ŚB 4.13.25 ~ 34

Aṅga was indeed a great philosopher-king, but when he undertook an elaborate horse sacrifice, the gods would not attend no matter how the learned priests tried to summon them. Perplexed, the priests explained to the proponent of the sacrifice, “King Aṅga, the gods do not accept our offerings. They are not impure, we have prepared them with attentive care. Our invocations are properly incanted, they are not chanted by those who are unchaste and unabiding. We don’t know why the divine overseers of all endeavors will not accept their sacrificial shares. We do not seem to have made even the smallest offense to them.”

The proponent of the sacrifice, Aṅga, became very dejected when he heard this. With the permission of his priests, he began to ask them questions.

He asked their permission because the proponent of the sacrifice (the person who seeks a result from the sacrifice) is not normally permitted to speak during the entire ceremony.

“We invite the gods, but they do not come,” he said. “We offer to them, but they do not accept. Oh experts, please tell me frankly, What mistake have I made?

This is pretty glorious. Usually a leader would blame other people when things go wrong. “What’s wrong with you? What are you hiding from me? You must be so stupid that you don’t even realize how stupid you are.” Aṅga was a king, but a philosopher-king. Therefore he behaved with humility. When things went wrong, he assumed it was his fault. This is ideal. Leaders should follow this model.

“God of men,” they replied, “In this life you have not the slightest fault. But a fault from your past life prevents you from gaining the son you hope to gain by performing this ceremony.”

There is no mercy in worldly deeds. Either you have enough money to buy something, or you don’t. Either you deserve something or you don’t. In material consciousness, no one awards anyone anything they do not pay for. Vedic sacrifices are a sophisticated, subtle way of doing something very simple: trying to fulfill basic material needs and desires. In such sacrifices, there is no mercy – there is only payment. If a sacrifice is done properly and the person deserves a reward, it is given by the cosmos and the cosmic controllers, otherwise not. King Aṅga had a very slight disqualification from a previous birth, which prevented the sacrifice from being effective, disqualified him from being “accepted for the loan from the bank of the gods.” These days, definitely none of us would have any hope whatsoever of performing a Vedic sacrifice effectively. Such endeavors are useless.

“Then, is it hopeless for me?” The king would ask.

So they blessed him, “Be blessed to attain the good child you seek!”

“How?” he would ask.

So they explained, “Instead of worshipping the gods, directly take your desire for a son to the ultimate enjoyer of all sacrifice, Hari. He will grant you a son. When you directly worship him, the personification of sacrifice, all the celestial denizens will accept their portions of the sacrificial offerings. Hari grants whatever we desire. The surest way for people to achieve their objectives is to worship him.”

Vedic sacrifices are merciless, but Viṣṇu / Hari is merciful. The experts advised Aṅga to give up trying to achieve his goal on by the karmic-merchantile system of sacrifice, and to instead rely upon the mercy of Viṣṇu.

However, it will be interesting to learn why such a bad son wound up as the result. Stay tuned for that.

– Vraja Kishor dās

www.VrajaKishor.com

The best time to chant is whenever we find it easiest to let go of the deep-seated habit of driving our thoughts from one personal desire or interest to the next. I’ve found that this tends to be either (a) immediately after waking up, or (b) after taking care of everything I’m supposed to take care of.

After Waking

It doesn’t work out if I wake up late, because I have a busy life with practical demands and need to get started on my daily business. So I need to wake up early enough to create an open space in my schedule where my japa won’t have to compete with any other duties or pursuits.

I find it best to get immediately to chanting. The quicker I can get from “bed to beads” the better. I don’t notice any significant improvement from showering and dressing before chanting – in fact I think its a botheration and gets in the way. A little bit of cleanliness is needed, for example throwing some water on my face, swishing a brush across my teeth a few times, and getting a glass of water. That’s about the max amount of time I really want to spend in between waking and chanting.

If I wind up looking at my iPhone or computer after waking up and before chanting – forget it. Nāma-japa is most likely completely ruined for that day. And that’s also why I don’t like to waste time with a shower and all that supposedly good stuff – too much time for me to start getting attached to thinking about this or that thing that I experienced yesterday, or want to accomplish today.

