Tell me something good
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(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 20 July 2013, Cape Town, South Africa, Spirit Matters Program)

kks vrndavan juky 2013If we are very tolerant, patient and positive, I think that we can deal with a lot. Our false ego may be in the better modes of nature than someone else. Because we are not completely transcendental, we are looking to get close to people that stimulate us positively and from others, we keep a little bit of distance. Our capacity to absorb all that negative energy is not so great; it pulls us down. It is intense to absorb a lot of negative energy.

Sometimes people come to me and say, “Well, I have nothing to say to you because I don’t have any problems.”

Am I only for problems!? Tell me something nice; tell me something good for a change…

 

 

Instead of Stranger Danger lets talk PANTS!
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Stranger Danger!

The assumption that everyone other than those known to you are out to harm you; instilling FEAR.

As one of my clients got into my car they started to tell me what they had learnt in school today, that strangers were a danger and then related the various stories they had been told as to why those unknown to them are a threat.

It for me is unhelpful teaching and also presents as facts the dangers that are not always statistically true; indeed friend danger would be better as most abuse (physical, emotional, financial) is done in a sad majority of cases by someone known to them not the stranger.

Indeed I am reminded of a saying “A stranger is a friend you have not met get” Yes we have to be cautious especially when meeting someone new for the first time.

Exploring the stranger danger I asked if he knew the teacher before being left with them? No I didn’t know them, did your mum know them? No! So is the teacher a threat to you? No! What about me did you or you mum know me? No! Am I a danger to you? No! And what of your friend were they not once a stranger? Yes! Are they a threat to you? No!

In our lives we meet up with so many people, sometimes a stranger may help us at times of distress and sometimes we meet people who become friends for the rest of our life.

We propagate stranger danger out of fear, fear that our child will come to harm we want to protect out child which is a good thing. But if we instil fear we then contribute to the child’s isolation and lead to social difficulties later on in life; for life is full of interactions with strangers how we deal with them is the key.

Teaching the child how to discriminate between those who they can trust implicitly and those who they keep a distance away from serves the child much better; but this is as much a skill learnt through the hard knock system than practical in a classroom; it is easier to paint all people as a danger.

More important is teaching the child that they can say NO! And that this should be respected, if they feel uncomfortable they can say NO! But most important if the person does it any-way’s and tells them to keep it secret of threatens them harm then they can TELL!

We as parents will protect you from harm.

That the child feels safe enough to talk.

That they can tell someone they trust that some secrets are not meant to be hidden, that if someone touches you or forces you to do something you don’t like then speak. Remember in most cases abuse is caused by a family member or someone trusted by the family, but again remember this is despite press hype still rare.

Rather than stranger danger the more balanced NSPCC Pants teaching is more beneficial for the child

http://www.nspcc.org.uk/help-and-advice/for-parents/keeping-your-child-safe/the-underwear-rule/the-underwear-rule_wda97016.html

As a society we want to keep our children safe, but we also don’t want them to become fearful and miss out on meeting many amazing people; and the devotee community is full of amazing characters that will enhance our child’s knowledge and understanding of this material world.

It’s a thought but what’s your view?

Without Conscious Effort
→ Japa Group

This morning is stood on the little bridge and looked down into the rushing creek. I heard the water over the rocks chanting and I thought, “Should I really try to answer more questions about japa?” I felt reluctant to go to the discursive level, and I was also afraid of presumption. I wanted to stay a simple villager, or even as simple as water running over rocks. I wanted to chant unconsciously, the way water flows down rocks or the way breath goes in and out without conscious effort.

Japa Walks, Japa Talks
by Satsvarupa dasa Goswami

Bringing Krishna Conscious Culture to Albert Park College
→ ISKCON Melbourne, AU

By the blessings of His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada and Sri-Sri Gaura-Nitai, amazing school preaching took place again this year at Albert Park College Multicultural Day.

APCMulicultural.jpg Devotees ran workshops that not only gave insight into Indian culture but insight into the finer aspects of our Vaishnava tradition. The workshops included Yoga & Meditation, Henna Art, Indian Music and Dance, Indian Cooking, the Festivals and Culture of India, as well as Garland Making, Indian Weddings and Traditional Costumes.

During lunchtime there was an ecstatic Harinama that ran for almost an hour. You can see a 5 minute video here. Devotees, students and teachers all danced and chanted together and prasadam was distributed. You can see a slideshow here.

