Swami B. V. Tripurari

Questions on today’s Swami call:Are there demigods in the unmanifest lilas in the spiritual world?What is the interrelation between Bhagavan, Brahman, and the jivas?It is said that chanting the holy name will purify us, but it is also said that we need to chant purely for the practice to be effective. Can you explain this seeming contradiction?Please, would you elaborate on the sixth verse of Gurvastakam by Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura, as much as time allows?

Questions on today’s Swami call:It appears that Gaura-lila is a meeting place for devotees from different spiritual realms. Is this so only in the pastimes manifest in the world (prakata-lila) or also in the spiritual world (aprakata-lila)?Are there devotees with the love of servitude (dasya-rati) as their dominant emotion (sthayi-bhava) in Vraja-lila?Do the pastimes of separation draw jivas into the lila as there is a need for their service there?Guru Maharaja, please accept my humble obeisances. What is the relationship between our actions and our inner states? On what should we base the latter?When we go on pilgrimage, for example to Vrindavan, is it enough to see the place as an excitant (uddipana) for our bhakti, or is it important to emphasize as a historical fact that Sri Krishna was physically there 5000 years ago?What would you answer to the argument that one could meditate on anything, such as a flame, and experience the same results as from meditating on Sri Sri Radha Krishna?What should I keep in mind as I serve Srimati Tulasi-devi?Do you have any thoughts or advice to share about today’s lunar eclipse?The description of the Gopala yantra in Gopala-tapani Upanisad is very complicated and technical. Can you explain it?The Vraja-vasis are not aware that Sri Krishna is God, but in times of calamity they take shelter of him. Why is that?

Questions on today's Swami call:Is it common to have stronger feelings for one's own guru than for Sri Krishna?Today being Sri Radhastami, is there anything you would like to share about Srimati Radharani or any recommendations for reading and chanting on this day? Also, if you have any particular recommendations for those aspiring for manjari-bhava or priya-narma-sakha-bhava, I would be interested to hear those.It is said that Lalita-sakhi recommends qualified newcomers to enter Sri Radha's group. How does it work for those aspiring for sakhya-rasa? Also, in Jaiva Dharma we hear that two disciples of the same guru can view the guru according to their own rasas. Could you explain this?How come Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu sometimes encouraged devotees along the lines of a bhava that was different from their own?What does the word 'sudhama' refer to in your pranama mantra?Could you say something in glorification of Sri Visakha sakhi?Can I worship a statue of Sri Sri Radha Krishna that I bought in a shop?

Questions on today’s Swami call:Dandavats pranama, Guru Maharaja. What keeps the vibhinnamsa-jiva separate from Sri Krishna in liberation?Would you like to share some verses that you like to meditate on?Where can I find the story about the hunter who was purified by Narada Muni’s association and chanting of the holy name?What verses do you like to meditate on for japa?Pranama, Maharaja. Can one worship Srimati Radharani as a baby, similar to Laddu Gopal?If the jiva is not a doer, who is performing the action of chanting the holy name?What is your understanding of Sri Radha’s age? Different sources give different accounts as to when she was born, some saying before Sri Krishna and others saying after Sri Krishna.How to develop and strengthen one's guru-nistha?What kind of liberation did the demons attain when they were killed by Sri Krishna?XXXWhat is the idea behind the teaching that one should keep one’s guru a secret?

Questions on today’s Swami Call:Would you like to say something about Srila Prabhupada on the occasion of his appearance day?I heard that Srila Sridhara Maharaja would not perform the Jhulan Yatra festival with his deities as it’s too elevated. What are your thoughts on this?What is the scriptural basis for referring to Lord Balarama as the original guru?Why are some deities of Sri Sri Krishna Balarama decorated with brahmin threads?Is the teaching of the Panihati festival that one cannot approach God without the blessing of the guru?As Lord Balarama is the presiding deity of the rasa of joking and laughter (hasya), what kind of sense of humor does he have?

