1. Personal ExcellencePersonal Excellence
Zagreb, March 2008Zagreb, March 2008

3. Story: EagleStory: Eagle (guest)(guest)

4. Excellence inExcellence in
sadhanasadhana

5. THE BASIS OF EXCELLENCETHE BASIS OF EXCELLENCE
• Chanting minimum 16 rounds of the HareChanting minimum 16 rounds of the Hare
Krsna Maha MantraKrsna Maha Mantra
• Following the 4 regulative principles (noFollowing the 4 regulative principles (no
meat eating, no intoxications, nomeat eating, no intoxications, no
gambling, no illicit sex)gambling, no illicit sex)

6. RESIDENTIAL SADHANA - morningRESIDENTIAL SADHANA - morning
• Getting up early (4 a.m.)Getting up early (4 a.m.)
• Taking showerTaking shower
• Attending Mangala arotikAttending Mangala arotik
• Chanting japa (preferably 16 rounds inChanting japa (preferably 16 rounds in
one go)one go)
• Darshan, Guru Puja, Jay Radha MadhavaDarshan, Guru Puja, Jay Radha Madhava
• ClassClass
• BreakfastBreakfast
• ServiceService

7. RESIDENTIAL SADHANA - eveningRESIDENTIAL SADHANA - evening
• Gaura aratiGaura arati
• Preaching programs or readingPreaching programs or reading

8. CONGREGATIONAL SADHANA -CONGREGATIONAL SADHANA -
morningmorning
• Getting up (between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m.)Getting up (between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m.)
• ShowerShower
• Chanting all the morning program mantrasChanting all the morning program mantras
in one goin one go
• Chanting japa (preferably 16 rounds inChanting japa (preferably 16 rounds in
one go)one go)
• Reading or listening to classReading or listening to class
• BreakfastBreakfast
• Going to workGoing to work

9. CONGREGATIONAL SADHANA -CONGREGATIONAL SADHANA -
eveningevening
• Gaura arati or readingGaura arati or reading
• Attending a nama hatta program or sangaAttending a nama hatta program or sanga

10. FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OFFURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF
EXCELLENCE IN SADHANAEXCELLENCE IN SADHANA
Studying and applying ch. 8 (Offenses toStudying and applying ch. 8 (Offenses to
Be Avoided) and ch. 9 (FurtherBe Avoided) and ch. 9 (Further
Considerations of Devotional Principles)Considerations of Devotional Principles)
from the Nectar of Devotionfrom the Nectar of Devotion

11. SRILA BHAKTIVINODA’S DAILYSRILA BHAKTIVINODA’S DAILY
SCHEDULESCHEDULE
08:00-10:0008:00-10:00 P.M. Rest (two hours)P.M. Rest (two hours)
10:00-04:00 A.M. Write10:00-04:00 A.M. Write
04.00-04:3004.00-04:30 A.M. RestA.M. Rest
04:30-07:00 A.M. Chant Japa04:30-07:00 A.M. Chant Japa
07:00-07:30 A.M. Correspondence07:00-07:30 A.M. Correspondence
07:30-09:3007:30-09:30 A.M. Study sastrasA.M. Study sastras
09:30-10:00 A.M. Bath, prasadam09:30-10:00 A.M. Bath, prasadam (half-(half-
liter milk, fruit, 2liter milk, fruit, 2
chapatis)chapatis)
10:00-01:00 P.M. Court Duties10:00-01:00 P.M. Court Duties
01:00-02:00 P.M. Refresh at home01:00-02:00 P.M. Refresh at home
02:00-05:00 P.M. Court Duties02:00-05:00 P.M. Court Duties

12. Excellence inExcellence in
relationshipsrelationships

14. SHARING LOVE BETWEENSHARING LOVE BETWEEN
DEVOTEESDEVOTEES
• Offering gifts in charityOffering gifts in charity
• Accepting charitable giftsAccepting charitable gifts
• Revealing one’s mind in confidenceRevealing one’s mind in confidence
• Inquiring confidentiallyInquiring confidentially
• Accepting prasadamAccepting prasadam
• Offering prasadamOffering prasadam
Srila Rupa Goswami, Upadesamrita 4Srila Rupa Goswami, Upadesamrita 4

