Guest guest Posted February 10, 2006 Report Share Posted February 10, 2006 Dear Richard, I was wondering about the consumption for tulasi described in ayurvedic medicine. I was told many years ago by a Vaishnava that to use Tulasi Devi for any reason other than worshipping Krishna, including medicinal use, is considered a grave offence. In the main ayurvedic scriptures, which is considered part of the vedic knowledge, Tulsi is described and recommended as a plant with powerful medicinal qualities, especially for respiratory conditions, and its use is found decribed in different ayurvedic preparations. Any comments? Many thanks, Ole Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 11, 2006 Report Share Posted February 11, 2006 Jiyo cricket on India cricket Messenger Mobile Stay in touch with your buddies all the time. namo namah tulasi krsna-preyasi namo namah radha-krsna seva pabo ei abhilasi ye tomara sarana loy tara vanca purna hoy krpa kori' koro tare vrndavana-vasi mora ei abhilasa vilasa-kunje diyo vasa nayane keribo sada jugala-rupa-rasi ei nivedana dhara sakhir anugata koro seva adhikara diye koro nija dasi dina krsna-dase koy eijena mora hoy sri-radha-govinda-preme sada jena bhasi -- TRANSLATION 1. "O Tulasi, beloved of Krishna, I bow before you again and again. My desire is to obtain the service of Sri Sri Radha-Krishna. 2. Whoever takes shelter of you has his wishes fulfilled. Bestowing your mercy on him, you make him a resident of Vrndavana. 3. My desire is that you will also grant me a residence in the pleasure groves of Sri Vrndavana-Dhama. Thus, within my vision I will always behold the beautiful pastimes of Radha and Krishna. 4. I beg you to make me a follower of the cowherd damsels of Vraja. Please give me the privilege of devotional service and make me your own maidservant. 5. This very fallen and lowly servant of Krishna prays, "May I always swim in the love of Sri Home Newsletter Srila Prabhupada Scriptural Benefits New Book! Handbook Worship Songs Resources -- The Tulasi Handbook Including: How to start a Tulasi seedling and care for Her in North America (suggestion: save this whole page on your computer, then review as needed) -- Quotes from Srila Prabhupada; "Please take care of the Tulasi plants in the following way. This is the best season for growing Tulasi plants. From 15th April to 15th June is the best season for growing this plant. Now I understand that the seedlings are coming out, so the whole spot if possible may be covered by some net because the seedling stage creepers are sometimes eaten up by the sparrows. All the devotees should pour water at least once in the morning before taking prasadam. The watering should not be very much large in quantity, but it should be poured just to keep the ground soft and moist. Sunlight also should be allowed. When the creepers are grown at last 7 inches high, then you can take them out from the planting soil and transplant them in a row in a different place . Then go on watering and they will grow like anything. I think this plant cannot grow in cold countries, but if the planets are dispatched from your place and if the devotees take care of the plant with a little care in a flower pot, then it may grow." GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS The most important and fundamental principle of Tulasi care is regular and perpetual care. She is a pure devotee, and Her requirements are few and simple. She simply requires Her own quarters with direct sunlight, where She can grow without disturbances and interruptions. She should be watered at approximately the same time and Her leaves should also be collected at a regular time. Mornings between 7:30 and 9:00 are the best for both purposes. The most essential ingredient is one individual devotee to take the responsibility of tending Her. This means that this devotee is conscious of Tulasi throughout the day-- checking that Her door is shut, that She has sufficient water, that Her fan is on, that Her leaves are being offered regularly and fresh. In this way She is nursed through the day and night. It is not so much time consuming-- but rather 1/2 hour to 40 minutes (depending on the number of Tulasis) in the morning and then utilizing the few spare moments throughout the day. If this is done regularly and in an orderly fashion She will bloom and flourish. Housing-- It has been found that She pines for sun-- Tulasi grown indoors after 8 or 10 months do not fair as well as those given real sunlight. (Krishna says, "I am the light of the sun and the moon.") Greenhouse are not all that expensive to build. $60 (Keep in mind this was written in 1970) can build a really first-class house that can accommodate up to 60 2-foot Tulasis, and adaptations can always be made as to weather, climate, building materials on hand, and the number of Tulasi's involved. Porches, arbors, fire escapes, and roof tops can all be modified to fit the need. If indoor lighting is unavoidable (actually some arrangement can always be made), then fluorescent tubes and fixtures (each holding at least 2 bulbs) can be suspended over and around Her. The lights must be special indoor full spectrum plant tubes, not your ordinary white fluorescent tube. The plant lights are effective only within a 6" radius, after which they drop to a potency of 0. Because of this, Tulasi s grown indoors become "leggy, " that is to say, long stems with thin stalks and only a few leaves, and a clump of leaves at the top, near the light. Because the lights have such a short range of feet, the leaves receive no real juice, and therefore fade and fall off. The result is a weak and top heavy Tulasi. To alleviate the situation, place one set of fixtures over Her (as close as possible as She will not be burnt unless actually touching for a period of time), and then bank two more fixtures, one on each side, giving you a total of 3 fixtures, totaling at least 6 tubes If done in this way, there will be a complete aura of light around Her. Foil can then be used to provide a hood, catching all the reflected light and focusing it on Her. Set the lights on some sort of pulley or adjustable chain affair, and in this way the lights can be raised as She grows.Please, no sun lamps. Water-- Proper watering has to be adjusted according to weather, climate, size, soil and the particular nature of the individual Tulasi. (There is no mechanical arrangement as She is a person). She would rather be just a little bit dry than too wet, but don' t let Her soil become hard with a crust and have Her become limp. It is best to water in the morning-- around 8 or 9 o' clock-- as She uses the water for photosynthesis all day long. Her leaves should also be picked at this time as will be especially explained later. Get a small tea pot, kettle, or anything clean with a spout, and use to water Her as it is easier to control the flow and also easier to maneuver. City water is full of chemicals, but if drawn in a bucket and let sit over night, the chemicals will evaporate out-- be sure the bucket is not a corrosive metal (no aluminum vessel should be used) as that would permeate the water. After the bucket has sat over night, aerate it, which is to say-pour it from one bucket to another allowing it to free fall through the air for a distance. This process gets more of the chlorine out and also allows air into the water. Taste the water the evening before and in the morning after and you will be convinced. If you can water her with filtered water this is best. By using the teapot method you can avoid the danger of over watering, exposing Her roots by washing soil away, and knocking branches trying to water Her. As was said earlier, the watering of Srimati Tulasi-devi is not a mechanical process and will come with practice. Feel the soil by pushing your finger in Her pot. Is She dried out? Then pour slowly, seeing how must She will absorb in just a few seconds. Never leave a puddle of water still above the soil, this means that She is saturated and can not accept more. Balance it so She is just dry on top by the next morning, not still soggy or so dry that She has drooped. If the sun is out, and it is going to be a hot day, She will need more water, and the converse is, if it is a cloudy day She will not need much. Afternoon sun is very intense and taxing, so always check Her again around 2-3 p.m. Every afternoon we spray Her off as explained in the diseases section. At least once a week water Her until the water drains out the bottom. Over-watering causes diseases in the soil, mold, faded and curled leaves, rots the soil, and causes root diseases. A sign or over watering is when She turns a pale green and apparently perfectly healthy leaves drop. She will go limp, if under watered. She breathes through the soil and over the process of time the soil tends to become packed. This causes uneven water absorption and poor ventilation. The cure is to break up the soil with a fork or a spoon handle. Dig down about 1/2 of an Inch, breaking up and turning over the soil in small clods. This can be done as needed in accordance with the rate it becomes packed. Be cautious of Her roots. Soil Combinations-- The best soil is homemade, that is to say not some combination purchased in a store but mixed from local ingredients. A symptom of good soil is dark color, another is rich smell. (I am the original fragrance of the earth). It should hold its shape somewhat if pressed into a clod in the fist. Earth worms are another good sign. Obtain some cow manure and allow it to set for 2 weeks, the reason being that it is very strong when fresh. The nitrogen content is so strong that it would burn the tender roots, so best to let it age. Spread it out and water thoroughly. Every few days turn it over so that the manure underneath the pile is exposed to the sun. Better to buy already composted cow manure than to chance a bad root burn-- unless one is experienced at composting, etc. Earth worms can be purchased also. (Krishna is like the sun, pure and antiseptic.) Earth worms are for gardens; when put in pots they may damage roots. For your basic humus or plain old soil, find a garden that is producing profuse flowers and ask to borrow a quantity of soil. A little sand (never salty sand; salt kills plants, practically of any kind; wash the sand if beach sand/ thoroughly before using') should be added and also a small quantity of vermiculite, or perlite. Potting-- Most of this is elaborately explained by Govinda dasi in the preceding pages, so the remains are just a few notes. By transplanting Her there is always the danger of exposing Her roots to the air. This causes them to dry and wilt. The answer is to always keep sufficient dirt around the roots. They will form what is known as a root ball. Also there is one root, called the tap root which descends straight down from the stalk and is the longest and most important. If this root is broken there is a good chance the Tulasi will depart, so always be sure to dig down far enough. (That will usually be the same distance as the height of the tree from the soil.) It is best to transplant in the afternoon, after 4 p.m. or on a cloudy day that is not very hot. Never transplant in heat of day. As She grows, Her roots will fill the pot, and at that point She will have to be transplanted again. This will be a perpetual duty, and as She grows you will have the blissful opportunity to move Her. The new pots should be 2 to 2 1\2 times the size of the root ball (cluster of roots). Take the chance to straighten Her if She is growing crooked, but be careful not to plant Her lower or higher than She was situated early as this will cause disease. Too high will mold Her stem, lower will cause Her to be unstable and to expose Her roots to rot and mold. No matter how careful you are, there's always some shock and transplant setback. Thus, why transplant repeatedly?? If you put the tiny 6" or 7" plant in a giant pot full of good soil, it may look funny for awhile, but She'll appreciate the leg room and grow much more rapidly and be a healthier plant than if you repeatedly disturb her root systems by numerous periodic transplants. (Note: From experience I found that if you put Tulasi in too large a pot, Her roots will slot down their growth and root disease may set in. I've been told by several botanists that it is best to transplant gradually. New Orleans had this problem with Tulasi also.) Feeding-- There is really no need for artificial feedings, in fact some foods (certain mixtures of 20-20-20) will actually build up toxin in Her soil and cause great damage. Stick with a little cow manure every 3 or 4 weeks, and once a month feeding of iron. This combined with the perpetual replanting in fresh soil are enough to keep Her in fine health. Try a powdered iron solution; ours is 1 tsp.--2 gallons water; 1/4 cup--1 every 2 weeks. Stay away from chemical fertilizers. They do build up toxins in the soil, and make it sterile of certain elements eventually . Use cow manure, and a good brand of organic compost is essential . The compost should be cultivated into the soil every few weeks, along with a little manure. Watch out for bone material in the compost though (some brands have ground-up animal bones). Seeds-- Tulasi has at least two flowering periods. Because of the variance factors of climate, age, and other conditions it is impossible to predict the times, but I can relate the symptoms and results. Some will produce seed pods, shaped like a small temple and containing four little seeds and the other season produces smaller pods or fruits that also look like a temple but contain no seeds. As will be explained later, it is not advisable to let Her go to seed unless She is several years old, and in best of health. Even then, let only a few of the manjaris go to seed. If you contact me, I will be more than happy to supply you with seeds, both Krishna and Rama Tulasis. The process is to let the stalks stay on past the flower-seed pod stage . Watch as the pods drop the flowers and become firm and darker golden. When you look inside the pod and see that the four little seeds are a dark brown, then you know that it is time to pick the seeds. If you observe how She grows, you will see that at every intersection between a leaf and the main stem, there is a small bud developing. Follow the seed stalk down until the next pair of developing buds. The first set of leaves below the seed stalk and the buds sprouting from there are most always going to develop into another pair of manjaris, so rather than drain Her energy it is best to skip down one more joint to the next set of leaves and buds. Nip here, saying the mantra for picking leaves, chanting Hare Krishna, and using sharp surgical scissors. Best to pick the flowers when they bloom, because letting them go to seed does very much weaken the plant. Once the seeds are gathered, let them dry a short week or so. Be very careful when handling the seed pods, even when they are on the mother plant as they are arranged in such a way as to spring out of the pods when shaken. So far as seeding seasons, I haven't observed any in our Tulasis in Hawaii. They flower constantly, perpetually-- all the time, year round, but more intensely when there's lots of sunshine . Diseases-- Generally speaking, if She is receiving correct water and sufficient sunlight, in a pot of the correct size and type of dirt suitable, She will flourish. The only necessity is to be sure to protect Her from wandering insects and the most lethal-- red spider mites. Always keep Her in an area that is screened and continually check the underside of Her leaves for insects. The primary concern in the U. S. is the ever-present spider mites, so that will be the main concern here. These rascals live on the underside of Her leaves and lay their eggs in the dust next to the ribbing or veins of Her leaves. When the eggs hatch, the young suck Her juice. The beginning symptoms are pale and limp leaves with brown tips. The leaves become specked with small pale green dots and begin to curl in. As She becomes weaker and weaker, whole branches will just turn yellow, curl up and drop all their leaves. The stems become pinched and brown. If you observe very carefully you will see small spiders, no bigger than the head of a pin scurrying around on the underside of Her leaves and in the topmost clusters of branches and leaves. Hold Her at different angles in the light and you will see fine spider webs crisscrossing the various branches. Finally, you will see small white eggs on the underside of Her leaves and your whole Tulasi will be yellow and limp. She can be saved' There is a very simple process which if you use at a regular basis will keep the spiders at a very minimal level and Srimati Tulasi will flourish and bloom. Never use any sort-of poison. Tulasi is meant for offering to Krishna, and how can She be offered if She is covered with some spray (systemic sprays horrible!!). She is also contaminated by the use of systemic sprays as they work their way through Her system and ultimately deposit their poison in Her leaves. Ladybugs are often offered as a solution-, but from my own experience on several attempts they haven't been much help. The real cure is the bathing process. (Actually, the eggs of the spiders are stuck on by some sort of natural adhesive and will not be washed off. They hatch at their will so the regular bathing and periodic sprays with fresh water can keep the spiders and mites at bay. ) The needed paraphernalia is: one large plastic bucket with a mouth 2 ft. across, 1 bar of soap (spiritual sky herbal or non scented is the best-- be careful what soap you use). I found that the best to use is a vegetable soap as the others are made with some animal products, and a hose with fresh water. It is best done in the morning or on a cloudy day, as it is a taxing endeavor and the sun is a strain. Water first, as this will help to keep the soil in the pot. The basic principles are: You dip the Tulasi in the soapy water, swish Her around carefully and then rinse off with fresh water. The soapy water coats the leaves and smothers the spiders, the clean rinse washes the soap off, along with the spiders and their webs. If done regularly twice a month, your Tulasis will survive nicely. The water should be drawn the day before and handled just as written in the water section. This way it is also not too cold for Her. Rub the bar of soap in the water until it turns a shadowy white, not solid white like milk, but more of a translucent white. If the soap is too concentrated it can do some damage. Add a 1/4 cup of honey to 6 gallons water as that will also help coat the leaves. Cut pieces of cardboard to fit inside the various sizes of pots ( see picture page) as the cardboard will keep the dirt from sliding out into the water or your whole Tulasi from falling out. Work in an area where there can be water spilled in large quantities but that is also protected from the wind, dogs, and other alien factors. Get an assistant to help you hold Her pot, and using the cardboard to hold Her soil, tip Her up and submerge Her in the solution. Don ' t be timid but also be gentle (there is a fine line of difference). It is either this or the slow death by the spiders. Swish Her around softly, cautiously agitating the water by raising and lowering her in the bucket, like a pump swirl against Her. The whole time spent no more than 5 seconds, I have timed it. Now that means once you actually have Her submerged, and have the knack of it. One danger point is when She is removed from the water. Just like after you wash something-- it has greater weight due to the added water that has been absorbed, so there will be added water suspended on Her various leaves and branches . If you just pull Her right out, the added water will cause Her to droop over and be unable to support Herself. If you grab Her right out there is every possibility of breaking roots and also tearing branches. As you pull Her out, simultaneously grab hold of a strong part of Her stem towards the base, several inches above the ground. By holding on to the stem in this way, it gives added support to Her and also you can very gently shake off the excess water (Like the Boar incarnation, shaking off the water after saving the world from the filthy place. ) The next step is to hose Her off with fresh water, one reason is to wash the old soap off Her leaves and the other is to finish off those spiders who were shaken loose by the bath but not completely removed . By placing a finger over the nozzle you can make a jet-spray-- there must be force enough to knock the spiders off but not enough to tear or rip Her leaves. Be sure to get the underside of the leaves as that is where the spiders hide out. The main concern here is the possibility of flooding Her pot with the excess water, so turn Her pot on one edge, tilted to one side, and in that way you have a clean