srinivas

Dear Raguraman, As u say that visnu is a guna avatar and they are different planetory expansions.But from what little i know krishna is excepted as the original form of the lord. Just like if a man is a policeman,can be a husband and also a father.Each role he may dress and act differently accordingly.But ultimatly he is one person originally.Similarly krishna is the original form and all other narayana expansions are from this krishna . If anybody say all narayana and krishna is equal it is wrong.Krishna is a purna avatar.The complete original form of god.And it is the mercy of krishna that he manifests as different forms of narayana. There is no blasphemy is saying so but it is ignorance of individual souls to believe that krishna is just another avatar. I do not know much about madhwa dwaita philosophy but if u go to the raghavendra temple in madras which comes in madhwa tradition you will find that above samadhi is hanuman (bhakta) and above that bala krishna. Symbolizing the importance of krishna and we can seek the mercy of krishna through a bhakta like hanuman. I think i am clear in my approach . Please read Bhagavat gita as it is and Shrimad bhagavatam by Bhaktivedanta Praphupada who comes in the Bramha sampradaya and you will find the krishna is source of all expansions.

Dear Raguraman, As u say that visnu is a guna avatar and they are different planetory expansions.But from what little i know krishna is excepted as the original form of the lord. Just like if a man is a policeman,can be a husband and also a father.Each role he may dress and act differently accordingly.But ultimatly he is one person originally.Similarly krishna is the original form and all other narayana expansions are from this krishna . If anybody say all narayana and krishna is equal it is wrong.Krishna is a purna avatar.The complete original form of god.And it is the mercy of krishna that he manifests as different forms of narayana. There is no blasphemy is saying so but it is ignorance of individual souls to believe that krishna is just another avatar. I do not know much about madhwa dwaita philosophy but if u go to the raghavendra temple in madras which comes in madhwa tradition you will find that above samadhi is hanuman (bhakta) and above that bala krishna. Symbolizing the importance of krishna and we can seek the mercy of krishna through a bhakta like hanuman. I think i am clear in my approach . Please read Bhagavat gita as it is and Shrimad bhagavatam by Bhaktivedanta Praphupada who comes in the Bramha sampradaya and you will find the krishna is source of all expansions.

Vishnu nama japa is very good but as u see the source of vishnu is krishna.People mistake it the other way round. So the hare krishna maha mantra is good enough to chant in the kali yuga. hare nama hare name hare name kevalam kalau nast eve nast nast eva gathir anyatha in this age of kali only the name of hari can liberate us. And it easier to chant the hare krishna mantra and easy to distribute. My mother still chants the vishnu sahasranama.But it is difficult to tell her the hare krishna mantra is enough. Until recently she chants vishnu sahasranama in front of an image of krishna.Old habits die hard. : ) But when i tell her if she accepts krishna then why chant vishnu sahasranama ...well her reply was she never saw any difference between vishnu or krishna.There are all the same for her.Simple devotion of an indian women.

Vishnu nama japa is very good but as u see the source of vishnu is krishna.People mistake it the other way round. So the hare krishna maha mantra is good enough to chant in the kali yuga. hare nama hare name hare name kevalam kalau nast eve nast nast eva gathir anyatha in this age of kali only the name of hari can liberate us. And it easier to chant the hare krishna mantra and easy to distribute. My mother still chants the vishnu sahasranama.But it is difficult to tell her the hare krishna mantra is enough. Until recently she chants vishnu sahasranama in front of an image of krishna.Old habits die hard. : ) But when i tell her if she accepts krishna then why chant vishnu sahasranama ...well her reply was she never saw any difference between vishnu or krishna.There are all the same for her.Simple devotion of an indian women.

http://www.traveling-preacher.com/tp070401.htm

Yeh u right we are a poor country.But it is all changing with the advent of technology all indians are seeking horizans.People from villages are moving to towns,from towns to cities and those in cities are moving abroad for better prospects. Population is another problem which india seems unable to control and poverty is due to lack of a strong support structure.Unlike the west where is good health coverage and educational loans by banks. India is a developing country but it is already a super power in self sufficiency.And culturally so rich with some many cultures united it can be said that india is chaotic on the surface but calm below while a country like china is calm above but chaotic below. Dont worry we indians adapt very fast and we will show you that IT IS THE HUMAN SPIRIT THAT COUNTS NOT THE MATERIALISM AROUND US THAT KEEPS US HAPPY.

