valaya

Our secret pearls, Produced through pain, Together form A glowing necklace. Her sole adornment, For a midnight rendezvous With you-know-who... . . valaya ------------------ Radhe Radhe always Radhe! amanpeter@hotmail.com

I kinda like the one where Mother Yasoda is chasing child Krsna with a stick in Her hand, while He looks back over His shoulder fearfully at both Her and His bare little bum...

Golly gee, sounds like I$KCON to me! Surely we all have stories to tell of how monies were `acquired`...nowadays, poor renunciants do seem to be discouraged, particularly if they are physically unable to do so-called `practical` service. A religion that focuses on externals, at the expense of internals, loses it's soul. Ignoring the poor and less `fortunate` in favour of maintaining a well-established congregation, heart is lost as well. Street sankirtan (as Tarun so rightly continues to point out), is the life blood of Sri Caitanya's movement. If mercy is not shared, how can it be expected to grow? My experiences recently are mostly with the Toronto temple. Please do not take offense if this does not apply. . . Just another dejected rejected fallen soul ...valaya ------------------ Radhe Radhe always Radhe! amanpeter@hotmail.com

Nice, prabhu! In our heart-of-hearts, are we not all poets? Please note my corrected version of 'Love Minus Zero' above--found a website with all the lyrics for Bob Dylan's songs. Have you heard Leonard Cohen's new album? I saw a documentary on him the other night. valaya ------------------ Radhe Radhe always Radhe! amanpeter@hotmail.com

Dear Jijai prabhu, Can't let this vividly beautiful thread of your's slip away without some positive comment. I really enjoy these descriptions of Mother Kali--wild or what, eh? Please don't misinterpret or be offended if I say she's my kinda gal! Of course, my perspective is that everything and everyone is included in Sri Radhika as the basis of Krsna's internal potency that supports all His other energies. Some may consider Radha merely a sweet, innocent young girl. She does have another side, though...at least to my mind! Haribol!!! valaya ------------------ Radhe Radhe always Radhe! amanpeter@hotmail.com

Very sweet, prabhu! ------------------ Radhe Radhe always Radhe! amanpeter@hotmail.com

testing ------------------ Radhe Radhe always Radhe! amanpeter@hotmail.com

"The Art of Spiritual Life" Remembrances of Srila Prabhupada by Jadurani Devi Dasi Respected brothers and sisters, Dandavat pranamas. Jaya Sri Sri Guru and Gauranga. I am in the midst of writing a book of my experiences with Srila Prabhupada. It will take some time for the actual book to be published. Some proof reading and other work is still required. In the meantime, I am respectfully submitting to you the almost final version. It has all the information the final book will have, but it has some typos here and there. Please excuse me for whatever mistakes are there. In this way you can start reading it now, if you like. My so many thanks to the devotees who have helped ready this publication, especially to Srimati Madhurika devi dasi, Srimati Premavati devi dasi, Srimati Radha-kanta devi dasi and her husband Sriman Mayapura dasa Adhikari, Srimati Sita devi dasi, Ratna Stone, Sriman Yogesvara dasa Adhikari, and Sriman Satyaraja dasa Adhikari. Your aspiring servant, Jadurani dasi The manuscript has been posted at the Gaudiya Vedanta Library in web-page format, .rtf-format, and Acrobat Reader format for easy reading at: http://www.gaudiya.net/art/

I've been using an electric kefir maker available from Teldon, Canada with soymilk. Kefir is like yogurt, but not as thick (electric maker not essential). However, it can be drained to make a kind of cream cheese. The culture consists of tiny grains that last indefinitely. Room temperature or a bit more than 100 degrees F. is fine and sterilization of containers is not so important as it is with yogurt. Natural or 'original' flavour must be used and certain brands work better than others. Vitasoy or Soydream is good. My favourite is So Nice Original (Canadian). The grains are contained in a little plastic container that floats on the surface of the milk. They must be kept with the milk in the fridge when not in use. Once used with Soy, the same culture cannot be used for dairy milk, and vice versa. Kefir soymilk is more easily digested than regular and has similar benefits to yogurt cultured dairy. [This message has been edited by valaya (edited 01-08-2002).]

