Right time

Waitingfor the right time, that time will never come. The only time is now. -Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year filled with Krishna consciousness

 

There was once a disciple of a Guru who went to his Guru and said, "Guruji, I want to live a spiritual life. I want to live in the service of God. I want to go beyond the binding chains of this mundane, materialistic world. But, I feel that I am not quite ready. My desires for a family, for wealth and enjoyment are still too strong. Grant me some time to fulfill these wishes and then I will come to your holy feet

 

So the Guru said, "No problem, my child. Go. Get married, have a family and earn wealth. In ten years I will come back for you. My blessings are with you."

With the blessings of his Guru, the man went out and quickly found a beautiful girl to marry. They had 3 beautiful children, and the man become financially successful. After 10 years, there was a knock on the door of their home. The man's wife opened it to see a haggard-looking beggar standing on the doorstep. The beggar asked to see her husband. At first she started scolding the beggar, thinking that he was just there to beg for money. But, the husband realized that the beggar was his Guru so he lovingly invited him inside. 

"I have come to take you away from this world of illusions now that you have fulfilled your desire of having a wife, family and earnings. Come with me, my son, let me show you the way to God."But, the man looked at his Guru pitifully and he said, "Dear, Beloved, Guru. Yes,  you are right. You have given me my 10 years ever so generously and with your blessings I have prospered. But, my children are very young and my wife is again with child. She would not be able to handle the burden of all of them alone. Allow me to stay another ten years until the children are old enough to care for themselves." 

A true Guru will guide you to the path, show you the light and help when help is requested, but will never force a disciple -- against the disciple's will -- to follow any particular path. Thus, the man's Guru compassionately agreed, saying, "So be it, my son. Stay another 10 years until you feel that your mission is fulfilled." 

Ten years later, the Guru returned to the home to find a large bull-dog out front guarding the house. Immediately he recognized his disciple in the dog and saw -- with his divine vision -- that the man had passed away several years prior but, due to his intense protectiveness over his family and wealth, he had reincarnated as a guard dog. The Guru put his hand on the dog's head and said, "My child, now that you have regressed from a human to a dog due to your attachment to these worldly things, are you finally ready to come with me?" The dog licked the hand of his Guru lovingly and said, "My beloved Guruji. You are right that it is my own attachment which has driven me to take birth as a dog, but you see my children have many enemies who are envious of their wealth and power. These enemies are very dangerous to my children and I must stay here to protect them. However, I am sure that within a few years everything will sort itself out and they will be fine. Give me just seven more years to protect them, then I am yours."

The Guru left and returned 7 years later.

This time, there was no dog out front and the home was filled with grandchildren running around. The Guru closed his eyes and saw with his divine vision that his disciple had taken birth in the form of a cobra, wedged into the wall near the family safe to guard the money. He called the grandchildren of the house: "My children," he said. "In the wall to the right of your safe, there is a cobra curled up in a small nook. Go there and bring the cobra to me. Do not kill it. It will not harm you, I promise. But, just break its back with a stick and then bring it to me." The children were incredulous, but went to the wall where the old man had directed them. Incredibly they saw that -- just as the Guru had said -- a cobra was curled up in the wall. Following his orders, they broke the cobra's back and carried it outside to the Guru. The Guru thanked the children, threw the cobra over his neck and left. 

 

As he walked away carrying the cobra over his neck, the Guru spoke to the cobra, injured and aching, "My child, I am sorry for hurting you, but there was no other way. Twenty seven years and three births ago you left to taste the material world of sensual pleasures. But the ways of Maya are so alluring and so subtle that they trap us instantly. You have wasted these lifetimes in the futile pursuit of material success and in attachment to people who also are only actors in the Cosmic Drama. My child, all here is Maya - Cosmic Illusion. It lures us into its trap, convincing us that it is real, permanent, everlasting and significant. But, in reality, the only thing which is real is Him, and the only true purpose of life is to get close to Him. These attachments merely divert our attention and focus away from the true purpose of life. I had no choice but to come to your rescue as I saw you sinking deeper and deeper into the deep clutches of Maya." 

********************************************************************************

So frequently in life we think, "Just one more year" then I will cut back on my luxuries and cut back on my time at the office. "Just one more year" and I will dedicate more time to meditation and spiritual pursuits. "Just one more year" and then I will go to India, sit at my Guru's feet and delve into the divine depths of spirituality. "Just one more year" and then I will cut down on my sensual pleasures."....and on and on. But, that "one more year" never comes. Our intentions are good. We want to be more spiritual. We want to devote more time to spiritual pursuits. We want to spend less, need less and serve more. We want to be the master over our lust, anger and greed rather than vice versa. But, the power of Maya is stronger than the power of our will. Thus, we continue to find excuses for why we must continue to work 50 or 60 hour work-weeks, why we still have no time for meditation, why we can't squeeze a visit to the holy places of India into our year's planning, and why we must continue to satiate our insatiable sensual urges. 

