----- Original Message -----From: FeedBlitzTo:Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2011 8:13 AMSubject: Planet ISKCON - 43 new articles
Here are the latest updates for
"Planet ISKCON" - 43 new articles
- H.G. Sankarshan das Adhikari, USA: Wednesday 30 March 2011--Total Awakening--and--Form or Formlessness in Goloka?
- ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Home Program with Devamrita Swami
- ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Today's Darsana
- ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Initiation Lecture - Devamrita Swami
- Bharatavarsa.net: Bhakti Vikasa Swami: Sannyasi -- licensed beggar
- H.H. Bhakticharu Swami: USA 2011 Retreat–REVISED Dates/Fee
- Bhakti Lata, Alachua, USA: Happy 4th Blogiversary!
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- Nityananda Chandra Das, Dallas TX: TEXAS FAITH 30: Why is there such a lack of religious knowledge?
- Nityananda Chandra Das, Dallas TX: TEXAS FAITH 32: Why does fear sell on the campaign trail?
- Nityananda Chandra Das, Dallas TX: TEXAS FAITH 31: Should Christians (and other non-Hindus) beware of yoga?
- The Loft, Auckland, NZ: Over The Tipping Point
- Kurma dasa, AU: (Salty) Lassi Come Home
- H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami (Ret.): 264—Poem for March 29
- H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami (Ret.): OLD FRIENDS
- Rupa Madhurya das, TX, USA: Bhajan - 24hr Kirtan - Kapil - 11/26
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- Jahnavi, UK: How I lost an arm and got stranded on an island…
- Devadeva Mirel, Alachua, USA: In Style or Grossed Out? Should You Match Finishes in the Bath & Kitchen?
- Jahnavi, UK: Carnatic Music on BBC Radio 3 – World Routes Academy: Hari Sivanesan
- Akrura das, Gita Coaching: RISK
- Akrura das, Gita Coaching: AN INTERVIEW WITH MATSYAVATARA DASA
- Madhava Ghosh dasa, New Vrndavan, USA: Facebook May Cause Depression In Teens
- Dandavats.com: Speech By Her Excellency The President Of India Shrimati Pratibha Devisingh Patil During The Inauguration Of The National Conference On ‘Science And Spiritual Quest’
- Subhavilasa das ACBSP, Toronto, CA: Today is Papamocani Ekadasi
- H.H. Sivarama Swami: Sridhara Prabhu asks about using a pendulum to get Krsna’s guidance
- H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Sunday, March 27th, 2011
- H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Saturday, March 26th, 2011
- H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Friday, March 25th, 2011
- Matsyavatara das (ACBSP), Italy: Marriage and Family (Part 1/2). Lecture by Matsya Avatar dasa (Marco Ferrini), dated May 13th, 2008
- Yoga of Ecology, Bhakta Chris, USA: Some Animals Are More Equal Than Others
- H.H. Jayadvaita Swami: Prabhupada disciples: Deadline approaching for 2011 Open Vyasa-puja book
- Japa Group: Chanting Rhyme
- Gouranga TV: Lecture – Gadadhar Pandit das – SB 10.1.56-59 – Service Attitude
- H.G. Sankarshan das Adhikari, USA: Tuesday 29 March 2011--Back to Home, Back to Vrindavan--and--How to Find Permanent Bliss?
- ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Jayapataka Maharaja's Vyasa Puja Celebration
- ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Daily Class - Devamrita Swami
- More Recent Articles
- Search Planet ISKCON
- Prior Mailing Archive
H.G. Sankarshan das Adhikari, USA: Wednesday 30 March 2011--Total Awakening--and--Form or Formlessness in Goloka?
A daily broadcast of the Ultimate Self Realization Course(TM) Wednesday 30 March 2011 The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna, and His eternal consort, Srimati Radharani are enjoying transcendental pastimes in the topmost planet of the spiritual world, Sri Goloka Vrindavan. They are beckoning us to rejoin them. (Click on photo to see a larger image.) e Our Mission: To help everyone awaken their original Krishna consciousness, which is eternal, full of knowledge and full of bliss. Such a global awakening will, in one stroke, solve all the problems of the world society bringing in a new era of unprecedented peace and prosperity for all. May that day, which the world so desperately needs, come very soon. We request you to participate in this mission by reviving your dormant Krishna consciousness and assisting us in spreading this science all over the world. Dedicated with love to ISKCON Founder-Acharya: His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, our beloved spiritual master, and to you, our dear readers. Today's Thought: Total Awakening Uploaded from Sri Vrindavan Dhama There is no reason for you to remain captured in maya, or the dreamlike illusory energy of material existence sometimes imagining that you are a king and sometimes imagining that you are a pauper, because the supreme source of all existence, the most stupendously astonishing person that you could ever hope to meet is ready to liberate you right now. All you have to do to bring about the total awakening of your original, all-knowing, all-blissful identify is call out to Krishna for deliverance in the mood of a small child crying for its mother. The great acharyas recommend this mantra as the most powerful and effective mantra for invoking the mercy of the Lord in this age: Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare Utter these names regularly with all the feeling you can muster, and the dark night of ignorance and suffering will be dissipated by the rising sun of Krishna as you become more and more absorbed in His loving service. You'll have a great life. And it will never end. Sankarshan Das Adhikari Answers According to the Vedic Version: Question: Form or Formlessness in Goloka? I have question that came up during a discussion with a colleague. We were discussing the fact that the body is temporary, but the soul is eternal. My colleague asked me if the soul is formless, and I said, Yes, it is, because the body it is associated with is temporary. He asked if formlessness is a quality of the soul, and by extension, if the Supreme Soul should also not possess the same property of formlessness? I explained that in our system we worship Krishna who has form and yet is above form at the same time. However, I was unable to provide a more clear answer. Arising out of this, given that the Lord has form, and is above form or formlessness, what about liberated souls who have attained Goloka and the Lord's lotus feet? Do they possess indestructible, blemishless forms as well in that exalted state? Or are they without form? With humble dandavats, Srinivas Answer: Krishna is the Supreme Form The soul is not formless. In fact the body has form because it is a covering for the soul, which has form. Just as a glove has form because it covers the hand, which has form, the body also has form because it covers the soul, which has form. You need to study our books more thoroughly before you start preaching. It not correct to say that Krishna is above form. This makes it sound like formlessness is above form. Krishna is the Supreme Person and the Supreme Form because Krishna and His form are one and the same. There is no difference between the person Krishna and His form. In this connection Srila Prabhupada states in his purport to Srimad Bhagavatam 1.15.35, His body is nondifferent from Him, and therefore He is known as the embodiment of eternity, knowledge and bliss. Every living being throughout all of existence has his svarupa, his eternal spiritual form. In material consciousness, he forgets his eternal form and foolishly misidentifies with so many imperfect material forms one after another in the cycle of birth and death. But once he revives his Krishna consciousness he reactivates his eternal spiritual form and regains his original position in the transcendental pastimes of the Supreme Personality of Godhead in that most wondrous spiritual sky. Sankarshan Das Adhikari Transcendental Resources: Receive the Special Blessings of Krishna Now you too can render the greatest service to the suffering humanity and attract the all-auspicious blessings of Lord Sri Krishna upon yourself and your family by assisting our mission. Lectures and Kirtans in Audio and Video: Link to High Definition Videos Link to Over 1,000 Lecture Audios Lecture-Travel Schedule for 2011 http://www.ultimateselfrealization.com/schedule Have Questions or Need Further Guidance? Check out the resources at:http://www.ultimateselfrealization.com or write Sankarshan Das Adhikari at: sda@backtohome.com Get your copy today of the world's greatest self-realization guide book, Bhagavad-gita As It Is available at: http://www.ultimateselfrealization.com/store Know someone who could benefit from this? Forward it to them. Searchable archives of all of course material: http://www.sda-archives.com Receive Thought for the Day as an RSS feed:http://www.backtohome.com/rss.htm Unsubscribe or change your email address Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Daily_Thought http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=714185709 Copyright 2005-2011 by Ultimate Self Realization.Com Distribution of this material is encouraged. Simply we request you to acknowledge where it is coming from with a link to our sign up page: http://www.backtohome.com Our records indicate that at requested to be enrolled to receive e-mails from the Ultimate Self Realization Course at: This request was made on: From the following IP address:
• Email to a friend ••
ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Home Program with Devamrita Swami
Devamrita Maharaja will be holding a talk tomorrow, Thursday 31 March at 7pm.
The address is as follows:
26 Loon Drive,
Williams Landing (Truganina)
Melway Ref 203 F9.
• Email to a friend •
ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Today's Darsana
The altar delivers a sumptuous feast for the eyes today with the Deities' jewelry and garlands perfectly colour-coordinated with Their bright red and bold white outfit.
That is real yoga: to plunge one's senses into the transcendental delight of Their Lordships' most astounding darsana.
Srila Prabhupada confirms how "...the ideal yogi concentrates his attention on Krsna, who is called Syamasundara, who is beautifully coloured as a cloud, whose lotus-like face is a effulgent as the sun, whose dress is brilliant with jewels and whose body is flower-garlanded..."
(B.Gita 6.47 Purport)
• Email to a friend •
ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Initiation Lecture - Devamrita Swami
Chanting should be done in a mood of longing to hear the Holy Name & longing to avoid the offenses. Major part of our austerity in this day & age is to follow the 4 regulative principles (tapo divyam putraka yena sattvam...)
• Email to a friend •
Bharatavarsa.net: Bhakti Vikasa Swami: Sannyasi -- licensed beggar
Your idea of obtaining a vehicle for traveling around to many such engagements is nice. As sannyasi, you can ask somebody to give a nice truck for this cause. But you must have one brahmachary as your assistant. So if you make a traveling program, it will be very, very nice. A sannyasi requires to travel as much as possible. So Krishna is giving you now the chance. You should carry out this opportunity very carefully and with good sense also. Regarding collecting money, a sannyasi's name is vikshu, or licensed beggar. Not only sannyasi, but a brahmachary also is required to collect for his Spiritual Master. The Spiritual Master spends for missionary activities.
>>> Ref. VedaBase => Letter to: Kirtanananda, 22 September, 1969
• Email to a friend •
H.H. Bhakticharu Swami: USA 2011 Retreat–REVISED Dates/Fee
After consulting with Guru Maharaj and the retreat planning committee, the 2011 USA Retreat dates and fee have been revised as under. It is our hope that the revised dates will allow more devotees to avail of Guru Maharaj’s association in Vraj, PA. Start: June 23 (Thu) evening 6:00 pm (Welcome address by Guru Maharaj [...]
• Email to a friend •
Bhakti Lata, Alachua, USA: Happy 4th Blogiversary!