Questions on today’s Swami call:Can we break free from our material confinement at once, or do we need to collect many moments of clarity to stay in clarity permanently?Have you always had the fortune to be in the association of devotees? Could you share any guidance on practicing sadhana in solitude?(comment from Bijaya Kumara about Trana Karta Dasa’s book “O’Hare Krishna Airport”)Could you say something about the significance of the numbers 8 and 18 in Sri Krishna’s magic creation and in our tradition?Does Sri Krishna feel separation from the baddha-jivas?If a jiva enters brahma-sayujya, would Sri Krishna be longing for that jiva forever?Hare Krishna, Maharaja. Dandavat pranams. Is there a possibility of attaining vatsalya-rati for Srimati Radharani, seeing her as a daughter?Dear Guru Maharaja, dandavat pranama. What is Srimati Radharani’s favorite name of Sri Krishna?Did you have the opportunity to meet Gour Govinda Maharaja? Can you 

Questions on today’s Swami call:Do circumstances like what kind of country we live in and where we live in that country make a difference for our spiritual practice? For example, I have heard that living in the countryside, especially in a Western developing country, may pose obstacles.It is said to be an offense to preach the glories of the holy name to the faithless. Does this also include simple recommendations to the general public like “chant the holy name and be happy”?You often say that the lila of Sri Krishna is humanlike, but in one article you wrote that Sri Krishna is both fully divine and fully human. Can you please explain?Hare Krsna, Gurudeva. Pranama. Could you please share about the significance and conception of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s deities, Sri Sri Gaura Gadadhara?Is Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu experiencing the type of love with anyone in Gaura-lila that he had with Uddhava in Krishna-lila?Pranams, Guru Maharaja. Hare Krishna. Can you share something about the different kinds of bhakti in Garuda and Hanuman?I heard that you have met Srila Sridhara Maharaja. Can you tell us about your relationship with him?What would be the function of navels in Goloka?I would like to set a good example of Krishna consciousness for my child. How can I know whether I’m truly practicing bhakti? What would be a good book for me to read as a beginner?What is your opinion on the worship of Salagrama shilas?Pranams, dear Guru Maharaja. In Aesthetic Vedanta, commenting on the gopis feeling that they have no devotion, you describe how one feels further from Bhagavan the closer one gets, and also that his presence is both humbling and reassuring. Can you say something more about this?

Questions on today’s Swami Call:Dandavats, Guru Maharaja. What is your response to members from other sampradayas questioning the validity of ours?What is the difference between labeling a teaching as valid siddhanta for others although we do not follow it ourselves and labeling a teaching as apa-siddhanta?We have heard from you that the Kama-gayatri is a form of the Brahma-gayatri and that it is connected with the Gopala-mantra. Can you share something more about its meaning and the effects of chanting it?You explained in a recent lecture in Poland that Lord Jagannatha’s mercy became available in this world through a blessing of Narada Muni. Could you say something more about why Lord Jagannatha is so merciful?I feel like an outsider in the Vaishnava community, feeling like others have a relationship with Sri Krishna while I do not. I do, however, feel happy for these devotees. Is this normal or is it a mental problem? Is it best to avoid preaching to people who are likely to become inimical, as they may offend bhakti, or could we try to give them a chance?What is your instruction regarding deity worship during one’s menstrual period, and what is your reasoning behind it?What do you think are the best arguments for reincarnation ?

