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Bleeding Out by Dhanistha dasi Posted June 20, 2010
mother earth -- the personification of genius
ever soon there could be no rain at all
a resilient and voracious dictator
you -- you who call the shots --
we ripped out her heart
so we grabbed fool's gold
we gave not a moment
they lost or broke the drums she gave them
she has run out of bounty due our waste only
at this rate
she is cutting the cord the punishment should fit the crime
headed for a free fall
mother cries we heard her ice caps are melting
i am typing in baghdad text to get here
its her decision in one sense
but then not long ago,
we squandered all this in a hurry to cut through a death valley Here are excerpts of a letter from a prison inmate in Salem, Oregon. You can see that there are really no obstacles to Krsna consciousness, even in prison. Bhakta James writes: "Our program has grown a lot. New men are becoming interested in Krsna consciousness. I give a Bhagavad-gita class every day in the yard. Then we have our own worship service. "Preaching is my life, and my friends always ask: 'Why is it, no matter what we start talking about, we end up talking about Krsna?' And you know your friends see you as a priest when they say they're sorry for letting a 'cuss word' slip." The prison environment permits frequent interfaith discussions, and James cheerily notes: "Many faiths are coming to our worship service — Christians, Buddhist, Islam, Wicca and even two Vedanta impersonalists. We all chant Hare Krishna together and dance in great joy!" James writes that there are many ways to encourage his fellow prisoners to take to devotional service, including the honoring of prasadam. "After I offer my veggie tray to the Lord, I like to ask the men sitting at my table if they'd like something off my tray." He also sometimes buys a bag of Jolly Rancher candies, offers them to the Lord, then asks people: 'Care for a Jolly Rama?' "The men simply love it and can't get enough!" James likes to provide opportunities for seva. "At our worship, we try to engage everyone, like the chapel orderly — by setting up a fan, or to bring a table, something, anything — and the chaplain, who lights the candle. He's made so much advancement over the past six years. Last time he was dancing down the hall, singing Hare Krsna maha mantra, matches in hand." He appreciates the efforts of ISKCON Prison Ministry participants who correspond with prison devotees and arrange for them to have access to devotional paraphernalia. "Some men bought japa beads at our canteen and chant Hare Krsna," he writes. "They read Prabhupada's books and preach to their friends.
"Actually, due to wonderful devotees like you, this whole prison has become a holy Dhama! Because Prabhupada has come in the form of his books, CDs and DVDs."
When we talk about love, some preachers in ISKCON have held a narrow-minded view, reserving their love for.Srila Prabhupada only, for Prabhupada and their guru or for other Hare Krishna devotees only. The truth is that Krishna is in everyone and that love to Krishna expresses itself in love towards all. I hope this text, translated from a Hindi discourse by Ramsukhdas Swami, may help to broaden the minds of some devotees. "How do we attain and increase love? I will share with you what I have heard from saints. If you desire God's love, then love all beings. Let it be such that no being is in the least bit hurt because of you. Let all be at peace; let all attain salvation. Let all be benefited; let all be happy; let all be relaxed. As long as you are selfish and wanting your wishes to come true, wanting to fulfil your own desires, God's love does not manifest. Whatever my mind wants, that should happen; this is 'Desire'. "When there is love for all beings then Sri Bhagavan's love is easily attainable. Therefore love all; do what is beneficial to all: 'Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah.' May all become free of disease; may all be joyful; may no one experience any pain and suffering. That is the greatness of saints. They only do what is beneficial to all. "To attain this love, love each other. It is most important for householders. There must be love for each other, for everyone living in the household. To fight every day, to create disharmony, is not a way to live. Increase your love. Start today, with all those living in the household. Start with all those that are elder to you. Do pranam (namaste, namaskar, homage, respectfully bow) to all those that are older. Consider all elders to be your father. Have the sentiment within that God will be happy: 'I want to make God happy.' Anyone you meet during the day, do pranam to (respectfully bow) from within. "Pay attention to this. Have mercy on me. In all beings Sri Bhagavan (God) is present. If you are ashamed to do this outwardly, then do so from within. If someone realizes that Sri Bhagavan resides within each and every being, then he will be unable to not do namaskar to them from within. Namaskar is done with two feet, two knees, two hands, with heart, with speech (vachan), with two eyes and with the mind (mana). Pay respect to all. "Always see to it that it is only with Sri Bhagavan's grace that I will be spiritually uplifted. He has given us this human body, this satsang, this Gangaji, these scriptures, these associations, see to His grace in all of these. We are entitled to salvation. Therefore start with namaskar at your home, with Everyone. Even do namaskar to the young ones. Day and night, do namaskar. All fights will end at home. When you do namaskar, all fights will have no place to go. It is like saying -- no matter what, I am surrendering to you. If you do namaskar even once to Sri Krishna, you will receive the fruit tenfold. It is so easy. It is filled with nectar. "Whoever desires to attain God will understand that He resides in all. All these bodies that you see, whether in a temple or anywhere, all have God present in them. One who understands this, of him all mental modifications will end. He will stop complaining about others. He will stop seeing faults in others. He will stop being egotistical. Therefore have mercy on me and try it out and see for yourself. "Minimally, know that at least it is not going to harm you. You do not have to spend any money. You do not have to incur any bodily discomforts. You can do the namaskar from within, mentally only. Teach children to do namaskar to all. All will be happy simply by observing this namaskar, and will in turn start doing the same. Do Namaskar first thing in the morning and at dusk when the lights are turned on; it will increase strength. It will increase intelligence. What an amazing Sadhana. It is even said in the Bhagavad-gita: 'Namasyanti mam bhaktya.'
