zjj

Arunji, Haribol! Thank you for your kind reply. I think these incidences are proof Krishna is infinitely merciful, as I've done nothing to deserve his care. Only he knows why he does these things. You asked about Sant Ravi Dasji. I've gone into detail about his life in my book as he was Mira's guru and she learned about bhakti from him. He kept her strong where she might have weakened, as only a true guru can do. I've given you some notes about his life in the paragraph below. There is much more but I can't include it all here. He was born a chamaar (in a shoemaker's family) and even from infancy showed Vaishnav traits. It is said that when he was born, he wouldn't take his mothers milk as he didn't want to prolong his life in that body. Then his guru, Shri Ramananda Archarya, came and took the baby in his arms. He chanted Rama's name and ordered Ravi Das to eat and so the baby began to accept his mother's milk. During his childhood, Ravi questioned why their caste were ignorant about Bhagavan and why only Brahmins could learn the shastra. He followed Sants and Sadhus about and tried to learn from them. As a result, he was not concentrating on his training as a shoemaker and his father threw him out of the house. Ramananda Acharya again appeared in Ravi's life and guided him. Ravi Das lived a life of deep poverty, yet always stayed true to his guru and his Bhagavan. He accepted no charity from anyone, even his own disciples. He would make shoes for sadhus and not accept payment so he hardly ever ate. He was married very young but lived apart from his wife from early on in their marriage. Guru Nanakdevji who founded the Sikh dharma was one of Ravi Das's friends and was heavily influenced by Ravi Das. If you listen to many Sikh bhajans, you will see that a lot of them are actually Ravi Das's poems, praising Krishna and Rama's names. Mira and Ravi's relationship was very special. I explain it all in my novel. The webpage is http://www.trafford.com/06-0382 and the book is called 'Follow the Cowherd Boy'. I hope this helps you, Haribol! Jai

