Bhaktavasya

The 3 strikes and you're out law (in California) was designed for those who can't afford a good lawyer and for the ecomonic well-being of privatized prisons who now have a dirt-cheap long term labour pool to provide (for example) 'Prison Blues' bluejeans and shirts to places like China.

One of the things Jesus is supposed to do when he appears again is 'set the prisoners free. A double meaning (at least); setting free the prisoners of illusion free as well as the prisoners held for no good reason other than political and ecomonic (which is no good reason at all) with the message of love and the truth that will set both free.

[This message has been edited by Bhaktavasya (edited 08-13-2001).]

some of them are doing (in the good old U.S. of A.) lengthy prison terms for something as benign as selling, possessing and/or cultivating marijuana. Not everyone wasting away in a prison cell is a violent, potential axe-murderer.

Happy birthday, baby

It's been a long, long time

Happy birthday, Krishna

You're lookin' oh so divine

Have a wonder-filled birthday

Hope someone gives a surprise

May you be even more amazed

Than even you have prophesized

Happy birthday, sweet Govinda

Cheers to a really great guy

Happy birthday, Radha's darlin'

And here's a chipped rice lullaby

You're welcome; my pleasure, prabhu

Originally posted by amanpeter:

Thanks, Bhaktavasya prabhu!

 

[This message has been edited by amanpeter (edited 08-11-2001).]

Sisters of Mercy by Leonard Cohen

All the sisters of mercy

they are not departed or gone

they were waiting for me

when I thought that I just can't go on

And they brought me their comfort

and later they brought me this song

Oh I hope you run into them

you who've been travelling so long

You who must leave everything

that you cannot control

it begins with your family

but soon it comes round to your soul

I've been where you're hanging

I think I can see how you've pinned

When you're not feeling holy

your loneliness tells you you've sinned

They lay down beside me

I made my confession to them

they touched both my eyes

and I touched the dew on their hem

If your life is a leaf

that the seasons tear off and condemn

they will bind you with love

that is graceful and green as a stem

When I left they were sleeping

I hope you run into them soon

don't turn on the light

you can read their address by the moon

and you won't make me jealous

if I hear that they sweetened your night

we weren't lovers like that

and besides it would still be all right

Is today really Krishna's birthday, or is this a reminder because it's almost here? If it is His birthday, then us networkers have been so busy talking about Him, we plum forgot to throw Him a party!

This is one of the things I like about Krishna. Even if you forget His birthday, He reminds you that all knowledge, remembrance and forgetfulness come from Him, so you don't go on a big guilt trip over it. Plus, Him being unlimited, there's no telling when the party will wind down. No too late or too early; just be there.

Tina Turner took the protection of Buddha over the 'protection'(read control)of Ike Turner. Women are figuring it out, that God is the only protector (unless you can afford a bodyguard and even they aren't infallible. Have you never heard the song 'Sisters are doin' it for themselves'?

Originally posted by Tarun:

Didn't this 62 yr old Tina TaruNI Turner sing a song titled "Typical Male?"

I doubt she had Ike in mind. Then again, could be.

Women should be protected at all stages.

1) Even up onstage.

2) Including onstage.

Which sounds better, 1 or 2?

Jayaradhe; how's this for a modern bhajan:

(could remind one of the gopis singing to Krishna)

Love of My Life by Santana

Where you are, that's where I wanna be

And through your eyes

All the things I want to see

And in the night you are my dream

You're everything to me.

Chorus: You're the love of my life

And the breath in my prayers

Take my hand, lead me there

You are the love of my life

I can't forget the taste of your mouth

From your lips the heavens pour out

I can't forget when we are one

With you alone I am free

Everyday, every night, you alone

You're the love of my life.

We go dancing in the moonlight

With the starlight in your eyes

We go dancing till the sunrise

You and me we're gonna

dance, dance, dance

Hell does freeze over every now and then, or is it the 2 moons in the sky rare occurence because I agree with you on this one.

