Maitreya

See the thing is Mark the rasa confusion is while in a male form we should relate to other's in male forms as brothers. There is reason behind the structure of the material world. You can say we are all spiritsoul so it doesn't matter.I would disagree.Some could say they have this love for their father or sibling or pet dog and it's okay cause we aren't the body anyway. The roles in nature are there for a purpose. Instead of trying to justify your confusion in the gender role area why not just admit it and get on with chanting?Instead you seem to think changing everyone else's opinion is an important thing to do. As an aside, jijaji's post on SF is right on.He didn't mention all the toilet fags that cruise the public men's rooms in that city.Yucko! But I know those that are chanting are not in this group. I do make the distinction.

Mark, Do you feel that you should have a right to a recognized[by God]marriage,before the Deities and that should be condned and accepted by the Vaisnava community as a whole? Sounds like you got some rasa confusion happening with your "partner". What exactly are you trying to accomplish? I for one find the name Gay And Lesibian Vaisnava Association rather disgusting. Why try to link a sinful activity with Vaisnavism?

Here is the full quote Satyaraja."Yes Hari works according to the differences in geographical positions on the Earth.In as much as those positions contain human cultures with varying degrees of spiritual understanding." Time place and circumstance.I think you are addicted to arguing, which is why your position always changes.Even if someone agrees with you you feel you have to take the opposite position in your next post. Gauracandra, you were correct in your above assessment, which is why I called Satyaraja, Master Morph.His position is always changing. Hare Krishna

BDas, Change is always posssible.This whole subtle and gross material plane is one of constant change. Problem with sociologists is they don't recognize past births and the tedancies that get carried over. Clearly homosexuality is a demonic practice.Prabhupada's puports on how they charged Lord Brahma is the reference, but common sense tells us the same thing. I know you are advocating for tolerance and not their behavior.But why are they always flaunting their trip? I like the 'don't ask, don't tell' policy, like they have in the military.Seems the most practical to me. Hare Krishna MC

Master Morph Satyaraja, Yes Hari works according to the differences in geographical positions on the Earth.In as much as those positions contain human cultures with varying degrees of spiritual understanding. His incarnations appear with different missions but all working towards the upliftment of the populace involved. For instance Kalki will not be coming to steal butter and herd cows. But you are right, they are all Hari. Hare Krishna

And then one must consider the compound interest they charge.Better the bank or the neighborhood schiester.At least the terms will be clear.

Earth to Melvin....Earth to Melvin....Please take you medicine...Repeat ..Take your medicine.

Akrodha means to check anger. Even if there is provocation one should be tolerant, for once one becomes angry his whole body becomes polluted. Anger is a product of the mode of passion and lust, so one who is transcendentally situated should check himself from anger. purport BG 16.3

TRANSLATION Bhagavad-gita 5.23 Before giving up this present body, if one is able to tolerate the urges of the material senses and check the force of desire and anger, he is well situated and is happy in this world. PURPORT If one wants to make steady progress on the path of self-realization, he must try to control the forces of the material senses. There are the forces of talk, forces of anger, forces of mind, forces of the stomach, forces of the genitals, and forces of the tongue. One who is able to control the forces of all these different senses, and the mind, is called gosvämi, or svämi. Such gosvämis live strictly controlled lives, and forgo altogether the forces of the senses. Material desires, when unsatiated, generate anger, and thus the mind, eyes and chest become agitated. Therefore, one must practice to control them before one gives up this material body. One who can do this is understood to be self-realized and is thus happy in the state of self-realization. It is the duty of the transcendentalist to try strenuously to control desire and anger.

Reminds me of cloning Gauracandra.

ditto

Suicide?I already tried it.It don't work.

It is good to have a watchful eye.

While appreciating 18.66 it is also good to keep the context in mind by reading the verses immediately before it, where Krishna is advising Arjuna to act according to His direction, to worship Him and offer homage unto Him. Surrender involves action if that is Krishna's desire.Not the surrender of a dead stone.

When I read atma's post I can only lament the power of the liberal politico's and their co-conspirators the teachers unions. They have conspired to monopolize the educational system.They fear greatly the idea of free thought and competition in the educational system.That is why they so strongly oppose vouchers and like ideas' that would broaden the educational choices for all. Bill Clinton, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton and the rest of the limousine liberals all send their kids to PRIVATE school, while opposing the same oppurtunities for those they supposedly represent. I hope things work out for you and your kids atma.I was touched by your child showing you she had memorized those verses.I saw the love there. YS MC

Go Bernie Go!!

If prayer and worship are performed consciously then they are acts of taking refuge, are they not?

This mindfullness is important in the practice of sadhana-bhakti as well.One example:As we form the intention of visiting the Temple for darshan we become mindfull that we are cleaning and dressing ourselves for appearing before the Lord.Maintaining that mindfullness as we decide on what offering we will bring.As we approach the temple we allow our self to appreciate the efforts that others have offered to maintain such a holy place.Upon entering the temple door we may lightly knock or ring the bell to announce our arrival to the Deities, we think of Them.Same with bowing down and every other action there.Especially hearing the mantra while circumambulating the temple as an offering of respect to the Lord Who dwells within. Not allowing oneself to become overly familiar with the surroundings so as to fall into rote performance.If we are not careful it is easy to fall into a sleep walking state as we go through the motions of our practice. May our walk back into the presence of Krishna be a swift one. Hare Krishna

Missing out on the current level of socialization in high schools today may be a blessing.

Indians, especially vaisnava's,who are coming to the usa, should seriously consider moving to Berkeley Ca. It is a culturaly ecclectic spot,with residents from around the world.University town,eccentrics abound.Many more Indians in the last few years I have noticed.One reason is the second generation Indians are doing well in school and attending UCB. But mainly there is a well established Temple here with Nitai Gaura, Baladeva, Subhadra, Jagannatha and Radha Gokulananada Deities that is well attended. Did I mention the mild pleasant weather year around? Hare Krishna

Sirona, Here are two verses from the Caitanya- caritamrta Adi lila ch.6 verses 76 and 77. Krishna also likes to taste devotional service to Himself in various ways.There is much more on Balarama's expansions as bhakta-avatars and Their serving mood in Cc. Thank you for starting such a nice thread. Hare Krishna

Hippopotamus tying Can be trying But knot trying Leaves scattered and crying

Trust comes later I would say.It must be earned through personal interactions.Until then get it in writing. Like that old saying "Trust in Allah but tie up your camel".

anonymous posting is no problem to me.Nor are disagreements on various subjects. But harrassing and aparadha will get the poster killfiled and now it will be very hard to get back on. I know Ducky will appreciate the clear pond to paddle in.

sabrina, It is nice to appreciate that there is value in all approaches toward enlightenment. But there are some very real differences.Some are very obvious and others more subtle. All on a highway may be headed the same way, but some may choose to take turn offs that are not quite to the final destination.A crude example but I think you will get what I am trying to say. Hare Krishna