100 Life Experiences
→ Living in the Material World

Stole this from my sister's blog.

RULES: There are 100 statements and you bold or distinctify the ones you have done. Grab it and play for yourself!! We have no idea what happened to #11...


*1. Started your own blog

*2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band

*4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower

*6. Given more than you can afford to charity.

*7. Been to Disneyland (tokyo disneyland counts, right?)

*8. Climbed a mountain.

*9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang a solo

12. Visited Paris

*13. Watched a lightning storm at sea

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

*18. Grown your own vegetables

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

*20. Slept in an overnight train

*21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitchhiked

23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill

24. Built a snow fort

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping

27. Run a marathon

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice

*29. Seen a total eclipse (solar)

*30. Watched a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language

*37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelo's David

*41. Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

*45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted

48.Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

*51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

52. Kissed in the rain

*53. Played in the mud

55. Been in a movie

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

*60. Served at a soup kitchen

*61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies

62. Gone whale watching

*63. Got flowers for no reason

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

67. Bounced a check

68. Flown in a helicopter

*69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

*70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten caviar.

72. Pieced a quilt

*73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

77. Broken a bone

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car

83. Walked in Jerusalem

*84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85. Read the entire Bible

*86. Visited the White House

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

*88. Had chicken pox

89. Saved someone's life

90. Sat on a jury

*91. Met someone famous

92. Joined a book club

*93. Lost a loved one

*94. Had a baby

95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a lawsuit

*98. Owned a cell phone

*99. Been stung by a bee

*100. Read an entire book in one day

100 Life Experiences
→ Living in the Material World

Stole this from my sister's blog.

RULES: There are 100 statements and you bold or distinctify the ones you have done. Grab it and play for yourself!! We have no idea what happened to #11...


*1. Started your own blog

*2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band

*4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower

*6. Given more than you can afford to charity.

*7. Been to Disneyland (tokyo disneyland counts, right?)

*8. Climbed a mountain.

*9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang a solo

12. Visited Paris

*13. Watched a lightning storm at sea

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

*18. Grown your own vegetables

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

*20. Slept in an overnight train

*21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitchhiked

23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill

24. Built a snow fort

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping

27. Run a marathon

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice

*29. Seen a total eclipse (solar)

*30. Watched a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language

*37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelo's David

*41. Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

*45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted

48.Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

*51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

52. Kissed in the rain

*53. Played in the mud

55. Been in a movie

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

*60. Served at a soup kitchen

*61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies

62. Gone whale watching

*63. Got flowers for no reason

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

67. Bounced a check

68. Flown in a helicopter

*69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

*70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten caviar.

72. Pieced a quilt

*73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

77. Broken a bone

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car

83. Walked in Jerusalem

*84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85. Read the entire Bible

*86. Visited the White House

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

*88. Had chicken pox

89. Saved someone's life

90. Sat on a jury

*91. Met someone famous

92. Joined a book club

*93. Lost a loved one

*94. Had a baby

95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a lawsuit

*98. Owned a cell phone

*99. Been stung by a bee

*100. Read an entire book in one day

Our dear sages…
→ Clouds.


I came across a picture this morning and immediately the first thing I thought about was this verse..
"Once, in a holy place in the forest of Naimiṣāraṇya, great sages headed by the sage Saunaka assembled to perform a great thousand-year sacrifice for the satisfaction of the Lord and His devotees."
Srila Prabhupada - "....The great sages are always anxious to do good to the people in general, and as such the sages headed by Śaunaka and others assembled at this holy place of Naimiṣāraṇya with a program of performing a great and continuous chain of sacrificial ceremonies. Forgetful men do not know the right path for peace and prosperity. However, the sages know it well, and therefore for the good of all men they are always anxious to perform acts which may bring about peace in the world. They are sincere friends to all living entities, and at the risk of great personal inconvenience they are always engaged in the service of the Lord for the good of all people...."
- Srimad Bhagavatam: 1.1.4


And today, we have our dear sages who are assembled at Sridham Mayapur with the same intentions....

Photo from H.H BB Govinda Swami Maharaj's facebook album

Iskcon guru-vrinda ki jai!

Our dear sages…
→ Clouds.


