krsna

"At the end of his lecture Prabhupada said, ‘So if you will just follow these four regulative principles and chant sixteen rounds, then you will go back to home, back to Godhead. I guarantee it.’ He paused and looked around at all of us. Then he said again, ‘I guarantee it.’" (Dina Bandhu dasa)

Thank you for your clear,crisp analysis of the situation in this stinkin material world Strong incisive commentary on the leader's rot. thanks

"BHAKTERA GAURAVA-KARI" The Glorifier of His Devotees Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu replied, "My dear Vallabha Bhatta, you are a learned scholar. Kindly listen to Me. I am a sannyasi of the Mayavada school. Therefore I have no chance of knowing what Krsna-bhakti is. Nevertheless, My mind has become purified because I have associated with Advaita Acharya, who is directly the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He is unparalleled in His understanding of all the revealed scriptures and the devotional service of Lord Krsna. Therefore He is called Advaita Acharya. He is such a great personality that by His mercy He can convert even the meat-eaters to the devotional service of Krsna. Who, therefore, can estimate the power of His Vaisnavism? "Lord Nityananda Prabhu, the avadhuta, is also directly the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He is always intoxicated with the madness of ecstatic love. Indeed, He is an ocean of love of Krsna. Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya perfectly knows the six philosophical theses. He is therefore the spiritual master of the entire world in the six paths of philosophy. He is the best of devotees. Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya has shown Me the limit of devotional service. Only by his mercy have I understood that devotional service to Krsna is the essence of all mystic yoga. "Srila Ramananda Raya is the ultimate knower of the transcendental mellows of Lord Krsna's devotional service. He has instructed Me that Lord Krsna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Through the mercy of Ramananda Raya, I have understood that ecstatic love of Krsna is the highest goal of life and that spontaneous love of Krsna is the highest perfection. It is impossible to describe the influence and knowledge of Ramananda Raya, for only by his mercy have I understood the unalloyed love of the residents of Vrndavana. "The transcendental mellow of ecstatic love is personified by Svarupa Damodara. By his association I have understood Vrndavana's transcendental mellow of conjugal love. I have learned about transcendental loving affairs of Lord Krsna from Svarupa Damodara. Haridas Thakura, the teacher of the holy name, is among the most exalted of all devotees. Every day he chants 300,000 holy names of the Lord. I have learned about the glories of the Lord's holy name from Haridas Thakura, and by his mercy I have understood these glories. "Acharyaratna, Acharyanidhi, Gadadhara Pandita, Jagadananda, Damodara, Shaikara, Vakreshvara, Kasisvara, Mukunda, Vasudeva, Murari and many other devotees have descended in Bengal to preach to everyone the glories of the holy name of Krsna and the value of love for Him. I have learned from them the meaning of devotional service to Krsna." Knowing that Vallabha Bhatta heart was full of pride, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu spoke these words, hinting at how one can learn about devotional service. (CC Antya-lila 7.16-55) Simply hearing submissively will free one's heart from all the faults of ignorance, and thus one will achieve deep love for Krsna. This is the path of peace. If one patiently hears about the glories of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, Sri Nityananda Prabhu and Sri Advaita Prabhu-and Their devotees, devotional activities, names, fame, and the mellows of Their transcendental loving exchanges-one will learn the essence of the Absolute Truth. (Srila Krsnadasa Goswami CC Adi-lila 1.107-109) Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Transforming the American republic into a theocracy One of the sticking points in crafting the just-signed "interim constitution" of the Pentagon cash-cow formerly known as Iraq was the question of acknowledging Islam as the fundamental source of law. After much wrangling, a fudge was worked out that cites the Koran as a fundamental source of legal authority, with the proviso that no law can be passed that conflicts with Islam. We "enlightened western Vaishnavas" smile at such theocratic quibbling, of course: Imagine, national leaders insisting that a modern state be governed solely by divine authority! Governments guaranteeing the right of religious extremists to impose their views on society! What next -- debates about how many angels can dance on the head of a pin? Oh, those poor, ignorant barbarians in Babylon! Well, wipe that smile off your face. For even now, the ignorant barbarians in Washington are pushing a law through Congress that would "acknowledge God as the sovereign source of law, liberty [and] government" in the United States. What's more, it would forbid all legal challenges to government officials who use the power of the state to enforce their own view of "God's sovereign authority." Any judge who dared even hear such a challenge could be removed from office. The "Constitution Restoration Act of 2004" is no joke; it was introduced last month by some of the Bush Regime's most powerful Congressional sycophants. If enacted, it will effectively transform the American republic into a theocracy, where the arbitrary dictates of a "higher power" -- as interpreted by a judge, policeman, Vaishnava or president -- can override the rule of law. The Act -- drafted by a minion of television evangelist Pat Robertson -- is the fruit of decades of work by a group of extremists known broadly as "Dominionists." Their openly expressed aim is to establish "biblical rule" over every aspect of society -- placing "the state, the school, the arts and sciences, law, economics, and every other sphere under Christ the King." Or as Attorney General John Ashcroft -- the nation's chief law enforcement officer -- has often proclaimed: "America has no king but Jesus!" According to Dominionist literature, "biblical rule" means execution -- preferably by stoning -- of homosexuals and other "revelers in licentiousness"; massive tax cuts for the rich (because "wealth is a mark of God's favor"); the elimination of government programs to alleviate poverty and sickness (because these depend on "confiscation of wealth"); and enslavement for debtors. No legal challenges to "God's order" will be allowed. And because this order is divinely ordained, the "elect" can use any means necessary to establish it, including deception, subversion, even violence. As Robertson himself adjures the faithful: "Zealous men force their way in." Again, this is no tiny band of cranks meeting in some basement in Alabama, as recent reports by investigators Karen Yurica and David Neiwert make clear. The Dominionists are bankrolled and directed by deep-pocketed, well-connected business moguls and political operatives who have engineered a takeover of the Republican Party and are now at the heart of the U.S. government. They've made common cause with the "American Empire" faction -- Cheney, Rumsfeld, the neo-conservatives -- who seek "full-spectrum dominance" over the globe. The Dominionists provide money and domestic political muscle for the Dominators' imperial ambitions; in return, the Dominators provide a practical vehicle -- overwhelming military might and state power -- for making the Dominionists' dreams a reality. One of the chief moneybags behind the rise of Dominionism was tycoon Harold Ahmanson, Rushdoony's protege and fellow CNP member. In addition to establishing theocracy in America, Ahmanson has another abiding interest: computerized voting machines. Ahmanson, a fervent Bush backer, was instrumental in establishing two of the Republican-controlled companies now rushing to install their highly hackable machines -- with untraceable, unrecountable electronic ballots -- across the country in time for the November election. The Dominionists also have strong backing on the Supreme Court. Justice Antonin Scalia, author of the unconstitutional ruling that gave Bush the presidency, declared in the theological journal First Things that the state derives its moral authority from God, not the "consent of the governed," as that old licentious reveler Thomas Jefferson held in the Declaration of Independence. No, government "is the 'minister of God' with powers to 'revenge,' to 'execute wrath,' including even wrath by the sword," Scalia wrote. He railed against the "tendency of democracy to obscure the divine authority behind government." Meanwhile, the tools of dominion keep expanding. Just days after the Congressional Bushists launched their theocratic missile, General Ralph Eberhart, head of America's first domestic military command, said the Regime must now bring the experience learned on foreign battlefields to the "Homeland" itself, including the integration of police, military and intelligence forces, "wide-area surveillance of the United States" and "urban warfare tactics," GovExec.com reports. Put this juggernaut at the service of democracy-hating extremists with no legal restraints on their enforcement of "God's sovereign authority" -- plus a proven track record of subverting the law to gain political power -- and what would you have? A mullah state? A military theocracy? Time for Vaishnava scholars to attract public attention how to effectively transform the American republic into a theocracy!

