Stay open to possibility for it's all around you.
The butterfly that emerges will in no way resemble the caterpillar it one was.
If you don't ask for what you want, the answer is already NO. Why not ask, and maybe the answer will be YES?
Luck isn't something that happens to you - it's something you get when you please God.
What are the possibilities that could unfold today for you?
Everything is possible - by your sincere effort and God's mercy.
What if the very thing you're worried about today were just an illusion?
Each day is a new opportunity to do something valuable. Take the opportunity.
Possibility is something that is born anew in every moment. Embrace it!
How different would you act today if you knew that your dream was possible?
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Saturday, July 31, 2010
POWERFUL
Krsna's devotees do not require to practice any yogic power to become materially powerful. Their surrender to Krsna makes them all-powerful. This is the position of devotee. Devotees do not care for yogic powers. They depend on Krsna. Krsna is Yogeśvara, master of all mystic powers. So if one takes shelter of the Yogeśvara, why he should bother about yogic powers?
A poor man may try to earn money by hard labor, but one who is a very rich man's son, why should he labor? The father's money is sufficient. Similarly, a sincere devotee is under the protection of Krsna, and it means under the protection of all six kinds of opulences: riches, strength, reputation, wisdom, renunciation, and beauty.
If you get somehow or other Krsna's favor, there is no question of any more profit. You have got everything. Simply be sincere to the service of Krsna, and you have got everything. There is no need of trying for this or that. If one is situated under the shelter of Krsna's lotus feet, then if there is dangerous type of inconvenience, you will not be disturbed.
So be sure that if you have actually taken shelter of the lotus feet of Krsna, there is no question of danger. And Krsna confirms it in the Bhagavad-gita: "My dear Arjuna, you declare to the world that My devotee will be never vanquished by any enemy." That is Krsna's assurance.
(Based on Srila Prabhupada's lecture)
A poor man may try to earn money by hard labor, but one who is a very rich man's son, why should he labor? The father's money is sufficient. Similarly, a sincere devotee is under the protection of Krsna, and it means under the protection of all six kinds of opulences: riches, strength, reputation, wisdom, renunciation, and beauty.
If you get somehow or other Krsna's favor, there is no question of any more profit. You have got everything. Simply be sincere to the service of Krsna, and you have got everything. There is no need of trying for this or that. If one is situated under the shelter of Krsna's lotus feet, then if there is dangerous type of inconvenience, you will not be disturbed.
So be sure that if you have actually taken shelter of the lotus feet of Krsna, there is no question of danger. And Krsna confirms it in the Bhagavad-gita: "My dear Arjuna, you declare to the world that My devotee will be never vanquished by any enemy." That is Krsna's assurance.
(Based on Srila Prabhupada's lecture)
CHANGE
If you want to change your life, you must change your desires.
Desires are ultimately deciding the do's and don'ts in our lives.
With your intelligence you may be able to understand the spiritual knowledge, but your intelligence will not be sufficient to redirect or control your desires.
The place where you have to work to change your desires is not the intellect, it is the heart.
- Sacinandana Swami
Desires are ultimately deciding the do's and don'ts in our lives.
With your intelligence you may be able to understand the spiritual knowledge, but your intelligence will not be sufficient to redirect or control your desires.
The place where you have to work to change your desires is not the intellect, it is the heart.
- Sacinandana Swami
Friday, July 30, 2010
GRATITUDE
My selection from the 1000 Inspire Me Tweets:
Gratitude is magic. When I fill my heart with gratitude, anything is possible!
If what we focus on grows, why not make it gratitude?
99% of the most successful people start their day with gratitude. How about you?
Count your blessings instead of problems.
The quality of your life will be in direct proportion to the level of your gratitude.
An attitude of gratitude will change your life.
Begin and end your day with gratitude.
If you’re not grateful for what you already have, why would God send more to you?
Focus on what you DO have instead of what you don't.
Beauty is all around us if we just open our eyes. Focus on the good & be grateful.
Take the time to make your gratitude list right now.
On this beautiful day, take time to be grateful to Krishna. From that, the magic of life will be revealed to you.
Think who helped you and how can you show your gratitude to them.
Plant seeds of possibility and water them with gratitude.
Gratitude is magic. When I fill my heart with gratitude, anything is possible!
If what we focus on grows, why not make it gratitude?
99% of the most successful people start their day with gratitude. How about you?
