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Svarupa

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  1. This is a great site that encourages Jappa or the chanting of Hare Krishna. All our spiritual problems in life comes down to the fact of Sadhana. If we are NOT chanting 16 rounds at least a day, then how do we expect to have any spiritual strength to understand we are not this material body, and most importantly, we are NOT the mind we foolishly think we are?? Sadhana gives us the strength to see that others are not their material vessels as well and helps us see the living entity and Krishna in the region of the heart. Poor Sadhana leads to listening to the mind, thinking you are the body, and exploiting others around you for your own profit, aderation and power. <!-- Begin #content - Centers all content and provides edges for floated columns --><!-- Blog Header --> Japa Group Open discussions on chanting Hare Krsna <!-- Begin #main - Contains main-column blog content --> <ALIGN="CENTER"> German | Portuguese | Italian | Spanish | French | Russian | Chinese 6th September 2008 <!-- Begin .post -->Japa Prayers This is a rather long post - and for that I apologise. However it has helped so much with my japa. It is taken from Mahanidhi Swami's book, entitled 'The Art of Chanting Hare Krishna.' There are prayers for before, during and after japa (although honestly I've thought of the prayers during japa of more of a mood). It helps keep me focussed and makes my japa more meaningful. I hope it will inspire and help others with their japa. BEFORE JAPA: "The beauty of bhakti-yoga, unlike other yoga systems, is that all progress depends more or less on the mercy of Guru and Krsna. In other yoga paths, one attains success by his personal prowess, austerity and endeavor. On the bhakti-marga, however, attaining the goal oiprema does not depend on the mechanical system of hearing and chanting; it depends solely on Krsna's causeless mercy. Lord Gauranga says, guru-krsna-krpaya: by the mercy of guru and Krsna. When Sri Guru and Krsna are fully satisfied with one's sincere efforts, one may be blessed with divine wisdom and spiritual perfection. It is simply a question of mercy and nothing else. The path of devotion (bhakti-marga) depends completely on the mercy of the Lord. Therefore, one must seek the mercy-beg for it, hope for it and pray for it. Gaudiya Vaisnavas understand this principle, so they always pray to Sri Guru and the merciful Vaisnavas past and present for mercy, blessings and guidance. This especially applies to chanting the holy name for which we have little or no taste or attraction. Heartfelt prayers will draw the attention of Krsna and His devotees. By their causeless mercy one will attain the power to chant and the taste to sustain it. ekaki amdra, nahi pay a bala, hari-nama-sahkirtane tumi krpd kori', sraddha-bindu diyd, deho' krsna-nama-dhane "On my own, I have absolutely no strength to chant the holy name ** Please, O Vaisnava Thakura! Be merciful by giving nd grant me the great treasure of the holy name of lord hari. Please, O vaisnava Thakur! Be merciful by giving me one drop faith, and grant me the great treasure of the holy name of krishna (saranagati) One will quickly attain spiritual perfection by selflessly worshiping the six G's: Guru, Gosvamis, Gauranga, Giriraja and Gandharvika-Giridhari. Realizing this, Krsna dasa Kaviraja prayed to the six Gosvamis to remove all impediments to his writing of Caitanya-caritamrta. In the following purport, Srila Prabhupada describes how the six Gosvamis assist devotees by protecting them, destroying obstacles, and arranging for their service to Krsna."If a devotee seeks shelter at the lotus feet of the six Gosvamis, the merciful Gosvamis will certainly give the Lord's servitor all protection. It is not astonishing that impediments are placed before those who are spreading the Krsna consciousness movement all over the world. Nevertheless, if we adhere to the lotus feet of the six Gosvamis and pray for their mercy, all impediments will be annihilated, and the transcendental devotional desire to serve the Supreme Lord will be fulfilled." (Cc. Antya 1.3-4 p.) Devotees who understand the great power of the six Gosvamis will always pray for their mercy. Ours is the path of mercy, the path of grace, and there are no more merciful devotees than the six Gosvamis. May everyone receive the causeless mercy of the six Gosvamis, and go back home, back to Godhead. In order to chant without offenses, subdue impediments, and progress steadily on the path oiprema, acaryas advocate reciting the following prayer to the six Gosvamis ten times every morning before chanting japa: sri-rupa sanatoria bhatta-raghundtha, sri-jiva gopala-bhatta dasaraghundtha ei chay gosdir kori carana vandan, jaha hoite bighna-nas abhistapuran By the causeless mercy of the six Gosvamis-Sri Rupa, Sanatana, Raghunatha Bhatta, Sri Jiva, Raghunatha dasa and Gopala Bhatta-the obstacles to devotion can be removed, the service of Radha-Govinda Yugala can be attained, and all one's personal desires for Service can be fulfilled. (Nama-sankirtana, Narottama dasa Thakura) One can also pray to Lord Nrsimhadeva to remove anarthas and aparadhas from the heart. The auspicious and most merciful Lord Nrsirhha has unlimited power to purify the heart, destroy obstacles to devotion, and bestow attraction for chanting Hare Krsna. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura shows the relationship between Nrsimhadeva's mercy and Radha-Govindaprema: In Navadvipa-dhama, at the abode of Lord Nrsirhha known as Nrsirmha Puri or Devapalli, I will roll on the ground in ecstatic love, begging for unalloyed love of Krsna. In my heart reside duplicity, insincerity, the desire for fame, and the six enemies: lust, anger, greed, envy, illusion and madness (kama, krodha, lobha, matsarya, moha, mada). I will pray at the feet of Lord Nrsimha, therefore, to purify my heart and give me the desire to serve Krsna. Weeping, I will beg at the lotus feet of Nrsimha that I may worship Radha-Govinda in Navadvipa, free from all obstacles. When will that Lord Hari, who strikes fear in fear personified, be pleased and bestow His mercy on me? Although this form of the Lord is terrible for the evil, He is exceedingly auspicious for the devotees headed by Prahlada. When will Nrsimhadeva become pleased to mercifully speak to me, a worthless fool, and remove my fears? "Lord Nrsirhha will say, 'Dear child, stay here happily in Gaura-dhama. Worship Radha-Govinda and develop attraction for the holy name. By the mercy of My devotees all obstacles will be transcended. With a purified heart just worship Radha-Govinda-the abodes of sweet nectar After speaking in this way, when will Lord Nrsirhha joyfully place His feet upon my head? At that moment, by the Lord's mercy, I will exhibit symptoms of ecstatic love for Radha-Govinda, and roll on the ground before the door of His temple." (Navadvipa-bhava-taranga) After praising Sri Guru, the Gosvamis and Lord Nrsirhha one should pray to Gaura-Nitai and the Panca-tattva for the ability to chant suddha-nama. Krsna dasa Kaviraja says the holy names Caitanya and Nityananda will quickly remove nama-aparadhas from faithful chanters: caitanya-nitydnande nahi esaba vicara natna laite prema dena, vahe asrudhara "One will be cleansed of all offenses very quickly just by chanting the holy names of Caitanya and Nityananda with a little faith. Then as soon as one chants the Hare Krsna maha-mantra, he will attain prema and tears will flow from his eyes."