shot at the underside, and the excess water just travels right on by. Also you could cover her root ball and the earth at the top of the pot with a sphere of plastic or something like plastic wrap. Now very carefully shake off the water, and unfold Her leaves. Remove any of the old yellow leaves that may be caught in Her branches. Have a sacred throw away to take care of the unoffered leaves. She maybe a bit limp (be very careful when you do this, have an assistant and think it out thoroughly before acting), but you will see Her perk up by morning (You may have to prop up a branch or two for a day or so-- use a stick, being sure not to crush any buds or leaves.) I haven't used any store bought insecticides in a very long time. If the plants are kept healthy, there won't be a need for such things. Also they are poisonous, and I know Srila Prabhupada didn't really like the idea. The only thing I used was sulfur (a couple of years ago) for the mites, and it is an organic control. We used Malathion once or twice but decided against it, and I haven 't used anything at all for perhaps 2 years. By using such things the leaves practically become unofferable, as they are poisoned. Sulfur washes off, true, but you have to have very hot sunshine in order to activate its working principle. The spiders are spread by eggs which the mothers lay along the veins on the underside of Tulasi's leaves. These serve as breeding grounds and as the eggs are stuck on to Her leaves with a type of secretion, they are virtually impossible to remove with simple washing, so the successful process consists of bi-weekly baths with soap (every 14 days) and spraying Her off every day or every other day (every other day is probably sufficient). Our greenhouse is arranged in such a way that 70 Tulasis can be rinsed at-a time, The water soaking into Her stems helps to generate healthy fibers for carrying fluid. Some ideas are: put Her on some shelves so that by kneeling down you can get right under Her leaves. Be sure that it is done in a reasonably warm place so She won't catch cold. During the summer months we spray Her with water twice a day, once in the morning around 10:00 and again the afternoon about 2:30. She loves it as manifested by Her green effulgence. There is also the possibility that you are taking over after the spiders have gotten a strong grip and done much damage. Check the tops of Her branches by holding Her in different angles of light. Very fine meshing of webs can be seen. At this stage the spiders are like cancer and the only combating element is to somehow remove the sick limb. There are so many eggs that they will just serve to contaminate the rest of Her; also it is like fighting a battle-- if She is fighting off the spiders on too many fronts She will be ineffectual on all fronts. Better to remove the worst places and let Her concentrate on that which has potential to be saved. Once the leaves are yellow with browning tips and covered with the webs, there is no hope. Best to remove by following the tip down the stem to where She still remains healthy. Cut above a pair of healthy buds as seen in collecting seeds section. Contemplate the move first, cut off as little as possible and still do the job. Better to just cut Her once than do many many small cuts-- and yet don't butcher Her. This may seem harsh, but having done the initial cutting (better to cut once than to let Her go the slow way with a blanket of spiders) the regular bathing and spraying keep Her in the peak of health. (Note: 'It is a great offense to cut Her lotus branches, replied Srila Prabhupada to Radhaballabha in a letter. Also, he spoke last fall just prior to His leaving about this subject: generally plants are pruned before winter but Tulasi-devi is not ordinary. Sachidevi.) The Tulasis that I have tended in this way have made a comeback and are now serving their Lord nicely, so judge by the results. So far as I understand, pruning is not to be done except in most exceptional circumstances. Cutting a leaf or a flower stalk is not considered pruning so far as my understanding, but is rather a necessary everyday thing for gathering to offer to the Deities. (Here we are cutting flower stalks daily, and if we cut steadily for 2 or 3 hours, still we can't get them all. It is our major problem with our Tulasi plants. I want to keep them from going to seed, but it is virtually impossible as it would require an 8 hour a day job practically-which is not practical.) So to pick off a mosaic leaf or infected leaf or a few infected leaves seems okay to me-- but to start cutting off branches, etc. . is where I would become most hesitant . Pruning; so far as dictionary definitions, means to cut off branches or parts of a plant so generally it doesn't refer to cutting of flowers, etc. I can relate one incident in this regard: last visit Srila Prabhupada made to New Nabadwip the Tulasi plants on either side of the temple gateway had grown overly large-- about 7 feet tall and 4 or 5 feet in diameter. So They had bushed out into the walkway, thus closing the entranceway except for about a foot and a half. We had tied them back repeatedly, but still They closed in again so that a person had to turn sideways and slither between them, and even then lightly brush them. This isn't so bad for devotees, but all guests aren't so considerate so They would get smashed against and so forth. So as Prabhupada walked between Them there being only enough space for Him to pass, I asked what can be done, the entrance being closed. He smiled and said, "You cannot cut them. Don't live, don't die. " He laughed. We did nothing, and then later got a letter from India and He said that in this case They could be trimmed back. So only then did we proceed to do it with reluctance. So you have perhaps understand the seriousness of pruning from this incident. I have heard such pruning is sometimes done on the mainland for some reasons, but you should explain it can only be done in extreme cases of necessity. If there is disease or heavy infestation of spider mites, then I suppose it The next step is to hose her off with fresh water, one reason is to wash the old soap off Her leaves and the other is to finish off these spiders who could be concluded as necessary in order to save the plant, but should not "be done whimsically to "make the plant bushier Her goal and reason for existence is to be offered to Krishna, so to spray Her with some poison defeats the whole purpose. Also, She is very tender and most sprays are extremely harsh; soap is mildest medium I hare found. One possibility that Is offered is a 3% oil spray, but I haven' t experimented with it and would like to avoi Home Newsletter Srila Prabhupada Scriptural Benefits New Book! Handbook Worship Songs Resources -- PRAYERS AND GLORIFICATIONS FROM THE BHAKTI SASTRAS. -- The Glories and blessings of Srimati Tulasi-devi. As quoted by Srila Rupa Gosvami Prabhupada, leader of the Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya Sampradaya. >From Padma Purana, Tulasi devi Mahatmya. Special potent prayers to be offered by devotees seeking Sri Krishna's unlimited mercy. Prayers by Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti: Translated by Baba Madhava dasa a longtime Vrndavana Vaisnava who gave Vrnda Kunda over to the care of ISKCON. Sweet, relishable, and blessed with spiritual benedictions. Benefits of Tulasi worship as described in the Padma Purana. -- The Glories of Tulasi Devi (from the "Pancaratra Pradip", a manual on Deity Worship) -- As quoted from Vedic Scriptrure in the Vaisnava work " Nectar of Devotion "(Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu) by Srila Rupa Gosvami: -- "Let me offer my respectful obeisances unto the tulasi tree, which can immediately vanquish volumes of sinful activities. Simply by seeing or touching this tree, one can become relieved from all distresses and diseases. Simply by offering obeisances to and pouring water on the tulasi tree, one can become freed from the fear of being sent to the court of Yamaraja. If someone sows a tulasi tree somewhere, certainly he becomes devoted to Lord Krishna. And when the tulasi leaves are offered in devotion at the lotus feet of Krishna, there is the full development of love of Godhead." (from the Skanda Purana, as quoted by Srila Rupa Gosvami) Tulasi is glorified throughout the Puranas and Pancaratra: It was for the spiritual upliftment of the souls in the material world that Lord Visnu created tulasi as the ocean of milk was being churned. Tulasi is more dear to the Lord than Laksmi, for Tulasi-devi undertook extreme austerities and worshiped the Lord with love in order to have Him as her husband, and the Lord fulfilled her wish. "There is no better recipient of charity than a vipra, no better gift than cows, no better tirtha than the Ganga, and no better leaf than a tulasi leaf. Whatever one can obtain by offering the Lord all types of flowers and leaves may be attained by simply offering Him one tulasi leaf. An offering of flowers made of gold, jewels, and pearls is not equal to an offering of tulasi leaves." "By offering the Lord tulasi leaves, a devotee is released from sins accumulated for one koti (ten million) lifetimes. When a devotee offers tulasi to the Lord's head, all the devotees unmentionable and undetected sins are destroyed. By sprinkling the Lord's house with water using a tulasi leaf, one is freed from all great sins. A person who has tulasi leaves in his mouth or on his head or body when he dies is guaranteed not to suffer in hell." -- Glories of Srimati Tulasi Devi as explained in the Padma Purana ASTA-NAMA-STAVA EIGHT NAMES OF TULASI DEVI Vrindavani, vrinda, visvapujita, pushpasara, nandani, Krishna-jivani, visva-pavani, tulasi VRINDAVANI - One who first manifested in Vrindavan. VRINDA - The goddess of all plant and trees ( even if one Tulasi plant is present in a forest it can be called Vrindavana.) VISHVAPUJITA - One whom the whole universe worships. PUSHPASARA - The topmost of all flowers, without whom Krishna does not like to look upon other flowers. NANDINI - Seeing whom gives unlimited bliss to the devotees. KRISHNA-JIVANI - The life of Sri Krishna. VISHVA-PAVANI - One who purifies the three worlds. TULASI - One who has no comparison. Anyone while worshipping Tulasi Devi chants these eight names will get the same results as one who performs the Ashwamedha sacrifice. And one who on the full-moon day of Karik (Tulsi devi's appearance day) worships Her with this Mantra will break free from the bonds of this miserable world of birth and death, and very quickly attains Goloka Vrndavan. On the full moon-day of Kartik Lord Sri Krishna Himself worships Srimati Tulasi Devi with this Mantra. One who remembers this Mantra will very quickly attain devotion to Lord Krishna's Transcendental Lotus Feet. All glories to Sri Sri Guru and Gauranga!!! All glories to the Vaisnava Guru's and assembled Vaisnavas by whose love and mercy we can come to know of these great opportunities!!! -- SRI VRNDEVY-ASTAKA Eight Prayers Glorifying Sri Vrnda-Devi by Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura -- Translated by Baba Madhava Dasa O Vrnda Devi, I offer my respectful obeisances to your lotus feet. You are bathed in your own splendor, which defeats the effulgence of lightning and the golden campaka flower. The luster of your transcendental garments is the friend of the leandhilia flower. O Vrnda Devi, I offer my respectful obeisances to your lotus feet. Your face is illuminated by the splendor of the pearl decorating the tip of your nose, and by the extraordinary gentle smile on the two bimba fruits which are your lips. You are enriched by the beauty of the amazing and colorful jewels and ornaments you wear. O Vrnda Devi, I offer my respectful obeisances to your lotus feet. Srimati Radharani, the daughter of King Vrsabhanu, has made you the ruling monarch of Lord Krsna's opulent and auspicious abode of Vrndavana, which is the crest jewel of all the Vaikuntha planets. O Vrnda-Devi, I offer my respectful obeiscances to your lotus feet. Because of your order, the groves where Lord Madhava performs his pastimes appear very splendid, decorated with blossoming flowers, bumblebees, deer, and other auspicious animals, flowers, and birds. O Vrnda-Devi, I offer my respectful obeiscances to your lotus feet. Who can describe your good fortune? You were the messenger who brought about the perfection of the amorous pastimes of Radha and Krishna, the youthful couple, who enthusiastically sport in the groves of Vrndavana. O Vrnda-Devi, I offer my respectful obeisances to your lotus feet. The living entities who attain the service of the lotus feet of your Lord reside in Vrndavana. And the desire to understand the Lord's amazing pastimes of the rasa dance is only by your mercy. O Vrnda-Devi, I offer my respectful obeiscances to your lotus feet. Those who have studied the Satvata-tantra glorify you. You are Lord Krishna's potency for performing pastimes, and you are known as Tulasi-Devi in the human society. O Vrnda-Devi, I offer my respectful obeiscances to your lotus feet. Those who are devoid of devotion to Lord Hari, and who are thrown by their offenses into the waves of lust and other inauspicious qualities, may take shelter of you. O Vrnda-Devi, I offer my respectful obeiscances to your lotus feet. Let a person who becomes like a bumblebee at the lotus feet of Radha-Krishna, and who reads or hears these eight verses describing the glories of Vrinda-Devi, Home Newsletter Srila Prabhupada Scriptural Benefits New Book! Handbook Worship Songs Resources How To Worship and Serve Srimati Tulasi Devi -- -- >From Srila Prabhupada's books and letters, with quotations from the G.B.C. manual on proper worship, the "Pancaratra Pradipa." Handbook on Tulasi care by Govinda dasi, pioneer of Her worship in ISKCON.From sprouting, through growing and daily maintenance. A must see! -- Before relating the formal rules for worshipping Tulasi the devotee should know that the main ingredient is Bhakti, the desire to please Lord Sri Krishna. In the Vaisnava scriptures Tulasi Devi is seen to be worshipped by the Vaisnavas, simply by sitting down before Her and chanting the Hare Krishna Mantra, watering Her once a day. Additionally, there are formal regulative principles meant to be strictly followed in ISKCON temples, and as far as possible in devotee's homes and they are given here below. They can be read about in full by obtaining the "Pancaratra Pradipa" from an ISKCON temple. I provide the following quote by His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada in the early stages of the movement when the instructions were very minimal and basic, nevertheless, they do indicate how to worship in a simple way if one can't follow the "whole nine yards"! >From a letter dated 11/30/1972: "...Regarding worship of Tulasi,... Simply all the devotees may offer a little water every morning and in the evening offer obeisances and ghee lamp (one wick) and circumambulating three times repeating the mantras that I have given you. The plant may remain in the garden...." -- BASIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE WORSHIP OF TULASI DEVI, AS DONE IN ISKCON TEMPLES. -- In the morning, after mangala-aroti (and preferably also in the evening, before sandhya-aroti), all the assembled devotees should attend tulasi worship and circumambulate Srimati Tulasi Devi. First we offer obeiscances to Tulasi-devi with the tulasi-pranama-mantra, chanted three times: vrndayai tulasi-devyai priyayai kesavasya ca, krishna-bhakti-prade devi, satyavatyai namo namah I offer my respectful obeiscances unto Vrnda, Srimati Tulasi-Devi, who is very dear to Lord Kesava. O goddess, you bestow devotional service to Krishna and you possess the highest truth Then the devotees should sing the Tulasi-puja-kirtana while one devotee offers aroti to Tulasi-devi with incense, a ghee lamp, and flowers. While offering the articles the devotee should stand on a mat and ring a bell with his left hand. Each of the items may be distributed to the assembled devotees after they have been offered to Tulasi-Devi. When the song is finished, the assembled Vaisnavas should circumambulate Tulasi-Devi at least four times and offer her water by pouring some drops at her root (only during morning worship, not in the evening). While circumabulating, we chant; yani kani can papanibrahma-hatyadikani ca, tani tani pranasyanti pradaksinah pade pade TRANSLATION: "When a person circumambulates Srimati Tulasi-devi, all the sins he may have committed are destroyed at every step, even the sin of killing a brahmana." -- ADDITIONAL NOTES ON SERVING SRIMATI TULSI DEVI: -- "When carrying a potted tulasi plant, it is best to honor her by carrying her on the head. If the plant is too large, hold her in front. Also, it is vest if the stand for her is high enough so the base of the tulasi plant is above the waist of the devotee offering her aroti. Furthermore, it is best if the devotee doing the puja is dressed as if on the altar. Actual Tulasi plants should be worshipped, but if keeping them is not possible one may substitute a picture. Finally, it is traditional to honor Tulasi Devi by having a tulasi plant on a table next to the Bhagavatam speaker during the lecture." Back to home page. eternally reside at Goloka Vrndavana. He attains devotional service in pure love of Godhead, and all his spiritual aspirations become fulfilled. Back to index of glories page. Back to home page. d it. If there is trouble with larger bugs, try to purchase some lady bugs or praying mantises. Write: Bio-Control Company, Route 2, Auburn, California 95603, Box 2397, 50¢ for a small vial of 50 lady bugs which is more than enough. Write for information to the California address. (Remember this was written in 1970); I have used the lady bugs on spider mites with little results, but they may work on different types of bugs . Never use a systemic spray or soil soluble solution as it will almost kill Her and leave a lingering taste for up to 6 months. Note: a good spray made for planets: is OX bug spray . Wait 3 days after spraying before offering to Krishna. Flies are another botheration and must be avoided as they are very dirty. The best is to use screens and always be sure to shut doors. A fan also helps to get rid of them if it has an outside sucking vent which will draw them out. (Good air circulation helps Her grow.) Back to home page. Radha and Govinda." