Shukasari

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.

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.”

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 w...

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 wh...

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.

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.

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......