Quotes: pada-sevanam (Srila Prabhupada)

Damodar Pandit — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 09:25:58 GMT

Created page with "[https://vedabase.io/en/library/sb/4/23/18/#bb32771 Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 4.23.18] <nowiki>https://vedabase.io/en/library/sb/4/23/18/#bb32771</nowiki> In this verse the word ''prabhu'' is also significant. As stated before, when one is completely self-realized and acts according to that position, he can be called ''prabhu.'' The spiritual master is addressed as Prabhupāda because he is a completely self-realized soul. The word ''pāda'' means “position,” and ''Prabh..."

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[https://vedabase.io/en/library/sb/4/23/18/#bb32771 Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 4.23.18] <nowiki>https://vedabase.io/en/library/sb/4/23/18/#bb32771</nowiki>

In this verse the word ''prabhu'' is also significant. As stated before, when one is completely self-realized and acts according to that position, he can be called ''prabhu.'' The spiritual master is addressed as Prabhupāda because he is a completely self-realized soul. The word ''pāda'' means “position,” and ''Prabhupāda'' indicates that he is given the position of ''prabhu,'' or the Supreme Personality of Godhead, for he acts on behalf of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Unless one is a ''prabhu,'' or controller of the senses, he cannot act as spiritual master, who is authorized by the supreme ''prabhu,'' or Lord Kṛṣṇa.

[https://vedabase.io/en/library/sb/4/6/25/#bb28649 Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 4.6.25] <nowiki>https://vedabase.io/en/library/sb/4/6/25/#bb28649</nowiki>

Another significant point is that Lord Govinda, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is described here as Tīrthapāda. ''Tīrtha'' means “sanctified place,” and ''pāda'' means “the lotus feet of the Lord.” People go to a sanctified place to free themselves from all sinful reactions. In other words, those who are devoted to the lotus feet of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa, automatically become sanctified. The Lord’s lotus feet are called ''tīrtha-pāda'' because under their protection there are hundreds and thousands of saintly persons who sanctify the sacred places of pilgrimage. Śrīla Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura, a great ''ācārya'' of the Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava ''sampradāya,'' advises us not to travel to different places of pilgrimage. Undoubtedly it is troublesome to go from one place to another, but one who is intelligent can take shelter of the lotus feet of Govinda and thereby be automatically sanctified as the result of his pilgrimage. Anyone who is fixed in the service of the lotus feet of Govinda is called ''tīrtha-pāda;'' he does not need to travel on various pilgrimages, for he can enjoy all the benefits of such travel simply by engaging in the service of the lotus feet of the Lord. Such a pure devotee, who has implicit faith in the lotus feet of the Lord, can create sacred places in any part of the world where he decides to remain: ''tīrthī-kurvanti tīrthāni'' (''Bhāg.'' 1.13.10). The places are sanctified due to the presence of pure devotees; any place automatically becomes a place of pilgrimage if either the Lord or His pure devotee remains or resides there. In other words, such a pure devotee, who is engaged one hundred percent in the service of the Lord, can remain anywhere in the universe, and that part of the universe immediately becomes a sacred place where he can peacefully render service to the Lord as the Lord desires.

[https://vedabase.io/en/library/sb/7/9/7/#bb46392 Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 7.9.7] <nowiki>https://vedabase.io/en/library/sb/7/9/7/#bb46392</nowiki>

astauṣīd dharim ekāgra-

manasā susamāhitaḥ

prema-gadgadayā vācā

tan-nyasta-hṛdayekṣaṇaḥ

Prahlāda Mahārāja fixed his mind and sight upon Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva with full attention in complete trance. With a fixed mind, he began to offer prayers in love with a faltering voice.

The word ''susamāhitaḥ'' means “very attentive” or “fully fixed.” The ability to fix the mind in this way is a result of ''yoga-siddhi,'' mystic perfection. As it is stated in ''Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam'' (12.13.1), ''dhyānāvasthita-tad-gatena manasā paśyanti yaṁ yoginaḥ.'' One attains yogic perfection when he is freed from all material diversions and his mind is fixed upon the lotus feet of the Lord. This is called ''samādhi'' or trance. Prahlāda Mahārāja attained that stage beyond the senses. Because he was engaged in service, he felt transcendentally situated, and naturally his mind and attention became saturated in transcendence. In that condition, he began to offer his prayers as follows.