Haribol! This is the list of my events when I go on my western book tour part I. I'll be visiting west Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Colorado. Part II will be in late summer when it's not so hot! I have some extra events that haven't been confirmed yet but I'll post them as soon as I know for sure. The events are: Saturday May 5th, 11am-12noon 'The Challenges of writing Follow the Cowherd Boy' Talk at Casa View Library 10355 Ferguson Road, Dallas TX 75228 Free admission. Call Myrna on 214 327 6519 for more details. Wednesday May 9th, 7pm 'Writing Follow the Cowherd Boy' Talk with the Sisters of the Heart Bookclub at Barnes & Noble 8525 Airport Fwy, NE Mall, North Richland Hills, TX 76180 Free admission. Call Georgia on 817 281 6285 for more details. Saturday May 12th, 3-6pm Book signing at Hastings Books Music & Video 5526 Bosque Blvd, Waco TX 76710 Call Ashley on 254 772 6687 for more details. Sunday May 13th, 2-5pm Book signing at Hastings Books Music & Video 4652 S 14th Street, Woodhaven Shopping Center, Abilene TX 79605 Call Brandy on 325 698 7650 for more details. Monday May 14th 4-7pm Book signing at Hastings Books Music & Video 3504 Knickerbocker Rd, Southwest Plaza, San Angelo TX 76904 Call Lisa on 325 949 9401 for more details. Tuesday May 15th, 5-8pm Book signing at Hastings Books Music & Video 3895 E 42nd St, Odessa TX 79762 Call Lesley on 432 550 3973 for more details. Wednesday May 16th, 1-5pm Book signing at Hastings Books Music & Video 1601 W Pierce St, Carlsbad NM 88220 ........><!--D(["mb","\n\u003cdiv\>Call Linda on 505 887 7955 for more details.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Wednesday May 16th, 6:30-9pm\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Book signing at Hastings Books Music & Video\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>1822 N Turner St, Hobbs NM 88240\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Call Michell on 505 393 7586 for more details\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Thursday May 17th, 12-3pm\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Book signing at Hastings Books Music & Video\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>1809 10th Street, Alamogordo NM 88310\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Call Mitch on 505 437 9776 for more details.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Thursday May 17th, 4-8pm\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Book signing at Hastings Books Music & Video\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>2350 S Lohman Ave, Las Cruces NM 88001\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Call Stacey on 505 525 0022 for more details.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Friday May 18th, 4-6pm\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Book signing at Hastings Books Music & Video\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>4315 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Call Will on 505 299 7750 for more details.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Saturday May 19th, 1-3pm\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Book signing at Waldenbooks\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>4601 East Main, Farmington NM 87401\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Call Eric on 505 327 7835 for more details.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Sunday May 20th, 12-3pm\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Book signing at Hastings Books Music & Video\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>1540 S Riordan Ranch Street, Flagstaff, AZ 86001\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Call Tal on 928 779 1880 for more details.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Monday May 21st, 5-8pm\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Book signing at Hastings Books Music & Video\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>940 Willow Creek Rd, Prescott, AZ 86301\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Call John on 928 776 8764 for more details.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Wednesday May 23rd, 4-8pm\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Book signing at Hastings Books Music & Video\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>3758 E Fry Blvd, Sierra Vista AZ 85635\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Call Karen on 520 459 8130 for more details.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Friday May 25th, 2-7pm\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Book signing at Hastings Books Music & Video\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>2840 S Fourth Ave, Yuma AZ 85364\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Call Anthony on 928 344 4614 for more details\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Saturday May 26th, 11am-1pm\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Book signing at Hastings Books Music & Video",1]);//-->.........>Call Linda on 505 887 7955 for more details. Wednesday May 16th, 6:30-9pm Book signing at Hastings Books Music & Video 1822 N Turner St, Hobbs NM 88240 Call Michell on 505 393 7586 for more details Thursday May 17th, 12-3pm Book signing at Hastings Books Music & Video 1809 10th Street, Alamogordo NM 88310 Call Mitch on 505 437 9776 for more details. Thursday May 17th, 4-8pm Book signing at Hastings Books Music & Video 2350 S Lohman Ave, Las Cruces NM 88001 Call Stacey on 505 525 0022 for more details. Friday May 18th, 4-6pm Book signing at Hastings Books Music & Video 4315 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111 Call Will on 505 299 7750 for more details. Saturday May 19th, 1-3pm Book signing at Waldenbooks 4601 East Main, Farmington NM 87401 Call Eric on 505 327 7835 for more details. Sunday May 20th, 12-3pm Book signing at Hastings Books Music & Video 1540 S Riordan Ranch Street, Flagstaff, AZ 86001 Call Tal on 928 779 1880 for more details. Monday May 21st, 5-8pm Book signing at Hastings Books Music & Video 940 Willow Creek Rd, Prescott, AZ 86301 Call John on 928 776 8764 for more details. Wednesday May 23rd, 4-8pm Book signing at Hastings Books Music & Video 3758 E Fry Blvd, Sierra Vista AZ 85635 Call Karen on 520 459 8130 for more details. Friday May 25th, 2-7pm Book signing at Hastings Books Music & Video 2840 S Fourth Ave, Yuma AZ 85364 Call Anthony on 928 344 4614 for more details Saturday May 26th, 11am-1pm Book signing at Hastings Books Music & Video........