07/01/24 evening – Ekadasi-tithi and Respect for Vaisnavas (English) – Santos, Brazil | Srila BV Vana Maharaja
- When we observe Ekadasi-tithi, Bhakti Devi manifests in our hearts.
- Song: Suddha Bhakata Carana Renu, by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura.
- On the day of Ekadasi, all forms of sins are in the five types of grains, and therefore we should not eat them on that day.
- We must emphasise chanting the Holy Names on that day, not just fasting completely.
- Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu observed Ekadasi at Srivasa Thakura’s house.
- The Holy Names are the process and also the goal. Very powerful!
- Srivasa Thakura’s lila being disrespectful upon hearing Devananda Pandita’s harikatha, when Mahaprabhu went to defend him.
- Gopi Gita: the lila of separation from Sri Krsna.
- There are two Bhagavatas, the grantha-bhagavata and the bhakta-bhagavata.
- The true eternal identity of Srivasa Thakura.
- We should read Srimad Bhagavatam under the instructions of a suddha-vaisnava (pure devotee of the Lord).
- For bhakti to remain in your heart, always give proper respect to the Vaisnavas.
- Story of when a devotee of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada asked to learn the Bhagavatam from a Sanskrit acarya, and was denied.
- The Upanisads say that we only get fulfilment when we serve a Bhakta Bhagavata.
- There are different types/qualities of Vaisnavas.
- Never associate with anyone who criticises or dishonours the Vaisnavas.
- All living beings are servants of Sri Krsna.
