This course is part of Sastra-Caksus, Year 2 and consists of 25 lectures, available on:

http://seminary.bhaktivedantaacademy.com/classes/noi-thematic/

Given in Bhaktivedanta Academy, Sridham Mayapur November-December 2011

The following are lecture notes briefly delineating its contents.

• Renunciates should not talk about others at all, but householders cannot completely give up talking about others due to their engagements.
• For someone on the platform of bhava, just one moment of not thinking of Krishna is already too much.

• We have to know all different levels of advancement and apply them to our own situation.
• Householders may talk about different topics, but the quality of the conversation depends on the connection to Krishna.
• It is not that it is ok to talk about mundane topics, or that it is complete nonsense. We talk only if we need to, and aim it towards Krishna consciousness.
• Devotion is the connection to Krishna; when we are connected to Krishna, various items used become part of devotional service; it is not that the items themselves are devotional service.
• Grihastha not paying attention to his kid's emotional state because it's not Krishna conscious, is maybe a good renunciate, but not a good grihastha.
• We should be careful that our conversations in front of somebody else are not harmful to their Krishna consciousness.
• Some useless talk may be necessary in cultivating the relationships, but we only use as much as necessary, not more.
• Indirect devotional service gives direct benefit, but its value is in its connection. It is a subtle point.
• Email service and other ordinary dealings should be taken care of from 4 to 6 in the afternoon, according to Manu. Morning is for sadhana, then comes occupation, lunch etc. Evening time is supposed to be spent with the family.
• Raising child in Krishna consciousness does not mean that the child will not get sick, wake at night etc.
• In Japan it is improper to ask people how they are doing, one should just talk about the weather.
• If people would not talk about others without a reason, all pubs and clubs in the world would shut down.
• When Guru instructs his disciples, he occasionally has to talk about others, otherwise the disciple may not understand. But such discussions are beneficial.
• Sukadeva Gosvami talks about materialists to give instruction, so he is not a prajalpi.
• Prajalpa in connection with envy, hatred, pride and distinction is a problem.
• If only devotees spoke, the world would be much better.
• Scriptures may mention particular people, like king Vena, but that is not prajalpa.
• Devotees discuss ancient history in the association of devotees. Greeks are modern, not ancient according to Vedas.
• Nondevotees are mentioned in the ancient Vedic stories to give proper examples.
• Debates arise from desire for conquest. Faultfinding arises from imposing our bad habits upon others.
• In debate it sounds that truth is important, but actually one just wants to win.
• Faultfinding arises from imposing one's own bad habits upon others. If we have good qualities, we are trying to help the other person.