Dervish

Personally, I think your post was designed to excite devotees into a fighting frenzy. If your question is a genuine question, then I apologize. Sahajiya means "the easy path" more or less. They believe the road to Krishna prema can be attained by ruci, by having a taste. All sides believe this. The question is, how does one get ruci? The orthodox Gaudiya Saraswat says it is through sadhana and vaidhi bhakti, but other groups like the sahajiyas see this as unnecessary. Do Narayan Maharaj and IGVS (Narayan Maharaj is International Gaudiya Vendanta Society, while Srila Vaman Maharaj is Gaudiya Vedanta Samiti) follow this criteria? This is a big question of controversy. Personally I believe that IGVS is not following on the path of Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Prabhupad. I do not believe we should fight them over this however. We cannot say that the IGVS, sahajiyas, caste goswamis, or other non-Saraswat groups do not get Krsna prema. How can you speak for all these devotees? It can be proven however, that all these groups are different from Bhaktisiddhanta's path. I will remain loyal to Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Prabhupad's mission. Go where your heart takes you.

"Next event: Festival of Colors (Holi) Saturday, March 6th, 4 pm." Then they should look on their calendars to see if there are any important Vaisnava celebrations at that date which are *not* being mentioned. I'm surprised -- where is Sri Gaura Purnima? Please correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Srila Prabhupad regard Holi as a sahajya type festival? Please correct me if I'm wrong, I meant no offense.

I need to have some kind of map that will triangulate my location from Kolkata to Mayapur. I need the best directions that can be provided. I don't want to get ripped off by some cabbie and end up in Bangaledesh.

Well I could say "because Prabhupad said" /images/graemlins/laugh.gif I've heard that the left side of the body symbolizes the qualities of the heart and the right side symbolizes activities of the mind and intellect. Maybe that's it.

hypochondria n : chronic and abnormal anxiety about imaginary symptoms and ailments [syn: hypochondriasis] -- Prabhu there is nothing wrong, I think this is how everyone starts out, just remember this fundamental truth; Harer Nama Harer Nama Harer Nama Eva Kevalam Kalau Nasty Eva Nasty Eva Nasty Eva Gatir Anyatha

So many abhisheks!!! /images/graemlins/blush.gif

www.vedicmarriage.com

This should serve as a correction to those who insist that George W Bush got less votes than Gore. Bush won the election 5-4. It's just too bad the rest of the country's opinion did not matter. Look at the flag at your local supreme courthouse. It has gold trim on it. It's a maritime/military flag, where the captain of the ship has absolute unquestionable power. It's too bad the judges in this country can act on malice (a quote uttered by a US District court judge believe it or not)

http://www.cnn.com/2004/TECH/space/02/06/space.blackeye.reut/index.html Who here thinks this may be where all the hellish planets mentioned in Canto 5 are found? That photograph scares me /images/graemlins/wink.gif

Prego /images/graemlins/laugh.gif The photo is small, but I remembered how they sell these in the Krishna Culture catalogue ...

Can't try to do both? I think even married folk can afford to go on a naga sankirtan once in a while, but it all depends on association.

Myra, Here is an example: http://www.krishnaculture.com/cgi-bin/miva?Merchant2/merchant.mv+Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=KC&Category_Code=WCLOTH

One small problem. Srila Prabhupad did not "write" Bhagavad Gita (although one might say he is the writer of "Bhagavad Gita As It Is"). He translated it, and wrote purports. The actual text is the dialogue between Sri Krishna and Arjuna, which is part of the bigger book "Mahabharat" which is based on a true story (religion of course) which was scribed by Vyasadev. What grade is this paper for? If it's for middle or high school, you don't need to remember ALL Of that, but say that Srila Prabhupad is the translator and writer of the purports to each verse.

Those who changed the words will assert that changes needed to be made for ease of reading and understanding. There may be passages which some may assert are imperfect to the mundane eye, but I say they should preserved exactly how Srila Prabhupad has written them. I want every pre-1977 book by Srila Prabhupad. I have many already (thank you, Ebay!), but I will always want more. PS: Can someone direct me where I can buy a pre-1977 Bhagavad Gita as it is? Or are those alleged reprints of the original also altered?

