Pad Thai for Beginners
→ Oh My Ghee (^_^)

What would it take for a noodle gaga like me? Simple, just dare to cook all those noodle varieties available. From pansit bihon to pansit palabok, Italian spaghetti to Korean jab chae. Heck, even from instant ramen to the unbeatable instant pancit canton, I tried it all and dig it! Come to think of it, I survived my college days by eating instant noodles. Yes, the lazy way of just putting hot water, and viola, you have a hot serving of a hearty noodle. But since I got married, cooking the instant way has to change, or else my husband will disown me,LOL! I’d been eating noodles since time immemorial, in which the amount of noodles I’d eaten could encircle the globe to-and-fro beating Michael Palen, hahahaha! So, this time, I dare myself to cook the famous Pad Thai. I had never cooked Pad Thai, and I always wanted to learn how to do it. At first, I was really intimidated, but after reading some blogs and articles, I conditioned myself not to back out.

One of the best blogs that I find very helpful on how to cook Pad Thai for beginners, is Chez Pim’s blog. In there, she thoroughly explained everything up to the last bits and pieces of ingredients, procedures, and even cooking tips. The article is a long read, but trust me, it’s worth your time. When you’re done reading it, I can assure you that you are now fully equipped on how to make your very first and own Pad Thai, just like me (^_^) Good luck on your Pad Thai quest, and soon enough, you’ll forget about take out!

Click here at Chez Phim on tutorial on how to cook Pad Thai.


Sio Pao (Filipino Steamed Buns)
→ Oh My Ghee (^_^)

Hmmmm….I miss my sio pao (pronounced as “shopaw”), and for that, I decided to made some. Sio Pao is a famous snack in the Philippines. It’s a good food on the go and very affordable. Making sio pao is not complicated at all even for first timers. You just need to be time conscious when you’re waiting for the dough to rise, otherwise you’ll over grow the dough, and this can really affect the texture of your dough resulting to a dry and heavy buns. When deciding on what fillings to make for the buns, just feel free to experiment, or I may say, do as you please. I decided to do a sweet filling which is made of sweet purple yam just because it’s my favorite,lol!

Ingredients:
Dough:

4 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
3 tbsp cooking oil
3 tsp dry yeast
1 cup lukewarm water
1 tbsp sugar

Filling:
For my filling, since I use a powdered purple yam, I just followed the instructions on the packaging. However, for a salty filling, you can use a some scrambled tofu,minced cabbage and carrots. Just stir fry it, add some soy sauce and any spices you like, but make sure that it’s not liquidy to avoid any problems with the dough.

Procedure:
1. Sift the flour and baking powder, then add up the 1/2 cup of sugar and the 3 tbsp of oil.
2. Mix together the yeast and sugar in a lukewarm water and stir until it’s lump free and wait till its bubbly.
3. Pour in the liquid mixture in the flour mixture and mix well. Form into a ball and cover with a damp cloth.
4. Leave the dough to rise for 1 hour or until it doubles its volume.
5. Once the dough arises, punch it in the middle and let it rise again for another 30 minutes.
6. After 30 minutes, knead the dough in a floured surface until it is smooth and not sticky.
7. Divide the dough into 2 balls and roll it into a log then cut it into small balls.

Note: I weighed my balls into 75 grams each just enough for a regular bun size, and it makes about 14 buns.


8.Flattened the balls into a circle and put the filling into the middle.


9.Pull the sides of the dough into the center in closing the bun.


10.Place the bun into a 4″x 5″ square parchment paper and cook in the steamer for 15 minutes.


11. After 15 minutes, viola! Your sio pao is ready :)


Gaura-Shakti’s First CD is Coming Soon!
→ Gaura-Shakti Kirtan Yoga

To all our dear friends and supporters! It has been over two years since our Gaura-Shakti group was formed! We are excited to announce that we will be releasing our very first CD. More details will come regarding the name of the CD, when it will be available and how to obtain it.

To get onto the waiting list for the CD, please complete the form below! Stay tuned!

Gaura-Shakti’s First CD is Coming Soon!
→ Gaura-Shakti Kirtan Yoga

To all our dear friends and supporters! It has been over two years since our Gaura-Shakti group was formed! We are excited to announce that we will be releasing our very first CD. More details will come regarding the name of the CD, when it will be available and how to obtain it.

To get onto the waiting list for the CD, please complete the form below! Stay tuned!

Intermission
→ the world i know



cetasā sarva-karmāṇi


cetasā sarva-karmāṇi


mayi sannyasya mat-paraḥ


buddhi-yogam upāśritya


mac-cittaḥ satataḿ bhava


In all activities just depend upon Me and work always under My protection. In such devotional service, be fully conscious of Me. (Bhagavad-Gita 18:57)






Blessings come in disguise, in situations where one might wonder what the h3ll am I doing here, of whats the purpose of all this. I came to a conclusion in my young life that I would like to be a part of a deeper change; a healing change. What's been done's been done, can't change it, but with proper consciousness and action, the future can manifest wonderful things.