Count your blessings instead of problems.
The quality of your life will be in direct proportion to the level of your gratitude.
An attitude of gratitude will change your life.
Begin and end your day with gratitude.
If you’re not grateful for what you already have, why would God send more to you?
Focus on what you DO have instead of what you don't.
Beauty is all around us if we just open our eyes. Focus on the good & be grateful.
Take the time to make your gratitude list right now.
On this beautiful day, take time to be grateful to Krishna. From that, the magic of life will be revealed to you.
Think who helped you and how can you show your gratitude to them.
Plant seeds of possibility and water them with gratitude.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Saturday, July 17, 2010
DO YOU STILL EAT MEAT?
According to Manu, the great author of civic codes and religious principles, even the killer of an animal is to be considered a murderer because animal food is never meant for the civilized man, whose prime duty is to prepare himself for going back to Godhead.
He says that in the act of killing an animal, there is a regular conspiracy by the party of sinners, and all of them are liable to be punished as murderers exactly like a party of conspirators who kill a human being combinedly.
He who gives permission, he who kills the animal, he who sells the slaughtered animal, he who cooks the animal, he who administers distribution of the foodstuff, and at last he who eats such cooked animal food are all murderers, and all of them are liable to be punished by the laws of nature.
No one can create a living being despite all advancement of material science, and therefore no one has the right to kill a living being by one's independent whims.
Srimad Bhagavatam 1.7.37 Purport
He says that in the act of killing an animal, there is a regular conspiracy by the party of sinners, and all of them are liable to be punished as murderers exactly like a party of conspirators who kill a human being combinedly.
He who gives permission, he who kills the animal, he who sells the slaughtered animal, he who cooks the animal, he who administers distribution of the foodstuff, and at last he who eats such cooked animal food are all murderers, and all of them are liable to be punished by the laws of nature.
No one can create a living being despite all advancement of material science, and therefore no one has the right to kill a living being by one's independent whims.
Srimad Bhagavatam 1.7.37 Purport
Mosquitoes
By the arrangement of the Supreme Lord, low-grade living beings like bugs and mosquitoes suck the blood of human beings and other animals.
Such insignificant creatures are unaware that their bites are painful to the human being.
However, first-class human beings - brahmanas, ksatriyas and vaisyas - are developed in consciousness, and therefore they know how painful it is to be killed.
A human being endowed with knowledge certainly commits sin if he kills or torments insignificant creatures, who have no discrimination.
Srimad Bhagavatam 5.26.17
Such insignificant creatures are unaware that their bites are painful to the human being.
However, first-class human beings - brahmanas, ksatriyas and vaisyas - are developed in consciousness, and therefore they know how painful it is to be killed.
A human being endowed with knowledge certainly commits sin if he kills or torments insignificant creatures, who have no discrimination.
Srimad Bhagavatam 5.26.17
Just Learn How To Love Krsna
Los Angeles 1971
Prabhupada:
... He was traveling in South India. He saw one brahmana reading Bhagavad-gita. And persons who knew him, that "That man was illiterate," it was not possible for him to read Bhagavad-gita... But still, he was trying to read it, and crying also. So while others were criticizing, Caitanya Mahaprabhu came to him, "Brahmana, what you are reading?" So he could understand that "This person, He's not come here to criticize me. He's serious." So he talked seriously, "Sir, I am reading Bhagavad-gita. Unfortunately, I am illiterate."
Now see. He is illiterate and he is reading Bhagavad-gita. Caitanya Mahaprabhu inquired that "How is that, you're reading Bhagavad-gita and you say you are illiterate?" He said, "Yes, actually I am illiterate, but my Guru Maharaja asked me that 'You should read every day eighteen chapters.' So what can I do? (laughter) I have to carry out the order of my spiritual master. So I have simply taken this book. I am seeing it."
Caitanya Mahaprabhu said, "Oh, you are not seeing it, simply. You are crying also." "Yes, Sir, I am crying also." "Then if you are not reading, how you are crying?" "Sir, I am not reading, but I'm feeling." "What is that?" "As soon as I take this Bhagavad-gita in my hand, immediately I feel Krsna and Arjuna sitting on the same chariot, and Arjuna is ordering Krsna that 'You drive my chariot between the two soldiers,' and Krsna is driving. So I am simply feeling how Krsna is nice, that He can work as a servant of His devotee. When I feel like that, I cry, how Krsna is so kind." Caitanya Mahaprabhu immediately embraced him, that "You are really studying Bhagavad-gita."
