mahak

The varnas and asramas are natural and not contrived, heads, arms, torsos and legs make up the society's body. the various names of the varnas have nothing to do weith the natural segments of society. Laborers work, farmers and merchants handle the money, society is run by the politicians and their troops, police and military, and the think tank members make policy. In this age, it is all polluted to produce what we see, but there is still no contrivance. Asramas are natural despiute the names of the segments as well. Students learn while awaiting activity that produces offspring, then marry, then get old, and then get way useless, and the asramas are also polluted in this age. There is no appointment to varnas and asramas, and the caste system refers to the unnaturaL APPOINTMENT. tHE CASTE system refers to british interpretation of the natural order of society they witnessed while they were depleting India of its resources to maintain the crown jewels (Ornaments stolen from the deities in India's temples). VAD and caste have no analogy whatsoever, one is natural and one is artificial. Butter is never margarine, and vise versa. Sanatana dharma is not VAD, but VAD understanding makes it easier to practice the eternal religious function of the jiva. haribol, ya, mahak

Haribol, theist. It is an awesome task of shepherding, especially when one has to do so in a sphere of discord and public bickering. In 1983, there were many devotees who were unfortunate to hook up with me, and I certainly had nowhere to send them for an education above my level. I was overprotective and did not want to get them hooked up with the mess known as the hare krsna movement. Maybe shepherding in this age is to just get folks interested in chanting the names of god and eating only the stuff offered to god (that he likes). Send them to a center? Dunno if I can handle the reprocussions of such a thing. After all, anyone can jump on the bandwagon and call themselves a rtvik. If rtvikism was to take place per 1977 instructions, one must approach the infamous eleven, who are the only ones authorized by Srila Prabhupada to act as rtviks. And the GBC is the governing body of rtvikism. So, by logic, only ISKCON under the GBC is the authoritive body of rtvikism, so rtviks outside this standard cannot claim that they are FOLLOWING guru's wishes in this regard. So, I, myself, support ISKCON and the GBC over any outside rtvik group (if I was certain that rtvikism was Srila Prabhupada's desire). But, in my complete set of pre-abridged editions of His masterpiece books and translations, I have yet to read anything about "officiating acaryas" or "rtvik priests". The only thing I have read on the subject is Srila Rupa Goswamis prohibition of accepting eccliastic or official gurus, which I will follow, because it is directly instructed in Srila Prabhupada's teachings that he himself approved prior to publication. ys, mahaksadasa

A question to any scholars out there. See if there is verification to the meeting between Dismas (the good thief) and the holy family during exile in egypt. Anyone who knows of scholars in this field, try to get info concerning this exile and those who met and associated with Mary, Yusif, and the child. I have heard of many great miracles performed by the child as well as the Mother during this time frame, including healing arts, restoration of lost items, etc. My source is actually a great reference, www.ancientmanuscripts.com. However, this article/story is a memory of over fourty years ago, of a series of dreams I had as a child. More is to come concerning the egypt phase of the Nazarine's mission, and the witness Magh Habhi. Haribol, ys, mahaksadasa

I started this post only to show that right and left are temporary positions of this world. I was kinda impressed that I could have natural friendship with Bhutabhavana for many reasons even though our politics may be diametrically opposed. Maybe a better discussion could be that Bush is a kind gentleman, but he is a fool to follow his daddy into Iraq. Maybe it is better to show that though Clinton had low moral character, some of his policies were quite good, and things were a lot better under his leadership, both here and abroad. Maybe this will show that positions change, that people have major differences, but on a transcendental level, there is much reason to offer respect to all. Ys, mahak

Haribol, I will post there as well, but I will post under the "closed minded" threads. I object to the inference that those against rtvikism are "closed minded", but I wont interfere. Most of my forum friends are rtviks, but my friends have not been able to convince me, not necessarily because of my closed mindedness, but maybe because they lack conviction to convince anyone of their ideas. I am open minded enough to not declare war on the rtviks like some have, nor do I use harsh words against them, nor do I try to convince them that their way is wrong. So who is closed minded here? If the owner would like to brainstorm with me on another word (other than closed minded), I would offer to assist. I would never use that term for anyone who reads or posts on a Krsna centered website, and is the word favored by those against the ideas of this science being a gradual process, open to all, and those against offering a place for those who are inquisitive, in need, in misery, or just plain wise. ys, mahaksadasa