As spiritual beings we are part of a greater whole who has a massive plan for reclaiming our love for him. I've learned to bow my head and say ok a lot lately, as bullets from the material energy fly my way. Tapping into spiritual vibrations means tapping into something bigger, beyond our control and surrender means to sit back and let the driver drive. Easier to write, talk about or think about; when the actual event occurs, theory must be forced into action. Thats the fun part. Sometimes you win, sometimes you fail, sometimes you're meant to just not do anything.


I meet people along the way on my trip and have interactions with them, then I leave hoping they were somehow impacted positively. Whatever my actions are, represent that greater whole- I'm an employee now, so to speak, using my facilities to connect others.


Like Arjuna, when Krsna asks him to just be an instrument in the fight and win glory, since all the warriors had already been put to death by Krsna's time factor. So thats what we are; instruments marching in a common band. Marching back to home.


just some thoughts for the day...

Intermission
→ the world i know



cetasā sarva-karmāṇi


cetasā sarva-karmāṇi


mayi sannyasya mat-paraḥ


buddhi-yogam upāśritya


mac-cittaḥ satataḿ bhava


In all activities just depend upon Me and work always under My protection. In such devotional service, be fully conscious of Me. (Bhagavad-Gita 18:57)






Blessings come in disguise, in situations where one might wonder what the h3ll am I doing here, of whats the purpose of all this. I came to a conclusion in my young life that I would like to be a part of a deeper change; a healing change. What's been done's been done, can't change it, but with proper consciousness and action, the future can manifest wonderful things.


As spiritual beings we are part of a greater whole who has a massive plan for reclaiming our love for him. I've learned to bow my head and say ok a lot lately, as bullets from the material energy fly my way. Tapping into spiritual vibrations means tapping into something bigger, beyond our control and surrender means to sit back and let the driver drive. Easier to write, talk about or think about; when the actual event occurs, theory must be forced into action. Thats the fun part. Sometimes you win, sometimes you fail, sometimes you're meant to just not do anything.


I meet people along the way on my trip and have interactions with them, then I leave hoping they were somehow impacted positively. Whatever my actions are, represent that greater whole- I'm an employee now, so to speak, using my facilities to connect others.


Like Arjuna, when Krsna asks him to just be an instrument in the fight and win glory, since all the warriors had already been put to death by Krsna's time factor. So thats what we are; instruments marching in a common band. Marching back to home.


just some thoughts for the day...

Album #26: Madhava’s Kirtan
→ Bhakti Centre Gold Coast

Date:  16th March 2011

Kirtan Australia presented MADHAVA and His Yoga Kirtan Band direct from Switzerland on the Australian leg of His world tour.  Ancient Sanskrit Mantras accompanied by Eastern and Western Instruments.

Madhava’s Kirtan at Bhakti Centre:

This year, the Madhava’s Kirtan Tour performed at various locations around Australia and the program was also held at the Masonic Hall in Burleigh Heads on Sunday 13th March 2011 and at Bhakti Centre in Surfers Paradise on Wednesday 16th March 2011.  The local Devotees sponsored the event to cover for Madhava’s Tour costs. 

The “Ekadashi Feast” was sponsored by Govinda’s Restaurant of Surfers Paradise.  All Devotees had a wonderful time and Darshan of the Lord Krsna.

Many thanks to all generous sponsors for this Event.  We acknowledge the following Devotees who sponsored the Madhava’s Kirtan at Bhakti Centre:

1) Lokesh Prabhu – $80
2) Mohit Prabhu & Friends – $200
3) Michael Prabhu (Coomera) – $50
4) Rahul Prabhu – $15
5) Manisha Devi – $50
6) Adhvaita Prabhu – $50
7) Gagan Devi – $50 
8) Anju Devi – $20
9) Puneet Prabhu- $108 (Monthly Donation since June 2010)
10) Manish Prabhu – $50
11) Shyam Prabhu & Pranathi Devi – $50
12) Home Sankirtan Devotees (Lokesh Das residence) – $25

Total Funds Raised: $748.00

Photography: Lokesh Das

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Classic ISKCON Vinyl – Radha Krishna Temple (Los Angeles) – “Gopinatha”
→ Sit Properly

Radha Krishna Temple (Los Angeles) – Gopinatha/Ohe Vaisnava Thakura (7″ Single)
Golden Avatar Productions
GAP-1002

By 1975, ISKCON was in high gear and doing pretty well for itself. However, that didn’t mean they still couldn’t try to milk the 1969 George Harrison-produced Radha Krsna Temple for all it was worth. This single, though it may have the “Radha Krishna Temple” moniker, has nothing at all to do with the Radha Krsna Temple of London, 1969.

