• When Lord Krishna returned to his abode and the Pandavas and Draupadi went to heaven, Pariksheet became a universal ruler. At the start of Kaliyuga, he gave Kali 5 places to live, one of being Gold. Kali resided in his crown. This made King Pariksheet wrongly go hunting during which he considered Shamik Rishi in meditation and as being arrogant and an insult and put a dead snake around the Rishi’s neck. Shamik Rishi’s son cursed the king that he will die in 7 days by being bitten by the deadly serpent Takshak.
• King Pariksheet, on realising his mistake, gave his kingdom to his son and went to the banks of Maa Ganga and asked 2 questions to the saints there: What should one do when one’s death is near and what is one’s duty in life, so how should we live and die? And there arrived Shri Shukdevji to guide him to attain God.

Day 5 Katha

• Pujya Bhaishri reminded us of the 12 cantos of Shrimad Bhagavat which in order are: Adhikaar leela, Sadhan leela, Sarg leela, Visarg leela, Sthan leela, Poshan leela, Uti leela, Manvantar leela, Ishaanu Katha, Nirodh leela, Mukti leela and Ashray leela.
• Dharma is for humans. The greater one’s intelligence, the greater control is needed. Life without control leads to destruction. We, humans, must be given value based education to make a human a true human. Educated people without values have done more harm in this world than uneducated people. Look at the concerns of global warming and how humans are polluting the nature. Man can be the most useful, but also the most dangerous living being on earth.
• In 9th canto of Shrimad Bhagavat, King Yayati says that one will never get satisfaction from enjoying materialistic pleasures at any time. It is said that even if one person gets all the wealth in the entire world, one will never be satisfied. Humans must have control over wealth (Artha) and pleasures (Kama). We all definitely get the basic necessities we require: air, light, water, food. Humans are in sorrow because of never-ending desires.
• There is nothing wrong with earning more wealth and becoming rich. Pujya Bhaishri said, in fact, I bless you all that may you build a city of gold like Dwarka, but this wealth must be earned righteously, not by seizing and immoral ways. Then when you are wealthy, look for a dignified and divine Brahmin or people like Sudama, who are continuously, unselfishly spreading and teaching our scriptures and open your doors to them.
• Pujya Bhaishri taught us 3 simple things: Earn wealth righteously, Live with good manners and pray to God (meaning serve God and others) with love. Through this, sins will not even touch us.
• Pujya Bhaishri gave a special message to the youth: It’s good to recite Gitaji, Hanuman Chalisa and Sunderkand, but read the characters of great personalities. It will inspire and benefit you. He has read the stories of Shri Ram Krishna Paramhans ji, Swami Ramtirtha ji, Chaitanya ji, the series of Bharat’s great Yogis and Mahatma Gandhi ji’s autobiography.
• Pujya Bhaishri then started the 2nd canto. He said, like Pariksheet ji, we will all die on the 7th day of the week, but we do not know which day. Shukdevji told Pariksheet ji, do not fear death. Remove the intellect of an animal that I will die. We are immortal. This body is separate from the soul and we don’t own this body. From a devotional perspective, death is a celebration to meet God. It is our marriage to God. What divine vision does Bhagavat give us!
• 2nd canto, Shukdevji explained about meditation, purification of the heart and reflection. Pujya Bhaishri said to the youths, “Let me explain it differently and practically to you: We must have full concentration in what we do to be successful. Secondly, have a pure motive in what you do, not for someone’s ill or downfall. Thirdly, you have the knowledge in what you do. If you make a mistake, make that mistake your teacher and learn from it.
• 3rd canto, Pujya Bhaishri enlightens us on how the demi-gods (i.e. goodness) and demons (i.e. evil) were created. Demi-gods were born from Kashyap and Aditi and demons from Kashyap and Diti. Demons who break, are destined to die, meaning darkness will end. Every night has a day. Thus, always live in hope. Even terrorism will end one day.
• Diti gave birth to the first demons on earth: Hiranyaksha who signifies greed of accumulating and Hiranyakashipu who signifies greed of enjoying pleasures. Varah Bhagavan killed Hiranyaksha. Varah is a form of Yagya. Yagya is not just fire sacrifice, it is decentralisation of wealth.
• 4th canto – there are stories of Daksha Yagya and Atri and Ansuya ji, story of Dhruv signifying that eve a small child can attain God.
• 5th canto – We see stories of Rushabhdev ji and Shri Jad Bharat ji. Jad Bharat ji told King Rahugana that knowledge is not received through lots of mediation, over-studying scriptures but only when our mind is purified. The mind is only purified through the service of saints and their blessings. Earth, hell and heaven are also described in this chapter.
