tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21387803709325352442024-03-13T04:00:31.428-05:00the world i knowand how i like to share itJaya Kesava Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13180714196564613335noreply@blogger.comBlogger101125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138780370932535244.post-74778129400261866152012-08-18T12:45:00.000-05:002012-08-18T12:45:08.453-05:00Landing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.09375); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">As my plane lands, I try to make sure where to put my legs- where do I stand? Of course I am no pilot, so this is figurative, but one thing this year has really brought is turbulent weather. Good turbulent weather. <div>
At some point in my childhood I was obsessed with religious ritual; I would go to morning mass everyday, pray my rosary reverently- everything about the whole service was sort of romantic. I studied the lives of Saints. Name a saint and I could tell you how they lived. </div>
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By the will of providence, as I grew up, that romance ended aprubtly when I was practically forbidden to go to Church. It was a subtle forbiddance, but the result was me running away to "find myself." What I found was the Hare Krsna movement. A romance rekindled! A slightly different mood. With God as the same goal, but awe and reverence not the main point. I was fascinated to know about different ways of approaching God. Loving service was now emphasized. Now go find others who may be spinning in their own cocoons, looking for a similar experience.</div>
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So as young monks we romantically took to Krsna's movement, putting aside every other consideration the world had to offer. We were on our way back to Godhead! Young enthusiasm, leave no prisoners, onward spiritual soldiers, march against illusion's snare. It's easy to march when you have a leader in front of you, giving you goals, cheering you on, smashing you, pushing you back to Godhead. </div>
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Then at some point the question came, " so what do YOU want to do for Krsna? What responsibilities can you take? Which shoulder would you like to lend for leaning? Who me? Oh, I thought all you big men would stick around forever and I'll just do as you command? Me? Responsibility? Ok, I guess.</div>
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So with what tools I had I scurried along, meeting and inviting others- " leave no prisoners, onward spiritual warriors!"</div>
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Then came responsibility: feed em, make sure they're trained for battle, mentally, physically, Spiritually. And then reality hit. Mistakes were made, people were pushed too pushed, etc etc. Fights were fought for the cause of the mission, and in most cases, I wondered if anyone was even listening? So came 2012. The year when it all will end, according to some. Nah, according to others. I braced myself, " if it ends, I'll go down swinging! If it doesn't, I'll stay up swinging! But something had to end. For me. Maybe not the world, maybe not the fight, maybe not even the playful-happy-go-super-lucky me! Immature enthusiasm has to die.</div>
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So the turbulence was of my own making; all my romantic conceptions placed before me. I now have to solidify them, or let them go<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0898438); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">. The love for Krsna must increase, for if I don't mend my shaky relationship with him, I am and will always remain incapable of loving anything! Krsna is the root cause of everything. So should I push? Yes, push those who need pushing. Should I march? Yes, with those who like marching. And prisoners? Yes, leave none. But only if I work in conjunction with pushing myself, marching myself, and freeing myself from illusion. </span></div>
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Leave aside immaturity. Mature through chanting, through studying the map out of here (Srila Prabhupada's books), through good association, through breaking the chains that weakens the heart.</div>
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I think I'll land here:</div>
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With the conviction that love of God is in every living entity. Deep within in each heart, under the envy, the greed, the lust, the madness, the pride, the illusion, is that covered spark who knows nothing but how to love. To Truly love Krsna. And what is my duty? To amuse, to inspire to delight, to somehow other reach deep and give what was given me- a chance to have turbulences, to solidify my desire to re love Krsna, to re meet Krsna, to again have it all be about Krsna. </div>
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I think I'll land here. </div>
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Jaya Kesava Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13180714196564613335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138780370932535244.post-3710864996375892052012-07-23T17:01:00.000-05:002012-07-23T17:01:44.901-05:00Lessons from 2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So far, the first 6 months of 2012 has been, what i would like to call it, a "molding by doing" 6 months. Growing in the Krsna consciousness movement, I always avoided big lessons simply by watching and observing others learn through their own lessons, how to serve Krsna. I would watch my god-siblings get chastised for spacing out, being tardy, being neglectful, or whatever it was, and would try hard not to repeat what they were chastised for. In this way I eluded chastisement by observing. Of course there were times I was also on the receiving end for something I became over confident of, or some other reason Krsna wanted me to learn something. In this way we hope to learn and advance on the spiritual path with a focus- determined focus on cutting out deeply rooted attachments to the material conception of life. <br />
This year, the lessons has been mostly about relating to, or caring for others. When I joined the movement as a teenager, it was all about this mission to give Krsna consciousness to others, it was about the people. We woke up early, chanted, worshipped the Deity, ate, and did everything to prime ourselves for meeting people and being beacons so that through our interactions, people could awaken within themselves an interest in Krsna. As I grew, and that good old Mr. Lethargy and Mrs Complacency moved in with me, it became all about me again. And although I did the same activities, it wasn't from a perspective of "for others,". It was just routine. Or so it seemed.<br />
So back to this year: <br />
I got sick with hives all over my body in Vrindavan in January. Talk about purification. And up until the last week of that three week experience, I had no help from anyone; almost like the people around me were afraid they might catch whatever was happening to me. But when you're lying there for hours, you get to think. And one thing that always came to mind was what is the lesson here. Then I came to the conclusion that I was getting some purification in the dahm. True, but why? I may not know, but one lesson was, I am experiencing this so that I know what someone else is going through in case i stumble upon a new devotee in this situation. <br />
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Then I went home to Liberia after 18 years. I spent a lot of time observing my mother and her interaction with others, trying to get a glimpse into my roots- why do I behave a certain way. Sharing Krsna consciousness was always simple for me because growing up I saw my family invite so many people in. There are five us, biologically, but umpteen of us, nurtured and cared for by my mother. There was always, and still is, 18 years later, at least 4 or 5 other people living with us, cared for equally, etc etc. So the asram atmosphere was simple, at least in my head; invite people in, care for them, and now, add Krsna. And give them knowledge so that they can become fearless in the material ocean. One statement I heard my mom say this year: "if you speak truthfully, you are protected by that truth and God." <br />
I learned to be more grateful to people who open their houses to me, and to be clear in my communication. I come from a different country and culture, and so sometimes, although speaking English, some things said could be taken completely out of context- and used against you!<br />
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About time and dealing with people, I learned that we have limited time when introducing a new person to Krsna consciousness. For whatever time you have their attention, give them Krsna, be a medium. I'm not there to be psychologist, or fix-you-upper. No. I'm there to show the benefits of focused consciousness- to the extent that I have experienced it. To create good fortune for others, just as someone did for me 15 years ago. <br />
I really learned through some not so good experiences not to waste time. You snooze, you loose. If someone is inspired to do some service, and they approach you, and you have a capacity or facility to help them, do it. Don't hesitate. They slip out of your hands like a castle built upon a sandy beach! *gone too soon* So I have to be sharp and learn urgency. I have seen many young enthusiastic people looking for something to do, and then fall away with the flickering mind simply because I was preoccupied with something else. <br />
Most importantly, as this year goes on with its lessons, I am learning that Krsna is the driving force behind it all. Yes it's hard to see him in everything, and something I see him after the fact that I fell face flat into some fresh cow dung :). Deep inside, as I go through certain experiences and still keep a small spark of hope that it too shall pass, and learn available lessons, I see that Krsna is teaching me like the mother in law teaching the daughter in law by using the daughter as medium. <br />
I must say I can't claim to be that intimate with Krsna, but I want to be; to be dedicated to his mission one hundred percent. And it will happen in due course. And yes it scares the living daylights out of me to ask such a thing, because the cutting of material consciousness isn't pretty.<br />
But in the end, everything will be OK. And if its not OK, its not the end :) </div>Jaya Kesava Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13180714196564613335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138780370932535244.post-17925588203758823622012-03-09T12:21:00.004-06:002012-03-09T13:14:21.771-06:00Be Sure, Be Specific<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Imagine, (or just look around and observe) a person in the process of buying a house, a car, a computer; their main concern is the lifetime of said product: how long will it last, how much happiness will I derive from it, what are the specs? Home buyers do termite checks, fire proof test, plumbing, lead poisoning check. Computer lovers look for their requirements, Car buyers look for something as well. People want to invest in something genuine based on information they receive from the authority. Authority gives assurance and faith that the product will fulfill one's desire, and therefore one puts his faith in such authority and purchases the product. The more specific information is, the more one is at ease, or to put it another way, the more one's mind is freed from having to fill in blank spaces.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY45I5rML14pgKOnkiecvv7hSzr2gcR_9zY0nSAEBdrvdwGihjTl7SktWLwcjgE9ZwUB6SZxydtVnojjHtm42FDtlfiJXWwtSMlYSmwHjfyNGa7Qw6MPaEfUu2r41ooDzm1aQUFhvzzAY/s1600/homedream.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY45I5rML14pgKOnkiecvv7hSzr2gcR_9zY0nSAEBdrvdwGihjTl7SktWLwcjgE9ZwUB6SZxydtVnojjHtm42FDtlfiJXWwtSMlYSmwHjfyNGa7Qw6MPaEfUu2r41ooDzm1aQUFhvzzAY/s320/homedream.png" width="294" /></a></div><br />
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Now imagine a situation where you went to purchase something say, a car, and the dealer goes into a "don't know, not sure, selling as is, you can't take this car off the lot to test it, maybe, perhaps" rant. A smart buyer would look for something else. ( I should especially know this because I once bought an "as is" car, and after 20 hours, in New Mexico, the car, at a rest stop, rested "as was"). I just wanted something to get me on the road, and being passionate about it, the intelligence didn't kick in.<br />
