DEATH. A stage of life (part 2/2). By Matsyavatara dasa (Marco Ferrini)
→ Matsya Avatar das adhikari

In the Fedone, Platone makes Socrate say, in one of his last phrases: “The time has come that I must go; every one of us continues with his or her program: I go off to die, you all go on to live, but no one knows who will be better off, only God knows”. And Tagore wrote: “Birth and death are two parts of life, just like to walk you must lift a foot and then lay it down”.
Birth and death are two dots in a circle that the sages of the Veda call samsara, the repeated cycle of birth and death, since, like the Bhagavad gita teaches, all that is born will die and all that dies will be reborn.
Birth and death are like awakening and going to sleep: we are here before we awake and we are here again after we have fallen asleep. The similitude between dream and death is very close.
The fear of death, besides the terror generated from the unknown, from the journey to an unknown destination, is primarily constituted from the fact that we must leave the objective world, the body, our dearest people, the social position, the prestige, the richness, the pleasure of food, of sex and various possessions. Yet, doesn’t the same happen during our dreams? In the dream doesn’t the subject abandon its physical body? Doesn’t he abandon the social prestige? He abandons a large quantity of things for which he has often developed a morbid attachment. The realization of the self permanence in a different dimension from the one of the wake state of consciousness, is something to be reinforced when we have the resources to make an investment of knowledge, to resolve the problem of death in life.
Death, as the Veda teache, is a passage towards another dimension, passage through which we renew our lives’ projects; it is not the end, but the beginning of a successive existential cycle. It is like exiting from a theatre scene and entering into another; the actor does not disappear, he is gone only to the observer’s eyes; the same is for the living being at the death moment: the protagonist does not disappear, but simply goes elsewhere. The Gita compares the body to a dress; death is like undressing from old clothes and wearing new ones.
Our prejudices, the social schemes, the way of facing certain phenomena and certain passages of life, are to be reconsidered at the renovated light of intelligence. The image of the self is not what the mirror shows. Death can lose its dramatic power if we come to a new vision of reality, by acknowledging and experiencing ourselves beyond the multiple masks of ego.
The fear of being annulled, zeroed, terminated, is the product of a certain culture, a prejudice, a negative dogma that generates tormenting thoughts, swinging between remorse and irony. Many make irony on death trying to exorcise their fear, but the right approach to the phenomenon must be honest, serious, through an in-depth study, not only intellectual, but experimental.
The subjective world and the objective world, the psychical introverted and extroverted functions and the needs of all the living being should be harmonized. It is by harmonizing these functions that we can grow up, that we can illuminate our personality. Life is a continuum, birth and death correspond to the appearing and disappearing of a physical body, and the same is for the appearing and disappearing of thoughts, illusions, wishes, opinions. If emotionally detached we put ourselves in the position of observers, we can see that the psychical contents float in our conscience as objects on the surface of a river, and therefore we can manage them at our best. What slips off our control, instead, is all that we identify ourselves with and obviously what we ignore.
The fear of death is caused by the identification with our body. Who identifies himself/herself with the body they are wearing will experiment, as years go by, growing fear and terror of death.
What wins death is love, together with consciousness. Love is the strongest feeling, it outlives death, because living means to give and receive love. To love in its widest meaning is to love life itself, therefore all that is living: all creatures. This should set our way of life, of eating, of relating with others. The more we love life and we understand its nature, the less we will fear death.

DEATH. A stage of life (part 2/2). By Matsyavatara dasa (Marco Ferrini)
→ Matsya Avatar das adhikari

In the Fedone, Platone makes Socrate say, in one of his last phrases: “The time has come that I must go; every one of us continues with his or her program: I go off to die, you all go on to live, but no one knows who will be better off, only God knows”. And Tagore wrote: “Birth and death are two parts of life, just like to walk you must lift a foot and then lay it down”.
Birth and death are two dots in a circle that the sages of the Veda call samsara, the repeated cycle of birth and death, since, like the Bhagavad gita teaches, all that is born will die and all that dies will be reborn.
Birth and death are like awakening and going to sleep: we are here before we awake and we are here again after we have fallen asleep. The similitude between dream and death is very close.
The fear of death, besides the terror generated from the unknown, from the journey to an unknown destination, is primarily constituted from the fact that we must leave the objective world, the body, our dearest people, the social position, the prestige, the richness, the pleasure of food, of sex and various possessions. Yet, doesn’t the same happen during our dreams? In the dream doesn’t the subject abandon its physical body? Doesn’t he abandon the social prestige? He abandons a large quantity of things for which he has often developed a morbid attachment. The realization of the self permanence in a different dimension from the one of the wake state of consciousness, is something to be reinforced when we have the resources to make an investment of knowledge, to resolve the problem of death in life.
Death, as the Veda teache, is a passage towards another dimension, passage through which we renew our lives’ projects; it is not the end, but the beginning of a successive existential cycle. It is like exiting from a theatre scene and entering into another; the actor does not disappear, he is gone only to the observer’s eyes; the same is for the living being at the death moment: the protagonist does not disappear, but simply goes elsewhere. The Gita compares the body to a dress; death is like undressing from old clothes and wearing new ones.
Our prejudices, the social schemes, the way of facing certain phenomena and certain passages of life, are to be reconsidered at the renovated light of intelligence. The image of the self is not what the mirror shows. Death can lose its dramatic power if we come to a new vision of reality, by acknowledging and experiencing ourselves beyond the multiple masks of ego.
The fear of being annulled, zeroed, terminated, is the product of a certain culture, a prejudice, a negative dogma that generates tormenting thoughts, swinging between remorse and irony. Many make irony on death trying to exorcise their fear, but the right approach to the phenomenon must be honest, serious, through an in-depth study, not only intellectual, but experimental.
The subjective world and the objective world, the psychical introverted and extroverted functions and the needs of all the living being should be harmonized. It is by harmonizing these functions that we can grow up, that we can illuminate our personality. Life is a continuum, birth and death correspond to the appearing and disappearing of a physical body, and the same is for the appearing and disappearing of thoughts, illusions, wishes, opinions. If emotionally detached we put ourselves in the position of observers, we can see that the psychical contents float in our conscience as objects on the surface of a river, and therefore we can manage them at our best. What slips off our control, instead, is all that we identify ourselves with and obviously what we ignore.
The fear of death is caused by the identification with our body. Who identifies himself/herself with the body they are wearing will experiment, as years go by, growing fear and terror of death.
What wins death is love, together with consciousness. Love is the strongest feeling, it outlives death, because living means to give and receive love. To love in its widest meaning is to love life itself, therefore all that is living: all creatures. This should set our way of life, of eating, of relating with others. The more we love life and we understand its nature, the less we will fear death.