===== pada-sevanam as pancaratriki-vidhi =====
Lecture. February 17, 1971, Gorakhpur

Therefore our Guru Maharaja introduced both the processes. This arca, arca, this is pancaratriki-vidhi. According to pancaratrika system, Narada Pancaratra, this worship of the Deity is there. And bhagavata-marga, the path of Srimad-Bhagavatam, is simply sravanam kirtanam. '''Out of the nine processes recommended, sravanam kirtanam visnoh smaranam pada-sevanam [SB 7.5.23], so up to sravanam kirtanam smaranam, that is bhagavata-marga. That is the best. And pada-sevanam arcanam vandanam dasyam, that is pancaratriki-vidhi'''.

So both the vidhis, both the systems have been introduced. One will help the other. That is the way. Simply bhagavata-marga... Just like in the Srimad-Bhagavatam, in the beginning, is simply sravanam -- param satyam dhimahi; janmady asya -- smaranam, simply remembering, memorizing the Supreme Truth. But, of course, the pancaratrika-vidhi is recommended in the Second Canto. That, another pancaratrika-vidhi, is worshiping the gigantic form of the Lord. These things are there. But both, combined together, it is very much helpful, bhagavata-marga. Bhagavata-marga will help the pancaratrika-marga, or process, and the pancaratrika process will help Bhagavata process. Both together is helpful.

Therefore my Guru Maharaja introduced... You have seen the, what is called? That signia? One side, pancaratriki-vidhi, one side bhagavata-viddhi. That is... I have seen that Gaudiya Math emblem. Yes. And so actually bhagavata-marga is very strong. That is sufficient. But without pancaratrika-vidhi this polluted body, polluted mind of the devotee, cannot be purified. Therefore both the process should be adopted in preaching Krsna consciousness movement.

===== begin from the feet -- First Canto, Second Canto =====
Morning Walk. April 12, 1974, Bombay

That's all right. But that is the system. That is the system. You should begin. That... That is described in the Bhagavatam. The First and Second Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam are the two legs of Krsna. That is the beginning. Janmady asya yatah. These professional reciters, they read Bhagavata, they jump over immediately to the face. The Tenth Canto is described as the face of Krsna. So you cannot go immediately to the face. You must begin from the feet -- First Canto, Second Canto. Therefore there are nine cantos, and then Tenth Canto. And the Krsna's rasa dance, that is the smiling of Krsna. So you cannot ask the superior to take the facility of his smiling. Smiling will be when he is pleased.

'''The difficulty is that the Mayavadi philosophy, they do not accept the form of the Lord, and they do not know how to behave with the form. Of course, there is no difference between Krsna's face and Krsna's feet. There is no difference. But still, the system must be followed. Pada-sevanam. It is very important verse. Sravanam kirtanam visnoh [SB 7.5.23]. When one has heard, when one has properly chanted, he has little experience of the transcendental form of the Lord, then his service beginning. Just like I engage one servant. So gradually he is given, he is given service: "First of all this, first of all that, then..." Again and again, again, again. The same example can be given, that the husband and wife. Formerly, when I was married, my wife was eleven years old. So [laughing] an eleven-years-old girl, and I was at the same time twenty-one, twenty-two. One day I captured her hand. She began to cry. [laughs] A little girl, you see? So gradually, gradually. I know... When my brother-in-law, sister's husband, used to come... In the beginning, the girls were very... My sisters were same age. So they would meet the husband, offering a little pan or little sandesa [indistinct].'''

[break] ...after this. Then nistha. Then he has got a firm conviction that "Krsna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and my duty is to serve Krsna." That is called nistha.

== Туласи ==

==== tulasi is liked by Krsna ====
Morning Walk. June 10, 1976, Los Angeles

[break] ...aradhanam. When Parvati inquired from Lord Siva what is the best form of worship, he advised, visnor aradhanam param: "Oh, to worship Lord Visnu is the best form of..." Then he said, tasmat parataram devi tadiyanam aradhanam [Padma Purana]: "And greater than visnor aradhana, Visnu worship, is to worship tadiyanam, anything in connection with Visnu." Anything... That is Vaisnava. Just like we are worshiping tulasi, tulasi plant. Why tulasi plant? It is a plant only, not even human being. Tadiyanam. Because tulasi is liked by Krsna. Tadiyanam. Similarly, anything in connection with Visnu, to worship, that is better than Visnu worship.

