bija

I guess if we are still asking that question Beggar, there is some sincerity. Often sincerity is used as a harsh plumb-line...when infact sincerity is related to bhakti devi - is soft by nature. That is the way to follow guru. And to take the journey... Rather than the road of self-criticism or 'parasurama'.

yeah, think so too. these are foundations to build sadhana upon. the foundations enter our heart and color it, bringing forward subtle nuances in realization...these nuances if cultivated in bhajan, eventually open the door to rasa (our true position in relationship). rather than just technical dogma in itself. instead, the bhajan becomes an intimate affair in our consciousness - krsna consciousness. our guru-marga knows this well..

years ago melvin i had good fortune to travel a little...cloth and costumes of different cultures (since then) is very pleasing to me...thx for the pics the festival looks wonderful...you will enjoy this)

the festival costumes look nice

Yep. And we each need to tread that path...with all the rocks and stepping stones, as Ian is also doing. Ian has expressed one very nice thing...he wishes to seek that which appeals to his heart. I reckon that is brilliant. Sometimes, the heart will eventually bring us full circle (back again)...to see the beginning a-new. And that is cool. Then it really happens for the soul... If we give space for it to.

Well done....nice melody.

my room's to messy to be a brahmana:eek4: cya... (back to the topic).. Same dream as bhaktatraveller.

Click to play Born to open for Mankind nature's door A life known by a few And those who knew that shared Their knowledge fewer cared About what plants could do For most felt it was mad to conceive That plants thought, felt, and moved quite like we But with instruments Bose would devise Would take Science itself by a surprise, so On we go to where who knows To a place where there's still non-believers What will it take for heaven sakes For those who find what's real too hard to believe in It's that same old story again. Born of slaves who died Too soon to realize The need his life would be Selflessy he gave His wisdom to a way Where first no minds would see He said if farm land was to be rich We must plant crops to replenish it But it took him persuasion and tests To convince them father's way was best, so On we go to where who knows To a place where there's still non-believers What will it take for heaven sakes For those who find what's real too hard to believe in It's that same old story again. - stevie wonder

yeah! a phd in land development...hands on:cool: I'd be stoked too...as long as there was a library;).

yeah jeff (good post)...a fine balance is in call...srila br sridhara maharaja gave the call - 'harmonize'.

el nino bravo!!!

In reality Mel talking crows don't exist...neither does Iskcon/Gaudiya rift. Quite comic! Definately a script of the past.. gently down the stream, life is but a dream..

Hurray! Varna-asrama, Vaisnava, Ozzie...hmmm What's really goin' down is the grass don't get cut until...life gets simple. Maybe then the arjuna trees fall. (and yoghurt tastes good)

Thx. It's a lovely sentiment to hold...and I am sure to have the company of such simple-hearted souls would be the greatest gift...ever!! In bhajan....to take the lowest position...would have to mean tasting the highest rasa. As you say Beggar, I am far from that perfection too...what a misfortune! Some are genuinely simple and devoted..

yeps yes sir..

There is a subtle nuance in bhajan, and yes Beggar, that would be lost...that is why siddhanta has not supported such concepts. But, this is bhajan...each to their own. It depends what siksha we follow. I will not be practicing the bhajan that Sarva is offering (siksha in), even if he continues to imply that other processes are mayavada etc. As far as offence is implied..shelter of Nitai-Gaura would help...rather than rushing in... (as you know beggar, that has been the siksha all along). Worship from a distance is the bhaktisiddhanta...

I agree kimfelix...that way we deeply appreciate our own path in gratitude and allow room for others who choose differently. That way no polemics (no offences). Sounds good to me. Ultimately alot of bad stuff goes on in the world, in the name of religion, when people can't get along. Like one devotee here at audarya posted anti-muslim stuff the other day, then in the same post goes on to say that Sri Caitanya is the last avatara. Crazy really (bad attitude). Attitudes like that cause so much trouble...small scale and big scale... That is why I pull back now, and try and find a more harmonious way that embraces rather than divides. I really feel divided religion that does not see non-dual truth is material activity (a beast). And in many ways non-religious peaceful living (ahimsa) is much more sweet.

hey primate...interesting view..

Buddhism is not very clear on what remains, if viewed from a theistic perspective. It seems to not speculate much further than the mind's experience. There is 'pure land' in later forms of buddhism. There is also 'pure mind'...which is in essence the clear view of the heart. I don't know much more than that Jeff.

Explaining why that happens might be helpful?

Buddhists hold to emptiness and impermanence. Kinda like, everything has cause by another cause...same idea basically Jeff. Therefore they suggest that each experience essentially has no self.

Sounds good.

Just doesn't sit right! Big time! Philosophy, that is all...explaining away profound suffering as an enjoyable sport. Maybe suffering is much more profound in meaning than that simple idea. An atheist, Kaisersose, can have deep insights and appreciation for life...as much as a theist. Isnt it so? Many buddhists seem like very happy people..with respect for life and others. Just like different theists have ideas about God, so the atheists vary and have different views about life...and ways to live.

varna-ashrama dharma

Narasingh, I feel religion needs to play a part (and has validity) for one reason. There is a wealth and heritage that is profound within it. But the religion is dead unless we consciously understand... ...that understanding as you know, is an ongoing process...and active participation. I feel personally an intuition to go deeper into unity and destiny (and to relish this gift of life - rather than abhor creation)...and religion can be a vehicle for that deep appreciation (gratitude). ...Unless we choose otherwise ofcourse (and utilize diversity for division). But! If the religion or group stagnates conscious growth and limits (the individual), and creates divide...then personally I see no further use for those limits, which do not promote conscious-active-spiritual-love. Rather than reject (limits), the individual can integrate grace (within One's development)...and keep moving. Inertia is a symptom of ignorance. Whereas the search for inner truth is progressive and ever-new...