DEATH. A stage of life (part 1/2) By Matsyavatara dasa (Marco Ferrini)
→ Matsya Avatar das adhikari


No matter what our descendant roots are, noble or of humble origin, rich or poor, old or young, illuminated or not, we are all destined to die. We know that it is inevitable, but we deceive ourselves by thinking that others will die before us, that we will be the last to go. Death always seams far away. Isn’t it a misleading way of thinking? Isn’t it an illusion, a dream? This makes us negligent and we shouldn’t believe it. We should be courageous and prepare ourselves, because sooner or later death will knock at our door. (Yamamoto Tsunetomo, samurai monk of ending 1600)

Death is most likely the most complex, painful and captivating phenomenon with which man has always had to deal with; generally it irrupts very strongly in the story of an individual, of a family unit and society reality, often leaving behind desperation, emptiness, and mental derangement.
Intelligent people of every era, though living in health, have come across this problem with genuine spirit of research, looking for the comprehension of the events that obligatorily move to a different level from the one merely pertinent to the sensorial perception.
The thought of death is located deep in the human soul and strongly affects the entire course of life and the character, mostly operating at a deep conscience level.
The objective of this analysis is the reinterpretation of the phenomenon, reinterpretation that takes the abandoning of those preconceptions structured in our mind since the green age, and connected to apparent realities and to the destructive image that the idea of death carries with itself.
To face this arcane and dramatic argument in the over-rational perspective, lightly expressed and surely unusual for the western culture, we need to take an “inner journey” , to the roots of our deepest and concealed experiences. The rational mind can capture and encode the physical reality, but not all the reality is reconductible to this level. How can the rational function explain in a full and satisfactory way the “intra-psychic” dynamics? How can it answer the existential questions on the imperceptible nature of oneself and explain the mystery of life? In front of death or of a disconcerting medical report even the most solid rationality will vacillate showing all its limits.
The sages of the Veda, mind and life scientists who belong to a millenary tradition, indicate how the human being complexity must be studied in its entire bio-psychic-spiritual reality. The classic Indian works explain that barriers between the physical, psychic-energetic and spiritual-metaphysic do not exist; the same human life is a combination of these three interactive dimensions of reality. Man does not only have a physical body but also a psychic body, which represents one of the fundamental bases for the development of the personality. But physical and psychic do not complete the picture of a human being: the physical body and the mental structure are two tools utilized from the purusha, the spiritual self, the subject that perceives, thinks and acts using in fact the body and the mind. Only those that are fully conscious of their self can influence deeply and with determination their physical and psychic bodies, activating inner resources that allows the rediscovering of the auto-healing path. What unifies the physical world and the psychical world, that makes them interactive and gives them a meaning is the self, the vital spark, the witness, the one that sees, that hears, that understands; all the rest are tools.
We need to underline that every living being is eternal, therefore the living entity does not have a beginning (anadi) or an end (ananta). The Veda knowledge teaches that we do not die with the body but at the moment of the spiritual journey out of the body we are moved elsewhere aboard of the psychic structure. From this perspective we can transcend the mistaken contraposition of the binomial life-death, rediscovering the living being’s dimension in which death, being a life phase, is not in opposition with life, but with birth. Similarly, the “asleep” state of consciousness, the one without dreams, is not in opposition with the “wake” state of consciousness. If we made life coincide exclusively with the wake experience, then we can say that sleep has nothing to do with life, but we know very well that it is not true at all. Without sleep there could not be the wake state: during sleep the neurons healthily interact, all the cells easily surrender their wasted products and regenerate.

DEATH. A stage of life (part 1/2) By Matsyavatara dasa (Marco Ferrini)
→ Matsya Avatar das adhikari


No matter what our descendant roots are, noble or of humble origin, rich or poor, old or young, illuminated or not, we are all destined to die. We know that it is inevitable, but we deceive ourselves by thinking that others will die before us, that we will be the last to go. Death always seams far away. Isn’t it a misleading way of thinking? Isn’t it an illusion, a dream? This makes us negligent and we shouldn’t believe it. We should be courageous and prepare ourselves, because sooner or later death will knock at our door. (Yamamoto Tsunetomo, samurai monk of ending 1600)

Death is most likely the most complex, painful and captivating phenomenon with which man has always had to deal with; generally it irrupts very strongly in the story of an individual, of a family unit and society reality, often leaving behind desperation, emptiness, and mental derangement.
Intelligent people of every era, though living in health, have come across this problem with genuine spirit of research, looking for the comprehension of the events that obligatorily move to a different level from the one merely pertinent to the sensorial perception.
The thought of death is located deep in the human soul and strongly affects the entire course of life and the character, mostly operating at a deep conscience level.
The objective of this analysis is the reinterpretation of the phenomenon, reinterpretation that takes the abandoning of those preconceptions structured in our mind since the green age, and connected to apparent realities and to the destructive image that the idea of death carries with itself.
To face this arcane and dramatic argument in the over-rational perspective, lightly expressed and surely unusual for the western culture, we need to take an “inner journey” , to the roots of our deepest and concealed experiences. The rational mind can capture and encode the physical reality, but not all the reality is reconductible to this level. How can the rational function explain in a full and satisfactory way the “intra-psychic” dynamics? How can it answer the existential questions on the imperceptible nature of oneself and explain the mystery of life? In front of death or of a disconcerting medical report even the most solid rationality will vacillate showing all its limits.
The sages of the Veda, mind and life scientists who belong to a millenary tradition, indicate how the human being complexity must be studied in its entire bio-psychic-spiritual reality. The classic Indian works explain that barriers between the physical, psychic-energetic and spiritual-metaphysic do not exist; the same human life is a combination of these three interactive dimensions of reality. Man does not only have a physical body but also a psychic body, which represents one of the fundamental bases for the development of the personality. But physical and psychic do not complete the picture of a human being: the physical body and the mental structure are two tools utilized from the purusha, the spiritual self, the subject that perceives, thinks and acts using in fact the body and the mind. Only those that are fully conscious of their self can influence deeply and with determination their physical and psychic bodies, activating inner resources that allows the rediscovering of the auto-healing path. What unifies the physical world and the psychical world, that makes them interactive and gives them a meaning is the self, the vital spark, the witness, the one that sees, that hears, that understands; all the rest are tools.
We need to underline that every living being is eternal, therefore the living entity does not have a beginning (anadi) or an end (ananta). The Veda knowledge teaches that we do not die with the body but at the moment of the spiritual journey out of the body we are moved elsewhere aboard of the psychic structure. From this perspective we can transcend the mistaken contraposition of the binomial life-death, rediscovering the living being’s dimension in which death, being a life phase, is not in opposition with life, but with birth. Similarly, the “asleep” state of consciousness, the one without dreams, is not in opposition with the “wake” state of consciousness. If we made life coincide exclusively with the wake experience, then we can say that sleep has nothing to do with life, but we know very well that it is not true at all. Without sleep there could not be the wake state: during sleep the neurons healthily interact, all the cells easily surrender their wasted products and regenerate.

The most blessed event of my life. By Matsyavatara das (Marco Ferrini)
→ Matsya Avatar das adhikari

2011, August 30th

Today, thirty five years back, I had Your Divine Grace darshana for the first time.
I thank You again and again and in occasion of this holy day, please accept my humble offering as a praise at Your glorious life.
In all of these past years I have repeatedly gone over the scenario of our first encounter and, after deep meditation, I always come back to the same conclusion: even though I approached You that first time with insufficient purity and spiritual feelings, You took my sincerity very seriously and, as if in a dream or a play, You instilled in my heart faith in God, in His devotional service and in His pure devotees. As if under a spell, the chains of material nature that had me solidly bound loosened their hold, my attachment to illusory pleasures almost vanished and I desired to serve the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna, experiencing feelings of intense transcendental happiness and sharp compassion for those still spiritually unaware.
If having given so little I received so much I can guess what could happen if one day, following Your sacred teachings, I will be able to abandon myself completely to the mercy of the Supreme Will, to Lord Sri Krishna.
Dear Srila Prabhupada, since it is not in my power to perform this change of hearth and consciousness and since You are an authentic patita pavana, who just came for this job, I humbly beg Your Divine Grace to have compassion for me and to infuse me with the spiritual strength necessary to situate myself constantly at Your glorious lotus feet: an indispensable position for obtaining divine loving service unto the lotus feet of Lord Sri Krishna.
Your ever grateful disciple,
Matsyavatara Dasa

The most blessed event of my life. By Matsyavatara das (Marco Ferrini)
→ Matsya Avatar das adhikari