15. RESPECTING THE DEVOTEESRESPECTING THE DEVOTEES
• One should mentally honor the devotee whoOne should mentally honor the devotee who
chants the holy name of Lord Krsnachants the holy name of Lord Krsna
• One should offer humble obeisances to theOne should offer humble obeisances to the
devotee who has undergone spiritual initiationdevotee who has undergone spiritual initiation
(diksha) and is engaged in worshiping the Deity(diksha) and is engaged in worshiping the Deity
• One should associate with and faithfully serveOne should associate with and faithfully serve
that pure devotee who is advanced in undeviatedthat pure devotee who is advanced in undeviated
devotional service and whose heart is completelydevotional service and whose heart is completely
devoid of the propensity to criticize othersdevoid of the propensity to criticize others
Srila Rupa Goswami, Upadesamrita 5Srila Rupa Goswami, Upadesamrita 5

16. PERSONAL ATTITUDE TOWARDPERSONAL ATTITUDE TOWARD
OTHERSOTHERS
Every man should act like this:Every man should act like this:
• When he meets a person more quallified thanWhen he meets a person more quallified than
himself, he should be very pleasedhimself, he should be very pleased
• When he meets someone less quallified thanWhen he meets someone less quallified than
himself, he should be compassionate toward himhimself, he should be compassionate toward him
• When he meets someone equal to himself, heWhen he meets someone equal to himself, he
should make friendship with himshould make friendship with him
In this way one is never affected by the threefoldIn this way one is never affected by the threefold
miseries of this material worldmiseries of this material world
SB 4.8.34 (Narada’s Instruction to DhruvaSB 4.8.34 (Narada’s Instruction to Dhruva
Maharaja)Maharaja)

17. BASIS FOR MATUREBASIS FOR MATURE
RELATIONSHIPSRELATIONSHIPS
One who works in devotion, who is a pure soul,One who works in devotion, who is a pure soul,
and who controls his mind and senses is dear toand who controls his mind and senses is dear to
everyone, and everyone is dear to him. Thougheveryone, and everyone is dear to him. Though
always working, such a man is never entangled.always working, such a man is never entangled.
BG 5.7BG 5.7

18. BASIS FOR MATUREBASIS FOR MATURE
RELATIONSHIPSRELATIONSHIPS
Great devotees seeGreat devotees see
Krsna as the reservoir ofKrsna as the reservoir of
all relationships. In theall relationships. In the
scriptures there arescriptures there are
twelve basic kinds oftwelve basic kinds of
relationships mentioned,relationships mentioned,
and all of them areand all of them are
present in Krsna. It ispresent in Krsna. It is
said that He is the oceansaid that He is the ocean
of all the relationshipsof all the relationships
exchanged between twoexchanged between two
living entities, betweenliving entities, between
the gods, or betweenthe gods, or between
the Supreme Lord andthe Supreme Lord and
His devotees.His devotees.
BG 11.14 PurportBG 11.14 Purport

19. BASIS FOR MATUREBASIS FOR MATURE
RELATIONSHIPSRELATIONSHIPS
BhBhisismadeva advised for all human beings ninemadeva advised for all human beings nine
qualifications:qualifications:
(1) not to become angry, (2) not to lie, (3) to(1) not to become angry, (2) not to lie, (3) to
equally distribute wealth, (4) to forgive, (5) toequally distribute wealth, (4) to forgive, (5) to
beget children only by one’s legitimate wife, (6)beget children only by one’s legitimate wife, (6)
to be pure in mind and hygienic in body, (7) notto be pure in mind and hygienic in body, (7) not
to be inimical toward anyone, (8) to be simple,to be inimical toward anyone, (8) to be simple,
and (9) to support servants or subordinates.and (9) to support servants or subordinates.
SB 1.9.26 PurportSB 1.9.26 Purport

20. QUALITIES OF A DEVOTEEQUALITIES OF A DEVOTEE
• He iHe is always kind to everyone, and he does nots always kind to everyone, and he does not
pick quarrels.pick quarrels.
• He is equal to everyone, and no one can find faultHe is equal to everyone, and no one can find fault
in him.in him.
• His magnanimous mind is always fresh and cleanHis magnanimous mind is always fresh and clean
and devoid of material obsessions.and devoid of material obsessions.
• He is a benefactor to all living entities and isHe is a benefactor to all living entities and is
peaceful and always surrendered to Kpeaceful and always surrendered to Krsnrsna.a.
• He has no material desires.He has no material desires.

