This article is based on the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhakti Vedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

Hare Krishna. Happy Krishna Conscious New Year Everyone 🙏

The reason why we include “Krishna Conscious” in every wish is straightforward. In our lives, anything without Krishna is incomplete. How can we find happiness when there’s incompleteness in our lives? We perpetually seek satisfaction for happiness and peace. The subsequent question is: what is the optimal way to satisfy ourselves for lasting happiness? Let’s explore further to gain deeper insights.👇

Explanation

While the start of a new year may not bring significant changes to our daily lives, the perpetual emergence of new fears is a constant. Globally, the fear of war looms in various regions, and the rapid spread of a deadly new variant of COVID-19 adds to our anxieties. Amidst these challenges and the everyday struggles we face, this article serves as a guide to find peace and navigate through life’s uncertainties.

Everyone desires happiness and peace in their lives, which is why we often exchange wishes with the word “HAPPY” on various occasions. However, the genuine formula for enduring peace and happiness is often unknown. This secret is openly shared in ancient sacred scriptures, such as the Bhagavad Gita, where the Supreme Lord Krishna imparts timeless wisdom to his dear friend Arjuna, who sought solace amidst the chaos of the battlefield. Much like Arjuna, we find ourselves in a similar situation, grappling with the challenges of a hectic and peace-deprived existence.

The first formula is

bhoktāraṁ yajña-tapasāṁ
sarva-loka-maheśvaram
suhṛdaṁ sarva-bhūtānāṁ
jñātvā māṁ śāntim ṛcchati (Bhagavad Gita 5.29)

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 pangs of material miseries.

Doubts about achieving peace can be addressed by referring to the Bhagavad Gita. The fundamental issue hindering peace is traced back to the actions we undertake. Understanding the nature of our actions and their consequences is crucial:

1. Identifying the Right Actions: Knowing which actions to undertake in life is essential. The Bhagavad Gita provides guidance on righteous and purposeful actions.
2. Anticipating Reactions: Being aware of the potential reactions — whether positive or negative — arising from our actions is key to navigating life’s challenges.

By gaining insights into these aspects, as elucidated in the Bhagavad Gita, one can pave the way towards a more peaceful and fulfilling existence.

Finding answers to these questions is the key to liberation from our problems. Achieving a peaceful and happy life hinges on understanding and implementing the guidance provided by Krishna.

In summary, to address the questions:

1. Right Actions: Following Krishna’s instructions ensures that our actions align with divine wisdom, paving the way for positive outcomes.
2. Avoiding Forbidden Actions: Steering clear of actions discouraged by Krishna prevents negative repercussions. Trusting in Krishna as the Supreme Authority ensures that His guidance is always for our well-being, as He is the ultimate benevolent force. Following His instructions leads to a life filled with peace and contentment.

Analogizing the government as a supreme authority in our daily lives, similarly, Krishna is considered the ultimate governing body for the entire world. The rules and regulations for righteous living are set by Krishna, and adhering to them is akin to following the laws of a government.

The concept of Dharma (duties and righteousness) is directly ordained by Krishna (Bhagavan), as mentioned in Srimad Bhagavatam 6.3.19(Dharmaṁ tu sākṣād bhagavat-praṇītam). When we perform actions according to Krishna’s guidance, we align ourselves with the cosmic order. Deviating from this path may lead to facing the consequences of our actions, whether positive or negative, as dictated by the laws set by the supreme governing authority.

Living in this world, as acknowledged by Krishna in Bhagavad Gita 8.15, is marked by suffering(duḥkhālayam aśāśvatam), and the cycle of birth, death, old age, and disease is an inherent aspect(BG 13.9). By following Krishna’s instructions and living in harmony with the prescribed principles, one can navigate the challenges of this material existence and strive for spiritual elevation beyond the perpetual cycle of suffering.

yajñārthāt karmaṇo ’nyatra
loko ’yaṁ karma-bandhanaḥ
tad-arthaṁ karma kaunteya
mukta-saṅgaḥ samācara(Bhagavad Gita 3.9)

Work done as a sacrifice for Viṣṇu has to be performed; otherwise work causes bondage in this material world. Therefore, O son of Kuntī, perform your prescribed duties for His satisfaction, and in that way you will always remain free from bondage.

In other words, if we remain in connection with Krishna by doing the activities that he told, then there won’t be any reaction, allowing us to lead a peaceful life with abundant happiness. As confirmed in the Bhagavad Gita itself by Krishna

nāsti buddhir ayuktasya
na cāyuktasya bhāvanā
na cābhāvayataḥ śāntir
aśāntasya kutaḥ sukham (Bhagavad Gita 2.66)

One who is not connected with the Supreme [in Kṛṣṇa consciousness] can have neither transcendental intelligence nor a steady mind, without which there is no possibility of peace. And how can there be any happiness without peace?

So, the next question that arises is, “What does Krishna instruct us to do?” Let’s explore that aspect now, as revealed in the Bhagavad Gita.

yeṣāṁ tv anta-gataṁ pāpaṁ
janānāṁ puṇya-karmaṇām
te dvandva-moha-nirmuktā
bhajante māṁ dṛḍha-vratāḥ (Bhagavad Gita 7.28)

Persons who have acted piously in previous lives and in this life and whose sinful actions are completely eradicated are freed from the dualities of delusion, and they engage themselves in My service with determination.

This implies that unless you cease your sinful activities, engaging in Krishna’s devotional service is not possible, and without such engagement, attaining peace remains elusive. The subsequent question is, what constitutes sinful activities, and the answer is outlined as follows:

SB 6.2.9–10: The chanting of the holy name of Lord Viṣṇu is the best process of atonement for a thief of gold or other valuables, for a drunkard, for one who betrays a friend or relative, for one who kills a brāhmaṇa, or for one who indulges in sex with the wife of his guru or another superior. It is also the best method of atonement for one who murders women, the king or his father, for one who slaughters cows, and for all other sinful men. Simply by chanting the holy name of Lord Viṣṇu, such sinful persons may attract the attention of the Supreme Lord, who therefore considers, “Because this man has chanted My holy name, My duty is to give him protection.”

Therefore, the ultimate principle for leading a peaceful and happy life is to cease engaging in sinful activities and commence chanting the holy name of Lord Krishna.

SB 6.3.22: Devotional service, beginning with the chanting of the holy name of the Lord, is the ultimate religious principle for the living entity in human society.

Conclusion

Once we initiate the practice of chanting the holy name of the Lord, “Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare,” which is the most recommended method for the Kali-yuga age, each moment, whether it be a new year, day, minute, or even a second, becomes a source of profound joy. By consistently chanting the holy name, we establish a direct connection with Krishna, as the name and Krishna Himself are inseparable (abhinnatvān nāma-nāminoḥ). This is why the greeting at the start of this article is “Happy Krishna Conscious New Year.”

Consider making this your New Year’s resolution to usher the highest happiness into your life. Should you require additional guidance or assistance in this endeavour, our devotees stand ready to help. You can consult with us through various mediums such as in-person meetings at the temple or by sending inquiries through social media, among other channels. Hare Krishna 🙏

Note: This is an article written after getting inspired from the lecture by HG Sundar Gopal Prabhu on Bhagavad Gita 5.29.