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Bhakti Yoga-Devotional Service to the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna

Bhakti Yoga-Devotional Service to the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna
Gopis performing Devotional Service to the Lordships Sri Sri Radha Krishna

Absorbed in material life, they [Americans] think themselves very happy and satisfied

On his arrival day onboard the Jaladuta, he wrote in his diary the following words:

  • Absorbed in material life, they [Americans] think themselves very happy and satisfied, and therefore they have no taste for the transcendental message of Vasudeva [Krsna].... But I know that Your causeless mercy can make everything possible, because You are the most expert mystic ... How will I make them understand this message of Krsna consciousness? ... O Lord, I am simply praying for Your mercy so that I will be able to convince them about Your message.... I am seeking Your benediction ... I have no devotion, nor do I have any knowledge, but I have strong faith in the holy name of Krsna....
  • Srila Prabhupada Brings the Hare
    Krsna Mantra to the West!
    Yours
    Dinesh
    Blog:http://dinesh-krsna.blogspot.com


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    The Story of Kalachandji - 'The Beautiful moon-faced One'




    GLORIOUS KRISHNA


    Most Awaited Darshan of Sri Sri Radha Krishna - ISKCON Chennai

    Posted: 28 Apr 2012 11:02 AM PDT

    Overcoming Fault Finding Tendency

    Posted: 28 Apr 2012 10:56 AM PDT

    Q. I have a "natural" tendancy to be very critical and hence find mistakes/faults in people. Most of the time, I find fault with people at the mental level and not necessarily express it. This habit also extends to devotees. I feel and know I am not supposed to do this. But, like I said, this has become a habit and I am finding it hard to relinquish it. In this whole process, I know I am wrong and hence I am always upset with my behavior (but this happens as a reflex action and not able to control my mind). Please advise me as to what I should do and how I should stop this habit of mine! I feel this will hamper my devotional process and that Guru and Krishna will not be happy with me.



    HH Romapada Swami: There is a very simple and sure solution recommended to overcome fault-finding tendency -- deliberately cultivate the opposite habit! Search out and heartily appreciate the genuine good qualities in others, particularly in relation to how these qualities are the gift of Guru and Krishna, and are to be used in their service.

    You can begin by making a very deliberate & conscious effort, as a daily exercise, of acknowledging and appreciating good qualities in devotees, and whenever circumstances allow, verbally expressing such appreciation and praise. Even better are opportunities to offer heartfelt service to devotees in a humble mood, and while offering such service doing so as a meditation and expression of appreciation of specific good qualities you find in them - such genuine service to vaishnavas can soften the heart and purge all critical mentality. You can also seek out the association of those who themselves have such a quality of genuine appreciation for others and serve in their company.

    As you practice appreciating others, rather than arbitrarily praising some independent traits, it would be much beneficial to try to identify in what way Krishna's descending mercy is flowing into & transforming these devotees' lives and how they are making sincere efforts according to their capacity to take shelter of Krishna and His devotees. It is by this one good quality -- "krsna-eka-sharana" - that a devotee in time develops all desirable qualities, whereas it is concluded that a non-devotee has no good qualities whatsoever, because he is hovering on the mental plane. (Cf BG 1.28 purport)

    Ultimately, we are interested neither in criticizing so-called bad qualities nor in praising mundane good qualities. Krishna decorates His faithful devotees with transcendental good qualities and by appreciating His devotees we are actually praising the manifestation of His mercy. You will find that even if there may be some factual, minor discrepancies in devotees, these become insignificant in comparison to the more significant factor of how their original nature is unfolding in relationship with Krishna, just like the black spots on the moon become insignificant in comparison to the flood of cooling illumination it provides.


    Another very helpful meditation you can cultivate is to learn to see through the eyes of scriptures what the praiseworthy qualities in a devotee are. You can repeatedly study relevant sections from the Bhagavad-Gita or Srimad Bhagavatam where Krishna glorifies those engaged in His devotional service and how very dear they are to Him. E.g see BG 7.16-18, 9.14,15,22, 9.29-34. By regularly meditating on these passages, we can cultivate very deep respect and appreciation for the actual position of devotees beyond the external, circumstantial and temporary characteristics that we generally tend to focus on and instead appreciate their essential characteristic of taking shelter in Krishna.

    By developing this spiritual vision, it can then also be extended to those who are not devotees; rather than being disturbed by their faults, we can learn to see the root cause of their difficulties viz. their disconnection from God and thus develop compassion for them.

