Bitter people

I feel sorry for bitter people... We have some bitter people in our world... Very bitter!! It's so sad to see the bitterness that exists in our world. People hate people they've never met. People live to dish out unsolicited opinions. My heart hurts for the bitter people in the world. I just have to keep my head held high and pray for them, literally. How should you handle bitter people? I've found that if I say something to a bitter person I don't hear from them anymore. It's almost like bullying. They don't like themselves, their life, or their situation so they want to take their anger and hurt out on others. If you let them take out their bitterness on you everyday then they will do it forever, but when you stand up and punch them in the mouth with a dose of "real talk" you may never hear from them again. I'm not saying entertain foolishness but if person tries to bully you with bitterness more than once then you have to check them just so they know you're not the one to be messed with. I have men and women coming at me sideways online and I have to check them quick. After I check them I don't hear from them anymore. Sometimes the cure for bitterness is just putting a mirror in their face and letting them see how ugly they look wearing that bitterness. If it honestly doesn't bother you then don't address them.. but if it does bother you then you have to let them know that you will not carry the names and things they're calling you... How to know if you're bitter.. - You hate on people you've never met - You break your momma's rule about not saying anything if you don't have something nice to say - You go out of your way to give your unsolicited opinion to others - You make it your job to talk about what you don't like about other people's life, job, grind, etc - You gain fame and recognition from being a hater - You only support people that look just like you and think just like you How to get over bitterness.. - Forgive everyone that has hurt you - Stop comparing yourself to others - Remember that your perception of them is not their reality, it's only your reality - Read the Holy Bible, a self-help book, affirmation cards, SOMETHING POSITIVE - Embrace everything about yourself and find the beauty in your uniqueness I could go on and on but I hope this helps cure bitterness a little bit... Posted 5th December 2013 by Tony Gaskins

Faith

Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?" --Proverbs 20:6 We live in a society of constant progression. I can't remember a time when there wasn't any construction being done on the highways. Every day we see a new release of something: the next best phone, the next best car, the next best shoes. We desire the latest and greatest in every aspect of life. Sadly, it's becoming that way in our relationships too. I've never known men to be faithful to woman. In my lifetime I can't recall ever meeting a man who prided himself on his faithfulness to his woman. It was a known fact among men that we would take what we could get, when we could get it. The closest thing to a faithful man that I met was in college, when one of my teammates said that because he was faithful to his girlfriend, all he would allow himself to do was go on dates with other women. I don't think his girlfriend would have approved if she knew. Then of course you meet the men who want praise from women online, so they claim to be faithful in the comment section of posts like this. Then of course you have the women who think they understand men and swear that they've met millions of faithful men, but for some reason they're single still. And lastly, there's the women who thought their dads were Superman and could do no wrong but had no clue what they were doing behind their backs. There are faithful men. I'm sure of that now. For a long time I'd lost faith in men and our ability to be faithful to women. On the other hand I saw women as perfect beings who could do no wrong unless wronged by men. Then, over time, I began to see a different side of women. I'd reach out to women in search of matches for my male clients, and 90 percent of the women would say they were single. Then, once they found out I wasn't asking for myself, they were in a committed relationship all of a sudden. I slowly began to lose faith in all of mankind's ability to be faithful -- faithful to our jobs, to our kids, or to our spouses. Then I looked in the mirror and saw that I was a part of the problem as well. All my life I'd jumped from woman to woman, always looking for an upgrade as if I were dealing with cars. I was no different from any other man I knew. I decided to try something different. I decided to be faithful. "If a man can love one woman without lying, cheating, or misleading, he can do anything!" --Tony A. Gaskins Jr. Many women were shocked and appalled when reading that quotation, but less than 1 percent had ever experienced a man who was 100-percent faithful to them. So what was so shocking? The truth of the matter! I decided to be faithful to my wife from the day I married her. It's very hard when you're wired to reproduce and replenish the Earth and this unexplainable desire burns inside you. Any honest man will tell you that we desire to be with every woman we are attracted to. So to suppress that desire is one of the hardest things a man will do in his life. The results of faithfulness: A peace beyond my understanding Chronic happiness An uncontrollable sense of pride A strong confidence Love that feels like a fairy tale A secure woman by my side A drama-free love life An incomparable sex life A real connection with one human being Unexplainable and uncontainable success Being faithful to one woman has been the most challenging thing for me, considering my background as a womanizer, college athlete, poet, ladies' man, etc. I wanted to be normal and cheat like every other guy I knew. I wanted to fit in. I wanted to make myself feel like I was more of a man by the amount of women I could get. Now things are different. I'm on a real-love movement. I'm even doing real-love seminars around the country for free. I pride myself on being faithful to my wife. I made mistakes early on in our relationship, and I even pushed her to places she didn't want to be. Now it's all good. We are about to celebrate seven years of marriage, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. Once you allow yourself to build a real connection with one person, you'll never want to trade it. For a lot of women, this is very easy to do, and they can't understand why it's so hard for men. Maybe you're not meant to understand, because if you understood men fully, you may run the other way for the rest of your life. To the guys reading this: If you've found that woman you can trust and build with, give faithfulness a fair shot. Settle down and love all of her and only her. Be faithful to your woman and watch the doors be unlocked in every other area of your life. You'll experience a peace and clarity about life that you didn't think was possible. Trust me. I've done it all when it comes to relationships, and nothing in the world compares with this feeling. I'm not writing this for praise or applause. I'm writing this because I want every human on Earth to experience what love really feels like when you have two fully committed people. Let love love you! Blessings, Tony Gaskins