Originally posted by rand0M aXiS:

You can start by reading the labels of all products you buy and

<center> </center>

Why don't Buddhists vaccum in corners?

Because they have no attachments.

How many Buddhists does it take to change a light bulb?

None, they are the light bulb.

What is the best thing about having pagan friends?

They worship the ground you walk on.

How do you make God laugh?

You tell Him your plans.

True; are you referring to Sanatan Goswami's blase reaction to the touchstone?

Maybe this joke would be more applicable to Vaisnavas if the rich guy had actually come in touch with some chimtamani stones; then again he would have to have spiritual vision and realize that he wouldn't have to cling to or hoard the treasure, than nothing really belonged to him anyway, and that Goloka Vrndavan is all that and more...but it's hard to make a joke about it.

Originally posted by Tarun:

All that glitters is not gold.

All that totters is not told.

All that shutters is not sold.

All that flutters does not fold.

Hare KRSNa. SanAtan GosvAmi's idea of worth.

Originally posted by talasiga:

not "seemed" but "do"

otherwise you will have raas bhaas

and not Raas Leela

 

 

Thankyou talasiga! Otherwise it would SEEM that all the Gopis, except Radha, are in Maya and I would be promoting veiled Mayavadism.

ha ha very funny! (in a slightly low-brow, rib-tickling way)

[This message has been edited by Bhaktavasya (edited 08-07-2001).]

A student went to his meditation teacher and said;

"My meditation is horrible! I feel so distracted, or my legs ache, or I'm constantly falling asleep. It's just horrible!"

"It will pass." the teacher replied matter-of-factly.

A week later, the student came back to his teacher.

"My meditation is wonderful! I feel so aware, so peaceful, so alive!"

"It will pass." the teacher replied matter-of-factly.

A rich man was near death, and became very upset because he had worked so hard for his money and he wanted to take it with him to heaven. So he began to pray that he might take some of his wealth along. An angel heard his plea and appeared to him.

"Sorry, the angel said, "but you can't take your wealth with you." The man implored to the angel to speak to God to see if He might bend the rules. The man continued to pray that his wealth could follow him.

The angel reappeared and informed the man that God had decided to allow him to take one suitcase with him. Overjoyed, the man got his largest suitcase, filled it with pure gold bars and placed it beside his bed. Sooon afterward the man died and showed up at the gates of heaven to greet St. Peter.

St. Peter, seeing the suitcase, said, "Hold on, you can't bring that in here!" The man explained to St. Peter that he had permission and told him to verify his story with God.

St.Peter checked and came back saying, "You're right. You're allowed one carry-on bag, but I'm supposed to check it's contents before letting it through." He opened the suitcase to inspect the worldly items that the man found too precious to leave behind and exclaimed, "You brought PAVEMENT?"

My last comment to BB on the subject of America going to war with the rest of the world (which again has nothing to do with the thread topic);

The quote by American Patrick Henry and the date it was spoken says it all:

"Have we anything new to offer on the subject? Nothing." March 23, 1775

Originally posted by rand0M aXiS:

Jagat suffers from over-objectivity. And suffering he certainly is because he thinks he must resolve these unresolvable issues in his mind.

 

But he never will.

 

Here is some Patrick Henry for you:

 

No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the house. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve. This is no time for ceremony. The question before the house is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at the truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.</P>

 

Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the numbers of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth, to know the worst, and to provide for it.</P>

 

I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves and the House. Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received?</P>

 

Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with those warlike preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled that force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugation; the last arguments to which kings resort. I ask gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission? Can gentlement assign any other possible motive for it? Has Great Britain any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us: they can be meant for no other. They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry have been so long forging. And what have we to oppose to them? Shall we try argument? Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years. Have we anything new to offer upon the subject? Nothing. We have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable; but it has been all in vain. Shall we resort to entreaty and humble supplication? What terms shall we find which have not been already exhausted? Let us not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves. Sir, we have done everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now coming on. We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament. Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne! In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation.</P>

 

There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free--if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending--if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained--we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of hosts is all that is left us! They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength but irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. The millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late

to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable--and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.</P>

 

It is in vain, sir, to extentuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace--but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!</P>

 

March 23, 1775

Justin Heyward looks great in a sarong, and Knights in White Satin doesn't mean soldiers in sheets.