Dialogue with Dismas mahaksadasa c. 2002 chapter one My name was Magh Habhi, and I must now break my silence. I have been granted a memory from my past life, and I must tell the story. I do not pretend to be a hero, in fact, I was the most abominable of human beings. However, despite my life of heinous crimes of murder, robbery, and causing untold misery to others for many years, two events occurred that defy explanation. This story is not about my activities two thousand years ago, but the events that I now tell of can only be explained by relating my history to a certain degree. I was born in the fertile Afar Region of what is now known as the Horn of Afrika. My poverty stricken parents were both killed by highwaymen, led by Dismas, the Thief. Despite his evil intent, he personally rescued me from the burning hut. He was uncontrollably angry at the failure of this exploit, so he rescued me only to have something to show for two difficult murders. He took me under his wing, and I was his apprentice bandit. He protected me often even by killing his own partners in crime. His leadership was ruthlessly ingrained into me while I was taught the nefarious trade. When I was seventeen years of age, our troup, led by Dismas, was operating near the great pyramids of Giza Plateau. Our targets were anyone travelling facing the sun, and the sun was a perfect concealment. We used the element of surprise to hijack our victims, and we became quite wealthy taking what we pleased from desert travelers. Occasionally, we would spare their lives if no resistance to our demands occurred, but even a crying child was enough reason to leave them all dead for the birds of prey and scavengers. We were twenty strong and well armed and well fed soldiers, and only once in twelve years of my membership did I see one of our own harmed by a weary traveller. As invincible as our troup had become, there was never a good reason to change our methodology. Whatever goods, gold, spices, jewels, currency, silks and tapestries, entered our part of the upper Sahara, these goods were seen as our possessions, and possession came quickly. We had amassed many beasts of burden to carry the loads we obtained to our oasis, and no one with any sense tried to curtail our activities. So formidable was our group that on more than one occasion, we even defeated advance scout troups from the great Empire Armies from the North of the great sea. We had man-slaves and the women we took alive were ours as we wished. Our invincibility was disturbed only once during our fifteen years in Giza, and this disturbance was only experianced by our leader, Dismas. It was an early morning, and the season of days was in full bloom. We were to the east, and, as usual, our intended victims were coming our way and could not see us. The travelers, from miles away, were only a family, so we did not expect much from our heist. A beast and two adults, and one infant, were clearly noted by our scouts. As we surprised them, the adults showede no emotion whatsoever, no panic, no fear, no trepidation of any description. Dismas personally supervised this particular attack. The family was ordered to dismount the beast and present their belongings to us. The family quickly complied. Hundreds of balls of myrrh gum were unloaded from the beast, bars and coins of gold, and an assortment of other fine spices was also carried. Such wealth in the desert was unheard of, and we immediately thought that they had raided our own stockpiles. Dismas asked the middle aged gentleman, "Where did all this loot come from? Are you highwaymen like ourselves? Which caravan did you attack, and did anyone flee your small troup?" The man answered, "I am a carpenter, and we are in the desert as exiles from the cruel Herod. The wealth you see here are gifts for our newborn son. The royal princes from the orient traveled far to present these gifts, deluded by the stars. We have no need of such things, but we use as barter to afford protection." Dismas' men laughed, and started the attack. But as they loaded the bounty and began the murder of the victims, Dismas stopped them. The female traveler, the mother of the infant, was removed of her desert protection, and was revealed as the most perfect of women. The bandits wanted immediately to pillage her beauty, but Dismas became most angry. Five of the twenty bandits did not listen to Dismas, and he killed them on the spot. The rest of the men were in shock at the insanity displayed by their leader, and did not move. Dismas spoke to the woman, "Most beautiful woman, why are you with this old man and infant? Have you been taken against your will? I wish to protect you at once." The woman would respond to the calamitous event of the morning. Dismas said to the woman traveller: "Oh Star of the Morning, why have I failed in my occupation? Your family faced the blazing sun, and we were upon you before we were noticed. Yet, I was blinded by an unknown radiance from where the sun has yet to travel. And now, I not only hesitate, I have killed my own people who were only accepting their share of this raid." The young mother spoke to her confused captor, "I have possession of a Pearl. This gem is unseen by the commoner, and can only be perceived by the twice-born. As the Great Sea is to the West, so this Pearl has passed from generation to generation without any interference from the great sun of the orient. Your vision is your hesitation from your duty, and this has also allowed you to hear from me. I will tell you of your life, and upon hearing, you may decide to destroy or glorify the Pearl as you will.I cannot criticize your profession. The professions of those we flee are far worse than your own, for they are covert in their implication in human suffering. Promising protection, the kings ruthlessly pillage their wards, with untruthfulness, uncleanliness, avarice and evil, without any mercy in their hearts. While your troup may be hunted worldwide as outlaws, you deceive no one. When you arrive, you act as Death, and the event is swift. Our concern is that the quality of mercy is absent in the kings' tormentors of the people and the bandits of the highway as well. Your hesitation indicates an ember of mercy and justice that carries potential of rekindlement into a blazing fire, the very luster of the Pearl of my being. Therefore, you will be successful in all your endeavors and will have no fear of the kings while you recognize life as different from the bounty you take as you will." Dismad replied in wonderment, "I will kill no more unless to defend myself. Your words fulfill lessons from thousands of nightmares of screaming corpses. As a fool, I was born into my profession. My father always killed those whose valuables he sought, and I had only known this way. But as he died in my arms from the spear of a king's soldier, I felt a pang of remorse. For fifteen years, I slaughtered many, and only spared my apprentice Mgabe. I now not only spare your family, your bounty remains intact in your possession. My only request is that you tell me of this unseen Pearl." The mother replied, "I am Mary of Axum. My husband, Yusif, has won me from the temple of Solomon. His wife had died from plague, and his children, James and Didymous Thomas, are in the shelter of Salome, the midwife, in Palestine. The evil Herod has targeted all the newborns of David and Solomon and executes them without regard. We have escaped through Sinai, and now wander in exile until we hear of the king's death. Our patron, the famed seaman Arathemia, will be awaiting our arrival in Alexandria. His service to Caesar surpasses even that of Herod, and a great war is certain if we are denied safe passage to Nazareth." "Your demonstration of mercy