i had the same feeling before i read the bhagavat gita but if u read any other version and this version you would feel all other gitas are mere translation or just intellectually translated just for advancing in this material world. I have been studying in Chinmaya Vidyalaya where a regular gita gyana yagna was conducted regularly and you will find he talks a lot about right action , staying steady to reach our goal ,always being detached to the result but work in the spirit of service.But there is no mention of developing krishna conciousness. You will find the bhagavat gita as it is written in the spirit of devotion.To seek the grace of krishna . So if you are looking foward to real spiritual meaning of gita then Bhagavat Gita As It Is will satify all your requirements.As far as the authencity of this version is considered you may need to know that the bhagavat gita is come down the generations through sampradaya (guru - shishya). You will find the same verses in all the bhagavat gita in the market.But these verses have been explained differently depending upon the mood of the translator. Since Prabhupad is coming the sampradaya of devotion to krishna it will be full of devotional meaning.Any other version will just be a transalation for material advancement.

i had the same feeling before i read the bhagavat gita but if u read any other version and this version you would feel all other gitas are mere translation or just intellectually translated just for advancing in this material world. I have been studying in Chinmaya Vidyalaya where a regular gita gyana yagna was conducted regularly and you will find he talks a lot about right action , staying steady to reach our goal ,always being detached to the result but work in the spirit of service.But there is no mention of developing krishna conciousness. You will find the bhagavat gita as it is written in the spirit of devotion.To seek the grace of krishna . So if you are looking foward to real spiritual meaning of gita then Bhagavat Gita As It Is will satify all your requirements.As far as the authencity of this version is considered you may need to know that the bhagavat gita is come down the generations through sampradaya (guru - shishya). You will find the same verses in all the bhagavat gita in the market.But these verses have been explained differently depending upon the mood of the translator. Since Prabhupad is coming the sampradaya of devotion to krishna it will be full of devotional meaning.Any other version will just be a transalation for material advancement.

In this country there are no temples or even churches as saudi arabia believes that this is the land where islam was founded.So no other religion has greater importance .But however they are not totally intolerant to other religion.We can practise our religion at home without creating a public announcements or conversion. I have been here in saudi for 2 yrs and it is my first experience living in a society like this.Having brought up in India where all religions can be practised i felt the importance of India only after coming here. However there are good aspects to saudi like alcohol is prohibited completly and severe punishment if caught.The same for illicet sex or gambling or watching pornography. 5 times prayer a day for a muslim is compulsory.There are no theatres but TV with satellite is available and can rent video. Most of the food here is non vegetarian and sometimes cannot help but eat non-veg food.I try my best to being vegetarian.Sometimes i am invited for dinner at a muslims home for ramzan or eid as a guest and i cannot do much but eat.I avoid beef completly but eat fish and chicken.This is against the principles of krishna conciousness, but being a bachealor it is VERY difficult to control our diet in all circumstances in saudi .Hope krishna will forgive me. Being in saudi means there are no iskcon temples to visit so i guess the best thing to do is read krishna concious books and chant 16 rounds a day. Living here in saudi has increased my love for krishna conciousness in seperation. /images/graemlins/smile.gif

I live in riyadh , saudi arabia ...economic conditions for me back home arent good so i decided to work in riyadh.But i am also krishna concious...chant 16 rounds a day. But then i need association which is not possible for me so i find audarya very much like association with devotees.Sometimes there is a little gossip regarding current issues but most topics are trancedental. So this forum has definitly helped me to keep in touch with other devotees,spiritually not physically !! /images/graemlins/smile.gif

http://marriagepartner.com/talk/messages/8/5607.html?1049794677 http://www.ammas.com/showAFullTip.cfm?topic=Marriage&tid=8118

Marrying someone who is a muslim or hindu either way needs a lot of understanding.First you both need to come to an agreement if you both think religion is important.If it isnt it will be one day. Are u both going to ask one another to convert before or after marraige.You may not be a religious hindu or he may not be a religious muslim but their families may be. If u are going to have kids how are you going to raise them. After marraige you need to understand u may be both scorned at each other functions.There may be talk of hindu/muslim blasphemy where u have to stand united in your views against society. Get you parents feedback and approval.If you get their approval then everything will be smooth. If u dont get their approval you both may stand isolated as will be uninvited atleast till you have a family. http://www.sarod.com/PhotoGallery/photoframes.htm There are a lot of happy inter-religion marraiges of famous personalities who respected the unity of all religions.foe e.g Amjad Ali Khan the sarod player.He never asked his wife to convert as his love was unconditional and he respects other religions. Both of you must study the lives of such personilties and imbibe their qualities before getting married.Good luck.

