Mxyzptlk

for the March calendar. I referred to your February calendar last month and it was helpful, especially for Ekadasis.

However, my motive (or at least one of them) in my followup reply above was to be the one who made the 28,000th posting in the Spiritual Discussions forums. (Just see how deep the false ego runs.) /images/graemlins/frown.gif I don't know that 28,000 has any special significance. But it is a nice, round, even number. And if you add the integers, 2 + 8 and subtract it from 28,000, you get 27,900, which is divisible by 9: 27,900 divided by 9 = 3110.

My motive? Good question. I began to think long and hard about this, and after about 1 1/2 minutes, maybe even 2, I finally threw my arms up in the air in utter despair and softly said: "Ay caramba." Then after another 30 seconds, I tried to dig deeper into my soul, some real gut-wrenching soul-searching, something which I've heard that others do, but something which I haven't yet tried--until now, and I finally realized my motive was quite simple. Not only that, but even sophomoric, perhaps bordering on juvenile. My motive? I was hoping to elicit a reply similar to yours so that I could have a good chuckle. And it worked. And for that I thank you. /images/graemlins/smile.gif

Will it take off and become a six pager? It's anyone's guess at this stage. However, I'm doing my part by adding this thought-provoking reply and bringing this thread back up to the top, where hopefully it will remain at least for a few minutes or so.

Next thing you know, they will have a new exercise machine on those late night infomercials designed specifically for yoga. No need for yoga classes, no need for strenuous stretching exercises on the floor. Now use our new machine, which is custom-designed to accomodate all the asanas for all shapes and sizes. And you can even watch TV while you're practicing yoga! And when you're finished, just fold up the machine and slide it neatly underneath your sofa. It's the next big thing. Well, at least the biggest since the hula-hoop. Now we just need a supermodel to promote it. Christie Brinkley is already taken, she's hawking that fitness gym with Chuck Norris.

I realize that Ravi Shankar was considered by Sriman George Harrison to be a "music guru" and that they had considerable association with one another. However, I have heard on many occassions that Shankar was not at all favorably inclined towards the devotees or Srila Prabhupada, and this was back in the days when Srila Prabhupada was physically manifest, (as opposed to later years when Iskcon's PR slided down the scale a few notches due to scandals and falldowns and whatnot.) Perhaps things have changed and Ravi has since become favorable. But, I have yet to hear of this. I know Ravi is a great sitar player and I suppose for that he deserves some praise. But still... Anyone have any updates on his status as a devotee, or if he's even slightly favorable towards the devotees after all these years?

From Rupa Gosvami's Nectar of Instruction, 5th sloka, purport by Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada: In this verse Srila Rupa Gosvami advises the devotee to be intelligent enough to distinguish between the kanistha-adhikari, madhyama-adhikari and uttama-adhikari. The devotee should also know his own position and should not try to imitate a devotee situated on a higher platform. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura has given some practical hints to the effect that an uttama-adhikari Vaisnava can be recognized by his ability to convert many fallen souls to Vaisnavism. One should not become a spiritual master unless he has attained the platform of uttama-adhikari. A neophyte Vaisnava or a Vaisnava situated on the intermediate platform can also accept disciples, but such disciples must be on the same platform, and it should be understood that they cannot advance very well toward the ultimate goal of life under his insufficient guidance. Therefore a disciple should be careful to accept an uttama-adhikari as a spiritual master. (Nectar of Instruction p. 58)

Doesn't the Bible say "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and all things will be added unto you?" I believe Srila Prabhupada's strategy was to first off create devotees, then when there are enough devotees, then establish Varnashrama. Even today there are lots of devotees, but still we seem unable to get Varnashrama off the ground. Not sure why, except maybe there are so many different 'camps' nowadays, and it's difficult to unite all the devotees under this common cause.

Hare Krsna Theist Ji, These are intelligent questions. Unfortunately, I am not able to answer them authoritatively. I know that there is one book called Brihat Bhagavatamrita which elaborates upon these topics. Actually, Srila Prabhupada stated in a purport in the Caitanya Caritamrita that anyone interested in becoming Krsna Conscious must read this book. I don't know right off-hand where you can obtain a copy, although I do believe that Srila Narayana Maharaja has a summary study of this book, and Sripad Tripurari Maharaja has published a version of this great book, and no doubt there is an Iskcon version as well. The book describes the gradual spiritual progression of Gopa Kumar from Vaikuntha to Goloka. At any rate, I have read before that the madhurya rasa contains/includes the other 4 rasas. Whether one actually begins at santa rasa and progresses from one rasa to the next, I don't know. My understanding is that while practicing raganuga bhakti, that at an advanced stage, I believe in the bhava stage, Sri Guru reveals your eternal idendity and your eternal rasa. From what I understand, one usually doesn't switch from one rasa to another, although I have been told that it is possible. An aspiring devotee does indeed require awe and reverance in the beginning in order to develop faith in Krsna. However, one situated in santa rasa is already a pure devotee. So it's not quite the same. One situated in santa rasa has already attained perfection and has already realized his constitutional position in relationship with Krsna. Another possibility is to search through the index of books like Nectar of Devotion and Teachings of Lord Chaitanya, looking up the word 'rasa'. I'm sure you will find many references to the 5 primary rasas, which include the santa rasa. If my understanding of this topic is incorrect, I hope that someone with knowledge of this topic will indeed correct me.

