Receiving the Blessings of Others | SB 1.19.12 | BhaktiSF

Class on Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.19.12 by Sukhī Bhakti DD, a lowly disciple of HH Devāmṛta Swāmī, at BhaktiSF in San Francisco, California. Summary: In this verse, Maharaja Pariksit receives the saints and sages who have gathered at the bank of the Ganga to observe his spiritual vows as he approaches death by the curse of a brahmana boy. Maharaja Pariksit, after having offered obeisances to the sages in the previous verse, here offers obeisances to them again after they sit down nicely, and with folded hands and steady mind, Pariksit informs the sages of his intention to fast until death. This class first explores the topic of receiving guests by taking from sastra many examples of great personalities, such as Krishna and Balarama, receiving guests in an appropriate way. The class then explores the etiquettes around offering obeisances to an exalted personality, and explores the three levels of Vaisnavas explained in Caitanya-Caritamrta by Lord Caitanya and the different kinds of offering obeisances prescribed by Him for each level of Vaisnava. Finally, the class discusses the necessity of seeking the blessings and guidance of seniors with whom one has a conducive relationship, and how even Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu Himself sought the blessings of His devotees before leaving on pilgrimage. SB 1.19.12 sukhopaviṣṭeṣv atha teṣu bhūyaḥ kṛta-praṇāmaḥ sva-cikīrṣitaṁ yat vijñāpayām āsa vivikta-cetā upasthito ’gre ’bhigṛhīta-pāṇiḥ After all the ṛṣis and others had seated themselves comfortably, the King, humbly standing before them with folded hands, told them of his decision to fast until death. #BhaktiSF #Bhakti #Yoga #Krishna #Spirituality #Bhagavatam #Respect #Vaisnava #Iskcon #Caitanya #Meditation #Vaisnava #Reincarnation