Of all types of education, which is the most important?”

Hare krishna

Dandavat pranams

Sri lalita devi n sri vishaka devi are the 2 most intimate gopis of    Sri sri Radha gopinathji n they incarnate as Sri Swarupa Damodara Goswami n sri Ramananda raya in lord caitanya's pastime. 

Today is the most Auspicious day of Disappearance of Srila Ramananda Raya, who is a very dear and confidential associate of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

During his SouthIndia Visit, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu met Ramananda Raya and the discussion between them is one of the most instructive and educative sections of Chaitanya Charitanmrta the biography of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

Here is an extract of the same:

On one occasion the Lord inquired, “Of all types of education, which is the most important?”

Rāmānanda Rāya replied, “No education is important other than the transcendental devotional service of Krsna.

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu then asked Rāmānanda Rāya, “Out of all glorious activities, which is the most glorious?”

Rāmānanda Rāya replied, “That person who is reputed to be a devotee of Lord Krsna enjoys the utmost fame and glory.”

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu asked, “Of the many capitalists who possess great riches, who is the topmost?”

Rāmānanda Rāya replied, “He who is richest in love for Rādhā and Krsna is the greatest capitalist.”

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu asked, “Of all kinds of distress, what is the most painful?”

Śrī Rāmānanda Rāya replied, “Apart from separation from the devotee of Krsna, I know of no unbearable unhappiness.”



Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu then inquired, “Out of all liberated persons, who should be accepted as the greatest?”

Rāmānanda Rāya replied, “He who has love for ṣkrsna has attained the topmost liberation.”



Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu next asked Rāmānanda Rāya, “Among many songs, which song is to be considered the actual religion of the living entity?”

Rāmānanda Rāya replied, “That song describing the loving affairs of Śrī Rādhā and Krsna is superior to all other songs.”


Then Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu asked, “Out of all auspicious and beneficial activities, which is best for the living entity?”

Rāmānanda Rāya replied, “The only auspicious activity is association with the devotees of Krsna.”


Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu asked, “What should all living entities constantly remember?”

Rāmānanda Rāya replied, “The chief objects of remembrance are always the Lord’s holy name, qualities and pastimes.”



Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu further inquired, “Out of many types of meditation, which is required for all living entities?”

Śrīla Rāmānanda Rāya replied, “The chief duty of every living entity is to meditate upon the lotus feet of Rādhā and Krsna.”

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu asked, “Where should the living entity live, abandoning all other places?”

Rāmānanda Rāya replied, “He should live in the holy place known as Vrndavana or Vrajabhūmi, where the Lord performed His rāsa dance.”



Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu asked, “Out of all topics people listen to, which is best for all living entities?”

Rāmānanda Rāya replied, “Hearing about the loving affairs between Rādhā and Krsna is most pleasing to the ear.”


Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu asked, “Among all worshipable objects, which is the chief?”

Rāmānanda Rāya replied, “The chief worshipable object is the holy name of Rādhā and Krsna, the Hare Krsna mantra.”



“And what is the destination of those who desire liberation and those who desire sense gratification?” Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu asked.

