Servant of the Servant

The importance of good character

2012-01-27T09:10:00.002-06:00

In our Krishna Conscious philosophy, we talk so much about the body, soul, this material world, its miseries, karma etc. This we do to inspire one to question the status quo of materialism. When all said and done, mere philosophy does not attract Krishna or does not give us entrance into higher dimensions. Srila Prabhupada once replied to a question by a reporter that the way to identify a Krishna devotee is that he or she will be a gentleman. In other words, a devotee of Krishna will possess good character.

So without character development, practicing Krishna conscious philosophy is a waste of time. We have to cultivate good character. In this day and world where cynicism, sarcasm, extempore display of chivalry (more like bravado), and other machoistic tendencies are attractive, the desire to cultivate character of high nature is not a priority. Developing young students do not seek role models who are humble and meek but who are dominating and passionate in their respective fields.

In Krishna conscious philosophy if we want to transcend the material problems of birth and death, then it is most important to come to the platform of goodness which is prevailed by qualities such as humility, compassion and tolerance. Once we reach this platform only is it possible to elevate our consciousness to the supramundane platform. So let us see or rather list the qualities of good character. If we do not possess such good character then it is our utmost duty to cultivate them. Below is a short list.

Truthfulness
Cleanliness
Intolerance of other’s happiness
The power to control anger
Self-satisfaction
Straightforwardness
Steadiness of mind
Control of the sense organs
Responsibility
Equality
Tolerance
Equanimity
Faithfulness
Knowledge
Absence of sense enjoyment
Leadership
Chivalry
The discharge of proper duty
Serenity
Kindheartedness
Gentility
Magnanimity
Determination
Fidelity
Pridelessness

There are no prices for guessing, these qualities were few of the qualities glorified by His Devotee about Krishna (SB 1.16-26-30). Indeed these qualities cannot be possessed if one is not spiritual and Krishna conscious. One may find similar qualities purely on the material platform but that will be tainted by self-centered desires. The qualities mentioned above, however, spring from the spiritual platform and motivated by selflessness.

Possessing these qualities is an indication that Krishna has entered our hearts for when He enters He brings along with Him these qualities. So it is when Krishna or God enters only can we cultivate good character. There is no good character without Krishna or God. Good character, practicing spiritual life and devotional service to God all are synonymous with one another; one cannot exist without the other.

Hare Krishna

Magic of India

2012-01-25T10:29:00.001-06:00

Everyone has an opinion, how to know who is correct?

2012-01-23T16:30:00.000-06:00

In this world, today, everyone has an opinion. Not only that,everyone is convinced that they are correct. This is because there is research,data and evidence to prove anything. There is also research, data, and evidenceto disprove what has been proven. Consciousness is separate from the body andmind. There is evidence to prove this. There is also evidence to prove that weare merely composed of chemicals. Another example, abortion is not wrong aslong it is done appropriately. There is evidence to prove life starts onlyafter certain time period. Then again, there is research to define life in atotally different manner. My point is there is research to prove and disprove anything. All we have to do is pick sides, gathersome information and articulate it in a way that is most convincing…there…youhave a winner!!

This phenomenon is more prevalent today because of theadvent of personal computers and internet. Anybody can go online, do someamateur research and come to the overwhelming conclusion (rather illusion) thatthey are correct. Then all they have to do is present it convincingly. At thisstage, the person with the most charisma, language command and data savvy can winthe audience. To simply put, the concept of neutral research does not existanymore, if anything sparingly. I have serious doubts today if indeed research/datadoes lead to unbiased conclusions, perhaps in newly emerging fields with littlepolitical ramifications.

How then to distinguish right from wrong, information frommisinformation? In the days of yore, during vedic periods, the person speakingis scrutinized as much as the information presented. In other words, thecharacter of a person plays a dominant role in who should speak and who should not. Today, the character of a person isnot very important. Why…because no one has good character. Everyone is after economicdevelopment and social enhancement. So one who ispoor wants to become rich and one who is already rich wants to become powerful to exercise his social capital.Of course what is poor, rich and powerful is defined relatively based on time,location and people. The bottom line – the goal is - glorification of one’s own socio-economic status relative to others. Inmy view, modern day religion and politics is also within the paradigm of socialand economic status for I believe religion and politics is also used to advanceone’s own social and economic status.

So as long as one is driven by this passion to excelsocially and economically, true knowledge cannot flow through his brain andmouth. Anything this person will say cannot be accepted regardless of how muchconvincing he is or how much data he presents. Unfortunately, 99.9% of the worldpopulation is like this. Henceforth, today we live in an age where one can doanything and prove that he is philosophically correct. For example, on theaspect of killing animals for food, personally I must have heard like tendifferent arguments on why it is correct and when people speak to me they areconvinced they are absolutely correct. One may ask how meat eating is relatedto social and economic status. Meat eating may not enhance one’s social andeconomic status but one who belongs to a particular social and economic statuseats meat so in that way it is connected. In fact everything is connected inthat way.

Without rambling, my point is one should study the characterof an individual before we can accept what he speaks as knowledge. It takes lot of selfdiscipline and sacrifice to live a simple, austere and honest life free from duplicity,hypocrisy, and selfishness. I am 36 and so far I can honestly say I must havemet like five people who fit that bill of good character. Therefore till we cancultivate good character, let us follow in the footsteps of those who alreadyhave good character free from any tinge of selfishness or selfish agenda. From such a person allknowledge flows and we can benefit from such knowledge but not from one who isseeking to enhance his social and economic status (gross or subtle).

Hare Krishna

Complete each other

2012-01-23T11:09:00.000-06:00

When people are in love, they often say “we complete eachother” as in both partners form a full circle. In other words, one halfcompletes the other half to form a complete whole. This feeling of fullness asa result of this “whole” is the reason people feel comfortable with one anotherand are ready to commit to live together the rest of their lives. This fullness is in the physical, mental andemotional level. It does not include the spiritual level.

Actually, the same concept of “completing each other” isexpressed by Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita. Krishna says that “mamaivamso jivaloke”…that all beings are but an expansion of Me, they come from Me, and partand parcel of Me. Of course this “Me” represents Krishna. Our very existence restsupon Krishna as we all are minute sparks emanating from the huge unlimited fireKrishna. Inherently, we possess the same qualities as the Lord. Qualities suchas wanting to be the enjoyer, controller, proprietor, possessing free will,wanting to be a friend, a lover, a son, a parent etc…all these propensities areinitially possessed by God and because we are in His image (minute parts), wealso possess similar qualities as Krishna.

While we can find partners to complete us in this temporary physicalreality, we also need a partner to complete us in the spiritual reality. Thatpartner is none other than Krishna. This partnership of completing each otherin the spiritual reality is based upon unconditional love and service.Otherwise, it cannot exist. Unlike the material counterpart where love andservice is tainted by selfishly motivated desires, in the spiritual reality,this sense of completing each other is purely and solely driven by the desireto serve and love the counterpart (I love Krishna and Krishna loves me) with noselfish motives and with no end in sight. This expression of love is calledbhakti and the practice of bhakti is called bhakti yoga.

In one sense, when a devotee and Krishna love each other,that love is no different in concept than the love people of this worldprofess. In one sense, this is the ultimate destiny and desire of man – to loveand be loved so we can complete our lives as one whole (yet individually maintaining our identities). However, this feeling of "whole" is complete only if this love is dovetailed on the spiritual reality withKrishna everything else of this physical reality will eventually fade away intime no matter how grandeur or sublime the love may be.

Dovetail your loving propensities towards Krishna and whenKrishna reciprocates we will feel complete and fulfilled!

Hare Krishna

Book distribution 2012 - I

2012-01-19T21:47:00.002-06:00

This previous sunday, I and a devotee and his 3 year old daughter went to distribute books. The highlight for me was the 3 year old daughter and her unabashed desire to hand out books to strangers. Her enthusiasm to accompany us and distribute is a clear indication that she is a pure soul come to expand the mission of the Lord. Lucky are the father and mother of that girl!

Anyways, we knocked on a few doors and made our way through the afternoon. We collected some Lakshmi on behalf of the books. Although I felt it was a tough crowd, at the end of the day I think we managed to distribute few books and collect some Lakshmi.

I pray at the Lotus Feet of the Lord to give me desire to continue to distribute.

Hare Krishna

Krishna is real and at the same time inconceivable

2012-01-17T13:44:00.002-06:00

In the Bible, there are many stories describing the miraclesof Jesus Christ, how he healed the sick, raised people from the dead,multiplied one loaf of bread into many, walked on water etc. To none of thesestories, one can find hard evidence as defined by modern science. In fact, thereis no concrete evidence to prove even the existence of Jesus Christ. Yet, the modernday Christian community does not believe Jesus and his miracles to be myth.They do not believe it is mythology. They believe it to be true that JesusChrist was sent by God and that he has the ability to perform such miracles.

However, when we talk about Krishna lifting the GovardhanHill or Krishna showing His universal form or Krishna killing putana when hewas less than one month old, etc we dub all these incidents as myth? The storiesfrom the Mahabharata and Ramayana are considered mythology by modern dayscholars and common man including the devout so called hindus? This reflects theamount of faith one has on Krishna and Rama. In fact by calling Krishna andRama mythology is an indirect way of saying all this is not true and not veryimportant. The only reason today Krishna or Rama is taken seriously in India iseither from a historical/archeological standpoint or from areligious/sentimental standpoint. In both cases, the assumption is Krishna orRama may or may not exist and more probably be mythological characters. Buteven if they are not a myth, people do not have faith that Krishna would havelifted a mountain? This sort of understanding is prevalent in modern day India,unfortunately.

There are many reasons attributed to such a lack of faith.One reason is that there is no systematic educational system that teaches theomnipotency of God Krishna from very young age. Another reason is that Indiabecame such sycophants to British culture that they believed anything theBritish said. So the early Indologists starting with Max Mueller successfullymythologized the pastimes of Krishna and Rama and has been institutionalizedever since. However, one of the main reasons I believe is the lack of interesttowards spiritual life by so called Hindus and the lack of bonafide spiritualteachers (currently there are more fakes in the guise of sadhus – holy men) whocan teach the siddhanta (philosophical conclusions) of Krishna. According tothe pure spiritual masters (who live a life of devotion and service to Krishna)Krishna (or God) must be understood within the concept of achintya shakti. Thisis how we can rationalize such super human activities of Krishna. Achintyashakti means the power of inconceivability. In other words, Krishna is inconceivablebeyond our mundane mind and thoughts. We cannot limit Krishna within the limitsof our imagination because He is beyond our imagination. Therefore, Krishna cando anything at any place at any time. Heis smaller than the smallest and bigger than the biggest.

Here is another display of His inconceivable powers. Krishnadescended to appear within His material creation some 5000 years ago. Sodespite the fact that Krishna is present inside His creation, still when Heopened His mouth, Mother Yasoda saw the entire breadth and width of thematerial creation. So although Krishna is inside His own creation displayingpastimes, still the entire creation is within Him, how is this possible? If wetry to analyze this story through the linear methods of modern science, we willbecome athesists or at best impersonalists. So the way the pure spiritualmasters teach us is that Krishna is inconceivable and we have to leave it atthat. But to accept the words of a spiritual master requires faith, humilityand devotion.

But in this jet-paced world, who stops to cultivate faith inan otherwise faithless world. So Lord Chaitanya recommends the easiest methodto cultivate that faith – that is –chant Hare Krishna and offer whatever youcan as little as a leaf, flower or fruit to the picture of Krishna indevotional mood. In this way, when we cultivate faith, we will see how Krishnawill reveal His inconceivable nature to us although our position is veryinsignificant.

Krishna is real, His activities are real, His names arereal, and calling Him through His names will actually attract the attention ofKrishna and eventually He will display His true inconceivable nature. Try itand you will not be disappointed.

Chant Hare Krishna

Hare Krishna

Myriad paths that is hinduism

2012-01-12T16:41:00.000-06:00

In India, the Hindus worship many gods, gurus and spiritualpaths. Below is a small list that I can think of

Lord Siva,
Ganesh,
Durga (or Kali),
Kartikeya (or murugan)
Vishnu,
Lakshmi,
Saraswati,
Navagraha
Sai Baba,
Shankar Baba,
Kalki avatar,
Sri Aurobindo,
Aurobindo Mother,
Amritanandamayi devi,
Swami Nityananda,
BKS Iyengar,
J Krishnamurthy,
Sivananda,
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi,
Ramana Maharishi,
Ramakrishna paramhamsa,
Vivekananda,
sadhguru
Brahmakumaris,
Chinmaya mission,
Theosophicalsociety,
Shankara mutt,
Swaminarayan,
Isha yoga etc

This is just a small list. I have not included the yogis, babas and other myriad spiritual leaders. It is practically impossible to convince one of Krishna. The only reason people of this world seek religious/spiritual shelter is to fulfill material desires. They want to live happily in this world but not to get out of it. They want good health (or avert disease), stable job, nice house, beautiful spouse,long life, children, good education, children marriage etc etc.

This sort of mentality is the reason why we have so many so called gurus, swamis and gods incarnating in every corner of modern day India. The Hindus believe all of them are authentic as long as they can alleviate their material pangs. Even worse, to justify the different paths, Hindus believe that all gods come from the same source and that all lead to the same goal. Lord Krishna is the same as Siva same as Ganesh same as Durga etc So when a Krishna Conscious devotee uses Vedic scripture to prove the Supremacy of Krishna, he is ridiculed and labeled fanatic. It is practically impossible to convince a modern day Hindu to accept Krishna as the Supreme and that everybody else is subservient to Him.

There is nothing wrong in approaching other gods or gurus for material benefit, however, these gods and gurus cannot release one from the cycle of birth and death. In other words, it is only Krishna who has the power to absolve all of one's karma and liberate one from the cycle of birth and death. It is only Krishna who can transport one to the spiritual world. Every other god and guru will only guarantee our stay in this material world. We may gain some pious credits and also be materially well off, but at the time of death we will be forced to accept another body and continue our suffering. Nobody (including the powerful Lord Siva) can help us at the time of death.

Therefore Krishna declares that even if you have material desires, just come to Me (Krishna) and I will fulfill all of your desires.

akāmaḥ sarva-kāmo vā

mokṣa-kāma udāra-dhīḥ

tīvreṇa bhakti-yogena

yajeta puruṣaḿ param

A person who has broader intelligence, whether he be fullof all material desire, without any material desire, or desiring liberation,must by all means worship the supreme whole, the Personality of Godhead. – SB 2.3.10

The Supreme Personality of Godhead referred above is Lord Sri Krishna. Krishna also says

mattah parataram nanyat

kincid asti dhananjaya

mayi sarvam idam protam

sutre mani-gana iva

O conqueror of wealth, there is no truth superior to Me.Everything rests upon Me, as pearls are strung on a thread. - BG 7.7

avajananti mam mudha

manusim tanum asritam

param bhavam ajananto

mama bhuta-mahesvaram

Fools deride Me when I descend in the human form. They do not know My transcendental nature as the Supreme Lord of all that be. - BG 9.11

So to say that Krishna comes from a higher source cannot be true because Krishna declares His position to be Supreme and that everything is subservient to Him. He also cannot be human because He has a transcendental body devoid of material degradation. There is no scripture contradicting or proving otherwise. To further illustrate my point on Krishna, below is a prayer by Lord Siva.

namas ta asisam isa

manave karanatmane

namo dharmaya brhate

krsnayakuntha-medhase

purusaya puranaya

sankhya-yogesvaraya ca

My dear Lord, You are the topmost of all bestowers of allbenediction, the oldest and supreme enjoyer amongst all enjoyers. You are themaster of all the worlds' metaphysical philosophy, for You are the supremecause of all causes, Lord Krsna. You are the greatest of all religiousprinciples, the supreme mind, and You have a brain which is never checked byany condition. Therefore I repeatedly offer my obeisances unto You. –SB 4.24.42

Siva and Krishna to be the same or for that matter any god to be same as Krishna cannot be true because Siva is glorifying Krishna to be the cause of all causes and that he has the Supreme mind of all. Unless Siva and Krishna are two different and separate beings, how can Siva glorify Krishna as the supreme? Therefore to say that all gods are same and come from the same source and lead to same goal is a material sentiment with no credible scriptural evidence.

Because people approach gods and gurus with a desire to enjoy this world, there are so many so called philosophies and truths in the name of religion or spirituality. And to satisfy one's own ego, one spiritual path or religion is as good as the other. This way no one is hurt and everyone is happy. Besides, as long as people approach gods and gurus for selfish material interests, there will also always be people exploiting (cheaters) in the name of religion or spirituality or yoga etc

If one is serious about one's own benefit, then one has to approach the scriptures and saintly people with only one question - that is - how to get out of this material world of birth and death? If we are serious to find an answer to this question, then the answer is unanimous - that is - surrender unto Krishna with love and devotion. This is the Supreme Truth and there is no truth superior to this.

In this age of Kali, the scriptures and saintly people recommend only one method of surrender and subsequent deliverance from birth and death - that is - chanting the Holy Names of God.

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

By chanting the Holy Names of God, one can easily cross over the material ocean (samsara) of birth and death and eternally situate oneself at the Lotus Feet of Sri Sri Radha and Krishna. There is no loss!

Chant Hare Krishna

Hare Krishna

Does God have only one son?

2012-01-09T16:04:00.001-06:00

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life- John 3:16

According to Wikipedia, this verse is the most widely quoted verse from the Christian Bible and considered the most famous verse. It is also called the “Gospel in a nutshell” because apparently it summarizes the essence of modern day Christianity. This verse talks about the relationship between the Son Jesus and the Father in Heaven.

When we do a comparative analysis, we find this verse in the Bhagavad Gita that touches on the subject of Father and Son.

sarva-yonishu kaunteyamurtayah sambhavanti yah
tasam brahma mahad yoniraham bija-pradah pita

It should be understood that all species of life, O son of Kunti, are made possible by birth in this material nature, and that I am the seed-giving father. – BG 14.4

In one letter to his disciple (unfortunately I cannot remember the exact reference), I remember Srila Prabhupada stating that if God is unlimited, then how come He can have only one son? If God is actually unlimited, then His creation is also unlimited and that includes His unlimited sons and daughters in all species of life. The Bhagavad Gita verse copied above validates at the omnipotency of the Lord. Therefore, it is our duty to respect all living beings and not just humans. At the end of the day, we do not define son or daughter based on the physical body. God is not made of physical matter/elements. God is completely spirit (consciousness) and we who are created by Him are also completely spirit (consciousness). However, because we want to live independent of God, the spirit (consciousness) is encased in matter and is allowed to live in this material realm under strict rules.