Cintamani's diary Day 1 My name is Cintamani, and I am the object of scorn for all the high-class village ladies. It is not because I am unattractive, or bad-natured, but because of my profession. I do not think I deserve their scorn. I did not choose my profession. My father was a religious brahmana. He used to perform Durga-puja regularly, and was often asked to recite the Bhagavata on special days due to his beautiful mode of pronunciation. When I came of age he married me to a very nice brahmana. But after only a couple of years with my new husband and his family, both his family and mine were stricken with typhoid, and I was the only survivor. My landlord, Sri Ramacandra Khan, demanded that I pay him rent. What else could I do? I had no other means of livelihood. But somehow Durga-ma has been very kind to me. I am paid well for my performances, singing and dancing for wealthy men like the Khan and his guests. So I do not mind the scorn and back-biting talk of the other ladies. Day 2 Today was the last day of Durga-puja. I wept bitterly, thinking of my father, as the image of Durga-mata was given to the Ganga. I made a special prayer that she may end my suffering. I cannot fool myself, despite all my prosperity and the attention of wealthy men I am not happy with my existence. I went to perform at the house of the Khan. He had new guests visiting from the Zamindar's court, and wanted them to see me perform. I performed my best vasant-rati dance, and could see the men practically drooling. Afterward the Khan called me to his chamber. He seemed very upset. He gave me some gold coins and asked me to do something. He said there is a Vaishnava called Haridas who had taken residence outside the village. This Haridas was considered a very elevated person by some, and this was causing trouble. Sri Khanji explained that actually this Haridas is a pretender, and so I need to demonstrate this by alluring him into my arms. Then the Khan could enforce religion and arrest the man. I did not like the idea of trying to seduce even someone who pretended to be a holy man, but Sri Khanji is such a wise and religious man. He must know best, and after all I was just being paid to do my job. I would not be doing any harm to this holy man. Certainly to incite a man's affection is no crime, though many people think of it that way! What, are we not given these bodies, though temporary, to enjoy life? I asked the Khan to give me one night alone. Then, once I had worked my magic and made this holy man into my swooning and love-stricken follower, I would lead him and his soldiers to the poor fellow. Yet still somehow I was troubled by this. It just didn't seem right. Day 3 Boy, what a frustrating night! I went home from the Khan's palace and put on my finest clothes. I bathed and anointed my body with fragrant oils and put the sweetest smelling flowers in my hair. I adorned my body not too heavily, but with my finest ornaments, sure to distract and captivate the mind of any mortal man. I then went with swaying gait to the place of this Haridas. I listened to him chanting his Hare Krishna Hare Rama for a little bit, then went and offered my pranams. I expressed my burning desire for his affections. This was the truth, for upon seeing him, even poorly dressed and rather thin, I could see him shining with the light of austerities and knew that here was a man so religious that, like the sage Rsyasringa, he would make any woman happy. I thought he would walk away or pretend to ignore me. But no, he smiled and looked at me and said, "I shall certainly fulfill your desire, but first I must finish my chanting. Please sit here and wait a bit." Well, I sure did wait! I waited and waited and waited and waited, and finally the sky got rosy with dawn and he was still sitting there chanting Hare Krishna Hare Krishna. It was as if he couldn't get enough of it. I gave up and went home. I'm so frustrated I had to sit down and write about the experience. I'll try again tonight, and I'm sure I'll be successful this time. Day 4 Another night with no success. But there is something strange about his chanting. I went and offered my pranams again, and also offered some water to the Tulsi plant. This time he said he had vowed to chant a zillion names or something by the end of the month, and was still trying to get his chanting done, and could I please wait a bit and he'd be sure to satisfy me. Well, it got a little boring just sitting there. I figured I'd make fun of him chanting and maybe that would get him interested in me. So I began to chant. Actually my father used to chant that mantra all the time, only it was Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare / Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare. Haridas was chanting Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare / Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare. But I guess when you chant day and night the way he does it doesn't make much difference which comes first, kind of like Valmiki who used to chant marA marA marA but it ran together into marAmarAma rAma rAma rAma... But I couldn't bring myself to mock him. The funny thing is, I experienced something very different and very special chanting Hare Krishna in the association of Haridas. I can't quite put my finger on it. I'll go back again tonight