(cc. Adi 8.31) Every night during the Kartika month, a kirtana party walks around Radha-kunda. With wompers, mrdangas and contagious enthusiasm they wildly sing, "Jai Caitanya! Nitai-Caitanya! Jai Caitanya-Nitaiii!" When one hears this kirtana, he instantly feels lighthearted and flushed with joy. Without thinking, one starts singing responsively. By the influence of Caitanya-Nitai, the maha-mantra soon pours out in waves of sweetness. All glories to the causeless mercy of Caitanya-Nitai! sri-krsna-caitanya prabhu-nitydnanda sri-advaita gadadhara srivasadi-gaura-bhakta-vrnda. "There are offenses to be considered in chanting the Hare Krsna maha-mantra, but there are no such considerations in chanting the names of Gaura-Nityananda. Therefore, if one chants the Hare Krsna maha-mantra but his life is still full of sinful activities, it will be very difficult for him to achieve the platform of loving service to the Lord. But if in spite of being an offender one chants the holy names of Gaura-Nityananda, he is very quickly freed from the interactions of his offenses." (ccAdi 8.31 p.) It is difficult to keep the rascal mind fixed on the sound of Krsna's holy name while chanting;'apa. And remembering Krsna's pastimes while chanting is even more difficult. Therefore, one may feel discouraged in his attempts to rise to the platform of pure chanting in the face of so many anarthas and aparadhas. Fortunately, however, one can call upon "five friends" for help in chanting. By receiving the causeless mercy of Lord Gauranga and His associates a blind chanter can see the Lord in the heart, a lame offender can scale a mountain of aparadhas, and a foul-mouthed fool can recite the honey sweet words of madhura-nama. Reciting the following prayers before chanting japa will purify the mind, create a feeling of humility, and establish the mood of service (seva-bhava) in the heart. Meditate deeply on the meaning of these important prayers and try to memorize them. One can maintain the proper mood of humility during japa by remembering the meaning of these prayers while chanting Hare Krsna. naharh vipro na ca nara-patir napi vaisyo na sudro ndharh varni na ca grha-patir no vana-stho yatir va kintu prodyan-nikhila-paramdnanda-purnamrtabdher gopi-bhartuh pada-kamalayor ddsa-dasdnudasah I am a pure spirit soul. I am not a brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya or a sudra. Nor am I a brahmacari, grhastha, vanaprastha or sannyasa. I am nothing more than a servant of the servant of the servant of the lotus feet of Sri Krsna, the maintainer of the gopis. Krsna is an ocean of nectar and the cause of universal transcendental bliss. He always exists with brilliance, (cc. Madhya 13.80) I am by nature the eternal servant of Krsna. But because of my bad fortune, I have been inimical toward Krsna from time immemorial. Identifying with my body, I have been continuously wandering in the cycle of birth and death in the material world, suffering the burning three-fold miseries. As a result of some unimaginable good fortune I have attained the mercy of my spiritual master, and now I know that I am Krsna's eternal servant. I am an infinitesimal spiritual being completely apart from the gross and subtle body. I have obtained the good fortune of serving the lotus feet of Sri Guru. Under his order, I am following in his footsteps to serve the lotus feet of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Gandharvika-Giridhari [or the names of the your personal Deities], O Radha-Govinda! I will adorn my neck with the incomparably beautiful garland of Your holy names. Please make tears fall uncontrollably from my eyes. Please once and for all free me from illusion and submerge me repeatedly in the waves of the nectar ocean of Your holy names. Please protect me and give me unflinching devotion to Your lotus feet. I offer my continual obeisances Unto You. (paura Govindarcana Smarana Paddhati) Oh glorious holy name of Krsna! Only you have the power to conquer lust, hatred and all other vices. Oh glorious holy name of Krsna! Make me forget the dualities of material existence arising from this material body. Oh glorious holy name of Krsna! Help me to forget the material world and reveal to me the sweet splendor of the spiritual world. Oh glorious holy name of Krsna! Please take me to a secluded grove in Vrndavana wherein the fair and dark complexioned lovers are manifesting Their wonderful pastimes."(yadavana-mahimamrta, Sataka 7.40) tvarh gopika vrsaraves tanayantike 'si sevadhikarini guro nija-pdda-padme dasyarh praddya kuru mam vraja-kanane sri- rddhanghri-sevana-rase sukhiriim sukhdbdhau O beloved spiritual master! You are always serving the lotus feet of the splendid gopika named Radha, the darling daughter of Vrsabhanu Maharaja. Please give me the qualification to serve your lotus feet, which are the abodes of pure devotional service. By your mercy I will attain the eternal service of Sri Radha in the beautiful groves of Vraja-dhama. While serving the lotus feet of Radha I will taste a variety of blissful mellows (seva-rasa), and thereby drown in an ocean Of joy. (Pancaratra Pradipa) DURING JAPA: In the Caitanya-caritamrta, Ramananda Raya states that the names of Radha-Krsna (yugala-nama), or the Hare Krsna mantra are the topmost objects of worship: 'updsyera madhye kon upasya pradhdna?' srestha upasya—yugala 'radha-krsna' nama' Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu asked, 'Among all worshipable objects, which is the chief?' Ramananda Raya replied, 'The chief worshipable object is the holy name of Radha-Krsna, the Hare Krsna mantra.' (cc. Madhya 8.256) In this regard, Sanat-kumara-samhita states that recitation of the following five prayers quickly awards one the direct service of Radha-Krsna. Since the Hare Kimamaha-mantra is ayugala-man-tra, non-different from Radha-Krsna, one can also offer these prayers to the maha-mantra. In this japa meditation technique, one should mentally repeat these prayers while simultaneously chanting japa. ttp://japagroup.blogspot.com/2008/09/japa-prayers_4051.html
  2. The Real Teachings of HH Narayana Maharaja What is Bhakti? Bhakti is an ancient Sanskrit word which means Pure Love and Devotion. “Pure” implies that there is no adulteration or mixture of anything else. Love in its highest and most perfect state must be entirely pure and devoid of any other desire than to give happiness and benefit to the beloved, the object of one’s love. In the ancient Vedic literatures, the Supreme object of the love of all beings is the Absolute Truth, the Supreme Personality of Godhead who is the source of all that exists and the foundation of the entire creation. That Absolute Living Being is known by many thousands of names in many languages. But amongst all of these names one of His most prominent and perfect names is KRSNA (pronounced Krishna), which means the All Attractive and All Beautiful. KRSNA is the source of every living being and all energy and is also the supreme controller of all that exists.