Most of the ISKCON records from the 70s came from Europe. Very few were produced in America. Golden Avatar Productions, in conjunction with the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, put out three (that I know of). The Radha Krishna Temple (Los Angeles) single may have been their last vinyl release. Mostly, they focused on cassette tapes.

Unlike a lot of the strange European releases, there isn’t much of a history here. GAP’s founder, Krishnakanti das, produced two songs and then released them. There’s no information on where or why or who played what on which song.

Side One
Gopinatha

Side Two
Ohe Vaisnava Thakura

You could hardly call these songs traditional Indian bhajans. Western instruments and a hippy folky feel dominate both sides. Thankfully, it doesn’t come of as contrived. The fact that the songs aren’t in English helps quite a bit, I’m sure.

The first song starts off like something from an early 70s Pink Floyd album, but with a violin thrown in for good measure. On vocals, we’ve got the amazing Agnidev. His voice is sweet, and pretty well saves the song. I think this song is trying to be a little trippy.

Side Two’s “Ohe Vaisnava Thakura” starts with a pretty Spanish guitar and Mangalananda sings sort of like if Jim Croce were a troubadour. It’s a simple song backed up with the obligatory (and sporatic) kartals and mrdanga drum.

My first copy of this 7″ was so bad that I never bothered posting it. It was just a scratched up record in a paper sleeve. However, along with the Visnujana 7″, came a pristine copy of the “Gopinatha” 7″ complete with picture sleeve. Both came from my friend Alan. Thanks a bunch!

So should you download this? Yes. Why not? You’ve probably never heard the songs before and that’s usually reason enough for me.

If anyone has more information about this release, please let me know. I’m always interested in learning more about these releases.





Just click on the button and it’ll take you to a page where you can download the zip file. Then open the zip file with WinZip (or whatever program you use to open zip files). Add to your MP3 library or burn it to a CD-R. Easy as pie!

Download the FLAC files here, if you like.




Technical Information:
Media Used:
Vinyl 7″ from my personal collection.

Hardware Used:
Turntable: Audio Technica PL-120A
Cartridge: Shure 97x
TCC TC-750LC Audiophile Phono Preamp
Soundcard: Roland Edirol UA-1EX USB external soundcard

Software Used:
Audacity 1.3.12 on Linux Mint 10
-Digital recording from soundcard
-Editing and splitting of tracks

Gnome Wave Cleaner 0.21-12
-Manual and automatic click/pop removal

SoundConverter 1.4.1
-Converted WAV to 320kbps MP3 and FLAC

Artwork Scanned from Original @ 300 dpi with XSane .996
Edited and Restored Using GIMP Image Editor 2.6.6

Classic ISKCON Vinyl – Visnujana Swami and the Children of the Gurukula 7″
→ Sit Properly

It’s been well over a year since the last time I posted anything from my collection Classic ISKCON Vinyl. Since then, I’ve acquired a few items and I will eventually get around to adding the rest of what I have (no promises as to speed, of course).

Visnujana Swami and the Children of the Gurukula
Isavasya Records
RK-108

However, a couple of days ago, I received a package in the mail from my friend Alan. Not knowing what to expect, I opened it and to my ridiculous delight were two Classic ISKCON 7″s. One was from Radha Krishna Temple (Los Angeles), which I already had, though my copy is trashed and this new one was in very good condition, plus it had a picture sleeve! I was delighted, to say the least.

The second one, however, nearly brought me to my knees. I had heard of it before, but figured that I’d never get a chance to listen to it, let alone add it to my collection.

Sometime in the early 70s (I assume), Visnujana Swami recorded two songs with the Dallas gurukula and released a 7″. I remembered that Alan had told me about it, but after I basically wet myself on Facebook, unable to thank him enough, he told me how he received the record.

Side 1
Prayer to Tulasi Devi

Side 2
The Golden Avatar and the Hare Krsna Mantra

One fine spring Saturday afternoon, almost 40 years ago, a Greyhound bus pulled into Riverside Park, a tidy, quiet park near two college campuses in the Bellhaven area of Jackson, Mississippi. It was a Greyhound bus, but no ordinary Greyhound bus–this was a bus from the Radha Damodar Traveling Sankirtan Party. For those too young to remember, the Hare Krishnas converted three Greyhound buses into mobile temples to bring the message of Krsna consciousness to every town and village in the United States and Canada.

I couldn’t believe my eyes, ears and nose as devotees poured out of the bus; a wondrously exotic sight of saffron and white flowing garments, shaved, tilaked heads, the ching-ching-ching sound of kirtals, and a smoky-trail of Spiritual Sky incense billowing out with each devotee as each stepped out of the doors of the bus. The first one out was carrying a sparkling fiberglass (mirdunga) drum, and wasted no time in producing an infectious, exotic, melodious rhythmic beat. Well, up until then, I had seen these other-worldly young men and women, chiefly in my travels to and around New York City. These were the cultish people who approached my dad and I at the Atlanta and New York airports, books and incense in hand for anybody that would stop and give a moment. Taking walks with my Hasidic grandfather in the Lower East Side of the city, we’d often spot a group of these young men wrapped in saffron-colored sheets, surrounding a golden, glowing little elderly Indian man whose feet seemed to glide above the sidewalk. The mass of shaved heads with little pony-tails would stop every so often as the little golden man appeared to be expressing a point, arms and hands waving about–little did I know then, that the little golden man was His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya of the Hare Krishna Movement.