Every school in every suburb of Melbourne can taste the nectar of Krishna Consciousness when you contribute to your child’s school's Multicultural events. For details and for support on how to share Krishna Consciousness with your school community please contact Navadwipa Isvari devi dasi (0417-594-475 or nala_aravind@hotmail.com) or Yamuna Lila devi dasi  (0400-502-806 or yogita_j@yahoo.com)

Prabhupada at New Vrindaban – BTG Article October 1969
→ New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit

Prabhupada at New Vrindaban

Back To Godhead Article October 1969

Srila Prabhupada at New Vrindaban

His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada arrived at New Vrindaban, West Virginia on the morning of May 21st, 1969. It was his first visit to the mountain ashram, which is the first community in the West dedicated to Krishna conscious living. Prabhupada walked swiftly up the two mile road proclaiming that he enjoyed the walk, and quietly entered into country life for one month. In the morning he would usually take walks around the property and point out sites for building constructions. Sometimes in the late morning he would lie outside in the sun, and in the evening he would sit in a favorite spot beneath a persimmon tree and look out over the mountains. “You don’t get tired outdoors like you do inside,” he once said. He especially enjoyed the milk fresh from Surabi Gai. He urged us to develop the acreage so that civilization can see that all man needs is a little land and a cow to live properly.

[The following two talks were given on the nights of May 23 and June 22.]

“Glory to the Sri Krishna Samkirtan which cleanses the heart of all the dust accumulated for years together. Thus the fire of conditional life, of repeated birth and death, is extinguished. This Samkirtan movement is the prime benediction for humanity at large because it spreads the rays of the benediction Moon. It is the life of all transcendental knowledge. It increases the ocean of transcendental bliss, and it helps us to have a taste of the full nectar for which we are always anxious.” In this Sri Krishna Samkirtan we feel cleansed for having washed in the ocean of transcendental bliss. Now present here at this meeting is an old man (I am 74 years old) and a child one year old. Yet everyone, beginning from the child up to the old man, can take part in this Samkirtan movement. Actually we can see practically that everyone is taking part in it. It is such a nice yoga system that there is no need for any material qualifications. If there are material qualifications, that is all right we need not neglect them. We can dovetail all our material qualifications by rendering service to Krishna. That will make our material position successful.

All these children here at New Vrindaban are very fortunate. They are learning automatically how to chant, how to eat prasadam, how to say beads. They are very fortunate to have this tendency for Krishna consciousness, and it is the duty of the father and mother to raise children in Krishna consciousness so that the children can be saved from further bondage to birth and death. The Bhagavatam says that one should not become a father unless he is able to save his child from the impending mouth of death. Without Krishna consciousness no one can be saved from the cycle of birth and death. It is not possible. We are not this material body, but somehow we have contacted it, just like we contact some infectious disease. So long as we do not develop this Krishna consciousness we will never be able to free ourselves from contact with this material body. We may have a very nice body or a very bad body that doesn’t matter. There are many insects and germs which live for five minutes only, and there are living entities in Brahma Loka who live for five millions of years but that doesn’t matter. There are all varieties of life present here within this universe, and in Krishna’s creation we will find both the gigantic and the minute. We can see here in New Vrindaban that there are very big trees and also very small ones, some so small and insignificant that we trample over them without even knowing it. So in the living condition there are so many varieties of life and so much changing of bodies, but the problem is not to promote ourselves from a small body to a big body, from an ant’s body to an elephant’s body, but to free ourselves from all material bodies altogether. Actually we have a spiritual body satchitananda vigraha a body just like Krishna’s and our goal should be to attain that. So this Krishna consciousness will give us this opportunity, and those who are grihastas, family men, have the duty to raise their children in Krishna consciousness so their children can take full advantage of the rare human life. Now in this New Vrindaban we will have a community of such enlightened fathers and mothers, and of sannyasins and brahmacharies. Actually we make no such distinctions. Whoever is in Krishna consciousness, whoever can understand the science of Krishna, can become a Spiritual Master, a teacher. In New Vrindaban we should live in such an ideal way that people will learn what human life and what human civilization actually are. What is the purpose of civilization? This we must teach the world. Thus I request those who are conducting New Vrindaban to develop this community in such a way that it will be exemplary.