21. QUALITIES OF A DEVOTEEQUALITIES OF A DEVOTEE
• He is very humble and is fixed in his purpose.He is very humble and is fixed in his purpose.
• He is victorious over the six material qualitiesHe is victorious over the six material qualities
such as lust and angersuch as lust and anger
• He is always sane and is respectful to others, butHe is always sane and is respectful to others, but
he does not require respect for himself.he does not require respect for himself.
• He is grave, merciful, friendly, poetic, expert andHe is grave, merciful, friendly, poetic, expert and
silent.silent.
TLC 12: The devoteeTLC 12: The devotee

22. Excellence inExcellence in
devotionaldevotional
serviceservice

23. GLORIES OF DEVOTIONALGLORIES OF DEVOTIONAL
SERVICESERVICE
Perfection in self-realization cannot be attained by any kindPerfection in self-realization cannot be attained by any kind
of yogof yogii unless he engages in devotional service to theunless he engages in devotional service to the
Supreme Personality of Godhead, for that is the onlySupreme Personality of Godhead, for that is the only
auspicious path.auspicious path.
SB 3.25.19SB 3.25.19

24. 9 METHODS OF DEVOTIONAL9 METHODS OF DEVOTIONAL
SERVICESERVICE
• Hearing and chanting about the transcendental holyHearing and chanting about the transcendental holy
name, form, qualities, paraphernalia and pastimes ofname, form, qualities, paraphernalia and pastimes of
Lord VLord Visnuisnu
• rememberingremembering themthem
• serving the lotus feet of the Lordserving the lotus feet of the Lord
• offering the Lord respectful worship with sixteen typesoffering the Lord respectful worship with sixteen types
of paraphernaliaof paraphernalia
• offering prayers to the Lordoffering prayers to the Lord
• becoming His servantbecoming His servant
• considering the Lord one’s best friendconsidering the Lord one’s best friend
• surrendering everything unto Him (in other words,surrendering everything unto Him (in other words,
serving Him with the body, mind and words)serving Him with the body, mind and words)
SB 7.5.23-24SB 7.5.23-24

25. 9 METHODS OF DEVOTIONAL9 METHODS OF DEVOTIONAL
SERVICESERVICE
““Among the ways of executing devotional service, theAmong the ways of executing devotional service, the
nine prescribed methods are the best, for thesenine prescribed methods are the best, for these
processes have great potency to deliver Kprocesses have great potency to deliver Krsnrsna anda and
ecstatic love for Him.ecstatic love for Him.””
CC Antya 4.70CC Antya 4.70

26. One may be able to perform one item or many items,One may be able to perform one item or many items,
according to one’s capacity,according to one’s capacity, but it is the principalbut it is the principal
factor of complete attachment to devotionalfactor of complete attachment to devotional
service that makes one advance on the pathservice that makes one advance on the path..
There are many devotees in history who have attainedThere are many devotees in history who have attained
perfection in devotional service simply by dischargingperfection in devotional service simply by discharging
the duties of one item, and there are many otherthe duties of one item, and there are many other
devotees, like Mahdevotees, like Mahaarraaja Ambarja Ambarisisa, who executed alla, who executed all
the items.the items.
TLC 12: The devoteeTLC 12: The devotee
9 METHODS OF DEVOTIONAL9 METHODS OF DEVOTIONAL
SERVICESERVICE

27. Some individual devotees who attained perfection inSome individual devotees who attained perfection in
devotional service by executing only one item are:devotional service by executing only one item are:
• MahMahaarraaja Parja Pariikkssit, who was liberated and fullyit, who was liberated and fully
perfected simply by hearing;perfected simply by hearing;
• SSukadeva Gosvukadeva Gosvaammii, who became liberated and, who became liberated and
attained perfection in devotional service simply byattained perfection in devotional service simply by
chanting;chanting;
• PrahlPrahlaada Mahda Mahaarraaja, who attained perfection byja, who attained perfection by
remembering;remembering;
• LakLakssmmii, who attained perfection by serving the lotus, who attained perfection by serving the lotus
feet of the Lord;feet of the Lord;
9 METHODS OF DEVOTIONAL9 METHODS OF DEVOTIONAL
SERVICESERVICE

