sha

<center> <table border=5 width="98%" bgcolor=cecfff><td> <center> Namaste. Here is a 'pada' in Vraja bhasha from 'Maha Sakhi Madhuri' of 'Prema Rasa Madira' by Sri Kripaluji Maharaj glorifying Lalita devi. Devotees lovingly sing this 'Kirtana' in melodious tune meditating upon the intimate associate of the Divine Couple. <big>sakhina mahan lalitA parama pradhAn <font color="red">Of the most intimate playmates of Radharani, Lalita sakhi is the foremost and supremely important.</font color> gorocana sama tanu-duti damakati, rati-rasa-catur sujAn, <font color="blue">Her bodily complexion is of glowing yellow like the 'gorocana' and she is a great expert in the mellows of amourous pastimes.</font color> pahire paTa paridhAn manohar, mora puccha unmAn, <font color="red">She is robed in elegantly flowing fine silk garments resembling the enchanting plumes of the peacock.</font color> borI rucira banAya khavAvati, zyAmA-zyamahin pAn, <font color="blue">Lalita sakhi tastefully prepares the delicious 'paan', the 'tambula' using delicate spices, crushed nuts and tender betel leaves for the chewing pleasure of her dearest Couple, and feeds Shyamaa-Shyam with great joy and affection.</font color> pyArI pI ke hIke nIke, saMketahin pahicAn, <font color="red">She stays in close association with both, Pyari (Beloved Radha) and Piya (Darling Krishna), understanding Them fully well, being quite familiar with Their messages made through mere bodily signs and emotional expressions. Thus this intimate friend cleverly recognizes the Divine Couple's needs, moods and innermost desires without being told in words.</font color> jehi vidhi baDhe 'kRpAlu' duhumn rati, timi Acarati na An <font color="blue">In the concluding verse, the saint-poet confirms that Lalita sakhi is always actively engaged in the blissful confidential service by which the ecstatic Divine Love of Radha-Govind is continuously multiplied in the blessed forest of sacred Vrindavana.</font color> All glories to Priya Mahasakhi Lalita devi. </td></table>

<big>Happy Celebrations of Lalita Shashti</big>

To answer brutality with brutality is to admit one's moral and intellectual bankruptcy. ~ Mahatma Gandhi

http://zmag.org/cartoons/toons//892.jpg http://zmag.org/cartoons/toons//896.jpg http://www.bushwatch.net/iraqevidence.htm

<center><font color="red">dhArA vASpamayI na yAti viratiM lokasya nirmitsataH premAsmin niti nandanandanarataM lobhAn mano mA kRthAH itthaM bhUri nivAri topi tarale madvAci sAcI kRta bhrUdvandvA nahi gauravaM tvamakaroH kiM nAdya rodiSyasi? </font color> (Sri Roopa goswami, Vidagdha Madhavam 5.169) Srimati Lalita Sakhi says to her Mistress, Radha Rani: <font color="blue">"O my sweet, beautiful Lady! I have warned You earlier that whoever falls in the Love trap of the Son of Nanda Maharaj, there will not be an end to the flow of her tears for ever! Due to Your greedy Love for Him, You haven't heed my advice, though I have tried many times to stop Your infatuation. O tender-hearted naive Radhike! You have doubted my good counsel and never paid respect nor listened to my wise words. Now what else will You do other than sobbing bitterly and crying loudly!"</font color> ***

Radha to Lalita... <font color="red">"O Lalita I will never go to Yamuna again The naughty son of Yasodha there will remain Shyamsundar will not only give my heart pain Will break my jar of water, what shall I gain ? O Lalita tell that Nanda's darling not to come I am not only ashamed to show my face at home I cannot ever again the streets of Braja roam Just tell him to stay at home today if I come ! But Lalita what shall I do you please have pity When I don't see him a second seems like eternity They can call me the fallen one I care no more Please bring back to me dear Lalita Shyamsundar!"</font color> <font color="blue">O Lalita without you appearing on earth today Where would Radha be, to whom would She say My heart is bursting without Kahn do hurry now Please give Him My message Lalita to come somehow!</font color> Bows at the lotus feet of Lalita and Radharani - Ashoka Harichandan

"I offer my obeisances unto Sri Lalita devi, the charming tresure-house of all good qualities, who instructs Srimati Radhika in this way: "Kalankini (Unchaste woman)! Radhe! Listen to my GOOD instructions, which are favorable for you! Vrajendra-Nandana (Krishna) is very CRAFTY. Don't DISPLAY Your MOOD of GENTLE SUBMISSION (dakshinaa bhaava) to Him; instead, in all circumstances be CONTRARY (vaama bhaava)!" "I offer my Pranams unto the abode of all wonderful qualities, the supremely charming Sri Lalita devi, who upon hearing Sri Krishna speak EVEN a few SLY words to Radhaji, immediately BECOMES FURIOUS and INSULTS Krishna with her biting, SARCASTIC remarks, " You are SO truthful and SIMPLE-Hearted, and such a CHASTE LOVER!!!" (Sri Lalitashtakam verse. 4, 5 by Sri Roopa Goswami)

Prayers to Lalita Devi - Foremost of Radha's Ashta Maha Sakhis Lalita Shasti (appearance day) is being celebrated by some Vaishnava groups today. Let us join them offering our prayers on this auspicious occasion. PRAYERS TO LALITA-SAKHI Srila Rupa Goswami writes, "O Lalita devi! Sri Radha and Krishna are performing Their amourous pastimes in different groves of Vrindavana; but actually They are ENJOYING these exploits under YOUR SHELTER. Since these TWO Transcendental Lovers are under YOUR PROTECTION and shelter NOTHING is IMPOSSIBLE for you to accomplish! Knowing YOUR position, I don't REQUIRE permission from ANYONE ELSE. If you SHOWER your MERCY upon me, by YOUR GRACE I can ENTER these BLISFUL PASTIMES." "If anyone in Sri Vraja Mandala has EVEN the slightest DESIRE to SERVE the lotus feet of Srimati Radharani, then Lalita devi immediately FULFILLS the desire and takes this BLESSED soul DIRECTLY under her PROTECTION, giving them her FULL shelter." (SVMP) "Flooded with the NECTAR of INTENSE Love for her TWO Friends, Sri Rada-Krishna, Who are MORE DEAR to her than her OWN LIFE, affectinately ARROGANT in Their presence, and daily ARRANGING Their RENDEZVOUS, Lalita devi expertly TEACHES her Friend Radhaji the ART of JEALOUS ANGER. I PRAY Lalita devi will one day ACCEPT me as one of HER ASSOCIATES."(VVS) "I offer my obeisances to Srimati Lalita devi, whose beautiful face puts to shame the brilliance of the full moon, whose doe-like eyes are ever RESTLESS, and who has acquired the RARE distinction of being EXPERT in DRESSING Radhaji. She is ALWAYS engaged in SERVING the Divine Couple, Sri Radha-Mukunda. Lalitaji dries up the PERSPIRATION that dampens Their lotus feet. She is INTOXICATED with the highest INTIMATE mellows, and she is the enchanting repository of qualities like exquisite GRACE, silent gravity, and smart FRANKNESS of speech. Srimati Lalita devi is the PRECEPTOR for ALL the GIRLFRIENDS of Radharani, teaching them all about AFFECTION. Her LIFE and SOUL is KRISHNA, the younger Brother of Balarama, and Lalita is junior also to Srimati Radhika. May Lalita devi GIVE me the OPPORTUNITY to WORSHIP her." (Rupa Gowami/MS) (adapted from- 'Appreciating Sri Vrindavana Dhama' by Sri Mahanidhi Swami)