• 6th canto – covers the story of Ajamil and the power in God’s name. It covers the story of Vrutrasur and power of mediation and power of worship through Maa Diti.
• 7th canto – We see the story of Prahlad and this makes us question, have you ever see half a lion and half a man? Pujya Bhaishri says that God is the most illogical thing in this world because God is beyond logic. He can only be experienced with faith. You may question about God’s existence and not love him, but he believes in your existence and loves you more than you love Him. It’s ok if you do not believe in God, just believe in and love mankind, every living being on earth and respect mother nature.
• 8th canto – covers Manvantar leela, Nar-Narayan Avatar, Gajendra liberation and the churning of oceans.
• 9th canto – covers the story of the two lineages: Suryavansh and Chandravansh through which Lord Ram and Krishna were born respectively.
• 10th canto – On this earth, when sins increased, mother earth, demi-gods, Brahma ji and Shiv ji prayed to God. God re-assured them that he will be born in Chandravansh to protect Dharma.
• In Mathura, Devaki and Vasudev ji got married and Kansa was going to ride them on a chariot to their house when there was a divine utterance warning Kansa that Devaki’s eighth child will kill him. Vasudev ji protected Devaki from being killed and promised Kansa he will hand over to him every child. Vasudev ji did so and Kansa killed all 6 children. The 7th child came into Maa Devaki’s womb but left and manifested in Rohini Maa’s (Vasudevji’s first wife) womb.
• The divine time came and Lord Krishna was born. Vasudevji, took the child from the jail as all the bondages broke to Mathura and exchanged him for the little girl born at Maa Yashoda. Kansa received the news and tried to kill the girl who presented as Maa Jagdamba and warned him that his killer was in a safe place.
• At Gokul, Lord Krishna cries, Yashoda ji wakes up and Sunanda (Nand ji’s sister) spreads the joyous news to Nand ji. Gokul and therefore we celebrate: Nand gher aanand bhayo, Jai Kanhaiya lal ki!

Day 6 Katha

• There is a difference between hearing and listening. Hearing is when the ears are there but the mind isn’t. Katha is heard through the mind. Ears are just an instrument. After listening to Katha with the mind, if we do not reflect and feed the intellect, through which vivek (discrimination between good and bad) does not develop, then our spiritual journey will come to a halt.
• Krishna speaks in the Bhagavad Gita: our senses are the greatest, if one doesn’t work we will be incomplete. God has bestowed his grace upon us for giving us this human body with all functioning senses. Do not take it for granted. The body is a means to practice Dharma. Dharma is not just going to a temple, praying, worshipping; Shri Ram Charit Manas says that there is no greater Dharma than helping others and there is no greater evil than hurting others for our selfish motives.
• Pujya Bhaishri then answered the question many people ask, can we donate organs according to our Hindu religion? Yes, we can. What is the evidence? The story of sage Dadhichi and the demon Vrutrasur. In the battle between Indra and Vrutrasur, Indra was informed that the undefeatable Vrutrasur will only die from a weapon made of sage Dadhichi’s bones. The demi-gods requested sage Dadhichi who said that I am happy to do so since I have experienced God with this invaluable human body. If it is useful, I will give up my body. Through Yoga, sage Dadhichi departs the body, a weapon is made from his bones and Vrutrasur was killed.
• Our Rishis have never selfishly thought of themselves. They have always thought of the welfare of others. When we work for the welfare of others, ours is included as we are part of the gestalt. Some people, due to their little selfish motive, harm the entire society. Remember, another person’s problem is your problem also. How can we be ignorant and say that is not my problem? The whole world is one family, Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam.
• Pujya Bhaishri tells the youth, “There is nothing better than the thoughts of Rishis you have. Spread these thoughts for the welfare of others but also learn good things from others”.
• Pujya Bhaishri also advised us that do not just accumulate books in our library. Keep good books, read them and then give to others to read. Spread good thoughts because, the more you share the more what you have will purify. At the same time, do not believe everything on Google Guru. Ask, is this authentic? Ask a Sadguru who knows and lives our Vedas and scriptures. Perform a Sadgurus service, surrender and when you are capable, the Sadguru will open up all the significance.
• The literal meaning of Guru is as follows: Gu – means darkness, Ru – means one who removes darkness through the light of knowledge, which is covered in us all.
