Prabhupada 0688 - Declaring War Against the Illusory Energy, Maya
Lecture on BG 6.35-45 -- Los Angeles, February 20, 1969
So far yoga practice is concerned, is explained, discussion between Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna. Now, supposing that I practice yoga - real yoga I mean to say, not this pseudo yoga. And if I cannot do it properly, I fail. Then what is the result? Suppose I give up my business, I give up my ordinary occupation and I begin to practice yoga. But somehow or other it is not completed, it is failure. Then what is the result? That is being questioned by Arjuna. That will be answered by Kṛṣṇa. What is that? Go on. "Arjuna said..."
Devotee: "Arjuna said: 'What is the destination of a man of faith who does not persevere? Who in the beginning takes to the process of self-realization, but who later desists due to worldly mindedness and thus does not attain perfection in mysticism?' (BG 6.37)" Purport: "The path… The path of self-realization, or mysticism, is described in the Bhagavad-gītā. The basic principle of self-realization is knowledge that the living entity is not this material body, but that he is different from it, and his happiness is in eternal life, bliss and knowledge."
Prabhupāda: Now, before coming to the point of self-realization, one must take it granted - that is the beginning of Bhagavad-gītā, that he is not this body. That the living entity is not this material body but that he is different from it, and his happiness is in eternal life. This life is not eternal. The perfection of yoga system means to get eternal life, blissful life, and full of knowledge. That is perfection. So we have to execute any yoga system with that aim. Not that I attend some yoga class to reduce fat or to keep my body very fit for sense gratification. This is not the end of yoga system. But people are taught like that. "Oh, if you practice this yoga system…" That you can do, if you undergo any exercise process your body will be kept fit. There are so many system of bodily exercise, the Sandow system, this weight-lifting system, this… There are many sporting system, they also keep body very fit. They can digest foodstuff very nicely, they reduce fat. For this purpose there is no need of practicing yoga. The real purpose is here - that to realize that I am not this body. I want eternal happiness; I want complete knowledge; I want eternal life also. That is the ultimate end of yoga system. Go on.
Devotee: "These are transcendental, beyond both body and mind. Self-realization is sought by the path of knowledge, the practice of eightfold mysticism, or by bhakti-yoga. In each of these processes one has to realize the constitutional position of the living entity, his relationship with God, and the activities whereby he can reestablish the lost link and achieve the highest perfectional stage of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Following any of the above-mentioned three methods, one is sure to reach the supreme goal sooner or later. This was asserted by the Lord in the Second Chapter. Even a little endeavor on the transcendental path of bhakti-yoga is especially suitable for this age, because it is the most direct method of God-realization. To be doubly assured, Arjuna is asking Lord Kṛṣṇa to confirm His former statement. One may sincerely adopt the path of self-realization. But the process of cultivation of knowledge and the practice of eightfold yoga system are generally very difficult for this age. Therefore in spite of one's earnest endeavor one may fail for many reasons. The primary reason is one's not being sufficiently serious about following the process. To pursue the transcendental path is more or less to declare war on the illusory energy."
Prabhupāda: When we accept any self-realization process, it is practically declaring war against the illusory energy, māyā. So when there's a question of māyā, or a question of fight or war, there will be so many difficulty imposed by māyā, that is certain. Therefore there is a chance of failure, but one has to become very steady. Go on.
Devotee: "Consequently whenever a person tries to escape the clutches of the illusory energy, she tries to defeat the practitioner by various allurements. A conditioned soul is already allured by the modes of material energy, and there is every chance of being allured again while performing such transcendental practice. This is called yogāc calita-mānasaḥ:…"
Prabhupāda: Calita-mānasaḥ. Calita-mānasaḥ means diverting the mind from the practice of yoga. Yogāc calita-mānasaḥ. Yogāt means from the practice of yoga and calita means diversion. Mānasaḥ means mind. Yogāc calita-mānasaḥ. So there is every chance. Everyone has got experience. You're trying to read some book, concentration, but mind is not allowing, it is disturbed. So it is very important factor to control the mind. That is the real practice. Go on.
Devotee: "…one who is deviated from the transcendental path. Arjuna is inquisitive to know the results of deviation from the path of self-realization."
Prabhupāda: Yes, this is very important question. That one may begin practicing any sort of yoga, either the eightfold yoga system, or the jñāna-yoga system, means speculating philosophically, and the bhakti-yoga system, devotional service. But if one fails to complete the yoga system, what is the result? That is very important question, and it is put by Arjuna, and Kṛṣṇa will answer it. (break)