Srila Prabhupada’s 1972 Bhagavad Gita As It Is Lecture notes: Part 1.3
Hare Krsna, pranams and all glories to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada..
Part 1.3: Lecture notes on some verses of Chapter 1 of the Macmillan Bhagavad Gita As It Is 1972 Edition
1. BG 1.8-10-LONDON – July 12, 1973Srila Prabhupada explains Duryodhana’s pride in his strength
Translation: “Our strength is immeasurable, and we are perfectly protected by Grandfather Bhīṣma, whereas the strength of the Pāṇḍavas, carefully protected by Bhīma, is limited.”
Prabhupāda: Hm. So Duryodhana is very proud of his strength, military strength. Because he was empowered, he could gather. And over and above that, Bhīṣma is the commander-in-chief. He is giving protection. And on the other side, the Pāṇḍavas, they are not empowered. Somehow or other, they gathered some soldiers from relatives. Therefore their strength was limited in consideration of the other party. And that is, being protected by Bhīma. Duryodhana always considered Bhīma as a fool. Therefore he is very much confident that, “Our side is being protected by Bhīṣma, and the other side, although Bhīma is very strong, but he has no brain very much.” So he was very hopeful of victory.
But in the previous verse he says, anye ca bahavaḥ śūrā mad-arthe tyakta-jīvitāḥ. Tyakta-jīvitāḥ means, “They have come to lay down their life for me.” This is a foretelling, because actually, whoever joined the Battlefield of Kurukṣetra, none of them returned. Tyakta-jīvitāḥ. So it is already concluded that although Duryodhana is very much proud of his military strength, protected by Bhīṣma, still, tyakta-jīvitāḥ, they would surely die.
Krsna’s plan to eradicate all demons by assembling them in the battlefieldThis is the conclusion. Nānā-śastra-praharaṇāḥ sarve yuddha-viśāradāḥ. No . . . not a single person inexperienced was there. Yuddha-viśāradāḥ. Viśārada means very expert fighting. Still, they would have to lay down their life, because it is Kṛṣṇa’s plan that all these fighting men, they were not ruling properly according to the tenets of Vedic injunctions. Therefore they were demons. Military strength for self-aggrandizement is demonic. Military strength is required to rule over the kingdom, but not to misuse them for aggression to others’ country or others’ kingdom. That was not allowed.
So when Kṛṣṇa appeared, there were many kings. Although they were under the ruling of the Pāṇḍavas, still, Hastināpura, still they were fighting. That is natural. If one has no Kṛṣṇa consciousness, then his strength and opulence would be misused. And if one is Kṛṣṇa conscious, then he would use his strength and opulence very properly. So these kings were meant for giving protection to the citizen, to train them to the Vedic conception of life. But they were not doing that. Therefore they were demons.Although they were kṣatriyas, still . . . kṣatriyas are meant for representing the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Actually, Kṛṣṇa is the proprietor. Sarva-loka-maheśvaram. Sarva-loka-maheśvaram, suhṛdaṁ sarva-bhūtānāṁ jñātvā māṁ śāntim ṛcchati (BG 5.29). So He is the proprietor. Sarva-loka. Sarva-loka means all the planets, all the universes. Because they are created by Kṛṣṇa, by Kṛṣṇa’s bodily effulgence, brahma-jyotir. So they are created by Kṛṣṇa’s . . . just like from the sunshine these planets are created, similarly from brahma-jyotir, innumerable universes are created.Before the creation, there was Narayana
So it is all creation of Kṛṣṇa. Ahaṁ sarvasya prabhavo mattaḥ sarvaṁ pravartate (BG 10.8). Everything has come out from Kṛṣṇa’s body, external, therefore He is the proprietor. If I have created something, then I am the proprietor. It is very easy to understand. In the Vedas also it is said, eko nārāyaṇa āsīt: “Before the creation only there was Nārāyaṇa.” In the catuḥ-śloki Bhāgavata also it is said, aham evāsam evāgre (SB 2.9.33/34/35/36).
So before creation there was Kṛṣṇa. When we speak of Kṛṣṇa, it does not mean Kṛṣṇa was alone. Kṛṣṇa means with His form, with His pastime, with His paraphernalia, with His entourage, everything. When we speak of king, it does not mean king is alone. As soon as we speak of king, we must understand the king, king’s kingdom, king’s secretaries, king’s ministers, king’s queen, king’s palace, so many things.