"Therefore start today. Give this one thing in charity today. I am asking you for this; give it. I rarely ask for anything; it is not my nature to ask. I am asking today: give this charity. Have mercy on me. It is a householder's duty to give to a sadhu (sannyasi). Do this for twelve months and see. Simply do so with your mind. All fights will end. It is one way of increasing love."
He sustains the universe He is victorious over the influence of mundane anger He assumes the illusory form of a human He is bereft of fraudulent behavior He is the foremost of (transcendental) cheaters He appears in the best of lands He is the ultimate brahmana He is the dearest son of Jagannatha Mishra He is the devotee of His father He has great mental power He is the beloved husband of the Goddess of Fortune He is the son of mother Shachi He is the bestower of ecstatic loving devotion He is very affectionate to His devotees He is dear to the twice-initiated brahmanas He is the best amongst the brahmanas He is the hero of the devotees' life & soul He is the worshiper of the brahmanas He is peaceful and saintly He is very dear to Srivasa Pandita He is the supreme controller His complexion is like molten gold His neck is like the lion's His arms are very muscular He wears yellow cloth (when a householder) He wears red cloth (when a sannyasi) He exhibits a six-armed form [atha-and furthermore] He exhibits a four-armed form He exhibits a two armed form [ca-and] He holds the mace He holds the discus He holds the lotus He is sinless He holds the Panca-janya conchshell He holds the bow He holds the flute He is the foremost of the demigods He is the Lord of the lotus-eyed Lakshmi He is beloved to all living beings He is the abode of cowherding pastimes He is supremely youthful He likes to wear sapphires He likes to wear silver necklaces He is adorned with the Kaustubha gem His form is embellished with many beautiful jewels He has lotus petal-shaped eyes His majesty is enhanced by sapphire earrings He sometimes enacts the pastimes of Lord Shiva He is very dear to His spiritual master He is aware of the attributes of His own holy name He imparts teachings about the holy names He is dear even to the lowest outcastes His character is totally immaculate He is engaged in the welfare of all living beings He is the younger brother of Vishvarupa He incarnated during the time of dusk He is desirous of cooling the burning sufferings of living beings His compassion is limitless He is very secretive He preaches devotion unto the true Self He is absorbed in the greatest bliss He behaves as a dramatic actorr He is fond of dancing, singing & chanting the holy names He is a learned scholar and poet He is dear to those who are suffering He is meticulously clean He is spotlessly pure He confers ecstatic loving emotions He is intimate with the great devotees His divine lotus feet are worshiped by Lord Indra and all the rulers of various heavenly planets He is the crest jewel of renunciates Krishna-He is the all attractive Supreme Personality of Godhead He is the purifier of the renounced order Chaitanya-He is the living force of all creation Krishna-Chaitanya-He is the all-attractive living force He carries the staff of the renounced order He abandons the staff of the renounced order He is dear to the divine madman (Srila Nityananda Prabhu) He shows His six-armed form to Nityananda He gives perfection to His devotee Mukunda He behaves with meek and humble mannerisms He gives nectar to this devotee Vasudeva (the leper) He is the Lord of the life of Gadadhara Pandita He removes the distress of His devotees He bestows ultimate shelter to His devotees He is dear to those who possess nothing He is the life and soul of all creation He accepts only the good qualities of others He is victorious over the influence of the material senses He is blind to the faults of others He has a pleasant face He is supremely sweet He is very precious to behold He delivers Maharaja Pratapa Rudra from obstacles He is the beloved of Ramananda Raya He is the spiritual master of every living being He is endowed with limitless good qualities He is the sole purifier of all places of pilgrimage He is the Lord of the spiritual world of no anxiety He is the Lord of all the material planets He assumes different forms according to the desires of His devotees He is the supreme shelter for all living beings He is the greatest performer of yoga He imparts intellectual knowledge of devotion He is the Lord and Master of all His words emit showers of pure nectar He is the savior of the earth He speaks truthfully He can endure all forms of misery He delights the people of Orissa He embodies the form of all universal nectar It is recommended that upon rising in the morning, one faithfully approach and recite this transcendental sin-destroying prayer to Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the great soul. One who does will feel the awakening of ecstatic loving devotion unto Lord Hari; of this there is no doubt. Even if one is afflicted with an incurable disease, one becomes freed from all danger of the ailment. Even if one has committed all types of offenses, one becomes freed from their effects. If one chants this great prayer with faith and transcendental devotion on Lord Chaitanya's appearance day (the full moon day in the month of Phalguna), then one perpetually attains the fulfillment of their each and every pure desire. If a devotee couple wishes to have a child but are unable, then they will obtain a Vaishnava child without a doubt. And at the time of death, they will attain remembrance of Sri Chaitanya-deva and enter His eternal pastimes.
Am I eternally fallen,
Do I have voice in my existence,
Each day I awake to a new world.