<center>Namaste. Here is a beautiful message posted on another board. ----------- Sri Radhashtami Ki Jai! <center></center> Radhe, Radhe dear devotees!! This 'pada' is describing the "Birth Day Celebrations " of my sweet Swamini Radharani. The source of Srimati Radhika's Advent Lila is "Prema-Rasa-Madira" of Sri Kripaluji Maharaj (2.pg. 81). Joyously singing this Lila with faltering voice, devotees can meditate upon the blessed event of Srimati Radhikaji's Appearance and transport their hearts and souls to Sri Barsana Dhaam!! <font color="red">"kIrti ghar, prakaTI kIrti kumAri, </font> <font color="blue"> brahmAdika svastyayan-pATh kara, astuti kara zruti cAri, nAradAdi viradAvali gAvata, kahi "jaya bhAnu dulAri!", tANdava-nRtya karata zivazaMkara, sudhi budhi dehi bisAri, umA, ramA, brahmANI Adika, Arati kuvari utAri, lakhata kRpAlu jnAnijana ikaTaka, puni puni kahi "balihAri!"</font> <font color="maroon"> "O dear blessed souls! Today is the most auspicious day on this earth planet, because the Supreme Power of Divine Love has appeared as the darling Daughter of Sri Kirti devi Mata, in her palace at Sri Barsana Dhama. On this most special event, Lord Brahma, the cosmic creator and revealer of Vedas, has arrived to conduct personally the Birth Ceremony and the "Sacred Vedas" themselves have personified and extolling the Parama Antarangika Svarupa Sakti, the Ahladini Sakti of the Supreme Lord Krishna. Who can chant the Veda-mantras better than Veda Murthis, themselves! </font> <font color="navy"> The great masters of transcendental music, Sri Narada Muni, sage Tumbura and other celestial singers are performing the KIRTANA and glorifying Sri Radha Rani by their most enchanting melodious heavenly chanting - <big> "Jaya, Jaya! Sri Bhaanu dulaari!" "All Glories to the Darling Daughter of King Vrishabhanu!"</big> What more Sublime Kirtana can be heard by the dedicated souls!</font> <font color="red">The Cosmic Dancer, Nataraja, Lord Sankara Who is famous for the extremely ecstatic dance of annhilation of the cosmic universe, submerged in His Divine Love trance (Yoga samadhi), is performing the unique dance called 'tANDava nRtya' displaying the blissful rhythmic waves of motion and gestures! What more Divine entertainment can be enjoyed by the fortunate souls!</font> <font color="green">The Divine Consorts of the Trinity, the Pleasure Potencies of Lords Brahma, Vishnu and Siva - Uma Devi, Rama Devi, and Sarasvati Devi are performing the Arati Ceremony, delightfully waving the lamps of light, adoring Baby Radhika Devi. What more Auspicious Scene than the collective Worship by the Three Opulent Goddesses can be witnessed by the surrendered souls! </font> In the concluding verse, the Rasik-Poet, Prema-Rasa-Acarya says that the most astonishing event is - <font color="purple">the Paramahamsa Jnani Saints, who have been experiencing the Bliss of Impersonal Brahman, renounced their spiritual joy of Nirvikalpa Samadhi (Trance of Absolute Brahman realization). Experiencing the Bliss of Divine Love and the Personified transcendental charm of Srimati Radharani, the liberated Mahatmas are proclaiming again and again,</font> <big><font color"blue"> "O Devi Radhike! O Divine Bliss Personified! O Dearest Soul of the Supreme Soul </big></font><font color="red"> Without ANY reservation, we SACRIFICE all our Spiritual Attainment and SURRENDER ourselves to Your Lotus Feet eternally!!!"</font> boliye, bhAnu-lali kI jai!! <center> Jaya, Jaya Sri Radhe!!! ********

Namaste friends! I have a message copied from another board about Lord Krishna.<center> ------------ Here is a WONDERFUL description in Srimad Bhagavatham by Sri VEDA VYASA, the Compiler of Vedas about HOW Lord Krishna WAS PERCIEVED by DIFFERENT people EVEN during His Advent! <font color="red"><big>mallAnAmazanir nRNAM naravaraHstrINAM smaro mUrtimAn gopAnAM svajano 'satAM kSitibhujAM zAstrA svapitroH zizuH, mRtyur bhoja pater virADa dUSAM tattvaM paraM yoginAm vrSNInAM paradevateti vidito raGgaM gataH sAgrajAH</font color></big> Srimad Bhagavatam- 10.43.17 When Lord Krishna, accompanied by His brother Balarama ENTERED the palace arena of king Kamsa, HE was percieved DIFFERENTLY by ALL those ASSEMBLED there, ACCORDING TO THEIR DESERVEDNESS and PURITY of THEIR HEARTS. The wrestlers saw Him as Thuderbolt. When they shook hands with Him, and FAILED to bend EVEN a Tender Finger of His, they DID NOT REALIZE that HE was NONE OTHER THAN the SUPREME BEING HIMSELF, possessing more strength than COUNTLESS WRESTLERS put together! The COMMON people SAW Him as an Active and Intelligent Kid! The YOUNG maidens, ENRAPTURED by His Divine Beauty, SAW Him as Kamadeva (god of beauty and love)in Personified Form! The Gopas, cowherd boys SAW Him as their DEAR MOST FRIEND! His Parents affectionately looked at Him as Their Darling Child! For King Kamsa, HE was the VERITABLE GOD OF DEATH, Yamaraja, in Fearful Form! The wicked-minded people saw Him as a Gigantic Person with thousands of heads, thousands of eyes, thousands of hands, and the flames of thousands of suns leaping out from His mouth! They began TREMBLING with FEAR percieving this FORMIDABLE form! The YOGIS SAW Him as the SUPREME PARAMATMA, the ABSOLUTE TRUTH! The DEVOTEES of the Yadava clan SAW Him as Their Family Deity! The SAME SITUATION WAS descibed by Saint Tulsidas in 'Rama Carita Manas'. Sri Tulasidas had taken SPECIAL care to REVEAL THIS FACT! When Lord Ramacandra stood in the palace of King Janaka to lift the Mighty Bow of Lord Siva, EVERYONE SAW HIM IN DIFFERENT FORMS ACCORDING TO THEIR INDIVIDUAL PURITY OF MIND AND HEART ! <font color="red"><big>jAkI rahI bhAvanA jaisI prabhu mUrati dekhI tina taisI</font color></big> The warriors SAW Him as the very EMBODIMENT of STRENGTH and HEROISM! The wicked kings TREMBLED at the VERY SIGHT of Him, as they SAW a TERRIBLE Form! The demons who were sitting there disguised as princes, BEHELD the LORD as DEATH in PERSONIFIED Form! The WISE MEN SAW Him in His Cosmic Form ! To the YOGIS and Saints He SHONE forth as the HIGHEST TRUTH! The DEVOTEES SAW Him as their BELOVED LORD RAMA, the FOUNTAINHEAD OF BLISS !! The EMOTIONS of Mother Sita Devi WERE INDESCRIBABLE !!! We CAN NEVER PERCIEVE the TRUE DIVINE Form of God with our DEFECTIVE VISION. Sri Tulasi das DECLARES - <font color="red"><big>cidAnanda maya deha tumhArI vigata vikAra jAna adhikArI</font color></big> The DIVINE FORM of Lord can NEVER BE SEEN with MATERIAL EYES! WE REQUIRE DIVINE VISION TO PERCIEVE HIM ! WE DO NOT UNDERSTAND HIS DIVINITY and WE CAN NOT ATTAIN the DIVINE VISION as yet, because WE DO NOT DESERVE IT !!! (Source- "Prema-Rasa-Siddhant" by Jagadguru Sri Rama Kripaluji Maharaj)

