Myra

Hello Everyone, Here I am again with so many queries on my mind. Please bear with me. Does astrology really vital in choosing a mate? Aren't love, faith, prayers, humility and acceptance enough? Since Love is God, and what we feel is true love, do we really need to ask the confirmation of the stars above? Can't we just trust the spirit inside that speaks to us that this particular person is the God's gift to share and feel the extension of His love for us? Why have these practices (especially astrology) become so popular in our modern “scientific” culture? Is it because we want personal guidance in our lives? We want to know the future, because knowledge of the future means control of the future. Control of the future, is supposed to give a person an advantage over others. This advantage entails power. I did visit an astrologer once out of curiousity and I realized Psychics and those who cast astrology charts generally give out vague good news to their customers. If they gave out bad news, they would go out of business. Does God allow divination/Astrology? I believe He doesn't because it is a demonic, unauthorized form of revelation. God has given to mankind a perfect, infallible guide for salvation, life and godly living. This guide is the Bible, or the Vedas or the Quran. “All scriptures is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works”, (2 Tim. 3:16,17). When people reject, ignore or attempt to allegorize the Bible, or the Vedas or the Quran, in order to incorporate it into an occult or new age paradigm, they are asserting their independence from God. They insult the majesty of God. They are saying by their actions , “The Bible/Vedas is unnecessary;” or, “The Bible/Vedas is not an adequate guide for living.” They are saying, “I'll do it my way. I don't need God telling me what to believe or how to act.” That's why I was hurt when my God's Gift (fiance) visit the astrologer not once but 10 or more times to get reassurance if we are going to get married or not. I see it as an insult to my true Love for him rather than a good feelings since we passed all the tests. God Bless! Myra.

Hello Everyone, Hare Krishna! Jai Sri Jesus! When I was introduced to the Hare Krishna community, I can't really fully grasp the essence of it. Yet, I tried to read more about Sri Prabupada's teaching and Krishna books and I realized it wasn't strange at all. However, honestly, I feel that it sometimes contradicts to what I believed in. One of these, is the "worship of the deities". Why we need to worship the dieties/servants of krishna instead of Krishna alone? We need to respect them of course, but why worship? I believe that we only must worship the Most High, or serving only the Most High or else there will be a split of attention. Still another is the role of women in the community. I see that there is a contradiction when it teaches that all women should be honored as "Mothers", on the other hand, it also says that women are temptress and should not be trusted. Can you enlighten me with these? Thanks. God Bless! Myra.

Hello, I have been reading some of Sri Prabupada's teachings and they sounds nice to me, until I bumped into this one: -"Independence for women means they become like prostitutes." -"Women cannot do anything independently. To give them independence means to create some trouble." (SB Lecture, Los Angeles, 5/19/72) This statement might be mis interpreted as agains't women. Please explain to me why Prabhupada told this?

Hello, this was being told by one of my closed friends...There it goes.... Last week, I left Manila with a couple of friends heading toward Punta Fuego, in Batangas, when I decided to stop at a comfort station in a relatively new Gas station in Tagaytay. Being a new gas station, this place would have a clean restroom/wash room just right clean facility to take a good . /images/graemlins/smile.gif The first stall was occupied (my theory was correct) so I went into the second one. Just when I was seated and poised to emit a very "silent" fart, I heard a voice from the next toilet: "Hi, how are you doing?" Shocking!!! I thought in my mind. I am certainly not the type to chat with strangers in highway comfort rooms or any comfort room for that matter. Normally, I would keep as dead silent as possible in a situation like this so no one would think I was there. What was I to do? run? keep quiet? So many questions in my mind. I really don't know quite what possessed me, but anyway, I answered, a little embarrassed: "I am okey, Brod!" And the stranger said: "Whats up with you?" Talk about your unnervingly dumb questions! WHO THE HELL IS THIS GUY? (In my mind) I was really beginning to think this was just TOO WEIRD! So I said: "WELL, JUST LIKE YOU I'M MAKING ______" Then, I heard the person, all upset, say, "Look, I'll call you back, there's some idiot in the next toilet answering all the questions I am asking you!!!!!!" Hehehehe

God is after of our hearts and the purity of our soul, regardless of skin, culture, race and traditions. There are whites who have "black hearts", and there are dark skinned individuals that are having a wonderful soul and an honest heart.

