Ekādaśī Austerities: Path to Krishna Consciousness

%u015Arimad Bh%u0101gavatam 4.2.24 HG Aditya Dev%u012B D%u0101si - YouTubeIn this video, *HG Aditya Devī Dāsi* discusses verses 23 and 24 from *Śrimad Bhāgavatam* (4.2), exploring the curse by Nandīśvara on Dakṣa and others who insulted Lord Śiva. She explains that Dakṣa, having ignored his spiritual purpose and become absorbed in material desires, is cursed to experience a debased existence, symbolized by the face of a goat. The speaker elaborates on the concept of "Buddhi-yoga" (intelligence in devotional service) and its relationship to modes of nature. She explains that those with intelligence influenced by passion or ignorance often struggle with spiritual focus, leading them to fruitive actions (Karma Yoga) rather than pure devotion (Bhakti-yoga). *HG Aditya Devī Dāsi* emphasizes that true *Buddhi-yoga*—acting in Krishna Consciousness with the goal of returning to Him—is the ultimate form of intelligence, as it transcends material desires. She contrasts *Buddhi-yoga* with *Karma Yoga*, in which individuals act with self-centered goals, thus entangling themselves further in the material world. She explains that *Bhagavad-gītā* (10.10) illustrates that those devoted to Him are given the intelligence to approach Him, clarifying that *Buddhi-yoga* is empowered by Krishna's grace. Through scriptural examples, she underscores that intelligence influenced by passion becomes multibranched, leading individuals to pursue material achievements without spiritual focus. By contrast, pure devotional service unifies the mind in Krishna’s service, guiding one away from distraction and ego-driven pursuits. The speaker also narrates the symbolic importance of observing Ekādaśī, the practice of fasting and devotional service, particularly to detach from bodily consciousness and focus on Krishna. She encourages that acts of austerity in service to Him—like chanting and refraining from material pleasures—heighten one’s spiritual dedication, as seen in the lives of past sages and devotees who have performed austerities for divine purposes. Concluding, *HG Aditya Devī Dāsi* encourages sincere engagement in Krishna Consciousness, performing all acts with the intention to please Him. She remarks that in a spiritually dense age, practicing *kīrtan* (singing the holy names) is the highest austerity, bringing spiritual light into a world affected by darkness.