Similarly, when the Vedas says that eko nārāyaṇa āsīt, “Before creation there was only Nārāyaṇa,” so Nārāyaṇa with His paraphernalia, with His expansion. Nārāyaṇa has expansion in the spiritual world, vaikuṇṭha jagat, innumerable Vaikuṇṭha planets. You have seen the picture. Innumerable. We have given only twenty-four names, but there are innumerable.
Difference between kuntha planets and vaikuntha planets
So actually, either in this material world or in the spiritual world, all planets, Vaikuṇṭha planets or kuṇṭha planets . . . here in this material world,kuṇṭha planets. Kuṇṭha means anxiety. Here, in any planet you go, the anxiety will be there. This is material. Sadā samudvigna-dhiyām asad-grahāt(SB 7.5.5). Why anxiety? Because we have accepted something asat, which will not stay. But we are eternal. We want to stay. Our natural position is eternity, so we don’t want this temporary body. Therefore we try to save the body as much as possible. But it will not be saved, because we have accepted something nonsense, which is not compatible with our existence.Avoiding death
The modern civilization, they do not know it. They think it that death is natural sequence; it cannot be avoided. No. It can be avoided. It can be avoided. But these rascals, they do not know how to avoid it, although it is mentioned in the Bhagavad-gītā how you can avoid death. Birth, death, old age and disease, these are the problems. But they do not know how to solve these problems. They are simply engaged in some temporary business.
And they are fighting, they are making plans, they are making diplomacy. But in the real problem they do not touch, neither they know how to solve it. But this Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement can solve it. These rascal may understand this fact, that this Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is not a sentiment, so-called religious movement. It is a scientific movement to solve all the problems of life. This is Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
So in the Bhagavad-gītā it is said, tyaktvā dehaṁ punar janma naiti mām eti (BG 4.9). Punar janma naiti. If you can avoid next birth . . . next birth means to accept another material body. Tathā dehāntara-prāptiḥ, tathā dehāntara-prāptiḥ (BG 2.13). After giving up this body, we have to accept another body. These rascals, they do not understand it. So many defects in the modern civilization, full of ignorance, and still, they are passing as great scientist, great philosopher, great politicians. Real knowledge they haven’t got. So try to give them real knowledge. Tathā dehāntara-prāptiḥ. This is the crucial point, dehāntara-prāptiḥ. One has to accept another body.
Understanding KrsnaSo this is . . . our Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement means: try to understand Kṛṣṇa. Simply if you try to understand . . . you cannot understand Kṛṣṇa fully. That is not possible. Kṛṣṇa is unlimited. But to our limited knowledge, whatever is possible, that is stated in the Bhagavad-gītā. As far as we can understand about Kṛṣṇa, if we simply understand Kṛṣṇa, His transcendental nature, His transcendental activities, divyam . . . janma karma me divyam (BG 4.9). Divyam means transcendental. It is not ordinary. Tattvataḥ, in truth, in fact. Then you become free from this janma-mṛtyu-jarā-vyādhi (BG 13.9). Very easy thing.
Therefore try to understand Kṛṣṇa.How you will understand Kṛṣṇa? Kṛṣṇa is so great. Sevonmukhe hi jihvādau svayam eva sphuraty adaḥ. Ataḥ śrī-kṛṣṇa-nāmādi na bhaved grāhyam indriyaiḥ (CC Madhya 17.136). You cannot understand Kṛṣṇa by these blunt material senses. That is not possible. You have to purify it. You have to purify it. Tat-paratvena nirmalam (CC Madhya 19.170). Simply by Kṛṣṇa consciousness, always thinking of Kṛṣṇa, all your senses will be purified. This is the process. Sevonmukhe hi jihvādau. And you can begin service with your tongue.
Now, this is also very surprising. By utilizing our tongue, we can become perfect. This is also unknown to the modern science. So utilizing the tongue, one can become perfect. Yes. This is the process. If by the tongue you chant Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra, and by the tongue you taste prasādam, you will be perfect, simply by executing these two things. Do not accept anything, do not allow the tongue to touch anything which is not offered to Kṛṣṇa. This is one item. And another item—engage the tongue always chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa. You become perfect. Is it very difficult task? Anyone can do. Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra, anyone can chant. And nice prasādam, anyone can take. And actually, it is happening so. How these European, American boys and girls, they are advancing, they are realizing? Simply by that process, tongue: chant Hare Kṛṣṇa, take prasādam.