Originally posted by shvu: -------------------------- If you desire to market your religion, stick to emphasising your good points, focus on what you think you have to offer, that is lacking in the other religion. Putting on a 'holier-than-thou' attitude and assuming a snooty tone, will fetch you zilch. -------------------------- <font color="red">" We despise all reverences and all the objects of reverence which are outside the pale of our own list of sacred things. And yet, with strange inconsistency, we are shocked when other people despise and defile the things which are holy to us."</font color> -- Mark Twain in Following the Equator

Some more interesting verses from "Caitanya Caritamruta", in relation to Lord Krishna's descension and His Raganuga Bhakti (Vraja Prema Rasa), and the path of SPONTANEOUS, selfless Divine LOVE. Adi-lila chapter 4, texts 15-16 <font color="red">"The Lord's DESIRE to APPEAR was born from TWO reasons: He wanted to ENJOY the SWEET ESSENCE of the mellows of Love of God, and He WANTED to PROPAGATE DEVOTIONAL service in the world on the PLATFORM of SPONTANEOUS ATTRACTION. Thus HE is known as the Supreme Relisher of Divine Love and as the MOST MERCIFUL to all.</font color> 17 <font color="blue">"All the universe is filled with CONCEPTION of My MAJESTY, but LOVE WEAKENED by that SENSE of MAJESTY DOES NOT SATISFY ME!!"</font color> 19-20 <font color="red">In WHATEVER trancendental mellow My devotees worship Me, I RECIPROCATE with them exactly in the same way. That is My NATURAL behavior. "In what ever way My devotees SURRENDER unto Me, I REWARD them ACCORDINGLY. EVERYONE follows My path in ALL RESPECTS, O son of Prtha."</font color> (Bg. 4.11) Adi-lila. 4.23 <font color="blue">"Devotional service rendered to Me by the living beings revives their eternal life. O My dear damsels of Vraja, YOUR SPONTANEOUS AFFECTION FOR ME, is your GOOD FORTUNE, for IT IS THE ONLY MEANS by which you have obtained MY FAVOR."</font color> (Bhagavatham 10.82.45) 27-28 <font color="red">"Taking these PURE devotees with Me, I shall SPORT in various WONDERFUL WAYS, UNKNOWN EVEN in Vaikuntha. I shall BROADCAST such PASTIMES by which even I AM AMAZED!"</font color> 31 <font color="blue">"PURE ATTACHMENT will UNITE us EVEN at the EXPENSE OF MORAL AND RELIGIOUS DUTIES (DHARMA)." "Destiny will some times bring us together and some times separate us.</font color> 33 <font color="red">"Then, BY HEARING ABOUT THE PURE LOVE OF THE RESIDENTS OF VRAJA, DEVOTEES will WORSHIP Me on the PATH OF SPONTANEOUS LOVE, ABANDANING ALL RITUALS of religions and RULES of prescribed conduct."</font color> Lastly, texts 36-37 <font color="blue">Just as these DESIRES are the FUNDAMENTAL REASON for Krishna's appearence, whereas DESTROYING the demons is ONLY AN INCIDENTAL necessity, so for Sri Krishna Caitanya, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, PROMULGATING the DHARMA of the age is INCIDENTAL.</font color> Hari bol! Radhe, Radhe!

I believe in the fundamental truth of all great religions of the world. I believe that they are all God-given and I believe that they were necessary for the people to whom these religions were revealed. And I believe that if only we could all of us read the scriptures of the different faiths from the standpoints of the followers of these faiths, we should find that they were at bottom all one and were all helpful to one another. ~ Mahatma Gandhi

"liberty and democracy become unholy when their hands are died red with innocent blood." -- mohandas gandhi Here is one more helpful post from another board: Many key Representatives and Senators oppose any military action against Iraq. It is essential that we raise our voices to prevent another 'rich man's war' being fought by the poor! To get contact information for your Representatives, go to: http://clerk.house.gov/members/index.php To get contact information for your Senators, go to: http://www.senate.gov/senators/index.cfm This is not a time to sit on the sideline and belly ache about the situation in Washington. It is time for words and actions! My Senator, Chuck Hagel, is a key member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He opposes action against Iraq because the intelligence information does not substantiate the claims of the Bush Admin. He has contacted me personally because of my interest in this issue. Our voices are heard! Please write to them. Now! JIM _____________