Once, on the Hyderabad farm during a morning walk, Srila Prabhupada was asked whether a particular mantra could be chanted within the temple. Srila Prabhupada's reply was that there was nothing wrong with the mantra, but our principle should be not to change anything. Yet, on another occasion, while he was taking his massage in Melbourne during 1975, I heard Srila Prabhupada explain the reason for his success in preaching in the West as allowing women to live within the temples of the Krsna consciousness movement. He then laughed and said that his Godbrothers criticised him for the change, but that they were unsuccessful. 'And the only time they have some attendance is during parikramas on Gaura-purnima in Mayapura. And who attends? Women. Old widows in white.' He laughed. 'And because I made this adjustment,' Srila Prabhupada continued, 'I was successful'. Srila Prabhupada's servant then asked an intelligent question. 'Prabhupada', he inquired, 'how do know the difference between making an adjustment and changing the principles?' On hearing this, Prabhupada closed his eyes in concentration for several moments. When his eyes opened, Prabhupada gravely answered, 'That requires a little intelligence'. (Bhurijana Dasa, p. 50)

gHari archives: Re: Dharmic Sex 12/21/01 During Ratha Yatra last year, a young female stranger started walking beside me, just behind Lord Baladeva's cart. I think I may have been chanting japa as I walked. Surprisingly she began to talk to me asking "What is this about?". I told her that God is coming to visit the people. "Are there any rules in your religion"? I said, "No; just learn to love God". "What is their position on homosexuality"? I said we only have sex for procreation. "Isn't that difficult?", she replied a little bewildered. "No, it comes naturally when you start to identify with that part of you that lives forever, the soul". She knew it was the truth. She humbled out into a quiet "Thank you" and drifted back into Lord Jagannatha's admirers. While this was likely a unique time and circumstance conversation for a very special fortunate young girl, still I think we can see even the masters preaching in accordance with the requirements of time and circumstance. I would recommend to anyone that in this case, they should just trust the doctor. He knows the source of our bondage and attachment to the material whirlpool; and he knows what we must do and not do to become free from our fixation with material 'pleasure'. He takes the box away from the child so it can discover that the toy is a lot more fun to play with than the box that it came in. gHari

