Danda 1995 - Suhotra Maharaja Archives

PANCOPASANAQuestion from Bhaktin LeaJune 19, 1995In the purport of 2.3.24 it is said:The system of panca-upasana, recommending five mental attitudes for the commonman, is also enacted for this purpose, namely gradual development, worship ofthe superior that may be in the form of fire, electricity, the sun, the mass ofliving beings, Lord Siva and, at last, the impersonal Supersoul, the partialrepresentation of Lord Visnu.Why is the Supersoul impersonal?Answer by Suhotra SwamiJune 21, 1995The pancopasana method of worship was prescribed by Sankaracarya to the smartabrahmanas. It is a puja program that conforms with Mayavadi philosophy. Thatis why Supersoul is impersonal.PITRLOKAQuestion from Dharmasetu dasJune 27, 1995Dear Suhotra Swami I want to ask you about the Pitriloka. Actualy how tounderstand that our forefathers has their own planet, Pitriloka, since theirsouls are after death embodied in some other bodys (in one of the 8 400 000species) and live acordingly? What is actualy their destinations? And how theycan become elevated on some higher planets if their descendents offer thempindas? For example, if the soul of my forefather is now in the body of a dog,how this person can get higher destinations if I offer him a Pinkas corectlythroughout my lifetime? Please if you can clarify all this.Answer by Suhotra SwamiJune 27, 1995The offerings to forefathers are a regular part of the karma-kanda processwithin varnasrama-dharma. If a family follows varnasrama-dharma properly,generation after generation, there is no question of anyone becoming a dog. Butif a mleccha family that follows no principles tries to offer pinda to adeparted relative, it will have no effect, because they are too sinful. So youhave to understand the cultural context.Comment by Dharmasetu dasJune 27, 1995Dear Suhotra Swami,Please if you can answer if it is that all our forefathers automaticaly goes tothe Pitriloka after leaving the body or they take birth according to their karmain the next life and in that way they don't go neccesarily to the Pitrilokasince that is not their karma? I am confused if they take birth again (forexample as animal, or insect) how can we still call them a forefathers since wecan't offer them a pinda?Please if you can clarify this.