Exactly four years ago I coined the name "Seed of Devotion" (which is derived from the name given to me at birth, Bhakti lata bij) and I opened up blog shop on March 28th, 2007.
I had no idea where my blog would take me - all I knew was that I needed to share my inspirations. I felt that purity and good writing was the force, and if people wanted to read my blog, they would come. For over a year, my subscriber base hovered at around 15.
Then one day after I had reported live from the KuliMela Festival in Belgium, I checked my subscriber count and froze in shock. Overnight, subscribers had nearly doubled, and in the following weeks they tripled. To my amazement, that number began to grow and grow over the following months and years. People from all over the world whom I have never even met have contacted me to express their appreciation for this service.
With so many readers, I began to deeply reevaluate the purpose and mission of Seed of Devotion.
I have concluded:
* Seed of Devotion is not a platform to air out my opinions, and it is not a news agency.
* This is not a place where I declare heavy grievances or make political statements.
* Seed of Devotion is a service.
* This blog strives to share only experiences and realizations upon my spiritual path to the Lord.
* Seed of Devotion is an expression of my heart.
This is who I am. Thank you for sharing the journey with me.
"Whenever you find time, you write. Never mind, two lines, four lines, but you write your realization."
- Srila Prabhupada
Los Angeles, August 14th, 1972Subscribe
• Email to a friend •
Srila Prabhupada's Letters
1968 March 29: "Practice together and Krishna may send some friends. Morning and evening, sit together in the front of Krishna's picture, chant Hare Krishna and read Srimad Bhagavatam. We have to create the atmosphere of Krishna Consciousness and thus create devotees also."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1968• Email to a friend •
Srila Prabhupada's Letters
1968 March 29: "You say you are a fool, and I shall be glad to get a number of fools like you. I want such transcendental fools and not so many material intellectuals. Keep yourself always in that very humble mentality and Krishna will be very pleased upon you."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1968• Email to a friend •
Srila Prabhupada's Letters
1970 March 29: "The path of Krishna Consciousness is compared with a sharp shaving razor; the slightest inattention causes a bloody cheek. So remember this and manipulate the blade of Krishna Consciousness with great care. A little inattention may cause great fall down."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1970• Email to a friend •
Nityananda Chandra Das, Dallas TX: TEXAS FAITH 30: Why is there such a lack of religious knowledge?
Dallas Morning News,Each week we will post a question to a panel of about two dozen clergy, laity and theologians, all of whom are based in Texas or are from Texas. They will chime in with their responses to the question of the week. And you, readers, will be able to respond to their answers through the comment box.A recent survey by the Pew Forum for Religion & Public Life offered up some counter-intuitive findings. Among them, agnostics and atheists scored the highest of all respondents to the survey of religious knowledge. Not far behind were Jews and Mormons, so it wasn't that no faith tradition scored well on the 32-question quiz. But the findings did show that Protestants and Catholics particularly lacked a good understanding of religion in general. Mainline Protestants, for example, averaged correct answers only about half the time. The same was true for white Catholics
No one who teaches theology, leads a house of worship, or takes their faith seriously can like the numbers in that poll, even if your own tradition did okay. In general, the report shows a lack of religious knowledge among quite a few people of faith.
So, here's this week's question:
Although there are some exceptions, a wide of range of people of faith apparently don't possess a deep knowledge about religion in general. Why is this?
Read on for the answers from a wide range of our panel.
NITYANANDA CHANDRA DAS, minister of ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness), Dallas
Krishna describes in the Bhagavad Gita in Chapter 7 verse 16 that there four types of people who approach God. Those who are in distress, those who seek economic gain, those who are interested in expanding their knowledge, and those who are searching after the truth. Krishna also states that is quite rare for someone to sincerely seek God. "Out of many thousands among men, one may endeavor for perfection, and of those who have achieved perfection, hardly one knows Me in truth." (BG 7.3) So it is even more rare for someone to have deep understanding of God.
The ancient sages of the east know the modern age as the age of Kali, the age of quarrel and hypocrisy. This particular ages was predicted in ancient Vedic texts such as the Srimad Bhagavatam describe, "Filling the belly will become the goal of life, and one who is audacious will be accepted as truthful. Beauty will be thought to depend on one's hairstyle. He who can maintain a family will be regarded as an expert man, and the principles of religion will be observed only for the sake of reputation." (SB 12.2.6)
Love requires the element of choice and as there is love in the Kingdom of God, birth in this material world the other choice. Therefore this world is a playground for those who are avoiding God, however in this current age materialism is heightened and thus it rare to find anyone with deep understanding of God.
To see all the responses from the Texas Faith Panel click here
• Email to a friend •
Nityananda Chandra Das, Dallas TX: TEXAS FAITH 32: Why does fear sell on the campaign trail?
Dallas Morning News,Each week we will post a question to a panel of about two dozen clergy, laity and theologians, all of whom are based in Texas or are from Texas. They will chime in with their responses to the question of the week. And you, readers, will be able to respond to their answers through the comment box.By the time this Texas Faith question is posted on Tuesday, voters will be at the polls and the election outcome will be only a few hours away. Americans will soon know who controls one or more houses of Congress. Plus, Texans will know who will serve as their governor for the next four years.
Of course, this was another election during which fear played a big role. Nationally, Democrats tried to scare voters into thinking Republicans were going to mess with their Social Security and Republicans tried to demonize President Obama and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. In Texas, Republicans tried to scare voters into thinking Bill White was weak on illegal immigrants, while Democrats tried to paint Rick Perry as a man who was in love with power.
Putting aside your own political views, which perhaps lead you to agree with some of these claims, help the rest of us understand why this point:
Why does fear play such a big role in our elections?
For example, is there something deep within our psyches and/or souls that responds to fear, perhaps in a way that we are unaware? Or is it that fear sells and strategists know it? Or is it something else?
I'm sure we'd all like to think elections play to our better angels. But they often don't. Help us understand why.
Read on for some very interesting replies, including ideas about how the brain works.
NITYANANDA CHANDRA DAS, minister of ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness), Dallas
Fear arises when a living entity misidentifies himself as the material body because of absorption in the external, illusory energy of the Lord. When the living entity thus turns away from the Supreme Lord, he also forgets his own constitutional position as a servant of the Lord. This bewildering, fearful condition is effected by the potency for illusion, called māyā. Therefore, an intelligent person should engage unflinchingly in the unalloyed devotional service of the Lord.
-Srimad Bhagavatam 11.2.37
To see all the responses from the Texas Faith Panel click here
• Email to a friend •
Nityananda Chandra Das, Dallas TX: TEXAS FAITH 31: Should Christians (and other non-Hindus) beware of yoga?
Dallas Morning News,Each week we will post a question to a panel of about two dozen clergy, laity and theologians, all of whom are based in Texas or are from Texas. They will chime in with their responses to the question of the week. And you, readers, will be able to respond to their answers through the comment box.Here's what we posed this week to the Texas Faith panel:
The president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Albert Mohler, caused a stir with a recent column decrying the practice of yoga by Christians. He did a follow-up, not backing down, but noting the fierce reaction to his original piece.
Mohler wrote the column after reading Stefanie Syman's book The Subtle Body: The Story of Yoga in America, which describes how yoga has been adapted and secularized here.
Mohler concluded the column this way: "Christians who practice yoga are embracing, or at minimum flirting with, a spiritual practice that threatens to transform their own spiritual lives into a `post-Christian, spiritually polyglot' reality. Should any Christian willingly risk that?"
If you agree with Mohler, why? If you don't, do you see anything objectionable about how a Hindu spiritual practice has morphed into something quite commercial and secular in this country - including "power yoga" and "hot yoga"? Are there cautions you would give to Westerners who want to borrow from non-Western religious traditions?
Or should everyone, including Al Mohler, just limber up and chill out?
After the jump, you'll find the panelists' responses:
NITYANANDA CHANDRA DAS, minister of ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness), Dallas
The word yoga and religion have the exact same meaning. Yoga means to connect with God. Our English words "union" and "yoke" come from the Sanskrit root yoga. The Latin root of the word religion, means to re ligare - to reconnect with God. In the Bhagavad Gita, which is the ultimate exposition on all the yoga sciences, Lord Krishna describes, "And of all yogīs, the one with great faith who always abides in Me, thinks of Me within himself, and renders transcendental loving service to Me -- he is the most intimately united with Me in yoga and is the highest of all. That is My opinion."
The branch of yoga that most people are familiar with is the physical and intellectual yoga known as the hatha yoga or ashtanga yoga system. This is an extremely ancient spiritual practice but very few often touch on the actual goal of that yoga or even know of its purpose. Hatha yoga, although very healthy for the body, is meant to bring one to higher level of consciousness, realizing the soul different from the body. One with such a vision does not seek happiness through the temporary body but rather invests their sense of happiness in that which is eternal. According to the ancient Patañjali, the author of the Yoga Sutras & the founder of hatha yoga, one must become surrendered to God before one even begins the practice of asana, physical poses. This form of yoga requires one to live in a secluded place and to observe complete celibacy, and many other yamas and niyamas, or rules and regulations. Therefore this type of yoga was traditional done by monks and renunciates who have completely left family life behind in their old age. It not a generally recommended spiritual practice and in fact, the primary student of the Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna, was never known to take up this practice although he is known as the best student of yoga.
There is the mechanical process of yoga, the process of purifying ones consciousness and mind, elevating ones behavior and mentality so one can ultimately mediate on God. The ultimate outcome of such mediation is the desire to serve God. One can take stairs or one can also take the elevator. Taking the elevator means to start with the natural yoga, the organic yoga of the soul, Bhakti yoga, the yoga of devotion. This is practice of loving God with all one's heart, mind, and soul in service. This is the ultimate recommendation of the Bhagavad Gita. So if those practitioners who are in contact with yoga are brought to that ultimate purpose of service in devotion then that is wonderful; otherwise, it is just gymnastics.
To see all the responses from the Texas Faith Panel click here
• Email to a friend •
The Loft, Auckland, NZ: Over The Tipping Point
Come hear Devamrita Swami a monk who keeps his finger on the pulse to powerfully transmit profound knowledge & practical solutions that cut to the core issues we face individually and collectively.
• Email to a friend •
Kurma dasa, AU: (Salty) Lassi Come Home
If you don't like salty lassi, look away, look away now.
Perhaps it's an aquired taste for western palates, but it certainly has a big following in The Subcontinent.
Food Bloggee Extraordinaire Sanjana has created another magnificent recipe page, and all credit goes to her for the above picture also. Visit there now and learn the classic art of the great savoury yogurt drink.
• Email to a friend •
H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami (Ret.): 264—Poem for March 29
5:23 A.M.