Importance of controlling the tongue
Prabhupāda: No, no, that one old lady is requesting her husband, “Chant, chant, chant,” and the husband is replying, “Can’t, can’t, can’t.”(laughter). There was a cartoon. So we are requesting everyone, “Please chant,” and they are replying, “Can’t.” Still, they will not chant. This is the difficulty. Otherwise, we can deliver all the people on this earth back to home, back to Godhead, simply by this process: chant and take prasādam. This should be . . .
Just like the other day we held the festival, Ratha-yātrā.Chant and take prasādam. That’s all. Organize this all over the world. They will be saved. They will understand Kṛṣṇa. Sevonmukhe hi jihvādau svayam . . . (Brs. 1.2.234). Kṛṣṇa will appear. Kṛṣṇa . . . you cannot see Kṛṣṇa. That is not possible. You cannot order Kṛṣṇa, “Please come, I will see You.” No. When He is pleased with your service, He will come, “Yes, I am here. See Me.“ That is the history. Just like Dhruva Mahārāja. Dhruva Mahārāja was meditating, and within six months he saw Kṛṣṇa face to face. So everyone can see.
Everyone will be able, provided we utilize the tongue. Sevonmukhe hi jihvādau. Jihvādau. Jihvādau means “Beginning with the tongue.” We have got senses, all senses—eyes, ears, touch—so many senses. But begin with the sense, tongue. Try to control the tongue and engage in Kṛṣṇa’s service.
Therefore Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura says, śarīra abidyā-jāl, joḍendriya tāhe kāl (Prasāda-sevāya 1): “This body is material body, and the senses are our greatest enemies,” joḍendriya tāhe kāl.”So out of all the senses,” tā’ra madhye jihwā ati lobhamoy sudurmati, “of all the senses, the tongue is formidable.” It is sudurmati, it has no limit to taste. I have seen in Japan, twenty miles away they are coming to taste some fried birds in the hotel. You see. They have got bus. The hotel has got their own bus, and they bring customers from the city and they are coming after office hours just to taste some jungle birds, fried. There is a hotel.
2. BG 1.11-12-LONDON – July 13, 1973
Bhishmadeva’s encouragement to Duryodhana
Translation: “Then Bhīṣma, the great valiant grandsire of the Kuru dynasty, the grandfather of the fighters, blew his conchshell very loudly like the sound of a lion, giving Duryodhana joy.”
Prabhupāda: Ahh! So Duryodhana was doubting that, “My grandfather, Bhīṣma, is more affectionately inclined to the other party. So he may not be lenient in fighting.” So in order to encourage Duryodhana, tasya sañjanayan harṣam: “Don’t think that I am lenient. I am strong.” Immediately, to encourage him, he blew his conchshell. Nowadays they use bugle; formerly the conchshells were used by the kings.
The Ksatriya spirit
And not that . . . in modern days the fighting takes place—the poor soldiers, they come to fight, and the leaders, they remain in safety place. It is not like that.All of them came out, kṣatriya. Bhīṣmadeva came, Duryodhana came, Arjuna came. And face to face, they had to fight. Not that the poor soldiers would fight and they would remain in a secure place. No. So tasya sañjanayan harṣaṁ kuru-vṛddhaḥ. Kuru-vṛddha, the oldest man in the dynasty, Kuru dynasty, pitāmaha, he’s the grandfather of Arjuna and Duryodhana—the Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s elder uncle, his father’s elder brother. He was very old man, brahmacārī. And in that old age also, he was taking the risk of fighting.
This is kṣatriya spirit. Not that only . . . Dhṛtarāṣṭra was escaping. Not escaping, because he was physically incapable, blind, therefore he did not come in the battlefield. Otherwise, even Bhīṣmadeva, in such old age he also came. This is kṣatriya spirit. When there is fight, there is no rest. And fight means, “Either the other party should be killed or I shall be killed.” Not that without any decision the fighting will be stopped. No. That cannot be. When there is two party, must be belligerent, one party. So decision is that “Either you kill me or I kill you.” Not that “Without killing . . . without being killed one of us, the fighting cannot be stopped.”