NARAD BHAKTI SUTRAS http://www.urday.com/naradbhakti.htm ----------- Translations from Another source: Narada Bhakti Sutra 1. Now, therefore, I will try to explain the process of devotional service. 2. Devotional service manifests as the most elevated, pure love for God. 3. This pure love for God is eternal. 4. Upon achieving that stage of transcendental devotional service in pure love of God, a person becomes perfect, immortal, and peaceful. 5. A person engaged in such pure devotional service neither desires anything for sense gratification, nor laments for any loss, nor hates anything, nor enjoys anything on his personal account, nor becomes very enthusiastic in material activity. 6. One who understands perfectly the process of devotional service in love of Godhead becomes intoxicated in its discharge. Sometimes he becomes stunned in ecstasy and thus enjoys his whole self, being engaged in the service of the Supreme Self. 7. There is no question of lust in the execution of pure devotional service, because in it all material activities are renounced. 8. Such renunciation in devotional service means to give up all kinds of social customs and religious rituals governed by Vedic injunction. 9. Renunciation also means being exclusively dedicated to the Lord and indifferent to what stands in the way of His service. 10. Exclusive dedication to the Lord means giving up all shelters other than Him. 11. Indifference toward what stands in the way of devotional service means to accept only those activities of social custom and Vedic injunction that are favorable to devotional service. 12. One must continue to follow scriptural injunctions even after one is fixed up in determined certainty that devotional service is the only means for reaching the perfection of life. 13. Otherwise there is every possibility of falling down. 14. For as long as the body lasts, one should engage minimally in social and political activities and in such matters as eating. 15. Now the characteristics of devotional service will be described according to various authoritative opinions. 16. Srila Vyasadeva, the son of Parasara Muni, says that bhakti is fond attachment for worshiping the Lord in various ways. 17. Garga Muni says that bhakti is fondness for narrations about the Lord, by the Lord, and so on. 18. Sandilya says that bhakti results from one's removing all obstructions to taking pleasure in the Supreme Self. 19. Narada, however, says that bhakti consists of offering one's every act to the Supreme Lord and feeling extreme distress in forgetting Him. 20. Bhakti is, in fact, correctly described in each of these ways. 21. The cowherd women of Vraja are an example of pure bhakti. 22. Even in the case of the gopis, one cannot criticize them for forgetting the Lord's greatness. 23. On the other hand, displays of devotion without knowledge of God's greatness are no better than the affairs of illicit lovers. 24. In such false devotion one does not find pleasure exclusively in the Lord's pleasure. 25. Pure devotional service, on the other hand, is far superior to fruitive work, philosophical speculation, and mystic meditation. 26. After all, bhakti is the fruit of all endeavor. 27. Furthermore, the Lord dislikes the proud but is pleased with the humble. 28. Some say that knowledge is the means for developing devotion. 29. Others consider bhakti and knowledge interdependent. 30. But the son of Brahma says that bhakti is its own fruit. 31-32. This is illustrated by the examples of a royal palace, a meal, and so on. A king is not really satisfied just by seeing a palace, nor can someone placate his hunger just by looking at a meal. 33. Therefore seekers of liberation should take to devotional service alone. Chapter 3: The Means of Achievement 34. Standard authorities have described the methods for achieving devotional service. 35. One achieves bhakti by giving up sense gratification and mundane association. 36. One achieves bhakti by worshiping the Lord ceaselessly. 37. One achieves bhakti by hearing and chanting about the Supreme Lord's special qualities, even while engaged in the ordinary activities of life in this world. 38. Primarily, however, one develops bhakti by the mercy of great souls, or by a small drop of the Lord's mercy. 39. The association of great souls is rarely obtained, difficult to understand, and infallible. 40. The association of great souls can be attained-but only by the Lord's mercy. 41. One can attain bhakti either by the association of the Lord's pure devotees or directly by the Lord's mercy because the Lord and His pure devotees are nondifferent. 42. Strive, strive only for the association of pure devotees. 43. One should give up all kinds of degrading association. 44. Material association is the cause of lust, anger, confusion, forgetfulness, loss of intelligence, and total calamity. 45. Rising like waves from material association, these bad effects mass into a great ocean of misery. 46. Who can cross beyond illusion? One who abandons material association, serves the sages, and becomes selfless. 47. Who can cross beyond illusion? That person who stays in a secluded place, cuts off at the root his attachment to mundane society, becomes free from the influence of the three modes of nature, and gives up hankering for material gain and security. 48. Who can cross beyond illusion? That person who renounces material duties and their profits, thus transcending duality. 49. That person who renounces even the Vedas obtains exclusive and uninterrupted attraction for God. 50. Such a person, indeed, is delivered, and he also delivers the rest of the world. 51. The true nature of pure love of God is beyond description. 52. [Trying to describe the experience of pure love of God] is like a mute's effort to describe what he tastes. 53. Nonetheless, from time to time pure love of God is revealed to those who are qualified. 54. Pure love of God manifests as the most subtle consciousness, devoid of material qualities and material desires, increasing at every moment, and never interrupted. 55. Having obtained pure love of God, one looks only at the Lord, hears only about Him, speaks only of Him, and thinks only of Him. 56. Secondary devotional service is of three kinds, according to which of the three material modes predominates, or according to which material motivation-distress and so on-brings one to bhakti. 57. Each earlier stage should be considered better than the one following it. 58. Success is easier to attain by devotional service than by any other process. 59. The reason devotional service is the easiest of all spiritual processes is that it does not depend on any other authority for its validity, being itself the standard of authority. 60. Furthermore, bhakti is the embodiment of peace and supreme ecstasy. 61. After consigning to the Lord all one's mundane and Vedic duties, one no longer need worry about worldly loss. 62. Even after one has achieved devotional service, one should not abandon one's responsibilities in this world but should rather continue surrendering the results of one's work to the Lord. And while still trying to reach the stage of pure devotion, one must certainly continue executing prescribed duties. 63. One should not find entertainment in news of women, money, and atheists. 64. One should put aside false pride, hypocrisy, and other vices. 65. Offering all one's activities to the Lord, one should feel desire, anger, and pride only with regard to Him. 66. After breaking through the aforementioned coverings of the three modes of nature, one should act only in pure love of God, remaining perpetually in the mood of a servant serving his master, or a lover serving her beloved. 67. Among the Lord's devotees, the greatest are those who are dedicated to Him solely as His intimate servants. 68. Conversing among one another with throats choked, hair standing on end, and tears flowing, the Lord's intimate servants purify their own followers and the whole world. 69. Their association makes holy places holy, works auspicious, and the scriptures authoritative. 70. The intimate servants of the Supreme Lord are fully absorbed in loving Him. 71. Thus the pure devotees' forefathers become joyful, the demigods dance, and the world feels protected by good masters. 72. There are no distinctions among such pure devotees in terms of social class, education, bodily beauty, family status, wealth, occupation, and so on. 73. Pure devotees are not distinguished by externals like social class, for they belong to the Lord. 74. One should not indulge in argumentative debate. 75. Such argumentation leads to excessive entanglements and is never decisive. 76. One should respect the revealed scriptures of devotional service and discharge the duties they prescribe. 77. Patiently enduring till the time when one can put aside material happiness, distress, desire, and false gain, one should not waste even a fraction of a second. 78. One should cultivate such good qualities as nonviolence, truthfulness, cleanliness, compassion, and faith. 79. Those who are free of doubts should constantly worship the Supreme Lord with all their hearts. 80. When He is glorified, the Lord swiftly reveals Himself to His devotees and allows them to know Him as He is. 81. Devotional service is the most precious possession of a person who honestly uses his mind, body, and words. 82. Although devotional service is one, it becomes manifested in eleven forms of attachment: attachment to the Lord's glorious qualities, to His beauty, to worshiping Him, to remembering Him, to serving Him, to reciprocating with Him as a friend, to caring for Him as a parent, to dealing with Him as a lover, to surrendering one's whole self to Him, to being absorbed in thought of Him, and to experiencing separation from Him. This last is the supreme attachment. 83. Thus say the founding authorities of devotional service: the Kumaras, Vyasa, Suka, Sandilya, Garga, Visnu, Kaundilya, Sesa, Uddhava, Aruni, Bali, Hanuman, Vibhisana, and others-speaking without fear of worldly gossip and sharing among themselves one and the same opinion. 84. Anyone who trusts these instructions spoken by Narada and is convinced by them will be blessed with devotion and attain the most dear Lord. Yes, he will attain the most dear Lord. *******