God is after of our hearts and the purity of our soul, regardless of skin, culture, race and traditions. There are whites who have "black hearts", and there are dark skinned individuals that are having a wonderful soul and an honest heart.

Hello Vishwajeet, It is written in 1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, He(God) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." God's words are true. Acceptance of your sins and confess them shows humility. God exalted those who humble themselves before God. One step you made for God, he makes a hundred steps towards you. From the above verse, the first thing we see is that we must confess our sins. We must recognize where we have erred, and hurt God by our actions. When confessing your sins to God, be as specific as you can. General confessions do very little to convict of sin, or to convince God of your seriousness, or to bring healing in those areas. Isaiah 55:7 "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." Ezekiel 18:21, "But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die." Our next step in receiving forgiveness, is to turn from our wicked ways and change them. We may struggle with a certain sin, but if our intent is truly to change our ways and overcome that sin, God will give us the grace to do it. Many want to receive forgiveness from God without changing their ways. God knows the difference between those who are sincere and those who are using Him to temporarily ease their conscience. He is not mocked or deceived. If one comes to him in sorrow, humility and sincerity, His grace is abundant. However, He has little patience for those who would abuse His mercy. Search your heart and ask God to give you the grace for true repentance, and the power of the Holy Spirit to make the changes you need to do. His greatest joy is to help those who repent in sincerity. This should include asking forgiveness of those you have wronged and making restitution to them. True repentance will always be accompanied by corresponding actions. Along these lines, the Scriptures also makes it clear that we are to "make right" any situations where we have failed in our responsibilities to others. Matthew 5:23-25 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. If we are sincere in our repentance we must be willing to pay the penalty for our crimes(in Vedas this is called karma) against others. This could include restoration of any goods, monies, or services that were taken wrongfully, (or never given at all, if we owed them). The Lord says to "agree with our adversary." If we are in dispute with someone, that means we must admit to what we have done and quit trying to defend ourselves. If we are in the wrong (even partially) it is better to take responsibility for it, than to argue for our rights. Matthew 6:14-15, "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Mark 11:25-26 "And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him and let it drop--leave it, let it go--in order that your Father Who is in heaven may also forgive you your (own) failings and shortcomings and let them drop. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your failings and shortcomings." These verses are perhaps some of the least applied Scriptures in the Kingdom of God. Somehow, many of us are deceived into thinking that we do not have to take them literally. However, Jesus emphasized this principal over and over again in His parables and teachings. If we receive God's forgiveness, it is our duty to forgive those who have wronged us. The two are inseparable. Jesus said plainly that God will not forgive us, if we do not forgive others. Many people are full of condemnation and guilt because they still feel the weight of their sins, even though they've asked God to forgive them. Could it be that they have not been able to receive God's forgiveness because they still have bitterness in their own hearts toward others? Sometimes, we may carry bitterness and hurt so long, that we no longer even recognize it as a problem. It becomes a part of our very nature. We may not scheme for revenge, but our souls are clouded with a quiet, persistent bitterness. Some of us have been betrayed in devastating ways, and have suffered profoundly at the hand of abusive people. Others have been horribly mistreated by those of other races, nations, and religions. If you are suffering with deep unhealed wounds, know the Lord has also been hurt with your pain. He loves you and wants to heal you. It is because of His great love for you that He is calling you to forgive. It is your only release from the emotional prison that you are now in. Matthew 5:44-48: "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? Do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." Please know this: If you are crying out to Him for forgiveness, it is only because He has given you the grace to do so--and He WILL answer your heart's cry. If you were past the point of no return, you wouldn't even care about the concept of forgiveness. It is only because you belong to the Lord that you are still seeking Him. I hope this helps you even a little. There are lots in here who can explain more in a Vedic way. God Loves you! Myra

Hi Trupti, Well, unless each of us will look/judge the religion by its scriptures rather than by its people, and look each other as the parcel of God, I believe that the hope to arrived at the point that people of different denominations will understand and respect each other is very slim to achieve. God Bless... ~Myra~

Apologies Everyone, I know that I am not suppose to be in this room, for this is a spiritual Discussion and I am out of topic. Just, I think this is the best way to get your attention. /images/graemlins/smile.gif I might inquire some spiritual insights later. Hope to hear from Theist and to others who had a catholic background. Hare Krishna! Myra