"ALALA-DARSHANANANDI" Ecstatic at the sight of Alalanatha All the devotees followed Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu to a place known as Alalanatha. There they all offered respects and various prayers. In great ecstasy, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu danced and chanted for some time. Indeed, all the neighbors came to see Him. All around Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, who is also known as Gaurahari, people began to shout the holy name of Hari. Lord Caitanya, immersed in His usual ecstasy of love, danced in the midst of them. The body of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu was naturally very beautiful. It was like molten gold dressed in saffron cloth. Indeed, He was most beautiful for being ornamented with the ecstatic symptoms, which caused His hair to stand on end, tears to well in His eyes, and His body to tremble and perspire all over. Everyone present was astonished to see Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's dancing and His bodily transformations. Whoever came did not want to return home. Everyone-including children, old men and women-began to dance and chant the holy names of Sri Krsna and Gopala. In this way they all floated in the ocean of love of Godhead. Upon seeing the chanting and dancing of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, Lord Nityananda predicted that later there would be dancing and chanting in every village. Seeing that it was already getting late, Lord Nityananda Prabhu, the spiritual master, invented a means to disperse the crowd. When Lord Nityananda Prabhu took Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu for lunch at noon, everyone came running around Them. After finishing Their baths, They returned at noon to the temple. Admitting His own men, Sri Nityananda Prabhu closed the outside door. Gopinatha Acharya then brought prasada for the two Lords to eat, and after They had eaten, the remnants of the food were distributed to all the devotees. Hearing about this, everyone there came to the outside door and began chanting the holy name, "Hari! Hari!" Thus there was a tumultuous sound. After lunch, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu made them open the door. In this way everyone received His audience with great pleasure. The people came and went until evening, and all of them became Vaisnava devotees and began to chant and dance. This prediction of Sri Nityananda Prabhu is applicable not only in India but also all over the world. That is now happening by His grace. The members of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness are now traveling from one village to another in the Western countries and are even carrying the Deity with them. These devotees distribute various scriptures all over the world. We hope that these devotees who are preaching the message of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu will very seriously follow strictly in His footsteps. If they follow the rules and regulations and chant sixteen rounds daily, their endeavor to preach the cult of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu will certainly be successful. (CC Madhya-lila 7.76-89) O devotees, may the transcendental life and characteristics of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu be always heard, chanted and meditated upon with great happiness. All glories to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, who is all-merciful! (Krsnadasa Kaviraja Goswami CC Antya-lila 12.1-2) Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Sridhar was fearless and straightforward by Radhanath Swami Radha Gopinath Mandir, ISKCON Chowpatty Posted March 18, 2004 In the last few years, the stalwart disciple of Srila Prabhupada, Gaur Govinda Swami Maharaj departed from this world in Sri Mayapura dham on the appearance day of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati amidst kirtan. Two years ago, Tamal Krishna Maharaj left in Nadia, in Phuliya-gram on the disappearance day of Jagannath das Babaji. This morning that great loving associate, who was bold and fearless but with a loving heart, soft, humble and caring, that surrendered, dedicated mahatma, His Holiness Sridhar Swami Maharaja, left in Mayapur dham, on the holy appearance day of Srivas Pandita, surrounded by devotees chanting the holy names. Gazing at the form of Prabhupada and Radha Shyamsundar, Prabhupada took him. It is a day of rejoicing, the life and departure of a true saint, a true Vaishnava, and it is a day of great sorrow. Although he is enjoying a higher lila with guru and Gauranga, we must suffer the absence of his personal association. "He reasons ill who says Vaishnavas die, for thou are living still in sound. Vaishnavas die to live and, living, try to spread the holy name around." This beautiful poem by Thakur Bhaktivinoda is perfectly applicable for Sridhar Maharaja. Let us pray that his inspiration, example, words and mercy forever live in our hearts and inspire us to follow in his footprints the path of perfection. Sridhar Swami Maharaja ki jai!