I came across a picture this morning and immediately the first thing I thought about was this verse..
"Once, in a holy place in the forest of Naimiṣāraṇya, great sages headed by the sage Saunaka assembled to perform a great thousand-year sacrifice for the satisfaction of the Lord and His devotees."
Srila Prabhupada - "....The great sages are always anxious to do good to the people in general, and as such the sages headed by Śaunaka and others assembled at this holy place of Naimiṣāraṇya with a program of performing a great and continuous chain of sacrificial ceremonies. Forgetful men do not know the right path for peace and prosperity. However, the sages know it well, and therefore for the good of all men they are always anxious to perform acts which may bring about peace in the world. They are sincere friends to all living entities, and at the risk of great personal inconvenience they are always engaged in the service of the Lord for the good of all people...."
- Srimad Bhagavatam: 1.1.4


And today, we have our dear sages who are assembled at Sridham Mayapur with the same intentions....

Photo from H.H BB Govinda Swami Maharaj's facebook album

Iskcon guru-vrinda ki jai!

Sri Sri Radha Manohara
→ Arcanam: Worship of the Deity...

I was fortunate to be able to visit ISKCON Montreal and have darshan of Sri Sri Radha Manohara. These life sized deities are stunning, I believe they are the largest Radha Krishna deities in North America. View the gallery below of lordships Sri Sri Radha Monahara, Sri Sri Gaura Nitai, Sri Sri Jagannatha, Balabhadra and Subhadra, as well as Sri Sri Gaura Nitai from ISKCON Ottawa.

Sri Sri Radha Manohara
→ Arcanam: Worship of the Deity...

I was fortunate to be able to visit ISKCON Montreal and have darshan of Sri Sri Radha Manohara. These life sized deities are stunning, I believe they are the largest Radha Krishna deities in North America. View the gallery below of lordships Sri Sri Radha Monahara, Sri Sri Gaura Nitai, Sri Sri Jagannatha, Balabhadra and Subhadra, as well as Sri Sri Gaura Nitai from ISKCON Ottawa.

Even More Pictures
→ Living in the Material World

When my husband came home from Japan we celebrated by making gyoza (dumplings). Rasaraj, always eager to help in the kitchen, cut up veggies and helped cook the filling. My husband brought us donuts from Japan as an extra special treat. The glazed donut in the picture below has sesame seeds on it and was the best one out of the whole selection he brought home. www.doughnutplant.jp
























Even More Pictures
→ Living in the Material World

When my husband came home from Japan we celebrated by making gyoza (dumplings). Rasaraj, always eager to help in the kitchen, cut up veggies and helped cook the filling. My husband brought us donuts from Japan as an extra special treat. The glazed donut in the picture below has sesame seeds on it and was the best one out of the whole selection he brought home. www.doughnutplant.jp
























Stayin’ Alive
→ Living in the Material World

I just realized that I haven't posted to my blog for about 6 weeks. So, here is a little update to keep my blog flame from dying out.

I was quite sick for most of the month of January. Mostly respiratory ills. The doctor finally said that I probably have adult onset episodic asthma. UGH! She said it means that I will be susceptible to the wheezing episodes whenever I get a cold or have seasonal allergies. I have never had breathing problems or wheezing in my entire life until now. It was very scary to lay down at night to sleep and start wheezing. I felt like i couldn't get enough air to my lungs and like i was breathing through a pillow :( My poor little Narada also had a bad cold with some very mild wheeziness (is that a word?). His doctor sent him home with a nebulizer for breathing treatments, which i also used on the doctor's advice.

My husband went to Japan for 10 days at the end of January. He didn't take any pictures...He says he had a great time and saw his family and many of the wonderful devotees there. And, by Krishna's arrangement he even saw his guru HH Kavicandra Swami, in Osaka. He brought us back some donuts from the Donut Plant in Tokyo. This is the same donut shop in NYC that makes pure vegetarian donuts and offers them to the Lord so that they are all prasadam when sold.

We had a wonderful celebration for Lord Nityananda's appearance day last week. I was so happy to not be sick anymore that i cooked a prep for the feast and went to the program at the temple. I hadn't been to the temple for a couple months due to illness.

Kapila is starting spring soccer in Mebane tomorrow. I'm so happy and relieved to find something close by for him. He's not interesting in playing any other sports so otherwise he would only have fall soccer.

I enrolled my baby for kindergarten this month. He will be five years old next month. I think I may cry when he starts school in August. I'm sure he won't cry.

Okay, I think that may be it for now. I will follow this post up with some recent pictures.

