New book: Krishna - Proofs Of Gods existence.
Foreword by Lokanatha Swami: Proof of God’s existence? Do we really need it? Do we require any proof for the existence of the Sun for example? However, a blind person may well question its existence. He may state, “I don’t believe in the existence of the Sun”. What is the value of such a statement by someone who is visibly challenged? There are so many others who are effectively seeing the Sun face to face in their existence and daily basking in its splendour. Similarly, the empiricists often demand “proof” of the existence of God, with questions such as, “Can you show me God?’. They also question the existence of God. Unfortunately, such questions seem to emerge with ever increasing frequency today by a growing number of people demanding convincing responses. There is therefore a compelling need for the presentation of authentic and authorised theistic concepts and ideologies in today’s scenario of growing atheism, as well as of unauthorised, misleading “scriptural ideas” that actually trace their genesis in the fertile minds and imaginations of many “religionists” and “philosophers”. The following anecdote illustrates how interpretations of truths and untruths can be experienced. Uncle Joe, a respectable middle-aged gentleman visits his friend John, who he has not met for some time now. Upon reaching his friend’s house, he presses the doorbell. He hears a patter of small feet running towards the door, and soon, finds himself face to face with John’s 5 year old son, Mark. “Yes? How can I help you uncle?”, asks Mark. Uncle Joe explains that he is a friend of his father, and would like to see him. Mark immediately runs inside and explains the situation to his father. However, John, in the midst of something, is not inclined to meet anyone, and so tells Mark to inform Uncle Joe that he is not at home. So, the innocent little Mark promptly returns and informs Uncle Joe, “My father said that ‘he is not at home’!” “Who told you?”, asks an incredulous Uncle Joe. “Yes, yes! My father himself told me”, repeats Mark. In much the same way, the atheists are deluded by God Himself, and this delusion leads to their lack of faith in His existence. All such instructions about remembrance, forgetfulness and the like emanate directly from God. As He Himself states, “I am seated in everyone’s heart, and from Me come remembrance, knowledge and forgetfulness.” (Bhagavad Gita (15.15) So, here, Krsna (or God) directly states that all knowledge and remembrance as well as all ignorance and forgetfulness are His creations. In Bhagavad Gita, (16.8), He further states, “They (the atheists) say that this world is unreal, with no foundation, no God in control. They say it is produced of sex desire and has no cause other than lust.” No one is an eternal non-believer. Today’s cynical non-believer is tomorrow’s ardent believer and faithful follower. The world may be full of these non-believers today, but there are also many firm believers who have complete faith in and varying degrees of realisations of God’s existence. Such believers, or devotees of the Lord, rejoice in their experiences and naturally seek to share this wisdom with others. In this book, Proofs of God’s existence, co-authors Gauranga Premananda Dasa and Avadhuta Raya Dasa use indisputable and primordial texts to exemplify the existence of God. This endeavor is especially pleasing to the Lord, as it enables the reformation of the misguided and misdirected souls – His parts and parcels - to revive their original, pure and blissful relationship with the Lord, and thus achieve the perfection of human life. Gauranga Premananda Dasa and Avadhuta Raya Dasa were inspired by their personal experiences while preaching the glories of God and distributing authoritative literature. While preaching, they often came across questions relating to the very existence of God, and where there was an idea of God, these ideas were generally vague and nebulous, and at times, completely flawed. They therefore felt the need to address, in simple terms, the gaps in theistic understanding which are so rampant these days. This is but the first volume of an intended series of publications that they have planned. Their target is to present at least 1008 citations which they purport as Proof of God’s Existence. Writings on such sober and intense subject matter are encouraged as this enables the reader to open up his heart and mind to meaningful contemplation of the Supreme Lord. As is stated in the Srimad Bhagavatam (1.5.11), “That literature which is full of descriptions of the transcendental glories of the name, fame, forms, pastimes, etc., of the unlimited Supreme Lord is a different creation, full of transcendental words directed toward bringing about a revolution in the impious lives of this world’s misdirected civilization.” The arguments presented in Proof of God’s Existence by the co-authors, are convincing and in line with the teachings and philosophy of the Founder Acarya of the International Society for Krsna Consciousness (ISKCON), His Divine Grace AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Proof of God’s existence is a timely contribution for both the believer and the non- believer. It includes elements of personal memoirs, spiritual vision, theology and faith building through insightful engagement with authentic Vedic literature. The chapters convey a practical commitment designed to compel believers to enhance their faith and to entice non believers into meaningful contemplation of God’s existence. My congratulations and best wishes on this publication and I pray that Srila Prabhupada may bless the authors and am certain that the Lord is pleased with their heartfelt effort.
HH Lokanath Swami Pandharpur,24 July, 2015
You can order at avadhutaraya@gmail.com