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 11, 2006 Report Share Posted February 11, 2006 Dear Ole, To my understanding, Tulasi is sacred for use in puja, and medicinal for use in Ayurveda. There is NO HARM when Basil is used in Ayurvedic medicine. This Ayurved was given by Dhanvantari, Incarnation of God, so it cannot be wrong to use... Best rgds, Richard sacred-objects, SIDDU <dr_ereddy wrote: > > > > alstrup <alstrup wrote: Dear Richard, > > I was wondering about the consumption for tulasi described in > ayurvedic medicine. I was told many years ago by a Vaishnava that to > use Tulasi Devi for any reason other than worshipping Krishna, > including medicinal use, is considered a grave offence. In the main > ayurvedic scriptures, which is considered part of the vedic knowledge, > Tulsi is described and recommended as a plant with powerful medicinal > qualities, especially for respiratory conditions, and its use is found > decribed in different ayurvedic preparations. Any comments? > > Many thanks, > > Ole > > > 9;s eye Bona fide Yellow sapphire Sacred Quartz crystal Blue sapphires > > > > > > Visit your group "sacred-objects" on the web. > > > sacred-objects > > > > > > > > > > > > Jiyo cricket on India cricket > Messenger Mobile Stay in touch with your buddies all the time. > namo namah tulasi krsna-preyasi namo namah > > radha-krsna seva pabo ei abhilasi > > ye tomara sarana loy tara vanca purna hoy > > krpa kori' koro tare vrndavana-vasi > > mora ei abhilasa vilasa-kunje diyo vasa > > nayane keribo sada jugala-rupa-rasi > > ei nivedana dhara sakhir anugata koro > > seva adhikara diye koro nija dasi > > dina krsna-dase koy eijena mora hoy > > sri-radha-govinda-preme sada jena bhasi > > > ---------- ---- > > TRANSLATION > 1. "O Tulasi, beloved of Krishna, I bow before you again and again. My desire is to obtain the service of Sri Sri Radha-Krishna. > > 2. Whoever takes shelter of you has his wishes fulfilled. Bestowing your mercy on him, you make him a resident of Vrndavana. > > 3. My desire is that you will also grant me a residence in the pleasure groves of Sri Vrndavana-Dhama. Thus, within my vision I will always behold the beautiful pastimes of Radha and Krishna. > > 4. I beg you to make me a follower of the cowherd damsels of Vraja. Please give me the privilege of devotional service and make me your own maidservant. > > 5. This very fallen and lowly servant of Krishna prays, "May I always swim in the love of Sri > > > > > > Home > Newsletter > Srila Prabhupada > Scriptural > Benefits > New Book! > Handbook > Worship > Songs > Resources > > > > ---------- ---- > > The Tulasi Handbook Including: > How to start a Tulasi seedling and care for Her in North America > (suggestion: save this whole page on your computer, then review as needed) > > > ---------- ---- > > > Quotes from Srila Prabhupada; > > "Please take care of the Tulasi plants in the following way. This is the best season for growing Tulasi plants. From 15th April to 15th June is the best season for growing this plant. Now I understand that the seedlings are coming out, so the whole spot if possible may be covered by some net because the seedling stage creepers are sometimes eaten up by the sparrows. > All the devotees should pour water at least once in the morning before taking prasadam. The watering should not be very much large in quantity, but it should be poured just to keep the ground soft and moist. Sunlight also should be allowed. > When the creepers are grown at last 7 inches high, then you can take them out from the planting soil and transplant them in a row in a different place . Then go on watering and they will grow like anything. I think this plant cannot grow in cold countries, but if the planets are dispatched from your place and if the devotees take care of the plant with a little care in a flower pot, then it may grow." > > > GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS > > The most important and fundamental principle of Tulasi care is regular and perpetual care. She is a pure devotee, and Her requirements are few and simple. She simply requires Her own quarters with direct sunlight, where She can grow without disturbances and interruptions. She should be watered at approximately the same time and Her leaves should also be collected at a regular time. Mornings between 7:30 and 9:00 are the best for both purposes. > > The most essential ingredient is one individual devotee to take the responsibility of tending Her. This means that this devotee is conscious of Tulasi throughout the day-- checking that Her door is shut, that She has sufficient water, that Her fan is on, that Her leaves are being offered regularly and fresh. In this way She is nursed through the day and night. It is not so much time consuming-- but rather 1/2 hour to 40 minutes (depending on the number of Tulasis) in the morning and then utilizing the few spare moments throughout the day. If this is done regularly and in an orderly fashion She will bloom and flourish. > > Housing-- It has been found that She pines for sun-- Tulasi grown indoors after 8 or 10 months do not fair as well as those given real sunlight. (Krishna says, "I am the light of the sun and the moon.") Greenhouse are not all that expensive to build. $60 (Keep in mind this was written in 1970) can build a really first-class house that can accommodate up to 60 2-foot Tulasis, and adaptations can always be made as to weather, climate, building materials on hand, and the number of Tulasi's involved. Porches, arbors, fire escapes, and roof tops can all be modified to fit the need. > If indoor lighting is unavoidable (actually some arrangement can always be made), then fluorescent tubes and fixtures (each holding at least 2 bulbs) can be suspended over and around Her. The lights must be special indoor full spectrum plant tubes, not your ordinary white fluorescent tube. The plant lights are effective only within a 6" radius, after which they drop to a potency of 0. Because of this, Tulasi s grown indoors become "leggy, " that is to say, long stems with thin stalks and only a few leaves, and a clump of leaves at the top, near the light. Because the lights have such a short range of feet, the leaves receive no real juice, and therefore fade and fall off. The result is a weak and top heavy Tulasi. > > To alleviate the situation, place one set of fixtures over Her (as close as possible as She will not be burnt unless actually touching for a period of time), and then bank two more fixtures, one on each side, giving you a total of 3 fixtures, totaling at least 6 tubes If done in this way, there will be a complete aura of light around Her. Foil can then be used to provide a hood, catching all the reflected light and focusing it on Her. Set the lights on some sort of pulley or adjustable chain affair, and in this way the lights can be raised as She grows.Please, no sun lamps. > > Water-- Proper watering has to be adjusted according to weather, climate, size, soil and the particular nature of the individual Tulasi. (There is no mechanical arrangement as She is a person). She would rather be just a little bit dry than too wet, but don' t let Her soil become hard with a crust and have Her become limp. It is best to water in the morning-- around 8 or 9 o' clock-- as She uses the water for photosynthesis all day long. Her leaves should also be picked at this time as will be especially explained later. Get a small tea pot, kettle, or anything clean with a spout, and use to water Her as it is easier to control the flow and also easier to maneuver. City water is full of chemicals, but if drawn in a bucket and let sit over night, the chemicals will evaporate out-- be sure the bucket is not a corrosive metal (no aluminum vessel should be used) as that would permeate the water. After the bucket has sat over night, aerate it, which is to say-pour it from one bucket to another allowing it to free fall through the air for a distance. This process gets more of the chlorine out and also allows air into the water. Taste the water the evening before and in the morning after and you will be convinced. > > If you can water her with filtered water this is best. By using the teapot method you can avoid the danger of over watering, exposing Her roots by washing soil away, and knocking branches trying to water Her. As was said earlier, the watering of Srimati Tulasi-devi is not a mechanical process and will come with practice. Feel the soil by pushing your finger in Her pot. Is She dried out? Then pour slowly, seeing how must She will absorb in just a few seconds. Never leave a puddle of water still above the soil, this means that She is saturated and can not accept more. Balance it so She is just dry on top by the next morning, not still soggy or so dry that She has drooped. If the sun is out, and it is going to be a hot day, She will need more water, and the converse is, if it is a cloudy day She will not need much. Afternoon sun is very intense and taxing, so always check Her again around 2-3 p.m. Every afternoon we spray Her off as explained in the diseases section. > > At least once a week water Her until the water drains out the bottom. Over-watering causes diseases in the soil, mold, faded and curled leaves, rots the soil, and causes root diseases. A sign or over watering is when She turns a pale green and apparently perfectly healthy leaves drop. She will go limp, if under watered. She breathes through the soil and over the process of time the soil tends to become packed. This causes uneven water absorption and poor ventilation. The cure is to break up the soil with a fork or a spoon handle. Dig down about 1/2 of an Inch, breaking up and turning over the soil in small clods. This can be done as needed in accordance with the rate it becomes packed. Be cautious of Her roots. > > Soil Combinations-- The best soil is homemade, that is to say not some combination purchased in a store but mixed from local ingredients. A symptom of good soil is dark color, another is rich smell. (I am the original fragrance of the earth). It should hold its shape somewhat if pressed into a clod in the fist. Earth worms are another good sign. Obtain some cow manure and allow it to set for 2 weeks, the reason being that it is very strong when fresh. The nitrogen content is so strong that it would burn the tender roots, so best to let it age. Spread it out and water thoroughly. Every few days turn it over so that the manure underneath the pile is exposed to the sun. Better to buy already composted cow manure than to chance a bad root burn-- unless one is experienced at composting, etc. > > Earth worms can be purchased also. (Krishna is like the sun, pure and antiseptic.) Earth worms are for gardens; when put in pots they may damage roots. For your basic humus or plain old soil, find a garden that is producing profuse flowers and ask to borrow a quantity of soil. A little sand (never salty sand; salt kills plants, practically of any kind; wash the sand if beach sand/ thoroughly before using') should be added and also a small quantity of vermiculite, or perlite. > > Potting-- Most of this is elaborately explained by Govinda dasi in the preceding pages, so the remains are just a few notes. By transplanting Her there is always the danger of exposing Her roots to the air. This causes them to dry and wilt. The answer is to always keep sufficient dirt around the roots. They will form what is known as a root ball. Also there is one root, called the tap root which descends straight down from the stalk and is the longest and most important. If this root is broken there is a good chance the Tulasi will depart, so always be sure to dig down far enough. (That will usually be the same distance as the height of the tree from the soil.) It is best to transplant in the afternoon, after 4 p.m. or on a cloudy day that is not very hot. Never transplant in heat of day. > > As She grows, Her roots will fill the pot, and at that point She will have to be transplanted again. This will be a perpetual duty, and as She grows you will have the blissful opportunity to move Her. The new pots should be 2 to 2 1\2 times the size of the root ball (cluster of roots). Take the chance to straighten Her if She is growing crooked, but be careful not to plant Her lower or higher than She was situated early as this will cause disease. Too high will mold Her stem, lower will cause Her to be unstable and to expose Her roots to rot and mold. No matter how careful you are, there's always some shock and transplant setback. Thus, why transplant repeatedly?? > If you put the tiny 6" or 7" plant in a giant pot full of good soil, it may look funny for awhile, but She'll appreciate the leg room and grow much more rapidly and be a healthier plant than if you repeatedly disturb her root systems by numerous periodic transplants. (Note: From experience I found that if you put Tulasi in too large a pot, Her roots will slot down their growth and root disease may set in. I've been told by several botanists that it is best to transplant gradually. New Orleans had this problem with Tulasi also.) > > Feeding-- There is really no need for artificial feedings, in fact some foods (certain mixtures of 20-20-20) will actually build up toxin in Her soil and cause great damage. Stick with a little cow manure every 3 or 4 weeks, and once a month feeding of iron. This combined with the perpetual replanting in fresh soil are enough to keep Her in fine health. Try a powdered iron solution; ours is 1 tsp.--2 gallons water; 1/4 cup--1 every 2 weeks. Stay away from chemical fertilizers. They do build up toxins in the soil, and make it sterile of certain elements eventually . Use cow manure, and a good brand of organic compost is essential . The compost should be cultivated into the soil every few weeks, along with a little manure. Watch out for bone material in the compost though (some brands have ground-up animal bones). > > Seeds-- Tulasi has at least two flowering periods. Because of the variance factors of climate, age, and other conditions it is impossible to predict the times, but I can relate the symptoms and results. Some will produce seed pods, shaped like a small temple and containing four little seeds and the other season produces smaller pods or fruits that also look like a temple but contain no seeds. As will be explained later, it is not advisable to let Her go to seed unless She is several years old, and in best of health. Even then, let only a few of the manjaris go to seed. If you contact me, I will be more than happy to supply you with seeds, both Krishna and Rama Tulasis. The process is to let the stalks stay on past the flower-seed pod stage . Watch as the pods drop the flowers and become firm and darker golden. When you look inside the pod and see that the four little seeds are a dark brown, then you know that it is time to pick the seeds. > > If you observe how She grows, you will see that at every intersection between a leaf and the main stem, there is a small bud developing. Follow the seed stalk down until the next pair of developing buds. The first set of leaves below the seed stalk and the buds sprouting from there are most always going to develop into another pair of manjaris, so rather than drain Her energy it is best to skip down one more joint to the next set of leaves and buds. Nip here, saying the mantra for picking leaves, chanting Hare Krishna, and using sharp surgical scissors. > Best to pick the flowers when they bloom, because letting them go to seed does very much weaken the plant. Once the seeds are gathered, let them dry a short week or so. Be very careful when handling the seed pods, even when they are on the mother plant as they are arranged in such a way as to spring out of the pods when shaken. So far as seeding seasons, I haven't observed any in our Tulasis in Hawaii. They flower constantly, perpetually-- all the time, year round, but more intensely when there's lots of sunshine . > > > Diseases-- Generally speaking, if She is receiving correct water and sufficient sunlight, in a pot of the correct size and type of dirt suitable, She will flourish. The only necessity is to be sure to protect Her from wandering insects and the most lethal-- red spider mites. Always keep Her in an area that is screened and continually check the underside of Her leaves for insects. The primary concern in the U. S. is the ever-present spider mites, so that will be the main concern here. These rascals live on the underside of Her leaves and lay their eggs in the dust next to the ribbing or veins of Her leaves. When the eggs hatch, the young suck Her juice. The beginning symptoms are pale and limp leaves with brown tips. The leaves become specked with small pale green dots and begin to curl in. As She becomes weaker and weaker, whole branches will just turn yellow, curl up and drop all their leaves. The stems become pinched and brown. If you observe very carefully you will see small spiders, no bigger than the head of a pin scurrying around on the underside of Her leaves and in the topmost clusters of branches and leaves. Hold Her at different angles in the light and you will see fine spider webs crisscrossing the various branches. > > Finally, you will see small white eggs on the underside of Her leaves and your whole Tulasi will be yellow and limp. She can be saved' There is a very simple process which if you use at a regular basis will keep the spiders at a very minimal level and Srimati Tulasi will flourish and bloom. Never use any sort-of poison. Tulasi is meant for offering to Krishna, and how can She be offered if She is covered with some spray (systemic sprays horrible!!). She is also contaminated by the use of systemic sprays as they work their way through Her system and ultimately deposit their poison in Her leaves. Ladybugs are often offered as a solution-, but from my own experience on several attempts they haven't been much help. > > The real cure is the bathing process. (Actually, the eggs of the spiders are stuck on by some sort of natural adhesive and will not be washed off. They hatch at their will so the regular bathing and periodic sprays with fresh water can keep the spiders and mites at bay. ) The needed paraphernalia is: one large plastic bucket with a mouth 2 ft. across, 1 bar of soap (spiritual sky herbal or non scented is the best-- be careful what soap you use). I found that the best to use is a vegetable soap as the others are made with some animal products, and a hose with fresh water. It is best done in the morning or on a cloudy day, as it is a taxing endeavor and the sun is a strain. Water first, as this will help to keep the soil in the pot. > > The basic principles are: You dip the Tulasi in the soapy water, swish Her around carefully and then rinse off with fresh water. The soapy water coats the leaves and smothers the spiders, the clean rinse washes the soap off, along with the spiders and their webs. If done regularly twice a month, your Tulasis will survive nicely. The water should be drawn the day before and handled just as written in the water section. This way it is also not too cold for Her. Rub the bar of soap in the water until it turns a shadowy white, not solid white like milk, but more of a translucent white. If the soap is too concentrated it can do some damage. Add a 1/4 cup of honey to 6 gallons water as that will also help coat the leaves. Cut pieces of cardboard to fit inside the various sizes of pots ( see picture page) as the cardboard will keep the dirt from sliding out into the water or your whole Tulasi from falling out. Work in an area where there can be water spilled in large quantities but that is also protected from the wind, dogs, and other alien factors. Get an assistant to help you hold Her pot, and using the cardboard to hold Her soil, tip Her up and submerge Her in the solution. Don ' t be timid but also be gentle (there is a fine line of difference). It is either this or the slow death by the spiders. > Swish Her around softly, cautiously agitating the water by raising and lowering her in the bucket, like a pump swirl against Her. The whole time spent no more than 5 seconds, I have timed it. Now that means once you actually have Her submerged, and have the knack of it. One danger point is when She is removed from the water. Just like after you wash something-- it has greater weight due to the added water that has been absorbed, so there will be added water suspended on Her various leaves and branches . If you just pull Her right out, the added water will cause Her to droop over and be unable to support Herself. If you grab Her right out there is every possibility of breaking roots and also tearing branches. As you pull Her out, simultaneously grab hold of a strong part of Her stem towards the base, several inches above the ground. By holding on to the stem in this way, it gives added support to Her and also you can very gently shake off the excess water (Like the Boar incarnation, shaking off the water after saving the world from the filthy place. ) > > The next step is to hose Her off with fresh water, one reason is to wash the old soap off Her leaves and the other is to finish off those spiders who were shaken loose by the bath but not completely removed . By placing a finger over the nozzle you can make a jet- spray-- there must be force enough to knock the spiders off but not enough to tear or rip Her leaves. Be sure to get the underside of the leaves as that is where the spiders hide out. The main concern here is the possibility of flooding Her pot with the excess water, so turn Her pot on one edge, tilted to one side, and in that way you have a clean shot at the underside, and the excess water just travels right on by. > > Also you could cover her root ball and the earth at the top of the pot with a sphere of plastic or something like plastic wrap. Now very carefully shake off the water, and unfold Her leaves. Remove any of the old yellow leaves that may be caught in Her branches. Have a sacred throw away to take care of the unoffered leaves. She maybe a bit limp (be very careful when you do this, have an assistant and think it out thoroughly before acting), but you will see Her perk up by morning (You may have to prop up a branch or two for a day or so-- use a stick, being sure not to crush any buds or leaves.) I haven't used any store bought insecticides in a very long time. If the plants are kept healthy, there won't be a need for such things. Also they are poisonous, and I know Srila Prabhupada didn't really like the idea. > The only thing I used was sulfur (a couple of years ago) for the mites, and it is an organic control. We used Malathion once or twice but decided against it, and I haven 't used anything at all for perhaps 2 years. By using such things the leaves practically become unofferable, as they are poisoned. Sulfur washes off, true, but you have to have very hot sunshine in order to activate its working principle. The spiders are spread by eggs which the mothers lay along the veins on the underside of Tulasi's leaves. These serve as breeding grounds and as the eggs are stuck on to Her leaves with a type of secretion, they are virtually impossible to remove with simple washing, so the successful process consists of bi-weekly baths with soap (every 14 days) and spraying Her off every day or every other day (every other day is