“Swanning”
→ Karnamrita.das's blog

Swan drinking[One of my earliest blogs and contained in my book Give to Live originally published on Fri September 14, 2007] No it is not a new dance step, but a process. I first heard the term from a devotee scholar who used the term to indicate the process of taking the best from any situation--in his case his educational pursuits. Prabhupada gives the example of the swan that can draw out the milk from a mixture of milk and water. We have to look for the nectar or the essence which can be used for Krishna's service.

A famous quote in Prabhupada's purport from the first Canto of the Bhagavatam [1.5.11] gives the same idea:

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Brahma Glorifies Shiva
→ The Enquirer

Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 4.6.42 ~ 53 [end]:

With a happy face, Brahmā offered his respectful praṇām to Moon-Crowned Śiva, and then began to speak. “I know you as the Master of the Universe, the womb and the seed of everything, Śakti and Śiva. And beyond this I know you as Supreme Eternal Spirit. Your intrinstic form, the Śiva-Śakti unit, is certainly the All-Attractive one who creates, maintains, and destroys everything, like a spider spinning, using, and retracting her web.

It’s clear that the Śakti-Śiva unit, “Sadāśiva,” is non-different from Viṣṇu. As such it “might” be wise for those who want to be Vaiṣṇava to abandon phobias and aversions to Shiva, his glorification, and his glorifiers.

“It is you who utilizes Dakṣa to establish sacrifices as the best method of attaining prosperity in a moral way. It is you who create the social regulations that Brāhmaṇas believe in and follow very strictly. Auspicious Master, you reward these auspicious deeds with heaven, liberation, and your own association; and you reward inauspicious deeds by covering them in darkness. I don’t know why you have suddenly decided to do just the opposite – punishing Dakṣa and the Brāhmaṇas who were engaged in sacrifice.”

Śiva might simply reply, “I was angry.”

So Brahmā said, “I know it was not due to anger. Anyone who gives themselves wholly to your feet clearly sees you in all living beings and sees that no living being is really different from you. So they almost never experience animalistic anger.”

It doesn’t seem to be clearly resolved yet why Shivajī responded with such intensity. I think the reason is love. He tolerated every insult, but when they caused his beloved wife to kill herself, his rage erupted out of love. Maybe Shiva will explain this, or something esle, in the next chapter.

Śiva might reply, “Is there not sometimes need to be angry with fools?”

So Brahmā said, “People who see differences between living beings become obsessed with selfish ambitions. When other people prosper, anger consumes the hearts of these cruel-hearted misers, and they say vile things to hurt those they envy. You don’t need to punish these misers, because their own deeds create their own doom. The minds of these separatists embrace the bewildering magic of Viṣṇu. When they say and do their vile, selfish things, good souls feel compassion and show forgiveness, knowing the fools are merely in the powerful grip of their own destinies.”

Śiva might ask, “What would you have me do now?”

So Brahmā said, “Your mind does not embrace the bewildering magic of Viṣṇu. Your intellect sees everyone equally. Prabhu, you should show compassion to these soul-less fools obsessed with their own ambitions. The faulty man who conducted that sacrifice did not dedicate a portion of it to you, who are the one who bestows the results of all sacrifices. Respectable One, you should show compassion to him by restoring the sacrifice you destroyed and accepting whatever remains there as an offering unto you.

“You should restore life to the conductor of that sacrifice. You should restore sight to Bhaga. You should restore growth to Bhṛgu’s beard. You should restore teeth to Puṣa. Respectable One, you should restore the bones of the gods and priests, broken by your stones and weapons. Then, let Rudra, who destroyed the sacrifice, accept whatever remains there, considering it his sacrificial portion. Let us do this now,” Brahmā urged, “without delay.”

— Vraja Kishor dās

VrajaKishor.com


Tagged: Anger, Brahma, Forgiveness, Sadashiva, Shiva, Shiva-shakti, Srimad Bhagavatam

Ecstatic association
→ KKSBlog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 06 April 2015, Durban, South Africa, Ratha Yatra Lecture: What is devotional service)

kks_DBN_RY_2015Many devotees, after they have been active in Krsna consciousness for a while, will start connecting to a spiritual master and that is very nice because the spiritual master is very much engaged in devotional service. His whole life is about devotional service and therefore he has a deep absorption in devotional service. It is explained that this absorption is sometimes called bhava. Bhava is explained as deep absorption in the ecstasy of serving Krsna.