The unmarried women wear bindi, so it doesn't necessarily mean married. The obvious sign is the red dot on the forehead made with red kumkum. When I first went to a temple, I saw all the matajis having these bindis, and I was thinking "wow all of them are married??" but I asked one devotee privately and he said no bindi doesn't mean married, why, you want to marry one of these vaishnavis??" Sorry to be misleading in my first post, I am not a morning person :/ "Jiva Jago!" hehehe ----- jiv jago, jiv jago, gauracanda bole kota nidra jao maya-pisacira kole bhajibo boliya ese samsara-bhitare bhuliya rohile tumi avidyara bhare tomare loite ami hoinu avatara ami bina bandhu ara ke ache tomara enechi ausadhi maya nasibaro lagi' hari-nama maha-mantra lao tumi magi' bhakativinoda prabhu-carane pariya sei hari-nama-mantra loilo magiya 1) Lord Gauranga is calling, "Wake up, sleeping souls! Wake up, sleeping souls! How long will you sleep in the lap of the witch called Maya? 2) You have forgotten the way of devotional service and are lost in the world of birth and death. 3) I have descended just to save you; other than Myself you have no friend in this world. 4) I have brought the medicine that will wipe out the disease of illusion from which you are suffering. Take this maha-mantra-: Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. 5) Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura says: "I fall at the Lord's feet, having taken this maha-mantra."

World's Biggest Fire Ceremony Planned for Allahabad I'm sure they had bigger in tetra yuga. How about the world's biggest sankirtana yajna HARE KRISHNA party? Now that would be a nice seva for Sri Pancha Tattva!

... yes. But there are situations where both husband and wife go to work, in which case, neither can wear tilak or bindi outside. But in any other situations, yes, you are correct about common practice.

Defending one's guru is right and proper. I can't think of a reason why not to defend. However, I've personally witnessed numerous ocasions where a small group of devotees from one mission has gone to ISKCON programs. The group's purpose was twofold. They were there to see the deities, and participate in some chanting; and they were also there to meet young and impressionable bhaktas and bhaktins and talk about their mission for the purpose of recruitment. A previous poster hit the nail on the head when they wrote "If the recruiters are able to recruit people from the temple, then that means there is something seriously lacking in that temple". The fact that recruitments do take place at these temples and are successful for as often as they are is a clear indication that something needs to change in ISKCON. When I first met the devotees, I was faced with as many as five missions, five choices on where to go. In the end, I picked the one mission that did not actively try to indoctrinate me into their institution. I'm not saying this is the ultimate litmus test for spiritual sincerity, but my point is, people who want to be devotees will go to the mission and guru that they deserve to be. It all depends on their adhikara, skriti, and the nature of their soul. Preaching is what Gaudiya Saraswat is about, but this preaching between missions for the sole purpose of indoctrination needs to cease. It's also hurting devotees from other missions who do not practice this act. Once this stops, ISKCON has absolutely no viable excuse to act offensively, and at this point, there is a much better chance to learn from one another and stay unified as a sampradaya. Sri Caitanya Caritamrta Madhya Lila 22.54 'sadhu-sanga', 'sadhu-sanga'----sarva-sastre kaya lava-matra sadhu-sange sarva-siddhi haya "The verdict of all revealed scriptures is that by even a moment's association with a pure devotee, one can attain all success.