Srila Prabhupada Vani selected quotes and verses for instruction "When a sentimental devotee takes the part of becoming representative of Krishna, there is simply havoc." "The word 'progress' is used when there is imperfection at the beginning." "I am glad to learn that Govinda dasi, in spite of her sick health, is going out on Sankirtana Party, and this will cure her of all disease." "It is not required for us to become artists. Our main point is service to Krishna, not to please an audience. We shall not divert our attention too much to adjustment of musical sounds. People should not misunderstand that we are a band of musical artists. They must know that we are devotees of Krishna. Our devotional practice and purity shall be so strong that wherever we chant there will be immediately an impression in the audience for devotion to Krishna." "Instead of importing devotees, it is better to attract devotees from your own area. And the basic principle for doing this is Sankirtana Party." Thus, the human race has descended to the qualitative status of the dogs, who are habituated to barking as soon as they come upon another set of dogs who happen to hail from another quarter. We cannot conceive of a greater degradation of the human being than when he is apt to raise a hue and cry as soon as he sees another human being who does not happen to belong to his quarter or his religious denomination. He raises this hue and cry as if he had been faced with a tiger or a wolf. Without transcendental knowledge, the human race has actually become no more than the tigers and the wolves. (from Message of Godhead) , "Initiation does not mean that it is a ceremony and it is finished, no. It is progressive. It is progressive just like education is progressive. So in the first beginning, ceto darpana marjanam, just to cleanse oneself from the understanding of material identification, Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna. So at least for one year chanting regularly, observing the rules and regulation, one comes to the platform of spiritual platform. And then, another initiation, this is called diksa. That is also diksa, that is first process. This diska, second process is not very essential. The essential is to chant. In this age there is no need of this second initiation, but those who are going to be recognized as properly initiated, so this second installment was introduced by Sanatana Gosvami." Lecture May 21, 1968: Quoted from letters written by His Divine Grace in 1969: "I think you should try to always have sankirtana going on. All other things are subsidiary. This chanting is our life and soul, so we must arrange our program now so that there will be as much chanting on the streets and at college engagements as possible." If everyone's problems are sent by me, then who will solve my problems?" "So far as I am concerned, in relationship with my disciples who are so kindly cooperating with me in the matter of my rendering service to my spiritual master, for them I am always ready to come back from Goloka Vrndavana, if they are not delivered along with me." "By Krishna's grace I find all sides bright. My only request to all of you is to keep it bright. Don't let it go dim." "You have asked about the management of our society, and the position is that management should be done in such a way that people may not break away. That is the first business of management." Becoming Mahatma is easy and joyful “This devotional service is not only easy, but it can be performed in a happy mood. One does not need to undergo any severe penance and austerity. He can live this life in devotional service, guided by an expert spiritual master, and in any position, either as a householder or a sannyasi, or a brahmacari; in any position and anywhere in the world, he can perform this devotional service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead and thus become actually mahatma, a great soul.” From the purport of Bhagavad-gita 9.14 "From now on, unless I order you to do something change or in addition, go on with the usual standard way. You manufacture ideas and then I have to waste my time. I have given you everything already, there is no need for you to add anything or change anything. "The greatest danger to our movement will come when we manufacture and create our own process for worshipping the Deities. So don't ask any more questions, whatever is going on, follow it just to the exact standard as I have given you, that's all." (Letter to Dhruvananda dated 1-4-73) "Regarding prasadam, leftovers should always be taken if they have not spoiled or if they have not been touched by diseased persons. We should never waste Krishna prasadam." "You should take it to heart as a guiding principle that somehow or other we always please Krishna by doing what is practical and necessary according to time and place. Not that we should be whimsical. But one test is that all the devotees should be satisfied. They have given their lives to Krishna, so we should see they are always happy." "So if we take instruction from them, all senior godbrothers may be treated as guru, there is no harm." "You write to say that with prasadam and the Mahamantra we shall conquer over the world. That was the beginning of my program in your country. I thought like that. It was my plan from the very beginning, before even coming here." Nectar from Srila Prabhupada's 1971 Letters "We have a very heavy task before us. Together we have to push on this Krishna consciousness movement for a revolutionary change all over the world. It is not our manufactured movement but it was ordered by Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and we are simply carriers of His shoes." "The best thing for you is to set the example by your personal behavior and try to reform the others, not by criticizing but by friendly behavior. If sometimes there are any disagreements we should try to forget such incidences and be always in friendship with each other." "Philosophy is the highest, but even higher than philosophy is practice of philosophy." "Actually, because you have given your life to Krishna, you are already perfect. But it is just like the ocean, if you are swimming in it you may swim forever and not reach the shore. Similarly, there is no limit to the perfection of Krishna consciousness." Quoted from letters written by His Divine Grace in 1969: "We are selling BTG through the personal approach, through the sankirtana party, without any consideration of return." "Unless one is a resident of Krishna Loka, one cannot be a spiritual master." "Regarding your desire to improve your singing voice, by singing you will become an expert singer. Anything you practice regularly you become expert in." "I want that all the hippies shall come to me and I shall solve their problems. They are our best customers. If your government would give us some help, I can save all of them." "I am now getting all respect and honor, so now you must preserve that standard and not dishonor me." "You are more dear to me than my own sons and daughters." "Our process is to show Krishna consciousness as it is, not as others want to see it." Nectar from Srila Prabhupada's 1971 Letters Srila Prabhupada’s letter written to Jahnava on 8-1-73: ”You have written so many nice things in praise of me but I think that my Guru Maharaja is great, I am not great, he is great. So sometimes by association of the great, one appears great." "It is my firm conviction that this Krishna consciousness movement of Lord Caitanya's will be successful in all parts of the world if our students kindly continue in their enthusiastic endeavors to distribute this message freely to all persons." "Our movement is being carried by spiritual strength from chanting of the Hare Krishna Mahamantra from the lips of pure devotees. Our disciples are pure and therefore the effect is that this movement is gaining in scope all over the world." "The future hope of solid standing of our mission is on the proper management of our governing body." "So our movement should be vigorously pushed on. But those who push must be pure; then it will be effective." "So far your question is concerned, you should understand that a devotee is never under any karmic reaction. Whatever is happening is the mercy of Krishna. That should be the viewpoint of the devotee. Once surrendered to Krishna, karmic reaction is immediately gone, but if he acts again independently, then he is again in the clutches of maya." "The fig tree is not worshipable by us. Try to worship tulasi instead. That will include all tree worship." "Yes, even the Buddhists will come forward gradually and inquire into this Krishna consciousness. Everyone is sophisticated by their so- called religion but chanting Hare Krishna mantra will attract everyone all over the world." The Glories of Sankirtana. How everyone benefits from the chanting of the Holy Name: "Lord Caitanya's Sankirtana movement gives spiritual life to all living entities by dint of its transcendental radiation, and also it prevents the demonic class of men from overwhelming the pious class of men, and thus in every way it bestows all benediction, just like the moon illuminates everything." (Letter to Srinivasa 12-28-71) How to expand the Krishna consciousness movement: "Just maintain our strong position of purity of routine work and preach and distribute literature, that's all. Go on increasing books, and go on increasing my pleasure." (Letter to Giriraja 12-28-71) On using the mass media for preaching: "As much as possible try to increase our preaching programs by using all the mass media which are available. We are modern day vaisnavas and we must preach vigorously using all the means available." (Letter to Rupanuga 12-30-71) On adversity: "But even if He puts us into extreme difficulty, we must always be prepared to consider everything as His special mercy, that He is testing my sincerity, or that this trouble is nothing to what I deserve." (Letter to Patty Dorgan 11-17-71) When chanting is effective: "But who is chanting, he must be a sincere devotee. Then his chanting will be effective. A gramaphone machine will not do. He must be realized, then his chanting will be effective. He must behave like a pure vaisnava. Then if he chants, his chanting will be effective." (Conversation 8-3-76) Get people to chant: "Yes, on sankirtana we want everyone we meet to go away with a magazine and having heard and chanted Hare Krishna Mantra. That will be the sign of success." (Lette to Sivananda 11-12-70) On opportunities for expansion: "The opportunities for expanding the Sankirtana Movement are unlimited. We should tax our brains as to what is the best way to present Krishna consciousness to particular people at a particular time and place. I have always thought that in LA there should be at least ten Sankirtana Parties going out simultaneously and as you have indicated, such places as Long Beach and other areas can each have their own Krishna conscious center." (Letter to Karandhar (11-13-70) A devotee is expert: "Your program for training everyone in the proper form of Deity worship and other temple activities is very, very good. We want that all our men shall be able to do everything in Krishna consciousness. A devotee is expert in all things. (Letter to Karandhar 11-13-70) On GBC vigilance: "In a family if there is one good boy, he can glorify the whole family and similarly if there is bad boy he can turn the whole family into ashes. Similarly in this institution, if there is a bad disciple he can burn the whole institution into ashes. The GBC's duty is therefore to see that every member is following the rules and regulations and chanting sixteen rounds regularly on the beads. I hope the GBC in cooperation with the sannyasis in their touring program will be able to keep vigilance systematically in order to keep the society as pure as possible." (Letter to Bali Mardan 8-25-70) On our centers: "Our different centers are meant for organizing a group of pure devotees so that neophyte visitors may take examples from them and thus become attached to Krishna consciousness." (Letter to BaliMardan 8-16-70) On surrender to Krishna: "This is our principle, that the spiritual science becomes revealed to the devotee from within the heart according to the degree of his surrender to Krishna." (Letter to Ekayani 7-25-70) On self-realization: Tripurari: Just by distributing your books we can become self-realized. Srila Prabhupada: You are already self-realized. Otherwise, how you can push on the books? You love Krishna. Therefore you are taking so much labor for pushing on. And that is self-realization. If anyone tries to establish that Krishna is the Supreme Lord, that is self-realization.