As the Hare Krishnas left the bus, the mirdungas and kirtalas multiplied to produce a sound that seemed oddly familiar, not to my ears, but to my soul. Immediately, a group of people were drawn in, mostly college students, some hippies, and myself, a young, soon-to-be Bar Mitzvah boy. We joined in a circle of exuberant, uninhibited dancing and chanting lead by the devotees. This was my first kirtan.

A day or two later, the local FM radio station (which introduced the London Temple Album to Jackson), announced that the Hare Krishnas were giving a lecture and meditation discourse at an apartment near Millsaps College. My mom, very liberal and open-minded, took me, after all, she was a big fan of ISKCON’s Spritual Sky incense (she bought from some devotees in New Orleans earlier that year), and hoped to replenish her supply. I don’t remember much about the discourse, other than chanting the Mahamantra that was printed on little cards given out to everyone present. “Please chant: Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. Chant these words and your life will become sublime.” I didn’t realize it at the time, but the lecture was given by the mystical Vishnujana Swami Maharaja, as several years later confirmed to me by senior devotees at Mississippi’s New Talavana Farm Community.

Vishnujana was very kind to everyone, constantly smiling and patiently answering everyone’s questions. I remember tasting prasadam for the first time, thinking it was the most amazing food I have ever put in my mouth. Before leaving, Vishnujana made sure to thank everyone who attended personally, and gave my mom a KRSNA BOOK to which my mom gave a nice donation. Vishnujana Swami warmly thanked my mom, asked us to wait a moment, and briefly left the room. He returned with a 45 rpm record. My mom asked if it was a record of Indian music, to which Vishnujana laughed. I don’t remember his exact words but he explained it was a recording of a ‘bunch of ecstatic children screaming their love for God.’ We left that glorious evening, happily humming the mantra, KRSNA BOOK, Vishnujana record, and, oh yeah, Spritual Sky Patchouli Incense, in hand.

This record has given me and many friends years of listening pleasure. All thanks and praises to Eric, who painstakingly cleared out many scratches and clicks; now, this gem can be shared with so many others as it makes it debut into cyberspace.

All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Jaya Vishnujana Swami Maharaja Ki !!!!

Hare Krishna!

Aspiring to serve,
Alan

And now, Visnujana Swami and the Children of Gurukula…

Just click on the button and it’ll take you to a page where you can download the zip file. Then open the zip file with WinZip (or whatever program you use to open zip files). Add to your MP3 library or burn it to a CD-R. Easy as pie!

Download the FLAC files here, if you like.




Technical Information:
Media Used:
Vinyl 7″ from my personal collection.

Hardware Used:
Turntable: Audio Technica PL-120A
Cartridge: Shure 97x
TCC TC-750LC Audiophile Phono Preamp
Soundcard: Roland Edirol UA-1EX USB external soundcard

Software Used:
Audacity 1.3.12 on Linux Mint 10
-Digital recording from soundcard
-Editing and splitting of tracks

Gnome Wave Cleaner 0.21-12
-Manual and automatic click/pop removal

SoundConverter 1.4.1
-Converted WAV to 320kbps MP3 and FLAC

Artwork Scanned from Original @ 300 dpi with XSane .996
Edited and Restored Using GIMP Image Editor 2.6.6

An Evening of Bhakti… An Evening of Love!
→ Gaura-Shakti Kirtan Yoga

Imagine the feeling of love being infused in every action and step... this is what bhakti-yoga is all about. Bhakti-yoga, in it's essence, is when you do everything with love for the Divine (Krishna). Opening your heart to bhakti allows you to know the purpose of all of your actions. It gives meaning to your very life!

Personally, for the last week, I feel like I have been getting a small flavour of this mood in my heart. It all began when we conceptualized the idea of holding an event called "An Evening of Bhakti" at our beloved Hare Krishna Centre on Friday, February 4, 2011. The formula was simple: some sweet philosophy, an incredible vegan dinner, the sweet mingling of spiritual-seekers and, of course, kirtan, kirtan and more kirtan!


All the mutual efforts required for this program were put together to please the Divine and, as a group, we all tried our best to make it a success. However, it wasn't just the chanting during the event that awoke this love in the heart. The amazing experience of cooking with my sister, Radha, and our bhakti-friends beforehand, filled the atmosphere with lots of excitement and affection.

