seriously caroby and fudgy!

Last week, my wife made some delicious fudgy carob glazed carob cupcakes

Adapted from Vegan with a vengence (Fauxstess cupcakes)

Chocolate (Carob) cup cakes (we used carob powder for the entire preparation)

1 ½ cup unbleached all purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa or carob powder
¾ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup soy milk or milk
¼ cup canola oil (We substituted with 1/3 cup unsweetened apple sauce and just 1/8 cup oil)
½ cup + 2 tablespoon sugar (or ½ cup pure maple syrup + ¼ cup sugar)
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degree F. Line a twelve-muffin tin with paper liners (We skipped this) and spray the liners with canola oil.

In a medium sized mixing bowl, sift together the flour, carob powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In a large mixing bowl combine milk, oil, maple syrup, sugar, vinegar, and vanilla, and beat at medium speed with an electric hand held mixer( We did it manually) for 2 minutes. Add dry ingredients to the wet in two batches, mixing as you go. Beat for about a minute.

Fill the cupcake liner until ¾ th full. Bake for 28 minutes, until a tooth pick comes out clean. Transfer to the cooling rack.

Chocolate fudgey frosting (from la dolce vegan)

¾ cup water
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa or carob powder
¾ cup sugar
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 cup cornstarch
1/8 cup vegan margarine or you can use butter
1 tsp vanilla extract

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the water, carob powder, sugar, salt and cornstarch. Slowly bring to a boil, whisking constantly for 3-4 minutes to avoid sticking. Once it starts to thicken, remove from heat and stir in margarine and vanilla. Refrigerate far at least an hour before frosting the cake.

Overall, it didnt take much time, seriously caroby and fudgy!

Hare Krishna

The Secret

The secret to advancing in Krishna Consciousness is revealed here in by Srila Prabhupada. This quote applies to every entity aspiring to be devotees of Lord Krishna.

At the end of the lecture, Ranacora asked a question of Prabhupada. "when you become initiated by the spiritual master, does he take all of your karma, even if you might perform sinful activities - does he take the suffering you might have received?"

Prabhupada replied heavily, "You must simply become ruled by your spiritual master." Those words by Srila Prabhupada entered the heart of his disciple, and his glance cut through all impersonalism.

From Prabhupada Nectar by HH Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami

Processed Meats dangerous for human consumption

Have you ever wondered why the consumption of processed meats is so strongly linked to cancers of the colon, breast, prostate and pancreas? The evidence continues to mount, as demonstrated by a recent study showing a 67% increase in pancreatic cancer for people consuming moderate amounts of processed meat on a frequent basis. (Pulse; 4/23/2005, Vol. 65 Issue 16, p10).

Conventional medical doctors and nutrition researchers tend to put the bulk of the blame on the saturated fat content of processed meats, but that ignores two notable culprits that I think are far worse offenders when it comes to human health. Let's take a closer look at these two problems with processed meats.

The first problem is found in the fats of these processed meats. The problem isn't the fat molecules themselves, but rather the toxic chemicals, heavy metals and environmental pollutants that are found inside those fat molecules.

You see, fat tissues -- whether in a cow or a human -- tend to concentrate whatever pollutants are found in the mainstay diet of the animal. A cow eats literally tons of grass in its lifetime, and in doing so, it collects and concentrates low-level pollutants found in its diet. For non-organic beef, it's quite common to find trace amounts of heavy metals (mercury, cadmium), pesticides, and even PCBs. That's because, for non-organic beef, feed practices are rather horrifying. You'd be shocked to learn what's perfectly legal to feed to cows intended for human consumption.

So while conventional doctors tend to put the health risk blame on the saturated fat found in meat products, I think it has a lot more to do with the toxic substances concentrated in those fat tissues. A cow is much like a land bottom-feeder, and eating meat from a non-organic cow is a lot like eating shrimp from the bottom of the ocean.

These toxins, when consumed, are clearly and unquestionably linked to cancers as well as nervous system disorders that can accelerate Alzheimer's disease and dementia. They also stress the liver and impair immune system function. The human body should never be exposed to mercury, PCBs or the rocket fuel chemicals that are now almost universally found in cows' milk products across the country (in a 2005 Texas Tech University study, perchlorate was detected in 46 of 47 store-bought samples of cows' milk across 11 states).

The second (and more important) reason processed meats are so strongly correlated with cancer is, I believe, the continued use of a cancer-promoting additive called sodium nitrite.

This ingredient, which sounds harmless, is actually highly carcinogenic once it enters the human digestive system. There, it forms a variety of nitrosamine compounds that enter the bloodstream and wreak havoc with a number of internal organs: the liver and pancreas in particular. Sodium nitrite is widely regarded as a toxic ingredient, and the USDA actually tried to ban this additive in the 1970's but was vetoed by food manufacturers who complained they had no alternative for preserving packaged meat products.