probably sufficient). Our greenhouse is arranged in such a way that 70 Tulasis can be rinsed at-a time, The water soaking into Her stems helps to generate healthy fibers for carrying fluid. > > Some ideas are: put Her on some shelves so that by kneeling down you can get right under Her leaves. Be sure that it is done in a reasonably warm place so She won't catch cold. During the summer months we spray Her with water twice a day, once in the morning around 10:00 and again the afternoon about 2:30. She loves it as manifested by Her green effulgence. There is also the possibility that you are taking over after the spiders have gotten a strong grip and done much damage. Check the tops of Her branches by holding Her in different angles of light. Very fine meshing of webs can be seen. At this stage the spiders are like cancer and the only combating element is to somehow remove the sick limb. There are so many eggs that they will just serve to contaminate the rest of Her; also it is like fighting a battle-- if She is fighting off the spiders on too many fronts She will be ineffectual on all fronts. Better to remove the worst places and let Her concentrate on that which has potential to be saved. > > Once the leaves are yellow with browning tips and covered with the webs, there is no hope. Best to remove by following the tip down the stem to where She still remains healthy. Cut above a pair of healthy buds as seen in collecting seeds section. Contemplate the move first, cut off as little as possible and still do the job. Better to just cut Her once than do many many small cuts-- and yet don't butcher Her. This may seem harsh, but having done the initial cutting (better to cut once than to let Her go the slow way with a blanket of spiders) the regular bathing and spraying keep Her in the peak of health. > (Note: 'It is a great offense to cut Her lotus branches, replied Srila Prabhupada to Radhaballabha in a letter. Also, he spoke last fall just prior to His leaving about this subject: generally plants are pruned before winter but Tulasi-devi is not ordinary. Sachidevi.) > The Tulasis that I have tended in this way have made a comeback and are now serving their Lord nicely, so judge by the results. So far as I understand, pruning is not to be done except in most exceptional circumstances. Cutting a leaf or a flower stalk is not considered pruning so far as my understanding, but is rather a necessary everyday thing for gathering to offer to the Deities. (Here we are cutting flower stalks daily, and if we cut steadily for 2 or 3 hours, still we can't get them all. It is our major problem with our Tulasi plants. I want to keep them from going to seed, but it is virtually impossible as it would require an 8 hour a day job practically-which is not practical.) So to pick off a mosaic leaf or infected leaf or a few infected leaves seems okay to me-- but to start cutting off branches, etc. . is where I would become most hesitant . > > Pruning; so far as dictionary definitions, means to cut off branches or parts of a plant so generally it doesn't refer to cutting of flowers, etc. I can relate one incident in this regard: last visit Srila Prabhupada made to New Nabadwip the Tulasi plants on either side of the temple gateway had grown overly large-- about 7 feet tall and 4 or 5 feet in diameter. So They had bushed out into the walkway, thus closing the entranceway except for about a foot and a half. We had tied them back repeatedly, but still They closed in again so that a person had to turn sideways and slither between them, and even then lightly brush them. This isn't so bad for devotees, but all guests aren't so considerate so They would get smashed against and so forth. So as Prabhupada walked between Them there being only enough space for Him to pass, I asked what can be done, the entrance being closed. He smiled and said, "You cannot cut them. Don't live, don't die. " He laughed. We did nothing, and then later got a letter from India and He said that in this case They could be trimmed back. > > So only then did we proceed to do it with reluctance. So you have perhaps understand the seriousness of pruning from this incident. I have heard such pruning is sometimes done on the mainland for some reasons, but you should explain it can only be done in extreme cases of necessity. If there is disease or heavy infestation of spider mites, then I suppose it The next step is to hose her off with fresh water, one reason is to wash the old soap off Her leaves and the other is to finish off these spiders who could be concluded as necessary in order to save the plant, but should not "be done whimsically to "make the plant bushier Her goal and reason for existence is to be offered to Krishna, so to spray Her with some poison defeats the whole purpose. > Also, She is very tender and most sprays are extremely harsh; soap is mildest medium I hare found. One possibility that Is offered is a 3% oil spray, but I haven' t experimented with it and would like to avoi > > > > > > Home > Newsletter > Srila Prabhupada > Scriptural > Benefits > New Book! > Handbook > Worship > Songs > Resources > > > > ---------- ---- > > PRAYERS AND GLORIFICATIONS FROM THE BHAKTI SASTRAS. > > ---------- ---- > > The Glories and blessings of Srimati Tulasi-devi. > > As quoted by Srila Rupa Gosvami Prabhupada, leader of the Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya Sampradaya. > > > From Padma Purana, Tulasi devi Mahatmya. Special potent prayers to be offered by devotees seeking Sri Krishna's unlimited mercy. > > > Prayers by Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti: Translated by Baba Madhava dasa a longtime Vrndavana Vaisnava who gave Vrnda Kunda over to the care of ISKCON. Sweet, relishable, and blessed with spiritual benedictions. > > > Benefits of Tulasi worship as described in the Padma Purana. > > > ---------- ---- > > The Glories of Tulasi Devi > (from the "Pancaratra Pradip", a manual on Deity Worship) > > > ---------- ---- > > As quoted from Vedic Scriptrure in the Vaisnava work " Nectar of Devotion "(Bhakti- rasamrta-sindhu) by Srila Rupa Gosvami: > > ---------- ---- > > "Let me offer my respectful obeisances unto the tulasi tree, which can immediately vanquish volumes of sinful activities. Simply by seeing or touching this tree, one can become relieved from all distresses and diseases. Simply by offering obeisances to and pouring water on the tulasi tree, one can become freed from the fear of being sent to the court of Yamaraja. > If someone sows a tulasi tree somewhere, certainly he becomes devoted to Lord Krishna. And when the tulasi leaves are offered in devotion at the lotus feet of Krishna, there is the full development of love of Godhead." (from the Skanda Purana, as quoted by Srila Rupa Gosvami) > Tulasi is glorified throughout the Puranas and Pancaratra: It was for the spiritual upliftment of the souls in the material world that Lord Visnu created tulasi as the ocean of milk was being churned. Tulasi is more dear to the Lord than Laksmi, for Tulasi-devi undertook extreme austerities and worshiped the Lord with love in order to have Him as her husband, and the Lord fulfilled her wish. > > > > > "There is no better recipient of charity than a vipra, no better gift than cows, no better tirtha than the Ganga, and no better leaf than a tulasi leaf. Whatever one can obtain by offering the Lord all types of flowers and leaves may be attained by simply offering Him one tulasi leaf. An offering of flowers made of gold, jewels, and pearls is not equal to an offering of tulasi leaves." > > > > > "By offering the Lord tulasi leaves, a devotee is released from sins accumulated for one koti (ten million) lifetimes. When a devotee offers tulasi to the Lord's head, all the devotees unmentionable and undetected sins are destroyed. By sprinkling the Lord's house with water using a tulasi leaf, one is freed from all great sins. A person who has tulasi leaves in his mouth or on his head or body when he dies is guaranteed not to suffer in hell." > > > > > > ---------- ---- > > Glories of Srimati Tulasi Devi as explained in the Padma Purana > > > > > ASTA-NAMA-STAVA > > EIGHT NAMES OF TULASI DEVI > > Vrindavani, vrinda, visvapujita, pushpasara, nandani, Krishna-jivani, visva-pavani, tulasi > > VRINDAVANI - One who first manifested in Vrindavan. > VRINDA - The goddess of all plant and trees ( even if one Tulasi plant is present in a forest it can be called Vrindavana.) > VISHVAPUJITA - One whom the whole universe worships. > PUSHPASARA - The topmost of all flowers, without whom Krishna does not like to look upon other flowers. > NANDINI - Seeing whom gives unlimited bliss to the devotees. > KRISHNA-JIVANI - The life of Sri Krishna. > VISHVA-PAVANI - One who purifies the three worlds. > TULASI - One who has no comparison. > Anyone while worshipping Tulasi Devi chants these eight names will get the same results as one who performs the Ashwamedha sacrifice. And one who on the full-moon day of Karik (Tulsi devi's appearance day) worships Her with this Mantra will break free from the bonds of this miserable world of birth and death, and very quickly attains Goloka Vrndavan. On the full moon-day of Kartik Lord Sri Krishna Himself worships Srimati Tulasi Devi with this Mantra. > > One who remembers this Mantra will very quickly attain devotion to Lord Krishna's Transcendental Lotus Feet. > > All glories to Sri Sri Guru and Gauranga!!! All glories to the Vaisnava Guru's and assembled Vaisnavas by whose love and mercy we can come to know of these great opportunities!!! > > > ---------- ---- > > SRI VRNDEVY-ASTAKA > Eight Prayers Glorifying Sri Vrnda-Devi by Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura > > ---------- ---- > > > > Translated by Baba Madhava Dasa > O Vrnda Devi, I offer my respectful obeisances to your lotus feet. You are bathed in your own splendor, which defeats the effulgence of lightning and the golden campaka flower. The luster of your transcendental garments is the friend of the leandhilia flower. > O Vrnda Devi, I offer my respectful obeisances to your lotus feet. Your face is illuminated by the splendor of the pearl decorating the tip of your nose, and by the extraordinary gentle smile on the two bimba fruits which are your lips. You are enriched by the beauty of the amazing and colorful jewels and ornaments you wear. > O Vrnda Devi, I offer my respectful obeisances to your lotus feet. Srimati Radharani, the daughter of King Vrsabhanu, has made you the ruling monarch of Lord Krsna's opulent and auspicious abode of Vrndavana, which is the crest jewel of all the Vaikuntha planets. > O Vrnda-Devi, I offer my respectful obeiscances to your lotus feet. Because of your order, the groves where Lord Madhava performs his pastimes appear very splendid, decorated with blossoming flowers, bumblebees, deer, and other auspicious animals, flowers, and birds. > O Vrnda-Devi, I offer my respectful obeiscances to your lotus feet. Who can describe your good fortune? You were the messenger who brought about the perfection of the amorous pastimes of Radha and Krishna, the youthful couple, who enthusiastically sport in the groves of Vrndavana. > O Vrnda-Devi, I offer my respectful obeisances to your lotus feet. The living entities who attain the service of the lotus feet of your Lord reside in Vrndavana. And the desire to understand the Lord's amazing pastimes of the rasa dance is only by your mercy. > O Vrnda-Devi, I offer my respectful obeiscances to your lotus feet. Those who have studied the Satvata-tantra glorify you. You are Lord Krishna's potency for performing pastimes, and you are known as Tulasi-Devi in the human society. > O Vrnda-Devi, I offer my respectful obeiscances to your lotus feet. Those who are devoid of devotion to Lord Hari, and who are thrown by their offenses into the waves of lust and other inauspicious qualities, may take shelter of you. > O Vrnda-Devi, I offer my respectful obeiscances to your lotus feet. Let a person who becomes like a bumblebee at the lotus feet of Radha-Krishna, and who reads or hears these eight verses describing the glories of Vrinda-Devi, > > > > > > Home > Newsletter > Srila Prabhupada > Scriptural > Benefits > New Book! > Handbook > Worship > Songs > Resources > How To Worship and Serve Srimati Tulasi Devi > > ---------- ---- > > > > > ---------- ---- > > From Srila Prabhupada's books and letters, with quotations from the G.B.C. manual on proper worship, the "Pancaratra Pradipa." > Handbook on Tulasi care by Govinda dasi, pioneer of Her worship in ISKCON.From sprouting, through growing and daily maintenance. A must see! > > ---------- ---- > > Before relating the formal rules for worshipping Tulasi the devotee should know that the main ingredient is Bhakti, the desire to please Lord Sri Krishna. In the Vaisnava scriptures Tulasi Devi is seen to be worshipped by the Vaisnavas, simply by sitting down before Her and chanting the Hare Krishna Mantra, watering Her once a day. > Additionally, there are formal regulative principles meant to be strictly followed in ISKCON temples, and as far as possible in devotee's homes and they are given here below. They can be read about in full by obtaining the "Pancaratra Pradipa" from an ISKCON temple. > I provide the following quote by His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada in the early stages of the movement when the instructions were very minimal and basic, nevertheless, they do indicate how to worship in a simple way if one can't follow the "whole nine yards"! > > From a letter dated 11/30/1972: > > "...Regarding worship of Tulasi,... Simply all the devotees may offer a little water every morning and in the evening offer obeisances and ghee lamp (one wick) and circumambulating three times repeating the mantras that I have given you. The plant may remain in the garden...." > > > ---------- ---- > > BASIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE WORSHIP OF TULASI DEVI, AS DONE IN ISKCON TEMPLES. > > > ---------- ---- > > In the morning, after mangala-aroti (and preferably also in the evening, before sandhya-aroti), all the assembled devotees should attend tulasi worship and circumambulate Srimati Tulasi Devi. First we offer obeiscances to Tulasi-devi with the tulasi-pranama-mantra, chanted three times: > > > vrndayai tulasi-devyai priyayai kesavasya ca, krishna-bhakti-prade devi, satyavatyai namo namah > > I offer my respectful obeiscances unto Vrnda, Srimati Tulasi-Devi, who is very dear to Lord Kesava. O goddess, you bestow devotional service to Krishna and you possess the highest truth > > > Then the devotees should sing the Tulasi-puja-kirtana while one devotee offers aroti to Tulasi-devi with incense, a ghee lamp, and flowers. While offering the articles the devotee should stand on a mat and ring a bell with his left hand. Each of the items may be distributed to the assembled devotees after they have been offered to Tulasi-Devi. > > When the song is finished, the assembled Vaisnavas should circumambulate Tulasi-Devi at least four times and offer her water by pouring some drops at her root (only during morning worship, not in the evening). While circumabulating, we chant; > > > yani kani can papanibrahma-hatyadikani ca, tani tani pranasyanti pradaksinah pade pade > TRANSLATION: > > "When a person circumambulates Srimati Tulasi-devi, all the sins he may have committed are destroyed at every step, even the sin of killing a brahmana." > > > ---------- ---- > > ADDITIONAL NOTES ON SERVING SRIMATI TULSI DEVI: > > > ---------- ---- > > "When carrying a potted tulasi plant, it is best to honor her by carrying her on the head. If the plant is too large, hold her in front. Also, it is vest if the stand for her is high enough so the base of the tulasi plant is above the waist of the devotee offering her aroti. Furthermore, it is best if the devotee doing the puja is dressed as if on the altar. > > Actual Tulasi plants should be worshipped, but if keeping them is not possible one may substitute a picture. Finally, it is traditional to honor Tulasi Devi by having a tulasi plant on a table next to the Bhagavatam speaker during the lecture." > > Back to home page. > > eternally reside at Goloka Vrndavana. He attains devotional service in pure love of Godhead, and all his spiritual aspirations become fulfilled. > > > > Back to index of glories page. > > Back to home page. > > d it. If there is trouble with larger bugs, try to purchase some lady bugs or praying mantises. > > Write: Bio-Control Company, Route 2, Auburn, California 95603, Box 2397, 50¢ for a small vial of 50 lady bugs which is more than enough. Write for information to the California address. (Remember this was written in 1970); > > I have used the lady bugs on spider mites with little results, but they may work on different types of bugs . Never use a systemic spray or soil soluble solution as it will almost kill Her and leave a lingering taste for up to 6 months. > Note: a good spray made for planets: is OX bug spray . Wait 3 days after spraying before offering to Krishna. Flies are another botheration and must be avoided as they are very dirty. The best is to use screens and always be sure to shut doors. A fan also helps to get rid of them if it has an outside sucking vent which will draw them out. (Good air circulation helps Her grow.) > > Back to home page. > > Radha and Govinda." > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 12, 2006 Report Share Posted February 12, 2006 Dear Richard, Hmm, that is certainly a valid point...! Thanks, Ole sacred-objects, "Richard Shaw-Brown II" <rsbj66 wrote: > > Dear Ole, > > To my understanding, Tulasi is sacred for use in puja, and medicinal for use in Ayurveda. > There is NO HARM when Basil is used in Ayurvedic medicine. This Ayurved was given by > Dhanvantari, Incarnation of God, so it cannot be wrong to use... > > Best rgds, > Richard > > sacred-objects, SIDDU <dr_ereddy@> wrote: > > > > > > > > alstrup <alstrup@> wrote: Dear Richard, > > > > I was wondering about the consumption for tulasi described in > > ayurvedic medicine. I was told many years ago by a Vaishnava that to > > use Tulasi Devi for any reason other than worshipping Krishna, > > including medicinal use, is considered a grave offence. In the main > > ayurvedic scriptures, which is considered part of the vedic knowledge, > > Tulsi is described and recommended as a plant with powerful medicinal > > qualities, especially for respiratory conditions, and its use is found > > decribed in different ayurvedic preparations. Any comments? > > > > Many thanks, > > > > Ole > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > 9;s eye Bona fide Yellow sapphire Sacred Quartz crystal Blue sapphires > > > > > > > > > > > > Visit your group "sacred-objects" on the web. > > > > > > sacred-objects > > > > Terms of Service. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Jiyo cricket on India cricket > > Messenger Mobile Stay in touch with your buddies all the time. > > namo namah tulasi krsna-preyasi namo namah > > > > radha-krsna seva pabo ei abhilasi > > > > ye tomara sarana loy tara vanca purna hoy > > > > krpa kori' koro tare vrndavana-vasi > > > > mora ei abhilasa vilasa-kunje diyo vasa > > > > nayane keribo sada jugala-rupa-rasi > > > > ei nivedana dhara sakhir anugata koro > > > > seva adhikara diye koro nija dasi > > > > dina krsna-dase koy eijena mora hoy > > > > sri-radha-govinda-preme sada jena bhasi > > > > > > > -- -------- > ---- > > > > TRANSLATION > > 1. "O Tulasi, beloved of Krishna, I bow before you again and again. My desire is to > obtain the service of Sri Sri Radha-Krishna. > > > > 2. Whoever takes shelter of you has his wishes fulfilled. Bestowing your mercy on him, > you make him a resident of Vrndavana. > > > > 3. My desire is that you will also grant me a residence in the pleasure groves of Sri > Vrndavana-Dhama. Thus, within my vision I will always behold the beautiful pastimes of > Radha and Krishna. > > > > 4. I beg you to make me a follower of the cowherd damsels of Vraja. Please give me the > privilege of devotional service and make me your own maidservant. > > > > 5. This very fallen and lowly servant of Krishna prays, "May I always swim in the love of > Sri > > > > > > > > > > > > Home > > Newsletter > > Srila Prabhupada > > Scriptural > > Benefits > > New Book! > > Handbook > > Worship > > Songs > > Resources > > > > > > > > > -- -------- > ---- > > > > The Tulasi Handbook Including: > > How to start a Tulasi seedling and care for Her in North America > > (suggestion: save this whole page on your computer, then review as needed) > > > > > > > -- -------- > ---- > > > > > > Quotes from Srila Prabhupada; > > > > "Please take care of the Tulasi plants in the following way. This is the best season for > growing Tulasi plants. From 15th April to 15th June is the best season for growing this > plant. Now I understand that the seedlings are coming out, so the whole spot if possible > may be covered by some net because the seedling stage creepers are sometimes eaten up > by the sparrows. > > All the devotees should pour water at least once in the morning before taking prasadam. > The watering should not be very much large in quantity, but it should be poured just to > keep the ground soft and moist. Sunlight also should be allowed. > > When the creepers are grown at last 7 inches high, then you can take them out from the > planting soil and transplant them in a row in a different place . Then go on watering and > they will grow like anything. I think this plant cannot grow in cold countries, but if the > planets are dispatched from your place and if the devotees take care of the plant with a > little care in a flower pot, then it may grow." > > > > > > GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS > > > > The most important and fundamental principle of Tulasi care is regular and perpetual > care. She is a pure devotee, and Her requirements are few and simple. She simply requires > Her own quarters with direct sunlight, where She can grow without disturbances and > interruptions. She should be watered at approximately the same time and Her leaves > should also be collected at a regular time. Mornings between 7:30 and 9:00 are the best > for both purposes. > > > > The most essential ingredient is one individual devotee to take the responsibility of > tending Her. This means that this devotee is conscious of Tulasi throughout the day-- > checking that Her door is shut, that She has sufficient water, that Her fan is on, that Her > leaves are being offered regularly and fresh. In this way She is nursed through the day and > night. It is not so much time consuming-- but rather 1/2 hour to 40 minutes (depending > on the number of Tulasis) in the morning and then utilizing the few spare moments > throughout the day. If this is done regularly and in an orderly fashion She will bloom and > flourish. > > > > Housing-- It has been found that She pines for sun-- Tulasi grown indoors after 8 or 10 > months do not fair as well as those given real sunlight. (Krishna says, "I am the light of the > sun and the moon.") Greenhouse are not all that expensive to build. $60 (Keep in mind > this was written in 1970) can build a really first-class house that can accommodate up to > 60 2-foot Tulasis, and adaptations can always be made as to weather, climate, building > materials on hand, and the number of Tulasi's involved. Porches, arbors, fire escapes, and > roof tops can all be modified to fit the need. > > If indoor lighting is unavoidable (actually some arrangement can always be made), then > fluorescent tubes and fixtures (each holding at least 2 bulbs) can be suspended over and > around Her. The lights must be special indoor full spectrum plant tubes, not your ordinary > white fluorescent tube. The plant lights are effective only within a 6" radius, after which > they drop to a potency of 0. Because of this, Tulasi s grown indoors become "leggy, " that > is to say, long stems with thin stalks and only a few leaves, and a clump of leaves at the > top, near the light. Because the lights have such a short range of feet, the leaves receive > no real juice, and therefore fade and fall off. The result is a weak and top heavy Tulasi. > > > > To alleviate the situation, place one set of fixtures over Her (as close as possible as She > will not be burnt unless actually touching for a period of time), and then bank two more > fixtures, one on each side, giving you a total of 3 fixtures, totaling at least 6 tubes If done > in this way, there will be a complete aura of light around Her. Foil can then be used to > provide a hood, catching all the reflected light and focusing it on Her. Set the lights on > some sort of pulley or adjustable chain affair, and in this way the lights can be raised as > She grows.Please, no sun lamps. > > > > Water-- Proper watering has to be adjusted according to weather, climate, size, soil and > the particular nature of the individual Tulasi. (There is no mechanical arrangement as She > is a person). She would rather be just a little bit dry than too wet, but don' t let Her soil > become hard with a crust and have Her become limp. It is best to water in the morning-- > around 8 or 9 o' clock-- as She uses the water for photosynthesis all day long. Her leaves > should also be picked at this time as will be especially explained later. Get a small tea pot, > kettle, or anything clean with a spout, and use to water Her as it is easier to control the > flow and also easier to maneuver. City water is full of chemicals, but if drawn in a bucket > and let sit over night, the chemicals will evaporate out-- be sure the bucket is not a > corrosive metal (no aluminum vessel should be used) as that would permeate the water. > After the bucket has sat over night, aerate it, which is to say- pour it from one bucket to > another allowing it to free fall through the air for a distance. This process gets more of the > chlorine out and also allows air into the water. Taste the water the evening before and in > the morning after and you will be convinced. > > > > If you can water her with filtered water this is best. By using the teapot method you can > avoid the danger of over watering, exposing Her roots by washing soil away, and knocking > branches trying to water Her. As was said earlier, the watering of Srimati Tulasi-devi is not > a mechanical process and will come with practice. Feel the soil by pushing your finger in > Her pot. Is She dried out? Then pour slowly, seeing how must She will absorb in just a few > seconds. Never leave a puddle of water still above the soil, this means that She is > saturated and can not accept more. Balance it so She is just dry on top by the next > morning, not still soggy or so dry that She has drooped. If the sun is out, and it is going to > be a hot day, She will need more water, and the converse is, if it is a cloudy day She will > not need much. Afternoon sun is very intense and taxing, so always check Her again > around 2-3 p.m. Every afternoon we spray Her off as explained in the diseases section. > > > > At least once a week water Her until the water drains out the bottom. Over-watering > causes diseases in the soil, mold, faded and curled leaves, rots the soil, and causes root > diseases. A sign or over watering is when She turns a pale green and apparently perfectly > healthy leaves drop. She will go limp, if under watered. She breathes through the soil and > over the process of time the soil tends to become packed. This causes uneven water > absorption and poor ventilation. The cure is to break up the soil with a fork or a spoon > handle. Dig down about 1/2 of an Inch, breaking up and turning over the soil in small > clods. This can be done as needed in accordance with the rate it becomes packed. Be > cautious of Her roots. > > > > Soil Combinations-- The best soil is homemade, that is to say not some combination > purchased in a store but mixed from local ingredients. A symptom of good soil is dark > color, another is rich smell. (I am the original fragrance of the earth). It should hold its > shape somewhat if pressed into a clod in the fist. Earth worms are another good sign. > Obtain some cow manure and allow it to set for 2 weeks, the reason being that it is very > strong when fresh. The nitrogen content is so strong that it would burn the tender roots, > so best to let it age. Spread it out and water thoroughly. Every few days turn it over so that > the manure underneath the pile is exposed to the sun. Better to buy already composted > cow manure than to chance a bad root burn-- unless one is experienced at composting, > etc. > > > > Earth worms can be purchased also. (Krishna is like the sun, pure and antiseptic.) Earth > worms are for gardens; when put in pots they may damage roots. For your basic humus or > plain old soil, find a garden that is producing profuse flowers and ask to borrow a quantity > of soil. A little sand (never salty sand; salt kills plants, practically of any kind; wash the > sand if beach sand/ thoroughly before using') should be added and also a small quantity > of vermiculite, or perlite. > > > > Potting-- Most of this is elaborately explained by Govinda dasi in the preceding pages, > so the remains are just a few notes. By transplanting Her there is always the danger of > exposing Her roots to the air. This causes them to dry and wilt. The answer is to always > keep sufficient dirt around the roots. They will form what is known as a root ball. Also > there is one root, called the tap root which descends straight down from the stalk and is > the longest and most important. If this root is broken there is a good chance the Tulasi > will depart, so always be sure to dig down far enough. (That will usually be the same > distance as the height of the tree from the soil.) It is best to transplant in the afternoon, > after 4 p.m. or on a cloudy day that is not very hot. Never transplant in heat of day. > > > > As She grows, Her roots will fill the pot, and at that point She will have to be > transplanted again. This will be a perpetual duty, and as She grows you will have the > blissful opportunity to move Her. The new pots should be 2 to 2 1\2 times the size of the > root ball (cluster of roots). Take the chance to straighten Her if She is growing crooked, > but be careful not to plant Her lower or higher than She was situated early as this will > cause disease. Too high will mold Her stem, lower will cause Her to be unstable and to > expose Her roots to rot and mold. No matter how careful you are, there's always some > shock and transplant setback. Thus, why transplant repeatedly?? > > If you put the tiny 6" or 7" plant in a giant pot full of good soil, it may look funny for > awhile, but She'll appreciate the leg room and grow much more rapidly and be a healthier > plant than if you repeatedly disturb her root systems by numerous periodic transplants. > (Note: From experience I found that if you put Tulasi in too large a pot, Her roots will slot > down their growth and root disease may set in. I've been told by several botanists that it is > best to transplant gradually. New Orleans had this problem with Tulasi also.) > > > > Feeding-- There is really no need for artificial feedings, in fact some foods (certain > mixtures of 20-20-20) will actually build up toxin in Her soil and cause great damage. > Stick with a little cow manure every 3 or 4 weeks, and once a month feeding of iron. This > combined with the perpetual replanting in fresh soil are enough to keep Her in fine health. > Try a powdered iron solution; ours is 1 tsp.--2 gallons water; 1/4 cup--1 every 2 weeks. > Stay away from chemical fertilizers. They do build up toxins in the soil, and make it sterile > of certain elements eventually . Use cow manure, and a good brand of organic compost is > essential . The compost should be cultivated into the soil every few weeks, along with a > little manure. Watch out for bone material in the compost though (some brands have > ground-up animal bones). > > > > Seeds-- Tulasi has at least two flowering periods. Because of the variance factors of > climate, age, and other conditions it is impossible to predict the times, but I can relate the > symptoms and results. Some will produce seed pods, shaped like a small temple and > containing four little seeds and the other season produces smaller pods or fruits that also > look like a temple but contain no seeds. As will be explained later, it is not advisable to let > Her go to seed unless She is several years old, and in best of health. Even then, let only a > few of the manjaris go to seed. If you contact me, I will be more than happy to supply you > with seeds, both Krishna and Rama Tulasis. The process is to let the stalks stay on past > the flower-seed pod stage . Watch as the pods drop the flowers and become firm and > darker golden. When you look inside the pod and see that the four little seeds are a dark > brown, then you know that it is time to pick the seeds. > > > > If you observe how She grows, you will see that at every intersection between a leaf and > the main stem, there is a small bud developing. Follow the seed stalk down until the next > pair of developing buds. The first set of leaves below the seed stalk and the buds > sprouting from there are most always going to develop into another pair of manjaris, so > rather than drain Her energy it is best to skip down one more joint to the next set of > leaves and buds. Nip here, saying the mantra for picking leaves, chanting Hare Krishna, > and using sharp surgical scissors. > > Best to pick the flowers when they bloom, because letting them go to seed does very > much weaken the plant. Once the seeds are gathered, let them dry a short week or so. Be > very careful when handling the seed pods, even when they are on the mother plant as they > are arranged in such a way as to spring out of the pods when shaken. So far as seeding > seasons, I haven't observed any in our Tulasis in Hawaii. They flower constantly, > perpetually-- all the time, year round, but more intensely when there's lots of sunshine . > > > > > > Diseases-- Generally speaking, if She is receiving correct water and sufficient sunlight, > in a pot of the correct size and type of dirt suitable, She will flourish. The only necessity is > to be sure to protect Her from wandering insects and the most lethal-- red spider mites. > Always keep Her in an area that is screened and continually check the underside of Her > leaves for insects. The primary concern in the U. S. is the ever- present spider mites, so > that will be the main concern here. These rascals live on the underside of Her leaves and > lay their eggs in the dust next to the ribbing or veins of Her leaves. When the eggs hatch, > the young suck Her juice. The beginning symptoms are pale and limp leaves with brown > tips. The leaves become specked with small pale green dots and begin to curl in. As She > becomes weaker and weaker, whole branches will just turn yellow, curl up and drop all > their leaves. The stems become pinched and brown. If you observe very carefully you will > see small spiders, no bigger than the head of a pin scurrying around on the underside of > Her leaves and in the topmost clusters of branches and leaves. Hold Her at different angles > in the light and you will see fine spider webs crisscrossing the various branches. > > > > Finally, you will see small white eggs on the underside of Her leaves and your whole > Tulasi will be yellow and limp. She can be saved' There is a very simple process which if > you use at a regular basis will keep the spiders at a very minimal level and Srimati Tulasi > will flourish and bloom. Never use any sort-of poison. Tulasi is meant for offering to > Krishna, and how can She be offered if She is covered with some spray (systemic sprays > horrible!!). She is also contaminated by the use of systemic sprays as they work their way > through Her system and ultimately deposit their poison in Her leaves. Ladybugs are often > offered as a solution-, but from my own experience on several attempts they haven't been > much help. > > > > The real cure is the bathing process. (Actually, the eggs of the spiders are stuck on by > some sort of natural adhesive and will not be washed off. They hatch at their will so the > regular bathing and periodic sprays with fresh water can keep the spiders and mites at > bay. ) The needed paraphernalia is: one large plastic bucket with a mouth 2 ft. across, 1 > bar of soap (spiritual sky herbal or non scented is the best-- be careful what soap you > use). I found that the best to use is a vegetable soap as the others are made with some > animal products, and a hose with fresh water. It is best done in the morning or on a cloudy > day, as it is a taxing endeavor and the sun is a strain. Water first, as this will help to keep > the soil in the pot. > > > > The basic principles are: You dip the Tulasi in the soapy water, swish Her around > carefully and then rinse off with fresh water. The soapy water coats the leaves and > smothers the spiders, the clean rinse washes the soap off, along with the spiders and their > webs. If done regularly twice a month, your Tulasis will survive nicely. The water should be > drawn the day before and handled just as written in the water section. This way it is also > not too cold for Her. Rub the bar of soap in the water until it turns a shadowy white, not > solid white like milk, but more of a translucent white. If the soap is too concentrated it can > do some damage. Add a 1/4 cup of honey to 6 gallons water as that will also help coat the > leaves. Cut pieces of cardboard to fit inside the various sizes of pots ( see picture page) as > the cardboard will keep the dirt from sliding out into the water or your whole Tulasi from > falling out. Work in an area where there can be water spilled in large quantities but that is > also protected from the wind, dogs, and other alien factors. Get an assistant to help you > hold Her pot, and using the cardboard to hold Her soil, tip Her up and submerge Her in > the solution. Don ' t be timid but also be gentle (there is a fine line of difference). It is > either this or the slow death by the spiders. > > Swish Her around softly, cautiously agitating the water by raising and lowering her in > the bucket, like a pump swirl against Her. The whole time spent no more than 5 seconds, I > have timed it. Now that means once you actually have Her submerged, and have the knack > of it. One danger point is when She is removed from the water. Just like after you wash > something-- it has greater weight due to the added water that has been absorbed, so > there will be added water suspended on Her various leaves and branches . If you just pull > Her right out, the added water will cause Her to droop over and be unable to support > Herself. If you grab Her right out there is every possibility of breaking roots and also > tearing branches. As you pull Her out, simultaneously grab hold of a strong part of Her > stem towards the base, several inches above the ground. By holding on to the stem in this > way, it gives added support to Her and also you can very gently shake off the excess water > (Like the Boar incarnation, shaking off the water after saving the world from the filthy > place. ) > > > > The next step is to hose Her off with fresh water, one reason is to wash the old soap off > Her leaves and the other is to finish off those spiders who were shaken loose by the bath > but not completely removed . By placing a finger over the nozzle you can make a jet- > spray-- there must be force enough to knock the spiders off but not enough to tear or rip > Her leaves. Be sure to get the underside of the leaves as that is where the spiders hide out. > The main concern here is the possibility of flooding Her pot with the excess water, so turn > Her pot on one edge, tilted to one side, and in that way you have a clean shot at the > underside, and the excess water just travels right on by. > > > > Also you could cover her root ball and the earth at the top of the pot with a sphere of > plastic or something like plastic wrap. Now very carefully shake off the water, and unfold > Her leaves. Remove any of the old yellow leaves that may be caught in Her branches. Have > a sacred throw away to take care of the unoffered leaves. She maybe a bit limp (be very > careful when you do this, have an assistant and think it out thoroughly before acting), but > you will see Her perk up by morning (You may have to prop up a branch or two for a day > or so-- use a stick, being sure not to crush any buds or leaves.) I haven't used any store > bought insecticides in a very long time. If the plants are kept healthy, there won't be a > need for such things. Also they are poisonous, and I know Srila Prabhupada didn't really > like the idea. > > The only thing I used was sulfur (a couple of years ago) for the mites, and it is an > organic control. We used Malathion once or twice but decided against it, and I haven 't > used anything at all for perhaps 2 years. By using such things the leaves practically > become unofferable, as they are poisoned. Sulfur washes off, true, but you have to have > very hot sunshine in order to activate its working principle. The spiders are spread by eggs > which the mothers lay along the veins on the underside of Tulasi's leaves. These serve as > breeding grounds and as the eggs are stuck on to Her leaves with a type of secretion, they > are virtually impossible to remove with simple washing, so the successful process consists > of bi-weekly baths with soap (every 14 days) and spraying Her off every day or every other > day (every other day is probably sufficient). Our greenhouse is arranged in such a way that > 70 Tulasis can be rinsed at-a time, The water