I’ve also noticed that what I do before going to bed helps or hinders my chanting the next morning. I try to involve myself in at least a short kīrtan each evening immediately before going to bed. For some time I sang the śikṣāṣṭaka as part of this kīrtan and that was very, very helpful. I’ve also done other verses from great poets like Bilvamaṅgal Ṭhākur, Jayadeva Goswāmī, and Krishnadās Kavirāja and found these to be pretty helpful too.

Watching a movie or TV show in the evening is usually detrimental, especially if it’s a good, engrossing movie. But it’s not too bad, if the evening kīrtan is a bit deep.

Tired?

I’ve found that being tired doesn’t really matter much. If I’m actually involved the act of offering my consciousness as a dancing-meadow for Rādhā and Krishna’s names (which is what I should be involved in while doing japa), then that’s enjoyable enough, and erases any ordinary tiredness.

If the tiredness is extreme, though, it can get in the way. Especially if it creates muscle pain or weakness – which makes it practically impossible to sit nicely, which in turn makes it quite impossible to hold the mind to its promise of being quiet. So, getting enough sleep is pretty important. That’s part of the reason I don’t push myself too much on the weekends. On the weekends, I let myself sleep until whenever I wake up naturally. This sort of replenishes me for getting a bit less sleep than I probably need during the week. General physical fitness is also helpful, to the extent of stretching a bit every day or doing basic yoga.

After Working

Another good time for chanting, in my experience, is after everything else is finished. I don’t do it too often, because generally, everything else is never finished for me – especially since I am married to a great woman and have with three fine children, all of whom definitely deserve a good solid chunk of my attention and time.

On the 19th June 2015, Sivarama Swami had a debate on the existence of God at the Pandava Sena Alumni program in the UK. Bhuta Bhavana Das played the role of an aggressive atheistic interviewer (Jeremy Paxman style).

KRISHNA - A Journey Within, is a 300 page graphic novel that has been 4 years in the making, a searing human portrayal of Krishna, the God of all gods. Written and illustrated by Abhishek Singh.

Govinda Swami about Buddhimanta prabhu: I wanted to be the biggest Godasa .. but that kind gentleman Srila Prabhupada placed me in this bed. Now I can’t eat, and I can’t sleep, and my mind doesn’t work to even think about sense pleasures. All I can do is lay here and listen to Srila Prabhupada sing mahamantra on the cassette 24 hours a day. I wanted to be the biggest Godasa .. and Prabhupada brought me here and made me a Goswami. And he’d repeatedly mutter in a southern drawl .. All glories to Srila Prabhupada .. He saved me from myself.“ Buddhi Manta passed away on the night of Sivaratri.
Read the entire article here: https://goo.gl/Lyi2Wi

Can You be Spiritual Without Being Religious?
Question: Is it necessary to equate spirituality with religion? Do you think people can be spiritual, having values, but not be religious at all?
Radhanath Swami: It depends on our definition of spirituality and religion. Values are required to be genuine in any spiritual or religious path. In the yoga system there are yamas and niyamas which are based on our values, on our ethics, on our morality, because we can’t truly build our spiritual experience unless we have those values. When we see a religion or spiritual path without those values in it, we often turn away from that religion or spirituality – whatever we may call it. So those values are necessary.
Read the entire article here: http://goo.gl/UXgQbK

International Yoga day in Tel Aviv (Album with photos)
See them here: https://goo.gl/up1aQr

International Yoga Day in Radhadesh (Album with photos)
See them here: https://goo.gl/JZDafO

Krishna Sambandha was present at the program of the International Day of Yoga in Chile singing the Holy Name and representing the school of Bhakti Yoga, showed to us by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. So we ask to everybody in the audience to sing and clap their hands with us, practicing this kind of yoga and felling joy in their hearts.
International day of Yoga, was celebrated at the Cultural Center of Palacio de La (Presidential Palace of Chile). Indian Embassador and many authorities of chilean goverment were present.