><!--D(["mb","\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>321 Lake Havasu Ave N, Lake Havasu City AZ 86403\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Call Pete on 928 680 7272 for more details.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Sunday May 27th, 11am-2pm\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Book signing at Hastings Books Music & Video\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>1985 Hwy 95, Bullhead City AZ 86442\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Call Diane on 928 763 0025 for more details\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Sunday May 27th, 5-8pm\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Book signing at Hastings Books Music & Video\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>3153 Stockton Hill Road, Kingman Square, Kingman AZ 86401\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Call Jan on 928 753 1012 for more details.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Friday June 1st, 2-5pm\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Book signing at Hastings Books Music & Video\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>340 East 525 North, Harrisville UT 84404\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Call Scott on 801 399 2090 for more details.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Friday June 1st, 6-9pm\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Book signing at Hastings Books Music & Video\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>50E 400 North, Logan UT 84321\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Call Tiffany on 435 753 0709 for more details.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Saturday June 2nd, 4-6pm\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Book signing at Hastings Books Music & Video\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>2401 North Ave, Teller Arms Shopping Center, Grand Junction CO 81501\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Call Laura on 970 243 0781 for more details.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Sunday June 3rd, 1-3pm\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Book signing at Hastings Books Music & Video\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>2201-A South Townsend, Montrose CO 81401\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Call Sheryl on 972 240 3165 for more details.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Monday June 4th, 2-7pm\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Book signing at Hastings Books Music & Video\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>1811 Freemont Drive, Canon City CO 81212\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Call Trudy on 719 276 1500 for more details.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Wednesday June 6th, 12-3pm\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Book signing at Hastings Books Music & Video\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>1925 N. Prince, Clovis, NM 88101\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Call Jeremy on 505 769 3755 for more details.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Friday June 8th, 5-8pm\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Book signing at Hastings Books Music & Video\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>8209 Slide Rd, Lubbock TX 79424\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Call Athena on 806 794 6936 for more details.",1]);//-->.........> 321 Lake Havasu Ave N, Lake Havasu City AZ 86403 Call Pete on 928 680 7272 for more details. Sunday May 27th, 11am-2pm Book signing at Hastings Books Music & Video 1985 Hwy 95, Bullhead City AZ 86442 Call Diane on 928 763 0025 for more details Sunday May 27th, 5-8pm Book signing at Hastings Books Music & Video 3153 Stockton Hill Road, Kingman Square, Kingman AZ 86401 Call Jan on 928 753 1012 for more details. Friday June 1st, 2-5pm Book signing at Hastings Books Music & Video 340 East 525 North, Harrisville UT 84404 Call Scott on 801 399 2090 for more details. Friday June 1st, 6-9pm Book signing at Hastings Books Music & Video 50E 400 North, Logan UT 84321 Call Tiffany on 435 753 0709 for more details. Saturday June 2nd, 4-6pm Book signing at Hastings Books Music & Video 2401 North Ave, Teller Arms Shopping Center, Grand Junction CO 81501 Call Laura on 970 243 0781 for more details. Sunday June 3rd, 1-3pm Book signing at Hastings Books Music & Video 2201-A South Townsend, Montrose CO 81401 Call Sheryl on 972 240 3165 for more details. Monday June 4th, 2-7pm Book signing at Hastings Books Music & Video 1811 Freemont Drive, Canon City CO 81212 Call Trudy on 719 276 1500 for more details. Wednesday June 6th, 12-3pm Book signing at Hastings Books Music & Video 1925 N. Prince, Clovis, NM 88101 Call Jeremy on 505 769 3755 for more details. Friday June 8th, 5-8pm Book signing at Hastings Books Music & Video 8209 Slide Rd, Lubbock TX 79424 Call Athena on 806 794 6936 for more details.........><!--D(["mb","\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>That's it for now. I have.a couple of other.events that I'm not sure about but I'll send you the info.when and if.they are confirmed.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Thanks,\u003c/div\>",1]);D(["mb","\u003cspan class\u003dsg\>\n\u003cdiv\>.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Zarna Joshi\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Author of 'Follow the Cowherd Boy'\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Trafford catalogue number 06-0382\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>972 221 0686\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>\u003ca href\u003d\"zjoshi@gmail.com\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>zjoshi@gmail.com\u003c/a\>\u003c/div\>\n\u003c/span\>",0]);D(["ce"]);//-->.........> This list is also available on my books webpage which is http://www.trafford.com/06-0382 Haribol! Jai Mirabai! Jai

