A disease which needs to be conquered

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Just having a material body is itself a disease because the body incarcerates the soul and limits the soul from its most blissful, fulfilling activities. -H.H. Bhakti Tirtha Swami

Thoughts of a child

Tuesday, December 23, 2008


"Mama do you see those cars up there?"

"Yes" I replied.

"Those people in those cars don't know who Krishna is and that makes Him very sad.  But, we know who Krishna is and that makes Him very happy." -Vrindavani (my 4 yr. old daughter)

This one is for you, Kisori-Radha

Monday, December 22, 2008


mama mana mandire raha nisi din
krsna murari sri krishna murari

bhakti priti mala candan
tumi nio he nio krsna nandan

jivana marana tava puja nivedan
sundara he mana hari

eso nanda kumar ar nanda kumar
habe prema-pradipe arati tomar

nayana jamuna jhare anibar
tomara virahe giridhari

bandana gane tava bajuk jivana
krsna murari sri krsna murari


please abide in the temple of my heart both day and night O Krishna Murari, Sri Krishna Murari

devotion, love, flower garlands and sandlewood-please accept them Delighter of the heart

in life or in death I worship you with these offerings, Beautiful One O Enchanter of the heart
  
come Son of Nanda, and then, O Son of Nanda I will offer You arati ceremony with the lamplight of my love.

the waters of the Yamuna river cascade incessantly from my eyes in Your seperation,  O Holder of Govardhana Hill

may I pass my life absorbed only in songs of Your praise, O Krishna Murari, Sri Krishna Murari

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura

Sounds good to me

Monday, December 15, 2008

Anyone who meditates on Lord Krishna's birth, His protecting the cows, His singing charming songs with the gopas, and His other pastimes, will find himself overcome with bliss and love. -Srila Jiva Goswami

Giving thanks for devotee association.

Friday, November 28, 2008

Latannya, Radharadhya, and Kalpa enthusiastically prepping the green beans.
Our hostess for the day, Laghima, carving the seitan. 
The two bears bonding over some martinelli's.
The pyramid of trust.  If at first you don't succeed try try again.
The perfected pyramid of trust.
Heres to good friends.  Tonight is kind of special.
Tea time.
The little vaisnavas enjoying the ice cream after party.
This wonderful thanksgiving could not have been made possible without the mercy of their lordships Sri Sri Krishna Balarama.  And our hostesses year after year Kalpavrksa and Laghima- siddhi.  Thank you!!!!!!!   

Just what I needed to read

Sunday, November 23, 2008

The holy name is so powerful that even by chanting with offense, gradually he becomes pure.  Therefore we should not give up chanting.  Any circumstances, we should go on chanting Hare Krishna. -Srila Prabhupada 

Attachment + Anxiety = Illusion

Sunday, November 16, 2008

"Is the anxiety we pay for modern life worth it?  The nature of attachment, even to useless things, is such that they bring us under the false impression that the anxiety of being without them is greater than the anxiety we pay to have them.  What an illusion!" -H.H. Dhanurdhara Swami  

Making our everyday urges favorable in serving the Lord

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

" I will engage lust, anger, greed, illusion, madness, envy, pride in appropriate ways, and by defeating these enemies I will feel happiness in my heart as I peacefully worship Govinda.  I will engage lust by offering it in Krishna's service.  Anger I will direct towards those who are envious of the devotees.  I will be greedy to hear the topics of Hari in the association of devotees.  I will feel illusioned without achieving my worshipable Lord.  I will be maddened while singing the glories of Krishna.  In this way I will engage these enemies in their proper places." -Srila Narottama dasa Thakura

Thoughts on Gita-nagari dhama

Monday, October 27, 2008

"Gita nagari is such a wonderful place." -H.H. Dhanurdhara Swami


This past weekend was the celebration of Govardhana puja at Gita-nagari .  Due to the excessive rain fall (which added a nice touch)  we had to worship the cows inside the barn.  The smell of the barn, along with the painting and feeding of the cows, the chanting amongest all the devotees and the presence of the topmost gopi of Gita-nagari Mother Kaulini was exhilerating for me to say the least.  I often wonder whether my attachment to Gita nagari has something to do with the fact that my first date with my husband was spent herding cows and scooping up cow dung from the barn or if its the overwhelming feeling of goodness you experience when in the dhama.  Either way to put it best Gita nagari is such a wonderful place.

