JRdd

Wow. This is enormous food for thought, well put, Mahak, a lot in a few words. Maybe wathcing Gladiators will help me understand better. I started watching it yesterday but only got half an hour in. Intensity in doses, for me. Small ones. Feel like I'm bomb-arded enough as it is. But I guess I ain't seen nuthin'. [This message has been edited by JRdd (edited 09-20-2001).]

Not stuck in THAT muck but your advice is still wise I'm gonna go searching for that nectar now....

Nope. Not attached to it at all. Though I am grateful while I'm here to have fresh air, water you can actually drink without filtering it first, trees and all that, I would trade it in a moment if I could, for direct sangha. Believe me. It all pales. I agree with the spirit of your words. But I do not agree that I am afraid. I often wish I could leave this body, and would not mind at all if I died tomorrow, so long as it didn't hurt too much, and I could have devotees there if possible, reminding me to chant if I couldn't remind myself. Even then I feel that Krsna would make a lot of allowances for me. I just don't like pain. Or being alone all the time. This world does not enchant me, thanks to Krsna continually taking everything away from me, one after the other. I am clinging by the thread of your association and that which I managing to get through my needle after squinting for half an hour so I can sew beads on a skirt for Her boyfriend. All the rest of it seems like a mirage to me. I agree with that now and always, in any circumstance. That is the hope that keeps the blood coursing through my veins. Just about. Though it's wearing thin (the blood I mean. Literally.) No one should be made to feel guilty. Not the warriors, nor those who perform the highest welfare work of spreading harinam on the streets of the world. So no one should be made to feel arrogant either. Just everybody together, trying their best to do the needful, and counting on Krsna carrying what they lack and preserving what they have, for we all here make mistakes. Why be angry at those who are not soldiers? That is not how society works, everyone being soldiers. I am not ashamed that I am not cut out to be a fighter. Hmmmm.... God thing is, many many Rainbow kids have been exposed to harinam and so these also often become part of their prayers. Who is discouraging? Who doesn't want to hear nectar? And why do you think we don't also have some understanding about Srimate Radharani? What do you mean "was". Keep it coming, bro! I look forward to it! Thank you!!! One of the better advices I have ever received. Today I was challenged to see that in myself, and had some teeny tiny breakthrough. Where I saw I was beautiful and not someone else's devaluing of me. And I wish more and more of the same for you, sweet soul! ys, Jayaradhe

Yeah well for once you can't blame me for starting it. It was the doughnutboy. Mahak, was this the same Jesus, he lived at Lorna Doone you say? did you know him as John Anderson? Tell me when you knew him. Very intriguing, and also sad to think of him ending like that. That would have been right around the time he left then, for I remember him being about that age. (I thought even 23 was ancient, then, honestly!! I can imagine him becoming a devotee next life. This one I'm thinking of was actually very humble and said a lot of good and down-to-earth things, and spoke so much as if he carried the energy and messages of Jesus. Sound like the same guy? I think he was only on our mountain about a week, and I think I was the only one there really spending time with him. Did you know of Olive Springs Road, outside Soquel? Our little meadow where we held moon festivities was the very epicentre of the big 1989 earthquake. Wonder if our paths crossed back then....

Me too and I see what you mean when you say that whatever it is it's more than I think it is. It really is. Beautiful thing is it I mean They are accessed by going within. right there at your own front heart. Too love is never rejected, may just seem that way. It may not be recognised, however. But no loss. Love is never lost, the actions of love are never in vain. Love can not be unrequited for love is its own fulfillment. Best of all, we are never without Love!

Yes that mucusless one is the one I read. And actually I do have a lot of respect for Ehret. I was young, you know. So much wiser now.... But I'm with Mahak, though mostly I just meditate on doughnuts, wish I could be that focused on Krsna. I myself would prefer fasting on malpuras with strawberries (or blueberries). One time in LA, Jadurani, who was quite frail, went on a fast (I think as per Bernard Jensen, who a lot of devotees were seeing at the time), and she was so weak she was being carried to the temple programs. Srila Prabhupada came, and he said such fasting is too extreme. I wonder if anyone has quotes for this. I seem to remember he said not more than three days. Course that too woudl depend on the kind of fast one would be doing. I was living in Laguna Beach around that time, and the whole temple did without grains, except those who imbibed on Sundays (you can bet I was one of them). We lived on oranges, apples, dates, carrot/apple/celery juice, lettuce, and either sour cream or curd. I wasn't used to it and used to bake yams to supplement. Whenever one wanted to do a watermelon fast they were to inform the bhoga runner in time to bring back a few big ones. Ekadasis there were wonderful. We would fast til about one I think, and in the meantime take the Gaura Nitai Deities out on a palanquin and chant up and down the beach. People loved it.