Sorry, here are the proper lyrics: . . . LOVE MINUS ZERO/NO LIMIT Words and Music by Bob Dylan 1965 Warner Bros. Inc Renewed 1993 Special Rider Music My love she speaks like silence, Without ideals or violence, She doesn't have to say she's faithful, Yet she's true, like ice, like fire. People carry roses, Make promises by the hours, My love she laughs like the flowers, Valentines can't buy her. [This message has been edited by valaya (edited 01-09-2002).]

One at last in Mahaprabhu He knows Her love so deep and true His pangs of separation Exclude no one. Each part and parcel Finds it's place Within Their endless Divine Grace. . . . Jai Jai Sri Radhe! valaya RR [This message has been edited by valaya (edited 01-07-2002).]

More a poem than a prayer, so transfered to another thread. valaya [This message has been edited by valaya (edited 01-09-2002).]

More a poem than a prayer, so transfered to another thread. valaya [This message has been edited by valaya (edited 01-09-2002).]

S a n g a Sunday, December 9, 2001 Re: From Honoring All Beings to Causeless Love "For the spiritual practitioner, true morality and compassion for others beyond convention is the result of seeing God in the world. The neophyte lacks strong moral fiber and compassion for others due to his underdeveloped realization of the all-encompassing nature of his object of love." Q & A with Swami B.V. Tripurari: Q. In your October editorial you wrote the following: "Compassion for humanity is the shadow of spiritual compassion that one must pass through to enter the heart of God-conscious empathy." Could you write more about this? A. Thakura Bhaktivinoda says it like this: sakale sammana korite sakati deho 'natha yatayatha tabe to' gaibo hari nama suke aparadha ha'be hata "O Lord! Give me the power to properly honor everyone equally, for then I will be able to chant the holy name happily, free from offense." Our perfection lies in chanting purely, free from offense, and this involves appropriately honoring all living beings. Others are not to be seen as objects of exploitation, which is the unfortunate result of material attachment. When we become materially attached to someone, we objectify him or her and deny them their own life in relation to God, making them objects of our sense indulgence. We are to see all living beings as manifestations of God‹his sakti. For the spiritual practitioner, true morality and compassion for others beyond convention is the result of seeing God in the world. The neophyte lacks strong moral fiber and compassion for others due to his underdeveloped realization of the all-encompassing nature of his object of love. Q. Can books on morality or positive thinking be helpful to those who want to attain the ideal of bhakti? A. Books discussing the value of moral life and good character can be helpful for those who come to bhakti without these things in place. Indeed, many of Prabhupada's purports focus on these and other subjects that are not core Gaudiya material, but are foundational to spiritual life. Ultimately we must broaden our understanding of the object of our love such that it includes all things animate and inanimate, seeing them as Krsna's energy. Then we will cease to exploit the world for the purpose of our senses and utilize instead everything in the service of Krsna. Thus the circle of moral life is included within the larger circle of spiritual experience. [This message has been edited by valaya (edited 01-07-2002).]

Beautiful! Thank you, Talasiga. Radhe Radhe always Radhe!!! [This message has been edited by valaya (edited 01-06-2002).]