Destroying faults by offenseless chanting

Monday, October 20, 2008

"While chanting the holy name of the Lord, if a wretched person in his lifetime achieves namabhasa, or a glimpse of offenseless chanting, then all his faults are destroyed and Their Lordships become pleased with him." -Srila Rupa Gosvami    

New Jagannatha-Puri Dhama Ki Jaya!!!

Saturday, October 11, 2008






What a most inspiring day!!!!!

If only I had these attachments...

Monday, October 6, 2008

Oh my uncomprehending inner self, my dear brother mind, I humbly prostate myself before you.  Taking hold of your feet, I beseech you, please give up all pride and surrender fully to Sri Guru, to the spiritual abode of Vraja-dhama, to the residents of Vraja, to all the Vaisnava devotees of the Lord, to the sattvika-brahmanas, to the holy name of the Supreme Lord, and to the ever-fresh and youthful divine couple of blossoming beauty, Sri-Sri Radha and Krishna, and in this way quickly develop sublime attachment to Them. -Srila Raghunatha dasa Gosvami 

To be free from passion and ignorance

Monday, September 29, 2008

"Only when we are satisfied with the present can we be free from passion, which casts us to the future, and from ignorance, which projects us into the past." -H.H. Dhanurdhara Swami 

So much nonsense in the world

Friday, September 26, 2008

"We take a newspaper and we read what the politician says, so many nonsense things.  We waste our time.  Srama eva hi kevalam.  We should increase our taste for hearing and chanting about Visnu, Krishna." -Srila Prabhupada 

Beware of the shams out there

Saturday, September 20, 2008

There is no religion without love, and people may talk as much as they like about their religion, but if it does not teach them to be good and kind to beasts as well as man it is all a sham. -Anna Sewell (19th century writer)

A qualification for bhakti

Friday, September 12, 2008

The main qualification for bhakti is to be free from pretension. Pretension means to pose as something we are not. We are, by constitution, insignificant. To hold any other view is pretentious.
- H.G. Bhurijana Prabhu

The Glories of the Vaisnava

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

One should decorate the body with the dust from the lotus feet of the Vaisnavas, because, by this, one can achieve transcendental realizations.  By constantly associating with devotees, one's cultivation of devotional service is purified and one can conquer nescience. -Srila Narottama dasa Thakura 

The potency of hearing the Holy Name

Monday, August 18, 2008

"When one becomes Krishna conscious, he loves everyone.  If you chant loudly Hare Krishna, even the ants and insect who is hearing, he'll be delivered, because it is spiritual vibration." -Srila Prabhupada

To much time wasted

Friday, August 15, 2008

"The main thing is, regardless of one's circumstance, to remain a servant of the spiritual master and be satisified with whatever service he offers. But if one is given time for direct devotional service, especially chanting and hearing about Krishna, it should be treasured with not a moment wasted." -H.H.Dhanurdhara Swami

Gita-nagari Rathayatra 2008

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Like father like son.  Kalpavrksa dasa leading the parade just like our beloved spiritual master always did.


Best friends forever.  Vrindavani and Kirti having a deep discussion about cow protection.

Climbing Govardhana Hill.

Mother Vegavati helping the girls make their way to the top.

H.G. Ravindra Svarupa Prabhu and disciples enjoying the view from the top of Govardhana. 

Alachua bound.  Sabjimata and family in their last days at Gita nagari.

Jaganatha swami nayana patha gami bhavatu me.

Great bear and his cub.

The mercy of the Lord of the universe mixed with the sweetness of the country is always extra special. Gita-nagari Rathayatra is something you don't want to miss.  

Trying to see better

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

A person who sees everything in relation to the Supreme Lord, and sees all entities as His parts and parcels, and who sees the Supreme Lord within everything, never hates anything, nor any being. -Sri Isopanisad Mantra 6

Searching for peace

Saturday, August 2, 2008

" It is all in Krishna. You cannot find peace outside Krishna activities, outside Krishna consciousness. That is not possible." -Srila Prabhupada

Full surrender

Friday, July 25, 2008

"Take away my will Krishna, I am Yours. Force me to do what is right and best. Use me as You like. You be my intelligence. You be my mind. You act as my will. I don't know what is best for me. In this lifetime I am trying so hard and nothing is working. I ask you to put me in the right place at the right time for the right thing. Whatever is best, whether it is auspicious or inauspicious, bring upon me what I need. My desire, my intelligence, even my will they are all contaminated. I offer them all to You, my dear Lord Shyamasundara. I am yours. You do with me what is best. Help me to be eager to accept not in a grudging mood, but with real zeal and enthusiasm, as I submit myself and ask You what can I do?" -H.H. Bhakti Tirtha Swami