  3. Follow from the heart with knowledge and devotion and not sentiment.
  4. nice relization prabhu however, as we have seen in ISKCON, many men are not qualified to be husbands because of abuse and treating women as sex objects. The point is, we are not in a Vedic culture, even ISKCON is aspiring to achieve that level. So in this case, a women SHOULD deviorce such an abusive husband. As far as Gurus are concernrd, I think it is silly to woship a pic of, lets say, Bhavananda ot Jayatirtha, just worship Prabhupada and seek advanced devotees that later on you can choose to take re-intiation off. However, the link to the parampara is there anway even if one does not take re-intiation. As you say, all their teachings (when they are not in maya or on LSD) is from Prabhupada anyway.
  5. Letter to: Upananda — Calcutta 19 February, 1972<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:" /><o:p></o:p> 72-02-19<o:p></o:p> My Dear Upananda,<o:p></o:p> Please accept my blessings. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of January 11, 1972, and I have noted with pleasure that you are increasing your book distribution and that you have "struck at the very heart of the city of Melbourne.'' You have understood our philosophy rightly, that we boldly challenge anyone—philosopher, scientist, educationist—to understand our philosophy, and for that we enter without hesitation into the heart of the biggest cities and preach to anyone and everyone the message of Lord Caitanya, who himself was like the lion in strength. If Mohanananda is advising, that's nice for the time being because Bali Mardan is in New York with ISKCON Press. I have asked the GBC to settle this matter of a replacement for Bali Mardan. <o:p></o:p> I will be coming to Australia by end of March, or perhaps sooner, because it is more economical than to go first to Hong Kong. When I have fixed the date, I shall inform you to fix up tickets for two persons from Bombay to either Sydney or Melbourne. You consult with Sydney Temple and Upendra and others and fix up your programme in Australia for at least two weeks.<o:p></o:p> Hoping this will meet you in good health and happy mood.<o:p></o:p> Your ever well-wisher, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami<o:p></o:p>
  6. Sripad BV Avadhuta Maharaja centre next to Caru dasa with hair in 1970 at Sydney park
  7. Sages seek the essence of religion and not just the form of a good looking GURU who is a clever actor and imitater of great Spiritual teachers like Srila Prabhupada. Pray carefully with your heart then consider cautiously, testing the 'GURU' that finds you. Do not Foolishly look at any Guru as a 'Prabhupada' relacement because of their 'acting' ability to cleverly immitiate him, as many did, and got cheated, after Prabhupada left this world. The tragedy caused when GURU falls down - What Happens to the Disciple When the Guru Falls? BY: SATYA DASA Sep 03, MANCHESTER, UK (SUN) — The following is a letter I recently received from a friend, which I felt was very pertinent to present day ISKCON. I have omitted the devotee's name. "To the devotees, I am an ex-disciple of Harikesa Swami. Recently I have been studying various cases of fallen gurus and have realized that there is little information given, in this regard, from the standpoint of the disciple. Personally I feel it is very important to hear about the impact that losing one's guru has upon us, the disciple. I recall the day we heard the news that Harikesa was acting inappropriately. Firstly there was complete confusion with a lot of conflicting information. If you had known Harikesa as we knew him at that time, you would understand that his fall down was unbelievable, if not impossible. At first I didn't even bother telling my wife. I new that all these false rumors, were just the work of some envious people. I had experienced such rumors before. But as more information came to light I went to my wife with the news. To be completely honest we were both totally devastated. My wife just cried, even in front of our children. I didn't really know what to say or how to give her any solace. In the past I had prayed to my beloved Guru Maharaja for help in such difficult times. For days we held onto the hope that somehow or other this was all a big mistake. Before I accepted Harikesa Swami as my gurudev, I had heard of other gurus falling down. But I felt total conviction when I approached Harikesa. He had such a unique way of presenting Krishna consciousness, with such intelligence and conviction. He could really appeal to young people, pointing out the realities of material illusion and the pitfall of chasing after the opposite sex. He could smash you and leave you laughing at your own stupidity. He also inspired all of us to preach, and especially to distribute Srila Prabhupada's transcendental books. Many of his disciples were among the biggest book distributors in the world. Personally I saw Harikesa preach to many people with such patience and compassion. To us, his disciples, he was our life and soul. Thus it was very difficult for us to give up that attachment. But finally we had to accept the facts. That person to whom we had given our hearts, our devotion, prayers, service, and even our money had cheated us. Gradually our grief turned to aguish, frustration and finally anger . In the material world when you discover that someone you trusted has cheated on you, say your partner for example, it can be very bewildering, especially if you feel you haven't done anything wrong in that relationship. It really hurts. But when that person is your spiritual farther, your well wishing friend and guide, your worshipable Lord and Master! The pain is felt a million fold. I remember my children asking why I was taking down the many pictures of Harikesa that hung on our walls. Even my wife's sister noticed. In fact, in time, many of our family and friends would ask about our "Guru". And even today people ask me how I got my name. The whole experience has been very difficult to deal with. In the meantime we keep hearing how Harikesa is off spending the money and living it up with his new wife, speaking against Srila Prabhupada and speaking all sorts of deviant philosophies. Our personal spiritual lives also suffered, as did many of our godbrothers and sisters. My poor wife's especially. She had such implicit faith in our beloved Gurudev. But gradually she starting becoming really despondent and her sadhana slackened. For the first time since we had met (20 Years) she stopped chanting her rounds. We kept hearing crazy stories of our godbrothers and sisters running off with money, falling down, leaving the movement. Some of them were continuing to worship Harikesa (which really amazed us) and there was a lot of fighting over that. Finally my wife told me that she didn't want to have anything further to do with the Krishna Consciousness Movement and taking our children with her, she left me. She is still a devotee but very compromised in her practices. So now I have to figure out if I'm going to join her and my family in that compromised situation or stay strict and alone. It is difficult to know where to go from here. It is difficult to turn to any spiritual leader with trust. So that person whom we once turned to for shelter, guidance and inspiration in our spiritual lives has done quit the opposite. Instead of instilling in us faith in Lord Krishna (which is the foremost duty of the spiritual master), he has crushed our faith. I know that he has become like a wedge in the heart of my wife, between her and Lord Krishna. To be honest my only shelter is Srila Prabhupada, it seems that he is the only person we can really place our complete faith in. Your servant," (withheld) How are we meant to understand if we are sincere then a bonafide Guru finds us? Guru? He will find you… Does it mean that ALL those who took initiation off nine of the original eleven in ISKCON were not sincere and therefore deserved to be cheated because we only get what we deserve? Can someone answer this please? If it is Prabhupada you are attracted to, then it is better to worship his photo than project that love for him onto some hoo-doo Guru as many did after Prabhupada left this world, u ntil you know for sure the Guru that comes to you, is bonafide and simply ALWAYS loves Krsna . Don't just accept the first so-called guru that comes along, find out everything about them and test them and don't be foolishly sentimental and naivly 'sincere' as they were in the late 70s, 80s, 90s and even now.