So, one who is so deeply absorbed, he can give inspiration to others, just by his presence. It is said that there is chaya bhava, the reflection of bhava, or that the consciousness of a pure devotee reflects on others and in his presence, they also suddenly become enlivened about serving Krsna; they become motivated, “Yes, spiritual life is what I want, I agree with that!”

But then, it looks different when we are back with everyday life because that shadow reflection wears off. We borrow inspiration of the more mature vaishnava but when we are out of their association then it will run out. But, if we stay in that association for a longer period of time, it is like when you borrow something for a long period of time, then it becomes yours. When the ecstasy of a devotee is borrowed for a long, long time; if we serve the devotee for a long, long time; then it becomes ours and that is a key to develop devotional service.

CC daily 83 – M 6.8-13 – Lord Chaitanya manifest suddipta-sattvika vikara
→ The Spiritual Scientist

CC-daily Podcast
[audio mp3="http://www.thespiritualscientist.com/audio/ccd%20classes/desiretree/2015%20classes/04-15%20classes/CC%20daily%2083%20-%20M%206.8-13%20-%20Lord%20Chaitanya%20manifest%20suddipta-sattvika%20vikara.mp3http://www.thespiritualscientist.com/audio/ccd%20classes/desiretree/2015%20classes/04-15%20classes/CC%20daily%2083%20-%20M%206.8-13%20-%20Lord%20Chaitanya%20manifest%20suddipta-sattvika%20vikara.mp3">Download by "right-click and save content"

Three Steps
→ Tattva - See inside out

The three steps of anything: 1) Initial enthusiasm, 2) doubts, disinterest and struggle 3) eventual reward for the committed. This seems to be the standard pattern for most things in life: studies, career, relationships, hobbies, and yes, even spirituality. The beginning of our spiritual journey is often characterised by idealism. Everything is fresh and fascinating, a whole new world to explore and unlimited opportunities to pursue. We can’t imagine any problems, since it all seems so simple and straightforward. We have finally found what we’ve always been looking for.

Unfortunately that honeymoon period doesn’t last forever. Now familiar with the externals, one is forced to dig a little deeper to maintain their commitment and dedication. What in the beginning seemed so natural, now requires a good dose of discipline and determination to maintain. As we situate ourselves in the external world of spiritual practice, the internal world of chaos begins to reveal itself. Over time, we realise we aren’t as saintly as we thought, our hearts riddled with weakness, frailty and stubborn material stains. Welcome to the stage of realism – where the gap between the ideal (of where we’d like to be) and real (of where we actually are) becomes strikingly apparent. The gap is indeed uncomfortable, and different people attempt to close it in different ways. Some quit the process altogether (forget the ideal), while others compromise the purity of their expectations (lower the ideal). Both of these approaches cheat us of the invaluable gift of pure spiritual happiness. Only the brave accept the third way: to accept the gap, admit one’s flaws, and undertake the step-by-step process to refine their character (raise the real). It requires incredible commitment, buts it’s the rewarding path that leads somewhere significant.

To tread that path we need to move to the stage of optimism. Embracing the hard work required to raise our character towards the ideal, is only possible as we develop great hope in the spiritual process we practice. We can survive for three weeks without food, for three days without water, but not a moment without hope; it keeps our spiritual journey alive. That hope is cultivated through observation (appreciation of how we’ve developed our spirituality to the current point) and application (the feelings of reciprocation and reward we feel in the current times). Nurturing unbreakable hope is the hallmark of an advanced spiritualist. For one whose spirituality is fortified by such hope, quitting is not an option. Such dedication cracks open the divine treasure-house.

Hare Krishna! H.H Jayapataka Swami to visit New Vrindaban’s…
→ Dandavats.com



Hare Krishna! H.H Jayapataka Swami to visit New Vrindaban’s Festival of Inspiration
(New Vrindaban, West Virginia)- The countdown has begun! New Vrindaban’s Festival of Inspiration is only two weeks away, and it’s a big one — the 15th anniversary! Get ready for exciting and inspiring presentations by ISKCON’s best speakers; top-quality entertainment from dramas to stand-up comedy; rip-roaring kirtans; and mouth-watering prasadam, and much more!
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=16960

Hare Krishna! H.H Jayapataka Swami to visit New Vrindaban’s…
→ Dandavats.com



Hare Krishna! H.H Jayapataka Swami to visit New Vrindaban’s Festival of Inspiration
(New Vrindaban, West Virginia)- The countdown has begun! New Vrindaban’s Festival of Inspiration is only two weeks away, and it’s a big one — the 15th anniversary! Get ready for exciting and inspiring presentations by ISKCON’s best speakers; top-quality entertainment from dramas to stand-up comedy; rip-roaring kirtans; and mouth-watering prasadam, and much more!
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=16960

Survival in Krishna consciousness after leaving the Temple
→ simple thoughts

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During my last few visits to The Manor I’ve had the privilege of sitting in on some amazing young bhakta’s giving their first Gita class. Their humility and sincerity was beautiful and their realisation from their short time staying at The Manor was for me personally very humbling.

