The 10 Principles
Principle Two
Principle Three
Principle Four
Principle Five
Principle Six
Principle Seven
Principle Eight
Principle Nine
Principle Ten
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8. Discuss A Realistic Application
“Brahmana must be well-educated, jnana, and he must apply the knowledge in practical life and believe in the Vedic injunctions.” (Lecture on Bhagavad-gita 2.2-6 — Ahmedabad, December 11, 1972)
“And the essence of Vedic knowledge is Bhagavad-gita because the Supreme Personality of Godhead is speaking personally. Take advantage of it. Apply it practically life and be happy not only in this life, but the next life.” (Lecture Bhagavad-gita 13:22 — Hyderabad, August 17, 1976)
“We just have to try to understand by hearing and then try to put the process to practice in our daily lives. By becoming submissive, hearing from the right source, and trying to apply the teachings in our daily lives, we can become conquerors of the Supreme. For one who does this, Lord Krishna becomes easily available.” Path of Perfection 9: Destination After Death
“One who follows the principles and instructions enjoined by the great sages of the past can utilize these instructions for practical purposes. Such a person can very easily enjoy life and pleasures.” SB 4.1.4 verse
“Everyone is expected to follow these rules and regulations. If one does not follow them and acts whimsically according to his lust, greed and desire, then he never will be perfect in his life. In other words, a man may theoretically know all these things, but if he does not apply them in his own life, then he is to be known as the lowest of mankind. In the human form of life, a living entity is expected to be sane and to follow the regulations given for elevating his life to the highest platform, but if he does not follow them, then he degrades himself.” Bg 16.23 purport
Once we understand a truth correctly, free from doubt, confusion or misgiving, we need to discuss how it can be applied in our lives. In other words, now we have understood this point, what should we do? Sometimes, we ask this question in two sections. In the first, we discuss the ideal application, and in the next, we discuss a more realistic application for us. For example, we may understand that following Ekadashi will help us advance spiritually. The ideal is to do a dry fast each Ekadashi and stay up all night chanting. However, this may be beyond us, and a realistic application might be to simply refrain from eating grains on Ekadashi. The application will be different for each of us.
This question is best used when discussing with our close family members or a small group of intimate friends and may not always be appropriate in larger, less intimate discussion groups. First, in a large group, it would take too long for each person to discuss their application; and second, we might feel inhibited to be honest about what is realistic for us.
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