indicates the death of our common enemy, Herod. Perhaps you could escort us to the sea, and we will pay you nicely for your service. After our evening meals, I will impart to you the significance of treasure not of this world." Dismas at once agreed to the Mother's proposal. He spoke to his troops: "I have offered protection for this caravan. I have killed our friends for their safety, and you may rebel if you wish. I am leaving with this caravan as their soldier, and Mgabe has agreed to join me. You are dispersed, and whatever is considered mine at our base camp now belongs to your new leader, who should be recognized by reluctance to kill human beings. Your robbery is approved, but murder is now forbidden. I will return in two moon cycles, and we will leave this desert for the cedars and olive groves of the North. Do not attempt to deter us, for your own good." The exiles continued their journey fully protected by Dismas and myself, and the troops fell into disarray. They did not attack Dismas, but followed at a distance for many days. Eventually, drawn by their profession, they must have returned to the Giza Plain, but myself and my master Dismas never saw any of them ever again. Yusif and Dismas rode ahead while I led the beast of the Mother and Child. She did not speak to me, but allowed me to hear her sweel lullabies to the infant. That first evening, Dismas told me of his conversation with Yusif. It seems that this carpenter was the true king of his people, as direct descendant of King David, conquerer of the Philistine Nation. His kingdom is now torn, and the Makabean Rebellion marked 500 years of fraternal tribes at war with each other. The House of David was banished to Nazareth withoput power, and Herod was subserviant to the Roman Caesar as titular king. The mother is a direct daughter of King Solomon, and Afarian as well. Solomon's wealth has been plundered, and the God of Solomon is no longer worshipped. It seems, according to Yusif, that the infant is the new king, but that the kingdom he will rule is beyond all conceivable realms of this world. I did not understand any of this and asked Dismas to explain the meaning of God. Dismas said as the sun departed into the western sea, "I am truely sorry that I harmed your parents. You love me as a father, but I am only a criminal. I do not understand anything Yusif has told me, not does the Axumite mother make any sense to me. They may well be insane for all I know, but one thing moves and keeps me. Since we first saw their silhouette at dawn, my hair has stood on end and tears have incessantly flowed from my eyes. I must know of the Pearl." So I slept, thinking of possessing a Pearl that cannot be seen. As I drifted, her sweet lullibies filled my ears and my heart. As I slept that night, a troublesome dream came to me. A small scorpion came from a rock and rose to the sky, growing to an enormous serpant. As the serpant grew, it began to devour the firmament, and lightning and explosions filled the night sky. The woman of the caravan we led then confronted the serpant, who now had seven hoods. The serpant resisted, but when the woman placed her foot up[on one of the heads, he became docile. She spoke to the serpant, and though the words of dreams are seldom remembered, I not only remembered then, but now in my different existance two thousand years later, the voice is still clear. "Serpant, you have been given a home within the earth, yet you are not satisfied. You seek the Father that you have mistaken as your enemy. But He is not your servant, and will never come to you by your demand. What you destroy to get His attention is insignificant, for the whole firmament is but a hair on His head." The serpant cried out, "But I have a will. Is it not proper to fulfill desire at all costs, knowing that cruel Death eventually rules us all?" The Mother replied, "Proiper action for one is victimization of all others, so ideas of proper behavior are simply concoctions of imperfection. It is a fact that all we see will soon face Death, but this event is not the cessation of existance. Actions done without knowledge of the quality of life are not satisfaction of desire, rather they only increase desire to the point of frustrating insanity. You may devour the entire universe, yet you remain hungry. Therefoire, the wise always accept that desire has no satisfaction." The serpant, upon hearing these words, became Dismas, and replied, "Dear Comforter of the Afflicted, I understand now that my ways do not bring happiness. I have accumulated more than anyone, yet only possess emptiness as a trophy." I awokw wondering about my master Dismas, who was already preparing for the day's journey. He was explaining to Yusif and Mary the dangers ahead while we ate the morning meal. Mary gave her first description of her newborn child. "As you have witnessed, there is no danger for us. Just as you thought of yourself yesterday as our tormentor, today you falsely assume that you are our protector. Neither is the case. You are a servant and never a master, and though you resist the more powerful voice within you, such resistance does not affect the outcome. God is the Being you speak to when alone, and He always gives opportunity for action." Dismas said, "Who are you to pretend to teach. I do not understand a thing you say." Mary said kindly, "I, too, am a servant, yet my service is not wasted labor. I serve my Son here, who is the Light of the World. He entered my body on His own accord, and I accepted without protest. He is here for one reason only, and will be eternally glorified as the Deliverer of Dismas." Dismas asked, "This infant is my salvation? This is nonsense. Since when does any supernatural being, god or otherwise, have anything to do with a desert thief?" Mary said, "Many will always think of my Son as the salvation of the pious masses, but only a very few specially empowered people wsill take Him as personal and intimate without caring for the approval of the other breathing corpses. He has come not for the confident, but for those who are miserably lost, not unlike your self." Dismas smiled humbly, but decided there to abandon the caravan. We travelled with them only to the next village, still many days from Alexandria. As we left, Dismas said to Mary and Yusif, "Farewell, and I wihs I knew of your serenity. I have never witnessed such equal-mindedness. Though I would like to emulate, it is beyond my nature. I hpoe to take only your favor with me." We noticed many people from the village coming to offer them homage, so we quickly departed, tears flowing from our eyes. Alone like never before, Dismas and I took refuge in the desert. He knew of every oasis, and we decided together that we would not gather our forces. We decided that the Kingdom of Judea would be our home, but we would not arrive there for another ten years, when I was 25 and Dismas was 37. We plied our new trade for subsistance. We killed only in self defence, and we refrained frfom raiding families. We robbed the trade routes and centurians by stealth, and lived comfortably. We were equals from the night that we abandoned the Holy Family, as Dismas had told me. "The holy lady told me that to be a master of another was illusion, so we are now partners, friends and brothers. I do not know this God she speaks of as if He were her husband, but I do know the incessant vcoice inside. Do you hear voices, Mgabe?" I replied, "Master, I mean friend, never is there a time when lively discussion is not taking place in my being. Sometimes this conversation is interrupted by my mind who hates these talks, but there is, certainly, another Being who never leaves me." Dismas said, "So the woman knows the TRUE. It is my enemy mind who made me leave