Although the classes were short the discussion was very lively, and as those in attendance was a small group it was a very intimate and open discussion. One recurring question was about continued progress in Krishna Conscious one leaving the secure regulated environment which comes from being at The Manor.

My realisations was example and being the example that inspires other’s.

As all faces turned in my direction can you share with us how you manage, gulp I simply came to listen and be inspired.

I feel that in many ways the answer is simple, basic a bit like me.

Firstly, make sure you have lovely deities with deities in your home comes responsibility, I have to care for them, cook, provide flowers and perform arti

Secondly, japa and kirtan

Thirdly, read Srila Prabhupada books and listen to classes every day

Indeed take the temple program and as far as possible make it part of your own daily routine.

But more importantly and for me most crucial

Association, Association, Association

Were would I be without the association of devotees, most definitely I wouldn’t be chanting, reading or doing anything Krishna Conscious.

Indeed I spoke about how each and every month a short stay at the manor is planned, thankfully the devotees always find a place on the floor for me. Then make the most of it with plenty of seva opportunities, find what inspires you and surround yourself with devotees who are serious about Krishna consciousness and inspires others too.

Concerning this, the Lord states in the Vedic literature:

mam anaradhya duhkhartah kutumbasakta-manasah

sat-sanga-rahito martyo vriddha-seva-paricyutah

“A person who does not worship Me, who is unduly attached to family and who does not stick to devotional service must be considered a most unhappy person. Similarly, one who does not associate with Vaishnavas, or who does not render service to his superior, is also a most unhappy person.”

There is also the following statement in the Brihad-bhagavatamrita (1.5.44):

sva-jivanadhikam prarthyam sri-vishnu-jana-sangatah

vicchedena kshanam catra na sukhamsam labhamahe

“Out of all kinds of desirable things experienced in the life of a living entity, association with the devotees of the Lord is the greatest. When we are separated from a devotee even for a moment, we cannot enjoy happiness.”

In my closing comments I ended by saying give more classes, this always focuses the mind and in truth I get more out of it them I think those listening, distribute prasadam, and when the opportunity arises share love of Krishna with those you meet.

Indeed if we put Krishna first everything else falls into place

Gita 06.42 – Having past spiritual impressions reinforced in a present life is extremely fortunate
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Gita Verse-by-verse Study Podcast:

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Preaching program in one of the “toughest” cities of…
→ Dandavats.com



Preaching program in one of the “toughest” cities of Russia, close to Ukraine’s border (Album with photos)
Indradyumna Swami: Rostov-on-Don is known as one of the toughest cities in Russia. Add to that the constant flow of military vehicles, Russian troops and weapons across the nearby border with Ukraine and you have a very volatile situation. As a result, Krsna consciousness has great appeal amongst many of the people of Rostov, who gather together regularly to take shelter in the chanting of the holy names of Krsna.
See them here: http://goo.gl/GBKnXg

Holi D.C. – Not Just Another Color Festival
→ ISKCON News

With a profusion of secular “color runs” and “color festivals” everywhere these days, it’s hard to find one that stands out. But Holi D.C., beginning with its conspicuous moniker – it purposely retains the festival’s original spiritual name rather than calling itself “Festival of Colors” – is decidedly unique.

The Universal Family
→ ISKCON News

One no longer has an excuse to be ignorant on the topic of animal rights. Simply by browsing the Internet we can directly see the dealings between humans and animals, and animals and animals, even between different species.

Our Universal Family
→ NY Times & Bhagavad Gita Sanga/ Sankirtana Das



 ‘“Nonhuman animals do not have legal rights any more than they have legal responsibilities,” said Bob Kohn, a technology lawyer in Manhattan who has filed briefs opposing efforts to secure human rights for chimps and other animals. “For a court to hold otherwise would have tremendous adverse legal and moral implications for mankind.”’          