Stayin’ Alive
→ Living in the Material World

I just realized that I haven't posted to my blog for about 6 weeks. So, here is a little update to keep my blog flame from dying out.

I was quite sick for most of the month of January. Mostly respiratory ills. The doctor finally said that I probably have adult onset episodic asthma. UGH! She said it means that I will be susceptible to the wheezing episodes whenever I get a cold or have seasonal allergies. I have never had breathing problems or wheezing in my entire life until now. It was very scary to lay down at night to sleep and start wheezing. I felt like i couldn't get enough air to my lungs and like i was breathing through a pillow :( My poor little Narada also had a bad cold with some very mild wheeziness (is that a word?). His doctor sent him home with a nebulizer for breathing treatments, which i also used on the doctor's advice.

My husband went to Japan for 10 days at the end of January. He didn't take any pictures...He says he had a great time and saw his family and many of the wonderful devotees there. And, by Krishna's arrangement he even saw his guru HH Kavicandra Swami, in Osaka. He brought us back some donuts from the Donut Plant in Tokyo. This is the same donut shop in NYC that makes pure vegetarian donuts and offers them to the Lord so that they are all prasadam when sold.

We had a wonderful celebration for Lord Nityananda's appearance day last week. I was so happy to not be sick anymore that i cooked a prep for the feast and went to the program at the temple. I hadn't been to the temple for a couple months due to illness.

Kapila is starting spring soccer in Mebane tomorrow. I'm so happy and relieved to find something close by for him. He's not interesting in playing any other sports so otherwise he would only have fall soccer.

I enrolled my baby for kindergarten this month. He will be five years old next month. I think I may cry when he starts school in August. I'm sure he won't cry.

Okay, I think that may be it for now. I will follow this post up with some recent pictures.

Vedic System of Self-Development
→ blog

<p>I recently gave a talk at the Krishna Fest at Gaura Yoga on the "Vedic System of Self-Development". Thanks to Sivarama Swami for the <a href="http://www.sivaramaswami.com/?p=3929">inspiration</a> for this talk.</p><p><a href="http://www.deltaflow.com/wp-content/vedic system of self-development.m4a">You can view the talk synchronized with slides here</a>.</p><p>or download the source AAC file <a href="http://www.deltaflow.com/wp-content/vedic system of self-development.m4a">vedic system of self-development.m4a</a></p><p>or download the source MP3 file <a href="http://www.deltaflow.com/wp-content/vedic system of self-development.mp3">vedic system of self-development.mp3</a></p>

Reinventing the Sunday Feast
→ blog

<p>I was listening to the following podcast:</p><p><a href="http://itc.conversationsnetwork.org/shows/detail4002.html">Darrel Rhea: Marking During an Economic Meltdown</a></p><p>The title is deceptive. It is more about analyzing a market or activity holistically and reinventing it to taking into account the complete picture. With a complete view of all the factors, motivations, desires, side-effects and intentions, one can transform into a truly customer focused organization.</p><p>Darrel Rhea gives example how he helped do this for Apple Retail Stores, Electrolux Kitchen Appliances, the Australian Tax System and Hospital Stroke Treatment.</p><p>How about we think about the classic Sunday Feast in this way? In New Zealand the Sunday Feast has already been adapted and reinvented to a certain extent to make it more accessible to newcomers, but without changing any of the core values of Krishna Consciousness. But more can always be done to improve it even further.</p><p>(Learn more about the "Krishna Fest" as it is in Wellington, New Zealand: <a href="http://gaurayoga.co.nz/festivals/">Gaura Yoga - Festivals</a>)</p><p>Think of the usual kind of person that might attend a Krishna Conscious center: curious, wary, ignorant of any kind of philosophy, averse to ritual, averse to religion, proud, attached to the opposite sex, not able to sit on the floor for long periods of time, short attention span, self-conscious (unless intoxicated), concerned about spending too much money and concerned about the environment (although not actually doing much about it).</p><p>So, using that picture of the typical guest, how would you reinvent the Sunday Feast with a fresh outlook, unencumbered by past traditions? Things that might be changed: name, time, music, types of events, sequence of events, physical layout of the room(s), decoration of the room(s), devotee numbers, devotee dress &amp; accessories and devotee language &amp; attitude.</p><p>Please leave your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.</p>

Reinventing the Sunday Feast
→ Home

I was listening to the following podcast:

Darrel Rhea: Marking During an Economic Meltdown

The title is deceptive. It is more about analyzing a market or activity holistically and reinventing it to taking into account the complete picture. With a complete view of all the factors, motivations, desires, side-effects and intentions, one can transform into a truly customer focused organization.

