04.29.09
Nectar of Devotion Chapter 9, Part 2: Further Consideration of Devotional Principles
Here is the next part of Nectar of Devotion, Chapter 9.
listen(MP3 audio)
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Nectar of Devotion Chapter 9, Part 1: Further Considerations of Devotional Principles
Now that we’re all moved in, set up and all our stuff has arrived, we resume the evening Darshan series with Nectar of Devotion Chapter 9: Further Considerations of Devotional Principles. This reading and discussion covers the first part of the chapter, which is too long to do in one session.
listen (MP3 audio)
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04.26.09
Sunday Satsang 26 April 2009: All Together Again and Nectar of Devotion Chapter 3
This was the first Sunday Satsang program in our new house, with all the āśram devotees present. Today we had at least 13 online participants; that’s really good. I would like to see all the Bhakta Degree Program students attend the Satsang webcast, if possible. Our friend Ziggy also showed up, and his presence was very nice. We were very inspired to preach.
Today’s topic is the Third Chapter of Nectar of Devotion, entitled “Eligibility of the Candidate for Accepting Devotional Service.” We discussed the dynamics of how souls come to the path of devotional service, progress through the different stages of advancement, and attain complete self-realization. Our instruments are still in shipment, so we did not have a drum, but we were able to set up the keyboard and still have a very nice kīrtan.
There were several good questions and we were very satisfied with the discussion. Unfortunately we lost our cellular Internet connection during the Q&A phase. Since we are near Pucón town now, there is more contention for network connections; but everything was recorded on video. Soon we will get a DSL line installed, and that should not happen anymore.
This video is also on YouTube.
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04.21.09
Sunday Satsang 19 April 2009: Nectar of Devotion, Chapter 2
This Sunday Satsang is a summary and discussion of the Second Chapter of Nectar of Devotion, which is titled ‘The First Stages of Devotion’. Lately we have been reading and posting this wonderful transcendental literature, which is the heart and soul of the Esoteric Teaching. So please go back and listen to it if you haven’t already.
This video is also available on YouTube.
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04.13.09
Nectar of Devotion Chapter 8: Offenses to be Avoided
Here is the reading of and commentary on Chapter 8, which contains several lists of offenses to be avoided in the worship of the Deity and the Holy Name:
listen(MP3 audio)
The entire transcript of this recording is available here.
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Sunday Satsang 12 April 2009: Nectar of Devotion, Chapter 1
In this Sunday Satsang, we discuss the first chapter of Nectar of Devotion, titled ‘Characteristics of Pure Devotional Service’. These characteristics, as described by Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī are six in number and are as follows:
(1) Pure devotional service brings immediate relief from all kinds of material distress.
(2) Pure devotional service is the beginning of all auspiciousness.
(3) Pure devotional service automatically puts one in transcendental pleasure.
(4) Pure devotional service is rarely achieved.
(5) Those in pure devotional service deride even the conception of liberation.
(6) Pure devotional service is the only means to attract Kṛṣṇa.
It is also available on YouTube.
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04.08.09
Nectar of Devotion Chapter 7: Evidence Regarding Devotional Principles
In this chapter Śrī Rūpa Gosvāmī presents evidence from different authorized Vedic scriptures supporting the important principles of devotional service given in the previous chapter.
listen(MP3 audio)
The entire transcription of this recording is available here.
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Nectar of Devotion Chapter 6: How to Discharge Devotional Service
In this chapter Śrī Rūpa Gosvāmī begins to describe the regulative principles of devotional service. He gives 64 regulative principles extracted from Hari-bhakti-vilāsa: 10 positive injunctions, 10 negative prohibitions, and 44 optional or extended principles. Of these, five are most important. In the next chapter he will present scriptural evidence regarding all these principles of devotional service in regulative mode.
listen(MP3 audio)
The transcription of this recording is available here.
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04.06.09
Nectar of Devotion Chapter 5: The Purity of Devotional Service
Pure devotional service means rendering service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead according to the rules and regulations of the Vedic scriptures without any tinge of karma, jñana or yogic powers. Devotional service to Vāsudeva is far beyond mundane social, economic, political or even religious welfare activities. Such devotional service is so pure that even if a devotee accidentally falls down, neglects his social and religious duties or commits some offense, he quickly becomes reinstated in his position without the need for purification by reformatory ritualistic activities or penance.
listen (MP3 audio)
The entire transcription of this recording is available here.
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Sunday Satsang 5 April 2009: Karma-yoga Continued
We continue our review of Karma-yoga with Bhagavad-gītā Chapter 3 Text 15:
karma brahmodbhavaṁ viddhi
brahmākṣara-samudbhavam
tasmāt sarva-gataṁ brahma
nityaṁ yajñe pratiṣṭhitam
“Regulated activities are prescribed in the Vedas, and the Vedas are directly manifested from the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Consequently the all-pervading Transcendence is eternally situated in acts of sacrifice.”
We also discuss the role of karma-yoga in Vedic sacrifice and devotional service, changing consciousness and the Self-revelation of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the necessity of intelligence behind the material creation, contemplation of consciousness and much more.
This video is also available on YouTube.
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