And later in the article….
‘Ms. Prosin said her group (Nonhuman Rights Project) was saying not that animals were people, but that they were “autonomous beings, who are self-aware and self-directed.”’  
--- From the April 21, 2015 NY Times - “Judge Orders Stony Brook University to Defend Its Custody of 2 Chimps” by  Jesse McKinley. 

One no longer has an excuse to be ignorant on this topic. Simply by scanning the many posts and clips on the internet  we can directly see the dealings between humans and animals, and animals and animals, even between different species. New books have appeared and research has been done exploring  the intelligence and the emotional capabilities of animals.

The sages of India tell us that animals are like our young children. Bob Kohn should know that our two or three years olds have no legal responsibilities and yet we have both a legal and moral obligation to care for them.  Animals also are sentient beings who show affection and experience happiness, fear and pain.

In the pages of Srimad Bhagavatam (7:14:9), written thousands of years ago,  it is explained, “One should treat animals such as deer, camels, asses, monkeys, mice, snakes, birds and flies exactly like one's own son. How little difference there actually is between children and these innocent animals.”

The rights of humans, of the unborn, and of animals, in one sense, all goes hand in hand. Spiritual awareness is a matter of education and knowledge, to understand that all life holds a soul and that we are all connected.

People are conditioned to think, "I don't need to care about that one because they are not of my race, or my religion, or nationality, or my species." In this way we create excuses to kill, harm or neglect others. To acknowledge the rights of all creatures and to see them as part of our greater  universal family is the beginning of civilized culture. 

Later in the Srimad Bhagavatam (11: 7:33-35), it goes beyond this to explain that the animals, the environment and the elements (i.e. the earth and mountains, sky, water, fire, spiders, pigeons, deer, elephants) are also our teachers. The materialists only want to exploit these things to increase their wealth and derive pleasures. Unfortunately, they wander in the world, rarely going beyond this narrow mindset. In the meantime the earth is being torn apart and life forms are being decimated, just to increase the wealth of a very small fraction of the population.

But the introspective souls see all things as part of a greater educational process.  They seek to respect all life. They are awed and humbled by the world around them. In this way, we can gradually learn to see the hand of God working in all beings and in all situations.

My award-winning book at www.Mahabharata-Project.com 

The Jaladuta Diary In the port of Calcutta on August 13, 1965,…
→ Dandavats.com



The Jaladuta Diary
In the port of Calcutta on August 13, 1965, carrying only a small suitcase, an umbrella, and a bag of dry cereal, A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, as he was known at that time, climbed up the steep gangway onto a cargo ship named the Jaladuta. This voyage marked the beginning of one of the most far-reaching religious movements of our time. But that thirty-five day voyage almost resulted in tragedy. Find out about the crisis of body and spirit that could have changed history for the worse. Hardbound, 103 pages, 8 color and 20 B&W plates, reproductions of many documents and letters, 9.75" x 10.25".
Read more: http://goo.gl/o56S2W

ISKCON Online
→ SivaramaSwami.com

SRS: Dear devotees please read this introductory letter to ISKCONONLINE and if you so desire then join.

Dear Devotees,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

Obviously this is a form letter, and we apologize for not writing personally, but the message is important and so we are sending it to everyone we know.

In 1970, Srila Prabhupada wrote in a letter:

“So go on with your organization for distribution of my books through press and other modern media and Krishna will certainly be pleased upon you. We can use everything—television, radio, movies, or whatever there may be—to tell about Krishna….”

In service to Srila Prabhupada, we are very happy to let you know about the launch of the ISKCON Online project and our website www.iskcononline.com on the auspicious day of Aksaya Tritiya, April 21st.

ISKCON Online’s primary purpose is to create an association of interested devotees who will improve the quality, relevance and relatability of ISKCON’s presence on the internet.

The Internet was not born when Srila Prabhupada wrote his letter above, but today it is the greatest of “modern media” Srila Prabhupada speaks of. Today –

· Nearly 3 billion people are online
· Over 75% of people in developed countries are online
· Nearly 2 billion people are using social media
· Facebook alone has 1.3 billion users

The Internet world has become an integral part of our lives, yet in ISKCON we are just beginning to use the power of this new medium to spread Krishna consciousness. And, in some cases, our internet presence is more negative than positive.

That’s why we’ve started ISKCON Online, a new project to significantly expand and enhance the quality, scope and effectiveness of advancing the Krishna consciousness movement using the internet.

With participation from all corners of the world we are creating a vibrant network that empowers devotees with the creativity and technology needed to transform ISKCON’s presence and utilization of the Internet.

