the long and winding road

Real love is...

2010-01-27T00:08:00.003-05:00

Real love is without expectation of anything for one's own benefit. -H.H. Radhanath Swami

Daily meditation

2009-12-06T08:48:00.003-05:00

Dear Lord,

Whatever we need to be better servants for Srila Prabhupada's mission, let it happen or come to us. Whatever we need to have taken away to become pure in Srila Prabhupada's service, let it be taken away. -H.H. Bhakti Tirtha Swami

Praying for Govardhana to protect us all

2009-10-18T09:06:00.000-04:00

The destroyer of Mura is always eager to protect the cowherd community. He has no other interest. He maintained the honor of Govardhana Hill by lovingly holding Him aloft for seven days, playfully exhibiting with the hand that held the hill charming gestures of respectful worship. May that Govardhana, whose caves are smeared with kumkum left behind from the pastimes there of Gandharvika and Murabhit and whose exquisite boulders are covered with precious gems, protect us all. -Srila Raghunatha dasa Gosvami

When will I grasp this instruction

2009-10-10T23:29:00.003-04:00

Chanting a fixed number of rounds of the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra japa is the most urgent necessity and important engagement of a devotee each and every day. It should be completed before anything else. -Mahanidhi Swami

Inspiration for a simple life

2009-09-25T03:54:00.002-04:00

"So organize this farm project, simple living. Human life is meant for God realization. We get enough milk, enough food grains, enough fruits. So there is no economic problem. Our purpose is to save time from unnecessary necessities of life, and utilize the time for developing Krishna consciousness." -Srila Prabhupada

Words to live by

2009-08-31T00:31:00.002-04:00

Change your thoughts and you change your world. -Norman Vincent Peale

Remembering to offer with humility

2009-07-28T08:01:00.003-04:00

Generally when you have opulences you become proud. But there is one opulence that attracts Krishna, humility. All other opulences only attract Krishna when they are offered with humility. -H.H. Radhanatha Swami

The importance of sadhu sanga

2009-07-07T05:18:00.002-04:00

When we are children, innocent, we have no bad habits, but as we grow and associate with bad company, we also acquire all these bad habits. To give up all these bad habits means we have to associate with sadhus or devotees, saintly persons. Then we can give it up. This is called anartha-nivrtti, means giving up all unwanted bad habits. -Srila Prabhupada

Desiring to one day bring happiness to the eyes of the Lord

2009-06-11T23:07:00.003-04:00

The spiritual eye of the devotee finds the highest satisfaction in not just seeing the eyes of Radha and Krishna, but seeing that the eyes of Radha and Krishna are seeing us. This is the goal of our life. Do not try to see Krishna, but try to act in such a way that Radharani's super excellent beautiful eyes and Krishna's super excellent beautiful eyes, that Their eyes will see us. And that They will be happy when they see us with Their eyes. -H.G. Aindra dasa

Words of wisdom from a yogi tea bag part 3

2009-05-30T21:36:00.001-04:00

Compassion has no limit. Kindness has no enemy.

Feeling fortunate to have the Holy Name in my life

2009-05-14T10:14:00.002-04:00

Of sweet things, it is the sweetest, of auspicious things it is the most auspicious, and of things which purify it is supremely purifying, the Holy Name of Lord Krishna. -Sri Harer Namastakam author unknown

Trying my best to depend on Krishna

2009-05-04T13:31:00.004-04:00

When we do not sufficiently depend on Krishna, we think of ourselves as the controllers and we interfere with Krishna's mercy, blessings, empowerment, and love descending upon us. -H.H. Bhakti Tirtha Swami

In honor of earth day

2009-04-21T23:05:00.002-04:00

For one who worships and meditates on the earth, banyan trees, tulasi, cows, brahmanas, and Vaisnavas, all his sinful reactions are diminished. By these activities one can please Krishna, because these objects are auspicious for the world. -Bhaktivinoda Thakura

Krishna's mercy

2009-04-09T10:05:00.002-04:00

One who knows the transcendental nature of My appearance and activities does not, upon leaving the body, take his birth again in this material world, but attains My eternal abode, O Arjuna. -BG. 4.9

I need to do what is necessary

2009-04-02T10:32:00.002-04:00

Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible. -St. Francis of Assisi

Words of wisdom from a yogi tea bag part 2

2009-03-25T15:47:00.000-04:00

Live from your heart, you will be most effective.