===== Sadhu-sanga and tulasi puja =====
Letter to : Balai. San Francisco 22 March, 1968

My Dear Balai dasi,

Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letter dated March 19th, along with Istagosthi notes, I am always so pleased to see how nicely the Istagosthi meetings are being carried on, so I am always anticipating your letters, along with Istagosthi reports. Thank you very much.

Yes, Sri Tulasi is the eternal consort of Krishna, and the most pure devotee, and therefore, the Tulasi plant is worshipped by Vaisnavas.

Letter to : Patty Dorgan. Delhi 17 November, 1971

Everything we do should be for the reason that it gives pleasure to Krishna. Because Krishna's intimate associates give Him the most pleasure, and because they are His favorites, it pleases Him to see that these associates and close friends are also offered all respect by the devotees. Tulsidevi is part of Krishna's entourage, she is Krishna-ised or Krishna Conscious, and in this pure state she has all the qualities of Krishna, and therefore she becomes worshipable just like Krishna. There is a saying, love me, love my dog. It is like that. To approach the President is very difficult, unless you are the friend of his son or daughter, then it becomes very easy. So worship of Tulsidevi and other of Lord Krishna's Entourage is part of the total devotional attitude of pleasing Krishna.

Letter to : Radhavallabha, Bombay 6 January, 1972

I am very glad to know that you are seriously taking to Srimati Tulasi Devi worship. Tulasi Devi is a pure devotee of Krishna and she should be treated with the same respect given to all Krishna's pure devotees. Simply by worshipping her faithfully, a devotee can get himself free of from all material miseries. In the Nectar of Devotion I have given two verses from the Skanda Purana, one of which is: ``Tulasi is auspicious in all respects. Simply by seeing, simply by touching, simply by remembering, simply by praying to, simply by bowing before, simply by hearing about, or simply by sowing the tree, there is always auspiciousness. Anyone who comes in touch with the Tulasi tree in the above mentioned ways lives eternally in the Vaikuntha world.<nowiki>''</nowiki> So from this verse we can understand how pure is the service which Tulasi offers to Sri Krishna. So we should always endeavor after becoming servant of Tulasi Devi. I do not know who has taught you that part of a Tulasi plant may be cut off and then replanted? From the Tulasi plant you can cut off only leaves for offering them to Krishna, never for cutting and planting. That is an offense. The manjaris (seeds) can be offered in water and it makes the water fragrant and tasteful. And the manjaris can be planted for growing new Tulasi plants. Yes, the prayer you have enclosed is bona fide. Tulasi Devi never goes back to Godhead, she is always with Godhead. She is a pure devotee and thus she has appeared on this planet to render service to Krishna by being offered in all temples throughout the world by being offered up to the lotus feet of Krishna.

1970.docx

The new growth of Tulasi is testimony to your sincere devotion because she will only grow and flourish in an atmosphere of Krsna Consciousness.

'''Letter No. 36 To Jagamohini Dasi,''' Jan. 31, 1973

'''...whether we may prune the leaves of Tulasi, no, there is no question of pruning. But you can take for worshiping Krsna leaves from the Tulasi. First utilize the dead leaves or leaves which have fallen down, and if more leaves are required for worshiping Krsna, you may take them from Tulasi plant in this way: First approach Tulasi Devi and offer your obeisances, requesting her that for worshiping Krsna you want to take some leaves. Then if she allows you may take. There is no question of pruning in the manner of gardeners just to make nice beautiful plant for ornamental purposes. And if there are any dead branches, these may be made into beads, like neck beads, and if they are large branches you can make japa beads. There is no need to keep candle burning all night, but you can burn candle in the evening for one hour for Tulasi Devi, that will be nice.'''

