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xxiv                        How I AcHIeved ReAl SucceSS

          space to read the scriptures, the peace of mind to contemplate
          what they have read, the time to enhance their devotional
          practice, and the fulfillment of sharing their realizations with
          their family and friends.

          At this stage, I would like to emphasize that because our
          presentation is focused on women, it should not be taken
          to mean that men are off the hook! Obviously, since we are
          functioning in a society, the roles of men and women are
          interconnected. The onus of bringing about a positive moral
          and cultural change sits squarely on the shoulders of both the
          genders. In the analysis which follows, the complementary
          role that men need to play to facilitate women in their duties
          will also be discussed. However, the topic of men’s duties is
          a large one in itself and to delve deeply into it is beyond the
          scope of this book.
          Throughout the book I present the Vedic view, giving references
          from Vedic scriptures, particularly the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.  Of
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          all the Vedic literatures, the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is considered
          to be the most authoritative, because its eighteen thousand
          verses, written by the compiler of the Vedas, Vyāsadeva,
          serve as his commentary on the Vedānta-sūtra, the essence
          of all theistic knowledge. I also refer to Śrīla Prabhupāda’s
          commentaries  and his remarks in conversations and letters,
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          1. Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, English translation and commentary by
          His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda (Los
          Angeles: The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, 1972).
          2. Such references will be footnoted as ‘purport by Śrīla
          Prabhupāda’ preceded by the verse he has commented on.
          3. To read the full transcript of the lectures, conversations and
          letters please visit www.vanipedia.org
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