Originally posted by rand0M aXiS:

Gee, BV, maybe He stops the war by us winning it. Go back to your bong.

 

I thought you'd be watching the Moody Blues concert on PBS. Go figure.

A group of scientist were sitting around discussing which one of them was going to go to God and tell Him that they didn't need Him anymore. Finally, one of the scientists volunteered and went to go tell God He was no longer needed.

The scientist says to God, "God, a bunch of us have been thinking and I've come to tell you that we really don't need You anymore. I mean, we've been coming up with great theories and ideas, we've cloned sheep, and we're on the verge of cloning humans. So as You can see, we really don't need You.

God nods understandingly and says, "I see. Well, no hard feelings. But before you go, let's have a contest."

The scientist says, "Sure, I'm all for it. What kind of contest?"

"A man-making contest."

"Sure! No problem." the scientist says. He bends down,picks up a handful of dirt and says, "Okay, I'm ready!"

And God says: "No, no. You go get your own dirt."

As usual,RA/BB, you don't get it. What Dylan is saying is that everyone who fights a war thinks that God is one his/her side. This is hardly a glorification of war and violence. As the last line says, "If God's on our side, he'll stop the next war."

Originally posted by rand0M aXiS:

God, guns & ghee, make Amerika great.

 

-------

<h3>With God on Our Side</h3>

by Bob Dylan

 

 

Oh my name it is nothin'

My age it means less

The country I come from

Is called the Midwest

I's taught and brought up there

The laws to abide

And that land that I live in

Has God on its side.

 

Oh the history books tell it

They tell it so well

The cavalries charged

The Indians fell

The cavalries charged

The Indians died

Oh the country was young

With God on its side.

 

Oh the Spanish-American

War had its day

And the Civil War too

Was soon laid away

And the names of the heroes

I's made to memorize

With guns in their hands

And God on their side.

 

Oh the First World War, boys

It closed out its fate

The reason for fighting

I never got straight

But I learned to accept it

Accept it with pride

For you don't count the dead

When God's on your side.

 

When the Second World War

Came to an end

We forgave the Germans

And we were friends

Though they murdered six million

In the ovens they fried

The Germans now too

Have God on their side.

 

I've learned to hate Russians

All through my whole life

If another war starts

It's them we must fight

To hate them and fear them

To run and to hide

And accept it all bravely

With God on my side.

 

But now we got weapons

Of the chemical dust

If fire them we're forced to

Then fire them we must

One push of the button

And a shot the world wide

And you never ask questions

When God's on your side.

 

In a many dark hour

I've been thinkin' about this

That Jesus Christ

Was betrayed by a kiss

But I can't think for you

You'll have to decide

Whether Judas Iscariot

Had God on his side.

 

So now as I'm leavin'

I'm weary as Hell

The confusion I'm feelin'

Ain't no tongue can tell

The words fill my head

And fall to the floor

If God's on our side

He'll stop the next war.

 

 

Seeing as the original topic is about modern bhajans, songs written and sung by 'highly spiritually advanced persons', can anyone come up with the lyrics to 'masters of war' and 'with God on our side' by Bob Dylan. It seems appropriate to what the discussion had denigrated to.

(hey BB, it's a chakra and not a gun that Vishnu resorts to when all else fails, as did Mahaprabhu that one recorded time, until Nityananda reminded him of why They came here.)

Perhaps Jijaji the dee-jay could unearth these classics.

[This message has been edited by Bhaktavasya (edited 08-04-2001).]