So unless we develop our love for Krsna, there is no meaning of reading. And if we can develop our love for Krsna just like this brahmana, even without reading any book, that is wanted.
Prabhupada:
... He was traveling in South India. He saw one brahmana reading Bhagavad-gita. And persons who knew him, that "That man was illiterate," it was not possible for him to read Bhagavad-gita... But still, he was trying to read it, and crying also. So while others were criticizing, Caitanya Mahaprabhu came to him, "Brahmana, what you are reading?" So he could understand that "This person, He's not come here to criticize me. He's serious." So he talked seriously, "Sir, I am reading Bhagavad-gita. Unfortunately, I am illiterate."
Now see. He is illiterate and he is reading Bhagavad-gita. Caitanya Mahaprabhu inquired that "How is that, you're reading Bhagavad-gita and you say you are illiterate?" He said, "Yes, actually I am illiterate, but my Guru Maharaja asked me that 'You should read every day eighteen chapters.' So what can I do? (laughter) I have to carry out the order of my spiritual master. So I have simply taken this book. I am seeing it."
Caitanya Mahaprabhu said, "Oh, you are not seeing it, simply. You are crying also." "Yes, Sir, I am crying also." "Then if you are not reading, how you are crying?" "Sir, I am not reading, but I'm feeling." "What is that?" "As soon as I take this Bhagavad-gita in my hand, immediately I feel Krsna and Arjuna sitting on the same chariot, and Arjuna is ordering Krsna that 'You drive my chariot between the two soldiers,' and Krsna is driving. So I am simply feeling how Krsna is nice, that He can work as a servant of His devotee. When I feel like that, I cry, how Krsna is so kind." Caitanya Mahaprabhu immediately embraced him, that "You are really studying Bhagavad-gita."
So unless we develop our love for Krsna, there is no meaning of reading. And if we can develop our love for Krsna just like this brahmana, even without reading any book, that is wanted.
LIBERATED
If you associate with conditioned souls you will remain conditioned.
If you associate with liberated souls you will become a liberated soul.
If you associate with liberated souls you will become a liberated soul.
Kirtan Retreat Summary
Intentionally increase the quality and quantity of your chanting of the holy names of the Lord with the help of devotees.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
I SHALL REMAIN A GIVER
When I was speaking in Berkeley University sometimes in the year 1966, one Indian student stood up and he said, "Swamiji, what this Krsna consciousness movement will do? We require now technology." So I replied, "Yes. You are after technology. So you are a beggar. I am not a beggar. I have come here to give something. That is the difference. I have come here to give some culture, and you have come to imitate the Western civilization by technology. That is the difference. You'll remain a beggar, I shall remain a giver. That is the difference." So still I am maintaining that position of giving, not taking.
- Srila Prabhupada
- Srila Prabhupada
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
ARROW
The Vedic mantra pranava is the bow, the pure living entity himself is the arrow, and the target is the Supreme Being.
***
The living entity tries to be happy within this material world, not understanding the target of his life. When he is purified, however, he gives up his bodily conception of life and his false identity as belonging to a certain community, a certain nation, a certain society, a certain family and so on (sarvopadhi-vinirmuktam tat-paratvena nirmalam [Cc. Madhya 19.170]). Then he takes the arrow of his purified life, and with the help of the bow -- the transcendental chanting of pranava, or the Hare Krishna mantra -- he throws himself toward the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
***
If with the arrow of chanting the holy name of the Lord one pierces Lord Vishnu's lotus feet, by dint of performing this heroic activity of devotional service one receives the benefit of returning home, back to Godhead.
***
SB 7.15.42
***
The living entity tries to be happy within this material world, not understanding the target of his life. When he is purified, however, he gives up his bodily conception of life and his false identity as belonging to a certain community, a certain nation, a certain society, a certain family and so on (sarvopadhi-vinirmuktam tat-paratvena nirmalam [Cc. Madhya 19.170]). Then he takes the arrow of his purified life, and with the help of the bow -- the transcendental chanting of pranava, or the Hare Krishna mantra -- he throws himself toward the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
***
If with the arrow of chanting the holy name of the Lord one pierces Lord Vishnu's lotus feet, by dint of performing this heroic activity of devotional service one receives the benefit of returning home, back to Godhead.