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The Bhagavad gita tells that in this world there is nothing more wonderful as transcendental knowledge which is the fruit of all mysticism, and one who has such knowledge relishes that fruit in due course of time. For both materialists and spiritualists, transcendental knowledge is beneficial. For someone attracted to what the material atmosphere has to offer, Vedic literature like Bhagavad Gita As it is gives detailed information on how a person can live peacefully under certain conditions. This knowledge, when applied properly, will certainly give desired results. For the spiritualist, different stages and processes of self realization is offered, so that at every step in spiritual cultivation, one can also peacefully follow, and see tangible results.<br />
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Mental speculation leads to a little more mental speculation, which leads to a little more, and so forth. In such an atmosphere it is very hard to derive deep satisfaction. The mind always wants something more; maybe I should have married her instead, maybe I should have bought that instead, I'm not sure if it'll work, but try it, in theory, this is like this. While watching the news at my brothers house a few weeks ago, the news reporter when asked about a murder trial going on, and what would be the out come responded: " i don't know, but what I can say is maybe...". In this way, I realized, people are always kept on edge. Specificity does not go well in a consumer culture. If things were specific, people would take it and be satisfied. This is not a culture where satisfaction is "guaranteed, or your money back"; and in most cases, when satisfaction is not achieved, you don't get your money back because you threw the product across the room or something. Version 4 of one product comes out and in 6 months, here comes version 5; now watch as consumers abandon their previous versions and rush to various marts, at risks of stampeding over and killing employees of said marts, to fulfill a hole created by the mind- " YOU REALLY NEEEEEDDD THIS! "<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6uOtH4mnVxG1FAdLm_kv_D4HvFEpg-z65rP6VLQnHlpXITIoWZieXHykc7sJlj672MlwHWjuUIaarG1z20jC9NwVepb5ERcWLItcm42jGAZ3bUigN4EAnVVcL696O4RLz_3VudbppwM/s1600/thanksgiving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6uOtH4mnVxG1FAdLm_kv_D4HvFEpg-z65rP6VLQnHlpXITIoWZieXHykc7sJlj672MlwHWjuUIaarG1z20jC9NwVepb5ERcWLItcm42jGAZ3bUigN4EAnVVcL696O4RLz_3VudbppwM/s320/thanksgiving.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
So how does one spread a culture of satisfaction in an atmosphere of dissatisfaction? Do you just jump out of the race and move to pleasantville? Do you riot and destroy everything those bad bad people tricked you into? Do you Occupy Earth Street? What to do?<br />
Well, may I suggest looking at where most of the issue started- the mind. take what you have, and from that platform be satisfied. Hear from authorities how to move forward and fulfill your desires. The thing vedic authorities do recommend is giving up the process of mental speculation. Such authorities facilitate not just a good use of your mind and intelligence, but under proper guidance one will blossom as a true individual spirit soul. Ask questions, put the answers into practice, experience the result. Whether your desires are spiritual, material, or you're just the neutral guy in the crowd, the highest authority has given such guides and instructions so that each person can walk away satisfied and assured. Perhaps* we can call it your " one stop specific know it all shop."<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFeMK5fvtmCA-WFUSk9YDD5cZpPJHvsHtc3dUbmvRODVB8TQsG4ES7TYYSWwRw1WpLsc8BiR3pFqZNsD4SqvLMOCWIDztlcpZOyCawcDspVy0fuTajiHeoOQpKXB0JYLUU3la2wmnAwwM/s1600/black-friday3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFeMK5fvtmCA-WFUSk9YDD5cZpPJHvsHtc3dUbmvRODVB8TQsG4ES7TYYSWwRw1WpLsc8BiR3pFqZNsD4SqvLMOCWIDztlcpZOyCawcDspVy0fuTajiHeoOQpKXB0JYLUU3la2wmnAwwM/s320/black-friday3.jpg" width="320" /></a>I am convinced that this is the heart of the matter- a need to be secure, sure, safe (that over used word), and to fulfill such needs, we have to match it with secure, sure and safe products.<br />
Good morning :) <br />
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</div>Jaya Kesava Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13180714196564613335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138780370932535244.post-22507653157341017952011-10-02T04:17:00.000-05:002011-10-02T04:17:27.485-05:00PUNISHMENT<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">For us who grew up in the west, a deep understanding of sinful activities and its reactions were never quite well explained. God hates sin, we were told, and one who sins goes to eternal damnation, never to be reinstated by divine grace- except if you accept such and such person and such and such path. This is the only way. So a person became hard-hearted very quickly and either (a), rejected the idea of someone so unforgiving, and usually for the silliest of crimes, as in the case of a kid like Aladdin who “gotta steal to live, tell you all about it when he's got the time”,or (b) became so afraid of the notion of eternal suffering that they took to religion like stink on funk; fanatically rejecting their own kinsmen if such people behaved contradictory to the laws of God.</div><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> Yes, I was in category (a), but couldn't reject God completely; funny enough, after studying his very creation, and the nature of beings. How long can you really be angry at someone? How deep was your relationship with that person anyway? So if I could eventually forgive and forget even the worst of crimes, and God couldn't then, forgive me this sin, I have a quality that God doesn't have... .</div><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I can forgive! Regardless of the persons nationality, religious affiliation, etc etc. So then God isn't a big deal. And no need to worry about that person we so much dread. If I can forgive and God can't, or if I have a form, even though illusory as some may claim, and God is formless, or if I, by my own will can have as many children as I want, but God, that oh so great being, can only beget one, and sorry to say, we deserve eternal hell because we killed him; (well not me, but so distant relative 2000 some odd years ago), then again, I one up God in many ways. No need for God then. But people walk around daily in the material atmosphere propounding such ridiculous philosophies of sinners in the hands of an angry God, or God has no form, or we're all made of chemicals, to name a few. Hm.</div><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Yes I am back in India, and can sit from afar and write this, but that's the point- I can sit. And think. </div><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> In the bhakti tradition, God has a different face. A face more acceptable and lovable, not just because the sages needed some being to counteract the above conceptions, but because they have experienced such a personality through deep awareness, action, and full surrender. Srila Prabhupada writes that Krsna wants us more in the spiritual world than we are willing to go back there. God turns no one away. As for relationship, we, us and God, (from now on I'll say Krsna), have a very deep and close relationship; each person on a very individual level. There's something that every being has that only he/she can give to Krsna through loving interactions. And the Spiritual realm is unlimited in space and time, where as the material world is limited, so there is room for every entity in this realm, in that realm. The bhakti scriptures gives us deep information with even deeper realizations from experienced people who have seen that realm and who live in that consciousness.</div><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">In fact the many traditions and divisions of faith are there to help a person gradually rise in consciousness from low material sense gratification to high ever increasing spiritual bliss. No one religious tradition has all the answers, rather, each tradition has codes and answers that people can accept in their time place and circumstance. For example math is math, but 2<sup>nd</sup> grade math can't be taught in the 10<sup>th</sup> grade. So Krsna is Krsna, but not every one can understand his nature fully. So according to time, place and circumstance, Krsna reveals himself differently. Look at the world, there are some people who you wouldn't just freely hang out with; perhaps because of their consciousness, or qualities, etc. Some we would lie intimately with, while others we'll never let close to our bedroom.</div><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> So where does sin fit in? Sin means action that keep us away from understanding our deeper relationship with Krsna. I once saw a sticker which read; “we are not punished for our sins, but by them.” So who's the one doing the punishing? The very person engaged in the sinful act. As <i>you</i> sow, so shall <i>you </i><span style="font-style: normal;">reap. We are so much blinded by the senses that we see no deeper than the mind; if it feels good, do it. So we go on doing what feels good; the example of the camel chewing thorny twigs applies here. The camel loves thorny branches, and so he eats as much as possible, but as he chews, the thorn cuts his tongue and he bleeds. The taste of that blood mixed with twig then seems ever so delicious for him.</span></div><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-style: normal;">So we forget that the reason we inhabit different forms is due to activities in the past that didn't foster desires for deeper self realization, and if we perform similar activities now, self realization will be very difficult work. Each sensual activity creates the need to do </span><i>more</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> sensual activities. Sin 101. </span> </div><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Self realization begins when a person asks the simple, but sublime question. “why am I suffering?”</span></div><br />
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<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-style: normal;">So to wrap up here, from my hideaway in India, real knowledge begins with proper understanding of the self, the supreme self, and our relationship. And acting under the influence of ignorance is the greatest sin, because it keeps us apart from that most amazing personality, Krsna, who is ever inviting us to come and associate with him, tend the cows, play in the dust of Vrindavan, swim in the Yamuna, etc etc. So give Aladdin his bread, he needs it to live, read that book, Bahgavad Gita as it is, and try to apply the knowledge in your life. Until next time....</span></div><br />
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</div></div>Jaya Kesava Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13180714196564613335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138780370932535244.post-89305519633306449702011-06-26T11:35:00.000-05:002011-06-26T11:35:19.336-05:00From a Love of God Perspective.. free write.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">On Farming and stuff...<br />