Now this little one-year-old child is dancing and trying to chant Hare Krishna on beads. They have this natural tendency; they are simply to be instructed. They must have association of devotees, then there will be a new growth of superior population. They will not be like cats and dogs, but will actually be demigods. “Demigod” means devotee of Krishna, that’s all. And “asura” (demon) means non-devotee. So there is a sufficient population of asuras in this world, and thus the people are not happy. This demonic civilization is actually killing the human race, and therefore it is the responsibility of Krishna conscious people to save the ignorant and the innocent. This human form of life is meant for ending all the miserable conditions of material existence, but people are being misguided, just like animals. It is not a good civilization. So one of the major advantages of New Vrindaban is that it is out of contact with the asuric civilization. It is Krishna’s desire that no man of ordinary interest will come here. It is beyond the reach of the ordinary class of men. [Prabhupada laughs] Just like Hayagriva’s father says, “I’ll never walk up that road again.” [Laughs]

So these nice children have come here, and I have especially requested Swami Kirtanananda to take care of them and also for this nice motherly girl, Satyabhama, and her husband to help. If you can just make one child Krishna conscious that will be a great service. Krishna will be very pleased. Many children will come here, for this place is very nice and Krishna will give us all opportunity. I will also come again, for I like it here, but first I must finish a little work which is still remaining I want to go once to London and Germany and then I’ll entrust the whole preaching work to you.

Now let us cooperate. In New Vrindaban the women’s business will be to take care of the children, to cook, to clean and to churn butter, and, for those who have the knowledge, to help in typing. No other hard work that’s all. But for the men, there is hard work working in the field, taking care of the animals, collecting food, constructing buildings. So in this way we should cooperate. The girls who are here should prepare nice prasadam so that the boys can get their prasadam regularly. That is the duty of women. If men are given good prasadam on time, then they will work hard. And the churning business is for the girls that will keep their health very nice. Yasoda, the mother of Krishna, although very exalted and so materially rich that she had many maidservants, still took pleasure in churning. And in Los Angeles recently there was a butter ceremony and people churned twelve pounds of butter at the meeting. So our Krishna consciousness movement is very appealing. We churn butter and have festivals and dance Hare Krishna. Just cooperate and try to improve this New Vrindaban scheme. It will certainly develop if you are sincere, for Krishna will send all help. Someday it will actually be a replica of Vrindaban. Kirtanananda Swami was in Vrindaban and so has an idea of what it is like. Now we have already instituted one Kesi Ghat here. So with cooperation this is all possible. Krishna will help you.

Now we shall discuss the compilation of Srimad Bhagavatam by Vyasadeva. There are millions of verses compiled by Vyasadeva the Puranas, Vedanta Sutra, the Mahabharata. Mahabharata alone contains more than a hundred thousand verses. Similarly, there are other Puranas, and besides that the Upanishads. Vyasadeva is the editor and the compiler of all these Vedic literatures, but even after compiling all these he was not satisfied. Even after presenting the Vedanta Sutra in which he summarized all the Vedic knowledge, he was not satisfied.

Srila Prabhupada Reading Book

The Vedanta Sutra contains the codes of all Vedic knowledge. Sutra means codes. The Vedanta Sutra begins with the words, “Athato brahma jijnasa.” This is translated, “Now one should enquire after the Supreme Absolute Truth.” This is the first injunction, and this verse can be explained in volumes of books, and there are so many different commentators who have explained this one verse. Someone says we should enquire after karmakanya, after finishing the sense gratificatory processes. Or after this, or after this. But the word is “athato,” a very significant word meaning “now, therefore.” “Therefore” means that you have enjoyed your material life as much as possible but are still confused and unhappy. In America you have just produced hippies. Frustration. Because the Americans have failed to achieve the highest pleasure of life despite their arranging all kinds of material facilities, therefore they should be eager to understand, and they should enquire what is the cause. So brahma jijnasa what is the greatest happiness? Now you are enjoying material happiness, but you are not satisfied. You are confused. So you should enquire into the greatest happiness. Now we are trying to find out the Original Source of this cosmic manifestation. Why are we hankering after happiness? Why are we confused? What is the Original Source? The Original Source, it is replied immediately in the next sutra, either of happiness or of distress, of everything, is that wherefrom everything emanates. Distress emanates from it and happiness also emanates and these cosmic manifestations also emanate. The sky also emanates everything emanates from the Supreme Source. How is it that both distress and happiness emanate and knowledge and ignorance also emanate? That is fullness. And how does everything emanate from that Original Source? That is explained in the Bhagavad Gita and in the Bhagavatam also. In Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna says, “I am the Source of everything. I am the Source of happiness, and I am the Source of distress. I am the Source of all this, of Brahma, Vishnu everything, for there is no Source beyond Me.” You will also find in the Bhagavad Gita that all dualities such as happiness and distress are reconciled in Krishna. “I am situated in everyone’s heart, and from Me there is remembering and forgetting.”

