Ocean of Bliss

The Greatness of Chanting

2011-11-24T18:17:00.001-08:00

On her recent visit to Malaysia, Srimati Uma didi gave wonderful explanation on the powers of the maha-mantra. Below is an excerpt of Didi's class.

"[Once, in a village, a young boy was bitten by a snake. His parents were heart-broken. They wept bitterly. The whole village came over to see what had happened. Then someone said he will call a snake charmer who is expert in mantras.

Soon the snake charmer came. He kept reciting a mantra. He also put some stones on the boy's head, on his eyes and other important areas of the boy's body as only known to the snake charmer.

After much recitation of the mantra, the snake which bit the boy came. It sucked out all the poison from the boy's body. The snake then died. And the boy was saved.]

If a worldly mantra can have so much power, just imagine what the maha-mantra can do.

Hare Krsna Hare Krsna

Krsna Krsna

Hare Hare

Hare Rama Hare Rama

Rama Rama

Hare Hare

This is the top most mantra. If anyone has taken shelter of a bona-fide guru, and following all of Sri Guru's instruction, then the disciple will see the results quickly. Meaning he will feel peace and bliss. He will not be disturbed by the material calamities.

The maha-mantra has been infused by Sri Guru's powers when He initiated the disciple. It is now the duty of the disciple to follow all the instructions of Sri Guru strictly.

Also, when Srila Gurudeva was exhibiting his "sick pastimes" there was a time when he needed to be operated on. The doctors administered anaesthesia. Usually a patient will be asked to count 1 to 10 and then he or she dozes of. Their counting will be get weaker and weaker.

But Srila Gurudeva was chanting the maha-mantra. And each time it only got stronger and stronger. All the doctors were amazed. They realized that Srila Gurudeva was not an ordinary person. Somehow or other the operation did take place. As for the doctors, the paid obeisances to Srila Gurudeva everyday!

You should never think that the maha-mantra Sri Guru gave you in an ordinary sense."

Mahaprabhu Followed Caturmasya

2011-09-29T19:21:00.000-07:00

The Beginning of Caturmasya - 14-15 July 2011

[Dear Readers,

July 14th or July 15th, 2011 (see calendar) is the beginning of Caturmasya, the four month period each year from July into November, in which devotees observe certain rules and regulations in order to advance in their bhakti. There are many items that are not allowed during Caturmasya, such as leafy vegetables on the first month, yogurt on the second month, milk on the third month, and mustard oil on the fourth month. Besides this, throughout all four months, tomatoes, eggplants, honey and several other foodstuffs are prohibited. (Please see the rest of the list below). Srila Gurudeva gave this talk on September 13, 2000 in Mathura.]

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu used to follow all these rules very strictly, but nowadays we see that devotees don't follow. Our Guru Maharaja and Srila Prabhupada Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura were very strong in this regard. Srila Prabhupada said, "Take my photo during the four months of Caturmasya-vrata, to show that I never shave at that time. Always keep it; otherwise so many so-called disciples will say, 'Oh, Prabhupada never observed Caturmasya-vrata'."

By his causeless mercy, Parama-pujyapada Srila Bhaktivedanta Svami Maharaja gave concessions in the Western countries, and that is the only reason he also used to shave. The Westerners could not follow strictly at that time. That is why he allowed tomatoes and eggplant, that is also why he used to take them, and that is why he also allowed carrots.

I am therefore also giving concessions, not here in India, but in Western countries. If the devotees there like, they can take these items; but we don't take them. We should strictly follow our proper line from Mahaprabhu to Srila Prabhupada Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami Thakura and my gurus, Srila Bhaktiprajnana Kesava Gosvami Maharaja and Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Maharaja. In Western countries some concession may be given, but here in India we are very strict. If we cannot follow this, then how can we follow Sri Krsna, and how can we serve Sri Sri Radha and Krsna? Mahaprabhu shaved – after two months – and we follow this.

Restricted foods during the entire four months of Caturmasya:

Eggplants, tomatoes, loki, parmal, urad dahl, and honey

Particular foods that are restricted during each of the four months:

First month: No leafy vegetables, such as spinach, salads of all types, cabbages of all types, kale, leafy herbs like coriander, mint, parsley, curry andpowdered leafy herbs and teas
Second month: No yoghurt (if one requires it for health, it can be mixed with water)
Third month: No milk (if required, it can be mixed with a drop of lemon juice)
Fourth month: No mustard oil or sesame seeds

Foods that can be taken all days of the year, including Ekadasi and Caturmasya:

All fruits (fresh and dried), all nuts and all oils made from nuts
Potatoes, pumpkin, cucumber, radish, squash, lemon, avocado, olives, coconut buckwheat, all sugars
All pure milk products (except yoghurt during the 2nd month of Caturmasya and milk during the 3rd month)
For sannyasis, brahmacaris and vanaprasthas: shaving head and cutting nails is to be done on full moon days ( no shaving on Baladeva Purnima or Purnima at beginning of Kartik )

A Great Devotee of Lord Jagannatha (part 3)

2011-09-12T21:44:00.000-07:00

(This is the part 3 of the story of Dasia Bauri)

The Devotee's Devotion Captures the Lord's Heart

Day and night Dasia was thinking about the Lord. He knew nothing except the Lord. One night, he went to sleep meditating upon His lotus feet. He prayed, "Will that Lord be merciful upon me so that I can see that four handed form of the Lord?"

Understanding his mind, Lord Jagannath left the altar of His temple and appeared in front of Dasia. Dasia took darshan of the Lord to his heart’s content. He said, "What I had seen on the chariot is the same as the form before me now. I am directly seeing the Lord! Brahma and all of the demigods and asuras, yakhsas, gandharvsa, kirnars, siddhas, yogis and munis meditate constantly the lotus feet of Lord Hari. They are not able to see Him. I am ignorant, a low born. I have not done any devotional service. O Lord of the universe, You have come to my cottage."

The Lord, who was wearing yellow garments said, "Dasia, please listen. My heart is not attracted to heaven or liberation. Whoever worships me with devotion, My mind is attracted to him. Your mood of devotion is everything for Me. My dear devotee, please ask me what boon I can bestow upon you."

Being very pleased Dasia replied, "O my Lord, all I want is to remember Your lotus feet constantly. I do not need any other boon from You. Please bless me so that I can fix my mind at the lotus feet of Your devotees. Please bless me so that 1 can have Your darshan whenever I meditate upon You. I do not need anything else."

Hearing this, the Lord said, "Your life is blessed. Whenever you go to Puri, look upon Nila-chakra on the top of My temple. I will manifest to you there. Whatever you offer Me, I will accept that."

After saying this, the Lord disappeared.

The Coconut Offering

One day Baligram Dasia went to the home of one brahinana to sell some cloth. He saw a nice coconut in the tree.

He asked the brahinana, "Can you give me this coconut? I would like to offer this to Lord Jagannath. Whatever the cost, please deduct from the cost of my cloth."

The greedy brahinana said, "I can give you this coconut in exchange for the cloth."

Baligram Dasia had only this cloth to sell to maintain his livelihood. But he was not worried about that. He received the coconut in exchange for the cloth, and returned to his village. That day, one brahinana was going to Puri to offer many kinds fruits and milk to Lord Jagannath.

Baligram Dasia went to him and requested him to take his coconut to offer Lord jagannath. Baligram told the brahinana, "Please take this coconut. After finishing offering of your ingredients, please think about my offering. You hold my coconut standing behind Garuda stambha and appeal to the Lord that your devotee Baligram Dasia has sent this coconut. Please accept this. If the Lord will accept this coconut by extending His hand, then give it to Him. Otherwise, bring this coconut back to me."

Hearing this, the brahinana laughed and left for Puri. Baligrama Dasia went back to his house. The brahinana reached Jagannath temple and completed his puja to Lord Jagannath. When he was about to return, he remembered the coconut given to him by Baligrama Dasia. He thought, "Let me see what happens."

Out of curiosity, he went behind the Garuda pillar. Holding the coconut in his hand and closing his eyes, he said, "O Daru-brahma! Baligram Dasia has sent this coconut for You. Please accept it by extending Your lotus hand, otherwise I will take it back."

Suddenly the Lord extended His long arm from the altar and took the coconut from the hand of the brahinana. In this way, the coconut was offered to Lord Jagannath. Just see the strong faith of the devoteel Even Laxmi Devi cannot understand this. By seeing this, the brahinana started to cry in ecstasy. He said, "Oh Baligram Dasia! Your life is blessed! Your father and mother are blessed! All glories to them! Your village is blessed. Lord Pitavas has is so pleased with you."

This news spread among the people in the temple. Everybody glorified Baligrama Dasia for his unalloyed devotion.

The Mango Offerings

One day, Baligram Dasia was planning to go to Puri to take darshan of Lord Jagannath. He was thinking to take something to offer to the Lord. At that time one mango vendor came along. He had very nice looking, big, sweet mangoes. Baligram Dasia bought about forty mangoes and carried those mangoes in a basket to Puri. When he reached the Lion Gate, all the pandas were behind him to take the mangoes inside the temple’ to offer to the Lord. They were fighting with each other to take the mangoes.

Baligram Dasia said, "I do not need any of you to offer these mangoes."

The pandas said, "Then what will you do with the mangoes? If you do not give them to us, how can they be offered? What will you do with them if you take them back without offering them to the Lord? These mangoes are meant for offering to Lord. No one can touch them without first offering them to Him."

Baligram Dasia went ten feet back and placed the basket of mangoes on the ground. He looked upon the Nila-chakra. There he saw Lord Jagannath. He offered his obeisances and said, "O Bhagavan, these mangoes are Your property. You please enjoy them by your own sweet will. What is the need of these brahmanas fighting unnecessarily?"

After saying this, Baligram Dasia picked up two mangoes and showed them to the Nila-chakra. Immediately those mangoes disappeared and went to the hand of Lord Jagannath. Jagannath ate the mangoes happily. In this way, Lord Jagannath enjoyed all the mangoes. This is the nature of the Lord. It does not matter how low born one may be, if he has strong devotion, the Lord will be pleased to accept leaves, fruits and flowers from his hand. Whatever high caste one may be, if he has no devotion, if he offers many varieties of tasty food, still the Lord will not touch it.

After eating all the mangoes the Lord disappeared from the place. All the people were watching how the mangoes were vanishing from Baligrama Dasias's hand.

They asked him, "What happened to all mangoes? Is it some sort of mesmerism? Black magic?"

Dasia told them, "The Lord of the universe ate all mangoes. Go and check inside the temple."

All the pandas ran to temple. They were surprised to see mango seeds and peels lying all over the deity room. The brahamanas said, "You are a great devotee of the Lord. You have purchased the Lord by your devotion. Who is there like you in this universe? We are nothing compared to you."

The Humiltiy of Dasia

The brahmanas gave Baligrama the prasada garland of Lord Jagannath and blessed him to achieve the highest destination of life. Hearing this, Baligrama Dasia fell at the lotus feet of all the brahmanas. He smeared the dust of the feet of brahmanas all over his body. He offered them obeisances again and again. He said, "Oh brahmanas, I am so fortunate to be blessed by all of you."

The Different Forms of the Lord

After blessing Baligram Dasia in this way, all the brahmanas left. Baligrama Dasia meditated upon the Lord withm his heart. He said, "Chakrapani, I offer my obeisances to that all cognizant Lord. I have a humble request to you: Please show me all Your forms. Let my life be purified by taking darshan of Your different forms!"

Lord Jagannath, understanding the mind of Baligrama Dasia, appeared on top the temple at Nila-chakra in His different forms from the fish incarnation to His Kalki incarnation. Baligrama Dasia fell to the ground to offer obeisances again and again, and said, "Now I am delivered!"

Then he went back to his house to live, happily engaging himself in the devotional service of the Lord.

A Great Devotee of Lord Jagannatha (part 2)

2011-08-31T02:00:00.001-07:00

(This is part 2 of the story "A Great Devotee of Lord Jaganatha, about Dasia Bauri but from another place)

In a village called Baligram, two kilometers from Puri, there lived a low-caste tribal person named Dasia Bauri. Dasia was very much in ignorance and didn’t understand very much about what was pious behavior and what was sinful behavior. He had no children; he and his wife were very poor. Dasia was a weaver, and the money he made selling the cloth barely maintained him and his wife. During festival days, Dasia would visit the homes of brahmanas in his village and listen to the songs that glorified the Lord. Even though he could not understand anything, he liked to listen. In this way he was spending his life—working to maintain himself and occasionally hearing some kirtana on festival days.

At one point he accepted mantra initiation from a guru and started to wear kanthi mala and apply tilak on his forehead. He was associating with devotees and hearing hari-katha from them. Slowly he came to learn more, and soon he came to feel that Lord Sri Hari was the only truth. Whatever came Dasia's way, he was content in both happy and distressful conditions. Yet he often thought to himself, "Vidhata, destiny, has given me birth as a low-caste person. How can I get hari-bhakta being born in this low-caste family?"

Then it was time once again for the Jagannath Ratha-yatra at Puri. Thousands of people traveled to Puri from all over the country just to see Jagannath coming out of His temple and riding in His cart. Dasia thought that he should go to Puri and see the Lord. He wondered how the Lord looked. Thinking in this way he went to Puri, accompanied by others from his village. Arriving in Puri, he found a place on Grand Road during the festival. He stood in front of Nandighosh Ratha, the chariot of Lord Jagannath, taking darshan of the Lord.

Dasia was overcome with joy. Seeing Lord Jagannath sitting on the chariot, Dasia offered his obeisances. He started to shed tears as he gazed upon the beautiful face of the Lord. He was in ecstasy to see the beautiful reddish lips and black eyes of the Lord. He offered his prayers saying, "O my Lord Jagannath. I am the most sinful person in this world. Please do not neglect me. Please enlighten my heart with knowledge. You are known as Patita-pavana, deliverer of the fallen souls. O Bhagavan! Please deliver me."

Calling out in bliss, he offered prostrated obeisances to the Lord. He got up and said, "You are the only truth in this universe. Everything else is false. From now on, You are everything to me!" After saying this Dasia left for his village.

Dasia arrived at his house and his wife called him to eat. After washing his feet and hands, he sat down and his wife served the food she had prepared, which included rice and spinach. She put the freshly cooked rice, which looked very white in the middle of a red clay pot. On top of the rice she put black spinach. When she set it down in front of her husband, Dasia saw the red circle of the clay pot, in the middle was white rice, and on top of that was the black spinach. To Dasia's mind it resembled the eyes of Lord Jagannath.

He said, "Oh! This looks like the white lotus eyes of my Lord! How can I eat this?"

His body started to tremble and he could not speak. Tears were rolling down from his eyes, and the hairs of his body were standing on end. He became like a madman and started to say different kinds of things that no one could understand. He was clapping and dancing.

When his wife saw the strange behavior of her husband, she called some of the village leaders and asked them to please come and see how her husband had become mad. She was thinking that since he had gone to Puri maybe someone did some tantra to him to make him mad.

The villagers asked Dasia, "Why are you jumping like this and not eating rice?"

Dasia replied, "This looks exactly like the eyes of my Lord. How can I eat this?" After saying this Dasia started to dance. When the villagers heard this from Dasia, they were surprised to see his devotion.

They asked, "Where did you get this bhava? Did Bhavagrahi, Lord Jagannath, give His mercy to you? From today you will be known as Baligram Das."

They told his wife, "Please serve rice and spinach in two separate bowls."

When she served accordingly, Baligram Dasia ate peacefully.

From that day he fixed his mind on the lotus eyes of the Lord and always remembered the sound vibration of mridanga, karatal and ghanta (bell) during Ratha-yatra. Everything material he considered to be like poison. He became very peaceful, merciful, humble, and truthful. He was always thinking about Lord Padmanabha. He controlled all his senses and, closing his eyes, mediated upon the beautiful face of Lord Jagannath.

Jagannath is very dear to His devotees. The devotional mood of His devotee is everything for Him. He does not consider caste and creed and activities. No austerity, charity, religious activities, vrata, or traveling to holy places can please Him. What is the use of pious activities and charity? What is the use of worshiping the demigods? No one can attain Him by these things. He is Bhavagrahi, the abode of bhava. If one chants His holy name with firm conviction, the Lord belongs to him.