Haribol! I think you're doing a great job, Prabhu. Keep going, books are always worth it. I've written a novel about the great devotee Mirabai and am promoting it right now. It's a tough job but it's such a blessing to hear readers responses and to know that this is sharing Mira's story of Bhakti to Krishna. I've posted a list of my next book tour in the US in The Friendly Marketplace forum. If anyone is interested and near any of the locations then please come to meet me. I'd love to see devotees on my travels. Haribol! Jai

Why debate over it? Whenever he comes, we should be happy. Is that not enough? Sorry, I don't mean to be flippant. I just hope he comes at the end of this age. We need him! Haribol! Jai

Haribol! I agree that you should ask for Hanumanji's assistance. He is very merciful and will protect you. Also, I would like to point out that Shani Dev is not evil. He has been given the job of giving people good and bad luck as per their karma and that is his service to Krishna. It is not his fault if your karma says that you must have a lot of bad luck. Therefore you should not be praying that Hanuman beats him up. Hanuman and Shani Dev are actually friends. After Hanuman punished Shani Dev for some misdeeds, Shani Dev submitted to him. Then when Ravan took Shani Dev as a prisoner, the demi-gods sent Hanuman to break him out of the jail. It was after Hanuman rescued Shani Dev that they became friends and Shani Dev promised that anyone who worshipped Hanuman would be protected from his bad effects. Shani Dev himself is very kind. If you humbly ask for forgiveness then I'm sure he will try to help you. There is one village in India where there is a temple to Shani Dev. It is said that nothing is ever stolen in that village and the people there never lock their doors as they know that Shani Dev will punish any wrong doers. Remember, he is a servant of Krishna. So chant your Hanuman Chalisa and be more friendly towards Shani Dev. Have faith in Krishna and know that whatever happens is the result of your karma. Jai

Thank you, I feel very fortunate and he's been so kind to me. Haribol! Jai

Thank you, it's always fascinating to learn more about Leonardo da Vinci's work. Haribol! Jai

Jai Shri Krishna, Bija! How are you? Haven't seen you in ages. Jai

Haribol! Thank you for your replies. Again, I've been astounded by the people I've met. Last month I went on a book tour to the southern states. The first event was in Shreveport, Louisiana and that is where I had the pleasure of meeting a disciple of Sacidananda Maharaj. She was most gracious and told me that she'd heard about my event and my book and wanted to help me. I never thought that I might meet devotees like this in Louisiana but again, Krishna surprises me. At my event in Pensacola, I was speaking to man about my book and he saw the title and said, "Oh, is that about Krishna?" From the look of him, I never would have guessed that he knew anything about it. He told me that he'd read the Gita and several of Prabhupada's books. At another event in San Antonio, I was at the College Book Fair and a lady saw my title and realised the book was about Krishna. I asked her how she knew and she said that she reads a lot to her son and that she'd read him stories about Krishna. Isn't that beautiful? She's learning about Krishna and sharing him with her son at his young age. When touring, it's always very difficult to find food that I can eat. In many of the places in the south, it's hard to even find resturants that give vegetarian options, let alone vegetarian resturants. It worries me that I'm eating contaminated food and I get very anxious about it. One time, I went to a pizza place and asked if they could make me a vegetarian pizza without onion and garlic in the crust or the sauce or anywhere on the pizza. They said they could and made it for me. When I paid, the man looked me in the eye and said "Sadguru Maharaj ki jai." I blinked and stupidly asked "What?" He smiled and repeated himself. I realised then that my pizza was indeed cooked by a devotee and that even though I'm worrying, Krishna is arranging things perfectly. Haribol! Jai