Just like Jarāsandha was fighting with Bhīma. During daytime the fighting was going on, and at night Bhīma was a guest of Jarāsandha, as guest is honored, respected, all the parties. But during daytime the fighting was going on. And this fighting went on for twenty-eight days. Still there was no decision. Then Kṛṣṇa gave hint, Bhīṣma, er, Bhīm . . . Bhīm. . . Bhīmasena, that “Jarāsandha has got a defect. He is joined, two bodies joined. So if you bifurcate him, then he will be killed.” So later on, Bhīmasena took that policy, and Jarāsandha was killed.
Symptoms of a Ksatriya
So amongst the kṣatriyas when there is fighting, unless one party is killed, the fighting cannot be stopped. This is the Battle of Kurukṣetra, to see the history of the former kings and kṣatriyas, how they were determined. This is one of the qualification of kṣatriya: not to go away from the fighting. When there is challenge of fighting, immediately a kṣatriya would accept. That is kṣatriya spirit, īśvara-bhāvaṁ ca, and ruling over others, and charitable. These are the symptoms of kṣatriya.
Qualifications of Brahmanas, Ksatriyas, Vaisyas and Sudras, position of demonic civilization which slaughters cows
They are described in the Bhagavad-gītā: brāhmaṇa qualification, kṣatriya qualification, vaiśya qualification, śūdra qualification. So . . . very nice arrangement, Vedic civilization. Everyone is guided by the superior. The brāhmaṇa guides the kṣatriyas, the kṣatriya guides the vaiśyas, and the vaiśya employs the śūdras. Cātur-varṇyaṁ mayā sṛṣṭaṁ guṇa-karma-vibhāgaśaḥ(BG 4.13). In this way, four division of brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya, vaiśya, they manage the whole society so nicely. The kṣatriyas, as the kṣatriya’s business was to give protection to the citizens, similarly, vaiśya’s duty was to give protection to the animals. Kṛṣi-go-rakṣya-vāṇijyaṁ vaiśya-karma svabhāva-jam (BG 18.44). Vaiśya, they should engage themselves in agricultural production and giving protection to the cows, especially mentioned, go-rakṣya.
Go-rakṣya, cow protection, is one of the item of state affairs. But now there is no cow protection. Poor cows, they deliver milk, and later on they become slaughtered. How much sinful the modern society is, and they still want peace and prosperity. That is not possible. The society must be divided—brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya, vaiśya, śūdra—and they must execute their proper duty. And the vaiśyas, they should give protection to the cows. And the śūdras, they should work under the direction of the higher three divisions. In this way there will be nice management.
If you keep things all right, according to the direction, then nature also will help you.
Then, as it is stated, during the reign of Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira, kāmaṁ vavarṣa parjanyaḥ (SB 1.10.4). Then nature also will help. If you keep things all right, according to the direction, then nature also will help you. Nature will give you sufficient foodstuff. Vavarṣa parjanyaḥ, kāmam. Whatever the necessities of life, it will be supplied by nature simply by proper pouring of water, vṛṣṭi. Actually, now the whole world is suffering for drought. There is scarcity of rain.
And if the rain is stopped for one or two years more, there will be havoc. It is already there, havoc. In India there is famine, because they are more . . . mostly agriculturist. So there is famine. In other countries they have got industries, but India is not so industrially advanced. So without water, nothing can be produced. Therefore during Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira’s time, kāmaṁ vavarṣa parjanyaḥ (SB 1.10.4). Yajñād bhavati parjanyaḥ (BG 3.14). If you want sufficient water, then you must perform yajña. These are the indications, direction of the Vedic wisdom.Only Yajna is Sankirtan YajnaSo at the present moment no other yajña is possible. The only yajña, saṅkīrtana-yajña, is possible. Yajñaiḥ saṅkīrtana-prāyair yajanti hi su-medhasaḥ (SB 11.5.32). So if this Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is taken seriously all over the world and they perform saṅkīrtana-yajña, everything will be adjusted immediately. Everything. But these rascals will not take it. They will suffer.
Otherwise, all directions are there. People have to take the advantage of direction, perfect direction, without any mistake, and they will be happy. So we are trying to introduce this Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement so that people may come to their senses, take advantage of it and be happy.