Must I act according to this body,
This bottle of mine can fill with poison,
When less logical and less compassionate come together,
I've no need to understand, all my Guru says to me,
There are 26 qualities of a devotee. The guidelines of our transcendental father are given to us in sastra and in the other worlds scriptures, summarily, to be kind, loving, compassionate and thoughtful, and to this end to strive to be self-controlled, disciplined, responsible, and in general to think in terms of what is beyond oneself, to think and to work for the good of all. What of the laws of the mother, then? These are of course, the laws of nature, and they work in harmony with the laws of the father, but whereas fatherlaw only applies to humankind, motherlaw applies to all species. They are ingested with her milk, that is, to live and to die in order to feed and benefit others. This is most apparent in vegetation simply because we are animals and from our viewpoint, plants are indispensible. Yet from the point of view of the humble herb, without the exhaled breath of animal life, the atmosphere would soon be starved of CO2 emissions and all plant life would die. It is not only trees that are do-gooders, but everything including even the cursed bacteria and insects which control populations and rid them of weaker health and disposition. When we see the world from the viewpoint that all pain is bad, then we see this world as a prison, full of punishments vented upon its various inmates of differing forms. We then see mother nature in her external form, as durga, garlanded by skulls. If we instead see pain for what it is, as the impetus for growth, renewal and birth, if we tear away our stubborn conviction that pain is bad, we see nature as Laxmidevi, as the hand of good fortune in a world motivated by her benevolent lotus-laden hand, the touch of love and protection. Someone once told me that there is a disease one can contract whereby you lose the ability to feel pain. Wow, what a blessing to the believer in happiness! Not so, most sufferers of this disease are prone to blindness and other disabilities. The reason that the eye is so pain sensitive is to protect the delicate organ from harm, and the same goes for all parts of our body. In addition, the science of naturopathy teaches that illness is the body ridding itself of toxins and a sign to us to regulate our eating, sleeping, defense and mating. Pain or discomfort is nature's warning that the body is in danger in some way, investigate! Look in that eye for the sharp object, lest you lose your vision! Nature is benevolent by - nature! Everything we see as good, has its downside, everything we see as bad has its upside, for instance, you win the lottery. Whooppee! Did you know that your chances of severe depression and suicide have suddenly escalated? The money in time evaporates, the opportunities it offers vanish, and the feeling of loss is torturous. The same can be said for finding love, entering a long-awaited pregnancy, or any other opportunity for celebration. So how is that benevolent? And what about when the mother shakes her mantle, causing buildings to crack open and collapse, causing untold misery? There is no misery, no cruel twist of fate that does not nurture knowledge or love. Opportunities for compassion, selflessness, heroism and utter surrender to the greater good abound in times of so-called disaster, and we see such opportunities opening up many hearts. Even long after the disaster happens, it is much contemplated upon, thus there is cultivation of knowledge of a loving spirit to find ways to overcome the problem, even if it does not involve one personally. The benefits of love to ones personal inner growth are incalculable, and a profound sense of happiness called joy is its natural unsought consequence. Thus we can see that misery gives birth to joy, but that happiness, when it is externally based, gives birth in due course to misery. So is this a pointless cycle? Not so, think again, the circle is not closed! Misery does not inspire in due course happiness, but joy, the joy of opening one's heart to another, of extending a hand to the needy, of solacing a grieving soul, which causes misery in the victim to be alleviated, and causes an ongoing sensation in the giver of greater satisfaction. That joy is not the happiness of material gain which gives birth in due course to grief. So it is not a cycle, but rather a spiral, honing one towards an inner point. Considering all this we should not ask "if God (/mother nature) is loving, then why is there so much suffering?" but rather, "if God(/mother nature) is loving, then why is there so much happiness?" If God and nature are loving they will give situations of opportunity for love. Of course, we do not have to wait for disasters to happen to be loving, there are little disasters happening constantly all around us, it might be so ordinary as the loneliness of the old lady next door to us. Extending love has unlimited portals between people, and between people and other species. There is a plague of loneliness in western countries, just as in the third world there is the curse of hunger, and to the extent that we work for the greater good, we fulfill what both the motherlaw and fatherlaw teach us. Greater good for all must mean environmental awareness. It is only the human species that can wreak havoc in the motherworld of nature, for while motherlaw is inviolable, fatherlaw is optional and uniquely designed only for the human species. They are in fact non-different, with only this exception. Motherlaw is ingested, it is part of her breastmilk and her lifebreath, for every being that feeds and breathes benefits another . Fatherlaw however is given as an optional choice, for it is only through free choice that love becomes a part of ones inner being. Even Adolf Hitlers bodily molecules interacted with others to benefit the plant species and provide dead organic tissue for soil nourishment, but he was not well-known as loving! Motherlaw creates love as a principle, and fatherlaw creates it as a goal of human aspiration. Thus there are some humans who work against the greater good, and some who work towards it. Natural laws are broken in the process of giving man free choice, and now nature teeters on the brink of breakdown. Her hand of protection cannnot violate the fathers will to give man the choice to love- or not. My point in writing this is to give a sense of this world not as a prisonhouse to be escaped from into the shining light of Vaikuntha, for such an attitude is spiritual narcissism, which is pseudo-spirituality. The sense of the world as a prisonhouse is given only to neophytes to open their eyes to the nature of material happiness and have them aspire for something beyond it. A prisonhouse is always hated by the inmates, and if it were destroyed, there would be much cause for celebration, but the world and the bodies we inhabit are not prisons, so much as vehicles for our evolution. This world is perfectly designed to nurture a loving attitude in its evolving inhabitants, as an emanation of the mother and father, it lives and breathes Their divine qualities of love and the desire to help us evolve into Their own likenesses, personalities fully capable of loving exchange, fully sensitive, caring, selfless. We are not meant to hate or renounce this world but rather live here and use the lessons life here teaches us, which are priceless. Now there is an environmental crisis upon us, and it requires a new skill, full cooperation on the part of the so-called priveleged nations to renounce that technology which we are only beginning to realize is extremely harmful, both in terms of political and ecological stability. The convenience of that technology is addictive, its effects are not immediately visible, and we are tempted to think that the sacrifices we make will not make a significant difference. This is the egocentric "I am God" mentality, that I must make a earth-shattering change, or just go on enjoying.