Gurudeva - (from Saranagati) 1 gurudev! krpa-bindu diya, koro'ei dase, trnapekha ati hina sakala sahane, bala diya koro', nija-mane sprha-hina 2 sakale sammana korite sakati deho' natha! jathajatha tabe to' gaibo, hari-nama-sukhe aparadha ha'be hata 3 kabe heno krpa, labhiya e jana, krtartha hoibe, natha! sakti-buddhi-hina, ami ati dina, koro' more atma-satha 4 jogyata-vicare, kichu nahi pai, tomara karuna - sara karuna na hoile, kandiya kandiya, prana na rakhibo ara 1) Gurudeva, give to this servant just one drop of mercy. I am lower than a blade of grass. Give me all help. Give me strength. Let me be as you are, without desires or aspirations. 2) I offer you all respects, for thus I may have the energy to know you correctly. Then, by chanting the holy name in great ecstasy, all my offenses will cease. 3) When will such mercy fall to this one who is weak and devoid of intelligence? Allow me to be with you. 4) If you examine me, you will find no qualities. Your mercy is all that I am made of. If you are not merciful unto me, I can on]y weep, and I will not be able to maintain my life. -- Kabe Ha'be Bolo - (from Saranagati) 1 kabe ha'be bolo se-dina amar (amar) aparadha ghuci', suddha name ruci, krpa-bale ha'be hrdoye sancar 2 trnadhika hina, kabe nije mani', sahisnuta-guna hrdoyete ani' sakale manada, apani amani, ho'ye aswadibo nama-rasa-sar 3 dhana jana ara, kobita-sundari, bolibo na cahi deho-sukha-kari janme-janme dao, ohe gaurahari! ahaituki bhakti carane tomar 4 (kabe) korite sri-krsna- nama uccarana, pulakita deho gadgada bacana baibarnya-bepathu ha'be sanghatana, nirantara netre ba'be asru-dhar 5 kabe navadwipe, suradhuni-tate, gaura-nityananda boli' niskapate naciya gaiya, beraibo chute, batulera praya chariya bicar 6 kabe nityananda, more kori'doya, charaibe mora visayera maya diya more nija- caranera chaya, namera hatete dibe adhikar 7 kinibo, Lutibo, hari-nama-rasa, nama-rase mati' hoibo bibasa rasera rasika- carana parasa, koriya mojibo rase anibar 8 Kabe jibe doya, hoibe udoya, nija-sukha bhuli' sudina-hrdoya bhakativinoda, koriya binoya, sri-ajna-tahala koribe pracar 1) When, oh when will that day be mine? When my offenses ceasing, taste for the name increasing, when in my heart will your mercy shine, when, oh when will that day be mine 2) Lower than a blade of grass,more tolerant than a tree. When will my mind attain this quality? Respectful to all, not expecting their honor, then shall I taste the name's nectar sublime. When, oh when will that day be mine? 3) Great wealth or followers, feminine beauty, I won't care for them or the comforts of my body. Birth after birth give me, Oh Lord Caitanya, causeless devotion to Your feet divine, when, oh when will that day be mine? 4) When will I utter Krsna,Krsna, Krsna, with words choked up and shivering body? When will I be trembling all over, lose bodily color, tears pouring from my eyes, When, oh when will that day be mine? 5) When in Navadvipa along the Ganges bank, shouting 'Gaura-Nityananda' as a surrendered soul, dancing, chanting, running everywhere, when will I become half mad of mind? When, oh when will that day be mine? 6) When will Lord Nityananda show mercy upon me, when will I reject the world of Maya:' Bestow unto me the shade of Your lotus feet, let the right to preach the name be mine. When, oh when will that day be mine? 7) I will beg, borrow, or steal the nectar of the name. By the name's effect I will feel paralyzed. Oh! Enjoyed of the nectar of the name, When will I touch your lotus feet till the end of time? When, oh when will that day be mine? 8) When kindness to all beings will be appearing, with free heart forget myself comforting, Bhaktivinoda in all humility prays, "Now I will set out to preach Your order sublime." When, oh when will that day be mine? -- Manasa Deha Geha - (from Saranagati) 1 manasa, deho, geho, jo kichu mor arpilu tuwa pade, nanda-kisor! 2 sampade vipade, jivane-marane day mama gela, tuwa o-. barane 3 marobirakhobi - jo iccha tohara nitya-dasa prati tuwa adhikara 4 janmaobi moe iccha jadi tor bhakta-grhe jani janma hau mor 5 kita-janma hau jatha tuwa das bahir-mukha brahma-janme nahi as 6 bhukti-mukti-sprha vihina je bhakta labhaite tako sanga anurakta 7 janaka, janani, dayita, tanay prabhu, guru, pati--tuhu sarva-moy 8 bhakatvinoda kohe, suno kana! radha-natha! tuhu hamara parana 1) Mind, body, and family, whatever may be mine, I have surrendered at Your lotus feet, O youthful son of Nanda! 2) In good fortune or in bad, in life or at death, all my difficulties have disappeared by choosing those feet of Yours as my only shelter. 3) Slay me or protect me as You wish, for You are the master of Your eternal servant. 4) If it is Your will that I be born again, then may it be in the home of Your devotee. 5) May I be born again even as a worm, so long as I may remain Your devotee. I have no desire to be born as a Brahma averse to You. 6) I yearn for the company of that devotee who is completely devoid of all desire for worldly enjoyment or liberation. 7) Father, mother, lover, son, Lord, preceptor, and husband; You are everything to me. 8) Thakura Bhaktivinoda says, "O Kana, please hear me! O Lord of Radha, You are my life and soul!"

