As one needs the help of a qualified teacher to understand the material sciences, one also needs a qualified teacher to understand the science of God. Such a teacher is the spiritual master. A genuine spiritual master must be able to instruct his students in the practical details of understanding who God is, what our relationship with Him is, and how this relationship can be revived.
Special celebration edition of Back to Godhead magazine covering the festivals of Janmastami, Prabhupada’s Vyasa-puja and Radhastami.
Three festival days of special celebration for all devotees occur during August and September. Janmastami, Vyasa-puja of Srila Prabhupada and Radhastami.
Lord Visnu, who is residing within the heart of every living entity, appeared in the darkness of night as the Supreme Personality of Godhead before Devaki, who also appeared as one of the demigoddesses. The appearance of Lord Visnu at that time could be compared with the full moon in the sky as it rises on the eastern horizon.
The Word “Prabhupada” is a term of the utmost reverence in Vedic religious circles. It signifies a great saint even among saints. It has two meanings: one at whose feet there are many prabhus; and, one who is always found at the lotus feet of Krishna.
Krishna’s pastimes go on as a kind of road show, visiting one planet after another. Not only does Krishna travel; He brings with Him His mother, His father, His cowherd friends, the gopis, the cows and the land of Vrndavana.
This ceremony is called Vyasa-puja. Vyasa is the original author of Vedic literature, and he is an incarnation of Narayana [God]. In this way, by disciplic succession, we receive transcendental knowledge.
When people see a picture like the one you see here, they often ask, “Who is that girl with Krishna?” The answer is that She is Srimati Radharani, Krishna’s pleasure potency.
A survey of the transcendental accomplishments of the foremost spiritual teacher of the modern age, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
All glories to you Who have given us light To open our eyes, Which were firmly shut tight. When we first came to you In the darkness of night The words from your lips Made everything bright.
Anyone who thus chants these eight beautiful prayers glorifying the spiritual master will certainly get a chance to render direct service to Krishna, the Lord of Vrndavana, after the demise of his body.