Mystic Christmas Christmas is upon us. In many countries around the world, an almost frantic activity descends as the pressures of the holidays mount. However, there is another way to view Christmas, and that is through the eyes of the mystic. Mysticism is concerned with non-attachment to the material world and with oneness with God. Mysticism looks past the illusion of the material and is focused on the true nature of reality, which is God. Christmas is about Christ. Lets take time to see Christmas from a mystical perspective. On the one hand, Christmas seems very focused on Santa Claus. Santa plays a very important role in Christmas, because Santa is the Christmas symbol of illusion. Santa seems very real to children around the world because its considered part of the spirit of Christmas to perpetuate the illusion of a jolly fat man, dressed in red, bringing gifts if you have been good. Just as children grow up to learn that Santa is not real, also we must learn to see past the illusion of worldliness and focus on the truth of Christmas, which is Christ. Several months ago the popular American comedic actor Drew Carey was interviewed on an equally popular television talk show, The View. Mr. Carey surprised the audience when he addressed the value of telling children the truth about Santa Claus. "I don't think you should tell kids that there is a Santa Claus," he said. "That's the first lie you tell your children." Instead, "tell kids that Santa's a character we made up to celebrate a time of the season." Otherwise "when kids get to be 5 ... they realize their parents have been lying to them their whole life." How did Santa Claus enter the picture? Why is this mythical figure so closely aligned with the Christmas holiday? Many books are available to shed light on the origins of this popular character. "Santa Claus" is an American corruption of the Dutch form "San Nicolaas," a figure brought to America by the early Dutch colonists (The Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th edition, Vol. 19, p. 649, "Nicholas, St."). This name, in turn, stems from St. Nicholas, bishop of the city of Myra in southern Asia Minor, a Catholic saint honored by the Greeks and the Latins on Dec. 6. He was bishop of Myra in the time of the Roman emperor Diocletian, was persecuted, tortured for the Catholic faith and kept in prison until the more tolerant reign of Constantine (ibid.). Various stories claim a link from Christmas to St. Nicholas, all of them having to do with gift-giving on the eve of St. Nicholas, subsequently transferred to Christmas Day (ibid.). How, we might ask, did a bishop from the sunny Mediterranean coast of Turkey come to be associated with a red-suited man who lives at the north pole and rides in a sleigh pulled by flying reindeer? The trappings associated with Santa Claus-his fur-trimmed wardrobe, sleigh and reindeer-reveal his origin from the cold climates of the far North. Some sources trace him to the ancient Northern European gods Woden and Thor, from which the days of the week Wednesday (Woden's day) and Thursday (Thor's day) get their designations (Earl and Alice Count, pp. 56-64). Others trace him even farther back in time to the Roman god Saturn and the Greek god Silenus (William Walsh, The Story of Santa Klaus, pp. 70-71). If Santa symbolizes illusion and we are to learn to see past illusion to the true nature of reality, then what is the true nature of Christmas? Of course, it is Christ himself and his message. Christ said "I and my Father are one." (John 10:30) Christians know this verse well, but some forget that later Christ prayed the following: John 17: 15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. 20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. Please note verse 23, where Jesus prayed that "I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one." The message here is oneness plain and simple. Oneness with Christ and through him, oneness with God the Father. Mysticism is also about non-attachment to this world. Christ also taught this. Luke 12: 22 Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life [2] ? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? 27 "Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. 32 "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Jesus taught us not to get involved in materialism for our focus is not on this current world, but our relationship with God, for we are the children of God. Romans 8:16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. How much more wonderful is it to allow Christmas to be a time of fellowship and peace with our family as we realize we are all children of God. Our destiny is so awesome because we will someday share the divinity of Christ, for we are heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. "Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?" (John 10:34) Thus Jesus answered the Jews, when they accused him of blasphemy for telling them, "I and my Father are one." As Jesus put it, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" (Matthew 5:8). The mystical message of Chrismas then, is not to focus on the illusions Christmas offers, but to focus on what is important, which is your relationship with Christ and his message of seeking the Kingdom and of striving to be one with God and your fellow man. Christmas is truly about peace on earth and good will towards men. Focus on the love of Christ and let that be your greatest gift to others as you celebrate this time of gift giving. 2 Corinthians 4:6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ! Have a Mystic Christmas! The Reluctant Messenger ------- The world's religions and science are pieces to a puzzle that need one another to achieve a complete picture. http://www.reluctant-messenger.com/main.htm P.S. Feel free to share this with others as a gift of Christmas.

Hinduism: This is the sum of duty--do not do to others what would cause pain if done to you. Mahabharata 5:1575 Buddhism: Treat not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful. Udana-Varga 5.18 Confucianism: One word which sums up the basis of all good conduct...loving kindness. Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself. Confucius Analects 15.23 Taoism: Regard your neighbour's gain as your own gain, and your neighbour's loss as your own loss. T'ai Shang Kan Ying P'ien, 213-218 Sikhism: I am a stranger to no one; and no one is a stranger to me. Indeed, I am a friend to all. Guru Granth Sahib, pg.1299 Christianity: In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets. Jesus, Matthew 7:12 Unitarianism: We affirm and promote respect for the independent web of existence of which we are a part. Unitarian principle Native Spirituality: We are as much alive as we keep the earth alive. Chief Dan George Zoroastrianism: Do not do unto others whatever is injurious to yourself. Shayast-na-Shayast 13.29 Jainism: One should treat all creatures in the world as one would like to be treated. Mahavira, Sutrakritanga Judaism: What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour. This is the whole Torah; all the rest is commentary. Hillel, Talmud, Shabbat 31a Islam: Not one of you truly believes until you wish for others what you wish for yourself. The Prophet Muhammad, Hadith Baha'i Faith: Lay not on any soul a load that you would not wish to be laid upon you, and desire not for any one the things you would not desire for yourself. Baha'u'llah, Gleanings

