Category:Very Difficult in This Age
Theme Analysis
The current age, Kali-yuga, is characterized by a multitude of anomalies that make the path of self-realization arduous for the common man. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that traditional methods of spiritual advancement—such as the severe austerities of going to the forest, the strict rules of varṇāśrama-dharma, and the rigorous discipline of the eightfold yoga system—are practically impossible to execute perfectly today. The human mind is too agitated, life is too short, and the necessary secluded environments are unavailable. Consequently, paths like haṭha-yoga, jñāna-yoga, and dhyāna-yoga are described as "very difficult." Recognizing these limitations, the scriptures and ācāryas recommend a simpler, yet more potent process: the chanting of the Holy Names (saṅkīrtana), which can be performed by anyone, anywhere, bypassing the insurmountable hurdles of other paths.
- Impossible Standards: The strict rules of varṇāśrama and Vedic rituals are too difficult for the degraded population of this age.
- The Failure of Yoga: The mechanical yoga systems requiring breath control and total celibacy are generally not feasible for modern people.
- Agitated Minds: Concentration (dhyāna) is hindered by the constant disturbances and anxieties inherent in this era.
- The Singular Solution: In contrast to the difficulty of other methods, Kṛṣṇa consciousness is the special boon of the age, offering liberation through the simple chanting of Hare Kṛṣṇa.
- Explore the synthesized essence of this category in this Vanipedia article: The Difficulty of Self-Realization in the Age of Kali.
Pages in category "Very Difficult in This Age"
The following 27 pages are in this category, out of 27 total.
C
- Caitanya Mahaprabhu replied that it is very difficult in this age to execute the rules and regulations of varnasrama-dharma
- Considering this, one can see that spiritual emancipation for the common man in this age is very difficult. The reason the sages presented this matter to Sri Suta Gosvami is explained in the following verses
H
- Hatha yoga received in the Bhagavad-gita is very difficult in this age. Yoga system is approved, but nobody can follow the rules and regulations strictly, neither there is suitable place for executing it
- Hatha-yoga practice, dhyana-yoga practice, karma-yoga practice, jnana-yoga practice - these are very difficult in this age. But if you take to bhakti-yoga practice . . . it is recommended, sravanam kirtanam
I
- In this age it is very difficult to leave home and go to the forest or the Himalayas to adopt the processes of austerity. Indeed, it is almost impossible
- In this age of Kali it is very difficult to adopt the yogic process mentioned in this verse (SB 4.23.17). Unless one is very expert in such yoga, the best course is to adopt the ways and means of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, sri-krsna-sankirtanam
- In this age of Kali, practically everyone is a sudra (kalau sudra-sambhavah), and finding anyone who is a brahmana, ksatriya or vaisya is very difficult
- In this age, to develop these godly qualities is very difficult. But if you take to Krsna consciousness by the simple method, by chanting Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare, then automatically you develop all the godly qualities
- In this chapter (of BG 5) the Lord explains that the process of the eightfold yoga system is a means to control the mind and the senses. However, this is very difficult for people in general to perform, especially in the age of Kali. BG 1972 purports
- It is (Hatha-yoga) very difficult in this age. Then you have to restrain yourself in so many things. Complete free from sex life. You have to eat under certain direction, you have to . . . so many things there are
O
- One may sincerely accept the path of self-realization, but the process of cultivation of knowledge and the practice of the eightfold yoga system are generally very difficult for this age. BG 1972 purports
- Only one who is especially qualified can be allowed to marry more than one husband. In this age of Kali, to find such an equipoised woman is very difficult
S
- Sit down in a secluded place, in what is called yoga-asana, straight body and not sleeping, half-open eyes and looking over the tip of the nose. So many methods. That is called meditation. But this kind of meditation is very, very difficult in this age
- Spiritual emancipation for the common man in this age is very difficult
T
- The process of cultivation of knowledge & the practice of the 8 fold yoga system are generally very difficult for this age. Therefore, despite constant endeavor, one may fail for many reasons. First of all, one may not be following the process. BG 1972 p
- There are eight types of different regulation to stop sex life. But these things are very difficult in this age. Therefore we have simply summarized that don't have sex life beyond the married life. That is not good
- There is very nice process in the Kali-yuga. In the midst of so many difficulties of this age, there is one boon, and that boon is one can become liberated from this material entanglement altogether simply by chanting this Hare Krsna
- They are interested only with the bodily concept of life. Mandah sumanda-matayo manda-bhagya hy upadrutah. And always disturbed by so many anxieties. How he can ascend to the platform of transcendental realization? It is very difficult in this age
- This age called Kali, it is not very good time. Simply disagreement, fighting, quarreling, misunderstanding. This age is full of that, all these happenings. Therefore to come to the spiritual platform is very difficult in this age
- This concentration of mind is very difficult in this age, because mind is so agitated. Therefore force them to hear Hare Krsna. Even they have no mind to hear, you chant loudly Hare Krsna, they will hear. Their mind will be dragged. It is so nice thing