Thank you Avinash. /images/graemlins/smile.gif I was watching "The amazing Race" in Cable TV and it happened that the participants were bound to India. One of the Teams were composed of a Mom and a Daughter and they find it difficult to get a ticket from a Train station. Is a woman(especially single) traveller not encouraged in India? Thanks in advance! Kind regards, Myra

Hello Everyone, Hope you are all having a nice day. I have been researching and studying about the delicate culture and spirituality of India lately. I am about (God willing) to visit/stay for a while in India next year to study and experience the beauty and uniqueness of your country. In lieu with this, I would really appreciate if any of you could advice me to the Do's and Dont's in India. I am also attracted to the Hare Krishna community. I want to learn more about it. If you reply, please expect that I will do a perusal and may render questions later. Thanks so much in advance! God Bless Everyone. Hari Bol! Respectfully yours, Myra

Hello Guest, Hope you are fine today. I wish I could but I don't want to be too personal here. Hope you understand my point. No name calling. God Bless! Myra

Hello everyone, I have been here for quite sometime. I find this site very interesting and very informative. In this forum, I have given a chance to understand and appreciate more other religions especially the HK community. I am a Christian, but I don't believe that Christians are the only sons and daughters of God, and far more to believe that only Hindu's or HK or other communities is the best in the eyes of God. I believe that God's Love and mercy is equal to all. I believe religion is dependent solely to an Individual. Religion is more personal to me rather than collective. I believe it is one's person very closed, intimate, loving, personal connection to God. One may consider Him as his/her bestfriend, counselor, saviour, guide, parent, brother, teacher...etc. I was raised in a very strict community, where it was taught that non Christian are non-believers. I can't deny that fact, that's why I understand other fanatic christians to push their belief to others. I think it is also true to other communities too. However, through God's mercy i was able to meet other individuals that don't have the same belief as mine, but still, I can see the presence of God in them. I believed that everyone of us is called according to our purpose in life. Each one of us has been given a free will on how to use the gifts of God. Most of all, each one of us has been given the measure of faith and wisdom to comprehend God. Based on my observation in this forum, many of you tend to generalized Christians as the antagonist side and and so as Christians to "Hindu" or other communities. If we continue to be like this, pushing each other's belief, then everyone's dream of peace is very far to achieved. Disproving the Bible or Quran or Vedas is not a nice strategy to convince others of our personal encounter with God, instead it will continue to spark the the lit of misunderstanding and superiority between communities. This is especially true if we just copy and paste other's (secondary source or tertiary source not the Primary source of data) findings about these scriptures. They may not under the Consciousness of God while they are researching these claims. Religious tolerance is necessary today. Most of the problems in our modern world is caused by religious fanaticism. One of the reasons for religious fanaticism is ignorance. Since we do not know about other religion fully, we often show our animosity in holding the claims to the truth of one religion as superior to other religion. Christianity, Muslim, Hindu, HK needs to change a lot as far as claims to religious superiority is concerned. In India, for example, why after 2000 years of Christian presence, christians are still only a minority? Or Hare krishna for example or Hinduism, after your claim of Vedas presence for almost 5000 years why you are still a minority? It is because we have not accepted the culture and religiosity of the soil. We have failed to accept it because we feel superior that our claims to the truth are superior, and our God is superior… Today people say that Christianity has changed its rigorous position regarding other religions, and, it accepts the claims to the truth of other religions. What made the Church change? The pressure from outside is so great that the Church cannot but change its position. Therefore, we need to accept the truth claims of other religion (which is nice); we see goodness in other religion also… But even in this position, most of the Christian communities show superiority, and calling others anonymous Christians and labeling their unique claims to truth as Christian. The reason is that they have not accepted and do not respect other religions fully. I have been reading and studying the theology of visions in Mahabharata and the Bible in my small initiative to show respect for the Hindu religion. I pray that it may lead me to live and love the values of Christ in your Indian soil with mutual understanding and cooperation, respect and tolerance. However, it is very disappointing the way people express their belief in this forum, MOSt of you is not of help to those individuals like me who wanted to understand and know more about the other face/characteristics of our ONE GOD, which has been worshipped in different forms through our unique encounter with Him. God Bless, Myra

I absolutely agree with you I_L_K. If you trust Krishna with all your heart, He will always guide you and make you safe going to HIM (Godhead).

criticize not critisize. My goodness /images/graemlins/frown.gif Sorry people.