A Writer of Pieces
New format—I will begin with a poem written on the day of its printing. Then I will print random excerpts of books I have printed over the last 30 years. I hope this variety will be pleasing.
Appreciating Narayana Kavaca’s
presence in the ashram. Sometimes
he has to travel away, but I like
it when he stays here. He comes up to
my room at 4 A.M. and checks how
I’m doing. Today I had a headache despite
taking medicine. He prescribed I should take
some more. He takes care of me, gives
me added security and love. Like
yesterday, when Baladeva was too tired,
Narayana cooked a sattvic lunch.After he leaves me I string
rapid mantras together in
my mind, they link me to
Radha and Krishna in an
unbreakable way. This morning
I completed sixteen rounds in two
hours linking each name although
holding them briefly before
letting them go. I’ve nothing
more to say about it.
I go as deep as I can.I spoke with Narayana about
his work on the Prabhupada succession
committee. He is seeing to it
that Prabhupada is kept in the center
of our lives in ISKCON and recognized
as the siksa-guru and
founder-acarya for all devotees who
will come now and well into the
future, a noble and
necessary work.Thanks to his caretaking I am
feeling better now and
able to complete this poem.
I appreciate his presence
in the ashram.• Email to a friend •
H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami (Ret.): OLD FRIENDS
ISKCON in the 1970s: Diaries
August 18, 1977
Suddenly Srila Prabhupada said he definitely wants to travel to the west to the Pennsylvania farm. As for his health condition, he said, “The worst thing that could happen is death, and I’m not afraid of that.” The horoscope allows it as it said he could not travel until August 10th and the only if a physician said he was improved (which he did). He wants a cooler climate. He said he’s slowly dying here. TKG said he would like the presence of so many devotees in the west. They are planning to book tickets immediately.
TKG called us in and then we went into Srila Prabhupada’s room. It was time to read his mail. TKG said we had been discussing his proposed trip to the west.
Srila Prabhupada asked, “So?”
TKG said we each had different opinions.
Then Srila Prabhupada asked, “What was the conclusion?”
TKG said that we agree he would be enthused if he could travel.
Srila Prabhupada agreed and said, “Let there be change, good or bad. I’ve decided. Let me go. I’ve tried to be cured here for the last six months.”
TKG said, “This is one cure you haven’t tried—going to the west.”
“Yes,” said Srila Prabhupada, it is psychological enthusiasm.”
TKG said, “We have to be your brave charioteers and take you into the battle.”Srila Prabhupada said, “Maybe battle, maybe heaven.” He said, “I’ve decided. Now you somehow or other take me there.”
He wants TKG and Abhirama to go to Delhi and come back with all the arrangements made.
Srila Prabhupada said, “I still have a taste for milk, a little taste, so it is not hopelessness. In the New York farm I’ll get sufficient milk.”
Everyone assured him there would be enough milk to bathe in. Sukadeva and Madhavendra Puri took only milk. The weather there will be very nice.Ramesvara Swami’s letter was being read, describing that the BBT was prepared to do double printing and double distribution if Srila Prabhupada could translate. Srila Prabhupada said with strength, “It is for this purpose that I’m going to the western countries. I will finish Bhagavatam before I come back to India. If I get a little strength.”
Last night 3:30-5:30 A.M. was my turn to attend Srila Prabhupada. I helped him to get up and go to the bathroom (he first asked for a “stick” and I didn’t know he meant a cane—spent a frantic half minute looking for a “stick.” Then I got inside the mosquito net with him and massaged his feet and legs for about an hour while he slept. I felt my miserable self becoming purified by this service; it drives away all casual attitudes, speculation over what I shall do next in Krishna consciousness. It becomes obvious—serve the pure devotee.
At 5:30 A.M., TKG came in to relieve me and said that now Srila Prabhupada has decided not to go to the west until after the first week in September, since that is the crucial week according to the astrologers. He wants to see if he can maintain his strength through that period and then he’ll go.
Passing Places, Eternal Truths: Travel Writings 1988-1996
August 5, 1995, one o’clock
Pen scratching. I couldn’t read first thing this morning, but I’ll get a chance to speak twice today to the audience in the temple room. Told them last night how the Swami shocked me when he spoke against work, the karmi god. They laughed a little. Afterwards M. remarked that Srila Prabhupada said it’s good to tell a story in a lecture.
Last night, head was banging and I even mentioned we are so foolish to accept a body full of pain. We perform yajnas to purify our acts but at best we get a higher material body with which we must suffer. First class and second class prisoners.
First-class gold chains.
Did you tell what the Swami
said and is it a legend or did
you actually do that back then?
I think I did it. Left the
storefront in the morning like a
brave flag headed north wearing
Lord Jagannatha around my neck
on my way to break the picket
line at the welfare office and
on 2nd Avenue I met Srila Prabhupada
coming back from a walk.
I bowed on the pavement
before him, and he seemed
to be in ecstasy and touched me,
smiling, accepting me, his
son, his sisya going off to war.Did I really live it—
did I phone him one
day from the office? Tell us of
the time you all went to
the Cosmic Love-In and after
you escorted him back
to 26 2nd Avenue.
I’d like to hear it again
provided it’s true.
Oh, yes, it’s true. I can
relive it. Be there tonight.During head pain while speaking I thought something like, “This is what it is to grow old. It will only get worse.” When I was young I had no idea what pain was like. I didn’t know this would be the end, although it isn’t yet.
Vrndavana Writing (1993)
August 13, 7:12 A.M. (Late start!), Balarama’s appearance day.
I woke up at 3:45 A.M. Even now I have only five minutes to write, then drink a glass of pomegranate juice, then a little rest, then work on the seminar lectures. Seems like the monsoon season has ended, and the heat has returned. No shirts.
“Bajaj Vacco” label on desk lamp staring me in the face as if it had some significance. Oh Radha and Krishna, Your lotus feet should replace all these “Bhajaj Vacco’s” in my heart. I went into the kitchen to tell Madhu I need a seminar file right away. I found Baladeva sitting holding a sock while Madhu poured pomegranate seeds into it. They were using the sock as a strainer.
I was chanting on the roof between 4 and 5 A.M. The moon was covered. I saw a few lights on at the Krishna-Balarama Mandir, and I heard the conch blasts and the bell. I hurried along in my japa, wide awake, but thoroughly entrenched in a vaidhi mechanicalism. Bow down your head to the stones between rounds and especially remember Prabhu Nityananda. Emit a mouse—like squeak, “Please help a mouse to chant.”
A breeze started up just before dawn. I want to put a mosquito net up on the roof so I can write up here early in the morning. Madhu also wants to try sleeping up there. He was awake most of the night because of the heat.
“Just like the gopis and all the inhabitants of Vrndavana. They were thinking, we are Krishna’s.” The central point was Krishna. That is the beauty of Vrndavana. All the inhabitants of Vrndavana, the elderly cowherd men, the boys, the trees, the river, the birds, the beasts—everyone—they are simply thinking, “I am Krishna’s.” This is Krishna consciousness. As soon as we think otherwise…that is material consciousness. (Lecture by Srila Prabhupada, Los Angeles, 1971)
11.10 A.M. No one is up on the roof at this time of the day. The sun is too hot. There are saffron clothes and strips of kaupinas blowing in the wind on the clothesline just over my head. There are well-worn paths in the field. I hear someone walk by, unseen, speaking Hindi, calling to someone. Something to disrupt me? Two sadhus (dressed in orange) lying in the full shade of a tree. A boy with a long yellow dhoti carrying a faded black umbrella. From the right, toward Fogel ashram and the Sita-Rama place, a lecturer’s voice. Wherever you look, the Radha inscription is painted on the wall: Radha
Japa Walks Japa Talks (1994)
I find something put-offish about remarks that are too stark in their self-effacing negativity. On the one hand, they shake us out of our sentimental conception of being “good” chanters. But when those remarks declare permanent spiritual bankruptcy, then I can’t settle for them. We simply have to do better. Pitamaha can do better and so can I.
If Pitamaha agrees, then he has to think about and let me know—or at least let himself know—what his pragmatic plan is to get out of the lower depths. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Submit a plan for improved chanting. He admitted that he’s really not so stark in his estimation of himself, but rather he’s covered over with complacency. “My intelligence seems to have surrendered to the situation I find myself in, thinking I’m doing all right; I’ve got a family who are trying to practice Krishna consciousness, I’m living in a community that is trying to practice Krishna consciousness, etc. Yet before I joined the movement, it was very clear I wasn’t doing all right. Consequently, the impetus was there for improvement. How can I convince myself that I’m still in a mess and that chanting better japa is as essential for me now as it was then?”
At the risk of sounding repetitive, my answer is that he should read Bhagavatam—Prabhupada’s purports—regularly. There he will get the authoritative statements on the importance of chanting. He will also expose himself to the steady scientific knowledge of sastra, that all jivas are in difficulty because they have to face repeated birth and death. Kali-yuga only makes it worse. He doesn’t have to rely on the early inspiration he had as a young devotee, or worry about the fading of that inspiration to hear from the Absolute Truth. The Bhagavatam is our daily newspaper, our in-depth study of current events. As we read the news, we’ll stay in touch with our needs and our predicament as entangled, permanently bound jivas. And we will also be reminded of the remedy.
“The material miseries of the living entity, which are superfluous to him, can be directly mitigated by the linking process of devotional service. But the mass of people do not know this, and therefore the learned Vyasadeva compiled this Vedic literature, which is in relation to the Supreme Truth.” (Bhag. 1.7.6)
Reading sastra and chanting japa go well together. I suspect that Pitamaha, although feeling a little righteous about the work he does to maintain his family and contribute to his community, is not tending to regular reading. The pistons in his devotional engine aren’t hitting. Therefore he can say he’s not aware he’s in a mess and that he’s not aware of the importance of chanting. Otherwise, such a cool-headed, pragmatic man would do something serious, just as he does when he gets repeated “overdue” notices or sees some other alarming symptom of disorder in his life.
• Email to a friend •
Rupa Madhurya das, TX, USA: Bhajan - 24hr Kirtan - Kapil - 11/26
Rupa Madhurya das, TX, USA: Bhajan - 24hr Kirtan - Kapil - 11/26
Kapil singing a Hare Krishna bhajan for Dallas' New Year's 24hr Kirtan.