Perfection equals Krishna conscious

Saturday, July 19, 2008

"In the beginning there may be some failures. That is quite natural. Just as a child is trying to stand, he may fall down. But that does not mean he should give up the idea. Go on. A time will come when he will be perfect. A time will come when you'll be perfect, Krishna conscious." -Srila Prabhupada

The mercy of Lord Gauranga

Thursday, July 10, 2008

"O Gaura Raya, we bow down to Your wonderfully glorious lotus feet. You always overlook one's faults and offenses. In this way, any fortunate living entity who takes shelter of You, Lord Gauranga, will attain Goloka." -Srila Locana Dasa Thakura

Very well put

Thursday, July 3, 2008

"Things have advanced so much, but the quality of life hasn't improved." It applies more now than ever. America is a prosperous country where the business class is favored. The working class is not exploited in terms of their salaries as much as they are exploited by a business community that creates artificial necessities and raises the prices on basic commodities like housing and health. Ironically, although the working class has more money than ever before, they are also less free from want than ever before. -H.H. Dhanurdhara Swami

The meaning of humility

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Humility means not to think less of yourself, but to think of yourself less. -H.H. Varsana Swami

Building faith through sadhu-sanga

Monday, June 23, 2008

Despite occasional circumstances that make it difficult to complete one's spiritual practice, the main problem with regularizing our sadhana is not our situation, but our sraddha, or faith. If we had trust in the glories of the holy name, we would not neglect it under any circumstance. If we had unquestioned faith that chanting gave us long life and unlimited wealth, and we cherished those attainments, we would make time for it at all costs. The holy name of Krishna gives so much more, but because our faith and knowledge of the Bhagavat-which proclaims the glories of the holy name-is weak, our practices unforunately become slack.

Faith means faith in sastra. Faith comes from sadha-sanga. Sadhu-sanga means to hear sastra from advanced devotees. We must make every effort to get sadhu-sanga and increase our faith in devotional service. It is the basis of spiritual life. -H.H. Dhanurdhara Swami

Trying to collect some spiritual wealth

Thursday, June 12, 2008

The advent of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is like an expanding ocean of nectar. One who does not collect the valuable jewels within that ocean is certainly the poorest of the poor. -Srila Prabodhananda Saraswati Thakur

Keep chanting

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Indeed, a life full of Krishna consciousness is noble, exalted, glorious, and magnificent-in short-superb. Anyone can attain such perfection in life and enjoy happiness, peace and prosperity by taking up this simple process. All one has to do is chant-Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare-and your life will be sublime. - H.H. Mahanidhi Swami

When will that day come?

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

"Detachment from maya is only possible if you have attachment to Krishna." -Srila Prabhupada

Making memories. Festival of Inspiration 2008

Tuesday, May 27, 2008


The little rascals.


Outside the Palace.


Visiting the cows.


Vrindavani and Manu inspecting the garden.


Radharadhya having a little fun with Neat tie the clown.


Jaya Sri Sri Radha Vrindavan Chandra


Although most of our time was spent with the children it was a festival of inspiration!

Something I need to come to terms with

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Although Vrindavan is glorious and an unparalleled inspiration for spiritual life, more important is to take full shelter of the holy name and remain in good consciousness regardless of one's place of residence. -H.H. Dhanurdhara Swami

Wanting to live free of anxiety

Monday, May 19, 2008

Faithfully remembering that everything has to be sanctioned by Krishna allows a devotee to live free of anxiety. Being dependent on Krishna's sanction allows us to live in His mercy, even in the material world. This key philosophical concept awards us a vision of Krishna in every "material" transaction and it keeps a faithful devotee safe in all circumstances. -H.G. Bhurijana prabhu

Prabhupada nectar

Friday, May 16, 2008

Prabhupada liked kachoris so much that his parents nicknamed him Kachoridas. -Yamuna devi dasi

Thoughts on Motherhood

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

The walks and talks we have with our two year olds in red boots have a great deal to do with the values they will cherish as adults. Edith F. Hunter

Humbler than the grass. More tolerant than a tree.