Letter to : Govinda, Los Angeles 7 April, 1970

I am so very glad to learn that Srimati Tulasi Devi has favored you so much. If you can actually grow this Tulasi plant, and I am sure you will do it, then you must know it for certain that your devotion for Krsna is testified. I was very much anxious to introduce this worship of Tulasi plant amongst our Society members, but it has not become successful til now, therefore, when I hear that you have got this opportunity, my pleasure does not have any bounds.

Please take care of the Tulasi plants in the following way. This is the best season for growing Tulasi plants. From 15th April to 15th June is the best season for growing this plant. Now I understand that the seedlings are coming out, so the whole spot if possible may be covered by some net because the seedling stage creepers being very delicate are sometimes eaten up by the sparrows, so we have to give a little protection from attack of the sparrows. All the devotees should pour water at least once in the morning before taking prasadam. The watering should not be very much large in quantity, but it should be poured just to keep the ground soft and moist. Sunlight also should be allowed. When the creepers are grown at least 7 inches high, then you can take them out from the planting soil and transplant them in a row in a different place. Then go on watering and they will grow like anything. I think this plant cannot grow in cold countries, but if the plants are dispatched from your place and if the devotees take care of the plant with a little care in a flower pot, then it may grow.

'''Tulasi leaf is very, very dear to Visnu. All Visnu-tattva Deities require profusely Tulasi leaves. Lord Visnu likes garland of Tulasi leaves. Tulsi leaves mixed with sandalwood pulp and placed on the lotus feet of the Lord is the topmost worship. But we must be very careful that Tulasi leaves cannot be placed on the feet of anyone else except Lord Visnu and His different forms. Tulasi leaves cannot be placed even on the lotus feet of Radharani or on the lotus feet of the Spiritual Master. It is entirely reserved for being placed on the lotus feet of Krsna. We can place, however, Tulasi leaves in the hands of Radharani for being placed on the lotus feet of Krsna, as you have seen on the Govinda Album.'''

'''I am giving you herewith three mantras for Tulasi Devi as follows:'''

'''vrindaai tulasi devyai priyaai kesavasya ca'''

'''visnubhaktiprade devi satyavatyai namo namah'''

'''This is offering obeisances, bowing down (pancanga pranam). And when collecting leaves from the plant, the following mantra should be chanted:'''

'''tulasya mrta janmasi sada tvam kesavapriya'''

'''kesavarthi cinomi tvam barada bhava sobhine'''

'''Then the mantra for circumambulating the Tulasi tree.'''

'''yani kani ca papani brahmahatya dikani ca'''

'''tani tani pranasyanti pradaksinah pade pade'''

So there are three mantras, one for bowing down, one for circumambulating,* and one for collecting the leaves. The collecting of leaves should be done once in the morning for worshiping and for putting on the plates of foodstuff to be offered. On each bowl or plate there should be at lest one leaf. So you follow and practice these Tulasi affairs and you try to distribute your experience to all the other centers, that will be a new chapter in the history of Krsna Consciousness Movement.

Letter to : Kirtida Kanyaka Los Angeles 6 December, 1973

Thank you very much for the Tulasi leaves offered to Lord Caitanya's lotus feet. If one is fortunate enough to receive such holy prasadam then all sinful reactions are immediately purified within the heart and pure devotional service is very easily obtained.

I understand that you are especially devoted to the care of Tulasi devi. Formerly our Govinda dasi introduced this Tulasi worship to our Society and I was very much pleased to see it. Now she has temporarily gone away so you must take charge of caring for Tulasi devi in Hawaii. The more you devote yourself to her service, the more you will understand and relish Krsna Consciousness.

===== Srimad-Bhagavatam 6.1.15-17, Auckland =====
Devotee (3): How is it possible that Tulasi-devi is a pure devotee, what we might call a plant?

'''Prabhupada: That you cannot know in your impure state. You just become pure, you will understand. [laughter] Just like a physician, he can understand another physician, what is his position. The layman, what he can understand? If you say, physician, "Oh, how I can understand this physician?" How you can understand? You are not a physician. You become a physician, then you will understand what kind of physician he is. So when you become devotee, you will understand what kind of devotee is Tulasi. So long you are not devotee, you cannot understand. Don't expect. Therefore we have to accept the authority. That is beginning. Sastra says, "Tulasi is the greatest devotee of Krsna." We have to accept, that's all. Authority. How she is so great devotee, that you will understand when you become a devotee. You come to the platform, then you will understand, not before. Now chant.'''

