English
Topic: How to do Prepation for Katha?
Date: 13th August 2024
Speaker: HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj
Pre-Japa Talk
This platform provides an opportunity to present all of you at one level together. Whether you are a temple devotee, or grihastha or congregation, young or old, someone is from Mauritius or from some other country- so all these distinctions doesn’t matter. Sri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu has given us all an equal opportunity so we should take advantage of it. We should chant with full concentration. You cannot complain- it is indeed an equal opportunity; equal rights are available whether you are a women or man it doesn’t matter. You are neither a male or female, you all are souls.
CC Madhya 20.108-109
jīvera ‘svarūpa’ haya — kṛṣṇera ‘nitya-dāsa’
kṛṣṇera ‘taṭasthā-śakti’ ‘bhedābheda-prakāśa’
sūryāṁśa-kiraṇa, yaiche agni-jvālā-caya
svābhāvika kṛṣṇera tina-prakāra ‘śakti’ haya
Translation
“It is the living entity’s constitutional position to be an eternal servant of Kṛṣṇa because he is the marginal energy of Kṛṣṇa and a manifestation simultaneously one with and different from the Lord, like a molecular particle of sunshine or fire. Kṛṣṇa has three varieties of energy.”
Every living entity is the servant of Lord. They can be a friend of the Lord, or the lover. So all of you are entities.
CC Madhya 19.170
sarvopādhi-vinirmuktaṁ
tat-paratvena nirmalam
hṛṣīkeṇa hṛṣīkeśa-
sevanaṁ bhaktir ucyate
Translation
‘Bhakti, or devotional service, means engaging all our senses in the service of the Lord, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the master of all the senses. When the spirit soul renders service unto the Supreme, there are two side effects. One is freed from all material designations, and one’s senses are purified simply by being employed in the service of the Lord.’
When we are free from our designations, then we are happy. So what you see in the mirror is not you. To mi itna vesa- there is a saying in Marathi, we are sprit souls. Hari Hari! Wear the specs of the shastras, study Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam. When you have the knowledge of soul, then only you can realise this knowledge. Ofcourse, while we are chanting, we have to realise about the soul, then we will understand- “Who am I?”
We are Krishna’s. We are not of our parents, our parents are also of Krishna. We had so many parents in so many lives, so out of them no one is:
Bg. 14.4
sarva-yoniṣu kaunteya
mūrtayaḥ sambhavanti yāḥ
tāsāṁ brahma mahad yonir
ahaṁ bīja-pradaḥ pitā
Translation
It should be understood that all species of life, O son of Kuntī, are made possible by birth in this material nature, and that I am the seed-giving father.
Krishna is our father and mother, so you can remember all these things, or chant with this understanding.
Japa Talk:
So from tomorrow the katha will start, so I thought we should do some preparation for that. Four kumars are talking about some rules and principles in Padma-Puran Mahatamaya, so let’s here from them. They are also world famous orators and in Haridwar they organised a special katha where they were the speakers, so they themselves are Maha-bhagavatas. One is devotee bhagavat and other is book Bhagavat. Before starting the Srimad Bhagavat, there are some instructions for the management as well. Some are for the speakers and some are for listeners. Since you all are managers so you have to also note these points. I also have to do something. They said:
Srimad Bhagavat Mahapuran Mahatymam, Chapter Six, text 1
Kumaaraa uchuh
Atha te sampravakshyaamah saptaahasravane vidhim.
Sahaayairvasubhiscaiva praayah saadhyo vidhih smrtah.
Translation
Now, we will tell you the procedure by which the seven day discourse is to be conducted. Generally, it is said that this procedure is conducted by the help of associates and wealth.
These four Kumaras talk about the procedure to read Srimad Bhagavatam. They speak together- not spearately. That’s why it is mentioned Kumarah uchuh- uvaca means one person said and uchuh means together they said. We will tell the procedure to read Srimad Bhagavatam.
Srimad Bhagavat Mahapuran Mahatymam, Chapter Six, Text 2
Daivajnam tu samaahuya muhurtam prscya yatnatah.
Vivaahe yaadrsam vittam taadrsam parikalpayet.