Anyways, Christians although believe that God is unlimited (omnipotent) seem to limit Him to only one son. This limitation, in my opinion, contradicts God’s unlimited position. If God is unlimited, then all of His creation (moving and non moving) is also unlimited. Christianity and Krishna Consciousness differ in this fundamental point. While there are many similarities, I think this is a big difference and I want to acknowledge the difference, hence the post.

Full surrender to the Almighty God is the only way one can earn His favor. Full surrender should be based on detailed deliberation based on current day-to-day life situation, study and analysis of the scripture and its representative (a saintly person). Otherwise one cannot fully surrender.

Hare Krishna

chant Hare Krishna and be happy

2012-01-08T13:05:00.001-06:00

Book Distribution 2011 - IV

2011-12-31T20:10:00.001-06:00

I went door knocking today although I will admit I was on an all-time low with my mind battling to muster the enthusiasm to distribute. I made a cold call to a person whom I thought would be interested in Krishna consciousness this afternoon, anyways the call did not go as per plan and to be honest I got a little hung up on that. My mind was thinking about that. Anyways the highlight of todays distribution is I distributed Bhagavad Gita flyers and cards. I also distributed Higher Taste recipe book which I found people very eager to take versus the regular books. After few more books (although not much donation) I went home.

In addition to knocking on doors, this time I also placed books in shops. Actually I believe the smart box can distribute more books than me door knocking. So I placed two smart boxes in cafetarias. In my estimation, in one or two weeks the books are distributed. So I ordered small books and placed them in smart boxes. I am thinking of putting these smart boxes in more shops...lets see how that goes.

One other reason I am writing my experience of book distribution is to document my attempts so when I look back I can see how much effort was put in and what I can do better. Documenting is a crucial aspect of story telling. People like to hear stories and be inspired. I may not document all my book distribution efforts but hoping that if I do continue book distribution regularly then I may document it periodically.

So far I would say If you are a type of person who likes to meet new people, then book distribution is for you. You may not distribute books but just meeting new people in my opinion is exciting. When I say meet I mean the chance to have a discussion with new people. The person may not be interested in the books but by connecting with the person one can actually have an impact.

With that, I would also say this would be my last post for the year. I wish all my readers (although not sure if there are loyal readers) a very HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012.

I hope and pray your New Year starts on a good note and continue that way and perhaps you go one step closer towards Krishna!

Hare Krishna

Basic questions - everyone should ask!

2011-12-30T09:47:00.000-06:00

Krishna Consciousness is a universal phenomenon. It is non-sectarian. It has the highest spiritual quotient. Practicing Krishna Consciousness sincerely can help an individual transcend the material dualities of life such as happiness/distress, fame/infamy, pain/pleasure etc. Sincere practice also cultivates a sense of humility, compassion and love towards all living beings. Of course these attributes are possible only when the practitioner becomes fearless. So Krishna Consciousness also inculcates fearlessness within one's heart to the extent one is not afraid even to die.

All this is possible because Krishna Consciousness starts by asking basic questions that I believe every sane human being should be asking themselves. Questioning in this fashion, I believe, is the pinnacle of human intelligence. So here are the basic questions Krishna Consciousness asks or we as humans have to ask.

Who am I? (am i this body and mind or something beyond the body and mind)
If God exists, who is God? (if God does not exist then we do not have to bother about anything)
If God exists, then, what is my relationship with God?
What is the process to know and connect with God?
What is the end purpose or result of all of this?

Asking these questions form the basis for human existence. However, unfortunately people are not concerned with any of the above questions. Their only concern is to maintain this material life and exploit it.

Going into the new year, if anyone is reading this post, please desire to arouse your spiritual side and start of by asking these basic questions. This is the start and to one who is sincere the Universe will surely respond to your questions.

Happy 2012!

Hare Krishna

secret to happiness

2011-12-28T13:17:00.000-06:00

You cannot be happy thinking about yourself. The more you think about yourself and fulfilling your desires the more you become anxious and depressed especially if it is not fulfilled. All the drugs and psychotherapy is directed in trying to fulfill what you want which actually increases anxiety and distress.

The secret to happiness is trying to think about others and what they want. In that spectrum, the highest thought and consequently the highest happiness (or the most blissful experience) is to think about the instructions of a pure soul and Krishna. Fulfilling their words as opposed to yours is the secret to happiness in this world and beyond. Try it and you will see the difference.

Hare Krishna

Goshala service - your vote requested

2011-12-28T11:51:00.000-06:00

Dear prabhus & mataji

Please Accept My Humble Obeisances
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada

Project mentioned in below mail is for improving Goshala at Naigaon, about
30 km from ISKCON Pune temple. This Goshala is connected to ISKCON Pune and
is being run under the guidance of ISKCON Pune. The cows and the calves are
kept in perfect natural condition and are treated with love and respect.

Our goshala team has requested us to kindly support them
by following the procedure given below. If you do,
our goshala team will receive upto 4 lacs for GO-SEVA. Thank you
for participating in Gomata's seva.

For Facebook account holders :

Go to http://www.sparktherise.com/projectdetail.php?pid=5096

Click on Vote in green colour

Click on Login and Vote

Click on facebook symbol

Log with facebook id and click on allow

Go to Agriculture and Rural Developement Tab

Click on Krishi Go Sanskriti Project and Vote

Other Users

Go to http://www.sparktherise.com/projectdetail.php?pid=5096

Click on Vote in green colour

Register on Left Hand Side of Sign Up page

Go to your email account and open email from sparktherise.com and activate
ur account

Go to http://www.sparktherise.com/projectdetail.php?pid=5096

Click on Vote in green colour

Login with your email id as log in and putting chosen password

Go to Agriculture and Rural Developement Tab

Click on Krishi Go Sanskriti Project and Vote

If we win, we'll get lot of media coverage and a grant of minimum 4 lacs (up
to maximum of 40 lacs). For this, we need more than 5000 votes. Kindly vote
the project and get everyone you know to put their votes.

Kindly vote in next 2-3 days as the last date is 30th Dec.

Please contact Gopal Agrawal at +919881255331 or Ram Vilas das at
+918390907239 for any assistance.

Thanks and Regards, Hare Krishna.

your servant
Radheshyam das

Book distribution 2011- III

2011-12-25T17:52:00.000-06:00

I would say today was my best day in terms of the amount of books distributed and money collected. I collected more than $35 and distributed more around 10-15 books (not exactly sure how many). I may have knocked on at least 125 doors of which I could convince say 10 people to take the book. I met a whole variety of folks. I must say the residents of the buildings were probably of low-income category or perhaps less affluent is more apt. Most of the houses had dogs and I have fear of dogs. Although the dogs were not on leash, the owners were always careful to not allow the dogs in front.

I have said this in my previous posts, and I say again that most of the residents practice Christian faith and most likely not interested in Krishna Consciousness. So I started to talk to them about Jesus and that chanting Jesus Christ's names would benefit them spiritually. I made sure this is not a sectarian concept of religion. I met a muslim girl from Pakistan who donated money generously but was absolutely adamant to not accept the books. Somehow I requested her to accept the Beyond Illusion and Doubt book which was purely an interpretation on western philosophy. She reluctantly accepted it.

Anyways, I met many people but unfortunately my memory escapes me. I do remember one funny incident. I was distributing a book to an elderly African American lady. As I was explaining the philosophy, the sister of the lady came into the living room and she saw me. The lady to whom I was talking introduced me to her and turned and pointed to her sister the book and said this is Krishna. The sister looked at me with exasperation in her breath and loudly said "Krishna?"...and she nodded her head in disapproval on hearing Krishna and went back her into the room. I didn't know what to say and the lady who was talking to me said its ok. The lady gave me a nice donation and I left. It is interesting to see the impressions people have on other religions and especially Krishna.

Overall however, I would say the majority response was either a big fat no and some seemed recipient to spiritual life. I distributed all the books I carried but one book. After about 2 hours, I became tired and was getting dark, figured I will return. With that, I went back to my office and then to my house.

I have to say I am little pessimistic in terms of anything sustainable coming out of book distribution especially where I live because people are either religious or very materialistic. It is very hard for me to convince them in like 60 secs to take a book and at the same time perhaps read it and email me. Unless I meet someone who is also seeking spiritual knowledge and who is not attached to any current form religious system, then may be I will have chance to make an impression and make something sustainable out of it. For now, I pray Krishna to give me desire to distribute and also pray Krishna to send me the interested person.

We will never know! This unknown gives some hope!

Hare Krishna

Best use of free will

2011-12-25T14:33:00.001-06:00

In an earlier post, I discussed about free will and predestination. In that I mentioned about the forces of nature and how it is practically difficult to overcome the temptations and urges of material nature. Even if we have a strong desire to do something but our circumstance and environment and association is otherwise, there are more chances to be led astray. We will do something we will regret. This feeling of regret is there because internally our original desire was to not do the thing we end up doing. So there are forces of nature always acting to influence our free will and that force is strong beyond human capabilities. Therefore we should be careful when we judge people. Anyways that is perhaps a different post.

We have to train ourselves to use our intelligence to depend on Krishna. Below is a brief conversation by Srila Prabhupada on how to practically use our free will - in other words - depend on Krishna. Next time when we are faced with problems such as coworker problems or disease or money problems or job insecurity or spouse problem etc etc...let us try to simply focus all our energy meditating on Krishna and His form and submit our case to Him in humility and in that mood conduct our duties (not attaching to the result). Please read conversation.

He (Prabhupada) explained that the real problem is that people are not following Krishna ’s instructions properly. If one practically surrenders to Krishna , He makes everything successful.

“Practical”, he (Prabhupada) said, “means it will be done by Krishna . Your only business is to surrender to Krishna . You cannot do anything. And as soon as you think, ‘I shall be able to do it,’ then you are a rascal. Immediately you are rascal.”

“So only a fully surrendered soul can do everything perfectly?” Harikesa asked.

Prabhupada answered, “He cannot do anything. Everything is to be done by Krishna . But he has to apply his intelligence by Krishna consciousness. Even if he is intelligent, he cannot do anything.”

Harikesa added, “Except surrender.”

“Yes. He can surrender, and Krishna will do everything. You have to act very sincerely under the direction of Krishna , and then the war will be successful, as Arjuna did.”

- A Transcendental Diary (Vol 1,Ch 2, Pg 44) by Hari Sauri Das

In essence, we can only do one thing, use our free will and intelligence to surrender to Krishna under all circumstances (good and bad) and do our duty. We have to have faith that whatever transpires as a result of that duty & situation is Krishna's desire and be satisfied with that.

Hare Krishna

Truth never loses its glory

2011-12-24T11:54:00.001-06:00

I find the following quote very inspirational. The truth is a testimony to itself and will reveal itself to the genuine seeker.

The truth is always the truth, the genuine always genuine. Ordinary people may or may not accept it, but it never loses its glory or respectable position. Maybe it will happen that within many eons only one sincere truth-seeking person will appreciate the genuineness of the Gaudiya Matha. Yet such a person could effect auspiciousness for unlimited millions of people.

- His Divine Grace Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Goswami Prabhupada

Book Distrubution 2011 - II

2011-12-23T17:30:00.000-06:00

I went door knocking again today. It was relatively a quiet day. I met few folks and distributed some books. I met a guy who knew about the Hare Krishnas. I gave him a book and he accepted it although he did not offer any donations. Then I met an inquisitive individual who asked many questions. Sadly though, after like 15 mins of explaining the philosophy he just took a brochure from me. I suspect he was a christian trying to be polite with me.

The highlight was I met a Catholic Christian who to my surprise had a very Krishna conscious mind set. In the beginning, she said I know I am not this body and mind and I am soul. She said how God is Supremely good and hence all of His creation also has His goodness. She believes that every individual finds his path towards God and that has their own realizations, so who are we to judge that? As humans she agreed that we have limited capacity to understand God's creation. She said that America is worshipping materialism and not God.

She also said, which I find interesting is, that Catholicism is the "fullest" form of religion than other paths. Its funny how every religious person thinks the same of their path. I went to a Masjid (mosque) last sunday to see if I could distribute any books, and the person I was conversing with was a devout muslim and he also said the same thing about Islam and Allah. As the Catholic lady was saying about the fullness of her religion, I thought the same about Krishna Consciousness. I guess we need that impetus to be attached to our own paths.

Anyways, the Catholic lady talked about other points that had spiritual (and not religious) connotation and I took leave expressing my pleasure to have met her. Honestly, I have been here for 8 years now and have not met an open minded Christian. Sorry if I offend any Christian, this however has been my experience so far. Either they are materialistic or too literal about the Bible to accept any other path as valid. This woman was a welcome exception and she gladly donated me her entire piggy bank which had a dollar and some chump change. Knocked on few other doors and drove back to my house.

I am hoping someone will be interested to discuss further about Krishna!

Hare Krishna

Misery

2011-12-22T16:20:00.003-06:00

In so many places in the Bhagavatam and Bhagavad Gita, we read how Krishna and the devotees of Krishna talk about misery of this world. This world they say is a place of miserable condition where happiness is but a mirage. However, when Srila Prabhupada preached like that, many people (east and west alike) disagreed that they were in misery and rather they said they were happy.

So let us try to understand this apparent conundrum little more. Are we or are we not in misery? For that let us try to define what misery means. I would define misery as a condition (mental or physical) a living being is put in that is against the living being’s natural state. So for example if it is too hot then a living being will feel misery because the weather temperature is above the skin’s natural ability to handle. If someone would beat me up more than the body can handle then I would be in misery. These are gross examples. There can also be subtle examples like someone verbally abusing me or someone playing mind games etc etc. So in essence if the natural state is violated then it results in misery.

Therefore when saints from the Vedic culture talk about misery, perhaps we should first understand what our natural state is. Bhagavad Gita clearly explains our natural state. That is - we are eternal spiritual beings who are not subjected to old age, disease or death. This material world, however, is the opposite. We will grow old, diseased and die. This is compared to a fish out of water. No matter how much comfort you provide to the fish, it will die because its natural state is within the water. Similarly, the concept of misery is understood from the perspective that our original identity is spiritual/eternal and that death is but an unnatural albeit miserble condition.

In the interim, between birth and death, we may feel like we are going to live here forever and build our life based on that such as career, family, home etc and feel happy. However, the minute we are faced with our temporary position we will feel miserable. This, unfortunately, is inevitable and those who are wise will seek to find a way to get out of this temporary condition and return back to their original conditon. The Bhagavad Gita recommends that the only way to do that is by taking shelter of the original Personality of Godhead Sri Krishna. Those who have faith in Krishna and also practice the rigor of Krishna consciousness can actually experience the words spoken by Krishna in truth. So all what I have said is not some dogmatic belief system, the philosophy is actually rooted on reality and also tested and proven by people of saintly character for thousands of years. You can also try it. Simply chant Hare Krishna and take shelter of Krishna in earnest.

yad gatva na nivartante tad dhama paramam mama - One who reaches it (Krishna’s abode) never returns to this material world – BG 15.6

Hare Krishna

Impersonalism in today's world

2011-12-21T15:01:00.000-06:00

Srila Prabhupada was the one spiritual person who was not afraid to speak the truth. And by truth I mean a non-sectarian universal good for all living beings (including plants and animals). The two major aspects of life that Prabhupada was against were atheism and impersonalism. To deny the existence of God is atheism and to deny the personality of Godhead in its direct sense and to assume all paths as one is impersonal. There is also another type of impersonalism where people believe all human beings are equal. This is also impersonal and actually false. Of course, on the spiritual platform there is unity as we are all qualitatively one –spirit soul but on the material platform there are definitely differences.

If we scrutinizingly analyze how the world functions with all its rules, you will find it is divisive and discriminatory based on one's occuption, personal character/behavior, and other physical factors. This sort of discrimination is inherent in human nature and cannot be removed. In fact this is what makes us human. Every indiividual is unique with his or her personal traits and some people are attracted and some averse. This is natural. However, for the sake of politically being correct, we mask such differences. In another sense, we also do not care enough to be sensitive to differences and personalities thus making us impersonal.

For example, today I was in an agency that provides help to middle grade students from financially poor backgrounds. Their purpose is to help students to become good students in school and ultimately become productive citizens of society. One of the barriers that these kids were facing is that they think that the outer world is against them. Keep in mind, these kids come from poor neighborhoods and they think people from affluent neighborhoods do not like them and hence see them as enemies. So when two different communities are against each other, these young kids grow for the worse than better. However, the strategy used to deal with this situation was to deny the existence of different thoughts or opinions by different people instead the kids were taught to see everyone as themselves (not as enemies). At the superficial level, this may be a good method to deal with the problem. However, I think the best way is to actually educate the young kids on the variegatedness of the world and its people. Most of the problem stems from fear from kids who are not exposed to other people with different backgrounds. Therefore, we can alleviate this fear by educating the kids on the differences among people, their culture and behavior thus instilling the idea that just because one looks or thinks different or do not agree with your way of life doesn’t mean they are enemies or don’t like you.

By acknowledging the differences of the world/people in their goodness and badness, then we will learn to cultivate tolerance, and compassion towards them. Unfortunately, the 21st century world is so fast paced that people barely stop to acknowledge their own family members or peers what to speak of other cultures or religions. We do not recognize the different aspects of human behavior and thought. We want everyone to function like me or my community (impersonal) and if they do not, they are defined as weird, or enemies. This mentality is from an impersonal and atheistic thought process.

Krishna consciousness is the only answer to this onslaught of impersonalism. The more we approach the Supreme as a Person and not as a concept, the more we will identify our fellow beings (creation) as a person (personal) and not stereotype them. I believe by eliminating atheism and impersonalism many of our modern day socio-economic and political woes can be solved. The concept of humility, love, compassion and tolerance is rooted in a personal approach to life, people and God and not the other way round.

Be personal with people, acknowledge the good and bad in them, tolerate the bad, recognize the good and communicate with them acknowledging their personality and finally acknowledge the root - Supreme Person. By acknowledging the Supreme as a Person and that He has His own likes and dislikes, we will become more human and less callous. In my opinion, this is the only way to arouse genuine human compassion. To circle back to my initial point Srila Prabhupada was for this sort of spiritual and personal human compassion.

Hare Krishna

Save Bhagavad Gita in Russia!