before she described the Pearl. We must go to Judea, maybe the wise men there know of this Pearl. Our lives are changed forever by these intended victims and we must never forget them. Do you remember the song she sang to her child, that King of Kings." I replied, "As I remember the Afarian language of my parents, I caught only a few words. She called herself the Temple of the Almighty and something about how she is now worshipped by the Creator Himself as His refuge. She sang about her son's father, and how the Father's will is being done through Mother and Son." Dismas said, "Yusif was thed most powerful man I have ever met, yet he referred to his son as a child not of his doing, that his marriage to the Axumite woman was for future children, not this one. He said the child was born consecrated from the Temple of Solomon. Yusif did not speak much, but we are fortunate we did not attack him. He could have killed us all with his glance, and probably would have been as nonchalant as he was in pretence of weakness. I suggest that these were Gods of the Desert, or it was all a dream." Many years passed, and we were informal warriors against the evil king of Judea as well as the Empire's centurians. We were very successful looting those who were described by the Gods we met in the desert as a greater evil. We operated near the Great Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem. Both of us were old now, over 30 years had passed since we gave up our old army on the Plains of Giza.. Perhaps old age had depleated our skills, and eventually, we were arrested by Roman forces. I was released because my skin was black, and the Romans feared the magic of the Afarians. But Dismas was sentenced to die at Clavary Hill. He and another were tied to trees and left to die. I could not rescue him, but I was allowed to be there with him during his ordeal. The other man was angry and resentful, but Dismas seemed to have a certain peace about him. He said, "Mgabe, our lives have become successful by the wishes of the Morning Star who came in the desert. We never gave up hope of finding that invisible Pearl she spoke of. We sang her song and have been happy. She told us that death does not affect life, so I have no fear. This world is better off without me, as I have done cruel things, but she said I will be delivered by her Son. I know this will come to pass." A commotion erupted as hundreds of Judeans came up the hill. A man was being tortured and then was brutally nailed to a beam by hands and feet and placed between the trees of Dismas and the angry rebel. Dismas could not look at the man as his gaze was fixed upon a crying woman in the crowd. He cried out, "I have found the Pearl!" The woman was none other than the Morning Star, the Goddess of the Desert we had met over 30 years ago, who had never left our hearts. Her radiant beauty was untouched by time, and her son, the King of Kings, was being murdered by the mob. Dismad did not speak to me directly again, but he turned to the One called the Nazarine, who was hanging next to him. The other man, a vile creature, was taunting the son of Mary, goading him and mocking him as if he finally agreed with the murderous mob below him. He shouted in a horrible voice, "Hey miracle worker, save me and yourself, and we will lay waste to all of them." Dismas cried out to the rebel, "You are the evil voice of my mind that always keeps me from hearing the TRUE. Be silent!" The rebel died instantly at Dismas command, and Dismas turned to the Nazarine, and in a quiet prayerful voice, said, "We meet again, but you have never forsaken me. Your mother told me of your glory, but I took you to be just an infant. She told me of how you remain invisible to all but the twice-born, but you can show yourself as you please. I am but a fool and a criminal, and I see no injustice in the way I am facing Death. But you, dear sir? There is no crime in you, and the greatest injustice of all time takes place." "Your mother told me that death has no effect on life. I think you have tricked these rulers into this action. I think you are here to demonstrate life as indestructable. And your mother also told me that your mission is for my benefit alone. As I face this Death, I cling to life wanting nothing other than to remain forever with the Holy Family I rejceted in my youth. Please overlook my evil works, but keep me in mind." Dismas was crying profusely, and the Nazarine inquired, "Is your pain unbearable now?" Dismas replied, "My arms are only connected by the skin, and a fire burns me from within, but my tears are not for this. My tears are warm, and this indicates a joy never before felt." The Nazarine comforted him by saying, "You have appeared to render service to my Father, as have I. Our connection is beyond this reaqlm of Death. Your guilt is illusion, but serves to purify your heart. I have come to open a great gate, but I have no one to enter while I complete my Father's desire. As you are no longer under the jurisdiction of Death, you will be the first in Paradise. All who you love will soon be there, in fact, on this very day you will be with me and my Father. Your faith in the Word of the servants of my Father, this alone, has purchased the greatest wealth of the Pearl. You see before you the voice of the TRUE withion your heart who never abandons you." Dismas tried to explain his unworthiness, but the Nazarine continued, "You took a small step which is all my Father saw. The greatest holy men of Judea did nothing to save us, but though you wanted something else, you gave us protection. Your running away did nothing to deter my Father's stride toward you. My greatest disciples below, watching, do so in hiding. Other than my brothers, James and Thomas, my mother, that Magadaline woman, and of course, Salome, the midwife, all my disciples still fear this Death. They are yet immature. Yet you, a criminal, are being torn by Death, yet your sadness is not for yourself. You cry for those who cannot see what you now know. Therefore, I see no disqualification. My Father commands love, but you need no command for what your heart is now made of. Rest now, Dismas, for you alone are the successful completion of my Father's desire." Dismas smiled sweetly, and died then and there. The Nazarine looked skyward, saying, "Father, I drink from the cup of your Life. You have not forsaken me, for you alone have arranged for this Dismas, who has done evil in this world, to be purged from all sinful reaction. Please give all my followers this nbectar as well." As the Nazarine passed away, the firmament opened up. The earth heaved mightily, and the assassins fled to no avail. Many of the mob dropped dead on site, their hair turinig to ash, their skin droppiung fro their bones. I turned away from Calvary Hill to see Mother Mary, who shed no more tears, who smiled gently. The Magdaline woman and Salome, the Afarian midwife who comforted the older sons of Yusif, tended to the remains of the Nazarine. I took down my friend Dismas, and placed him upon our beast, and took his body back to the desert beyond Mount Sinai. I had heard later about the glories of the Nazarine, how he rose up from the dead, but I cared not to listen. I returned to the Afar Triangle and never spoke again. I was regarded as insane, but my song was of the Pearl. In my form of Mgabe, I, too, passed away in due course of time, but I was not granted any memory of such events. I live in this age, in this world, but Mgabe's story is now told. To call Dismas "the Good Thief" may not be accurate, for perhaps he incarnated with the Nazarine, Yusif and the Pearl as their vehicle of Pure Love. What I have related her is the TRUE, and is contained in full in the Names of the Father.

