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Everything posted by bhaktajan
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caratamrita -- but only first class. First Class I tell you. Only first class caratamrita! Ask your nearest senior devotee you see when it's available at the next abhi-sheka
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KrishnaPriya, KrishnaPriya, Hey Hey, Good bye ! KrishnaPriya, KrishnaPriya, Hey Hey, Good bye ! KrishnaPriya, KrishnaPriya, Hey Hey, Good bye ! KrishnaPriya, KrishnaPriya, Hey Hey, Good bye ! KrishnaPriya, KrishnaPriya, Hey Hey, Good bye ! the end.
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The seed giving father has lost his wife? Krsna has given the seed of birth--thus, we are in excile too? If the child is to leave excile and go home he is not returning, as Rama did, or the Pandavas did. The child would be like a second generation immigrant going to the land of his ancestors--not knowing the language nor customs nor relatives etc., thus "not returning" but "relocating". But the terminology is: "Back home, back to Godhead" as in to return home. You might know what Sridhar Swami meant literally, but We are asserting what Srila Prabhupada instructed.
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I searched the folio for, "back home, back to godhead" —below are Srila Prabhupada's statements. One may argue that A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami did not possess the literary skills, in the English language, to express himself precisely as a guru: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Below are a few references, for your use. Bhagavad-gita [Purports by Srila Prabhupada]: Preface — . . . go back to home, back to Godhead. . . . 3.10 — . . . to come back home—back to Godhead. . . . 3.15 — . . . return home, back to Godhead. . . . 5.24 — . . . back to Godhead, back to home. . . . 9.12 — . . . going back to Godhead 9.26,28 — . . . back home, back to Godhead. . . . 10.4-5 — . . . go back to the spiritual sky, back home, back to Godhead. . . . 10.10 — . . . go back home, back to Godhead, . . . 11.33 — . . . to go back to Godhead, back to home. . . . 13.29 — . . . go back to Godhead, back to home. . . . 15.12 — . . . back to Godhead, back to home. . . . 15.15 — . . . and come back to Godhead, back to home. . . . 16.1-3 — . . . go back home, back to Godhead, . . . 17.25 — . . . back to home, back to Godhead. . . . 18.68 — . . . to go back home, back to Godhead. . . . Srimad-Bhagavatam [Purports by Srila Prabhupada]: 2.2.27 2.10.4 10.3.37-38 10.6.39-40 8.24.52 Sri Caitanya Caritamrita [Purports by Srila Prabhupada]: Adi-Lila 9.43 .......................................................................................................................... If one accepts that Srila Prabhupada's English is the king's English —then why all the semantics? Ys, Bhaktajan
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attached is a proto type chart of the Banyan Tree as per the gita's description -- it is a jpeg of a hand drawn scanned. It must be drawn cleanly at a future date. This is a literal map of the slokas --I've not seen a simular drawing--though we've all seen depictions [as a painting]. ys, Bhaktajan
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Do you long for the good old days? Homer there are Barbarians at the Door! "He went that-a-way"—Judas on the way to the pub. How's the Black Plague treating you? "Just when I think I'm out, they pull me back in"—Isabella to the Spanish Inquisition. "There goes the neighborhood"—Isabella to the Moors. "I think he's our returning God"—Incas to the Conquistadors. "I'm out of here"—European & Chinese emigrants. "Cotton picking southern hospitality" "Let's do business or it's war buddy"—Admiral Perry to Japan. "Summer's coming, let's go to Saratoga"---5th Ave Barons escaping epidemics. "HELLO: WW I , WW II , <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com<st1:country-region w:st=" /><st1:country-region w:st="on">Korea</st1:country-region>, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Vietnam</st1:country-region></st1:place>"—savvy savings bond investments. "Ladies and gentlemen the king has left…us a bill of goods" There has always been the dichotomy between the opposites [Duality]. There is large vast voids of black, empty space —and, there are small brilliant illuminated dots called stars— the ratio is more or less 1 Bhakta for every 100 Billion karmis. [similarly 2 Million incarcerated prison inmates vs. 250 Million law abiding tax payers.] Equanimity of mind is most useful when charioteering around town. That's why Krsna & the sages endearingly nag us all about this. ys, Bhaktajan
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Garbhadhana-samskara [What Prabhupada said about sex]
bhaktajan replied to bhaktajan's topic in Vedic Verses