To show us that small is just as beautiful, God put Himself within our hearts, and furthermore, within the tiniest of objects, the atom. He witnesses the choices we make from within, from the motivation to serve, to give, to work to please Him and serve Him. It is only the neophyte who sees Him only in the temple and not in the hearts and souls of all things, including all the species threatened by climate change, what to speak of the islanders whose very lands will be inundated, what to speak of those who will be affected by the drought and famines predicted by the scientific community. The Lord in the heart can see our willingness to submit to the greater good of all things that He resides within, even if we cannot have the satisfaction of seeing a huge difference, for that is totally selfless love. This all-encompassing crisis on our doorstep can only be counteracted by all-encompassing love and willing sacrifice on each of our parts. We can do it as followers of any religion, or even no religion, but as followers of the line of vedic thought, we have the greatest impetus of knowing that the Lord is beyond the walls of the temple, is witnessing our callousness and our care, our sacrifice and selfishness, and that He loves, cares for and pervades every chook and granny of His creation.
The first and foremost principle of Krishna Consciousness is chanting the Hare Krishna mantra: "Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare"
This mantra is a prayer to the Supreme Lord which means: "O energy of the
Lord (Hare), O all-attractive Lord Krishna, O Supreme Enjoyer (Rama), please
engage me in Your service."
"To prosecute Krishna Consciousness there is no limitation, no material impediment can stop progress of Krishna Consciousness. That is the symptom of spiritual life. Spiritual life doesn't depend on material conditions.
"We have got many instances from the history of devotee's life as Prahlada
Maharaja. He was a small school boy, his father and teachers were all
against God Consciousness. Still he flourished and converted all his class
fellows to be Krishna Conscious in spite of severe trials experimented on
his personal body.
(Srila Prabhupada letter, February 13, 1968) On another occasion, Prabhupada wrote to a young student who was having health problems, and who couldn't attend the official temple programs established by Srila Prabhupada in one of his nearby asramas: "It does not matter that you do not live within our temple, since you say your health does not permit. But you can make your home a temple for Krishna. "First thing is that you should try to follow strictly our regulative principles -- no meat, fish or eggs; no intoxicants, including coffee, tea and cigarettes; no illicit sex; and no gambling. Try also to chant as many times as possible the Hare Krishna mantra on japa beads. You may keep a picture of Lord Krishna in your house and after cooking you may learn to offer the foodstuffs to the picture of Krishna."
(Srila Prabhupada letter, January 27, 1973)
For example, during a lecture at Harvard University in 1969, Srila Prabhupada explained: "You can chant anyway, anywhere. Whether you are in the college, whether you're on the street, whether you are sleeping, lying, or whatever, you can chant. Because God has given you this tongue and you can chant. "Don't think that Krishna is for the Indian or for the Hindus. No. Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna. This Krishna is for everyone. For the human being, for the animals -- everyone. So if you think that Krishna is belonging to some particular country or religion, then you can chant your own way. If in your religion, in your scripture, there is any God's name, you can chant that also. Our only propaganda is that you increase your love of God. And the simple process is to chant this Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. There is no charge for it. There is no loss on your part. There is no inconvenience on your part. At any moment, at any place. There is no restriction. So why don't you take advantage of this great boon to the human society? "In whatever position you are, either you are a student or a lawyer or something else, you can chant Hare Krishna and realize yourself. We don't recommend that you change your position. That is not our recommendation. But if you can be fully devoted in Krishna consciousness, that is very nice." (Srila Prabhupada lecture at Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, December 24, 1969) As a personal example, I can relate a small story in this regard. As a teenager, I was attending an alternative High School in Winnipeg, Canada. At the time, there was no temple in that particular city, but I had heard about "Hare Krishna" through the poetry of Allen Ginsberg (Indian Journals), via the Magical Mystery Tour album by The Beatles, through the Broadway Musical Hair, and by reading about the movement in Rolling Stone magazine and through some Back to Godhead magazines which I had purchased at a local head shop. I was fascinated, but there was no one around who could explain or elucidate upon the subject matter in person. So I started to correspond with the secretary of Krishna Consciousness in Los Angeles. He very kindly took me under his wing, sent me some chanting (japa) beads, a few altar photos and various instructions on how to offer my food and practice Krishna Consciousness at home while I completed my studies at High School. I humbly set up a makeshift altar in my room and regularly offered some food and water to a picture of Lord Krishna -- including acorns, flowers, twigs, leaves and even stones! Eventually I purchased a copy of the early edition of Bhagavad-gita As It Is, and proudly took it to school every day, which soon became my personal Bible (replacing my tattered copies of