2011-12-18T17:12:00.000-06:00

Any of you reading this post, I request the reader to sign the online petition -

http://www.petitions24.com/gita

The online petition is garnering support to prevent Russia from banning the age old Hindu scripture Bhagavad Gita. Below is official language from ISKCON requesting you to sign the petition. It is simple and takes 2 minutes. Please sign the petition to save Bhagavad Gita from being banned.

On Monday, December 19th, in Tomsk, Russia, a historic court case is taking place. Some of our movement’s detractors are making a major court case, attempting to establish that Srila Prabhupada’s Bhagavad Gita As It Is is is “extremist literature” and on these grounds have it banned throughout the
country. The implications for ISKCON in Russia and even in the former USSR are far reaching.

If the devotees lose this case all Srila Prabhupada’s books may be banned because they are full of quotations from the Gita. Seeing all of our activities are based on Bhagavad Gita it could conceivably lead to attempts to close our movement in some places.

The prosecutors are pushing this absurd case with great determination and vigor. There have already been three court hearings, in which the testimony of the so called “experts” gathered by the prosecutors was recognized as being inadequate. However, the prosecutor’s office has requested new testimony, not from well-known experts on Hinduism from Moscow, but from some unknown academics from a local Siberian university. This move clearly suggests that a particular court decision is being engineered. Their approach brings to mind the Inquisitions of the Middle Ages, witch hunts, and the burning of books and persecution of dissidents during the Soviet period of Russian history.

The GBC Executive committee

Book distribution 2011

2011-12-17T14:53:00.001-06:00

After 4 years pause, i decided to distribute books again going door to door. I am praying I have the patience and enthusiasm to continue. I will be honest, living in a place where there is absolutely no devotee or devotee association or for that matter remotely spiritual, I find it very difficult to motivate myself to knock on doors.

Another problem is at least 50% of the people here are conservative christians and it is practically difficult to get them to take a book. So I decided to go to a neighborhood which is partially affluent and less affluent. Initially I was skeptical if anyone would even open the door. But then I motivated myself by thinking I will simply do my duty and the leave the rest to Krishna. In other words, I would not be disturbed mentally.

I may have knocked on 30 to 35 doors in a span of 2 hours. Almost I would say 25 doors did not open although I could hear their tv playing. Some were genuinely not home. One house, I knocked and the dogs (two) started to bark loudly and I was praying the owners don't open the door! Foolish that I was, I got lost in the building layout and knocked again on the same door with the dogs. Thankfully, the owners were not there. I made a smooth exit.

I was happy to have met the people I did. I met an Imam (spiritual leader for Islamic religion), a catalina knight (a rare form of protestant christian), a californian woman open to new ideas, and a old poor woman who lived in a run-down neighborhood and who experienced psychotic and depressive behaviors. Of course I met many more who simply did not care and kept saying NO.

Of all the people I met, the Imam was the first person to invite me into his house, took a book, gave me water and was very sweet. He asked me to come to his mosque to pray which I said I will. I am planning to go tomorrow to his mosque. We exchanged pleasantries in arabic, actually I was showing off my arabic skills whatever little I remembered when I lived in Kuwait. To my surprise, he spoke in arabic when I said I know little arabic...thank God he asked me the one thing I know. So that was good.

Then I met the Catalina Knight. He I have to say was quite the character. He looked straight in my eye and asked "do you follow a particular religion?" and I gave a vague answer like yes and no. He invited me into his house and we must have discussed for at least 30 mins of his religion. He gave me the Bible and asked me to read it which I promptly did and he was talking about his belief etc. He was very proud of his army background from Scotland and that he does not watch tv, listen music and other mundane affairs. Yet there was a huge tv right in the middle of his house and to that he said he watches dvds. Anyways, however I could not help notice on his laptop screen, I saw porn windows flashing and other lewd pictures around the house. After about 30 mins, I decided to do my sales pitch. I was very nice to him that he decided to take a book and donat $1 for it. Happily taking the donation, I bid farewell. Just at that moment, funny enough, the Catalina Knight warned me against knocking on a door just above him and he said, that guy is an imam and that I should stay away from him. I have to say from the conversation with the Knight, there is lot of misconception about muslims and Islam. It is indeed unfortunate!! Anyways, I politely nodded my head not revealing that I already met him.

The best meeting and I would say worth my entire effort was the following two meetings. The californian mother was so open and happy to see me, she invited me into her house and we talked about for 20 mins. She gave her email and phone for us to meet again. Her husband was not home and she wanted to meet again as she said her husband has many questions. We talked about other stuff beyond Krishna and am hoping to meet her again. I gave her 3 books and she donated $2. She wished me luck in my door knocking and I moved from there.

Finally, as I was driving back, I decided to stop in an apartment building which housed society's derelicts such as the drunks, the drug addicts, mentally ill and other psychotic people of society. In fact, I have a friend (who also has mental issues) living in that building. Anyways, I could not get in as it was locked and as I was leaving, I met an older poor woman who was standing with her dog. The dog was totally out of control and was freaking me out. Somehow I maintained my wits and gave a book to the woman. She let me into the building and just as she was about to leave, I explained the nature of this book and its significance. She listened intently. Then I asked her that she should chant Hare Krishna. At first she could not grasp Krishna. I opened the book turned to a page with the mantra and asked her to repeat after me. She dutifully repeated and asked for the meaning. I briefly explained to her the philosophy and I assured her and promised her that this mantra is so powerful that all your desires will be fulfilled and that all your problems will be solved. I saw a sparkle in her eye when I said this. I insisted her to call me. I gave her my phone and email contact. I thought my trip was worth that this poor old woman was lucky to chant Krishna's holy names.

With that, I got into my car and back home. I was hungry and tired by the end of it. I am not sure how frequent I will continue book distribution but I pray Krishna gives me the desire to do so. I hope something more sustainable comes from book distribution. One thing, we never know who will take Krishna and who will not!!

Hare Krishna

Obedience to all surrendered devotees, not just pure devotees

2011-12-15T10:53:00.009-06:00

In ISKCON, especially in the past and also in the present, I have read, and seen how devotees show obedience only to "pure devotees" and not so much to other devotees. I think this very reason is why there are many factions. After Srila Prabhupada left the planet some disciples of his started to question the authority of the then leaders and still question now. They think no one is a pure devotee as pure as Srila Prabhupada. Citing that as an excuse, many devotees left ISKCON either looking elsewhere for devotees or just plain left spiritual life altogether.

Some created their own groups criticizing the gurus of ISKCON and slandering their character. I admit, although, there were genuine misgivings, still the general aura is that beyond Srila Prabhupada there is no one who can be seen as pure and hence display an air of disobedience towards them. Srila Prabhupada may have been a saktyavesa avatar and nitya siddha, but because the other Gurus or leaders of ISKCON are not like Prabhupada I will not be obedient to them is not the proper mood of a devotee. This sort of mentality is the reason we have many groups and factions within and without ISKCON. This is not what Srila Prabhupada wanted.

To prove that this sort of mentality comparing current gurus to Srila Prabhupada and that they are not pure enough and hence will not be obedient to them is wrong. Below is a letter by Srila Prabhupada himself on this specific matter.

But I think you have got the mistaken idea in this connection. You speak of pure devotee, that he is saktyavesa avatara, that we should obey him only--these things are the wrong idea. If anyone thinks like that, that a pure devotee should be obeyed and no one else, that means he is a nonsense.

We advise everyone to address one another as Prabhu. Prabhu means master, so how the master should be disobeyed? Others, they are also pure devotees. All of my disciples are pure devotees. Anyone sincerely serving the spiritual master is a pure devotee, it may be Siddhasvarupa or others, a-Siddhasvarupa. This must be very clearly stated. It is not only that your Siddhasvarupa is a pure devotee and not others. Do not try to make a faction. Siddhasvarupa is a good soul. But others should not be misled. Anyone who is surrendered to the spiritual master is a pure devotee, it doesn't matter if Siddhasvarupa or non-Siddhasvarupa. Amongst ourselves one should respect others as Prabhu, master, one another. As soon as we distinguish here is a pure devotee, here is a non-pure devotee, that means I am a nonsense.

Why you only want to be in the spiritual sky with Siddhasvarupa? Why not all? If Siddhasvarupa can go, why not everyone? Siddhasvarupa will go, you will go, Syamasundara. will go, all others will go. We will have another ISKCON there.

-Srila Prabhupada letter to Tusta Krishna 14 Dec 1972

Clearly, Srila Prabhupada is making a case that to think to submit to only pure devotee and not to other senior devotees is a fallible idea and as Prabhupada says "nonsense" on our part. Yes, the current gurus may not be nitya-siddha devotees and may be still conditioned, but still if they sincerely follow the instructions of their spiritual master without deviations, they can be considered liberated and worth surrendering towards. That is why Prabhupada categorically says everyone is a pure devotee and that everyone will go to the spiritual sky. The definition of pure devotee according to Srila Prabhupada is not an esoteric concept but simply based on one fundamental point and that is if a devotee is fully surrendered to the instructions of his guru, then he is a pure devotee and to such a pure devotee, we can surrender. No where in the letter Prabhupada defines pure devotee based on nitya siddha or other esoteric qualifications.

I am writing this post because I read this letter and reflected on how so many new devotees are bewildered by other factions and the reasons they give to accept only Prabhupada as guru and how they find fault with all the existing gurus. At one point, I was one of the devotees bewildered by the bickering and fault finding between devotees. I think this letter by Prabhupada clearly addresses this issue.

Hare Krishna

Dedication - to the most compassionate one

2011-12-14T21:37:00.001-06:00

All glories to a great saint - Srila Saraswati Takur Prabhupada

2011-12-14T12:02:00.004-06:00

All glories to His Divine Grace Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Swami Maharaj Prabhupada!!

Today is Maharaj's disappearance day. I wrote a post about him two days back. I want to share my personal realization of this saint in this post. In my own personal devotional journey, I derive lot of strength and inspiration from him. Especially in my initial days in Krishna Consciousness, studying the character of Maharaj helped me understand (1) his greatness as a devotee (2) his staunch discipline in following Krishna consciousness and (3) his utter disdain toward anything material (be it gross or subtle).

His words still echo in my mind that seeking recognition and honor from other people is compared to the stool of a boar (wild pig). It is that abominable. Yet, my mind seeks stool. I can see how much I have to go in my own journey to become Krishna conscious. Studying his preaching style gives me such inspiration in my heart that I think anyone who is under his tutelage cannot but preach the message of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. I remember one time reading where Maharaj says "only a person with life can preach not a dead body" (i am paraphrasing). The essence however I understand is that anybody who is alive should preach the message of Krishna. Of course, to do that we have to become purified in our own consciousness and be empowered by the Lord.

While Srila Bhaktisiddhanta maharaj is a powerful preacher, he also is an epitome of humility and service. I remember reading his final instructions to his disciples in which he requests his followers to preach the message without being discouraged and also that we should pray to be the dust of the lotus feet of Sri Rupa and Sri Raghunath Goswamis and serve them in that capacity. Although Srila Bhaktivinod Takur re-initiated Mahaprabhu's sankirtan movement, it was Bhaktisiddhanta Maharaj who systematically spread it all over India and infused the same spirit to A.C.Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada to spread it worldwide. So Bhaktisiddhanta Maharaj was at the helm of this worldwide movement and still is.

I only wish and also pray that I may be an instrument of Maharaj's divine will, Prabhupada's divine will and my own spiritual master's divine will to have the inner strength, courage, desire and enthusiasm to spread the message of Mahaprabhu. Although I am currently lacking anything higher, I pray to Bhaktisiddhanta Maharaj on this auspicious day to help me in my own spiritual life and also bless me to be an instrument of Sri Guru and Gauranga!

I am very happy to be a part of the disciplic succession where I can associate (at least through vani) with such a great soul and saint whose only desire was the benefit of all living beings. I seek and pray to be a dust at your divine lotus feet.

All glories unto you Maharaj!
All glories unto your spirit of preaching the worldwide movement!
All glories unto all the devotees who have followed in his footsteps!

Hare Krishna

why find fault?

2011-12-14T09:37:00.005-06:00

Hare Krishna devotees not all of them are perfect. In fact many of them are not perfect. But the difference, they all are trying to become perfect and perfect they will be (whoever is sincere and serious) in either this life or lives to come. Why then find fault with their imperfections just because they have taken to Krishna consciousness?

Hare Krishna

Srila Saraswati Takur - the uncompromising preacher!

2011-12-11T19:21:00.007-06:00

All glories to His Divine Grace Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Takur Prabhupada!

His disappearance day is on December 14. It is very difficult to understand a pure Vaishnava and understand his actions. It is not possible to understand the greatness and activities of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Maharaj. However, we can scrutinizingly study his words and instructions and at best try to follow without speculation. Maharaj was a stalwart preacher without an ounce of compromise. He chastised any semblance or shade of untruth. In other words, anything or any philosophy or theory that is impersonal or based on fruitive grounds or demigod worship, he was against it in totality.

He ferociously denounced so called followers of dharma who propounded the concept of yata mata tata patha - meaning - all are approaching the absolute in diverse ways. The Ramakrishna mission is one such mission that propounds such nonsense philosophy. In my opinion, it has deluded the entire vedic dharma into a hodgepodge pathway with no sense of direction or loyalty. This sort of dilution of pure Bhagavat dharma is the cancer of "Hindu" society. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Maharaj was against such dilution. This sort of watering down or melting of different paths as one he called "cit-jada-samanvaya-vaada - trying to fuse material with spiritual".

Maharaj considered his responsibility as a sadhu was to slash others' misconstructions. According to him, a true sadhu is one who should cut through the wicked propensities of every individual without duplicity. A sadhu should not preach anything less than suddha-bhakti to Lord Krishna. Any dharma less than pure Vaishnava dharma is simply useless waste of time. A sadhu who does not present suddha-bhakti to Krishna but instead presents a watered down version just so he is socially acceptable by the masses is a hypocrite and cheater. He believes that such self-serving sadhus exist for fear of self retribution- in other words, refraining from pointing out others' misdoings for fear that oneself become subject to assessment. Indeed, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Takur believed that true humility as propounded by Sri Krishna Chaitanya is to uphold the truth and not desert the cause of the truth.

Below are his actual words

The aggressive pronouncement of the concrete truth is the crying necessity of the moment, for silencing the aggressive propaganda of specific untruths that is being spread all over the world. Without cheating anyone, we should boldly proclaim the truth to everyone. Even if the truth is unpopular, if it bestows genuine auspiciousness on the living entities we must speak it. Unless we fearlessly speak the truth, Sri Sri Guru-Gauranga will not pleased. The more determined one is in devotional service, the bolder and more courageous he will be as a preacher.

For those who are happy to be passive and accept all paths as a valid path to Godhead and happy to not fight on behalf of the truth, such passiveness is actually duplicity. By saying all paths are equally valid so everyone will be satisfied and there will be no mutual bad feelings, such an individual is considered a cheater and hypocrite. Below are his words on such false equalities.

How can sat and asat, devotee and non devotee, pious and sinful, literate and illiterate, demigod and Supreme Lord, chaste and unchaste, dharma and adharma, light and darkness, constitutional and conditional, bhakti and abhakti be homologous?

Everything seems alright to those unmindful of the tidings of the internal reality, who cannot enter into its highly subtle understandings. An ignorant boy may claim that his illegible script has meaning because that of an intelligent person has meaning; and one who does not regard scrawl and meaningful writing as equal will be accused of sectarianism or partiality by the foolish. If we appeal to popularists who have no comprehension of Hari, Hari-Katha, satya-siddhanta, they will say that to promote genuine siddhanta is sectarian and to refute asat-siddhanta is blasphemy. They think, "When we know nothing, better to cook the accounts by calling everything equal. In this way everyone will be stay satisfied and there will be no mutual bad feelings. But truth and falsehood, devotion and nondevotion, can never be one. Persons devoid of devotional sentiment, who feel no necessity to serve the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who do not want actual benefit, who consider sensual enjoyment and fame desirable, will adjudge contaminated and pure as one.

I offer my respectful obeisances unto Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Prabhupada on his auspicious day of disappearance and request his blessings so I can preach like him without compromise.

Jai Srila Prabhupada!!

Hare Krishna

The pattern of pure devotees

2011-12-09T15:55:00.007-06:00

In a generalized sense, an event is considered random if it occurs out of the ordinary or something that has no prior notification of incidence. A pattern, on the other hand, is like a random event except it occurs several times that statisticians’ derive a “pattern” based on the type of event. For example, if there was an isolated burglary in a house, investigators would see it as a random event, but if the same burglary occurs at certain times and certain locations or over period of times and locations, then investigators can perhaps derive a pattern of burglary to arrive at certain conclusions.

Physical evidence is stronger when there is data to track a pattern of events versus a random isolated event. Stronger evidence helps researchers arrive closer to accuracy about the nature of events. In this way, researchers collect, store and analyze data over generations thus evolving a body of knowledge.

In a similar vein, how do we know if Krishna is God and that chanting His Holy Names can actually help us see God? These are questions that each and every individual has to answer for him/herself. However, as a researcher, as a seeker, if I want to seek out a genuine and authentic process to understand the metaphysical aspects of life and God, then how do I go about doing it? The answer lies somewhat in the concept of random versus pattern.

If we begin by assuming (hypothetically) that Krishna is God, and then seek to study the people who practice Krishna consciousness, perhaps we will obtain some clues. To begin with, we have to trace back history (data) as far as possible to find out those who have dedicated themselves to Krishna or at least who say they dedicate themselves to Krishna. Then, we have to study the scriptures that elucidate the characteristics or symptoms that are associated with Krishna and His followers. With some theoretical understanding of Krishna and His followers (albeit in a mood of neutral researcher and not as a follower), we set out to study the characteristics of pure devotees of Krishna. These pure devotees can be historical figures or contemporary ones, either way we simply have to ascertain for their authenticity and approach to study them.

If we find the characteristics of pure devotees over generations of time to be consistent in quality and in accordance to scriptural evidence, then we are basically seeing the same patterns of behaviors/characteristics exhibited by these pure devotees (regardless of geography, culture, religion or other background variables). This pattern of data that is exhibited in the form of pure devotion by multiple devotees over period of thousands of years is indicative of the fact that, indeed, Krishna must be real and that His pure devotees are exhibiting pattern of behavior that is only characteristic of them and not others. If we can chart this pattern of data and categorically prove that they are not random or isolated, then, as a researcher we have to acknowledge the veracity of Krishna, His devotees and the process of Krishna Consciousness as authentic. Otherwise, what explanation is there to describe the consistent pattern of physical, psychological and sociololgical characteristic exhibited by these devotees? They must be having close encounters of the fifth kind of some sort with a being not of this world? This being they (pure devotees) call Krishna.