Hello everyone, May the Good Lord will bless us all, and will make us more tolerant with each other /images/graemlins/smile.gif It's very exciting to read everyone's side in this forum. However, it wasn't that nice all the time when we critisize and question the authority of each other's perception and understanding about God. Reading the replies above reminds me of the story of the six blind men and an elephant. I know this is just a story-poem but it depicts what is happening to us right now. John Godfrey Saxe's ( 1816-1887) version of the famous Indian legend: THE SIX BLIND MEN AND AN ELEPHANT It was six men of Indostan To learning much inclined, Who went to see the Elephant (Though all of them were blind), That each by observation Might satisfy his mind. The First approached the Elephant, And happening to fall Against his broad and sturdy side, At once began to bawl: "God bless me! but the Elephant Is very like a wall!" The Second, feeling of the tusk Cried, "Ho! what have we here, So very round and smooth and sharp? To me `tis mighty clear This wonder of an Elephant Is very like a spear!" The Third approached the animal, And happening to take The squirming trunk within his hands, Thus boldly up he spake: "I see," quoth he, "the Elephant Is very like a snake!" The Fourth reached out an eager hand, And felt about the knee: "What most this wondrous beast is like Is mighty plain," quoth he; "'Tis clear enough the Elephant Is very like a tree!" The Fifth, who chanced to touch the ear, Said: "E'en the blindest man Can tell what this resembles most; Deny the fact who can, This marvel of an Elephant Is very like a fan!" The Sixth no sooner had begun About the beast to grope, Than, seizing on the swinging tail That fell within his scope. "I see," quoth he, "the Elephant Is very like a rope!" And so these men of Indostan Disputed loud and long, Each in his own opinion Exceeding stiff and strong, Though each was partly in the right, And all were in the wrong! Moral: So oft in theologic wars, The disputants, I ween, Rail on in utter ignorance Of what each other mean, And prate about an Elephant Not one of them has seen!

Whether Allah, Krishna, Yahweh, Jehovah...many names but I believe they pertains to the Same ONE GOD. It's like the word, love in english, Bhakti in hindu, amore(hmnn not sure..sowwiiii) in spanish but they all refers to the same thought. Why don't we just respect each other's belief? Worship your God and believe and do the things that your scriptures instruct you. Do you think God is happy of what we are doing right now? Chastising each other's belief?

Hello, In response to: "this person is MAJORLY offensive! why must we put up with this? why they are allowed to stay???????" Just observing in a third person's point of view...I think this guy is just sharing his observation..but sad to say not in a more friendly way. On the other hand..why react like that? If Hindus and Islam and other denominations questions the sanctity or the authority of Jesus Christ or Allah or Buddha or Mohammed, I think Shrila PRabhupada is not exempted to those people who wanted to know the truth(?) or maybe wanted to be heard also (but sorry sometimes not in a nice way). I am not favor of using harsh words here, because I believe this is a great spiritual discussion site. Moreover, we should be also open to the negative views and not only to the positive views..... We can't stop them to join or not.Anyway, let's consider them as the "salt" of this discussions. But to the guest above? Please register and observe respect to others. God Bless to all! Myra.

Hello Yasodanandana, Yes, I think the link attached by one of the devotee is quite better than our own point of view. Just want to clarify that my words are based on my own interpretation as you could see in the first pharagraph. Light symbolize God's. Yes..you heard it "God's". God's (with apothrophe and s)..not Gods' (s and apostrophe). Forgive me..I was giving my opinion in a non-hindu point of view. But "WHY??!!?" would you question if I say God's presence within the union? Do you expect that marriage wasn't in God's consent? Just asking... Forgive me if I offended you...I think I just reacted by your exclamation points and question marks in why.... God Bless, Mye

I won't speak about the other communities because my knowledge about their scriptures are very limited. In general... Dr. Zakir Naik speaks fairly about the Christianity. One thing I don't agree with Him, the Bible and majority of Christians don't claim Jesus as God..but we always call him our Lord, the Beloved Son of the Father and our way to the Father. Thank you prabhuji for sharing this site! God Bless!