The only way to break free from the veil of illusion that Maya wraps around our minds is to surrender to God and beg Him to show us the true light. The only way to break free is to make AND STICK TO concrete vows of how we are going to be better people next year. Rather than saying "I will find time to meditate" we must say "I will not leave for work without sitting in meditation and I will not sleep at night without doing my nightly introspection." Rather than saying, "I will try to come to India and visit holy places whenever I can," we must say "I will take my vacation this year in India and nowhere else." 

Rather than say, "I will try to cut back on my expenses so that my financial needs are less," we must say, "I will not buy another jacket or pair of shoes [or anything] until the ones that I have are broken, torn or no longer fit me." Rather than say, "I will try to overcome my anger, lust and greed," we must commit to having daily appointments with God in which we introspect on all the times we allowed ourselves to be overpowered by these emotions and we must pray for strength, DAILY, to be remain calm, peaceful and sattvic in our lives."

 

If we wait for the right time, that time will never come. The only time is now.

May God bless you all with the clarity of vision to realize that the external world is Maya and with the strength, fortitude and dedication to remove the veil and attain the Divine Truth.

 

 

*The Simple Method*

Sometimes it appears very difficult to make advancement in Krishna consciousness and we become impatient. If we expect immediate results and they aren’t forthcoming, we can easily become discouraged. For those of us who are unable to live in a temple (or even near a temple), this is especially true. So what’s the solution?

In *November of 1969* while speaking in *London’s Conway Hall, Srila Prabhupada* stated the following:

“The process is very simple. Just keep a picture of Lord Caitanya with His associates. Lord Caitanya is in the middle, accompanied by His principal associates—Nityananda, Advaita, Gadadhara, and Srivasa. One simply has to keep this picture. One can keep it anywhere. It is not that one has to come to us to see this picture. Anyone can have this picture in his home, chant this Hare Krishna mantra, and thus worship Lord Caitanya. That is the simple method. But who will capture this simple method? Those who have good brains. Without much bother, if one simply keeps a picture of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu at home and chants Hare Krishna, then one will realize God. Anyone can adopt this simple method. There is no expenditure, there is no tax, nor is there any need to build a very big church or temple. Anyone, anywhere, can sit down on the road or beneath a tree and chant the Hare Krishna mantra and worship God. Therefore it is a great opportunity.”

In this brief statement, Srila Prabhupada underlines the simplicity and accessibility of Krishna consciousness for everyone. Nothing fancy is required. Srila Prabhupada says here that one simply has to chant Hare Krishna and keep a picture of Lord Caitanya and His associates (Sri Panca-Tattva) in his or her home. “That is the simple method,” he declares. But who will take to it? “Those who have good brains.”

If we make the effort to understand Srila Prabhupada’s teachings in essence, it becomes obvious that what he is saying is always very practical and straightforward. Anyone in any condition of life can practice devotional service to the Supreme Lord by applying Prabhupada’s instructions to their daily lives. We can begin by hearing the transcendental sound vibration of the Hare Krishna mantra from the lips of Krishna’s pure devotee, Srila Prabhupada. Then we can chant the Hare Krishna mantra: “Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.” This is the beginning of our devotional lives.

From here, we can gradually read and become familiar with Srila Prabhupada’s books and instructions. If we can’t read, then we can listen to Prabhupada’s tapes. It is not required that we must become great scholars or renunciants to advance in Krishna consciousness. In fact, these accoutrements can be obstacles on the spiritual path if we become arrogant or “puffed up” because of them. Lord Caitanya Himself taught that the chanting of Hare Krishna must be performed “in a humble state of mind.” Srila Prabhupada confirms that sincerity is the essential ingredient in the successful execution of bhakti-yoga:

“Some scholars recommend that knowledge and renunciation are important factors for elevating oneself to devotional service. But actually that is not a fact. Actually, the cultivation of knowledge or renunciation, which are favorable for achieving a footing in Krishna consciousness, may be accepted in the beginning, but ultimately they may also come to be rejected, for devotional service is dependent on nothing other than the sentiment or desire for such service. It requires nothing more than sincerity.”