***
SB 7.15.42
Chanting Brings Peace Of Mind
Initially meditation focuses on controlling the mind, for in our normal condition, we are slaves to any whimsical thoughts, desires, and appetites the mind may generate. We think of something and immediately we want to do it. But the Bhagavad-gita tells us that the meditator must learn to control the mind: "For one who has conquered the mind, then his mind is the best of friends; but for one who has failed to do so, his mind will be the greatest enemy.
The materialistic mind attempts to enjoy by employing the senses to experience matter and material relationships. It is full of unlimited ideas for sense gratification, and being perpetually restless, it constantly flickers from one sense object to another. In doing so, the mind vacillates between hankering for some material gain and lamenting some loss or frustration.
In the Bhagavad-gita Krsna explains, "One who is not in transcendental consciousness can have neither a controlled mind nor steady intelligence, without which there is no possibility of peace. And how can there be any happiness without peace?" By chanting the Hare Krsna mantra, we can control the mind, instead of letting it control us.
Mantra is a Sanskrit word. Man means "mind," and tra means "to deliver." Thus, a mantra is a transcendental sound vibration with potency to liberate the mind from material conditioning.
In his commentary on Srimad-Bhagavatam, Srila Prabhupada explains, "Our entanglement in material affairs is begun from material sound." Each day we hear material sounds from radio and television, from friends and relatives, and based on what we hear, we act. But as Srila Prabhupada points out, "There is sound in the spiritual world also. If we approach that sound, then our spiritual life begins." When we control the mind by focusing it on the purely spiritual sound vibration of the Hare Krsna mantra, the mind becomes calm.
As "music has charms to soothe a savage breast," so the spiritual sound of the mantra soothes the restless mind. The Hare Krsna mantra, being imbued with God's own supreme energies, has the power to subdue all kinds of mental disturbance. Just as a reservoir of water is transparent when unagitated, our mental perceptions become clear and pure when the mind is no longer agitated by the waves of material desires. The mind in its pure state, like a mirror cleansed of dust, will then reflect undistorted images of reality, allowing us to go beneath the surface and perceive the essential spiritual quality of all life's experiences.
From "Chant And Be Happy" by the BBT
The materialistic mind attempts to enjoy by employing the senses to experience matter and material relationships. It is full of unlimited ideas for sense gratification, and being perpetually restless, it constantly flickers from one sense object to another. In doing so, the mind vacillates between hankering for some material gain and lamenting some loss or frustration.
In the Bhagavad-gita Krsna explains, "One who is not in transcendental consciousness can have neither a controlled mind nor steady intelligence, without which there is no possibility of peace. And how can there be any happiness without peace?" By chanting the Hare Krsna mantra, we can control the mind, instead of letting it control us.
Mantra is a Sanskrit word. Man means "mind," and tra means "to deliver." Thus, a mantra is a transcendental sound vibration with potency to liberate the mind from material conditioning.
In his commentary on Srimad-Bhagavatam, Srila Prabhupada explains, "Our entanglement in material affairs is begun from material sound." Each day we hear material sounds from radio and television, from friends and relatives, and based on what we hear, we act. But as Srila Prabhupada points out, "There is sound in the spiritual world also. If we approach that sound, then our spiritual life begins." When we control the mind by focusing it on the purely spiritual sound vibration of the Hare Krsna mantra, the mind becomes calm.
As "music has charms to soothe a savage breast," so the spiritual sound of the mantra soothes the restless mind. The Hare Krsna mantra, being imbued with God's own supreme energies, has the power to subdue all kinds of mental disturbance. Just as a reservoir of water is transparent when unagitated, our mental perceptions become clear and pure when the mind is no longer agitated by the waves of material desires. The mind in its pure state, like a mirror cleansed of dust, will then reflect undistorted images of reality, allowing us to go beneath the surface and perceive the essential spiritual quality of all life's experiences.
From "Chant And Be Happy" by the BBT
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
STRONG FAITH
I have no devotion, nor do I have any knowledge, but I have strong faith in the holy name of Krsna.
- Srila Prabhupada
- Srila Prabhupada
Friday, July 9, 2010
PILLARS OF STRENGTH
Very important thing that we need as a foundation for our success in life are pillars of strength.
These are principles, habits and tools that we can always go back to when we need to recharge our physical, mental and spiritual batteries.