Dear Prabhus, PAMHO AGTSP Sorry for this dopey thread, thought it could be fodder for a good discussion here, instead we elicited the prejudice,small-mindedness and bigotry of closed minds . My sincerest apologies, dopey threader

Really, Is that how the world is really run by a group of demons??? /images/graemlins/confused.gif /images/graemlins/confused.gif /images/graemlins/confused.gif

England's "Anglo-Saxon Invasion" Theory Disputed http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/3514756.stm LONDON, ENGLAND, March 17, 2004: The history of Britain contains a controversy very much like that of the "Aryan Invasion" theory in India's history. The Aryan Invasion theory claims that tribes from Asia entered India about 1500 bce and brought with them the Vedas, Sanskrit and many aspects of what came to be Indian life. The Anglo-Saxon Invasion theory can be understood from these excerpts at "source" above on the BBC. Next to that article are references to a number of other articles on the same area, which is the subject of intense debate in England. Perhaps now we can suggest that those British scholars who support the Aryan Invasion theory first get straight their own history, and that of just 1,500 years ago, before they offer an opinion on Ancient India at 3,500 years ago Exerpts: "New scientific research adds to growing evidence that the Anglo-Saxons did not replace the native population in England as history books suggest. The data indicates at least some areas of eastern England absorbed very few Anglo-Saxon invaders, contrary to the view in many historical accounts. The results support the view of other researchers that the introduction of Anglo-Saxon culture and language into Britain did not occur through large-scale replacement of native populations by invading tribes. Anglo-Saxons supposedly began migrating into Britain en masse from the fifth century. Their culture and language has long formed the basis for English national identity. It seems more likely that there was a small-scale immigration from continental Europe and that the existing British population adopted the customs of these outsiders as their own."

"If we'd been born where they were born and taught what they were taught, we would believe what they believe." A sign inside a church in Northern Ireland, explaining the origin of intolerance and hate

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE DEVOTEE AND THE MATERIALIST? Narada Muni thought in that way. "When my mother died, I thought it a special grace of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. I at once took leave of my so-called home and went away.” That is the difference between the devotees of the Lord and materialistic persons. When a devotee's materialistic relationship, comforts, are taken away, they think “Oh, it is all grace.” And the materialistic person, when their materialistic comforts are increased, they think, “It is grace.” There is a drama in Bengali, that in a house a doctor came to diagnose two patients, the housewife and the maidservant. The doctor said, “The maidservant’s fever is 105, so there is some anxiety. I'll give some medicine. And the landlady, she has practically no fever, 99, so there is no anxiety.” But the landlady became angry, “This doctor is useless. I am the landlady. I have got 99, and my maidservant 105. The maidservant should have 98. I should have 110!” (laughter) This is the mentality. The modern civilization is trying to increase the degree of fever to 110 degrees. And, you know, as soon as the degree comes to 107 it is death. Therefore as soon as the high fever is there, the doctor tries to decrease it by icebags and so many things because 107 or 8, means immediate death. So the modern civilization is trying to increase the degree of material fever, and they have come to the point, 107 degrees, the atomic bomb. Now they are going to die. The devotees want to decrease the fever. Therefore the highest, ideal life, according to Vedic civilization is the brahmana, Vaisnava. They decrease their demands of the body to the minimum and accept everything in relationship with Krsna. They accept everything as Krsna-prasadam, actually offering to Krsna, working for Krsna, living for Krsna. This is the best use. My Guru Maharaja used to say, “The best use of a bad bargain.” When we are attached to Krsna, automatically we are detached from maya. Not artificially. Just like, theoretically I know that I am not this body, but the bodily necessities are there because I am encaged in the body. Therefore the bodily necessities—eating, sleeping, mating, defending—should be done in relationship with Krsna. Then my consciousness is always in Krsna, and I am detached to my bodily demands. And those who are not Krsna conscious, their bodily demands are on the materialistic platform. They are going on, increasing the degree of fever and coming to 107. There is a stage in the beginning when one is poverty-stricken, he may think “Money, woman, good apartment and a good car can give me satisfaction.” But after enjoyment they see there is no satisfaction. In America you have got enough for enjoyment, enough food, enough woman, enough wine, enough house—everything enough. But there is more confusion and dissatisfaction your country than in India, which is said to be poverty-stricken. In India still, although they are poverty-stricken, because they are continuing that old culture, they are not disturbed. Why? Because they have got a little tinge of spiritual platform. That will make them happy. All these people are in darkness. They do not know where they are going. They have no aim. But when you are spiritually situated, you know what you are doing, where you are going and what is your future. Everything is clear. (Conversations with Srila Prabhupada Oct. 27 and Dec. 30, 1968) Hear, O Lord, the story of my sadness. I drank the deadly poison of worldliness, pretending it was nectar, and now the sun is setting on the horizon of my life. Devoid of even a particle of devotion, lacking any enlightenment---what help is there for me now? Only You ,O Lord, friend of the fallen. I am certainly fallen, the lowest of men. Please therefore, lift me to Your lotus feet. (Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura) Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

"Become Brahmana" 66/07/29 New York, Bhagavad-gita 4.12-13 So therefore the system in the, according to varnasrama-dharma, that not only by birth, before birth, when the father and mother is going to be combined to beget a child, there are cultural samskaras or reformatory measures. How much carefully these things are. They wanted first-class son, not sons like cats and dogs, first-class son. So there is some samskara. There is some purificatory measures, which is called garbhadhana-samskara. Garbhadhana means pregnancy, the cultural ceremony before making the mother pregnant. And it is enjoined, you will find in the Bhagavata, that any family, the brahmanas, the ksatriyas and vaisyas, if they give up this garbhadhana-samskara, birth-giving ceremony, then that family turns immediately to the classification of the sudras. So nowadays, at the present moment, this cultural program... I am speaking of India and everywhere. There is no such cultural program. That cultural program, that program to beget nice children, the whole program is, we must know, the whole Vedic system is to give the human life the greatest chance of self-realization and get free from these material miseries. That is the whole program. It is not... The Vedic culture does not mean that we shall be like cats and dogs, simply eating, sleeping, mating and defending. No. The human society is a systematic program to give everyone the chance of getting free from this material miseries.