Darrel Rhea gives example how he helped do this for Apple Retail Stores, Electrolux Kitchen Appliances, the Australian Tax System and Hospital Stroke Treatment.

How about we think about the classic Sunday Feast in this way? In New Zealand the Sunday Feast has already been adapted and reinvented to a certain extent to make it more accessible to newcomers, but without changing any of the core values of Krishna Consciousness. But more can always be done to improve it even further.

(Learn more about the "Krishna Fest" as it is in Wellington, New Zealand: Gaura Yoga - Festivals)

Think of the usual kind of person that might attend a Krishna Conscious center: curious, wary, ignorant of any kind of philosophy, averse to ritual, averse to religion, proud, attached to the opposite sex, not able to sit on the floor for long periods of time, short attention span, self-conscious (unless intoxicated), concerned about spending too much money and concerned about the environment (although not actually doing much about it).

So, using that picture of the typical guest, how would you reinvent the Sunday Feast with a fresh outlook, unencumbered by past traditions? Things that might be changed: name, time, music, types of events, sequence of events, physical layout of the room(s), decoration of the room(s), devotee numbers, devotee dress & accessories and devotee language & attitude.

Please leave your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.

Reinventing the Sunday Feast
→ Home

I was listening to the following podcast:

Darrel Rhea: Marking During an Economic Meltdown

The title is deceptive. It is more about analyzing a market or activity holistically and reinventing it to taking into account the complete picture. With a complete view of all the factors, motivations, desires, side-effects and intentions, one can transform into a truly customer focused organization.

Darrel Rhea gives example how he helped do this for Apple Retail Stores, Electrolux Kitchen Appliances, the Australian Tax System and Hospital Stroke Treatment.

How about we think about the classic Sunday Feast in this way? In New Zealand the Sunday Feast has already been adapted and reinvented to a certain extent to make it more accessible to newcomers, but without changing any of the core values of Krishna Consciousness. But more can always be done to improve it even further.

(Learn more about the "Krishna Fest" as it is in Wellington, New Zealand: Gaura Yoga - Festivals)

Think of the usual kind of person that might attend a Krishna Conscious center: curious, wary, ignorant of any kind of philosophy, averse to ritual, averse to religion, proud, attached to the opposite sex, not able to sit on the floor for long periods of time, short attention span, self-conscious (unless intoxicated), concerned about spending too much money and concerned about the environment (although not actually doing much about it).

So, using that picture of the typical guest, how would you reinvent the Sunday Feast with a fresh outlook, unencumbered by past traditions? Things that might be changed: name, time, music, types of events, sequence of events, physical layout of the room(s), decoration of the room(s), devotee numbers, devotee dress & accessories and devotee language & attitude.

Please leave your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.

DIY Deity Jewellery: Necklaces- Part 3
→ Arcanam: Worship of the Deity...

Multi-tier Necklaces
These necklaces are easy to make and the technique can be modified to add or subtract tiers. This style creates the look of multiple necklaces but because it is a single piece you don’t need to worry about different necklaces getting tangled, making dressing really simple.

Supplies:

  1. Polyester Sewing Thread
  2. Extra Fine Beading Needle
  3. Seed Beads
  4. Decorative Beads (5 crystal bi-cones and 6 glass beads)
  5. Scissors
    Step 1: Begin by double stringing a generous length of the sewing thread on to your needle and tying a stop bead (simply tie a knot around a seed bead) towards the end, leaving a 3-4 inch tail.

    Step 2: String on 8-10 seed beads followed by a crystal bi-cone, then string on more seed beads to the desired length of the first necklace.

    Step 3: Next, string on one glass bead, a crystal bi-cone and three seed beads. To create the pendant, pass the needle back through the crystal bi-cone and pull the thread all the way through.

    Step 4: Complete the second side of the necklace with the glass bead, seed beads, crystal bi-cone and the seed beads. Then securely tie the ends of the string together.

    Step 5: Now to create the second tier pass the needle back through the seed beads and crystal bi-cone. Then you can begin stringing on your seed beads adding a few more than you did for the first tier to ensure this necklace will sit below the first one. Continue with the pattern as you did for the first necklace and securely tying off the thread.