Calling all Krishna Conscious rappers, you’re free to download these beats for favorable Hip Hop lyrics. Let’s expand the preaching!
Beats provided by Khush Music -
Read the entire article here: https://goo.gl/Eewuyp

ISKCON-Delhi: UMANG (The Festival of Joy) : 21-06-2015 (Album with photos)
On the occassion of ‘International Yoga Day’ Iskcon Youth Forum(IYF) organised its youth fest- 'Umang-the festival of Joy’ at Iskcon Delhi,
It featured, A talk entitled 'Yoga for Modern age’, Drama-“Munnabhai ko mangta guru ”, Hare Krsna Rock kirtan. It was attended by about 400 youngsters.
See them here: https://goo.gl/o23MEf

TKG (Tamal Krishna Goswami) Academy: Another wonderful school year has come to an end!
Another wonderful school year has come to an end. An adventurous year it was, with many new students and exciting events. And so it was befitting that the conclusion was extraordinary as well. On Tuesday, May 19th, we went to the Armstrong Park in Duncanville. Despite our concerns, the weather was pleasant and perfect. As soon as we arrived, the children ran forward and practically disappeared into the large castle-like structure. We played many games and engaged in various activities, though the students were perfectly happy to simply climb and hide and follow their imagination…
Read the entire article here: http://goo.gl/dJN8il

Hare Krishna! Brahmananda prabhu eulogies.
By Madhusudan das, and Kanchanbala dasi.
His grace Brahmananda Prabhu was my 1st temple president on 26 2nd Ave. I am eternally grateful to him as he gave me such spiritual, Krishna conscious protection. I was always moved by his unwavering devotion to Srila Prabhupada. AT the time, a new, young devotee that I was, was not familiar with the term “siksa guru” but in retrospect, can see that he was this to me. At the same time, I felt him to be my older brother, godbrother as I was 16-17 years old and he was in his mid 20’s, which I considered “old.” I couldn’t make it to the temple every day as I lived far away, going to high school and there was opposition in my family regarding me participating at the temple. So Brahmananda Prabhu didn’t know about my devotional activities at home.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18043

Hare Krishna! HH Sivarama Swami’s debate on the existence of God – 19th June 2015 (video)
On the 19th June 2015, HH Sivarama Swami had a mock debate on the existence of God at the Pandava Sena Alumni program. HG Bhuta Bhavana prabhu played the role of an aggressive atheistic interviewer but HH Sivarama Swami soundly defeated him. The many devotees present in the audience were really inspired and found it very educational in how to defend the existence of God.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18040

[Reposting from yesterday a fictional retelling of an event I just experienced] Thursday is shopping and errand day when I travel a radius of about 20 miles to purchase some organic vegetables, dump garbage, occasionally give away stuff at the Goodwill, and take care whatever else needs to done in nearby, exciting Sandy Ridge—like go to the bank or post office. As I was driving away from the bank, I thought that this had been a normal day for me. Rising at 4:30 AM, I began by reading some of Yamuna Devi’s biography and then Shrimad Bhagavatam. As often happens, time seems to shoot by and I have to rush to take my shower and prepare to wake the Deities, and begin my japa, or personal chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra on beads.

By 6AM I was chanting. My wife joins me between 6 and 7. This morning I was happy to have almost finished my quota of “rounds” on my beads by 8 AM. At that time I begin the breakfast offering as part of my worship, and then bath my Shilas, or sacred stone manifestations of Krishna. At slightly after 9, my wife and I honor the Lord’s prasadam or the food which has been prepared to our Deity’s pleasure, though according to our necessity and diet, while we get some morning sun on our deck. Then a more reading, finishing my chanting, emails, making a few posts, and it is time to leave for my outing. Today I had to leave earlier than usual since the store I buy the organic produce was closing early.

On the open road the sun was brightly shining with beautiful white puffy clouds gently moving across the sky. Another typical hot summer day. I was thinking about the fact that while I pray to be free from my anarthas or unwanted mentalities or attachments, sometimes I would like to have them. We have so many parts of our conditioned identity. While ideally we remain in our best or core self in the mood of goodness, sometimes our parts take a primary voice and role in our life and we may do, or at least think about doing, what isn’t helpful for our spiritual progress.