The old monk sat by the side of the road. With his eyes closed, his legs crossed and his hands folded in his lap, he sat. In deep meditation he sat. Suddenly his zazen was interrupted by the harsh and demanding voice of a samurai warrior. "Old man! Teach me about heaven and hell!" At first, as though he had not heard, there was no perceptible response from the monk. But gradually he began to open his eyes, the faintest hint of a smile playing around the corners of his mouth as the samurai stood there, waiting impatiently, growing more and more agitated with each passing second. "You wish to know the secrets of heaven and hell?" replied the monk at last. "You who are so unkempt. You whose hands and feet are covered with dirt. You whose hair is uncombed, whose breath is foul, whose sword is all rusty and neglected. You who are ugly and whose mother dresses you funny. You would ask me of heaven and hell?" The samurai uttered a vile curse. He drew his sword and raised it high over his head. His face turned to crimson, and the veins of his neck stood out in bold relief as he prepared to sever the monk's head from its shoulders. "That is hell," said the old monk gently, just as the sword began its descent. In that fraction of a second, the samurai was overcome with amazement, awe, compassion and love for this gentle being who had dared to risk his very life to give him such a teaching. He stopped his sword in mid-flight and his eyes filled with grateful tears. "And that," said the monk, "is heaven."

Wedding Lecture by Prithu Dasa HOW TO HAVE SONS - The idea is that we need to learn how to be Krsna conscious householders, then we will be able to also have Krsna conscious children. When Srila Prabhupad saw that so many daughters were being born in our society he was not very pleased. At the end of his life he didn't even want to hear about it. I personally witnessed him in the last 3 weeks of his life refuse to hear when a daughter was born. He would groan and say," they do not know the science." His personal secretary wasn't even allowed to tell him when a daughter was born. He wanted only news of the sons. He could understand that if there were daughters being born that there was sense gratification in the relationship. Srila Prabhupad says in a Bhagavatam purport that if the husband is more passionate than the wife at the time of conception then a son is produced. If the wife is more passionate, a daughter may be the result. So, in order to avoid arousing unwanted passion in a woman which may result in conceiving daughters one should keep it simple. My advice is to try and avoid arousing the wife, and that's not difficult as women are much slower then men. It is absolute ly vital that the act of intercourse is limited to just that; a biological function intended to procreate. It is not meant for indulging in unnecessary sense gratification. Devotee: But, if the woman isn't aroused at this time, she will have no discharge which would make intercourse uncomfrortable, isn't it? Prithu: Jesus, now we are getting into the details!!! Another devotee: Many householders of course get around this by using oil. Prithu das: This is a practical solution. And it is a fact that if we want to keep the whole affair simple we have to be practical. The bottom line is that raising children is our service to Krishna and for that we do what is necessary. We try to keep our relationships free from sense gratification and then Krishna will recipricate and there will be a good result. This is good advice. As for the wife, the main thing that matters is that she will preferably have a son. This will give her security for the future, as the husband may die before her. The simple rule is keep it simple and don't stay with each other more then necessary. If there is no messing and everything is straightforward there will be a good result. ... Another point is Krsna Himself says in Bhagavad Gita that He is nondifferent than sex life which is performed according to rules and regulations. And accompanying those rules and regulations there are innumerable guidelines in the scriptures; Ayur Veda as well as Manu Samhita as well as the Ling Bheda and many others. If a man is engaging in sex life more than the prescribed one time per month during ovulation, then he will lose exessive amounts of sperm; rakta or life-giving energy. This makes him not only spiritually weak, because this valuable life substance no longer travels upwards to nourish his brain, but it becomes wasted in sex life which is not aimed at conceiving a nice child. If the semen is only used to attempt conception once a month and is otherwise withheld, then it becomes very powerful and there is more likelihood a son will be born. Often we have made the observation even in religious families that often it happens that if the first child is a son, there will be a daughter as the immediate next child. The Ayur Veda reccommends that children are spaced every 3 years so that the husband's rakta source can again become powerful and the woman can fully recover from child birth. Even western doctors will agree tha t it takes a full 3 years to recover from the birthing of a child. It requires so much energy. In combination with the above information, I want to mention another factor which has a large influence in determining the sex of your child. In the Ayur Veda it is recommended that the wife fasts and the husband feasts. This is in reference to the actual day when conception is attempted. The husband should eat the finest of foods containing milk and ghee, sweets and spices. Indian women prepare a feast for their husbands including all the things their husbands like to eat for the occaision.

Prabhupada Saraswati Thakur A DIVINE LIFE (PART 1) Srila Sarasvati Thakura was not interested in associating with other boys of his age unless they were interested in spiritual matters. His two favorite books were Prarthana and Prema-Bhakti Chandrika by Srila Narottama Dasa Thakura.