    Step 6: At this point you could finish your necklace with two tiers, or you can repeat step five with more seed beads to create a third tier.

Some examples of these Multi-tier necklaces: Laddu Gopal’s and Radharani’s three tier necklaces were made using different patterns and beads for each tier. I really like these simple two tier necklaces as they make dressing my Gaura Nitai really easy.

DIY Deity Jewellery: Necklaces- Part 3
→ Arcanam: Worship of the Deity...

Multi-tier Necklaces
These necklaces are easy to make and the technique can be modified to add or subtract tiers. This style creates the look of multiple necklaces but because it is a single piece you don’t need to worry about different necklaces getting tangled, making dressing really simple.

Supplies:

  1. Polyester Sewing Thread
  2. Extra Fine Beading Needle
  3. Seed Beads
  4. Decorative Beads (5 crystal bi-cones and 6 glass beads)
  5. Scissors
    Step 1: Begin by double stringing a generous length of the sewing thread on to your needle and tying a stop bead (simply tie a knot around a seed bead) towards the end, leaving a 3-4 inch tail.

    Step 2: String on 8-10 seed beads followed by a crystal bi-cone, then string on more seed beads to the desired length of the first necklace.

    Step 3: Next, string on one glass bead, a crystal bi-cone and three seed beads. To create the pendant, pass the needle back through the crystal bi-cone and pull the thread all the way through.

    Step 4: Complete the second side of the necklace with the glass bead, seed beads, crystal bi-cone and the seed beads. Then securely tie the ends of the string together.

    Step 5: Now to create the second tier pass the needle back through the seed beads and crystal bi-cone. Then you can begin stringing on your seed beads adding a few more than you did for the first tier to ensure this necklace will sit below the first one. Continue with the pattern as you did for the first necklace and securely tying off the thread.

    Step 6: At this point you could finish your necklace with two tiers, or you can repeat step five with more seed beads to create a third tier.

Some examples of these Multi-tier necklaces: Laddu Gopal’s and Radharani’s three tier necklaces were made using different patterns and beads for each tier. I really like these simple two tier necklaces as they make dressing my Gaura Nitai really easy.

Dhamvasi or spiritual warrior?
→ Clouds.

Question: I feel that sometimes staying in the dham is like spiritual sense gratification. You can hear the holy name 24/7, see devotees everywhere, get to do so much service, get wonderful association all the time. So I sometimes feel a little selfish if I have this desire to stay in the dham. Preaching in the material world is such an austerity. It is so hard to live outside the dham, deal with karmis all the time and preach. So how do we follow the mission of prabhupad while dealing with this desire to stay in the dham?


Answer by H.G Pankajhangri Prabhu: (paraphrased)

Well, staying in the dham is definitely spiritual sense gratification. It is wonderful to stay in the dham. But this sense gratification is the true sense gratification. The gratification we get in the material world is not real. But if we sacrifice this pleasure and go out and preach taking up this austerity, we become very very dear to Lord Chaitanya.

At the same time, it is very important to visit the dham to recharge. Which is why Prahbupad organized the Gaura Purnima festival and other festivals. We have to come to the dham once a year and recharge our batteries and go back out in the battlefield to preach.

Those who are really weak, then Krishna says, "Ok you can stay back here" I'm exposing my own weakness here :) I'm not personally so strong to go out and preach in the material world. So we get to stay back here :)


So I have been in the spiritual world for the last 12 days. Every moment was memorable but not every moment can be described by words unfortunately. I have written down a few beautiful moments such as the one above which I'll post as soon as I get a chance to.


Dhamvasi or spiritual warrior?
→ Clouds.

Question: I feel that sometimes staying in the dham is like spiritual sense gratification. You can hear the holy name 24/7, see devotees everywhere, get to do so much service, get wonderful association all the time. So I sometimes feel a little selfish if I have this desire to stay in the dham. Preaching in the material world is such an austerity. It is so hard to live outside the dham, deal with karmis all the time and preach. So how do we follow the mission of prabhupad while dealing with this desire to stay in the dham?


Answer by H.G Pankajhangri Prabhu: (paraphrased)

Well, staying in the dham is definitely spiritual sense gratification. It is wonderful to stay in the dham. But this sense gratification is the true sense gratification. The gratification we get in the material world is not real. But if we sacrifice this pleasure and go out and preach taking up this austerity, we become very very dear to Lord Chaitanya.