If I may humbly ask, RamChandji, who are you that you can presume to know Krishna's will? Several years ago, the British Government tried to close Bhaktivedanta Manor in Hertfordshire and the struggle was ongoing for years before the devotees managed to save the temple, buy more land, and build a whole new road to reach the temple and resolve the problem. So what was Krishna's will in this instance? Did he want the temple to close? Or did he want devotees to work very hard to serve him? Or did he want to bring devotees together in love of him to keep his temple open? Or did he want the temple to end up with much more land and property than before? Or did he want that land for the temple cows? Or did he want to mock the British government? Or does he simply want devotees to chant his name? How are we to know exactly what Krishna wants? All we can do is try to serve Him and our Guru in the best way that we know and hope that Krishna is pleased with our service. Insulting his devotees and being complacent about a temple closing does not seem like something that would please Krishna. Krishna says that offenses committed towards him he will forgive but offenses committed towards his devotees he will never forgive. I am not saying that any of the things you mention in the letter could be untrue. I know nothing about the situation in Singapore and I do not know the devotees there. Please forgive my ignorance. However, it seems to me that your letter is not constructive in any way. Do you make any suggestions as to how the congregational members will still have somewhere to go for darshan? Focusing our attention on the faults of others, instead of focusing on how to serve Krishna, is a negative way to live. I ask that you give some thought to this matter. Haribol, Jai

Prince Charles ki jaya! Jai

Haribol! I'm back from my tour of the southern states and it was a wonderful experience. I met many people who were very interested in Mirabai and her life. It was such a happy thing to be talking about Mirabai everyday and encouraging others to learn about her and be inspired by her. I've already started recieving emails from people I met and they've expressed to me their love for Mirabai's story and their awe of her devotion to Krishna. What wonderful satsang is being performed all over the south! Jai

A slokha would be nice to know but when asking forgiveness is a slokha really necessary? It should be a spontaneous opening of your heart, revealing all your sins and repenting. You don't need a slokha for this. Simply ask Krishna's forgiveness with your own words, then chant the mahamantra. After all, Krishna doesn't care about slokhas, he just wants you to talk to him and love him. We all do things we must ask forgiveness for. I wish I didn't commit offenses but I do. I'm too fallen. Jai

What is going on and why are these people abusing each other? It is a sad thing that the temple is closing as it means the community will be deprived of a place to go to get darshan of Radha Krishna. I know nothing about the area or the people there but it seems to me that this is a weird situation where devotees are insulting each other for no reason. Is the main point not about Krishna? Is the issue not about Krishna's temple and where it will go next? What is being done to set up a new home for the deities? Haribol! Jai

Haribol! I've been gone for a while but I'm back home now and am reading up on the threads. To get to the point, Sufis are a minority and are persecuted in many Muslim countries. I don't really considered Sufis to be Muslim. What they believe and practice is much more interesting and attractive to me than Islam. By the way, where did that poem come from, Braj? Jai

Haribol! My three book signings in Texas went well and I'm back home, getting ready for my long book tour that starts tomorrow. I'll be driving to Shreveport, Louisiana in the morning. It's wonderful to meet people and tell them about Mirabai and see them interested to know more about her. I look forward to more of these experiences, Jai Shri Krishna! Jai Mirabai! Jai Joshi

Awwww... I just melted into me seat. That's so gorgeous, I love it. While I was in India I experienced some of the most moving scenes of my life connected to cows. I saw a cow comforting a crippled beggar in the street who was crying. I saw a cow protect a female dog from an overzealous male dog by running it off in true scary mother style. When the male dog persisted I saw the cow dole out some authentic mother-like punishment in the form of a kick up the backside. The dog ran away whimpering and the female dog sat down in relief. I love cows! Jai