soaking into Her stems helps to generate > healthy fibers for carrying fluid. > > > > Some ideas are: put Her on some shelves so that by kneeling down you can get right > under Her leaves. Be sure that it is done in a reasonably warm place so She won't catch > cold. During the summer months we spray Her with water twice a day, once in the morning > around 10:00 and again the afternoon about 2:30. She loves it as manifested by Her green > effulgence. There is also the possibility that you are taking over after the spiders have > gotten a strong grip and done much damage. Check the tops of Her branches by holding > Her in different angles of light. Very fine meshing of webs can be seen. At this stage the > spiders are like cancer and the only combating element is to somehow remove the sick > limb. There are so many eggs that they will just serve to contaminate the rest of Her; also > it is like fighting a battle-- if She is fighting off the spiders on too many fronts She will be > ineffectual on all fronts. Better to remove the worst places and let Her concentrate on that > which has potential to be saved. > > > > Once the leaves are yellow with browning tips and covered with the webs, there is no > hope. Best to remove by following the tip down the stem to where She still remains > healthy. Cut above a pair of healthy buds as seen in collecting seeds section. Contemplate > the move first, cut off as little as possible and still do the job. Better to just cut Her once > than do many many small cuts-- and yet don't butcher Her. This may seem harsh, but > having done the initial cutting (better to cut once than to let Her go the slow way with a > blanket of spiders) the regular bathing and spraying keep Her in the peak of health. > > (Note: 'It is a great offense to cut Her lotus branches, replied Srila Prabhupada to > Radhaballabha in a letter. Also, he spoke last fall just prior to His leaving about this > subject: generally plants are pruned before winter but Tulasi-devi is not ordinary. > Sachidevi.) > > The Tulasis that I have tended in this way have made a comeback and are now serving > their Lord nicely, so judge by the results. So far as I understand, pruning is not to be done > except in most exceptional circumstances. Cutting a leaf or a flower stalk is not > considered pruning so far as my understanding, but is rather a necessary everyday thing > for gathering to offer to the Deities. (Here we are cutting flower stalks daily, and if we cut > steadily for 2 or 3 hours, still we can't get them all. It is our major problem with our Tulasi > plants. I want to keep them from going to seed, but it is virtually impossible as it would > require an 8 hour a day job practically-which is not practical.) So to pick off a mosaic leaf > or infected leaf or a few infected leaves seems okay to me-- but to start cutting off > branches, etc. . is where I would become most hesitant . > > > > Pruning; so far as dictionary definitions, means to cut off branches or parts of a plant so > generally it doesn't refer to cutting of flowers, etc. I can relate one incident in this regard: > last visit Srila Prabhupada made to New Nabadwip the Tulasi plants on either side of the > temple gateway had grown overly large-- about 7 feet tall and 4 or 5 feet in diameter. So > They had bushed out into the walkway, thus closing the entranceway except for about a > foot and a half. We had tied them back repeatedly, but still They closed in again so that a > person had to turn sideways and slither between them, and even then lightly brush them. > This isn't so bad for devotees, but all guests aren't so considerate so They would get > smashed against and so forth. So as Prabhupada walked between Them there being only > enough space for Him to pass, I asked what can be done, the entrance being closed. He > smiled and said, "You cannot cut them. Don't live, don't die. " He laughed. We did nothing, > and then later got a letter from India and He said that in this case They could be trimmed > back. > > > > So only then did we proceed to do it with reluctance. So you have perhaps understand > the seriousness of pruning from this incident. I have heard such pruning is sometimes > done on the mainland for some reasons, but you should explain it can only be done in > extreme cases of necessity. If there is disease or heavy infestation of spider mites, then I > suppose it The next step is to hose her off with fresh water, one reason is to wash the old > soap off Her leaves and the other is to finish off these spiders who could be concluded as > necessary in order to save the plant, but should not "be done whimsically to "make the > plant bushier Her goal and reason for existence is to be offered to Krishna, so to spray Her > with some poison defeats the whole purpose. > > Also, She is very tender and most sprays are extremely harsh; soap is mildest medium I > hare found. One possibility that Is offered is a 3% oil spray, but I haven' t experimented > with it and would like to avoi > > > > > > > > > > > > Home > > Newsletter > > Srila Prabhupada > > Scriptural > > Benefits > > New Book! > > Handbook > > Worship > > Songs > > Resources > > > > > > > > > -- -------- > ---- > > > > PRAYERS AND GLORIFICATIONS FROM THE BHAKTI SASTRAS. > > > > > -- -------- > ---- > > > > The Glories and blessings of Srimati Tulasi-devi. > > > > As quoted by Srila Rupa Gosvami Prabhupada, leader of the Brahma- Madhva-Gaudiya > Sampradaya. > > > > > > From Padma Purana, Tulasi devi Mahatmya. Special potent prayers to be offered by > devotees seeking Sri Krishna's unlimited mercy. > > > > > > Prayers by Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti: Translated by Baba Madhava dasa a longtime > Vrndavana Vaisnava who gave Vrnda Kunda over to the care of ISKCON. Sweet, relishable, > and blessed with spiritual benedictions. > > > > > > Benefits of Tulasi worship as described in the Padma Purana. > > > > > > > -- -------- > ---- > > > > The Glories of Tulasi Devi > > (from the "Pancaratra Pradip", a manual on Deity Worship) > > > > > > > -- -------- > ---- > > > > As quoted from Vedic Scriptrure in the Vaisnava work " Nectar of Devotion "(Bhakti- > rasamrta-sindhu) by Srila Rupa Gosvami: > > > > > -- -------- > ---- > > > > "Let me offer my respectful obeisances unto the tulasi tree, which can immediately > vanquish volumes of sinful activities. Simply by seeing or touching this tree, one can > become relieved from all distresses and diseases. Simply by offering obeisances to and > pouring water on the tulasi tree, one can become freed from the fear of being sent to the > court of Yamaraja. > > If someone sows a tulasi tree somewhere, certainly he becomes devoted to Lord Krishna. > And when the tulasi leaves are offered in devotion at the lotus feet of Krishna, there is the > full development of love of Godhead." (from the Skanda Purana, as quoted by Srila Rupa > Gosvami) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Tulasi is glorified throughout the Puranas and Pancaratra: It was for the spiritual > upliftment of the souls in the material world that Lord Visnu created tulasi as the ocean of > milk was being churned. Tulasi is more dear to the Lord than Laksmi, for Tulasi-devi > undertook extreme austerities and worshiped the Lord with love in order to have Him as > her husband, and the Lord fulfilled her wish. > > > > > > > > > > "There is no better recipient of charity than a vipra, no better gift than cows, no better > tirtha than the Ganga, and no better leaf than a tulasi leaf. Whatever one can obtain by > offering the Lord all types of flowers and leaves may be attained by simply offering Him > one tulasi leaf. An offering of flowers made of gold, jewels, and pearls is not equal to an > offering of tulasi leaves." > > > > > > > > > > "By offering the Lord tulasi leaves, a devotee is released from sins accumulated for one > koti (ten million) lifetimes. When a devotee offers tulasi to the Lord's head, all the devotees > unmentionable and undetected sins are destroyed. By sprinkling the Lord's house with > water using a tulasi leaf, one is freed from all great sins. A person who has tulasi leaves in > his mouth or on his head or body when he dies is guaranteed not to suffer in hell." > > > > > > > > > > > > > -- -------- > ---- > > > > Glories of Srimati Tulasi Devi as explained in the Padma Purana > > > > > > > > > > ASTA-NAMA-STAVA > > > > EIGHT NAMES OF TULASI DEVI > > > > Vrindavani, vrinda, visvapujita, pushpasara, nandani, Krishna- jivani, visva-pavani, tulasi > > > > VRINDAVANI - One who first manifested in Vrindavan. > > VRINDA - The goddess of all plant and trees ( even if one Tulasi plant is present in a > forest it can be called Vrindavana.) > > VISHVAPUJITA - One whom the whole universe worships. > > PUSHPASARA - The topmost of all flowers, without whom Krishna does not like to look > upon other flowers. > > NANDINI - Seeing whom gives unlimited bliss to the devotees. > > KRISHNA-JIVANI - The life of Sri Krishna. > > VISHVA-PAVANI - One who purifies the three worlds. > > TULASI - One who has no comparison. > > Anyone while worshipping Tulasi Devi chants these eight names will get the same > results as one who performs the Ashwamedha sacrifice. And one who on the full-moon > day of Karik (Tulsi devi's appearance day) worships Her with this Mantra will break free > from the bonds of this miserable world of birth and death, and very quickly attains Goloka > Vrndavan. On the full moon-day of Kartik Lord Sri Krishna Himself worships Srimati Tulasi > Devi with this Mantra. > > > > One who remembers this Mantra will very quickly attain devotion to Lord Krishna's > Transcendental Lotus Feet. > > > > All glories to Sri Sri Guru and Gauranga!!! All glories to the Vaisnava Guru's and > assembled Vaisnavas by whose love and mercy we can come to know of these great > opportunities!!! > > > > > > > -- -------- > ---- > > > > SRI VRNDEVY-ASTAKA > > Eight Prayers Glorifying Sri Vrnda-Devi by Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura > > > > > -- -------- > ---- > > > > > > > > Translated by Baba Madhava Dasa > > O Vrnda Devi, I offer my respectful obeisances to your lotus feet. You are bathed in your > own splendor, which defeats the effulgence of lightning and the golden campaka flower. > The luster of your transcendental garments is the friend of the leandhilia flower. > > O Vrnda Devi, I offer my respectful obeisances to your lotus feet. Your face is > illuminated by the splendor of the pearl decorating the tip of your nose, and by the > extraordinary gentle smile on the two bimba fruits which are your lips. You are enriched > by the beauty of the amazing and colorful jewels and ornaments you wear. > > O Vrnda Devi, I offer my respectful obeisances to your lotus feet. Srimati Radharani, the > daughter of King Vrsabhanu, has made you the ruling monarch of Lord Krsna's opulent > and auspicious abode of Vrndavana, which is the crest jewel of all the Vaikuntha planets. > > O Vrnda-Devi, I offer my respectful obeiscances to your lotus feet. Because of your > order, the groves where Lord Madhava performs his pastimes appear very splendid, > decorated with blossoming flowers, bumblebees, deer, and other auspicious animals, > flowers, and birds. > > O Vrnda-Devi, I offer my respectful obeiscances to your lotus feet. Who can describe > your good fortune? You were the messenger who brought about the perfection of the > amorous pastimes of Radha and Krishna, the youthful couple, who enthusiastically sport in > the groves of Vrndavana. > > O Vrnda-Devi, I offer my respectful obeisances to your lotus feet. The living entities who > attain the service of the lotus feet of your Lord reside in Vrndavana. And the desire to > understand the Lord's amazing pastimes of the rasa dance is only by your mercy. > > O Vrnda-Devi, I offer my respectful obeiscances to your lotus feet. Those who have > studied the Satvata-tantra glorify you. You are Lord Krishna's potency for performing > pastimes, and you are known as Tulasi-Devi in the human society. > > O Vrnda-Devi, I offer my respectful obeiscances to your lotus feet. Those who are > devoid of devotion to Lord Hari, and who are thrown by their offenses into the waves of > lust and other inauspicious qualities, may take shelter of you. > > O Vrnda-Devi, I offer my respectful obeiscances to your lotus feet. Let a person who > becomes like a bumblebee at the lotus feet of Radha-Krishna, and who reads or hears > these eight verses describing the glories of Vrinda-Devi, > > > > > > > > > > > > Home > > Newsletter > > Srila Prabhupada > > Scriptural > > Benefits > > New Book! > > Handbook > > Worship > > Songs > > Resources > > How To Worship and Serve Srimati Tulasi Devi > > > > > -- -------- > ---- > > > > > > > > > > > -- -------- > ---- > > > > From Srila Prabhupada's books and letters, with quotations from the G.B.C. manual on > proper worship, the "Pancaratra Pradipa." > > Handbook on Tulasi care by Govinda dasi, pioneer of Her worship in ISKCON.From > sprouting, through growing and daily maintenance. A must see! > > > > > -- -------- > ---- > > > > Before relating the formal rules for worshipping Tulasi the devotee should know that the > main ingredient is Bhakti, the desire to please Lord Sri Krishna. In the Vaisnava scriptures > Tulasi Devi is seen to be worshipped by the Vaisnavas, simply by sitting down before Her > and chanting the Hare Krishna Mantra, watering Her once a day. > > Additionally, there are formal regulative principles meant to be strictly followed in > ISKCON temples, and as far as possible in devotee's homes and they are given here below. > They can be read about in full by obtaining the "Pancaratra Pradipa" from an ISKCON > temple. > > I provide the following quote by His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada in the early stages of > the movement when the instructions were very minimal and basic, nevertheless, they do > indicate how to worship in a simple way if one can't follow the "whole nine yards"! > > > > From a letter dated 11/30/1972: > > > > "...Regarding worship of Tulasi,... Simply all the devotees may offer a little water every > morning and in the evening offer obeisances and ghee lamp (one wick) and > circumambulating three times repeating the mantras that I have given you. The plant may > remain in the garden...." > > > > > > > -- -------- > ---- > > > > BASIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE WORSHIP OF TULASI DEVI, AS DONE IN ISKCON TEMPLES. > > > > > > > -- -------- > ---- > > > > In the morning, after mangala-aroti (and preferably also in the evening, before > sandhya-aroti), all the assembled devotees should attend tulasi worship and > circumambulate Srimati Tulasi Devi. First we offer obeiscances to Tulasi-devi with the > tulasi-pranama-mantra, chanted three times: > > > > > > vrndayai tulasi-devyai priyayai kesavasya ca, krishna-bhakti- prade devi, satyavatyai > namo namah > > > > I offer my respectful obeiscances unto Vrnda, Srimati Tulasi- Devi, who is very dear to > Lord Kesava. O goddess, you bestow devotional service to Krishna and you possess the > highest truth > > > > > > Then the devotees should sing the Tulasi-puja-kirtana while one devotee offers aroti to > Tulasi-devi with incense, a ghee lamp, and flowers. While offering the articles the devotee > should stand on a mat and ring a bell with his left hand. Each of the items may be > distributed to the assembled devotees after they have been offered to Tulasi-Devi. > > > > When the song is finished, the assembled Vaisnavas should circumambulate Tulasi-Devi > at least four times and offer her water by pouring some drops at her root (only during > morning worship, not in the evening). While circumabulating, we chant; > > > > > > yani kani can papanibrahma-hatyadikani ca, tani tani pranasyanti pradaksinah pade > pade > > TRANSLATION: > > > > "When a person circumambulates Srimati Tulasi-devi, all the sins he may have > committed are destroyed at every step, even the sin of killing a brahmana." > > > > > > > -- -------- > ---- > > > > ADDITIONAL NOTES ON SERVING SRIMATI TULSI DEVI: > > > > > > > -- -------- > ---- > > > > "When carrying a potted tulasi plant, it is best to honor her by carrying her on the head. > If the plant is too large, hold her in front. Also, it is vest if the stand for her is high enough > so the base of the tulasi plant is above the waist of the devotee offering her aroti. > Furthermore, it is best if the devotee doing the puja is dressed as if on the altar. > > > > Actual Tulasi plants should be worshipped, but if keeping them is not possible one may > substitute a picture. Finally, it is traditional to honor Tulasi Devi by having a tulasi plant on > a table next to the Bhagavatam speaker during the lecture." > > > > Back to home page. > > > > eternally reside at Goloka Vrndavana. He attains devotional service in pure love of > Godhead, and all his spiritual aspirations become fulfilled. > > > > > > > > Back to index of glories page. > > > > Back to home page. > > > > d it. If there is trouble with larger bugs, try to purchase some lady bugs or praying > mantises. > > > > Write: Bio-Control Company, Route 2, Auburn, California 95603, Box 2397, 50¢ for a > small vial of 50 lady bugs which is more than enough. Write for information to the > California address. (Remember this was written in 1970); > > > > I have used the lady bugs on spider mites with little results, but they may work on > different types of bugs . Never use a systemic spray or soil soluble solution as it will > almost kill Her and leave a lingering taste for up to 6 months. > > Note: a good spray made for planets: is OX bug spray . Wait 3 days after spraying before > offering to Krishna. Flies are another botheration and must be avoided as they are very > dirty. The best is to use screens and always be sure to shut doors. A fan also helps to get > rid of them if it has an outside sucking vent which will draw them out. (Good air circulation > helps Her grow.) > > > > Back to home page. > > > > Radha and Govinda." > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 12, 2006 Report Share Posted February 12, 2006 not necessarily on par with Temple kitchens, yet do offer a more "casual Rasa." So there are also diferent levels of Brahminical culture according to Sastra; similar to how there are 4 levels of Sannyasa as well.The rules vary greatly even between levels, what to speak of other ashram standards in comparison. Srila Prabhupada mostly taught the highest Vaisnava Brahminical standard according to "Goswami" level.Vaidya's [Healers} are a lower part of Brahminical culture, not quite as obliged into the more priestly duties of the ashram culture. So for them to recommend the more medicinal use of Tulsi is still seen as an aspect of her Spiritual opulence, needed for a devottee with a malady...how is using Tulsi to help purify an inner organ, that different from simply purifying ones tongue [the priestly Brahminical standard for taking Tulsi.]What is in your heart is all that is recognized by Krisna. Krsna will always find a standard for where you are. All offenses are only relevant to person commiting them...there is no actual medicinal use of any substance that cannot be yoked to God.At least according to Vaidya service mood...how is this not true..understanding of course that all such dis-ease comes about from less awareness of Krsna's energies to begin with...which is why the higher class Brahminical rasa for those more Sattvic from the start.This is why fault-finding is the foremost offense behind all others. Gopala Bhatta Goswami would never find fault even when the other Goswami's of Vrindavana were encouraging such for preaching.One can offend Tulsi at all levels of such standards simply by not being attentive to the qualitative nature of the exchange. On the other hand, one can be free of offense at any level by nurturing such attentiveness knowing well that every standard has a fallen soul behind it's need...in pure Bhakti even Spiritual purification/opulences are considered secondary...serving the time and cirumstance need in relation to Krsna the only "functioning principle"alstrup <alstrup > wrote: Dear Richard,Hmm, that is certainly a valid point...!Thanks,Olesacred-objects, "Richard Shaw-Brown II" <rsbj66 wrote:>> Dear Ole,> > To my understanding, Tulasi is sacred for use in puja, and medicinal for use in Ayurveda. > There is NO HARM when Basil is used in Ayurvedic medicine. This Ayurved was given by > Dhanvantari, Incarnation of God, so it cannot be wrong to use...