H.H. Sridhara Swami Leaves His Body in Mayapur / March 14, 2004 Dear Devotees, Please accept my most humble obeisance's. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. With deep sorrow in our heart we announce to the vaishnava community the passing away of His Holiness Sridhar Swami at 6:10 am, on this most auspicious occasion of the Appearance day of Srivasa Pandit, in the Holiest of all places Sri Mayapur Dham. His Holiness was conscious and looking at all the Deities pictures and Srila Prabhupada's pictures while he left His body. His Holiness was feeling not so well yesterday during the night. When I saw him a few days ago, speaking by phone with HH Radhanath Swami, he confirmed to me that he would like to go to the west again to preach since he is feeling better now. But Krsna Has other plans for His Holiness. Yesterday I posted the picture of Maharaja receiving the World Excellence award from the hands of HH Bhaktiswarup Damodara Swami for his preaching and service to his beloved Gurumaharaja Srila Prabhupada. I will be reporting the whole day all the incidents. His Holiness is a very fortunate devotee since He could be in Mayapur during the Sri Panca Tattva Deities installation as Krsna fulfilled His desire to be with His Godbrothers and Godsisters and all the vaishnavas during this festival and the Gaurpurnima festival. Leaving the body in Mayapur is only for the most fortunate souls since they surely return back to serve the Lotus Feet of Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu and the Panca Tattva Bhagavan. A few days ago I gave one poster to Maharaja of Him garlanding Lord Nityananda during the installation ceremony after abhisheka. He said that it was the most astonishing and best picture of him doing any service for the Lord, as he especially wanted to bath Lord Nityananda. His Holiness also has an amazing and very beautiful deity of Lord Nrsimhadeva that I will send later on so that all of you can take darsan of His Deity, as He once told me that He wanted all the devotees to have pictures of this Narasimha Sila and have darsan of The Protector of the Devotees. May Lord Nityananda and Lord Narasimha deva shower their mercy and protection on His Holiness. We hope devotees will chant extra rounds for this occasion which in fact is a very auspicious day since it is the appearance day of Srivasa Pandit. I just received a call that HH Jayapataka Swami is giving instructions regarding ceremonies to perform and trying his best to come from Rajamandri which is 7 hours away from the nearest airport (since He is with the South India safari tour). We hope his desire to be here with His dear Godbrother will be realized in case flights and connections are problematic. ys Tusti Mohan Krsna das

Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.15.24 Los Angeles, December 3, 1973 So we therefore must submit to Krsna. Sarva-dharman parityajya... [bg. 18.66]. Because we cannot become free. We cannot go out of the laws of God. That is not possible. Therefore we must surrender that "Krsna, God, I have acted freely so many births. I did not become happy. Neither I am happy at the present moment. So now I surrender unto You. You say that ‘I give you protection.' So kindly give me protection." This is Krsna consciousness movement.

Srimad-Bhagavatam 3:10:10 Purport "Above the modes of nature is eternal time, which is called kala because it changes the shape of everything in the material world. Even if we are able to do something temporarily beneficial, time will see that the good project is frustrated in course of time. The only thing possible to be done is to get rid of eternal time, kala, which is compared to kala-sarpa, or the cobra snake, whose bite is always lethal. No one can be saved from the bite of a cobra. The best remedy for getting out of the clutches of the cobralike kala or its integrity, the modes of nature, is bhakti-yoga, as it is recommended in the Bhagavad-gita (14.26)."

Letter to Janaki, 16 Sept 1967 "I'm so pleased for your writing such nice sentiment. I've especially noted that you could express yourself so beautifully. I know both you and your sister have inherited a good heart from your good mother. Your eagerness to get me back in the states will surely be a success because I'm also eager to return. Tears for Krsna is as good as associating with Him personally. In the spiritual world separation is more valuable than meeting. So your feelings and tears of Krsna consciousness will make you more enriched in spiritual advancement." Letter to Syama, 30 Aug 1968 "The nice sentiments expressed in your letter under reply is very much pleasing to me. When I initiated you, I accepted you on that very moment as my daughter. So you are eternally my daughter and I am your father. There is no doubt about it. And our relationship is based on Krsna consciousness, so the more successful you preach and help Krsna conscious movement, the more our relationship in transcendental platform is firm and fixed up. OUr business is to chant and glorify the Holy name of Krsna and wherever we may remain, Krsna is with us, Krsna is within your heart, Krsna is within my heart. So, spiritually there is no question of separation, even physically we may be in far distant place..." Letter to Advaita, 6 Oct 1968 "I am so glad to learn the New York devotees are all feeling my separation and you are also; this is very blissful. In the transcendental platform, actually separation is more relishable than meeting. But either separation or meeting, the state is always absolute. Actually in the spiritual platform, there is no separation, but it is a different stages of rasas."

