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Speaker - HH Lokanatha Swami Gurumaharaj Date - 28 April 2026 Translated in - English Venue - ISKCON Bhopal “Seeing all of you in such a large number is truly amazing. I am very happy and delighted. Whether you are happy to meet me or not, I do not know, but I am certainly very happy to meet all of you. Sanvayak Maharaj says, ‘My dear souls, you are no longer my souls; now you belong to God.’ As Lord Krishna says in the Bhagavad-gita: ‘Mamaivamso jiva-loke jiva-bhutah sanatanah’ — ‘All living beings in this world are My eternal parts and parcels.’ Krishna is Bhagavan, the Supreme Lord. He is the whole, and you are His parts. God is Bhagavan and also Paramatma. Including myself, all of us are souls. The Lord is the Infinite Supreme Soul (Vibhu-atma), and what are we? We are tiny souls (Anu-atmas). This is the real reason for my happiness. The main reason is that all of you belong to God. Therefore, I am very pleased to meet all of you, the devotees of the Lord. In the Bhagavatam spoken by Sukadeva Swami, Kundinpur is mentioned—the place where Rukmini was born. Kundinpur is also known as Kaundinyapur. It is located in Maharashtra. Nagpur is known as the Zero Mile of India, the geographical center of the country. About 120 kilometers from Nagpur, between the cities of Wardha and Amravati—which you may have heard of—flows a sacred river called the Vardayini River. Even today, it is known as Vardayini. What does ‘Vardayini’ mean? It means ‘the giver of boons’ or ‘the one who bestows blessings.’ Just as we say Narmada Maiya, Ganga Maiya, and Yamuna Maiya, similarly, Rukmini was born on the banks of Mother Vardayini. You can understand the meaning of Vardayini. Rukmini is the Lord’s Hladini Shakti—the pleasure-giving spiritual energy of the Lord, the energy that gives delight to God Himself. The Lord is called Bhagavan, and He is also called Shaktiman—the possessor of all energies. Such is the nature of Bhagavan: He is the supreme source and possessor of all spiritual energies. Rukmini is one of the Lord’s energies. What does she do? She gives ahlada—spiritual joy and pleasure—to the Lord. Since the Lord is Bhagavan, there is an unlimited demand for bliss, happiness, and loving exchanges. Therefore, there must be those who fulfill that need and give pleasure to Him. In Dvaraka, Mother Rukmini gives pleasure to the Lord. In Vrindavan, Srimati Radharani fulfills that role. Chandravali is also one of His pleasure-giving energies, along with many other gopis. As described in the scriptures, ‘Lakshmi-sahasra-shata-sambhrama-sevyamanam’—the Lord is served with great reverence by hundreds and thousands of Lakshmis. Those very gopis of Vrindavan later became the queens of Lord Dvarakadish. When the Lord left Vrindavan for Mathura and later went from Mathura to Dvaraka, He married those who had once been the gopis of Vrindavan. These gopis worshipped Goddess Katyayani. They offered the famous prayer: ‘Katyayani Mahamaye Mahayoginy Adhishvari, Nanda-gopa-sutam Devi, patim me kuru te namah.’ In other words, they prayed: ‘O Goddess Katyayani, please grant us the son of Nanda Maharaj, Krishna, as our husband. We offer our respectful obeisances unto you.’ So, the Lord hears the prayers of His devotees. And when the Lord reaches Dvaraka and the time for marriage comes, those very gopis of Vrindavan become the queens of the Lord. Among the 16,108 queens, the one who was Radharani becomes known as Satyabhama. And Chandravali, who is another great personality and counterpart to Radharani, becomes Rukmini Maiya. Thus, that same Chandravali takes birth here in Kaundinyapur in the form of Rukmini. Just as there is ISKCON Bhopal, there is also ISKCON Kaundinyapur. ISKCON has now reached Kaundinyapur as well, and I had the good fortune of helping bring it to that place. So, as you can see, there is now ISKCON Kaundinyapur. There is also a small hill there. In the beginning, we established Giriraj Govardhan there. In the future, a grand temple of Rukmini-Dvarakanath will also be built. You can already see displays of the pastimes of Giriraj Govardhan and other divine lilas there. At present, it is only a small temple, but gradually, just as Giriraj’s glory expands, the temple is also growing. More and more devotional activities are gradually beginning there. This region is known as Vidarbha, a part of Maharashtra. In the entire Vidarbha region, there are hardly any Kadamba trees elsewhere, but they are found here. In fact, these Kadamba trees are located on our ISKCON property itself. It is said that when Krishna arrived in Kaundinyapur to abduct Rukmini, He was wearing a garland of Kadamba flowers. Some of those flowers fell to the ground there, and from them Kadamba trees grew. Those trees are still present today, and their number is gradually increasing. These trees are regarded like Kalpavriksha (wish-fulfilling trees). Pilgrims come there, embrace the trees, and offer their respects. Nearby flows the sacred Vardayini River. This is a very important holy place—Kaundinyapur Dham. Devotees bathe there in the sacred waters. This is also the place of Ambika Devi, whom Rukmini worshipped before her marriage. Here, Rukmini prayed to Ambika with the desire, ‘Please grant me Krishna, the Lord of Dvaraka, as my husband.’ There is also a temple of Vitthal-Rukmini, or Rukmini-Dvarakadhish, at the very place associated with Princess Rukmini, the daughter of King Bhishmaka. Rukmini was raised and brought up in this very dham. Sukadeva Goswami narrates the pastime of Rukmini-harana (the abduction of Rukmini) to King Parikshit on the banks of the Ganga. This narration appears in the Tenth Canto, Chapter 52 of the Bhagavatam, and across three chapters Sukadeva Goswami describes the glorious pastime of Rukmini’s marriage and abduction by Krishna. Thus Sukadeva Goswami explains how Rukmini had heard of the beauty, valor, qualities, and glories of Mukunda (Krishna), and by hearing about Him she accepted Him within her heart as her most suitable husband.” “Sā upaśrutya Mukundasya rūpa-vīrya-guṇa-śriyā” When Rukmini was young, when she was still a little girl, she got the opportunity to hear about Krishna, or Dwarkadhish — His form, bravery, valor, qualities, and pastimes. From Dwarka, or from other holy places, especially in those days when Dwarkadhish Krishna was in Dwarka, sages and saints who came from there to this dham, Kaundinyapur, used to narrate Krishna-katha. Rukmini also used to hear that katha. And only by hearing Krishna-related katha — “Shri Radhika Madhava apar madhurya leela guna rupa naam naam, pratikshana asvadan lolupasya,” as we sing — by constantly hearing the pastimes, names, and form of Dwarkadhish Krishna, what happened? She made up her mind. The love she had for Krishna, for the Lord, became awakened. “Nitya-siddha Krishna-prema sadhya kabhu naya, shravanadi shuddha chitte karaye udaya” — this is the principle. If you hear about Krishna, what will happen? Krishna-prema, love for Krishna, which is sleeping in a dormant stage, will awaken. And that is exactly what happened. She began to love Krishna so much. Of course, she had neither met the Lord nor seen Him directly, but only by hearing about Him, she concluded: “Tam me sadrisham patim” — if I have a husband, who will he be? Dwarkadhish Krishna. But her elder brother’s name was Rukmi. What was Rukmini’s elder brother’s name? Rukmi. Rukmi was the brother, Rukmini was the sister. Rukmi thought, “No, no, no, my sister should be married to Shishupala.” Just see — Shishupala was Krishna’s enemy, and still her father had to make arrangements for that marriage. The wedding preparations were going on, and the marriage procession was also reaching Kaundinyapur. But Rukmini did not want that. Whom did she want to marry? Only Dwarkadhish. She wrote a letter — writing a love letter. She was writing a love letter. Shukadeva Goswami has also presented that love letter. It has seven paragraphs. It begins: “Shrutvā guṇān bhuvana-sundara śṛṇvatāṁ te” “O Bhuvana-sundara, O beautiful Lord of the universe, O Dwarkadhish Krishna, ever since I have heard about Your qualities and pastimes — ‘karṇa-vivarair harato ’ṅga-tāpam’ — the burning heat of my body has cooled down. I have become peaceful and satisfied.” She wrote such things in the letter. She gave that letter to a brahmana, and the brahmana reached Dwarka. He met Dwarkadhish and read Rukmini’s letter to Him. Then he asked, “What is Your opinion?” Dwarkadhish said, “My opinion is also the same. Whatever Rukmini thinks, I also think the same. If I marry, whom will I marry? I will marry Rukmini only.” So what happened? “Then let us go.” Dwarkadhish Bhagavan sat on the chariot with that brahmana and left from there in the evening. In one night, by morning, He reached Kaundinyapur dham, Kaundinyapur. In Dwarka, when Balarama woke up — it was morning — He saw. He must have gone to Krishna’s door, rang the bell, but there was no response. Dwarkadhish was not in town. He was not there. Balarama understood, “He must have gone to Kaundinyapur.” Balarama is also Bhagavan, so He understood. He took a small army with Him and also went to Kaundinyapur. King Bhishmaka welcomed both of Them, Krishna and Balarama. “Suswagatam!” He welcomed Them. Not an ordinary welcome — it was a very grand, divine, and glorious welcome for Krishna and Balarama in Kaundinyapur. The marriage of the princess was about to take place. People from