1) By Dark Ages I am referring to the academically accepted era between the fall of the Roman empire to the rise of the Renaisance. 2) What did you learn abt Mohejodaro and Harappa? I have no idea? Were they not remnants of a manufactering out-post? 3) Stopage of Hillbilly culture? President Musharif is working on this too. 3) What long period of ignorance? What mis-interpretation of the way of life we call Hinduism? What source-authority are you quoting? What maxim from what sciptural injunction? The samskara of "Garbhadhana" is meant to father children who are of canidates who are of noblely minded souls who would now take birth in one's own family--especially coveted is a lie-long brahmacari who would fullfill the title of "Putra" [Or totally much more rarely, a girl who would be a "Putri" via her own progeny] One must quote authority (sastra) to express axioms and maxims. I don't presume to know what you know that is in contrast to what sastric verses I posted re: Garbhadhana-samskara. ys, Bhaktajan -
How can a vaishnava be offended? This doesn't make sense at all
bhaktajan replied to Redsox's topic in Spiritual Discussions
Redsox, Your question is asked the wrong way around. All 'personal' qualities originate in the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Love, hate etc. spring forth from Krishna, from Krishna is the source of all rasas/mellow/tastes/interpersonal exchanges —not the other way around. We jivas may experience our own Point-of-View(s) but our own absolute peace of mind requires us to reconcile our personal relationship with he who is: Paramesvara / Hrisikesa / suhrtam-sarva-bhutanam. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Some verse re: Krsna's anger: SB 1.9.37—Fulfilling my desire and sacrificing His own promise, He got down from the chariot, took up its wheel, and ran towards me hurriedly, just as a lion goes to kill an elephant. He even dropped His outer garment on the way. PURPORT The <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comKrishna</st1:place>'s pastimes. <st1:place w:st=" /><st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Battle</st1:place></st1:City> of Kurukñetra was fought on military principles but at the same time in a sporting spirit, like a friend’s fight with another friend. Duryodhana criticized Bhéñmadeva, alleging that he was reluctant to kill Arjuna because of paternal affection. A kñatriya cannot tolerate insults on the principle of fighting. Bhéñmadeva therefore promised that the next day he would kill all five Päëòavas with special weapons made for the purpose. Duryodhana was satisfied, and he kept the arrows with him to be delivered the next day during the fight. By tricks Arjuna took the arrows from Duryodhana, and Bhéñmadeva could understand that this was the trick of Lord Kåñëa. So he took a vow that the next day Kåñëa would have to take up weapons Himself, otherwise His friend Arjuna would die. In the next day’s fighting Bhéñmadeva fought so violently that both Arjuna and Kåñëa were in trouble. Arjuna was almost defeated; the situation was so tense that he was about to be killed by Bhéñmadeva the very next moment. At that time Lord Kåñëa wanted to please His devotee, Bhéñma, by keeping Bhéñma’s promise, which was more important than His own. Seemingly He broke His own promise. He promised before the beginning of the <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Battle</st1:place></st1:City> of Kurukñetra that He would remain without weapons and would not use His strength for either of the parties. But to protect Arjuna He got down from the chariot, took up the wheel of the chariot and hurriedly rushed at Bhéñmadeva in an angry mood, as a lion goes to kill an elephant. He dropped His covering cloth on the way, and out of great anger He did not know that He had dropped it. Bhéñmadeva at once gave up his weapons and stood to be killed by Kåñëa, his beloved Lord. The fighting of the day was thus ended at that very moment, and Arjuna was saved. Of course there was no possibility of Arjuna’s death because the Lord Himself was on the chariot, but because Bhéñmadeva wanted to see Lord Kåñëa take up some weapon to save His friend, the Lord created this situation, making Arjuna’s death imminent. He stood before Bhéñmadeva to show him that his promise was fulfilled and that He had taken up the wheel. SB 1.9.38—May He, Lord Çré Kåñëa, the Personality of Godhead, who awards salvation, be my ultimate destination. On the battlefield He charged me, as if angry because of the wounds dealt by my sharp arrows. His shield was scattered, and His body was smeared with blood due to the wounds. PURPORT The dealings of Lord Kåñëa and Bhéñmadeva on the Battlefield of Kurukñetra are interesting because the activities of Lord Çré Kåñëa appeared to be partial to Arjuna and at enmity with Bhéñmadeva; but factually all this was especially meant to show special favor to Bhéñmadeva, a great devotee of the Lord. The astounding feature of such dealings is that a devotee can please the Lord by playing the part of an enemy. The Lord, being absolute, can accept service from His pure devotee even in the