You can find sodium nitrite in nearly every packaged meat product imaginable. It's listed right on the label of products like bacon, breakfast sausage, beef jerky, pepperoni, sandwich meat, ham, hot dogs, and even the meats found in canned soups. If you and I walked into any grocery store in America, I could show you hundreds of products that contain this ingredient right now. And I believe this sodium nitrite is the primary cause of pancreatic cancer in humans who consume even moderate quantities of processed meats.

If sodium nitrite is so dangerous, why does the food industry use it? Simple: this chemical just happens to turn meats bright red. It's actually a color fixer, and it makes old, dead meats appear fresh and vibrant. Thus, food manufacturers insist on using sodium nitrite for the simple reason that it sells more meat products. Consumers are strongly influenced by the color of grocery products (which is why Florida oranges are often dipped in red dye, by the way), and when meat products look fresh, people will buy them, even if the true color of the months-old meat is putrid gray.

There are other problems with processed meats, nutritionally speaking. Meat has zero fiber, for one thing. But in terms of the major causative factors of disease in the human body, I believe the two primary culprits are the heavy metals and toxins concentrated in the fat tissues of cows, combined with the sodium nitrite additives used by meat processing companies to preserve their products and give them enhanced visual appeal.

And thus, the saturated fat argument is a distraction from the real causes of cancer that the U.S. beef industry doesn't want to talk about. It's not the saturated fat that causes pancreatic cancer. For example, coconut oil consumption wouldn't cause a person's risk of pancreatic cancer to leap 67%, although it's still saturated fat. The real cause of the cancer, I believe, is what's found INSIDE the fat, and what's ADDED to the meat during processing and packaging.

- by Mike Adams - http://www.healthranger.org/

An instruction we should never forget!

"These books are for you," Prabhupada said as he pointed to several of the books he had written. "Do not make it an export business. They only buy and sell to others. For themselves they have no use." Prabhupada imitated a devotee distributing his books, "Please take this book. It is very important." He then took the customer's role: "Oh, it is important? What is it about?" Prabhupada again switched roles. "I don't know, it is for you!" We all laughed sheepishly. "My only criticism of the devotees is that they think my books are for distribution and not for reading."

Prabhupada wanted his disciples to become philosophically strong by studying his books. Sastric study grants us the ability to preach, fixes our intelligence, and purifies our hearts. At this time Prabhupada also asked the devotees,"Why are we so interested in book distribution? Because it is distribution of knowledge. It is distribution of knowledge."

From the "My Glorious Master" by HG Bhurijana dasa

24 Hour Kirtan Festival ki jay!

I and my wife went to New Vrindaban this weekend. I will try to sum it up in one word - BLISSFUL!

It was one of the best kirtans i have ever heard. The tempo was always on the high with devotees dancing. My favorite kirtans were by Niranjan Swami, Radhanath Swami and Sivarama Swami. They were great. All the Florida and New york devotee kirtans were exceptional too. Overall it was endearing to the heart and joyful to the soul.

During the day on saturday, the kirtan was accompanied by thunderstorms and rain. It cooled down the ground but due to the thunderstorms, the electricity got cut. I thought that the tempo of the kirtan would go down and that we would somehow finish the festival. I was wrong...the tempo went up and up and H.H.Sivarama Swami was roaring inspite of no microphone and speakers. Devotees were still dancing and nothing changed. I danced and danced but was also cautious as i had my drive back. After driving 14 straight hours and barely getting proper sleep for 2 nights, i was still filled with so much energy, i had no idea how i could dance (or let us say just jump up and down) for so long hours and be a part of the kirtan. I guess the kirtans in the association of devotees makes all the difference!

Personally, the trip was great especially I and my wife had the opportunity to meet my guru maharaj personally not once but twice and be a part of his kirtans and lecture. I also associated with my godbrothers and seeked blessings from my senior godbrothers.

All glories to the devotees who organized such an amazing event and all glories to the devotees who sang in the 24 hour kirtan. All glories to Niranjan Swami, Radhanath Swami and Sivarama Swami for the heart drenching Krishna Kirtans!

Below are some pictures my wife took during the stay.

H.H.Jayapataka Swami giving class



The pooja before the commencment of the 24 hour kirtan. H.H.Jayapataka Swami can be seen before breaking the coconut. There were other swamis performing the same.


Sri Sri Radha Vrindaban Chandra beautifully dressed on saturday.
Maharaj engaging the crowd during kirtan

ecstatic devotees!

