Krishna Consciousness: The Highest Art of Living

Based on the teachings of His Divine Grace A. C Based on the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada Founder Acharya – International Society for Krishna Consciousness

Poets, Novelist, Philosophers Life as an Art Poets, Novelist, Philosophers

ahara nidra bhaya maithunams ca samanyam etad pashubhir naranam (Eating, Sleeping, Mating & Defending these 4 things are common between us and animals)

Eating Animals also eat!

Sleeping Animals also sleep!

mating Animals also do it!

Defending Animals also defend!

So what is that, Vishesh? (Special)

dharmo hi tesam adhi ko vishesho dharmena hina pashubhir samana (The special property of humans is that they can engage in spiritual life)

Is Sense Enjoyment Art of Living ? Eat drink and be merry Two leaders of the nations view of Art of living Ancient philosopher (Charvak Muni)

Reaction to ones effort for sense enjoyment! Mayavad Philosophy Sunnyavad Philosophy (make everything zero)

What is the real Art of Living ?

What is this WORLD?

This world is a mixture of Spirit & Matter

A Paramhamsa – Pure devotee An Expert who can separate spirit and matter

What do we do with spirit and matter ? Should we give up matter and embrace only spirit Should we balance both of them

What do we do with spirit and matter ? How to balance both, we have to learn from the Paramahamsa The sages on ancient India did not discourage sense gratification

The real Art of living depends on whether we are ready to be educated, by the Paramhamsas!

We have to engage both of them in the respective services of someone!

yajnarthat karmano 'nyatra loko 'yam karma-bandhanaù tad-artham karma kaunteya mukta-sangah samacara (Work done as a sacrifice for Visnu has to be performed; otherwise work causes bondage in this material world. Therefore, O son of Kunti, perform your prescribed duties for His satisfaction, and in that way you will always remain free from bondage) BG. 3:9

Freedom from Karma bandhana, eg:

Training of the Mind

Uncontrolled Mind WHAT IT CAN DO TO YOU ? Lack Of Confidence Depression Stress Loss Of Trust Hypertension Madness Dangerous Diseases Damage To Oneself, Family And Society Weakened Determination WHAT IT CAN DO TO YOU ?

“For the mind is restless, turbulent, obstinate and very strong, O Krsna, and to subdue it, I think, is more difficult than controlling the wind.” Bhagavad-gita 6.34

What is a mantra? (Manas triyate, iti mantra) MAN + TRA MIND DELIVER

How to practically apply certain principles towards- ART of living The A,B,C,D of ART of living

The A,B,C,D of ART of living

A – Association (sadhu sanga)

B – Books (reading vedic scriptures)

Krishna Krishna Hare Hare C– Chanting Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

D– Diet (Eating Krishna Prasdam)

Summary The common concept of art of living is by sense enjoyement, which leads to frustration Those who want to learn the art of living must seek shelter of a Paramhamsa Engage in the loving service of Krishna under the guidance of a bona fide Spiritual Master Follow the A,B,C,D of Art of living

Chant “Hare Krishna” & Be Happy