A Great Devotee of Lord Jagannatha (part 1)

2011-08-31T01:35:00.000-07:00

(A dear god-sister, who is residing in Orissa, sent me this sweet wonderful lila of Jagannatha and his dear most devotee, Hope you will find much inspiration from this katha)

Dasia Bauri – The Grea t Bhakta of The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Jagannatha Deva

Sri khetra Jagannath Puri is the Greatest dhama of the Supreme Lord, where Krishna (Shyamasundara) is manifesting in His eternally merciful and most joyful form known as avatari Jagannath. The place is further glorified by the foot dust of great unalloyed loving devotees called premi-bhaktas.

From time immemorial Sri Jagannathjiu has been worshiped in this dhama and the great scriptures like Srimad-Bhagawata, Padma, Visnu, Skanda Puranas etc are the evidence. It is mentioned in the Skanda-Purana that Sri-Prahalada maharaja did ratha-yatra festival long long ago in the age of Satya-Yuga. In this age also Jagannathjiu has a great history. There are devotees beginning from the reign of Pandya kings. All the great devotees like Jayadeba, Ramanujacharya, Sri Nityananda Prabhu and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu are glorified by their prema-bhakti in this Holy dhama. Thus many such stalwart devotees are well known all over the world.

However there are also many other great devotees whom many people outside Orissa may not know. Orissa is the place where this Great Puri-dhama (Avada Khetra) is situated and by the mercy of the Lord, people of Orissa are witness of many of the Great Lilas (pastimes) performed by the Lord and His premi-bhaktas.

One such premi-bhakta is well-known as Dasia Bauri in Orissa. The word Dasia means the servant and Bauri means low-caste. The mercy of Lord Jagannatha is not partial. It goes beyond any caste or material qualification. The Lord does not see, who is qualified or who is unqualified in the sense of materialistic evaluation. He only accepts the bhava (spiritual loving sentiments) of the individual souls and accordingly He treats the individual. This He has declared to Arjuna in the Bhagavad-Gita as well.

A glimpse of the greatness of the love of Dasia Bauri towards Lord Jagannath can be known from the fact that Lord Jagannathjiu Himself with His own hands accepted the offering of love (coconuts, mangoes etc). It is well known that even the great sages, mystics, siddhas and demigods find it difficult to have the audience or association of the Lord, for Whom they tried many many tough, rigorous and complicated procedures, yet are not successful. But simple hearted prema of bhakta Dasia Bauria attracted the Lord Hari’s Mercy and this reveals the greatness of Dasia Bauri and his loving sentiments (bhava).

The Story of Dasia Bauri

Dasia Bauri belonged to a small village called Baligaon, which is located near to Puri in Orissa. From his birth he was attached with Lord Jagannath from his heart, mind and soul. By profession he was a simple weaver. In his young age he intensely involved himself in writing the songs and many other spiritual literatures on Lord Jagannath Swami. He had a wife who served him honestly and given all possible support to her husband. The family had only a meagre income.

Once a great incident happened and this is a teaching on how Lord helps a devotee indirectly.

One afternoon, Bhakta Dasia Bauri was intensely involved in the writing of a Jagannath bhajan. Suddenly his wife came to him and told him with some anger that, "You see! You are always busy in the divine service of Lord Jagannath and neglecting the household necessities.

I have not taken any food for the last four to five days. How can I survive?"

After listening, Dasia Bauri became surprised and asked , "Everyday, you are giving me the food at the right time and why are you telling that you have not taken food for the last few days?"

His wife answered, "You are very innocent! I am preparing food for you from the rice which you brought five to six days back by keeping my stomach empty"

After hearing the sacrifice, Dasia Bauri felt that he is not able to fulfill his duty towards her as her husband and he suggested to his wife that if she wanted she could marry someone again.

After listening such a statement from her husband, his wife asked, "Is this what Lord Jagannath taught him?"

And she told, "Jagannath may be your Lord, but my lord is you. I can tolerate any pain and even die at your feet."

At that moment, suddenly, they heard that a person is calling from outside, "Dasia! Dasia!"

Dasia Bauri went outside the hut and found the village leader. The village leader immediately gave him rice and a few kaudies (which was used in those days as money) and requested him to weave a new dress for him.

The village leader also told him his intention behind the new dress. He revealed that he desired to visit Puri-Jagannath Dhama during the annual Ratha-Yatra festival. After knowing this, Dasia Bauri could not check his ecstasy and asked like a child to the village leader whether he could give some more kaudies to him so that his desire to visit Puri-Dhama during Ratha-Yatra could also be fulfilled.

The village leader happily agreed and offered, "Why you want to visit alone then? Come with me so that you will not face any trouble in the journey to Puri-Dhama."

Thus Dasia Bauri happily accepted the offer and promised to prepare the dress for the village leader for Ratha-Yatra, which was only two to three days away.

Dasia Bauri then came to his wife and told with joy, "See the mercy of Jagannath! You were asking for rice and the money. And Lord Himself came and gave me the things that you were demanding."

She was surprised and asked where Jagannath came? I saw only the village leader who came and gave these things to you.

The Lord's Mercy

Dasia Bauri replied, "It is not so easy to understand the Lilas (pastimes) of Lord Jagannath even for the demigods like lord Brahma and Lord Shiva. The Lord helps sometimes directly and sometimes indirectly. The Lord actually sent you the rice and kaudies through our village leader. The Lord’s mercy and activities are all inconceivable."

Material Problems Are Like Tidal Waves

2011-07-24T05:07:00.000-07:00

Sometimes or more accurately put, problems just comes. We have so many problems in our life. Yet, we think if we were to solve one particular problem then it will all go away.Our life will be happy. But then after spending so much energy on one problem, another comes like a tidal wave. By then we would have forgotten the previous problems. Now we concentrate on the problem at hand. Again, we use all our energy in trying to get rid of this one problem in front of us.

When I was growing up, I had so much of skin problem. I tried all sorts of solutions to get rid of it. After some time, it did go away. Then I became very sick. And again another type of skin problem starts. All this just left me totally exasperated. That is how this material world is. Problems are there to bring us closer to Sri Guru and Krsna. How? We will start to pray harder and perhaps even realise somewhat that this life is so insignificant to be drowning in problems.

The only real problem is whether we have total faith and surrender in Sri Guru and Krsna? Whether we have done some service to Vaishnavas or not? Whether we want to get out of this material rut we are in once and for all?

The trappings of the mind and body keeps us entangled in material solutions when in fact there is always another solution. And what is that? Spiritual aspirations. Hopefully I may be able to carry the orders of my Sri Guru upon my head and make that my real problem. Which is in fact not a problem but service. Therefore, this material world is simply made of problems. You solve one and another will come sooner or later like a tidal wave crashing upon you.

The Wolf and The Lamb

2011-07-12T03:59:00.000-07:00

(a nice story related by Srila Gour Govinda Maharaja)

A wolf was drinking water from a river at the same time as an innocent lamb.

The wolf thought, "Somehow or other I must devour that lamb."

The wolf said, "Hey! Don't you know? Can't you see I am drinking water here? Why are you making the water muddy for me? I shall kill you."

The lamb said, "O sir, you are drinking water upstream and I am drinking water downstream. How is that I am making the water muddy for you?"

The wolf said, "Why did you call me bad names one year ago?"

The lamb said, "O sir, I am only three months old. How is it that I could call you bad names one year ago?"

The wolf said, "Your mother must have done so. Anyway, I will still kill you!"

This is how all concocted stories are going around. This story illustrates how hatred, speaking ill, and concocting stories arise from intolerance or enviousness.

In the same way we find all kinds of fault in others. But are you perfect yourself? Are there no defects in you? As the saying goes, "A sieve has many holes and a needle has one hole. But the sieve criticizes the needle. So, one who criticizes should understand whether he himself is perfect or not.

Blinded By Our Own Poison

2011-05-29T03:14:00.000-07:00

Once, two saints were standing on the bank of a river, when they saw a scorpion was being swept away by the strong current. One of the saints picked up the scorpion on his palm to save it, but it stung the saint and fell back into the river.

The saint then kept picking up the scorpion to save it, but it kept on stinging the saint. And this went on and on.

Upon seeing this, the other saint said, "Why are you doing this? Don't save the scorpion. Let it die."

The first saint replied, "If this scorpion is not giving up its nature to bite, then, why should I give up my nature to save him?"

In the same way, sadhus are mercy and tolerance personified. They will keep coming back for us, the fallen soul, again and again to urge us to get out of this material condition by serving Sri Guru and Krsna.

Yet we are blinded by our own poison to see the ways of the humble sage.

Cure for Criticizing

2011-05-09T00:16:00.000-07:00

Below are some excerpts from Srimati Syamarani didi’s class on her recent visit to Malaysia. Didi very expertly gave class on what Srila Gurudeva would want us to be doing:

Refraining From Quarrelling

“Gopis always glorify others that there is no time for quarrelling. Srila Gurudeva says: ‘I want all the temples to serve my mission and not be disunited.’”

On Leadership

Srila Gurudeva says: “Be equal to all, kind to all and be broad-minded. Don’t be selfish.”

Cure for Criticizing --- the Medicine

“Criticize yourself always. If you simply chant, you will have material desires. So sing bhajans and pray to Sri Guru and Guru-parampara, ‘Please let your words be mine.’”

Keep praying. Always think: “I am the cause of any sufferings I have.”

Srila Gurudeva is Always With Us

2011-03-21T22:15:00.000-07:00

Separation from Sri Guru from one’s vision is the greatest pain a disciple faces. No more sweet glances. No more chastisement. No more running to the spiritual master for answers. So many no mores!

But we have to remember that, the disappearance lila the spiritual master performs is only to teach us that nothing is permanent in this life. It also gives the disciple a chance to go deeper within to know the spiritual master’s true glories, who he truly is and to find a way to always connect with him. By constantly remembering the spiritual master, we are in fact meeting with him. It is time for the disciple to carry out the spiritual master’s instruction.

Recently, Sripad Bhaktivedanta Madhava Maharaja gave a very short and sweet class in Malaysia and used the analogy of the turtle, fish and bird in relation to the spiritual master and the disciples. After Maharaja’s talk, all the other devotees glorified Srila Gurudeva in their sweet and personal relationship they had and will always have. Below is the excerpt of the talk Maharaja gave:

“When a turtle lays her eggs in the sand, she would not be around to see her babies hatch. After laying the eggs she would leave the eggs and go very far away. Then, in meditation she would lay the eggs.

In the same way, Srila Gurudeva maybe far away from us physically. But he is always thinking of us and nourishing us from within. He is never far away from us.

As for the fish, when it lays its babies, the little fishes will usually swim on the surface of the sea. The mother will swim beneath it and protects it from any harm from other larger sea creatures that might want to eat her babies.

Srila Gurudeva is always protecting us. We should never think he is now gone and very far away from us. At all time we must pray to him and have this confidence that he is always there to protect us.

Then there is the bird. The mother will always be with the eggs before it is hatched. Once hatched, she will fly here and there to feed her babies. She will always be close to her babies until the babies are able to fly on their own.

In the same way, some of Srila Gurudeva’s disciple are close to him. They are protected and nourished. Then the day would come for them to go on their own.

All the three analogies given is only to show that Srila Gurudeva never forgets his children. There never will be a time it will happen."

Maharaja also mentioned that a mother will think of her child who is far away even more than those around her. She is always there for those who are around her because she is around to protect them. But for the child who is far away, she is constantly thinking of them in order no harm would befell them.

Srila Gurudeva is also like that. Always thinking of his disciples who are far away and constantly giving them protection and nourishment.

The Real Judge

2011-03-06T03:30:00.000-08:00

The other day some devotees wanted to put up a sketch for a visiting sannyasi. Unfortunately there was not enough time. That’s when this scribe suggested to “recycle” the old drama since the visiting sadhu never saw it before. Not only will it brush up their acting skills, it will also convey the message of “Where is God” and “What is God doing?” which is the title of the sketch.

Another devotee, let’s call this person C who actually meant well, did not agree. He felt the group of actors should put up a new play and make the play the best ever. Of course I did not agree to this. Because the group could only do so much as most of its members lived far from another. Besides they are giving their best and it is their seva.

But C did not concur. He said he would always make sure to give the best. For example, he would give a big and beautiful garland to Sri Guru. That’s when another devotee, let’s call this person T, said he would give a smaller and a sweet garland to Sri Guru if that’s what pleases Sri Guru most.

Then T went on to elaborate a story from Lord Buddha. Once, many disciples of Lord Buddha wanted to light up ghee lamps for the Lord. Some managed to light up hundreds and some thousands. But there was one poor old lady who did not have any money to do this. She cut her hair and sold her tresses to buy one ghee lamp. Then a fierce wind came and blew out all the lighted lamps. Only the lady’s ghee lamp was shining brightly.

Devotee T said one must not impose their mood on others. If J felt that he could give the best, then J should continue doing so. J is also correct. But to stop others from making their offering because you felt it was not good enough is not a kind act.

Both C and T had an amicable discussion. Both had their own way of doing seva. We cannot judge another person’s seva according to our mundane senses. Because the real judge is Sri Guru and Krsna.

Ultimately as what Srila Bhakti Promode Puri Maharaja once said, “It is not the seva itself, but the attitude towards the seva.”

This insignificant scribe is praying to realize all these truths.

What is Pleasing and What is Not

2011-02-21T22:27:00.000-08:00

Today is the appearance day of Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Thakur Prabhupada. We are so fortunate that Prabhupada out of his causeless mercy decided to come into this world to deliver us fallen souls. Below is an excerpt of his lecture on what is pleasing:

The difference of consideration between those on the path of what is pleasing and those on the path of gaining what is for their own benefit:

There are two kinds of paths - Sreyas, or the path what is truly beneficial and preyas, the path of what is pleasing. The topics of sreyas may often not be pleasing to the material ears like that the topics of preyas often are. The topics on preyas are always pleasing to the senses. In most cases the hearer thinks ---- let the speaker speak what I like and what is favourite to me. But those on the path of sreyas think ---- even if it is apparently distasteful to me, I will only hear about the impartial truth.

Vyasa Puja Offering --- The story of Upamanyu

2011-02-06T01:50:00.000-08:00

Singing the kirtan "Gurudeva Krpa Bindu Diya....

The Aswini Kumaras blessing Upamanyu

The Aswini Kumaras trying to get Upamanyu to eat the "cake." Upamanyu did not do so without the permission of his Guru.

Upamanyu's Guru worried about Upamanyu not returning to the ashram

Upamanyu being chastised by his Guru

Upamanyu obediently following his Guru's orders

The children performing kirtan

Vyasa puja was celebrated with the presence of Sripad Bhaktivedanta Madhava Maharaj, Sripad Brajanath Prabhu, Srimati Vrinda didi and many wonderful devotees at Sri Sri Radha Govinda Gaudiya Math, Malaysia.

The Kanu Youth Club Children first performed a kirtan followed by a play by the Kanu Youth Club. It was entitled "Upamanyu."

The story of Upamanyu strongly encapsulates the true meaning of surrender and that is the true and deep meaning of vyasa-puja.

May this insignificant soul realize all these truths one day.

O Gurudeva, I'm hungry for your mercy.

Till We Meet Again

2011-01-04T17:55:00.000-08:00

It's been a week already

Since you decided to leave from my material vision

You know what's best for all your children

It's us who still have to figure it all out

This individual is so very thankful for all that you did

You turned worms into beautiful butterflies all over

Your bluish glance melted hearts world over

Your ever so charming smile made our hearts churn

You will always be the wind beneath my wings

Without you, there is nothing

Really...

Even during your last manifest pastimes

You still taught us that nothing lasts

An eternal teacher you are

But you taught

That service and true love will prevail

It's the only thing

The only liberator for all of us

Love and service for you and the Divine Couple

Will take us across

And if we follow everything you've said

It will take us across

O Gurudeva...

This insignificant soul is waiting for the day

Till we meet again......