28. • King PKing Pririthu, who attained perfection simply bythu, who attained perfection simply by
worshiping;worshiping;
• AkrAkruura, who attained perfection simply by praying;ra, who attained perfection simply by praying;
• HanumHanumaan, who attained perfection simply byn, who attained perfection simply by
becoming the servant of Lord Rbecoming the servant of Lord Raama;ma;
• Arjuna, who attained perfection simply by being aArjuna, who attained perfection simply by being a
friend of Kfriend of Krsnarsna’s;’s;
• Bali MahBali Mahaarraaja who attained perfection simply byja who attained perfection simply by
offering whatever he had in his possession.offering whatever he had in his possession.
TLC 12: The devoteeTLC 12: The devotee
9 METHODS OF DEVOTIONAL9 METHODS OF DEVOTIONAL
SERVICESERVICE

29. EXAMPLE OF EXCELLENCE INEXAMPLE OF EXCELLENCE IN
DEVOTIONAL SERVICEDEVOTIONAL SERVICE
Govinda massaged the Lord’s legs as usual. HeGovinda massaged the Lord’s legs as usual. He
pressed the Lord’s waist and back very softly,pressed the Lord’s waist and back very softly,
and thus all the Lord’s fatigue went away. Asand thus all the Lord’s fatigue went away. As
Govinda stroked His body, the Lord slept veryGovinda stroked His body, the Lord slept very
nicely for about forty-five minutes, and then Hisnicely for about forty-five minutes, and then His
sleep broke.sleep broke.
CC Antya 10.82-100CC Antya 10.82-100

30. EXAMPLE OF EXCELLENCE INEXAMPLE OF EXCELLENCE IN
DEVOTIONAL SERVICEDEVOTIONAL SERVICE
When Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu saw GovindaWhen Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu saw Govinda
sitting by His side, He was somewhat angry.sitting by His side, He was somewhat angry.
“Why have you been sitting here for so long“Why have you been sitting here for so long
today?” the Lord asked. “Why didn’t you go totoday?” the Lord asked. “Why didn’t you go to
take your meal after I fell asleep?”take your meal after I fell asleep?”
CC Antya 10.82-100CC Antya 10.82-100

31. EXAMPLE OF EXCELLENCE INEXAMPLE OF EXCELLENCE IN
DEVOTIONAL SERVICEDEVOTIONAL SERVICE
Govinda mentally replied, “My duty is to serve,Govinda mentally replied, “My duty is to serve,
even if I have to commit offenses or go to hell. Ieven if I have to commit offenses or go to hell. I
would not mind committing hundreds andwould not mind committing hundreds and
thousands of offenses for the service of the Lord,thousands of offenses for the service of the Lord,
but I greatly fear committing even a glimpse ofbut I greatly fear committing even a glimpse of
an offense for my own self.”an offense for my own self.”
CC Antya 10.82-100CC Antya 10.82-100

32. SERVICE EXCELLENCESERVICE EXCELLENCE
• To preach / approach dealings withTo preach / approach dealings with
devotees, clients, friends and othersdevotees, clients, friends and others
with a deep desire to really help andwith a deep desire to really help and
solve their problemssolve their problems
• Successful devotees have anSuccessful devotees have an
external focus of how they can serveexternal focus of how they can serve
and not an internal focus of whatand not an internal focus of what
they can get.they can get.

33. SERVICE EXCELLENCESERVICE EXCELLENCE
• Customer: A person who purchases aCustomer: A person who purchases a
commodity or servicecommodity or service
• Client: A person who is under theClient: A person who is under the
protection of anotherprotection of another

34. SERVICE EXCELLENCESERVICE EXCELLENCE
• Become a trusted friend or advisorBecome a trusted friend or advisor
• Talk in the way which shows your care andTalk in the way which shows your care and
concernconcern
• Focus on giving value and advice insteadFocus on giving value and advice instead
of manipulatingof manipulating
• Don’t fall in love with your ideas or effort –Don’t fall in love with your ideas or effort –
fall in love with the people you serve; takefall in love with the people you serve; take
responsibility for their well-beingresponsibility for their well-being