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<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I overhear and sometimes take part in discussions on the need of developing farm communities so that we can be well sustained in times to come. Mostly the energy in such conversations become tense because most of us don't feel ready to move into that sort of space and change our lifestyles. It takes a lot of work. There's often complaint of it not being practical, or not matching one's nature, or too complicated.</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> Over the last few weeks, as I prepare a seminar on making new devotees, this topic pops up many times. The reason is not just to feed people and give them a nice place to stay in the country away from the cities, but more on the question of quality. Quality breeds quality. The vedic purpose for samskaras is to produce quality people; quality living, and quality development of one's dormant relationship with Krsna. Regardless of how hard it may be, the quality work we put into something will ensure a quality result. </div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFTvr5wPNfSFbrCj_ucgDHMvHfAfvylB6VnptRbZ8_R7s8hSiPJ4sGCNRR6ejLW5Zv_JskKUr-4s3SiiB6MLleUdVK53JVI6oEr52WwPcrlAI_jpc0zMJDNrJz5CAs75gzQuY9FV9ZIBk/s1600/mom-toddler-gardening.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFTvr5wPNfSFbrCj_ucgDHMvHfAfvylB6VnptRbZ8_R7s8hSiPJ4sGCNRR6ejLW5Zv_JskKUr-4s3SiiB6MLleUdVK53JVI6oEr52WwPcrlAI_jpc0zMJDNrJz5CAs75gzQuY9FV9ZIBk/s320/mom-toddler-gardening.jpg" width="241" /></a> Evert parent wants the best for their child, and for that, they insure them, send them to carefully picked schools, scrutinize their association, worry about them, etc etc. Love is something that forces a person to act on a quality platform. I've even heard that Mother Yashoda has a special breed of cows that are fed special grass for producing the best milk which will be churned into butter for Krsna. So if we think of Krsna as our child, and we want to give him the best, knowing well that giving Krsna the best in any situation will mean, ultimately, the best for us, then we should consider farming and cow protection a means for giving the best to Krsna. This requires contemplation; and contemplation on service to Krsna means contemplation on Krsna. So from a love of God perspective we should have farms. We can learn from those who have proper farms, regardless if they happen to be devotees or not. When we begin to express our care for Krsna in this way, I think we can develop deep affection for Krsna, which also means for Krsna's devotees. Would I rather give Krsna, my son in the form of the deity, fresh milk from the cow, or milk bought from the store; tomatoes, potatoes or whatever fruits and vegetables bought with harmful chemicals sprayed on them, or one picked from the garden? And as far as hard work is concerned, would I rather work hard for eternal purposes, or for temporary needs? Remember, Krsna lives in a village, not in a sky scraper town. Wouldn't it be nice if we can prepare ourselves for life there, by practicing here? OK, you live in the city, and according to your psycho-physical nature you cannot live on a farm; I suggest supporting a farm, or those who wish to develop one. After all isn't it a duty thing for those who hold houses? And you can come on weekends to the beautiful farm, get your vegetables, get a peace of mind from the city, and show the example for those who have similar aspirations.</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Not an essay, just a few thoughts in my mind put on paper.</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">One more thing before I go... Our Spiritual Master asked for it. Isn't it said somewhere, someplace, in some verse, that by satisfying the Spiritual Master, one satisfies Krsna? And who does it benefit? Us. No one but us. So basically we are becoming lackadaisical in our own self realization and growth. </div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Oh Oh Oh.. and...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnF2mSkpyw-OALDI7MMfEMx4LucNu5wJgqFRv7G4v4Zvg9NG_Iov_sO7hBZpe-BnhydILlPXRCA0F-eXUFjH3Qe9CRYVCVGaGq_LbhVKI59C4VSCXFxlzJ6CJsCxQFtSSYbfKeQjsa8n4/s1600/n548142138_2838735_3168916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnF2mSkpyw-OALDI7MMfEMx4LucNu5wJgqFRv7G4v4Zvg9NG_Iov_sO7hBZpe-BnhydILlPXRCA0F-eXUFjH3Qe9CRYVCVGaGq_LbhVKI59C4VSCXFxlzJ6CJsCxQFtSSYbfKeQjsa8n4/s320/n548142138_2838735_3168916.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCObJh2EYnEjl1BlouRr8LL9l2bto2Iu9VvGei9syYMr0BQ08fpmIXQLXSg36k4YII3x4_wP_qsVxylSAp2AaPrBl7XG6T_t83no7h8CxAEYlnXYvXnxmbSRPpgS0Jm7Y_RI1z3L9yb8/s1600/n736025978_3316156_2658354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCObJh2EYnEjl1BlouRr8LL9l2bto2Iu9VvGei9syYMr0BQ08fpmIXQLXSg36k4YII3x4_wP_qsVxylSAp2AaPrBl7XG6T_t83no7h8CxAEYlnXYvXnxmbSRPpgS0Jm7Y_RI1z3L9yb8/s320/n736025978_3316156_2658354.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZmGPwwdLShP1YVBeOC407kVANn39ZGQRm2LJYSSoyPKqct7scrzM9AbW-JVMmXSy2gOdLy8ubdkNyYRyEOVeaQ4o0xlmi8bGj2i4BDNsnSlgWXlKbZikT6Btxgrs2OsYyjyMQ8XWADBM/s1600/148383_10150095505572139_548142138_7585810_4951434_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZmGPwwdLShP1YVBeOC407kVANn39ZGQRm2LJYSSoyPKqct7scrzM9AbW-JVMmXSy2gOdLy8ubdkNyYRyEOVeaQ4o0xlmi8bGj2i4BDNsnSlgWXlKbZikT6Btxgrs2OsYyjyMQ8XWADBM/s320/148383_10150095505572139_548142138_7585810_4951434_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">It doesn't have to be some huge thing. Start simple, start small. But start.</div></div>Jaya Kesava Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13180714196564613335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138780370932535244.post-45589392507230189242011-03-31T22:21:00.000-05:002011-03-31T22:21:05.529-05:00PULL<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Yes, PULL! <br />
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That is the feeling I got after I woke up from this evening's nap. I am about to drive a few ungodly hours to the divine ISV (Iskcon Silicon Valley, or Iskcon Sankirtan Village, as I prefer to call it) and get the association of the great souls who live there. Krsna reminds me through that "pull" from within, that the reason for visiting holy places is not to just see the place, but to hear from the sadhus who live there, associate with them, aspire to BE like them; less one still remains a cow or an ass. <br />
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I am pulled from within to BE a devotee of Krsna, and not just go through the emotional joy ride of the "look" of a devotee. You know, that feeling one gets when the dhottis fits just right today, and the chaddar hangs quite well, even as you're dancing in kirtan bliss. I guess it can be applied to saris too, but I wouldn't know much about that in this life time. I did wear a sari for a play, it was worn as a dhotti, and felt quit nice and flowy..... (ok, back to the pull)<br />
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When there is proper hearing in the association of devotees, and especially a point that is made again and again, there just must, at least for me I'll speak, be contemplation. Contemplation must be followed by a resolve, a desire to act! This is where one's romantic love story turns into ________ (insert your super hero of choice) and one is faced with wild adventures.<br />
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The journey within is far more action packed than the hour, or four, depending on if you watched the extended version, of your Lord of the Rings, Harry Porter, or Temple of Doom. That person who looks so effulgent outside is now faced with the dark road inside. Envy, pride, madness, you name it, they're there to greet you! And the king of the castle, that eternal enemy known as Dr. Evil, wrong screenplay, that eternal enemy known as LUST, is there hiding in the very fabric of your existence. When you thought your had him down by tight sadhana, he popped up in the form of the desire from profit, fame and distinction. So day by day you fight. You dicide that " I want to go back to Krsna, and serve him." Serve him? I guess so. So my lofty idea of wanting to be a cowherd boy or a gopi, or Father Yasoda has to be based on service? PHEW... pause....<br />
<br />
Yes, the person I am most envious of and most lusty towards is that person named Krsna, that spy who loves me, that guy who unlike my most beloved wife, son, daughter, friend or whoever, will do anything for me. He'll even sit there with me in the bathroom during my cleaning moments. Actually without his help I wouldn't know what to clean, or where to clean. He even accompanies the worm in that cleansed substance that was just dropped off at the pool; I mean seriously, has your other half fulfilled that part in the "for better or worse" clause?<br />
<br />
So why am I envious of such a person? Because I want to be like him, equal to him, I want to BE him. And all I seem to do over the years, or lifetimes, is to make blunders and show how I'll never be him, because he is One without a Second. <br />
<br />
So with humility and a resolution to free myself from all this dust accumulated for years on end, I decide to go with the pull, to be a devotee, and not just look like one. To sing for Krsna's pleasure, and not to hear myself thinking that I am singing so nicely. To give Krsna to others and step out of the way, less I contiminate them with my own god project, which wouldn't work anyways since they're on a god project journey of their own.<br />
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To finish this rambling, we have embarked on this journey back to sanity, and when Krsna comes in, everyone else, even that lust guy, has to pack up and leave. They all become squatters, and Krsna needs the whole heart, all four chambers, to himself..and you. But like before, he is always there with us at every step. He carries what we lack, and preserves what we have, and he knows how deep we really want to go. He'll take us no further if we don't want it.<br />
<br />
This is Krsna. Wonderful Krsna. <br />
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"O son of Maharaja Nanda (Krsna), I am Your eternal servitor, yet somehow or other I have fallen into the ocean of birth and death. Please pick me up from this ocean of death and place me as one of the atoms at Your lotus feet."</div>Jaya Kesava Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13180714196564613335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138780370932535244.post-16952305215151257062011-03-16T15:14:00.000-05:002011-03-16T15:14:28.148-05:00Intermission<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, Geneva, Times, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"></span><br />
<div class="c" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><a href="http://vedabase.net/c/cetasa" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: white;">cetasā</span></a><span style="color: white;"> </span><a href="http://vedabase.net/s/sarva" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: white;">sarva</span></a><span style="color: white;">-</span><a href="http://vedabase.net/k/karmani" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: white;">karmāṇi</span></a></div><div class="c" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><a href="http://vedabase.net/m/mayi" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: white;"><br />
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<span style="color: white;">cetasā sarva-karmāṇi</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">mayi sannyasya mat-paraḥ</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="color: white;">buddhi-yogam upāśritya</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">mac-cittaḥ satataḿ bhava</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">In all activities just depend upon Me and work always under My protection. In such devotional service, be fully conscious of Me. (Bhagavad-Gita 18:57)</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">Blessings come in disguise, in situations where one might wonder what the h3ll am I doing here, of whats the purpose of all this. I came to a conclusion in my young life that I would like to be a part of a deeper change; a healing change. What's been done's been done, can't change it, but with proper consciousness and action, the future can manifest wonderful things. </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="color: white;">As spiritual beings we are part of a greater whole who has a massive plan for reclaiming our love for him. I've learned to bow my head and say ok a lot lately, as bullets from the material energy fly my way. Tapping into spiritual vibrations means tapping into something bigger, beyond our control and surrender means to sit back and let the driver drive. Easier to write, talk about or think about; when the actual event occurs, theory must be forced into action. Thats the fun part. Sometimes you win, sometimes you fail, sometimes you're meant to just not do anything. </span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">I meet people along the way on my trip and have interactions with them, then I leave hoping they were somehow impacted positively. Whatever my actions are, represent that greater whole- I'm an employee now, so to speak, using my facilities to connect others.</span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: white;">Like Arjuna, when Krsna asks him to just be an instrument in the fight and win glory, since all the warriors had already been put to death by Krsna's time factor. So thats what we are; instruments marching in a common band. Marching back to home. </span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">just some thoughts for the day...</span></a></div></div>Jaya Kesava Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13180714196564613335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138780370932535244.post-64315043581746279932011-01-13T09:45:00.000-06:002011-01-13T09:45:09.565-06:00Questions that Exercise me (us)Integration: The action of incorporating a racial or religious group into a community<br />