If you are on a spiritual journey, these pillars could be meditation, chanting of mantras, prayer, reading of the spiritual books, associating with spiritually-oriented people.
If you are on any journey, these pillars could be a personal vision and mission statement, inspiring wisdom literature, solitude, personal journal, people you trust.
In any case, we need a way to go back to the roots, back to basics, to recharge our batteries, to renew our body, mind and spirit.
These are principles, habits and tools that we can always go back to when we need to recharge our physical, mental and spiritual batteries.
If you are on a spiritual journey, these pillars could be meditation, chanting of mantras, prayer, reading of the spiritual books, associating with spiritually-oriented people.
If you are on any journey, these pillars could be a personal vision and mission statement, inspiring wisdom literature, solitude, personal journal, people you trust.
In any case, we need a way to go back to the roots, back to basics, to recharge our batteries, to renew our body, mind and spirit.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Mirror of our soul
Isn't it strange how a 20 rupee note seems like such a large amount when You donate it to temple, but Such a small amount When you go shopping?
Isn't it strange how 2 hours seem so long when You're at temple, and how Short they seem when you're Watching a good movie?
Isn't it strange that you can't Find a word to say when You're praying, But you have no trouble Thinking what to talk about
With a friend?
Isn't it strange how difficult And boring it is to read One chapter Of the Bhagwad Gita, but how easy It is to read 100 pages of A popular novel ?
Isn't it strange how everyone Wants front-row-tickets To concerts or Games, but they do whatever Is possible to sit at the last Row in Jagran?
Isn't it strange how we need to Know about an event for Temple 2-3 Weeks before the day so we can Include it in our agenda, but we can Adjust it for other events in The last minute?
Isn't it strange how difficult it Is to learn a fact about God to share it With others, but how easy It is to learn, understand,
Extend and repeat gossip?
Isn't it strange how we Believe everything That magazines and newspapers Say, but we question the words in the
Bhagwad Gita?
Isn't it strange how everyone Wants a place in Heaven, but they don't want To believe, do, or say anything To get there?
Isn't it strange how we send Jokes in e-mails And they are forwarded Right away, But when we are going to send
Messages about God, we think About it twice before we share It with others?
IT'S STRANGE ISN'T IT?
Isn't it strange how 2 hours seem so long when You're at temple, and how Short they seem when you're Watching a good movie?
Isn't it strange that you can't Find a word to say when You're praying, But you have no trouble Thinking what to talk about
With a friend?
Isn't it strange how difficult And boring it is to read One chapter Of the Bhagwad Gita, but how easy It is to read 100 pages of A popular novel ?
Isn't it strange how everyone Wants front-row-tickets To concerts or Games, but they do whatever Is possible to sit at the last Row in Jagran?
Isn't it strange how we need to Know about an event for Temple 2-3 Weeks before the day so we can Include it in our agenda, but we can Adjust it for other events in The last minute?
Isn't it strange how difficult it Is to learn a fact about God to share it With others, but how easy It is to learn, understand,
Extend and repeat gossip?
Isn't it strange how we Believe everything That magazines and newspapers Say, but we question the words in the
Bhagwad Gita?
Isn't it strange how everyone Wants a place in Heaven, but they don't want To believe, do, or say anything To get there?
Isn't it strange how we send Jokes in e-mails And they are forwarded Right away, But when we are going to send
Messages about God, we think About it twice before we share It with others?
IT'S STRANGE ISN'T IT?
TEN TIPS TO IMPROVE MY CHANTING
1. Chant first thing in the morning
2. Chant 16 rounds in one go
3. Send reports to my chanting success partner
4. Do not eat until I finish 16 rounds
5. Read about the effects of chanting from Sri Namamrta
6. Write on my blog about chanting
7. Inspire devotees to chant more
8. Make chanting as the main pillar of the success of my coaching
9. Make chanting as the main pillar of the success of building communities of care
10. Pray to the holy name
2. Chant 16 rounds in one go
3. Send reports to my chanting success partner
4. Do not eat until I finish 16 rounds
5. Read about the effects of chanting from Sri Namamrta
6. Write on my blog about chanting
7. Inspire devotees to chant more
8. Make chanting as the main pillar of the success of my coaching
9. Make chanting as the main pillar of the success of building communities of care
10. Pray to the holy name
Friday, July 2, 2010
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