Haribol, once, when a devotee slapped a mosquito during a lecture (or maybe it was group japa), Srila Prabhupada called the disciple the aggressor. The rats need nesting material, and are not inimical toward human beings. Mosquitos need albumin, and do not care about the source, and are not inimical toward human beings. Some snakes, and scorpions, I have heard, are indeed, inimical toward humans (and every animal as well). There may be justification in these cases, but we also have the example of Janamejaya, who had every reason to kill the serpant that killed his father, King Pariksit. But he was convinced to spare the life of Takasaka, so even the inimical are seen by the devotee as greater, kinder, more devoted, etc. This is the meaning of Siksastakam. Haribol, ys, mahaksadasa

Haribol, once, when a devotee slapped a mosquito during a lecture (or maybe it was group japa), Srila Prabhupada called the disciple the aggressor. The rats need nesting material, and are not inimical toward human beings. Mosquitos need albumin, and do not care about the source, and are not inimical toward human beings. Some snakes, and scorpions, I have heard, are indeed, inimical toward humans (and every animal as well). There may be justification in these cases, but we also have the example of Janamejaya, who had every reason to kill the serpant that killed his father, King Pariksit. But he was convinced to spare the life of Takasaka, so even the inimical are seen by the devotee as greater, kinder, more devoted, etc. This is the meaning of Siksastakam. Haribol, ys, mahaksadasa