Funnny title for a book by Ehret. Guess I took it to his extremes with the fruitarian thing. One of the side effects or so-called bonuses: women stop bleeding every month. Doesn't sound too sound to me. But I did it for a while just before I joined the feasting religion. (edited for editing errors) [This message has been edited by JRdd (edited 09-20-2001).]

I agree about grape fasting. I did it for eight days until the smell of maha brought me out of it. Before that, everything started smelling like mashed potatoes, my heater, the cars, everything almost. Anyway I got so much energy while on that fast. Yes make sure to get organic. In lieu of organic, soak and wash the grapes really really well. Have plenty on hand, for you can't eat too many (you CAN drink too much juice--but the whole fruits are another matter). Make sure to eat skins and also on some of them eat some seeds. Ths is important to help keep the machinery working right. (sorry cant remembr the techs of this) A thirty day fast is said to cure ANYthing--even cancer--as long as it's not too late. This is the easiest kind of fast I ever did. The hardest part was all the grape puns we committed. Isn't this grape? I am so grapeful! This fast is graping on my nerves. Etc etc.

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A super easy way to email this page is to let this link take you to where you can drag an EMAIL THIS icon to your task bar and this only takes a couple of seconds. I started doing this a few days ago and it is a great function. http://www.emailthis.clickability.com/et/emailThis?clickMap=browserButtons

Yeah thanks for the duck, Valaya, I'll go duck huntin tomorrow when my eyes are keener. Yeah Mahak I'm just lurking here keepin an ear out for some good ones.... But if Valaya wants to think we all came here to hunker down in the corner with him...well best to leave the old soul happy in that conception.

I've been meaning to post this for days, and was reminded of it when I went to find a post about chivalry. (Locanananda prabhu gave me permission to post this anywhere I wanted.) Devotee Needs More Help Dear Prabhus, Our dear godsister, Shanta Dasi, and her four daughters are in dire need of financial assistance. For years, they were victims of abuse by her husband Mahamantra dasa who was recently arrrested and put in jail for crimes of domestic violence. Shanta lives somewhere in Canada with the girls and they have practically no income. They obtain food from a free pantry, but there is no money to buy clothes for four growing children or school supplies for the new school year. Please be kind to this very nice devotee who has complete faith that Krishna will provide what she needs to care for her children.Since she is living incognito, fearing that her former husband may try to find her, I am requesting that devotees send me their contributions so that I can in turn transfer the money to her in Canada. Please make your check or money order payable to: Lewis F. Einhorn 565 54th Street Brooklyn, NY 11220 Your compassionate gift will be very much appreciated. Thanking you in advance, I beg to remain Your servant, Locanananda dasa JR adds: It is my understanding, from previous exchanges, and also from an unmarked letter I got from Shantadasi herself, that her need for being incognito makes it not possible for her even to apply for government help at this time. Please dig in your pockets and I know every little bit helps, no matter how small. I have been there myself. Unfortunately I can not send her any more at this time myself.

Maybe not QUITE dead. Locanananda prabhu serves as a wonderful example of chivalry in action. A reply I received in response to concerns about rallying support for a Godsister: Sun Sep 2, 2001 10:57 pm Re: Women are mothers.... ...Many of us know what it is like to not have one dollar to your name, but we can hardly imagine what it must be like to have four children without a dollar to your name. Shanta Dasi is our godsister. When Srila Prabhupada was asked about how men should relate to a godsister, he suggested that we look at Lady Subhadra who stands between Lords Jagannatha and Balarama. in this way, we should protect our godsisters, he said. For me, doing something to help a devotee in need is as important as seeing to the needs of my own family. If I can do one, I can do the other. I believe if this had happened in Srila Prabhupada's presence, if a woman and her children had been abused by someone posing as a devotee in his society, Srila Prabhupada would have arranged for her free room and board and the free gurukula education of her kids. When the Mahamantra abuse case was exposed by Padmapani Prabhu, everyone in Iskcon was informed of the family's plight, that they were destitute, but not a single Iskcon devotee responded to Padmapani's appeal for financial help. Many of them sent words of encouragement, but only the Prabhupadanugas have done something substantial. This is the measure of character, how you respond to someone else's call for help. The Prabhupadanugas have shown their superior character, and Srila Prabhupada is very pleased. Your servant, Locanananda dasa