When does one start fasting for this Ekadasi? At midnight of the 12th? At sundown on the 11th? When in general does one start Ekadasi fasting? This is a good question; one which I had wondered about myself, although I had more or less been under the impression that it was "sunrise to sunrise." However, I emailed a devotee friend who has travelled extensively in India, visiting the Maths of Srila Sridhara Maharaja and Srila Narayana Maharaja and many others. He told me that it is fine to eat after sunset the night before Ekadasi. However, he told me that after midnight, it is best to begin observing Ekadasi. After all, there are many strict devotees who will arise and begin chanting their Ekadasi rounds at 2Am, 3AM, 4AM. Brahma-muhurta is the most auspicious time for chanting one's daily rounds, and this occurs before sunrise. 13 Feb 2003 Thurs Break fast 06:44 - 10:14 MUST one break the fast between these times? It is best to break the fast at those times, if it all possible. However, I believe Srila Prabhupada was a bit more lenient with his Western disciples in this regard and wasn't all that particular about the exact times when the Ekadasi fasts were broken. Hope this helps a little bit. I know for myself, being that I work night shifts sometimes, I will now try to begin Ekadasi fasts by Midnight, whereas in the past, I would often wait until close to sunrise.

35 I was worried before looking at the answers that my low score might reflect badly. I was surprised to see that the evaluation of my score is an almost precise description of my personality. Interesting test.

GOLD!

So the second day(Tuesday)of the diet eating vegetables would fall right in line with Ekadasi fasting,right? Yes, Ekadasi falls on Tuesday the 28th, and the first 6 days of this diet are actually compatible with Ekadasi, provided you don't use any peas, corn, beans, or grains (or Lipton Soup Mix) in the Wonder Soup on Day Four. For making the soup, I would recommend boiling your veggies and then take half the veggies out, blend them up, and put them back into the pot. This way, the veggies themselves serve as a thickener, and makes the soup rich. I went back and looked at the diet again and actually, it doesn't sound bad at all. What stands out is that only on Day 7 are grains allowed, in the form of brown rice. The first 6 days you will be taking fresh fruit and veggies, some soup (Day 4), and some paneer (Days 5 and 6.) Since you will be working out in the gym, I'm guessing that you might start to feel a need to eat more grains, for protein and strength. But, I suppose you could always adjust the Diet just a bit and perhaps take rice (and perhaps some oatmeal) on Days 5, 6, and 7, assuming you continue this diet beyond the first or second week. I hope my previous posts didn't sound discouraging. I think this diet may very well be quite good, provided you make any needed adjustments for allowing grains as the diet progresses. After all, any diet that recommends lots of fresh fruit and veggies, along with drinking lots of water, can't be too bad. My original concern was with the somewhat dramatic shifting from one day to the next of fruits, then veggies, then a combination of both fruits and veggies, then bananas and milk, then curd and tomatoes, then curd and veggies, then brown rice/veggies/juices. But if your system can handle it, and it helps with the blood pressure concerns, then I say give it a go. I hope it works out well, and please let me know if you have some success with it. Also, as far as Ekadasi goes, just do what you can reasonable handle at this time. I don't want you to feel overwhelmed or pressured in the beginning stages of Bhakti. I don't think I observed my first Ekadasi until after I had chanted for about 6 months and had read the Bhagavad Gita and a couple of other books. So, just go at your own comfortable pace. From what I've been reading on other threads, you are doing great thus far. It is already tough enough as it is trying to learn about Bhakti Yoga when there's no Temple or devotees nearby.