Translation
For the seven days discourse to conduct, first, an should be respectfully called over, and with effort ask him for the proper time and date. Then as much of wealth that is required for a wedding, should be kept handy
First of all, he said that one who knows the future ask them what date and time is auspicious for katha so since Purushottam maas is starting. So this is a special occasion. So there is no need of seeing any muhurat. So wherever there is a need to spend money, Kumaras say don’t be ungenerous for stay and katha. Please collect money as you collect in weddings in which we take a loan. At the time of wedding we collect money by some or other means and it is celebrated with great pomp and show. So similarly do Srimad Bhagavat katha like that. Collect funds as much as you can for Srimad Bhagavat katha. They say that the katha is going to begin- so spread this news.
Srimad Bhagavat Mahapuran Mahatymam, Chapter Six, Text 5
Dese dese tathaa seyam vaartaa preshya prayatnah
Bhavisyati kathaa chaatra aagantavyam kutumbibhih
Translation
Moreover, a clear message should be sent to every place, that an exposition of Bhaagavata is to take place here, so everyone should come with their family.
Do this special endeavour to spread this news worldwide. Put this is in invitation card- Katha is going to begin. Everyone should come with family and friends.
Srimad Bhagavat Mahapuran Mahatymam, Chapter Six, Text 6
Dure hari kathaah kecid durecacyutakirtanah.
Striyah shudraadayo ye ca tesaam bodho yato bhavet.
Translation
So that, those who are away from Hari's stories, and those who are away from chanting Krishna's names, women and people of low cast, to all such people it becomes known.
Make a list by remembering some devotee mandali, and invite them specially women, shudras. This katha is for everyone.
Bg. 9.32
māṁ hi pārtha vyapāśritya
ye ’pi syuḥ pāpa-yonayaḥ
striyo vaiśyās tathā śūdrās
te ’pi yānti parāṁ gatim
Translation
O son of Pṛthā, those who take shelter in Me, though they be of lower birth – women, vaiśyas [merchants] and śūdras [workers] – can attain the supreme destination.
This Bhagavat Katha is for all four varnas and all four ashrams. Then the Kumaras continue:
Srimad Bhagavat Mahapuran Mahatymam, Chapter Six, Text 7
dese dese viraktaa ye vaishnavaah kirtanotsukaah.
Teshveva patram preshyam ca tallekhanamitiritam
Translation
In every place, where there are those who are renounced, those who are devotees of Vishnu, those who are eager to chant Hari's names, to them also letters should be sent, with this message, it is said.
Those who are renounced and knowledgeable Vaishnavas, who are kirtan and katha enthusiasts should also be invited. This invitation which you send write:
Srimad Bhagavat Mahapuran Mahatymam, Chapter Six, Text 8
sataam samaajo bhavitaa saptaraatram sudurlabhah.
Apurva rasarupaiva kathaa chaatra bhavisyati
Translation
A rare congregation of pious men is due here for seven nights. And an exposition of Bhaagavata full of unprecedented nectarine charm will also take place here.
This seven days katha will happen and this katha will be nectarian.
ŚB 1.1.3
nigama-kalpa-taror galitaṁ phalaṁ
śuka-mukhād amṛta-drava-saṁyutam
pibata bhāgavataṁ rasam ālayam
muhur aho rasikā bhuvi bhāvukāḥ
Translation
O expert and thoughtful men, relish Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, the mature fruit of the desire tree of Vedic literatures. It emanated from the lips of Śrī Śukadeva Gosvāmī. Therefore this fruit has become even more tasteful, although its Nectarian juice was already relishable for all, including liberated souls.
Hi Rasikas, drink this nectar.
Srimad Bhagavat Mahapuran Mahatymam, Chapter Six, Text 9
shribhaagavatapiyusapaanaaya rasalampataah
bhavantasca tathaa shighramaayaata prematatparaah
Translation
You, who are of a loving disposition and always greedy to drink the nectar of Bhaagavata, are requested to come soon.
Srimad Bhagavatam says- people who are desirous for this nectar, lampat means desirous
Gurvastaka Text 5
sri-radhika-madhavayor apara-
madhurya-lila guna-rupa-namnam
prati-ksanasvadana-lolupasya
vande guroh sri-caranaravindam
Translation
“I offer obeisances to the lotus feet of the spiritual master, who is very eager to relish at every moment the unlimited sweet or conjugal pastimes, qualities, form, and names of Sri Radhika and Madhava.”