The act of combining into an integral whole<br />
<br />
I like the word. I hear it a lot lately. But then two doubts hover me as I envision the total picture, the finished puzzle: 1. Is it the right puzzle piece and right place its being put into?<br />
2. What exchanges occur; is the original piece still an original?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghhPTc7OdYP14vcdqAbjSgAzynHFNVgix81Juue6jAAmrM9DFK9r2iRrR-64ldxDiaw06Qw-Yux8Tq3dEdQxCMh6L5TBDY2a9g8Ru2Hf0XDYz0-nfbNmz_lMd8FimhEvFitlPCXi7zsPo/s1600/News_07_integration_w480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghhPTc7OdYP14vcdqAbjSgAzynHFNVgix81Juue6jAAmrM9DFK9r2iRrR-64ldxDiaw06Qw-Yux8Tq3dEdQxCMh6L5TBDY2a9g8Ru2Hf0XDYz0-nfbNmz_lMd8FimhEvFitlPCXi7zsPo/s320/News_07_integration_w480.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> To gain popularity or more acceptance from the larger society, sometimes the smaller entity has to integrate; open its doors to the public and allow them to participate in functions. This can be good, this can be, not good.<br />
Good if the ones integrating are firmly established in knowledge and assimilation of their own culture. Good when one's faith and practice is not interrupted by the friction, or energies exchanged during integration. Good when there is the "serenity to accept" and be accepted, "courage to change" what should be changed to make the bigger picture shine better, and "wisdom to know" the difference.<br />
Not good when the persons propagating integration aren't firmly situated in their own philosophy and practice, firm personal character that imbibes the knowledge, and have a motive of taking, rather than giving.<br />
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People know when they see something valuable; people want to be a part of something valuable; people want to learn something valuable. Personal culture involves personal exchanges- association is like a crystal and one begins to reflect the qualities and mentality (ies) of his association. Everyone wants to add to, or influence the growth of something. All good ideas and reasons if the newcomer is willing and able to learn the basics, the fundamental principles that hold up the culture.<br />
I often ask myself what am I learning from people, and what am I giving/ teaching people. What things are essential to learn, and what can be done away with? What values do I uphold? What values am I accepting during integration? Is it OK to blend in with everyone else for the sake of acceptance; as in following their traditions although it has nothing to do with a bigger reality? For example: Thanksgiving and Halloween. Fun holidays, but what is their origin? What is the underlying reason for it? So is it OK to make vegan turkeys and celebrate a holiday based in so much killing of innocent people and animals? Especially if I follow a culture that propagates living a non violent life. Or dressing up as ghosts and goblins and other.. skip that. Especially again when I live in a culture that propagates living in the mode of goodness. Am I more elevated in consciousness after participation? Am I lacking cultural festivals to celebrate? <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGIaGMQwVqSrX1VxVn_NmxBj_qY8mfPerIG7U8KlE7HRTYZ0kHWBPJsI6AmRsK7X5YahVUE3Y9PVWzUIeFvIlP1_aL7Jb3XbD2LTTkXEsaqX5m1mg_zM-hjXlcQS1nW7gUoK1hq1ogwM/s1600/re-integration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGIaGMQwVqSrX1VxVn_NmxBj_qY8mfPerIG7U8KlE7HRTYZ0kHWBPJsI6AmRsK7X5YahVUE3Y9PVWzUIeFvIlP1_aL7Jb3XbD2LTTkXEsaqX5m1mg_zM-hjXlcQS1nW7gUoK1hq1ogwM/s320/re-integration.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>These are questions that exercise me as I try to live a wholesome lifestyle in a world where wholesome is practically non existent.Where culture and etiquette is lacking, where power is abused, elderly,women and children are exploited, and animals are killed for enjoyment.<br />
What do I give? What do I take in? Am I walking my own walk truthfully? Is it quantity? Quality?<br />
What is my vision for the future?Jaya Kesava Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13180714196564613335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138780370932535244.post-19608544694678063532010-12-31T10:00:00.000-06:002010-12-31T10:00:16.065-06:00To All my FriendsAnother year. Gone. <br />
I sit and reflect on 2010 and realize that it was a year for growth. A year that began brightly; seeing new horizons, listening to supersoul's cautions and empowerings, learning to step into my own skin. Association of high level devotees was a highlight. I learned that to become a deeper devotee of Krsna would require utter dependence on Krsna and deeper faith in the process of Bhakti yoga. These lessons came with tests. Was I supposed to pass? Fail? What were the passing marks for each test? Temptations to revisit worlds I lived in; disgust with my own self progress- especially after being drawn by causeless mercy to dedicate myself to Krsna's cause; Krsna's agenda. <br />
The sound of an inner voice, an external force saying "wouldn't it be nice if..."<br />
But we walked on knowing one thing- mercy is whats keeping us even standing. Mercy from those we offended, mercy from the Parampara, mercy from Mahaprabhu's loving decision to get us all back to his lotus association. Temptations called. I answered, but the other end of the line was blank- no response. Hello?.... hello? Then after a few minutes I realized, "thanks for not answering."<br />
But with every dark, light follows. Mercy continued to flow. Convictions that dedication to teaching, to becoming an example, dedication to march back to Krsna, convictions deepened as I stared the other allurements right in the face and saw no future in them.<br />
New friends were made. Good friends were made. Friends were lost. I'll understand why next year perhaps.<br />
Trying to be spiritual isn't always filled with rainbows. There are clouds as well; uncertainties that leaves one feeling vulnerable. Vulnerable is good. <br />
Now there's another 365 to look forward to. <br />
"I know not what the future holds<br />
of marvel or surprise<br />
assured alone that life or death<br />
God's mercy underlies"<br />
So 2010 was filled with one underlying thing- MERCY<br />
Mercy is always there, but its certain moments of reflection that help you see that its all mercy.<br />
On this road back home, its all mercy that pushes us along. <br />
To those I've met anew, perhaps we'll each other get to know.<br />
To those I lost, either through mishaps, or death, it hurts. In the bigger picture, you're still there. I see you.<br />
Forgive me my offenses. Please. <br />
And when tomorrow comes, Scream in, Breathe out!<br />
Happy 2011.Jaya Kesava Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13180714196564613335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138780370932535244.post-18410726582885017482010-12-18T08:17:00.000-06:002010-12-18T08:17:53.823-06:00And that was my impressionWhen we first meet people or visit places, especially for a long term stay, the first few days can be a bit rocky, sketchy, uncertain. But as far as I have experienced in my travels, its a hard thing leaving once you've spent time with people.<br />
Newfoundland is perhaps the most amazing place I've visited in a very long time. The Island is far enough removed from the "big city" atmosphere, and therefore the people are still "people." They walk right up to you, make friends, invite you in for tea, drive you if you need to go somewhere, and share everything with you. At least this was my experience. I went to visit one friend, and ended leaving many. As I associated with the open-mindedness of the residents of St. John's, I was relieved to know that somewhere in the western world there was still a place that reminded me of home. As a child I would watch my mother and other neighbors exchange gifts in the form of food, clothing, and other things; and so I thought the whole world did the same. It was not until I came to the place I now live (no name required, to be politically correct), that I first learned about racism, religious differences, etc.<br />
Well the people of Newfoundland do not fit into this category. No. I was at home; making dinners for people I had just met, sending bowl fulls to the next door neighbors, etc. One neighbor, a retired High School teacher and his wife, a high school teacher were just so endearing. Neil (the husband) drove me around the city showing me places he frequented as a young man growing up in St. John's, the school his mother went to, the Basilica of St. John the Baptist, the Battery-a series of houses built on the side of a hill, Signal hill, and other nice places in St. Johns. Kathy had me speak to her class on Sacred writings in the Vedic culture, being a monk, and understanding divinity from different angles. The students were open to hearing, and also asked very intelligent questions.<br />
One student who stole my heart was this young boy who, after I spoke, darted out behind us. When Kathy asked where he was going, he mentioned the bathroom. Neil and I left shortly after. That evening Kathy told me: "Kesava, you wouldn't believe what happened. Remember when I asked that boy where he was going? He went to his locker, but when he returned you had left. He came back with a handful of coins from his locker-- "where did he go?" He asked. They left, I said, and he became very sad. "I brought a donation for the monk." Well, he's not here, so put your donation in the box for the water fund drive. "No, I brought it for the monk, and I'll keep it until I see the monk again. I'm not giving another cent to that fun drive" "<br />
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Very touching. But this is Newfoundland. The people have a lot to teach, or reteach us about human relations.<br />
On my flight back, I meditated on the prayers we say to our Spiritual Master everyday: Obeisances to you,who on Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati's order, are kindly teaching the message of Lord Caitanya to the western world, where the people are enamored with impersonalism and voidism. In other words, without personal relationship, we become lonely, and empty (impersonal and void).<br />
Personal relationship can be cultivated when we give directly to one another instead of saying: " there's food on the table if anyone wants," or " yeah I got this, I don't need help." Personal relationships happen when we give up our fears that other living beings can harm us. No one can harm us. We are spiritual beings. I guess this will be the topic for my next blog...<br />
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One last thing. The Newfoundland adventure happened only due to the desire of one person, my friend Rikin, who lives there. So if one person can be used as a vessel to give Krsna, Imagine what we can all do if we decide to put sometime into giving Krsna to others. Put some time into being used as instruments for Krsna. Put our shopping list down for a second- " God, I want this, that and this, but how can I please you first?"<br />
Rikin's endeavors ki Jay!Jaya Kesava Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13180714196564613335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138780370932535244.post-51994668091245031812010-11-29T16:46:00.000-06:002010-11-29T16:46:41.058-06:00CATCH AND RELEASE, ... with KnowledgeBefore I left Montreal for St John's Newfoundland yesterday morning, the bhaktas put forth a series of questions, one on the topic of dovetailing our attachment in devotional service. What actually is dovetailing? Especially as we would use it as an ISKCON jargon. Devotional service happens on so many levels and each level, leading up to the highest stage of pure love for God, requires a deeper commitment to serving Krsna as Krsna desires.<br />