The entire Guru Parampara (disciplic succession) starting from Lord Brahma till Srila Prabhupada is a chain of pure devotees who have been exhibiting such ecstatic symptoms of love that cannot be defined or limited by mundane terms. This cannot be a random or isolated event as the time line from Brahma to Prabhupada extends for millions of years. If we have consistent data for millions of years (say), then we have to accept the Supremacy of Krishna and His Divine Personality. As initial followers of Srila Prabhupada, I study this pattern of other worldly love and compassion of these great teachers/devotees and conclude that their external behavior must be something that cannot be explained by modern day science books. That something, I understand through Bhagavad Gita and through the words of the teachers’ (pure devotees) themselves to be Lord Krishna.

This line of pure devotees is the epitome of Krishna and its process. We simply cannot ignore the amount of physical, psychological, sociological and anthropological data (pattern of data) that these great devotees have left behind and how mysteriously all of them exhibit a similar pattern of behavior closely related to one another yet set apart by eons of time. This behavior, they say, is attributed to Krishna. If we are serious beyond common rhetoric, sentiment, and superficial designations then here is an opportunity to study these great souls of yore and now and delve deeper to understand them.

The verdict by these great souls is out, and is unanimous – Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead and serving Krishna in devotion is the goal of human life.

Hare Krishna

Blueberry cobbler

2011-12-03T12:31:00.006-06:00

My wife made blueberry cobbler for thanksgiving and in my opinion this is one of the best desserts she has made so far. The biscuit along with the blueberry fruit gives a fruity and crunchy texture not to mention the lemony sweetness added to it. Although the pictures do not do much justice, it was perfect!

Below is the recipe.

Cobbler biscuit dough ingredients

1.3 cups unbleached all purpose flour

3 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided

1.5 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

5 tablespoons butter, melted

1/2 cup milk

1 to 2 tablespoons milk or 1 to 2 tablespoons butter,melted, for brushing top of dough

Filling ingredients

4 to 5 cups blueberries

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons unbleached all purpose flour

1 teaspoon grated lemon or lime zest (optional)

Preheat the oven to 375 deg F. Have ready an ungreased 8 or 9 inch square or rectangular baking pan and at least 2 inches deep.

To make the biscuit dough, combine the flour, 2 tablespoons of the granulated sugar, the baking powder, and salt. When completely combined, add the butter and milk. Stir just until it forms a sticky dough. Set aside

To make the filling, wash and pat dry the blueberries. In a large bowl, combine them with the sugar, flour, and lemon zest, if using. Spread evenly in the baking dish.

Using a tablespoon, scoop the dough over the fruit. There will be just enough to cover the fruit. Either leave the dough in shapeless blobs on the fruit or spread it out. Brush the top of the dough with the remaining 1 to 2 tablespoons milk or butter and the remaining 1 tablespoons sugar. Bake until the top is golden brown and the juices have thickened slightly, 45 to 50 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes before offering to Krishna and then serving.

Yield: 6 to 8 servings

Serving suggestions & variations

If you want flakier dough, the butter should be cold and cut until the dough resembles coarse bread crumbs.

Hare Krishna

who is Lord Siva?

2011-12-02T11:25:00.005-06:00

In India in many places, Lord Siva is worshipped on equal platform with Lord Vishnu or Narayana. Technically, assuming both Lord Siva and Vishnu as same is an impersonal understanding of the Vedas. If Siva and Vishnu exist simultaneously and differently, then surely there has to be a personal reason for it...otherwise what is the need for two different manifestations. However, to be politically correct or spiritually lazy to understand deeper or due to sentiment, the general populace and even learned scholars equate Siva with Vishnu on the same platform.

Actually, they are same but at the same time not same. The actual truth is that Vishnu is Siva in the material sense. Vishnu who is completely spiritual and pure when in contact with material nature appears as Lord Siva. Therefore it is Lord Vishnu who transforms into Siva for the sake of creation and not vice versa.

This is clearly explained in the Srimad Bhagavata purana and Brahma Samhita. Please see below.

Actually Lord Viṣṇu maintains and accomplishes all good fortune. If one has to take shelter of Lord Viṣṇu, why should the demigods take shelter of Lord Śiva? They did so because Lord Viṣṇu acts through Lord Śiva in the creation of the material world. Lord Śiva acts on behalf of Lord Viṣṇu. When the Lord says in Bhagavad-gītā (14.4) that He is the father of all living entities (ahaḿ bīja-pradaḥ pitā), this refers to actions performed by Lord Viṣṇu through Lord Śiva. Lord Viṣṇu is always unattached to material activities, and when material activities are to be performed, Lord Viṣṇu performs them through Lord Śiva. Lord Śiva is therefore worshiped on the level of Lord Viṣṇu. When Lord Viṣṇu is untouched by the external energy He is Lord Viṣṇu, but when He is in touch with the external energy, He appears in His feature as Lord Śiva.

SB 8.7.22

Just as milk is transformed into curd by the action of acids, but yet the effect curd is neither same as, nor different from, its cause, viz., milk, so I adore the primeval Lord Govinda of whom the state of Śambhu is a transformation for the performance of the work of destruction.

Sri Brahma-Samhita 5.45

As a note, there may be other puranas and upa-vedas that may extol Lord Siva as the Supreme Lord, father, paramatma and controller of all that be...that is again in the context of within this material creation and not beyond. But the above purports from Bhagavatam and BrahmaSamhita talk about a transformation from spiritual to material and not solely within material activities. Because Lord Siva is seen in the context of within material activities, He is considered as a powerful Demigod (Maha Eashwar or Maheshwar or Great Demigod). However, the goal of human life is to break the cycle of birth and death and go back to the spiritual world and for that to happen, the only way is to surrender to Narayana (not Siva) for He is beyond material activities and is fully spiritual. Therefore Narayana is addressed by great saints as the Supreme Absolute Truth (svayam Bhagavan) or Narayana paro avyaktat (Narayana transcendental to material manifestation)

Hare Krishna

predestination vs free will

2011-12-01T19:08:00.003-06:00

I was watching the movie Minority Report and in that Tom Cruise sees himself in the future murdering someone. In other words, his destiny was laid in front of him through precognition. Exactly at the moment that he was supposed to murder, the oracle who predicts the future was standing next to Tom Cruise and telling him that he has the free will and choice to alter the course of action. The oracle was constantly reminding him of his free will and that he does not have to be forced by destiny to do what he is supposed to do. As fate be, Tom Cruise was forced due to his anger to kill the person. Inspite of repeated requests by the oracle to use the power of choice, Tom Cruise subdues to the forces of nature and destiny.

Our life is also like the story of Tom Cruise in the movie. In reality, all the events in our life are pre-destined by the forces of nature acting through the laws of karma. Nature is so powerful that it incites the appropriate emotions and intelligence in our heart at the appropriate time so that we act as per our predestination and fulfill our karmic responsibilities. So if everything is predestined and based on karma, then why bother you ask? Actually, as per the oracle in the movie, we do have the power of free-will and that we do have the capacity to over-turn the predestined events that are supposed to happen. But because karma and nature is so powerful that to change our destiny using our free will on our own is like an ant wishing to move a mountain. It is not possible. In comparison to nature and natural laws of karma, our ability to control our intelligence and emotions is practically nill. Therefore, Sri Krishna says that surrendering unto Him is the only possible way to erase our predestination and pave a new future for ourselves.

The only person who is more powerful than nature is God Himself who created that nature and its concomitant laws. In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna (God) reveals this truth that material nature is under His control and to overcome it is very difficult. Therefore Krishna declares that if you want to benefit yourself, simply surrender unto Me (Krishna) and I (Krishna) will take care of everything.

So what do we do with our free will you ask? We do exactly that, at every moment we must train ourselves to use our free will to depend on Krishna and not depend on our own capabilities of problem solving. The more we become an expert in depending on Krishna for all aspects of life, the more we will be released from our own karmic predestination.

This is the only way by which the power of free will can overcome the forces of nature (including predestination)

Hare Krishna

power of maya

2011-11-29T11:32:00.006-06:00

In my earlier posts where I talk about falling down of devotees, I once again copy another purport by Srila Prabhupada where he clearly describes the power of maya and the concept of falling down.

We may have a tendancy to find fault and an opportunity may present itself to find fault but we have to practice restraint for no one is exempt from commiting one mistake or the other. A conditioned soul makes mistakes and continues his conditioning, but if a liberated soul gets illusioned and commits mistake, then he or she is sure to fall down. Prabhupada is saying that even a liberated soul will fall down if not careful and if not under the protection of the Lord.

Therefore, it is no wonder that many devotees came to ISKCON, practiced bhakti elevated their consciousness and perhaps by the power of maya gone back to a material consciousness. As practicing devotees, we should not get disturbed and find fault or think the system is not working. Bottom line is anyone can fall victim to Maya and as a lone individual, I have to use my best judgement and care to be vigilant on all sides and pray for protection from the Lord.

Below is the purport by Srila Prabhupada

Not only does the illusory energy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead act on the conditioned soul within this material world, but sometimes it also acts on the most advanced learned scholars, who factually know the constitutional position of this material world through realization. As soon as someone thinks, "I am this material body (ahaḿ mameti [SB 5.5.8]) and everything in relationship with this material body is mine," he is in illusion (moha). This illusion caused by the material energy acts especially on the conditioned souls, but it sometimes also acts on liberated souls as well. A liberated soul is a person who has sufficient knowledge of this material world and is therefore unattached to the bodily conception of life. But because of association with the modes of material nature for a very long time, even liberated souls sometimes become captivated by the illusory energy due to inattentiveness in the transcendental position. Therefore Lord Kṛṣṇa says in Bhagavad-gītā (7.14), mām eva ye prapadyante māyām etāḿ taranti te: "Only those who surrender unto Me can overcome the influence of the material energy." Therefore no one should think of himself as a liberated person immune to the influence of māyā. Everyone should very cautiously execute devotional service by rigidly following regulative principles. Thus he will remain fixed at the lotus feet of the Lord. Otherwise, a little inattention will create havoc. We have already seen an example of this in the case of Mahārāja Bharata. Mahārāja Bharata was undoubtedly a great devotee, but because he turned his attention slightly toward a small deer, he had to suffer two more births, one as a deer and another as the brāhmaṇa Jaḍa Bharata. Afterward he was liberated and went back home, back to Godhead.

The Lord is always prepared to excuse His devotee, but if a devotee takes advantage of the Lord's leniency and purposefully commits mistakes again and again, the Lord will certainly punish him by letting him fall down into the clutches of the illusory energy. In other words, theoretical knowledge acquired by studying the Vedas is insufficient to protect one from the clutches of māyā. One must strongly adhere to the lotus feet of the Lord in devotional service. Then one's position is secure.

- SB 5.18.4

Hare Krishna

Spontaneous human combustion

2011-11-23T13:56:00.003-06:00

Spontaneous human combustion or SHC is a phenomenon where a living human body without an apparent external source of ignition starts to ignite from within spontaneously. SHC is not very well studied or documented by modern science yet as there are not many reported cases to investigate. However, it is a valid phenomenon that is continuing to baffle medical experts and scientists. There are experts on both sides of the fence supporting or rejecting SHC. According to Wikipedia, there have been more than 200 cases documented over a period of 300 years.

The thing that is astounding apart from the spontaneous ignition is that the furniture and other objects proximal to the victim is not damaged or burnt by the high temperatures. Damage is limited only to the victim’s clothing, floor area and furniture. Anyways, SHC is a modern day mystery that is yet to be fully studied.

Although it seems that SHC is a modern day mystery, actually, there is a reference to it in the Bhagavatam. Srimad Bhagavatam is an ancient book spoken 5000 years ago and documented as such. In it, there is a reference to SHC and the nature of it. Please see below.

The material body is a combination of earth, water, fire, air and ether. There is already fire within the body, and our practical experience is that the heat of this fire sometimes increases and sometimes decreases. The fire within the bodies of the sons of Sagara Mahārāja became so much hotter that all of them burned to ashes. The fire's increased heat was due to their misbehavior toward a great personality. Such misbehavior is called mahad-vyatikrama. They were killed by the fire of their own bodies because of insulting a great personality.

SB 9.8.11

Hare Krishna

what is kirtanam?

2011-11-22T13:26:00.002-06:00

Kirtanam actually means “describing”. You can describe with music, you can describe with words, you can describe in speeches, any sort of describing, that is called kirtanam

- Srila Prabhupada 1966/12/01 New York

falling down

2011-11-21T11:07:00.002-06:00

In ISKCON, during and after Srila Prabhupada earthly pastimes, many sanyasis and devotees went back to a material way of life. In other words, they fell down. Seeing devotees fall down can be discouraging to our spiritual life, especially advanced devotees such as sanyasis. In ISKCON’s history, many such sanyasis relinquished their vows. Using this as an excuse, many people (including devotees) find fault with ISKCON as an institution and organization. I think it is important for the leaders to do their best in terms of serving Srila Prabhupada and the mission but at the same time we must also recognize the power of material nature. We have to be careful before we find fault with fallen devotees or criticize the management. Of course, it is easy to criticize than to be the change agent.

Because material nature is as good as Krishna (very powerful), very easily, we can fall a victim to it. Devotees, I am sure with all best intentions start their spiritual careers but sometimes unable to withstand give into material desires and temptations. When we see such dubious devotees, to protect our own devotional creeper, we can stay away (aloof) from them. If we are spiritually strong, we can offer to help. But fault finding does not help anyone. In fact finding fault, we will go down in time. To illustrate my point on how material nature is so powerful and no one is exempt from Her clutches, below is a purport written by Srila Prabhupada on how two very powerful and greatest mystic yogis fell down to become birds. This narration, if anything, is an indication that if such great yogis can fall down into maya, we as neophytes can easily falter. So our only hope is to humble ourselves always in front of Krishna requesting His shelter. We should internally show compassion to souls who have fallen down and pray that one day they come back into Krishna’s service, we should be careful before we find fault with devotees who make or made mistakes.

Viśvāmitra and Vasiṣṭha were always inimical. Formerly, Viśvāmitra was a kṣatriya, and by undergoing severe austerities he wanted to become a brāhmaṇa, but Vasiṣṭha would not agree to accept him. In this way there was always disagreement between the two. Later, however, Vasiṣṭha accepted him because of Viśvāmitra's quality of forgiveness. Once Hariścandra performed a yajña for which Viśvāmitra was the priest, but Viśvāmitra, being angry at Hariścandra, took away all his possessions, claiming them as a contribution of dakṣiṇā. Vasiṣṭha, however, did not like this, and therefore a fight arose between Vasiṣṭha and Viśvāmitra. The fighting became so severe that each of them cursed the other. One of them said, "May you become a bird," and the other said, "May you become a duck." Thus both of them became birds and continued fighting for many years because of Hariścandra. We can see that such a great mystic yogī as Saubhari became a victim of sense gratification, and such great sages as Vasiṣṭha and Viśvāmitra became birds. This is the material world.
-SB 9.7.7 – purport by Srila Prabhupada

Sage Vasistha and Vishwamitra muni were spiritual masters for Lord Ramachandra. If they both can fall down due to anger, then what is our chance? Therefore, there will be devotees falling down and we should not be disturbed by it but rather should convince ourselves to not be careless in our spiritual duties and if by Krishna’s mercy I fall down sometime, I simply have to get up and get back on the saddle of chanting and hearing. There is no other atonement in this age.

Hare Krishna

simply chanting Hare Krishna will relieve us from all suffering

2011-11-20T12:06:00.003-06:00

Even if one is sinful and cannot give up sinful life immediately, if he chants the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra with devotion and faith he will certainly be freed from all sinful activities, and his life will be successful. Paraḿ vijayate śrī-kṛṣṇa-sańkīrtanam. This is the blessing of Lord Rāmacandra, who has appeared in this age of Kali as Lord Gaurasundara.

- Srila Prabhupada purport SB 9.10.51

Following my theme from previous posts, this is yet another purport by Srila Prabhupada on how simply chanting the Hare Krishna maha mantra will relieve one of all unnecessary desires and activities. In other words, if we somehow cultivate devotion and faith in Krishna and His names despite our negative qualities, eventually we will be free from these qualities and make our life successful.

Hare Krishna

Faults of others

2011-11-17T16:23:00.005-06:00

When you are offended at any man's fault, turn to yourself and study your own failings. Then you will forget your anger.

- Epictetus AD 55 - AD 135 - Greek sage and philosopher

Look within. Amend yourself, rather than pry into the frailties of others. When faults in others misguide and delude you - have patience, introspect, find faults in yourself. Know that others cannot harm you unless you harm yourself.

- Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Goswami - AD 1874 - AD 1937 - Vaishnava saint and philosopher

Hare Krishna

Devotional mentality takes precedence, not rules

2011-11-17T10:06:00.009-06:00

The Supreme Personality of Godhead is known as bhāva-grāhī janārdana because He takes only the essence of a devotee's attitude. If a devotee sincerely surrenders, the Lord, as the Supersoul in everyone's heart, immediately understands this. Thus even though, externally, a devotee may not render full service, if he is internally sincere and serious the Lord welcomes his service nonetheless. Thus the Lord is known as bhāva-grāhī janārdana because He takes the essence of one's devotional mentality.

- SB 8.23.2 - Purport by Srila Prabhupada

This quote, i think, forms the foundation for bhakti yoga. Our sincere efforts to please the Lord and the Lord's consequential mercy upon us forms the basis of our advancement in Krishna consciousness. One cannot go without the other. I also think when Srila Prabhupada was physically present in this world, he practiced this point to the core. No matter how ragged or far-off an individual was, if that individual had some inclination for sincere service (in whatever form or shape) towards Krishna, Srila Prabhupada being the expert fanned that small spark of service to a forest fire. To do that, Srila Prabhupada took the most humble position, tolerated our misgivings (in other words did not care for our negative qualities) and was ready to facilitate at any level as long the individual person performed his or her sincere service. To actually bow down and humble oneself to help a person advance in their sincerity/service towards Krishna is real preaching and this type of preaching pleases the Lord. Also, this exhibits one's love for the other. This love between individuals forms the bond and strength against adversities in this material world and helps us stay focused in Krishna consciousness. Srila Prabhupada, therefore, was and is the glue for this whole movement because he was unabashed in his love by patiently teaching us to render some (small or big) service to Krishna. People took note of this love.