Haribol, from my understanding, prior to the "lie" about the son of drona, King Yudhisthira was not really a terrestrial being. His feet did not touch the surface of this planet of death, Martyaloka. When he agreed to the deception, which was the only way that Dronacarya could be possibly defeated, his feet then touched the surface. However, this is not seen by this writer as a karmic reaction, because his "lie" was devotional service, but, for our benefit, the reaction that did take place means that the very symbolic manifestation of the TRUE, the incarnation of DHARMA (religious principles) is not exempt from basic laws. Thus, King Yudhisthira did not suffer karma, but accepted his touch of this loka as a teaching tool for the people in general, much like the "nervous breakdown" by Arjuna while viewing his enemies. Haribol, ys, mahaksadasa PS My previous post about how I kill rats is not a teaching tool, it is a problem of exasperation that I must pay for in the court of YAMA. Thanks, Jahnava, for your teaching in this matter, and I will try a little more humility when it comes to our furry brothers.

Haribol, from my understanding, prior to the "lie" about the son of drona, King Yudhisthira was not really a terrestrial being. His feet did not touch the surface of this planet of death, Martyaloka. When he agreed to the deception, which was the only way that Dronacarya could be possibly defeated, his feet then touched the surface. However, this is not seen by this writer as a karmic reaction, because his "lie" was devotional service, but, for our benefit, the reaction that did take place means that the very symbolic manifestation of the TRUE, the incarnation of DHARMA (religious principles) is not exempt from basic laws. Thus, King Yudhisthira did not suffer karma, but accepted his touch of this loka as a teaching tool for the people in general, much like the "nervous breakdown" by Arjuna while viewing his enemies. Haribol, ys, mahaksadasa PS My previous post about how I kill rats is not a teaching tool, it is a problem of exasperation that I must pay for in the court of YAMA. Thanks, Jahnava, for your teaching in this matter, and I will try a little more humility when it comes to our furry brothers.

I kill them or they will kill my family. Rat feces has a devastating disease called hantavirus. Self defence.

I kill them or they will kill my family. Rat feces has a devastating disease called hantavirus. Self defence.