Rāmānanda Rāya replied, “Those who attempt to merge into the existence of the Supreme Lord will have to accept bodies like those of trees. And those who are overly inclined toward sense gratification will attain the bodies of demigods.”

Of all the questions n answers which mentions that the greatest distress is to be away from the association of devotees is most important. 

The following is srila prabhupadas purport.

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu asked, “Of all kinds of distress, what is the most painful?”
Śrī Rāmānanda Rāya replied, “Apart from separation from the devotee of Krsna, I know of no unbearable unhappiness.”


Purport

Concerning this, the Lord states in the Vedic literature:

“A person who does not worship Me, who is unduly attached to family and who does not stick to devotional service must be considered a most unhappy person. Similarly, one who does not associate with Vaisnavas, or who does not render service to his superior, is also a most unhappy person.”

There is also the following statement in the Bṛhad-bhāgavatāmṛta (1.5.54):

“Out of all kinds of desirable things experienced in the life of a living entity, association with the devotees of the Lord is the greatest. When we are separated from a devotee even for a moment, we cannot enjoy happiness.”

ASSOCIATION OF DEVOTEES IS THE GREATEST GIFT OF LORD CAITANYA and ALL GREAT SOULS IN THE PAST PRAY ONLY FOT THIS.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH

YOUR SERVANTS@BHANDIRVAN BACE

Dasarath worries

avhad.renuka21

Jun 16

Hare Krishna.

Dandvat Pranams.

                 Today, we are opening new chapter of Ramayana,' Happiness- Not always Satisfaction.' 

                Soon Dashratha's  little toddler had become a big boy. Rama's Childhood had given way to boyhood. The father had soaked in every single step of his son's childhood and relished every moment of it, just as painter would his painting - witnessing the blank canvas manifesting into masterpiece after every stroke,swish and smudge of color. In fact, here, the masterpiece taking shape was the Creator Himself. Dashratha was thrilled to see this masterpiece inch closer to perfection.Rama's attraction grew with each passing moment. Just when Dashratha believed that this was the most perfect Rama could ever be, He would shine through yet again, leaving Dashrata awestruck.

               Lord Rama's childhood is underplayed in the Ramayana , with the entire childhood occupying merely 10 verses. In comparison, Krishna's childhood has been eloborated extensively. Lord Rama is called Anusthana pradhana , meaning the one who has descended to teach human lessons on discipline and morality. Lord Krishna is called Anubhava Pradhana, meaning the one who has descended to impart fascinating experiences. Because Lord Rama had manifested to impart discipline, His childhood was kept low key.

                Rama and His brothers were racing toward youth, and Dashratha began thinking that it was time he got them married. He beckoned his ministers for a discussion. Just then, a commotion broke out near the courtroom entrance, and Dashratha spotted a dishevelled guard darting toward him, like hen chased by dog. Dashratha realized the situation was crying out for immediate redressal. He rose from his throne to calm the guard's frayed nerves and address the issue at hand. The guard rambledbanimatedly about a seemingly important sage whose rage had left him trembling. He described sage as impatience and anger personified. He was upset that he could not hold back this sage, who was blazing toward the throne, because his fiery eyes glared at him, threatening to reduce him to ashes. The guard begged the King to advice him on how to handle this intimating sage Vishwamitra, the son of Gadhi.

              No sooner than the guard uttered the sage's name, the entire courtroom rose in reverence.The effect his name alone had on the audience was proof enough that the guard had blundered by not letting him in. To prevent matters from spinning out of control, Dashratha immediately rushed out to receive the sage with all due honor.

Lessons:

1.Everything that happens in this world is a manifestation of our current or past desires. Here, Dasharatha wished for Rama's marriage and Vishwamitra appeared as a medium of fulfillment of that desire. Ironically, Dashratha was unable to comprehend that connection. In fact, Dashratha's guards saw Vishwamitra as a disturbance. How relevant this is to our lives as well! We desire so many things and to fulfill those desires, God sends multiple oppurtunities. But the opportunities, like Vishwamitra, do not come declaring that they are here to fulfill our desires, rather they seem to threaten or challenge our desire itself.

2. in our daily lives, we tend to get swayed or put off by external packaging. We hardly bother to look into internal substances. Here, the guard only looked at the external appearance of the sage, but Dashratha could see the substance within. Knowledge helps us go beyond external packaging and appreciate the value within.

 

Thank you very much.