Dallas, TX
2010-12-31• Email to a friend •
Srila Prabhupada's Letters
1960 March 29: "I shall be very glad if an erudite scholar like you joins my mission (The League of Devotees). Your appreciation of India's cultural heritage is very much enlivening. Let us jointly distribute this great cultural heritage to the world at large in an organized manner and through the recommended process of Divine Love propagated by Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1947-64• Email to a friend •
Srila Prabhupada's Letters
1966 March 29: "Navami. Today I went to see the loft of Mr. Paul. It is a big hall and can be utilised for meeting and Samkirtan purpose very nicely. I do not know if Lord Chaitanya wants me to change my present place to facilitate my missionary work. I do not mind my loss for the typewriter and tape recorder if I am given the facility for my missionary work. It is Lord Chaitanya's Grace that today Robert brought me an old typewriter."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1966• Email to a friend •
Srila Prabhupada's Letters
1970 march 29: "Caitanya Mahaprabhu presented Himself as a merchant selling the transcendental commodity of Krishna consciousness in exchange for the people's eagerness. If people simply become faithful to the understanding of Krishna Consciousness, that will be the price they pay for our transcendental commodity, Hare Krishna Mantra. Please do this very nicely."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1970• Email to a friend •
Srila Prabhupada's Letters
1974 March 29: "Through history there have been so many revolutions simply to change leaders from this ism to that ism. Then everyone has to accept a particular leader and follow his instructions under his particular brand of ism. But because the leaders are all fools and rascals, the ultimate result of all this following is simply disappointment."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1974• Email to a friend •
Srila Prabhupada's Letters
1974 March 29: "Our propaganda is to educate people to accept Krsna as the perfect leader. Unfortunately, foolish people select their own concocted leaders and everyone is mislead by so many rascal leaders in philosophy, in religion, in culture, etc."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1974• Email to a friend •
Jahnavi, UK: How I lost an arm and got stranded on an island…
When I’m not resorting to sensational, misleading headlines to get more blog readers, I’m often somewhere in the world, sharing the practice of kirtan.
Last weekend was no exception. My Dad and I were invited to come and lead a kirtan retreat on the beautiful, 22 acre island called Inisrath in Northern Ireland. The island is home to an old Victorian mansion that was converted into a Krishna temple in the 1980s, and is also now a regular venue for retreats, run by Tim and the rest of the Lake Isle retreats team.
We left London on Friday – me without my violin. That’s where the losing an arm part comes in. I haven’t travelled without it for a good few years, but thanks to Ryanair, who are one of the only airlines in the world that require you to buy an extra seat for a small musical instrument, I left it gently weeping at home. After arriving at our destination and taking a barge over to the island, we spent the next couple of days introducing the practice of meditation, chanting and sacred music to a lively group of Irish locals. Though most of them had never experienced it before, they took part with gusto in breathing exercises, singing, dancing, trying out instruments and exploring the basics of bhakti yoga philosophy.
Father Harrison, on the barge along with the daily flower run for the temple worship.
Onto the island…
I’ve heard the Irish know how to have fun, and as this lot belted out ‘Govinda Jaya Jaya’ and ‘Hare Krishna’ at the top of their lungs, before dancing around the room, I realised it was true.
It was fun to run it with my Dad too. We haven’t done much as a team, and I was surprised to find we got a good flow going together – passing back and forth the speaking and leading of the chanting sessions.
If you’d like to find out more about Lake Isle Retreats, visit their website here.
Home again – there’s only one way to get back…well, unless you swim.
Fire in the Irish sunset.
• Email to a friend •
Devadeva Mirel, Alachua, USA: In Style or Grossed Out? Should You Match Finishes in the Bath & Kitchen?
Does it gross you out to be reminded of the bathroom while working in the kitchen? Do you want to look at the same faucet, tile, knobs and pulls while cutting a fudge brownie? Or would that totally put you off eating….or pooping…for a while? I seriously want to know! All potty talk welcomed. Or, if you must, keep it clean. Read on…
• Email to a friend •
Jahnavi, UK: Carnatic Music on BBC Radio 3 – World Routes Academy: Hari Sivanesan
I just happened upon this great episode of BBC Radio 3′s World Routes, focusing on Carnatic music, and more specifically, the journey of Hari Sivanesan – a young veena player (and also a friend I haven’t seen in a very long time – hi Hari!) who has been awarded a year’s mentorship with the incredible singer, Aruna Sairam. He talks about his musical journey so far, plays recordings from the BBC archives, gives a great introduction to Carnatic music for beginners and plays a beautiful piece live in studio. Stay tuned as the programme will continue to feature him throughout the year. For more information, see the BBC World Routes blog here. Congratulations Hari!
• Email to a friend •
Akrura das, Gita Coaching: RISK
‘Risk is the tariff for leaving the land of predictable misery.’
- Howard Figler• Email to a friend •
Akrura das, Gita Coaching: AN INTERVIEW WITH MATSYAVATARA DASA
Counselling Based On A Bhaktivedanta Approach - my interview with Matsyavatara dasa, director of The Center for Bhaktivedanta Study near Pisa in Italy.
Click on the title please and scroll down to access all three parts (3, 2, and 1).• Email to a friend •
Madhava Ghosh dasa, New Vrndavan, USA: Facebook May Cause Depression In Teens
Can too much social networking cause depression in teenagers?
A new report seems to think soMarch 29, 2011, 4:50pm
It’s no question that adolescents and teenagers make up some of the biggest demographics in social networking sites. Experts agree that it actually does help them build stronger ties with their peers.
But a recent report by the American Academy of Pediatrics has shown that there is also a downside to all this social networking.
They call it “Facebook depression,” and they mention adolescents and teenagers who spend excessive amounts of time on the internet as the most likely affected.
Facebook allows users to showcase their lives, from achievements to travel photos to parties. The depression creeps in, according to the report, when teenagers start comparing themselves to their friends.
Why does she have more friends than me? How come he was invited to that party and I wasn’t? How come she got a new car for her Sweet Sixteen? Why was he given that award when I worked harder for it?
These are questions teens already face in their daily lives, factor in the additional pressure of social networks with their “my-life-is-an-open-book” appeal and you’ve got yourself one troubled teen.
Experts attribute it to the fact that these sites “magnify the idea of envy and jealousy.”
One disclaimer, though. Those involved with the report still need to assess whether or not the depression is caused by too much use of Facebook or if the teens who are already depressed just tend to spend a lot more time on Facebook than their peers.
The parent’s role
With this in mind, Dr. Michael Brody, an adolescent psychiatrist, suggests that parents should be actively involved in their teen’s life, be it offline or online.
Encourage your teen to get off the internet once in awhile, he said.
It’s important that your teen understand that there should be a balance in his or her life.
Get them to actively participate in activities outside of school (and IN school as well), get them to join clubs or encourage them to get into a sport or learn to play a musical instrument.
As Brody said, he “would be worried as a parent if all my kid was doing was sitting in their room on the computer with Facebook.”
Brody goes on further by saying that it is important that parents keep an open line of communication with their teens, just as their teens enjoy a sense of openness with their friends.
Source: LiveScience
• Email to a friend •
Dandavats.com: Speech By Her Excellency The President Of India Shrimati Pratibha Devisingh Patil During The Inauguration Of The National Conference On ‘Science And Spiritual Quest’
President of India Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil: I am happy to be inaugurating the National Conference on 'Science and Spiritual Quest', which will be focusing on the theme, "Integrating Capabilities with Values". I congratulate the organizers of this Conference - the Delhi Technological University, an institution imparting education in engineering, technology, applied sciences and management; and the Bhaktivedanta Institute, a centre working for dialogue between science and Vedanta
• Email to a friend •
Subhavilasa das ACBSP, Toronto, CA: Today is Papamocani Ekadasi
Yudhisthira Maharaja said, "0 Supreme Lord, I have heard from You the explanation of Amalaki Ekadasi, which occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Phalguna, and now I wish to hear about the Ekadasi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Caitra [March-April]. What is its name, 0 Lord, and what results can one attain by observing it?"
The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krsna, replied, "0 best of kings, for the benefit of everyone I shall gladly describe to you the glories of this Ekadasi which is known as Papamocani. The history of this Ekadasi was once narrated to the emperor Mandhata by Lomasa Risi. King Mandhata addressed the risi, '0 great sage, for the benefit of all people, please tell me the name of the Ekadasi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Caitra, and please explain the process for observing it. Also, please describe the benefits one gains by observing this Ekadasi.'
"Lomasa Risi replied, 'The Ekadasi that occurs during the dark part of the month of Caitra is named Papamocani Ekadasi For the faithful devotee it removes the influences of ghosts and demons. 0 lion among men, this Ekadasi also awards the eight perfections of life, fulfills all kinds of desires, purifies one's life of all sinful reactions, and makes a person perfectly virtuous.
"'Now please listen to a historical account concerning this Ekadasi and Citraratha, the chief of the Gandharvas [heavenly musicians]. During the spring season, in the company of heavenly dancing girls, Citraratha once came upon a beautiful forest bursting forth with a great variety of flowers. There he and the girls joined other Gandharvas and many Kinnaras, along with Lord Indra himself, the king of heaven, who was enjoying a visit there. Everyone felt that there was no better garden than this forest. Many sages were also present, performing their austerities and penance The demigods particularly enjoyed visiting this celestial garden during the months of Caitra and Vaisakha [April-May].
" 'A great sage named Medhavi resided in that forest, and the very attractive dancing girls would always attempt to seduce him. One famous girl in particular, Manjughosa, contrived many ways to allure the exalted muni, but out of great respect for the sage and fear of his power, which he had attained after years and years of asceticism, she would not come very close to him. At a spot two miles from the sage, she pitched a tent and began singing very sweetly as she played a tamboura. Cupid himself became excited when he saw and heard her perform so nicely and smelled the fragrance of her sandal-paste unguent. He remembered his own unfortunate experience with Lord Siva and decided to take revenge by seducing Medhavi.'
"'Using the eyebrows of Manjughosa as a bow, her glances as a bowstring, her eyes as arrows, and her breasts as a target, Cupid approached Medhavi in order to tempt him to break his trance and his vows. In other words, Cupid engaged Manjughosa as his assistant, and when she looked at that powerful and attractive young sage, she also became agitated by lust. Seeing that he was highly intelligent and learned, wearing a clean white brahmana's thread draped across his shoulder, holding a sannyasi's staff, and sitting handsomely in the asrama of Cyavana Risi Manjughosa came before him.
"'She began to sing seductively, and the small bells on her belt and around her ankles, together with the bangles on her wrists, produced a delightful musical symphony. The sage Medhavi was enchanted. He understood that this beautiful young woman desired union with him, and at that instant Cupid increased his attraction for Mahjughosa by releasing his powerful weapons of taste, touch, sight, smell, and sound.
"'Slowly Manjughosa approached Medhavi, her bodily movements and sweet glances attracting him. She gracefully put her tamboura down and embraced the sage with her two arms, just as a creeper winds itself around a strong tree. Captivated, Medhavi gave up his meditation and decided to sport with her-and instantly his purity of heart and mind abandoned him. Forgetting even the difference between night and day, he went away with her to sport for a long, long time.