Unfortunately, in today's ISKCON (and this is strictly my experience), we have become more inclined towards following rules and regulations detached from this mood of loving dealings and judge devotees as "advanced" based on one's ability to strictly follow rules. By loving dealings, I do not mean just words of sweetness or politeness at all times...I mean a genuine desire to show concern for others based on philosophical and spiritual values.

If we want to cultivate a worldwide community, then we have to follow in the footsteps of Srila Prabhupada in that we should be ready to tolerate others misgivings and at the same time genuinely encourage them to perform some service to Krishna according to their natural capacity. This does not require management training or workshops...all it requires is a genuine feeling or desire to help others get closer to Krishna. If we display this quality of affection and tolerance, devotional mentality will automatically grow in us and in others. In this devotional atmosphere, the desire to follow rules will automatically follow.

In essence, rules are secondary to cultivating devotional mentality and not the other way round. As followers of ISKCON, we have to help people increase their devotional mentality (bhava) towards God, then, once we successfully do that in an individual, automatically the individual will gradually develop the desire to follow the rules to make further progress. I believe the current ISKCON has to create an atmosphere (by that I mean the local leaders should lead from the front) where the followers feel welcomed and their natural propensity to serve the Lord (in devotion) be aroused. I feel this is lacking and hence contrary to the purport above.

Hare Krishna

Rules and regulations will follow – just chant Hare Krishna

2011-11-14T09:11:00.003-06:00

So far rigid regulations and rules are concerned, in the beginning, of course we do not find such opportunities to strictly follow but still we should not give so much attention for the regulations or strict rules and regulations but we must see how much a person is advancing in Krishna consciousness. That we have to see. And if we go on criticizing everyone oh…you are not doing this…you are not doing that…so many things according to Vedic culture…there may be so many things…but we are not concerned…as far as possible people should be given chance to develop Krishna consciousness. Srila Rupa Goswami one of the big acharyas, he says,

yena tena prakarena
manah krsne nivesayet
sarve vidhi-nisedhah syur
etayor eva kinkarah
- Nectar of Devotion

the first business is somehow or other people should be Krishna conscious so far rules and regulations are concerned if one takes to that line of activities Krishna consciousness then all things all regulations will follow just like a servant follows a master. If the master starts, the servant follows. Similarly these things rules and regulations…that will follow automatically. Because he has taken to Krishna consciousness, very soon he will become perfect pious man. This process will help you. Don’t be too much anxious that I am not in such a way …I am not in such a way…whatever way you may be…you just take to Krishna consciousness…very easy thing.

If you take this Krishna consciousness chanting Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare very sincerely and regularly as far as possible by following the rules and regulations…this Krishna consciousness will help you to become a perfect and pious man very soon. Anyway if somebody takes to Krishna consciousness naturally and generally it will be found that he is becoming gradually perfect pious man, perfect knowledge man. This is the process.

Srila Prabhupada lecture - New York 1966-12-20

Hare Krishna

Imperfect senses

2011-11-11T11:14:00.009-06:00

When we say our senses are imperfect and limited, people frown. Once I was in a meeting on science and religion and I was speaking. I said our senses are "flawed" in the senses that it does not tell us the whole story. However, the listeners were offended that I used the word "flawed".

But the truth is our senses are extremely limited in capacity. So if the senses are so limited and that we cannot percieve objects, information and knowledge beyond certain time, space and dimension, then how are we to explain the whole universe in one theory? I think it is rather arrogant to even think we have the capacity to put everything in one theory when in fact we need the assistance of a mirror or another person to see our own back.

My point is our senses are limited and hence deceptive and hence not trustworthy. The knowledge we gather through these imperfect senses are highly questionable especially in search of a sublime truth such as GOD. Therefore the Vedic masters recommend hearing from authoritative self-realized teachers who can see the truth and impart it to their submissive listeners.

Anyways...to prove my point that our senses can decieve us, below are three pictures that seems like one thing when it is not. There is something present right in front of the picture but not readily discernible...find it!!

Source

Hare Krishna

What is initiation?

2011-11-04T14:55:00.000-05:00

In question time, a young devotee inquired about the importance of accepting formal initiation. Such initiation, Prabhupada explained, meant to officially agree to abide by the orders of Krsna and His representative.

"Officially accept: 'Yes, sir, I shall accept. I shall do whatever you say.' This is initiation, official acceptance of the job. That's all. Now you formally accept and if you do not do the duties, then where is the question of another function? There is no question. Initiation means this is the beginning of accepting the orders of Krsna and His representative. This is the beginning. This is initiation. Just like if you enter an office establishment, so you accept the terms of service. That is initiation. Then you go on serving. You become promoted. You get salary increase. You become recognised. You become officer. You become big officer, like that. That very word initiation suggests 'This is the beginning'.

- Srila Prabhupada - From "The Great Transcendental Adventure" by HG Kurma Prabhu

What is Knowledge?

2011-11-02T11:12:00.002-05:00

This kind of experience (referring to knowledge) you will find even in ordinary man, even in bird. They have some sort of specific intelligence or knowledge. That is not knowledge. You will find even in animals that there are wonderful activities which we cannot perform. That is not knowledge. Knowledge means to understand SPIRIT and MATTER. That is knowledge.

-Srila Prabhupada lecture New York 01-04-1967

This definition of knowledge given by Srila Prabhupada is a stark difference from modern day definition of knowledge. In today’s world, knowledge is simply collection of information and the ability to repeat the information in a timely manner much like a computer. Knowledge also refers to any skill or art one possesses as a result of this information & subsequent training he or she gathers. This is knowledge from the perspective of modern day world.

According to the great spiritual teachers of the Vedic tradition, knowledge is the ability to find the root cause of all causes, thus finding one frees oneself from the problems of life. Actually, in one sense, modern day philosophers and scientists are also in quest of the same truth – that is – to find the root cause and solution to problems of life. But their attempts end in frustration because they do not distinguish SPIRIT from MATTER and thus operate solely on the material platform.

When we intellectually perceive the presence of something “OTHER” than the normal operations of matter, and we start to enquire into that something “OTHER”, this enquiry is the beginning of knowledge. This enquiry will ultimately lead us through a path where we can find the root cause of all causes. While every singular individual living being has to undertake the journey of enquiry (like flying our own plane), there are perfect enlightened masters ready to guide us through this journey. Seeking guidance from these enlightened masters, if we take up this journey of enquiry we will ultimately reach to the point where we can distinguish SPIRIT from MATTER. At this enlightened stage, we will see all beings equally and neither hanker for the future nor lament for the past. Continuing on the enlightened stage, we will stop our journey when we find KRISHNA or SUPREME SPIRIT.

Along this continuum of enquiry from MATTER to SPIRIT to KRISHNA, there are innumerable theories and philosophies. This singular non-dual entity KRISHNA where all conflicts resolve and beyond which there is no more enquiry and hence the root cause of all causes, is the destination and pinnacle of all knowledge & problems of life- for all seekers, scientists and philosophers.

Hare Krishna

Govardhan puja pictures

2011-10-30T20:54:00.004-05:00

I and my wife cooked for Govardhan puja. These are some pictures.

GiriGovardhan Maharaj ki jay!!

Hare Krishna

why does evil exist?

2011-10-21T22:01:00.001-05:00

Survival of the fittest

2011-10-15T09:10:00.002-05:00

According to Darwin's definition of natural selection ( a synonym for survival of the fittest) any organism that reproduces is "fit" enough to contribute to the survival of its species. This opposite of which means the death of the physical body.

Srila Prabhupada in his commentary on the Bhagavatam (SB 8.5.23) says "survival of the fittest is a well-known principle, but the poor souls of this material world do not know what is survival and who is fit. Survival does not mean that one should die; survival means that one should not die, but should enjoy an everlastingly blissful life of knowledge. This is survival. The Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is meant to make every person fit for survival."

Two definitions of fit and survival, one is on the physical plane and hence temporary which then makes the word "survival" an oxymoron as nothing in essence survives in this world. We die either now or in 100 years. Therefore "survival" is an apt jargon fit within the spiritual domain and that is very nicely described by Srila Prabhupada.

Hare Krishna

A scientist defines science

2011-10-14T16:46:00.002-05:00

I am very astonished that the scientific picture of the real world around me is very deficient. It gives a lot of factual information, puts all our experience in a magnificently consistent order, but it is ghastly silent about all and sundry that is really near to our heart, that really matters to us. It cannot tell us a word about red and blue, bitter and sweet, physical pain and physical delight; it knows nothing of beautiful and ugly, good or bad, God and eternity. Science sometimes pretends to answer questions in these domains, but the answers are very often so silly that we are not inclined to take them seriously

- Erwin Schrödinger (Nobel Laureate in Physics - one of the fathers of Quantum Mechanics)

Story behind poverty

2011-10-11T11:52:00.002-05:00

The Planning Commission of India, recently, announced the official poverty line to be Rs 32 (62 cents) per day in the cities and Rs 26 (53 cents) per day in the rural areas. It basically states that an individual can consume 2100 calories of food with Rs 32 and 26 respectively (not sure how that is possible?). The poverty line calculation does not take into account education, health and other basic needs expenditures. It just accounts for money required for basic food consumption. The methodology has no relation to reality and hence very weak.

India, majority of it, is rural with agriculture as its base economy. Barring the cities, majority of Indians live in small towns or villages where economy thrives on agriculture. If the Planning Commission calculated poverty status for rural residents (based on food consumption), then the assumption they have made is that there is food shortage in rural villages and people do not have access to nutritious food. This shortage is created by the artificial consumer based economy in which the consumer is empowered (as God) to exploit the resources to one’s whims and fancies. Now, who is the consumer? – the individual with money. The individual without money is left behind in poverty and lamentation. Therefore, for the past 4 or 5 decades, the goal in life is to earn money to be empowered to consume at will in pursuit of happiness. The result of such a life strategy is there is exploitation on one end and poverty on the other.

Ever since the Indian economy followed its western counterparts, the 2nd and 3rd generation farmers have either resorted to growing “cash” crops for money or decided to abandon agriculture as a livelihood and move to the city for bigger and greater life. Growing cash crops on a mass scale for money depletes the quality of soil and increases the disproportionate use of water thus creating an imbalance in the local ecosystem and also increases the dependence on synthetic chemicals and man-made water management systems. As a result there is an imbalance in nature. An imbalance results in shortage of rainfall and shortage of ground water. Agriculture cannot survive in such a condition. This trend has motivated farmers to either fully abandon farming and move to cities or abandon traditional farming techniques suiting local soil conditions and adopt corporate large scale level farming techniques. As a result, there is either mass exodus to cities burdening the cities or depleting local soil and water conditions.

Srila Prabhupada, being the visionary that he is, repeatedly stressed on the importance of cultivating spiritual vision to one’s life. When the goal of life shifts from spiritual to material, people seek after material illusion of happiness. They want to make money quick and in large amounts. They think that living a simple life is not fashionable anymore and thus boring. Srila Prabhupada said that if farmers simply work for 4 or 5 months a year tilling their lands to meet their household needs in terms of food and other necessities and the remaining months of the year engage in cultivating spiritual life, then life will be peaceful and happy. The traditional Vedic system of Varnashrama dharma did exactly that. It motivated people to live a simple life with high spiritual thoughts. Life was centered around God. Families lived together in one unit and took care of each other. There were no artificial poverty lines, no gaping divide between the haves and have nots, no stress, no depression, and other corollary modern day problems.

Estimating poverty is a clear indication that the system is malfunctioning with disproportionate use of resources. Srila Prabhupada constantly preached a life dependent on agriculture, land, cows, rains and ultimately Krishna. He strongly voiced the importance of spiritual consciousness and how that is possible only by surrender unto God. Unfortunately, modern day philosophers, scientists and administrators have completely removed God from our daily life. As a result, a powerful few exploit and abuse resources for their selfish interests leaving behind many in lamentation. It is not only the flawed system and administrators to blame but also the common man who has abandoned his spiritual values to adopt a selfish material way of life. Unless we live our life centered around God, there is no solution to modern day woes. It will only get worse!

Hare Krishna

Farewell my friend!

2011-10-08T13:55:00.004-05:00

Today, I heard a sad news that one of my friends passed away. I feel sad that I could not spend more time with him and encourage him in Krishna consciousness. He was not very wealthy materially speaking but he was a nice friend who would desire to help me whenever the need arose.

When I went to India this spring, I wanted to take him with me to Mayapur and Vrindavan but that did not happen as I lost his contact till he contacted me some months before. He had deep aspirations to make it big in the cinema industry. I encouraged him and by the side also encouraged him to seek Krishna's help which he did in earnest and he chanted at least one round of the Maha mantra. He had heart problems but I did not realize it was serious.

Perhaps I did not take his friendship seriously and hence was not keen to contact him. I feel sad I will not see him anymore. I want to dedicate this post to you my friend and also let you know that I always wanted to help you materially and spiritually.

I hope your journey continues and that you take full shelter of the Supreme Lord who is the ultimate cause and effect. I pray at the Lotus Feet of the Divine Couple to give him shelter at their Lotus feet.

Godspeed to you my friend and farewell!! It was great to know you and thank you for being a good friend

Hare Krishna

Godspeed to Steve Jobs

2011-10-05T22:18:00.003-05:00

Today, Steve Jobs passed on. As many of you know, Steve had come in contact with Krishna consciousness in his younger days through Prasadam. He had the opportunity of Krishna's mercy and He also went to India and is believed to have chanted the Hare Krishna maha mantra.

In the secular world, obviously Steve Jobs is a high profile figure. However, I would like to wish him and pray for him (spiritually speaking) so he can continue his spiritual journey towards Krishna so one day he goes back home back to Godhead.

Godspeed to you Steve for your spiritual journey. May Krishna protect you where ever you are.

Hare Krishna

How to cook for Krishna?

2011-10-04T14:00:00.000-05:00

When cooking for Krsna, Prabhupada explained, one should keep in mind that he is preparing a meal for a hungry sixteen-year-old boy with a big appetite. He should thus cook quantities accordingly.

- From "The Great Transcendental Adventure" by HG Kurma Prabhu

Hare Krishna

God is not dead

2011-10-01T17:38:00.002-05:00

Even though the people of the world have forgotten God and may say that God is dead, this is not a fact. One can understand God when one takes to the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement, and thus one can be happy. - SB 18.1.13

People often claim that there is no God or He is dead. Here Srila Prabhupada categorically and emphatically states that God is not dead and that by taking to Krishna Consciousness, one can understand God. This statement is neither sentimental nor ritualistic but comes from direct realization of God. Like Srila Prabhupada, if we also chant the Hare Krishna maha mantra - Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare regularly & daily and cultivate good character of humility, tolerance, devotion to God and serve people of saintly qualities, then we can also see God.

If our search for God is serious, then all who read this post, can take up this test and try it in sincere earnest, rest assured our doubts of God will be laid to rest as we will have direct realization of God ourself and will not require external validation.

Hare Krishna

Lord Chaitanya's reward for selfless service -with love from Russia

2011-09-29T08:34:00.000-05:00

Absorption during book distribution can make a devotee fearless. Ananga Mohan Prabhu, being absorbed in this seva landed up at the underworld den in Moscow. A neighbour warned him and his partner to not enter the building. Undaunted, the duo entered the premises and rang the bell. A mean looking man opened the door and asked them their names. Ananga Mohan Prabhu mentioned his legal name which in Russsian meant 'shark'. No sooner had he mentioned his name fifteen men pulled out their guns and pointed at Ananga Mohan Prabhu. 'Shark' was the rival gang leader with whom these thugs had serious fights. Even the police feared these two prominent gangs. Ananga Mohan Prabhu was fearless, and he told the men pointing guns at him about the kali yuga emergency, and the desperate need to take shelter of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu who has come to deliver all the fallen souls of this age by awarding them the priceless gift of congregational chanting of Krishna's Holy Names. Meanwhile Ananga Mohan Prabhu's partner was nervous and kept pulling him back, to leave the place immediately. However Anaga Mohan Prabhu was focussed in his preaching, and believe it or not, after his twenty minute emphatic presentation of the Krishna consciousness philosophy, he distributed fifteen copies of 'Teachings of Lord Chaitanya' to these ill famed gangsters. Later as they came out of the building, Ananga Mohan Prabhu's partner was still shivering from the scary experience of seeing over a dozen guns pointed at them. He asked Ananga Mohan Prabhu if he wasn't frightened on seeing the guns.

Ananga Mohan Prabhu was surprised that these men had guns, for he was oblivious to it and thought they were high on liquor but never noticed the guns. This was the extent of his absorption in his service.
Last August, after having distributed Srila Prabhupada books in Russia daily (even during the minus 40 degrees winter), for over twenty five years, Ananga Mohan Prabhu shocked the temple president with a news, "Prabhu, last night Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu appeared in my dream and told me that He is very pleased with me. He also mentioned to me that I should come back to Him for he has some other important services for me elsewhere." The devotees were wonderstruck and asked him to describe further. He revealed how the Lord has a beautiful golden complexion and is dressed in dazzling yellow garments and is performing sankirtana. As the devotees were happily transported to the spiritual world by his descriptions, he shocked them by
repeating the Lord's instructions, "I think Prabhus I've to leave. The Lord is calling me back. Please prepare my papers." (In Russia you need special government papers to perform your final rites in a Vedic way). As the temple president and other devotees dissuaded him, Ananga Mohan Prabhu was emotional, "I am sure this was no ordinary dream. It was a divine vision.
The Lord wants me for another service. I know I am sinful and completely unqualified to receive these instructions, but it is true."

A few days later as Shri Gaura Hari Prabhu and other devotees prepared the papers they got the news about a car accident where Ananga Mohan Prabhu left his body on the spot, seated next to the driver. On reaching the accident site, the devotees discovered there were no injuries or marks on his body;
just smilingly, his hand on the bead bag he was gone. Devotees knew Lord Chaitanya had called him for another service- a reward for his tireless two decades of dedicated and selfless service.

Hare Krishna

Reincarnation as a scientific phenomenon

2011-09-22T15:15:00.004-05:00

The philosophy of Krishna Consciousness is fundamentally rooted on certain core tenets one of which is the concept of "transmigration of the soul from one body to another" or in common jargon called "reincarnation".