     Your servant,

          Renuka

 

  

Jhulan Yatra

are Krishna,

Dandavaat Pranam,

***ABOUT JHULAN YATRA***

At the time of the Jhulan Yatra festival it is Monsoon in India and the air is thick, heavy and humid with the heat and the rains. In the midst of the rainy season, when fields and jungle have turned shades of lush green and flowers are blossoming all around, the festival of Hariyali Teej is celebrated.

After Rather Yatra comes the Jhulan Yatra festival. Starting on the ekadasi of waxing moon of Sridhara month, many temples in Vrndavana celebrate Krsna's swing festival, some for one day, others for more days. Traditionally many of the Deities of the Lord wears various clothing with green in it over this period until the Balaram Purnima. Again it is a practical festive service that the devotees provide for the Lord. Monsoon is so humid, and the temperature is still so hot despite the cooling rains. With so much water coming from the sky, on the ground, and just about everywhere the last thing that anyone wants is more water to cool off. The opulence at this time is to find a breeze, as the air is heavy with the humidity of the rains. So the devotees arrange for the pleasure and satisfaction of Krishna, Balaram, and Srimati Radhika by placing them on a swing (Jhulan) and creating their own breeze from the motion.

***JHULAN YATRA IS NOT JUST A MERE RITUAL***

These festivals are not in any way mere rituals, as they all have practical service functionality to invoke loving servitude of the devotees for the Lord. Lord Sri Krishna is the Supreme enjoyer and doesn't have to work hard like us in this world. Everything He does is pleasurable, and He organises many situation in which He can incorporate us, His separated parts and parcels into His loving service which is our natural condition in the spiritual realm.

It is a most pleasing and satisfying festival, with the swings often highly decorated with forest creepers, Jasmine (Malati) that has newly blossomed in the season, and streamers of garlands.Sometimes they use a fine spray of rose water and direct it toward the Divine couple of Radha and Krishna on Their swing.

Today in Iskcon temples all over the world by the mercy of his Divine Grace SrilaA.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupad all the devotees and the congregational members get the opportunity to come forward after purifying their hands and remember these loving interactions of SriKrishna with His devotees, and also assist in the direct personal service of the Lord by applying themselves to pushing the swing.

***A SWEET PAST TIME***

Once, Srimati Radharani was seated on the Jhulan and Krsna was pushing the swing very gently. Suddenly Krsna put so much force in pushing the swing that Srimati Radharani became fearful and started crying out, "O Krsna, save Me, save Me!" That transcendental trickster Sri Krsna climbed on the swing and She firmly embraced him, giving Him so much pleasure. Why so much pleasure? Because normally He has to do so many tricks so that Radharani will embrace Him, but in this instance She embraced Him out of Her own will,without much effort on His part. Therefore He is so fond of these swing pastimes.

***INTENSE AND EXCEPTIONAL MOOD***

The Jhulan time is very intense. In general the Shravana masha have an exceptional mood, it is raining all the time, Yamuna Mayi became very wide, flooded and there is a fresh atmosphere for devotees who move daily to whorship and take the lila-darshan which is performed in diverse temples in Vrindavan. As an example, in Jai Sing Geera,the lilas are performed during the whole week: every morning Gauranga-lila and at the evening Krishna-lila's theatre is played.

Thank you very much
Ys
Aarti L

get strength of Balram

Hare Krishna,

Dandavaat Pranam,

Following a spiritual lifestyle requires strength. Strength to hold off the advances of a world intent on selling you products and life choices you don’t need. Strength to aspire for goals of the spirit, outside this body of flesh and blood that we inhabit. Strength to aim for a spiritual destination despite the seeming pleasures of this world. It’s hard.We all know it. Anyone who is trying to live a spiritual life knows it. 

That’s why today is one of the most important festival days of the year for ISKCON devotees. For by worshiping Lord Balarama on the occasion of his appearance, we will get strength from the strongest. 

During the Shravana paurnami (the full moon day in the month of Shravana), Balarama Purnima (the appearance day of Lord Balarama) is celebrated.

WHO IS BALARAMA?

According to Krishnadasa Kaviraja’s Chaitanya Charitamrita—a manual of devotion and biography of Gaudiya Vaishnavism's founder Shri Chaitanya—he is the first expansion of God, Krishna, and assists the Lord in his pastimes. Yet while appearing to be a separate person from Krishna, Balarama is also intriguingly non-different. Chaitanya Charitamrita describes him as Krishna’s “second body,” and explains, “These two are one and the same identity. They differ only in form.” 