"'Seeing that the young yoga's sanctity had become seriously eroded, Manjughosa decided to abandon him and return home. She said, "0 great one, please permit me to return home."
"'Medhavi replied, "But you have only just arrived, 0 beautiful one. Please stay with me at least until tomorrow."
"'Fearful of the sage's yogic power, Manjughosa stayed with Medhavi for precisely fifty-seven years, nine months, and three days, but to Medhavi all this time seemed like a moment. Again she asked him, "Please permit me to leave."
" 'Medhavi replied, "0 dear one, listen to me. Stay with me for one more night, and then you may leave tomorrow morning. Just stay with me until after I have performed my morning duties and chanted the sacred Gayatri mantra. Please wait until then."
"Manjughosa was still fearful of the sage's great yogic power, but she forced a smile and said, "How long will it take you to finish your morning hymns and rituals? Please be merciful and think of all the time you have already spent with me."
"'The sage reflected on the years he had been with Manjughosa and then said with great astonishment, "Why, I have spent more than fiftyseven years with you!" His eyes turned red and began to emanate sparks. He now regarded Manjughosa as death personified and the destroyer of his spiritual life. "You rascal woman! You have turned all the hard-earned results of my austerities to ashes!" Trembling with anger, he cursed Manjughosa "0 sinful one, 0 hard-hearted, degraded one! You know only sin! May all terrible fortune be yours! 0 rascal woman, I curse you to become an evil hobgoblin pisaca!"
"'Cursed by the sage Medhavi, the beautiful Manjughosa humbly beseeched him, "O best of the brahmanas, please be merciful to me and revoke your curse! 0 great one, it is said that association with pure devotees gives immediate results but their curses take effect only after seven days. I have been with you for fifty-seven years, 0 master, so please be kind to me!"
"'Medhavi Muni replied, "0 gentle lady, what can I possibly do? You have destroyed all my austerities. But even though you have done this sinful deed, I shall tell you a way you can be released from my wrath. In the dark fortnight of the month of Caitra there is an allauspicious Ekadasi that removes all one's sins. Its name is Papamocani, 0 beautiful one, and whoever fasts on this sacred day becomes completely freed from having to take birth in any kind of devilish form."
" 'With these words, the sage left at once for his father's asrama. Seeing him enter the hermitage, Cyavana Muni said, "0 son, by acting unlawfully you have squandered the wealth of your penances and austerities."
"'Medhavi replied, "O Father, kindly reveal what atonement I must perform to remove the obnoxious sin I have incurred by privately associating with the dancing girl Manjughosa''
"'Cyavana Muni answered, "Dear son, you must fast on Papamocani Ekadasi. which occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Caitra. It eradicates all sins, no matter how grievous they may be."
"'Medhavi followed his father's advice and fasted on Papamocani Ekadasi. Thus all his sins were destroyed and he again became filled with excellent merit. Similarly, Manjughosa observed the same fast and became free of the hobgoblin curse. Ascending once again to the heavenly spheres, she too returned to her former position.'
"Lomasa Risi continued, 'Thus, 0 king, the great benefit of fasting on Papamocani Ekadasi is that whoever does so with faith and devotion will have all his sins completely destroyed.'
Sri Krsna concluded, "0 King Yudhisthira, whoever reads or hears about Papamocani Ekadasi. obtains the very same merit he would get if he donated a thousand cows in charity, and he also nullifies the sinful reactions he may have incurred by killing a brahmana, killing an embryo through abortion, drinking liquor, or having sex with his guru's wife. Such is the incalculable benefit of properly observing this holy day of Papamocani Ekadasi, which is so dear to Me and so meritorious."
GVY: Papamochani Ekadasi
9
PAPAMOCHANI EKADASI
Maharaja Yudhisthira dijo: Oh, Supremo Señor!, Yo he escuchado de ti la explicación de Amalaki Ekadasi que ocurre durante la quincena del mes de Phalguna (Febrero - Marzo) y ahora Yo quiero escuchar acerca del Ekadasi que ocurre durante la quincena del mes de Caitra (Marzo - Abril) ¿ Cuál es su nombre? Oh Señor y que resultados puede uno obtener por observarlo?
La suprema Personalidad de Dios dijo: Oh, el mejor de los Reyes!, para beneficio de todos, yo voy a describir las glorias de este Ekadasi que es conocido como Papamocani. La historia de este Ekadasi fue narrada una vez al emperador Mandhata por Lomasa Rsi.
El Rey Mandhata se dirigió al Rsi: Oh, gran sabio!, para beneficio de todas las personas por favor dime el nombre del Ekadasi que ocurrió durante la quincena del mes de Caitra y por favor explica el proceso por observarlo. También por favor describe los beneficios que uno gana por observar este Ekadasi.
Lomasa Rsi replicó: Este Ekadasi que ocurre durante la oscura parte del mes de Caitra es llamada Papamocani Ekadasi.
Para el devoto fiel esto remueve la influencia de fantasmas y demonios. Oh, león entre los hombres!, este Ekadasi también otorga las 8 perfecciones de vida, llenando toda clase de deseos, purifica a uno de todo tipo de pecado y hace a una persona perfectamente virtuosa. Ahora escucha por favor el acontecimiento histórico concerniente a este Ekadasi y Citaratha el principal de los Gandharuas (musicos celestiales).
Durante la estación de primavera en la compañía de las chicas danzarinas, Citaratra fue una vez a un bello bosque escogiendo una gran variedad de flores. Allí él y las chicas se divertian con otros gandharuas y muchos Kinaras con el mismo Señor Indra, el rey del Cielo que esta disfrutando una visita allí. Cada uno sentía que no había mejor jardín que ese. Muchos sabios estaban allí presentes ejecutando sus austeridades y penitencias.
Los Semidioses particularmente se divierten en visitar este Celestial jardín durante los meses de Esditra y Vaisakha (Abril - Mayo).
Un gran sabio llamado Medhavi, residía en esta foresta y las muy atractivas chicas bailarinas ivan siempre para seducirlo. Una famosa chica en particular Mañjughosa, ideaba muchos caminos para seducir al muni, pero llena de respeto por el sabio miedo de su poder que el había ejecutado años de años de ascentismo, Ella no podría conseguir estar cerca de El. En un sitio de dos millas del sabio Ella empezó a cantar muy dulcemente como si ella tocara una pandereta. Cupido mismo lo volvió exitado cuando la vio y la escuchó y oliendo la fragancia de pasta de Sandalo. El recordó su propia inafortunada experiencia con el Señor Siva y decidio tomar revancha por seducir a Medhavi.
Usando los ojos de Mañjughosa como reverencia, sus ojos como flechas, y sus pechos como blanco, cupido se acercó a Medhavi en orden para tentarlo de romper su trance y sus votos. En otras palabras cupido se encargó de que Mañjughosa fuera su asistente y cuando Ella lo vio al poderoso y atractivo joven sabio, Ella también se volvió agitada por la lujuria. Viendo que el era altamente inteligente usando una túnica blanca y teniendo una vara de Sanyasi y sentado en un asrama de Cyavana Rsi, Mañjughosa vino ante El. Ella empezó a cantar seductoramente y sonar campanas que estaban alrededor de su tobillos y sus pulceras en la muñeca producía una encantadora sinfonía musical. El sabio Medhavi estaba encantado. El entendió que esta hermosa mujer deseaba unión con El y que en ese instante Cupido incrementó su atracción por Mañjughosa por soltar sus poderosas flechas de sabor, tacto, olor, sonido, vista. Despacio Mañjughosa apareció a Mendhavi con sus movimientos y sus dulces miradas lo atrajeron a El.
Ella agraciadamente lo abrazó con sus dos brazos como los arrastradores vientos atraviezan un fuerte árbol. Cautivado Medhavi interrumpió su meditación y decidió estar con Ella y al instante su pureza de corazón y mente lo abandonaron. Olvidando la diferencia entre la noche y el día, El se fue lejos con Ella por mucho tiempo. Viendo que el joven yogi había cometido un gran error, Mañjughosa decidió abandonarlo y regresar a casa. Medhavi respondió: Pero tú justo has llegado, Oh, hermosa!, por favor permanece conmigo hasta mañana.
Miedosa del poder yogico del sabio Mañjughosa permaneció con Medhavi por precisamente 55 años, nueve meses y tres días pero para Medhavi esto le había parecido como un momento. Otra vez ella le dijo: Por favor permiteme dejarte.
Medhavi replicó: Oh, querida! escuchame, permanece conmigo por una noche más y entonces tu podras dejarme mañana en la mañana. Justo permanece conmigo hasta que Yo ejecute mis deberes en la mañana y cantar el Sagrado Gayatri mantra. Por favor espera hasta entonces.
Mañjughosa estaba aún temerosa de los grandes poderes yogicos del sabio pero Ella se forzo a sonreir y dijo: Cuánto tiempo te tomará a tí terminar con tus himnos y rituales de la mañana? Por favor se misericordioso y piensa de todo el tiempo que tu ya has pasado conmigo.
El sabio refleccionó de los años que había estado con Mañjughosa y entonces dijo con gran asombro: Por qué yo he pasado más que 57 años contigo? Sus ojos se tornaron rojos y empezaron a emanar chispas.
El ahora la considero a Mañjughosa como la muerte personificada y el destructor de su vida Espiritual. Tú picara mujer, Tú has vuelto todos mis resultados ganados de mis austeridades a cenizas.
Temblando con ira, El maldijo a Mañjughosa, Oh, pecadora!, Oh, dura de corazón!, degradada tú conoces solo el pecado. Oh, mujer pícara!, Yo te maldigo de que te conviertas en duende pisaca.
Maldecida por el sabio Medhavi la hermosa Mañjughosa humildemente suplicó: Oh, mejor de los brahmanas!, por favor se misericordioso conmigo y rompe tu maldición. Oh, gran sabio!, es dicho que la asociación con los devotos puros da inmediatamente resultados con sus maldiciones solo después de siete días. Yo he estado contigo por 57 años, Oh, maestro!, por favor se misericordioso conmigo.
Medhavi Muni respondió: Oh, gentil dama!, qué puedo yo posiblemente hacer? Tu has destruído todas mis austeridades.
Pero si tu has hecho estas actividades pecaminosas. Yo podría decirte un camino que puede ser liberado de mi furor. En la quincena del mes de Caitra allí hay un auspicioso Ekadasi que remueve de todos los pecados. Su nombre es Papamocani, Oh, hermosa dama!, y quien quiera que ayuna en este sagrado día se vuelve completamente libre de haber tenido nacimiento en cualquier clase de forma demoniaca.