(*Nectar of Devotion, Chapter 14*)

If we can’t enjoy the association of a temple or temple devotees, Srila Prabhupada has nonetheless requested that we stick to the process which he has revealed to us, regardless of our personal circumstances:

“Whether you live in temple or outside temple, the rules and regulation and the process must be followed. Then you are successful. It doesn’t matter that you have to live in the temple. If he does not agree with other godbrothers, friends, he can live separately. But he must follow the rules and regulation. That is wanted.”

(*Srila Prabhupada Conversation, Honolulu, February 3, 1975*)

Quite simply, our home can become our temple and place of worship. After all, Lord Krishna is in everyone’s heart and He sees everything. So there is no impediment to our spiritual advancement if we are sincere in our efforts and determination. We can design a simple altar at home and honor the above-mentioned picture of Sri Panca-Tattva. In addition, Srila Prabhupada has authorized us to worship his picture as nondifferent from him:

“There is no difference between me and my picture. Therefore we should honor and keep pictures in that spirit. If we throw pictures this way and that way, that is offence. The name and picture are as good as the person in spiritual world. In the material world either picture or person, everything is illusion.”

(*Srila Prabhupada Letter, September 4, 1972*)

In this way, we can have the association of the Supreme Lord and His pure devotee wherever we are. Then we can always feel the divine presence in our lives. This is the simple method recommended by Srila Prabhupada.

*All glories to Srila Prabhupada.*

By Padmapani das

*Sent by ISKCON Desire Tree* 

www.iskcondesiretree.com

Woman duties

  Narad Muni instructs Maharaj Yudisthira about the qualities of a chaste woman as well as her duties in Vedic culture.

1. To render service to the husband
2. To be always favorably disposed toward the husband
3.  To be equally well disposed toward the husband’s relatives and friends and
4.  To follow the vows of the husband

*these are the four principles to be followed by women described as chaste.*

It is very important for peaceful householder life that a woman follow the vow of her husband. *Any disagreement with the husband’s vow will disrupt family life.* 

In this regard, Canakya Pandita gives a very valuable instruction:

 dampatyoh kalaho nasti tatra srih svayam agatah. 

*When there are no fights between husband and wife, the goddess of fortune automatically comes to the home.*

 ... ...For peace and happiness in the material world, the varnasrama institution must be introduced. The symptoms of one’s activities must be defined, and one must be educated accordingly. Then spiritual advancement will automatically be possible.

(SB 7.11.25) HARE KRISHNA! DANDVAT PRANAM!! SUPRABHATAM!!!

POWER OF BHAGAVAD GITA AS IT IS

Once a thief entered in a devotees house in Russia. But he didn't find anything worth stealing in that house. He just saw Mridang, kartal, Bell, books etc..

But it was his principal that cause he went to steal there, so something he has to steal  from that particular house.. Then suddenly he saw a Book on the fridge,so he took the book & went out..

Guess which book it was ? 

It was Srila Prabhupada's Bhagavad Gita as it is..

Later on he started to read the book.. His wife started noticing him that her husband nowadays not going to do his job & one day she finally asked him that why you are not going to do your job (stealing).

Then the thief replied to his wife that I thought I'm a thief but In this book "Bhagavad Gita" it is written that every one in this world is a thief..

Step by step he studied the whole Gita & left all his bad deeds & became a devotee. Infact he joined the temple in Russia, & interestingly in the temple he got the book Distribution seva, & he used to get the highest score in book distribution cause he knew that Which house will buy Bhagavatam set & which house will buy Small books from his past experience..

So this is the power of Our Srila Prabhupada's book

Hare Krsna

Prayer n commitment

Once there was a king named Jai Singh, who was a great devotee of the Lord.

During the reign of Jai Singh the Mongols were conquering India. one by one, they attacked the small kingdoms of the country.

At the same time, even between those battles there were many other conflicts. It was a time of war and instability. Jai Singh’s kingdom was very beautiful and opulent.

Being desirous of that opulence the king of the neighboring kingdom tried to conquer Jai Singh’s kingdom again and again.

But whenever he met Jai Singh’s army he found it to be undefeatable.

Also the Mongols tried to defeat Jai Singh many times, but they too were unsuccessful.

In this way Jai Singh, who always personally led his army in battle, stayed true to his name, “Victory to the lion.”

One day, the neighboring king thought to himself, “If I cannot conquer him by fair means, I have to employ unfair means.”

Thus he sent his spies to find out about Jai Singh’s habits.

The spies soon returned with this message: every morning Jai Singh personally worships his deity, Sri Radha Raman.