Reincarnation is a sensitive subject matter for almost everyone as the generally accepted theory is that we have only one life and hence live to the fullest gratification. Majority scientists identify the self to be the body and mind. Judeo-Christian faiths advocate only one life and then follows eternal heaven or hell. Most if not all deal reincarnation with high degree of skepticism as it is very difficult to prove empirically.

Lord Krishna elaborately speaks about this in the Bhagavad Gita some 5000 years ago and clearly supports that the soul is eternal and the body is temporary. After we die, we take another body depending on the current set of actions we perform in this body. Therefore it is paramount that living beings live a life of dharma to get a good future body, better yet live a God centric devotional life to break the cycle of birth and death and return to the Kingdom of God.

Below is a video that presents reincarnation as an empirically verifiable scientific fact than religious dogma. If we approach this concept temporarily keeping aside our preconceived notions, perhaps this video will reveal a truth. Extensive research has been conducted by the renowned and Late Dr Ian Stevenson on this topic for the past 30 years and more information can be found here.

I am happy to say from a philosophy standpoint this topic has already been dealt in a holistic manner by Krishna ages before. Anybody interested in this phenomenon, in my opinion, should read the Bhagavad Gita As it is written by Srila Prabhupada.

Please watch the video

Hare Krishna

Floating stones at Rama Kund in Rameswaram temple, Tamilnadu

2011-09-20T16:36:00.015-05:00

The stone weighs about 10-12 Kilos is floating in Rama kund in the temple tank. This is demonstrated by HH.Bhakti Vikasa Swami Maharaj. It's not a big wonder that a simple stone is made to float by the Supreme Lord Sri Ramachandra. The Lord makes planets containing oceans and mountains float in space what to speak of water.

Is it God or is there a scientific rationale?

Hare Krishna

Integrity - what does it mean?

2011-09-15T15:30:00.002-05:00

Do not hear from mouths of persons lacking proper conduct. If your conduct is below par you should not publicly preach about the Lord. Close the door and preach to yourself. Bhajan really begins when one’s outside and inside are the same.

- Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati

I pray to my Spiritual Masters to bless me so I am the same outside and inside with integrity.

Hare Krishna

a beautiful planet

2011-09-08T20:36:00.002-05:00

If the planet saturn looks so beautiful....imagine the beauty of the creator? One can only fathom the beauty of this creation and the creator. Krishna's proclaims in the Gita (10.41) that this creation is but a spark of His splendor. This picture surely attests to that statement.

Hare Krishna

successive stages of purification

2011-09-04T14:44:00.002-05:00

For the purification of the heart it is necessary first of all to listen to the chanting of the Holy Name. After the heart has been purified by listening to the Holy Name the fitness for the manifestation of the holy Form is attained on hearing the recital of scriptural accounts of the divine form. After the full appearance of the divine form, the divine qualities manifest themselves. After the appearance of the divine qualities, due to the characteristic traits of servitors, the knowledge of the distinctive and perfect identification of the devotee arises. Subsequent to this, after the full manifestation of the Name, form, quality and servitor has taken place, the transcendental activity of God manifests itself. For this reason this account of the successive stages of sadhana is written." (Krama-sandarbha commentary on Srimad Bhagavatam 7.5.18)

- taken from a lecture given by His Divine Grace Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarawsati Goswami Prabhupada on the Holy appearance of Radhashtami- Sept 19 1931

Material satisfaction is necessary

2011-09-02T08:22:00.005-05:00

In the beginning I used to think that spiritual life means complete "no" to material life. Therefore I desperately tried to deny myself things that may entice me into material life. The reason I was doing this is because while I had a desire to come out of material life, I was in fact deeply entrenched in it. So my solution out was to deny my desires...but needless to say it ended in frustration materially and spiritually. The lesson I learnt is one has to have a balanced approached towards material life and simultaneously offer our best in our spiritual life ultimately enabling us to free ourselves from material desires.

The balance can be achieved by controlling our lust and greed but at the same time fulfill our basic needs and necessities. Of course, what is basic for me may not be for someone else. Every individual is a judge of their needs and desires and what is considered "more than necessary". Bottom line, we have to regulate our material life and not imitate "renunciation". I learnt this the hard way but at least I am learning.

Srila Prabhupada in his purport explains this nicely. I was reading this purport just today and reminded my own material needs and wants and how it is also necessary for spiritual progress. At the end, if we dovetail our material desires in the service of Krishna, we can be much more happier and fulfilled versus absolute denial.

Please read the purport.

For spiritual advancement, one should be materially satisfied, for if one is not materially satisfied, his greed for material development will result in the frustration of his spiritual advancement. There are two things that nullify all good qualities. One is poverty. Daridra-doṣo guṇa-rāśi-nāśī. If one is poverty-stricken, all his good qualities become null and void. Similarly, if one becomes too greedy, his good qualifications are lost. Therefore the adjustment is that one should not be poverty-stricken, but one must try to be fully satisfied with the bare necessities of life and not be greedy. For a devotee to be satisfied with the bare necessities is therefore the best advice for spiritual advancement.

Purport by Srila Prabhupada SB - 7.15.21

In conclusion, to reiterate, one should dabble with material desires only to the degree to fulfill one's bare necessities, otherwise not.

Hare Krishna

deathlessness

2011-08-27T17:33:00.001-05:00

If you chant 16 rounds daily, your deathlessness is guaranteed.

- Srila Prabhupada

Overindulgence mitigates sensual desires

2011-08-26T16:52:00.001-05:00

Overindulgence in lusty desires mitigates sensual desires…sounds contradictory but this is what Saint Narada is saying. I was reading this sloka from Srimad Bhagavatam and really surprised me. It says if we indulge in excessive sense gratification, being fed up we will turn to spiritual life. I find it difficult to accept because Maya is so strong that she will keep us within her shackles. However, this sloka is spoken by the saintly Narada rishi…so this is something we have to take into consideration. Below is the translation and purport.

Translation
My dear King, if an agricultural field is cultivated again and again, the power of its production decreases, and whatever seeds are sown there are lost. Just as drops of ghee on a fire never extinguish the fire but a flood of ghee will, similarly, overindulgence in lusty desires mitigates such desires entirely.

Purport
If one continuously sprinkles drops of ghee on a fire, the fire will not be extinguished, but if one suddenly puts a lump of ghee on a fire, the fire may possibly be extinguished entirely. Similarly, those who are too sinful and have thus been born in the lower classes are allowed to enjoy sinful activities fully, for thus there is a chance that these activities will become detestful to them, and they will get the opportunity to be purified.

- SB 7.11.33-34

Hare Krishna

8.4 million species versus 8.7 million species

2011-08-23T16:28:00.003-05:00

The Padma Purana from the Vedic literatures (which by the way are millions of years old) say that there are 8.4 million species on this planet and that the soul can take birth in any species according to one's karma. The definition of species is different from the modern classification of species.

Modern scientists define species purely based on the morphology of a creature whereas the Vedic science delineates species based on the combination of three modes of material nature with the living being. Depending on the combination of material nature and consciousness of the living being, a body is allotted by material nature to the living being.

Modern science purely designates a species based on external features.

Interesting enough modern scientists estimate that there are totally 8.7 million different species on earth, a number very close to the Vedic counterpart (which is 8.4). Anyways, I take the Vedic science as truth as the number will not change, modern estimates change with time which therefore diminishes its value.

The full report can be read here.

Hare Krishna

Dear Srila Prabhupada...an offering

2011-08-22T15:01:00.006-05:00

Dear Srila Prabhupada

Please accept my most humble obeisance.
All glories unto your lotus feet.
All glories to Sri Sri Radha and Krishna

Today is the most auspicious day for individuals who seek a spiritual way of life. This not only includes sincere followers of Srimad Bhagavatam or Bhagavad Gita but also individuals who think beyond this material creation. Indeed, today is your holy appearance day where you advented in the year 1896 for dispelling darkness and initiating the Sankirtan movement at a worldwide level.

The glories of your Divine Grace cannot be summed up in a letter or few paragraphs; in fact, I think it is beyond the confines of words and modern day communication. It is beyond this material creation. Your glories span the entire cosmos just as the million headed Anantha Sesa glorifies the Lord everyday differently. Personally, I have no material or spiritual qualification to glorify you as I am yet to realize your greatness in truth. I am not sure I will ever have the qualification to glorify you in any form or substance. However, it is my pleasure and privilege that I have been given the rarest opportunity to come in contact with your books via Bhagavad Gita (primarily) and that you give me the intelligence to understand its importance. Honestly, I am still bedazzled by your rendition of the Bhagavad Gita so much so that I am still practicing Krishna Consciousness even after years of struggle. How you have captured the depth and at the same time the clarity in a simplistic tone has attracted my heart and want to surrender to the Supreme Absolute Truth. It is clear from the pages of the Gita, as I remember reading it in 1998 that here is a special someone who is writing about a special someone and I happen to open a treasure house of spiritual knowledge. I sincerely thank you for opening up the doors to eternity. It is now, up to me, to tread its path sincerely, and diligently. I pray at your lotus feet that you catch me by my fingers and lead me the way for I have too my material desires that surely will distract me from the path.

I hold your appearance day as the best day of the year because I feel that you are the most compassionate and loving person and remembering such a loving person brings joy to my heart. Even in your chastisement of devotees, I only see your love for the fallen souls. I am attracted towards your compassion and love. In fact, I am one of the beneficiaries of your compassion and love. It is a normal practice that we offer something to the people we adore or love on special days such as “appearance” days. Unfortunately, I am a miser in that regard for I do not have much to offer. In the past year, I have had many ups and downs in life and in all of it somehow I have been managing to stay above water level spiritually speaking. I personally take it that it is your causeless mercy that I am able to stay afloat. I also take it that Krishna is the Supreme Controller who is the Master Orchestrator of all that was, to be and will become.

Srila Prabhupada, you are many things for many people. For me, you will always be the person who showed your love to me without expecting anything in return. You simply wanted my welfare. Indeed you were my true “ever well wisher”. Thank you for making those words true in my life by taking care of me by giving the appropriate guidance and spiritual solace through your books. Thank you for taking the tireless task of spending sleepless nights writing the Srimad Bhagavatam and other books simply for the welfare of modern man. Your sacrifice has helped me re-model my life and help me become a better person. I wish, hope and pray to the Supreme Absolute Truth that I be a small instrument (as you see fit) in your mission.

Otherwise, I have no other desire. Please engage me as your servant of your servant. Please help me to cultivate the appropriate qualities necessary to be your befitting student and instrument of will.

Thank you for your undeserving love.

Always desiring to be your menial servant now and forever.

Hare Krishna

The only way

2011-08-15T13:39:00.002-05:00

The only purpose of human form of life is purification
The only way to get purified is when Krishna is pleased with us
The only way to please Krishna is to please Guru (Yasya prasadad Bhagavat ........)
The only way to please Guru is to follow his instruction.
The only way by which we get determination to follow Guru's instructions is to follow his first and foremost instruction " Wake up early in the morning and chant 16 rounds of Hare Krishna Mahamantra".

This is the only process recommended in the 14 planetary system to perfect our lives.

-H.H.Radhanath Swami

Hare Krishna

Soul generated by Love

2011-08-10T15:38:00.002-05:00

Everybody can be great because anybody can serve. You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love

— Dr. Martin Luther King Jr

Although as aspiring Vaishnava, we do not aspire for greatness but to remain meek and humble in service! But I thought the quote struck a chord for me!

Hare Krishna

Bhaktivedanta Hospice

2011-08-09T10:07:00.003-05:00

I sincerely pray to Krishna that the these souls go back home back to Godhead. Dying can be a painful process and care is necessary so these souls leave their bodies in a comfortable way. My respects to all the doctors, nurses and volunteers who are doing a grave job of taking care of dying patients. Only faith in Krishna can give us strength and support during those difficult moments. I pray to Krishna to give me the strength when my time comes or when I see my friends and relatives pass away!

Hare Krishna

2 minutes of wisdom with Radhanath Swami

2011-08-08T09:05:00.000-05:00

Why is Srila Prabhupada special?

2011-07-28T13:06:00.002-05:00

Why is Srila Prabhupada special, at least to me?

Prabhupada is famous for his literary works, his trips around the world and the worldwide movement he initiated and is running. If we look at history and its myriad great personalities, there are many who are famous for their literature and famous for trips around the world. In the spiritual lineage there are many spiritual masters giving Krishna in different capacities. So why then is Prabhupada so special?

To me, Srila Prabhupada is the epitome of compassion. As the Founder Acharya of a worldwide movement, he may have accomplished many things; however the singular point that differentiates Prabhupada from others is his immense compassion to the fallen souls of this world. I have not seen or come across any with such compassion to somehow help others in need.

It is true that he decided to come to the west because of his spiritual master. However, Srila Prabhupada endeavored so hard despite repeated failures because he was motivated by compassion. He could have come to the west and left having tried to fulfill his spiritual master’s words but he chose to continue seeing the plight of the modern world. In his ripe old age, he travelled, wrote books, opened centers and managed neophyte disciples just so people benefit and not suffer forever. This desire that everyone should be happy free from suffering makes Srila Prabhupada who he is. It is this compassion that sets him apart and puts him in a high pedestal than other teachers of Vedanta.

I have not seen anyone or heard of anyone who genuinely shed tears for the fallen souls of this world without any expectations. This one statement sums it all up Srila Prabhupada writes in his book that if at least one person becomes a pure devotee of the Lord, he would have considered his mission successful. For this one devotee, Prabhupada crossed oceans risking his life and endured lot of hardships…such was his compassion!

To such a magnanimous and compassionate soul, I offer my respectful obeisance.

Hare Krishna.

don't get worked up about material life?

2011-07-27T11:13:00.002-05:00

Don’t just have career or academic goals. Set goals to give you a balanced, successful life. I use the word balanced before successful. Balanced means ensuring your health, relationships, mental peace are all in good order. There is no point of getting a promotion on the day of your breakup. There is no fun in driving a car if your back hurts. Shopping is not enjoyable if your mind is full of tensions.

Life is one of those races in nursery school where you have to run with a marble in a spoon kept in your mouth. If the marble falls, there is no point coming first. Same is with life where health and relationships are the marble. Your striving is only worth it if there is harmony in your life. Else, you may achieve the success, but this spark, this feeling of being excited and alive, will start to die.

One thing about nurturing the spark - don't take (material) life seriously. (material) life is not meant to be taken seriously, as we are really temporary here. We are like a pre-paid card with limited validity. If we are lucky, we may last another 50 years. And 50 years is just 2,500 weekends. Do we really need to get so worked up?

It’s ok, bunk a few classes, scoring low in couple of papers, goof up a few interviews, take leave from work, enjoy with your friends, fall in love, little fights with your loved ones. We are people, not programmed devices.

Don’t be serious, be sincere

- Chetan Bhagat (author)

Communication

2011-07-22T11:47:00.002-05:00

Communication…sounds simple right? As I am getting older, I am starting to realize it’s not that easy after all? When I was young, I used to think…well…if I have a problem or something…good to say…I simply speak my mind. Be straightforward without duplicity and people will get it. No strings attached…right? Boy…was I wrong. Growing up…as a result of this mentality, I ended up making more people angry and frustrated with me than the other way round. I couldn’t really put my finger to it and isolate the problem. In fact, I lost a career because of such open and straightforward approach. People (mostly the grownups) do not like to be told anything…that is something I have learnt the hard way and in reality still learning. I am the opposite, I like people to tell me what to do but of course I expect the person telling me to be more qualified than I…anyways that can open its own can of worms.

Communication is so very essential that merely articulate word sentences do not convey the message. For me to communicate well, one thing I found is essential - people listening to you should either be attracted to you as an individual or be attracted to the message being delivered. If you are going to say something that will ruffle up some feathers, then, you are not a very popular person followed by which my communication will start to fail to the point where it stops completely.

Therefore, I have learnt over the years that I have to be careful in speaking the “truth” and say it in such a way that it does not hurt the ego of the person. This is the crux in good communication. How to speak without hurting the ego of a person? I am not suggesting flattery…no…actually it is quite the opposite. I am speaking of truth delivered in a compassionate tone of “I am hearing your voice but I think this is much more beneficial for you”. If through my words we communicate that what I am saying will be actually more beneficial to you (materially or spiritually), if the counterpart gets this, then I think they will open their ears to listen to what we have to say.

Therefore it is our prime duty to convince them that we are not here to threaten their boundaries or disparage them in anyway, but we are here to enhance and help them live a better life be it material or spiritual. To do all this (that is efficient communication) requires compassion, tolerance, respect for the other and a high sense of integrity for the self. Articulation of speech is not a very significant criterion for communication. Of course…even after all the communication…there are hard headed individuals who will have their way as the “way”…as far as we are concerned we move on.

Hare Krishna

Lord Narasimha Bhagavan’s mercy

2011-07-21T14:58:00.003-05:00

Following is a true incident that recently occurred in a life of a devotee couple.

Recently we had gone through a real nightmare which I would like to share with all of you as it is still fresh in my memory. On 29th May 2011, my wife who was at the 7 month of her pregnancy was hospitalized. At 2 am she had severe bleeding and I had to drive her to the hospital, which was 60 miles away in a neighboring country. Imagine driving someone for 1.5 hours that too at any point this person could bleed to death, but my wife insisted that she should be dropped at this private hospital and not at any other hospital. For sure, Paramatma guided her the best direction as it proved that it was the best hospital and most probably both she and the baby would have died if taken in other hospitals. Our beloved spiritual master H H Mahavishnu Goswami Maharaj always says, "Krishna works in miraculous ways."

My wife told me later that she was convinced that she was going to die and she accepted this fact also, as one of the Western astrologer had told her long time back, that it is possible that she will die during operation. While driving as well as in the hospital, until the moment of operation, my wife constantly offered prayers to Lord Nrsimhadev. When we reached the hospital the doctor examined the baby and noticed that the heart beat of the baby has almost stopped and he immediately asked for preparation for surgical intervention. Somehow again by Krishna's mercy, I was watching the heart beat in the monitor. I noticed that the beat was coming back, in a very sober state. I told the doctor (who was in panic), "Please wait. Don't take them to surgery. I saw the heart beat was coming back." I don't know how this is possible (must be the Paramatma in doctor's heart). Interestingly, the doctor listened to my advice and he said, "Ok. We will wait; but monitor her heart beat for 24 hours and so it happened that these 24 hours were like Lord's blessing time, to prepare the baby for premature delivery, to stabilize her breathing etc. Next day at 4am the bleeding started profusely again. The baby's heart beat again became unstable. This time, my wife told the doctor, "It is time to take me to the surgery room." She called me and said, "I am going to be operated." I remember driving to the hospital at 4am and I prayed so intensely to the Lord, as never before in my life.