The Dhammapada and The Egyptian Book of the Dead). In fact, it caught the attention of my High School principal, who requested that I take a walk with him and explain just what in the world I was getting myself into! It seemed pretty weird to him, to say the least. But his interest was piqued, and so began my first awkward and simple preaching attempts. In the beginning he challenged me: "Why not chant 'Coca-cola, Coca cola...' instead of 'Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna...'" Surely the results would be the same he surmised. But I had read some of Srila Prabhupada's books beforehand and therefore came prepared. l replied that in fact the mantra or chanting had to be strictly authorized by Vedic authorities handed down in disciplic sucession from time immemorial to a pure devotee of Krishna. The Vedic mantras were strictly authorized -- like the mailbox on the street which was authorized by the government. It's not that one can just post letters in any old box, but they had to be placed there by the postal system, otherwise the letters would never get to their respective destinatons. Despite my bumbling efforts at explaining the basics of Krishna Conscious philosophy, he seemed rather convinced and requested that I write some essays on the topic. Luckily, my principal was a little impressed to the point where he even tried chanting Hare Krishna himself, and soon granted me permission to leave High School early, so that I could strike out and look for a Hare Krishna temple, since he agreed that it was my true calling in life. Years later, I learned that my favorable principal had died prematurely, but at least I was gratified to know that he had chanted the holy names of Krishna and had graciously sent me on my way to begin a new life of Krishna Consciousness. Additionally, just after leaving High School, word got around town that I was going to join Srila Prabhupada's movement, and lo and behold, my best friend's father (a lawyer) called me on the telephone and said that he needed to see me urgently. I agreed, and he came to my door in haste. "Here," he said, "please take this. I want you to have it because I believe in what you're doing." He handed me a crumpled fifty dollar bill -- a whole lot in those days. Sadly, I heard just a short while later that he had committed suicide. But somehow or other, he gave a donation towards Krishna's service before he departed from this world. The point of relating these stories about my humble beginnings in Krishna Consciousness is to share my tiny experience that once having begun the process of devotional service, Krishna will reciprocate and help clear away the obstacles to one's spiritual progress. So I heartily recommend to all sincere aspirants to begin your Krishna Consciousness without delay. You can start by setting up your own altar with a few pictures of Srila Prabhupada, Lord Caitanya, and Sri Sri Radha-Krishna. Chant Hare Krishna sincerely and regularly, and everything else will follow. Included below are photos of my own simple altar which has accompanied me around the world for more than 30 years. (By Krishna's causeless mercy, Srila Prabhupada's murti at the top of this page also graces my altar.) As I've resided in a number of countries in which there are no temples, this humble altar has been my refuge and protection not only in regular life, but also in some very dangerous situations. Srila Prabhupada has stated: "Anyone can adopt this simple method. There is no expenditure, there is no tax, nor is there any need to build a very big church or temple. Anyone, anywhere, can sit down on the road or beneath a tree and chant the Hare Krishna mantra and worship God." (Srila Prabhupada lecture, London's Conway Hall, November, 1969) So this is how it all began for me. After first hearing the chanting of Hare Krishna from Allen Ginsberg, I would go down to the local river bank every day during lunch break at school and sit beneath a tree and chant the holy names of Krishna. Later, when I purchased the Radha Krishna Temple Album when it first came out on L.P. format (long before CD's and the Internet), I connected with Srila Prabhupada through the chanting of his sincere disciples and the beautiful photo of Prabhupada on the back cover. From then on, I was hooked. Srila Prabhupada changed my life for the better forever -- and he can do the same for you too.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
At Work by Bhaktin Kathe Posted August 13, 2007
Oh, the inner smile All living entities have eternal relationship with Krishna. Krishna (paramatma) is present in everyone's heart and is our best friend, guru, maintainer and protector. All living entities are seeking Him who is so close to us. This manifest in various faiths, religions etc. It is our prime duty and goal to seek or redevelop relationship with paramatma. When we look inwards and seek Him, hear Him or talk with Him, He responds. Everyone has full opportunity to redevelop relationship with paramatma. Our relationship with Krishna is personal and is independent of others. We cannot blame our failure to come closer to Him on others. So, the examples cited by Bhaktin Sara cannot blame temples. Temple is a place where like-minded people can come together and help each other in advancing in bhakti. But if temple does not provide that opportunity, then we should strive our best to come closer to paramatma who is within us. Our relationship with paramatma is not dependent on temples, external rituals or even external consciousness. It is our internal consciousness. For example, a person may be engaged in jap, puja, kirtan etc. He might be even living in the temple. But if his mind is not focussed upon Krishna but thinking of material things, then his activities are failure as stated in following verse.