By sharing state-of-the-art information, techniques and tools, learning from each other’s experience and combining together into service teams we will powerfully use the Internet to serve ISKCON’s mission, especially in outreach and systematic spiritual education.

Our web site, www.iskcononline.com, features articles extracted from all over the online world on topics such as:

1) Marketing principles
2) Content marketing
3) Spiritual marketing
4) Social media
5) Website design
6) Marketing tools
7) CRM and SEO
8) Analytics.

We are writing you to ask you to help build this network by participating yourself and by sharing this message with others.

There is no obligation in joining the ISKCON Online network, but there are many benefits:

· Regular communications of hand-picked news, articles and resources from the professional internet development world that are directly relevant to ISKCON on the internet
· Linking devotees with relevant skills and talents with service opportunities
· Creating productive teams to work on projects that benefit all of ISKCON.

So, if you have any connection with the Internet in your ISKCON service (and who doesn’t?) you can take advantage of joining the ISKCON Online network.

Please go to ISKCON Online’s home page at www.iskcononline.com and join us in one of two ways: Signup for Our Newsletter to stay in touch with updates to the website and our projects, or; Join the Network if you would like to actively participate with all aspects of the ISKCON Online experience.

If you are interested in understanding in detail the ISKCON Online project, including our overall mission, vision and key elements of our strategy please take some time to read our strategic overview at www.iskcononline.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ISKCON-Online.pdf

VERY IMPORTANT – Please invite your friends and associates, in fact every devotee you have a connection with, to consider joining this network by forwarding them a copy of this email.

We’re especially looking for devotees willing to contribute specific executive, creative, marketing or technical talents in one of our teams. And, we want everyone with an interest in spreading our movement through the Internet to at least join our mailing list.

We hope you are pleased with our efforts to serve the devotional community in becoming more relatable and relevant on the internet. Thank you for your attention. We beg to remain,

Your servants,

Gopal Bhatta das, Pancharatna dasa & the ISKCON Online Team

The post ISKCON Online appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

Hare Krishna! TOVP Tour Daily Diary: Day 31-37, Programs in…
→ Dandavats.com



Hare Krishna! TOVP Tour Daily Diary: Day 31-37, Programs in Ottawa, Montreal and Edmonton, Canada
On the evening of Friday, April 17th we did our TOVP presentation along with kirtan and abhisheka of the Padukas during the Gaura arati. Bala Krishna prabhu, the temple president, introduced the TOVP Team and Radha Jivana spoke in Hindi to the large gathering of Indian guests and devotees. $60,000 in pledges was raised and Bala Krishna promised more from his personal fundraising efforts by going to people’s homes. Prasadam was then served.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=16950

Hare Krishna! TOVP Tour Daily Diary: Day 31-37, Programs in…
→ Dandavats.com



Hare Krishna! TOVP Tour Daily Diary: Day 31-37, Programs in Ottawa, Montreal and Edmonton, Canada
On the evening of Friday, April 17th we did our TOVP presentation along with kirtan and abhisheka of the Padukas during the Gaura arati. Bala Krishna prabhu, the temple president, introduced the TOVP Team and Radha Jivana spoke in Hindi to the large gathering of Indian guests and devotees. $60,000 in pledges was raised and Bala Krishna promised more from his personal fundraising efforts by going to people’s homes. Prasadam was then served.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=16950

Goloka chart presentations in Singapore & Malaysia (Album…
→ Dandavats.com



Goloka chart presentations in Singapore & Malaysia (Album with 157 photos)
Devotees from ISKCON SALEM has designed a Goloka chart.
Last 2 years we have given this presentation in various ISKCON temples in India, (Mayapur, Secundrabad, Surat, VV Nagar, Mira road Mumbai…).
From this Apr 7th to 20th devotees from Salem traveled through out Singapore and Malaysia given same presentation in Tamil language also.
See them here: http://goo.gl/Q3AzTC

50th year anniversary/golden jubilee of the Jaladuta Diary. In…
→ Dandavats.com



50th year anniversary/golden jubilee of the Jaladuta Diary.
In 1965, Srila Prabhupada, after publishing three volumes of Srimad−Bhagavatam, he approached the owner of the Scindia Steam Navigation Company, Sumati Morarji, for a complimentary passage to the United States. After considering his request for some time, she finally agreed and issued him the ticket.In the port of Calcutta on August 13, 1965, carrying only a small suitcase, an umbrella, and a bag of dry cereal, A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, as he was known at the time, climbed up the steep gangway onto a cargo ship named the Jaladuta. The ensuing journey presented considerable hardship. Srila Prabhupada wrote of some sea−sickness, and on the thirteenth day of the voyage, during the passage through the Arabian Sea, he suffereda massive heart attack. He was concerned that he might pass away, but in his uneasy sleep that night he had a dream, a vision. Lord Krsna appeared!
Read the entire entry here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=16783

The Beautiful Home of the Lord of Monsters
→ The Enquirer

The Nandā River flowed all around. It’s water was sacred because Satī used to bathe there.