Actually, I like Xena, and the controversy that arose over "the episode" was, in my opinion, great stuff over these waves. If we step back and see what was happening during the protest, it was x full on. The fact that some were pleased and others were somewhat offended just displayed each individuals level of Love of God. No one was better position, for the pro Xenas were very happy to see Krsna on the tube, while the anti-Xenas were saddened that Krsna was displayed without care. I personally see the rasas at work here, some were grand worshippers, some were protective parents and lovers, and all are my friends. My stance was in service to a very kind and advanced godbrother who has since passed away, and his points were valid. But this whole thing was an exercise in cooperation, that we can disagree without hating each other. Haribol, ys, mahaksadasa

I dont buy it. There is no evidence of rtvikism as being what is taught by Srila Prabhupada. And this will spread into a hot topic as many want a religion for their investment in spirituality. The final order is that we cooperate, this is all. The initial instruction must preceed any desire to get final orders, if one cannot chant and be happy alone, then why move onto other things? Rtvik ideas may have some valid points, but application to levels seen on the net is far more than what is necessary for this age. I agree that churches may be maintained for the advancement of society, but the philosophy of guru-tattwa is solid and must not be "reworked" by latter day followers and revisionists.

I say kill the aggressors. But, in saying this, I remember Srila Prabhupada, during japa, admonished a devotee for slapping a mosquito, calling him the aggressor. Who makes the determination? Kali Yuga nations are contaminated because no one is qualified to make life and death calls. Capital punishment may be okay, after all, should a child killer be spared? But the judge who hands out the sentence may be a greater demon, and may engage in even more demoniac behavior, like failing to make unpopular life and death decision when the evidence changes in favor of an unpopular (black) candidate for the chair, due to bureaucratic concerns and timeliness issues. National defence is also contaminated to the point of uselessness. The US is no better, no worse, than Saddam's Iraq. It is the epitome of hypocracy that nations declare wars and engage their people to support such. But, the king takes the karma of whom he controls, so the soldiers are not to blame. In fact, when the US goes to war, their own soldiers are also the enemy. Just witness the treatment of veterans who were attacked with agent orange, gulf war syndrome, etc. Nopw we have this war on terrorism, but who is the enemy? Mothers are forced to drink their own breast milk by airport security to prove it is not poison, our rights are all but gone. So, think about it. The karma for supporting kali yuga agents in the form of demoniac governments is quick, we all lose for such support. What to do??? How do we stop terrorism? Well, refusal to address the underlying cause for terrorism and just killing those rats in the corner lashing out at everyone in futility is a super failure, and the failure will be clearer each day until we concern ourselves with the main issues. Killing a terrorist is like slapping a mosquito, there are many more to infect us, so the killing is futile. And, the only ones who really get killed are the innocent anyway, as there is no art of war demonstrated by anyone in political power. Body count does not make judgement on innocence or guilt, the numbers of bodies stacked is the only way we can count VICTORY. And the real terrorists are always spared to die from natural causes, like Pol Pot, Idi Amin, and other mass killers, these guys are never stopped. As far as I am concerned, desert storm just helped Saddam kill his own people while sparing him and his republican guard. haribol.mahak

good topic, so I sing my song here: Fury of Puri c-1993, mahaksadasa <center> The world has to trust in the warmth and the strength of Their healing Love Purosattama, Baladeva, Subhadra Because the world has cracked, fallen off the tracks Bodies being stacked, kids depend on coke and smack Common sense we lack, we just run with the pack We cannot turn our backs, we have to face the facts. For thousands of years, we have cries endless tears We are full of massive fear at the point of the spear Another war breaking there, soon to move over here A soldier or a prison guard for our only career. Purosattama.... Do we think we'll see a world that is truely free Is there victory for the proles like you or me Will missile factories produce peace and harmony Does the future hold the key to a different destiny. We must wear the disguise and show no surprise A world run with lies will meet certain demise We can see it in our eyes, we can hear it in our cries We have to realize that no Phoenix gonna rise. Purosattama.... Purosattama dances in every circumstance Only by His glances will we get the chance We are the seed He plants, we can slip into the trance When we turn away from the fool who raves and rants. Sometimes He conceals the Form He has revealed Without removing this shield we can never be healed We have to cling to His feet because our lives are incomplete One day we are sure to meet, we'll be dancing in the street. Purosattama....</center> ys, mahaksadasa

Not only could Kuruksetra accommodate the warriors, the entire battle could have taken place on the head of a pin, had Krsna desired.

