Animal evolution and reading TLC
October 02 , 2007
Hare Krishna.
When the soul enters the animal species his progress is then automatic according to the dictates of material nature. The soul evolves from lower species step by step upward until he again reaches the human form of life.
Of course there are always exceptions, but you are correct that once the soul falls into the animal (or plant) species he looses the ability to help himself along, as you say. So we must always be careful not to become two legged animals, for Krishna's external potency (Maya) is very strong and can force down us when our activities warrant it. As George Harrison say "beware of Maya, she can hit you, she can hurt you, and what is more, this is not what we are here for."
One noteworthy exception is the grace of Krishna's pure devotee. In Krishna book we read about the cursing of two denizens of heaven who were so intoxicated that when the saint Narada Muni walked by, and they were naked and enjoying delights with women in a lake, they neglected to show proper respect and did not even cover their bodies. Narada Muni cursed them to become trees, for trees also do not have their bodies covered. However they we blessed also, for they became trees in the courtyard of Nanda Maharaj. When Krishna was a small child he knocked down these trees and two the two heavenly denizens came forth. There not only had to opportunity, by Narada's grace, to meet Krishna face to face, they also were reinstated in the heavenly positions. So when anyone has the contact of Krishna or His pure devotee they are so transcendentally potent that even birth in lower species because of extremely sinful activity can be rectified quickly.
Yes, you can certainly read Teachings of Lord Caitanya simultaneously with Srimad Bhagavatam, it is a very wonderful book. Srila Prabhupada's books are like transcendental sugar candy, they are sweet from all angles. So although Lord Caitanya's teaching are post-graduate, Srila Prabhupada makes them easily available to us at every stage of our spiritual advancement.
TLC (Teachings of Lord Caitanya) was one of the first books I ever read, and the advanced spiritual teachings of Lord Caitanya reveal some of the most intimate truths about our spiritual existence. It is a summary study of the Caitanya Caritamrita, a multi-volume classic about the life, activities, associates and teachings of Lord Caitanya. When you are ready I will be glad to get you a set.
As for your epiphany, remember that Krishna consciousness has been dormant in your heart since time immemorial. So as the mirror of the heart is cleansed by chanting, hearing, reading, taking prasadam, associating with inspiring devotees, and all the processes of Krishna consciousness you will be continually enthused as your spiritual life blossoms. And some day your dormant remembrance of Krishna will become the only objective of your existence, you simply will not be able to get enough Krishna. At that point the miseries of material existence will no longer be of any consequence and your life will become perfect.
Sincerely,
Dulal Chandra dasa
When the soul enters the animal species his progress is then automatic according to the dictates of material nature. The soul evolves from lower species step by step upward until he again reaches the human form of life.
Of course there are always exceptions, but you are correct that once the soul falls into the animal (or plant) species he looses the ability to help himself along, as you say. So we must always be careful not to become two legged animals, for Krishna's external potency (Maya) is very strong and can force down us when our activities warrant it. As George Harrison say "beware of Maya, she can hit you, she can hurt you, and what is more, this is not what we are here for."
One noteworthy exception is the grace of Krishna's pure devotee. In Krishna book we read about the cursing of two denizens of heaven who were so intoxicated that when the saint Narada Muni walked by, and they were naked and enjoying delights with women in a lake, they neglected to show proper respect and did not even cover their bodies. Narada Muni cursed them to become trees, for trees also do not have their bodies covered. However they we blessed also, for they became trees in the courtyard of Nanda Maharaj. When Krishna was a small child he knocked down these trees and two the two heavenly denizens came forth. There not only had to opportunity, by Narada's grace, to meet Krishna face to face, they also were reinstated in the heavenly positions. So when anyone has the contact of Krishna or His pure devotee they are so transcendentally potent that even birth in lower species because of extremely sinful activity can be rectified quickly.
Yes, you can certainly read Teachings of Lord Caitanya simultaneously with Srimad Bhagavatam, it is a very wonderful book. Srila Prabhupada's books are like transcendental sugar candy, they are sweet from all angles. So although Lord Caitanya's teaching are post-graduate, Srila Prabhupada makes them easily available to us at every stage of our spiritual advancement.
TLC (Teachings of Lord Caitanya) was one of the first books I ever read, and the advanced spiritual teachings of Lord Caitanya reveal some of the most intimate truths about our spiritual existence. It is a summary study of the Caitanya Caritamrita, a multi-volume classic about the life, activities, associates and teachings of Lord Caitanya. When you are ready I will be glad to get you a set.
As for your epiphany, remember that Krishna consciousness has been dormant in your heart since time immemorial. So as the mirror of the heart is cleansed by chanting, hearing, reading, taking prasadam, associating with inspiring devotees, and all the processes of Krishna consciousness you will be continually enthused as your spiritual life blossoms. And some day your dormant remembrance of Krishna will become the only objective of your existence, you simply will not be able to get enough Krishna. At that point the miseries of material existence will no longer be of any consequence and your life will become perfect.
Sincerely,
Dulal Chandra dasa