all over Vidarbha had gathered in Kaundinyapur. Everyone took full darshan of Krishna and Balarama. Shukadeva Goswami writes that they made cups out of their eyes and were drinking Their beauty, cup after cup. Just like our brahmacharis keep emptying bowls of kheer — “one more, one more” — like that, the eyes became cups. They were drinking the beauty of Krishna and Balarama. And Shishupala and company, the whole wedding party, had also arrived. Then Rukmini, along with the priest and many of her friends, went for the darshan of Ambika and to offer prayers to Ambika. Again, Shukadeva Goswami writes something very beautiful. He writes that when Rukmini was walking with her own feet toward the feet of Ambika, she was remembering the lotus feet of Krishna. She was walking with her feet toward Ambika’s feet, but whom was she remembering? Whom? Dwarkadhish Shri Krishna. Then she offered prayers and performed worship. When Rukmini had written the letter, she was very smart. She was a princess, very intelligent. She had written in the letter, “When You come, it will not be proper for You to meet me inside my house.” So what would be the meeting point? She had written in the letter, “When I return after taking darshan of Ambika and offering prayers, and when I am coming back toward the palace, then You should meet me on the way, in between. This is the meeting point. And when You meet me, then You may do whatever You want. You can kidnap me and take me away.” So Rukmini was returning. At that moment, Krishna arrived, seated on His chariot. Rukmini, with her sidelong glance — and much more is written there — it is also mentioned that all the kings and great kings who had come with Shishupala, the wedding party, were standing on both sides of the road. Some were sitting on horses, some were riding horses, and some were sitting on elephants. But when they saw Rukmini walking ahead with a gait like a swan, just see — Rukmini was so smart. She was attracting everyone’s attention toward herself so that they would not notice that Krishna was also slowly coming toward the meeting point. So that no one would come to know, she was attracting everyone’s attention toward herself. And those kings and great kings became so absorbed in seeing her that they could not even understand where they were sitting. Slowly, the weapons in their hands began to fall. And slowly, they themselves also began to fall. All were falling down. Some were falling from the backs of elephants. Some were falling from the backs of horses. Or they were almost dying. What a terrible condition they were in! Rukmini kept moving ahead, moving ahead, moving ahead. And from the other side, Krishna was also moving ahead, moving ahead. Then Rukmini saw the flag on the top of the Lord’s chariot — “Yes, that must be it, that must be it. That is Krishna’s chariot; Krishna must be there.” She saw the flag, and she also began moving in the direction of that flag. Krishna was also coming forward. “Sadrishim bharyam samarodhum mano dadhe” Rukmini had said, “A husband like Krishna,” and Krishna thought, “A wife like Rukmini.” Rukmini was waiting and waiting — “Why is He not coming? When will He come? Will He come or not?” Then she saw that the brahmana had returned. “The brahmana has come, the brahmana has come. Then Krishna must surely have come too.” Finally, Krishna and Rukmini saw each other. Krishna saw Rukmini, and Rukmini saw Krishna. They came near each other. Rukmini moved toward the chariot, and then Dwarkadhish helped Rukmini. She jumped onto the chariot and climbed up herself. Krishna saw Rukmini. As they came close to one another, Rukmini moved forward toward the chariot, and then Dwarakadheesh Krishna assisted Rukmini. She leapt and climbed onto the chariot, and with Krishna's assistance she became seated on the chariot. At the same time, Krishna began driving His chariot in the direction of Dwaraka. Balarama, and all those people—Rukmi, Shishupala, and that whole gang who had come there with the wedding procession from the groom's side—they all began chasing the chariot of Krishna and Rukmini. A fierce battle took place there. Krishna and Balarama defeated everyone and reached Dwaraka. There, according to proper Vedic procedures, the marriage of Rukmini and Dwarakadheesh was performed. Thus Rukmini attained Krishna. How did she attain Him? What did Rukmini do by which she attained Krishna, Dwarakadheesh? What did she do? What was she doing? Yes. She was hearing. She was performing śravaṇam (hearing). So, do you also desire God? Do you also desire Bhagavan? Actually, Rukmini is a very great hladini-shakti, a great spiritual potency. And all of us living beings are also energies of the Lord. Rukmini is the internal