Karna prolonged the great battle for one day. But, Krsna desired all the events to take place, so if not Karna, perhaps another General would have taken over at the demise of Drona. I do not consider any of the characters in mahabharata as not being fully engaged in the pastimes of Lord Krsna (thus pure devotees), it is only our vision that makes us see devils and angels. Karna (the sixth Pandava) is a great hero, and when one considers who Duryodhana's best friend is (Lord Balarama), perhaps demonizing the person is not wise either. Of course we do not imitate, so to poison Pandavas is not a prescribed duty, but for Duryodhana? Part of the Great Performance for our ultimate benefit. Hare Krsna ys mahaksadasa

Haribol. This mad cow stuff has a human counterpart, with exact symptoms. It is known as kuru, a common malady of cannibalistic tribes. The brain deterioration is displayed in old "b" movies about zombies. Feed lot and other animals that are pumped up for pulp to increase "pounds on the hoof" are often fed animal bi-products of their own species, and this unintentional cannibalism produces the same result. Dont eat human beings, and dont eat anything with animal bi-products (which is like saying "dont eat"), and the only kuru you will know is the dynasty of the mahabharata. Sometimes I wonder how the name of this disease came to be kuru. Perhaps because of the great kuruksetra war, which was a cannibalism of sorts. mudmon

Cmon, moviegoers, rent this one and comment. This movie is about an innocent wrongly accused. He take a fatal bullet, but does not know he is dead (nor do his victims). It is a great vehicle for the need for a spiritual master while dying from false accusations in this world. Depp's movies are all great, and he is also quite advanced in life and only chooses roles that express himself. The final scene is super, and shows the exact duty of the winsome girl named Death, (see the story aboput Death) who refused to kill for Lord Brahma, and was given alternate duty of greeting the dead kindly. Depp's list of great movies are unreal. I recommend all of them. Edward Scissorhands Fear & Loathing In Las Vegas Donnie Brasco Don Juan DeMarco Chocolat Blow Legend of Sleepy Hollow But the best is Dead Man. I heard his new one is not so good. haribol, ys, mahak

gHari does this comparison out of love only. miss piggy is not the body, but the very nice person within, like kermit. We are net these pig and frog bodies, and if we devote our quest to searching for harry krishna, how can we ever lose. You flatter us greatly, gHari. ps to gHari. On my website, I have a new links format, and I wanted to know if I should use your name or the gHari that you use on the forums. lemme know at mahaksa_d@hotmail.com

Signs was about as lame as a movie I ever saw. Mel Gibson does about the lousiest acting job I have ever seen, dry, empty, I had no empathy with the characters, and by the end of the movie, I was hoping the alien would eat that dude to put him out of his miserable condition. The only good acting in the whole movie was the two minutes where his wife was pinned to the tree, this was a remarkable performance, but she should have married someone else. Even the guy who ran her over did a good job acting, but the "stars" were really lame.

Haribol JRdd, so glad to see ya writin. Kermit the frog seems to have a fixation about hare krsna, it is referred as the way to be happy, a way to relieve oneself from anxiety, at least three times during the movie. Im still impressed with the Seattle Mariner post game show with New York Vinnie. This was not the first time he chanted to his listeners either, about four years ago, he did the same, by saying that "the hare krsnas have a bad rap, my experiance with them has always been very nice." He was in on the really sweet times, when ISKCON first moved to Greenwich Village. So, I am not in maya about the Mariners, Devotional service takes place on the post game show. How bout "Earthquake", when charlton Heston replies to one concerned about feeding and housiong victims, saying "The Hare Krsna's will take care of them." And, does anyone remember the disguised mantra in Hurdy Gurdy (harmonium) Man. haribol, ys, mahak

Haribol, I was listening to the post game show for the seattle mariners, and the jock (New York Vinnie) went into a lovely routine about how he and his brother were regulars at the sunday feasts in NYC ca 1967. He commented how great the food was, how all one had to do to get the food was sing and dance, and that it was a wonderful time. The next three callers heard him say "Hare Krsna, this is sports line." reminded about all the ways Krsna has been presented in an innocent and positive way by the media and will list my favorites on this topic line. The pilot for Kojak, with telly savales, has to get my first vote, because the beautiful tunes and ecstatic kirtanas in NYC was the background for the whole two-hour movie. I also liked Jim Henson's treatment of the mantra during the first muppet movie. anyone got any more of note. haribol, ys, mahaksadasa

Haribol, well, I didnt like xena and I loved matrix, so me and gHari are even. I do have a good one for those who like westerns. A johnny depp movie called dead man is way cool. Hare Krsna, ys, mahaksadasa