  8. Pray carefully with your heart then consider cautiously, testing the 'GURU' that finds you. Do not Foolishly look at any Guru as a 'Prabhupada' relacement because of their 'acting' ability to cleverly immitiate him, as many did, and got cheated, after Prabhupada left this world. The tragedy caused when GURU falls down - What Happens to the Disciple When the Guru Falls? BY: SATYA DASA Sep 03, MANCHESTER, UK (SUN) — The following is a letter I recently received from a friend, which I felt was very pertinent to present day ISKCON. I have omitted the devotee's name. "To the devotees, I am an ex-disciple of Harikesa Swami. Recently I have been studying various cases of fallen gurus and have realized that there is little information given, in this regard, from the standpoint of the disciple. Personally I feel it is very important to hear about the impact that losing one's guru has upon us, the disciple. I recall the day we heard the news that Harikesa was acting inappropriately. Firstly there was complete confusion with a lot of conflicting information. If you had known Harikesa as we knew him at that time, you would understand that his fall down was unbelievable, if not impossible. At first I didn't even bother telling my wife. I new that all these false rumors, were just the work of some envious people. I had experienced such rumors before. But as more information came to light I went to my wife with the news. To be completely honest we were both totally devastated. My wife just cried, even in front of our children. I didn't really know what to say or how to give her any solace. In the past I had prayed to my beloved Guru Maharaja for help in such difficult times. For days we held onto the hope that somehow or other this was all a big mistake. Before I accepted Harikesa Swami as my gurudev, I had heard of other gurus falling down. But I felt total conviction when I approached Harikesa. He had such a unique way of presenting Krishna consciousness, with such intelligence and conviction. He could really appeal to young people, pointing out the realities of material illusion and the pitfall of chasing after the opposite sex. He could smash you and leave you laughing at your own stupidity. He also inspired all of us to preach, and especially to distribute Srila Prabhupada's transcendental books. Many of his disciples were among the biggest book distributors in the world. Personally I saw Harikesa preach to many people with such patience and compassion. To us, his disciples, he was our life and soul. Thus it was very difficult for us to give up that attachment. But finally we had to accept the facts. That person to whom we had given our hearts, our devotion, prayers, service, and even our money had cheated us. Gradually our grief turned to aguish, frustration and finally anger . In the material world when you discover that someone you trusted has cheated on you, say your partner for example, it can be very bewildering, especially if you feel you haven't done anything wrong in that relationship. It really hurts. But when that person is your spiritual farther, your well wishing friend and guide, your worshipable Lord and Master! The pain is felt a million fold. I remember my children asking why I was taking down the many pictures of Harikesa that hung on our walls. Even my wife's sister noticed. In fact, in time, many of our family and friends would ask about our "Guru". And even today people ask me how I got my name. The whole experience has been very difficult to deal with. In the meantime we keep hearing how Harikesa is off spending the money and living it up with his new wife, speaking against Srila Prabhupada and speaking all sorts of deviant philosophies. Our personal spiritual lives also suffered, as did many of our godbrothers and sisters. My poor wife's especially. She had such implicit faith in our beloved Gurudev. But gradually she starting becoming really despondent and her sadhana slackened. For the first time since we had met (20 Years) she stopped chanting her rounds. We kept hearing crazy stories of our godbrothers and sisters running off with money, falling down, leaving the movement. Some of them were continuing to worship Harikesa (which really amazed us) and there was a lot of fighting over that. Finally my wife told me that she didn't want to have anything further to do with the Krishna Consciousness Movement and taking our children with her, she left me. She is still a devotee but very compromised in her practices. So now I have to figure out if I'm going to join her and my family in that compromised situation or stay strict and alone. It is difficult to know where to go from here. It is difficult to turn to any spiritual leader with trust. So that person whom we once turned to for shelter, guidance and inspiration in our spiritual lives has done quit the opposite. Instead of instilling in us faith in Lord Krishna (which is the foremost duty of the spiritual master), he has crushed our faith. I know that he has become like a wedge in the heart of my wife, between her and Lord Krishna. To be honest my only shelter is Srila Prabhupada, it seems that he is the only person we can really place our complete faith in. Your servant," (withheld) How are we meant to understand if we are sincere then a bonafide Guru finds us? Guru? He will find you… Does it mean that ALL those who took initiation off nine of the original eleven in ISKCON were not sincere and therefore deserved to be cheated because we only get what we deserve? Can someone answer this please? If it is Prabhupada you are attracted to, then it is better to worship his photo than project that love for him onto some hoo-doo Guru as many did after Prabhupada left this world, u ntil you know for sure the Guru that comes to you, is bonafide and simply ALWAYS loves Krsna . Don't just accept the first so-called guru that comes along, find out everything about him and test them and don't be foolishly sentimental and naively 'sincere' as they were in the late 70s, 80s, 90s and even now.