The Light of My Life

2010-12-29T00:45:00.000-08:00

The light of my life has gone

The very breath of my soul is no more

Yet he is not gone

He lives on

In my heart

In my breath

In my everything

For he is everywhere

But this unfortunate soul cannot feel so

For this separation is going to go on for a lifetime

Perhaps by his mercy, some realization will come

That he is actually my life and soul

And who he really is .....

The Fruit is Not Ripe At Times

2010-12-22T21:06:00.000-08:00

Book distributing can be a little daunting at times. But most times it’s pretty interesting, especially when you get to meet all sorts of people. On a recent visit to my dentist I brought along the local “Message of Godhead (MOG)” I mean, you’ll never know who you’re going to meet and when.

After the scaling was done, I took out the MOG at the reception. At first the lady was a little apprehensive. I told her she could give me any amount as a donation. Then the head nurse who attended to me earlier came over. She looked at the MOG and said she worships Durga-devi. I told her it was alright. Then she asked me whether I was giving her the MOG to which I replied in the affirmative.

To my delight, she took out 10 bucks as a donation. I told her that it was a lot. She smiled and said she will read it.

Oh, I did mention a little daunting at first. Well, it was another visit to another dentist. This time it was my grandmother’s dentist. As usual I whipped out the MOG to the receptionist cum nurse. She looked at it as though it was something untouchable. She didn’t even want to look at it. She just said neither the doctor nor her like such things. Well, I took it in my stride. Like the saying goes the fruit is not ripe to receive. I wished her well.

Lest assured I will still keep on distributing the Message of Godhead.

All glories to Srila Gurudeva!

The Powers of the Holy Names

2010-12-15T21:59:00.000-08:00

I read an interesting event that took place in Srila Gurudeva’s life when he was a police inspector. At that time an important file went missing. All of Srila Gurudeva’s colleagues were anxiously looking for it. With all the commotion going around him, Srila Gurudeva was calmly chanting his rounds. One of his colleagues asked him whether he was anxious at all. It was a file containing an important case, you know. Srila Gurudeva calmly replied, “No.” As soon as he finished his rounds, Srila Gurudeva got up and went straight to a particular shelf that contained the file!

Amazing lila that teaches us the power of the holy names!

Srila Gurudeva’s lila reminded me of one such incident that happened not too long ago.

When Syamarani didi was staying in my house her computer used to go bonkers almost always. Her assistant would rave and rant about this, because they are doing such important seva sending out all the Hari-katha to everyone around the world.

Syamarani didi would give her a knowing smile and said, “OK, let’s chant for awhile.” And you know what, everything then worked out wonderfully.

There is so much potency in chanting of the holy names. Hopefully one day I may realize all these truths.

All glories to Srila Gurudeva and the Vaishnavas and Vaishnavis!!!!

The Undisputed Powers of Srila Gurudeva

2010-12-06T20:35:00.000-08:00

What an emotionally and spiritually charged roller coaster parikrama!!!!.

Srila Gurudeva’s lila is indeed very mysterious. Not easy to fathom what is going on. But one thing is for sure, we cannot assume that he is an ordinary person and will succumb to disease like any ordinary persons.

"A Vaishnava is always protected by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, but if he appears to be an invalid, this gives a chance to his disciples to serve him." (Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, 9.11 purport)

Srila Gurudeva has “cured” many persons with ailments. One such example is of this scribe. Many times chest pains plagued me. Once it was so bad that I could hardly breathe. At that time, Srila Gurudeva was to visit me at my home. Somehow I managed to make some preparations. The pain gradually subsided and when Srila Gurudeva was taking his leave he asked me whether I was working on any book project. I said I was not well and had chest pains. With a stroke of his hand he simply said, “I don’t believe!”

After that day, the pains were practically no more. How amazing! From that day I know for sure that whatever nara-lila Srila Gurudeva is performing is only for our own benefit. Hopefully, one day, this insignificant soul will realize this.

Jay Srila Gurudeva!!! Jay Sri Radhe!!!!!

Chanting Where Srila Gurudeva Used to Walk

2010-10-17T02:25:00.000-07:00

When the Malaysian sanga heard about Srila Gurudeva’s health, the devotees held a 24 hour chanting at Sri Sri Radha Govinda Gaudiya Math, Petaling Jaya. The newly opened Sri Sri Bhaktivedanta Narayana Gosvami Temple of Understanding held chanting and prayers twice a day throughout the weekends. All the devotees were invited to come together to pray for the prolonged good health of Srila Gurudeva. Many devotees, far or near, in their own unique way, offered prayers for Srila Gurudeva so that His Divine Grace will be with all of us for a very, very long time to come. The devotees also had a devotional kirtan and prayer in conjunction with the world wide chanting of Srila Gurudeva’s quick recovery.

During this trying moment, this insignificant soul, spoke to a few devotees whether they would like to hold nama-sankirtan at the park where Srila Gurudeva used to go to during His morning walks. The park is very close by to Sri Sri Radha Govinda Gaudiya Math.

Unfortunately the weather here was not predictable at all. It rained the whole day or sometimes it was fine. Sometimes it rained partly during the day. On the intended day, some devotees could not make it. Besides most of us do not live close by and we are pretty spread out. Only one of my god brother Prem das prabhu and I met at the temple for this park chanting. Armed with only karatalas we headed toward the park. We figured it does not matter whether we were two or ten. The thing is we just wanted to do this. And hopefully we may be able to please Sri Hari, Guru & Vaishnavas.

Luckily the weather seemed to be fine that day. We saw many joggers, young couples with their children and people doing their evening exercises. Most of them were Muslims and we did not want to ruffle anyone’s religious sentiments. So, we picked a spot which was not too near the playground but within earshot and started chanting for 20 minutes. Shortly, we started to glorify how Srila Gurudeva used to walk the entire perimeters of the lake. He would walk so fast that the other devotes could not catch up. But when Srila Gurudeva returned for His morning rest, He would exhibit His nara-lila (human like pastimes) and would hold on to some devotees for support.

Prem dasa prabhu also reminisced how some Russian devotees did nama sankirtan at his home state. Just as he was speaking this, a dried fruit from a tall tree next to us fell with a thud on the bench I was seated. I cried out “Radhe!” My godbrother in jest said the trees wanted us to continue chanting. And so we did for almost half an hour.

Soon we headed back towards the temple for the program. The weather was still fine and after the program, just as the devotees were seated to honour prasadam, a heavy down-pour ensued. It was really heavy with the wind blowing so fiercely.

My god brother and I were glad that it did not happen when we were chanting at the park!

Jay Srila Gurudeva!

Life & Times of Sripad Bhakti Prakash Hrishikesh Maharaja in Malaysia

2010-10-17T02:09:00.000-07:00

When I heard about the passing away of Sripad Bhakti Prakash Hrishikesh Maharaja, I was a little numb at first. My feelings were not completely settled to his passing. But after looking at his pictures, it finally dawned upon me that His Holiness was no more in this planet.

Maharaja reminded me of someone so dynamic in serving Sri Hari, Guru & Vaishnavas. Nothing was impossible for him. Maharaja used to go heads on without thinking of any consequences. He did not believe much in meetings and talking about how to do a seva because he was an action man. He always said to me, “Let’s just do it. Krsna will take care of everything!!!”

Maharaja was the first person to assist me in printing the book “Shower of Love.” When Srila Gurudeva ordered me to always write, I was totally lost as what to do. With whatever little knowledge I had, the compilation of lectures took place. But it was Maharaja who showed me the ropes of how to put in the footnotes, headings, sub-headings, titles etc. I remember very well when I mentioned about the book to Maharaja. He was so enthusiastic about it. He never showed any signs that I came from another “math” and him from another. All Maharaja wanted was to serve and make sure the book was printed on time before Srila Gurudeva’s tour to Malaysia.

As the book was taking shape, some local devotees came in to assist. Although Maharaja did the major part of the book, he mentioned everyone who helped, no matter how little it maybe. Maharaja even mentioned those who tried but was not successful to garnish funds for the book and those who proof-read the book although only 2 to 3 paragraphs. Along the way, the kind soul who donated some funds could not come up with more monies, and it was Maharaja who finally managed to get the remaining funds for the printing of the book.

Maharaja told me that we must respect everyone’s mood and it does not matter how small or big the seva maybe. He mentioned everyone in the book and himself being not so prominent.

After successfully publishing “Shower of Love,” Maharaja printed “Rays of Hope” and many other books of Srila Gurudeva.

Maharaja also established the first temple of Srila Gurudeva in Malaysia. At that time Maharaja would go with some local devotees, including yours truly, to search for a suitable place. He would search every area and finally managed to secure a bungalow in an affluent place in Petaling Jaya. I protested saying that the rental was a bit too steep, Maharaja just went ahead to establish the temple. The fact that most local devotees were not well off did not deter Maharaja from single handedly securing the money for the rental by distributing books. He would go on a marathon of sorts by traveling from Malaysia to Singapore to print and distribute books to pay for the temple’s up-keep.

After taking instructions from Srila Gurudeva, the temple was named Sri Sri Radha Govinda Gaudiya Math. We had many nice programs there. Even Srila Gurudeva stayed there during one of His world tour. The temple has since moved to its new premise.

Fond memories of Sripad Bhakti Prakash Hrishikesh Maharaja will always prevail in my heart. And the one which is most profound is when he mentioned about how his sannyasa guru, Srila Bhakti Promode Puri Maharaja would always say, “It is not the seva itself, but the attitude toward the seva.”

Sri Guru is not an Ordinary Personality

2010-10-04T07:18:00.000-07:00

Recently many devotees were jolted about the serious condition of Srila Gurudeva’s health. Many of us offered our prayers so that Srila Gurudeva will stay many more years with us.

Srila Gurudeva is now getting better. We must know that Sri Guru is not an ordinary personality. Srila Gurudeva Himself mentioned this that He is not ordinary and He can cure Himself if He wants, and it all depends on His disciples.

Yes, it all depends on the disciples. We all want Srila Gurudeva with us for a very, very long time. Yet, most of us seem to miss out the point. By constantly being at logger heads and disrespectful to each will not please Srila Gurudeva. Whatever orders He has given we must carry it out with our heart and soul.

What must it take for us to see the brother and sister in all of us? We are indeed one big family under the guidance of Srila Gurudeva.

Yes, it all depends on Srila Gurudeva’s disciples.

Get Out Of The 8 Million, 400 Thousand Species of Life

2010-09-06T23:04:00.000-07:00

After wandering around in countless species of life, 8 million 400 thousand to be precise, we have gotten this human form of life.

With this human form of life, we are to do devotional practice and surrender to a bona fide guru. But our hearts are filled with anarthas (unwanted things). Thus, making it difficult for us to progress spiritually.

Instead of speaking hari-katha, we rather indulge in criticizing devotees, talk about their past misdeeds and what have yous'.

How can we find perfection in others when we ourselves are so imperfect?

Take a moment a reflect upon this.

If we try to see only the good in others, (which is of course very difficult to do) but with perseverance and much prayer, this almost impossible task will become possible.

Then we will be able to experience some bliss from within, besides doing service to Sri Hari, Guru and Vaishnavas. Our intention to come into this spiritual life in the first place is not to be caught up in the 8 million, 400 thousand spices of life anyway.

May you have a blessed day.

The 4 Defects

2010-08-11T00:25:00.000-07:00

According to the revealed scriptures, there are four defects that plague us mortals.

Our senses are imperfect. Yet, we want perfection when there is no such thing as perfection. It is only in our own concocted mind we have manufactured what is perfection.

Perfection for one individual maybe imperfection to another.

The second defect is we are in illusion. We take what is not to be what it is. We are not this body. Yet we care so much for it that we forget we are actually a spirit soul. When someone dies, we are usually concerned about burying or cremating the body according to one’s customs and traditions. We say, “O I’ve cremated my father or I’ve buried my father.” Have we ever heard of anyone replying, “O you cruel person, how could you bury your father or cremate him!”

It is understood that only the body was buried or cremated. So where is the father? We must realize that we are not actually this body.

The next defect we have is the tendency to cheat. Almost all of us have cheated in something or other to gain some sort of leverage for our own sense gratification.

Lastly, we as humans commit mistakes. As the saying goes, to err is human. We make a lot of mistakes in our short life on this planet. Yet, we are not so forgiving if others make mistakes.

Reflecting upon what the scriptures have described about our defects, we must immediately seek a bona fide guru to guide us spiritually.

Only by Sri Guru's guidance and grace, can we learn to alleviate ourselves to Krsna consciousness, which means, to understand the Supreme Personality of Godhead and to be admitted into the Lord's family.

That should be our final destination.

3 Fold Miseries

2010-07-12T22:39:00.000-07:00

There are three fold miseries always plaguing us. The misery arising from our minds, athyatmika. The miseries given to us by others, adhibautika. Then there are miseries that we mortals suffer from those coming from the demi-gods, adhidaivika.

Adhidaivika are miseries arising from earth quake, hurricanes, thunder storms and other natural calamities which we have no control of.

Adhibautika are miseries others give us, causing us pain and suffering.

Adhyatmika are miseries arising from our own minds. We can cut these miseries by constantly chanting the holy names and serving the Vaishnavas.

Our minds play many tricks on us. We tend to speculate things which are not true, worry unnecessarily and always think about what is going to happen or what others are thinking about us.

If we clear our minds of these unwanted thoughts by servitude attitude and constantly chant the holy names, then at least the other two miseries becomes somewhat tolerable.

Miseries from our own minds plunges us into deep depression and in some cases even suicide. There is always a way out. If the minds is controlled, then we can at least lead a peaceful life.

All the money in the world will not guarantee us happiness.

But the mind that is constantly thinking of the Lord, His pastimes, serving Sri Guru and Vaishnavas is a happy one that is on his or her way back home, back to Godhead.

Trying To Possess And Lamenting

2010-05-26T22:33:00.000-07:00

We desire for many things in this human form of life. In fact we desire to be beautiful, to be intelligent, to be super rich and list goes on and on. At the end of the day, we cannot take even a farthing with us when we depart.

So we desire for things we cannot actually possess.

Then we cry our hearts out when we lose something. When it is suppose to be lost, it will be lost. The scriptures say that when we lose a wallet and if there are many people around it, if you are suppose to find it, you will still find it.

But if you have so much money stashed in your house, with full security, if the money is suppose to be stolen then it will happen.

The Lord arranges all these.

So we lament for those things that we lose when in fact we cannot possess them.

Telling Children Stories (Harikatha)

2010-05-11T21:30:00.000-07:00

The other day I told my 9 year old student about the story of the "Talking Pot." Sometimes I try to inject in a very "tricky" manner about our Krsna conscious philosophy after a lesson. I usually start by asking my students whether they would love to hear a story or not. They would always say "Y - E - S!!!" in a cheerful manner.

These children have no idea who Krsna is. Besides they are not devotees' children either. So story telling is the best way to get the message across.

OK coming back to the "Talking Pot." It's a story about how a disciple felt he could do better if he left his Guru's ashram. His service was to fetch water from the Yamuna daily. The disciple thought he would be better off if he found a job and got married. But the pot talked him out of it and he ran back to his Guru. For the full story click here: http://shukasari.blogspot.com/2009/04/talking-water-pot.html

After the story I asked my student, Darren, about the moral of the story. Below is the excerpt of the conversation.

Me: So what do you think of the story Darren?

Darren: Very nice.

Me: Do you think the disciple should leave his Guru?

Darren: No

Me: Why not?

Darren: Because he will suffer. He will have to work very hard.

Me: But everyone has to work hard.

Darren: Yes, but he has everything at the temple. More peaceful.

I suppose this innocent child nailed the story. By the way, he chants "Haribolo" and "Gaura-Nitai." I made him chant each time he was feeling tired.

The Lord's Holy Names, His pastimes and His associates' pastimes are so powerful that it will make a deep impression on anyone regardless of their birth.

Who knows, when I am old and grey, Darren might just end up becoming a wonderful devotee. Then he knows that his tutor used to tell him such stories and made him chant the holy names.

