Shukasari

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......

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 .....

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 r...