garb of an enemy. The Supreme Lord cannot have any enemy, nor can a so-called enemy harm Him because He is ajita, or unconquerable. But still He takes pleasure when His pure devotee beats Him like an enemy or rebukes Him from a superior position, although no one can be superior to the Lord. These are some of the transcendental reciprocatory dealings of the devotee with the Lord. And those who have no information of pure devotional service cannot penetrate into the mystery of such dealings. Bhéñmadeva played the part of a valiant warrior, and he purposely pierced the body of the Lord so that to the common eyes it appeared that the Lord was wounded, but factually all this was to bewilder the nondevotees. The all-spiritual body cannot be wounded, and a devotee cannot become the enemy of the Lord. Had it been so, Bhéñmadeva would not have desired to have the very same Lord as the ultimate destination of his life. Had Bhéñmadeva been an enemy of the Lord, Lord Kåñëa could have annihilated him without even moving. There was no need to come before Bhéñmadeva with blood and wounds. But He did so because the warrior devotee wanted to see the transcendental beauty of the Lord decorated with wounds created by a pure devotee. This is the way of exchanging transcendental rasa, or relations between the Lord and the servitor. By such dealings both the Lord and the devotee become glorified in their respective positions. The Lord was so angry that Arjuna checked Him when He was moving towards Bhéñmadeva, but in spite of Arjuna’s checking, He proceeded towards Bhéñmadeva as a lover goes to a lover, without caring for hindrances. Apparently His determination was to kill Bhéñmadeva, but factually it was to please him as a great devotee of the Lord. The Lord is undoubtedly the deliverer of all conditioned souls. The impersonalists desire salvation from Him, and He always awards them according to their aspiration, but here Bhéñmadeva aspires to see the Lord in His personal feature. All pure devotees aspire for this. SB 1.9.39 —At the moment of death, let my ultimate attraction be to Çré Kåñëa, the Personality of Godhead. I concentrate my mind upon the chariot driver of Arjuna who stood with a whip in His right hand and a bridle rope in His left, who was very careful to give protection to Arjuna’s chariot by all means. Those who saw Him on the Battlefield of Kurukñetra attained their original forms after death. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. CC Madhya 16.144 — “You should know that Lord Kåñëa Himself violated His own promise just to keep the promise of Grandfather Bhéñma. CC Madhya 16.145 — “‘Intending to make my promise true, Lord Kåñëa broke His own promise not to take up a weapon at Kurukñetra. With His outer garment falling off, Lord Çré Kåñëa jumped from His chariot, picked up a wheel and came running at me to kill me. Indeed, He rushed at me like a lion going to kill an elephant, and He caused the whole earth to tremble.’ PURPORT Lord Kåñëa promised not to fight in the <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Battle</st1:place></st1:City> of Kurukñetra or even take up a weapon. But when Bhéñma wanted to keep his own promise to break the promise of the Lord, the Lord immediately got down from the chariot, and to make Bhéñma’s promise true He picked up a chariot wheel and rushed forward to kill him. This is a quotation from Çrémad-Bhägavatam (1.9.37). ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. NOD 22 Qualities of Çré Krsna #39. Well-wisher of His Devotees It is said of Kåñëa’s devotees that if they offer even a little water or a tulasé leaf in devotion to Lord Viñëu, Lord Viñëu is so kind that He will sell Himself to them. Kåñëa’s favoritism toward His devotees was exhibited in His fight with Bhéñma. When Grandfather Bhéñma was lying at the point of death on the bed of arrows, Kåñëa was present before him, and Bhéñma was remembering how Kåñëa had been kind to him on the battlefield. Kåñëa had promised that in the <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Battle</st1:place></st1:City> of Kurukñetra He would not even touch a weapon to help either side; He would remain neutral. Although Kåñëa was Arjuna’s charioteer, He had promised that He would not help Arjuna by using any weapons. But one day Bhéñma, in order to nullify Kåñëa’s promise, exhibited his fighting spirit so magnificently against Arjuna that Kåñëa was obliged to get down from His chariot. Taking up a broken chariot wheel, He ran toward Grandfather Bhéñma as a lion runs toward an elephant to kill it. Grandfather Bhéñma remembered this scene, and He later praised Kåñëa for His glorious favoritism toward His devotee, Arjuna, even at the risk of breaking His own promise. .......................................................................................................................................................................................... does this approch you questions? Bhaktajan -
Vaisnava Bible Study - Is Jesus Vaisnava?