2011, August 30th

Today, thirty five years back, I had Your Divine Grace darshana for the first time.
I thank You again and again and in occasion of this holy day, please accept my humble offering as a praise at Your glorious life.
In all of these past years I have repeatedly gone over the scenario of our first encounter and, after deep meditation, I always come back to the same conclusion: even though I approached You that first time with insufficient purity and spiritual feelings, You took my sincerity very seriously and, as if in a dream or a play, You instilled in my heart faith in God, in His devotional service and in His pure devotees. As if under a spell, the chains of material nature that had me solidly bound loosened their hold, my attachment to illusory pleasures almost vanished and I desired to serve the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna, experiencing feelings of intense transcendental happiness and sharp compassion for those still spiritually unaware.
If having given so little I received so much I can guess what could happen if one day, following Your sacred teachings, I will be able to abandon myself completely to the mercy of the Supreme Will, to Lord Sri Krishna.
Dear Srila Prabhupada, since it is not in my power to perform this change of hearth and consciousness and since You are an authentic patita pavana, who just came for this job, I humbly beg Your Divine Grace to have compassion for me and to infuse me with the spiritual strength necessary to situate myself constantly at Your glorious lotus feet: an indispensable position for obtaining divine loving service unto the lotus feet of Lord Sri Krishna.
Your ever grateful disciple,
Matsyavatara Dasa

Books
→ Mukunda Goswami Sanga

Miracle On Second Avenue is now available at temples around the world.  Miracle on Second Avenue

Buy Book

Here are a few quotes about the book:

 

“Miracle on Second Avenue is the best description yet of those fine days of endless horizons, when everything was possible…” 
— from the Introduction by Shyamasundar Das Adhikari 

 

"One of the most important books for ISKCON today" 
HH Radhanatha Swami 

 

"A real page turner - couldn't put it down" 
HG Ravindra Swarup das

 

 

 

The unusual history of an extraordinary religious movement is recounted from the vantage point of an insider.

 

Buy Book

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael Cremo and Mukunda Goswami outline a challenging new vision of humankind and the natural world, revealing how a spiritual approach can save humanity from the environmental catastrophe we have been heading towards. They contend that real solutions to our current environmental problems will be implemented only through a shift in human consciousness and an awakening to the spiritual dimension of this crisis. The authors touch on a wide range of topics, including the earth's threatened wildlife, shrinking rainforests, eroding soil, proliferation of trash, and toxic waste disposal. The negative environmental impact of meat consumption is also uncovered--deforestation, agricultural inefficiency, and air and water pollution. Its in-depth exploration of history, scientific theory, and the metaphysics of karma offers concerned earth-watchers a spiritual blueprint for creating a better world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There's nothing higher than chanting and meditating on the maha-mantra. Investigate it yourself.

Just what is the Hare Krishna mantra, known as the maha-mantra, or the great chant for deliverance? What are the benefits of chanting it? Why is mantra chanting so powerful, and how can it help me?

What are the origins of the mantra? Who are the saints who demonstrated its efficacy? This small pocket edition answers a lot of questions and may encourage you to Chant and Be Happy.

Includes fifty pages of exclusive conversations with George Harrison and John Lennon.

More Info

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New recipes for the health conscious. This revised edition includes ecological and moral reasons to become a vegetarian, and new, healthier recipes - over 50 - organized into nine delicious meals from Italy, India, Mexico, the Middle east, and other countries.

 

More Info

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Books
→ Mukunda Goswami Sanga

Miracle On Second Avenue is now available at temples around the world.  Miracle on Second Avenue

Buy Book

Here are a few quotes about the book:

 

“Miracle on Second Avenue is the best description yet of those fine days of endless horizons, when everything was possible…” 
— from the Introduction by Shyamasundar Das Adhikari 

 

"One of the most important books for ISKCON today" 
HH Radhanatha Swami 

 

"A real page turner - couldn't put it down" 
HG Ravindra Swarup das

 

 

 

The unusual history of an extraordinary religious movement is recounted from the vantage point of an insider.

 

Buy Book

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Divine Nature

Michael Cremo and Mukunda Goswami outline a challenging new vision of humankind and the natural world, revealing how a spiritual approach can save humanity from the environmental catastrophe we have been heading towards. They contend that real solutions to our current environmental problems will be implemented only through a shift in human consciousness and an awakening to the spiritual dimension of this crisis. The authors touch on a wide range of topics, including the earth's threatened wildlife, shrinking rainforests, eroding soil, proliferation of trash, and toxic waste disposal. The negative environmental impact of meat consumption is also uncovered--deforestation, agricultural inefficiency, and air and water pollution. Its in-depth exploration of history, scientific theory, and the metaphysics of karma offers concerned earth-watchers a spiritual blueprint for creating a better world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There's nothing higher than chanting and meditating on the maha-mantra. Investigate it yourself.

Just what is the Hare Krishna mantra, known as the maha-mantra, or the great chant for deliverance? What are the benefits of chanting it? Why is mantra chanting so powerful, and how can it help me?

What are the origins of the mantra? Who are the saints who demonstrated its efficacy? This small pocket edition answers a lot of questions and may encourage you to Chant and Be Happy.

Includes fifty pages of exclusive conversations with George Harrison and John Lennon.

More Info

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New recipes for the health conscious. This revised edition includes ecological and moral reasons to become a vegetarian, and new, healthier recipes - over 50 - organized into nine delicious meals from Italy, India, Mexico, the Middle east, and other countries.

 

More Info

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Knowledge vs. Realization
→ kirtaniyah sada hari

Jnana is defined as knowledge and Vijnana as realized knowledge. It's the difference between intellectually knowing that we are not this body and actually acting on the platform of "I am not this body." Tonight I was speaking to a very senior mentor of mine and in answer to a question he simply said, "You are on the mental platform." Agreed. I'm pretty sure I'm one of those people who is always on the mental platform! But it got me thinking- then where is the stepping stone between jnana and vijnana? As I began reading some excerpts from Srila Prabhupada's letters to various disciples, I felt I received an instantaneous answer:

"Keep on with the practice of writing articles; in the midst of your heavy duties go on writing something glorifying the Lord and put our philosophy into words. Writing articles means to express oneself how he is understanding the whole philosophy. So this writing is necessary for everyone." Letter to Giriraj, August 12, 1971.

In between the little knowledge that is in my head and (one day) the grace of Krsna actually giving me complete realization of that knowledge, is the stepping stone of understanding. We can understand knowledge to different levels but it may not still be completely manifested in our hearts.

Krsna is so merciful. He is always giving hope! Even if something hasn't fully become realized in our hearts, the process of Krsna Consciousness is so powerful that 1. Krsna in one second can give full realization if he wants to and 2. if we sincerely and seriously practice this precious gift of Krsna consciousness, our understanding will mature and one day bloom into the juicy fruit of realization.

Knowledge vs. Realization
→ kirtaniyah sada hari

Jnana is defined as knowledge and Vijnana as realized knowledge. It's the difference between intellectually knowing that we are not this body and actually acting on the platform of "I am not this body." Tonight I was speaking to a very senior mentor of mine and in answer to a question he simply said, "You are on the mental platform." Agreed. I'm pretty sure I'm one of those people who is always on the mental platform! But it got me thinking- then where is the stepping stone between jnana and vijnana? As I began reading some excerpts from Srila Prabhupada's letters to various disciples, I felt I received an instantaneous answer:

"Keep on with the practice of writing articles; in the midst of your heavy duties go on writing something glorifying the Lord and put our philosophy into words. Writing articles means to express oneself how he is understanding the whole philosophy. So this writing is necessary for everyone." Letter to Giriraj, August 12, 1971.

In between the little knowledge that is in my head and (one day) the grace of Krsna actually giving me complete realization of that knowledge, is the stepping stone of understanding. We can understand knowledge to different levels but it may not still be completely manifested in our hearts.