Of course, the channeling of bhakti into the heart was made so much more special due to the presence of Bhaktimarga Swami who was the highlight of the evening! Affectionately known as the Walking Monk, his presence helped introduce everyone to the power of sound and what kind of affect it has on us. And when we dove deeply into the "sound experience" through kirtan, the image of him dancing and jumping comes to mind first!

From those moments at the beginning of the evening when the crowd began to stream in to the end of the night when everyone was on their feet dancing, the collective bhakti experience could be felt in the air. The feedback from all who came was tremendous and we hope to continue to host more "Evenings of Bhakti" in the near future.

-- Tara

An Evening of Bhakti… An Evening of Love!
→ Gaura-Shakti Kirtan Yoga

Imagine the feeling of love being infused in every action and step... this is what bhakti-yoga is all about. Bhakti-yoga, in it's essence, is when you do everything with love for the Divine (Krishna). Opening your heart to bhakti allows you to know the purpose of all of your actions. It gives meaning to your very life!

Personally, for the last week, I feel like I have been getting a small flavour of this mood in my heart. It all began when we conceptualized the idea of holding an event called "An Evening of Bhakti" at our beloved Hare Krishna Centre on Friday, February 4, 2011. The formula was simple: some sweet philosophy, an incredible vegan dinner, the sweet mingling of spiritual-seekers and, of course, kirtan, kirtan and more kirtan!


All the mutual efforts required for this program were put together to please the Divine and, as a group, we all tried our best to make it a success. However, it wasn't just the chanting during the event that awoke this love in the heart. The amazing experience of cooking with my sister, Radha, and our bhakti-friends beforehand, filled the atmosphere with lots of excitement and affection.

Of course, the channeling of bhakti into the heart was made so much more special due to the presence of Bhaktimarga Swami who was the highlight of the evening! Affectionately known as the Walking Monk, his presence helped introduce everyone to the power of sound and what kind of affect it has on us. And when we dove deeply into the "sound experience" through kirtan, the image of him dancing and jumping comes to mind first!

From those moments at the beginning of the evening when the crowd began to stream in to the end of the night when everyone was on their feet dancing, the collective bhakti experience could be felt in the air. The feedback from all who came was tremendous and we hope to continue to host more "Evenings of Bhakti" in the near future.

-- Tara

Album #25: Gauravani Kirtans
→ Bhakti Centre Gold Coast

Date:  02 February 2011

“Gauravani and as kindred spirits night of blissful kirtans”

The Gauravani and as kindred spirits performed at Bhakti Centre on Wednesday evening.  Ecstatic fun filled night of kirtan.  The feast was sponsored by Govindas Restaurant in Surfers Paradise.  

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Backyard Sufficiency
→ ISS

Well, it’s a good time of year to start our blog as now is the time we are reaping the rewards, a bountiful harvest!

Apart from a few potatoes we lasted a whole year using only the vegetables from our own back yard. I was certainly surprised how little space we needed to live off, we are currently using about 50 sq foot.

Dave loves making juices with carrots plucked straight from the soil and the health benefits that come from home grown veggies.The highlights for me are picking our fresh strawberries for our one year old, knowing they’re full of goodness. Cooking becomes much more of a joy knowing that everything comes from our garden which is completely organic and grown in line with our ethics, not to mention the rich flavours and sweetness that is so unique to home grown vegetables.

We hope to keep you updated on our evolving journey to a more simple and organic lifestyle.

Limbo
→ Clouds.


Have you ever been on a roller-coaster? What do you remember most out of that experience?

Maybe you remember the deep drop. Maybe you remember your stomach in your mouth. Maybe you remember your head spinning....

What stands out most for me is the feeling of anxiety, uncertainty and anticipation as we climb up the slope. You just KNOW everything will be all right at the end of the ride but the anxiety and 'wait' for the ride to be over does not go away. Why all this roller coaster talk you ask? Well, just when I thought I had everything mapped out, I am yet again climbing this slope of the rollercoaster of life.

When I was still single - and I know a lot of my unmarried devotee girlfriends can attest to this - all the pressure to get married gave me this exact same feeling. I did not know what my future would be, who my husband would be, where I would live - so many uncertainties! I felt I was in limbo just WAITING. Just waiting for Krishna to reveal his plans. Once I got married, everything seemed perfect. I thought I knew my future...

...and then came damodar. :). Of course, just his name brings a smile to my face but he has put me back on this rollercoaster. I'm back in limbo - this time for such a LONG period! Now I am just WAITING again. Waiting for him to grow, waiting to see him crawl, waiting to see his first step, waiting to see him play karatals, waiting to see him play mridanga, waiting to see him serve devotees......waiting for a whole lot of things now!

The only thing I pray for my dear Gopinath is that when this rollercoaster ride is over, please let me be under your shelter and not Maya's.

Limbo
→ Clouds.


Have you ever been on a roller-coaster? What do you remember most out of that experience?

Maybe you remember the deep drop. Maybe you remember your stomach in your mouth. Maybe you remember your head spinning....