Guru also are bhakti rasa lampat. They relish it every moment. Please call them also. If they are busy, write this also:
Srimad Bhagavat Mahapuran Mahatymam, Chapter Six, Text 10
Naavakaashah kadaachicceddinamatram tathapi tu
Sarvathaagamanam kaaryam ksanotraiva sudurlabhah
Translation
If there is no chance at all, then also you must try and come even for one day. An instant also to be here is difficult to get.
We are very busy, we don’t have time to die, so tell them please to come atleast for a day. Please come atleast for a second, then also it will be beneficial. This is a rare opportunity.
Srimad Bhagavat Mahapuran Mahatymam, Chapter Six, Text 11
Evamaakaaranam tesaam kartavyam vinayena ca
Aagantukaanaam sarvesaam vaasasthaanaani kalpayet
Translation
In this manner invitation should be given to everyone politely, and living place should be provided for all those who are coming.
Send this invite on my behalf, then when everyone reached Noida and from there they reach Shuktala, there should be arrangement for their accommodation. Generally people put “Beware of dogs sign” instead of “Atithi devo bhava” and this is till where the human society has progressed. Please remember this. So where can katha be organised?
Srimad Bhagavat Mahapuran Mahatymam, Chapter Six, Text 12
Tirthe vaapi vane vaapi grhe vaa sravanam matam
Vishaalaa vasudhaa yatra kartavyam tat kathaasthalam
Translation
In a place of pilgrimage, or even in woodlands, or in ones' house, the hearing to this is recommended. Where there is a spacious stretch of land, that place should be selected as the exposition site.
It can happen in tirtha kshetra or a forest if that place is Vrindavan that is the best or at home, but whatever place you chose,
Srimad Bhagavat Mahapuran Mahatymam, Chapter Six, Text 13
Arvaakpachaahato yatnaadaastirnaani pramelayen
Kartavyo mandapah prochaih kadalikhandamanditah
Translation
Five days in advance, enthusiastically, bed spreads etc., should be put together. A high dais decorated with banana stalks should be erected. Srimadbhagavat mahapuran mahatymam, Chapter six, text 13
Srimad Bhagavat Mahapuran Mahatymam, Chapter Six, Text 15
Phalapushpadalaivirsvagvitaanena viraajitah
Chaturdikshu dhvajaaropo bahusampadviraajitah
Translation
The awning of the dais should be decorated with fruits flowers and leaves. On all the four sides flags should be planted and it should be decorated with many valuables.
there can be decoration of mango leaves, flowers, today they have paper ones also, flags can be put on the top of a temple or where the katha is organised, so all should be done since everyone is coming. Those who have taken the pledge of katha who are known as Katha-Vratis, they should come. So, take this pledge of vrata. You are taking katha vrata- for grihasthas- one women vrat, for Brahamcharis- Brahmacharya vrat. So you also take this katha vrat. All of you are katha vratis. So we have to imagine seven planets above Earth and seven lokas below Earth. So in these loka:
Srimad Bhagavat Mahapuran Mahatymam, Chapter Six, Text 16
Urdhvam saptaiva lokaasca kalpaniyaa savistaram
Tesu vipraa viraktaasca sthaapaniyaah prabodhya ca
Translation
In front of the dais a place with seven seats should be properly made. There, the Braahmanas and non-attached people should be seated with persuasion.
We have to imagine seven planets above Earth and seven lokas below Earth. There has to be special places for these kinds of Katha. In those special places, Viraktas, Mahatmas, Vaishnavas and Sajjans- there seating should be looked after.
Srimad Bhagavat Mahapuran Mahatymam, Chapter Six, Text 17
Purvam tesaamaasanaani kartavyaani yathottaram
Vaktuscaapi tadaa divyamaanasam parikalpayet
Translation
First of all, for the Braahmanas and dispassionate people, seats should be prepared, consecutively. And then a seat of high quality should also be prepared for the exponent of Bhagavatam.
After their seating look after the seating of other devotees.
Srimad Bhagavat Mahapuran Mahatymam, Chapter Six, Text 20
Virakto vaisnavo vipro vedasastravishuddhikrt
Drshtaantakushalo dhiro vaktaa kaaryotinihsprhah
Translation
A dispassionate Brahmana, who is a devotee of Vishnu, who can explain the Vedas and scriptures, is an expert in giving illustrations, is discerning, and unattached, such an orator should be selected.
The speaker should be knowledgeable, but most importantly he should be a Vaishnava. He is should be an expert in scriptures, and serious- dhira-gambhira. He should have no desires.