Prayers and fears of Madrid's Muslims By Dominic Bailey BBC News Online, Madrid Muslims in Spain are worried. Muslims fear a backlash could wreck their lives Exactly who was behind the Madrid train bombings is still not certain but three of the five being questioned are Moroccan, one of whom is reported to be linked to attacks in Casablanca last year. There is a large Moroccan immigrant community in Spain and many fear reprisals against their families, businesses and places of worship. Islamic leaders in Spain were quick to denounce the 11 March Madrid attacks, even though the finger of blame was initially pointed at Basque separatists Eta. At least eight Muslims were among the 200 people killed and more than 40 among the hundreds of injured. But talk of al-Qaeda links has again muddied the perception of Islam and made ordinary Muslims feel insecure in the land they have happily made their home. Rumours of repercussions The white stone and marble Cultural Islamic Centre and mosque stands out against the backdrop of high-rise flats along the M-30 motorway out of Madrid. For a Muslim to kill a person unjustly is to kill everyone. There is no justification to kill Mohamad Saleh Inside it is a cool oasis of serenity that echoes with the imam's call to prayer. But the number of prayer times has been reduced and entrance to regular visitors is restricted. The centre's secretary, Mohamad Saleh, says the safety precautions are necessary. "We are worried about the repercussions that there may be against Muslims," he said. After 11 September eggs were thrown at the mosque and some Muslims were sacked from their jobs simply because of their religion. There are already reports of abuse on the street, Arab businesses having windows broken and rumours of demonstrations outside the mosque being planned. Moorish memories "We felt for the victims, the same as everyone, this sort of desperate terrorism affects all areas," said Mr Saleh. "But people shouldn't punish a religion or country because of who commits a crime. If a Christian kills, are all Christians blamed? Are the Basques blamed if Eta attack? The Islamic centre in Madrid preaches tolerance "These people are terrorists and terrorists are criminals wherever they are from. "They cannot have real faith or know God. For a Muslim to kill a person unjustly is to kill everyone. There is no justification to kill." A banner reading "No to terrorism. Solidarity and condolences to the victims and their families" hangs under the arch of the centre's entrance. There are about 500,000 Muslims in Madrid and on Fridays between 1,500 and 2,000 faithful pray at the mosque. Most are from Morocco, Algeria and other Arab states. Spain has a long, if bloody, history with its Arab neighbours to the south. Many Arabic dishes, words and architecture survive in modern Spain, remnants from the Moorish conquest of the peninsula which ended in 1492. 'Good people' But now, many immigrants who have made the country their second home don't feel safe. A 46-year-old Algerian, who would not give his name, said there had been threats and people were afraid. Here in Madrid there is a mix of everyone, Jews, Muslims, Christians - it is like a big family and we all have our way of life Ahmed Jbari "I feel one of the people here and feel for them but I don't like the way they now look at us in the street," he said. "A friend of my wife's came home pale and frightened the other day after a group of kids threatened her, shouting 'Dirty disgusting Moors'." But he said the Spanish were genuinely good people and hopefully would move on with their lives. Moroccan immigrant Rabii, 26, playing draughts with bits of cardboard outside the mosque, said it still had to be proved that al-Qaeda was to blame. "The people coming over here are not here for jihad, they are coming here to find a better future. But now we can't go to the mosque and they are stopping us praying." A greater concern for him was that the difficult task of finding a job would be made harder after the attacks. After the pain, peace Businessman Ahmed Jbari, 53, from Tangiers, says the adverse reactions are down to ignorance. "Here in Madrid there is a mix of everyone, Jews, Muslims, Christians - it is like a big family and we all have our way of life. "But people who break the windows should be blamed, not others. Here 29 pay for what one has done." Moroccan street-seller Abdellate Fechaaui, 30, was among the hundreds of Muslims who joined the march of millions against terrorism after the Madrid attacks. Abdellate and his colleagues had one message for the Spanish people and the bombers: "We are with the Spanish people and are feeling the same pain as everyone. We want peace."

"GAURAHARI" Lord Hari with a Golden Complexion Almost like a mad lion, Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu went on His tour filled with ecstatic love and performing sankirtana, chanting Krsna's names as follows.The Lord chanted: Krsna! Krsna! Krsna! Krsna! Krsna! Krsna! Krsna! he Krsna! Krsna! Krsna! Krsna! Krsna! Krsna! Krsna! he Krsna! Krsna! Krsna! Krsna! Krsna! Krsna! Raksha mam Krsna! Krsna! Krsna! Krsna! Krsna! Krsna! Pahi mam That is, "O Lord Krsna, please protect Me and maintain Me." He also chanted: Rama! Raghava! Rama! Raghava! Rama! Raghava! Raksha mam Krsna! Keshava! Krsna! Keshava! Krsna! Keshava! pahi mam That is, "O Lord Rama, descendant of King Raghu, please protect Me. O Krsna, O Keshava, killer of the Keshi demon, please maintain Me." Chanting this verse, Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, known as Gaurahari, went on His way. As soon as He saw someone, He would request him to chant "Hari! Hari!" Whoever heard Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu chant "Hari, Hari," also chanted the holy name of Lord Hari and Krsna. In this way they all followed the Lord, very eager to see Him. After some time the Lord would embrace these people and bid them to return home, having investing them with spiritual potency. Being thus empowered, they would return to their own villages, always chanting the holy name of Krsna and sometimes laughing, crying and dancing. These empowered people used to request everyone and anyone-whomever they saw-to chant the holy name of Krsna. In this way all the villagers would also become devotees of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Simply by seeing such empowered individuals, people from different villages would become like them by the mercy of their glance. When these individuals returned to their villages, they also converted others into devotees. When others came to see them, they also were converted. In this way, as those men went from one village to another, all the people of South India became devotees. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura explains that this spiritual potency is the essence of the pleasure potency and the knowledge potency. By these two potencies, one is empowered with devotional service. Lord Krsna Himself or His representative, the unalloyed devotee, can mercifully bestow these combined potencies upon any man. Being thus endowed with such potencies, one can become an unalloyed devotee of the Lord. Anyone favored by Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu was empowered with this bhakti-shakti. Thus the Lord's followers were able to preach Krsna consciousness by divine grace. In order to become an empowered preacher, one must be favored by Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu or His devotee, the spiritual master. One must also request everyone to chant the maha-mantra. In this way, such a person can convert others to Vaisnavism, showing them how to become pure devotees of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. (CC Madhya-lila 7:95-107) Chant the holy name of Hari! O brothers, you have obtained a human birth, now chant the holy name! Whether you are in happiness or distress, chant the holy name of Hari! Chant the holy name of Hari! O brothers, give up the association of non-devotees and chant the holy name! Falling at the feet of the Vaisnavas, chant the holy name of Hari! (Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura) Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

----- This internet is going to get you in trouble. Information overflow - Jnani City - learning without doing - head without heart. I'm glad I had no internet in the seventies; only As It Is. It was Krsna. Alone on a farm with twelve cows and a book; there was only Krsna. No monkey on a stick, Al Qaeda, politics - just a body, a soul, and God - everything required for the Bhagavad-gita experiment. ------------------- Yes, Internet and devotional service make a rough mix. Only for those highly evolved masters(like gHari) who can dovetail this demonic technology into KC preaching can escape its mayic spin.