While loathe to bring up the 'M' word, isn't core Mayavad way of thinking that everything is Maya; sex is maya, family life is maya, the entire world is maya or illusion. On the other hand, a personalist sees everything as an extension of God's energy and this world not as false, but as real although temporary. Love is the transforming element. Sex without love and respect is mundane and empty, even if you're just doing it for reasons of procreation.

It is an amazing phenomenon, that after almost 40 years of glaring examples during iskcon rocky renunciates history, there are sannyasis still obsessed over the evils of sex life. I say "if it's not your ashram, butt out of it".

[This message has been edited by Bhaktavasya (edited 08-03-2001).]

Originally posted by jijaji:

What's shakin..?

 

 

 

me. Now, there's another inspirational song; 'Shakin' all over'.

Whenever talks of Krishna get up close to me

That's when I get the shakes all over me

Quivers down my back-bone

I get the shakes in my thigh-bone..

Shakin' all over

How are you keeping, Ji?

Elevation (lyrics by Bono, U2)

High, higher than the sun

You shoot me from a gun

I need you to elevate me here

A corner of your lips

Is the orbit of your hips

Eclipse

You elevate my soul

I've got no self-control

Been living like a mole now

Going down, excavation

Higher now, in the sky

You make me feel like I can fly

So high

Elevation

A star

Lit up like a cigar

Strung out like a guitar

Maybe you can educate my mind

Explain all these controls

Can't sing but I've got soul

The goal is elevation

A mole

Digging in a hole

Digging up my soul now

Going down, excavation

Higher now

In the sky

You make me feel like I can fly

So high

Elevation

Love

Lift me out of these blues

Won't you tell me something true

I believe in you

A mole

Digging in a hole

Digging up my soul now

Going down, excavation

Higher now

In the sky

You make me feel like I can fly

So high

Elevation

Who was supposed to be insane, Hinkley or Reagan? I'd venture that both were; remember Reagan's "I don't remember" excuse in the Iran-Contra-Ollie North fiasco? Interestingly, Reagan eventually couldn't and cannot remember anything.

Originally posted by Gauracandra:

I mentioned a few weeks back how I was surprised that Siddhaswarupananda had a public access program in my area. Well today’s topic was “The Insanity Plea in an Insane World”. The program is obviously dated as he was talking about Hinkley shooting Ronald Reagan. But it was pretty good. He seems to have an interesting style where he doesn’t focus so much on the esoteric, but rather talks about the philosophy in relation to world events. He was taking to task those that excuse criminals because they say they are insane. In this regard he quoted various passages from the Bhagavad-Gita in relation to the inability to control the mind. I’m still amazed that I can’t find a single website of his that is up on the internet. The few I’ve gone to are out of commission, or in some manner of disrepair. He seems rather media savvy so this surprises me. Anyways, perhaps I’ll give brief summaries of his shows each Saturday.

 

Gauracandra

Who was supposed to be insane, Hinkley or Reagan? I'd venture that both were; remember Reagan's "I don't remember" excuse in the Iran-Contra-Ollie North fiasco? Interestingly, Reagan eventually couldn't and cannot remember anything.

Originally posted by Gauracandra:

I mentioned a few weeks back how I was surprised that Siddhaswarupananda had a public access program in my area. Well today’s topic was “The Insanity Plea in an Insane World”. The program is obviously dated as he was talking about Hinkley shooting Ronald Reagan. But it was pretty good. He seems to have an interesting style where he doesn’t focus so much on the esoteric, but rather talks about the philosophy in relation to world events. He was taking to task those that excuse criminals because they say they are insane. In this regard he quoted various passages from the Bhagavad-Gita in relation to the inability to control the mind. I’m still amazed that I can’t find a single website of his that is up on the internet. The few I’ve gone to are out of commission, or in some manner of disrepair. He seems rather media savvy so this surprises me. Anyways, perhaps I’ll give brief summaries of his shows each Saturday.

 

Gauracandra