At the same time, it is very important to visit the dham to recharge. Which is why Prahbupad organized the Gaura Purnima festival and other festivals. We have to come to the dham once a year and recharge our batteries and go back out in the battlefield to preach.

Those who are really weak, then Krishna says, "Ok you can stay back here" I'm exposing my own weakness here :) I'm not personally so strong to go out and preach in the material world. So we get to stay back here :)


So I have been in the spiritual world for the last 12 days. Every moment was memorable but not every moment can be described by words unfortunately. I have written down a few beautiful moments such as the one above which I'll post as soon as I get a chance to.


Sri Krsna Pushya Abhisheka!
→ Arcanam: Worship of the Deity...

Shri Govinda after his ghee and flower petal abhisheka on
Sri Krsna Pushya Abhisheka!
The Hari Bhakti Vilasa says that on this day one should rub ghee on the deity of Sri Krishna. Pusya of course means nourishing, and this act of devotion, with ghee, which is very nourishing is equivalent to the results of an asvamedha sacrifice. Srila Prabhupada once explained the festival in the following way: "Krishna was just a toy in the hands of the Gopis, so one day the Gopis decided that we shall decorate Him. Pushya Abhiseka means a ceremony to decorate the deity profusely with flowers, ornaments, cloths. After there should be lavish feasting and a procession through the streets, so that all the citizens should see how beautiful Krishna appears."

Sri Krsna Pushya Abhisheka!
→ Arcanam: Worship of the Deity...

Shri Govinda after his ghee and flower petal abhisheka on
Sri Krsna Pushya Abhisheka!
The Hari Bhakti Vilasa says that on this day one should rub ghee on the deity of Sri Krishna. Pusya of course means nourishing, and this act of devotion, with ghee, which is very nourishing is equivalent to the results of an asvamedha sacrifice. Srila Prabhupada once explained the festival in the following way: "Krishna was just a toy in the hands of the Gopis, so one day the Gopis decided that we shall decorate Him. Pushya Abhiseka means a ceremony to decorate the deity profusely with flowers, ornaments, cloths. After there should be lavish feasting and a procession through the streets, so that all the citizens should see how beautiful Krishna appears."

End of Year Retreat 2008
→ blog

<p>I just got back from a 10-day Christmas retreat. Most of the Hare Krishna devotees in New Zealand attended this festival of inspiration, rejuvenation and association. Over 100 devotees were there, in total.</p><p>The retreat was held in the Otaki region of New Zealand (1 hour North of Wellington). We rented out two retreat centers: <a href="http://riverslearetreat.co.nz/">Riverslea</a> and <a href="http://www.waihoanga.co.nz/">Waihoanga</a>; and also used our own retreat center <a href="http://gaurahaven.co.nz/">Gaura Haven</a> for accommodation.</p><p>The 10-day passed quickly. There were so many brilliant talks, inspiring presentations, delicious spiritual food (prasadam), and nice people to talk to. A slight downer was that everyone (and I do mean everyone) got sick. A nasty flu virus managed to infect everyone's bodies. It lasted about four days in most people. Nevertheless, it was a brilliant time.</p><p>I took about 900 photos over the course of the retreat. A <a href="http://www.deltaflow.com/pictures/v/retreat2008/">selection of images</a> is available in my picture gallery.</p><p><a href="http://www.deltaflow.com/pictures/v/retreat2008/"><img src="http://www.deltaflow.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/imgp4401.jpg" width="300" height="199" alt="IMGP4401.jpg"/></a></p>

End of Year Retreat 2008
→ Home

I just got back from a 10-day Christmas retreat. Most of the Hare Krishna devotees in New Zealand attended this festival of inspiration, rejuvenation and association. Over 100 devotees were there, in total.

The retreat was held in the Otaki region of New Zealand (1 hour North of Wellington). We rented out two retreat centers: Riverslea and Waihoanga; and also used our own retreat center Gaura Haven for accommodation.

The 10-day passed quickly. There were so many brilliant talks, inspiring presentations, delicious spiritual food (prasadam), and nice people to talk to. A slight downer was that everyone (and I do mean everyone) got sick. A nasty flu virus managed to infect everyone's bodies. It lasted about four days in most people. Nevertheless, it was a brilliant time.

I took about 900 photos over the course of the retreat. A selection of images is available in my picture gallery.