  9. In bold is a good point, it's a shame what happened to your friend, I used to live at Krsna Balarama Mandir and also did pujari service there, I can understand that some where like that but there are good souls as well. It's best to talk among the devotees and find one you friend 'connects' with, there is always going to be a*******s where ever you go in this material world in Kali yuga But I don't throw the baby out with the bath water, there are many good devotees in ISKCON who maintain the purity, humility and honesty, they are the ones to seek out and associate with
  10. Actually, I was and wasn't, ISKCON provide the photos and incence and with only a suggested donation, some give, some don't One Indian family donated 201 bucks, while others donate a tin of ghee or just two pints of milk, it is there choice. You and I know that Indians always give something. They are a wealthy community, just check out the cars they drive on Radhastami in two weeks Indian weath and the present economic boom iin India s very good for ISKCON
  11. I have also seen this worship in cars and yesterday asked one senior brahmacari of 25 years why he does it. He explained that it is not the car they are blessing but rather installing a photo of either Prabhupada, Radha and Krsna, Lord Caitanya, Nringha deva and Pancha tattva. He told me he does not do demigods, he only instals Vishnu tattvas and pure Vaishnava jiva tattvas like Narad Muni and Srila Prabhupada "For you, verdy verdy inexpensive, only phipty dollars (2000 rupees)" The ISKCON Temple I visted for Janamastami collected 370,000 dollars in one day that goes towards a second bigger Temple in the pipe works. As far as puja in cars is concerned, if they went to a Hindu Temple, they would get some demigod installed with the lemon cereromony under the wheels. However, if they come to ISKCON, they can only get Pancha tattava, Radha Krsna, Gour Nitai etc.ISKCON wont do demigods. ONLY THE SUPREME LORD and NOT demigods. This reminds them of Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead if there car runs head on into a truck. I understand that, I have photos of Prabhupada and the Lord in my car I offer incence and bhoga to. As long as ISKCON keeps this standard, I see no probs mate
  12. <!-- BEGIN TEMPLATE: bbcode_quote -->Quote: <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #666666 1px solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 3ex; BORDER-TOP: #666666 1px solid; PADDING-LEFT: 3ex; BORDER-LEFT: #666666 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #666666 1px solid" bgColor=#e0e0e0>Originally Posted by Sarva gattah whether it's ISKCON, or Govinda Maharaj's flock or Narayana Maharaj’s people, it appears the poisonous contamination of identifying the material body one is trapped in as the pure eternal soul, is deeply riveted within such 'so called devotees' mundane viewpoint of reality. KNOW Karma (the reactions of ALL our sins no matter how degrading and offensive they are) are temporary and ultimately eventually, we are ALL uncovered from this material dream, from the material veil of biological body and mind, to realize we are ALL pure souls and servants of Lord Krsna. We therefore, are NOT these troublesome agitating material bodies or mind that technically is a part and parcel of the mahat-tattva and has nothing to do with who we really are in our eternal svarupa devotional form. Srila Sridhara Maharaja - "No matter; up to whatever extent they go, ultimately they end up becoming the worshiper of the self". Even this comment is not eternal in the material World because in the correct understanding of Spitiual life, as also taught by Srila Sridhar Maharaj and Govinda Maharaj, IS there is no such thing as eternal damnation or eternal expulsion from Krsna's Vaikuntha Kingdom. Srila Sridhar Maharaj's grand disciples (followers of Govinda Maharaj) as well as Narayana Maharaj's disciples and other Gaudiya Math followers, as well as ALL members of ISKCON, should TRY and understand this Spiritual fact and elevate themselves above the mundane mental platform that makes them believe they are their material body and everyone else is also their material vessel. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
  13. Saturday is Hindu Day in Melbourne BY: KURMA DASA Aug 27, USA (SUN) — ISKCON Melbourne Temple is a special place of worship, and is of great significance here in Australia. As is the case for all ISKCON temples worldwide, Melbourne too, has a unique connection to our Divine Spiritual Master, Srila Prabhupada. We can see this on the DVD's of Srila Prabhupada's visits here. The temple is run by Aniruddha dasa and his wife, and quite frankly, you would be hard pressed to find someone better for the job. Fortunately for Melbourne, the fanatics and crooks have not been able to get their foot in the door for this position, but there are plenty of wolves and their supporters waiting at the door. Melbourne's Temple President is a person who takes his spiritual practice very seriously, someone you could depend on in upholding his vows -- a very good man. A Temple President's position becomes difficult at a street level, where all the various forms of political lobbying are manifest, and it would be very hard for any Temple President to get a handle on this, especially with such a large amount of Hindus now visiting the temples. The whole Hindu thing sits well with a bogus guru philosophy, because of the natural sentiment Hindus display toward the many varieties of sadhus within India, even the cheating ones. I think ISKCON's many gurus know this. They see the Hindu-ization of ISKCON as a good thing, something that will keep their $-funds rolling in. Every Saturday at ISKCON's Melbourne temple is Hindu day. The Hindu community practically have control of the whole temple, including the worship of the Deities. You may never see the pujaris for this day during the week, so are they weekend pujaris? This is certainly of serious concern if Srila Prabhupada's standards are compromised, and in many areas they are. The temple has at least two imported and salaried cooks from India, and many quasi-style ceremonies are now turning up at the Temple. For example, I have personally seen (more than once) one of the temples pujaris out in the front on the street doing a puja in someone's car. I assume this is a blessing of the car. 12,000 guests visiting a temple is a wonderful thing. How could we not want this? However, we must draw the line when it comes to Srila Prabhupada's standards. The fact is, the standards are getting lax, to cater for Hinduism. As far as we know, Melbourne's temple only has two full-time Indian brahmacharis. This is poor, considering the amount of Indians visiting the Temple. Most Indians don't want to become Hare Krishna's, they simply want to attend and get a blessing. There is nothing wrong with this, provided Srila Prabhupada's standards are not compromised, and the Indians are not simply seen as a source of money. Kurma Dasa (not the chef)