What Sri Guru Wants

2010-04-12T22:22:00.000-07:00

Once a senior disciple of Srila Bhakti Promode Puri Maharaja related a very inspiring experience he had with his Guru Maharaj.

His Guru Maharaj appointed him to be a pujari in one of the temples. But being a non-Indian, he was constantly badgered about his birth by other devotees who are bent on giving him a hard time. (Sometimes Sri Krsna tests us in many ways. And it’s all about tolerance and hanging on to Sri Guru’s order.)

Not being able to take the mental and emotional torture, he went to his Guru Maharaj to be relieved of his service. Instead his Guru Maharaj told him to continue to do the service. But the mental and emotional torture continued. Finally, he approached his Guru Maharaj and explained his situation. Then his Guru Maharaj said he may do other services.

This he did but he always met with many types of obstacles. Be it from people or the environment itself. He tried in many ways to preach here and there but all was quite unsuccessful.

When his Guru Maharaj left the planet, a successive acarya was appointed and he was also a god-brother of this disciple.

Then his god-brother told him, “Please come and do the pujari seva. Our Guru Maharaj likes your seva.”

This gladdened the heart of the senior disciple and he immediately did just that.

Now, Sri Guru knows exactly the type of seva we should do. And if He says something, then, that is what it is. It is always about what Sri Guru wants. Even if the going gets tough, we have to persevere and approach Sri Guru about our problems.

There is so much bliss in Sri Guru’s order. It is up to us to take it upon our heads and forge ahead.

With much supplication, may such realization manifest in my heart and may Sri Guru be pleased with me. May I also know what Sri Guru wants and not do something independently. For Sri Guru only has our best interest at heart.

The Glories of Mahaprasadam

2010-03-25T22:04:00.000-07:00

Mahaprasadam is non different than the Lord Himself. Krsna has mercifully given His remnants so that we may partake and offer service to Him via Sri Guru & Vaishnavas.

Yet there are times we merely look at mahaprasadam as ordinary foodstuff. We feel delighted when the taste is good. And we grumble when it is not up to par as we condition mahaprasadam. Our tongue only want to relish palatable foodstuffs.

Once during Kartik parikrama, Premananda Prabhu (a very senior disciple of my Srila Gurudeva) said that if we look at mahaprasadam as mere foodstuff, then it is an offense. He goes on to say that if we fall sick, the best remedy is mahaprasadam.

Such is his conviction and faith towards mahaprasadam.

Therefore this insignificant soul, is praying at the lotus feet of my Srila Gurudeva and great Vaishnavas that I maybe able to realise such truths in my heart.

Mahaprasadamki jaya!!!

The Way of Love

2010-03-23T20:47:00.000-07:00

Today is Rama Navami. The pastimes of Lord Rama is endless. Lord Sankarsana Himself, who continuously sings the glories of Sri Rama with unlimited mouths is unable to touch the end in any way. Such is the glories of Sri Rama-katha.

One of the most important lessons in Rama-katha is the way of love. Love is crooked. Love knows no rules and regulations. Love has its own way of doing things.

Bharath wanted Rama to rule Ayodhya as the rightful king. Prior to this Rama was banished to the forest for 14 years. Bharath's love for Rama is an endless ocean. And Rama can sink in that ocean.

But the question is, does Rama wants to come back and rule the kingdom? That was not Sri Rama's plan.

Sometimes we force our way of thinking and our wants unto our beloved. Not knowing what our beloved actually wants.

In the same way, we think we want to do this or that for our most worshipable Sri Guru. Yet we do not know what is the innermost desire of Sri Guru. Our material desires clouds us. It envelops us and makes us think we are pleasing Sri Guru when in fact we are not. We are only ploughing through our own wants.

Therefore, today the story of Bharath wanting Sri Rama back is a wonderful lesson for us to learn about the way of love.

Love here means that one who loves will always be very careful about the desires of his most worshipable deity.

Chanting Haribolo (Part 3)

2010-03-19T02:29:00.000-07:00

In my previous post I did mention that I have a key chain with a picture of the Divine Couple. At the back the maha-mantra is printed. So whenever I teach my students I put this key chain on the table.

One of my students, Rachel, liked the picture very much. She started to chant the maha-mantra. She initially chanted “Haribolo.”

I was not feeling too good that day when I went to tutor her. Rachel felt sorry for me and said she would chant the maha-mantra 10 times! Just so I would not fall sick. How sweeeet!

She did chant and prayed to the Divine Couple that her teacher will be healthy again.

The Lord resides in the hearts of every living entity. One may not be exposed to any Vedic culture or even be practising vegetarianism. Krsna can make the impossible, to become possible.

I did not preach anything to Rachel. All she saw in the beginning was a picture of Srila Gurudeva, the Deities and the devotees. And I said to her “Haribolo” to which she repeated it.

And now some impression is there in her heart!

As for me, I feel very happy to see someone chanting. May my Srila Gurudeva bless this child and also be somewhat pleased with this insignificant instrument.

Chanting Haribolo (Part 2)

2010-02-14T03:05:00.000-08:00

It was really spiritually uplifting when Darren (see the previous post) always chants Haribolo each time I chanted to him.

Now I decided to try this on another student. I started saying Haribolo to Jason some time back. Each time I chant Haribolo, he reciprocates. And the best part no matter how many times I chant Haribolo, Jason would repeat it.

The other day I was teaching his sister. And I was telling her (like all typical teacher does), "Do you understand?"

Jason who happened to be in the room said, "No I don't understand. I only understand Haribolo."

Of course I was a bit taken aback. But not entirely shocked. Somehow an impression has been made into this little boy's heart. And I did not even chant Haribolo to him first. This time he initiated it.

The Lord's name is truly great.

(O yes, his sister just laughed at her brother Jason. And she chanted Haribolo as well)

Chanting Haribolo Part 1

2010-02-07T20:51:00.000-08:00

There are times when I try to think of ways to somehow get my students to chant the holy names. One sure way to get them all ears is to tell them ghost stories.

But this is no ordinary ghost story. It involves Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur and Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur, who was a little boy at that time. It's the story of the temple ghost, where Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur chanted the whole night and delivered the ghost at the abandoned temple.

This is how I got Darren, my 9 year old student to chant, "Haribolo!"

At first I told him to raise both his arms and jump while chanting "Haribolo!"

He did just that.

So now, each time I chant "Haribolo!" Darren would also jump with upraised arms and chant "Haribolo!!"

Sometimes even "Radhe Radhe!"

The power of the holy name is simply unimaginable. Darren has no Indian or Vedic cultural background. He is an innocent child that simply listened to his teacher to chant. Most importantly without questioning.

We Are Like Donkeys

2010-01-31T19:16:00.000-08:00

(This story was related by Srimati Uma didi on Nityananda Prabhu's Appearance Day on 28th January 2010)

Once there was a businessman. He loaded his donkey with rice, sugar and other foodstuffs and headed towards a hill. Soon it was almost evening. The business found a spot to rest. Before doing so he took out his ropes and bound each donkeys'legs to another.

The next day the businessman went along his journey. He was already 30 miles away from the place he rested the previous night. Just then he remembered he left his ropes and it is quite impossible for him to get it back.

Soon it will be night. He was worried his donkeys may wander away. At that moment a sadhu (holy man) came by.

The holy man asked, "O sir, why do you look so worried?"

The businessman said, "I forgot to bring the ropes to bind my donkeys. Now they may wander off!"

"O don't worry. Just make hand gestures that you are binding your donkeys. And they will not move from there, " said the holy man.

The businessman did just that. The next morning the businessman saw all his donkeys were there just like the holy man said. He soon loaded his donkeys. Then he slapped the donkeys back so that they would start to move. Unfortunately the donkeys did not budge at all.

The puzzled businessman tried to do so again and again. But the donkeys did not move at all.

The businessman cried out, "O holy man! Can you give me some mantra to make my donkeys to move!"

"Just make the same hand gestures like you are untying the donkeys," said the holy man.

The businessman did as he was told. Soon the donkeys began to move and the businessman was on his way.

Purport

We are all like donkeys in this material world. We think that this is our actual position when in fact we are bound by the ropes of maya. (maya, means that which is not). So like donkeys we are going about our work doing had labour and think that we will be permanently be here.

Party Politics

2010-01-18T18:35:00.000-08:00

Party politics are everywhere. The other day I read the Bhagavad-gita verse 2 and 3 which only affirmed that such a thing has always existed. Here Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Maharaja explains that when Duryodhana saw the military phalanx arranged by the Pandavas, he got very disturbed. He asked his teacher Dronacarya about the matter. Dronacarya has taught the Kurus and the Pandavas, including the son of Maharaja Drupada who would end up killing Dronacarya.

Although the big commander in chief Dronacarya and Grandfather Bhismadeva knew that the Kurus were wrong in waging a war against the Pandavas, still they sided with them. This was because they were obligated to the Kurus. The Kurus was maintaining them with financial support and so on.

In the same way, sometimes they are so much party politics which would make one to take sides. Even though they know what they are doing is wrong. It is the “comfort zone” that they want to relish without taking into consideration of their own actions. Sometimes one forgets that it is always better to be in Krsna's side and no other.

Whatever stated in the Bhagavad-gita is eternal. Its teaching is for all times. By going deep into its subject matter will eventually elevate one to a higher understanding.

In order to do so, one must pray hard from within his or her heart.

The True Meaning of Vyasa Puja

2010-01-14T19:18:00.000-08:00

Today is the appearance day of my most worship able Srila Gurudeva. On this day, Sri Guru will worship Srila Vyasadeva and the entire guru-parampara. A bona fide guru never takes worship from his disciples. Instead He offers it to Krsna, Srimati Radhika and the entire guru-parampara.

Below is an excerpt of the meaning of Vyasa-puja given by my Srila Gurudeva in Hawaii.

"It is the custom in our Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya Sampradaya that any acarya who is widely spreading Krsna consciousness in the line of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Srila Rupa Gosvami under the guidance of Sri Krsna Dvaipayana Vyasadeva will worship Srila Vyasadeva and the guru-parampara on his birthday.

This worship is called Guru-puja and also Vyasa-puja. We have seen how our Gurudeva and his god-brothers used to very humbly celebrate their Vyasa-puja.

This occasion is not meant for taking puja, worship, from disciples. On his birthday the acarya worships his guru and guru-parampara – Srila Vyasadeva, Sri Krsna, Sriman Mahaprabhu, Srimati Radhika and others – in a mood of great respect. This is Guru-puja or Vyasa-puja.Why do we offer devotion to Sri Krsna? What is the reason we pay so much respect to Sri Gurudeva? If we are gaining spiritual advancement from someone, we respect him. No gain, no respect.

Sri Gurudeva always feels indebted to his Gurudeva and guru-parampara. Without Guru, guru-parampara, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Sri Krsna, what is there? Nothing. In other words there can be no spiritual advancement. "

Also, a bona fide guru does not only makes disciples, he makes gurus. Take the history of Aruni and Upamanyu. They very sincerely served the lotus feet of their guru that all knowledge manifested in their hearts. There weren't learned or anything. Everything comes by the mercy of Sri Guru.

Therefore, this most insignificant ashalata devi dasi is praying at the lotus feet of my Srila Gurudeva that one day I may realise all these truths and eternally serve His Lotus Feet.

Always Remember Krsna

2010-01-10T20:49:00.000-08:00

(Sri Srimad Bhaktivedanta Trivikrama Gosvami Maharaja is the senior god-brother and intimate friend of Sri Srimad Bhaktivedanta Narayana Gosvami Maharaja. He is also one of the senior most disciples of Srila Bhakti-prajnana Kesava Gosvami Maharaja, the sannyasa guru of Sri Srimad Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.)

Today is the appearance day of Sri Srimad Bhaktivedanta Trivikrama Gosvami Maharaja.

I am remembering how Srila Maharaja once told me, "Always remember Krsna!"

After which he started to laugh and proceeded to his room.

On this day I am praying that by His Divine Grace's mercy I would be able to always remember Krsna.

O Maharaja, may you always sprinkle a drop of your mercy on someone as fallen as me.

A Child's View of Srila Gurudeva and the Deities

2010-01-06T19:31:00.000-08:00

There are times when I feel I cannot preach to someone, especially if they are little children of a totally different ethnic background. Well, it is hard enough to preach to adults, what more to children.

I’ve known Rachel for over a year now. She’s only 11 years old. Rachel is always curious why I am a vegetarian. So one day she needed help with her school work and the computer was needed at that time. Being her private tutor, I helped her get the information she wanted. Then she asked whether I have a blog.

That’s when I started to introduce to her my Srila Gurudeva. She was fascinated.

She said, "O your Guru is sooo cute!"

Then she looked at the pictures of Sri RadhaKrsna and found them adorable. Finally she looked at the pictures of Giriraja.

She acclaimed, “O so sweeet!”

Then when she saw a picture of Srila Gurudeva surrounded by many devotees with upraised arms, she asked, “What are they doing?”

I said, “Haribol! Haribol!”

Immediately Rachel raised her arms and started to chant ‘Haribol! Haribol!’

Tears welled up in my eyes. Just by seeing pictures of my spiritual master, the deities and devotees, this little girl chanted. I was made an instrument.

Little does Rachel realise the spiritual piety she has accumulated.

Before I left, she said she was going to read the Chinese purebhakti.com website.

I couldn’t ask for more. Krsna has a way to make you preach in many mysterious ways.

Nama Hatta on New Year's Day

2010-01-03T22:10:00.000-08:00

It was indeed an auspicious start to a New Year 2010. After my morning prayers, I had to run some errand on New Year's day. And the first people my husband and I met were devotees.

We greeted each other with a cheerful "Hare Krsna!" Then I dropped the two devotees from Manila at the nearby Iskcon temple. We did agree that we are after all Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's family. One family with one mission.

Later that day I was going to have my first ever Nama Hatta for the year. So I picked a time which is quite suitable to all parties concerned, including myself.

At 4:00 p.m., my godsister and godbrother came over. Although there were only 3 of us, it was a sweet gathering. We sang bhajans before proceeding to read and discuss from Srila Bhaktivendanta Swami Prabhupada's collected archive lectures from the Bhagavad-gita dating back to 1966.

Srila Gurudev often says that preaching is for us to develop. By preaching we may get many insights and realisations.

Therefore I thank these two souls who made an attempt to come over to my place. They actually gave me an opportunity to speak and read from the holy book and some service. Besides, we don't know whether other beings were there as well. Chanting loudly and preaching is not only helping oneself but others as well.

Really it does not matter whether there were 2 people or 20 people. Most importantly, whether I progress and make that change from within.

As far as I'm concerned it was a good program and I can't wait for the next one.

Against Bridge Building Across Holy Yamunaji

2009-12-27T03:02:00.000-08:00

In order to pursue money which is like honey for almost everyone, certain individuals and political bodies do not care for the destruction of historical or religious sites. Thus the building of a bridge across Yamuna takes place. Many devotees and well-wishers are protesting. This will bring about an ecological destruction of the Kesi Ghat area.

Here we are trying to preserve what is ours, yet there are those who are bent on seeing it go forever.

The heart bleeds. The eyes cries. The body quiver with uncontrollable rage. Yet never to give up, we shall rise.

It may bring in the big tourists' money. But at what cost???

Firstly, the residents of Vrindavan, especially the sadhus should be consulted in this matter. Instead, the construction is simply going on.

I suppose at the end of the day, only the Lord knows His own big plan. Still we protest and we try and we pray.

Let us all join our hearts and hands, and with Srila Gurudeva's blessings. protest against such destruction.

Please read the following sites below for further clarification.

http://harmonist.us/2009/12/bridge-construction-threat-to-yamuna-and-vrindavan/

http://www.petitiononline.com/NObridge/

http://www.vina.cc/news/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=398

Getting Rid the Ghost of Envy

2009-12-19T03:27:00.000-08:00

This world is not only full of miseries but envy also. We are plagued by envy like a poisonous snake hissing its venom. Such envious thoughts and deeds will eventually consume our well-being and bring our own downfall.