and see if I can figure it out. Day 5 Oh, I am so wicked! How could I think to seduce Thakur Haridas, my Gurudeva? He left this morning after completing his chanting. As with the night before, I sat and chanted with him, only this time I started chanting right away, and tried to chant sincerely. I began to understand what was happening: I was developing a taste for chanting these names. At the same time I found myself losing interest in my career, all my fine clothes and ornaments, my wealth and the attentions of wealthy men. Finally I prostrated myself before him, weeping. I confessed that I had been sent by Ramacandra Khan to break his austerities. I thought surely he will punish me for this. But he just smiled and said that he knew all about the envious activities of Ramacandra Khan. He had stayed longer only for my benefit. I could not believe my ears, yet my heart said this was true. He had given me something very special and very sublime. Before he left he had me repeat the maha-mantra carefully after him, and he explained that now I had been initiated. He instructed me to chant every day, live simply in his forest hut and worship Tulsi. Then he left. I must go now and complete my chanting. Day 6 Today I returned to the village and gave away all my possessions. I traded my fine silks for some simple rough cloth, and used what little money I had left to pay the barber to shave my head. What a fool I was to delight in playing Mayadevi, the very deputy of the illusory energy! By the grace of Sri Gurudeva I had lost attraction for everything but these sweet names of Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare. Day 10 It has been some days since I have written. I do not have so much to say anymore. My tongue is full of the vibration of Harinama. What is the potency of such a devotee as my Gurudeva that he has transformed a low and fallen girl like me into someone who is intoxicated with Harinama? Today Ramacandra Khan came by the asrama and was very disappointed to see that not only had I failed, but had myself been converted. Not seeing my Gurudeva, he left in anger and disappointment. Day 28 Some villagers came to see me today. They think I am some sort of saint, but actually I do not have any real love or attraction for the holy name. In the association of Sri Haridas Thakur I caught some brief glimpse of a shadow of attraction for the holy name, and I think I will spend the rest of my life chasing after developing a taste for the holy name. But there is no harm in their thinking me a Vaishnavi, and they bring some rice and vegetables so I need not be concerned for anything. I encourage them to chant also, but they do not always listen. Day 29 Today a very learned Vaishnava came to speak with me. Actually, he has so much to teach me. He is a disciple of Sri Nityananda Prabhu. Though he is a householder, not a paramahamsa like my Gurudeva, he is very learned in all shastras and in the teachings of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. But I could not absorb so much. He wanted to tell me all about Vedanta and rigorous proofs and so many things. I know these things are important, but I thought, "Isn't everything in Harinama?" Day 30 Again Sri Raghupati Cattopadhyaya came. I told him that I could not understand so much philosophy, but simply wanted to chant as I had been instructed by my Gurudeva. He said that I was simply sentimental. If I did not understand all the philosophy behind the chanting, I would not get the desired result. Then he became critical of my Gurudeva. He said that I had received cheap initiation, and that if I really wanted to make advancement, I should become his disciple and learn shastra knowledge from him. To take proper initiation one has to pass through long periods of study and purification, he explained, not just after three days. I replied that my Gurudeva is a maha-bhagavata, a great Vaishnava. He shook his head and said, "You do not understand anything. You don't know shastra, you don't know Vedanta. You are not a maha-bhagavata, so you can't possibly know who is a maha-bhagavata!" He said, "I am known all over this part of Bengal as a great scholar. Become my disciple and you will also be famous. Who will remember this Haridas, who just chants Hare Krishna and is not even born in a brahmana family?" I said, "Sir, you are a very learned scholar and should not waste your time trying to instruct a poor ignorant woman like myself. You ask me for proof that my Gurudeva is a maha-bhagavata. You would also ask a burning piece of wood for proof that someone has set it on fire. How can I prove to you that which you will not recognize or understand? One cannot wake up someone who is only pretending to be asleep." At this he became very insulted and left. I must say that I am happy not to see him again. I do not care to see the face of someone who is so critical of my Gurudeva. Where would I be without him? What proof do I need? He has set me on fire with the chanting of the holy name, and this fire is burning out all the dirty unwanted things from my heart. I know that soon this fire will consume me and I can become engulfed in offenseless chanting of the holy name. All glories to Namacarya Srila Haridas Thakur! All glories to all the Vaishnava devotees! Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