== Ганга, Радха Кунда ==
[https://vedabase.io/ru/library/sb/5/17/1/ Шримад-Бхагаватам 5.17.1] <nowiki>https://vedabase.io/ru/library/sb/5/17/1/</nowiki>

'''Шукадева Госвами сказал: О царь, Господь Вишну, который наслаждается всеми жертвенными дарами, появился в облике Ваманадевы на жертвоприношении, устроенном Махараджей Бали. Затем, перешагнув через три мира, Он ногтем большого пальца левой ноги пробил дыру в оболочке вселенной, и оттуда потекла чистая вода Причинного океана. Так во вселенной появилась река Ганга. Омыв лотосные стопы Господа, посыпанные красноватой пудрой, она стала нежно розовой. Каждый, кто прикасается к ее божественным водам, очищает свое сердце от материальной скверны, но сама Ганга при этом всегда остается чистой. За то, что, нисходя во вселенную, Ганга омыла лотосные стопы Господа, ее назвали Вишнупади, а позже она получила и другие имена, такие, как Джахнави и Бхагиратхи. Через тысячу эпох воды Ганги спустились на Дхрувалоку — высшую планету вселенной. Поэтому все великие мудрецы и знатоки Вед называют Дхрувалоку Вишнупадой, «пребывающей у лотосных стоп Господа Вишну».'''<center>Комментарий</center>В этом стихе Шукадева Госвами прославляет Гангу. Ее называют ''патита-павани,'' спасительницей всех грешников. Практика подтверждает, что любой, кто регулярно омывается в Ганге, очищается и внешне, и внутренне. Внешнее очищение проявляется в том, что тело такого человека становится неподвластным большинству болезней, а внутреннее — в том, что у него постепенно развивается преданность Верховной Личности Бога. Ганга протекает по значительной части Индийского субконтинента, и многие тысячи людей, живущих на ее берегах, регулярно омываются в ее водах и, безусловно, очищаются как духовно, так и материально. Многие мудрецы, в том числе Шанкарачарья, воспели Гангу в своих молитвах, и сама земля Индии прославилась тем, что по ней протекают такие реки, как Ганга, Ямуна, Годавари, Кавери, Кришна, Нармада. У каждого, кто живет на берегах этих рек, естественным образом развивается духовное сознание.

[https://vedabase.io/en/library/sb/5/17/1/ Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 5.17.1] <nowiki>https://vedabase.io/en/library/sb/5/17/1/</nowiki>

'''Śukadeva Gosvāmī said: My dear King, Lord Viṣṇu, the enjoyer of all sacrifices, appeared as Vāmanadeva in the sacrificial arena of Bali Mahārāja. Then He extended His left foot to the end of the universe and pierced a hole in its covering with the nail of His big toe. Through the hole, the pure water of the Causal Ocean entered this universe as the Ganges River. Having washed the lotus feet of the Lord, which are covered with reddish powder, the water of the Ganges acquired a very beautiful pink color. Every living being can immediately purify his mind of material contamination by touching the transcendental water of the Ganges, yet its waters remain ever pure. Because the Ganges directly touches the lotus feet of the Lord before descending within this universe, she is known as Viṣṇupadī. Later she received other names like Jāhnavī and Bhāgīrathī. After one thousand millenniums, the water of the Ganges descended to Dhruvaloka, the topmost planet in this universe. Therefore all learned sages and scholars proclaim Dhruvaloka to be Viṣṇupada [“situated on Lord Viṣṇu’s lotus feet”].'''<center>Purport</center>In this verse, Śukadeva Gosvāmī describes the glories of the Ganges River. The water of the Ganges is called ''patita-pāvanī,'' the deliverer of all sinful living beings. It is a proven fact that a person who regularly bathes in the Ganges is purified both externally and internally. Externally his body becomes immune to all kinds of disease, and internally he gradually develops a devotional attitude toward the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Throughout India, many thousands of people live on the banks of the Ganges, and by regularly bathing in her waters, they are undoubtedly being purified both spiritually and materially. Many sages, including Śaṅkarācārya, have composed prayers in praise of the Ganges, and the land of India itself has become glorious because such rivers as the Ganges, Yamunā, Godāvarī, Kāverī, Kṛṣṇā and Narmadā flow there. Anyone living on the land adjacent to these rivers is naturally advanced in spiritual consciousness.