    Moreover, remind yourself of the fact that devotional service rendered sincerely is *SO* powerful that it can wipe out all discrepancies, in us and in others.

    The process of devotional service is very powerful and by adopting the right means and applying oneself to them, lifetimes of habits and conditioning can be easily overcome. Have trust in this fact and with enthusiasm take up these positive steps. When we are actively cultivating the positive, there is no room for the negative; and the converse is also true! You are recognizing what is wrong and why it is wrong and you also feel genuine regret, but now do not dwell on it and let yourself be defeated by negative thoughts of frustration or anger towards yourself or how you are displeasing Guru and Krishna. Instead take up the positive and liberating process of rectification -- this will be most pleasing to them and attract their descending mercy which will further fill your heart with deeper appreciation of the glories of vaishnavas.

    Keeping a Cool Mind while working hard to achieve things

    Posted: 28 Apr 2012 10:40 AM PDT




    Q. If a person has set an aim to achieve,(something) which is rather difficult, and is working hard to achieve this, is it okay for that person to get irritated and rude when dealing with their loved ones, or being selfish to an extent? How can they deal with the different pressures they have to face and keep a cool and composed mind?

    HH Romapada Swami: It is neither justified, nor is it really necessary, to yield to the pushings of anger, irritation or harshness, under any circumstances. A thoughtful person should avoid the trap of the mode of passion, of which these pushings are the symptoms. The modes of passion and ignorance always lead to misery in the long run.

    A thoughtful person is enjoined to cultivate the mode of goodness, and not to strive for extravagant goals beyond one's reach. Over-endeavoring for gains (prayasa), beyond what can be achieved by virtuous and natural means, can destroy all good qualities. Particularly in relation to achievements in the material sphere, as well as in regard to one's commitments towards spiritual life, a spiritualist is recommended to be dutiful but detached, being satisfied with whatever results come of their own accord after one's honest efforts.

    Victory is always on the side of virtue. Our real aim and best efforts must be to act virtuously, and to please the Supreme Lord Krishna, rather than to achieve a specific goal. By acting virtuously, which includes being respectful and considerate to everyone at all times, one's efforts will finally be rewarded with success, beyond what can be accomplished by pushing one's way ahead unmindful of all other considerations.

    The Story of Kalachandji - 'The Beautiful moon-faced One'

    Posted: 28 Apr 2012 10:33 AM PDT




    Five hundred years ago in India, Kalachandji, literally translated as "the beautiful moon-faced one," was worshipped as the Supreme Personality of Godhead by thousands of devotees. Impeccable craftsmen constructed an elaborate temple for Him; famous artisans decorated it. Accompanied by drums, cymbals and tambouras, His followers filled the halls with melodious prayers throughout the day, and the air was sweet with myriad varieties of richly fragrant incense. Daily He was offered sumptuously prepared foods of all descriptions made from grains, milk products and fresh vegetables. Everyone, from the King to the street sweeper, visited Kalachandji, paying respects and obeisances. No one could imagine passing the day without having His audience.

    From one generation to another the tradition continued, and then, suddenly, the Moguls invaded India. Fearing for Kalachandji`s safety, His devotees hid Him from the plunderers, and thus the opulence and worship which He had formerly enjoyed all but came to an end. With grief in their hearts, His followers prayed for the day when His true position could be established again.

    Centuries later, the great devotee of Krishna and founder of this Palace, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, arranged to have Kalachandji brought to America where he had a large temple building in Dallas. And so it was that "the beautiful moon-faced one" found a home in a new land.

    At the outset of 1972 Srila Prabhupada, founder-acarya of ISKCON, instructed two of his lady disciples, Kausalya devi dasi and Srimati devi dasi to travel to Jaipur, India to secure marble deities for his Denver, Detroit, Montreal and Dallas temples.

    Kausalya had been living in India for the last two years and Srimati, having just arrived in India, saw her as a perfect guide and companion. Arriving in Jaipur, while attempting to check into a hotel Srimati realized she had forgotten her passport in Delhi. The hotel receptionist made special note of this and agreed to let them stay. The next morning, after having attending Mangala-arti for Sri Sri Radha-Govinda, the famous Deities of Srila Rupa Goswami, Kausalya began singing bhajans for Their Lordships in the temple. At this time a large crowd gathered to see the American devotees, perhaps for many of them the first time they has ever seen foreigners worshipping Radha-Govinda. Kausalya was not only able to sing but ended up lecturing about Srila Prabhupada to her audience. They were also fortunate enough to meet one of the pujaris of Sri Sri Radha Govinda.