In the beginning, for accommodating purposes, one may use certain things natural to his/her culture to offer to Krsna as an act of love. So for example, the offering of foods like pizza, or playing musical instruments like guitars might not be the highest form of expressing devotion, but it does stimulate a devotional mood when the devotee offers it up for service to Krsna. The acharyas do inform us of what type of music Krsna likes most, what type of foods, etc etc. Advancement in Krsna consciousness means that a person accepts Krsna as a person, and wants to offer him what pleases him the most. Simplicity, I find always saves the day. {If your love one likes potato and cauliflower subji with sour cream, and you know that every bit of it will disappear once it hits their plate, then making such subji is the safest, and simplest way of expressing love. Now, you may change things up a little and offer beets and artichokes, but there's the risk of not knowing whether it was relished or not. They might let you know-- or not.} <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjyxHpLMTF7zs0WawD5oNqqAVKfS4OD6Cxcu-nW5zjClFk9Ikk8kBgIdWSYtoqbaGTYBVWglO7SEAx7djdRpqROciv-qIpD969cxYBl_wVNT_qlXk07MP_Z9GvXiAkiiy2EGo1unrhdg/s1600/takeyourpills.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjyxHpLMTF7zs0WawD5oNqqAVKfS4OD6Cxcu-nW5zjClFk9Ikk8kBgIdWSYtoqbaGTYBVWglO7SEAx7djdRpqROciv-qIpD969cxYBl_wVNT_qlXk07MP_Z9GvXiAkiiy2EGo1unrhdg/s320/takeyourpills.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>But eventually, we have to give it up. Which brings me to the next part of my thought flow, Newfoundland. I am visiting a friend of mine who is a Doctor, and the concept of dovetailing came up, especially when administering medication to young patients. My mother, and I'm sure yours too, would often dissolve hard to swallow or bitter pills in some kind of juice, just to get us to take them. Why? Because the medicine would heal us. Eventually as we grew up the purpose of the medicine was explained, and when we actually realized how sick we were, we would take the medicine straight.<br />
So we have to find out, or go deep within and see how materially "sick" we are. And from that understanding see how well we want to become. Those who take the first instruction of "you are not this body" seriously, might take more seriously to the process, where as those who come for other reasons, might not.<br />
The underlying principle is being in the know. Of the four types of people who surrender to Krsna, Krsna says He appreciates the one who comes for Knowledge most. He even considers such a person to be like his very self. There is every chance that one who comes for wealth, piety, or solace may leave after they have their wishes fulfilled. But one who comes for knowledge realizes the wealth of knowledge in the books, and ultimately uses that knowledge to transcend the material sphere.<br />
More about St. John's in the next blog... but I should say, the people here are toooo cute! It feels like I just walked into the shire. Every one's completely chilled out, etc etc etc...Jaya Kesava Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13180714196564613335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138780370932535244.post-23692652924303499312010-11-21T18:50:00.001-06:002010-11-21T18:57:40.726-06:00GETTING AN INVITEThe world becomes a bit more interesting each day as we realize that people exist on so many levels and dimensions. Life facilitates as many types and kinds of consciousnesses as there are elements- and then some.<br />
Some like water, go with the flow, others dance around as the wind blows. But the most interesting thing I find lately is that everyone has a place. Or as one monk told me a few years ago, water rises to its own level.<br />
<br />
So then how does one know his level? From religious points of view, the principle of humility advices to keep your head low until a helping hand reaches out to you. Some say you'll naturally flow to your circle. Others say its written in the stars.<br />
As a monk I try to find my place in a special circle (doesn't monastic life come with its own circle?), but even around here, circles create. I find that I don't fit anywhere, but flow everywhere, hoping to take the essence of our culture from great ones, and give it as well to others.<br />
But as I go on, I also find that its not easy to just walk into other people's world; they have to let you in. I had the fortune of being let into a very high circle of monks earlier this year, and as I reflect on the quality of association, the culture and the type of discussion, I realize that its a long way to go, but the fruit is very sweet.<br />
My experience was like a person walking through a mall food court and getting samples of various foodstuff sold there. Well, I really liked this dish, but am very poor to afford it.<br />
As I listened to a lecture today by a monk who passed away some years ago, he mentioned something that re-awakened my question, and also gave me an answer that is the key for being allowed again and again into any circle. He said<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 14px;">, "we cannot enter into higher circles unless we are invited in by members of that circle,after they have observed and seen that we can add to or enhance the quality of that circle." And then came an amazing answer too: " and the way to remain in their favor is to have an attitude of gratitude."</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 14px;">There are people with deep spiritual culture who want to pass it on as they prepare to move to the next realm, and all we really need to receive their gifts is a little attitude adjustment...</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 14px;">No one goes back to the Spiritual Sky without being invited back by one of the residents there. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNXgikRvz6_qyyzu5kM3kjgGjMusH9g5FTf9l2hfuslsZi78BFhRgprZoWFlXGUxCiM5CrRg5PyQ8Us9iC7Ia0ILsps_AtXrtTawlEqcWtJSAACUerOtMJvSkvcDVxMLqSXl1gMQVl8M8/s1600/CT13-196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNXgikRvz6_qyyzu5kM3kjgGjMusH9g5FTf9l2hfuslsZi78BFhRgprZoWFlXGUxCiM5CrRg5PyQ8Us9iC7Ia0ILsps_AtXrtTawlEqcWtJSAACUerOtMJvSkvcDVxMLqSXl1gMQVl8M8/s320/CT13-196.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 14px;">I can say, with some conviction, that the legacy Krsna talks about in Bhagavad-gita when he tells Arjuna that " this knowledge was received through a chain of disciplic succession...", is one of simply having the attitude that I am supposed to preserve this legacy for the next person, absorb it within myself, perfect my life, and pass it on to another person unspoiled. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 14px;">Or as Srila Prabhupada writes, " the intelligent disciple take what the Spiritual Master gives him as sufficient for his spiritual life..."</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 14px;">Such a culture of just taking the essence, I find, in a world where we practically detest being simple, is the hardest pill to swallow.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 14px;">that's that for now :)</span></span>Jaya Kesava Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13180714196564613335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138780370932535244.post-27777120575513373612010-10-03T16:55:00.000-05:002010-10-03T16:55:36.489-05:00Simply contemplate, contemplate.For the last few weeks I've been opening up to questions about the civil war in my country and using some memories as tools to help the listener understand how philosophy isn't about hypothetical situations. I sometimes have to take myself back to age eleven and see things from that point of view as well. Today I sat with my mind as it drilled this question into me: " are you telling this story for recognition? Sympathy? What is the actual reason?<br />
<div>As the mental interrogation continued, clarity found its way to the forefront- because it has become real to me. As an eleven year old, the civil war in Liberia was no more than a Rambo war movie happening in my yard and around the country. As a thirty one year old, when I speak of the war, it flows with Krsna's teachings in the Gita about Divine and Demoniac natures. </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-o6fnLLicmCdG9TKICh3Md20zgOuoezX2h3LBkr_PwnF6W7RV5PQvD1hQjWEa1AV46UDh4Fjnb5csatrSM60GvYjwR5XepH_mjfnaqlkuaGKynWCNlbLgaor8zlqO761HYCJYkiEZ6Sk/s1600/cole_liberia_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-o6fnLLicmCdG9TKICh3Md20zgOuoezX2h3LBkr_PwnF6W7RV5PQvD1hQjWEa1AV46UDh4Fjnb5csatrSM60GvYjwR5XepH_mjfnaqlkuaGKynWCNlbLgaor8zlqO761HYCJYkiEZ6Sk/s320/cole_liberia_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Of course as a kid there were some real moments of seeing death and dying and the other things that come with war, and those things made me think of why the war would happen. Didn't the leaders go to church also? Why were they fighting then? As the pages of the 16th chapter of the Gita read on, a clear understanding of people came to mind. Something else that struck was that if I don't contemplate this philosophy each day, that demonic mentality of exploiting for my senses would also poke its ugly head through my not so strong spiritual fort- and destroy it. After all in this age, the mentality of demon and demigod live in the same body, and the one we feed most becomes the leader.</div><br />
<div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikTNJjnDOZ115yAFnZ7axMkP75QiIStu-HizWfw5suJ5eWFOGkupF48iO_krq3Y2NnbZTzBX3Kkni0ZuTXekpCrMI_tk7TF6XLhYXY5FHP6VapmRO-50Uml-Ru63RTPa0h_vds1KSPaTQ/s1600/GreenBird350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikTNJjnDOZ115yAFnZ7axMkP75QiIStu-HizWfw5suJ5eWFOGkupF48iO_krq3Y2NnbZTzBX3Kkni0ZuTXekpCrMI_tk7TF6XLhYXY5FHP6VapmRO-50Uml-Ru63RTPa0h_vds1KSPaTQ/s320/GreenBird350.jpg" width="253" /></a></div><div>Srila Prabhupada's books gives us a glimpse of spiritual nature (as well as the full picture), if we contemplate what we read. His simple explanation of the green bird in the green tree to explain individuality over impersonalism, or a young bird maturing and using its wings to fly out of the nest of material comforts, are a few examples that show us day to day exercises that can free us from the illusory energy.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Best example of all is the cleansing of the mirror of the mind, and the constant sincere chanting of Krsna's names as "windex" leaning product. Again, if we simply contemplate, we can understand our position in the material cloudy atmosphere. No sane person, after reading such words like "dukhalayam asasvatam" and contemplating it just a little bit, would want to make a permanent position of this world. And this mantra is our way out!</div><div>So the mercy has been given and the verses have been read, and now let us all dive a little deeper and try to develop a bit of a higher taste, and give up gradually the lap of illusion we've slept in so long....</div><div><br />
</div><div>Good day :)</div>Jaya Kesava Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13180714196564613335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138780370932535244.post-19831759252316987122010-07-20T16:10:00.000-05:002010-07-20T16:10:35.045-05:00CRAWL. . . STAND . . WALK. . . RUN. . FLY (Spirituality for Valley People)As nature would have it, every important thing in life happens in stages. Unless somewhat handicapped, progress is so natural that we often overlook it (well we seem to over look every natural thing), but by careful observation we can grow both Materially and Spiritually. This light came on a bit earlier today as I took in my daily dose of "The Nectar of Instruction".<br />
I usually do a quick quiz or recap of what I read previously and then perhaps read something again that might have made an impression. In this book, I realize, Srila Prabhupada is giving us a practical guide to a healthy Spiritual life. Here's how I explained it to myself today:<br />
<br />
<i style="color: yellow;">(Conversation with my inner child) (I only teach him, never listen to him, although there were times I wish I had)</i><br />