Words of wisdom from a yogi tea bag

2009-03-14T05:37:00.000-04:00

Love is where compassion prevails and kindness rules.

Vyasa Puja offering 2009 to H.H. Bhakti Tirtha Swami

2009-03-12T14:42:00.002-04:00

Dear Gurudeva,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

I would like to express my gratitude to you for teaching me what life and love is all about. Your compassion for all and your persistence in serving Guru and Krishna is nothing short of amazing.

I will always treasure the association I have had with you, and your lectures and books which continue to help me grow in serving Krishna and the vaisnavas.

Thank you Gurudeva. With love your undeserving daughter, Kiriti dasi

What a beautiful analogy

2009-03-09T22:15:00.004-04:00

The holy name is compared to a wonderful flower. At the beginning, it is present as a mere bud, but then gradually, and steadily, it develops to its full-blossomed stage. Just as a bud transforms into an attractive flower with fascinating petals, the sweet Syamasundara form of Krishna in Goloka Vrindavan will be revealed to the serious chanter. When the bud starts to open, the chanter will be captivated by the sixty-four transcendental qualities of Krishna, which emerge from the blossoming flower of the holy name like an irresistable fragrance. Finally, when the holy name has fully blossomed, Krishna's eternal pastimes will be revealed to the chanter. -H.H. Sacinandana Swami

Well worth the wait

2009-02-23T22:04:00.003-05:00

Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Kunjabihari

Radharadhya dasa offering the first arotik.

Dvija mani dasa chanting the first kirtan for the deities.

Radharadhya dasa chanting some vrindavan mellows.

Dvija mani dasa, Omkara d.d., and Gayatri offering Rasika mani his first grains.

Kisori radha and the ninny wailers minus one. Where is Priya?

Thank you to everyone who gave us their blessings and association. Also, thank you to everyone who cooked and brought such nice gifts. Latannya your irish soda bread was amazing.

Special thanks to Kalpavrksa dasa for picking out such beautiful deities for us while he was in Vraja. And extra special thanks to my dear husband for painting, sewing and making the jewelry for their Lordships.

Sri Sri Radha Kunjabihari ki jaya!!!!!!!!!!!!

Trying to be reflective, mindful and grateful

2009-01-29T00:09:00.002-05:00

Life is full of meaning and opportunities for growth. When we are mindful of the beauty and accomplishments of the past, even when the present or future is not exactly what we would like it to be, we will not be disturbed. We will still be excited about the past and appreciative for the present. In this way, the future will be even more auspicious because we create our futures by how we have dealt with the past and how we are dealing with the present. Being always reflective, mindful, and grateful allows us to never forget how much the Supreme Lord is sending His love in different ways. -H.H. Bhakti Tirtha Swami

The simplicity and sweetness of the ladies of Vraja

2009-01-22T11:44:00.004-05:00

The ladies of Vraja are the most fortunate of women because, with their minds fully attached to Krishna and their throats always choked up with tears, they constantly sing about Him while milking the cows, winnowing grain, churning butter, gathering cow dung for fuel, riding on swings, taking care of their crying babies, sprinkling the ground with water, cleaning their houses, and so on. By their exalted Krishna consciousness they automatically acquire all desirable things. -S.B. 10.44.15

For my girlfriends, thanks for the spontaneous kirtan

2009-01-06T13:45:00.002-05:00

" The only real love in this world is when devotees with unconditional service attitude share Krishna with each other. There is nothing sweeter, there is nothing deeper, there is nothing more satisfying to the heart than that." -H.H. Radhanath Swami

A disease which needs to be conquered

2008-12-30T14:35:00.002-05:00

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

2008-12-23T22:35:00.002-05:00

"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

2008-12-22T14:57:00.003-05:00

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

2008-12-15T21:36:00.002-05:00

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.