• What you get from reading and google is information, which can lead to bondage. Knowledge from a Guru will liberate, like a spider who never gets entangled in the web it weaves. Pujya Bhaishri often watches what’s going on in nature and the amazing God’s creation like an ant, the weaver bird making its nest. Pujya Bhaishri advises, watch your nature, it will relax you.
• Pujya Bhaishri said that what I am telling you is very little. We have a treasure in Hindu Dharma. Pujya Bhaishri was pleased to hear children reciting Gita shlokas. Now he said, let us improve with the pure pronunciations. Parents, send your children to Sandipani for a couple of months to learn. If you can’t come to me, I will send you two of my Rishikumars. We are preparing an army, dying for the society and spreading our values. There are some already in UK giving their service. Respect them. They are not your servants but Krishna’s servant. Ask them on anything related to Dharma.
• Elders and parents, encourage the new generation. Prepare them and then let them do the work. They can do wonders and will do a better job than you. Our farm is fertile, think what you want to plant. Parents, remove time and pay attention to your children.
• Pujya Bhaishri explained that there are 3 categories: Firstly, Bhrama – the Supreme Reality who is formless and without qualities. When Bhrama accepts the quality of illusion, it is known as Ishwar. So Ishwar is Brahma (made from Rajoguna, the Generator), Vishnu (made from Satvaguna, the Operator) and Shiv (made from Tamoguna, the Destroyer). So GOD. When Ishwar incarnates, it is known as Bhagavan who can present as male or female. God is not just male. Our Hindu Dharma has given great respect to women.
• What is Bhagavan? One with 6 qualities: 1) Grandeur that people are influenced with; 2) Powerful and fearless; 3) Praiseworthy; 4) Wealthy; 5) Knowledgeable; 6) Detached which leads to being tension-free. Do not fear struggles in life. Krishna faced all his struggles with a smile. You are not ordinary. You are a part of God. But firstly, fight against those who defeat us: our greed, anger and lust and fight with goodwill.
• God manifested at Nandji. When God arrives, we attain bliss. Bliss is the non-existence of the duality of happiness and sorrow. When people have no faith in religion, values, want quick material benefits through immoral deeds, are demons, meaning, only live to eat, drink, be merry and are selfish, cause pain to Godly people, cows and mother earth, God incarnates to re-establish humanity and Dharma.
• Nand ji called Veda-learned and graduated Brahmins. Jaat-karma Sanskar and pitru-tarpan was done on their advice. Nandji made great donations. Thus, Nandji performed his duty (not a favour) towards the demi-gods, ancestors and parents and the society. Gokul received this blissful news and the Gopis arrived with gifts whilst singing to celebrate the arrival of baby Krishna.

Day 7 Katha

• Shri Krishna is a universal teacher. A universal teacher is one who is capable of the welfare of the entire universe through his talks and thoughts.
• The essence of Vedas is at the end of the Vedas, also known as Vedanta / Upanishads. The essence of Upanishads is in Bhagavad Gita. The word Hindu will not be found in the entire Gita. Gita is a universal scripture because the singer of Gita is a universal teacher. Shri Krishna talks for the welfare of entire mankind. Many commentaries have been written on Bhagavad Gita, but the best are Shrimad Bhagavat and Ramayan.
• When Brahma ji told Narad ji the Bhagavat in 4 shlokas, He asked Naradji to spread this to all so that people develop love for god who is in everyone’s soul. Once again, love for god is love for all.
• Growth is life. Keep growing. Look at Shri Krishna’s progress, from being a cowherd to a universal teacher. Do not run from struggles in life. Awaken and fight. Stop feeling helpless in life and crying. You will get tired. Do whatever you do as a Yagya and remain detached. There is satisfaction when we prove our self by doing something noble. Lord Krishna did so and this is why His life is a celebration. Saying this, Pujya Bhaishri heartily congratulated the LCFC for their victory. These are the thoughts our Rishis spread. Like us, these Rishis were householders. Rishis did Yagya Karma for the welfare of the entire universe.
• God is not merely to be believed in, this is why he feels a burden. How long will we be stuck in belief? It’s true that the journey begins with belief, but thereafter continue to know God and experience God. God is a subject of experience, not just belief.
• God is the Universal person. His mouth is Brahmins, arms are warriors, thighs are tradesmen and feet are servicemen. If servicemen are God’s feet, then how can they be called untouchables Dalit people be killed? This is wrong! Understand our Vedic thoughts properly. Do not misunderstand what they are saying. There are so many ideologies. Pujya Bhaishri said that I bow to all but to me, the Vedic Rishi ideology is preferable as even Krishna acknowledges it.