===== Srimad-Bhagavatam 2.1.1. March 16, 1974, Vrndavana =====
'''yasyatma-buddhih kunape tri-dhatuke'''

'''sva-dhih kalatradisu bhauma ijya-dhih'''

'''yat-tirtha-buddhih salile na karhicij'''

'''janesv abhijnesu sa eva go-kharah'''

'''[SB 10.84.13]'''

'''Go-kharah. Go-kharah means... Go means cow, and kharah means ass. Yat-tirtha-buddhih salile. Now many persons come here in Vrndavana, tirtha, but what do they think? They think, "Let me take bathing in the Yamuna River. Then my business is finished." But no. Sastra says that you should approach to a bhagavata, a devotee who is living in Vrndavana, pure devotee, and surrender unto him. That is tirtha-yatra. Not that coming here and taking bathing in the Ganges or... They are going to dure vary-ayanam tirtham. General people think, in this Kali-yuga at least, that if you go thousand miles away from your home, then your tirtha is finished. Just like in Calcutta there is Ganges, but people come to Haridwar to take bathing in the Ganges. Now, what is the difference between the Haridwar Ganges and Calcutta Ganges? But he thinks, "If I go three thousand miles and take bathing there, that is real Ganges." So dure vary-ayanam tirtham. These are the symptoms of the Kali-yuga. Yat-tirtha-buddhih salile na karhicit. Many thousands of people come to Vrndavana, but they think by taking bathing in the Yamuna, his tirtha is finished. Or going to Prayaga, taking bath... Christian also, they go. They take bathing in the...? Water of...? Jordan?'''

Room Conversation. September 5, 1976, Vrndavana

You can find him, that is not difficult, but what is his mentality? Why he has gone to Radha-kunda if he was teaching here? You cannot rely upon him. When he'll go Radharani [indistinct]? Radha-kunda, Radharani's place, if anyone thinks that it is very easy to remain in Radha-kunda, the topmost place... Rupa Gosvami has spoken -- he must speak about Radha-kunda. But what he has spoken about other things?

'''atyaharah prayasas ca'''

'''prajalpo niyamagrahah'''

'''[devotees prompt]'''

'''jana-sangas ca laulyam ca'''

'''sadbhir bhaktir vinasyati'''

'''[Upadesamrta 2]'''

'''Radha-kunda... Who will live Radha-kunda? One is topmost devotee, and if he mixes with third-class devotee, how he is fit for living in Radha-kunda? There is no difference between Radha-kunda and Radharani. So how you can jump over Radharani? Radha-kunda and Radharani, nondifferent. How you can enjoy Radha-kunda by swimming in it? You cannot touch with your feet even Radha-kunda. You can take little water and keep it on the head. That is respectful to Radha-kunda. Of course, things are going on like that, but strictly speaking, Radha-kunda should be respected as Radharani herself. That is Radha-kunda consciousness, highest Radha-kunda consciousness.'''

...

'''No soap. Take this Radha-kunda's... Why soap? You are so devotee of Radha-kunda, why you require soap? This is nonsense. You take earth from the Radha-kunda or Vrndavana. Vrndavana-dhuli dust. Why you require soap?''' '''[Transl. I am saying you are going to Radha-kund and you want soap? Just see! Are such fools really going to Radha-kund? They are going to naraka-kund [hellish kund]. Those who go to hellish kund they require soap. Those who want to go to Radha-kund, they don't need soap.]'''

== Преданные ==

===== '''surrenders to the dust of the lotus feet of pure devotee''' =====
The Nectar of Devotion. January 6, 1973, Bombay

'''Unless one surrenders to the dust of the lotus feet of pure devotee, Krsna consciousness cannot be developed. It is not possible. That is the secret. Otherwise you go on attending thousands of meetings and bhagavata-saptaha and so-called, I mean to say, sat-sanga. Unless you surrender to a person... Tad viddhi pranipatena pariprasnena sevaya [Bg 4.34].'''