What stands out most for me is the feeling of anxiety, uncertainty and anticipation as we climb up the slope. You just KNOW everything will be all right at the end of the ride but the anxiety and 'wait' for the ride to be over does not go away. Why all this roller coaster talk you ask? Well, just when I thought I had everything mapped out, I am yet again climbing this slope of the rollercoaster of life.

When I was still single - and I know a lot of my unmarried devotee girlfriends can attest to this - all the pressure to get married gave me this exact same feeling. I did not know what my future would be, who my husband would be, where I would live - so many uncertainties! I felt I was in limbo just WAITING. Just waiting for Krishna to reveal his plans. Once I got married, everything seemed perfect. I thought I knew my future...

...and then came damodar. :). Of course, just his name brings a smile to my face but he has put me back on this rollercoaster. I'm back in limbo - this time for such a LONG period! Now I am just WAITING again. Waiting for him to grow, waiting to see him crawl, waiting to see his first step, waiting to see him play karatals, waiting to see him play mridanga, waiting to see him serve devotees......waiting for a whole lot of things now!

The only thing I pray for my dear Gopinath is that when this rollercoaster ride is over, please let me be under your shelter and not Maya's.

"An Evening of Bhakti" – Friday, Feb 4, 2011
→ Gaura-Shakti Kirtan Yoga

We would like to warmly invite everyone to experience an "Evening of Bhakti" on Friday, February 4, 2011 at Govinda's Dining at the Hare Krishna Centre.

While we have all become accustomed to seeing the typical images that are conjured up when we think of yoga, it can be an eye-opening experience to learn of "bhakti-yoga" - yoga of the heart. Come and dive into an evening full of divine chanting with Gaura-Shakti and learn more about the ancient teachings of the yoga of love. This will be followed by a delicious vegetarian dinner which will surely leave your tummy as satisfied as your soul!

Bring your family and friends for this unforgettable evening at the Hare Krishna Centre (243 Avenue Road) on Friday, February 4, 2011 at 6pm. See you there!

"An Evening of Bhakti" – Friday, Feb 4, 2011
→ Gaura-Shakti Kirtan Yoga

We would like to warmly invite everyone to experience an "Evening of Bhakti" on Friday, February 4, 2011 at Govinda's Dining at the Hare Krishna Centre.

While we have all become accustomed to seeing the typical images that are conjured up when we think of yoga, it can be an eye-opening experience to learn of "bhakti-yoga" - yoga of the heart. Come and dive into an evening full of divine chanting with Gaura-Shakti and learn more about the ancient teachings of the yoga of love. This will be followed by a delicious vegetarian dinner which will surely leave your tummy as satisfied as your soul!

Bring your family and friends for this unforgettable evening at the Hare Krishna Centre (243 Avenue Road) on Friday, February 4, 2011 at 6pm. See you there!

Album #24: Srutakirti Das
→ Bhakti Centre Gold Coast

Date: 15th January 2011

“You are all the limbs of my body. Unless you cooperate, my life will be useless.”  Srila Prabhupads Letter to Brahmananda, July 17, 1968.

Srutakirti Prabhu was the personal servant of Srila Prabhupad and has an ocean of memories and recollections of Srila Prabhupads transcendental pastimes and lilas.  He travels the globe expounding Srila Prabhupadas glories.  We were so fortunate to host him here on the Gold Coast.  He answered our questions about His Divine Grace, it’s was a once in a life time experience.  Devotees felt the presence or Srila Prabhupad and relive Srutakirti Prabhus memories. 

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Questions that Exercise me (us)
→ the world i know

Integration: The action of incorporating a racial or religious group into a community
                  The act of combining into an integral whole

I like the word. I hear it a lot lately. But then two doubts hover me as I envision the total picture, the finished puzzle: 1. Is it the right puzzle piece and right place its being put into?
           2. What exchanges occur; is the original piece still an original?
 To gain popularity or more acceptance from the larger society, sometimes the smaller entity has to integrate; open its doors to the public and allow them to participate in functions. This can be good, this can be, not good.
Good if the ones integrating are firmly established in knowledge and assimilation of their own culture. Good when one's faith and practice is not interrupted by the friction, or energies exchanged during integration. Good when there is the "serenity to accept" and be accepted, "courage to change" what should be changed to make the bigger picture shine better, and "wisdom to know" the difference.
Not good when the persons propagating integration aren't firmly situated in their own philosophy and practice, firm personal character that imbibes the knowledge, and have a motive of taking, rather than giving.