bhaktajan replied to HerServant's topic in Spiritual Discussions
Various Triads that seem to be parallel to each other: <TABLE class=MsoNormalTable style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-border-insidev: .5pt solid windowtext" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=1><TBODY><TR style="HEIGHT: 297.3pt; mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes"><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 1pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 5.4pt; BORDER-TOP: windowtext 1pt solid; PADDING-LEFT: 5.4pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 1pt solid; WIDTH: 153.9pt; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 1pt solid; HEIGHT: 297.3pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" vAlign=top width=205> Karanadakasayi-Visnu “MahaVisnu” Supersoul of Material Cosmos . . Paramesvara Mind Contemplation Attachment Desire Lust . Miseries caused by the mind and body . . . (adhyatmika) . . Thinking Internal energy “Yoga-Maya” <Gokulesvari> . . . Bhagavan Adhi-yajna Visnu . Sattva-guna Bhakti Brahma-Sabda . Sat <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com Om</st1:place> . Guru Kala </TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 1pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 5.4pt; BORDER-TOP: windowtext 1pt solid; PADDING-LEFT: 5.4pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; WIDTH: 139.65pt; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 1pt solid; HEIGHT: 297.3pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" vAlign=top width=186> Garbhodakasayi-Visnu Supersoul of the Bhahmanda . . . Hrisikesa Senses Desire Fear Fear Greed . Miseries inflicted by other living entities . . . (adhibhautika) . . Feeling Marginal energy “Jiva-atmas” (tatastha-sakti) (ksetrajna-sakti) . . . Brahman Adhi-bhuta Shiva . Tamas-guna Karma Sense-perception . Chitta Tat . Sadhu Desha </TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 1pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 5.4pt; BORDER-TOP: windowtext 1pt solid; PADDING-LEFT: 5.4pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; WIDTH: 132.55pt; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 1pt solid; HEIGHT: 297.3pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" vAlign=top width=177> Ksirodakasayi-Visnu Supersoul of the Jiva-atmas . . . Suhridam-sarva-bhutanam Intelligence—[Gita 5.28] Anger—[Gita 2.62] Anger —[Gita 4.10] Anger —[Gita 5.28] Anger—[Gita 16.21] . Miseries are concerned, these are natural disasters that originate with the demigods . . (adhidaivika) . . Willing External energy “Maha-Maya” (bahiranga-sakti) <Durga> . . Paramatma Adhi-daiva Brahma . Rajas-guna Dhyana Inference . Ananda Sat . Sastra Patra </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> -
Vaisnava Bible Study - Is Jesus Vaisnava?
bhaktajan replied to HerServant's topic in Spiritual Discussions
A) As per the Hindu Trinity, Godhead is*: I— Bhagavan (God Personage as "He who alone Possesses of all Six Opulences"—all wealth, all strength, all beauty, all intelligence, all fame & most renounced). II—Paramatma (God as the life-force localized within the nucleus of each and every animate and inanimate particle of the Creation). III—Brahman (God as the omnipresent/omniscient vacant space, which is occupied by all the animate and inanimate particles that compose the Creation). [*NOTE: All of Creation is accounted for in these three categories, beyond these three categories no additional separate entities exists, all things are accounted for in this Hindu Trinity—as revealed in the Vedic literatures]. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. B) Bhagavad-gita 3.26: So as not to disrupt the minds of ignorant men attached to the fruitive results of prescribed duties, a learned person should not induce them to stop work. Rather, by working in the spirit of devotion, he should engage them in all sorts of activities [for the gradual development of Krsna consciousness]. Purport: . . . All rituals, all performances of sacrifices, and everything that is put into the Vedas, including all direction for material activities, are meant for understanding Krsna, who is the ultimate goal of life. But because the conditioned souls do not know anything beyond sense gratification, they study the Vedas to that end. But through fruitive activities and sense gratification regulated by the Vedic rituals one is gradually elevated to Krsna consciousness. Therefore a realized soul in Krsna consciousness should not disturb others in their activities or understanding, but he should act by showing how the results of all work can be dedicated to the service of Krsna. The learned Krsna conscious person may act in such a way that the ignorant person working for sense gratification may learn how to act and how to behave. Although the ignorant man is not to be disturbed in his activities . . . [bhaktajan's Note: herein above the word 'ignorant' denote a non-seeker's knowledge which is bereft of the Vedic scriptural understanding of the nature of: □ The soul, □ material energy (prakriti), □ karma vs. vikarma vs. akarma □ Time and its constituent properties/perview. □ Isvara—God as: Controller/Source of Sacrifice/Possessor of all Opulences/Mysterious Personality of Godhead revealed as Krishna. -
Vaisnava Bible Study - Is Jesus Vaisnava?