Debbie, I was mistaken, the second link does work, although for some reason it won't work on my Netscape browser. I just now switched over and tried it on Internet Explorer and it worked fine. And sorry, I didn't mean to imply that you would be partaking of the bad stuff in that diet such as wine. I guess I was trying to make the point that the author(s) of this diet don't sound all that knowledgeable in regards to nutrition and health, even if the diet does indeed help one to lose weight. At any rate, I suspect the diet would be okay to do for a few weeks anyway. Also, I'm glad JNdas prabhu mentioned the Ekadasi fasting. Ekadasi comes once every 2 weeks. Actually, according to my calendar, Tuesday is Ekadasi here in the U.S. So, we try to fast from grains and legumes. If I eat anything on Ekadasi, it is usually just potatoes and maybe some peanuts, just to keep things simple. A full fast is great, as JNdas suggested, although it may not always be feasible, if you have to work and be active. I know for myself, whenever I do a full fast on Ekadasi, (water only, or possibly some juices), I feel GREAT the following day, really super-rejuvenated. There is something wonderful about observing Ekadasi.

If anyone wants to listen to Srila Prabhupada chant a round of japa, they can do so here. He chants slowly with his disciples, it's an 11 1/2 minute round. Very sweet. Another thing that may be helpful for chanting, (when the mind wanders), is to simply look at the written words of the maha-mantra as one chants. And then try to concentrate on hearing the sound vibration of each syllable of the Maha-Mantra. Of course, the best method for focusing is to chant with a purpose, with feeling, "concentrating on the love for Krsna", as Debbie has mentioned. Ultimately, it isn't a mechanical process, it must be prayerful, with a mood of humility, urgency, and love.

On day five, tomatoes and paneer is to be eaten. My question is, is it possible, I might could put cottage cheese on top and maybe bake it, and it would be eatable or would it be better to eat each alone. I'm not a nutritionist, but I see nothing wrong with taking the paneer and tomato together. Baking them sounds fine. Subjis at the Sunday Feasts often contain preparations made with tomato sauce and curd (along with other veggies.) Paneer is the same as curd. You can either make it yourself by curdling milk and then straining the whey out, (I prefer to use a strainer covered with a Handiwipe, and then let it sit for 4 to 6 hours to get all the whey out, until it's firm enough to be cut into squares.) I guess you could use cottage cheese, but it still has some whey. I've never actually tried straining it, and it might be a bit more difficult to do, being that the manufacturers usually put some thickening agent in the cottage cheese. However, I suppose you could pre-bake it at a low temperature to get the excess liquid out. I clicked on the second link, for the paneer, but got a message saying the page was not available. Let me know if you think it would be safe and can be used for the duration. Myself, I really can't say. For a week, I suppose it would be okay. The diet doesn't sound very scientific or anything. After all, it was saying that one could use canned fruit on the "fruit" days, and that one could drink wine or beer. Of course, I know you will stay away from the unhealthy aspects of the diet and just take the essence. (Where have I heard that phrase before?) I can't predict what kind of long-range effects this might have on your health. For the short term, I would think it to be okay. Beyond that, I would simply be speculating. As you said, though, one week of this diet would give you a jump-start if nothing else, along with some cleansing. But do let us know how the diet works out and if indeed you are able to lose 10 to 17 lbs a week. If it works, you may be on to something here!

When I was living in the Temples, 2 hours was about average for chanting 16 rounds. That comes to about 7 1/2 minutes per round. However, I did read somewhere that Srila Prabhupada had said that 6 minute or even 5 minute rounds are not uncommon once one has developed their focus and concentration and has acquired some taste for chanting. In that case, one might be able to chant 16 rounds in 1 1/2 hours. It's interesting, when I chant, I seem to chant faster rounds when I'm more enthusiastic and attentive, and slower rounds when I'm not so attentive. There's nothing at all wrong with chanting slow rounds, even if it takes us 10 minutes per round, provided it helps us to better concentrate on the sound vibration, as well as adopting the mood of a helpless child crying for the loving arms of its well-wishing mother.

The muslim was able to quote from all the scriptures (including hindu scriptures) thru his memory while justifying it and the poor philosopher based all his points purely from a health perspective as per jain philosophy. It is little wonder that the Jain philosopher lost the debate. Merely employing the "health" arguments while the opponent is firing away with his entire arsenal, including scripture, is a recipe for defeat. The Jain could have won had he taken advantage of the many convincing, if not irrefutable, arguments relating to the economics, ethics, and of course the scriptural foundations of vegetarianism. If the Muslim is quoting scripture left and right, not only his own but other scriptures from around the world, and the Jain merely counters with the "health" angle, then it doesn't sound as if he was properly prepared for this debate. I have a great book by a devotee named Steven Rosen (Satyaraja.) I haven't read it in a while, but always found it tremendously useful whenever I found myself needing some "ammo" to counter an aggressive meat-eater who wants to quote scripture to support his views. I believe the book was entitled "Food for the Spirit." Or something like that. I think it's obtainable from Krsna Culture, although their online catalogue is incomplete and doesn't advertise this particular book. This book offers *numerous* irrefutable quotes from *all* the major scriptures in the world, including the Koran. I more or less share the same mood as Theist Ji, and I'm not so inclined to become involved in this debate except to say that next time, the Jain, or whoever else wishes to debate the Muslims on this issue, should adopt a different strategy, in addition to researching the subject carefully in advance, from all angles. He should be able to debate scripture vs scripture and have access to tons of quotes from the various religious books which the Muslim is also using. If he can hold his ground there, (which shouldn't be too difficult), then the health, economic, and ethical arguments are icing on the cake, so to speak. Not that I'm an expert on the subject, but that's the way I would have approached it, were I debating a Muslim on this issue.