Actually it's even LESS than what even your wonderfully artistic and devotional mind can imagine. But since I am empty, I can start filling up on all the good stuff people like you hand out freely and generously.

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'51 Taurus, runs reasonably well, fair condition. Don't try takin' 'er for a ride though, no tellin' how she might hold up under it...

Valaya are you another Taurus? I can see Aries in you though. Maitreya you are gross. Mr das I know you know my age. You're just being coy Oh and I don't know what you think is going on here but it's not. JR

The "young" part I like.

Ask Him if wearing my body and credit card out is enough sacrifice for Him. Also while you're at it ask Her if my tears are enough. Finally, ask him how much he is willing to sacrifice.

Yeah but what kind? Does Krsna favor His poor devotees? >

At Radhastami and other recent celebrations at the temple, there were devotees visiting from outlying areas, and from just about every "camp". I didn't really think about that until this conversation came up, that is how nice that temple is, and the kirtans really are ectatic. Had a physically hard time keeping up with it all. No one seems so bothered about factions, at least that was my impression but I don't live there all the time. JR

I got a grand realisation about fasting when I was about twenty, that played a significant part in disenchanting me with various unfocused (as in lacking higher taste) processes and hankering to find Krsna. Inspired by The Essene Gospel of Peace, I went on a determinded fast that went on for nine days. I hardly even drank water, at all, and this was in the middle of the summer, living outside in the Santa Cruz mountains. An older man (asbout thirty--ancient!) man who looked exactly like Jesus came to the mountain a few days into this fast, and enchanted me with all the spiritual things he had to say during those days, acting as a kind of guru during the remainder of the fast. I mean to me he was Jesus, and everyone else seemed to respect him too. One thing he said to me, as I decided to end the fast, because nothing happened, was that fasting in itself wouldn't bring one enlightenment. I was saddened by this frank statement, which I was also realising experientially. I felt that I had wasted nine days. I didn't know how to find whatever it was I was looking for. I found out what I was looking for when I met Srila Prabhupada's books. And then I remembered too what my questions were. [i wonder if this man ever took up chanting Hare Krsna, even joined an ashrama or something. HiIs name was John Anderson and he was from Texas, Houston I think, but I lost his address shortly after he left on the last day of my fast. Does anyone know this man? Has his name changed? Just curious.] JR

Is Jagadhatri online? Raghu has not been that regular, overall, about being able to check his email. Audaryalila prabhu, I continue to appreciate your every word, all that you have said here, and there too, today. About my comment about contriving to meet someone, etc., that was certainly not about you. I cited you immediately after that remark, as a contrast to the idea. That is why I said that I can see it as like a match made in heaven. Did you ever read M Scott Peck, The Road Less Traveled? Christian man, with universal perspective of a very kind God, and emphasis on spiritual reasons why we are here for each other. I am not sure how much time I have to write more here tonight. I keep thinking I am going to make zucchini bread for my daughter. aspiring to be increasingly absorbed in anything to do with bhaki, Jayaradhe dasi

As for Mr Neuman, I am not that comfortable perched atop tenterhooks all day. Carrots dangling afore me also aren't my cup of juice. There are things to be answered. Mr Neuman, I know, understands impatience--or so he claims. Do I get to perform intimate service of the Deities or not, is my real question. Call it spiritual blackmail. I don't care.

Yes I knew MC's would be the best. As for Rip (ripped) van Rinkle taking the booby prize, I have to take it down a few notches more even, and confess that I was THINKING of Rumplestiltskin. When you have to guess his name. Get it? and then you get the gold. It had a cosmic sort of meaning to me. Know what I mean? I mean like, Rumple--awww forget it.