The Troubling New Face of America By Jimmy Carter Thursday, September 5, 2002; Page A31 Fundamental changes are taking place in the historical policies of the United States with regard to human rights, our role in the community of nations and the Middle East peace process -- largely without definitive debates (except, at times, within the administration). Some new approaches have understandably evolved from quick and well-advised reactions by President Bush to the tragedy of Sept. 11, but others seem to be developing from a core group of conservatives who are trying to realize long-pent-up ambitions under the cover of the proclaimed war against terrorism. Formerly admired almost universally as the preeminent champion of human rights, our country has become the foremost target of respected international organizations concerned about these basic principles of democratic life. We have ignored or condoned abuses in nations that support our anti-terrorism effort, while detaining American citizens as "enemy combatants," incarcerating them secretly and indefinitely without their being charged with any crime or having the right to legal counsel. This policy has been condemned by the federal courts, but the Justice Department seems adamant, and the issue is still in doubt. Several hundred captured Taliban soldiers remain imprisoned at Guantanamo Bay under the same circumstances, with the defense secretary declaring that they would not be released even if they were someday tried and found to be innocent. These actions are similar to those of abusive regimes that historically have been condemned by American presidents. While the president has reserved judgment, the American people are inundated almost daily with claims from the vice president and other top officials that we face a devastating threat from Iraq's weapons of mass destruction, and with pledges to remove Saddam Hussein from office, with or without support from any allies. As has been emphasized vigorously by foreign allies and by responsible leaders of former administrations and incumbent officeholders, there is no current danger to the United States from Baghdad. In the face of intense monitoring and overwhelming American military superiority, any belligerent move by Hussein against a neighbor, even the smallest nuclear test (necessary before weapons construction), a tangible threat to use a weapon of mass destruction, or sharing this technology with terrorist organizations would be suicidal. But it is quite possible that such weapons would be used against Israel or our forces in response to an American attack. We cannot ignore the development of chemical, biological or nuclear weapons, but a unilateral war with Iraq is not the answer. There is an urgent need for U.N. action to force unrestricted inspections in Iraq. But perhaps deliberately so, this has become less likely as we alienate our necessary allies. Apparently disagreeing with the president and secretary of state, in fact, the vice president has now discounted this goal as a desirable option. We have thrown down counterproductive gauntlets to the rest of the world, disavowing U.S. commitments to laboriously negotiated international accords. Peremptory rejections of nuclear arms agreements, the biological weapons convention, environmental protection, anti-torture proposals, and punishment of war criminals have sometimes been combined with economic threats against those who might disagree with us. These unilateral acts and assertions increasingly isolate the United States from the very nations needed to join in combating terrorism. Tragically, our government is abandoning any sponsorship of substantive negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis. Our apparent policy is to support almost every Israeli action in the occupied territories and to condemn and isolate the Palestinians as blanket targets of our war on terrorism, while Israeli settlements expand and Palestinian enclaves shrink. There still seems to be a struggle within the administration over defining a comprehensible Middle East policy. The president's clear commitments to honor key U.N. resolutions and to support the establishment of a Palestinian state have been substantially negated by statements of the defense secretary that in his lifetime "there will be some sort of an entity that will be established" and his reference to the "so-called occupation." This indicates a radical departure from policies of every administration since 1967, always based on the withdrawal of Israel from occupied territories and a genuine peace between Israelis and their neighbors. Belligerent and divisive voices now seem to be dominant in Washington, but they do not yet reflect final decisions of the president, Congress or the courts. It is crucial that the historical and well-founded American commitments prevail: to peace, justice, human rights, the environment and international cooperation. Former president Carter is chairman of the Carter Center in Atlanta. ---------------- "To announce that there must be no criticism of the president, or that we are to stand by the president right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public." --Republican President Teddy Roosevelt ---------------

<font color="red">ekAnta lAbhaM vacaso nu puMsAM suzloka mauler guNavAdamAhuH zrutezca vidvadbhir upAkRtAyAM kathAsudhAyAm upasamprayogam</font color> (Srimad Bhagavatam) <font color="blue">The wise declare that the<big> sole utility of men's speech</big> decidedly lies in uttering the praises of the Lord, Who is the Foremost of those enjoying the highest renown, and the<big> sole utility of one's ears</big> lies coming into contact with the nectar-like discourses on Sri Hari delivered by learned Saints. ********

<center>Namaste. Here is a sublime 'pada' for the devotees from another board. This song is from the book- 'Prema-Rasa-Madira' of Sri Kripaluji Maharaj. A Love-stricken Gopi, who had the Blessed Darshan (Divine Visual encounter) of her Beloved Shyama Sundar, Lord Sri Krishna, tells her experience to her intimate friend - "sakhi, shyaama ki manda, manda musukaan," <font color="red">O my dear, what can I say about the sweet, gentle, enchanting 'smile' of my Shyama Sundar!</font color> "bisarata naahi sakhi! yekahu china, peetaambara paharaan," <font color="blue">Even for one second, my mind cannot give up the delightful reminiscence of the wavy movements of His dazzling robe, 'Pitaambara', the yellow silken garment elegantly covering His divine form! All my earned virtues of good conduct are of no use for me and my ardent efforts for self-control have become utterly powerless.</font color> "maTakani mukuTa laTan ki laTakani, aTakyom tana, mana, praan," <font color="red">His charming, jewelled crown with pea-cock feather, His captivating Lotus-face surrounded by the curly locks of dark hair, have become the noose and entangled my body, mind and soul.</font color> "ati rasa bhare nayan so herata, Therata muralee taan," <font color="blue">Moreover, His intoxicating looks are ever drowning me in the Nectar of Amorous Love! How can I still keep my life-breath, when He calls me playing His Flute (Murali), inviting my soul to join His Blissful sports?</font color> "nitya vihaara karata vrindaavana, manjula kunja lataan," <font color="red">O sakhi, He is tempting me with delight, and showering divine joy by His amorous daliances in the blessed bowers of 'kunja', and the secret enchanting gardens of 'nikunja' day and night!"</font color> The Poet-Saint Kripaluji sympathizes with the Gopi's plight in the concluding verse saying - "lakhi 'kripaalu' chuTi jaata samaadhina, Shiva Sanakaadika dhyaan." <font color="blue">"Do not feel so disturbed and helpless! Even the greatest Yogi, Lord Shiva, Who has vanquished the 'cupid' and the great Paramahamsas, the eternal celibates like Sanaka kumaras of heaven, who are ever absorbed in the Nirvikalpa Samadhi of the 'Absolute Brahman, have also become very perturbed by the Blessed sight of the All Attractive Blissful Lord, Sri Krishna and have fallen from their contemplation and given up their Trance! So what to speak of the fate and state of any other ordinary soul at the transcendental meeting of her Divine Beloved!!! "</font color> *****