Still, Balarama serves as Krishna’s elder brother, both in their eternal state of being in the Spiritual World, and during their recorded earthly pastimes. In a way, this gives him a senior position to God, a fascinating prospect that has an equally fascinating story behind it. 

According to the ancient Puranas, each cycle of time contains four Yugas: Satya, Treta, Dvapara and Kali. As Krishna himself states in Bhagavad-gita, he appears in each of these Yugas along with his associates, “To deliver the pious and to annihilate the miscreants, as well as to reestablish the principles of religion.” 

One of these appearances, during Treta Yuga, was as Lord Ramachandra. In this Avatar, Krishna was assisted by his female energy and eternal consort Radharani as Rama’s wife Sita, and Balarama as his younger brother Lakshman. 

APPEARANCE OF LORD BALARAM

Hearing the celestial voice that the eighth child of Devaki would kill the demoniac King Kamsa, he killed all the children born from Devaki. Mother Devaki was in deep distress during her seventh pregnancy because she felt the child would be divine in nature. To allay the fear of Devaki, Lord Krshna called Yogamaya and told her to transfer the child in the womb of Rohini, another wife of Vasudeva living in Nanda Gokula.

Balarama grew up into a handsome and powerful youth. He was gaura (fair in complexion) and adored always in blue. He preferred the colour blue because it resembled the embodiment of the Supreme Lord Krshna. 

Balarama always carried a plow on hand as His weapon. Krishna and Balarama moved together from childhood and He rarely remained separate from the Supreme Lord and always participated in the nectarine lilas of His Younger Brother.

 HE IS OUR ORIGINAL GURU

In fact, Balarama is known to all Gaudiya Vaishnavas as the original guru, which brings us back to the topic of spiritual strength. According to the Bhagavad-gita, one cannot approach God without the help of a guru. So the guidance of Lord Balarama is not only helpful to one’s spiritual life, but it is essential—one cannot reach Krishna without it!

 “One cannot attain the goal of life without the mercy of Balarama,” states the Mundaka Upanishad emphatically. And Srila Prabhupada writes, “If one has no connection with Balarama, then even though one is a very learned scholar or has taken birth in a very respectable family, these assets will not help him.” 

 DON’T WORRY – RECHARGE YOUR SPRITUAL STRENGHT TODAY

So don’t worry—you needn’t travel as far as India in your search for spiritual strength. If the pressures of this material world are feeling heavy on your shoulders these days, just visit the nearest ISKCON temple today closest to you and pray to Lord Balarama or his Avatar Nityananda Prabhu.

Anyone who fasts and listen to the glories of Lord Balarama and Lord Krishna on the day of Balaram-Jayanti and sing in praise of Them will verily become eligible to live in Goloka Vrindavan and witness their divine nitya-lilas eternally.

Thank you very much

YS

Aarti L

Janamashtami Messsage

Hare Krishna,

Dandavaat Pranaam,

The God who conceals his supremacy so that love can reign supreme is Krishna. Janamshtami is the day when Krishna descends to this world to invite all of us back to the world where love reigns supreme.

***SUPERINTELLIGENT DESIGNER**

The order, harmony and structured organization evident throughout the creation indicate that there is a super­intelligent de­signer. The Supreme Person is full of extra­ordinary attributes, which make Him uni­versally attractive. The name Krishna, meaning ‘the all­attractive one’ (sarva akarshati iti krishna) describes this all­attractiveness of the Lord and so describes the Absolute Truth, the Supreme Person­ality of Godhead, in full.

The Lord administers the world through the laws of material na­ture – gross such as the law of gravitation and subtle such as the law of karma. But when predominance of materialism over spirituality disturbs the universal order, the Lord descends Himself "to deliver the pious, annihilate the miscreants and reestablish the principles of religion." (Bhagavad­gita4.8)

***Krishna descends not just to maintain law, but to awaken love**

The love that our heart longs for through relationships with various persons finds fulfillment only when it is re­posed in the Supreme Person, God. Because when we love Krishna, our love is never interrupted, never betrayed, never let down, never disappointed. But unfortunately, in this world of matter, all living beings are attracted, not to the Lord of their heart, but to matter and material enjoyment. However matter being limited and finite can never fulfill the unlimited desires of our spir­its; material enjoyment satiates but never satisfies.