    Later, returning to their hotel room, they were met by the police who were ready to arrest them, having been informed by the receptionist that Srimati had no passport. And rightly so, the Indian-Pakistan War had just begun with India siding with Russia and Pakistan siding with the U.S. So what right had an American to be in India without any travel documents?

    Eventually, all this led to the ladies calling upon the pujari of Radha_Govinda to vouch for them. The pujari, upon arriving on the scene, recalled their singing and preaching, and proclaimed that they were actual devotees. Not only did he vouch for them, but he ended up sponsoring them and inviting them to come and stay in his home with his wife and family. The police finally relented under the condition the devotee ladies would not leave Jaipur until Srimati's passport was sent from Delhi and presented before them.

    Through the pujari Srila Rupa Goswami seems to have have assisted Srila Prabhupada and Kalachandji. What seemed to have been a tragedy unfolded into a great opportunity as the pujari began introducing the ladies to many of the respected families of Jaipur and instructing them how to obtain the deities they had been sent to look for. Mother Kausalya recalls: "I simply began telling everyone I met about Srila Prabhupada and chanted to Radha –Govinda. Gradually by Srila Prabhupada's and Radha-Govinda's mercy, people became so enthusiastic that recognized local industrialists, businessmen, and even the Maharani of Jaipur were inviting us for lunch to hear about Srila Prabhupada. Many of them became so interested to meet Srila Prabhupada that they sponsored Srila Prabhupada to come to Jaipur and organized a large pandal program in which Srila Prabhupada installed the Radha-Govinda Deities of New York City and awarded sannyasa to His Holiness Tamal Krishna Goswami.

    It was during that time that Srimati found her way to some to the finest murtiwalas of Jaipur. Srimati recalls how pleased Srila Prabhupada was. She remembers: " I was walking from shop to shop, thinking what type of deity would be suitable for Dallas, Texas. Suddenly I saw this beautiful deity! He had a large round face and fine soft features, As soon as I saw Him, the first thing that crossed my mind was that this is the deity of Dallas!"



    The deity was holding the door of a showroom open, having been placed as a doorstop. The deity looked ignored, completely unkempt, nothing like the deities she had previously seen for sale. As she approached the man in charge of the shop, he explained that this particular deity was not for sale. "This deity is very old," said the man, and he tried to interest her in other newly carved deities describing and pointing out the newest styles. Srimati simply became more determined and continued pursuing her original interest. Looking at the deity again the man kept saying the deity is very old, more that 500 years old, some type of museum piece.

    Srimati continued requesting the man to give her the deity, explaining that the deity would be sent to Dallas. Finally she began talking money. As the price became more lucrative, the man finally consented.
    As there was not deity of Radharani to match, Srimati started looking at other deities and had the murtiwala carve a suitable one to complete the set. Previously, Srila Prabhupada had written Srimati directing her how to pack the deities she was shipping to guard against breakage.

    It was Mother Lokamimoni who received a telegram from Mithaheli devi dasi, explaining that the deities must be waiting in New York. Anxiously, she and her husband Jagadisa Prabhu called Mithaheli and located the deities along with two other sets of Radha-Krishna deities which were meant for Detroit and Montreal. They dispatched the deities to the respective temples.

    After installing the Deities in Dallas, Srimati recalls how pleased Srila Prabhupada was. Prabhupada had even handwritten a document after the installation:




    "Sri Sri Radha-Kalachandji, The Deity of Dallas! A.C. Bhaktivedenta Swami

    Purpose of Life

    Posted: 28 Apr 2012 10:57 AM PDT



    Life is for the glorification of topics on Hari. If that is stopped, then what need is there to carry on life.


    By Srila Bhakthi Siddantha Saraswati Thakur
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    --
    Yours
    Dinesh
    Blog:http://dinesh-krsna.blogspot.com


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    The most awaited darshan of Sri Sri Radha Krishna Lalita, Visakha from ISKCON Chennai(new temple)

    Please find the attached files of Sri Radha Krishna, ISKCON Chennai temple.
    Please send me high resolution and closer shots of Sri Radha Krishna and Gour Nitai if any of you have.
    -- 
    Yours
    Dinesh
    Blog:http://dinesh-krsna.blogspot.com


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    I am lonely, You're the only one









    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0Z7a_6Q_8s




    When we lie, I see your smile in face
    When we lie, feel your woman grace
    'Cause I miss you and I always do thou I just to be away from You
    And I am lonely, You're the only one