potency (antaranga-shakti). Internal potency. And Maya is called the external potency (bahiranga-shakti). What type of potency are we? You must have heard. Which one? The marginal potency (tatastha-shakti). We are in between—the marginal potency. We are small parts, very small parts indeed, but we are still the energy of God. And our duty is also to serve God. To please God is our duty; it is our dharma. Therefore, if we, the bewildered and wandering souls of this material world, also desire God, if we wish once again to serve Him, and if we want to awaken once again our love for Him, if we want to attain Krishna, and ultimately return to the Lord's abode, does anyone desire that? Does anyone think in that way? Is such thinking taking place here in Bhopal? Rukmini has placed before all of us such a brilliant example of how we can attain God. I was just about to say that we too are shakti, the marginal potency. And the word shakti is feminine. Actually, there is only one purusha (enjoyer, supreme male)—the Lord. Govindam adi-purusham. God is the Supreme Purusha. Govinda is the original Purusha. Everyone else is the Lord's prakriti; everyone else is the Lord's energies. Therefore we living beings are also God's energy. We are prakriti. We are feminine in relation to the Lord. We are all feminine; God is the Purusha. All living entities are prakriti. Rukmini and Radha are great manifestations of prakriti, great energies. But we are not entirely insignificant. We too are energy—small energy, but still energy. We are God's energy. Whatever energy we possess should be engaged in the service of God. In that lies the perfection of our life. That is called yoga. If we perform bhakti, perform bhakti, perform bhakti, then our relationship with God will once again be revived. We wandering souls have been roaming in this material world for so long: "Punarapi jananam punarapi maranam punarapi janani jathare shayanam" Again birth, again death, again lying in the womb of a mother. Who knows for how long this has been going on? "Bahunam janmanam..." After many births we have obtained this human form of life, which is extremely rare. “Durlabha manava janma satsanga...” How should this rare human life be utilized? It should be utilized in satsanga, in saintly association. Therefore, by the mercy of Srila Prabhupada—whether you say on behalf of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, or on behalf of Krishna, or on behalf of Dwarakadheesh—this International Society for Krishna Consciousness was established. It was established exactly 60 years ago, sixty years ago, and this year we are celebrating its 60th anniversary, the 60th year of its foundation. I do not know whether you are celebrating it or not. Have you heard about it or not? Prabhupada used to say that the purpose of establishing it was so that people could receive satsanga, could receive saintly association. With that same purpose, this center here in Bhopal has also been established. At present it is developing, and it will continue to develop, so that we can provide more association to the people of Bhopal. Sadhu-sanga. There will be a temple. And what will be its purpose? Sadhu-sanga. I do not know—some Prabhus were speaking while introducing me—but in 1971, during Srila Prabhupada's Hare Krishna Festival in Mumbai, I also received some association. Just from that little association, I made up my mind. There was a Hare Krishna festival taking place; there was sadhu-sanga. Prabhupada was there, and his disciples were also there. They were being trained and transformed into sadhus. I received their association. And what does it mean to receive association? It means I received sadhu-sanga. Through hearing and chanting, through sravanam and kirtanam, I also became benefited. Then I also made up my mind: “I too shall become a Hare Krishna person. I too want to love God and serve God.” I have personally experienced it. Just as Rukmini's love awakened through hearing and chanting, and just as Rukmini's relationship with the Lord became established forever, in the same way it can happen for everyone. It happened to me. It is happening to you. And it has to be made to happen for others as well. Prabhupada wanted this. Lord Chaitanya also wants this. All the living beings here are to be taken back to the Lord's abode. Therefore, all those who have joined ISKCON Bhopal up to now, on behalf of Gauranga Mahaprabhu, on behalf of Jagannatha Swami, on behalf of the acharyas in our disciplic succession, and especially on behalf of Srila Prabhupada, the embodiment of Krishna’s mercy, I would like to welcome all of you. I offer my greetings and congratulations to you all. Please continue to move forward. Every organization, every