Sa mohah sa ca vibhramah Yan-muhurtam ksanam vapi Vasudevam na cintayet If even for a moment remembrance of Vasudeva is missed, that is the greatest loss, that is the greatest illusion, and this is the greatest anamoly. (Vishnu Purana) On the contrary, a person who might not be coming to temple or living in temple is a great devotee if he spends most of his time remembering Krishna. Krishna as paramatma will guide him and bring him to continuous remembrance of Krishna in due course of time or births.
yo mam smarati nityasah tasyaham sulabhah partha nitya-yuktasya yoginah For one who always remembers Me without deviation, I am easy to obtain, O son of Prtha, because of his constant engagement in devotional service. (BG 8.14) Padma Purana tells us how to decide what is right or wrong in following verse:
Vismartavyo na jatucit Sarve vidhi nisedhah syur Etayor eva kinkarah Vishnu should always be remembered and never forgotten at any moment. All the rules (actions to be performed) and prohibitions (actions not to be performed) should be the servants of these two principles. (Padma Purana) Bhaktin Sara >>>> I am wondering where to invite new people who want to learn about Krishna in a safe, slow, organic, westernized way - who are not ready for temple life - like a kindergarten classroom where all are welcome to learn the basics, and grow and make mistakes. Any ideas? My suggestion is that our main and prime goal should be to first increase our own remembrance of Krishna as stated in above verse from Padma Purana. We should observe our mind and focus it on Krishna and let go negative thoughts. We should start slowly. For example, first try to remember Krishna while doing easy activities like brushing, taking shower, before going to sleep, before starting driving, before eating etc. Then, try to increase that remembrance more and more. Also, remember Him while doing japa. While we are trying our best to increase our remembrance by constantly observing mind, we should provide others opportunity to remember. For example, one can invite friends to ecstatic kirtans in temple and teach them how to participate in them i.e. do kirtan with remembrance. Help them to start some japa for few minutes with remembrance. Once they take few simple steps towards Krishna, then Krishna will help them as He loves them most. Also, we can ourselves act as guide to others if we are trying our best to remember Krishna as much as we can. If Bhaktin Sara is serious, then she is better teacher than temples because it is very hard to find devotees in temples who truly engage their mind upon Krishna. Generally, they do devotional ritual external but their mind is engrossed on something else than Krishna. So, if you are truly concerned about others, then focus your mind upon Krishna and guide others.
-Gaurav Mittal
The jewel of the Brahmins Nimai Pandit. Brought the Lord's name to all who could hear Renewing their faith abandoning fear. Like fire devouring the wood of a tree The holy name rose giving Vaishnavas ecstacy. As astute scholars with dust in the hearts Saw their dry tree of knowledge break into parts. You came to deliver the most fallen souls Giving Your mercy for free. All are entitled to pure KrsnaPrema With only desire the fee. The method was simple, as still it is Just chant the Lord's name and he who gives, This treasure to others transcends all time, For he has thus rendered a service sublime. Advaita Acharya prayed for You to descend, Because His heart was full of grief. The ways of the world for You to amend. The people had given up their belief. The time had arrived, when You heard His call But as You were ready to go, The love You saw glowing in someone else That's what You wanted to know. You were enchanted by a goddess supreme A love like Her's You'd never seen And when its sweetness entered Your heart Was the secret reason You had to depart. Wishing to know the glory of Her love The qualities in You She savors The happiness She feels from Your love You desired these intimate flavors. You shared this sweet rasa with only a few Though it couldn't stay tightly covered But just as the thorns a camel does chew Tasting his blood and relishing too With no adikar the fools never knew How this most precious love is discovered I am standing in back of a line of great saints Called the disciplic succession This has all been passed down and handed to me And that's how I've taken possession. My guru bestowed his mercy upon me To hear this most confidential truth And Lord Sri Caitanya delivers the fallen
Of this I am living proof.
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Preacher by Madhavendra Puri das Posted December 27, 2009
In siddhanta vaishnava,
His Divine Grace, our master,
Though he chastized your followers,
You surely know, that every year, A poem in celebration of Srila Prabhupada's disappearance day, October 21, 2009.
Bhaktivinod's statement is still
To spread the Name, you tried indeed,
Through the ether and through the air,
Bhakti within, from Goloka,
Sitting down at Seva Kunja,
Then while circling around Bhumi,
Dear Prabhupada, though we miss you,
For many years, in the future,
If we reason "A bit healthy"
The powerful Acharya, PART I
In the midst of Kali Yuga,
Under the rule of Victoria,
For your mother and Gour Mohan
Your dear father, a cloth merchant,
When performing his arati,
Banging your head against the floor,
By going to the mandira
You managed to have your own Rath
Loosing your mother's protection,
During the year nineteen-sixteen,
English, Sanskrit, Philosophy
Though you retained the siddhanta
Exposed to the propaganda
Your heart would lean towards Gandhi
A fateful day Narendranath
Of the Guru, on the roof top
"You have received education
In sixty-five, August thirteen, SRILA VYASADEVA'S DAY 2009 PART II
While in Butler Pennsylvania,
In New York State, Doctor Mishra,
You kept alive the true vision
On a bench with Mister Ruben
Your eyes would scan every building
Testifying that in the West
If people, in America,
On West Seventy Second Street,
In your mind's eyes, for Lord Krishna,
You emphasized to the wealthy
Seeing the end of your visa,
To the owner you made a plea
You survived on contributions
From gurubhai Bon Maharaj,
To get money out of India,
You were ready, to make a change,
Some responded with their silence
Sadly, at the end of the day,
By nature, you were not the kind
Always yearning for Vrindavan,
Being victim of burglary,
Your moving to the Bowery
You gave lectures regularly
Your host flipping on LSD,
The shop would be for lecturing.
