Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.
This is in continuation of the transcription of the nectarean and inspiring class given by our beloved spiritual master HH Mahavishnu Goswami Maharaj in London on Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 1, Chapter 9. In previous offerings we had heard about how fate played in the life of Bhishmadev and some of the lessons we need to learn from the same. Now we shall continue to hear the translations of the Gujarati conversation between Maharaj and the devotees.
Devotee: In the Garuda-puran they say a lot about the soul after death. Is it true?
Maharaj: What is said there?
Devotee: After death the soul goes to a different loka, afterwards it goes to Pitru Loka, then their body become as small as a thumb and if the relatives cry for that soul then that soul really suffers. The soul is made drink something extremely hot and really suffers. There is a lot that has been explained in the Garuda purana.
Maharaj: There is lot of information in the Garuda purana. However I can tell you that there is only one Srimad Bhagavatam and in that it clearly states if we take Krishna's names then there is no suffering for that soul. In a family, if there is only one person, who is a devotee then he can liberate the entire family lineage. So these information mentioned in Garuda Purana are meant for people who are gross materialists. Whoever has a birth in India, they are devoted from the beginning. Over there men and women are very pure. You were telling me other day about how in your childhood, even if your dad gets angry, your mom would still ask him about having prasadam, even if he would go away. That is Vedic culture. But in places where there is no touch of Vedic culture, he would be told to mind his business and go to restaurant. That's the difference. Even if only one person in the family remains silent during quarrels, then it has Godly effect. That is why our Vedic culture is praise worthy.
Devotee: You said if any one person in the family, be it male or female is a devotee, then they can liberate the whole family?
Maharaj: Yes. It is enough, enough.
Devotee: So that one person could be a boy or a girl? For example as a daughter, if I become a devotee and perform sincere devotional service, then I can help in my dad's liberation?
Maharaj: What can I say? A single sincere devotee can liberate up to 21 generations backward and forward.
Devotee: Should the devotee be a boy or girl?
Maharaj: In the spiritual concepts we are all souls. There is nothing like boy or girl. This is just the body.
Krishna willing we shall continue to hear more nectar from Maharaj in the subsequent offering.
Thank you very much.
Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva,
Sudarshana devi dasi.
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