institution, every society has some basic needs. One basic need is land. Land—you have land. An institution, in order to be organized, requires organization. Srila Prabhupada created such an organization. It was established 60 years ago, and that same organization is available everywhere, including here. Then there is a need for resources—human resources. Manpower is required. We have land here. We have organization here. And we need more and more men, women, everybody—more and more souls are needed. Along with that, financial resources are required. Human resources and funds—another big resource. For the service of Narayana, Lakshmi is certainly required. Therefore all of this has to be gathered. The organizers are busy. Land has been obtained. Now manpower has to be increased. Funds have to be collected. And this is all for the Lord. Just see—at present the Lord is residing in a small hut. There should be a bungalow, beautiful apartment buildings, and this and that. But the Lord is staying in a hut. Practically speaking, this is not good. Is it good? Rather, it is not good. Therefore, act quickly, and all of you together construct a grand and divine temple for the Lord. “All of you should come together and build a magnificent and divine temple for the Lord! As for us—sadhus and brahmacharis—we can perform our spiritual practices anywhere. We can sit beneath a tree on the banks of the Narmada and engage in sadhana. Srila Prabhupada once said, “I can also perform sadhana anywhere, but then no one will come.” We can see everywhere that when there is a wonderful temple, even the unfortunate are drawn to it. In Bombay, when I joined the Hare Krishna Movement in 1973, there was land but no building. When I first met Srila Prabhupada, there was not even proper accommodation arranged for him. He was staying at a member’s house in the city. When I went to meet Srila Prabhupada, he asked me, “How many visitors do we get every day?” I replied, “About 50–60 people come to the temple every day, Srila Prabhupada.” Prabhupada said, “Oh! So many!” In those days, that number seemed very large to him. However, when the construction of the Radha Rasabihari Temple at Hare Krishna Land was completed and inaugurated, then 50–60 people were entering every minute! Earlier, 50–60 people would come in an entire day, but after the temple was built, every minute 50 people were coming and 50 were going. It became completely full. And when Janmashtami is celebrated at Radha Rasabihari Temple, Hare Krishna Land, nearly one million people participate in the festival. When I arrived here, there was a desire to establish ISKCON in Bhopal. At that time, Srila Prabhupada’s personal assistant, Tamal Krishna Goswami Maharaj, was spending time there. Prabhupada wrote a letter to Tamal Krishna Goswami Maharaj asking: “What kind of progress are we making in ISKCON Bhopal?” Bhopal was very much on Prabhupada’s mind. He was inquiring about it. This was approximately 55 years ago, around 1972 or 1973. During Vyasa Puja, every temple offers written tributes and offerings to Srila Prabhupada. At that time, Prabhupada was asking, “What progress is being made?” Today we can write and report: “Prabhupada, we now have eight acres of land in Bhopal.” In those days there were only Tamal Krishna Maharaj and a few devotees. But now, in that same Bhopal, there is a huge congregation. Thousands of devotees are joining. Hari! Hari! You have this opportunity. There is a letter that Srila Prabhupada wrote from New York on April 9, 1973: “My dear Tamal Krishna Goswami, please accept my blessings.” Prabhupada was writing to Tamal Krishna Goswami Maharaj, who was in Bhopal. Tamal Krishna Goswami Maharaj was a very prominent personality. He served as Srila Prabhupada’s personal servant, assistant secretary, and Governing Body Commissioner. Prabhupada wrote: “I am now here in the New York temple where things are going on very nicely. But I am anxious to hear from you the report of Bhopal activities.” Just see the word he used—not merely “write to me,” but “at the earliest.” As soon as possible. “Please write to me here at the earliest.” Prabhupada was eager to know the activities and progress of ISKCON Bhopal. This was in 1973. Therefore, every year you should send a report to Srila Prabhupada and tell him: “Prabhupada, in Bhopal we are establishing a township in your name.” What is its name? Prabhupada Nagar! I am sure of it. All of you should distribute Srila Prabhupada’s books. Let people become initiated. Let them receive spiritual education. rāja-vidyā rāja-guhyaṁ pavitram idam uttamam pratyakṣhāvagamaṁ dharmyaṁ su-sukhaṁ kartum avyayam Translation: “This knowledge is the king of sciences and the most profound of all