I used to appreciate his cutting humour far more. That show was mostly just gross! A few good fart jokes, for old farts like me, but otherwise he loked like an ignorant a..hole and proud of it. Seems to be losing whatever class he might have had and pandering to the least intelligent. Might have gone over at a bar full of drunks or perhaps a rock concert... [This message has been edited by valaya (edited 11-18-2001).]

jijaji: I found this true through painful personal experience, possible only with the shelter of Sri Radha. The path is certainly not recommended for everyone, but the shelter is. JAI RADHE! valaya RR [This message has been edited by valaya (edited 11-17-2001).]

If Lord Chaitanya is seen simply as another appearance of Krsna or Vishnu, re-establishing religious principles (vaidhi) like any other avatara; rather than completely immersed in the mood of Sri Radha (raganuga), refusing to be identified as anything other than a devotee Himself and wishing only to distribute Her love unconditionally to everyone, the true essence of this `hidden avatara` remains lost in religion. To actually realize His Divine Grace requires surrender to Her in Him with the faith of a raganuga bhakta, something few are immediately capable of, thus the attempts to vaidhify His teachings in an effort to distribute the chanting of the Holy Names more widely. It behooves us all to delve deeply and become essence seekers as recommended by Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur and Srila Sridhara-deva Goswami Maharaja, otherwise there is the risk of becoming trapped in the negative trappings of evangelistic religion and similarly entangling others. Srila AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada spread the Holy Names world-wide as never before and established preaching centers and an international society so that the association of pure devotees would be readily available to all. He used so many `trappings` to great effect, thereby casting a very wide net indeed. It is up to each of his followers to realize for themselves that Rupanuga means relating with Radha, not Krsna. He (Krsna) brings us to Her (Radha), not the other way around. It is She alone, as the internal spritual potency, that puts the devotion in devotees and enables pure devotional service. valaya RR [This message has been edited by valaya (edited 11-17-2001).]

Public Broadcasting System, a non-commercial television channel throughout the USA. Canada also has similar channels and I expect Australia does, too. [This message has been edited by valaya (edited 11-18-2001).]

From "The Nectar of Instruction" by Srila AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (pp.36-37): Often, being "forcibly dragged to ultimate success" can bring out negative reactions in those that cannot yet perceive Divine Love behind the `force` or understand just what `ultimate success` entails. Sometimes a child will sit down in the middle of a busy sidewalk and refuse to continue on with the parent, throw a temper-tantrum or even run away and attempt to hide... valaya RR [This message has been edited by valaya (edited 11-17-2001).]

Wasn't that explained already? The key to realization is submissive inquiry...Mahaksadas, suggest you save yourself the trouble of a detailed explanation without first checking my previous reply to this same question from Leyh. The thread is ` Topic: I'm the Way, Truth and Life.` http://www.indiadivine.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000823.html [This message has been edited by valaya (edited 11-16-2001).]

From "The Nectar of Instruction" by Srila AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (pp.36-37): "Devotional service is so pure and perfect that once having begun, one is forcibly dragged to ultimate success. Sometimes a person will give up his ordinary material engagements and out of sentiment take shelter of the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord and thus begin the preliminary execution of devotional service. Even if such an immature devotee falls down, there is no loss on his part. On the other hand, what is the gain of one who executes the prescribed duties according to his varna and asrama but does not take to devotional service? Although a fallen devotee may take his next birth in a low family, his devotional service will nonetheless resume from where it left off. Devotional service is ahaituky apratihata; it is not the effect of any mundane cause, nor can it be terminated by any mundane cause or permanently curtailed by any material interruption. Therefore a devotee should be confident about his engagement and should not be very interested in the activities of the karmis, jnanis and yogis."

Never fear, tarun and paul108 will defend us!