People know when they see something valuable; people want to be a part of something valuable; people want to learn something valuable. Personal culture involves personal exchanges- association is like a crystal and one begins to reflect the qualities and mentality (ies) of his association. Everyone wants to add to, or influence the growth of something. All good ideas and reasons if the newcomer is willing and able to learn the basics, the fundamental principles that hold up the culture.
I often ask myself what am I learning from people, and what am I giving/ teaching people. What things are essential to learn, and what can be done away with? What values do I uphold? What values am I accepting during integration? Is it OK to blend in with everyone else for the sake of acceptance; as in following their traditions although it has nothing to do with a bigger reality? For example: Thanksgiving and Halloween. Fun holidays, but what is their origin? What is the underlying reason for it? So is it OK to make vegan turkeys and celebrate a holiday based in so much killing of innocent people and animals? Especially if I follow a culture that propagates living a non violent life. Or dressing up as ghosts and goblins and other.. skip that. Especially again when I live in a culture that propagates living in the mode of goodness. Am I more elevated in consciousness after participation? Am I lacking cultural festivals to celebrate?

These are questions that exercise me as I try to live a wholesome lifestyle in a world where wholesome is practically non existent.Where culture and etiquette is lacking, where power is abused, elderly,women and children are exploited, and animals are killed for enjoyment.
What do I give? What do I take in? Am I walking my own walk truthfully? Is it quantity? Quality?
What is my vision for the future?

Questions that Exercise me (us)
→ the world i know

Integration: The action of incorporating a racial or religious group into a community
                  The act of combining into an integral whole

I like the word. I hear it a lot lately. But then two doubts hover me as I envision the total picture, the finished puzzle: 1. Is it the right puzzle piece and right place its being put into?
           2. What exchanges occur; is the original piece still an original?
 To gain popularity or more acceptance from the larger society, sometimes the smaller entity has to integrate; open its doors to the public and allow them to participate in functions. This can be good, this can be, not good.
Good if the ones integrating are firmly established in knowledge and assimilation of their own culture. Good when one's faith and practice is not interrupted by the friction, or energies exchanged during integration. Good when there is the "serenity to accept" and be accepted, "courage to change" what should be changed to make the bigger picture shine better, and "wisdom to know" the difference.
Not good when the persons propagating integration aren't firmly situated in their own philosophy and practice, firm personal character that imbibes the knowledge, and have a motive of taking, rather than giving.

People know when they see something valuable; people want to be a part of something valuable; people want to learn something valuable. Personal culture involves personal exchanges- association is like a crystal and one begins to reflect the qualities and mentality (ies) of his association. Everyone wants to add to, or influence the growth of something. All good ideas and reasons if the newcomer is willing and able to learn the basics, the fundamental principles that hold up the culture.
I often ask myself what am I learning from people, and what am I giving/ teaching people. What things are essential to learn, and what can be done away with? What values do I uphold? What values am I accepting during integration? Is it OK to blend in with everyone else for the sake of acceptance; as in following their traditions although it has nothing to do with a bigger reality? For example: Thanksgiving and Halloween. Fun holidays, but what is their origin? What is the underlying reason for it? So is it OK to make vegan turkeys and celebrate a holiday based in so much killing of innocent people and animals? Especially if I follow a culture that propagates living a non violent life. Or dressing up as ghosts and goblins and other.. skip that. Especially again when I live in a culture that propagates living in the mode of goodness. Am I more elevated in consciousness after participation? Am I lacking cultural festivals to celebrate?

These are questions that exercise me as I try to live a wholesome lifestyle in a world where wholesome is practically non existent.Where culture and etiquette is lacking, where power is abused, elderly,women and children are exploited, and animals are killed for enjoyment.
What do I give? What do I take in? Am I walking my own walk truthfully? Is it quantity? Quality?
What is my vision for the future?

I have a question:
→ Unplugged Ice

A "truth act" is a term that refers to a situation that is found many times throughout the Vedas and their corollaries and is performed by a variety of men and women. An instance of a truth act generally involves an individual who states a situation that he or she is in, that always tends to be an exemplary situation in respect to that person's dharma or something that has happened as a result of that person following his or her dharma, and, from that basis, that person makes a statement to the effect that he or she implores or expects something to happen to fulfill a certain wish. This wish can include the reversing of events or can be the desiring of a miracle. Since the wish is made in respect to dharma, it is very powerful and always comes to fruition. The question is whether the reason for the person performing the truth act is solely for the purpose of fulfilling his or her dharma or whether it is just a selfish desire that, by divine providence, becomes dharmic? Or whether each situation is different?

An example of a truth act is in the story of Damayanti who wants to marry Nala in the Mahabharata. To cut a long story short: Indra, Yama, Agni and Candra have disguised themselves as Nala and, standing with the real Nala, ask Damayanti to choose one from between them. Damayanti then states how she has followed her dharma as a woman and then basically tells all the Nalas in front of her to reveal their true identities. This truth act was so powerful that they do what she says.