What should our actions be when we see someone more qualified than ourselves. In the Srimad-Bhagavatam, Canto 4, Chapter 8, verse 34 it is stated:

gunadhikan mudam lipsed

anukrosam gunadhamat

maitrim samanad anvicchen

na tapair abhibhuyate

"Every man should act like this: when he sees a person more qualified than himself, he should be very pleased; when he meets someone less qualified than himself, he should be compassionate toward him; and when he meets someone equal to himself, he should make friendship with him. In this way one is never affected by the threefold miseries of this material world."

Unfortunately, when we meet someone who is more qualified, we become envious of him. When we find someone who is less qualified, we deride him. And when we find someone equal, we become proud of our activities.

These are the causes for our material miseries. And it will drive us further and further into the darkest dungeons of envy. By constantly and sincerely serving a bona fide spiritual master is the only way to rid ourselves the ghost of envy.

Always Chant And Be Happy

2009-12-10T01:14:00.000-08:00

Srimati Uma didi gave a one day class on 15 November 2009. Srimati Uma didi is a disciple of Srila Bhaktivedanta Vamana Gosvami Maharaja. She has served her Guru Maharaja for many years including Srila Bhaktivedanta Trivikrama Maharaja and Srila Gurudeva, whom she has taken siksa from.

Below is the excerpt of the class from my own notes:

"In the scriptures, it is mentioned that when Hari-katha, topics related to Lord Krsna and His devotees, is going on, sun cannot enter. Sun-god is stealing our time. Upon sun set, our lifes become minus. One day passes and our life is diminishing.

When Hari-katha is going on, sun-god has no power to steal our time. Hari-katha means direct, no difference of nama, the holy names of the Lord and nami, the Lord Himself. Time becomes eternal.

When Hari-katha is going on, then Krsna must be present. Krsna will be present by the grace of Sri Guru. Krsna enters through our ears and enters our heart. With attentive listening, some mood will come. Krsna will clean our hearts. By speaking Hari-katha, it will make our heart and mind purified. Hari-katha is so powerful.

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu gave instruction to everyone, including grhastha, householders, to first do Vaishnava seva, service to the devotees, Hari-seva, service to the Lord and Nagar-sankirtan, congregational chanting of the holy names.

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu said to distribute harinama, holy names, to everyone. What is the benefit? If Hari-Sankirtan, congregtional chanting, is done by loudly singing, somehow the holy names is benefitting the trees, animals etc as sabda brahman, transcendental sound.

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu instructed Srila Haridas Thakur and Sri Nityananda Prabhu to give harinama to everyone. He said, "Beg them to chant."

People used to give Srila Haridas Thakur and Sri Nityananda Prabu rice, etc, but Sri Nityananda Prabhu said He does not want any of these things. He only wants them to chant. Sri Nityananda Prabhu is guru-tattva, fundemental truths regarding Sri Guru.

Our Srila Gurudeva is going everywhere and preaching in his old age. Why? So that everyone will chant and become happy. Even if one person can be turned towards Krsna consciousness, then it is so great.

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu said that we can be happy by chanting. Human life is full of miseries. Because of our past life sukriti, spiritual pious activities, we have come to Krsna consciousness. Then by more and more sukriti, taste for Hari-katha will come.

What does bhakti, devotion to the Lord, means? Bhakti means no desire for oneself. Gopi's , the cowherd girls in Vrindavan, speciality is only how to love and serve Sri Krsna. They have pranaya, thick love, for Krsna. Gopis never expect anything from Krsna. They only think how to serve Krsna. That is their aim and object.

One who does Krsna bhajan, devotion to Krsna, is always pleased and happy. Our aim and object should be to attain radha-dasyam, the service of Srimati Radhika.

But first practice:

vaco vegam manasah krodha vegam

jihva vegam udaropastha vegam

etan vegan yo visaheta dhirah

sarvam apimam prithivim sa sisyat

"A sober person who can tolerate the urge to speak, the mind's demands, the actions of anger and the urges of the tongue, belly and genitals is qualified to make disciples all over the world."

We must have strong faith in Sri Guru. Sincerely follow Sri Guru's instruction. Then realisation will come.

Once someone asked Srila Gurudeva whether mercy is the same for everyone? Srila Gurudeva said no. It is according to our surrender. If we want to be cheated, then we will be cheated by Sri Guru. We cannot do anything by our own effort.

So whatever instruction Sri Guru gives, follow it. First become guru-dasa, servant of Sri Guru, then Krsna-dasa, servant of Krsna, and then Radha-dasyam.

Nagar Sankirtan with Uma Didi

2009-11-19T19:47:00.000-08:00

Srimati Uma didi (left) and Rangavati didi.

I’ve always wanted to do a nagar-sankirtan seva (congregational chanting of the holy names). But having to acquire a police permit is a little daunting. The law here requires any public display of religious sentiments to have a permit so as not to disturb others of different faith.

That’s when I came up with the idea of chanting at the park. Devotees can sit around the park and chant. We can even call it “Krsna Picnic."

I talked to Lalita didi about it and she was excited to do this. But it had to be after the Kartik month since she was going for parikrama. I also talked to some other devotees and they were just as eager.

Nitai Gauranga Jaya!! Gaura Hari!!!

When Lalita didi came back, we set the date for 15th November. We did not call many devotees as the weather was really bad. It rained everyday. And we had to do a lot of cancellations if it rained.

Unfortunately, a day before the scheduled nagar sankirtan, Lalita didi had some emergency meeting. She informed that a senior Vaishnavi, Srimati Uma didi was coming for a stop over before flying off to Oakland.

Also, whomever I’ve requested to come could not make it as well.

I assured Lalita didi that it was alright and perhaps I will take Uma didi to the park instead. I’ve known Uma didi for a long time. She is such a sweet, gentle and great soul.

So on Sunday (15th November), as soon as I parked my car outside our preaching centre, a loud clap of thunder was heard. The whole day seemed fairly ok, and I feared of a heavy down pour.

I quickly went to the centre, met Uma didi and her assistant Rangavati didi and mentioned of my intentions. They very happily decided to join in the harinama chanting. This despite the fact they flew in only that morning.

We headed to the park, less than 5 minutes drive and picked a spot. We chanted loudly for about an hour. People passed us by. Some noticed, some nodded, some ignored. Many families were there with their children. Some playing, some just sitting by and some doing their evening exercises.

After that I took out my home made almond cookies prasadam and we relished it together. I also mentioned to Uma didi, how Srila Gurudeva used walk around the perimeters of the lake in the park.

Home-made almond cookies

Soon little silver droplets from the heavens started to sprinkle upon us. We made it to the car and headed towards the centre.

Later that evening Uma didi spoke on the importance of nagar sankirtan. (will blog about the class soon).

All's well, that ends well.

The Devotee's Prayer

2009-11-01T03:27:00.000-08:00

Srila Bhakti Promode Puri Maharaja (left) with Srila Gurudeva (right)

Today, 1st November 2009, we celebrate the disappearance day of Srila Bhakti Promode Puri Maharaja. Below is an excerpt from His Divine Grace's Book, "The Art of Sadhana - The Devotee's Prayer."

"We should pray as follows: “I am fallen and useless, O Lord. May my spiritual master be pleased with me. May he give me the spiritual strength to follow his directions. May all the obstacles to my worshipping the Lord be removed so that at the end of my sojourn in this world, I may sit alone far from the hustle and bustle of the material world and, with a steady mind, chant the Holy Names with emotion.

May the Lord be merciful an allow me to give up my last breath in this way. With or without knowledge, I have committed so many offenses to His Lotus Feet, and even now I continue to commit offenses. O Lord please forgive all such offenses and give me a place at Your Lotus Feet. Make my life complete by allowing me to associate with those who are dear to You."

Talk Less, Go Within The Self

2009-10-11T20:35:00.000-07:00

I had an interesting conversation with a devotee. He told me that if a person becomes quiet and goes deep within himself or herself, they will find solace. Not only that, miseries surrounding us can be cut into half.

Most of our miseries come from us talking too much nonsense. This will not only put us in trouble but put a dent in another person's heart as well.

This place is dukhalayam --- a place of misery. Why make it any worse for oneself by talking unnecessarily.

He went on to say that even people who are not on the spiritual platform or for those seeking higher truths, become quiet to think about the mysteries of the world.

As for Krsna devotees, who have so much more knowledge handed down by their spiritual masters, should use this material body and progress even further.

So less talk. More thinking. More Meditation. More Service.

Simple Living High Thinking

2009-10-07T22:20:00.000-07:00

Srila Bhakti Rakshaka Sridhara Maharaja and Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Maharaja Prabhupada. This picture was taken in 1973 at the opening of the Mayapur Candrodaya Mandir

"We are quarrelling in a foreign land for fictitious gain. But Krsna is engaged in a loving search for His long lost servants" --- Srila Bhakti Rakshaka Sridhara Maharaja.

Srila Bhakti Rakshaka Sridhar Maharaja: (the speech given at the opening):

This ashram is being opened today. What is its position? In Srimad Bhagavatam we find:

vanam tu sattviko vaso gramo rajasa ucyate

tamasam dyuta-sadanam man-niketam tu nirgunam (S.B. 11.25.25)

“Residence in the forest is in the mode of goodness, residence in a town is in the mode of passion, residence in a gambling house displays the quality of ignorance, and residence in a place where I (the Supreme Lord) reside is transcendental.”

Vana-vasa means plain living with the minimum of material things to help our life, that is vana-vasa. It is a simple life, plain living and high thinking, but there also we are masters of that little thing, that sattvika-vasa. It is most conducive to our religious life. There is no grandeur of any material enjoyment, etc. That is sattvika-vasa or vana-vasa.

Rajasa-vasa is a life where one is engaged in various activities in the uplifting of society, the world and civilization. That is rajasa, where a maximum amount of energy is spent to improve the paraphernalia where we live to make us comfortable.

Tamasa-vasa dyuta-sadanam is a life without caring for any social life, only for the maximum amount of sense pleasure and minimum amount of giving to others, to society or any paraphernalia. It is a reckless life, a life in the clubhouse or hotel – something like that. It is irresponsible life – tamasa-vasa dyuta-sadanam.

Man-niketam tu nirgunam – if we spend our life in the house of the Lord, we may live in any amount of grandeur, or anything of the type – but still it is nirgunam, because we are not masters there, we are servants.

In the vana-vasa, we lead so simple a life with a minimum of material things with which we surround ourselves to live, but still there, we are masters to command others. Here we are all servants – everything is to be served. Whatever we shall see, all around, even a tree, even a creeper or even a particle of dust is to be served and is not to be enjoyed or renounced. That is the form of life, a life of worship, a life of devotion. It is not only to please the Lord but also all of His paraphernalia and to see that they are also serving the Supreme Entity. With this idea – to be a serving factor in the all-serving environment of the Lord – this is man-niketam tu nirgunam.

So, we have come here to a nirguna life, crossing all sorts of relativities of this material world, whatever conception it may be, and to learn that isavasyam idam sarvam, the fundamental truth given in the Isopanisad, that isavasyam idam sarvam – everything here is the presence of the Supreme Entity, the Supreme Lord. With this conception we are to live in such a training house.

I was told that in Back to Godhead one gentleman wrote that the so-called universities, colleges, and schools are slaughterhouses. I am very much pleased with this idea. Yes. They are nothing but slaughterhouses, and this sort of institution, that our Guru Maharaja (Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Thakur) has inaugurated in this world is to uplift us and all jivas toward the worship and loving service of the Supreme Entity. Each is like an oasis in the desert. They are life-giving and not flattering institutions, like so many educational institutions that we find.

Sa vijna mammate jaya – where this sort of training comes, that goes towards the centre, towards reality, towards beauty, towards harmony, towards a solution of life, towards nectar giving life – these institutions are only helpful and this is necessary.

Once Madana-mohana Malaviya, a famous leader in the recent history of India, came to visit our Guru Maharaja and after listening to his words he told, “Every village should have one centre of your Divine Grace.” But our Guru Maharaja answered in return that, “I want to make everybody a temple of the Lord, every human being, every human body I want to make a temple therein, not only villages.” So, that was his idea.

prthivite ache yata nagaradi-grama, sarvatra pracara haibe mora nama

With this idea he started his mission, Gaudiya Math, Gaudiya Mission. And we are seeing that Swami Maharaja (Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Maharaja) by his grace, he is able to spread it around India and throughout the world and different continents. We are very happy to see new faces around us for the preaching purpose and spreading the news of Sri Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Thakur, Srila Bhakti Vinod Thakur and Sriman Mahaprabhu, and the vision of Sri Krsna and His beloved.

There are elevationists, there are renunciates, but we are servitors. Geham jusam api mansy udiyat sada nah – true to the kindred point of the heaven and the heart. Cloister and the heart, the knowledge of these – but the hearts has been made the cloister. The gopi-bhajana is to make the heart the cloister. Not that the cloister has a separate place. The heart is the cloister and this is only possible with the Krsna conception of Godhead. All will be converted wholesale, every nook and corner. Nothing should be left out. No vacancy should be left out for any other purpose but to devote all respects to the Supreme Entity, to be faithful to the extreme. Nothing should be left. This is only possible in the Krsna conception of Godhead (akhila rasamrta murti). All sorts of ecstasy, happiness, and everything of the type can be possible in its divine form when we find Sri Krsna as the Supreme Lord and nowhere else.

One western gentleman told that there are many conceptions of religion in different parts of the world, but we do not find any conception of religion where twenty-four hours can be devoted in the service of the Supreme Lord. Not only engaged on Sunday, not only twice in the day, not only thrice in the day, but every hour and second should be devoted in the service of the Supreme Entity and then nothing will be left behind. This sort of service is only possible in kirtaniya sada harih and in the asta-kaliya-lila of Sri Krsnachandra Himself in the madhurya-rasa. Sri Chaitanyadeva came down to this world to preach that, to give that nectarine life to one and all. Nrmatrasy-adhikarita – take the Name of the Lord and you will find yourself in His harem one day. For religion, money is not necessary, physical energy in great quantity is not necessary, nor are other helping things necessary. Only try to take the Name sincerely.

It should be acquired through the right channel, otherwise there will be some disturbance tampering with it. Trade in the name of religion is also going on here and there, and we should save ourselves from those difficulties by following a bona-fide path. So, on the day of the advent of Sri Krsna Chaitanya, which means serving Krsna in all aspects, this laudable attempt is being done in great quantity by our Svami Maharaja. We are very happy to get the chance to attend this function. Swami Maharaja ki jaya!

Pure In Any Circumstance

2009-10-06T22:20:00.000-07:00

Mahamsa das: (regarding some young Indian ladies about to take initiation from Srila Prabhupada)

I don't know what is the position of the ladies being initiated. They are young girls. They may get married to someone outside the society.

(Srila Prabhupada): Still they can chant and observe the rules and regulations.

(Mahamsa das): Even if her husband does not follow?

(Srila Prabhupada): That does not matter. It is individual. My sister, when she married, everyone at her father-in-law's house were all eating fish. She was a young girl, ten, eleven years old. She was given this foodstuff with fish and everything and she started to cry. Her mother-in-law asked, "Why are you crying?"

"No, we do not touch all these things."

Her mother-in-law immediately arranged special cooking for her. So her husband and other family members were taking fish, but she never touched it. She does not know what fish is.

If one wants to keep oneself pure, he or she can keep pure in any circumstances.

- Room conversation, 22 August 1976 Hyderabad.

Take the Nectar and Throw The Bitter

2009-10-05T21:56:00.000-07:00

Thousands of pilgrims would have and will be gathering at Vrindavan at the month of Karthik. It's the best place to be. Yet parikrama can test one's patience and tolerance level. Firstly, many devotees are bound to fall sick. Then there are those who are really nice people, suddenly turning into temperamental creatures. Tempers flare and patience tested to the brink.

I suppose at the end of the day, Vraja parikrama teaches us something. To tolerate, to accept, to forgive.

Srila Bhakti Vaibhava Puri Maharaja once said during Karthik, "Take the nectar and throw the bitter."

That sums up parikrama. Only take the nectar, the Hari-katha, and wonderful association with sadhus.