• Krishna Speaks in Gita: Become a Yogi, meaning have harmony in life. A Yogi is a balanced personality. What is Yoga? Not overly doing something, i.e. oversleeping, overeating overworking. If you want to become a Yogi, become useful by doing 3 things: 1) Love and become useful to God; 2) Sacrifice and become useful to yourself. Hence donation is not a favour to others, it is a favour to our self. So what is the pride for when we donate? 3) Service and become useful to the society.
• Gokul celebrates the arrival of Lord Krishna. Thereafter, Nandji went to Mathura to pay taxes. At this time, Putna arrived as a mother to feed poison to baby Krishna. Putna signifies ignorance which feeds on sensual pleasures. God sucked the poison Putna fed and liberated her. God killed Putna first, as it is ignorance that gives rise to the rest of the demons. When ignorance dies, the result is ever-increasing love for God. Lust is like the smoke of a fire which makes our eyes burn and we suffocate. Love is the brightness of a lamp in a temple. Attachment to material desires leads to obstinacy and anger whereas love leads to sacrifice and service.
• Lord Krishna then killed the demon Shaktasur who had come in the form of a cart, by kicking him. What does this symbolise? Our life is a cart where husband and wife are two similar wheels. On top of the cart is yoghurt, meaning life must be interesting. There were no bulls attached to this cart. Two bulls mean Veda Dharma and Dharma of societal relationship. If one does not believe in these two, then life becomes stagnant. When Krishna comes into life, he kicks the materialistic life, Shaktasur. The cart breaks and the wheels separate but one wheel may keep circling for some time. This is God’s harsh grace.
• Thereafter, Lord Krishna killed Trunavarta, meaning destroyed the effect of Rajoguna (unstable mind and dullness) and Tamoguna (laziness and idleness) which are speed breakers in life. After this event, Maa Yashoda feeds milk to baby Krishna. She tickles him and stops him from drinking too much but when he opens his mouth to laugh, Maa sees the whole universe inside him. Lord Krishna is telling Maa that you are feeding and satisfying the entire universe.
• Gargacharya ji arrived secretly and named the son of Maa Rohini Ram, Bal, Sankarshan and the son of Maa Yashoda, Krishna, meaning one who attracts all.
• Krishna was very naughty. He stole butter from Gopis. This means he stole their minds as we, devotees, tell him that we find it very difficult to engross our unstable mind in you. Our mind should always be new. Shri Krishna likes a new mind, not one stuck in the shock of the past and worry of the future, but one that lives in the present. Work hard and then live with trust in God.
• Once Krishna ate earth and Maa Yashoda told him off. Lord Krishna, once again showed her the entire universe within Him.
• Pujya Bhaishri then briefly told us the story of Maa Yashoda tying Lord Krishna to a vessel and the liberation of Nalkuber’s sons.
• Lord Krishna and family moved to Vrindavan where he liberated Vatsasur, which signifies impostors in Dharma, Bakasur, who signifies hypocrisy and Aghasur at 5 years of age. We then briefly listened to Lord Brahma’s story of stealing the cowherds and calves and realisation that Krishna is present in everything.
• In the autumn season, Lord Krishna began playing the flute and the Gopis sung Venu Geet. Then there was the story of seizing the Gopi’s clothes when they entered Maa Yamuna, signifying, God removes our material desires when we dive into devotion.
• God changed the perception of Yagya through Goverdhan leela. Thus, looking after mother nature, worshiping cows, so economic development and worshipping Brahmins, so good education are as important even today for any country and benefit of mankind. God broke Indra’s ego also.
• The Katha ended with the wedding of Rukmini ji (so, our intellect, wealth and our self) to Shri Krishna.
• Main message of this Katha: live life as a celebration, not punishment. See God in all and work for the welfare of others, this is devotion for God.

Day 8 Katha

• Shrimad Bhagavat is the Prasad of meditation. First, control our senses and mind. Then concentrate on the subject, which is God’s Katha. Mangalaacharan before the Katha is like the flute before Raas. It helps us forget worldly affairs and concentrate in Shri Krishna’s Katha. To speak straightaway is like building a house without foundation.
• We can experience the Supreme Reality by doing 3 things: 1) Go to the masters who have experienced Him and bow down to them. Why do we offer salutations? We are surrendering our ego. Ego leads to one’s downfall. Keep one such place where you will bow and take refuge; 2) Ask with interest and curiosity. Is there God? What’s He like? How did He create all this? 3) Listen to the answers with faith. Then perform service. What is service? Living according to what our Guru tells us as an order.