I have a question:
→ Unplugged Ice

A "truth act" is a term that refers to a situation that is found many times throughout the Vedas and their corollaries and is performed by a variety of men and women. An instance of a truth act generally involves an individual who states a situation that he or she is in, that always tends to be an exemplary situation in respect to that person's dharma or something that has happened as a result of that person following his or her dharma, and, from that basis, that person makes a statement to the effect that he or she implores or expects something to happen to fulfill a certain wish. This wish can include the reversing of events or can be the desiring of a miracle. Since the wish is made in respect to dharma, it is very powerful and always comes to fruition. The question is whether the reason for the person performing the truth act is solely for the purpose of fulfilling his or her dharma or whether it is just a selfish desire that, by divine providence, becomes dharmic? Or whether each situation is different?

An example of a truth act is in the story of Damayanti who wants to marry Nala in the Mahabharata. To cut a long story short: Indra, Yama, Agni and Candra have disguised themselves as Nala and, standing with the real Nala, ask Damayanti to choose one from between them. Damayanti then states how she has followed her dharma as a woman and then basically tells all the Nalas in front of her to reveal their true identities. This truth act was so powerful that they do what she says.

To All my Friends
→ the world i know

Another year. Gone.
I sit and reflect on 2010 and realize that it was a year for growth. A year that began brightly; seeing new horizons, listening to supersoul's cautions and empowerings, learning to step into my own skin. Association of high level devotees was a highlight. I learned that to become a deeper devotee of Krsna would require utter dependence on Krsna and deeper faith in the process of Bhakti yoga. These lessons came with tests. Was I supposed to pass? Fail? What were the passing marks for each test? Temptations to revisit worlds I lived in; disgust with my own self progress- especially after being drawn by causeless mercy to dedicate myself to Krsna's cause; Krsna's agenda.
The sound of an inner voice, an external force saying "wouldn't it be nice if..."
But we walked on knowing one thing- mercy is whats keeping us even standing. Mercy from those we offended, mercy from the Parampara, mercy from Mahaprabhu's loving decision to get us all back to his lotus association. Temptations called. I answered, but the other end of the line was blank- no response. Hello?.... hello? Then after a few minutes I realized, "thanks for not answering."
But with every dark, light follows. Mercy continued to flow. Convictions that dedication to teaching, to becoming an example, dedication to march back to Krsna, convictions deepened as I stared the other allurements right in the face and saw no future in them.
New friends were made. Good friends were made. Friends were lost. I'll understand why next year perhaps.
Trying to be spiritual isn't always filled with rainbows. There are clouds as well; uncertainties that leaves one feeling vulnerable. Vulnerable is good.
Now there's another 365 to look forward to.
"I know not what the future holds
of marvel or surprise
assured alone that life or death
God's mercy underlies"
So 2010 was filled with one underlying thing- MERCY
Mercy is always there, but its certain moments of reflection that help you see that its all mercy.
On this road back home, its all mercy that pushes us along.
To those I've met anew, perhaps we'll each other get to know.
To those I lost, either through mishaps, or death, it hurts. In the bigger picture, you're still there. I see you.
Forgive me my offenses. Please.
And when tomorrow comes, Scream in, Breathe out!
Happy 2011.

To All my Friends
→ the world i know

Another year. Gone.
I sit and reflect on 2010 and realize that it was a year for growth. A year that began brightly; seeing new horizons, listening to supersoul's cautions and empowerings, learning to step into my own skin. Association of high level devotees was a highlight. I learned that to become a deeper devotee of Krsna would require utter dependence on Krsna and deeper faith in the process of Bhakti yoga. These lessons came with tests. Was I supposed to pass? Fail? What were the passing marks for each test? Temptations to revisit worlds I lived in; disgust with my own self progress- especially after being drawn by causeless mercy to dedicate myself to Krsna's cause; Krsna's agenda.
The sound of an inner voice, an external force saying "wouldn't it be nice if..."
But we walked on knowing one thing- mercy is whats keeping us even standing. Mercy from those we offended, mercy from the Parampara, mercy from Mahaprabhu's loving decision to get us all back to his lotus association. Temptations called. I answered, but the other end of the line was blank- no response. Hello?.... hello? Then after a few minutes I realized, "thanks for not answering."
But with every dark, light follows. Mercy continued to flow. Convictions that dedication to teaching, to becoming an example, dedication to march back to Krsna, convictions deepened as I stared the other allurements right in the face and saw no future in them.
New friends were made. Good friends were made. Friends were lost. I'll understand why next year perhaps.
Trying to be spiritual isn't always filled with rainbows. There are clouds as well; uncertainties that leaves one feeling vulnerable. Vulnerable is good.
Now there's another 365 to look forward to.
"I know not what the future holds
of marvel or surprise
assured alone that life or death
God's mercy underlies"
So 2010 was filled with one underlying thing- MERCY
Mercy is always there, but its certain moments of reflection that help you see that its all mercy.
On this road back home, its all mercy that pushes us along.
To those I've met anew, perhaps we'll each other get to know.
To those I lost, either through mishaps, or death, it hurts. In the bigger picture, you're still there. I see you.
Forgive me my offenses. Please.
And when tomorrow comes, Scream in, Breathe out!
Happy 2011.