Sowing the Seed of Compassion

2009-09-27T17:46:00.000-07:00

Once when Srila Gurudeva was in Kuala Lumpur, and was hosted by a family in a residential area, the neighbours complained that the devotees were making too much noise early in the morning, meaning during mangala arati.

This matter was brought up to Srila Gurudeva by some devotees. Below is the excerpt of the conversation:

(Devotees): Srila Gurudeva, there's been some complain about us making too much noise early in the morning.

(Srila Gurudeva): O you should all tone down. Do not disturb anyone.

(Devotee): But I already talked to them and they said it was alright.

(Srila Gurudeva): No, No. We should still keep it down and not disturb them.

Also, a similar incident happened in the Philippines in 1999 when Srila Gurudeva was hosted in a beach resort during Christmas. There was loud blaring of music and much merriment was going on. One of the devotees complained the matter to the resort management. The devotees were also planning to move Srila Gurudeva to another beach house.

As for the noise it was somewhat quiet, then back to its fullest volume!

At that time Srila Gurudeva was resting and now His Divine Grace woke up.

(Devotee): Srila Gurudeva, we complained the matter to the management to keep it down. And we may also have to move.

(to their surprise Srila Gurudeva answered)

(Srila Gurudeva): Oh no harm. It is like Krsna playing His flute. Did you make any complaint? You should not complain. These people are like children. They want to be happy in this material world. Soon they will become old and die.

(The maha-bhagavata is not disturbed at all. He is most calm and most compassionate. He showers love to all those around Him. His character is exemplary so that one day such truths will manifests in our hearts.)

Krsna Is In Everyone's Heart

2009-09-22T22:12:00.000-07:00

Sometimes devotees tend to forget that people out there who have no inkling about Krsna consciousness, should not be judged or criticised. Each time I talk to a person, devotees will query me whether they are devotees or not.

Also, there are those who are bent on saying they cannot get along with non-devotees. They rather not work for them and find all kinds of excuses just to be judgemental about non-devotees.

I personally feel such persons are living on a self-denial mode. Krsna is in everyone’s heart. If we know how to conduct ourselves as devotees, then even the non-devotees will know how to reciprocate with us.

It is not that now ‘I am initiated, I should only be with devotee group.’ Although, there is no doubt it is for good association, we must not neglect the outside world when we are not ready to do so. Artificial renunciation is definitely not accepted.

Why not start making friends with them and slowly bring them to Krsna consciousness. After all we are Krsna’s one big family.

Not Yet

2009-09-21T23:41:00.000-07:00

Once I missed Sripad Bhaktivedanta Vana Maharaja's class. Maharaja queried me why I did not come to which I answered I had to work.

In jest, Maharaja told me to give up my work.

I simply replied, "Not yet, Maharaja."

(It's better to be slow but steady.)

Monkey Renunciation

2009-09-20T19:16:00.000-07:00

Once a devotee had an interesting darshan with Srila Bhaktivedanta Trivikrama Maharaja.

(Devotee): I have given up everything. My job, my house, my family, my wealth. Everyhing!

(Srila Bhaktivedanta Trivikrama Maharaja): Yes, that is monkey renunciation.

(One who has really given up would not realise they have given up anything. Only a great soul, maha-bhagavata knows our hearts.)

Kali Maharaja's 2 Disciples

2009-09-05T05:04:00.000-07:00

In this age of quarrel and hypocrisy, (Kali-yuga), Kali Maharaja has 2 disciples, that is duplicity and hypocrisy. We are quick to point others’ duplicitous and hypocritical character, forgetting our very own.

Where there is duplicity and hypocrisy, there's a tendency to commit sin. Just like in Mahabharata, Duhsasana tried to disrobe Draupadi. Duryhodhan always wanted to kill the Pandavas.

Krsna-katha is full of teaching for us to imbibe in our daily lifes.

When we point a finger at others, 3 other fingers are pointing at us.

It is difficult to clean our own backyard first, but by constant chanting and praying, it is possible for us to cross over this insurmountable task. Therefore, we must constantly beg for the mercy of Sri Hari, Guru and Vaishnavas.

Toll Collection---Drama Within A Drama

2009-08-31T03:12:00.000-07:00

It sure was a frantic night, having to stage a drama on Krsna-lila called Dan-ghati or toll collection. The children whose ages range from 5 to 18 years did a good job performing on Radhasthami. They were really nervous. Performing in front of so many people obviously saw some glitches.

3 days later, with a proper stage put up, courtesy by one of the parents, the children were to perform live yet again. Now, in front of Sripad Bhaktivedanta Vana Maharaja and Sripad Bhaktivedanta Bhiksu Maharaja.

All the kids came to the temple at around 6:30 p.m. or earlier. I did a trial run on stage with them, pointing out their positioning and everything. It was almost 7:00 p.m. One of the main actress as "Srimati Radhika" was no where to be found. After some panic, one of the older girls in the cast said, "'Srimati Radhika" will come, and that she will be delayed as she had to attend a function."

The time now was almost 7:30 p.m. Panic turned into desperation. The younger ones were almost in tears as they were practising really hard for this drama. They certainly don't want their drama to be cancelled because of this one missing actress!

That's when the neighbour girl, Zara, about 8 years old, was watching us rehearse. Her grandmother gestured her to behave over the wall fencing.

I really did not know what came over me. I coolly walked over to her grandmother and said, "O she can watch us rehearse. It's alright. In fact, your grand-daughter is going to take part."

Zara's grandmother simply smiled and nodded her head.

What happened later was a miracle of sorts. I scuttled Zara and the rest of the cast into an empty room in the temple to change into their costumes. Obviously, Zara did not have any "gopi dress" or what so ever with her.

We had to get another girl's skirt and blouse. Luckily she brought an extra. The skirt was too big and we had to pull it up all the way to her chest and secure it with pins. Then came the blouse and a golden belt. I roped in another lady devotee, Gomathi didi, to do Zara's make-up and hair.

And so we had our replacement "Srimati Radhika." All I had to tell Zara was to learn up the simple dance steps and I will mimick her voice. Voila!!! Perfect.

Everyone cooperated. The rest of the cast, I believe gave another 10% more because of Zara.

What did I learn from all this. ----- Krsna arranges everything. He can create a drama within a drama. Now, it's up to this insignificant soul to propel even further.

Zara, looking all dolled up as "Srimati Radhika."

Zara and the rest of the cast performing a dance. The "gopis" are taking many palatable food-stuffs for the yajna of Bhaguri Rsi.

"Krsna" stops the "gopis" and demands toll from the "gopis." This angers "Lalita-devi."

"Krsna" claims He is married to Vrnda-devi. And anything that belongs to the wife automatically belongs to the husband. "Vrnda-devi" then denies having anything to do with "Krsna."

"Krsna" and the gopas did not care. They forcible took the "gopis" offerings.

Later the "gopis" hatched a plan to teach the gopas and "Krsna" a lesson. They made "Srimati Radhika" walk alone with many palatable foodstuffs. "Krsna" demanded toll. Just then all the "gopis" came out of hiding and beat up the "gopas." "Krsna" was made to wear a skirt and the "gopis" did abhishek of Him.

The cast beat the boys in Kung-fu style!!

"Krsna" and the "gopas" asks forgiveness from "Srimati Radhika" and proclaims that She is the Queen of Vrindavan.

The cast singing the Maha-mantra dikir barat style.

Singing the glories of the Lord.

Sweet Zara with Nitya, Vidya, Yasodhan, Arvind Junior, Arvind Senior, Radha-priya and Tamal-kishen with their presents.

The cast cutting a cake with Sripad Bhaktivedanta Vana Maharaja.

Later Sripad Bhaktivedanta Vana Maharaja told me, "O this drama should appear in TV!!"

(Phew! As far as I am concerned: 'All is well, that ends well. Krsna is behind all our drama.)

I really must thank my students Darren Chan who lend his CD player for Janmasthami, Mr. Wong Peng Nam for repairing his CD player, Joee Heng for assisting me during the play on Janmasthami and downloading the songs, Rachel Lau for giving me her pom-pom to make "Krsna's" flute look really attractive and her cousin Louis for downloading the songs and last but not least Zara for standing in as the replacement for "Srimati Radhika."

These souls do not have an inkling what Krsna consciousness is all about. Little do they know how much spiritual piety they have accumulated. Only Krsna can repay them.

True Meaning of Brahmacari

2009-08-30T00:07:00.000-07:00

After His Divine Grace's usual morning walk in 1990's, Srila Gurudeva spoke of the true meaning of the word brahmacari.

"What is the meaning of brahmacari? Is it just wearing saffron cloth and being celibate? True brahmacari means one who is constantly searching or finding for Krsna. "Cari" always seeking, searching for Krsna. 'Where is Krsna?! Where is Krsna?!'"

(May such truths manifests in my heart)

Happy Janmasthami to All Souls!!

2009-08-13T23:47:00.000-07:00

In his purport to Srimad Bhagavatam 10.3.47, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada describes this topic: "Srila Viswanath Chakravarti Thakur discusses that Krishna appeared simultaneously as the son of Devaki and as the son of Yasoda, along with the spiritual energy Yogamaya.

As the son of Devaki, He first appeared as Vishnu, and because Vasudev was not in the position of pure affection for Krishna, Vasudev worshipped his son as Lord Vishnu.

Yasoda, however, pleased her son Krishna without understanding His Godhood. This is the difference between Krishna as the son of Yasoda and as the son of Devaki. This is explained by Srila Viswanath Chakravarti Thakur on the authority of Hari-vamsa."

Just Like A Mother

2009-08-13T23:04:00.000-07:00

Way back in 1997, Srila Gurudeva talked about how He is willing to help anyone who comes to him.

What His Divine Grace said made a huge impact in my heart. (see quote below)

"I will continue to help whoever that comes to me. If a child was to urinate and pass stool on the mother, the mother will simply wash herself and the child included.

She is not going to stop loving her child. She will continue to nourish and help her child. In the same way, I will continue to do so even if they are criticising me."

(When will I be able to imbibe such a mood in myself? I can only cry and pray for this.)

Praying and Trying Not To Expect

2009-08-01T22:09:00.000-07:00

Most of the time, we are looking for appreciation for the things we do. Although we say we are not, but deep down inside we feel good when someone acknowledges what we have done. We glow inwardly when others give us some sort of credit. A dangerous situation in spiritual aspirants for we do not wish to enjoy. We may also go on an ego trip stating “I have done this or that.” After a while those around us will eventually start to tire of us. We will be left all alone to lick our wounds. Perhaps even become bitter.

Only when we actually do seva without enjoying the results of it, we are on our way to peace and bliss. Everything is in Srila Gurudeva's hand. Success or otherwise, if it gives pleasure to the Divine Couple, then so be it. We have to accept.

O When will I realise such truths?

We Must Help

2009-07-15T22:46:00.000-07:00

Way back in 1999, Srila Gurudeva asked his audience this question:

(Srila Gurudeva): When you're chanting and suddenly you saw an accident. What must you do?

(Devotee 1): We must continue chanting. We must not leave our chanting.

(Devotee 2): We can see if there are others helping, then we can go our way and continue chanting.

(Devotee 3): We have to see whether they are related to Krsna or not?

(Srila Gurudeva): What?? All are related to Krsna!

All your answers are completely bogus, bogus, bogus. Although we are chanting, if someone is in trouble we must try to help. Anyhow render some help.

Observing Caturmasya

2009-07-06T22:14:00.000-07:00

Today is the beginning of Caturmasya. When I was in Hong Kong I asked Srila Gurudeva the benefits of fasting during these 4 months.

(Ald): What is the benefit of observing caturmasya, Srila Gurudeva?

(Srila Gurudeva) O the benefits are endless. Limitless. Our entire guru-parampara followed it. The 4 Kumaras also observed caturmasya. My Guru Maharaja also.

You cannot imagine the benefits. All in our lineage followed it.

(Sripad BV Madhava Maharaja & Sripad Brajanath Prabhu in unison): And our Srila Gurudeva is also following it.

Below are the foods restricted for the entire 4 months and particular foods during each of the 4 months:

Eggplants, tomatoes, loki, parmal, urad dahl and honey

Particular foods that are restricted during the first month:

No leafy vegetables, such as spinach, salads of all types, cabbages of all types, kale, leafy herbs like coriander, mint, parsley, curry and powdered leafy herbs and teas.

2nd month:

No yoghurt

3rd month:

no milk

4th month:

No mustard seeds, mustard oil, sesame seeds, sesame oil.

Also today there is a a penumbral lunar eclipse, which is an inauspicious moment.

16:32:16 start of the eclipse

18:44:57 end of the eclipse

During this time, avoid sleeping, eating, drinking and using the bathroom. Constantly chant Harinama.

Relationships in this Material World

2009-07-06T01:22:00.000-07:00

(Srila Bhaktivedanta Trivikrama Maharaja was one of the three pillars of devotion in Gaudiya Vedanta Samiti, which was established by Srila Bhakti Prajnana Kesava Gosvami Maharaja. His Divine Grace left this world on November 7, 2002)

Some time ago, I a devotee told me of an interesting darshan she had with His Divine Grace.

Below is the excerpt:

(Srila Bhaktivedanta Trivikrama Maharaja): Do you love your husband?

(Devotee): Yes, I do.

(Srila Bhaktivedanta Trivikrama Maharaja): Do you think he loves you?

(Devotee): I suppose so. Surely he must love me.

(Srila Bhaktivedanta Trivikrama Maharaja): This is the dealings of the material world. As long as someone does exactly what you want them to do, then they become your husband, wife, good friends and so on.

Opposites Attract

2009-07-01T22:17:00.001-07:00

Once an elderly Vaishnavi, said how some brahmacaris only want to speak hari-katha to young girls.

Apparently, when an old woman requests them to speak hari-katha, they (the brahmacaris) always say they are busy.

Pondering about that fact, it only goes to show how opposites attract, especially when we are in our blossoming youth.

I know of someone who wanted some ladies to get to gather and speak hari-katha or do some seva. Most of the ladies seem to be "extremely" busy. One even said it may be a waste of time for her. But when the same concept was introduced by a male, they seem to be interested.

Of course this cannot be true to every single person. There are some successful ladies sanga group. Unfortunately, such situation is not pretty common.

Opposites do attract. And this can lead to dangerous liaisons, especially for aspiring spiritual practitioners.

Too Much Wanting

2009-06-26T04:21:00.000-07:00

We have too many "wants."

I want a nice big car and house,
I want a good husband,
I want a beautiful wife,
I want delicious foodstuffs,
I want lots and lots of money.

Always wanting this and that. Most of the time we contemplate of these things.

Why not start to want:

I want to serve the Vaishnavas more,
I want Sri Guru to sit in my heart,
I want the Divine Couple to sit in my heart,
I want to see only the good in others,
I want to see the bad in me,
I want to go home, back to Godhead.

O I want these prayers answered.

Bewildered

2009-06-14T04:58:00.000-07:00

Recently a mother of five was a little distressed about her children. She feels they don't really need her they way they used to. She was wondering where did that little patter of feet and that cute gurgle all gone to.

Before puberty, it was almost always, "Mom! Where are you?" or "I want my mommy!"

Then all of a sudden they have all grown up. They have their own set of friends. Their own life to live. And most of all not much time for mommy.

So this mother is totally bewildered. She wonders at the turn of events. The truth is she don't seem to realise that she herself has made a cycle. She does not realise that once before she was a baby, toddler, a young child, a teenager, a woman, married lady and now a mother.

She herself did exactly the same things to her parents. The same cycle goes on. Yet, a lot of us can identify with her. We get bewildered by Krsna's time factor.

We have been mothers, fathers etc etc before. Married and had children a zillion times over.

If one is properly situated, they will not be like that. Instead they will take such an opportunity to get closer to Sri Guru and Krsna.

And most importantly ------ not to be bewildered again.

The Cycle

2009-06-11T23:16:00.000-07:00

We are wandering and wandering in 8 million and 400 thousand species of life. Of that 400,000 are humans. How many ethnic groups or race do we know of? There's Indian, Malay, Chinese, French, Italian etc etc. The list goes on and on.

Just like that we have been caught up in this vicious cycle of birth, disease, old age and death. When is it ever going to end?