> > Best rgds,> Richard> > sacred-objects, SIDDU <dr_ereddy@> wrote:> >> > > > > > alstrup <alstrup@> wrote: Dear Richard,> > > > I was wondering about the consumption for tulasi described in > > ayurvedic medicine. I was told many years ago by a Vaishnava that to > > use Tulasi Devi for any reason other than worshipping Krishna, > > including medicinal use, is considered a grave offence. In the main > > ayurvedic scriptures, which is considered part of the vedic knowledge, > > Tulsi is described and recommended as a plant with powerful medicinal > > qualities, especially for respiratory conditions, and its use is found > > decribed in different ayurvedic preparations. Any comments?> > > > Many thanks,> > > > Ole> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > 9;s eye Bona fide Yellow sapphire Sacred Quartz crystal Blue sapphires > > > > > > > > > > > > Visit your group "sacred-objects" on the web.> > > > To from this group, send an email to:> > sacred-objects> > > > Your use of Groups is subject to the > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Jiyo cricket on India cricket> > Messenger Mobile Stay in touch with your buddies all the time.> > namo namah tulasi krsna-preyasi namo namah> > > > radha-krsna seva pabo ei abhilasi> > > > ye tomara sarana loy tara vanca purna hoy> > > > krpa kori' koro tare vrndavana-vasi> > > > mora ei abhilasa vilasa-kunje diyo vasa> > > > nayane keribo sada jugala-rupa-rasi> > > > ei nivedana dhara sakhir anugata koro> > > > seva adhikara diye koro nija dasi> > > > dina krsna-dase koy eijena mora hoy> > > > sri-radha-govinda-preme sada jena bhasi> > > > > > > ----------> ----> > > > TRANSLATION> > 1. "O Tulasi, beloved of Krishna, I bow before you again and again. My desire is to > obtain the service of Sri Sri Radha-Krishna. > > > > 2. Whoever takes shelter of you has his wishes fulfilled. Bestowing your mercy on him, > you make him a resident of Vrndavana.> > > > 3. My desire is that you will also grant me a residence in the pleasure groves of Sri > Vrndavana-Dhama. Thus, within my vision I will always behold the beautiful pastimes of > Radha and Krishna.> > > > 4. I beg you to make me a follower of the cowherd damsels of Vraja. Please give me the > privilege of devotional service and make me your own maidservant.> > > > 5. This very fallen and lowly servant of Krishna prays, "May I always swim in the love of > Sri > > > > > > > > > > > > Home> > Newsletter> > Srila Prabhupada> > Scriptural> > Benefits> > New Book!> > Handbook> > Worship> > Songs> > Resources > > > > > > > > > ----------> ----> > > > The Tulasi Handbook Including: > > How to start a Tulasi seedling and care for Her in North America > > (suggestion: save this whole page on your computer, then review as needed) > > > > > > > ----------> ----> > > > > > Quotes from Srila Prabhupada; > > > > "Please take care of the Tulasi plants in the following way. This is the best season for > growing Tulasi plants. From 15th April to 15th June is the best season for growing this > plant. Now I understand that the seedlings are coming out, so the whole spot if possible > may be covered by some net because the seedling stage creepers are sometimes eaten up > by the sparrows. > > All the devotees should pour water at least once in the morning before taking prasadam. > The watering should not be very much large in quantity, but it should be poured just to > keep the ground soft and moist. Sunlight also should be allowed. > > When the creepers are grown at last 7 inches high, then you can take them out from the > planting soil and transplant them in a row in a different place . Then go on watering and > they will grow like anything. I think this plant cannot grow in cold countries, but if the > planets are dispatched from your place and if the devotees take care of the plant with a > little care in a flower pot, then it may grow."> > > > > > GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS> > > > The most important and fundamental principle of Tulasi care is regular and perpetual > care. She is a pure devotee, and Her requirements are few and simple. She simply requires > Her own quarters with direct sunlight, where She can grow without disturbances and > interruptions. She should be watered at approximately the same time and Her leaves > should also be collected at a regular time. Mornings between 7:30 and 9:00 are the best > for both purposes. > > > > The most essential ingredient is one individual devotee to take the responsibility of > tending Her. This means that this devotee is conscious of Tulasi throughout the day-- > checking that Her door is shut, that She has sufficient water, that Her fan is on, that Her > leaves are being offered regularly and fresh. In this way She is nursed through the day and > night. It is not so much time consuming-- but rather 1/2 hour to 40 minutes (depending > on the number of Tulasis) in the morning and then utilizing the few spare moments > throughout the day. If this is done regularly and in an orderly fashion She will bloom and > flourish. > > > > Housing-- It has been found that She pines for sun-- Tulasi grown indoors after 8 or 10 > months do not fair as well as those given real sunlight. (Krishna says, "I am the light of the > sun and the moon.") Greenhouse are not all that expensive to build. $60 (Keep in mind > this was written in 1970) can build a really first-class house that can accommodate up to > 60 2-foot Tulasis, and adaptations can always be made as to weather, climate, building > materials on hand, and the number of Tulasi's involved. Porches, arbors, fire escapes, and > roof tops can all be modified to fit the need.> > If indoor lighting is unavoidable (actually some arrangement can always be made), then > fluorescent tubes and fixtures (each holding at least 2 bulbs) can be suspended over and > around Her. The lights must be special indoor full spectrum plant tubes, not your ordinary > white fluorescent tube. The plant lights are effective only within a 6" radius, after which > they drop to a potency of 0. Because of this, Tulasi s grown indoors become "leggy, " that > is to say, long stems with thin stalks and only a few leaves, and a clump of leaves at the > top, near the light. Because the lights have such a short range of feet, the leaves receive > no real juice, and therefore fade and fall off. The result is a weak and top heavy Tulasi.> > > > To alleviate the situation, place one set of fixtures over Her (as close as possible as She > will not be burnt unless actually touching for a period of time), and then bank two more > fixtures, one on each side, giving you a total of 3 fixtures, totaling at least 6 tubes If done > in this way, there will be a complete aura of light around Her. Foil can then be used to > provide a hood, catching all the reflected light and focusing it on Her. Set the lights on > some sort of pulley or adjustable chain affair, and in this way the lights can be raised as > She grows.Please, no sun lamps. > > > > Water-- Proper watering has to be adjusted according to weather, climate, size, soil and > the particular nature of the individual Tulasi. (There is no mechanical arrangement as She > is a person). She would rather be just a little bit dry than too wet, but don' t let Her soil > become hard with a crust and have Her become limp. It is best to water in the morning-- > around 8 or 9 o' clock-- as She uses the water for photosynthesis all day long. Her leaves > should also be picked at this time as will be especially explained later. Get a small tea pot, > kettle, or anything clean with a spout, and use to water Her as it is easier to control the > flow and also easier to maneuver. City water is full of chemicals, but if drawn in a bucket > and let sit over night, the chemicals will evaporate out-- be sure the bucket is not a > corrosive metal (no aluminum vessel should be used) as that would permeate the water. > After the bucket has sat over night, aerate it, which is to say-pour it from one bucket to > another allowing it to free fall through the air for a distance. This process gets more of the > chlorine out and also allows air into the water. Taste the water the evening before and in > the morning after and you will be convinced. > > > > If you can water her with filtered water this is best. By using the teapot method you can > avoid the danger of over watering, exposing Her roots by washing soil away, and knocking > branches trying to water Her. As was said earlier, the watering of Srimati Tulasi-devi is not > a mechanical process and will come with practice. Feel the soil by pushing your finger in > Her pot. Is She dried out? Then pour slowly, seeing how must She will absorb in just a few > seconds. Never leave a puddle of water still above the soil, this means that She is > saturated and can not accept more. Balance it so She is just dry on top by the next > morning, not still soggy or so dry that She has drooped. If the sun is out, and it is going to > be a hot day, She will need more water, and the converse is, if it is a cloudy day She will > not need much. Afternoon sun is very intense and taxing, so always check Her again > around 2-3 p.m. Every afternoon we spray Her off as explained in the diseases section. > > > > At least once a week water Her until the water drains out the bottom. Over-watering > causes diseases in the soil, mold, faded and curled leaves, rots the soil, and causes root > diseases. A sign or over watering is when She turns a pale green and apparently perfectly > healthy leaves drop. She will go limp, if under watered. She breathes through the soil and > over the process of time the soil tends to become packed. This causes uneven water > absorption and poor ventilation. The cure is to break up the soil with a fork or a spoon > handle. Dig down about 1/2 of an Inch, breaking up and turning over the soil in small > clods. This can be done as needed in accordance with the rate it becomes packed. Be > cautious of Her roots. > > > > Soil Combinations-- The best soil is homemade, that is to say not some combination > purchased in a store but mixed from local ingredients. A symptom of good soil is dark > color, another is rich smell. (I am the original fragrance of the earth). It should hold its > shape somewhat if pressed into a clod in the fist. Earth worms are another good sign. > Obtain some cow manure and allow it to set for 2 weeks, the reason being that it is very > strong when fresh. The nitrogen content is so strong that it would burn the tender roots, > so best to let it age. Spread it out and water thoroughly. Every few days turn it over so that > the manure underneath the pile is exposed to the sun. Better to buy already composted > cow manure than to chance a bad root burn-- unless one is experienced at composting, > etc. > > > > Earth worms can be purchased also. (Krishna is like the sun, pure and antiseptic.) Earth > worms are for gardens; when put in pots they may damage roots. For your basic humus or > plain old soil, find a garden that is producing profuse flowers and ask to borrow a quantity > of soil. A little sand (never salty sand; salt kills plants, practically of any kind; wash the > sand if beach sand/ thoroughly before using') should be added and also a small quantity > of vermiculite, or perlite. > > > > Potting-- Most of this is elaborately explained by Govinda dasi in the preceding pages, > so the remains are just a few notes. By transplanting Her there is always the danger of > exposing Her roots to the air. This causes them to dry and wilt. The answer is to always > keep sufficient dirt around the roots. They will form what is known as a root ball. Also > there is one root, called the tap root which descends straight down from the stalk and is > the longest and most important. If this root is broken there is a good chance the Tulasi > will depart, so always be sure to dig down far enough. (That will usually be the same > distance as the height of the tree from the soil.) It is best to transplant in the afternoon, > after 4 p.m. or on a cloudy day that is not very hot. Never transplant in heat of day. > > > > As She grows, Her roots will fill the pot, and at that point She will have to be > transplanted again. This will be a perpetual duty, and as She grows you will have the > blissful opportunity to move Her. The new pots should be 2 to 2 1\2 times the size of the > root ball (cluster of roots). Take the chance to straighten Her if She is growing crooked, > but be careful not to plant Her lower or higher than She was situated early as this will > cause disease. Too high will mold Her stem, lower will cause Her to be unstable and to > expose Her roots to rot and mold. No matter how careful you are, there's always some > shock and transplant setback. Thus, why transplant repeatedly??> > If you put the tiny 6" or 7" plant in a giant pot full of good soil, it may look funny for > awhile, but She'll appreciate the leg room and grow much more rapidly and be a healthier > plant than if you repeatedly disturb her root systems by numerous periodic transplants. > (Note: From experience I found that if you put Tulasi in too large a pot, Her roots will slot > down their growth and root disease may set in. I've been told by several botanists that it is > best to transplant gradually. New Orleans had this problem with Tulasi also.) > > > > Feeding-- There is really no need for artificial feedings, in fact some foods (certain > mixtures of 20-20-20) will actually build up toxin in Her soil and cause great damage. > Stick with a little cow manure every 3 or 4 weeks, and once a month feeding of iron. This > combined with the perpetual replanting in fresh soil are enough to keep Her in fine health. > Try a powdered iron solution; ours is 1 tsp.--2 gallons water; 1/4 cup--1 every 2 weeks. > Stay away from chemical fertilizers. They do build up toxins in the soil, and make it sterile > of certain elements eventually . Use cow manure, and a good brand of organic compost is > essential .. The compost should be cultivated into the soil every few weeks, along with a > little manure. Watch out for bone material in the compost though (some brands have > ground-up animal bones).> > > > Seeds-- Tulasi has at least two flowering periods. Because of the variance factors of > climate, age, and other conditions it is impossible to predict the times, but I can relate the > symptoms and results. Some will produce seed pods, shaped like a small temple and > containing four little seeds and the other season produces smaller pods or fruits that also > look like a temple but contain no seeds. As will be explained later, it is not advisable to let > Her go to seed unless She is several years old, and in best of health. Even then, let only a > few of the manjaris go to seed. If you contact me, I will be more than happy to supply you > with seeds, both Krishna and Rama Tulasis. The process is to let the stalks stay on past > the flower-seed pod stage . Watch as the pods drop the flowers and become firm and > darker golden. When you look inside the pod and see that the four little seeds are a dark > brown, then you know that it is time to pick the seeds. > > > > If you observe how She grows, you will see that at every intersection between a leaf and > the main stem, there is a small bud developing. Follow the seed stalk down until the next > pair of developing buds. The first set of leaves below the seed stalk and the buds > sprouting from there are most always going to develop into another pair of manjaris, so > rather than drain Her energy it is best to skip down one more joint to the next set of > leaves and buds. Nip here, saying the mantra for picking leaves, chanting Hare Krishna, > and using sharp surgical scissors. > > Best to pick the flowers when they bloom, because letting them go to seed does very > much weaken the plant. Once the seeds are gathered, let them dry a short week or so. Be > very careful when handling the seed pods, even when they are on the mother plant as they > are arranged in such a way as to spring out of the pods when shaken. So far as seeding > seasons, I haven't observed any in our Tulasis in Hawaii. They flower constantly, > perpetually-- all the time, year round, but more intensely when there's lots of sunshine .> > > > > > Diseases-- Generally speaking, if She is receiving correct water and sufficient sunlight, > in a pot of the correct size and type of dirt suitable, She will flourish. The only necessity is > to be sure to protect Her from wandering insects and the most lethal-- red spider mites. > Always keep Her in an area that is screened and continually check the underside of Her > leaves for insects. The primary concern in the U. S. is the ever-present spider mites, so > that will be the main concern here. These rascals live on the underside of Her leaves and > lay their eggs in the dust next to the ribbing or veins of Her leaves. When the eggs hatch, > the young suck Her juice. The beginning symptoms are pale and limp leaves with brown > tips. The leaves become specked with small pale green dots and begin to curl in. As She > becomes weaker and weaker, whole branches will just turn yellow, curl up and drop all > their leaves. The stems become pinched and brown. If you observe very carefully you will > see small spiders, no bigger than the head of a pin scurrying around on the underside of > Her leaves and in the topmost clusters of branches and leaves. Hold Her at different angles > in the light and you will see fine spider webs crisscrossing the various branches. > > > > Finally, you will see small white eggs on the underside of Her leaves and your whole > Tulasi will be yellow and limp. She can be saved' There is a very simple process which if > you use at a regular basis will keep the spiders at a very minimal level and Srimati Tulasi > will flourish and bloom. Never use any sort-of poison. Tulasi is meant for offering to > Krishna, and how can She be offered if She is covered with some spray (systemic sprays > horrible!!). She is also contaminated by the use of systemic sprays as they work their way > through Her system and ultimately deposit their poison in Her leaves. Ladybugs are often > offered as a solution-, but from my own experience on several attempts they haven't been > much help. > > > > The real cure is the bathing process. (Actually, the eggs of the spiders are stuck on by > some sort of natural adhesive and will not be washed off. They hatch at their will so the > regular bathing and periodic sprays with fresh water can keep the spiders and mites at > bay. ) The needed paraphernalia is: one large plastic bucket with a mouth 2 ft. across, 1 > bar of soap (spiritual sky herbal or non scented is the best-- be careful what soap you > use). I found that the best to use is a vegetable soap as the others are made with some > animal products, and a hose with fresh water. It is best done in the morning or on a cloudy > day, as it is a taxing endeavor and the sun is a strain. Water first, as this will help to keep > the soil in the pot. > > > > The basic principles are: You dip the Tulasi in the soapy water, swish Her around > carefully and then rinse off with fresh water. The soapy water coats the leaves and > smothers the spiders, the clean rinse washes the soap off, along with the spiders and their > webs. If done regularly twice a month, your Tulasis will survive nicely. The water should be > drawn the day before and handled just as written in the water section. This way it is also > not too cold for Her. Rub the bar of soap in the water until it turns a shadowy white, not > solid white like milk, but more of a translucent white. If the soap is too concentrated it can > do some damage. Add a 1/4 cup of honey to 6 gallons water as that will also help coat the > leaves. Cut pieces of cardboard to fit inside the various sizes of pots ( see picture page) as > the cardboard will keep the dirt from sliding out into the water or your whole Tulasi from > falling out. Work in an area where there can be water spilled in large quantities but that is > also protected from the wind, dogs, and other alien factors. Get an assistant to help you > hold Her pot, and using the cardboard to hold Her soil, tip Her up and submerge Her in > the solution. Don ' t be timid but also be gentle (there is a fine line of difference). It is > either this or the slow death by the spiders. > > Swish Her around softly, cautiously agitating the water by raising and lowering her in > the bucket, like a pump swirl against Her. The whole time spent no more than 5 seconds, I > have timed it. Now that means once you actually have Her submerged, and have the knack > of it. One danger point is when She is removed from the water. Just like after you wash > something-- it has greater weight due to the added water that has been absorbed, so > there will be added water suspended on Her various leaves and branches . If you just pull > Her right out, the added water will cause Her to droop over and be unable to support > Herself. If you grab Her right out there is every possibility of breaking roots and also > tearing branches. As you pull Her out, simultaneously grab hold of a strong part of Her > stem towards the base, several inches above the ground. By holding on to the stem in this > way, it gives added support to Her and also you can very gently shake off the excess water > (Like the Boar incarnation, shaking off the water after saving the world from the filthy > place. ) > > > > The next step is to hose Her off with fresh water, one reason is to wash the old soap off > Her leaves and the other is to finish off those spiders who were shaken loose by the bath > but not completely removed . By placing a finger over the nozzle you can make a jet-> spray-- there must be force enough to knock the spiders off but not enough to tear or rip > Her leaves. Be sure to get the underside of the leaves as that is where the spiders hide out. > The main concern here is the possibility of flooding Her pot with the excess water, so turn > Her pot on one edge, tilted to one side, and in that way you have a clean shot at the > underside, and the excess water just travels right on by.