  14. Saturday is Hindu Day in Melbourne BY: KURMA DASA Aug 27, USA (SUN) — ISKCON Melbourne Temple is a special place of worship, and is of great significance here in Australia. As is the case for all ISKCON temples worldwide, Melbourne too, has a unique connection to our Divine Spiritual Master, Srila Prabhupada. We can see this on the DVD's of Srila Prabhupada's visits here. The temple is run by Aniruddha dasa and his wife, and quite frankly, you would be hard pressed to find someone better for the job. Fortunately for Melbourne, the fanatics and crooks have not been able to get their foot in the door for this position, but there are plenty of wolves and their supporters waiting at the door. Melbourne's Temple President is a person who takes his spiritual practice very seriously, someone you could depend on in upholding his vows -- a very good man. A Temple President's position becomes difficult at a street level, where all the various forms of political lobbying are manifest, and it would be very hard for any Temple President to get a handle on this, especially with such a large amount of Hindus now visiting the temples. The whole Hindu thing sits well with a bogus guru philosophy, because of the natural sentiment Hindus display toward the many varieties of sadhus within India, even the cheating ones. I think ISKCON's many gurus know this. They see the Hindu-ization of ISKCON as a good thing, something that will keep their $-funds rolling in. Every Saturday at ISKCON's Melbourne temple is Hindu day. The Hindu community practically have control of the whole temple, including the worship of the Deities. You may never see the pujaris for this day during the week, so are they weekend pujaris? This is certainly of serious concern if Srila Prabhupada's standards are compromised, and in many areas they are. The temple has at least two imported and salaried cooks from India, and many quasi-style ceremonies are now turning up at the Temple. For example, I have personally seen (more than once) one of the temples pujaris out in the front on the street doing a puja in someone's car. I assume this is a blessing of the car. 12,000 guests visiting a temple is a wonderful thing. How could we not want this? However, we must draw the line when it comes to Srila Prabhupada's standards. The fact is, the standards are getting lax, to cater for Hinduism. As far as we know, Melbourne's temple only has two full-time Indian brahmacharis. This is poor, considering the amount of Indians visiting the Temple. Most Indians don't want to become Hare Krishna's, they simply want to attend and get a blessing. There is nothing wrong with this, provided Srila Prabhupada's standards are not compromised, and the Indians are not simply seen as a source of money. Kurma Dasa (not the chef)
  15. <o:p></o:p> Acting a role on TV in India <o:p></o:p> Jiggz (Mumbai) ex-Gurukuli from Gita Nagari and Vrndavana 11/11/1979 (28 yrs old) now actor just like his famous mum was in Australia before meeting Srila Prabhupada <o:p></o:p> Dad, His Divine Grace Bhurijana Das ISKCON spiritual Master and Guru<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Mum Jagattarini DD <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Sis Lalita Manjari
  16. Quote: <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #666666 1px solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 3ex; BORDER-TOP: #666666 1px solid; PADDING-LEFT: 3ex; BORDER-LEFT: #666666 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #666666 1px solid" bgColor=#e0e0e0>Srila Prabhupada - “Regarding your questions: Hindu means the culture of the Indians. India happens to be situated on the other side of the Indus River, which is now in Pakistan, which is spelled Indus-in Sanskrit, it is called Sindhu”. Letter to to Janmanjaya and Taradevi in a letter from Los Angeles of July 9th, 1970 <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:" /><o:p></o:p> Srila Prabhupada – “The Europeans misspelt the sindhu as Indus, and from Indus the word ‘Indian’ has come.Letter to to Janmanjaya and Taradevi in a letter from Los Angeles of July 9th, 1970 Srila Prabhupada – "The Arabians used to pronounce sindhus as Hindus. This [thus] Hindus is spoken as Hindus. It is neither a Sanskrit word nor is it found in the Vedic literatures. ”. Letter to to Janmanjaya and Taradevi in a letter from Los Angeles of July 9th, 1970<o:p> </o:p> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <TABLE cellPadding=2><TBODY><TR><TD>The Bhagavad-gita is universally renowned as the jewel of India's spiritual wisdom. Spoken by Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead to His intimate disciple Arjuna, the Gita's seven hundred concise verses provide a definitive guide to the science of self realization. No other philosophical or religious work reveals, in such a lucid and profound way, the nature of consciousness, the self, the universe and the Supreme.</TD><TD> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada is uniquely qualified to present this English translation and commentary on Bhagavad-gita. He is the world's foremost Vedic scholar and teacher, and he is also the current representative of an unbroken chain of fully self-realized spiritual masters begining with Lord Krishna Himself. Thus, unlike other editions of the Gita, this one is presented as it is--without the slightest taint of adulteration or personal motivation. This edition is certain to stimulate and enlighten with its ancient yet thoroughly timely message. <CENTER>TABLE OF CONTENTS </CENTER> Foreword Preface Introduction 1: [INDEX] Observing the Armies on the Battlefield of Kuruksetra 2: [INDEX] Contents of the Gita Summarized 3: [INDEX] Karma-yoga 4: [INDEX] Transcendental Knowledge 5: [INDEX] Karma-yoga--Action in Krsna Consciousness 6: [INDEX] Sankhya-yoga 7: [INDEX] Knowledge of the Absolute 8: [INDEX] Attaining the Supreme 9: [INDEX] The Most Confidential Knowledge 10: [INDEX] The Opulence of the Absolute 11: [INDEX] The Universal Form 12: [INDEX] Devotional Service 13: [INDEX] Nature, the Enjoyer, and Consciousness 14: [INDEX] The Three Modes Of Material Nature 15: [INDEX] The Yoga of the Supreme Person 16: [INDEX] The Divine And Demoniac Natures 17: [INDEX] The Divisions of Faith 18: [INDEX] Conclusion--The Perfection of Renunciation
  17. By Sri Nandanandana das Sanatana-Dharma: Its Real Meaning <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:" /><o:p></o:p> When it comes to understanding the meaning of Sanatana-dharma, we have to be aware of its Sanskrit definition. The root of the word dharma comes from dhri, which means to uphold or maintain. The Sanskrit says dharayati iti dharmaha, which translates as dharma is that which upholds. <o:p></o:p> However, not only what is supported is dharma, but that which does the supporting is also dharma, dhriyate iti dharmaha. So dharma consists of both the force that sustains as well as what is sustained. It can also be said that there is the path of dharma as well as its conclusion, the object of dharma, or what we are seeking, the goal of life. So dharma is the means as well as the goal. <o:p></o:p> Dharma is also said to be the force, which maintains the universe. Where there is dharma there is harmony and balance individually, socially, and inter-galactically. So the path of dharma brings about the harmony and contentment that is also another aspect of what we are seeking. <o:p></o:p> In this way, we want harmony inwardly, in our own consciousness, but we also cannot have individual peace unless there is harmony or cooperation socially, amongst the masses. So where there is no dharma, there is disharmony and a state of being that is out of balance. <o:p></o:p> And socially it means that without dharma, there is a lack of cooperation, along with escalating quarrel and fighting. This often manifests as a lack of distribution of resources, whereas some parts of the world may experience abundance of water, food, or fuel, yet other parts are starving. <o:p></o:p> Or by dishonest manipulation of supply and demand, some necessities become priced so high that they are out of reach for the poor. When we act against the law of dharma, we disrupt the very harmony and cooperation that we want. <o:p></o:p> In other words, we create a life for ourselves in which there is stress, confusion, discontent, and frustration. And when we feel that way, that becomes our contribution to the general social condition. It is the exact opposite of what we wish to attain. Thus, to live a