You seized the opportunity
Although on the Lower East Side,
You had written the documents
Having received a precious seed,
Madhavendra Puri das (ACBSP)
Financial markets in a free-fall. Chaos on Wall St. International markets in a tailspin. European bailout. More banks to fail. Sound alarming? (News flash: it's suppose to; that's how the media sells information better.) Sorry you didn't send donations to Gita Nagari, get your own cow, or relocate to Mayapur? The SP varnamasrama quotes are coming fast and furious in various discussion forums; the imperative for life based on agriculture is palpable in the Vaisnava chat rooms. Meanwhile, do you see anything has changed? Trains are still rolling, and the laptop still charges up from a wire to the wall. Am I missing something here? I am not the only one unconcerned about the up and down's of business cycles. Life as usual as far as I, and most of the detached pundits see; nothing out of the ordinary. Of course, there will be an adjustment in the level of sense gratification of the less fortunate; there has always been societies of have and have-not's. Kali yuga continues to slide toward increased exploitation over the next 400,000 + years. Can't even imagine. But as far as the recent bump in the road, it doesn't even rate a blip on the radar screen. Regarding the end of civilization as we know it, not so fast. The descent is subtle. The population may have to give up some of their latte's, but let us look forward to the temporary bread lines. It's an opportunity for Food for Life, distribution of books, and some serious introspection. Prabhupada's movement expanded the fastest during the decade of economic sluggishness and a repressive world environment (Vietnam, Cold War, apartheid, etc.). SEEKERS! We'll keep the lights on for you. Bring on the credit crunch!
Here is a prayer I found in Padma Purana. It destroys sins and attracts merits for those who recite it: "Oh supreme Tulsi, the best gods sing your glory. Even sages, siddhas and the lord of the snakes do not understand your glories and the measures of your qualities after hundreds of crores of kalpas. You came form the joy of Vishnu at the time of the churning of the milk ocean. Since Vishnu held you on his head, you became pure, having fully touched the limbs of Vishnu. I salute you Tulsi. Since I worship with the lord with your offshoots, remove my difficulties so I could reach the highest position. You were planted on the bank of Gomati and tended by Krishna himself. Krishna in Vrindavan served Tulsi for the good of the world and the gopis, for the progress of Gokula, and for Kamsa's death. You who are dear to the world was planted on the order of Vashistha by Rama. He planted you on the bank of the Sarayu for killing the demons. You are planted for progress in penance. I bow to you Tulsi. Sita when she was separated from Rama meditated on you in Lanka and was united with her dear one.. Formerly Parvati planted you in the Himalaya to increase her penance and to gain Shankar as her lord. You who delight others are served by the wives of the gods for the destruction of evil dreams. The manes serve Tulsi in Dharamayana and Gaya. Rama planted Tulsi in the Dandaka forest. Lakshman looked after her. Sita protected her. As Ganga is glorified in the sacred texts. So also is Tulsi in the world of the mobile and immobile. Sugriva while living in Rshyamuka served Tulsi for destroying Vali. Having saluted Tulsi, Hanuman crossed the sea and came back after carrying out his mission. Putting on one leaf of Tulsi, a man goes to Vishnu's heaven, being free from sins. He is freed from the murder of a brahmana. He who bears on his head the water trickling down your lotus like leaf obtains a bath in the Ganges by so doing. Oh goddess, you who have sprung from the churning of the ocean of milk, be pleased with me. I salute you." I'm still disposed to send Tulsi and her offshoots to anyone. I am not promising that the seeds will spring up like giants as soon as you drop them in a pot of Home Depot earth. That part depends on where you live and your stage of devotion. Tulsi is not a winter bird, she's a tropical plant. But the leaves and manjaris can be offered in any condition, and you could get the full benefit of using the remnant prasadam. The sight, the touch, the prayers, and the offering of Tulsi to Krishna is equally meritorious. All the great devotees and gods have sought the blessings of Tulsi. 'The magic is in the chanting' yes. But we still must follow the example of the sadhus who have perfected the path of bhakti. Those who 'chant Hare Krishna' must also evolve...etiquette and mentality must evolve from barbaric to refined so that the heart would be prepared bit by bit for Krishna's association. I'm saying this to myself most of all. Its not so easy to knock on Krishna's door. It requires a lot of preparation. I'll send Tulsi to you all at a cheap rate, you can reimburse the postage afterwards. I have sent to all those who asked. I think some addresses got lost in my spam. Sorry for that. Please send them again, and let me know in what condition Tulsi reaches, if and when it does.
my email is drupatisingh@aol.com
A tree is reflected in the water as upside down. Similarly, this material world is a perverted reflection of the spiritual world. In the spiritual world there is love between Radha and Krishna. Krishna is always young (nava-yauvana), and Radharani is always young, because She is Krishna's pleasure potency. We worship not Krishna alone but Krishna with His eternal consort, Srimati Radharani. There is eternal love between Radharani and Krishna. Therefore the Vedanta-sutra says, janmady asya yatah: The Absolute Truth is that from which everything emanates. In this world we find love between mother and son, between wife and husband, between master and servant, between friends, between the master and the pet, whereas these are only reflections of the spiritual world. Just as here we love dogs and cats, there Krishna loves cows and calves, as we see in some pictures. The propensity to love even an animal is there in the spiritual world; otherwise, how can it be reflected? This world is simply a reflection. If in the reality there is nothing like that, how can it be reflected here? Everything is there in the spiritual world. To understand that original propensity to love, we should practice Krishna consciousness. As per the process, we worship the Deity, take prasadam and chant Krishna's holy names. In this way we'll learn how to understand Krishna, and then our lives will be successful, blissful and sublime.
