Both our voice and the breath are given by Krsna, and therefore our words and our very life should be dedicated in His service, if we are to be rightly situated, i.e. grateful and understanding of our position.

Sometimes people try to “copy” Srila Prabhupada. There’s a fine line between following in the footsteps and copying. After a lecture in Edinburgh (July, 1972), Scotland, Srila Prabhupada asked his audience, “How political situation can be improved by KC?” Can anyone answer? Who will answer this question[s]?” Both Pradyumna prabhu and Revatinanda Swami replied. This is only one of many incidents that demonstrated how Srila Prabhupada didn’t want to be surrounded by ‘yes- men’ and sycophants who sentimentally and blindly doted on his every word, and who were unable to apply the philosophy he brought us in ‘real-life’ situations.

Often the term “magic” is used to portray something wonderful, something misunderstood or not understood, something illusory, or something extraordinary. But the greatest magic of all is that performed by the Supreme Lord. That is real magic. Srila Prabhupada says this about magic: “The yogis want to get these siddhis and declare that he has become God. The same, like the jnani, people are hankering after this magic.” (From a lecture in Mumbai on 24 November 1975).

There is a theory that “deviant” ISKCON groups arise from insults and mental hurts rather than from philosophical differences. A Srimad Bhagavatam quote partially supports this view: “Sharp arrows which pierce one’s chest and reach the heart do not cause as much suffering as the arrows of harsh, insulting words that become lodged within the heart when spoken by uncivilized men.” (Srimad Bhagavatam 11.23.4)

(The following article was posted in the “Meditations” column of the Hindustan Times, one of India’s largest English language daily newspapers, on 2 July 2004.) ACCORDING TO a recent Families First poll, the average cost in America to ralse a child to the age of 18 is Rs 1,4 crore. Miranda Burkes of Wisconsin, USA, complains, “I can’t even think of having anuther kid. Where’s the money going to come from?” Her view is that she has freedom of choice, and can enjoy herself by going to a local mall once a week — for life in a network of ‘unending variety’. Despite Miranda’s lament, and contrary to popular opinion, a majority of Americans do not favour abortion on demand – only in cases of rape and incest. Just 29 per cent think ‘no fault’ abortions should be granted. What’s the Vedic version? Well, Vishnu intervened when Ashwathama attempted to abort Parikshit (Bhagavata 1.12.1.) There’s something wrong in the way our economy operates, and in our social structures. Maybe there’s something to be said for the ‘joint family’ – for raising many wanted children in a caring atmosphere, where lots of adults are around to help the kids feel loved. Not likely in today’s world of ‘double income no kids’ (DINK) family units where pundits predict that a population explosion can’t be supported. Some experts say that if by 2020 birth control trends remain constant, world population would see a precipitous decline. But others know there are not enough people in Europe to run several economies. All this begs for a radical social change. Maybe a reverse trend towards a less centralised way of life. More naturally advanced, more organised for love. Kids don’t cry. You”!l understand when you grow up. People thought they could live peacefully without vou. (The writer is emeritus member of the ISKCON governing body commission)

The sudden death of nearly 200,000 people has made a lot of earth’s human inhabitants think “why?” But the tragedy is likely to become just another road sign on a freeway. People forget things like earthquakes, terrorist attacks, tidal waves, tornadoes, and floods and – unfortunately — God.

Sanjaya, a disciple of Vyasadeva, had spiritual vision. He could see the events on the battlefield even though the engagement took place far beyond the range of normal eyesight. This is another type of material mystic power, which is obtainable now via live television, so Srila Prabhupada has told us.

Srila Prabhupada?s lectures in London in 1973 were particularly philosophical and strong. Many colonialists (or at least, former colonialists ? India had been ruled by England for many years) were in the audience. In a way, Srila Prabhupada was throwing down the gauntlet before India?s former rulers.

In one of several passages on the topic, Srila Prabhupada explains the principle of yukta-vairagya, like this: “If you are a singer, always glorify the Supreme Lord by singing very nicely. If you are a musician, glorify the Supreme Lord by playing musical instruments.” (Srimad Bhagavatam 10.12.34/purport)

Srila Prabhupada wrote to a devotee who was studying at Oxford University, that meditating on “how” Krsna is the taste of water is perfect mental speculation.(see Bhagavad-gita As It is 7.8)