CC Madhya 19.149
kṛṣṇa-bhakta — niṣkāma, ataeva ‘śānta’
bhukti-mukti-siddhi-kāmī — sakali ‘aśānta’
Translation
Because a devotee of Lord Kṛṣṇa is desireless, he is peaceful. Fruitive workers desire material enjoyment, jñānīs desire liberation, and yogīs desire material opulence; therefore they are all lusty and cannot be peaceful.
He should have no desires. So how he should not be this also has been described:
Srimad Bhagavat Mahapuran Mahatymam, Chapter Six, Text 21
nekadharmavibhraantaah straishnaah paakhandavaadinah
Shukashastrakathaaccore tyaajyaaste yadi panditaah
Translation
Those, who are confused with many principles of different religions, who are fond of women, who preach heresies, should be avoided as a candidate for the exposition of Shuka's Shaastra, the Bhagavatam, even if they are learned.
Bg. 2.41
vyavasāyātmikā buddhir
ekeha kuru-nandana
bahu-śākhā hy anantāś ca
buddhayo ’vyavasāyinām
Translation
Those who are on this path are resolute in purpose, and their aim is one. O beloved child of the Kurus, the intelligence of those who are irresolute is many-branched.
Bg. 18.66
sarva-dharmān parityajya
mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja
ahaṁ tvāṁ sarva-pāpebhyo
mokṣayiṣyāmi mā śucaḥ
Translation
Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear.
He should leave all religions, one who is not after women, one who is not Pakhandi or a show-off,
bole taisaa chaale tyaachi vandaavi pauule
One who acts as he speaks should be respected. - Saint Tukaram
Stay away for such vaktas. A picture of Lord or deity should be kept. He should be the goal of the katha.
Srimad Bhagavat Mahapuran Mahatymam, Chapter Six, Text 26
krsnam uddishya mantrena caretpujaavidhim kramaat
pradakshinanamaskaaraan pujaante stutimaacaret
Translation
One must perform worship systematically towards Krishna by chanting mantras, then consecutively circambulate, then bowing down with folded hands, and at the end of the worship sing Krishna's praises.
Which mantra you should say? Although it is not mentioned.
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare,
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
What should be the goal of the mantra- should be Krishna. This is just the preparation for the katha. Then circambulate, after worshipping deities and circambulate, and be happy after this. Are you happy? Then they say:
Srimad Bhagavat Mahapuran Mahatymam, Chapter Six, Text 30
shrimadbhaagavataakhyoyam pratyakshah krsna eva hi
svikrtosi mayaa naatha muktyartham bhavasaagare
Translation
This, by the name of Shrimad Bhagavata, is Krishna manifest Himself. O Lord! In this mundane worldly ocean, I have sought Thee to rescue me.
This Srimad Bhagavatam is Krishna himself. This is Vanga-maya murti. This is Krishna himself. Oh Bhagavatam, Hey natha- Please accept me. Please bestow your mercy upon me. Sukadeva Goswami should also be remembered. The four kumars say:
Srimad Bhagavat Mahapuran Mahatymam, Chapter Six, Text 33
shukarupa prabodhajna sarvashastravishaarada
etatkathaaprakaasena madajnaanam vinaashayam
Translation
O Shuka incarnate! You who are an expert in enlightening others, you who are well versed in all the scriptures, by revealing this story, kindly eradicate my ignorance.
Srimad Bhagavatam is the essence of all shastra, and he is the expert in explaining this. So this Srimad Bhagavad Gyan Jyoti should be lightened in my mind and the ignorance in my mind should be removed.
Guru-Pranam Mantra
om ajnäna-timirändhasya jnänänjana-saläkayä
caksur unmilitam yena tasmai sri-gurave namah
Translation
I was born in the darkest ignorance, and my spiritual master opened my eyes with the torch of knowledge. I offer my respectful obeisances unto him.
Our Adi-guru is Sukadev goswami. We should establish knowledge in place of no knowledge. That is this agyan?
Bg. 7.19
bahūnāṁ janmanām ante
jñānavān māṁ prapadyate
vāsudevaḥ sarvam iti
sa mahātmā su-durlabhaḥ
Translation
After many births and deaths, he who is actually in knowledge surrenders unto Me, knowing Me to be the cause of all causes and all that is. Such a great soul is very rare.