• Shri Krishna’s leelas are to teach everyone. The society needs growth and person needs peace. This is what Krishna gives. Krishna praises and acknowledges changes, like he did with Goverdhan leela from worshipping of Indra who no one had seen to the nature, cows (economic development) and Brahmins (education).
• Do not just rely on worship that God will do everything and perform no actions. Even Krishna doesn’t accept this. Krishna Speaks, focus on your actions. If we perform no wrong action, no one will be able to harm us. This change in the perception of Yagya that Shri Krishna introduced, hurt Indra’s ego who was used to respect and worship. This is our situation, whether in the society or household. When we are used to respect and we do not get it, it hurts our ego. Just advise. If one doesn’t listen, one will learn from their mistake.
• Indra showered rain and thunder and Shri Krishna assured all not to fear as no one had done anything wrong. He lifted Goverdhan to protect all. Do not fall for the so-called miracles in this world. The biggest miracle is this universe. People believe in these miracles but not the miracle of bowing. Krishna is our soul. Goverdhan is our body which Shri Krishna carries all the time. Indra realised his mistake and begged for forgiveness. God told him to stay under His orders and that he performed this leela to destroy Indra’s ego. Sometimes, failure is necessary in life when we are continuously winning. This is when we enjoy victory.
• Please read Shrimad Bhagavat if you truly feel hungry after this Katha.
• Nandbaba performed Ekadashi fast. When he went for bath in Yamuna, he was kidnapped. Lord Krishna then rescued him from Varun region. Before Raas leela, we must control our tongue in terms of taste and what we say.
• Then time came for Raas. We want to play Raas with Lord Krishna despite our job and what we do in life. We desire every breath to be with you. Shri Krishna wears white clothes and ornaments on Sharad Purnima. In Vrindavan, as soon as he played flute, he invited the Gopis to play Raas.
• During the Raas, every Gopi thought that she is the greatest and that Shri Krishna is playing only with her. This ego and comparison in devotion makes God leave us. Ego of our goodness is the biggest wrong. To break this ego and increase the love of separation, God vanished. Gopis went to look for God. Then the song they sung to express their pain is Gopi Geet. God returned to play Raas. Raas leela also signifies the unity of soul and God. Gopi is not an ordinary woman, it is an emotion of love. She hides Krishna within her and does not proclaim her devotion. Love is satisfaction and a constant thirst.
• Pujya Bhaishri then summarised and presented the rest of the cantos at the Lord’s feet. Lord Krishna went to Mathura, emancipated Kubja and killed Kansa. He studied from Sandipani Rishi. He sent Uddhav to Gokul with His message where the Gopis bathed him with Shri Krishna’s love. Pujya Bhaishri briefly narrated Dwarka leela where Lord Krishna married 16,108 wives.
• Pujya Bhaishri said that the 11th canto is the canto of knowledge. God wanted to return to His abode. Lord Krishna told the demi-gods that He was awaiting the destruction of the Yadav clan. Every beginning has an end. If left, there would have been no control on the strengths of Yadavs which would have caused problems. Dwarka sunk in the ocean. Bal Ramji returned to His abode.
• Lord Krishna prepared to return to His abode. WE all have to make this journey by our self. Live with others, serve them but have no expectations. Shri Krishna is with us. A hunter called Jara hits an arrow from thinking it is an animal and it hits Lord Krishna’s foot who was lying under a tree. Even Jara regretted this. God re-assured him that this was his wish. God granted even Jara liberation. Thereafter, God’s body vanished. No one can see where the soul goes and how.
• Dwaparyug ended and Kaliyug started. In the 12th canto, Pujya Bhaishri said that Kaliyug is greatest despite many faults because attaining God is the easiest with chanting and singing God’s name.
• Shukdevji completed the Katha. Pariksheet ji said to Shukdevji, “You have given me God’s darshan. Let the Takshak serpent come, I am fearless.” Shukdevji told Pariksheetji, “You are not separate from God. You are Him. King, get rid of all desires including liberation.” Pariksheetji realises he is the pure, immortal and liberated soul and stabilises himself in the Supreme Reality.
• Shukdevji and other saints left. Takshak serpent comes. Pariksheet ji’s body burns into ashes but his soul had already left.
• Bhagavat ended with a summary of the entire scripture. Sutji also ended the Katha. The journey ended with Satyam Param Dhimahi, our homage to Shukdevji, God, asking for devotion and surrendering to God.
• God, I am yours at your refuge. I am stuck amongst illusion in which I get trapped. Protect me. Give me refuge at your lotus feet.