I heard the Japanese attempted to make an animated feature of the Ramayana. Whatever happened to that?

Namaacharya Srila Haridas Thakur did not have to destroy Maya. He was transfixed on the holy name, and she asked for his instruction. Srila Haridas Thakur is a unique Vaishnav, but we should follow the example he set, and gradually, we wont be tempted by trouble.

Don't give in to Maya! Instead, let Maya give up on you! Sri Caitanya Caritamrta Antya Lila 3.250-3.260 Tabe nari kahe tanre kari namaskara ami maya karite ailana pariksa tomara Obrahmadi jiva ami sabare mohilun ekela tomare ami mohite narilun maha bhagavata tumi - tomara darsane tomara krsna nama kirtana sravane citta suddha haila cahe krsna nama laite krsna nama upadesi krpa kara mote caitanyavatare vahe premamrta vanya saba jiva preme bhase, prthivi haila dhanya e-vanyaya ye na bhase sei jiva chara koti-kalpe kabhu tara nahika nistara purve ami rama nama panachi siva haite tomara sange lobha haila krsna nama laite mukti-hetuka taraka haya rama-nama krsna-nama paraka hana kare prema-dana krsna nama deha tumi more kara dhanya amare bhasaya yaiche ei prema vanya eta bali vandila haridasera carana haridasa kahe, - kara krsna sankirtana upadesa pana maya calila hana prita e-saba kathate karo na janma pratita After offering obeisances to Haridasa Thakur, the woman said, "I am the illusory energy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. I came here to test you." "I have previously captivated the mind of even Brahma;, what to speak of others. Your mind alone have I failed to attract. "My dear sir, you are the foremost devotee. Simply seeing you and hearing you chant the holy name of Krsna has purified my consciousness. Now I want to chant the holy name of the Lord. Please be kind to me by instructing me about the ecstasy of chanting the Hare Krsna maha-mantra. "There is now a flood of the eternal nectar of love of Godhead due to the incarnation of Lord Caitanya. All living entities are floating in that flood. The entire world is now thankful to the Lord. "Anyone who does not float in this inundation is most condemned. Such a person cannot be delivered for millions of kalpas. "Formerly I received the holy name of Lord Rama from Lord Shiva, but now, due to your association, I am greatly eager to chant the holy name of Lord Krsna. "The holy name of Lord Rama certainly gives liberation, but the holy name of Krsna transports one to the other side of the ocean of nescience and at last gives one ecstatic love of Krsna. "Please give me the holy name of Krsna and thus make me fortunate, so that I also may float in the flood of love of Godhead inaugurated by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu." Now even Maya; wanted to be favored by Haridasa Thakura. Therefore Haridasa Thakura formally initiated her by asking her to chant the Hare Krsna maha-mantra. After thus being instructed by Haridasa Thakura, Maya left with great pleasure. Unfortunately, some people have no faith in these narrations.

Does it have a lot of caffiene?

So far the only right that ISKCON seems to be considering for non ISKCON Gaudiya Vaishnavas is the right to remain silent.

Bhajans Or perhaps you were looking for an even younger audience. It's a good question though. Is there a "Raffi Das" in the modern KC movement?