Questions on today’s Swami Call:Pranams dear Guru Maharaj. I am curious if Krishna’s words “think of me” in Bhagavad-Gita 9.34 can be also understood as “be with me”? Sometimes I have moments in japa when I feel I want to just stay and be more present, rather than continue chanting at that specific moment.Jay Guru Maharaja! I have a question regarding Vaishnava aparadha. Could someone’s difficulty in committing themselves to the practice be a result of Vaishnava aparadha in a previous life? If so, how can one become free from its effects? How to counteract it? How to make amends?In the second verse of his Prapanna Jivamritam, Srila Sridhar Maharaj offers his pranams to the deity called Gaura Sarasvati. I am wondering if he is speaking of his spiritual master in this verse or if there is indeed a deity of Lord Gauranga called Gaura Sarasvati. Could you explain the meaning of this verse, please? Thank you.Pranama. Hare Krsna. Does Srimati Radharani represent bhakti in our lives?Pranam Maharaj. I would like to know what in your perspective is the biggest change what happens when one gets Harinam initiation? What happens to practise? And as a follow up question, What kind of requirements you have if one would wish to become your disciple?What is the proper honorific title for a female sannyasi? Like when we call a male sannyasi simply ”Maharaja”.What does the word ”gopi” mean to you? I feel like something may have been lost in the translation into English as ”cowherd girl”.Could you share something about the mood and attitude one should have while trying to distribute devotional books to the public?Could you share something about your recent research on the different views on Sri Caitanya Caritamrta’s asirvada sloka?Can you explain the meaning of the statement ”kirtana prabhave smarana svabhave” from Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura’s song Vaishnava ke?

Questions on today’s Swami Call:How can I improve my japa, considering that I do not have very much time for it every day?Hari bol. Pranams, Guru Maharaja. Are our fears rooted in the prospects of experiencing the opposites of the qualities of the self (sat cit ananda)?Jaya Gurudeva. Hari bol. What does the soul actually do if it takes the path of Arciradi after death?Should the jivas follow Lord Brahma’s example in purifying themselves as he represents the collective of jiva souls?How come some of the demons that Sri Krishna killed attained sayujya-mukti before they attained love of God?Is it true that if you don’t attain prema in this lifetime you will have to go through the 8 million types of species before getting a human form again?What were Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s teachings regarding Radha-dasyam?Is the festival of Ratha Yatra related with the pastime of the Vraja-vasis meeting Sri Krishna at Kuruksetra?

Questions on today’s Swami call:0:00 News.1:16 How can one control their anger?5:50 What does it mean that an ajata-ruci raganuga sadhaka can serve Sri Krishna directly?9:16 Can you give examples from the lila of how the stages of prema appear in different orders in sakhya- and madhurya-rasa respectively?20:32 Can a devotee enter the lila as a well-wisher of Sri Sri Radha Krishna in terms of their union without becoming directly involved in bringing about their union?23:56 On page 335 in Circle of Friends you mention vivarnagra-sakha. Who is that? 26:53 I would like to ask you some spiritual guidance in regards my inner self-doubting critic. I have tried to deal with it on the psychological level, but could you give some advice from the spiritual perspective?43:34 (Comment from Sajjan)48:59 Can our own aspiration to be a devotee be our teacher?52:00 What does it mean that an ajata-ruci raganuga sadhaka can serve Sri Krishna directly? (same question as earlier)53:26 We are all sorry and shocked to hear that Gopati the peacock passed away. Could you share something about this special mystical soul and his time at Audarya?56:55 Could you say something about the importance of the Gayatri mantra and how we can chant it properly?

Questions on today’s Swami call:0:00 Is there any benefit to practice of bhakti if the understanding of it is covered by any of the three modes of nature?5:49 To what extent do brahmavadis understand or accept the three aspects of the absolute (Brahman, Paramatma, and Bhagavan), particularly the form of Bhagavan?12:26 Pranama, Maharaja. Have you had the occasion to advice devotee couples in situations where they have felt a sense of disconnect from one another with regards to practicing Krishna consciousness?20:31 How can a beginner devotee recognize and advanced devotee?25:45 How important is it to take shelter of a pure devotee?38:42 Can a devotee serve as a guru on the strength of the holy name although they may not be entirely pure?39:45 Is it appropriate for devotees to speak proudly of their guru’s purity although it appears that the guru’s qualification does not match the definition of a pure devotee?44:49 How should be deal with intermediaries between ourselves and our guru when we do not find them trustworthy although our guru trusts them?55:36 Are Sri Krishna’s friends helping him pass the painful time of separation from Sri Radha by entertaining him?56:54 What mood should a devotee imbibe in order to carry on happily with practice although they may have lingering philosophical doubts?