Krsna is so merciful. He is always giving hope! Even if something hasn't fully become realized in our hearts, the process of Krsna Consciousness is so powerful that 1. Krsna in one second can give full realization if he wants to and 2. if we sincerely and seriously practice this precious gift of Krsna consciousness, our understanding will mature and one day bloom into the juicy fruit of realization.

A Meager Offering
→ kirtaniyah sada hari

Dearest Srila Prabhupada,

Please accept my humble obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to your divine appearance!
All glories to your causeless mercy!

It's 10:54pm on the most auspicious occasion of your appearance and I am still in the process of composing what will probably remain an inadequate offering. My problem lies in the fact that it is impossible to express my gratitude in words and even harder to choose amongst your unlimited good qualities!

I was trying so hard to eloquently compose something beautiful when now, at this late hour, I am realizing I can only hope to convey what is in my heart. Srila Prabhupada, this summer, what to speak of this past year, has been so interesting. So many lessons, so many opportunities, so many challenges and most importantly so much mercy to absorb.

Amongst all that, one theme keeps coming up- unwavering determination and faith. Determination to serve for the sake of service without any preference or expectation for recognition. Determination to always behave like a vaisnava, which is actually extremely difficult for uncultured individuals such as myself. Determination to do one's duty and carry out the orders of the spiritual master without any expectation for the outcome of the results. And most importantly, faith that Krsna always knows what's best and to put full trust in Him.

You, my dear Srila Prabhupada, exemplify all this. You personify what Krsna speaks to Arjuna in the Bhagavad-gita:

vyavasāyātmikā buddhir
ekeha kuru-nandana
bahu-śākhā hy anantāś ca
buddhayo 'vyavasāyinām

Those who are on this path are resolute in purpose, and their aim is one. O beloved child of the Kurus, the intelligence of those who are irresolute is many-branched. Bg. 2.41

In the translation, you give us a beautiful definition of what vyavasāyātmikā means- resolute in Krsna consciousness. You personify this. Your resoluteness in Krsna consciousness is the reason why we are all here today. You faced what seemed to be countless insurmountable challenges, but you never wavered. You took so much shelter in the instructions of your spiritual master HDG Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami. In fact, you always said "My spiritual master is always with me."

Such faith and determination does not come cheaply. It is a result of great realization, trust and surrender. It is no doubt that you are a pure devotee who is so dear to Krsna and yet you came to the material world, undergoing all types of trials and tribulations just to save ungrateful individuals like myself who have no idea, even after so many years, what it actually means to be Krsna conscious.

My dear Srila Prabhupada, on this day of your glorious appearance, please first of all forgive me for procrastinating and only writing this offering at the last minute! Secondly, please give me that determination and faith you had in your spiritual master so that I too can follow in your footsteps and the footsteps of those who follow you. Please allow me to see every challenge or obstacle as a gift and allow me to feel gratitude and imbibe the lessons that Krsna is trying to teach me. Please allow me to have complete trust and faith in the Holy names of Krsna. I long for the day when I can say with full confidence and realization that everything is in Krsna's holy names.

Your aspiring servant and granddaughter,
Vrndavana Vinodini dasi

A Meager Offering
→ kirtaniyah sada hari

Dearest Srila Prabhupada,

Please accept my humble obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to your divine appearance!
All glories to your causeless mercy!

It's 10:54pm on the most auspicious occasion of your appearance and I am still in the process of composing what will probably remain an inadequate offering. My problem lies in the fact that it is impossible to express my gratitude in words and even harder to choose amongst your unlimited good qualities!

I was trying so hard to eloquently compose something beautiful when now, at this late hour, I am realizing I can only hope to convey what is in my heart. Srila Prabhupada, this summer, what to speak of this past year, has been so interesting. So many lessons, so many opportunities, so many challenges and most importantly so much mercy to absorb.

Amongst all that, one theme keeps coming up- unwavering determination and faith. Determination to serve for the sake of service without any preference or expectation for recognition. Determination to always behave like a vaisnava, which is actually extremely difficult for uncultured individuals such as myself. Determination to do one's duty and carry out the orders of the spiritual master without any expectation for the outcome of the results. And most importantly, faith that Krsna always knows what's best and to put full trust in Him.

You, my dear Srila Prabhupada, exemplify all this. You personify what Krsna speaks to Arjuna in the Bhagavad-gita:

vyavasāyātmikā buddhir
ekeha kuru-nandana
bahu-śākhā hy anantāś ca
buddhayo 'vyavasāyinām

Those who are on this path are resolute in purpose, and their aim is one. O beloved child of the Kurus, the intelligence of those who are irresolute is many-branched. Bg. 2.41

In the translation, you give us a beautiful definition of what vyavasāyātmikā means- resolute in Krsna consciousness. You personify this. Your resoluteness in Krsna consciousness is the reason why we are all here today. You faced what seemed to be countless insurmountable challenges, but you never wavered. You took so much shelter in the instructions of your spiritual master HDG Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami. In fact, you always said "My spiritual master is always with me."

Such faith and determination does not come cheaply. It is a result of great realization, trust and surrender. It is no doubt that you are a pure devotee who is so dear to Krsna and yet you came to the material world, undergoing all types of trials and tribulations just to save ungrateful individuals like myself who have no idea, even after so many years, what it actually means to be Krsna conscious.

My dear Srila Prabhupada, on this day of your glorious appearance, please first of all forgive me for procrastinating and only writing this offering at the last minute! Secondly, please give me that determination and faith you had in your spiritual master so that I too can follow in your footsteps and the footsteps of those who follow you. Please allow me to see every challenge or obstacle as a gift and allow me to feel gratitude and imbibe the lessons that Krsna is trying to teach me. Please allow me to have complete trust and faith in the Holy names of Krsna. I long for the day when I can say with full confidence and realization that everything is in Krsna's holy names.

Your aspiring servant and granddaughter,
Vrndavana Vinodini dasi

We Get What We Can Handle
→ kirtaniyah sada hari

We've all heard the saying that "God only gives us what we can handle." I'm sure most would probably agree that sometimes we've felt, "I can't handle this. I don't know how true that statement is!" Of course whether we realize it soon after, or even in this lifetime, it's true. Krsna only does give us what we can handle whether it be in the form of glory, frustration, happiness or challenges.

I was speaking about this with a dear friend yesterday and we got to unpacking this statement. What does it actually mean? As she spoke about the lives of pure devotees and the tests that they face, a realization sprung up. Perhaps only giving us what we can handle doesn't only apply in the sense of our physical or emotional capacity, what if we looked at it from the perspective of learning lessons?

Personally, I have always looked at "Krsna's giving me what I can handle" from the viewpoint of strength- "Can I deal with this?" It's a valid perspective, especially when one is caught up in the moment.

However, when we look at the lives of those advanced bhakti yogis and yoginis, that's not their primary focus. Of course, that's not to say that we should imitate them artificially, but we can learn from them. I was recently reading HH Radhanth Swami's book "The Journey Home" over again and upon this second reading I was struck by the wonderful outlook Radhanath Swami takes. Never does Maharaja complain asking "Why is this happening to me?" Instead, Maharaja is always looking to understand how each circumstance is moulding him in his quest of self-discovery and finding the Absolute Truth.

Srila Prabhupada said during a conversation that took place in Teheran on August 11, 1976, "But before coming to the post of recognized devotee, Krsna tests very severely. That one has to pass." When we examine the lives of recognized devotees like Prahalad Maharaja we can unequivocally see it's not just because "They can handle it," it's because they know what to do with the tests- every test was an opportunity to turn to Krsna.

It's the same principle we hear in scripture of how the spiritual teacher will only chastise those who can accept it because for others that same chastisement may only serve to weaken or destroy their faith in Krsna. That acceptance may include learning we have certain anarthas and having to work on it, being corrected in our behaviour or even being properly trained in devotional service. As we imbibe this guidance we should always see it in context with our ultimate goal: to become staunch servants of the devotees and Krsna.

