Don’t be a hard-head!
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(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 30 March 2014, Cape Town, South Africa, Srimad Bhagavatam 10.39.39)

JAS_KKSSpiritual life is like that – there is always a higher standard and there is always another level of realization. That is why we always remain a fool before the spiritual master. Tamal Krsna Maharaj said in front of Srila Prabhupada, “Yes, I am just a fool.” Prabhupada said, “It is very good as long as you think like that because then I can instruct you. But as soon as you think that you are intelligent then I can’t instruct you.”

The relationship with the spiritual master is the most difficult one because here is a person who has a level of authority in our life that even our parents never had! I mean, when you are a small child your parents have all authority, up to a point. You can cry and protest but then when you can speak, you can say, “NO!” You can go into your ‘no-face’ which is a well-known face that each child goes through and many of us never get out of that. What to do, that’s very strong…

Then suddenly, you get involved with the Hare Krsna Movement and there is a spiritual master and now you have to stop saying, “NO!” There are more sophisticated ways of saying, “NO!” One is, “I don’t agree!” Or better still, “His arguments don’t make sense!”

But Bhaktisiddhanta was speaking about this; he says that mundane logic does not apply. When the spiritual master speaks, in the beginning we think that it doesn’t make sense what he is saying. But if ones hears submissively; then with time it begins to make more sense and ultimately, it begins to make full sense!

 

A visit to ISKCON Temple in Melbourne
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Clad in a green sari, bespectacled and petite, Keerthi pushes aside the papers she is holding and warmly welcomes me by folding her hands in a Namaste. Her beatific smile is striking. She instantly recognizes me as Arti, the lady with whom she had been conversing via e-mail for the past few days, someone whom she had been eagerly looking forward to host. Read more ›

Harinama Sri Narasimhadeva Appearance Day In Union Square Park (Album 21 photos)
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When we proudly and happily go out together on Hari Nama we are empowering one another and have a high level of mutual respect and admiration for one another. When we come back to the temple we have energy for getting the temple ready for all the people we had invited back. There is not any energy for quarreling or bickering. There is a surplus of love. We can always gain it simply by going out on Hari Nama. Hari Nama is Srila Prabhupada's number one priority. Right after it come keeping the temple clean and attractive and chanting sixteen rounds. Read more ›

For Nrisimhadeva’s Appearance-Day
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At the end of Śrī Haṁsadutta, Śrīla Rūpa Goswāmī describes Lalitā sending, via a swan, a lovingly-angry message to Śrī Krishna describing his famous ten-avatāra. Here it is:

Indeed you are Matsya the great fish. My friend (Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī) tried to catch you in the ocean of sweetness using her heart as a hook and her love as the bait. What did you do? You devoured the bait and broke the hook of her heart. Now she is hopeless. Oh, what can she do now?

Indeed you are Kurma, the great tortoise. When that poor girl saw the sublime grace of your handsome form she approached you with a heart radiating enthusiasm for you. What did you do? You became as hard as a turtle’s shell towards her, hiding yourself from her like a turtle withdraws its limbs.

Indeed you are Varāha, the great boar. To this day you are compassionate and uplift fallen persons. Waves from the deep ocean of love splash on your body as you lifted the servant girl carrying sandal paste (Kubja) and passionately placed her in your lap like a lover.

Indeed you are Narasiṁha. Though that incarnation appeared long ago, you have not forgotten his nature. To this day you are pleased with humble people (like Kubja) but cruelly break the hearts of others (like Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī).

Indeed you are Vāmana. My dear friend (Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī) is just like Bali because she ignores the orders of her superiors and happily surrenders the entire kingdom of her heart to you. You respond just as Vāmana did: you bind her in the ropes of your love and then exile her far away from you.

Indeed you are Parasurāma. You are cruel to those who deviate from the guidance of the brahmanas, and so you are cruel to my friend – who now wants to leap from a mountain-top. But why, unlike Parasurāma, do you ignore everyone’s affection, even your father’s?

Indeed you are Rāmacandra. Now that you have left your home, everything withers. The cows are tormented by sadness, Govardhan hill withers and wilts, death dances everywhere, approaching even Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī.

But she has not yet left us, and we still adore you. So, as Balarama threw the jackass-demons far away, return to Vṛndāvana with your monsoon-cloud-glorious-beauty and throw away the demon that prevents us from dancing with you.

Oh wise and merciful Buddha, why will you not be merciful to wise Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī? She has no attachment to anything, completely rejects lust, abandons all selfish desires, is always enrapt in medication, and is filled with spiritual bliss.

Oh Kalki, riding your horse, your sharp sword cutting down the useless barbarians intoxicated with passions. So, with the sharp glances from the edges of your eyes, cut down the barbaric suffering inflicted on Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī by her intoxicating passion for you. Fulfill her desires!