What inspires you In Bhagavad Gita As It Is ?
'Bhagavad Gfta As It Is inspired me due to Lord Krsna's words and the purity of Srila' Prabhupada. He poured out the contents of his heart unalloyed devotion to Lord Krsna. I am inspired by his intelligence and wisdom in his translation and purports. The translation of each verse conveys the philosophy clearly but simulta neously induces the reader to read the next text. Further, unlike the other imitators, and imposers who deliberately ignore to eulogize Krsna , Srila Prabhupada eulogizes Him and portrayes Him as the Supreme Personality of Godhead among 33 crore devatas.
Analogies such as: 'mail box'(Bg 12.5); 'religion without philosophy is mental speculation and philosophy without religion is fanaticism' (3.3); 'bee licking outer surface of the honey bottle' (2.12); 'two birds Sitting in a single tree' (2.22);'watering branches and leaves of a tree instead of its roots'(9.3); have captivated my mind. Moreover, my understanding of mayavadi philosophy of 'brahma satyam jagat mithya has been shattered into innumerable pieces.
I got inspiration regarding Saranagati – unmotivated, unconditional surrender and devotion to the Lord Krsna . Verses 18.66 'sarvadharman' and 9.31 'kaunteya pratijanihi na me bhaktah pranasyati' inspired me to such an extent that whenever I recollect or read this verses my eyes are soaked with tears of emotion due to the Supreme Lord's compassion.
(J.A. Sampath. Mumbai)
What inspired me was how clearly Srila Prabhupada explains the truths of Bhagavad Gita, which are lost in other translations. I had read other translations of the Gita before but could not understand anything. 0nce, when I was still on the first reading I was challenged by my English professor who read Bhagavad Gita daily for the past thirty years, "How can you worship a God who created a discriminatory caste system?"
I remembered clearly Srila Prabhupada mentioning that the caste system is based on nature and qualities, not birth. I informed him, only to infuriate him, "What? Your Swami Prabhupada has written his own Gita or what?"
I could not answer then but later I found the correct verse: Caturvarnyarit maya srstam guna-karmavibhagasah (Bg. 4 .13). Srila Prabhupada's expaination was crystal clear. Here I was a first time reader and I could understand Gita better than someone who was reading it for the past thirty years.
(Dr Manik Mahajan Batala, Punjab)
We should rely on Sri Krsna and all our desires should be dovetailed to Krsna's desires. Thus we can attain the real peace and happiness in this kali yuga.
(Rajivalocana Dasa).
My husband had deposited some money in my bank account and instructed me never to use it. During those days I heard a class on Bhagavad gita 9.22 where Lord Krsna says: 'But those who always worship Me with exclusive devotion , meditating on My transcendental form to them I carry what they lack, and I preserve what they have.'
I thought that my money is simply rotting in the bank; why not use it in service of Lord Krsna. So with out the permission of my husband I withdrew the money, became a life member and began to contribute money for book distribution and other services.
Then one day my husband came to know. I still shiver when I remember what storm it created in our home. But I maintained firm faith in the words of the Lord. Gradually things cooled down. We built a room for Thakur it in our new home. My husband, Shri Vraja Mohanji helped me wholeheartedly. One day he even begged a pologies from the Lord . Now by mercy of Guru and Gauranga there is peace in my home.
I realize that what I did was foolish because it was without instructions and guidance of senior Vaisnavas . Now everyday together we chant this verse before sleeping.
(Silpakarini Radha Devi Dasi)