We are just like diamonds. The formation of natural diamonds requires very high temperatures and pressure, conditions I'm sure we've all experienced before! But, if we remain patient, like the diamond, we to will become something of great beauty and value that can be offered to Krsna.





We Get What We Can Handle
→ kirtaniyah sada hari

We've all heard the saying that "God only gives us what we can handle." I'm sure most would probably agree that sometimes we've felt, "I can't handle this. I don't know how true that statement is!" Of course whether we realize it soon after, or even in this lifetime, it's true. Krsna only does give us what we can handle whether it be in the form of glory, frustration, happiness or challenges.

I was speaking about this with a dear friend yesterday and we got to unpacking this statement. What does it actually mean? As she spoke about the lives of pure devotees and the tests that they face, a realization sprung up. Perhaps only giving us what we can handle doesn't only apply in the sense of our physical or emotional capacity, what if we looked at it from the perspective of learning lessons?

Personally, I have always looked at "Krsna's giving me what I can handle" from the viewpoint of strength- "Can I deal with this?" It's a valid perspective, especially when one is caught up in the moment.

However, when we look at the lives of those advanced bhakti yogis and yoginis, that's not their primary focus. Of course, that's not to say that we should imitate them artificially, but we can learn from them. I was recently reading HH Radhanth Swami's book "The Journey Home" over again and upon this second reading I was struck by the wonderful outlook Radhanath Swami takes. Never does Maharaja complain asking "Why is this happening to me?" Instead, Maharaja is always looking to understand how each circumstance is moulding him in his quest of self-discovery and finding the Absolute Truth.

Srila Prabhupada said during a conversation that took place in Teheran on August 11, 1976, "But before coming to the post of recognized devotee, Krsna tests very severely. That one has to pass." When we examine the lives of recognized devotees like Prahalad Maharaja we can unequivocally see it's not just because "They can handle it," it's because they know what to do with the tests- every test was an opportunity to turn to Krsna.

It's the same principle we hear in scripture of how the spiritual teacher will only chastise those who can accept it because for others that same chastisement may only serve to weaken or destroy their faith in Krsna. That acceptance may include learning we have certain anarthas and having to work on it, being corrected in our behaviour or even being properly trained in devotional service. As we imbibe this guidance we should always see it in context with our ultimate goal: to become staunch servants of the devotees and Krsna.

We are just like diamonds. The formation of natural diamonds requires very high temperatures and pressure, conditions I'm sure we've all experienced before! But, if we remain patient, like the diamond, we to will become something of great beauty and value that can be offered to Krsna.





Opportunities and Surrender
→ kirtaniyah sada hari

Opportunities and surrender. It seems to be the theme for this Summer of 2011. Opportunities to travel, to meet new people, to explore opportunities and most importantly to see the lesson in every situation.

That's become my definition of surrender- to see the lesson I need to learn in every circumstance I find myself in. What can I learn from this? What is Krsna trying to teach me? What unwanted qualities are holding me back from allowing me to embrace Krsna's plan for me?

Although it's so easy to compare and bemoan that Krsna may "appear" to be more merciful to others, it's actually the coward's way out. It's another ploy on the part of my fickle mind to shift responsibility and play the blame game. But what's the use?

Instead of feeling a sense of satisfaction, I feel a loss of control and instead of exercising the free will that Krsna has given me, I act like an ungrateful fool by trying to toss it back into His face.

I forget I have a choice. That free will can be spent in understanding that in spite of the choices I make, Krsna is so merciful that He is trying to take me back to Him. Whatever lessons, whatever successes and whatever failures, He is beside me. He is the one person who will never give up on me and will always be there to encourage me.

Little by little, I get glimpses of that encouragement when I step back and take stalk of what Krsna is trying to teach me. Although at times it can be exhausting, and definitely battering to my false ego, there is also a refreshing sense of freedom.

That freedom frees me from the false illusions that I have about myself and in turn presents opportunities that may have never come otherwise. It makes complete sense doesn't it? Only when we let go of those things that are holding us back can we be open to whatever will help us to move forward.

Although completely logical, it can also be hard to apply practically. That is why I'm so grateful to all my mentors, friends, parents and well-wishers who act as my role models in always seeking to find Krsna in all aspects of their lives. Thank you for giving me the inspiration and encouragement to follow in your footsteps.

Opportunities and Surrender
→ kirtaniyah sada hari

Opportunities and surrender. It seems to be the theme for this Summer of 2011. Opportunities to travel, to meet new people, to explore opportunities and most importantly to see the lesson in every situation.

That's become my definition of surrender- to see the lesson I need to learn in every circumstance I find myself in. What can I learn from this? What is Krsna trying to teach me? What unwanted qualities are holding me back from allowing me to embrace Krsna's plan for me?

Although it's so easy to compare and bemoan that Krsna may "appear" to be more merciful to others, it's actually the coward's way out. It's another ploy on the part of my fickle mind to shift responsibility and play the blame game. But what's the use?

Instead of feeling a sense of satisfaction, I feel a loss of control and instead of exercising the free will that Krsna has given me, I act like an ungrateful fool by trying to toss it back into His face.

I forget I have a choice. That free will can be spent in understanding that in spite of the choices I make, Krsna is so merciful that He is trying to take me back to Him. Whatever lessons, whatever successes and whatever failures, He is beside me. He is the one person who will never give up on me and will always be there to encourage me.

Little by little, I get glimpses of that encouragement when I step back and take stalk of what Krsna is trying to teach me. Although at times it can be exhausting, and definitely battering to my false ego, there is also a refreshing sense of freedom.

That freedom frees me from the false illusions that I have about myself and in turn presents opportunities that may have never come otherwise. It makes complete sense doesn't it? Only when we let go of those things that are holding us back can we be open to whatever will help us to move forward.

Although completely logical, it can also be hard to apply practically. That is why I'm so grateful to all my mentors, friends, parents and well-wishers who act as my role models in always seeking to find Krsna in all aspects of their lives. Thank you for giving me the inspiration and encouragement to follow in your footsteps.

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

Gaura-Shakti, in collaboration with Govinda's,  organized another "An Evening of Bhakti:" that took place at the historic Hare Krishna Centre on Friday, August 5, 2011.

The day began with cooking for the vegan dinner that was to be served that evening. My sister, myself and our friend Rashmin were just about get started with the cooking in the early afternoon when, suddenly, the power in the temple went out!   We ran outside saw that the whole neighborhood was experiencing a blackout!  We didn't know if we would have time to cook for "An Evening of Bhakti". As we frantically made plans for what to make in case the power didn't return (we were thinking, salads, wraps, and more), the power suddenly came back on!  We jumped into action and managed to cook everything in just an hour and a half! The mood was so nice in the kitchen as we all worked together to make it happen! Team work is very powerful! :)

The evening itself was really sweet! We started off with mellow chant, "Govinda Jaya Jaya, Gopala Jaya Jaya" and it really seemed to set the perfect mood.  The evening then shifted focus to our special guest, a monk from South Africa, Bhakti Brihat Bhagavat Swami, who facilitated an interactive Q&A session about bhakti-yoga with our attendees. As he was just starting, though, the sound system died and there were a few tense moments as our technical guys tried to sort things out.  Finally, one woman said, "Why can't we just all move closer and use no microphones?". What a brilliant idea! Everyone moved in nice and close and there was suddenly a mood of intimacy and closeness, just like a family. 

After a beautiful spiritual discourse by Bhakti Brihat Bhagavat Swami, we all chanted the Hare Krishna mantra with all of our hearts right in a hot-spot of bhakti-yoga... the Hare Krishna Temple!  The evening concluded with dinner and we all made new friends who seemed to really enjoy the evening. 