Ok, so you're stuck in ignorance, which means your existence is on the animal level- eating, sleeping, mating, fearing. But you inhabit a human form. So in order to get full benefit of that human form, you have to find out what humans do/ are supposed to do beyond those basics. When you come across a book like nectar of instruction, you've come across a guide that teaches you how to crawl comfortably, then stand,then walk then run- all in good company.<br />
Everyone wants to be spiritual, which is the best thing to do in this material realm. But often we try to knock on the heavens door without an invitation to the party. So we meditate, pray, eat vegan food, do hot yoga, shop at that sensual yoga store, sleep in a scented oil room, and walk around with that look on our faces that says "hey, I'm spiritual, you too? Cool, lets hang out!" And the mind goes along with it because it feels good. Feels good, do it. And we live like this for years and eons, body after body, and no deeper understanding of the self. Except that "I'm spiritual, not religious".<br />
So Rupa Goswami welcomes us anyway, and gives us hints on how to go deeper, to a more internal realm. "OK, you're spiritual, but your spiritaul- ness can be like more like awesome if you learn how to like control these few urges like the tongue, your mind, anger urge, you know, stuff like that." Then he tells us what cool things to do, and what not to do " like OK, so, keep it simple, don't eat too much (watch your spiritual figure), don't collect too much stuff ( like NYC and minimalism), only talk abou tlike cool spiritual stuff. Better to hang out with like cool spiritual people, but don't get too cultish and not know why you're like, doing spiritual stuff right?.<br />
But " use your cheerleader skills, be enthusiastic, you're on the best team, play the game steadily, don't hang with the visiting team, watch videos of the previous players and you'll totally be spiritual. Totally!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1HqUoM7ojnvi55iGEY4SA2Wih1nUoc_KkISfYp8kWOFTxgTkAhnU4G1d_HM3jl6MuXGNTdd1J7o51_lKEFMkY_e4A-zTo-wOy64Khe9EG54gGimvDLO84A0dpuT5gr-BTcI-rIbt24yo/s1600/evolution.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1HqUoM7ojnvi55iGEY4SA2Wih1nUoc_KkISfYp8kWOFTxgTkAhnU4G1d_HM3jl6MuXGNTdd1J7o51_lKEFMkY_e4A-zTo-wOy64Khe9EG54gGimvDLO84A0dpuT5gr-BTcI-rIbt24yo/s320/evolution.jpg" /></a></div>By now you should be standing, and ready to walk to where he's gonna introduce you to other spiritual people and tell you how to act and be cool around them. Its called, in grown up terms, culture. Then he shows you different levels of spiritaul people and then tells you not to feel weird if all the other spiritual people don't look as cool as you. They're special and you could get kicked out of the spiritual camp for disrespecting them. When you get this all down, then, he tells you about Spirituality.<br />
At which point you're hopefully not a Valley child anymore but have blossomed, or are showing symptoms of blossoming into a full on spiritual person who other spiritual people can take anywhere with them.<br />
In their association you begin to discuss spiritual topics, and develop a desire to go and see the spiritual world.<br />
" Unfortunately", my inner one replied, " I understand, but to actually do it is not so easy. Sounds nice, but not so easy."<br />
"Well", I say, " if at first you don't succeed, get back on your knees, crawl a little bit, then stand again, then take baby steps and avoid tripping over things that made you fall the last time :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitmHK5Lg0BVQhioyQ1WMOpECgNajkPYGxbolYfxWy_LEHJt1x2QOiZbpD0FOWAuQh3B_zET3jW-3r6xFP0CBXRpcP9b_tXN6BLE7BcN0kG7trIUYb8wt1MUQ9DqTePQ_HlxdJPNqZUQ8o/s1600/3673770826_6da9542836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitmHK5Lg0BVQhioyQ1WMOpECgNajkPYGxbolYfxWy_LEHJt1x2QOiZbpD0FOWAuQh3B_zET3jW-3r6xFP0CBXRpcP9b_tXN6BLE7BcN0kG7trIUYb8wt1MUQ9DqTePQ_HlxdJPNqZUQ8o/s320/3673770826_6da9542836.jpg" /></a></div>Session's OverJaya Kesava Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13180714196564613335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138780370932535244.post-78897507816771247262010-07-17T08:38:00.000-05:002010-07-17T08:38:52.315-05:00Aindra Prabhu<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWd8vqrUlXbjVhhM2TL6oNIHnbylFY_ytAyI0PCxu3CJWR-rk8g5HRCAfamuUxCNx81wQLgih1wD0_tvT8r6IYxhXbR2q2w9WuR9MDVD-rgoeVxHXzkqvVo6zJoNelo0zsZVUcK0_npqk/s1600/aindra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWd8vqrUlXbjVhhM2TL6oNIHnbylFY_ytAyI0PCxu3CJWR-rk8g5HRCAfamuUxCNx81wQLgih1wD0_tvT8r6IYxhXbR2q2w9WuR9MDVD-rgoeVxHXzkqvVo6zJoNelo0zsZVUcK0_npqk/s400/aindra.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Dear Aindra Prabhu,<br />
Please Accept My Most Humble Obeisances<br />
All Glories To Srila Prabhupada<br />
<br />
Today I feel empty, no emotions, just numb. But tears are flowing, so I guess a Vaisnava like yourself can penetrate deep- to the soul. I feel like the music died. But Kirtan is forever.<br />
Whenever I arrive in Vrindavan, there are a few things that help me place my foot firmly on the soil of the holy dahm:<br />
1. I take a nap and always wake up to the Vrindavan breeze, I go outside and look at the neem trees and monkeys and parrots.<br />
2. I go to the temple and see Srila Prabhupada, Krishna and Balaram, Radhe Syam and Sri Sri Goura Nitai.<br />
3. I wait for that moment when, as you sing, you look up at me standing there and then you nod your head with a welcome to Vrindavan gesture and smile.<br />
4. I go to bed gratefully, having fufilled all my required entry rituals :)<br />
Who can replace your friendly nod and smile?<br />
My ritual is broken. Who will I bring honey from America for now, who can I suggest to others to bring honey for?<br />
Today I feel empty.<br />
<br />
your servant<br />
Jaya Kesava dasJaya Kesava Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13180714196564613335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138780370932535244.post-54180575239076591222010-07-06T09:52:00.000-05:002010-07-06T09:52:44.251-05:00What a Wonderful WorldWe took a morning walk along Lake Ontario and these were some thoughts running through my head... <br />
<br />
I like beaches, fresh ocean, well, lake air, Wine Bottle from a dark nights rendezvous, McDonald's bags, 1, 2 few, many- all over. Cigarette butts, tissues, newspapers, coffee cups, other things monks shouldn't mention by name, etc. <br />
"This is a place of Pilgrimage you know, Srila Prabhupada walked here in the Summer of 75 when he visited Toronto."<br />
How advanced we've become, few years later. If the Mayans, or the Aryans do come back, what would they think of us? We've redefined ruins. Back then, they left ruins we still flock to see today.<br />
But why, I ask myself? Why?<br />
Well, my self started to say, we've done it to ourselves. We've created a culture of packaging; no matter how significant or insignificant the product, just package it nicely and you'll make money :) :) :)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO2p6S3QmasK9Bm0DuoIXYNbABnzzgwSqUWV3wbJ558wBJDJAlKx5w8T4Uc_mDYBvU9juK3MbB2x-CQkZ91uA_HwKgY75nPFaxR8DAuH6EJyssjp_RkXAL3RcA0wU9cR6KI4ZyYqL0FhU/s1600/dirty+pasir+ris_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO2p6S3QmasK9Bm0DuoIXYNbABnzzgwSqUWV3wbJ558wBJDJAlKx5w8T4Uc_mDYBvU9juK3MbB2x-CQkZ91uA_HwKgY75nPFaxR8DAuH6EJyssjp_RkXAL3RcA0wU9cR6KI4ZyYqL0FhU/s400/dirty+pasir+ris_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg" width="307" /></a>But I promise you you won't be satisfied with the 3.0 version, so I'll make you a 3.1 version next season. And the package, throw it away- wherever. Caution, its hot, take it for a nice walk along the ocean shore; and when you're done, just throw it somewhere, the Government will clean it up.<br />
So we go on day after day enjoying what we think might be the best drink, smoke, night of our lives, and when we're through, still lacking inner satisfaction, throw the package down.<br />
'Xcuse me sir, I a monk-- " aw shut it, we don't wanna hear that God crap. We want equal rights for everone"<br />
Well, then how about that seagull? you just dropped your cig butt and he thought it was food, so he just dove and chucked it right in. Oh, and that bag you just threw out after emptying your evening snack number 15 carried a nice scent with it, so the cow came and at the bag. Yup. Ate the bag. Now the doctors say lots of cows in Krsna's holy land are suffering from junk, like plastic bags and cups in their stomachs. Sounds cuddly.<br />
<br />
But what if you did stop for a minute and looked around and see whats going down? What if you could live more peacefully without all the noise? Maybe in your own little house on the prairie and not in your pigeon hole apartment in the city? How bout that?<br />
<br />
So yah, as I walked this morning, my alter ego, super monk wanted to burst out and smash everything and everyone, but deeper inside me is a place that still needs cleaning too, so I'll just keep working on me, working on you working on we :)Jaya Kesava Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13180714196564613335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138780370932535244.post-38268089463866004362010-07-01T10:28:00.000-05:002010-07-01T10:28:48.227-05:00GUTSAnother day in my internal little world.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnXWrweMJmelcKGUJa_p9OgFSaCwHrcZpgV4KBRZr7RP0vyglTIM1Ljb-HCxn_Ihv5FRqUgbQ8cfIcETv6HNB38Nuwtdrd3HeyR4jz53PLIWHTBzi7Spku4sEmBHKtK3sZurDq5zcIkY/s1600/animal_philosophy_69075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnXWrweMJmelcKGUJa_p9OgFSaCwHrcZpgV4KBRZr7RP0vyglTIM1Ljb-HCxn_Ihv5FRqUgbQ8cfIcETv6HNB38Nuwtdrd3HeyR4jz53PLIWHTBzi7Spku4sEmBHKtK3sZurDq5zcIkY/s320/animal_philosophy_69075.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Today I contemplate the phrase "being convinced that Krsna is there"<br />
Really, that's quite embarrassing for a spirit soul. I mean have we really dug that deep into illusion to now have to ask ourselves does God exist? And then write big big books and articles on it? Especially when you write a book that tells people, go find the answers for yourself, don't listen to anyone but your inner instinct or inner child. Then the first class "idiom", so as not to use the other word, tells you, well this book I read said that you shouldn't listen to anyone and you should go find things out yourself.... contradiction bells ring for me.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlziA2NCHe0jCYsldGnAmlurEkqPGVHUknLNfLF0IAtujYVzKU7uZK5uMkfe5Ro66XotZPzOpixGGDaKyDtU-aJUb97VmA0VMNJumKU2jo_G2weXF04-ZxBQhBtyj5t1FUypY4jYaKH8/s1600/think_for_yourself_127525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlziA2NCHe0jCYsldGnAmlurEkqPGVHUknLNfLF0IAtujYVzKU7uZK5uMkfe5Ro66XotZPzOpixGGDaKyDtU-aJUb97VmA0VMNJumKU2jo_G2weXF04-ZxBQhBtyj5t1FUypY4jYaKH8/s320/think_for_yourself_127525.jpg" /></a>You get the picture, don't listen to any one, but listen to me- its called blind leading the blind and you know they're gonna fall into a ditch.<br />
<br />
Knowledge comes through an authoritative system, and when applied according to the instructions and culture that system provides, I guarantee you a result; or at least a glimpse of one. Still don't get it, ok- a doctor learns medicine from another doctor, not a lawyer, a mice learns to flee cats and other creatures by watching its parents flee cats and other creatures. So in this world, every species of life learns to carry on a culture by learning from higher authorities. Except God realization- that you have to do yourself, by reading my self help book for only $24.99 wherein I tell you not to listen to me; but too late, you can't get your full money back, so join the cheater race by selling that book to a used book store or at a yard sale.<br />
If a person has a fever, how does he know the pill he just took worked? Well, he followed the label that said take two with water, and after sometime he feels a normal temperature. Or if he's over zealous, and wants to get well immediately, he takes six or ten,which then puts him in another state known as high.<br />