The muslim was able to quote from all the scriptures (including hindu scriptures) thru his memory while justifying it and the poor philosopher based all his points purely from a health perspective as per jain philosophy. It is little wonder that the Jain philosopher lost the debate. Merely employing the "health" arguments while the opponent is firing away with his entire arsenal, including scripture, is a recipe for defeat. The Jain could have won had he taken advantage of the many convincing, if not irrefutable, arguments relating to the economics, ethics, and of course the scriptural foundations of vegetarianism. If the Muslim is quoting scripture left and right, not only his own but other scriptures from around the world, and the Jain merely counters with the "health" angle, then it doesn't sound as if he was properly prepared for this debate. I have a great book by a devotee named Steven Rosen (Satyaraja.) I haven't read it in a while, but always found it tremendously useful whenever I found myself needing some "ammo" to counter an aggressive meat-eater who wants to quote scripture to support his views. I believe the book was entitled "Food for the Spirit." Or something like that. I think it's obtainable from Krsna Culture, although their online catalogue is incomplete and doesn't advertise this particular book. This book offers *numerous* irrefutable quotes from *all* the major scriptures in the world, including the Koran. I more or less share the same mood as Theist Ji, and I'm not so inclined to become involved in this debate except to say that next time, the Jain, or whoever else wishes to debate the Muslims on this issue, should adopt a different strategy, in addition to researching the subject carefully in advance, from all angles. He should be able to debate scripture vs scripture and have access to tons of quotes from the various religious books which the Muslim is also using. If he can hold his ground there, (which shouldn't be too difficult), then the health, economic, and ethical arguments are icing on the cake, so to speak. Not that I'm an expert on the subject, but that's the way I would have approached it, were I debating a Muslim on this issue.

Hare Krsna! As I mentioned in my earlier message, your question was good. Also, I sensed that you were inquiring due to your natural love for Krsna. Most of us have had the same doubts at one time or another and it is important that we clear them so that our faith and love increase. So, please don't hesitate to share your doubts. I am touched that I was able to be of some small service with my feable reply.

If he really wanted everyone to return to Him, why not stay longer than 125 years so people can have first hand experience of Him? Perhaps the real question should be: "How come we are so disinterested in Krsna that we cannot even perform Bhakti Yoga for 30 or 40 years so that we may return to and spend all of eternity with Him?" "Show me God, then I'll surrender." It doesn't work that way. There must be some merit, some qualification (sukriti). Without proper sukriti, one may be in Krsna's personal presence and scoff, thinking him to be an ordinary cowherd. Sisupala received Krsna's presence, but instead of appreciating Him, began to insult Him and call Him foul names, even with the Pandavas and other devotees in attendance. If you want to obtain a precious jewel, there is a price to pay. If you desire Krsna's personal presence, same thing. Besides, as has been discussed a little already, Krsna does indeed manifest Himself even now, in the form of the Acarya. The pure devotee carries Krsna in his heart, along with Vrindavana, and if you are fortunate enough to meet such a maha-bhagavata, then you will sense this presence. Many Prabhupada disciples will tell you that they experienced uncontrollable ecstatic symptoms when they met Srila Prabhupada for the first time. I believe that Bhabru prabhu shared just such an experience not too long ago. Many of the sadhana-siddhas who obtained Krsna's direct association 5000 years ago spent thousands, if not millions, of years engaging in Krsna's service (in separation) before they finally received the opportunity to take birth at the time Krsna appeared. In this particular Kali-Yuga, Lord Chaitanya has given us a process whereby it is quite possible for us to attain Him in one lifetime, simply by chanting Hare Krsna, which is a very small price to pay in comparison. So, the ball is in our court: do we really want Krsna? Or do we still prefer Maya? Krsna won't interfere with our free will to accept or reject Him.