bhaktajan replied to HerServant's topic in Spiritual Discussions
Please compose a micro-outline of the difference; do a compact business-card sized break-down. Could you do the same for the different Vaisnava maths/Samdayas? ys, Bhaktajan. What about Christ's opinions on: diet/meditation/observances of ekadasi fasts/metaphysics/nature of the soul/nature of death/celestrial vs. terrestrial vs. transcendental abodes/yamaraja & pergatory/baby making/education/work in devotion to Godhead/Mysteries yet to be revealed/health & hygene/agarian economics ? -
. . . this is not some burlesque show! ............................................................................................................................... Time has it's specifications: starts-lasts-ends. MahaVishna's has his specifications: Breathes-in, holds-breathe, Breathes-out. Brahma's specifications: Wakes/Creates, Acts as Maha-pita-maha, Sleeps. The Jiva has it's specifications: sat-citta-ananda. .................................................................................................. Brahma sleeps thus all is annihilated. Mahavishnu breathes-in thus all is annihilated. The jivas enter the material world as a 'Brahma' with his own 'Brahma-anda'. The jivas stay in the material world and are re-born repeatedly ---from a female or from Brahma's rewakening, or Mahavishnu's rewakening or even upon the current Manu's Appearence. -- Fin -- ............................................................................................................................... That's all folks. Thanks for coming! You've been great! Let's get together to live out our dotage in the not too distant future! ............................................................................................................................... And, now a word from our sponsors . . . ...............................................................................................................................
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This makes no sense, someone explain this to me please
bhaktajan replied to Redsox's topic in Spiritual Discussions
We are not sophisticated enough to handle both spiritual life and 'wealth beyond our needs'. Too much wealth allows for ideas of 'a wee bit of debauchery'. The answers above by others are all correct and applicable to your questions, it will work its way into your value system over time. Krishna smashes you with poverty which thus prevents you from devoting yourself to whoopie binges. [have you not seen the stories of those who've won the lottery and then spent all the money with in a couple of years--this is a type of drug-addled-addict behavior]. But on the other hand, 'God gives to those responsiblities for which they must be good stewards to'. Wealth, good parentage, good eduction, good body and appearence are all acquired in this life by way of pious acts in a our past life. Its a razors edge that can be avoided altogether if you so-inclined. We must carefull of what we wish for--That which is like poison in the present will be nectar in the end after the sacrifice and hard effort is complete. But, that which is like nectar at first will accrue the long arm of the karmic 'what-goes-around-comes-around' principle, and thus be like posion in the end. So yes you are right to wonder about a seeming contradiction--but you must practically have some 'assets in the bank' before worrying about how high your being taxed. ys, Bhaktajan PS: I am spent. -
With out stopping the slaughter of Cows and the maintenance of slaughter houses there can be no peace in society. He who lives by the butcher's knife will perpetuate the repeated pastimes of war and suffering and the stench of corpses [aside from salted, smoked, canned, artificially and chemically preserved bi-products or just simply putrefied luncheon flesh products fed to third world and inner city poor]. The first realization of a spiritual life is: We are spirit souls not the material body. So the culture of abortion is made repugnant to those who know of this spirit souls presence, but others simply live in gated communities away from the savage youth and miscreants. "In heaven, does God say: "What are we having for lunch? Oh, Look, a rabbit running across the garden. Watch this. Swooooshè,popè,bam,èboom—who wants the dark meat?" On earth do we say: "I never eat anything that was born as a result of sexual intercourse, especially sub-humans" How to propagate the change of heart to stop eating the mother of agrarian culture must be adopted by those who expect to fulfill their own desire to bring peace and thoughtfulness to society. If this seems like a daunting proposal —do not feign a sentiment of be overwrought with more pressing issues—the sacrifices exercised in neglect to stop cow slaughter will be compensated with a large stick [rather than a carrot] that will leave society further maimed rather than enlightened, One combat-boot-step at a time. Let us plan to make plans to address this issue which is at the heart of what causes the human condition to be heartless. Ys, Bhaktajan
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How can a vaishnava be offended? This doesn't make sense at all
bhaktajan replied to Redsox's topic in Spiritual Discussions