After most everyone had left, just a few of us gathered and had a blissful conversation with the Swami until past midnight! What can be better that gaining limitless spiritual knowledge that can be later applied to your life in order to live better and change things around you in a better, spiritual way!

Thank you all for the unforgettable experience!

-- Tara


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

Gaura-Shakti, in collaboration with Govinda's,  organized another "An Evening of Bhakti:" that took place at the historic Hare Krishna Centre on Friday, August 5, 2011.

The day began with cooking for the vegan dinner that was to be served that evening. My sister, myself and our friend Rashmin were just about get started with the cooking in the early afternoon when, suddenly, the power in the temple went out!   We ran outside saw that the whole neighborhood was experiencing a blackout!  We didn't know if we would have time to cook for "An Evening of Bhakti". As we frantically made plans for what to make in case the power didn't return (we were thinking, salads, wraps, and more), the power suddenly came back on!  We jumped into action and managed to cook everything in just an hour and a half! The mood was so nice in the kitchen as we all worked together to make it happen! Team work is very powerful! :)

The evening itself was really sweet! We started off with mellow chant, "Govinda Jaya Jaya, Gopala Jaya Jaya" and it really seemed to set the perfect mood.  The evening then shifted focus to our special guest, a monk from South Africa, Bhakti Brihat Bhagavat Swami, who facilitated an interactive Q&A session about bhakti-yoga with our attendees. As he was just starting, though, the sound system died and there were a few tense moments as our technical guys tried to sort things out.  Finally, one woman said, "Why can't we just all move closer and use no microphones?". What a brilliant idea! Everyone moved in nice and close and there was suddenly a mood of intimacy and closeness, just like a family. 

After a beautiful spiritual discourse by Bhakti Brihat Bhagavat Swami, we all chanted the Hare Krishna mantra with all of our hearts right in a hot-spot of bhakti-yoga... the Hare Krishna Temple!  The evening concluded with dinner and we all made new friends who seemed to really enjoy the evening. 

After most everyone had left, just a few of us gathered and had a blissful conversation with the Swami until past midnight! What can be better that gaining limitless spiritual knowledge that can be later applied to your life in order to live better and change things around you in a better, spiritual way!

Thank you all for the unforgettable experience!

-- Tara


The Null Hypothesis
→ OppositeRule

I am considering whether to abandon this blog, perhaps to start another.  I started this blog with the intention of documenting my happy advancement in Krishna consciousness, but instead it quickly turned into a chronology of outrage, grief, and disappointment in the Hare Krishna movement.  I’ve had little good to say about it for the past six years. 

I’ve never thought of the Hare Krishna movement as separate from Krishna, as if it was out of His control.  If He isn’t even the Lord of the devotees, then who?  I spent fifteen years directing my love and worship up the parampara, and now the blame gas to go up too.  Prabhupada created a monster with ISKCON that hurt many lives very deeply.  Where is Krishna?  Who can fix this?  I asked if Krishna could be nice, if He would help, but He continues only remain as if He did not exist.  What is this??  What kind of God arranges the torture and rape of His devotees’ children when He should be protecting them, and who otherwise does not seem to care?  One who should be disregarded. 

So my search has ended, but not in the way I hoped or expected. 

"An Evening of Bhakti" takes place on August 5th, 2011!
→ Gaura-Shakti Kirtan Yoga



While we have all become accustomed to seeing the typical images that are conjured up when we think of yoga, it can be an heart-opening experience to learn of bhakti-yoga - the yoga of love. 


We invite you to come and dive into an evening full of divine chants as you learn more about the ancient teachings of the yoga of the heart. The premise of the "Evening of Bhakti" is to hold a spiritually-soaked event for you. Whether you are completely new to the concept of bhakti-yoga or a seasoned veteran, you can expect an incredible evening of chanting, wisdom, dancing and more, followed by a vegan dinner. 


With special guest speaker B.B. Bhagavat Swami and hosted at beautiful Govinda's Dining Hall in Toronto's historic Hare Krishna Centre, we warmly invite your for an evening that will feed the mind, body and soul! Visit www.govindas.ca for more information and http://tinyurl.com/evening​-of-bhakti to RSVP!


Entrance: $ 15




"An Evening of Bhakti" takes place on August 5th, 2011!
→ Gaura-Shakti Kirtan Yoga



While we have all become accustomed to seeing the typical images that are conjured up when we think of yoga, it can be an heart-opening experience to learn of bhakti-yoga - the yoga of love. 


We invite you to come and dive into an evening full of divine chants as you learn more about the ancient teachings of the yoga of the heart. The premise of the "Evening of Bhakti" is to hold a spiritually-soaked event for you. Whether you are completely new to the concept of bhakti-yoga or a seasoned veteran, you can expect an incredible evening of chanting, wisdom, dancing and more, followed by a vegan dinner. 


With special guest speaker B.B. Bhagavat Swami and hosted at beautiful Govinda's Dining Hall in Toronto's historic Hare Krishna Centre, we warmly invite your for an evening that will feed the mind, body and soul! Visit www.govindas.ca for more information and http://tinyurl.com/evening​-of-bhakti to RSVP!


Entrance: $ 15




Against violence, towards animals as well. By Matsyavatara das (Marco Ferrini)
→ Matsya Avatar das adhikari

In every religious tradition, the commandment “Do not kill” represents the main teaching. In the Veda such principle is spread out with the concept of ahimsa, “do not damage the others”, which is the core of the sadhaka, the scholar who attains a spiritual discipline, religious life. “No Violence” is a law carved in the heart of every human being, even before one starts studying the Sacred Scriptures. The act of killing repels everyone and hurts one’s sensitivity, therefore it is clear that this principle, as stated in the Sacred Scriptures, is referred not only to the killing of human beings.

“Glories to You My Lord with all Your living creatures!". St Francis of Assisi

“The world of living beings is a whole organism. The general life of this organism is not God, but it is only a partial aspect of His manifestations, the same as our planet is a part of the solar system which itself is a part of another greater system and so on”. Lev Tolstoj

“There will be a time when man will not have to kill for food and even the killing of one single animal will be considered as harmful and immoral”. Leonardo da Vinci

Along the long path of evolution with the purpose of perfection, humanity has not yet become aware of the need for compassion, towards animals too.

The list below outlines the lack of sensitivity that still affects the majority of human species, according to the statistics of 2009 regarding butchering of animals in the world reported by the National Geographic in the issue of May 2011.

1.7 million camels

24 million Indian buffalos

293 million cows

398 million goats

518 million sheep

633 million turkeys

1.1 billion rabbits

1.3 billion pigs

2.3 billion ducks

52 billion chickens

The magazine editors point out that the above statistics do not include fish!

In Bhagavad-gita, Krishna offers a perspective that can help each sensitive person to avoid becoming an accomplice, neither in active or passive way, of the horror of slaughtering the great number of poor animals. The fundamental ethical principle is to act for the good of every being and it is stated by Krishna in a straight forward way, by explaining how this principle can be fulfilled on earth, in this world, by showing benevolence and compassion towards all creatures.

“The devotee of Mine who is non-envious, who bears benevolence towards all living entities, free from false ego, equal in distress and happiness, forgiving, always content by performing devotional service with unflinching determination, who relies his mind and spiritual intelligence upon Me is very dear to Me.

One who do not cause disturbance to others, who is never disturbed by anybody and who is freed from mundane pleasures, anger, fear and anxiety such a person is very dear to Me.

The devotee of Mine who is pure, detached, expert, free from worry, or agitation and unconcerned with any mundane endeavor, such a person is very dear to Me”.

Bhagavad-gita XII.13-16.