I would like this cleared up by someone. I also apologize for sowing the seeds of confusion. No need to apologize. Actually, it is rather interesting to discover that the proper method of chanting japa has become slightly obscured with the passage of time. Also, it is my own fault as well, being that I misread your original reply, otherwise I would have offered a correction at that time. (Not that I'm qualified to correct anyone here, of course.) JNdas prabhu is correct when he quotes from an Iskcon Maharaja: A bonafide japa starts with the big grains, and ends with the small ones. And the first eight grains should be separated with some cloth or thread. These 8 grains remind us of eight principal gopis. I had always assumed that there were some written instructions on how to chant japa, a pamphlet or leaflet or something, (written by Srila Prabhupada's disciples), but maybe they are out of print, I don't know. Probably in the Krishna Culture catalogue there are some introductory books written which explains these things. I just now checked their site, and there is a 24 page booklet entitled On Chanting. I don't have a copy, but I suspect that directions for chanting japa are included. By the way, if anyone needs japa beads, they can be obtained there as well.

This is an intelligent question, IMO. Lord Krsna appeared in the previous age, Dvapara Yuga, 5000 years ago. His primary purpose for descending to this world at that time was to engage in pleasure pastimes with his devotees, as well as to attract the minds of the conditioned souls everywhere by allowing them (us) to hear about these pastimes. In the Spiritual Sky, time is conspicuous by its absence. Thus, even though by mundane calculation it may seem that we are 5000 years removed from Krsna's presence, in reality, we need only hear and chant Krsna's names and pastimes to be in His presence, now. In other words, he allows His devotees to receive all the credit for bringing the fallen conditioned souls back to Him. This is why accepting a fully realized soul as Guru (when the time is right) is necessary within the Vaishnava tradition. The devotee's aspiration is to become the servant of the servant of the servant of Krsna's devotee. "Dasa dasa dasa anudasa." And Krsna states that He manifests as the Acarya. "Acaryam mam vijnanayan." Also, it should be pointed out that during Krsna's Appearance, only a few actually knew Him as God. His pure devotees were usually free from the awe and reverence mood normally associated with worshiping God. Instead, they engaged in the five primary rasas such as friendship, parental, and conjugal. In this particular age, Kali Yuga, Krsna came in disguise, in the form of a devotee, as Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Lord Chaitanya preached throughout India just 500 years ago, and instructed his followers to preach Krsna's glories throughout the world, something which we are most fortunate in being able to witness during this present lifetime. Also, Krsna has incarnated within His holy name, Sri Nama Prabhu, and simply by chanting His names, we can have His direct association. Of course, some training is necessary (sadhana bhakti) so that we may learn to chant without offense, which is why Guru is required. However, in the beginning, we may simply chant and study the books of the Acaryas in our line. In other words, to answer your question in simpler terms, Krsna does preach throughout the world, but He does so through His devotees. He even states in the Bhagavad Gita "No one is more dear to Me, than he." (A devotee who preaches.) This may not be the most eloquent of answers, but at least it's a start. I'm sure that the devotees here can elaborate further and perhaps offer some scriptural reference where needed.

You're right, prabhu, it was Radha Kunda. Thankyou for the correction. Just see how my memory is fading as the years roll by. I went back and read some more on the Tribute page, and Jayaradhe says that she joined in Minnesota, I believe in 1971. Later, she said she had a Temple President named Govardhana. I think he was a TP at the Detroit Temple for a while. So, if she joined in '71 and later served under Govardhana's leadership, then it may very well be that she was initiated in Detroit, 1972. However, as I pointed out, her Tribute states that she was initiated in San Francisco, while the Disciple Database is saying she was initiated in Detroit. Probably the same Jayaradhe after all, and perhaps it's just a minor detail. Still, it's always nice to obtain precise information in regards to these matters, due to the historical significance of Srila Prabhupada's coming to the West and the ensuing "Hare Krsna Explosion."

I have faith in Srila Prabhupada, along with other Gaudiya Vaishnava Sadhus, past and present. Who do you have faith in? Either you accept Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada as an ordinary man, or you accept him as a Saint. Myself, I accept him as a Saint, a fully self-realized soul. As a realized soul, he can impart true knowledge to those who hear submissively. You are free to accept or reject his words, as you wish. For those with mundane vision, he may appear to be an ordinary man, an ordinary Hindu. But just as it is said in Brahma Samhita that Krsna can only be seen as He is by those whose eyes have been annointed with the salve of love, the same holds true for His pure devotees. If you want to know Srila Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada beyond what your external eyes perceive, there must be some faith, some love, some surrender. When such faith arises, then knowledge will be revealed within your heart.