If some one offends Krishna he doesn't mind but if someone offends his devotee, then Krishna takes offense. The D.I. [Drill Instructor] in the military is a strict, stern, yelling Man--but he loves his troops dearly. When a Guru-like lecturer is confronted with poorly worded inquiries there is a 'cringe-factor' that may appear as if he is put-off by the questioner --this may be due to the nature of extemporaneous speaking: Trying to illustrate a moral with multiple references without loosing one train of thought--this applies at the end of a lecture too when questions that are tangential. Such tangential questions must be asked face to face, one-on-one with the lecturer--but many times a person does not make the sacrifice of approaching out of a false sense of modesty. The Gita arises from offenses made to tolerant cousins who for pragmatic and other high-stake reasons had to respond as per their station in life: thus--civil war in the royal dynasty they had the obligation to protect against demonic chaos. bhaktajan -
This makes no sense, someone explain this to me please
bhaktajan replied to Redsox's topic in Spiritual Discussions
The context [what topic promted him to speak on this topic] is unknown to me--but the idea is definitely for the dharma/mentality of "Babajis" or for renunciants living in places of pilgramage. -
Seniority in the Iskcon hierarchy?
bhaktajan replied to AncientMariner's topic in Spiritual Discussions
Isopanisad 6 Purport . . . The Supreme Lord’s presence is realized in three stages. The kanithha-adhikari is in the lowest stage of realization. He goes to a place of worship, such as a temple, church or mosque, according to his religious faith, and worships there according to scriptural injunctions. Devotees in this stage consider the Lord to be present at the place of worship and nowhere else. They cannot ascertain who is in what position in devotional service, nor can they tell who has realized the Supreme Lord. Such devotees follow the routine formulas and sometimes quarrel among themselves, considering one type of devotion better than another. These kanithha-adhikaris are actually materialistic devotees who are simply trying to transcend the material boundary to reach the spiritual plane. Those who have attained the second stage of realization are called madhyama-adhikaris. These devotees observe the distinctions between four categories of being: (1) the Supreme Lord; (2) the devotees of the Lord; (3) the innocent, who have no knowledge of the Lord; and (4) the atheists, who have no faith in the Lord and hate those in devotional service. The madhyama-adhikari behaves differently toward these four classes of person. He adores the Lord, considering Him the object of love; he makes friends with those who are in devotional service; he tries to awaken the dormant love of God in the hearts of the innocent; and he avoids the atheists, who deride the very name of the Lord. Above the madhyama-adhikari is the uttama-adhikari, who sees everything in relation to the Supreme Lord. Such a devotee does not discriminate between an atheist and a theist but sees everyone as part and parcel of God. He knows that there is no essential difference between a vastly learned brahmana and a dog in the street, because both of them are part and parcel of the Lord, although they are encaged in different bodies on account of the different qualities of their activities in their previous lives. He sees that the brahmana particle of the Supreme Lord has not misused his little independence given him by the Lord and that the dog particle has misused his independence and is therefore being punished by the laws of nature by being encaged in the form of a dog. Not considering the respective actions of the brahmana and the dog, the uttama-adhikari tries to do good to both. Such a learned devotee is not misled by material bodies but is attracted by the spiritual spark within them. Those who imitate an uttama-adhikari by flaunting a sense of oneness or fellowship but who behave on the bodily platform are actually false philanthropists. The conception of universal brotherhood must be learned from an uttama-adhikari and not from a foolish person who does not properly understand the individual soul or the Supreme Lord’s Supersoul expansion, who dwells everywhere. . . . -
Funny = others' distress I was taught that a "Story" is about someone who pursues a worthy goal. Raise the stakes of the 'worthy goal' and it becomes an interseting drama. Raise the stakes higher to a National level and you have high Drama/Tragedy. Raise the stakes beyond logic and you have Comedy. ........................................................................ Mel Brookes was asked to define Comedy, he said: "'A man slips on a banana and fall', is not funny; 'A man slips on a banana and falls in to a sewer and dies'--that is funny." The point is that Comedy is based on the premise that a third party witnesses the misfortune of others --and laughs. Ergo, "Irony" [ie: Abbot and Costello, Martin & Lewis, Burns & Allen are seen by the audience--the frustration the 'straight-man' caused by the 'fall-guy' is what the viewer sees and thus laugh(s)]--though I actually don't know how/if this principle applies here in the above photo or not. Just a recollection prompted by the above posting--which is indeed an example of a 'funny/sardonic' satire. best regards, ys, Bhaktajan PS: There is a new TV weekly hour long Series called, "Reaper" about a young boy who must capture escaped souls from hell and return them--the boy is like an earth-bound Yamaduta. But it's not necessarily a comedy.