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

If you want to chant the Hare Krishna mantra, then you have to take to the principle of trnad api sunicena. You have to become humbler than the grass. Grass is lying on the street. Everyone is trampling down the grass. There is no protest. Taror api sahisnuna. And more tolerant than a tree. The tree is giving us so much help. It is giving us fruit, flower, and leaves. And when there is scorching heat, it also gives shelter, and you may sit down underneath. So benificial, yet we still cut. As soon as I like, I cut it down. But there is no protest. The tree does not say,"I have given you so much help and you are cutting me?" No. The tree is tolerant. Therefore Caitanya Mahaprabhu has selected the tree: taror api sahisnuna. And amanina manadena. For oneself one should not expect any respectful position, but the devotee should offer all respects to everyone. Amanina manadena kirtaniya sada hari. If we acquire these qualifications, then we can chant Hare Krishna mahamantra without any disturbance. These are the qualifications. -Srila Prabhupada

Vrindavan eternally

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Five plus five is equal to ten. Two plus two is equal to four. So Krishna plus everything is Vrindavan. Do not forget Krishna, and you shall always be in Vrindavan. -Srila Prabhupada

To serve or be served

Monday, April 21, 2008

Although everyone wants to experience love, when problems arise we often become resentful and discouraged. The real test is to remain firm in our love of God no matter what. Otherwise we are simply viewing Him as a menial servant whose role is to fulfill our desires and whims. In such circumstances, we are like spoiled children, turning away or throwing tantrums if He does not give us what we want. Love of God must go beyond such an attitude. -Bhakti Tirtha Swami

The mercy of Srimati Radharani

Monday, April 14, 2008

Of the many objects of favored delight and of all the lovable damsels of Vrajabhumi, Srimati Radharani is certainly the most treasured object of Krishna's love. And, in every respect, Her divine kunda is described by great sages as similarly dear to Him. Undoubtedly Radha-kunda is very rarely attained even by the great devotees; therefore it is even more difficult for ordinary devotees to attain. If one simply bathes once within those holy waters, one's pure love of Krishna is fully aroused. -The Nectar of Instruction-text 11

Is the glass half full or half empty?

Sunday, April 6, 2008

If your not optimistic, you're an atheist. -Srila Sridhara Swami

I sure hope this is my husbands case

Monday, March 31, 2008

"I think that sometimes a vaisnava can receive all their remaining karmic reactions for several lives in one lifetime, so that they can finish up their business in this world and return to Godhead at the end of this life." -a quote from "Greetings from Vrindavan" from a devotee named Ghanasyama

Devotion everyday

Friday, March 28, 2008

Days off are needed from work, not from devotion. -H.H. Dhanurdhara Swami

Getting back to our natural state

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Our purpose as human beings is to fall back in love with God and return to the land of divine love, where we can experience our natural state. Anything else is unnatural. If we are not totally absorbed in divine love, we remain subject to the bondage of lust and the sufferings of old age, disease, and death-all part of the material environment and not in alignment with who we truly are. -H.H. Bhakti Tirtha Swami

Vyasa Puja offering 2008 to H.H. Bhakti Tirtha Swami

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

On this most auspicious day I would like to thank you for taking the time to set such an example of parental love. You willingly took on so many disciples as your own children. You then cared for us all individually, giving us what we needed to grow in our devotional lives. After becoming a parent myself and seeing the many joys and pains involved with raising a family I have realized that you have shared these joys and pains with so many of us.

What amazes me the most is that you are still able to inspire and encourage others and myself without being physically present. When I am at my lowest point you are always there coming to me through dreams, lectures or your books pulling me out of maya and giving me the encouragement to move on just when i need it most. This is the power of Guru disciple relationship. This is the power of parent and child relationship.

Thank you Gurudeva for continuing to be such a devoted parent and such a devoted son to your father. Thank you Gurudeva for your unconditional love and for giving the greatest gift a parent can give " Love of Krishna".

With love your undeserving daughter, Kiriti dasi

Krishna 24/7

Friday, March 14, 2008

Always think of Me, become My devotee, worship Me and offer your homage to Me. Thus you will come to Me without fail. I promise you this because you are My very dear friend. -BG.18.65

The most confidential part of knowledge is that one should become a pure devotee of Krishna and always think of Him and act for Him. One should not become an official mediator. Life should be so molded that one will always have the chance to think of Krishna. One should always act in such a way that all his daily activities are in connection with Krishna. He should arrange his life in such a way that throughout the twenty four hours he cannot but think of Krishna. And the Lord's promise is that anyone who is in such pure Krishna consciousness will certainly return to the abode of Krishna, where he will be engaged in the association of Krishna face to face.