He starts punctually at 8 a.m. and finishes the worship by 9 a.m.

No one was to disturb him during that time. So the neigh- boring king decided to attack at this time.

In this way, one morning, exactly one minute past eight he started his surprise attack.

Jai Singh was before Radha Raman. He prayed, “My Lord, I have given a vow to worship you. I cannot go and defend my people now.”

There was a loud knock at the door. The prime minister’s voice shouted from outside, “King, you have to lead your army! I brought a qualified priest with me, he can do the worship!”

Jai Singh answered, “Yes, but you know that I have given this vow to Radha Raman that I will always worship him personally.”

“We are all lost”, said the distraught minister, who then went to the king’s mother for help.

She came to Jai Singh and said to him “My son, what do you think the Lord appreciates more? – If you protect his devotees or if you dress him in a dhoti! As your mother I order you – lead your army!!”

Jai Singh said, “No mother, I’ve given a promise to Radha Raman.”

“Is this all you have to say to your mother? Our soldiers will be slaughtered. Some of the women will be violated and all the citizens will be made slaves.”

“I cannot break my promise”, was Jai Singh’s final word.

The mother said, “So be it, then we women of this palace will all burn our bodies to ashes so that the enemy will not lay his hands on us!”

The king prayed, “My Lord, please protect me. Please protect my people. My Lord, I have said no to my mother because I want to be true to my promise to you. Now you must save us.”

At this moment, something wonderful happened. Jai Singh had a war horse which was extremely powerful and almost as big as an elephant. Jai Singh was the only person who could ride it.

Suddenly the servants at the barn of the king’s horses saw a warrior running up to the barn with great speed and force.

He wore the armor of the king, his face covered and he yelled, “Make the horse ready!!!”

A few moments later the horse ran out of the palace. The enemy’s army was frightened, “Oh no, the king is coming!”

The warrior had a sword in both of his hands and immediately began cutting himself through the army of the enemy. However, everyone who en- countered the warrior became supremely blissful, even when they fell to ground by his sword.

Jai Singh’s army enthusiastically shouted again and again, “Jai Singh ki jaya!”

Meanwhile Jai Singh sat before Rädhä Raman, continuing his prayer for protection while he dressed the deity.

When he wanted to give earrings to the Lord he saw that there was only one although he was sure that he had brought two.

At that time the enemy’s army  was slain. Soon the prime minis- ter found Jai Singh in the temple and started to praise him for fighting the battle single-handedly.

“I was not fighting at all”, said the surprised Jai Singh. “I was doing my puja here.”

When the minister finally took him to his war horse to show him that it was exhausted from the battle, Jai Singh understood that Radha Raman had fought the battle.

Later, Jai Singh found the missing earring of Radha Raman on the battle grounds and built a temple at that place.

The earring is still being worshiped there today.

This is the power of prayer. The king prayed with sincerity for the Lord’s protection and the Lord took care of everything.

What is Praying ?

A child asked God, "How should I pray so you would listen to my prayers?"

God responded, "It's very easy to pray. Pray in the order of the fingers of your hand.

Your thumb is the nearest to you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closet to you. They are easiest to remember . To pray for loved ones is a sweet duty.

The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach,instruct and heal. This includes teachers and doctors and saints. They need wisdom and support for guiding others. Keep them in your Prayers.

The next finger is the longest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, the leaders in the society and industry, and the administrators. These people shape our nation and guide​ public  opinion. They need guidance. 

The fourth finger is the ring finger. It is the weakest finger. Therefore, it reminds us of those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. 

And lastly, comes the little finger; of smallest finger of all. It is here that you should place yourself in relation to Me and others. It reminds you to pray for yourself. After praying for all others it will become easy for you to pray for yourself. 

*We should remember and pray for those who have given us love, care, guidance and support. We should also pray for those who are selflessly working for the sake of others, as well as for those who are suffering. In this way we develop a heart full of compassion. Such a heart easily softens as we pray for ourselves.This was the way the great devotee, prahlad, prayed for the welfare of all living beings.*

Prabhuapada on japa

*Top Ten Quotes by H.D.G. A.C. BHAKTIVEDANTA SWAMI SRILA PRABHUPADA on Japa* 

1) Any person who is chanting the holy names of Krishna in course of

time feels transcendental pleasure and very quickly becomes purified

of all material contamination.”

2) Simply by properly doing our japa daily, we can be freed from the

reactions to all sinful activities.

3) We cannot become fully Krishna conscious without chanting good

quality rounds daily. Chanting is the most powerful way to become

Krishna conscious.