***In the darkest hour of our life, when we turn to the Lord, He appears in our heart***

Over 5000 years ago on Janmashtami, the Lord appeared at mid­night. This is indeed a historical fact, but it also has a deeper signif­icance. Midnight is the time of maximum darkness and from the moment the Lord appeared the darkness started diminishing. Sim­ilarly our heart is dark, being afflicted by multiple anxieties and mis­eries. But in the darkest hour of our life, when we turn to the Lord and He appears in our heart, all the darkness recedes and the light of eternal hope starts streaming in.

The Lord appeared in a prison cell amidst shackles and then freed His parents. This indicates that all of us who are shackled by our own self­destructive desires can be freed by the Lord who ap­pears in our heart, which is like a prison house.

***in this Kali Yuga, why has the Lord not appeared as per His eternal promise in the Bhagavad­gita?***

The Vedic scriptures declare, kali kale nama rupe krishna avatar “In Kali Yuga the Lord incarnates in the form of His Holy Name.” All religions recommend chanting the names of God. The Bible says "Let the Lord always be on your lips", Islam exhorts the chanting of the 99 names of Allah. Among all the Vedic mantras ­empowered sound vibrations comprising of the holy names, the Hare Krishna maha­mantra is specially recommended in this age for invoking the Lord’s presence. So let us experience the love, care, protection and happiness of Janmashtami ­the appearance of the Lord in our hearts ­by devotedly chanting His holy names.

Thank you very much

MARRIAGE DISASTER OR DEDICATION

are Krishna.
Dandvat Pranams.
               This is very inspiring article for us which represents meaning of Vedic civilization and this article is given by great Vedic scholar H.G.Govind Prabhuji.

MARRIAGE DISASTER OR DEDICATION
Abhimanyu was married to Uttara when his parents were
preparing for war with the Kurus. Both the parties must
have had an inkling about the uncertainity of life due to
the impending war.
From a pure practical point of view it was not a wise
decision on the part of King of Virata to marry his
daughter to young Abhimanyu, who was more enthused
about the proposal of war than marriage. He was eager
to fight for justice on behalf of his parents whom the
Kurus had cheated in the gambling match.
Virata was willing to put his daughter in a very difficult
situation by arranging her marriage with Abhimanyu, who
could be killed within a few days or a month after his
marriage. Why would some one do this - instead why not
wait till she could be assured of some certainty to have a
long happy married life. And sure enough she did become
a widow within a few months of her marriage. Her husband
was brutally killed by six maharathis. So what was her
gain? Simply suffering?
No situations have only one perspecetive.
Virata was a great king, and had respect towards the
pandavas. Marrying his daughter to Abhimanyu was
certainly not a materially profitable desicion from one
point of view. In this situation Uttara said she was willing
to take the responsibility of allowing her husband to
perform the great sacrifice and become the wife of an
immortal husband.
Abhimanyu planted the seed of his heart and his very
existence of being very dear to his parents and a loving
nephew of Krishna, in the form of his son Pariksita before
the great sacrifice.
Pariksita became the famous pandava grand son.
He ruled for more years than the pandavas, and was a
great devotee of the supreme God Krishna.
Bhagavata, the Great purana was spoken non stop
for seven days and seven nights for the sake of
Pariksita.
This discourse is immortal and has became the life and
soul of all vaishanvas, and the heart beat of Indians. The
Bhagvata was one of the major text books in school till the
Britishers came to India and impletented their education
system.
Abhimanyuu did die early, but he was like a powerful
medicine that goes into our system and destroys the
disease itself and along with disappearance of the disease
the medicine also becomes non existent.
“Sacrifice” of the medicine's existence cures the patient
of his disease. Similarly, Abhimany’s death was not death
rather his dedication for the cause of the pandvas. So it
created a legacy of kings who were responsible and
devotional.
If we had the facility and access of asking Uttara the
wife of Abhimnayu, who was his wife only for a few days
and a widow for many years, we could ask her - whether
she preferred a happy and long married life or being
Abhimanyu 's wife for a few days?
What would she choose?
She would certainy choose to marry Abhimanyu several
times rather than marrying anyone and living just
"happily."
Both Uttara and Abhimnyu had such an admirable
attitude that they invoked Pariksita a great soul in her
womb who became a great emperor for the world.
We have to ask ourselves, was Virata wrong in his decision?
Is marriage an act simply to be happy?
Or is marriage an act to bring exemplary citizens to the
world who are a boon and not a burden to this world.