<center> Namaste. Happy Krishna Jayanti celebrations to all devotees of the Lord! Sarvamargashu nashteshu, kaloucha khaladharmini, Pasandaprachura lokae, Krishna eva gatirmama. (1) <font color="red">In this malignant age of Kaliyuga, when all the paths leading to God are obscured, and people are hypocrites, Lord Shri Krshna alone is my eternal refuge.</font color> Mlechakranteshu deshashu, papaikanilayashucha, Satpidavyagralokaeshu, Krshna eva gatirmama. (2) <font color="blue">When the country is afflicted by the "Melachhas" (non-Hindus) and has become an abode of sinners, the good amongst them suffer a great deal. At such a time, Lord Shri Krshna alone is my eternal refuge.</font color> Gangaditirthavaryashu, dushtairavavrutashvih, Tirohitadhidaiveshu, Krishna eva gatirmama. (3) <font color="red">When holy places, such as the Ganges are surrounded by wicked people, and the gods that reside in such places have abandoned them, Lord Shri Krshna alone is my eternal refuge.</font color> Ahankaravimudhashu, satsu papanivartishu, Labhapujarthayatneshu, Krishna eva gatirmama. (4) <font color="blue">When even the intelligent people are full of pride and are following the path of wickedness, and when all worship of the Gods is done purely for selfish benefit, let Lord Shri Krshna be my only eternal refuge.</font color> Aprijayananashtashu, mantrashvavratayogishu, Tirohitarthadaiveshu, Krishna eva gatirmama. (5) <font color="red">When the true knowledge of the Vedas and other scriptures has been forgotten, when, by chanting great mantras we are unable to invoke the Gods of the respective mantras*, at such a time, Lord Shri Krshna is my only eternal refuge.</font color> ( * Gods will only answer mantras and prayers when the devotee prays with true devotion, devoid of all hypocrisy, false pride and selfishness. As stated in the shlokas above, this has already occurred amongst the best of us. As a direct result of this, the Gods have abandoned their respective abodes (holy places, temples, rivers, lakes etc.) and mantras. This is all due to the evil effects of the Kali Yuga and how that has affected the minds of all people.) Nanavadavinashtashu, sarvakarmavratadishu, Pashandaika prayatneshu, Krishna eva gatirmama. (6) <font color="blue">When sectarian ideas are splitting us apart, when all good and pious karmas are also done with hypocrisy at their heart, let Lord Shri Krshna be my only eternal refuge.</font color> Ajamiladhidoshanam, nashakonubhave sthitah, Jyapitakhilamahatmyah, Krishna eva gatirmama. (7) <font color="red">Lord Shri Krshna is kind and benevolent. Out of infinite kindness, He has destroyed a multitude of sins of such evil sinners as Ajamil ! And all this for accidentally reciting His holy name ! Let such great Lord Shri Krshna be my only eternal refuge.</font color> Prakrutahsakala deva, ganitanandakam bruhat, Purnanado haristasmat, Krishna eva gatirmama. (8) <font color="blue">All lesser deities are embodiment of the prakriti, and are hence limited in their power. Even the greater devas and celestial gods can only bestow limited amount of bliss and happiness. Only the Lord Hari is capable of bestowing infinite bliss. Hence, let Lord Shri Krshna be my only eternal refuge.</font color> Vivekadhirayabhatyadi rahitasya vishashatah, Papasaktasya dinasya, Krishna eva gatirmama. (9) <font color="red">My Lord, I am bereft of "vivek", i.e. power of discrimination, and I have no "dhairya" ie patience. I am addicted to sinful actions and am a wretch beyond description. Yet, with a sincere heart I request the Lord Shri Krshna to be my only eternal refuge.</font color> Sarvasamarthyasahitah, sarvatraivakhilarthakrut, Sharanasthasamudharam, Krishna eva gatirmama. (10) <font color="blue">Lord Krshna, who is omnipotent, omnipresent and saviour of all those who seek His protection, unto that great Lord, I submit this request for my "ashraya" i.e. refuge.</font color> Krishnashryamidam stotram, yah pathete Krishnasannidhau, Tasyashrayo bhavet Krishna, ite Shri Vallabhobravit. (11) <font color="red">He who recites this Krshnashraya (prayer seeking refuge of the Lord Shri Krshna) in the presence of the Lord, will be graced with divine protection, so sayeth Shri Vallabhacharya.</font color> - Mahaprabhu Sri Vallabhacarya of Pushti Marga *****