Con estas palabras el sabio partió para el asrama de su padre. Viéndole entrar a la ermita Cyavana Muni dijo: Oh, hijo!, por actuar ilicitamente tu has malgastado las riquezas de tus penitencias y austeridades.
Medhavi respondió: Oh, padre!, amistosamente revelame que explicación podría Yo ejecutar para remover los pecados ofensivos que Yo he incurrido por la asociación privada con la chica bailarina Mañjughosa.
Cyavana Muni respondió: Querido hijo podrias ayunar en Papamocani Ekadasi que ocurre durante la quincena del mes de Caitra. Esto erradica todos los pecados no importa que graves, ellos podrian ser.
Medhavi siguiendo el aviso de su padre y ayuno en Papamocani Ekadasi. De ese modo todos sus pecados fueron destruindos y el otra vez se convirtio llenado con excelente merito. Similarmente Mañjughosa observó El mismo ayuno y se volvió libre de la maldición de duende.
Lomasa Rsi continuó: De ese modo, Oh, Rey!, el gran beneficio de ayunar en Papamocani Ekadasi obtiene el mismo mérito que podria conseguir si él donara mil vacas en caridad y el anula los pecados que podrían ser incurrido de haber matado a un brahmana, matar un embrión a través de un aborto, tomar licor o hacer sexo con la esposa del guru. Así es el incalculable beneficio de observar este Santo día de Papamocani Ekadasi que es muy querido por KRSNA y así de gran merito.
Así termina la narración de Caira KRSNA - Ekadasi o Papamocani Ekadasi de Bhavasya - Uttara Purana.
De: http://gvyayunosdeekadasi.blogspot.com/2007/04/gvy-papamochani-ekadasi.html
NOTAS
1.- Después de que el señor Siva perdio a su querida esposa Sati en la arena de sacrificio de Prajapati Daksa, Siva destruyó la arena entera. Entonces el trajo a su suegro la vida por darle la cabeza de una cabra y finalmente se sentó a meditar por 60.000 años.
El Señor Brahma sin embargo mando a Kamadera (Cupido) venir a romper su meditación. Usando sus flechas de sonido, gusto, tacto, vista y olfato, Cupido ataco a Siva, quien lo despertó de su trance. El estaba molesto de ser aturdido que El instantaneamente quemo a Cupido a cenizas con una mirada de su tercer ojo.
2.- La asociación femenina es asi de poderosa que un hombre olvida su tiempo, energía, poseciones e incluso su propia identidad. Esto es dicho en el Niti-Sastra. Hasta los semidioses no pueden predecir la conducta de una mujer. No pueden ellos entender la fortuna de un hombre o como podría determinar su destino.
De acuerdo a Vajñavalkya Muni: Una persona celibe quien desea vida espiritual debería renunciar a todo tipo de asociación con mujeres incluyendo hablando de Ellas, viéndolas, hablando con ellas en un lugar apartado, tomando servicio de Ellas, o tener sexo con ellas.
• Email to a friend •
H.H. Sivarama Swami: Sridhara Prabhu asks about using a pendulum to get Krsna’s guidance
H.H. Sivarama Swami: Sridhara Prabhu asks about using a pendulum to get Krsna’s guidance
March 29th, 2011
And Balarama dasa why it’s better to live in Vraja as a non-devotee than outside it as one, and whether Nityananda Prabhu is an incarnation of Balarama and Ananga-manjari?[ 10:56 ]
4 Responses to “Sridhara Prabhu asks about using a pendulum to get Krsna’s guidance”
H.H. Sivarama Swami: Sridhara Prabhu asks about using a pendulum to get Krsna’s guidance
• Email to a friend •
H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Sunday, March 27th, 2011
Urban Pilgrims
Toronto, Ontario
I'm impressed with members of the Urban Edge Yoga Centre. Steve drives to the centre regularly all the way from Guelph, a city 100KM away. He is absolutely crazy over Bhaktivedanta Book Trust literature, He purchased a set of Bhagavatam books last summer, a hefty investment, is reading them and immersed in their mysteries. Steve also chants for two hours on his japa beads every day.
Then there is Lake, an Afrikhan chap from Capetown. He also chants daily his chosen 16 times around the beads for his meditation. There's also Nick, whom I address as Slick Nick. Slick Nick is employed at a camping equipment establishment. He cycles to work every day from Georgetown, a 60KM stretch but after work it's time at the Urban Edge.
Jason and Nicole are incredible. He loves washing pots when he can at our main temple and she loves her trips to the Edge. My affinity for these two is in their passion for walking. They don't drive. They wouldn't think of it. In fact they walk everywhere.
I mention all these people because I got to know them just a little bit more while walking our designated time. "Urban Pilgrims" we called ourselves. An eight kilometer zig zag up and down streets allowed us the freedom to speak to each other from heart and mind. Because we stayed on track with philosophy and truth we felt justified in using the term "Urban Pilgrims."
After the trekking session we sat down to plan out the next session for doing more of this.
8 KM• Email to a friend •
H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Saturday, March 26th, 2011
Book Warriors
Toronto, Ontario
I chalked out a route for a casual walk with members of the Urban Edge for tomorrow. I chose quiet residential streets in order that we can hear each other in our dialogue. It will be a day for them to spend time with a monk.
Temperatures are below the freezing point but by the time the sun hit the streets, a warmth emanated in climate and in the demeanour of pedestrians. The sun puts a smile on people's faces. It was the Saturday of the month (the last Saturday of the month) that has now become culturally a day for devotee warriors. Armed with the most imaginable revolutionary books on spiritual revelations, devotees went to three destination places in the city to distribute them. A grand total of eighty-four men, women and toddlers braved the streets and radiated a contagious joy they were feeling.
I took the opportunity to be one of the chanting leaders in the midst of the book distribution. With a mic attached to a small speaker I invited passersby to say what they wished by gently thrusting it before them. Surprisingly many people said the full mantra or in part. Most people would say, "Hari Hari" and for that great blessings come to the chanter and the listener.
With all the standard four-letter words one hears as jargon on or off the street, chanting "Hari" or "Hare" or "Krishna" or "Rama" is all very auspicious.
12 KM• Email to a friend •
H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Friday, March 25th, 2011
What's Your Song
Toronto, Ontario
I heard about it. Now I saw it for the first time - the speech by Steve Jobs, founder of Apple computer company. He said he walked seven miles to get a meal at the Hare Krishna temple. "I loved it," he said, referring to the time when he was trying to get himself through school.
It's amazing the distances people go on foot to get something. And I remember the Jolson song, "I walked a million miles for one of your smiles...."
My purpose in walking this morning, like all mornings, is threefold - air, exercise and God. The walking is done with a chant. The chant is non-different from God.
It's God in the form of sound. "Hallowed be Thy name!" It's sound for the soul.
I read in the "Toronto Star" today about the sweet sound of complaint. The article speaks about a newly formed choir called the Toronto Complaints Choir and how participants feel good about venting through singing. To quote one woman, a member of the choir, "It's about making fun of complaining, and complaining in fun."
An excerpt from their first ditty goes like this:
Why do the Maple Leafs always lose?
I hate getting tiny rocks in my shoes
Stickers on pears pull the skin right off
Please use your sleeve when you sneeze or cough
The TTC (transit system) is not so great
Crowded, expensive, always late
We are people, not sardines
Not everything is about you, teens!
We don't want to hear you gripe and moan
It's called a cell phone, not a yell phone
I sometimes hear peers gripe and complain when they don't chant. Krishna devotees do also carry an attitude about the world, condemning the forces of the age we call Kali yuga. But it's chanting that appears to dissolve the attitude of peeving.
In one sense it's nice to hear that people are singing out or away their woes. Think how much more powerful the mantras are. Hare Krishna.
7 KM• Email to a friend •
Matsyavatara das (ACBSP), Italy: Marriage and Family (Part 1/2). Lecture by Matsya Avatar dasa (Marco Ferrini), dated May 13th, 2008
Family, marriage, children represent inseparable elements which compose a complex situation, and their dissociation is the cause of heavy mistakes, bearing discomfort and suffering as a consequence. Our intention is to explain this complexity according to the Shastra: Indovedic psychological thinking and philosophy texts, in relation to the teachings of Masters who have lived and realized the principles of Tradition, yet considering the cultural, social and psychological contaminations of our degraded era. It is not easy to release from the pressure they exert on all aspects of our daily life, they strengthen antic tendencies and bad habits that we assumed in the pursue of wrong doings to ourselves or others.Those who wish to get married ought to consider well some decisive features, the most important one being the level of responsibility of the person we choose as partner; indeed such responsibility is not to be measured in words, but most of all in facts, observing the deeds and the personal history of the subject. The level and the quality of responsibility that we are allowed to take and maintain in course of time are of vital importance for a successful marriage.Marriage means children and bringing up children implies education, therefore a long, complex and absorbing commitment, which nowadays means at least thirty years of constant care and assistance. Making decisions on impulse, resulting from not sufficiently elaborated passions, and indulging in the wrong attitude to accept or deny the husband or wife without a proper preliminary evaluation, does not appeal to the mentality of those who wish to live in wellness, which necessarily means “well-being”.Faithfulness is not a secondary quality required in marriage, it is the first priority for both, the man and the woman. It is a life choice.Although there are cases of men and women who separate and get married to another person, this should not be a common phenomenon, as it unfortunately occurs nowadays. It rather ought to happen occasionally, an exception based on strong motivations, not depending on a superficial attitude, weakness, vulnerability or fragile love, or due to a wrong process of evaluation and choice of the spouse. If the mind is not trained to make a deep analysis and is carried away by impulses that rebel to the conscience, it will endure in the mistake to switch from one object of desire to the next and then yet another.Those who show such tendencies and features, lack the sufficient maturity to start a married life.Chastity is an essential value in marriage, it is a duty for both wife and husband, although there are people who laugh at it because they believe the sensorial dimension to be the only one that matters. Nowadays many believe that those who practise chastity suffer from inhibition or brain-washing. Who is forced to brain-washing? Those who believe that life is limited to the expression of the senses and say: “enjoy it all while you can”, or those who spend life working on their own development as persons on the physical, psychological and spiritual level? Those who choose the latter engage in a discipline which neither represses nor denies the satisfaction of primary desires by intimidation, but turns them into higher emotions and activities as a natural process, an evolution step by step.Loving is a need to be fulfilled indeed, the same as the need to love and be loved, but in order to satisfy its demand it is necessary to understand the best, appropriate and beneficial approach. Talking about a life-style without loving and love, sounds like terrorism made to kill the core of the person; it would be a threat, as though being forced to a diet without the supply of food. Exchanging love is an essential psychological process, likewise loving is a natural Spiritual propensity. Success in love depends on the authentic meaning of Love, on the conscious belief that it cannot be separated from the cosmo-ethical Order which controls the life of all creatures: the psychological, reciprocating law which connects our every action to its corresponding influence on our conscience, by which whatever we do to others is given in return, either good or bad, because our subconscious acts as a big and infallible receptive instrument – it records each of our physical and mental movement. For this reason the Upanishad recites: if you act badly you will turn to evil, likewise if you act well you will turn to goodness.If you live your affectionate relations and feelings in a foolish way, first of all you damage yourself and as a consequence others, because the concepts of faithfulness, loyalty and love are ruined in yours and others’ eyes. Children brought up in an unhealthy household become the victims of confusion, unstable feelings and lack of loving; and it is well known that the damage may even grow and get always bigger. A family should not be a casual association, a way to cover up a mischief such as an unexpected pregnancy or simply an escape from the fear of not wanting to be alone. A family is like a Mission – if that is the choice – it requires all our best energies and consistent dedication, taking marriage as an instrument to improve ourselves, to mature and develop affectionately, psychologically and spiritually. Of course the experience of a family is not a must for everyone to reach self-realization: getting married is not an obligation, it is rather a choice to be made according to one’s own inner needs and personality features. History brings the example of spiritual people with bright lives, who – having already specific understandings and experiences – were able to follow with satisfaction the path of renunciation and that way they experienced self-realization.Everywhere in the world we witness ill ecological conditions, heavy or pathological behaviours, and even terrible mischief is treated legally. However in history there are some schools and traditions– high examples of wise thinking and spiritual wisdom – that show us noble methods to make our passage in the world a developing journey towards freedom from attachments, favouring the evolution of authentic knowledge and genuine Love. Indovedic traditional Masters of psychological and spiritual teachings not only teach concepts and healthy models of thinking, most of all they give concrete examples of developing behaviours, which can enlighten human actions in the world, in affectionate-sentimental relationships, in professional skills and in every other aspect of living.• Email to a friend •
Yoga of Ecology, Bhakta Chris, USA: Some Animals Are More Equal Than Others
From food activist and author Mark Bittman's blog at the New York Times
It’s time to take a look at the line between “pet” and “animal.” When the ASPCA sends an agent to the home of a Brooklyn family to arrest one of its members for allegedly killing a hamster, something is wrong.