Against violence, towards animals as well. By Matsyavatara das (Marco Ferrini)
→ Matsya Avatar das adhikari

In every religious tradition, the commandment “Do not kill” represents the main teaching. In the Veda such principle is spread out with the concept of ahimsa, “do not damage the others”, which is the core of the sadhaka, the scholar who attains a spiritual discipline, religious life. “No Violence” is a law carved in the heart of every human being, even before one starts studying the Sacred Scriptures. The act of killing repels everyone and hurts one’s sensitivity, therefore it is clear that this principle, as stated in the Sacred Scriptures, is referred not only to the killing of human beings.

“Glories to You My Lord with all Your living creatures!". St Francis of Assisi

“The world of living beings is a whole organism. The general life of this organism is not God, but it is only a partial aspect of His manifestations, the same as our planet is a part of the solar system which itself is a part of another greater system and so on”. Lev Tolstoj

“There will be a time when man will not have to kill for food and even the killing of one single animal will be considered as harmful and immoral”. Leonardo da Vinci

Along the long path of evolution with the purpose of perfection, humanity has not yet become aware of the need for compassion, towards animals too.

The list below outlines the lack of sensitivity that still affects the majority of human species, according to the statistics of 2009 regarding butchering of animals in the world reported by the National Geographic in the issue of May 2011.

1.7 million camels

24 million Indian buffalos

293 million cows

398 million goats

518 million sheep

633 million turkeys

1.1 billion rabbits

1.3 billion pigs

2.3 billion ducks

52 billion chickens

The magazine editors point out that the above statistics do not include fish!

In Bhagavad-gita, Krishna offers a perspective that can help each sensitive person to avoid becoming an accomplice, neither in active or passive way, of the horror of slaughtering the great number of poor animals. The fundamental ethical principle is to act for the good of every being and it is stated by Krishna in a straight forward way, by explaining how this principle can be fulfilled on earth, in this world, by showing benevolence and compassion towards all creatures.

“The devotee of Mine who is non-envious, who bears benevolence towards all living entities, free from false ego, equal in distress and happiness, forgiving, always content by performing devotional service with unflinching determination, who relies his mind and spiritual intelligence upon Me is very dear to Me.

One who do not cause disturbance to others, who is never disturbed by anybody and who is freed from mundane pleasures, anger, fear and anxiety such a person is very dear to Me.

The devotee of Mine who is pure, detached, expert, free from worry, or agitation and unconcerned with any mundane endeavor, such a person is very dear to Me”.

Bhagavad-gita XII.13-16.

Rediscovering the Magic of Krsna Consciousness All Over Again
→ kirtaniyah sada hari

As an aspiring bhakti practitioner, I'm well aware of how easy it is to start seeing everything I do in my day to day life as routine. Chanting, deity worship, reading, associating with devotees- all of it can become mundane if we don't go deeper than the superficial coverings. Sometimes we may feel that Krsna consciousness has lost the "freshness" and have to seek ways to rediscover that feeling.

Recently, I was fortunate to go on a retreat facilitated by HH Devamrta Swami and HG Bada Hari prabhu. The retreat was for newcomers offering an escape from the rigamaroles of everyday material life and an opportunity to discover the great jewels bhakti has to offer in the forms of kirtan, prasadam and deep devotion-centric discussions.

Upon hearing about the retreat, I immediately wanted to invite three people. Two of them were ladies I had distributed books to and had developed friendships with. The other was a student who regularly attends the Bhakti Yoga Club at the University of Ottawa.

Upon inviting Marcelle and Geoff, both immediately said yes. Unfortunately, Nadia, whom I have the great honour of regularly reading the Gita with, was unable to make it.

The weekend of the retreat came upon us and I was both trepedatious and excited. The potential for this trip being a life transforming journey for both these individuals was unbelievable. How many relative newcomers to Krsna consciousness get an opportunity to get one-one time with devotees of the highest caliber such as HH Devamrta Swami and HG Bada Hari prabhu for two and a half days? Not only that, but to have the association of like-minded individuals with a genuine thirst to dive deeper in bhakti can be rare.

Although I was happily engaged either in kirtan or cooking for most of the retreat, two moments stand out for me during those two and a half days. Those moments allowed me to fall in love with Krsna consciousness all over again. One morning, over half the participants got up early out of their own volition and chanted japa. The main room where the programs were being held became completely surcharged with the vibration of the holy name. In that space, I'll never forget looking over the participants, and in particular Geoff and seeing him with eyes closed, a look of determination on his face chanting the holy names of Krsna.

The second moment was during the final kirtan. HH Devamrta Swami simply took us out of the material world with his kirtan. Every single participant, was dancing. It was as though no one had a say in the matter! Everyone had to dance. After dancing and dancing and dancing, finally the kirtan came to conclusion and sitting down everyone sang in unison, hands outstretched and a look of complete bliss on their faces.

That is what Krsna consciousness is all about. Feeling a sense of connection to the holy names and the devotees. Although I may have passed along the message and invited both Geoff and Marcelle to come, they gave me the greatest gift during this retreat. Watching their experiences allowed me to rediscover the magic of Krsna consciousness all over again.





Rediscovering the Magic of Krsna Consciousness All Over Again
→ kirtaniyah sada hari

As an aspiring bhakti practitioner, I'm well aware of how easy it is to start seeing everything I do in my day to day life as routine. Chanting, deity worship, reading, associating with devotees- all of it can become mundane if we don't go deeper than the superficial coverings. Sometimes we may feel that Krsna consciousness has lost the "freshness" and have to seek ways to rediscover that feeling.

Recently, I was fortunate to go on a retreat facilitated by HH Devamrta Swami and HG Bada Hari prabhu. The retreat was for newcomers offering an escape from the rigamaroles of everyday material life and an opportunity to discover the great jewels bhakti has to offer in the forms of kirtan, prasadam and deep devotion-centric discussions.

Upon hearing about the retreat, I immediately wanted to invite three people. Two of them were ladies I had distributed books to and had developed friendships with. The other was a student who regularly attends the Bhakti Yoga Club at the University of Ottawa.

Upon inviting Marcelle and Geoff, both immediately said yes. Unfortunately, Nadia, whom I have the great honour of regularly reading the Gita with, was unable to make it.

The weekend of the retreat came upon us and I was both trepedatious and excited. The potential for this trip being a life transforming journey for both these individuals was unbelievable. How many relative newcomers to Krsna consciousness get an opportunity to get one-one time with devotees of the highest caliber such as HH Devamrta Swami and HG Bada Hari prabhu for two and a half days? Not only that, but to have the association of like-minded individuals with a genuine thirst to dive deeper in bhakti can be rare.

Although I was happily engaged either in kirtan or cooking for most of the retreat, two moments stand out for me during those two and a half days. Those moments allowed me to fall in love with Krsna consciousness all over again. One morning, over half the participants got up early out of their own volition and chanted japa. The main room where the programs were being held became completely surcharged with the vibration of the holy name. In that space, I'll never forget looking over the participants, and in particular Geoff and seeing him with eyes closed, a look of determination on his face chanting the holy names of Krsna.

The second moment was during the final kirtan. HH Devamrta Swami simply took us out of the material world with his kirtan. Every single participant, was dancing. It was as though no one had a say in the matter! Everyone had to dance. After dancing and dancing and dancing, finally the kirtan came to conclusion and sitting down everyone sang in unison, hands outstretched and a look of complete bliss on their faces.

That is what Krsna consciousness is all about. Feeling a sense of connection to the holy names and the devotees. Although I may have passed along the message and invited both Geoff and Marcelle to come, they gave me the greatest gift during this retreat. Watching their experiences allowed me to rediscover the magic of Krsna consciousness all over again.