Pleasant thoughts

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Vrindavan is such a nice place. Flowers are always blooming, and there are even various kinds of decorated deer. Birds are chirping, peacocks are crowing and dancing, and bees are humming. The cuckoos there sing in five kinds of tunes. The lakes of Vrindavan are surrounded by green grasses and various kinds of lotus flowers bloom there, and the air blowing there carries the aromatic pollen of those lotus flowers. When the particles of water from the waves of the Yamuna, the lakes and the waterfalls touched the bodies of the inhabitants of Vrindavan, they automatically felt a cooling effect. Therefore, they were practically undisturbed by the summer season. There are many waterfalls, which are always pouring water, and the sound is so sweet that it covers the sound of the crickets. And because the water flows all over, the forest looks very green and beautiful. -KB Chap. 18

Saranagati

Monday, February 25, 2008

One has to have great strength of mind to know the truth. If one wants to learn to swim, he must not be afraid of water. At the same time, one should know that saranagati, or the path of exclusive surrender, is not a difficult thing. In fact, it is very easy and natural for the soul. Anything which is opposed to it--that is unnatural and painful. -Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura

The mercy of Lord Nityananda Rama

Monday, February 18, 2008

"Arise! Get up!" He told me again and again. Upon rising, I was greatly astonished to see His beauty. He had a glossy blackish complexion, and His strong, herioc stature made Him seem like Cupid himself. He had beautifully formed hands, arms and legs, and eyes like lotus flowers. He wore a silk cloth, with a turban on His head. He wore golden earrings on His ears, and golden armlets and bangles. He wore tinkling anklets on His feet and a garland of flowers around His neck. His body was anointed with sandlewood pulp, and He was nicely decorated with tilak. His movements surpassed those of a maddened elephant. His face was more beautiful than millions of moons, and his teeth were like pomegranate seeds because of His chewing betel. His body moved to and fro, right and left, for he was absorbed in ecstasy. He chanted "Krishna, Krishna" in a deep voice. His red stick moving in His hand, He seemed like a maddened lion. All around the four sides of His feet were bumblebees. His devotees dressed like cowherd boys, surrounded His feet like so many bees and also chanted "Krishna, Krishna," absorbed in ecstatic love. Some of them played horns and flutes, and others danced and sang. Some of them offered betel nuts, and others waved camara fans about Him. Thus I saw such opulence in Lord Nityananda Svarupa. His wonderful form, qualities and pastimes are all transcendental. I was overwhelmed with transcendental ecstasy, not knowing anything else. Then Lord Nityananda smiled and spoke to me as follows. "O my dear Krishnadasa, do not be afraid. Go to Vrindavan, for there you will attain all things." After saying this He directed me toward Vrindavan by waving His hand. Then He disappeared with His associates. I fainted and fell to the ground, my dream broke, and when I regained consciousness I saw that morning had come. I thought about what I had seen and heard and concluded that the Lord had ordered me to proceed to Vrindavan at once. That very second I started for Vrindavan, and by His mercy I reached there in great happiness. All glory, all glory to Lord Nityananda Balarama, by whose mercy I have attained shelter in the transcendental abode of Vrindavan! -C.C. Adi5.183-200

Lord Varahadeva Ki Jaya

Sunday, February 17, 2008

If one hears and describes in a devotional service attitude this auspicious narration of Lord Boar, which is worthy of description, the Lord, who is within the heart of everyone, is very pleased.


In His various incarnations, the Lord appears, acts, and leaves behind Him a narrative history which is as transcendental as He Himself. Everyone of us is fond of hearing some wonderful narration, but most stories are neither auspicious nor worth hearing because they are of the inferior quality of material nature. Every living entity is of superior quality, spirit soul, and nothing material can be auspicious for him. Intelligent persons should therefore hear personally and cause others to hear the descriptive narrations of the Lord's activities, for that will destroy the pangs of material existence. Out of causeless mercy only, the Lord comes to this earth and leaves behind His merciful activities so that the devotees may derive transcendental benefit. -S.B.3.13 text 48

A favorite quote in my house

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

"Material life is an infection." -Srila Prabhupada

Little Vaisnavas

Friday, February 8, 2008



Busy baking for Krishna.



The girls practicing some yoga.

The association of devotee children is very uplifting and motivating for me. I feel so blessed to have these amazing children in my life.