After the operation my wife told me something amazing. She told me that just before they gave her the sleeping shot at the operation table, she also prayed very sincerely and intensely to the Lord Nrsimhadev. She told me, "At that time, I fully concentrated my mind on the prayers, so much so that I forgot everything - home, my 3 year old daughter, baby, you. I saw death coming and I just concentrated my thought on the Lord. When I felt asleep I noticed that I left my body and I saw a brightest light I have never ever seen in my life. Out of that light Lord Nrsimhadev appeared. Pointing at my dead body full of blood He told me, "Do you see what has remained from your material life?" I looked at my dead body and understood what the Lord was saying. I told, 'My Lord I am ready to die and You do as you like; But please accept my request. I feel I am not pure enough and I have left my young daughter at home.' After few moments of silence, Lord Nrsimhadev with most blissful smile told me, "I will give you a second chance." and disappeared together with this great radiance."

Next day the whole medical staff came to see her in disbelief. Many senior doctors were surprised to see them alive and told her, "99% of the patients die in your condition!" But they did not know that Lord Nrsimhadev wanted them to live.

All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to Lord Narasimha Bhagavan!!

Hare Krishna

Blueberry carob fudge cake

2011-07-16T15:07:00.002-05:00

My wife made this blueberry carob fudge cake for my birthday which was last weekend. It came out really well and one of the best I have tasted so far. From the picture, it is difficult to identify the blueberry but it was there!

Hare Krishna

God – absent or present?

2011-07-15T15:55:00.002-05:00

God is absent – at least that is the common realization of majority of the people of today including people who profess to follow any religion. Religious people diligently go to church or mosque or temple and do their routine, come back home and live a life as if nothing matters. Thinking about it deeply, religion has become a series of routines we follow. How can we know or see God simply by going through the motions?

Rather, I say, it is better to be an agnostic and wonder about the creation. Look around and gasp in wonder on how things are so perfectly arranged. How life thrives in every nook and corner of the planet. How beautiful the sun rises and shines upon the myriad mountains, lakes, rivers, oceans, forests and all of its life forms. The beauty of our planet in itself is worthy to question the existence of a creator. How can things be so perfect and beautiful? With these amazing thoughts one can sit in the comfort of one’s living room and simply meditate on the possible creator of this wonderful creation? One can simply ask to oneself “who must have created such a wonderful piece of art with all its flora and fauna thriving and coexisting at the same time?” Thus glorifying Mother Nature, we can question the concept of a creator?

The genuine inquisitiveness questioning the existence of a creator and appreciation of Mother Nature is far more powerful than going through the so called religious routine of the believers. When we question to ourselves and seek with a genuine desire to know if there is a creator, the creator Himself causelessly will present Himself that best suits our intelligence.

This is the beginning of the revival of our lost relationship with God. We do not need rituals and institutions to teach us the greatness of God. Simply all that is required is a genuine and humble appreciation for His creation and an aptitude for learning with an open mind – then God becomes present and not absent.

Hare Krishna

Strive hard for the results but do not be attached to it

2011-07-14T16:35:00.003-05:00

karmany evādhikāras te
mā phalesu kadācana
mā karma-phala-hetur bhūr
mā te sańgo 'stv akarmani

You have a right to perform your prescribed duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of action. Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities, and never be attached to not doing your duty - BG 2.47

Growing up, this is the all the Bhagavad Gita I was exposed to – do your duty and don’t expect for results. In other words, work without thinking about the results. I could not find anyone following this and I could not follow this myself. I am still learning to understand this sloka in a deeper way.

The more I think about this sloka and its meaning, the more I feel it a herculean task. How can I work so hard and not think of the result? The other day I was listening to a lecture given by H.H.Radhanath Swami and in that he said “be attached to striving hard for the result” but “do not be attached to the result”. There is a thin line dividing them both. If we study the sloka again, Krishna says never be attached to not doing your duty. So in essence we have to be attached to work hard to produce results. After all, if we do not work for a result then our work has no meaning per se. For example I just do not go to class to study as duty but I study to get a good grade ultimately pass out successfully. If I do not have my short term and long term goals in mind, then simply sitting in class does not constitute “performing duty” but becomes “whimsical action”. However, having a goal in mind and performing work constitutes duty. Just like Arjuna was simply not shooting arrows but shooting arrows with a result to kill.

Therefore to work means to achieve a result. We have to, in fact, strive hard in all ethical and legal ways to work to produce good quality product or result. We should be motivated to build the best building architecture wise, construct the best roads engineering wise, best computer technology wise and best devotee spiritually. All this requires the understanding of goals and results. Srila Prabhupada wanted the best of everything for Krishna. He struggled hard and even was ready to fight to push on the Krishna Conscious movement. He wanted to know how many books were distributed and how many life members were made. He sought pleasure when his literature was profusely distributed or when devotees construct temples or raised money for ISKCON. Srila Prabhupada took delight in apparently mundane results. From this, it is evident that we have to be attached to strive hard for the result of our work.

The difficulty arises, however, when we put so much work behind a work, naturally we get attached to the result and from which arises passion etc. Therefore Krishna categorically tells that we have no “entitlement” over the results meaning we “should not” be attached to the result of our work. We should be attached to working hard for the result but not be attached to the result – this requires sacrifice and humility. Humility in that “I am not the doer” and sacrifice in that “dedicate the results to Krishna”.

In conclusion, the true meaning and understanding of the above sloka is that we must be attached to strive hard to produce results but not be attached to the results per se. Tough one...but we have to continue to try from our side.

Hare Krishna

Bhagavad Gita - A Summary

2011-07-13T10:14:00.002-05:00

1) God is one and everything is in Him and He is in everything.

2) To render transcendental service unto God is to serve everything that be, just like to water the root of the tree is to water the different branches and numerous leaves of the tree or to supply food to the stomach is to vitalize all the senses and the sense organs of the body.

3) The parts are automatically served when the Whole is served but when the parts are served the whole may not be served or not served at all.

4) The parts and the Whole being eternally related, it is the eternal duty of the parts to render service unto the Whole.

5) A recipient of the services of the parts, God's sat-cit-ananda vigraha i.e. the all-attractive Cognizant and all-blissful Personality eternal. He can reveal Himself by His own potency without any help of the external potency called maya in order to be cognizable by the limited potency of the parts and as such He is not only the greatest of all but he is the smallest of all. That is His prerogative.

6) He is better realized when He by His causeless mercy agrees to descend in this mortal world but he He is never realised by the partial speculations of the empiric philosophers however systematic and long-termed it may be.

7) Sri Krishna is the Personality of Godhead and is the Summum Bonum Cause of all Causes proved by fact and figures in the statement of Bhagavad-gita, but He reserves the right of not being exposed to the sensual speculations of the empiric philosophers.

8) One should therefore surrender unto Him if one wants to know Him as He is and that is the real process to approach the Infinite by the infinitesimals.

9) Sri Krishna is easily available by the religion of love i.e. by love and service as conceived by the damsels of Vraja who had practically no education whatsoever and much less any claim for high class birth right.

10) The highest service that can be rendered to the mankind is, therefore, to preach the philosophy and religion of Bhagavad-gita for all the times, all the places and all the people.

By Abhay Charan De (later to be known as Srila Prabhupada Founder Acharya of ISKCON)
Letter to:
Raja Mohendra Pratap, World Federation, Brindaban
July 13 1947

Desire to chant

2011-07-11T08:54:00.002-05:00

Please chant Hare Krishna!

Hare Krishna

How to attain peace?

2011-07-08T10:43:00.003-05:00

Now, we all know how difficult it is to attain peace at an individual level what to speak at the global level. In fact, real and lasting happiness can be derived only if one is content with oneself that is to say if one is peaceful. Therefore attaining peace is tantamount in one’s life be it spiritual or material.

But no matter how hard we try we are never peaceful or we are peaceful for brief periods of time only to be distressed later due to some aggravating life conditions. Below are five recommendations one should definitely have to attain peace permanently. Reading it please do not get overwhelmed as something impossible. However, by constant practice, this condition can be easily achieved. Also required are the blessing s of pure souls and Krishna.

Below are five recommendations for peace according to Krishna spoken in the Bhagavad Gita

Should not have desire to gratify the bodily senses without rules and regulations
Should not have desire separate from the desire of pure devotees of the Lord
Should not have desire for ownership/proprietorship of a thing, people, fruits of an action/work (however require ownership to strive to achieve perfect work/action or maintain healthy relationships)
Should not have desire to attach oneself to the identity created by the body such as male, female, black, white, rich, poor, doctor, lawyer, hindu ,christian, muslim, American, Indian etc
Should not have desire to attach oneself to the extension of bodily identity such as “my car”; “my family”; “my son”; “my daughter”; “my house”; “my country” etc

Cultivating these five spiritual qualities gradually will elevate one to a spiritual platform which is free from anxiety and distress which also means peace followed by happiness.

One easy method to cultivate these five spiritual qualities in this day and age is by sincerely chanting the Holy Names of the Lord.

Please chant Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare and attain peace and happiness!

Hare Krishna

Remembering Gandhi

2011-07-05T11:15:00.002-05:00

Below are some quotes I like, by Gandhi.

An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.

Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need, but not every man's greed.

God has no religion.

Hate the sin, love the sinner.

In the attitude of silence the soul finds the path in a clearer light, and what is elusive and deceptive resolves itself into crystal clearness. Our life is a long and arduous quest after Truth.

Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.

Nobody can hurt me without my permission.

Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.

The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.

The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.

There is nothing that wastes the body like worry, and one who has any faith in God should be ashamed to worry about anything whatsoever.

Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it.

Whenever you have truth it must be given with love, or the message and the messenger will be rejected.

You must be the change you want to see in the world.

Hare Krishna

Practice makes a man perfect

2011-06-29T16:58:00.001-05:00

We all have heard the common aphorism “practice makes a man perfect”. The ultimate perfection of life is to constantly practice to meditate on God. We can practice this meditation daily for all activities of life even to apparently mundane chores. For example, we are waiting in line to buy a train ticket, we can meditate on Krishna, or say the same line does not move forward and there is a problem, we may naturally get frustrated but even in that frustration we can meditate on Krishna for support. The idea is that we practice to meditate on Krishna for all things in life – be it good or bad, big or small, fix or no fix, we practice to meditate on Krishna to give us the strength and support to live our daily lives. This practice will keep us humble and relaxed in all circumstances of life knowing well who the ultimate controller is. Ultimately, at the time of death, the same practice will come naturally and we will meditate on Krishna at the final moment of this life.

In order for us to engage in this practice of meditating on Krishna for all things requires a sense of attachment to Him. This attachment comes from faith that Krishna will help us and this faith can be cultivated by chanting His Holy Names. Therefore by regularly chanting we can cultivate faith and attachment which will help us at the time of need.

Chant Hare Krishna!

Hare Krishna

H.H.Radhanath Swami meets the President

2011-06-28T11:02:00.003-05:00

H.H.Radhanath Swami (my spiritual master) has recently met the President of the USA Barack Obama in a private meeting in Florida. This happened on June 13 2011. More information can be found here.

It is said in the scriptures that a moment's association with a pure soul can award one liberation from birth and death. Even by the action of touching a pure soul, one advances spiritually. We can see Mr. Obama touching H.H.Radhanath Swami. I hope Mr.Obama took advantage of this meeting.

Hare Krishna

Humility

2011-06-20T09:37:00.000-05:00

Humility means that one should not be anxious to have the satisfaction of being honored by others .. Unless one is humble and meek, one cannot qualify to sit at the lotus feet of the Lord.

- Srila Prabhupada

Superbug in cattle

2011-06-15T09:57:00.003-05:00

A new strain of the MRSA "superbug" has been found in the milk of British cows and is believed to be infecting humans. Experts have ruled out any general threat to the safety of milk or dairy products. But they point to "circumstantial" evidence of the bacteria passing between cattle and humans. The discovery has fuelled controversy over intensive farming methods and the way antibiotics are used to protect livestock.

In the relentless drive for increased per animal productivity... dairy systems are becoming ever more antibiotic dependent - Soil Association director Helen Browning

The Soil Association called for a complete ban on routine use of the drugs, which is said to promote the development of drug-resistant bacteria. It also urged an end to the continuing economic pressure on farmers to cut costs and maintain low prices. Soil Association director Helen Browning said: "This new evidence confirms our long-held view of the importance of absolutely minimizing the use of antibiotics especially those closely related to antibiotics used by people.

This requires excellent husbandry, and much reduced stress on our animals. In the relentless drive for increased per animal productivity, and under acute price pressure, dairy systems are becoming ever more antibiotic dependent. We need to get farmers off this treadmill, even if that means that milk has to cost a few pennies more. That would be a very small price to pay for maintaining the efficacy of these life-saving drugs.

The Cambridge University veterinary scientist, who led the research, spoke of the tremendous financial pressure placed on farmers by the purchasing power of big supermarkets. Dr Mark Holmes and his team stumbled on the new MRSA bug while investigating mastitis, a serious and potentially lethal disease which affects dairy cows. The research has been published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases journal. MRSA, or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is a drug-resistant form of a usually harmless common bacterium, which can be deadly when it infects wounds.

The bug, often found in hospitals, was linked to 1,593 deaths in 2007 but since then the number of suspected fatal cases has fallen dramatically. There were 1,290 deaths in 2008 and 781 in 2009.

- Sky News

Hare Krishna

Spiritual life is our duty not hobby

2011-06-09T09:56:00.002-05:00

The price of Krishna consciousness is sincerity. A sincere person does not consider difficult or easy. A sincere person considers whether it is right or wrong. When a mother is sleeping, in the middle of the night when the baby is crying is it easy for her to get up and take care of the baby? Is it easy? Very difficult! But does she do it…every mother who has some sincerity to become a mother, even if it is the most difficult thing in the world, she will get up and take care of the child. There is no consideration - easy or difficult. There is only one consideration - whether it is right or wrong.

Do you go to work every day? Do you love your work every day? Is there a day sometimes where you wake up and do not want to go to work? When people you have to deal with you don’t like even to see - your boss. Sometimes it is the last thing in the world that you want to face these people. Does that mean you do not go? Do you even consider you like it or don’t like it whether it is easy or difficult. You only consider one thing it is my duty, I must do it, It is correct.

For common matters for survival we constantly do things we don’t like to do because it is correct, it is the truth. In the spiritual realm, we are not following Guru’s order because we like it or we are not following guru’s order because it is easy. We are following guru’s order because it is truth and if it is truth we must do it. As long as you are thinking I like and I don’t like or it is easy or not easy that means we are not very sincere. Sincerity means is it correct or is it not, is it the truth or is it not. Is this my duty and responsibility as a human being to follow this instruction or is it not, if it is I do it under any mind or condition of mind or senses.

Spiritual life is a responsibility. It is not a hobby. Hobby, you do when you like. Responsibility, you do it no matter what. Do you pay your taxes? Do you like to pay your taxes? Why do you do it? Why don’t you tell your government that I don’t like this, I am not going to pay. It’s difficult to pay taxes, forget it I am never going to pay again. Why do you not tell them like that? Why you tell your guru that. You won’t tell the Government that. Because it is not your hobby to pay taxes but it is your duty. Spiritual life is not a hobby it is the sacred duty of the soul. The Government does not give a damn whether you like it or not. They don’t care if it is difficult or not. It is your responsibility as a citizen of this country that you must pay. So it is our sacred duty to God to surrender to Him and we surrender by following the orders of Gurudev. It is the only way. There is no other process of surrender.

It is the duty of every human being to surrender to the order of Guru. A sincere person who accepts his responsibility does not consider easy or difficult.

-H.H.Radhanath Swami

Pride before fall

2011-06-06T16:12:00.001-05:00

As they say Pride cometh before the fall.

How to NOT fall prey to pride?

We have to resist the temptation of being glorified and recognized at all levels at all times.

Hare Krishna

Birthday recipes

2011-05-29T21:51:00.012-05:00

Parotta kurma

Blueberry Orange Bundt Cake

I made blueberry orange bundt cake for my wife on her birthday. I took the recipe from here. In the recipe I substituted eggs with egg replacer and also milk with orange juice (1 cup). I made a blueberry glaze by simply adding few bluberries, sugar (half cup), half cup water and table spoon corn starch. Heat them all together in low to medium heat and you will get the glaze.

I also made Parotta and kurma. It is a south indian delicacy found on road side shops. I took the recipe from here for parotta and here for kurma.

Hare Krishna

at the time of death...

2011-05-27T19:12:00.003-05:00

At the time of death we should leave this body just as we leave our stool behind after evacuation.

Hare Krishna

21st century River Yamuna

2011-05-26T09:34:00.003-05:00

River Yamuna is one of the most sacred rivers in India. The Supreme Lord Sri Krishna Himself performed many pastimes in this holy river in the land of Vrindavan. Unfortunately this river has been exploited to such an extent that even before it enters the land of Vrindavan, all the water is taken up by the states of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, and what enters Vrindavan is just the sewage and chemical pollutants from Delhi and nearby areas- so much so, that it has been officially declared as a dead river after Delhi. Like you more than 8 crore pilgrims visit Vrindavan every year and take a bath and sip water from what they think is River Yamuna, but land up becoming sick or even die drinking this polluted water.

Issues:

At Hathini Kund Barrage, out of the 82 cumecs of original natural water flow, only 2.7 cumecs is left to flow on Yamuna bed.
Before Delhi, whatever little mixed flow of water remains is then totally taken away by the city and hence the river ceases to exist.
The Yamuna bed in Delhi stretch is used as a sewage canal to carry its waste water upto Agra canal at Okhla Barrage.
The dry bed beyond Okhla barrage is fed with shahdara canal sewage and polluted water of Hindon river.
What reaches Vrindavan-Gokul-Mathura is a cocktail of various polluted waters.

Hare Krishna

Not a blade of grass moves without the sanction of God

2011-05-25T09:24:00.002-05:00

Unless Kṛṣṇa desires, unless He allows, we cannot do anything. We cannot do any... This is the fact. So tattva-vit... Tattva-vit means one who knows the truth. He thinks like that, that "I cannot do anything. I am always dependent on Kṛṣṇa. I cannot..." Mahatma Gandhi he used to say that "Not a blade of grass moves without the sanction of God." It is a fact. It is a fact. Nothing can be done without His sanction.