So why does one man forget and another man remember? Chaitanya Mahaprabhu says that the actual constitutional position of all living entities is that of eternal servitude to God. That is the position of everyone. All entities are made for that purpose, but we forget, and that forgetfulness is also from the Supreme. Why does Krishna allow one to forget? Because one wants to forget. We all have a tendency to imitate. If we see someone is enjoying himself, we think, “Oh, why shouldn’t I enjoy myself like him?” This is natural. We have the independence to think in that way. Similarly, among living entities whose business is to serve, there are those who want to imitate and become Krishna. Actually their position is that of a dog, but they want to become God. When living entities want to imitate in this way, they are immediately put into the clutches of Maya. Maya says, “All right you enjoy. Try to become God.” So in this material world everyone is trying to become God. I am trying to become God, and you are trying to become God, and so there is competition between gods. We have forgotten that we are dogs in our efforts to become God, as if God is such a cheap thing that anyone can become Him. This tendency to try to become God is actually asuric. We have the example of Hiranya Kashipu. As soon as his little child would say, “Krishna, Narayan,” Hiranya Kashipu would immediately become angry. “Oh, who is this Narayan?” he would ask. “Oh, He is God,” his little child would say. “Oh, who is God? I am God. Are you trying to respect some other God?” This philosophy is always present, and now it is very prominent. Everyone is trying to become God. There are so many swamis coming to your country and saying, “Oh, I am God, you are God, he is God, that is God, this is God.” So all this is going on.

In the lower stage they are grossly under the impression that I am this body, I am this mind or I am this intelligence, or I am God or so many other things. But the Bhagavatam explains the nature of the Supreme. The Supreme is that from which everything is emanating. And what is one of the characteristics of the Supreme? “He knows everything.” There are many so-called incarnations of God who do not even know what is going to happen the next moment. So this Srimad Bhagavatam gives the characteristics of the Supreme. It is the proper explanation of the Vedanta Sutra. The author himself, Vyasadeva, in the Fifth Chapter of the First Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam, explains how this commentary on the Vedanta Sutra (Srimad Bhagavatam) originally came to be written. After compiling huge volumes of Vedic literature, including the Vedanta Sutra, Vyasadeva was not satisfied. He was still morose. So Narada Muni, his Spiritual Master, could understand that he was seeking something. “Why am I morose?” Vyasadeva asked him. “I have tried to give knowledge to the people as far as possible, as I have known it from reliable sources, but I am still not satisfied.” At that time, when Narada came to see him, Vyasadeva received him well, for it is the duty of the disciple to give a good reception to the Spiritual Master. And when he was seated nicely, he began to speak to Vyasadeva. “My dear son of Parasara, do you think that you’ll be satisfied by identifying yourself with this material body or with this mind? That is not possible. You have compiled so many books based on this concept of life. Some living entities are considering that they are the body, and others are considering that they are the mind, and yet others are considering that they are the intelligence. But the self is none of these, for he is above them. He is transcendental. Unless one comes to that position there is no question of satisfaction.”

So this was the first point Narada Muni made. Vyasadeva was very great, born of a great father and very learned and fortunate. Yet, all of his books were based on the concept of the body and the mind. Therefore he could not find happiness. After the Battle of Kurukshetra, Vyasadeva wrote the Mahabharata, the history of this planet, and in it he deals with the four interests of human beings dharma, artha, kama, and moksha. In a human society, or at least in a peaceful human society, people must have religion (dharma) and some good economic development (artha), and they must have some nice arrangement for sense gratification (kama), and after they have failed to become satisfied with these, they next need liberation (moksha) from the material bondage. So these are the four basic needs of humanity. But Narada indicates here that these are not the highest. There is a final interest and ultimate need, and that is given in Srimad Bhagavatam. Becoming liberated is not final. Merging into the existence of the Absolute is not the ultimate. Therefore in the Srimad Bhagavatam we find from the very beginning that these four principles (dharma, artha, kama, and moksha) are cast aside. The great commentator, Sridhar Swami, says that one should not even aspire for liberation. That should be the position of the devotee. Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu said that he cared nothing for liberation. Life after life he only wanted Lord Krishna’s causeless devotional service.

Srimad Bhagavatam should be studied very carefully, scrutinizingly. There are eight commentaries which are authorized, and there are many ordinary commentaries which are not, but actually Srimad Bhagavatam and Bhagavad Gita are within themselves illuminating, just like the sunlight. One does not need a lamp to see the sunlight, and similarly one does not need commentaries to understand these great works which are self-illuminated. Simply if you try to understand them word by word, you will attain enlightenment. Yet, there are acharyas who can help. Here we can see that Vyasadeva, the great sage, is enquiring from Narada, and that is the duty of the disciple. Just like Sukha Goswami says, one should be inquisitive and one should enquire from a Guru, a Spiritual Master, who can actually give right knowledge. The Spiritual Master is one who can answer all questions. And what should one enquire? Should one enquire about the rate of stocks just like a businessman? No. That is also explained in Srimad Bhagavatam one should enquire about that which is beyond this darkness. Only when one is inquisitive to understand the spiritual worlds should he accept a Spiritual Master. Otherwise there is no need. A Spiritual Master is not a fashion or a fad. One should be very serious and make enquiry and then assimilate the answers. After hearing and assimilating, one should distribute the knowledge to the world. That is the order of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