As I was lamenting this fact in myself, I heard a loud thud, and saw a deer to my right that was obviously the cause of the sound, being hit by my car.

read more

https://youtu.be/KvicyBR_-Fs

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The post Daily Darshan – June 23rd, 2015 appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Lilashakti Devi Dasi ACBSP, Linda Forkash, left this world.
Deena Bandhu Das: I am very sad to inform you that just two hours ago a very dear Godsister, Lilashakti Linda Forkash, left this world. She was one of the biggest book distributors the world has known. So devoted and compassionate in wanting to connect the fallen souls with Srila Prabhupada’s teachings. I know that Srila Prabhupada will take her in his embrace and lead her to Lotus Feet of her Lordships Radha Shyamsundar. Please join us in prayer for her!

Another wonderful school year has come to an end. An adventurous year it was, with many new students and exciting events. And so it was befitting that the conclusion was extraordinary as well.

On Tuesday, May 19th, we went to the Armstrong Park in Duncanville. Despite our concerns, the weather was pleasant and perfect. As soon as we arrived, the children ran forward and practically disappeared into the large castle-like structure. We played many games and engaged in various activities, though the students were perfectly happy to simply climb and hide and follow their imagination…

The next day, our last day, was filled with loving exchanges. Students were writing appreciations for each other, and signing their friends’ pictures. Then, off to our graduation ceremony. Each student, beginning with the youngest, received a certificate, highlighting one of the outstanding qualities they demonstrated during the course of this school year. It was enlivening to hear about their determination, self-motivation, resourcefulness, sanguinity, courage, inquisitiveness, compassion, benevolence, ambitions, and other such remarkable aptitudes.

We also expressed our appreciation and gratitude to all the teachers and volunteers. And, above all, to Mother Jayanti, who has been serving at TKG Academy for 30 years, and is now going to be in an advisory capacity.

We look forward to the next school year with all the new students, adventures, excitements and learning experiences it may bring.

Have a wonderful summer!

Here is a presentation of paragraphs 61.3-5 of Śrī Tattva Sandarbha by Jīva Goswāmī

We might think that the ten topics are covered sequentially and systematically in Śrīmad Bhāgavatam’s cantos, but how can this be when there are ten topics and twelve cantos? We might propose to drop two of the cantos as introductory or appedicary. Perhaps,  since the list of topics is given at the end of canto two, we might assume that discussion of these topics begins systematically from the third. However, on actual study we find that the eighth, ninth and tenth topics are all covered in the tenth canto, and all the other topics also appear here and there throughout the other cantos.

Śrīdhara Swāmī confirms:

The topic of “destruction” is covered in the tenth canto – spreading Krishna’s excellent glory by describing how he rid the earth of her burdens by destroying wicked, immoral rulers… Bhāgavata has already described the four types of material destruction. 

[Bhāvārtha-dīpikā 10.1.1]

The idea here is that the main topic of the tenth canto is Krishna as the Ultimate Origin. Other topics, like destruction, are also covered in whatever ways they relate to the main topic. We can come to similar conclusions about the main topics of other cantos.

The tenth topic is the primary subject of the tenth canto – revealing the characteristics of the Ultimate Origin.

[Bhāvārtha-dīpikā]

Every canto has primary and secondary topics, and thus each one touches on virtually all ten topics. This is what the Bhāgavatam means by saying:

[These topics] are discussed directly and indirectly.

[2.10.2]

In fact, we do find each of the ten topics in each and every canto, even in the first and second – which therefore cannot be excluded from the mahā-purāṇa itself. This is why we don’t hold the idea that the topics are discussed in a systematically sequential way.

Vraja Kishor dās

VrajaKishor.com

[A fictional telling of a real event that just happened to me]Thursday is shopping and errand day when I travel a radius of about 20 miles to purchase some organic vegetables, dump garbage, occasionally give away stuff at the Goodwill, and take care whatever else needs to done in nearby, exciting Sandy Ridge—like go to the bank or post office. As I was driving away from the bank, I thought that this had been a normal day for me. Rising at 4:30 AM, I began by reading some of Yamuna Devi’s biography and then Shrimad Bhagavatam. As often happens, time seems to shoot by and I have to rush to take my shower and prepare to wake the Deities, and begin my japa, or personal chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra on beads.