Questions on today’s Swami call:0:00 Pranama, Guru Maharaja. The Upadesamrta instructs that we should be both eager and patient. How can we keep up the eagerness when progress is slow?12:57 On the occasion of the Panihati festival, can you please share about your experience of visiting Panihati with Srila Prabhupada?18:40 Can we become free from the fear of death already as sadhakas?24:14 How are we to understand the idea that some jivas will remain forever in the material world?42:03 Could you please share some words about the meaning and significance of the song Jaya Radha Madhava?55:14 Speaking of the Panihati festival, something that stands out to me in that lila is Lord Nityananda’s spirit of inclusivity. Can you comment on this?

Questions on today’s Swami call:0:00 News2:59 It is described that Sri Krishna and Lord Balarama changed into Vasudeva and Sankarsana when they left Vrindavan for Mathura. Did the cowherd boys also change when they went to attend the wrestling match in Mathura?11:30 Is the change from Sridama sakha to Garuda a change in tattva?17:00 Good morning, Maharaja. How should we understand the teaching that Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva are related to the gunas of rajas, sattva, and tamas?28:17 I am aspiring to receive initiation from your godbrother HH Sacinandana Swami. Can you share what you know of him so that I may get to know him from your perspective?34:25 Pranama. Can you share some advice for devotee couples where the partners have different gurus?56:44 Why is Lord Shiva called Gopishvara? Isn’t Gopishvara a name of Sri Krishna?

Questions on today’s Swami call:0:00 Pranama, Guru Maharaja and assembled devotees. How does a neophyte devotee cultivate steady detachment from the material world?13:00 Why did Lord Vishnu ask Lord Shiva to spread the mayavada doctrine?21:09 Sri Vrindavan Das Thakura is identified with both Srila Vyasadeva and the cowherd boy Kusumapida. How does that work?32:48 Is the Brahma-Vimohan-Lila happening once in every day of Lord Brahma?35:19 Can you explain the word tivrena that qualifies bhakti-yoga in Srimad Bhagavatam 2.3.10, especially in the case of someone who is full of material desires?50:31 You have explained that there is compassion with regards to the physical and mental suffering of others and compassion with regards to their being unaware of their relationship with Sri Krishna. Would it make sense to cultivate the first kind and let the second kind arise by itself?54:00 With regards to the second kind of compassion, as it is significantly harder to make someone else aware of their relationship with Sri Krishna than it is, for example, to feed someone who is physically hungry, is that feeling enough in itself to help others?56:54 Is it a good practice to name one’s child or pet after Sri Krishna?

Questions on today's Swami Call:0:00 Dandavats, Gurudeva. What is the best prayer to Lord Narasimhadeva?6:04 Can you elaborate on how Giriraja Govardhana appears in different ways to different devotees?20:29 Do chapters 82-84 in the tenth canto of the Srimad Bhagavatam correspond with the Ramananda Samvad and Brhad-Bhagavatamrta with regards to bhakti-tattva?28:38 Can you explain Srila Jiva Goswami's statement that jivas sometimes play the role of Narada Muni?41:23 What does it mean exactly that one becomes more attached to the object of love (Sri Krishna) than to the love itself (bhakti) in the stage of asakti?45:19 Could the limb of saranagati called raksisyatiti-visvaso be interpreted to mean that Sri Krishna protects our faith and turns difficult situations into opportunities for spiritual growth?49:00 What is your take on the teaching that ajata-ruci raganuga sadhakas can think of themselves as fallen maidservants?