So Narada tells Vyasadeva that he has written very well and that his knowledge is very wonderful. He gives him all credit for having enquired about Brahman, not about ordinary things. Brahman means that which is eternal, not temporary. So Vyasadeva has enquired, assimilated and delineated many wonderful things in the history of the Mahabharata, and he has set forth all information concerning the four principles of perfection. The Bhagavad Gita is also contained in that Mahabharata. Yet after setting down all of this, Vyasadeva was morose. Here, out of respect, Narada addresses Vyasadeva: “My dear prabhu, you have done such wonderful things, and you are so very learned. You have enquired about transcendental subject matter, and you have compiled so many fine books. Therefore why are you lamenting?”

This discussion between Narada and Vyasadeva is given in the First Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam, and it is very interesting. In it Narada indicates that Vyasadeva is unhappy because he has not dealt with the transcendental pastimes of Lord Sri Krishna. But the Srimad Bhagavatam, which deals with these pastimes, is the completion of Vyasadeva’s work and is consequently the cream of Vedic knowledge. Vyasadeva felt incomplete before writing it. Therefore it is not possible to have complete Vedic knowledge without studying it. We shall further discuss this conversation between Narada and Vyasadeva at another lecture.

02.15 – If we let all that happens matter, then we don’t let all that matters happen
→ The Spiritual Scientist

We sometimes make small things unnecessarily big. When we are on our way to office, unseasonal rains delay us and upset our schedule for the day. We get so irritated that when we finally reach the workplace we are drained – not as much by the inconvenience as by the irritation. Our depleted mental energy makes us underperform. What matters to us – good performance – doesn’t happen because we let all that happened matter.

Keep small things small  - that's a central teaching of the Bhagavad-gita. The Gita (02.15) assures us that those who stay sober and undistracted amidst life’s joys and sorrows achieve eternal existence. We are souls on a multi-lifetime journey searching for beauty and joy in worldly things. Gita wisdom explains that all beauty and joy is found in its fullest and best in Krishna. This insight transforms our journey into a pilgrimage as we redirect our heart’s compass towards Krishna.

During this devotional journey, if we let our thoughts get caught up in life’s inevitable ups and downs, then we can’t think about Krishna or our service to him. Thereby we lose the opportunity to increase our devotion to him. And that is all that will matter at the end of our life.

From the perspective of eternity, the worldly things that excite or agitate us today won’t matter. If we let them matter too much emotionally, then we don’t let the supremely consequential matter of increasing our devotion happen. Our refusal to let dualities consume us emotionally helps us not only at the end of life but also throughout life. The resulting composure helps us respond less impulsively and more maturely, thereby contributing more and achieving more even during this life. And we also achieve Krishna at the end.

***

O best among men [Arjuna], the person who is not disturbed by happiness and distress and is steady in both is certainly eligible for liberation.

Friday, August 2nd, 2013
→ The Walking Monk

Several of Our Monks

Unionville, Ontario

Several of our monks went for chanting on the streets in downtown Toronto. The city is abuzz with Carribana Festival fever perculating for the weekend.

Providence had me go northbound for another type of chanting session. It was a funeral. I was asked to chant at Chapel Ridge Funeral Home. The intent was to give comfort to the family members whom I've had a relationship with, going on four decades. When Mohinder Bhagat called our ashram to see if I was available to attend he mentioned that I attended his dad's funeral, who as a senior, had spent time living with us in the ashram. His name was Govind and he had me name his first grand child, a girl. So, the bond was there.

I secured a ride from Dhira, a Sri Lankan devotee, and a musician devotee, Philippe, to accompany me in the sound of shanti (peace). So, in honour of the deceased, Chandrikal Bhagat, we chanted a soft melodious mantra.

I would say that the priest, Dr Srivatsa, conducted very professionally and devotionally, the last rites. It made me wonder why we don't have an expert like this pundit in our ashram community who so smoothly tends to such rites of passage? Marriages, births, deaths and other samskaras (sacrements or rites of passage) play an integral part in a community's and an individual's life's achievements. In other words the programs of "hatch, match and dispatch" are hoops that we all jump through in life. (If you remain a life-long celibate like myself then dispatch does not apply.)