35. THINK BIGTHINK BIG
 Everything is possible by the grace ofEverything is possible by the grace of
the Lord.the Lord. SB 3.31.18 PSB 3.31.18 P
 By the blessings of a Vaisnava,By the blessings of a Vaisnava,
everything is possible.everything is possible. SB 5.1.10 PSB 5.1.10 P
 By Krsna's supreme will, everythingBy Krsna's supreme will, everything
is possible.is possible. Krsna Book 50Krsna Book 50
 For advanced devotee, everything isFor advanced devotee, everything is
possible.possible. Lecture 1975Lecture 1975

36. Excellence inExcellence in
leadershipleadership

37. Story: Butterfly (undevelopedStory: Butterfly (undeveloped
muscles)muscles)

38. The wordsThe words nynyaasino ’tyartha-lolupsino ’tyartha-lolupahah indicate thatindicate that
charismatic religious leaders, and even those whocharismatic religious leaders, and even those who
are not charismatic, will proclaim themselvesare not charismatic, will proclaim themselves
prophets, saints and incarnations to cheat theprophets, saints and incarnations to cheat the
innocent public and fatten their bank accounts.innocent public and fatten their bank accounts.
Therefore the International Society for KrishnaTherefore the International Society for Krishna
Consciousness is working arduously to establishConsciousness is working arduously to establish
bona fide celibate student life, religiousbona fide celibate student life, religious
householder life, dignified and progressivehouseholder life, dignified and progressive
retirement, and genuine spiritual leadership forretirement, and genuine spiritual leadership for
the entire world.the entire world.
SB 12.3.33 PurportSB 12.3.33 Purport

39. Story: MangoStory: Mango (guest)(guest)

40. Excellence in self-Excellence in self-
carecare

41. BASIS OF PERSONAL WELL-BEINGBASIS OF PERSONAL WELL-BEING
• BodyBody
• Mind (thinking, feeling, willing)Mind (thinking, feeling, willing)
• IntelligenceIntelligence
• SoulSoul

42. BODY – SADHANA SARIRABODY – SADHANA SARIRA
• Our body is “sadhana sarira” or vehicle for performingOur body is “sadhana sarira” or vehicle for performing
devotional servicedevotional service
• ““Your body is My principal instrument for executingYour body is My principal instrument for executing
many necessary functions. By your body I shall carrymany necessary functions. By your body I shall carry
out many tasks.out many tasks.””
CC Antya 4.78CC Antya 4.78
• An expert horseman, desiring to tame a headstrongAn expert horseman, desiring to tame a headstrong
horse, first lets the horse have his way for a momenthorse, first lets the horse have his way for a moment
and then, pulling the reins, gradually places the horseand then, pulling the reins, gradually places the horse
on the desired path. Similarly, the supreme yogaon the desired path. Similarly, the supreme yoga
process is that by which one carefully observes theprocess is that by which one carefully observes the
movements and desires of the mind and graduallymovements and desires of the mind and gradually
brings them under full controbrings them under full control”l”
SB 11.20.21SB 11.20.21

43. PHYSICAL WELL-BEINGPHYSICAL WELL-BEING
A weak body means a weak mind – accept everythingA weak body means a weak mind – accept everything
that is favorable for your service likethat is favorable for your service like
• Healthy dietHealthy diet
• Regular sleepRegular sleep
• Exercise (e.g. 20-30 minutes of walking, swimming,Exercise (e.g. 20-30 minutes of walking, swimming,
etc most of the days)etc most of the days)
Learn to relax – e.g. Use pranayama or other breathingLearn to relax – e.g. Use pranayama or other breathing
techniques, meditation, yoga exercises, massages,techniques, meditation, yoga exercises, massages,
etc.etc.