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List of Srila Prabhupada's sannyasa disciples?
bhaktajan replied to Kulapavana's topic in Spiritual Discussions
The list of Iskcon Sannyasis are like a list of Great-Uncles --even the ones who've strayed. We should have baseball card-like cards with picture/zone/languages spoken/Stats/Home run averages/favorite bhajans, etc. [like the hasidam have of their rebbis] -
To Shakti-Fan with the hyphen, It pleases me to receive instruction from Vaisnavas as your self. I'm am quite familiar with poverty. It may behoove you preach the spiritual dangers of this maxim [...nama-aparadha, the result is that he may become wealthy...] to wealthy temple congregate benefactors [what to meantion that wealth is one of krsna's opulences] or maybe privated school tuitions are cheap where you live --but I digress. But . . . Yukta-vairagya is to be utilized by every level devotee, no? PS: I apollogize for having to only seemingly gloss-over your enlightening post by Srila Narayana Maharaja. I do appreciate the message therein and see the value of it. Even my above posting is a tangential topic to Redsox's inquiries.
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Become "expert" ('expert' is one of the 26 qualities of a Devotee), do a job/vocation the best that could ever be expected, become rich and self-actualized by 'offering' your skills/benefit as a service for others. [ie: work to please society's needs and therefore rewards will assist your endeavors]. <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->
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I've always contemplated that we don't show gratitude to other devotees due to conceit. Also, Due to "Trgger finger/loose cannon principle": a devotee with a little 'shakti ala brahma-sabda' potency allows themselves to 'take offence' and thus, 'shoot wildly' [even un-knowingly] at fellow devotees. Thus, we un-knowingly curse eachother with our own reserve of accumulated merit/shakti. So we must mind our sense of indifference --while causually throwing 'astras' at each other. [i know I get snippy with bogie-yogis--but I consider that a bit different, my snippiness is like a sport/exercise to me.] ys, Bhaktajan PS: Get a life: Become "expert" ('expert' is one of the 26 qualities of a Devotee), do a job/vocation the best that could ever be expected, become rich and self-actualized by 'offering' your skills/benefit as a service for others. [ie: work to please society's needs and therefore rewards will assist your endeavors].
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There is a great old Blk & Wht Movie called: "Cabin in the Sky" During the lead actor's death bed scene he is visited by Yamadutas but while at the same time at an other location his sister sings in her gospel choir asking for grace for her wayward brother--that's when Visnudutas arrive! --It's amazing that in 1943 some one had obviously borrowed the notion of Yamadutas & Visnudutas & The 'Holy name' and the story of Ajamila. ys, Bhaktajan ................................................................................................... Cabin in the Sky is an American Broadway musical which opened in 1940. A motion picture based on the musical was produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and released in 1943. The film version of Cabin in the Sky starred Ethel Waters as Petunia and Eddie "Rochester" Anderson of Jack Benny fame as Little Joe. Lena Horne co-starred as the temptress Georgia Brown in her first and only leading role in an MGM musical. Other cast members included Louis Armstrong as one of Lucifer Junior's minions, Rex Ingram as Lucifer Junior, and Duke Ellington and his Orchestra, who have a showcase musical number. [edit] Overview and history Cabin in the Sky tells a version of the legend in which Little Joe, a man killed over gambling debts, is given six months to redeem his soul and become worthy of entering -- otherwise his soul will be condemned to . Produced by and directed by in one of his first productions, Cabin in the Sky was a groundbreaking production for its time due to the decision to use an all- cast. In the 1940s, movie theaters in many cities, particularly in the southern , refused to show films with prominent black performers, so MGM took a considerable financial risk by approving the film. The film was nominated for an for "." Cabin in the Sky is remembered for its intelligent and witty script, which treated its characters and their race with a dignity rare in American films of the time, although some depictions are still a bit jarring to 21st century sensibilities. According to liner notes in the CD reissue of the film's soundtrack, Freed and Minnelli sought input from black leaders before production began on the film. One musical number, in which Horne sings a reprise of "Ain't It the Truth" while taking