Chandrikal had a beautiful passing. Even the pundit mentioned that the light rain which fell prior to the actual cremation was very auspicious. We were very happy for her.

7 KM

If a person is attached to a family member will he be reborn in the same family?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

From: Ganesh Pandian
As per B.G verse  in whatever state of mind one leaves the present body, the same state he achieves without fail.
1. If one of the family members has attachment to particular person in the family then will he come back in the next life to the same family if not immediate sometime later?

Answer Podcast

How can we stop our family members from using items having animal products?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

From: varun
prabhu ji how a person can stop children and wife from not using animal products. my wife uses cream and other makeup products which contain animal ingredients like glicerien made from animal skin. so if i stop her for using products i will  become fool in society people will say many things even my wife and children also.what should i do in this circumstances

Answer Podcast

When trying to figure out Krishna’s lesson for us makes us indecisive what should we do?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

From Durgesh Yewatkar

As i understand in all situation i hav to think of krishna has something to teach me in all situation and i need to understand thro his vision.But many of time it happens people around me think that i have become lazy, i dont think myself what to do in situation and just think of krishna,I find myself going into inferiority zone becoz people bouncing back on me like that.can u put some light on this thought process.

Answer Podcast

To be both honest and wise, be Krishna conscious
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Modern capitalists accumulate more wealth than necessary, and the communists, envious of their prosperity, want to nationalize all wealth and property. Unfortunately the communists do not know how to solve the problem of wealth and its distribution. Consequently when the wealth of the capitalists falls into the hands of the communists, no solution results. Opposed to these two philosophies, the Krishna conscious ideology states that all wealth belongs to Krishna. Thus unless all wealth comes under the administration of Krishna, there can be no solution to the economic problem of mankind. Nothing can be solved by placing wealth in the hands of the communists or the capitalists. If a hundred-dollar bill is lying on the street, someone may pick it up and put it in his pocket. Such a man is not honest. Another man may see the money and decide to let it remain there, thinking that he should not touch another's property. Although this second man does not steal the money for his own purposes, he is unaware of its proper use. The third man who sees the hundred-dollar bill may pick it up, find the man who lost it and deliver it to him. This man does not steal the money to spend for himself, nor does he neglect it and let it lie in the street. By taking it and delivering it to the man who has lost it, this man is both honest and wise.

Nectar of Instruction purport 2

 

Without Conscious Effort
→ Japa Group


This morning is stood on the little bridge and looked down into the rushing creek. I heard the water over the rocks chanting and I thought, “Should I really try to answer more questions about japa?” I felt reluctant to go to the discursive level, and I was also afraid of presumption. I wanted to stay a simple villager, or even as simple as water running over rocks. I wanted to chant unconsciously, the way water flows down rocks or the way breath goes in and out without conscious effort.

Japa Walks, Japa Talks
by Satsvarupa dasa Goswami

Philosophy and Practice (A thought)
→ simple thoughts

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Philosophy and practice often appear incompatible

Yes we know what the scriptures say and Yes it makes sense but then the logic switch goes to off as we ignore and pursue our own desires, wants and needs.

Despite being kicked by material nature and understanding we are being kicked we continue on the same cause of actions; we see this grossly in relationships moving from one to another the women/man hunter continues, this time will be different I won’t make the same mistakes as last time.

Yes sadly we see those who go from one relationship to another even within the devotee society even thought they can understand what is happening; strong is the desire to connect with another and to enjoy.

I have been reflecting on this and how time puts things into perspective and what had appeared a hindrance becomes a liberation especially when seen from a devotional point of view how desire destroys and not liberates, binds not frees.

As a teenager I was surrounded by guys who not only had the looks but also the gift of the gab when it came to chatting up and captivating women; seeing them being successful in the chase for one who neither had the looks or the gift of the chat I couldn’t help but admire them with the sense of jealousy why not me.

Conversely I also knew women who were even more successful than the men, one in-particular who chased the lads who were the most popular being the first to enjoy them; we are seeing more of this in modern society.

Watching and observing you could see how although they had the pick of anyone they desired their were never truly satisfied their was always someone new someone better; driven by desire it proved destructive for both.

Supporting one individual who was a successful women hunter, having several marriages and unparalleled affairs (hence the many marriages) as the body deteriorates the ability to pursue women also goes. What is left?

Frustration.

Despite that the propensity to pursue and hunt women continues, but an old damaged body is not very desirable frustration and bitterness grows being left with only a memory; seeing the hurt in the eyes an emptiness a void.

Contrast this to spiritual pursuit as the body fails what is left?