Questions on today’s Swami call:0:00 News.0:38 What’s the difference between sastra-yukti and sastra-nipuna?10:05 Can you expand on the teaching that most jivas in the spiritual world are nitya-siddha tatastha-sakti-jivas?35:37 How can we speak our truth to worshippers of the devas and devis without offending or discouraging them?51:59 It is said that we should not disturb people with jnana if they are not eligible, whereas bhakti can be shared with anyone. But it seems that bhakti has a fair amount of jnana baked into it. How can we balance our sharing of bhakti in this regard?1:02:43 It is said that there is no time in the spiritual world, and yet Sri Krishna’s daily pastimes are divided into eight time periods. What does this mean?

Questions on today’s Swami call:Is it correct that one should only attend to the sound of the holy names during japa, or could one also engage in visualization?Do priya-narma-sakhas engage in play fighting with Sri Krishna?How do the stages of bhakti from sraddha to prema correspond to the levels of adhikara from kanistha to uttama?Dandavat pranams and good morning, Guru Maharaja. In Bhakti Rasamrta Sindhu 1.3.54, Srila Rupa Goswami says that by a slight offense to a devotee of the Lord one’s bhava will become of an inferior type. Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura comments on this verse that “Madhurya-rati becomes dasya-rati. Dasya-rati becomes santa-rati.” I was confused about how one’s bhava could change like this being that the jiva has an inherent svarupa. Could you please clarify this? Thank you.Does Subala-sakha have feminine qualities?Can you clarify the gradation of devotees as given in Sri Brhad Bhagavatamrta?Pranams, Guru Maharaj and assembled devotees. My question is about jivas and the journey back to Godhead. How does a jiva fall in the first place? Or is that a category error?

Questions on today’s Swami call:0:00 In Circle of Friends, you wrote that the devotees never cease to be amazed at seeing demons in the disguise of devotees. Can you explain this?13:44 Why is the relationship between Sri Gadadhara Pandit and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu described in terms of friendship rather than romantic love?21:52 Dandavats Maharaja. Do you think we can dissipate our shadow sides simply by shedding the light of our own awareness on them?28:59 What do you mean when you describe Sri Krishna’s flute sound as haunting?31:56 Does Akrura have a Vraja-lila svarupa?34:08 At what point does it become unfavorable to bhakti to focus on the dark side of the world or of oneself?45:56 If every jiva has an inherent svarupa, does the imply that those jivas who attain brahma-sayujya were destined to do so?57:56 if a jiva is stuck in Brahman, is there a unique Vraja-lila svarupa stuck there that will never enter Krishna-lila?

Questions on today’s Swami call:0:00 News.0:20 Bhakti is ever-fresh and will naturally express itself in newer and newer ways through acaryas. At the same time, the desire to share bhakti in new ways could be an anartha, and so could the desire to hear about bhakti in new ways. Can you help me understand the distinction?5:09 Srila Rupa Goswami writes that an uttama-adhikari is sastra-nipuna, a scriptural genius. How can we differentiate such a devotee from someone who is merely interested in presenting bhakti in novel ways?15:43 It seems that modern society has a boredom phobia, and it also affects devotees. Is it not okay to simply accept that our sadhana can be boring sometimes?20:01 Is there a hidden or special reason that Lord Balarama did not side with the Pandavas during the Kuruksetra war?24:20 Guru Maharaja, I feel that you have exemplified the true character of sannyasa ashram. Even so, would you ever consider renouncing the renounced order?32:35 I was wondering if you could also speak on babaji vesha or an orderless vow of renunciation for devotees in the Bhaktivinoda parivara?43:32 Pranama. Could you please share some insights about the panca-tattva?48:56 Pranama, Maharaja. Could you kindly share some essential teachings about the limb of bhakti called kirtan?56:10 Can you shed light on that ontological relationship between Lord Balarama and Sri Ananga Manjari?