44. EMOTIONAL WELL-BEINGEMOTIONAL WELL-BEING
• Be positive – don’t put yourself down, challengeBe positive – don’t put yourself down, challenge
negative thoughts that pop into your mind (I’m nonegative thoughts that pop into your mind (I’m no
good, I can’t do this) with positive ones, remindgood, I can’t do this) with positive ones, remind
yourself of past success.yourself of past success.
• Practice gratitude everyday (beginning from smallPractice gratitude everyday (beginning from small
things)things)
• Don’t identify with the 6 enemies (lust, greed, illusion,Don’t identify with the 6 enemies (lust, greed, illusion,
envy, anger and pride)envy, anger and pride)

45. EMOTIONAL WELL-BEINGEMOTIONAL WELL-BEING
• Accept the given situation as it is - Your externalAccept the given situation as it is - Your external
situation is as it is. You have to say "yes" to whatsituation is as it is. You have to say "yes" to what
Krsna has given you. You have to also say "yes" to theKrsna has given you. You have to also say "yes" to the
weakness which you feel. And then you have to goweakness which you feel. And then you have to go
forward. Forward in a gratitude which comes fromforward. Forward in a gratitude which comes from
acceptance.acceptance.
• Have fun – schedule some ‘time out’ for yourself,Have fun – schedule some ‘time out’ for yourself,
pursue your hobbies or interests, spend time withpursue your hobbies or interests, spend time with
friends – focussing too intensely on something canfriends – focussing too intensely on something can
lead to ‘burnout’lead to ‘burnout’.

46. SOCIAL WELL BEINGSOCIAL WELL BEING
• Cultivate devotee friendships - invest time inCultivate devotee friendships - invest time in
those relationships you care about the most. Takethose relationships you care about the most. Take
time for confidential talks. Share gifts. Avoidtime for confidential talks. Share gifts. Avoid
criticismcriticism
• Monitor your stress – recognise your own signs ofMonitor your stress – recognise your own signs of
stress and identify situations you find difficult, sostress and identify situations you find difficult, so
you can be more pro-active about managingyou can be more pro-active about managing
stress at these times.stress at these times.

47. SOCIAL WELL BEINGSOCIAL WELL BEING
• Set goals and priorities – be realistic, focus onSet goals and priorities – be realistic, focus on
how you want to contribute rather thanhow you want to contribute rather than
comparison with others, accept thatcomparison with others, accept that
circumstances are outside your control.circumstances are outside your control.
• Manage your time – avoid procrastination, planManage your time – avoid procrastination, plan
ahead, make a schedule and follow it, evaluateahead, make a schedule and follow it, evaluate
how you are spending your time.how you are spending your time.

48. YUKTA VAIRAGYAYUKTA VAIRAGYA
anasaktasya visayan yatharham upayunjatahanasaktasya visayan yatharham upayunjatah
nirbandhah krsna-sambandhe yuktam vairagyam ucyatenirbandhah krsna-sambandhe yuktam vairagyam ucyate
prapancikataya buddhya hari-sambandhi-vastunahprapancikataya buddhya hari-sambandhi-vastunah
mumuksubhih parityago vairagyam phalgu kathyatemumuksubhih parityago vairagyam phalgu kathyate
““When one is not attached to anything but at theWhen one is not attached to anything but at the
same time accepts everything in relation to Ksame time accepts everything in relation to Krsnrsna,a,
one is rightly situated above possessiveness. Onone is rightly situated above possessiveness. On
the other hand, one who rejects everythingthe other hand, one who rejects everything
without knowledge of its relationship to Kwithout knowledge of its relationship to Krsnrsna isa is
not as complete in his renunciation.”not as complete in his renunciation.”
BRS 1.2.255-256BRS 1.2.255-256

49. Anyone can have this picture in his
home, chant this Hare Krsna mantra,
and thus worship Lord Caitanya. That
is the simple method. But who will
capture this simple method? Those
who have good brains.
Srila Prabhupada November 1969, London's Conway Hall

50. To prosecute Krishna Consciousness there is
no limitation, no material impediment can stop
progress of Krishna Consciousness. That is the
symptom of spiritual life. Spiritual life doesn’t
depend on material conditions.
So it is only the question of understanding theSo it is only the question of understanding the
process how to execute Krishnaprocess how to execute Krishna
Consciousness.Consciousness.
(Srila Prabhupada letter, February 13, 1969)(Srila Prabhupada letter, February 13, 1969)

51. WorkshopWorkshop
“Personal Excellence“Personal Excellence
Plan”Plan”

53. ISKCON Croatia kiISKCON Croatia ki
jaya!jaya!