How to transform a rebellious mind into a Wonderful Mind (2/2). By Matsyavatara das (Marco Ferrini)
→ Matsya Avatar das adhikari

The act of offering the Supreme all that we possess is defined by Shri Caitanya as the highest form of renunciation: yukta vairagya. The bad weed of ego is uprooted by the constant and humble practice of sadhana bhakti in a spirit of loving service. Authentic humbleness comes from the awareness of our nature, which means to be God’s servants; it’s the humbleness of the part which stands in relationship with the whole, with the Creator, with the creatures and with the creation. Humbleness grows by learning to respect and to value the good qualities of every being, no matter which body it temporarily wears. Having such an attitude, thanks to divine mercy, the mistakes and the offences which hinder spiritual realization cease, and our journey towards the supreme Destination, param gatih, goes on rapidly. Freedom, justice, serenity, wisdom, happiness and love. The more we care about spiritual teachings, the more we stick to them and bring them inside our everyday life, the more our inner voice awakens and grows stronger. This inner voice is our inborn wisdom concerning discernment, and in the Krishna-bhakti tradition, in the Gaudiya-Vaishnavism, it is called tattva-viveka, discerning awareness. If we start to distinguish the inexistent, tempting as well as deceitful voices of the false self - which indeed has no ontological existence - from the truthful voice of the real self - immortal reality, and if we deliberately and irrevocably choose to let us guide by the latter, the real self will clear us the way to freedom, to salvation, to joy and Love. Only then the bright memory of our authentic nature - the spiritual one, which is undivided from the Whole - starts to reveal itself in all its splendour and divine truth. At this point the ravings of the false ego don’t thwart anymore the right vision and even the last doubts, together with the whims of the once rebellious mind, cease. As a rebellious mind is the real obstacle to spiritual realization, once it is subdued and turned into a docile instrument controlled by the soul, we can promptly experience an ineffable ecstatic bliss. The psychological experience of hell precedes the ascent to Heaven, almost unavoidably going through the intermediate stage of the purgatory. The first, concrete step on this path is to surrender to God, formally carried out through the initiation rite (Hari-nama diksha). Besides, life blessed by initiation is a divine gift that allows us to turn our mind into a pure diamond - requires clearness, honesty, courage and steadiness. Indeed, when we have sufficiently practised and strengthened in our personality these basic qualities, Divine Mercy descends upon us and everything becomes enlightened; the once overshadowed mind assumes golden dazzling colours, the soul is released from the slavery of matter and hovers in Heaven… Only then spiritual evolution proceeds rapidly and turns into a concrete reality, even in the tridimensional world.

From a Love of God Perspective.. free write.
→ the world i know

On Farming and stuff...


I overhear and sometimes take part in discussions on the need of developing farm communities so that we can be well sustained in times to come. Mostly the energy in such conversations become tense because most of us don't feel ready to move into that sort of space and change our lifestyles. It takes a lot of work. There's often complaint of it not being practical, or not matching one's nature, or too complicated.
Over the last few weeks, as I prepare a seminar on making new devotees, this topic pops up many times. The reason is not just to feed people and give them a nice place to stay in the country away from the cities, but more on the question of quality. Quality breeds quality. The vedic purpose for samskaras is to produce quality people; quality living, and quality development of one's dormant relationship with Krsna. Regardless of how hard it may be, the quality work we put into something will ensure a quality result.
Evert parent wants the best for their child, and for that, they insure them, send them to carefully picked schools, scrutinize their association, worry about them, etc etc. Love is something that forces a person to act on a quality platform. I've even heard that Mother Yashoda has a special breed of cows that are fed special grass for producing the best milk which will be churned into butter for Krsna. So if we think of Krsna as our child, and we want to give him the best, knowing well that giving Krsna the best in any situation will mean, ultimately, the best for us, then we should consider farming and cow protection a means for giving the best to Krsna. This requires contemplation; and contemplation on service to Krsna means contemplation on Krsna. So from a love of God perspective we should have farms. We can learn from those who have proper farms, regardless if they happen to be devotees or not. When we begin to express our care for Krsna in this way, I think we can develop deep affection for Krsna, which also means for Krsna's devotees. Would I rather give Krsna, my son in the form of the deity, fresh milk from the cow, or milk bought from the store; tomatoes, potatoes or whatever fruits and vegetables bought with harmful chemicals sprayed on them, or one picked from the garden? And as far as hard work is concerned, would I rather work hard for eternal purposes, or for temporary needs? Remember, Krsna lives in a village, not in a sky scraper town. Wouldn't it be nice if we can prepare ourselves for life there, by practicing here? OK, you live in the city, and according to your psycho-physical nature you cannot live on a farm; I suggest supporting a farm, or those who wish to develop one. After all isn't it a duty thing for those who hold houses? And you can come on weekends to the beautiful farm, get your vegetables, get a peace of mind from the city, and show the example for those who have similar aspirations.
Not an essay, just a few thoughts in my mind put on paper.

One more thing before I go... Our Spiritual Master asked for it. Isn't it said somewhere, someplace, in some verse, that by satisfying the Spiritual Master, one satisfies Krsna? And who does it benefit? Us. No one but us. So basically we are becoming lackadaisical in our own self realization and growth.  

Oh Oh Oh.. and...



It doesn't have to be some huge thing. Start simple, start small. But start.

From a Love of God Perspective.. free write.
→ the world i know

On Farming and stuff...


I overhear and sometimes take part in discussions on the need of developing farm communities so that we can be well sustained in times to come. Mostly the energy in such conversations become tense because most of us don't feel ready to move into that sort of space and change our lifestyles. It takes a lot of work. There's often complaint of it not being practical, or not matching one's nature, or too complicated.
Over the last few weeks, as I prepare a seminar on making new devotees, this topic pops up many times. The reason is not just to feed people and give them a nice place to stay in the country away from the cities, but more on the question of quality. Quality breeds quality. The vedic purpose for samskaras is to produce quality people; quality living, and quality development of one's dormant relationship with Krsna. Regardless of how hard it may be, the quality work we put into something will ensure a quality result.
Evert parent wants the best for their child, and for that, they insure them, send them to carefully picked schools, scrutinize their association, worry about them, etc etc. Love is something that forces a person to act on a quality platform. I've even heard that Mother Yashoda has a special breed of cows that are fed special grass for producing the best milk which will be churned into butter for Krsna. So if we think of Krsna as our child, and we want to give him the best, knowing well that giving Krsna the best in any situation will mean, ultimately, the best for us, then we should consider farming and cow protection a means for giving the best to Krsna. This requires contemplation; and contemplation on service to Krsna means contemplation on Krsna. So from a love of God perspective we should have farms. We can learn from those who have proper farms, regardless if they happen to be devotees or not. When we begin to express our care for Krsna in this way, I think we can develop deep affection for Krsna, which also means for Krsna's devotees. Would I rather give Krsna, my son in the form of the deity, fresh milk from the cow, or milk bought from the store; tomatoes, potatoes or whatever fruits and vegetables bought with harmful chemicals sprayed on them, or one picked from the garden? And as far as hard work is concerned, would I rather work hard for eternal purposes, or for temporary needs? Remember, Krsna lives in a village, not in a sky scraper town. Wouldn't it be nice if we can prepare ourselves for life there, by practicing here? OK, you live in the city, and according to your psycho-physical nature you cannot live on a farm; I suggest supporting a farm, or those who wish to develop one. After all isn't it a duty thing for those who hold houses? And you can come on weekends to the beautiful farm, get your vegetables, get a peace of mind from the city, and show the example for those who have similar aspirations.
Not an essay, just a few thoughts in my mind put on paper.

One more thing before I go... Our Spiritual Master asked for it. Isn't it said somewhere, someplace, in some verse, that by satisfying the Spiritual Master, one satisfies Krsna? And who does it benefit? Us. No one but us. So basically we are becoming lackadaisical in our own self realization and growth.  

Oh Oh Oh.. and...



It doesn't have to be some huge thing. Start simple, start small. But start.