IMGP4401.jpg

End of Year Retreat 2008
→ Home

I just got back from a 10-day Christmas retreat. Most of the Hare Krishna devotees in New Zealand attended this festival of inspiration, rejuvenation and association. Over 100 devotees were there, in total.

The retreat was held in the Otaki region of New Zealand (1 hour North of Wellington). We rented out two retreat centers: Riverslea and Waihoanga; and also used our own retreat center Gaura Haven for accommodation.

The 10-day passed quickly. There were so many brilliant talks, inspiring presentations, delicious spiritual food (prasadam), and nice people to talk to. A slight downer was that everyone (and I do mean everyone) got sick. A nasty flu virus managed to infect everyone's bodies. It lasted about four days in most people. Nevertheless, it was a brilliant time.

I took about 900 photos over the course of the retreat. A selection of images is available in my picture gallery.

IMGP4401.jpg

Happy New Year
→ Living in the Material World

Just wanted to update since it's been nearly a month. My family spent the better part of December coughing and blowing noses. I had the flu, followed immediately by the cough from hell that quickly turned to bronchitis. The boys all had a cough but fortunately no flu. We are now dealing with pink eye/conjunctivitis making the rounds through the house. My husband seems to be the toughest of all of us. He had neither the cough or the pink eye...yet.


I'm looking forward to what 2009 will bring. My husband is taking a much needed trip to Japan at the end of this month. Kapila will start middle school (!!!) in August...fortunately he won't be changing school as his school is K-8. Narada Muni will start kindergarten, which is very bittersweet for me. Rasaraj will make the jump to hyperspeed and finally go into 2nd grade :) As for me, I'm still thinking about what to do with myself...


Here's some sekihan to celebrate the new year-YUM!~


Happy New Year
→ Living in the Material World

Just wanted to update since it's been nearly a month. My family spent the better part of December coughing and blowing noses. I had the flu, followed immediately by the cough from hell that quickly turned to bronchitis. The boys all had a cough but fortunately no flu. We are now dealing with pink eye/conjunctivitis making the rounds through the house. My husband seems to be the toughest of all of us. He had neither the cough or the pink eye...yet.


I'm looking forward to what 2009 will bring. My husband is taking a much needed trip to Japan at the end of this month. Kapila will start middle school (!!!) in August...fortunately he won't be changing school as his school is K-8. Narada Muni will start kindergarten, which is very bittersweet for me. Rasaraj will make the jump to hyperspeed and finally go into 2nd grade :) As for me, I'm still thinking about what to do with myself...


Here's some sekihan to celebrate the new year-YUM!~


DIY Deity Jewellery: Necklaces- Part 2
→ Arcanam: Worship of the Deity...

Chokers or Belts

I first came up with this technique making belts for my Radha Govindaji. One day I was dressing them I tried one of the belts as a choker and it looked great, so I recently made some more specifically designed as chokers. This design is for chokers for my Jagannatha and Baladeva, but the technique is so versatile it would make excellent belts or could be modified slightly to make chokers for smaller deities. Supplies:
1. Sewing Thread (I find polyester thread works best)
2. Extra Fine Beading Needles
3. Cord (I used heavy cotton string from my garland making kit, but you can also use embroidery floss in a matching colour)
4-6. Beads: For this design I used pearls, seed beads and glass bi-cones
7. Scissors

Step 1: Cut two lengths of the cord and tie 2-3 knots in the center of each length, thread each of the beading needles (make sure you have a generous amount of thread on each needle) and poke each needle through the knot in one piece of the cord and tie the ends of the thread securely together leaving a 2-3 inch tail (you will need this later).

Step 2: String 4-5 of the pearls through both of the needles. Then on each needle string a seed bead a pearl and another seed bead then another pearl through both needles. Repeat this pattern to the desired length, keep in mind that you want an even number of segments as you want an odd number of the hanging segments. In this case for five hanging segments there are six of these “base” segments.

Step 3: After you have completed the required number of base segments, string 4-5 of the pearls through both of the needles and poke each needle through the knot in the second piece of cord and tie the thread securely together.

Step 4: For this design there is only have one set of the hanging segments so one of the needles can be cut off at this point (if you wanted more hanging segments you would keep the second needle and just repeat the procedure for the hanging segments). Next, pass the remaining needle through the 4-5 pearls and the seed bead and pearl of the first base segment.