<center>Namaste. prapanna pArijAtAya totra vetraika pANaye, jnAnamudrAya kRSNAya gItAmRta duhe namaH <font color="blue">I fondly prostrate to the Milker of the Gita-Nectar, Lord Krishna, the wish-yielding divine Parijata Tree of those who take total refuge in Him, the holder of the cane in one hand and the bearer of the Jnana-mudra, the Symbol of Knowledge!</font color> Remembering the teachings of the Lord on this auspicious occasion: (Gita 4.5) The Lord said: <font color="red">"MANY are the births taken by Me and you, O Arjuna. I KNOW them ALL while you know NOT, O Parantapa (Arjuna)."</font color> Arjuna is a 'Jivatma' (soul) bound by karma and ignorance. So he has NO MEMORY of his previous births. But Lord Krishna is an Incarnation of Iswara, Supreme. He is therefore EVER PURE, EVER FREE, and OMNISCIENT. He can call to the MIND how the Cosmic Inteligence assumed a form to PREVIOUSLY and ENLIGHTENED the seekers. "Incarnations are ALL the Personifications of Iswara, the Supreme Lord. In the ocean of Sat-Chit-Ananda a WAVE rises up at ONE PLACE at ONE TIME and it is called Krishna. Another wave rises at ANOTHER PLACE some time LATER and it is called Christ." - Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. (Another wave at another time and place is called Buddha) The bound ignorant souls are BORN to work out their 'karma'. But the Lord is ABOVE 'karma'. How then DOES He INCARNATE? The revelation comes:- "ajo 'pi sann avyayAtmA bhUtAnAm Izvaro 'pi san prakRtiM svAm adhiSThAya saMbhavAmy AtmamAyayA" (Gita 4.6) <font color="blue">"Though I AM UNBORN, IMPERISHABLE and the Lord of beings, yet SUBJUGATING My external Power of Prakriti, I COME into BEING by My OWN Internal Power."</font color> The material Power called Prakriti has its part to play both with 'Jivatma'(individual soul) and with the Incarnations of Iswara (Universal Supreme Soul), but its function with these TWO entities is diametrically OPPOSITE bases. It ENSLAVES the former and is ENSLAVED by the latter. It is by manipulating His material Power called Maya Sakti that UNBORN Lord puts on the APPEARANCE of being BORN and of GROWING. The Lord supremely ABOVE 'karma' APPARENTLY ASSUMES it. That 'karma' again is NOT capricious. His ADVENT simply explains the SUBLIME PLAN and PURPOSE of the human life. He is the Benign Model to be FOLLOWED by the others. Every thing in Nature has ITS TIME to APPEAR. Does the Incarnation of God ALSO come under this LAW in any way? The statement comes:- [image]http://hindunet.org/avatars/Vishnu.jpeg[/image] "yadA yadA hi dharmasya glAnir bhavati bhArata abhyutthAnam adharmasya tadA 'tmAnaM sRjAmy aham" (Gita 4.7) <font color="red">"Whenever there is DECAY of 'Dharma' (Righteousness and Religion) and rise of 'Adharma' (Irreligion and unrighteousness), then I EMBODY Myself, O Bharata (Arjuna)."</font color> 'Dharma' is verily the 'karma' that is CONDUCIVE to man's spiritual growth and progress; what IMPEDE them is 'Adharma'. At every time 'Adharma' PREVAILS and PREVENTS man's evolution, the Cosmic Intelligence EMBODIES Itself, as the visible material entity of course. Having PERSONIFIED Himself, what does the Lord DO??? He PROCLAIMS:- "paritrANAya sAdhUnAM vinAzAya ca duSkRtAm dharma saMsthApanArthAya saMbhavAmi yuge yuge" (Gita 4.8) <font color="blue">"For the PROTECTION of the GOOD and righteous, for the DESTRUCTION of the WICKED and cruel and for the ESTABLISHMENT of 'Dharma' I AM APPEARING age after age."</font color> Purgation is an unfailing process of Nature. The cleansing takes place at all LEVELS in VARIOUS ways. In agricultural field it goes on as weeding and manuring. When the wicked and cruel become MORE in number in the world, 'Dharma' would not thrive in their midst. War, pestilence, famine, and much like forces INEVITABLY come in both to strike a balance of population and to set aright the perverts. Among the three 'Gunas' of material nature the predominance of 'Rajas' and 'Tamas' AGGRAVATES 'Adharma' which THREATENS to topple down the social and spiritual fabric. The function of the Incarnation is to INDUCE 'Sattva', the chief and foremost of the three 'Gunas' into the world. And along with it 'Dharma' begins to THRIVE. A BALANCE of power among the three 'Gunas' is necessary for social and spiritual order to WORK on RIGHT lines. "A viceroy is deputed by the monarch to qwell LAWLESSNESS and DISORDER in a DISTANT dominion. Similarly an Incarnation is the Man of Authority sent by 'Iswara' into world. He comes to PUT in ORDER ALL LAPSES and DEVIATIONS in the PRACTICE of 'Dharma'." -Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa Is the living of a RIGHTEOUS life on earth, an END in ITSELF, or is it MEANS for SOME OTHER end ?? The elucidation comes in this verse:- "janma karma ca me divyam evaM yo vetti tattvataH tyakttvA dehaM punarjanma naiti mAmeti so 'rjuna" (Gita 4.9) <font color="red">"He who thus KNOWS My divine birth and exploits in TRUE LIGHT, having dropped the body, comes NOT to birth again, but COMES to Me, O Arjuna."</font color> Unborn Iswara, Supreme Soul puts on the APPEARANCE of birth and growth of Incarnation by His Divine Power. The actionless Divine Being STAGES Holy activities for the GOOD of the world. Those spiritually evolved men and women who INTUIT these FACTS about the Lord are able to live UNAFFECTED by the world and Maya even as the Incarnation does. Ultimately, while yet in the human frames and after casting them off, those blessed ones get themselves UNITED in the Absolute. Pondering over the human PLAY of Divine is a SURE MEANS to get at this GREAT GOAL. "TREAT NOT the Personalities such as Rama, Sita, Krishna, Radha, Buddha, Yasodhara and some others as MERE allegorical entities. They were in body and flesh as you are now. But because of SPIRITUAL PERFECTION they seem MORE fictitious than FACTUAL. Iswara and His Incarnations are ONE and the SAME even as the Ocean and the Waves are. A visitor to a palace can see ONLY SOME portions of it. But the PRINCE apparent can have FREE ACCESS to ALL parts of the palace. Likewise Incarnations of God EASILY get into the VARIOUS STATES of Spiritual Consciousness. It is rather DIFFICULT to COMPREHEND the Infinite sporting in the finite Human Form. During the advent of Sri Rama it was given to SEVEN Rishis (Great Sages) ONLY to UNDERSTAND His Divine descent. This way ALL Incarnations are UNDERSTOOD by ONLY a FEW during Their life time." -Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa By WHAT process did the WISE make themselves WORTHY of COMPREHENDING the Divine ? The explanation comes:- "vIta rAga bhaya krodhA manmayA mAm upAzritAH bahavo jJAna tapasA pUtA mad bhAvam AgatAH" (Gita 4.10) <font color="blue">"FREED from passion, fear and anger, MIND ABSORBED in Me, TAKING REFUGE in Me, purified in the FIRE of Knowledge, MANY have ATTAINED My Being."</font color> It is only after FILTERING that muddy water becomes fit to be mixed with PURE water. MIND purged from passion, fear, and anger ASSUMES COMPETENCY to GRASP the Divine. Then getting ABSORBED in Him becomes EASY. Through ABSORPTION the Glory of the Divine is INCREASINGLY realized. There is then NO DIFFICULTY whatsoever in TAKING REFUGE in Him. Fuel consigned to fire becomes FIRE itself. It is PENANCE when individuals SEEK to know of the Divine and GIVE THEMSELVES OVER to Him. This way many have ASCENDED and ATTAINED the Divine. (Adapted from the translation of Bhagavad Gita by Swami Chidbhavananda of Sri Ramakrishna Mission) *****

<center><a href="http://www.indiadivine.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB1&Number=6610&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1"> <big><font size=+2 color="blue">Sri Krishna Janmashtami ki Jai!</a></font>

<center> Festivals : Sri Krishna Janmaashtami http://www.hindunet.com/festivals/janmashtami/index.htm Janmashtami Animation http://www.hindunet.com/multimedia/digiprayers/krishna_astami/index.html