Magic pill for happiness

MAINTAINING OUR SPRITIUAL STRENGHT

We eat daily to gain strength. It’s not that you just eat on monday and comeback the next sunday to eat again. You have to regularly nourish yourself, or else you get weak. Similarly,reading scriptures everyday, regular association with people who uplift us is all important, and regular connection with the Lord of our heart is critical for maintaining our spiritual strength.

People often wish, naively though, for a life free of problems. Our desire for eternal happiness is not unnatural; the soul is by constitution, sat cit ananda, eternal, full of knowledge and bliss. However our attempts to seek this happiness are often beset with unrealistic expectations. We foolishly think our body or mind will provide us the much needed bliss. This hope is thwarted time and again for the body by definition is temporary. We can experience eternal happiness when we connect our eternal souls to the eternal spiritual principles through bonafide spiritual practices and the knowledge for our true nature by reading holy scriptures like Bhagavad Geeta and Srimad Bhagvatam

PERSISTENCE IN PRACTISE

The unfortunate irony is even spiritual practitioners sometimes get discouraged when they encounter challenges, temptations, and obstacles on their path. At such times we need to remember the magic formula for eternal happiness; ‘persistence in practise’. Chanting God’s names every day, reading through the scriptures regularly, and constant association of those people who inspire us makes spiritual life very simple. Thus it’s the consistency in our practises that’s the magic pill of happiness.

INSPIRING STORY OF A GRANDFATHER AND GRANDSON

An old Vaishnava Devotee lived on a farm in the mountains with his young grandson. Each morning Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading his Bhagavad Gita. His grandson wanted to be just like him and tried to imitate him in every way he could.

One day the grandson asked, 'Grandpa! I try to read the Bhagavad Gita just like you but I don't understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Bhagavad Gita do?'

The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and replied, 'Take this coal basket down to the river and bring me back a basket of water.' The boy did as he was told, but all the water leaked out before he got back to the house.

The Grandfather laughed and said, 'You'll have to move a little faster next time,' and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again. This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was impossible to carry water in a basket, and he went to get a bucket instead.

The old man said, 'I don't want a bucket of water, I want a basket of water. You're just not trying hard enough,' and he went out the door to watch the boy try again.

At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got back to the house.

The boy again dipped the basket into river and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty. Out of breath, he said, 'See Grandpa, it's useless!'

'So you think it is useless?' The old man said, 'Look at the basket.'

The boy looked at the basket and for the first time realized that the basket was different. It had been transformed from a dirty old coal basket and was now clean, inside and out.

The Grandfather said softly, 'Son, that's what happens when you read the Bhagavad Gita. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, you will be changed, inside and out.

And this is the reason why we should read  Bhagavad Gita!

Same example can be extrapolated to chanting. Very often, we may not realize why we're chanting. Or we may not 'feel' the benefits of chanting. But constantly, although subtly it purifies us... :)

ON THE HOLY DAY OF EKADASHI,LET US AGAIN REVIVE OUR ENTHUSIASM FOR DAILY SPRITIUAL PRACTICES.

Thank you very much

Ys

Aarti

Devotee v/s device- whose association do you seek?

Hare Krishna.
Dandvat Pranams.
            This is very wonderful article by H.G. Vraja Bihari Prabhuji on optimum use of devices in Krishna's and His devotees service.

Devotee v/s device- whose association do you seek?

By Vraja Bihari das

At modern times we have some very powerful distractions that take us away from the association of devotees. Earlier we could sit for long hours with devotees and talk to them about Krishna Consciousness but nowadays we have so many electronic gadgets, and in the name of ‘utility is the principle’ or also called as ‘yuktavairagya’, we are trapped by the gadgets and go far away from Krishna and His loving devotees.

What is yuktavairagya?

Yuktavairagya means using things that apparently has no connection with Krishna, in Krishna’s service. For example a laptop is not a deity or a paraphernalia to be used in deity worship or chanting of Holy Names. Yet I could write an article glorifying Krishna using a laptop or read devotional literature, and thus enhance my service to Krishna and make spiritual progress. I could also send e-mails and stay connected to Krishna’s devotees. This is the yuktavairagya principle that Srila Prabhupada and his spiritual master, Srila Bhakti SiddhantaSaraswati taught.