2008-11-28T23:20:00.004-05:00

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

2008-11-23T23:46:00.002-05:00

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

2008-11-16T10:35:00.003-05:00

"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

2008-11-05T19:32:00.003-05:00

" 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

2008-10-27T10:45:00.006-04:00

"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

2008-10-20T00:46:00.003-04:00

"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!!!

2008-10-11T21:58:00.004-04:00

What a most inspiring day!!!!!

If only I had these attachments...

2008-10-06T20:51:00.002-04:00

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

2008-09-29T22:43:00.003-04:00

"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

2008-09-26T21:25:00.003-04:00

"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

2008-09-20T19:54:00.003-04:00

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

2008-09-12T09:07:00.002-04:00

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

2008-09-03T19:26:00.002-04:00

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

2008-08-18T00:23:00.002-04:00

"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

2008-08-15T22:14:00.003-04:00

"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

2008-08-14T20:48:00.005-04:00

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

2008-08-06T08:53:00.002-04:00

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

2008-08-02T04:11:00.002-04:00

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

Full surrender

2008-07-25T14:44:00.002-04:00

"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

2008-07-19T22:29:00.002-04:00

"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

2008-07-10T23:57:00.002-04:00

"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

2008-07-03T11:03:00.003-04:00

"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

2008-06-29T22:58:00.001-04:00

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

Building faith through sadhu-sanga

2008-06-23T09:26:00.002-04:00

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

2008-06-12T19:56:00.003-04:00

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

2008-06-05T00:27:00.002-04:00

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?

2008-06-03T23:06:00.001-04:00

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

Making memories. Festival of Inspiration 2008

2008-05-27T22:26:00.008-04:00

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

2008-05-25T19:43:00.002-04:00

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

2008-05-19T11:19:00.002-04:00

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

2008-05-16T22:16:00.001-04:00

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

Thoughts on Motherhood

2008-05-13T21:18:00.003-04:00

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.

2008-04-30T19:53:00.002-04:00

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

2008-04-26T21:28:00.002-04:00

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

2008-04-21T22:57:00.002-04:00

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

2008-04-14T04:36:00.002-04:00

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?

2008-04-06T10:06:00.001-04:00

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

I sure hope this is my husbands case

2008-03-31T12:34:00.003-04:00

"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

2008-03-28T23:28:00.002-04:00

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

Getting back to our natural state

2008-03-27T14:23:00.002-04:00

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

2008-03-19T11:33:00.002-04:00

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

2008-03-14T03:51:00.002-04:00

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

2008-03-05T19:26:00.002-05:00

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

2008-02-25T21:19:00.002-05:00

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

2008-02-18T08:09:00.002-05:00

"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

2008-02-17T22:51:00.002-05:00

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

2008-02-12T14:52:00.000-05:00

"Material life is an infection." -Srila Prabhupada

Little Vaisnavas

2008-02-08T20:50:00.000-05:00

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

2008-02-08T00:29:00.000-05:00

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

2008-02-03T12:11:00.000-05:00

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

One of these lifetimes I'll get it right

2008-02-01T23:19:00.000-05:00

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?

2008-01-29T18:40:00.000-05:00

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

2008-01-27T18:47:00.000-05:00

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

2008-01-25T21:12:00.000-05:00

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

2008-01-24T20:29:00.000-05:00

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

2008-01-19T21:18:00.001-05:00

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

2008-01-18T21:10:00.001-05:00

Many thanks to my personal family photographer Lavanga Manjari dd.

I sure need some HELP

2008-01-17T17:01:00.001-05:00

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

2008-01-15T22:33:00.000-05:00

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

2008-01-10T20:19:00.000-05:00

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

2008-01-01T13:28:00.000-05:00

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