Memories and thoughts of Krishna, no frustrations or bitterness as there is a fulfilment that goes beyond the material senses. Having desires fulfilled on the spiritual platform connecting with the spirit soul brings lasting happiness and lasting pleasure we need little more beyond this.

Watching and observing seeing how one path compares to another how we are fed by society to act and pursue one path; TV, Media, Social Web sharing sights bind us into becoming women/men hunters binding us in sex life and it’s pursuit; the result is that we are forced to take another birth, then another experiencing more and more but never becoming satisfied.

We see that the pursuit of spiritual life we come more and more attracted to and more and more satisfied with the simple things in life, turning even the smallest thing into a spiritual pursuit and how those couples who have Krishna at the heart are uniquely satisfied.

Society sees relationships from the view of sex life; an unhealthy sex life means an unhealthy relationship, fix it or move on. But devotional individual’s understand that this is a false premise to view a relationship on a more stable platform that of spiritual gain helping each other in this aim fulfils all desires and love is greater even in the absence of sex life; both are happy and fully satisfied.

Saying that I also see how for many even those who have taken up the spiritual path find it hard to break up the binds of material pursuits when it comes to women/men hunting and enjoying the bodily pursuit of enjoying other peoples bodies; Moving from one marriage to another or one relationship to another, philosophy and practice is not always mutually compatible.

This reminds me how we all get kicked in one way or another by material energy and in most instances we still don’t get the message so need to continually get kicked until the logic switch finally turns on.

I am however reminded of this that at least in devotional service we make some worthwhile progress there is never any loss, even if we on occasions miss the point.

when irrational prover rational
→ simple thoughts

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As devotees illogical actions take on logical meanings; to the outsider our actions appear irrational even foolhardy but as a devotee we understand the desire and bliss that comes from such actions.

So I am invited to an evening sanga there is a special guest HH Bhakti Rasamrita Swami this during a busy time at work (OK excuse) but also added is the 7+ hour round journey the only way to achieve this is by finishing a shift, going to the sanga return the same night (a 2am return time) ready to start work the following morning; illogical

But the enthusiasm of the couple holding the sanga was infectious seeing their sincere desire to serve the devotees and open up their home; along with the plea to bring my deities from Wales who could but resist.

And what a night I uploaded a small video taken as I drove home (yes smart phones are useful in sharing)

The following day was a struggle feeling a little punch-drunk as the saying goes but the bliss of the previous night carries the spirit soul souring; and so attentive was the couple who held the sanga that they even sent me away with supplies to slumbering with exhaustion one can enjoy a prasadam feast.

This is true household life to use the home for Krishna, to entertain and look after devotees I always leave feeling very satisfied but also very humbled for this is a true example of how we should conduct ourselves

And so to the outside onlookers my actions appear irrational but having such fine association of devotees the whole this is rational.

The Mahabharata is Available
→ NY Times & Bhagavad Gita Sanga/ Sankirtana Das


My book Mahabharata: The Eternal Quest is finally available in print. After two major glitches with my computer (an Apple no less), a final edit and re-edit, and bringing all the book’s elements  together, it’s been an intense several months, and sometimes I really wondered if I could get through it. I’m pinching myself now. Writing Mahabharata and fitting all the pieces together and finding the unique elements of each scene has been a wonderful meditation for me. Somehow or other Krishna has prodded me forward to finish this.  At 280 pages, I’ve walked a tightrope in making it an interesting read for those who are familiar with the book and those who are new to it.  Reviews on the book and more info at  

www.Mahabharata-Project.com

If you would, there are several ways you can help the Mahabharata Project. Order copies for yourself and as gifts for friends. Start a Mahabharata study group. Go to your local or college library and personally request them to order Mahabharata: The Eternal Quest. If you’re on Facebook or have a blog or just have an email list of people you keep in touch with, please share the site www.Mahabharata-Project.com with them.


You can also find a brief interview with me about writing Mahabharata at www.Bhaktiwriters.com



     

The 50th is Coming – A Reminder
→ NY Times & Bhagavad Gita Sanga/ Sankirtana Das



It’s speeding down upon us. The days are rushing by, turning into weeks and months. It’s only a year and a half away, but there’s still time.

2015 and 1016 mark the 50th anniversaries of Srila Prabhupada's arrival in America and the formation of ISKCON respectively. These anniversaries are ideal opportunities for devotees to speak about Srila Prabhupada, the Movement he created and demonstrate the impact it has made.  The media and the public are inclined to take notice for anniversaries.  It’s a time to re-introduce ourselves afresh to the public. It’s time for devotees, individually and collectively,  to formulate projects as an offering to Srila Prabhupada and have them ready to go  for these two years.  Imagine if there are a thousand or five thousand projects (small or large; kirtanas, festivals, books, music, dance, films, seminars), presenting Krishna Consciousness, the Vedic culture and Srila Prabhupada, all reaching the public during this time. They could certainly make a concerted  impact on the culture.  