Ok, back to does God exist or not.....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrKPzqqDuw-A0bhMLbEEF8IeqieR9mCSuMJQYvaaJGMO81o8k3qGYii2EQ45B7vlpBgymXOKR0ymAhTJUI8FL2Wdv2m4Zz38h_M9WPxowEUMlo310IKct-EL4x2jafSm3BTN2v84XTes/s1600/garagesale9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrKPzqqDuw-A0bhMLbEEF8IeqieR9mCSuMJQYvaaJGMO81o8k3qGYii2EQ45B7vlpBgymXOKR0ymAhTJUI8FL2Wdv2m4Zz38h_M9WPxowEUMlo310IKct-EL4x2jafSm3BTN2v84XTes/s320/garagesale9.jpg" /></a>Well, there's a book written by some guy these Hares claim to be an incarnation of God, it has instrucitons on how to understand God, and stay on the platform so that even when you're having the worse or hair days, you're not moved from the truth. Which means the truth must be something you're experiencing, not something you're fantasizing about. Yes bad hair days can be quite draining emotionally and you fell like Rumpelstiltskin instead of prince charming. But you know there's always a comb, a brush or a buzzer somewhere to fix it.<br />
So am I convinced that Krsna is there?<br />
Wouldn't you like to know. Come traveling and giving out this knowledge and see some incidences. Then we'll compare notes.<br />
(thats as far as I got in my mental class today :) )Jaya Kesava Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13180714196564613335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138780370932535244.post-45708942205938578552010-06-26T13:22:00.000-05:002010-06-26T13:22:54.700-05:00YOU CHOSE IT, USE ITI've been listening to various lectures on the intricacies of Karma and examining, various scenarios, personalities and situations and trying to understand the Karma concept better. A simple and sublime explanation I heard is as follows:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0N3-YFzc_24XvwAR2qTbitJIsgo9D-IEKla-jwrm0f9UyjGX514hpgOeO8tpVygzYDU73PwWLZPHDFnRTiPr24Hm5u7YVaESI1UQpIKRojnJlZrI0nyXDW8OgPnWxP3A5TNgfefIKPI/s1600/KB_friends_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0N3-YFzc_24XvwAR2qTbitJIsgo9D-IEKla-jwrm0f9UyjGX514hpgOeO8tpVygzYDU73PwWLZPHDFnRTiPr24Hm5u7YVaESI1UQpIKRojnJlZrI0nyXDW8OgPnWxP3A5TNgfefIKPI/s640/KB_friends_large.jpg" width="470" /></a></div> A person works at a company from Monday to Friday, and each day he drives to work, stops at the gas station, goes for lunch, buys something- gift or groceries, and spends money in other ways. Now, the money he's spending this week for all these necessities aren't a result of this weeks work; he's spending last week's paycheck. And according to the amount and quality of work he does this week, he'll be able to spend in the future. So whatever we have in this life is a result of past actions, and what we do now will determine our future enjoyment of suffering. (Karma in a nutshell, but more intricate as well)<br />
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Yesterday, the 25th of June was the 1 year anniversary of Michael Jackson's death and I couldn't help but ponder what Karma he had and how he used it. How many songs did he sing that poked your ego where you tried to protect it (man in the mirror, black or white, Human Nature...). In my opinion, I give the guy an A plus. When I look at celebrated people, especially those who are at the top of their game, I become intrigued as well as inspired as a monk to be a better representative of the order I serve in. I mean, someone like Michael could put on a show! I remember watching a few of his concerts where people are carried out on stretchers, or others crying and screaming and totally beside themselves. So what distinguishes such a performer from others? I figure it's not just the skill, but the emotion, the mood, the feeling that goes with the performance. I'm sure we all have a singer or actor we like because of the mood they bring to the screen (Johnny Depp, opening scene, Pirates : Curse of the Black Pearl). So these people in a previous life worked to get where they are, and how they use that talent gets them to another good round in the next life. Even better is if they have some pious activity or cultivation about them.<br />
I could write lots on Celebrities and their umph they add to their work, but how does that Apply to a monk? Or anyone who looks at life through a more spiritual mirror? Well, I see many who just stay on the sidewalk of spiritual culture, neither walking on the green grass of eternal culture, nor walking on the concrete streets of the material world. As a monk I tell myself to be more bold each day; suck out the meaning of spirituality, let the energy flow for others to experience also. Krsna culture is a deep culture with more and more to see the more you delve into the rich Literatures and culture given by our predecessors. As Krsna himself says, as one surrenders to him, he rewards them accordingly. So its up to us; we can all take a look into our "abilities and qualities" closets and see how to use each gift we have. When we use those gifts for Krsna, or put in a deeper feeling for those gifts as we use them for Krsna, the benefit is that we get closer to Krsna.<br />
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To conclude before I start to ramble more, All Spiritual and material worlds emanate from Krsna; the natures we have acquired and the ability to do what we do comes from Krsna. So for one who desires to enjoy in this world, worship Krsna. For one who desires to become free from the entanglements of this world, worship Krsna. Of course I must add that if a rich man told you he's give you whatever you asked for, and you only asked for some supply of bread, then you're pretty.... um,..... Pretty, but not so bright :) <br />
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Jaya Kesava Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13180714196564613335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138780370932535244.post-14562074758812700562010-06-15T08:53:00.000-05:002010-06-15T08:53:56.089-05:00Child, GOD,simple<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqUvJFulnEjGibON_eZ-RCseN85PSwevAaCbBat7a5yTI9Iq0Wjhb_TwVn2OphANQA50j_Nh4JPTCJXQ_hfonYQLK2wnoEds_YK-beMKGbIp7a2rPdijJN2O7KpNJ18db8x6Ne2XcdR8Q/s1600/Govardhana+n+puja+159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqUvJFulnEjGibON_eZ-RCseN85PSwevAaCbBat7a5yTI9Iq0Wjhb_TwVn2OphANQA50j_Nh4JPTCJXQ_hfonYQLK2wnoEds_YK-beMKGbIp7a2rPdijJN2O7KpNJ18db8x6Ne2XcdR8Q/s320/Govardhana+n+puja+159.JPG" /></a></div>Inspired by a few devotees who do some power walking- HH Bhakti Marg Swami walking worldwide, or Vaisesika Prabhu walking around Govardhan in Kartik, etc etc, I've been walking an exploring Toronto a bit more lately.<br />
On Sunday Morning the cutest scene occurred that made my japa a bit more conscious. While passing the rail system tracks there was this lady watching her two year old stand close to the wire fence as he waited for the train to pass. As it did, he kinda did this funny little dance move in excitement. It was heart warming and also reminded me of how the gopis would sometimes gather around little Krsna and sing to him. Krsna would then move his little feet rhythmically and clap to the music.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZ7KHBvrwa3roworI1Kcf1vo6D85Ash8hib58XwrF2Nrq7rRfKbbV1duZPKj6CFlj_fmUeQBwz8cqwYK813CQ_JW4nK1b74co8BqUVNuJkDZgcHlYkGWzwbKoN1UhVzsIib_sztPFCDI/s1600/IMG_3629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZ7KHBvrwa3roworI1Kcf1vo6D85Ash8hib58XwrF2Nrq7rRfKbbV1duZPKj6CFlj_fmUeQBwz8cqwYK813CQ_JW4nK1b74co8BqUVNuJkDZgcHlYkGWzwbKoN1UhVzsIib_sztPFCDI/s320/IMG_3629.JPG" /></a></div>On another walk, this boy about five years old remarked to his mom after passing me, " he's the most different out here, he's cool". His mom then tells him " he looks like a monk I think".<br />
Dina Bhandu Prabhu explained on a tour through Vrindavan that Krsna would take notice of everything, and ask Nanda Maharaj or Mother Yasoda what it was. Krsna would ask, " mother, what type of tree is this? The leaves have tails." "It's a peeple tree", mother Yasoda would respond.<br />
The material world is a realm where as we grow under the influence of time we become "adult"erated by the need to compete, lord it over or defend. The inhibition, and sense of wonder and marvel we displayed in childhood become covered by familiarity and contempt.We become obsessed with original sin, and forget original innocence.<br />
As we learn about Krsna, and watch his devotees interact, a hope reawakens that one can grow up and not become adulterated; that one can marvel at the cosmic manifestation knowing that standing right behind or beside him is Krsna, the eternal father, friend, master, child or lover.<br />
Ok, now walk time,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0B9sHcmRhRKodAnCf2FuOWf6mRb_a64mWeeCYFChWo8AgfMT1vNvusHwOlAwwpioiR_dZ1wYIGbKbdyNnpK9iXN4abkufWZY2n9fNvAO_Twd28SvHBMdZVhshGa4xhQslghKFWSfu8Xc/s1600/IMG_3575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0B9sHcmRhRKodAnCf2FuOWf6mRb_a64mWeeCYFChWo8AgfMT1vNvusHwOlAwwpioiR_dZ1wYIGbKbdyNnpK9iXN4abkufWZY2n9fNvAO_Twd28SvHBMdZVhshGa4xhQslghKFWSfu8Xc/s320/IMG_3575.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUaQlXqEcn6dWMPsjpSDTajHJPKOnnzLsefi_-ZV20ES_QNCcg2xPul5Y0JVQ7O0xD-AHCiSkb5Z7OzC1wIwAhSGCxcMLjJKwz3DAtI39CJiZCOJ6Kz09wFKk7d6rgOICBKJBzaz51Wpk/s1600/funny-kids-funny-wallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUaQlXqEcn6dWMPsjpSDTajHJPKOnnzLsefi_-ZV20ES_QNCcg2xPul5Y0JVQ7O0xD-AHCiSkb5Z7OzC1wIwAhSGCxcMLjJKwz3DAtI39CJiZCOJ6Kz09wFKk7d6rgOICBKJBzaz51Wpk/s320/funny-kids-funny-wallpaper.jpg" /></a></div>lets see whats out there!Jaya Kesava Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13180714196564613335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138780370932535244.post-60526202395736213352010-06-10T05:08:00.000-05:002010-06-10T05:08:44.428-05:00LONG BREAK.... But I'm still here.<br />
Actually sometimes there's writers block; I'm no writer but I write on here for purification. Some realizations lately:<br />
Its hard to delete a Facebook account, an illusion within the illusion. We're that stuck in here. Imagine deleting our material desires account; the desire for honor one, the self loathing one, the etc etc one.<br />
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Association of like minded people is a must. Association of not so like minded people will lead to unfavorable circumstances. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRrAGrnRo5V5_owvGV7v7sNouDtmnea0huIM1lvtgd7Vd2kT2o5bOEjg8UuYEh6r9IKZZATyuG7jDQSiB72jANKZLXUZd0Tk8YePwoulAft0rcZ71QKXsiEqihOzDiqX72VpnuaItc5yY/s1600/IMG_3575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRrAGrnRo5V5_owvGV7v7sNouDtmnea0huIM1lvtgd7Vd2kT2o5bOEjg8UuYEh6r9IKZZATyuG7jDQSiB72jANKZLXUZd0Tk8YePwoulAft0rcZ71QKXsiEqihOzDiqX72VpnuaItc5yY/s320/IMG_3575.JPG" /></a><br />
When Srila Prabhupada says that Krsna wants us back in the Spiritual World more than we want to get back there, he means just that.<br />
<br />
There's a time for love, a time for healing, we can't go back and undo whats been done. But we still have a movement to move, and fear of making more mistakes shouldn't stop us from moving- remember Krsna is also there- more there when we can't see how he is.<br />
<br />
It's all downhill from here.<br />
<br />
All the stuff in the newspapers and television was there before, in different dress. And when this era is over, it'll have another change of clothes and return for another performance.<br />
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Srila Prabhupada is trying to teach us something, but we're made up of rebel cells- do exactly the opposite of what will help you and then put a philosophy behind you.<br />
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Lord Caitanya's moon is high in the sky- reach out and touch faith.<br />
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If all else fails, chant Hare Krsna; that shouldn't fail. If that fails, eat tons of prasadam.<br />
This process is so strong that once having begun, one is forcibly dragged to ultimate success, kicking and screaming.<br />
Until we hit love of Krsna, we should be cautious of every time, place, and circumstance.<br />
<br />