H.H.Sivarama Swami performing kirtan

Evening outfits for the Lordships

H.H.Sivarama Swami during Kirtan

This is the sunday morning close to the end of 24 hours. This mandap is just outside the entrance of the main temple

Maharaj ending the 24 hr kirtan festival with his kirtans!

After the kirtan ended, maharaj gave a super class on the siginficance of chanting of the Holy names.

Hare Krishna

Krishna Consciousness is not religion but science

When we talk to people about Krishna Consciousness, immediately, they label it and put it in a box called religion and immediately people think this is just another religion or belief system!

I don’t have anything against the word religion except according to today’s standard of religion; it is just another avenue for sense gratification. Like we use our wife, husband, children, work, everything and everyone around us for our own gross and subtle sensual gratification, similarly, today people use God and religion for the same purpose – gross and subtle sensual gratification.

Therefore, this is a big stumbling block in our efforts to preach this knowledge of the soul, matter and Supersoul. On the other hand, when people talk about physics, chemistry or biology or architecture, then it becomes a discussion on science and technology which is secular, based on hard facts and hence forthcoming.

Science is very popular today because anybody from any background can test any theory and any hypothesis and verify the results for themselves. It is beyond race, color, religion and nationality and is completely based on observable and measureable facts. On the other hand, religion is promoted as sectarian and “my God is better than your God” attitude.

Last weekend I was trying to distribute some books and came across a practicing Christian woman who was surprisingly very forthcoming about other prayer techniques. Anyways, in the course of the conversation, she mentioned how Christians are taught in Church to not accept or believe anything beyond the Bible. Therefore, practicing Christians are conditioned from a very young age to just not question other pathways. I asked her why this is so and she replied that it is because their faith will become weakened. So actually, this is the test of our faith, if what we study in church does not answer all phenomenon of life, then obviously something is missing somewhere along the line. This method of learning is true in all organized religion.

Therefore, science views this mentality as dogmatic or sectarian and beyond verifiable parameters. In other words, religion is a belief system and nothing more.

Sadly this attitude today is the cause why we have so many “Holy” wars simply because people do not take the time off to actually study and intellectually analyze the higher dimensions and if they actually did that….ultimately they have to come to the rationale presented by Srila Prabhupada in his books.

May be…to accept Krishna as the Supreme God takes leap of faith, however, to accept there is a God or Supreme authority beyond this mundane creation is not very difficult to understand. To understand that we are not this material body but spiritual entities (soul) independent from our body is also not difficult to understand.

In other words, anyone studying Srila Prabhupada books openly, honestly and sincerely has to accept the logic presented in his books. Yes, his books are based on science and logic and not just blind faith.

Like I mentioned in the beginning, any scientific study starts with a hypothesis (a belief/faith on reality) and a verifiable method to test the belief/faith (hypothesis). Our hypothesis is that we are not this body and that we are part and parcel of the Supreme Lord Krishna. Krishna is non-different from His names simply because Krishna is Absolute. The verifiable method to prove this is by chanting

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

daily sincerely loud enough so one can hear distinctly each word. As we chant Krishna’s names, we will purify our heart and eventually see Krishna face to face. This is not a matter of belief but a matter of fact as teachers of this knowledge before (more than 5000 years of practice) have experienced it. Therefore following in their footsteps properly, it is just a matter of time we will experience it too.

For example, when I was in High school, I was taught by my physics teacher that light is a spectrum with different wavelengths. Now, as far as I was concerned, I had to believe what the book says and what the teacher said till I did the experiment in the lab myself and from belief it became a fact. This is how we gain knowledge. Just like my physics teacher learnt from his physics teacher and verified it by experiment, similarly I believed my teacher and verified it by experimenting.

Similarly, I believe my spiritual teacher on God and chanting God’s names just as he believed his spiritual teacher. This tradition of knowledge has been transmitted for so many generations dating as back as 3000 BC. Just as my spiritual teacher has realized a higher truth...similarly following in his footsteps, just a matter of time i will too.

So..folks…Krishna Consciousness is just not another religion where it professes something or someone as God and that people have to accept it completely on blind faith. No…Krishna Consciousness is based on deep philosophy written by great saints and has been practiced for more than 5000 years. It is based on sound theory and practice. It is purely based on the scientific principles of the mind and body. It is based on the impact of sound has on mind and body. While modern science has just scratched the surface of impact of sound on creation, Vedic science upon which Krishna Consciousness is based has explained very nicely the impact of sound on creation, mind and body.

So this transcendental sound vibration of

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

is not sectarian and is free and anyone and everyone from all walks of life can study, read, and chant this mantra to see if this great science of Krishna is verifiable or not! The proof is indeed in the pudding!

Please read the philosophy contained in the books of Srila Prabhupada to understand the theory better and please chant regularly and see the difference for yourself.