A year and a half is not very long. Now is the time to begin to prepare an offering for this singular occasion. Maybe devotees are planning things already. One thing that would be helpful is to have a site where devotees can communicate about The 50th to  share ideas, offer assistance or suggestions, and promote events. 

Associating with Devotees, Caring for Devotees, July 28, Carpinteria, California
Giriraj Swami

KB_2A Skype call with devotees in Mauritius.

“The idea with the mitra system is that everyone should have a friend in Krishna consciousness, someone to whom one can reveal one’s mind. Srila Rupa Gosvami in his Upadesamrita discusses priti-laksana — the symptoms of love shared between devotees. And Srila Prabhupada explains that ‘the life of the Krsna conscious society is nourished by these six types of loving exchange among the members.’

dadati pratigrhnati
guhyam akhyati prcchati
bhunkte bhojayate caiva
sad-vidham priti-laksanam

‘Offering gifts in charity, accepting charitable gifts, revealing one’s mind in confidence, inquiring confidentially, accepting prasada, and offering prasada are the six symptoms of love shared by one devotee and another.’ (NOD 4)

“There are three pairs of exchanges: dadati pratigrhnati — giving gifts in charity and accepting charitable gifts; bhunkte bhojayate caiva — offering prasada and accepting prasada; and in the middle, most crucial, guhyam akhyati prcchati —revealing one’s mind in confidence and inquiring confidentially. Srila Prabhupada explains, ‘An experienced devotee explains, and an inexperienced devotee learns from him.’ This type of relationship, this type of exchange, is essential for our progress in Krishna consciousness, for nourishing our devotional creepers.”

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Jaya Radha Madhava and Talk
Nrsimha Prayers
Conclusion

Journey to Goloka Vrindavan right in New Vrindaban
→ New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit

“Journey to Goloka Vrindavana”

by Sachimata Prins

On Sat. evening, July 27th 2013, New Vrindaban had its 3rd annual Pushpa Abhishek, Flower Bathing Ceremony for the Deities, Sri Sri Radha Vrindaban Candra.  I was very fortunate to be present this time around, and was eager to participate in the transcendental occasion.

Sri-Sri Radha Vrindavan Chandra looked stunning in a beautiful, embroidered, very colorful outfit on a gorgeously decorated altar.  Everyone waited in anticipation.  This Pushpa Abhisek tradition originated in India, and is now catching on in ISKCON temples around the globe.

No one quite knew if the flower petals would drop from the spiritual sky, from the ceiling overhanging the altar, or from the hands of the gopis themselves onto the Divine Couple.  It turned out that our own resident gopis,  Vani, and Harinam dasis, had the blessed opportunity to delightfully drop the flower petals gently on Sri-Sri Radha Vrindavan Chandra.

I must say the array of colorful flowers that they used were magnificent.

The gopis were standing behind their Lordships, dropping the petals gracefully in unison on the heads of Radha and Krishna.
This was definitely one of the most awesome events I have ever attended at the temple.  As I chanted along with the kirtan and watched the delightful offering, unexpected tears of joy began to flow from my eyes.  That’s about as close as I ever got to ecstatic symptoms!  The kirtan went on and on, first led by H.G.Parampara das, and then taken over by Syamala dasi.

In India, they allow the flower petals to accumulate until only Their Lordships’ faces are left visible, creating a magnificent darsan! Only the petals near the Deities’ eyes are cleared away. Some of us hope that, next year, in order to increase everyone’s ecstasy, none of the flowers are whisked away by the enthusiastic pujari, but rather that all the flowers are left piled up right where they fall, until the very end of the offering!Haribol!

Afterwards, the pujaris gathered the offered flower petals and started throwing them out to the crowds of eager devotees, where a playful flower fight took place throughout the temple room.  Everyone became intoxicated, tossing the offered petals.

What great transcendental fun! I seriously felt like I was playing with Radha’s gopis and gopas in Goloka Vrindavana.

This incredible festival takes place only once a year, so be sure to look for it when it is advertised next summer.  It is a festival not to be missed.
Thanks to all the wonderful New Vrindaban devotees for preparing the flowers and the altar.  And to the cooks for preparing the tasty prasadam, most notably the delicious laddus that were served afterwards.  Thanks also to the management for hosting this great event.  Hope to see you next year.

Hare Krishna,

Your servant,
Sachimata dd

Transcendental Close Up

Transcendental Close Up

Piles of Petals

Piles of Petals