I saw these little birdies and said to myself: "I too was once a bird, perhaps. Or a dog, hog etc etc."

Now I have this human body. Should I waste it in bickering and politics? Even when I have come to a bona fide guru, should I caste it away, and go back to this vicious cycle?

No! O Gurudeva, I want to go home--- Back to Godhead. That should be my business now.

O Little Birdies, I can only chant the maha-mantra to you. May you with the mercy of my Gurudeva and the entire guru-parampara, Nitai and Gauranga become Krsna bhaktas in your next life.

Service Attitude

2009-06-05T03:02:00.000-07:00

Are we the doers? Sometimes we maybe doing so much of "service." We tend to forget at times we are not capable of even moving a blade of grass. Everything happens with the sanction of Lord Krsna.

As Srila Gurudeva once mentioned we want to do service but Srila Rupa and Srila Sanatana Gosvamis are in the service itself. But they never feel they have done anything at all. Even Srimati Radhika Herself, the personification of Tolerance, says She has not served Krsna at all. Instead She glorifies the deer and everything else in Vrindavan.

So, are we the doers?

Sometime back His Holiness Hrishikesh Maharaja mentioned what Srila Bhakti Promode Puri Maharaja said about service.

"It is not the service itself. But the attitude towards the service."

The Mood of Sri Guru

2009-05-31T08:03:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it is so hard to see the good in others. We almost always contemplate how others have wronged us in many ways. The truth is we may have wronged them too. Perhaps not in this life but many, many life times ago. It's just that we don't seem to recall about such things. What goes around, comes around. It's karma. Whether we like it or not.

How is it different for those who have come under the guidance of a bona-fide spiritual master? He protects and guides us from within. Whatever karma we may have to suffer, the pain is somewhat eased due to His mercy. So instead of calling it karma, we must look at it as mercy. For without such pain and suffering, we will not be able to go deep within our self and seek solace.

What do we do when we, the spiritual aspirants are faced with such situations? Constant prayer at the lotus feet of Srila Gurudeva will help alleviate whatever pain we may be going through. He will show us the path to enlightenment.

We must really try hard to see the good in others and see the bad in ourselves.

Sripad Vallabhi Kanta prabhu had an interesting conversation with Sripad Bhakti Saran Damodara Maharaja quite recently. Below is the excerpt:

(Maharaja): "During my guru-maharaja, Srila Bhakti Promode Puri Maharaja's time, we used to go to him and complain about so and so devotee who is doing somethings wrong in the math.

My guru-maharaja would only chastise us for complaining about that devotee. He would hardly chastise the person who is doing wrong.

(Vallabhi Kanta prabhu): Why is that?

(Maharaja): My guru-maharaja used to say that his Gurudeva, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur could forgive. Why can't he do the same. He used to weep. And that would put a deep dent in our hearts.

My guru-maharaja knows how the devotee who is doing all that nonsense needs guidance. If Gurudeva withdraws his mercy, then where and what would happen to that soul. So guru-maharaja would work on that devotee from within."

The more chastisement we get from our Gurudeva, means we are getting very close to Him.

(I am praying at the lotus feet of my Srila Gurudeva that I maybe able to see the good in others and the bad in me. Only then will I be able to capture the mood of my Gurudeva)

Of The Possessed And The Saved

2009-05-20T00:41:00.000-07:00

This incident happened to me a long time ago. Each time I tell this story, it only reinforces my faith in the maha-mantra. When it happened I have not met my Srila Gurudeva. Even then the maha-mantra can protect and save you.

Read on:

I once had a colleague who was a pretty good dresser. She's also quite a looker as she gets all the attention from the boys in the office.

One fine afternoon, I was sitting right opposite her cracking my head as I was suffering from writer's block. She (let's call her Sherry) started to shiver. My initial reaction was the air-conditioning was too cold. Besides, everyone was almost down with the flu at that time.

Soon my other colleagues scooted her off to a room adjoining to our main writers' room. The poor girl was really sick, I thought. I continued doing whatever work since there were others looking after her at that moment.

All of a sudden, my colleagues started running out of the room. Their faces looking quite blank. I tried to stop them to find out what was the matter. None answered me. It was as though I did not exist.

I then ventured to the back room. I saw Sherry lying down and crying.

"Why did they have to do that. Leaving her alone. Poor girl!"

I was like really DUH??!!

I asked Sherry whether she wanted a blanket or a hot drink. She was shaking now.

She simply said, "I am feeling really, really cold."

I then bent down to check on her temperature. That's when she cried out, "Help me! Help me! It's coming inside me! Help!!!!!!"

It just struck me that she was possessed! Her face started to twist and she snarled at me. Sherry or whatever that was laughed hysterically.

At that moment, (being a real scaredy cat that I am), I kept reciting the maha-mantra.

I pushed her down commanding the thing to shut up and get out of that body.

Giving a haunted laugh, "Sherry" started to push me over. My back was facing an open window in that room. Luckily, that thing wasn't strong enough or else I would have been pushed out of the window and would not live to tell this story today.

It was a battle between the possessed and the sane.

While all this drama was going on, not once did I forget to chant my maha-mantra.

After some time Sherry started to calm down. Crying she said she wanted to go home. I ran out of the room to look for help.

By now my boss had called her family. Soon they arrived and took her home.

Months later Sherry came back to work. A much calmer person.

So what saved me that day? Nothing but the maha-mantra. Never every stop chanting no matter what.

Desperate Book Distributor

2009-05-10T06:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Wesak Day. My god sister Lalita didi and I decided to distribute our Srila Gurudeva’s books outside the Buddhist Temple in Brickfields. Lalita didi wanted to go there after lunch. So we met up about 2:30 p.m. The heat was intense. Beads of perspiration were trickling down my face. To make matters worse, I forgot my sun-hat!

When we arrived here, Lalita didi wanted to go inside the temple premises to check things out. I said I will wait for her outside near a stall with a big shady umbrella. Many people passed by me. Some did not even bother to look. I tried really hard to distribute. The heat was getting to me.

I was thinking to myself: “What am I doing? Am I able to distribute here?”

The gentleman who was manning his sweets-stall asked me to come closer towards his shady umbrella. Out of desperation I said: “I will, if you take a book from me.”

The man smiled. And I was like: “O Krsna, Gurudeva, how am I to do this?!”

After about 20 minutes, the man came up to me and asked my name. I then handed out our preaching centre’s address. We exchanged names and what do you know, he bought a book!!

By this time, Lalita didi came out and we thought we will wait at the junction towards the temple. It was much cooler there as the road was lined up with some nice shady trees.

As we were walking I spotted a familiar face at one the many make-shift stalls selling all kinds of everything. The individual was another “missing-in-action” devotee. I called out to this person. Startled, the devotee returned a wide, warm smile. While talking, other book distributors from the centre joined us.

Now my spirits were high. Sripad Bhaktivedanta Bhiksu Maharaja, Krsna Kanta Brahmacari, Prem Ras Prabhu, Jaya Govinda Prabhu and Ramesh Prabhu were very happy to see us both.

Somehow after that my distribution techniques changed. I would shove our centre’s address to whomever I met. And then place a book in their hands. This would be followed by a small amount of donation.

I also learnt one very valuable lesson during my book distribution. These books are transcendental personalities. They would decide on whose hands They wished to go.

A case in point. It was almost 5:00 p.m. I was thinking of making one last hit before calling it off. Besides Lalita didi wanted to head home and so did the rest of the party of book distributors. I walked up and down the sweltering heat. I managed to give out the invitation to our centre but not one person wanted to give even RM1.00 for a book of considerable thickness. I tried to appeal to them by saying 3 books for RM10.00 or even RM5.00, but no one wanted it.

I thought to myself that I have to call it quits. I headed where the rest of the party was and started packing my stuff.

And what do you know. A young lady rushes to me and gushed, “Are you Hare Krsnas?” I want the Mahabharata. It’s for my friend.”

I was taken aback and told her I don’t have those but I have the ‘Essence of Bhagavad-gita’ and others. She looked at them and bought 2 books right away!

Book distribution really opens up a new understanding about Them. That They are the masters and we are the servants taking Them around. They decide on whom They wish to shower Their causeless mercy.

As for a desperate book distributor like me, well, in trying to help others, I’m actually helping myself.

Being Persistent

2009-05-03T03:05:00.000-07:00

Preaching and bringing in new people to chant is not an easy task. We have to be persistent. Srila Gurudeva often says, "Preaching is really for the preacher himself/herself. The more we preach, the more realisation we can acquire."

There's this university student, Priya, whom I got in touch with 2 years ago by one god-sister. Since my god-sister, Malati, who resides in India cannot always be in constant preaching contact, she therefore forwarded Priya's e-mail and contact number to me.

Many times I had invited Priya for programmes at our preaching centre, which she will politely decline. This is because she lives very far away and she don't own a car, as yet. She is a student after all. Besides, her mother do not approve of her going out after dusk. To this I usually advised her to listen to her mother.

Just 4 days ago I decided to have a lunch house programme this Sunday. So I text ed message Priya and to my surprise she confirmed her coming through e-mail.

My initial reaction was, perhaps she's being really polite as I had invited her many times. Anyway, I shall wait and see. Everything is in Sri Guru & Krsna's hand.

Lo and Behold! Not only did Priya came on time, she also brought along her friend, Akeela.

After the initial "getting to know you" I started off the programme with mangala caranam and then with the song "Gurudeva Krpa Bindu Diya." Soon we were joined by another god-brother and his children.

One god-brother who was "missing-in-action" for a long time, decided to join us at this function as well. He said house programmes are more convenient for him to attend as it does not clash with his work commitments.

Right after that Sripad Bhaktivedanta Bhiksu Maharaja (our guest speaker) and Krsna Kanta Brahmacari walked in. We proceeded with our kirtan followed by arati and then class by Maharaja. Before the class started, Maharaja asked us what is most important to most of us. My husband said 'money,' just to generate an interest in the students.

Below is a short excerpt of the class.

Sripad Bhaktivedanta Bhiksu Maharaja explaining the importance of chanting to the 2 university students.

"There is nothing wrong in us earning money as it is needed in our daily lives. We are not against money. But don't forget God, Krsna. For without Him, nothing is possible. He gives us everything. We must use our time to worship Him always."

Then he turned to the 2 university girls.

"Both of you are students, right? We are not saying you must give up your studies. Do your duty and study well. Get good results. But try to chant always. At least allocate 20 minutes from your daily activities to chant. The more you chant, the more intelligence you will beget. You will also have good rememberance. This is a fact. Try this for 6 months. You will notice a change within you.

I will tell you a story. There was once a lady who always comes to the temple. She was a really busy lady with children and other duties to take care off. I always requested her to chant at least 2 rounds daily. I told her this every time we met. Then one day she said she will chant 2 rounds a day.

After some time, she herself was telling everyone she met to chant 2 rounds a day. Soon she became a joke of sorts as everyone spoke of her as the one who requests everybody to chant 2 rounds!

I asked her husband whether she is still doing her daily duties or is there any problem at all. Her husband said she was very well indeed. In fact her life seem to be better than before.

Therefore, always be in good association. You should constantly be in touch with mataji (maharaja referring to me). If you are not in touch then you will think this is a one time programme and you will forget. Ask questions also. Do your duty but always chant."

Right after the class, we served prasadam. There were more surprises in store. I brought out 3 small books and asked the girls whether they were interested in purchasing them. Priya bought them immediately. After about 5 minutes, Akeela also wanted it. Then Priya asked for chanting beads followed by Akeela. Later Priya bought a beautiful picture of Sri Radha Krsna.

Listening intently to Hari-Katha

Sri Guru and Krsna does wonderful, mystical pastimes. Really we are not the doers. We just have to do our duty and not expect anything. Everything is in Sri Guru and Krsna's hand. And most importantly in the power of the maha-mantra.

And what did I learn today --- be persistent.

The Talking Water Pot

2009-04-26T00:55:00.000-07:00

GURU-SEVA IS NOT EASY

by Srila Gour Govinda Mahäräja

(as told in Oriya, translated by Bhakta Pradosh)

Once there was a guru living in an ashram on the bank of the Gangä with a few brahmacari, celibate students, disciples. He was engaging them in varieties of devotional service, like cooking, serving prasädam, gardening, cleaning pots, taking care of the cows, etc.

One disciple, named Govardhan, whose nickname was Govara, had a daily service to go to the river with a big water pot and collect Ganga water for the ashram. He did the service very sincerely for the pleasure of his guru. But after some time, he thought, “Why is it that although I have been doing this service for so long I am not feeling any happiness? Maybe I should leave this ashram, go to the city, get married, and enjoy the rest of my life.”

From his childhood he had lived in the ashram and performed sevä, service. He had no idea of anything else, no experience of any big cities—he didn’t even know where they were. Day by day he was thinking very deeply about this. Finally one day, while sitting on the bank of the Gangä, he decided, “Why should I continue to supply Gangä water to this ashram? I am not getting any benefit. I won’t do it anymore. Today somehow or other I will leave. I have heard that all big cities like Käsi and Prayag are on the bank of the Gangä. If I follow the river bank then eventually I must reach one of them.”

He filled up his water pot with Gangä water, put it down, and told the pot, “You remain here. I am going.”

He looked around to make sure that no one was watching, and then began to slowly make his way towards the south. He had only gone a few yards when he suddenly heard a voice, “Hey, where are you going?”

Startled and frightened, he looked back, but he couldn’t see where the voice had come from. He looked all around, and seeing no one, again started to walk. But suddenly the same voice called, “Hey, where are you going?”

He became more fearful, “Who is calling?”

He was surprised that he couldn’t see anyone. Looking at all directions, he crouched down close to the ground and tried to flee as fast as he could, dodging here and there. But again the voice came, “Hey, Govara, where are you going? It’s me calling. Your—your water pot. Come here!”

Govara became stunned. He was amazed to find his water pot calling him in a human voice.With great eagerness he rushed back to speak to it. The water pot started chastising him:“Do you really think that leaving your guru-seva will give you peace and pleasure? The chief result of your service will be the fulfilment of life’s ultimate goal. Although I am made of dull matter, I can speak like a human being because my life is successful due to my giving service to a pure devotee of the Lord.”

Govara’s guru was a very powerful and pure vaisnava, pure devotee of Lord Krishna. He was making the water pot speak.The water pot continued, “I originated from a muddy, contaminated place. One man collected me, took me to his house, and began to knead me by pressing heavily with his feet. He then formed me into this water pot shape, let me dry, and eventually burnt me in a fire. Finally, he picked me up and flicked me with his finger to see if I had the right sound — ‘ting.’

I passed the test, so he took me to the market to sell. Fortunately I was purchased by this sädhu and engaged in his service. The result is that my life became successful and I am able to speak with you directly. You shouldn’t think that your guru-sevä will be very easy, but if you engage in this sevä then your life will be a success like mine and you will get real pleasure and happiness. Otherwise, if you leave this service you will have to cry and cry. Instead of pleasure you will only get so much pain and anxiety.”

Hearing this story from the water pot, Govara started trembling. Somehow he managed to carry the pot filled with water back to the ashram, where he fell flat before his spiritual master. His guru knew everything because he was a divya-drsta — he could see the past, present and the future.

He asked Govara, “What happened to you?”

Govara spoke of his experience with the water pot and started crying when he revealed how he had planned to leave his guru’s service.

His guru pacified him, and said, “Äre bäbä! It was not the water pot speaking to you. It was I that spoke through it.”

That guru was a most powerful vaisnava; he could speak through anything. He advised Govara that staying in the guru’s ashram and engaging in pure devotional service would gradually purify him, and in a similar way to the water pot, he could make his human birth a success.

(Yes, guru-seva is not easy. But we must march forward, never giving up, to earn that mercy)

Follow Sri Upadesamrta

2009-04-11T21:55:00.000-07:00

While in Bombay, a doctor who is a disciple of Srila Gurudeva came to ask him some questions about Vilapa Kusumanjali by Srila Raghunath dasa Goswami. No sooner had he mentioned the name of this book, Srila Gurudeva asked him:

"Have you read Upadesamrta?"