Tired of cheating and being cheated

Some say that if you become simple you will be cheated. But you have already been cheated. A thousand times you have been cheated. My Guru maharaja said that this is a world of the cheaters and the cheated. You should try not to cheat. Rather, you should become simple and completely Krishna conscious. If you have suddha-bhakti then you will be protected by Krishna. How can anyone cheat you when Krishna is protecting? -H.H. Gour Govinda Swami

Praying to be Absorbed Part 2

Sunday, February 3, 2008

The key to spiritual life is absorption. -H.H. Dhanurdhara Swami

One of these lifetimes I'll get it right

Friday, February 1, 2008

Krishna is unconquerable. No one can defeat Him. But He becomes bound by His devotee's love. You're experiencing some difficulties now because of old bad habits, but sooner or later this will all be cleared because you have taken to this process. That's the beauty of Krishna consciousness. Execute fifteen percent in this life;next life you start at sixteen percent. It's guaranteed that one day you will become one hundred percent Krishna conscious. Just see. -Srila Prabhupada

How do I feel today?

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Colors

I am green today I chirp with joy like a cricket song
I am gray today gloomy and damp like a morning fog
I am orange today loud and messy like finger paint on the wall
I am red today hopping mad like a playground ball
I am black today strong and tall a great big bear
I am purple today bright and happy like a butterfly in the air

I'm a rainbow today all the colors of the world
I'm a rainbow today all the colors of the world
I'm a rainbow today all the colors of the world are in me

I am yellow today I shine my light out like the sun
I am white today soft and quiet like new snow
I am blue today calm as glass and cool like the sea

I'm a rainbow today all the colors of the world
I'm a rainbow today all the colors of the world
I'm a rainbow today all the colors of the world are in me

-Kira Willey

There's No Friendship Like Devotee Friendship

Sunday, January 27, 2008

One who helps you to develop Krishna consciousness is a real friend. -H.H. Gour Govinda Swami

Trying to progress on the path of Krishna Bhakti

Friday, January 25, 2008

O my Lord, as powerful as fire, O omnipotent One, now I offer you all obeisances, falling on the ground at your feet. O my Lord, please lead me on the right path to reach You, and since You know all that I have done in the past, please free me from the reactions to my past sins so that there will be no hindrance to my progress. -Sri Isopanisad Mantra 18

The Power of Prasadam

Thursday, January 24, 2008

We are giving you prasadam. By eating, eating, eating, you will one day become Krishna conscious, simply by eating. Because you are so dull, you cannot understand the philosophy. You know the belly like the animals. So therefore we are giving facility, "All right, fill up your belly, and you will be infected." As you take foodstuff from an infected area, you become infected with some disease, so this is Krishna-infected, prasadam. You take it, and one day you will be diseased with Krishna consciousness. -Srila Prabhupada

Wherever you go, there you are

Saturday, January 19, 2008


We are already where we need to be

As human beings we are always trying to get somewhere. Many of us seek some standard of success that we think will bring happiness or validation from the world. Even those of us involved in the personal growth and consciousness process still have the idea that we certainly don't want to be where we are - we're trying to get somewhere better. And when we get to that place, everything will be right somehow. Yet, consciousness cannot be found somewhere else; it happens through becoming aware of where we are right now.

Trying to get somewhere else takes us away from appreciating the process. When we begin to enjoy the process itself, we can stop worrying and become completely involved in the fascinating journey that's unfolding each moment in each day.

Today I am not trying to get somewhere else. I'm focusing on being aware of where I am now.

(I am not exactly sure who wrote this or where it came from but it was definitely something that I needed to read. Many thanks to my friends at Healthy Alternatives for sharing this with me.)

My inspiration

Friday, January 18, 2008


Many thanks to my personal family photographer Lavanga Manjari dd.

I sure need some HELP

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Two small practices can give one an immediate boost in spiritual life: rising early and controlling one's eating.- H.H. Dhanurdhara Swami

Praying to be Absorbed

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Engage your mind always in thinking of Me, become My devotee, offer obeisances to Me and worship Me. Being completely absorbed in Me, surely you will come to Me.- BG 9.34

The Absolute Truth

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Seekers of the Absolute Truth are never allured by unnecessary engagements in sense gratification because the serious students seeking the Absolute Truth are always overwhelmed with the work of researching the Truth. In every sphere of life, therefore, the ultimate end must be seeking after the Absolute Truth, and that sort of engagement will make one happy because he will be less engaged in varieties of sense gratification.- Srila Prabhupada SB 1.2.10 purport

Chant and be Happy

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

We are trapped souls in a state of forgetfulness of Krishna, and Krishna is giving you the chance now to re-establish your relationship with Him by this chanting process. So take full advantage of it and be happy. - Srila Prabhupada