That “something” is this: we protect “companion animals” like hamsters while largely ignoring what amounts to the torture of chickens and cows and pigs. In short, if I keep a pig as a pet, I can’t kick it. If I keep a pig I intend to sell for food, I can pretty much torture it. State laws known as “Common Farming Exemptions” allow industry — rather than lawmakers — to make any practice legal as long as it’s common. “In other words,” as Jonathan Safran Foer, the author of “Eating Animals,” wrote me via e-mail, “the industry has the power to define cruelty. It’s every bit as crazy as giving burglars the power to define trespassing.”
Meanwhile, there are pet police. So when 19-year-old Monique Smith slammed her sibling’s hamster on the floor and killed it, as she may have done in a fit of rage last week, an ASPCA agent — there are 18 of them, busily responding to animal cruelty calls in the five boroughs and occasionally beyond — arrested her. (The charges were later dropped, though Ms. Smith spent a night in jail at Rikers Island.)
In light of the way most animals are treated in this country, I’m pretty sure that ASPCA agents don’t need to spend their time in Brooklyn defending rodents.
In fact, there’s no rationality to be found here. Just a few blocks from Ms. Smith’s home, along the M subway line, the city routinely is poisoning rodents as quickly and futilely as it possibly can, though rats can be pets also. But that’s hardly the point. This is: we “process” (that means kill) nearly 10 billion animals annually in this country, approximately one-sixth of the world’s total.Many if not most of these animals are raised (or not, since probably a couple of hundred million are killed at birth) industrially, in conditions that the philosopher Peter Singer and others have compared to concentration camps. Might we more usefully police those who keep egg-laying hens in cages so small the birds can’t open their wings, for example, than anger-management-challenged young people accused of hamstercide?
Yet Ms. Smith was charged as a felon, because in New York (and there are similar laws in other states) if you kick a dog or cat or hamster or, I suppose, a guppy, enough to “cause extreme physical pain” or do so “in an especially depraved or sadistic manner” you may be guilty of aggravated cruelty to animals, as long as you do this “with no justifiable purpose.”
But thanks to Common Farming Exemptions, as long as I “raise” animals for food and it’s done by my fellow “farmers” (in this case, manufacturers might be a better word), I can put around 200 million male chicks a year through grinders (graphic video here), castrate — mostly without anesthetic — 65 million calves and piglets a year, breed sick animals (don’t forget: more than half a billion eggs were recalled last summer, from just two Iowa farms) who in turn breed antibiotic-resistant bacteria, allow those sick animals to die without individual veterinary care, imprison animals in cages so small they cannot turn around, skin live animals, or kill animals en masse to stem disease outbreaks.
All of this is legal, because we will eat them.
We have “justifiable purposes”: pleasure (or, at this point, habit, because eating is hardly a pleasure if you do it in your car, or in 10 minutes), convenience — there are few things more filling per dollar than a cheeseburger — and of course corporate profits. We should be treating animals better and raising fewer of them; this would naturally reduce our consumption. All in all, a better situation for us, the animals, the world.
Arguing for the freedom to eat as much meat as you want is equivalent to arguing for treating farm animals as if they could not feel pain. Yet no one would defend Ms. Smith’s cruel action because it was a pet and therefore not born to be put through living hell.
Is it really that bad? After all, a new video from Smithfield, the world’s largest pork producer, makes industrial pig-raising seem like a little bit of heaven. But undercover videos from the Humane Society of the United States tell quite a different story, and a repulsive one. It also explains why we saw laws proposed by friends of agribusiness in both Iowa and Florida in recent weeks that would ban making such videos: the truth hurts, especially if you support the status quo.
Our fantasy is that until the industrial era domesticated animals were treated decently. Maybe that’s true, and maybe it isn’t; but certainly they weren’t turned out by the tens of thousands as if they were widgets.
We’re finally seeing some laws that take the first steps toward generally ameliorating cruelty to farm animals, and it’s safe to say that most of today’s small farmers and even some larger ones raise animals humanely. These few, at least, are treated with as much respect as the law believes we should treat a hamster.
For the majority of non-pets, though, it’s tough luck.
Visit my blog, where you can find out more about my columns, or what I just cooked. You can also join me on Facebook or Twitter.
• Email to a friend •
H.H. Jayadvaita Swami: Prabhupada disciples: Deadline approaching for 2011 Open Vyasa-puja book
The deadline for the “Open Vyasa-puja book” is April 15. All direct disciples of Srila Prabhupada are warmly welcome to write an offering. Details at www.sptributes.com.
Please spread the word!
• Email to a friend •
Japa Group: Chanting Rhyme
There is a rhyme that I invented for my son to encourage him to concentrate while chanting Japa. It's very simple, but underlines two important points....hearing and pronounciation.
Chant the words so you can hear,the Maha mantra loud and clear
In spiritual life, simple concepts are very important and these simple aspects of chanting are very important for our progress in Japa.• Email to a friend •
Gouranga TV: Lecture – Gadadhar Pandit das – SB 10.1.56-59 – Service Attitude
Lecture – Gadadhar Pandit das – SB 10.1.56-59 – Service Attitude
Gouranga TV: Lecture – Gadadhar Pandit das – SB 10.1.56-59 – Service Attitude
• Email to a friend •
H.G. Sankarshan das Adhikari, USA: Tuesday 29 March 2011--Back to Home, Back to Vrindavan--and--How to Find Permanent Bliss?
A daily broadcast of the Ultimate Self Realization Course(TM) Tuesday 29 March 2011 The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna, and His eternal consort, Srimati Radharani are enjoying transcendental pastimes in the topmost planet of the spiritual world, Sri Goloka Vrindavan. They are beckoning us to rejoin them. (Click on photo to see a larger image.) Our Mission: To help everyone awaken their original Krishna consciousness, which is eternal, full of knowledge and full of bliss. Such a global awakening will, in one stroke, solve all the problems of the world society bringing in a new era of unprecedented peace and prosperity for all. May that day, which the world so desperately needs, come very soon. We request you to participate in this mission by reviving your dormant Krishna consciousness and assisting us in spreading this science all over the world. Dedicated with love to ISKCON Founder-Acharya: His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, our beloved spiritual master, and to you, our dear readers. Today's Thought: Back to Home, Back to Vrindavan Uploaded from London, England Monday 28 March 2011--After a blissful stop in London to lecture on the Bhagavad-gita and to hold a Krishna conscious questions and answers session at ISKCON's Soho Street temple in London, we are heading out today for the Lord's most wonderful transcendental abode, Sri Vrindavana Dhama. A pilgrimage to this most sacred abode is an incredibly sublime opportunity for strengthening our Krishna consciousness and for regaining our original eternal identities as Krishna's eternal servants. Sankarshan Das Adhikari Vrindavan, the Wondrous Land of Krishna http://www.backtohome.com/images/2006-2007 WT/vrindavan.jpg Answers According to the Vedic Version: Question: How to Find Permanent Bliss? Hare Krishna, Maharaja, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. Day in and day out, I am trying very hard to become an ardent student of Krishna consciousness, but I always end up overwhelmed by miseries stemming from my work, people, corporate politics, mood swings, and other emotional disturbances. I am feeling very sick and tired of these day to day nuances. In my office everyone is playing so much politics and mind games, and they don't understand the pain I am going through. I have to work to take care of my social and financial needs, and I do not have good support either financially or morally. How to survive in this dog-eat-dog world? Every day it's a great struggle to survive and face the odds. Sometime I am getting suicidal thoughts. But I also think of my aged parents. I am 35 years old and not yet married and am finding great difficulty to get married because of poor financial position and poor health. How can I be happy and blissful if I keep on facing these emotional disturbances daily which wreck my interest in spirituality? How can I get rid of these disturbances and achieve permanent bliss. Hare Krishna, Your servant forever, N.S. Answer: Beg for Krishna's Mercy It's very simple. All you have to do is see that this suffering is all the mercy of Krishna to help you give up the idea of trying to enjoy this material world so that you can easily take complete shelter of Him. Call out to Krishna regularly like a small child in anxiety calling out to his mother. Take shelter of the bona fide spiritual master. He will teach you how to perfect your chanting. In this way, you will be able to cut through the curtain of the material energy and enter into the spiritual world of unlimited bliss. Sankarshan Das Adhikari Transcendental Resources: Receive the Special Blessings of Krishna Now you too can render the greatest service to the suffering humanity and attract the all-auspicious blessings of Lord Sri Krishna upon yourself and your family by assisting our mission. Lectures and Kirtans in Audio and Video: Link to High Definition Videos Link to Over 1,000 Lecture Audios Lecture-Travel Schedule for 2011 http://www.ultimateselfrealization.com/schedule Have Questions or Need Further Guidance? Check out the resources at:http://www.ultimateselfrealization.com or write Sankarshan Das Adhikari at: sda@backtohome.com Get your copy today of the world's greatest self-realization guide book, Bhagavad-gita As It Is available at: http://www.ultimateselfrealization.com/store Know someone who could benefit from this? Forward it to them. Searchable archives of all of course material: http://www.sda-archives.com Receive Thought for the Day as an RSS feed:http://www.backtohome.com/rss.htm Unsubscribe or change your email address Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Daily_Thought http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=714185709 Copyright 2005-2011 by Ultimate Self Realization.Com Distribution of this material is encouraged. Simply we request you to acknowledge where it is coming from with a link to our sign up page: http://www.backtohome.com Our records indicate that at requested to be enrolled to receive e-mails from the Ultimate Self Realization Course at: This request was made on: From the following IP address:
• Email to a friend •
ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Jayapataka Maharaja's Vyasa Puja Celebration
The disciples and well-wishers of His Holiness Jayapataka Maharaja will celebrate his Vyasa Puja on Thursday April the 14th. (Gaura Ekadasi of Visnu Masa).