You can access free online books - http://www.krishna.com/en/taxonomy/term/58

or buy books from the following site - http://www.thekrishnastore.com/Page.bok?template=Shops_BBT

Hare Krishna

Fatal Theory

In the spiritual plane, the primary aphorism with which we operate is “aham brahmasmi”. From here, all spiritual knowledge starts. However, on the material plane, the fundamental aphorism is “aham matter” (sorry folks, I don’t know the sanskrit for matter) which is diametrically opposite with the postulates of people seeking God (true seekers and not pseudo-religionists which by the way constitute 99% of world religion today…anyway that is a different post).

One more problem as I see, is material scientists equate religion only to the Judeo-Christian tradition and anything beyond this is either mythology or esoteric (out-of-the box) and hence not taken seriously. Since the Judeo-Christian religions have a very brief history in the grand scheme of things and do not adequately explain anything (seriously) except for moral principles for human beings, lacks the sophistication that modern science possess. Therefore modern scientists think their religion (modern science) excels and outclasses every other religion (God related). Due to this ignorance from the religionists and the scientists, today we have crazy theories and ideas.

Anyways, to the point, for spiritualists, the definition of life is pretty straight forward, that spirit is different from matter and that spirit is part and parcel of God and matter is His inferior energy. Different spiritual pathways may not exactly say it like I wrote it but something to that effect. Overall, they accept the concept of matter, spirit and God are independent but inter-related.

Now, for the “aham matter” people (scientists and pseudo-religionists) the definition of life becomes baffling. It is funny because, scientists are releasing theories after theories trying to explain life and in spite of it being obvious, still they are not willing to accept that life is actually something different from matter. But since they do not want to accept this obvious and “on the face” difference, they are “struggling” to somehow connect life to matter and chemical combinations.

So I did a google and found out that (to my surprise), (a) there are so many theories and combination of theories; (b) different people from different subjects like biology or physics or chemistry define life from the view point of their respective fields; and (c) there is no one common definition or consensus as of this very moment as to what exactly is life? If you are interested, you can read this newpaper online article on life on msnbc - http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20249616/

The only thing all scientists from natural biologists to physicists to chemists agree is life fundamentally boils down to nucleic acids (chemicals).

In one place, a person writes life is essentially made of fundamental units such as nuclei, electrons and the beautiful molecules they form.

Richard Dawkins in one his books argue that life is essentially bunch of DNA and the purpose of life is to propagate this DNA.

Cell theory which we all studied in high school states that cells, carbohydrates, lipids, DNA, nucleic acids, and proteins are building blocks of life.

Erwin Schrodinger (a famous physicist and Nobel Laureate) wrote a book called “what is life” and he explains the Theory of Negative entropy or negentropy which basically is the opposite of the 2nd law of thermodynamics. In plain terms, life should conform to the physics of the physical world. The assumption of course is living organisms are fundamentally composed of nothing more than the same molecules also found in non-living matter.

There was another theory (called Living systems) by another scientist using the same assumptions but just a different explanation and interpretation.

Overall, the whole educational system with all its departments (from kindergarten to 12th grade to Phd) teach students this “fact” of life that we are fundamentally nucleic acids and life is explained accordingly. Departments from sociology to life sciences to the physical and biological sciences operate under this theory.

Therefore, in the world today, in the name of science and religion we are taught to live absolute atheistic lifestyles and hence as a result indulge in mass slaughter of animals, deforestation, racial apartheids, genocides, child abuse, homicides, terrorism, human trafficking, prostitution, drug lords, war lords, poverty, rape, abortion etc etc etc…why… simply because all the scientists, elitists, politicians and pseudo-religionists are taught, teaching and strengthening this one fundamental point that essentially we are made of nucleic acids and therefore on the basis of “natural selection” and “survival of the fittest” concept, we have the rights to exploit, beat and kill each other to survive because our only goal in this life is to somehow just outclass our fellow living being (sorry…bunch of nucleic acids) so we can “live” peacefully. The problem still gets worse or in other words the urgency not felt because people from religion, philanthropy and humanitarians also operate under this “fatal theory” that life is a bunch of chemicals.

As Richard Dawkins says in his 1976 book The Selfish Gene which argues that "life is simply a means of propagating DNA, with every creature ruthlessly determined to continue its own line"

Most of the materialists (scientists and religionists) some where along that line agree to the above point. For example, we can break a car or burn paper and or abort babies all in the same vein simply because we are encouraged and taught to believe that life is just made of chemicals that fundamentally constitute living organisms and non-living matter and hence not a big deal anyways!

Indeed, as Srila Prabhupada said that this Krishna Consciousness movement will save mankind from its darkest hour.

It is more than ever that we are at a point in our times where the knowledge of soul, matter and supersoul has to be propagated far and wide.

Hare Krishna