life outside of dharma means to work against ourselves. <o:p></o:p> Furthermore, if we live on the basis of lust and greed, to accumulate possessions, money, and sensual pleasure by the demands of the mind and senses, it will become most difficult to follow the path of dharma. <o:p></o:p> Of course, when this is the case, we often see that such people become increasingly discontent and out of balance, enamored by the illusory happiness in material existence. Doing what should not be done is called vidharma, which is a type of adharma or nondharmic activity. The conclusion, therefore, is that if we want happiness and peace we must learn how to live according to the path of dharma. <o:p></o:p> The practice of dharma should be done not out of compulsion but out of love due to the perception of the Supreme in all living beings. With this motivation, dharma can assist in preventing injury to others and treating each other respectfully. Dharma also means righteous conduct. <o:p></o:p> This includes following social laws and proper moral activity and behavior. It encourages truthfulness of thought, word and deed. The point of which is to reach the goal of dharma. <o:p></o:p> Dharma also means truth. So we follow the path of dharma to free ourselves from illusion and reach the ultimate Truth, which is the topmost reality, the spiritual strata. The Absolute Truth means the final philosophical goal and end of all knowledge, Vedanta, which is God, the Supreme Being. <o:p></o:p> So, when we want to attain liberation from material existence, after realizing the futility of its temporary nature, and wish to reach God, then it becomes much easier to follow the path of dharma and overcome the temptations of the temporary material world. Then we can let go of the illusory objects that are, in fact, hurdles on the path to Truth and God, and happiness in general. <o:p></o:p> The more we are attracted to the material existence and in accumulating the illusory objects to satisfy our mind and senses, in essence, the more hurdles we are bringing into our life. And we must overcome these obstructions at some point to reach the Absolute Truth. <o:p></o:p> Therefore, life lived according to the law of dharma means the freer we become from false obstacles, from stress, from false hangups and mood swings, and inner conflicts. Thus, the freer we are to experience our real selves as spiritual beings. And the more society chooses to follow the path of dharma, the more easily we can attain an existence of cooperation and harmony instead of one of wars, conflict, terror, and killing. <o:p></o:p> So whatever we do, even if it is doing business, making money, politics, etc., it should be done on the basis of dharma. Then things will progress in the proper way. Following dharma will bring both material well-being as well as final liberation from material existence. Thus, one can attain all that this world can offer through the path of dharma. <o:p></o:p> On a national, ethnic, or racial level, dharma is an instrument of unity, not divisiveness. That which helps unite everyone and develop love and universal brotherhood is dharma. That which causes discord or disharmony or provokes hatred is adharma. That which works against or tries to destroy dharma is adharma. <o:p></o:p> With this understanding, we can perceive that certain religions that exist on this planet that encourage divisiveness between those that are “saved” and those that are supposedly going to hell, or which primarily focus on differences between their sect and others, are actually adharmic. <o:p></o:p> Those religions that do not teach that we are all spiritual beings, all children of the same God, all equal in the eyes of God, are adharmic. They may merely be limited in their depth of knowledge and awareness, but until they adopt the dharmic principles, they will continue to produce disagreements, restlessness, harsh attitudes, and even hatred amongst people in the name of religion. The reason is that they are absent of real transcendental knowledge and deep spiritual insights. <o:p></o:p> Since such religions lack dharma, they will not be able to deliver one to dharma, or to the Absolute Truth. Thus, lack of peace and harmony amongst various religions will be commonplace until this is remedied. In this way, the path of dharma is more than a religion or belief system. It is the means to directly perceive and live according to that higher reality and spiritual unity between us all. <o:p></o:p> So we can see that the path of dharma is more of a way of life. Some people may say that Vedic dharma, or Hinduism, is another religion. Yet, if we understand this principle of dharma, we can see that it is not merely another religion or “ism”. It is a way of life that is lived with every moment and every breath. It is a matter of raising our consciousness to the highest level possible. It is a matter of understanding and living according to the Universal Spiritual principles that apply to everyone. Thus, we reach our fullest potential, which in the end is on the spiritual platform. <o:p></o:p> For example, when one comes to the level of dharma, then all of his or her actions are in accordance with the dharma, the path of harmony and balance, in tune with the Divine. For example, in Vedic culture we can find the artful expression of dance. This is just one of many art forms in the Vedic tradition. But on the path of dharma it is an expression of one’s emotional outlet toward God, <o:p></o:p> Ishwara or Krishna. An emotional outlet in this manner means you express yourself to God, you release your love for God, and your thoughts and consciousness become more absorbed in God. So this is also like yoga, a form of dedicated meditation. In this way, the attitude within the dance is unique. <o:p></o:p> It is not merely an emotional release for satisfying one’s own mind, but it is an expression of longing toward becoming united with God. That is yoga. It is dharma. So in this sense, dharma means the freedom to naturally express our inner proclivity, which is to get closer to the Absolute Truth, and worship this Truth, this Ishvara or God. <o:p></o:p> Therefore, on the path of dharma the dances, the movements, the costumes and jewelry, are all used to either relate the pastimes of God or to enhance our attachment to God. So these are all expressions of dharma, our eternal nature to love God and be loved by God. Thus, continuing the tradition also protects dharma. For this reason there needs to be a class of men who are dedicated to protect the dharma. It is only one who has the dharma that can protect it. <o:p></o:p> Now when we add the word Sanatana to dharma, it expands the meaning and purpose. Sanatana means eternal. So Sanatana-dharma can mean the ancient path that has existed from time immemorial. It is the eternal path which has been given to humanity and comes from beyond the material dimension. Sanatana-dharma is the inter-dimensional path of progress for all living beings. <o:p></o:p> It can also be said to be the unceasing and imperishable path of the soul. Sanatana-dharma also means the eternal path and our eternal nature. Dharma means the ultimate nature of the living being, the spirit soul. And the nature or dharma of the soul is to love and be loved, to serve its most lovable object and to receive love. Just like the dharma or nature of sugar is to be sweet, we know that if it is not sweet or if it is salty, then it is not sugar. <o:p></o:p> The dharma of fire is to give light and heat. If it does not do that, then it cannot be fire. So the Sanatana-dharma or eternal nature of the soul is that it is a spiritual being that is naturally connected to God and feels the greatest joy in its constitutional position as a servant of God. <o:p></o:p> The