Please join us in the temple room from 10am. till 12:30pm.
• Email to a friend •
ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Daily Class - Devamrita Swami
Srimad Bhagavatam 12.3.19 - We can be protected from the heavy rain of Kali-yuga if we take shelter under the umbrella of Caitanya Mahaprabhu (sri-caitanya-prabhum vande yat-padasraya...).
Bhaktivedanta VedaBase: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 12.3.19
śāntā dāntās titikṣavaḥ
SYNONYMS
santuṣṭāḥ — self-satisfied; karuṇāḥ — merciful; maitrāḥ — friendly; śāntāḥ — pacified; dāntāḥ — self-controlled; titikṣavaḥ — tolerant; ātma-ārāmāḥ — enthused from within; sama-dṛśaḥ — possessed of equal vision; prāyaśaḥ — for the most part;śramaṇāḥ — endeavoring diligently (for self-realization); janāḥ — the people.
TRANSLATION
The people of Satya-yuga are for the most part self-satisfied, merciful, friendly to all, peaceful, sober and tolerant. They take their pleasure from within, see all things equally and always endeavor diligently for spiritual perfection.
PURPORT
Sama-darśana, equal vision, is based on the perception of the Supreme Spirit behind all material variety and within all living entities.
• Email to a friend •
More Recent Articles
- Sri Nandanandana dasa: A Cure for the Corruption in India, By Stephen Knapp
- H.H. Bhakticharu Swami: TOWACO LECTURES SB 10.3.1-5
- ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Devamrita Swami at Krishna Fest - TOMORROW!
- ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Today's Darsana
- Toronto Sankirtan Team, CA: March Maha-Monthly Sankirtan Festival - A Report
Click here to safely unsubscribe now from "Planet ISKCON" or change your subscription, view mailing archives or subscribe
Your requested content delivery powered by FeedBlitz, LLC, 9 Thoreau Way, Sudbury, MA 01776, USA. +1.978.776.9498
TABLA - FUENTES - FONTS
SOUV2
- SOUV2P.TTF - 57 KB
- SOUV2I.TTF - 59 KB
- SOUV2B.TTF - 56 KB
- SOUV2T.TTF - 56 KB
- bai_____.ttf - 46 KB
- babi____.ttf - 47 KB
- bab_____.ttf - 45 KB
- balaram_.ttf - 45 KB
- SCAGRG__.TTF - 73 KB
- SCAGI__.TTF - 71 KB
- SCAGB__.TTF - 68 KB
- inbenr11.ttf - 64 KB
- inbeno11.ttf - 12 KB
- inbeni11.ttf - 12 KB
- inbenb11.ttf - 66 KB
- indevr20.ttf - 53 KB
- Greek font: BibliaLS Normal
- Greek font: BibliaLS Bold
- Greek font: BibliaLS Bold Italic
- Greek font: BibliaLS Italic
- Hebrew font: Ezra SIL
- Hebrew font: Ezra SIL SR
Disculpen las Molestias
Planet ISKCON - 2010 · Planet ISKCON - 2011
Conceptos Hinduistas (1428)SC
Aa-Anc · Aga - Ahy · Ai - Akshay · Akshe - Amshum · Ana - Ancie · Ang - Asvayu · Ata - Az · Baa-Baz · Be-Bhak · Bhal-Bu · C · Daa-Daz · De · Dha-Dry · Du-Dy · E · F · Gaa-Gayu · Ge-Gy · Ha-He · Hi-Hy · I · J · K · Ka - Kam · Kan - Khatu · Ki - Ko · Kr - Ku · L · M · N · O · P · R · S · Saa-San · Sap-Shy · Si-Sy · Ta - Te · U · V · Ve-Vy · Y · Z
Conceptos Hinduistas (2919)SK
Aa-Ag · Ah-Am · Ana-Anc · And-Anu · Ap-Ar · As-Ax · Ay-Az · Baa-Baq · Bar-Baz · Be-Bhak · Bhal-Bhy · Bo-Bu · Bra · Brh-Bry · Bu-Bz · Caa-Caq · Car-Cay · Ce-Cha · Che-Chi · Cho-Chu · Ci-Cn · Co-Cy · Daa-Dan · Dar-Day · De · Dha-Dny · Do-Dy · Ea-Eo · Ep-Ez · Faa-Fy · Gaa-Gaq · Gar-Gaz · Ge-Gn · Go · Gra-Gy · Haa-Haq · Har-Haz · He-Hindk · Hindu-Histo · Ho-Hy · Ia-Iq · Ir-Is · It-Iy · Jaa-Jaq · Jar-Jay · Je-Jn · Jo-Jy · Kaa-Kaq · Kar-Kaz · Ke-Kh · Ko · Kr · Ku - Kz · Laa-Laq · Lar-Lay · Le-Ln · Lo-Ly · Maa-Mag · Mah · Mai-Maj · Mak-Maq · Mar-Maz · Mb-Mn · Mo-Mz · Naa-Naq · Nar-Naz · Nb-Nn · No-Nz · Oa-Oz · Paa-Paq · Par-Paz · Pe-Ph · Po-Py · Raa-Raq · Rar-Raz · Re-Rn · Ro-Ry · Saa-Sam · San-Sar · Sas-Sg · Sha-Shy · Sia-Sil · Sim-Sn · So - Sq · Sr - St · Su-Sz · Taa-Taq · Tar-Tay · Te-Tn · To-Ty · Ua-Uq · Ur-Us · Vaa-Vaq · Var-Vaz · Ve · Vi-Vn · Vo-Vy · Waa-Wi · Wo-Wy · Yaa-Yav · Ye-Yiy · Yo-Yu · Zaa-Zy
Thank you to Maharaj for this answer on the pendulum. The pendulum is supposed to help tell what your subconscious is telling. For instance if someone has lost an item. We have consciously forgotten, but the pendulum may help us find it. We should not attach any super natural importance to it, or spiritual importance.
Balarama Kavacha
This Balarama Kavacha (armor) will ensure one full protection against the onslaught of Maya. One should chant this mantra after having taken bath and worn clean cloth. This Kavacha had previously bee given to the Vraja Gopis by Garga Muni. It is being repeated here to Duryodhana.
goloka-dhama-adhipatihparesvarah
paresu-mampatupavitrakirtanah
bhu-mandalam-sarsa-pava-dvilaksate
yan-murdhnimampatu-sa bhumi mandale (1)
O Master of Goloka who is always glorified by kirtan, kindly protect me from my enemies. O you who carries Bhumandala on His head like a mustard seed (Sesa), kindly protect me in Bhumandala.
sena-su-mam-raksa-tu-sir-panir
yuddhe-sada raksa-tu mam halich
durgesu chavyan-musali sada-mam
vanesu sankarsanaadi-devah (2 )
O Sir-Pani kindly protect me amongst the military forces. O Halich, kindly protect me in battle, O Musalidhara, kindly protect me in the fortress . O Sankarsana, kindly protect me in the forest.
kalinda ja vega haro jalesu
nilambaro raksa tu mam asda gnau
vayau ca ramo vatukhe balascha
maharnave anata vapu asda mam (3)
O controller of the Yamuna kindly protect me in the water. O Nilambar kindly protect me against fire. O Rama kindly protect me from the wind. O Balarama kindly protect me in the sky. O Anant Vapu kindly be my only protector in the ocean.
kamat sada raksa tu dhenukarin
krodhat sada mam devivida prahari
lobhat sada raksa tu balvalarir
mohat sada mam kil magadharih (5)
O Dhenukari kindly protect me from lust. O Dvivida Prahari kindly protect me against anger. O Balvalari kindly protect me from greed. O Magadhari kindly protect me against illusion.
pratah sada raksa tu vrsni dhuryah
prahne sada mam mathura purendrah
madhyam dine gopa sakhah prapatu
svarat parahne vatu mam sadaiva (6)
O Vrsni Dhurya kindly protect me in the morning . O Mathura Purendra kindly protect me in the eight periods of the day. O Gopa Sakhah kindly protect me in the middle of the day. O Svarat kindly protect me in the afternoon.
sayam phanindro vatu mam sadaiva
paratparo raksa tu mam pradose
purne nisithe ca duranata-viryah
pratyusa kale vatu mam sadaiva (7)
O Phanindra, kindly protect me in the evening. O Paratpara, kindly protect me in the frist part of of night. O Duranta-virya, kindly protect me the middle of the night. O Balarama, kindly protect me in the last part of the night.
vidiksu mam raksa tu revati-patir
diksu pralambari radha yadu-dvahah
urddhvam sada mam balabhadra arat
tatah samantad baladeva eva hi (8)
O Ravati-pati, kindly protect me from the four intermediate directions. O Parlambari, kindly protect me from the four directions. O Balabhadra, kindly protect me from above, O Baladeva, kindly protect me from below and on every side.
antah sada vyat purusottamo
bahir nagendra lilo vatu mam mahabalah
sada antaratmaja vasam harih avayam
prapatu purnah paramesvaro mahan (9)
O Pursottam kindly protect me from within. O Nagendra kindly protect me from outside. O Hari, you are the supreme Personality of Godhead please kindly be my only protector always.
This Balarama kavacha drives away all fears of both the demigods and the demons and burns up all sinful reactions.