ADJUSTING TO THE CENTRE

Student: Maharaj, you were saying according to a verse from the Srimad Bhagavatam that all religions in this day and age are adulterated.

Srila Sridhar Maharaj: Yes, this is my statement, and you want to know how that is possible?

Student: Yes.

Srila Sridhar Maharaj: We first have to find the conception of the true Centre, the highest Centre. We have to detect and understand the highest Centre and His characteristics. Then, second, we need to know what should be our relation with that Centre. So, first properly finding the Centre and then second understanding our connection with that Centre, what will be our attitude towards the Centre. On the basis of these two things, we are to assess.

This is called sambandha, abhidheya, and prayojan. What is sambandha? It is asking, “Where are we? Who is controlling the whole? It is blind energy? A conscious power? Or love and beauty?” Generally, we are to discriminate in this way. Then, if we can come to the conclusion that ultimately beauty and love are controlling the whole thing from above—that beauty and love are the ultimate thing—then we can come to Krishna consciousness.

Second, what will be our proper relation with that Centre? We are improperly adjusted at present because we suffer so much. That is the proof that we are not properly adjusted. We hanker after proper adjustment, a way in which we can be adjusted within the world because we don’t like birth, death, disease, and old age. So, we want a better adjustment within the world, and how should we be adjusted with that highest Centre? What will be our aim? To be close to that Centre, to be introduced to and have a friendly relation with that loving Centre. That is what we desire. This is prayojan-tattva. Then we need to know the means to attain that position. That is called abhidheya. Scientifically, in this way we can divide everything into three.

Regarding conception of the Centre, there are so many differences: the conception of Allah, of God, and of Siva, conceptions in the name of Kali and Durga; there are many different types of representation of the highest thing. We are to draw a comparative study, and we are to follow how we can detect, understand, and follow the gradation in the conceptions of the ultimate reality. By adhering to the revealed truth received from different agents we are to ascertain everything. So, the representative of Krishna consciousness will have to establish that Krishna consciousness is superior to all possible forms of God consciousness, Allah consciousness, Siva consciousness, and so on. Krishna consciousness is superior to all these concepts. Then, how can we be represented there nearby in His loving, affectionate group? All of this should be discussed: the means, the end, and the prime cause, the Absolute. In this way, we are to discuss, understand, and attain. How? By patient and submissive hearing, by surrendering ourselves.

tad viddhi pranipatena pariprasnena sevaya
(Srimad Bhagavad-gita: 4.34)

If we accept such an attitude and engage in continuous hearing, then we must throw ourselves at the disposal of that truth that is coming down, that truth that suddenly holds a much higher position. We cannot catch it within our fists. It is not of a lower status. So, we must have a submissive attendance to that from a proper agent. In this way, you are to learn the details from different association. But in nutshell, this is it: the Vrndavan Krishna conception is the highest and to be His friend is to reach our highest position. Our highest prospect is there, and through devotion, submissive hearing and chanting, we can reach there.

Source

Spoken on 4 November 1982.

Listen to the original audio recording of this talk here.