a , was cut from the film prior to release, though it later appeared in a 1946 short subject entitled Studio Visit. As Horne later said in the documentary in which the excised performance was also featured, it was felt that to show a black woman singing in a bath went beyond the bounds of moral decency in 1943. A second (non-bubble bath) performance of this song by Louis Armstrong was also cut from the final print, resulting in the famous trumpeter having no solo musical number in the film. After years of unavailability, and released it on DVD on , . Cabin in the Sky is an which opened in . A based on the musical was produced by and released in . The film version of Cabin in the Sky starred as Petunia and of fame as Little Joe. co-starred as the temptress Georgia Brown in her first and only leading role in an MGM musical. Other cast members included as one of Junior's minions, as Lucifer Junior, and and his Orchestra, who have a showcase musical number. [edit] Overview and history Cabin in the Sky tells a version of the legend in which Little Joe, a man killed over gambling debts, is given six months to redeem his soul and become worthy of entering -- otherwise his soul will be condemned to . Produced by and directed by in one of his first productions, Cabin in the Sky was a groundbreaking production for its time due to the decision to use an all- cast. In the 1940s, movie theaters in many cities, particularly in the southern , refused to show films with prominent black performers, so MGM took a considerable financial risk by approving the film. The film was nominated for an for "." Cabin in the Sky is remembered for its intelligent and witty script, which treated its characters and their race with a dignity rare in American films of the time, although some depictions are still a bit jarring to 21st century sensibilities. According to liner notes in the CD reissue of the film's soundtrack, Freed and Minnelli sought input from black leaders before production began on the film. One musical number, in which Horne sings a reprise of "Ain't It the Truth" while taking a , was cut from the film prior to release, though it later appeared in a 1946 short subject entitled Studio Visit. As Horne later said in the documentary in which the excised performance was also featured, it was felt that to show a black woman singing in a bath went beyond the bounds of moral decency in 1943. A second (non-bubble bath) performance of this song by Louis Armstrong was also cut from the final print, resulting in the famous trumpeter having no solo musical number in the film. After years of unavailability, and released it on DVD on , .
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To BhaktiK, Hurray Huray! Excellent Posting! Outstanding Posting! :namaskar: :namaskar: PS: We should speak about sraddha, pinda, tarpana
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What I've always speculated happens between one human birth and another human birth: a) Historically the majority of karmis, down through time, have taken countless 'short-lived' birth(s). [ie: 1000 births as an insect = 6 human months] These minor sub-human births are always about reconciling ones own 'values' (in contrast to taking these births as a form of 'punishment'). b) When hugh masses of people [or small tight-knit groups] die at the same place and time they are destined to 're-surface' in human [terrestrial] births at approx. the same time (since they met their fates simultaneously they already exhibit what I'm theorizing here--'shared destiny due to commonality of dharma'). c) A Patriotic warrior/civil servant who dies in the line of duty: inherits the best that is availible in his society [after taking countless short-lived sub-human births]. IE: Amry generals = golf pros/cricket pros. Ranking officers = baseball players Infantry = american football/rugby Civil servants = basketball Politicians = movie stars Pruple heart/Medal of Honor/Nobel prize Winners = Nationally beloved Personalities d) [taken from posting below: . . . In the Karma Kanda scriptures we find that there is mention of a one year period of suspension for the departed soul. During that time, the rishis of the Karma Kanda say, the successors and holders of property of the departed soul can try to make some sacrifices and give help for the departed soul. There is a one year period of suspension. Pinda. Help may be arranged for the dead person, and then finally the person comes and talks with Yama (the God of Death) and a final decision is made. This is the general case. But there are particular instances where things may happen differently, . . . ] e) I've also thought that sometimes foolish vain conceited trouble-makers, while in front of Yamaraj [along with court appointed lawyers], get antsy and demand, or steal away a 'next birth'--thus obtaining a faulty (physically impaired) body. ys, Bhaktajan