http://www.dharmakshetra.com/sages/Saints/lives%201.html

Hare Krsna , Your understanding of hinduism is very poor.This is not your fault as you have been exposed only to islam . Please read this article... http://krishna.org/Articles/2000/10/00147.html you are attracted to the impersonal form of god but if you know that god has a form wouldnt you be happy. This is not the time to argue about religion.See the world around you.The world is degraded with war and terrorism with no respect for human life.All due to ignorance. Ask yourself what is the purpose of my life...my existance. Dont waste time trying to prove whether islam is perfect or hinduism is.This has been going on for centuries.Ask yourself if can seek god.Love god not religion. You will find the answers...in krsna conciousness. Srinivas.

http://society.krishna.org/Articles/2000/10/00179.html The very fact you say you are suffering makes me think you are fit for spiritual development.Please read the above article and maybe it will help you understand better. hare krsna, Srinivas.

I like the anology of material body and spiritual body with a knife.It makes a lot more sense.

Good point why bother.Burial is their ritual and cremation is ours.Very practical approach to religion. Thank you, Srinivas.

When hindus burn their dead while christians and muslims bury their dead. Jesus and Mohammed were both realized souls but how come they advocated burial. Doesnt it seem to condradict.Hindus beleive that soul lives but other major religions do not.I have cristian and muslim friends who feel very offending to burn the dead. How can i prove to them we are souls .And cremation is acceptable. Can anybody help me.

in christianity we want to go to heavan in islam we want to go to heavan in hinduism too and all other major world religions so salvation is a part of our duty to our soul but the real duty is to serve krishna. This is the difference between krishna conciousness and all other religions.Krishna conciousness is like putting a fish back into water of the ocean.While it is lost in all the rivers of religion.

http://www.itvproductions.net/pages/movies.html

Tukaram Tukaram was a great saint of Maharashtra. He was always singing bhajans. Once when it was Hutashini, some kids came to Tukaram. They, being mischievous said, ''Sing some faag.'' Tukaram refused. So the children grabbed hold of Tukaram and shaved off all the hair from his head. They then painted his head white with lime. As if this was not enough they sat him backwards on a donkey and gave him the donkey's tail to hold! They garlanded him with a garland made of carrots and brinjals. The kids then took him all around the village, shouting and making fun of poor Tukaram all the way. When Tukaram's wife Jaanbai saw this, she burst into tears. But Tukaram said to her, ''Why are you crying? What wrong has been done? My hair was long and I didn't have the money to cut it, so the kids cut it free of charge! And I also have dandruff but now the lime will cure it. And when we got married did we have a procession? No, so we had it today! Plus the vegetable garland will do as food for a few days.'' Tukaram was very humble. Another person would have been greatly insulted. He tolerated everything, and now the whole of Maharashtra sings the praises of Tukaram and Jaanbai.

Sometimes i feel when our faith weakens the best thing to do is study the life of saints.Krishna never lets down his devotees.This link brings to us wonderfull events in the life of tukaram who had full faith in vithal or krishna. http://www.neonblue.com/tfs/tukabio.htm

I was broght up in a well to do family.India was a competitive society so i decided i would rather do a technical course that would enable me to start my own business. I was always interested in yoga.I had tried TM , Kriya yoga and practising a little of meditation. I would return from college late at night at 10.30 tired with my work.One night on a lonely stretch of road to my house i heard a distant music of bells.Not knowing what it was i walked towards this place situated a bit deep inside a private estate. Suddenly i see orange clothed men and people listenig to a lecture.Having no idea of iskcon or its activities.I decided to walk away as soon as i came.I was stopped by a college devotee,he enquired about me and he asked me to buy a small book.He also invited me to visit the temple . With a lot skeptism i bought the book.Feeling very uncomfortable surrounded by orange clothed men with shaven heads and nama on their foreheads. I took home this book and read it.It didnt make sense to speak of god as a personality.Krishna was just another king 5000 yrs back.Vishnu was exceptable.I had never read any krishna conciousness literature not even the bhagavat geeta. I went home and started to meditate.Suddenly i realized i had this image of four yogis practising kriya yoga and above their pictures a small image of krishna playing flute. If yogis practising meditation thousands of years meditate on krishna then i must be wrong. I visited the temple began to understand krishna conciousness over the months and became a voluteer.I have continued to associate with krishna conciousness as a volunteer. It gives me great joy that krishna has been so mercifull to me on that night. As i am little of shy nature i have continued to associate with krishna as a voluteer.What more does one need to do,serve krishna and his devotees and experience transcedental joy. Srinivas.

thank you for the info...the link has been very helpfull.