secrets. It purifies those who hear it. It is directly realizable, in accordance with dharma, easy to practice, and everlasting in effect.” (Bhagavad-gita 9.2) This is what is called true knowledge. What is generally taught nowadays is ignorance (avidya). Srila Prabhupada used to say that modern schools and colleges are like slaughterhouses for the soul—they are killers of spiritual life. Distribute Srila Prabhupada’s books. But first, read them yourselves. All of you should read Srila Prabhupada’s books and then distribute them. And what else? Perform kirtan. Of course, you will perform kirtan in the temple. But also go out into the public streets of Bhopal. Are you ready? Just as Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu did, just as Srila Prabhupada did, and just as we ourselves have done. Conduct Nagar Sankirtan. Distribute prasadam. Organize grand festivals. Janmashtami, Gaura Purnima, and many other festivals. Today we are celebrating the grand festival of Rukmini Dwadashi. (Jaya! — devotees) And in two days, another festival will come. Which one? Nrsimha Chaturdashi Mahotsava. (Jaya! — devotees) And then? Ratha-yatra Mahotsava. (Jaya! — devotees) Everyone loves festivals. Human beings are naturally fond of celebrations. Therefore, organize festivals. Remain engaged in this way. Serve Mother Cow. Maintain goshalas. Establish schools and gurukulas. There are so many things to be done. All of this is welfare work for society. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu instructed that anyone born in India should do the following: bhārata-bhūmite haila manuṣya janma yāra janma sārthaka kari’ kara para-upakāra Translation: “One who has taken birth as a human being in the land of India (Bhārata-varṣa) should make his life successful and work for the benefit of all others.” (Cc. Adi 9.41) If you want to make your life successful, then engage in welfare work. What is true welfare work? The activities of ISKCON: distributing books, distributing prasadam, organizing festivals, and constructing temples. Some may serve like Hanuman, while others may serve like the little squirrel. Whatever your capacity, support with love. In the words of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura: manasa, deho, geho, jo kichu mor arpilu tuwa pade, nanda-kisor! Translation: “Mind, body, family, and whatever belongs to me, I have surrendered at Your lotus feet, O youthful son of Nanda Maharaja.” Is this truly our mood? Often during arati people sing, “May happiness and prosperity come into my home.” While offering arati they may even keep the windows open, as if asking the Lord to send material prosperity. Such prayers contain requests and personal demands. However, the Gaudiya Vaishnava teaching is different: na dhanaṁ na janaṁ na sundarīṁ kavitāṁ vā jagad-īśa kāmaye mama janmani janmanīśvare bhavatād bhaktir ahaitukī tvayi Translation: “O Lord of the universe, I do not desire material wealth, followers, beautiful companions, or the fruits of worldly achievements. Life after life, I only desire causeless devotional service unto You.” (Cc. Antya 20.29) Everything should be for Krishna. Why? Because everything belongs to Krishna. bhoktāraṁ yajña-tapasāṁ sarva-loka-maheśhvaram suhṛidaṁ sarva-bhūtānāṁ jñātvā māṁ śhāntim ṛichchhati Translation: “Having realized Me as the enjoyer of all sacrifices and austerities, the Supreme Lord of all worlds, and the selfless friend of all living beings, My devotee attains peace.” (Bhagavad-gita 5.29) God is the enjoyer. Why should He be the enjoyer? Because He is the owner, and therefore He has every right to enjoy. And yet, even while being the supreme proprietor: bhoktāraṁ yajña-tapasāṁ sarva-loka-maheśvaram suhṛdaṁ sarva-bhūtānāṁ jñātvā māṁ śāntim ṛcchati Translation: “A person in full consciousness of Me, knowing Me to be the ultimate beneficiary of all sacrifices and austerities, the Supreme Lord of all planets and demigods, and the benefactor and well-wisher of all living entities, attains peace from the sufferings of material existence.” (Bhagavad-gita 5.29) The Lord is the supreme friend of every living being. Srila Prabhupada called this verse the “Peace Formula.” When people understand this truth, peace will come. Because they do not understand it, the whole world remains disturbed. The world is burning with conflict, bombs, missiles, and countless other problems. Who will extinguish this fire? That is the duty of the Vaishnavas. That is the duty of saintly persons. This is the Peace Formula. People will understand it by studying Bhagavad-gita. And if you distribute Bhagavad-gita, they will come to understand it. Thank you. Gaur Premanande! Hari Haribol!”

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