The Matchless Gift by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada-Book Review

"Krsna Consciousness: The Matchless Gift" is a book that explores the spiritual practice of Krishna consciousness, also known as bhakti-yoga. The book was written by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder-acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), and was first published in 1974. The book offers a comprehensive understanding of the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and the practice of Krsna consciousness.

The book introduces Krishna consciousness, which is the state of being fully aware of one's relationship with Krishna, the Supreme Personality of the Godhead. The author explains that this consciousness is the natural state of every living being and can be attained through bhakti-yoga, which involves devotional service to Krishna.

The most effective technique to calm the mind and awaken spiritual consciousness is to chant the Hare Krishna mantra, which is also one of the core practices of Krishna consciousness. The author gives guidelines on how to repeat the mantra correctly, as well as an explanation of the meaning of the mantra.

Another vital aspect of Krishna's consciousness is understanding God's nature. According to the author, God is a personal being who is the origin of all existence and who is characterized by qualities such as love, compassion, and wisdom. The book explains how the material world manifests God's energy and how the ultimate goal of spiritual life is to develop a loving relationship with God.

Throughout the book, the author provides numerous examples and anecdotes to illustrate the principles and practices of Krishna's consciousness. He also includes quotes from the Bhagavad Gita and other Vedic scriptures to support his teachings.

One of the crucial aspects of the book is the author's deep insight into the human psyche and the nature of the material world. He explains that the material world is characterized by suffering and frustration because we tend to identify with our bodies and material possessions. The author offers a way out of this cycle of suffering through the practice of Krishna consciousness, which involves detaining from the material world and cultivating a loving relationship with God.

The author also offers practical advice on incorporating the principles of Krishna consciousness into our daily lives. He explains that the practice of Krishna consciousness is not limited to a particular time or place but can be integrated into all aspects of our lives. For example, he suggests we offer our food to Krishna before eating it or chant the Hare Krishna mantra while performing our daily activities.

Overall, Krishna Consciousness: The Matchless Gift is a comprehensive guide to the philosophy and practices of Krishna consciousness. The book's writing style makes it acceptable for newcomers and people with more bhakti-yoga expertise. The author's deep understanding of the subject matter and ability to communicate complex concepts simply and practically make this book a valuable resource for anyone interested in spiritual life.

In conclusion, Krishna Consciousness: The Matchless Gift is an excellent introduction to the philosophy and practices of Krishna consciousness. The author's insights into the nature of the material world and the human psyche, combined with his practical advice on incorporating the principles of Krishna consciousness into our daily lives, make this book a valuable resource for anyone seeking spiritual growth and personal transformation.