This is an extract from ISCKON Youth Forum's E-newsletter The Higher
Taste. If you like what you've read, you may get future issues delivered
to you by e-mailing
THT-Ezine-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
An offering to Srila Prabhupada on his disappearance day: One moon is better than a million stars, but one moon is bettered by many moons. The League of Devotees searches for success, but stumbles not sure what that success shall be. Srila Prabhupada is an eloquent lecturer, an incisive conversationalist, a singer of many mellows, a concise commentator, a powerful person of divine transcendence. In unique contribution, he throws open the storeroom of Krsna-prema and shares out that nectar to any person of any place without prejudice. Never before has an acarya of such sublime status traversed the globe. Even the Supreme Lord Himself confined His pastimes to one treasured area of this planet. However, in 1965 all that changes. Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai enjoy pastimes within the bodies of Their devotees. In the twelve years after 1965, those Lords travel within the heart of Srila Prabhupada to all corners of this planet to create the only true revolution - a rebellion of the heart. An uprising against ignorance, an insurrection against indulgence, a refusal of illusion, let the chimeras be replaced with a march against misery, a gathering for eternity, and the descent of divinity. No fetters bind the compassion of the Lord: let the crippled dance, the lame leap mountains, and the blind witness stars in the sky. Srila Prabhupada guides many fallen souls to come bathe in the golden fountain of love those Divine Lords open freely to the forlorn residents of this damned world. "Live together in peaceful simplicity upon the banks of this golden spring, drink deeply of eternity there, and expand the margins so that all may come for comfort and be refreshed to find their life beginning anew." A gospel of pure delight, a teaching of wrong from right, a torch brightens this world of endless night. Yet, the jungle beckons many back from the borders of that reservoir. With weak evanescence, they deem I shall take a final look at the place where many animals prowl. Let me gaze one more time at all those sufferings inside the forest from which I have escaped. No harm can befall me now. Alas, many beasts lurk in the shadows to devour the unwary and whimsical. The meandering path is laid with thorns and deep traps. Almost all leave the fresh precincts of that golden fountain, harkening to the waves of the wild, to find that loss is their only gain. Those faithful souls that remain chaste and sweetly sustain themselves by nectar upon the beauteous banks of the golden fountain will find joy in abundance when their days of patience are replaced with those of fulfillment. They shall be brilliant moons in the firmament. They shall bring luster to the earth. They shall illuminate all those they shelter. Those teachers of truth shall be the brilliant realization of the boundless gifts brought by Srila Prabhupada, spotless lights to the world and the success of his mission of mercy. An offering to Srila Prabhupada on his Disappearance Day.
Balavidya dasa
To all who bring a floral wreath,
If I'm a soul and live forever
Place them in a pretty pot
A friend may need them more than me
One thing you have to do today
With interest I read a recent article about an ISKCON constitution. There is no real need for anyone to make up a new one. Srila Prabhupada wrote one already. It can be found on pages 154-155 of "The Beginning," the 1966 New York Journal of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acarya for the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.
"The Beginning" was published by The Bhaktivedanta Archives, © Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, 1996, from diaries held by Bali Mardan das and from other original documents. Bali Mardan prabhu, a life trustee of the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, lent the archives his source material with my encouragement for production. They have printed Srila Prabhupada's diaries in two very nice books, The Beginning and The Jaladuta Diary, which you can get from The Bhaktivedanta Archives, P.O. Box 255, Sandy Ridge, NC 27046, U.S.A.; telephone (910) 871-3636.
Here is a true copy of the aforementioned Constitution:
CONSTITUTION OF ASSOCIATION
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Since the vast majority of our readers are coming to Srila Prabhupada and
Krishna Consciousness for the first time through Internet searches, and
without access to devotee association or a nearby Hare Krishna temple, many
people have inquired about how they can set up an altar in their homes and
start practicing Krishna Consciousness at their own pace.
As God and His name are nondifferent from Him and thus all-powerful
("Hallowed be the name of the Lord"), when we chant His holy name sincerely,
we are directly associating with Him and we become purified. As we become
more advanced in chanting Hare Krishna, we feel God's presence more and
more, and consequently we become automatically happy and satisified on the
spiritual platform. Therefore, "Chant Hare Krishna and be happy" is one of
our favorite mottos in Krishna Consciousness. Please try it for yourself and
see the results. "The proof of the pudding is in the eating."
In addition, we recommend that you set up an altar in your home to help you
focus even more on the Lord and His service. Although many cities in the
world now have established temples with elaborate worship and regular
programs available to the public, for those unable to attend, Srila
Prabhupada recommends the simple process of advancing in spiritual life
wherever you may live and in whatever circumstances you may find yourself.
Prabhupada has repeatedly said that there are no material impediments to
Krishna Consciousness. All that's required is the sincere desire and effort
on your part. "If you take one step towards Krishna, then Krishna will take
ten steps towards you."