Then you can ask, "Then why somebody is doing bad work and why somebody is doing good work? In both ways Kṛṣṇa has sanctioned?" Yes, in both ways Kṛṣṇa has sanctioned. Without sanction he cannot do it. But how both ways Kṛṣṇa has sanctioned? Now Kṛṣṇa has sanctioned in this way. He has given you liberty. He has given you independence. Not full independence, but... You cannot become full independent. But you have got independence. He does not touch on your independence. That is there. Because otherwise, if you, if you are bereft of your independence, if you are without independence, then you have no meaning as living entity. Every living entity has got his minute share of independence. So Kṛṣṇa has given every one of you independence to make your choice. Now why you are...? Somebody is doing bad work or somebody is doing good work, and Kṛṣṇa giving sanction? How is that? That sanction is like that, that when I want to do something and I desire, I pray, "Oh, this thing may be done." It may be bad or good, that is a different thing. It may be... I am very much anxious. So when he's bent upon doing so, Kṛṣṇa gives him sanction, "Yes, you do it. You do it." He gives him facility. But one who has dovetailed himself into Kṛṣṇa consciousness, Kṛṣṇa gives him better consult, that "You do like this. Then you come to Me."

So sanction is always there. Sanction is always there. Without sanction, nothing can be done. So one who is in Kṛṣṇa consciousness he knows. He's tattva-vit. Tattva-vit means one who knows the truth, that "I cannot do anything without Kṛṣṇa's sanction."

-Srila Prabhupada lecture BG 5.7-13 – New York Aug 27, 1966

Up to 12 million girls aborted in India over last 30 years

2011-05-24T14:06:00.003-05:00

Up to 12 million girls were aborted over the last three decades in India by parents that tended to be richer and more educated, a large study in India found, and researchers warned that the figure could rise with falling fertility rates.

Read rest of the story here

So much for Indian Vedic Culture!! It is indeed sad to see once upon time pristine culture going to ruins. The age of Kali is fast moving!

Hare Krishna

Should God be blamed for bad things of this world?

2011-05-24T09:55:00.003-05:00

Is God to be blamed when bad things happen to us individually or on a global scale. Please read the explanation below given by Srila Prabhupada.

Na kartṛtvaṁ na karmāṇi lokasya sṛjati prabhuḥ
Nor does the Supreme Lord assume anyone's sinful or pious activities. Embodied beings, however, are bewildered because of the ignorance which covers their real knowledge - BG 5.14

Now you can ask that "If Kṛṣṇa is giving sanction, then He is responsible for my bad work also. Good work, of course, He is responsible. So bad work He is also responsible." Now, here the answer is na kartṛtvaṁ na karmāṇi lokasya sṛjati prabhuḥ. Prabhu. Prabhu means the Lord. The Lord does not create work for you, neither He creates the result for you. Na karma-phala-saṁyogaṁ svabhāvas tu pravartate. Svabhāvas tu pravartate. As you have acquired your characteristics, so you create your own work and you create your result of own work and you become entangled. It is not the creation of God. You create. "How I create? If it is sanctioned, if it is controlled by God, then how I create?" The question may be. Yes. The answer is very simple.

You can understand that a person who is criminal, who is condemned. Now he's condemned to death or he is condemned to be imprisoned. Now he makes appeal that "Oh, excuse me, what was done(?)." But the judge puts him into the jail or condemns to life. So he thinks that "The judge has condemned me to death or the, he has put me into jail." But is the judge enemy of a particular person that he puts somebody into the jail and condemns to death? No. I have created. I have created my jail life before. The judge is simply giving me the direction. "Oh, you have done this. Now you have to go." He is not responsible. Similarly God is not responsible for my work, neither He creates my work. It is my nature, it is my characteristic, which, by which I create my work, I create the result and I suffer. God simply gives direction because He is the supreme director.

So He is not responsible. I am responsible. I am responsible. But if I become Kṛṣṇa consciousness, if I act on His account and completely becoming dependent on Him then He is responsible for everything happening. That is the principle.

-Srila Prabhupada conversation - New York, August 27, 1966

Radhanath Swami and a grieving cow

2011-05-20T15:29:00.002-05:00

Wasn’t that strange?’ A cow racing alongside our speeding car at dangerously close proximity!

This happened as we traveled towards the Himalayan pilgrimage of Badrinath. Fifty-odd devotees had gone ahead by bus, and way behind were the four of us riding in a white Ambassador with Radhanath Swami.

Close to Agra, stretching out on either side of the road was a village with fields, little shops and thatched houses. Our vehicle was the lone occupant of that muddy highway as far as the eyes could strain, until a cow appeared from the nearby fields. Strangely, this humblest of animals seemed to hold a lofty ambition—of racing ahead our speeding automobile. Our chauffer panicked, for even a gentle sidewise brush of the car could prove a fatal blow on her gentle body. He raced faster until her four legs were no match to his four wheels. Relieved, all in the car sighed in unison—except for Radhanath Swami. For him, relief was still afar, and he wouldn’t find it until he knew why that cow behaved abnormally. Was she in distress? Could he be of any help to her?

Upon Radhanath Swami’s request, we stopped to inquire from the locals. One man related the cow’s sad tale: sometime back a white Ambassador had knocked down her little calf, and ever since the cow behaved in this strange way whenever a white Ambassador passed by.

Tears filled Radhanath Swami’s eyes, as he visibly fought a battle to hold them from an outpour. Words fail me—how he shared the distress of that cow! Kneeling down, pressing his cheek against her cheek, rubbing his hands against her soft neck. They shared their feelings through an unknown language, the language of love. And time stood still to watch them converse.

After a while, we all knew we had to leave. We boarded our car and sped ahead, as the cow looked on until we disappeared from her sight. Today, she had finally won the race. A white Ambassador had finally stopped to console her.

source: itsohappened.com

Ricotto cheesecake with blueberry glaze topping

2011-05-18T21:54:00.006-05:00

I made this blueberry glaze topped ricotto cheesecake for Lord Narasimhadev on His appearance day. I took the recipe from here.

Enjoy the cake!

Hare Krishna

Maya - the All Attractive!

2011-05-13T13:39:00.001-05:00

Krishna is All-Attractive, attractive enough to attract more than million cupids put together (Kandarpa koti kamaniya). Yet we see from our daily experience and this includes my own mind that my attraction to the All-attractive is minimal to say the least. I am attracted to other things of this world such as movie stars or electronic gadgets or sports etc…but surely these personalities/objects are not more attractive than million cupids? Why then am I attracted to apparently things that are qualitatively less attractive and not attracted to a Personality who is more attractive than million cupids?

The answer lies in the greatness of God -Krishna. Although Krishna’s material creation (Maya) is but a spark of His splendor, we are attracted more to the spark than the original splendor of the spark. This is the grand illusion we are in. The illusory reflection is more grandeur to our eyes than the original object it is reflecting. This is the power of Maya! Therefore we should not foolishly think we can cross-over the illusory power of Maya on our own strength and attain God. It is not possible! We have to seek a pure spiritual master and take shelter of his instructions. Then gradually the original splendor will be more splendorous than the reflection. In fact the reflection will seem trivial at that point.

Take shelter of a pure devotee, and then seek Krishna.

Hare Krishna

Humility

2011-05-11T15:26:00.002-05:00

True humility means to meditate upon and glorify God even in adverse life conditions.

Hare Krishna

What is surrender?

2011-05-06T08:59:00.003-05:00

Surrender to Krishna means to take shelter of Krishna in such a way that it is beyond all common sense, logic and human intelligence. Every day we have to use common sense and logic and intelligence to do even the simplest things of this world. We are trained from birth to behave and make decisions based on acquired intelligence and logic. Having thus been trained from birth; in schools, with parents, friends, our careers etc it is not not possible to go outside our realm of logic and intelligence. But what Krishna is expecting from us through surrender is that we come out of this realm of logic and intelligence, put faith in His words and trust Him in all conditions.

So for example when we are in difficulty the common sense thing to do is to defend ourselves or seek help but a pure devotee who is in full surrender will immediately not think of saving Himself but will immediately take shelter of Krishna seeking His protection. Such an action is devoid of common sense logic. When there is help, we seek it in a reflex way but a devotee will only meditate on the Lord immediately when in danger. Actually a devotee constantly meditates on the Lord’s glories in danger or not.

The reason one should go beyond common sense logic is because Krishna is beyond common sense and common logic. Krishna lifted a 25 mile round mountain when He was 7 years old. Which 7 seven year old can do that? It defies common sense. Krishna is beyond material analysis and thinking. Krishna is beyond our human intelligence. When we have faith that Krishna is indeed Supreme in this way, immediately we will meditate on Krishna beyond common sense and take shelter of Him at all times in that way. The famous example of Prahlad comes to mind where instead of using common sense to protect himself from danger, he simply prayed to Krishna for shelter…rest assured Krishna saved him in all circumstances.

Following in Prahlad’s footsteps, we also have to surrender to Krishna in this way beyond common sense, logic and human intelligence. Henceforth, for this reason people with advanced degrees or for that matter material minded people find it hard to “believe” in a personal God who is guiding everything with Supreme intelligence.

Hare Krishna

Albert Einstein’s Letter to Phyllis

2011-05-03T10:16:00.001-05:00

In 1936, Albert Einstein wrote the following letter to a sixth-grade student, Phyllis Wright, in response to her question as to whether scientists pray, and if so, what they pray for.

January 24, 1936

Dear Phyllis,

I have tried to respond to your question as simply as I could. Here is my answer

Scientific research is based on the idea that everything that takes place is determined by laws of nature, and therefore this holds for the actions of people.

For this reason, a research scientist will hardly be inclined to believe that events could be influenced by a prayer, i.e., by a wish addressed to a supernatural being.

However, it must be admitted that our actual knowledge of the laws is only imperfect and fragmentary, so that, actually, the belief in the existence of basic all-embracing laws in Nature also rests on a sort of faith.

All the same this faith has been largely justified so far by the success of scientific research.

But, on the other hand, everyone one who is seriously involved in the pursuit of science becomes convinced that a spirit is manifest in the laws of the Universe – a spirit vastly superior to that of man, and one in the face of which we with our modest powers must feel humble. In this way the pursuit of science leads to a religious feeling of a special sort, which is indeed quite different from the religiosity of someone more naïve.

I hope this answers your question.

Best wishes,
Albert Einstein

My critique of the letter

The above letter by Albert Einstein gives a simplistic explanation of scientific research. He explains that research or science is based on the idea that everything that takes place is determined by the Laws of Nature.

A law implies systematic function over time.
A systematic function indicates a system.
A system indicates structure
A structure indicates hierarchy of order or cross-functioning relationships.
Order and functions operate on intelligence.

Therefore, by Einstein’s own words, he implies that there is a higher order or higher intelligence governing the systematic laws of nature. The scientists, however, are only interested in understanding how the laws function and not so much the system behind the law.

To give a crude analogy, it is like someone is interested in the laws concerning driving but not so much interested with the department of transportation that creates and implements the law. In one sense, one does not need to know the department to understand the law. However, this type of understanding is incomplete.

Unless one understands the functions and systems of a body of governance, it is very difficult to interpret and manipulate the laws completely and perfectly. In other words, incomplete and imperfect understanding of a law can lead to ultimate systems malfunction (disorder) thus defeating the original purpose of a law (that is to create order).

Einstein in his letter admits to the imperfect and fragmentary knowledge base of the scientific community. What he does not say is that this imperfect learning can do more harm than good. This we are realizing today. The issues of global warming, environmental pollution (air, water etc), species extinction, cross pollination of diseases between man and animal, gradual degradation of social and cultural ethos of man devolving him/her to mere animal propensities etc etc the list can go on. All indicate disorder or systems malfunction. The very laws that were created to help mankind is actually causing harm.

Einstein out of humility thus revealing his true intellectual genius admits the limitations and also writes that one who is serious about scientific knowledge is convinced of a Great Spirit above the laws. He is indirectly indicating about intelligence beyond our own. This is the beginning of Vedic studies. Where Einstein ends, the saints of the Vedic school begin that the intelligence of the universe is beyond our own and that our understanding is negligible in comparison.

Therefore, to actually be religious and scientific means to make this shift in paradigm. That is to scientifically study and admit our own infinitesimal position in relation to the infinite and religiously approach the Great Spirit (the Infinite) in a mood of humility and devotion to reveal the system, its laws and our relationship with it.

Then, our knowledge becomes perfect and complete.

Hare Krishna

21st century "less"

2011-05-02T09:51:00.001-05:00

Our communication - Wireless
Our phones - Cordless
Our cooking - Fireless
Our food - Fatless
Our Sweets - Sugarless
Our labor - Effortless
Our relations - Fruitless
Our attitude - Careless
Our feelings - Heartless
Our politics - Shameless
Our education - Worthless
Our Mistakes - Countless
Our arguments - Baseless
Our youth - Jobless
Our Ladies - Topless
Our Boss - Brainless
Our Jobs - Thankless
Our Needs - Endless
Our situation - Hopeless
Our Salaries - Less and less

courtesy of my inbox

Hare Krishna

Death as a transformation point

2011-04-29T11:30:00.002-05:00

The philosophy of Krishna Consciousness puts a lot of weight on the concept of “death”. Now for a common man, this may sound morbid and pessimistic. It is morbid and pessimistic only if we think “death” is the end of life. The Krishna Consciousness philosophy does not say that death is the end of life but rather death is seen as a point of transformation of the soul from one body to another. We die only to be transferred into another body with another set of rules and circumstances. It is important therefore, to visualize plan and live our daily lives not as “one life of 100 years" but as endless waves of different life forms (including plants and animals).

Just as, in my youth, I prepare for my next stage of adulthood and from adulthood I prepare for the next stage of retirement (old age), similarly it is important I prepare my current life for the next life. It is only common sense, assuming I accept the concept of transmigration of the soul into different bodies, to find a solution to put an end to the different bodies I will assume in the future. This continuous birth and death seems cyclical without much sense and hence futile (not to speak of the miseries associated with it). Therefore it is ok to talk about death as a tangible reality in the mood of transformation than as an end.

This whole conversation is out of the window if I think I have only one life to live. Of course I believe in the transmigration of the soul from one body to another and hence am preparing my current life for a better future (and that includes for future bodies).

If you believe in the concept of the transmigration of the soul, then please think about your next life and prepare for it now. Chant Hare Krishna!

Hare Krishna

What Srila Prabhupada really desired for us?

2011-04-28T16:27:00.003-05:00

We want to see everyone is happy. That is our mission. ... everyone will be happy if they take to this movement. We want to see that everyone is happy. That is our mission. We don't want to exploit others.

- Interview -July 20, 1972, Paris

Sarve sukhino bhavantu. This is Vedic civilization. "Let everyone be happy." That is Vedic civilization. And the demonic civilization, they're: "Let everyone suffer; I become happy. That's all...Politics means planning for one's own happiness. That is politics. So in our society there should be no diplomacy, no politics. Everyone should be eager how to do good to others. That is Vaisnava. If he's planning something, that "I shall be leader," "I shall be doing something," that is not Vaisnavism.

- Morning Walk -March 15, 1974, Vrndavana

The Power of Words

2011-04-26T20:24:00.000-05:00

Two things that impede

2011-04-26T08:51:00.002-05:00

Two things impede our progress in spiritual life and our progress towards understanding God in truth and our relationship with Him. They are;

1. Pride
2. Spiritual Laziness

Hare Krishna

Srila Prabhupada's Kadamba garland

2011-04-21T10:18:00.004-05:00

The following narration is from the visionary Memories series of Sriman Siddhanta das Adhikary. It is the remembrance of Sriman Bahushiras das Adhikary given in DVD 44 and in vol. 3, p. 334 of the book Memories-Anecdotes of a Modern-Day Saint.

After Srila Prabhupada’s disappearance, [Patita Pavana das] asked if I’d like to assist Satswarupa’s Lilamrita project by interviewing people in India who had known Srila Prabhupada. One of them was Acharya Prabhakar Misra, Prabhupada’s first disciple. Acharya Prabhakar Misra was clean-cut, well-behaved and articulate. His demeanor impressed me. He held a MA and PhD and was a very cultured Sanskrit scholar and teacher. In Jhansi, Prabhupada had told Acharya Prabhakar. “I met you because I saw you in a dream and I knew that I was supposed to come here.” Prabhupada and he would do bhajan together. They’d hold Rathayatra festivals and they’d have programme in villages in the area.

Acharya Prabhakar said that on Sri Krishna Janmashtami in 1954, he had to go to Delhi. When he returned to Jhansi, he took a little rest, woke up at 1:00 am and heard Srila Prabhupada ecstatically playing mridanga in the temple room. Prabhupada was chanting in total bliss. Acharya Prabhakar went upstairs and saw Srila Prabhupada bouncing around the temple room performing kirtan. Prabhupada was wearing a kadamba flower garland that went all the way down to his feet.Kadamba flowers are very rare in Jhansi and when they are available they are usually the size of a golf ball. But the ones Prabhupada was wearing were big, the size of tennis balls. And he said that the atmosphere right down to the atoms in the room was not material, aprakrita. The place was surcharged with the fragrance of the heavenly planets. Acharya Prabhakar wanted to ask Srila Prabhupada, “Where did this garland come from? It is not available from the market.” But Srila Prabhupada would not answer. His Divine Grace just kept on performing kirtan, bouncing round the room and chanting. The next morning Acharya Prabhakar asked Srila Prabhupada, “Where did you get the garland, why did it have such a rich fragrance, and why were you feeling so blissful?”

Srila Prabhupada told him, “I was chanting to Krishna and feeling some love for Him. And He appeared and gave me this garland. I went to touch His feet and He disappeared. Because of that I was dancing around the temple room.” Srila Prabhupada was crying.

Acharya Prabhakar was very believable and I felt that what he told me was valid. He also said that sometimes Srila Prabhupada’s mood was to performkirtan intensely. He would chant on and on and on for three days straight. We hear that sometimes he wouldn’t eat for long periods, especially near the end of his manifest lila, but remarkably in Jhansi, he was doing kirtan for a long period of time without eating or sleeping. And the result of his bhajanwas that Krishna appeared.

Hare Krishna