Hello Theist.... Even before I was introduced and I better understand the concept of vegetarianism..I never ate Cow or Bufallo nor Goat or Lamd meat..just I can't take the odor of the meat. I was a fish lover.Until late last year. I have been strict...(even it means I will fast almost everyday becasue I am living in a meat-eating community! It's soooo hard). My questions: (1) what are the food being restricted by the Krishna Conscious Society? (2) as far as I understand, vegetarianism in this community comes from the idea that we won't take life of living creations..is the idea includes green shells? And other food from shells? (3) How could you explain the life from the smallest animals in land and sea? Where they all came from the past Karma? As like what I have read from your books?(small reading actually).. Thanks! God Bless!

Hello Theist.... Even before I was introduced and I better understand the concept of vegetarianism..I never ate Cow or Bufallo nor Goat or Lamd meat..just I can't take the odor of the meat. I was a fish lover.Until late last year. I have been strict...(even it means I will fast almost everyday becasue I am living in a meat-eating community! It's soooo hard). My questions: (1) what are the food being restricted by the Krishna Conscious Society? (2) as far as I understand, vegetarianism in this community comes from the idea that we won't take life of living creations..is the idea includes green shells? And other food from shells? (3) How could you explain the life from the smallest animals in land and sea? Where they all came from the past Karma? As like what I have read from your books?(small reading actually).. Thanks! God Bless!

Hello Maya... You asked: "Why do bride and bridegroom garland each other in a marriage? Why do we light lamps in front of God?" For my own interpretation...garlands represents the infinite bond of marriage. I think it is becasue garlands forms a circle and don't have ends... For the light..or the flame symbolize God's presence within the union. Have a nice day! Kind regards...

Before I proceed let me share to you the good news/ Scripture of the Day Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6 I am really happy I found this site..this' not only very informative but at least I can now understand the views of each people. I know people who participated here are very thirty of knowledge and very active to share too...anyway..let's respect each other's belief...No one is perfect anyway.... Hi again theist... I am a strict vegetarian also (thanks to my fiancee/guru)...but I am also linient of choices of each and everyone of us...as what I have qouted from the bible... Romans 14:2-3, "One man's faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The mans who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him." like what have posted above that says: "the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17). I understand that one of the causes of misunderstanding is the way people pick out readings and make it a proof..If we are going to collect all the scriptural evidences about this matter..I know we will understand... Bad news...we can't force others to stop killing animals becasue they believe NOT like what we believe... Anyway The Scripture have the good news! Scripture also seems to indicate that during the millennial reign of Christ on the earth (when the devil is bound for 1000 years), all creation will go back to being vegetarian. Read the following prophecy from Isaiah 11:6-9. "The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. The cow will feed with the bear, and their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. The infant will play near the hole of the cobra, and the young child put his hand into the viper's nest. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea." Praise God! The time is soon coming when all creation will rest in peace once again, and the creatures of the earth will no longer destroy each other or fear each other. This may sound like a distant utopia, but we know by the Word of God that it will come to pass. God's ultimate plan is to redeem His creation and restore it back to the way it was in the garden of Eden. Have a nice and prayerful day to all!

Before I proceed let me share to you the good news/ Scripture of the Day Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6 I am really happy I found this site..this' not only very informative but at least I can now understand the views of each people. I know people who participated here are very thirty of knowledge and very active to share too...anyway..let's respect each other's belief...No one is perfect anyway.... Hi again theist... I am a strict vegetarian also (thanks to my fiancee/guru)...but I am also linient of choices of each and everyone of us...as what I have qouted from the bible... Romans 14:2-3, "One man's faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The mans who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him." like what have posted above that says: "the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17). I understand that one of the causes of misunderstanding is the way people pick out readings and make it a proof..If we are going to collect all the scriptural evidences about this matter..I know we will understand... Bad news...we can't force others to stop killing animals becasue they believe NOT like what we believe... Anyway The Scripture have the good news! Scripture also seems to indicate that during the millennial reign of Christ on the earth (when the devil is bound for 1000 years), all creation will go back to being vegetarian. Read the following prophecy from Isaiah 11:6-9. "The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. The cow will feed with the bear, and their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. The infant will play near the hole of the cobra, and the young child put his hand into the viper's nest. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea." Praise God! The time is soon coming when all creation will rest in peace once again, and the creatures of the earth will no longer destroy each other or fear each other. This may sound like a distant utopia, but we know by the Word of God that it will come to pass. God's ultimate plan is to redeem His creation and restore it back to the way it was in the garden of Eden. Have a nice and prayerful day to all!