Give this one lifetime to Krsna, tell the mind to beat it, eat it, stuff it :) and if you lose your mind in the process, GOOD!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCYwRC_zxk9cqgSVUozdgNUxuhbICT4qbVfU9agrqsmBOJOlkmVEXILLkWLxLWhyphenhyphenxI63aXmszgFMCle6HhIRYvuFmLIjN5xQilyrzjsW53g5F2ARVZ4cP-O0lVWGusZ94_WTR8w_VS7n0/s1600/Stranger+in+Moscow+270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCYwRC_zxk9cqgSVUozdgNUxuhbICT4qbVfU9agrqsmBOJOlkmVEXILLkWLxLWhyphenhyphenxI63aXmszgFMCle6HhIRYvuFmLIjN5xQilyrzjsW53g5F2ARVZ4cP-O0lVWGusZ94_WTR8w_VS7n0/s320/Stranger+in+Moscow+270.JPG" /></a></div>Just some ramblings... do not try any of this at home. Its just a blogJaya Kesava Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13180714196564613335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138780370932535244.post-1653929073153630972010-02-19T10:11:00.000-06:002010-02-19T10:11:34.487-06:00KENYA EAGER EYES<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh83EAzPMMgMKR_LOtLg6qKXhXi6fuV5eHyFp4RcTG12ygSxTkcV6VNneB0CJhtRYs_9HhyTucUP3y_-1qliC8bJSD01pAmD2kyt2ZNVkbStBpuGKQrfWRe3Pw391xJHp9yA_U8CcqBStg/s1600-h/IMG_5952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh83EAzPMMgMKR_LOtLg6qKXhXi6fuV5eHyFp4RcTG12ygSxTkcV6VNneB0CJhtRYs_9HhyTucUP3y_-1qliC8bJSD01pAmD2kyt2ZNVkbStBpuGKQrfWRe3Pw391xJHp9yA_U8CcqBStg/s320/IMG_5952.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfKZhWDj0qeREEIW2rVc_OFzumK3K8lCy6gk_IAOjN3DniTJu-8IpnC2yrVBxJrWn_fbqRxBcNUmLg81Rla8QxRSiQjXlVeO8sMyK8lOzWWWHNHBI-bFZJtIy2WbD1t9CXrfUc7eaMxo/s1600-h/IMG_6170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfKZhWDj0qeREEIW2rVc_OFzumK3K8lCy6gk_IAOjN3DniTJu-8IpnC2yrVBxJrWn_fbqRxBcNUmLg81Rla8QxRSiQjXlVeO8sMyK8lOzWWWHNHBI-bFZJtIy2WbD1t9CXrfUc7eaMxo/s320/IMG_6170.JPG" /></a>Our six hour flight from Mumbai was quite an easy one and Jet lag was practically nonexistent. After 16 years I was back in Africa, this time with a mission and a vision. Although I had never been to Kenya certain scenes are similar- the marketplace, the colorful dress etc etc. Nairobi is a full blown city and our temple is smack in the middle of it with various programs for teaching Krsna consciousness. Many locals came to our Saturday programs and the gathering stayed alive with amazing questions from the students. Getting my visa to South Africa occupied a lot of my time and so I didn't get to explore as I wanted to. I especially hoped to visit Masai communities. They are known as the most intelligent tribe of people in Africa. Next time maybe. Four days later we flew to Kisumu to visit our other temple there- So beautiful and cozy with garden, fountains and much more. We took a drive to our property on Lake Victoria, green fertile land, beautiful Lake Victoria to the west, Papyrus reeds everywhere and as we learned, Hippos graze there every night! If you see a hip hip hippo pot a mus!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YfJjCa4IHp-HK38203PcamRcmFb_2Cng3VZ-04GXip-xXJvA2e3DmfcFeSsiKkXzj-G4IJKKdOaLwdm59gxrg7UCaB6EZVii1lIrjoasmqQTDJXCiH47DvH813Q-za7pXEkzBpMay7k/s1600-h/IMG_6036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YfJjCa4IHp-HK38203PcamRcmFb_2Cng3VZ-04GXip-xXJvA2e3DmfcFeSsiKkXzj-G4IJKKdOaLwdm59gxrg7UCaB6EZVii1lIrjoasmqQTDJXCiH47DvH813Q-za7pXEkzBpMay7k/s320/IMG_6036.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As we drove by I lifted my head just in time to see a cherished site- a Masai! He was dressed in Saffron cloth wrapped around his waist, a blue and purple shawl, and he carried a stick wrapped in yellow cloth. So regal! I've wanted to see these people since I was a weee weeeeee one, and there, going to Lake Victoria was a Masai. Next morning we drove to Kampala Uganda, passing some baboons on the way, The Nile river and other natural sights. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I'll be writing more soon :) No fun just giving all away here, plus I'm jet lagged having just landed in Johannesburg!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtzbjJspiAk0f1MrTGw2bTTwcsJ2sy-eMMukKancW7HRycD-F48pmbLE8m3YUO-G8mcTzvf-RVvj8Gc_t6leJ_41FgNMqF7i7u5FDGuIjC8FZ7UT4_CbzGN_GOfuzVnKsSvRB53TfryKw/s1600-h/IMG_6100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtzbjJspiAk0f1MrTGw2bTTwcsJ2sy-eMMukKancW7HRycD-F48pmbLE8m3YUO-G8mcTzvf-RVvj8Gc_t6leJ_41FgNMqF7i7u5FDGuIjC8FZ7UT4_CbzGN_GOfuzVnKsSvRB53TfryKw/s320/IMG_6100.JPG" /></a></div>Jaya Kesava Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13180714196564613335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138780370932535244.post-62335179450374359382009-12-27T04:44:00.001-06:002009-12-27T04:47:22.356-06:00What to Do When There's too much Mercy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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First wrap the contents tight and store it in a blue box 6 meters high and 93 meters wide and 108 meters long. Click your feet four times- not three, learn to say abracadabra in Polish and then after you- oh wait! Wrong audience. <br />
But the question still remains what to do, what to do...<br />
I have heard, and dare to write it before verifying these statements, that magnanimity, a very rare gift is still more rare in the Spiritual world. Why? Well its like Never land up there where every being is seriously satisfied and is in danger of breaking sweat at any moment due to ever-increasing perfection. <br />
Cows have way too much milk up there and so the land is soaked with milk ( when you're God, you can water your lawn- or sand- or touchstone particles with milk), H2O isn't enough either and so all water is nectar. And dare ask a mango tree for peaches; but I'm sorry you walked up to it and didn't dance, and you asked, not sang- you must be in the material world again. Still perfect is when that hippie in you can use your “be here now” skills when a new to town traveler asks you for the time: “ time”, you'd say, “ is now.” And yesterday? “ Still now.” While we're at it, your soul mate happens to be there, so is Mr. Right, Prince Charming and your knight in shining armor. And for the guys, you won't find damsels in distress, and the damsels I'm sorry to say belong to the Knight in shining.... Better yet, your knight and his shining Armor are non different! So magnanimity, although part of the spiritual world is sort of conspicuous by its absence.<br />
On the other hand (are five fingers), down here Prince Charming might be found hanging out with Mr. Right, intimately... Your knight's armor may have been traded for some thick green cloth and yesterday means- yesterday. We could go into filtered H20 and scarce cow's milk, but I don't want to mirror my thoughts; so back to magnanimity. <br />
When Krsna descends he needs a place to call base, just as when a king travels, at least in the old days, he went with an entourage for his utility. Mayapur, Vrindavan and other holy places are exact replicas of the eternal abode with equal potency available here to help us understand the nature of eternity, knowledge and bliss. Here in Mayapur that magnanimity factor can be perceived by anyone whether qualified to practice spirituality- and who is, or not. The atmosphere is so surcharged that mercy just flows even when a person is asleep. (Sleep is considered paying prostrated respects to the holy land)<br />
But how to get this mercy an open secret expressed by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu quoting the Mahabharat : dharmasya tattvam nihitam guhayam, true spiritual revelation lies within the hearts of great souls. One is advised to sincerely serve those great souls by following whatever instructions they may give; and also by intelligently staying away from what they stay away from. Each great soul is like a mercy station; a place where the matter of business is magnanimous blessings given for a little price- one's faith.<br />
Srila Prabhupada has opened the doors to Mayapur for us and beckons us to come and experience real life everyday, and when we're satisfied beyond measure, go and give it to others. Even if we just take a drop and give it to another person, we'll find ourselves with two drops. The more we give the more we get. Like that ol<br />
d saying, “the gift that keeps giving.”<br />
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</div>Jaya Kesava Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13180714196564613335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138780370932535244.post-54070142329000219422009-12-18T01:19:00.002-06:002009-12-18T01:42:53.879-06:00THIS IS SADHU LIFE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWjHB3wvP8wtwdBPPW8Z5-ayrWsd6-j_MswjiThENkmrwliYNyK4BAFT0tzDi27DxFxNPtHQ3IIu32grPO047pGeAWaLXw1vpSJD7_G8u0lyyYaOwjoqMf9Pl7_wHdoEtZJubgUJl-JNg/s1600-h/Bhaktividyapurna+Maharaj%27s+school+134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWjHB3wvP8wtwdBPPW8Z5-ayrWsd6-j_MswjiThENkmrwliYNyK4BAFT0tzDi27DxFxNPtHQ3IIu32grPO047pGeAWaLXw1vpSJD7_G8u0lyyYaOwjoqMf9Pl7_wHdoEtZJubgUJl-JNg/s320/Bhaktividyapurna+Maharaj%27s+school+134.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><span id="goog_1261120815417"><span id="goog_1261120987497"></span><span id="goog_1261120987498"></span></span><span id="goog_1261120815418"></span>Many people I meet express their most difficult problem- too little time to actually relish, or absorb themselves in life. When you wake up the rush starts- class, work, cram!<br />
Here's a small experience that I relish here in India and hope to really inspire people with in the near future. Do few things diligently, consciously and properly. <br />
An example of my schedule in the last few months:<br />
3:00 am wake up (shower, dress, chant japa, mangala arati, class.)<br />
9:00 am wash laundry, eat.<br />
10:30 bhakti sastri class (lunch also)<br />
3:00 pm one hour nap<br />
4:30 study<br />
6:30 return clean and folded laundry<br />
7- 8: socialize<br />
8:30 give massage<br />
9:30 bed<br />
as this happens, I perceive how the mind becomes calm. When the mind is calm, thinking about deeper topics is possible. Most people are interested in Spiritual life, but their <br />
<br />
external world is a bit in disarray and so a war between outside and inside leaves on between a rock and a hard place.<br />
I suggest association of people who do what challenges you most. So if you're trying to be more spiritual and its difficult, associate with spiritual people.<br />
There's so much to learn in spirituality, but our very minds stop us.<br />
<br />
After a few days in Mayapur, my Spiritual Teacher asked me how I was doing, so I explaind my schedule and he was very encouraging. He said, “ that is sadhu (spiritual) life; doing <br />
the same thing over and over will steady the mind, when the mind is steady then one can proceed nicely in Krsna Consciousness”<br />
Plus, you'll find you have so much time because everything starts to have its place and quality <br />
tatata tatata tatata tatata tatata- steady<span id="goog_1261120520100"></span><span id="goog_1261120520101"></span>Jaya Kesava Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13180714196564613335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138780370932535244.post-37217476371739730612009-12-01T04:51:00.000-06:002009-12-01T04:51:56.137-06:00Mayapur in WinterMy Alarm goes up at three....<br />
I finally get up at 3. 30, bathe and then warm up for 20 minutes before getting ready for the temple<br />
Why all this headache?<br />
Because it pleases Krsna.<br />
Why should we do anything? Because it pleases Krsna.<br />
So much is happening here that I won't digest for another lifetime or few. Lets just say reality as we know it is dead, and recycled over and over again. But there is another reality, hidden the hearts of those great souls who have dedicated many years to spiritual life. Find one, serve one, and be happyJaya Kesava Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13180714196564613335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138780370932535244.post-71879818476622678892009-11-01T04:29:00.001-06:002009-11-01T04:29:44.818-06:00Few Weeks Til NowJust a couple of things happening lately.<br />
<br />
Arrived in Mayapur a few days ago, Spiritual energy flows here like ...i dont even know.<br />
<br />
I took a morning walk by the side of Govardhana the other morning and have never felt so peaceful... will put up some pictures later.<br />
<br />
One thing on my mind lately is about the importance of passing down clear transparent Knowledge. I've been following the editing of Srila Prabhupada's books online at www.bbtedit.com and have gained a deeper respect for th eeditors. It i svery hard to sit and read Srila Prabhupada's books because of the deep subject matter, so imagine having to proofread, edit for strength and clarity, layout and publish, etc etc. Srila Prabhupada's whole mission rests on his books, and in order to work on these books, one must be very strict in his devotionla practice. I know some of the editors and I must admit, I couldn't naturally wake up at 2am, give clear concise lectures, be jolly like molly- on a daily basis. My conclusion, there must be a God somewhere, and he's guiding these devotees to help fulfil the desire of his devotee, Srila Prabhupada.<br />
Check out the website and see what it takes to be a spitirual editor.Jaya Kesava Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13180714196564613335noreply@blogger.com