"Yes," the doctor replied.

"No," Srila Gurudeva answered. "You have not read it."

"Yes, I have," insisted the doctor. "I purchased your edition and read it."

"Then tell me what is the first sloka, verse?" Srila Gurudeva asked.

"Well," said the doctor. "I have read the book, but I can't remember the verse."

"You say, you have read it, " Srila Gurudeva replied. But what is the use if you cannot remember the verses? How many rounds do you chant?"

"I chant a minimum of 16 rounds," the doctor answered.

"If you want krsna-prema, then you must chant not less than one lakh (100,000) of harinama, holy names. To chant two lakhs is better or ever three like Srila Haridasa Thakura," answered Srila Gurudeva.

Srila Gurudeva then asked the doctor another question.

"If a very beautiful, naked woman came into this room, then what would happen to your mind?"

The doctor was speechless.

"So try to follow Upadesamrta." Srila Gurudeva continued, "Control vaco vegam, control manasa vegam (the urges to speak, and of the mind) and follow all the instruction of Srila Rupa Goswami had given in the 11 verses of Upadesamrta.

Before you even think of reading Vilapa Kusumanjali, you should have committed all of these instructions to memory, as well as those of Srila Raghunath dasa Gosvami's Sri Manah-siksa. Besides this you should also be chanting at least one lakh of harinama."

vaco vegam manasah krodha-vegam

jihva-vegam udaropastha-vegam

etan vegan yo visaheta dhirah

sarvam apimam prithivim sa sisyat

(A wise and self-composed person who can subdue the impetus to speak, the agitation of the mind, the onset of anger, the vehemence of the tongue, the urge of the belly and the agitation of the genitals can instruct the entire world. In other words, all persons may become disciples of such a self-controlled person.)

Politicians

2009-04-05T03:45:00.000-07:00

A very long time ago, His Holiness BP Hrishikesh Maharaja told me about his conversation he had with his Guru Maharaja Srila Bhakti Promode Puri Maharaja about politicians.

(Srila BP Puri Maharaja): When you see a politician, you run.

(His Holiness BP Hrishkesh Maharaja): Can't I even help them. Perhaps to chant or something?

(Srila BP Puri Maharaja): No. You just RUN!!

* Food for thought*

Politicians have twisted tongues. One moment they say one thing and the very next second they change their statement. It is our best interest to simply run away. They are only out there for their own selfish interest. So beware!!!!

The Power of the Maha-Mantra

2009-03-29T00:42:00.001-07:00

There are times when I'm at my wits ends trying to follow the instructions of my Srila Gurudeva. He has ordered me to preach and blogging and the Internet is one tool I feel I can reach out to many people out there.

Besides, I've also came up with ways to put the maha-mantra in a visible way so that people will take notice. For example, I've a key-chain with a beautiful picture of the Divine Couple. At the back of the key-chain the maha-mantra is printed.

As I tutor for a living, I sometimes on purpose put the key-chain on my table so that my students ranging from the ages 10 - 17 will take note of it. They will usually look at the picture and sometimes may chant the maha-mantra. Some even queried me for being a vegetarian.

One such boy began to chant the maha-mantra every Saturday just before I start my class. Because he was doing it very diligently, his friend began to follow suit.

Yesterday, both the 10 year old somewhat surprised me. As soon as they finished chanting the maha-mantra, they told me of their intentions of wanting to become vegetarians. I was really taken aback. I asked them whether their parents knew about it, to which they said their parents were cool about the matter.

Then I asked them why they wanted to be so. Little Li Jyn explained that the fish suffers and struggles for air when caught. The fish wants to live just like us.

And her friend Clifford added that it was awful to slaughter the chickens.

Whatever the outcome of these two souls, I really wish that they become wonderful devotees. Everything is in the hands of Sri Guru and Krsna.

In the meantime, they will continue to chant the maha-mantra every Saturday!

Disciples in His Pockets

2009-03-22T05:13:00.001-07:00

This was related to me by Sripad Vallabhi Kanta prabhu who heard it first hand from Sripad Bhaktivedanta Vaishnava Maharaja.

Srila Gurudeva mentioned to Sripad BV Vaishnava Maharaja that He would like to put all his disciples in His pocket and take them on a world tour.

(Sripad BV Vaishnava Maharaja): Why is that so Srila Gurudeva?

(Srila Gurudeva): Because when I leave, they will all start to quarrel.

Note: Let's ponder deeply on Srila Gurudeva's divine words.

Of Ghosts and the Maha-Mantra

2009-03-22T04:51:00.000-07:00

At a recent darshan in Desaru a devotee mentioned to Srila Gurudeva that ghosts are disturbing and the devotee is very much disturbed. Below is an insight of the conversation that transpired between the devotee and Srila Gurudeva.

(Devotee): I feel something of someone touching me. I want to know what it is?

(Srila Gurudeva): Are you chanting your rounds?

(Devotee): Yes

(Srila Gurudeva) I don't believe. If anyone is chanting and remembering, then no ghost will harm them. Now say after me. 'Om Narasimhaya Namah.'

(Devotee repeats the mantra)

(Srila Gurudeva) You are to say this mantra 3 times. Morning, noon and evening time.

This incident reminded me of Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur when he was a magistrate in Puri. At that time a man who practices the occult was wanting to do the rasa dance with other men's wives and young girls. Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur captured the man and had him thrown in jail. Later Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur experienced severe stomach pains in the night. The next day the man asked Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur whether he felt any pain.

Of course the Thakur was not perturbed by all this. He was chanting throughout the night and nothing could touch him.

There's also another story when Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur had to spend a night in an abandoned temple with his son Bimala Prasad (Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur). There was so much disturbance by a ghost but Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur was chanting throughout the night. The ghost was eventually delivered by our great saint.

Whatever happens, we have to keep on chanting. After all that was the FIRST instruction or order by our Spiritual Master. Then nothing can harm us. We will actually start to develop all good qualities.

Hare Krsna Hare Krsna

Krsna Krsna Hare Hare

Hare Rama Hare Rama

Rama Rama Hare Hare

Short & Sweet House Darshan

2009-02-22T03:23:00.000-08:00

On the morning of 21st February, Srila Maharaja went to the house of Bal Kishen prabhu and Krsna-priya didi to their new house. Below is His short and sweet lecture.

(Srila Maharaja): I have come to remind you this. Always follow the instructions of Sri Guru. Chant harinama and your diksha mantras, morning, noon and at evening time. If you go to school and you do not follow your teacher, then, you are sure to fail.

In a family, if there is a son, then he must be a pure devotee. A kanishta adhikari can liberate 7 generations of his family members from previous births, a madhayama adhikari liberates 14 and an uttama 21.

For a family who is not in Krsna consciousness, having a son is like urine.

(Sripad Brajanath prabhu asked a question on behalf of Vrnda didi): If the mother is a devotee, can she liberate the family.

(Srila Maharaja): Yes. But she must be a pure devotee.

His Sweet Will

2009-02-22T03:04:00.000-08:00

Sripad BV Madhava Maharaja speaking on the importance of sadhu-sanga.

On 21st February 2009, Srila Maharaja gave a wonderful lecture on the importance of sadhu-sanga and why sadhus (sages) are travelling all around the world. Srila Maharaja called upon some of his disciples to talk about the subject matter--- 'the glories of sadhu-sanga' (associating with holy sages). One of them even mentioned that although many countries are inviting Srila Maharaja, His Divine Grace very mercifully has come to Malaysia many times.

When Sripad BV Madhava Maharaja spoke, he somewhat 'corrected' the earlier speaker. This is a small excerpt of His Holiness's speech.

(Sripad BV Madhava Maharaja):"Srila Gurudeva is not dependent on our invitation. He is travelling and going everywhere on his own sweet will. His heart feels for us because we are in misery and there is weakness of heart."

[His Holiness also mentioned how men are attracted to the 3 W's --- Wine, Women & Wealth. As for women they are attracted to the 3 M's --- Men, Marijuana & Money.]

Srila Gurudeva is coming again and again only to remind us that we are suffering and how to get out of this miserable condition of life.

Vyasa-Puja 2009

2009-02-18T03:28:00.001-08:00

Malaysian devotees had a most memorable Vyasa-puja at Desaru, Southern Malaysia with Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Gosvami Maharaja. The six day festival was a success with many devotees from all around the world coming to attend this event.

Srila Maharaja sitting outside his villa at Desaru Golden Beach Hotel and speaking to devotees and well-wishers.

During this time a devotee asked about the gopis and the rasa dance.

(Devotee): When Krsna left the rasa dance, did the other gopis......

(Srila Maharaja): Firstly, do you know the meaning of the first sloka in the Upadesamrta.(Devotee): Yes.

vaco vegam manasah krodha vegam

jihva-vegam udarapastha-vegam

etan vegan visaheta dhirah

sarvam apimam prthivim sa sisyat

(A wise and self-composed person who can subdue the impetus to speak, the agitation of the mind, the onset of anger, the vehemence of the tongue, the urge of the belly and the agitation of the genitals can instruct the entire world. In other words, all person may become disciples of such a self-controlled person.)

(Srila Maharaja): First try to follow and realise this sloka. We must not jump into very high topics before doing so.

We also had a very grand Shoba-Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Baladeva and Subadhra. These boys and some girls of the Chinese community perfomed a fascinating dragon dance in front of the temple in Skudai.

All glories to Sriman Ram Vijay prabhu and all those who helped him to make this event a remarkable one.

(For the uninitiated, such dances usually takes place during the Chinese New Year. And Srila Maharaja's Vyasa-puja almost always falls during this period. Malaysia being a multi-national country has many types of races and cultures interwined.)

The best part was, when this boys and girls came, they were like "Uh, what are we doing here. In an Indian temple????. "

They were not really smiling. Keep reading folks!

The dragon chasing the ball. Since the temple here is a house converted to one, let's look at the scenenario like this--- "The dragon representing HariNama Sankirtana, and the ball all our anarthas."

Param vijayate sri krsna sankirtanam-----"supreme victory to the congregational chanting of Krsna's names." This is the Sri Gaudiya Matha's sole object of worship. --- (the 1st Upadesavali of Sri Srimad Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada)

The lion dance and the beating of drums. All glories to the chanting of the holy names!!!!

Srila Prabhupada's chariot being pulled by devotees.

Now look at this dragon and lion dancers! Happily holding onto the the chariot's rope. They were also following the chanting of the devotees calling out "Nitai Gauranga! Nitai Gauranga!"

When we came back to the temple, there was a traditional Indian dance. --"Gopis dancing with Sri Radha and Krsna."
Srila Maharaja perfoming the Vyasa-puja to the entire guru-parampara.

"It is not the duty of the guru to take pranamas (offering of obeisances) and daksina (donations) from his disciples on his birthday. Rather, it is his duty to worship his gurudeva, guru-parampara, Vyasadeva, Radha-Krsna and all others in disciplic succession." -- Sri Srimad Bhaktivedanta Narayana Gosvami Maharaja.

“On Vyasa-puja day an acarya will worship guru, guru-parampara and upasya (worshipable personalities). According to this puja-paddhati, on that day one should worship the following groups of five: 1) guru-pancaka (Sri Guru, Parama-guru, Paramesthiguru, Paratpar-guru, Paramparat-parguru); 2) acarya-pancaka (Sri Sukadeva, Ramanuja, Madhva, Visnusvami, Nimbaditya); 3) vyasa-pancaka (Sri Vedavyasa, Paila, Vaisampayana, Jaimini, and Sumanta); 4) sanakadi-pancaka (Sri Sanaka, Sanatkumara‚ Sanatana, Sanandana, and Visvaksena); 5) Krsna-pancaka, (Sri Krsna, Vasudeva, Sankarsana, Pradyumna, Aniruddha); 6) upasya-pancaka (Sri Radha, Krsna, Gaura, Gadadhara, Sri Gurudeva); and 7) panca-tattva (Sri Krsna Caitanya Mahaprabhu, Nityananda Prabhu, Advaita Acarya, Gadadhara Pandita, Srivasa Thakura).It is the supreme duty of Sri Gaudiya Sarasvata Vaisnavas to follow the Vyasa-puja paddhati used by Srila Prabhupada.” (Srila Bhakti Prajnana Kesava Gosvami Maharaja, His Life and Precepts).

In the morning of the Vyasa-puja itself, many preachers glorified Sri Guru. The one that really penetrated my heart was Sripad BV Muni Maharaja's glorification. Below is the excerpt of his speech.

"Srila Gurudeva's angle of vision is very different from ours. When his disciple's heart is black with anarthas (unwanted things), Sri Guru looks at it as the River Kalindi flowing.

When the disciple's ego is so high as a mountain, Sri Guru looks at it as Giri Govardhan."

Sripad BV Muni Maharaja's glorification may seem to be simple but it had all the ingredients for us to get a glimpse of that deep ocean that Sri Guru dwells.

(Perhaps one day in the near future, by the mercy of my most worshipable Srila Gurudeva, I may also realise this.)

The Destination

2009-02-11T03:42:00.000-08:00

Death is inevitable. Sometimes we see our friends and family members so alive and kicking. And the very next moment they are gone. But who has gone? It is the soul --- The driver of that body or human machine as some may call it.

It is not so important when we will go or leave the body. It is more important where we will be going. The soul transmigrates from as many as 8 million 400 thousand species of living entities. It is a vicious cycle of birth and death.

Some fools say it is nice to be born a swine and let someone slaughter them. Is it really the case? When one takes a swine's body, only then will it realise that fear of death or to be slaughtered are very terrifying experiences. Otherwise why do even animals show so much fear before being slaughtered?

As humans we must ponder about such matters. Or else we are nothing but two-legged animals.

But if a human-being as taken shelter of the Holy Name, heard Harikatha from a bona-fide spiritual master, then that soul is guaranteed to have a better human birth in his or her next life. And from there the soul will make more progress.

As Srila Bhakti Rakshaka Sridhar Maharaja says, "The present is at our hand. We do not know about the future. We must try to use the time at hand to its best advantage. How is that? Associate with the saints and the scriptures."

The destination is what we must focus on. Back home, Back To Godhead.

The Best Reformers

2009-02-05T21:38:00.000-08:00

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur used to say-"The only problem in this world is the lack of Krsna Consciousness."

There is definitely an urgent need for all to come into contact with Krsna. As long as we are in contact with the world of attachments, the further we are from the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Krsna being the Most Merciful has sent His beloved agents in the form of Gurus. It is the duty of every man to seek a higher truth to get out of their miseries. Therefore, the bona-fide gurus are the best reformers in society. One may build orphanages or hospitals but the real issue---the core of the problem, that is of the soul is not resolved.

The great acaryas are not for political or social reforms. Their method is simply giving pure harikatha.

Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Maharaja sat under a tree in Thompson Square Park in New York. His pure chanting and harikatha turned hippies into happies. How is it possible? The power of Krsna-nama and Harikatha is so powerful that it can change the worst type of miscreant into a devotee of Krsna. Of this there is no doubt. It is the truth proclaimed by the sastras.

The more we hear and serve Harikatha and Krsna-nama, the more attached we become to the lotus feet of Vaishnavas, Guru and the Divine Couple, Sri RadhaKrsna.

Inquire Submissively From A Bona-fide Guru

2009-02-05T21:15:00.000-08:00

Nowadays there's so many bogus gurus. These self-professed 'saints' are only interested in making followers and collecting money. But a true sad-guru is indeed very rare. He honours all, be it a dog or an ant. Such a bona-fide guru is never afraid to carry out the instructions of his gurudeva and the entire guru-parampara as it is.

Bogus gurus may try to stop their charge from hearing harikatha from a bona-fide personality, but a true bona-fide guru is never shaken and will rise high despite the so-called tidal wave or obstacles thrown in front of him. For he is truly a saint and has fully controlled Krsna with divine love. He is an uttama-bhagavata, a topmost devotee of the Lord.

tad viddhi pranipatena

pariprasnena sevaya

upadeksyanti te jnanam

jnanimas tattva-darsinah

(Bhagavad-gita, 4.34)

"Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized soul can impart knowledge unto you because he has seen the truth."