    Shyam, Shyam, Shyam,
    Ohe Shyam
    Shyam, Shyam, Shyam,
    Radhe-Shyam

    My tatooed heart so beauty, my wondering eyes ain't weeping
    And the universe has done it's worse, I feel beat discussion and I'm cursed
    I'm lonely, You're the only one

    Shyam, Shyam, Shyam,
    Ohe Shyam
    Shyam, Shyam, Shyam,
    Radhe-Shyam

    A distant many of a distant place, it's fosfull tune in the couner of my mind,
    For some dreths for the spreet to spread, without hesitation revern to it
    Just run and run, and I am still sitting here, coving inserity is yeatin women to move

    I'm seeing You in the sunrise, I dance for You in the moon light.
    I raise my hands and I come to You
    I'm so lonely, You're the only one, my Shyam...

    Shyam, Shyam, Shyam,
    Ohe Shyam
    Shyam, Shyam, Shyam,
    Radhe-Shyam



    --
    Yours
    Dinesh
    Blog:http://dinesh-krsna.blogspot.com
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    The greatness of King Rantideva

     
    Sukadeva Gosvami is narrates the story of Rantideva as follows:

    Rantideva is famous in both this world and the next, for he is glorified not only in human society but also in the society of the demigods.Rantideva never endeavored to earn anything. He would enjoy whatever he got by the arrangement of providence, but when guests came he would give them everything. Thus he underwent considerable s...uffering, along with the members of his family. Indeed, he and his family members shivered for want of food and water, yet Rantideva always remained sober. Once, after fasting for forty-eight days, in the morning Rantideva received some water and some foodstuffs made with milk and ghee, but when he and his family were about to eat, a brāhmaṇa guest arrived.

    Because Rantideva perceived the presence of the Supreme Godhead everywhere, and in every living entity, he received the guest with faith and respect and gave him a share of the food. The brāhmaṇa guest ate his share and then went away.
    Thereafter, having divided the remaining food with his relatives, Rantideva was just about to eat his own share when a śūdra guest arrived. Seeing the śūdra in relationship with the Supreme Personality of Godhead, King Rantideva gave him also a share of the food.When the śūdra went away, another guest arrived, surrounded by dogs, and said, "O King, I and my company of dogs are very hungry. Please give us something to eat."

    With great respect, King Rantideva offered the balance of the food to the dogs and the master of the dogs, who had come as guests. The King offered them all respects and obeisances. Thereafter, only the drinking water remained, and there was only enough to satisfy one person, but when the King was just about to drink it, a caṇḍāla appeared and said, "O King, although I am lowborn, kindly give me some drinking water."
    Aggrieved at hearing the pitiable words of the poor fatigued caṇḍāla, Mahārāja Rantideva spoke the following nectarean words.

    I do not pray to the Supreme Personality of Godhead for the eight perfections of mystic yoga, nor for salvation from repeated birth and death. I want only to stay among all the living entities and suffer all distresses on their behalf, so that they may be freed from suffering.By offering my water to maintain the life of this poor caṇḍāla, who is struggling to live, I have been freed from all hunger, thirst, fatigue, trembling of the body, moroseness, distress, lamentation and illusion.Having spoken thus, King Rantideva, although on the verge of death because of thirst, gave his own portion of water to the caṇḍāla without hesitation, for the King was naturally very kind and sober.Demigods like Lord Brahmā and Lord Śiva, who can satisfy all materially ambitious men by giving them the rewards they desire, then manifested their own identities before King Rantideva, for it was they who had presented themselves as the brāhmaṇa, śūdra, caṇḍāla and so on.

    King Rantideva had no ambition to enjoy material benefits from the demigods. He offered them obeisances, but because he was factually attached to Lord Viṣṇu, Vāsudeva, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, he fixed his mind at Lord Viṣṇu's lotus feet.

    King Rantideva was a pure devotee, always Kṛṣṇa conscious and free from all material desires, the Lord's illusory energy, māyā, could not exhibit herself before him. On the contrary, for him māyā entirely vanished, exactly like a dream.

    All those who followed the principles of King Rantideva were totally favored by his mercy and became pure devotees, attached to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Nārāyaṇa. Thus they all became the best of yogis.

    --SB.9.21.2-18 (summarized)
     
    Originally posted by Padyavali Dasi in fb


    --
    Yours
    Dinesh
    Blog:http://dinesh-krsna.blogspot.com


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