And the modern society provides unlimited gadgets and as many opportunities to use these gadgets in Krishna’s service. Smart phones and I-pads, and the applications within these gadgets, like Face book and Whattsapp are means to serve Krishna and connect to Krishna’s devotees better. But somewhere we could get trapped by these very electronic instruments that we initially claim to use for enhancing our service to Krishna.

How the gadgets trap us?

For example a devotee earlier would spend time discussing Krishna katha in temple or would visit his other devotee friend’s house to hear SrimadBhagavatam or cook for a festival. Now he might stay in touch with devotees through the social media, and might claim he is busy working and has no time to take physical association of devotees. Subtly, but surely the illusory energy gets us.

We need to remember that these attractive, dazzling gadgets and apps were not created by enthusiastic devotees to make our Krishna Consciousness better. They were designed and made by highly materially ambitious people with the sole intention to make our sense gratification better. Therefore the energy of distraction that these gadgets inherently carry in them is very high, and unless one is very strongly rooted in his or her spiritual practises, it’s very likely we would be lost in the mirage of the technology world.

Srila Prabhupada also gave the example of a thorn; we could use one thorn to take out another thorn. Similarly he said technology could be used by a devotee to preach better and help people come out of maya, and surrender to Krishna. Yet Srila Prabhupada himself avoided telex when he saw its tremendous potential. He said devotees would use it for prajalpa, or wasteful talk. Although we may claim to be using a thorn to remove another thorn, but if we are not careful we may land up with two thorns; these gadgets and distractions can entangle us more deeply in material life. Eventually we may land up with 108 thorns!!

Using gadgets carefully

We need to honestly introspect on how much we can individually handle these high energy devices without getting burnt by the fire of sense gratification. These devices are many, and potent to inject Krishna Consciousness in the society, yet they are capable of individually and collectively taking us away from Krishna. Through sincere prayer and within the safety net of association and guidance from devotees, we could use the trial and error method; we could carefully experiment and see how much we could personally handle these gadgets. Each one us has to take a call on his ability to handle this fire; how much can you use them to illuminate your soul, and not get burnt by it.

More importance to association of devotees

Secondly, and more importantly we need to individually and collectively give more importance to physical association of devotees. Whenever an opportunity arises to associate with devotees physically, whenever we get a chance to hear and speak Krishna katha in the association of devotees, we can keep away all ‘necessary’ chatting on our smart phones aside, and seek that association.

We wouldn’t regret this decision ever; on the contrary we’d be glad that we gave more importance to real devotee association than virtual association. The electronic gadgets are a means to come closer to Krishna and devotees, and if they are taking us away, then it’s prudent to do away with them, and be with devotees. Let’s use these gadgets judiciously, and not get used by them.

When we take things for granted, it’s a matter of time before we lose it. And association of devotees is one such precious gift that Krishna gives us, but if we assume it away, we’d be deprived of it. On the other hand, if we treasure this gift, soon Krishna would reciprocate with us by filling our hearts with rich realizations and Krishna conscious experiences. Let’s now make the choice; let’s choose a devotee over a device!

Source: http://yogaformodernage.com/devotee-vs-device-whose-association-do-you-seek/

real surrender

eal Surrender

By H.H. Radhanath Swami Maharaj
The frustrations, the disappointments, the pains, the sufferings that come into our life is the love of God upon us, to purify our hearts, to bring us closer to the realstandard of selfless service. We shouldn't react. When Krishna either does it through material nature or does it through another devotee or another living being, we should not respond by throwing thunderbolts upon Him. We should respond by bowing at the lotus feet in the presence of Krishna's mercy and by surrendering. Ultimately surrender means to surrender that ego. You can surrender all your material possessions, all your money. You can surrender your physical form to do whatever you are asked, but it is all incomplete until we surrender our ego to Krishna. And what does it mean to surrender our ego to Krishna? It means, "Krishna. You are enjoyer. I am meant for your enjoyment." We are striving sincerely to be the servant of the servant of the servant of our Guru and Sri Krishna. When Krishna sees our honest endeavor in this way, by His Grace, He frees us And He will make so many wonderful divine arrangements to increase our sincerity, our humility, if we accept it with a grateful heart. There is no doubt that Krishna will lift us beyond this realm of Maya into the eternal realm of loving service.

Thank you very much

Your servant

Priya caitanya das

Thanx to all for your prayers n blessings

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