Haribol! In just over a weeks time, I'll be embarking on my first book tour out of Texas. I've pasted the dates and locations of all my events so if anyone is in any of this areas then please come along. Also, I found out that my talk tomorrow with the South West Writers Group in Lakewood Library, Dallas, is open to the public with free entry. The talk is focused on how I wrote 'Follow the Cowherd Boy' so there will be a lot of talk about travelling in India and researching the stories by listening to the acharyas. Here are the details: Writing "Follow the Cowherd Boy" Talk Southwest Writers Club - open to the public, free admission, Lakewood Library, Dallas, TX 75214 1:00 - 3:30 pm, Saturday, March 3, 2007 Note: SWWC's Annual Mad Hatters Meeting - Everyone must wear a hat to attend (A prize will be awarded for the best hat!) For more information, please call Sami at 214-868-1943 Novel Writing and Pros and Cons of Self Publishing Talk for ages 17 and older. Preston Royal Branch Library 5626 Royal Lane, Dallas TX 75229 6:30-8pm, Wednesday, March 7th, 2007 For more information call Vaughn on 214 670 7128 www.dallaslibrary.org J A Joshi will be exhibiting at Southwest Florida Reading Festival Centennial Park and Harborside Event Center, Fort Myers, Florida 10am-4pm, Saturday, March 17th, 2007 Contact Linda McCarthy on 239 461 2920 2345 Union Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901 www.lee-county.com/library/ReadingFestivalHome.htm March 8th, Book signing at The Twig Book Shop, 5005 Broadway St, San Antonio TX, 5-7pm. Call Dinah on 210 826 6411 for more details. March 9th, Book signing at Borders Express, 2100 W. S. Young Drive, Killeen, TX, 2-6pm. Call Eva on 254 699 4866 for more details. March 10th, Book signing at A Thirsty Mind Book Shop, 1200 Lakeway Drive, Lakeway, TX, 11am-5pm. Call Pam on 512 608 9100 for details. March 12th, Book signing at The Peace of Mind Center, 284 Southfield Rd, Shreveport LA, 2-6pm. Call Gina on 318 219 8344 for more details. March 13th, Book signing at Waldenbooks, 3437 Masonic Drive, Alexandria Mall, Alexandria LA, 5-8pm. Call Pam on 318 443 4620 for more details. March 14th, Book signing at Waldenbooks, 9663 Cortano Place, Cortana Mall, Baton Rouge LA, 1-4pm. Call Eric 225 924 7665 for more details. March 15th, Book signing at Borders, 26 Beach Boulevard, Edgewater Mall, Biloxi MS, 3-5pm. Call Ashley on 228 388 5005 for more details. March 15th, Book signing at Waldenbooks, 2800 US Highway 90, 1250 Singing River Mall, Gautier MS, 6:30-9pm. Call Ryan on 228 264 9823 for more details. March 16th, Book signing at Waldenbooks, 51 N Ninth Ave, 240 Cordova Mall, Pensacola FL, 3-8pm. Call Nicole on 850 477 0466 for more details. March 17th, Exhibiting at Lee County Reading Festival, Fort Myers FL, 10am-4pm. Call Karen on 239 479 4636 for more details. March 18th, Book signing at Waldenbooks, 1705 W 49th St, Hialeah FL, 1-4pm. Call Rose on 305 823 9032 for more details. March 18th, Book signing at Waldenbooks, 9327 West Atlantic Blvd, Coral Springs FL, 5-8pm. (This still needs to be confirmed) Call Larry 954 755 6107 for more details. March 19th, Book signing at Waldenbooks, 10 N. Federal Highway, Pampano Beach FL, 1pm. (This still needs to be confirmed) Call Michelle on 954 782 4858 for more details. March 20th, Book signing at Waldenbooks, 4200 Conroy Road, Mall at Millenia Spc 203, Orlando FL, 2-8pm. Call Marcus on 407 354 2282 for more details. March 21st, Book signing at Waldenbooks, 2500 So. Washington Avenue, Titusville FL, 3:30-8pm. Call Beth on 321 267 7650 for more details. March 23rd, Book signing at Borders, 196 Alps Road, Athens GA, 7-10pm. Call Vicky on 706 583 8647 for more details. March 24th, Book signing at Yawns Books and More, 7850 Cumming Hwy, Canton GA, 2-4pm. Call Carmen on 678 880 1922 for more details. March 24th, Book signing at Borders, 1705 Mall of Georgia Blvd, Buford GA, 6-9pm. Call Betty on 678 482 0872 for more details. March 25th, Book signing at Borders, Building C Suite 700, The Avenue East Cobb, Marietta GA, 1-5pm. Call Kip on 770 565 0947 for more details. March 25th, Book signing at Borders, 1605 East-West Connector Road, Austell Ga, 6-10pm. Call Amber on 770 941 8740 for more details. March 26th, Book signing at Borders, 6594 Douglas Blvd, Douglasville GA, 5-10pm. Call Dave on 770 577 9787 for more details. March 28th, Book signing at The Book Nook, 3453 Norman Bridge Rd, Montgomery AL, 2-6pm. Call Dorothy on 334 262 5229 for more details. March 30th, Book signing at Waldenbooks, 5901 University Mall, Huntsville AL, 2-9pm. Call Beverley on 256 830 0168 for more details. April 1st, Book signing at Waldenbooks, 5111 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith AR, 1-8pm. Call Rhiannon on 479 452 9860 for more details. April 2nd, Book signing at Cottage Bookstore of Melbourne, 412 Court Street, Melbourne AR, from 10am. Includes discussions. Call Linda on 870 368 3680 for more details. April 4th, Book signing at Waldenbooks, 27 Central Mall, Texarkana TX, 12-7pm. Call Billy on 903 832 4286 for more details. This is a long list but if you live in the south then please take the time to look through it and see if I'll be appearing anywhere near you. Many thanks, Haribol! Jai