soul needs to love. It cannot do without it. And our nature as human beings reflects the nature of the soul because we are always looking for love. Although when such love is interpreted through the mind and senses, it is often accepted as the satisfaction of the mind and body. <o:p></o:p> This only brings temporary happiness because it is merely a reflection of what we really want and need. So for the soul, the most lovable object is the Lord and the most pleasing things are spiritual relations and exchanges. This is what will give the epitome of bliss that we long for in loving relationships. <o:p></o:p> So, Sanatana-dharma means both the ultimate spiritual truth and the means to attain it. And that truth is the divine knowledge of the soul. So if there is to be any eternality in our relationships, or any spiritual connection with anything we do, it has to be based on that divine knowledge of the soul, the ultimate reality. That is the path of Sanatana-dharma, to realize our spiritual identity and then know how to act accordingly. <o:p></o:p> Therefore, the purpose of life is to follow the path of dharma which will bring us to the conclusion of recognizing that everything is the energy of God, brahman. Following this further, the path of dharma will bring us into union with God. And the highest union is through love and devotion, or bhakti. <o:p></o:p> Thus bhakti-yoga, the process of loving devotion to the Lord, is the epitome of following Sanatana-dharma. Making this the goal of our life means that we are living a life of dharma. And the ultimate goal of dharma is to reach God. <o:p></o:p> Sanatana-dharma is also a matter of understanding. It is an awareness that every particle of this universe is an expansion of God’s energies. That it is all an exhibition of the potencies of the Para-Brahman, the Absolute Existence. Dharma is the path to seeing how God is everywhere. Thus, dharma is not only the path to God but is also in God. <o:p></o:p> A truly liberated person does not worry about liberation, or in going home back to God in the spiritual world. He is already aware that he is in God’s energy, whether it is the material or spiritual energy. It is all an exhibition of God’s potencies wherever he goes. Thus, the dharmin, or Dharmist, the follower of dharma who sees God everywhere, is already home. Liberation from material existence will follow such a person like a servant. <o:p></o:p> If we understand this properly, we can see that Sanatana-dharma is the basis of universal truth. It can be applied to anyone at anytime and anywhere in the universe. Thus, many religions can and should include Sanatana-dharma within their approach and outlook. <o:p></o:p> It does not matter in which religion you may be affiliated, you can still benefit and grow within the fold of Sanatana-dharma to reach a higher awareness and perception of your true potential and genuine spiritual identity. In this way, the whole world could reach a new stage in its social and spiritual development, as well as in harmony and cooperation.
  18. Serious Prabhu, since I have come to this website, your wisdom and occasional critizism has helped me put things in perspective. I don't know if Jahnava Nitai prabhu sees how his website has helped many people like myself, I think you would be a good moderator on this thread and maybe a few others as a service. Of course with rules. Somehow someway EVERYONE has to brought back to Krishna, and this is only the begining of the computor age. It is NEVER time to stop preaching, just sit down and nut out a more practical way for everyone. Even the Gaudiya math should have their own thread to discuss the pastimes of Lord Caitanya
  19. Maybe not the same Prahlad, but this one meets the President of the US of A <table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td valign="top">Prahlad</td><td align="right" valign="top">30</td><td valign="top">YEARS OLD california, usa whats up! im a 28 year old gurukuli </td></tr></tbody></table>
  20. Philo, California Gurukula (1982) <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=3 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top align=right></TD><TD vAlign=top>Jahnava Nitai Das</TD><TD vAlign=top align=right>32</TD><TD vAlign=top>Jahnava Nitai Das Nitai XemailX www.bvashram.org, www.foodrelief.org South India </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
  21. No offense prabhu, I had a hearty laugh over your prose, but in all seriousness, yes. it is Maya's duty to test everyone to make sure no one disturbs Krsna. Quote: <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #666666 1px solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 3ex; BORDER-TOP: #666666 1px solid; PADDING-LEFT: 3ex; BORDER-LEFT: #666666 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #666666 1px solid" bgColor=#e0e0e0>Originally Posted by theist SB 3.29.23 - 'One who offers Me respect but is envious of the bodies of others and is therefore a separatist never attains peace of mind, because of his inimical behavior towards other living entities'. While maintaining a desire separate from Krishna's no one can enter or remain in Krishna consciousness. We are either motivated to serve the Lord or exploit His energy for personal sense gratification. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> Somehow, by the mercy of the lord and devotees we trust, to see Krsna in the heart of all, we must pass Maya's tests of being foolishly attracted by the outer material body of female, male, opulance, power, fame, worship, profit, adaratione distinction tc etc. HOW DO WE DO THIS? Also, just because one wears tilak, dhoti, sannyas dress and repeats or immitates the philosophy like a peacock, as I rescently experience with one 'swami', CERTAINLY does not nessessary make him realized. Some of these 'so-called' sannyasi's in any of the movements out there, are in it for the adaration, followers, worship and often don't even realize this themselves. I found that some so called sannyasi's cleverly working from the 'dreaded mental platform' that stops ALL OF THEM from seeing Krsna in the heart others. Such an advanced level of taking sannyas should only be taken when they can see this. Even Prabhupada in the 1920's was very careful dealing with the 'many sannysis' who ere not spiritually advanced. In the same way, It is obvious to me that their called advancement is just a show. As the saying goes, '"if I am sincere, then Krsna will send a 'genuin devotee' to me" After my experience with some sannyasis in and out of ISKCON, I will be very alert and careful who to trust and associate with. It's not that they are not sincere and committed, it is rather they are still operating from the mental platform and are therefor not really advanced. Their outward clothing is only a show of 'advancement'. I will now tread very carefully around many like this and frankly, I don't trust most of them. Anyway, it's all a test, somehow I also have to see Krsna in the heart "If I am sincere, then Krsna will send a 'genuin devotee' to help me, maybe that's you theist " One thing I have learnt over the years, don't just think 'devotees' are only found in a Temple because in many cases, it is even difficult there to find a genuin selfless, prideless devotee '"above the mental platform". Sorry but I can't put up with people pretending to be a sannyasi and guru, it's not being critical, it is being realistic after the 11 chosen guru fiasco.
  22. Understanding Srila Prabhupada’s teachings correctly. 1.11 min recorded video from the latest 9th August - video - conference of Hridayananda Swami with the devotees of Sydney, Australia.... This could be interesting to you, what do you think?
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