'''Unless you surrender... This is a process of surrender. As soon as there is a lack of surrendering process, it is very difficult. Therefore Krsna says, "Surrender." Sarva-dharman parityajya mam ekam saranam vraja [Bg 18.66]:'''

"Surrender." So Krsna, Krsna's representative, one should surrender. Then krsne matir bhavatu anyatha naiva. So matir na krsne parato svato va mitho 'bhipadyeta. This was instruction of Prahlada Maharaja.

===== Daya and seva =====
Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.16.25-30. January 21, 1974, Honolulu

Daya. One must be merciful. Daya means... When a man is suffering, a fellow man, another fellow man must feel for it. That is called daya. There are two things: daya and seva. Seva means to give service to the superior, and daya means to give service to the inferior. Both of them are service. Daya, I mean to say... A man is suffering. He is in helpless condition. Just like in hospital, those who are patients, who are diseased, they go to the hospital. There is also seva. The nurse is serving. The doctor is serving. But that is not seva. That is called daya. He is not obliged, but out of his compassion he's giving service to the patient. That is called daya. And seva means superior. Just like spiritual master. Sevaya. Tad viddhi pranipatena pariprasnena sevaya [Bg 4.34].

Srimad-Bhagavatam 6.3.16-17. February 6, 1971, Gorakhpur

'''[SB 6.3.18]'''

'''Very nice verse. The Yamaraja says that "These bhutani visnoh, visnu-bhutani, the Vaisnava, the Visnudutas, they are worshiped by the demigods. Anywhere they go, they are worshiped." They are worshipable, Vaisnava. As God is worshipable, similarly, the Vaisnava, or the God's servant, they are also worshipable. And Krsna says, mad bhakta-pujabhyadhika [SB 11.19.21]. So, "Anyone who worships My devotee, he renders devotional service better than by worshiping Me directly."'''

Morning Walk. March 25, 1976, Delhi

'''Therefore we say prabhu. Prabhu means "You are my master. Please order me. What can I do for you?" That should be the attitude. [break] ..."Gurudasa Prabhu, please come here and brush my shoes." [laughter] What kind of prabhu? He should say, "Gurudasa Prabhu, can I brush your shoes?" That is real Vaisnava, not that "Gurudasa Prabhu, come here and brush my shoes."'''

Ишта-гоштхи

Srimad-Bhagavatam 6.3.1-11. February 1, 1971, Allahabad

[SB 6.3.11]

Now Yamaraja will reply very interesting reply. So before replying, pritah sva-dutan pratyaha smaran padambujam hareh. This is the Vaisnava behavior. As the subordinate puts the question very submissively, similarly, the superior also is not proud, that "I can answer you." No.

He immediately remembers the lotus feet of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and also begs. Because these answers and questions are not ordinary. They are all authorized. Therefore the master also remembers the lotus feet of the Lord, that "Whatever You help me to speak, I learn." He is not also proud, and they are not disobedient or puffed up, impudent.

'''This is the process of questioning-answering. The enquirer should be very submissive, and the answer-giver also should always remember the lotus feet, so the right answer can be given. This is the way of spiritual enquiry and spiritual answer. This is called sva-gosthi. Gosthi. Gosthi, this is called sva-gosthi.'''

'''Amongst the society, the answers and questions should be dealt in that spirit. The one who is questioning, he should be submissive, not in a challenging mood; and one who is answering, he should remember the lotus feet of the Lord so that right answer can come from Him.'''

Letter to : Kirtanananda. Bombay 10 November, 1975

'''Regarding the topics of the Krsna book, this is Istagosthi. Istagosthi means discussion between ourselves but that should not be taken as a competition. It is not the subject matter for competition. It can be discussed in a small group of devotees. That is Istagosthi. This is better than competition.'''

Letter to : Ranadhira. Los Angeles 24 January, 1970

'''I reply each and every letter that I receive, but sometimes it may be a little late due to pressure of work. But they should write; there is no checking. But it is better if simple questions are solved amongst yourselves in the Istagosthi class. Every one of you must regularly read our books at least twice--in the morning and evening, and automatically all questions will be answered.'''
[[Category:Quotes]]
[[Category:Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada]]
[[Category:Spiritual practice]]

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Quotes: pada-sevanam (Srila Prabhupada)