It amazing how many animal products are used in things on the sly without the consumers knowledge, isn't it? It's best to stick to the regulative principles and avoid not just alcohol but processed foods and other products that have gone through a factory. Organic foods are also best as I read in an article once that certain types of pears are genetically modified using fish genes. I thought that was far fetched but then I tried a pear (American produce) and I swear to god - it was fishy. No pun intended. Haribol, Jai

The possibilities for interpretation are endless, aren't they? Personally I can't wait until we get to play films from thumb drives. That would be cool! And think of the storage space we'd save on our shelves. Jai Shri Hari, creator of thumb drives. Jai

Hey, now you have an excuse to buy a new TV and DVD player! Hari Hari bol! Jai

My brother once saw a bottle of red wine that was labelled vegetarian. Confused he asked someone what that meant and they told him that some red wines contain pigs blood so they weren't vegetarian. How disgusting is that? It's bad enough to drink alcohol but to be drinking pig's blood? Urgh! Haribol! Haribol! Haribol! Jai

Isn't it sickening? Oh Hari, protect the cows. Jai

Haribol! I'm sorry to hear about this, Prabhu. Were the family in the house when the theft too place? I get the feeling they were not. If this is so then remind them that it was through Krishna's mercy that they were not in the house when the burglary took place. Otherwise who knows what might have happened. They are safe and together and that is what matters. Once, my sister returned home from a trip to India. She was jetlagged and forgot that she'd left the key in the front door. She went inside and fell asleep on the sofa and while she was sleeping, a burglar came into our house and stole her luggage. She lost her passport, her cards, everything. Still, we were thankful that she'd not been harmed, as she'd been helpless and asleep. They could have done anything to her. So remember that it is only through Krishna's mercy that we are saved from these disasters. Also, remind them that this is just an extreme form of the thieving that takes place everyday by the banks, the government, even by other family members. Everyone is always trying to take advantage over us. We can only be steady and have faith in the power of Krishna to protect us. Someone is bound to steal something from you, so why not let Krishna steal your heart? Haribol! Jai

Haribol! Prabhu, Mad Cow Disease became such a problem because the farmers were feeding their cows other dead cows. So the cows that already had the disease passed the disease into the cows who were eating them. Thus the disease became more concentrated and killed them. Eventually, it passed into the humans eating the cows as the CJD virus and started killing them too. This whole problem is due to the horrific arrogance of some humans that caused them to turn vegetarian animals like cows into not just carnivores but cannibals too, by making them eat their own kind. It goes against nature itself to do this yet they did it and expected no bad reaction. I can't believe that it is still happening after mad cow disease turned the British beef industry upside down but it looks like these people will never learn. Only when their own children start dying of some terrible disease will they understand that they cannot abuse nature this way and live to not regret it. Jai Shri Krishna. Jai