For listening to this sublime 'Sri Krishnashtakam' melodiously sung by the famous vocal artist Smt. Anuradha Paduval, click on 'Krishnashtakam' at this link: http://www.bhaktisangeet.com/bhajan/bhajgovindam/bhajgovindam.html Also available Sanskrit Bhajans in praise of Lord Krishna are 'Govindashtakam' and 'Bhaja Govindam' on the same page. For listening more devotional Bhajans go to: http://www.bhaktisangeet.com

<center>Namaste. Good wishes of Sri Krishna Jayanti to all. Here is the English translation of 'Sri Krishnashtakam' composed by Sri Shankara from: http://www.hindunet.org <big>shrii kR^ishhNaashhTaka sha.nkara bhaagavatapaada</big> <font color="red">bhaje vrajaikamaNDanaM samastapApakhaNDanaM svabhaktachittara.njanaM sadaiva nandanandanam.h . supichchhaguchchhamastakaM sunAdaveNuhastakaM ana.ngara.ngasAgaraM namAmi kR^ishhNanAgaram.h .. 1.. I worship the naughty Krishna, the sole ornament of Vraja, Who destroys all the sins (of His devotees), Who delights the minds of His devotees, the joy of Nanda, Whose head is adorned with peacock feathers, Who holds a sweet-sounding flute in His hand, and Who is the ocean of the art of love.</font color> <font color="blue">manojagarvamochanaM vishaalalolalochanaM vidhUtagopashochanaM namAmi padmalochanam.h . karAravindabhUdharaM smitAvalokasundaraM mahendramAnadAraNaM namAmi kR^ishhNAvAraNam.h .. 2.. I bow to Krishna Who rid Kama deva of his pride, Who has beautiful, large eyes, Who takes away the sorrows of the Gopas (cowherds), the lotus-eyed One . I bow to Krishna Who lifted the (Govardhana) hill with His hand, Whose smile and glance are extremely attractive, Who destroyed the pride of Indra, and Who is like the King of elephants.</font color> <font color="green">kadambasUnakuNDalaM suchArugaNDamaNDalaM vrajA.nganaikavallabhaM namAmi kR^ishhNadurlabham.h . yashodayA samodayA sagopayA sanandayA yutaM sukhaikadAyakaM namAmi gopanAyakam.h .. 3.. I bow to that Krishna Who wears earrings made of Kadamba flowers, Who has beautiful cheeks, Who is the only darling of the Gopikas of Vraja, and Who is very difficult to attain (by any means other than Bhakti). I bow to Krishna Who is accompanied by Gopas (cowherds), Nanda, and an overjoyed Yashoda,Who gives (His devotees) nothing but happiness, and Who is the Lord of the Gopas.</font color> <font color="red">sadaiva pAdapa.nkajaM madIya mAnase nijaM dadhAnamuktamAlakaM namAmi nandabAlakam.h . samastadoshhashoshhaNaM samastalokaposhhaNaM samastagopamAnasaM namAmi nandalAlasam.h .. 4.. I bow to the son of Nanda, Who has placed His lotus feet in my mind and Who has beautiful curls of hair . I adore Krishna Who removes all defects, Who nourishes all the worlds and Who is desired by all the Gopas and Nanda.</font color> <font color="blue">bhuvo bharAvatArakaM bhavAbdhikarNadhArakaM yashomatIkishorakaM namAmi chittachorakam.h . dR^igantakAntabha.nginaM sadA sadAlisa.nginaM dine dine navaM navaM namAmi nandasambhavam.h .. 5.. I bow to Krishna Who relieves the burden of the earth (by vanquishing innumerable demons and other evil forces), Who helps us cross the ocean of miseries, Who is the son of Yasoda, and Who steals the hearts of everyone . I bow to Nanda's son Who has extremely attractive eyes, Who is always accompanied by saintly devotees, and Whose (pastimes and form) appear newer and newer, day by day.</font color> <font color="green">guNAkaraM sukhAkaraM kR^ipAkaraM kR^ipAparaM suradvishhannikandanaM namAmi gopanandanam.h . navInagopanAgaraM navInakelilampaTaM namAmi meghasundaraM taDitprabhAlasatpaTam.h .. 6.. Krishna is the repository of all good qualities, all happiness, and grace . He destroys the enemies of the gods and delights the Gopas . I bow to the mischievous cowherd Krishna, Who is attached to His exploits, which (appear) new (every day), Who has the handsome complexion of a dark cloud, and Who wears a yellow garment (pItAmbara) that shines likes lightning.</font color> <font color="red">samastagopanandanaM hR^idambujaikamodanaM namAmi ku.njamadhyagaM prasannabhAnushobhanam.h . nikAmakAmadAyakaM dR^igantachArusAyakaM rasAlaveNugAyakaM namAmi ku.njanAyakam.h .. 7.. Krishna delights all the Gopas and (plays with them) in the center of the grove (kunja). He is appears as resplendent and pleasing as the sun and causes the lotus that is the heart (of the devotee) to blossom with joy . I bow to that Lord of the grove of creepers Who completely fulfills the desires (of the devotees), Whose beautiful glances are like arrows, and Who plays melodious tunes on the flute.</font color> <font color="blue">vidagdhagopikAmanomanoGYatalpashaayinaM namAmi ku.njakAnane pravraddhavanhipAyinam.h . kishorakAntira.njitaM dR^iaga.njanaM sushobhitaM gajendramokshakAriNaM namAmi shriivihAriNam.h .. 8.. Krishna lies down on the bed that is the minds of the intelligent Gopis who always think of Him . I adore Him Who drank the spreading forest-fire (in order to protect the cowherd community). I bow to Krishna Who has eyes which are made attractive by His boyhood charm and a black unguent (anjan), Who liberated the elephant Gajendra (from the jaws of the crocodile), and Who is the consort of Lakshmi (shrii).</font color> yadA tadA yathA tathA tathaiva kR^ishhNasatkathA mayA sadaiva gIyatAM tathA kR^ipA vidhIyatAm.h . pramANikAshhTakadvayaM japatyadhItya yaH pumAna bhavetsa nandanandane bhave bhave subhaktimAna .. 9.. O Lord Krishna! Please bless me so that I may sing your glories and pastimes, regardless of the position I am in. Anyone who studies or recites these two authoritative ashtakas will be blessed with devotion to Krishna in every rebirth. <font color="green">iti shriimachchha.nkarAchAryakR^itaM shriikR^ishhNAshhTakaM sampUrNam.h .. shrii kR^ishhNArpaNamastu ..</font color> <font color="red">nityAnandaikarasaM sachchinmAtraM svayaMjyotiH . purushhottamamajamIshaM vande shriiyAdavAdhIsham.h .. I adore Krishna, the Supreme Person, the Unborn Lord, the Self-effulgent One, the Supreme Lord of the descendents of Yadu, Whose nature is that of existence and consciousness, and Whose essence is entirely that of eternal bliss.</font color> (from Prabodha sudhAkara of shrii shankarAchArya) ******

Then why are the devotees excluding the worship of His blessed wife, Vishnupriya devi? How can there be a householder without a housewife?