The gods were awestruck to see the beautiful Mountain of the Lord of Monsters. A delightful city named Alakā was tucked away in a forest where the most fragrant lotus flowers grew. The Nandā and Alakanandā bordered that city, sacred rivers of extreme sanctity which carry the pollen-like dust of the lotus-like feet of the most Sacred Being. Heaven’s goddesses descend into these two lakes when they are tired of lovemaking, and playfully splash their men with the water. Their fresh kuṇkum powder washes away and makes the water golden-red, attracting elephant couples to drink the fragrant and beautiful water, even when they are not thirsty.

That city seems like the sky, replete with glittering clouds and dazzling lightning. The glittering clouds are the goddesses’ hosts of vehicles, decorated with pearls, gold, and great jewels. The dazzling lightning is the brilliant beauty of the sacred goddesses themselves.

The gods passed this city, abode of the Yakṣa Lord, Kuvera, and wandered through the incredibly fragrant forest, admiring the enchanting flowers, fruits and leaves of the wish-fulfilling trees, while red-throated cuckoos made beautiful songs and bees hummed around the lotus flowers while love-struck swans swam in couples atop the water and through the stems of those lotuses.

When forest-elephants brush against the trees, the breezes carry sandalwood fragrance that enlivens the sacred goddesses bathing in the rivers and lakes, renewing their appetite for lovemaking. The lakes have rows of lotus flowers tended by singing kimpuruṣa couples and bordered by steps of dazzling cats-eye jewels.

Far past all this, the gods saw an enormous and immovable banyan tree. It was hundreds of miles tall, and its nest-less branches spread three-fourths as wide, casting unbroken cooling shade everywhere. It was the perfect shelter for great yogis seeking liberation.

Beneath it sat Śiva. The gods were as fearful of him as they were of death itself, but it was clear that he had given up all his anger. Indeed he was the very embodiment of peace and calm, being attended attentively by the four sages headed by Sanandana, and by the Lord of Rakṣa, his friend Kuvera. Although he is the Supreme Master, he was engaged in the yoga of study and self-discipline because he desired to make the world more auspicious, being an affectionate friend of everyone.

He was the ideal renunciate: with matted hair, carrying a staff, and wearing only a deer skin. His own skin was sunset-red, covered in cloudy ash; and his crown was a crescent moon. He sat on a mat of sacred darbha grass and explained the eternal Vedic wisdom to Nārada, who was asking questions while the other sages listened attentively. On his right thigh he had placed his left lotus-like foot; and his left hand rested on his left knee. His right arm, decorated with akṣa beads was raised on a small cane, and his hand displayed mudra of logic. He was deeply immersed in perfect concentration on spiritual bliss.

The gods folded their hands to offer praṇām to the original sage of all sages. He is the lord whose feet are venerated by both gods and demons, but when he saw Self-Born Brahmā arrive, he stood up and bowed his head in great respect; after all he was Brahmā’s son, and should show Brahmā respect, just as Viṣṇu (as Vāmana) shows respect to his father Kaśyapa.

All the other perfected souls and great sages surrounding Śiva also paid their respectful namaskara to Brahmā.

Brahmā, with a happy face, offered his respectful praṇām to Moon-Crowned Śiva, and then began to speak.

A comment: This shows that Śiva Jī is not averse to showing external respect. He happily showed respect to Brahmā Jī by respectfully standing and bowing his head when Brahmā arrived. This is exactly the respect he did not show his father-in-law Dakṣa when he arrived (in Chapter One). The reason is that Brahmā deserves respect because he is wise and humble, but Dakṣa did not, because he was proud.

— Bhāgavatam 4.6.22 ~ 41

Vraja Kishor dās

VrajaKishor.com


Tagged: Bhagavata Purana, Brahma, kailasa, Shiva, Siva, Srimad Bhagavatam