Step 5: To make the first hanging segment string on three seed beads and a glass bi-cone and another seed bead, then pass the needle back through the glass bi-cone and string on another three seed beads.

Step 6: Now pass the needle through the pearl of the next base segment, and continue with the base segments for the length of the necklace/belt. When you have completed your last hanging segment pas your needle through the 4-5 pearls at the end and securely tie off your thread using the tail you left earlier and trim off any excess thread.

Here is some of the jewellery I’ve made using this technique.
Photo 1: Radharani’s orange choker was made by varying the length of the hanging segments and overlapping the second set of hanging segments.
Photo 2: Baladeva wearing the choker described in this post.
Photo 3: Govindaji’s belt is one of my favourite pieces made with this technique, here the hanging segments were done slightly different by weaving the needle through the base segments.

DIY Deity Jewellery: Necklaces- Part 2
→ Arcanam: Worship of the Deity...

Chokers or Belts

I first came up with this technique making belts for my Radha Govindaji. One day I was dressing them I tried one of the belts as a choker and it looked great, so I recently made some more specifically designed as chokers. This design is for chokers for my Jagannatha and Baladeva, but the technique is so versatile it would make excellent belts or could be modified slightly to make chokers for smaller deities. Supplies:
1. Sewing Thread (I find polyester thread works best)
2. Extra Fine Beading Needles
3. Cord (I used heavy cotton string from my garland making kit, but you can also use embroidery floss in a matching colour)
4-6. Beads: For this design I used pearls, seed beads and glass bi-cones
7. Scissors

Step 1: Cut two lengths of the cord and tie 2-3 knots in the center of each length, thread each of the beading needles (make sure you have a generous amount of thread on each needle) and poke each needle through the knot in one piece of the cord and tie the ends of the thread securely together leaving a 2-3 inch tail (you will need this later).

Step 2: String 4-5 of the pearls through both of the needles. Then on each needle string a seed bead a pearl and another seed bead then another pearl through both needles. Repeat this pattern to the desired length, keep in mind that you want an even number of segments as you want an odd number of the hanging segments. In this case for five hanging segments there are six of these “base” segments.

Step 3: After you have completed the required number of base segments, string 4-5 of the pearls through both of the needles and poke each needle through the knot in the second piece of cord and tie the thread securely together.

Step 4: For this design there is only have one set of the hanging segments so one of the needles can be cut off at this point (if you wanted more hanging segments you would keep the second needle and just repeat the procedure for the hanging segments). Next, pass the remaining needle through the 4-5 pearls and the seed bead and pearl of the first base segment.

Step 5: To make the first hanging segment string on three seed beads and a glass bi-cone and another seed bead, then pass the needle back through the glass bi-cone and string on another three seed beads.

Step 6: Now pass the needle through the pearl of the next base segment, and continue with the base segments for the length of the necklace/belt. When you have completed your last hanging segment pas your needle through the 4-5 pearls at the end and securely tie off your thread using the tail you left earlier and trim off any excess thread.

Here is some of the jewellery I’ve made using this technique.
Photo 1: Radharani’s orange choker was made by varying the length of the hanging segments and overlapping the second set of hanging segments.
Photo 2: Baladeva wearing the choker described in this post.
Photo 3: Govindaji’s belt is one of my favourite pieces made with this technique, here the hanging segments were done slightly different by weaving the needle through the base segments.

The Cult
→ Unplugged Ice

Modern day academia is like an organized religion. It has its hierarchy, its dogmatic teachings, its rituals, its rites of passage, and its cosmology. It reacts to criticism from outside in the same way religious fanatics defend their faith -- with no consideration of logic or objectivity. It upholds its own values and, even though it abhors cultural relativity, it considers itself the sole guardian of truth. Actually, "truth" is not allowed. It has been banned. And so has "potential truth." Nothing has value. The greatest achievement that humanity can claim is a "valuableness" unto it's own particular culture or tradition. Thus nothing is of absolute value and, for the sake of "scholarship," everything is open to interpretation (speculation). What is left? A monistic, atheistic, undefinable mixed-up pile of human excreta that allows individuals the right to become mini-gods on the basis of how much well-articulated nonsense they can regurgitate in one sitting. This, my friends, is academia. This is the elite. This is what society looks up to as its teachers, mentors, and advisers. This is how the innocent are fooled. This is the battle.

All is not lost for as time waits for no man, and as Krsna is time,-- a change is underway.