> > > > Also you could cover her root ball and the earth at the top of the pot with a sphere of > plastic or something like plastic wrap. Now very carefully shake off the water, and unfold > Her leaves. Remove any of the old yellow leaves that may be caught in Her branches. Have > a sacred throw away to take care of the unoffered leaves. She maybe a bit limp (be very > careful when you do this, have an assistant and think it out thoroughly before acting), but > you will see Her perk up by morning (You may have to prop up a branch or two for a day > or so-- use a stick, being sure not to crush any buds or leaves.) I haven't used any store > bought insecticides in a very long time. If the plants are kept healthy, there won't be a > need for such things. Also they are poisonous, and I know Srila Prabhupada didn't really > like the idea. > > The only thing I used was sulfur (a couple of years ago) for the mites, and it is an > organic control. We used Malathion once or twice but decided against it, and I haven 't > used anything at all for perhaps 2 years. By using such things the leaves practically > become unofferable, as they are poisoned. Sulfur washes off, true, but you have to have > very hot sunshine in order to activate its working principle. The spiders are spread by eggs > which the mothers lay along the veins on the underside of Tulasi's leaves. These serve as > breeding grounds and as the eggs are stuck on to Her leaves with a type of secretion, they > are virtually impossible to remove with simple washing, so the successful process consists > of bi-weekly baths with soap (every 14 days) and spraying Her off every day or every other > day (every other day is probably sufficient). Our greenhouse is arranged in such a way that > 70 Tulasis can be rinsed at-a time, The water soaking into Her stems helps to generate > healthy fibers for carrying fluid.> > > > Some ideas are: put Her on some shelves so that by kneeling down you can get right > under Her leaves. Be sure that it is done in a reasonably warm place so She won't catch > cold. During the summer months we spray Her with water twice a day, once in the morning > around 10:00 and again the afternoon about 2:30. She loves it as manifested by Her green > effulgence. There is also the possibility that you are taking over after the spiders have > gotten a strong grip and done much damage. Check the tops of Her branches by holding > Her in different angles of light. Very fine meshing of webs can be seen. At this stage the > spiders are like cancer and the only combating element is to somehow remove the sick > limb. There are so many eggs that they will just serve to contaminate the rest of Her; also > it is like fighting a battle-- if She is fighting off the spiders on too many fronts She will be > ineffectual on all fronts. Better to remove the worst places and let Her concentrate on that > which has potential to be saved. > > > > Once the leaves are yellow with browning tips and covered with the webs, there is no > hope. Best to remove by following the tip down the stem to where She still remains > healthy. Cut above a pair of healthy buds as seen in collecting seeds section. Contemplate > the move first, cut off as little as possible and still do the job. Better to just cut Her once > than do many many small cuts-- and yet don't butcher Her. This may seem harsh, but > having done the initial cutting (better to cut once than to let Her go the slow way with a > blanket of spiders) the regular bathing and spraying keep Her in the peak of health.> > (Note: 'It is a great offense to cut Her lotus branches, replied Srila Prabhupada to > Radhaballabha in a letter. Also, he spoke last fall just prior to His leaving about this > subject: generally plants are pruned before winter but Tulasi-devi is not ordinary. > Sachidevi.) > > The Tulasis that I have tended in this way have made a comeback and are now serving > their Lord nicely, so judge by the results. So far as I understand, pruning is not to be done > except in most exceptional circumstances. Cutting a leaf or a flower stalk is not > considered pruning so far as my understanding, but is rather a necessary everyday thing > for gathering to offer to the Deities. (Here we are cutting flower stalks daily, and if we cut > steadily for 2 or 3 hours, still we can't get them all. It is our major problem with our Tulasi > plants. I want to keep them from going to seed, but it is virtually impossible as it would > require an 8 hour a day job practically-which is not practical.) So to pick off a mosaic leaf > or infected leaf or a few infected leaves seems okay to me-- but to start cutting off > branches, etc. . is where I would become most hesitant . > > > > Pruning; so far as dictionary definitions, means to cut off branches or parts of a plant so > generally it doesn't refer to cutting of flowers, etc. I can relate one incident in this regard: > last visit Srila Prabhupada made to New Nabadwip the Tulasi plants on either side of the > temple gateway had grown overly large-- about 7 feet tall and 4 or 5 feet in diameter. So > They had bushed out into the walkway, thus closing the entranceway except for about a > foot and a half. We had tied them back repeatedly, but still They closed in again so that a > person had to turn sideways and slither between them, and even then lightly brush them. > This isn't so bad for devotees, but all guests aren't so considerate so They would get > smashed against and so forth. So as Prabhupada walked between Them there being only > enough space for Him to pass, I asked what can be done, the entrance being closed. He > smiled and said, "You cannot cut them. Don't live, don't die. " He laughed. We did nothing, > and then later got a letter from India and He said that in this case They could be trimmed > back. > > > > So only then did we proceed to do it with reluctance. So you have perhaps understand > the seriousness of pruning from this incident. I have heard such pruning is sometimes > done on the mainland for some reasons, but you should explain it can only be done in > extreme cases of necessity. If there is disease or heavy infestation of spider mites, then I > suppose it The next step is to hose her off with fresh water, one reason is to wash the old > soap off Her leaves and the other is to finish off these spiders who could be concluded as > necessary in order to save the plant, but should not "be done whimsically to "make the > plant bushier Her goal and reason for existence is to be offered to Krishna, so to spray Her > with some poison defeats the whole purpose.> > Also, She is very tender and most sprays are extremely harsh; soap is mildest medium I > hare found. One possibility that Is offered is a 3% oil spray, but I haven' t experimented > with it and would like to avoi > > > > > > > > > > > > Home> > Newsletter> > Srila Prabhupada> > Scriptural> > Benefits> > New Book!> > Handbook> > Worship> > Songs> > Resources > > > > > > > > > ----------> ----> > > > PRAYERS AND GLORIFICATIONS FROM THE BHAKTI SASTRAS.> > > > > ----------> ----> > > > The Glories and blessings of Srimati Tulasi-devi.> > > > As quoted by Srila Rupa Gosvami Prabhupada, leader of the Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya > Sampradaya.> > > > > > From Padma Purana, Tulasi devi Mahatmya. Special potent prayers to be offered by > devotees seeking Sri Krishna's unlimited mercy.> > > > > > Prayers by Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti: Translated by Baba Madhava dasa a longtime > Vrndavana Vaisnava who gave Vrnda Kunda over to the care of ISKCON. Sweet, relishable, > and blessed with spiritual benedictions.> > > > > > Benefits of Tulasi worship as described in the Padma Purana. > > > > > > > ----------> ----> > > > The Glories of Tulasi Devi> > (from the "Pancaratra Pradip", a manual on Deity Worship)> > > > > > > ----------> ----> > > > As quoted from Vedic Scriptrure in the Vaisnava work " Nectar of Devotion "(Bhakti-> rasamrta-sindhu) by Srila Rupa Gosvami:> > > > > ----------> ----> > > > "Let me offer my respectful obeisances unto the tulasi tree, which can immediately > vanquish volumes of sinful activities. Simply by seeing or touching this tree, one can > become relieved from all distresses and diseases. Simply by offering obeisances to and > pouring water on the tulasi tree, one can become freed from the fear of being sent to the > court of Yamaraja.> > If someone sows a tulasi tree somewhere, certainly he becomes devoted to Lord Krishna. > And when the tulasi leaves are offered in devotion at the lotus feet of Krishna, there is the > full development of love of Godhead." (from the Skanda Purana, as quoted by Srila Rupa > Gosvami)> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Tulasi is glorified throughout the Puranas and Pancaratra: It was for the spiritual > upliftment of the souls in the material world that Lord Visnu created tulasi as the ocean of > milk was being churned. Tulasi is more dear to the Lord than Laksmi, for Tulasi-devi > undertook extreme austerities and worshiped the Lord with love in order to have Him as > her husband, and the Lord fulfilled her wish.> > > > > > > > > > "There is no better recipient of charity than a vipra, no better gift than cows, no better > tirtha than the Ganga, and no better leaf than a tulasi leaf. Whatever one can obtain by > offering the Lord all types of flowers and leaves may be attained by simply offering Him > one tulasi leaf. An offering of flowers made of gold, jewels, and pearls is not equal to an > offering of tulasi leaves."> > > > > > > > > > "By offering the Lord tulasi leaves, a devotee is released from sins accumulated for one > koti (ten million) lifetimes. When a devotee offers tulasi to the Lord's head, all the devotees > unmentionable and undetected sins are destroyed. By sprinkling the Lord's house with > water using a tulasi leaf, one is freed from all great sins. A person who has tulasi leaves in > his mouth or on his head or body when he dies is guaranteed not to suffer in hell."> > > > > > > > > > > > > ----------> ----> > > > Glories of Srimati Tulasi Devi as explained in the Padma Purana> > > > > > > > > > ASTA-NAMA-STAVA> > > > EIGHT NAMES OF TULASI DEVI> > > > Vrindavani, vrinda, visvapujita, pushpasara, nandani, Krishna-jivani, visva-pavani, tulasi> > > > VRINDAVANI - One who first manifested in Vrindavan. > > VRINDA - The goddess of all plant and trees ( even if one Tulasi plant is present in a > forest it can be called Vrindavana.) > > VISHVAPUJITA - One whom the whole universe worships. > > PUSHPASARA - The topmost of all flowers, without whom Krishna does not like to look > upon other flowers. > > NANDINI - Seeing whom gives unlimited bliss to the devotees. > > KRISHNA-JIVANI - The life of Sri Krishna. > > VISHVA-PAVANI - One who purifies the three worlds. > > TULASI - One who has no comparison. > > Anyone while worshipping Tulasi Devi chants these eight names will get the same > results as one who performs the Ashwamedha sacrifice. And one who on the full-moon > day of Karik (Tulsi devi's appearance day) worships Her with this Mantra will break free > from the bonds of this miserable world of birth and death, and very quickly attains Goloka > Vrndavan. On the full moon-day of Kartik Lord Sri Krishna Himself worships Srimati Tulasi > Devi with this Mantra.> > > > One who remembers this Mantra will very quickly attain devotion to Lord Krishna's > Transcendental Lotus Feet.> > > > All glories to Sri Sri Guru and Gauranga!!! All glories to the Vaisnava Guru's and > assembled Vaisnavas by whose love and mercy we can come to know of these great > opportunities!!!> > > > > > > ----------> ----> > > > SRI VRNDEVY-ASTAKA> > Eight Prayers Glorifying Sri Vrnda-Devi by Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura> > > > > ----------> ----> > > > > > > > Translated by Baba Madhava Dasa> > O Vrnda Devi, I offer my respectful obeisances to your lotus feet. You are bathed in your > own splendor, which defeats the effulgence of lightning and the golden campaka flower. > The luster of your transcendental garments is the friend of the leandhilia flower. > > O Vrnda Devi, I offer my respectful obeisances to your lotus feet. Your face is > illuminated by the splendor of the pearl decorating the tip of your nose, and by the > extraordinary gentle smile on the two bimba fruits which are your lips. You are enriched > by the beauty of the amazing and colorful jewels and ornaments you wear. > > O Vrnda Devi, I offer my respectful obeisances to your lotus feet. Srimati Radharani, the > daughter of King Vrsabhanu, has made you the ruling monarch of Lord Krsna's opulent > and auspicious abode of Vrndavana, which is the crest jewel of all the Vaikuntha planets. > > O Vrnda-Devi, I offer my respectful obeiscances to your lotus feet. Because of your > order, the groves where Lord Madhava performs his pastimes appear very splendid, > decorated with blossoming flowers, bumblebees, deer, and other auspicious animals, > flowers, and birds. > > O Vrnda-Devi, I offer my respectful obeiscances to your lotus feet. Who can describe > your good fortune? You were the messenger who brought about the perfection of the > amorous pastimes of Radha and Krishna, the youthful couple, who enthusiastically sport in > the groves of Vrndavana. > > O Vrnda-Devi, I offer my respectful obeisances to your lotus feet. The living entities who > attain the service of the lotus feet of your Lord reside in Vrndavana. And the desire to > understand the Lord's amazing pastimes of the rasa dance is only by your mercy. > > O Vrnda-Devi, I offer my respectful obeiscances to your lotus feet. Those who have > studied the Satvata-tantra glorify you. You are Lord Krishna's potency for performing > pastimes, and you are known as Tulasi-Devi in the human society. > > O Vrnda-Devi, I offer my respectful obeiscances to your lotus feet. Those who are > devoid of devotion to Lord Hari, and who are thrown by their offenses into the waves of > lust and other inauspicious qualities, may take shelter of you. > > O Vrnda-Devi, I offer my respectful obeiscances to your lotus feet. Let a person who > becomes like a bumblebee at the lotus feet of Radha-Krishna, and who reads or hears > these eight verses describing the glories of Vrinda-Devi, > > > > > > > > > > > > Home> > Newsletter> > Srila Prabhupada> > Scriptural> > Benefits> > New Book!> > Handbook> > Worship> > Songs> > Resources > > How To Worship and Serve Srimati Tulasi Devi> > > > > ----------> ----> > > > > > > > > > > ----------> ----> > > > From Srila Prabhupada's books and letters, with quotations from the G.B.C. manual on > proper worship, the "Pancaratra Pradipa."> > Handbook on Tulasi care by Govinda dasi, pioneer of Her worship in ISKCON.From > sprouting, through growing and daily maintenance. A must see!> > > > > ----------> ----> > > > Before relating the formal rules for worshipping Tulasi the devotee should know that the > main ingredient is Bhakti, the desire to please Lord Sri Krishna. In the Vaisnava scriptures > Tulasi Devi is seen to be worshipped by the Vaisnavas, simply by sitting down before Her > and chanting the Hare Krishna Mantra, watering Her once a day. > > Additionally, there are formal regulative principles meant to be strictly followed in > ISKCON temples, and as far as possible in devotee's homes and they are given here below. > They can be read about in full by obtaining the "Pancaratra Pradipa" from an ISKCON > temple. > > I provide the following quote by His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada in the early stages of > the movement when the instructions were very minimal and basic, nevertheless, they do > indicate how to worship in a simple way if one can't follow the "whole nine yards"! > > > > From a letter dated 11/30/1972:> > > > "...Regarding worship of Tulasi,... Simply all the devotees may offer a little water every > morning and in the evening offer obeisances and ghee lamp (one wick) and > circumambulating three times repeating the mantras that I have given you. The plant may > remain in the garden...."> > > > > > > ----------> ----> > > > BASIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE WORSHIP OF TULASI DEVI, AS DONE IN ISKCON TEMPLES.> > > > > > > ----------> ----> > > > In the morning, after mangala-aroti (and preferably also in the evening, before > sandhya-aroti), all the assembled devotees should attend tulasi worship and > circumambulate Srimati Tulasi Devi. First we offer obeiscances to Tulasi-devi with the > tulasi-pranama-mantra, chanted three times:> > > > > > vrndayai tulasi-devyai priyayai kesavasya ca, krishna-bhakti-prade devi, satyavatyai > namo namah> > > > I offer my respectful obeiscances unto Vrnda, Srimati Tulasi-Devi, who is very dear to > Lord Kesava. O goddess, you bestow devotional service to Krishna and you possess the > highest truth> > > > > > Then the devotees should sing the Tulasi-puja-kirtana while one devotee offers aroti to > Tulasi-devi with incense, a ghee lamp, and flowers. While offering the articles the devotee > should stand on a mat and ring a bell with his left hand. Each of the items may be > distributed to the assembled devotees after they have been offered to Tulasi-Devi.> > > > When the song is finished, the assembled Vaisnavas should circumambulate Tulasi-Devi > at least four times and offer her water by pouring some drops at her root (only during > morning worship, not in the evening). While circumabulating, we chant;> > > > > > yani kani can papanibrahma-hatyadikani ca, tani tani pranasyanti pradaksinah pade > pade> > TRANSLATION:> > > > "When a person circumambulates Srimati Tulasi-devi, all the sins he may have > committed are destroyed at every step, even the sin of killing a brahmana."> > > > > > > ----------> ----> > > > ADDITIONAL NOTES ON SERVING SRIMATI TULSI DEVI:> > > > > > > ----------> ----> > > > "When carrying a potted tulasi plant, it is best to honor her by carrying her on the head. > If the plant is too large, hold her in front. Also, it is vest if the stand for her is high enough > so the base of the tulasi plant is above the waist of the devotee offering her aroti. > Furthermore, it is best if the devotee doing the puja is dressed as if on the altar.> > > > Actual Tulasi plants should be worshipped, but if keeping them is not possible one may > substitute a picture. Finally, it is traditional to honor Tulasi Devi by having a tulasi plant on > a table next to the Bhagavatam speaker during the lecture."> > > > Back to home page.> > > > eternally reside at Goloka Vrndavana. He attains devotional service in pure love of > Godhead, and all his spiritual aspirations become fulfilled.> > > > > > > > Back to index of glories page.> > > > Back to home page.> > > > d it. If there is trouble with larger bugs, try to purchase some lady bugs or praying > mantises. > > > > Write: Bio-Control Company, Route 2, Auburn, California 95603, Box 2397, 50¢ for a > small vial of 50 lady bugs which is more than enough. Write for information to the > California address. (Remember this was written in 1970); > > > > I have used the lady bugs on spider mites with little results, but they may work on > different types of bugs . Never use a systemic spray or soil soluble solution as it will > almost kill Her and leave a lingering taste for up to 6 months. > > Note: a good spray made for planets: is OX bug spray . Wait 3 days after spraying before > offering to Krishna. Flies are another botheration and must be avoided as they are very > dirty. The best is to use screens and always be sure to shut doors. A fan also helps to get > rid of them if it has an outside sucking vent which will draw them out. (Good air circulation > helps Her grow.)> > > > Back to home page.> > > > Radha and Govinda."> >> Photos – NEW, now offering a quality print service from just 8p a photo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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