When we become knowledgeable. How much knowledge we should have? Vasudev Hari- is everything. He said it himself in Bhagavat Gita. In katha, when kirtan takes place listeners hear and then they remember Lord.
Srimad Bhagavat Mahapuran Mahatymam, Chapter Six, Text 37
lokavittadhanaagaaraoutrachintaam vyudasya ca
kathaachittah shuddhamatih sa labhet phalam uttamam
Translation
The person who hears the story with full concentration and with a pure mind, giving up all thought of the world, wealth, money, house and children, he achieves the best result.
What we have heard we should do meditate on that which is very important to do. This is the best fruit. We should learn how to give katha. Then there is no entry in Vaikuntha if we don’t give kathas.
ŚB 1.5.11
tad-vāg-visargo janatāgha-viplavo
yasmin prati-ślokam abaddhavaty api
nāmāny anantasya yaśo ’ṅkitāni yat
śṛṇvanti gāyanti gṛṇanti sādhavaḥ
Translation
On the other hand, that literature which is full of descriptions of the transcendental glories of the name, fame, forms, pastimes, etc., of the unlimited Supreme Lord is a different creation, full of transcendental words directed toward bringing about a revolution in the impious lives of this world’s misdirected civilization. Such transcendental literatures, even though imperfectly composed, are heard, sung and accepted by purified men who are thoroughly honest.
This Sravan kirtan, gopis, gopas, Nand Baba. In the hands they have work and in the mouth they have the names of the Lord always. Yasoda Mai also sings the glories of the Lord, while churning butter for the Lord. Only those who do katha only they can enter the pastimes of Lord.
CC Ādi 17.31
tṛṇād api su-nīcena
taror iva sahiṣṇunā
amāninā māna-dena
kīrtanīyaḥ sadā hariḥ
Translation
“One who thinks himself lower than the grass, who is more tolerant than a tree, and who does not expect personal honor yet is always prepared to give all respect to others can very easily always chant the holy name of the Lord.”
We should make changes in our habits. Think more about Lord and remember him. Katha-vratis should stay away from
Srimad Bhagavat Mahapuran Mahatymam, Chapter Six, Text 47
aamam krodham madam maanam matsam lobhameva ca
dambham moham tathaa dvesam duryecca kathaavrati
Translation
A person who has vowed to hear the story, should expel his desires, anger, pride, seeking of honour, jealousy, greed, and hypocrisy, infatuation, and animosity.
From all these things we should stay away. This is the most difficult thing to do. With the help of katha it is possible.
Srimad Bhagavat Mahapuran Mahatymam, Chapter Six, Text 48
vedavaishnavavipraanaam gurugovratinaam tathaa
striraajamahataam nindaam varjayedyah kathaavrati
Translation
A person who has taken the vow to hear the story of Bhagavatam, should avoid to rebuke Vedas, Vishnu devotees, Brahmanas, teachers, cow, people who have taken a vow, and also women, king, and great people.
All this is maya- kamam, anger, lust etc.
Bg. 7.14
daivī hy eṣā guṇa-mayī
mama māyā duratyayā
mām eva ye prapadyante
māyām etāṁ taranti te
Translation
This divine energy of Mine, consisting of the three modes of material nature, is difficult to overcome. But those who have surrendered unto Me can easily cross beyond it.
But if we take the shelter of katha then only it is possible to stay away from these things. We should delay such things. That’s why it is said: Please don’t criticize the Vedas, Vaishnavas, Guru, Cow, Vratis, women and king or Maharaj. So what should we do? So no one is left. Truthfulness, cleanliness, speaking less and softly, which is very necessary. Don’t do gossiping
Srimad Bhagavat Mahapuran Mahatymam, Chapter Six, Text 48
satyam shaucham dayaam maunamaarjavam vinayam tathaa
udaaramaanasam tadvadevam kuryaatkathaavrati
Translation
One who has taken a vow towards the exposition, should practice, truthfulness, purity, compassion, silence, simplicity, humbleness, and likewise also, big heartedness.
Be merciful on everyone. Vasudeva kutumbatam- we have so many people in our family. How many sages were there in Naimisharayna? 60,000. So, we should think that they are my own. All people are my family- this is highest thought- this is the thought of all vaishnavas. My house can fit all the world- this is the highest thought.
Gaur premanande haribol!