4) Our strength is in following the regulative principles and chanting

16 rounds japa.

5) Everyone begins his devotional life from the neophyte stage, but if

one properly finishes chanting the prescribed number of rounds of

hari-nama, he is elevated step by step to the highest platform,

uttama-adhikari. – Nectar of Instruction

6) Of all the regulative principles, the spiritual master’s order to

chant at least sixteen rounds is most essential.

7) Minimum 16 rounds have to be chanted. Constant chanting should be our goal.

8) When Japa is not done with love and attention there is often no

observable spiritual or material result. However this same Japa, done

with love and attention, will enable us to perform all other devotion

practices in pure a manner, also with love and attention. –

9) There is no such requirement that japa should be done silently and

chanting should be done differently. Loudly or silently, everything is

all right. There is no such restriction. Only thing is that we should

chant very attentively, hearing the vibration very distinctly.

10) Your japa beads are your ticket back to Godhead.

Jai Srila Prabhupad🏻🏻

A True Incident

In the yr 1979, near the Trivandrum sea shore an Elderly Gentleman was reading the Bhagavad Gita. That time, a young Talented Atheist guy came & sat besides that Gentleman.

The young guy Taunted the Gentleman by saying that in the age of science, people are so foolish that they read old fashioned books like the Gita.

He further said that, had you devoted this same time to science, then by now the country would have scaled great heights.

The Gentleman asked the young man for his introduction to which the youth replied that he was a science graduate from Kolkata who had come to make his career in Bhabha Atomic Research Center.

The youth further told the Gentleman go devote his attention to scientific research as by reading the Bhagavad Gita, he wouldn't be able to achieve anything.

The Gentleman smiled & got up to leave. As soon as he got up, his four security guards surrounded him & his driver brought his red beacon fitted official car. Seeing all this the youth panicked & asked the Gentleman, who are U.

The Gentleman replied that his name is Vikram Sarabhai, the Chairman of the same organization, where the youth had come to make his career.

At that point of time, there were 13 research organizations in the name of Vikram Sarabhai, along with which he was also the Chairman of Commitee for Atomic Planning, having being appointed to the same by the PM Indira Gandhi.

Now, it was the turn of the youth to be ashamed & he fell down on Sarabhai's feet, crying profusely. It was then that Sarabhai said a very Wonderful thing.

He said, "*Behind every creation, there's always the Creator. So, it doesn't matter, whether it is the time of the Mahabharat or Today's India. Never Forget God !!!*"

Today's Atheist people, by invoking the name of science, may dance as much as they want but history is witness that Science has been created by God believing Theists only.

*God is Eternal Truth. God's speech (Bhagavad Gita) is true; it cannot be Falsified at all. Just by worshipping it, troubles will surely get resolved.*

For Pregnant Woman

Hare Krishna,

These were the things I followed:

I would chant Maha Mantra ( Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare , Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare) every day (from the 2nd month)

I would listen to Sundarakanda by M.S. Ramarao ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCzgPw8_KQw&list=PL928F6CD2A28448E3 )

My Bhakthi Vrukha Guru asked me read this - both the husband and wife have to read it in the 6th month     SB 6.19: Performing the Puṁsavana Ritualistic Ceremony ( http://www.vedabase.com/en/sb/6/19 )

I would suggest you to walk everyday after consulting with the doctor if it is safe to do so

One Prabhu asked me listen to Balakanda by Sri Chaganti ( http://telugu.srichaganti.net/BalaKanda2009.aspx )

Also when ever possible Mataji has to place her right hand on the stomach and recite "Achyutha Anata Govinda"

I would do this yoga routine as I would practice yoga before Pregnancy (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44fYnoSLL3c ) Please do consult doctor before doing any exercise

Please avoid soft cheeses and unpasteurized products 

Mataji, be happy always :)

It is going to be an amazing journey. Good luck with your little one.

Haribol

Thank you God for everything

There was a bird who lived in the desert; very sick, no feathers, nothing to eat and drink, no shelter to live and kept on cursing his life day and night. 

One day, an Angel was crossing from that desert, bird stopped the Angel and inquired " where are you going?" Angel replied " I am going to meet God". 

So bird asked angel ' please ask God when my suffering will  come to an end?' Angel said " sure, I will" and bid good bye to bird. Angel reached God's place and shared the message of bird to Him.

 Angel told Him how pathetic the condition of bird is and inquired when the suffering of the bird will end. God replied "For the next seven life times, the bird has to suffer like this, no happiness till then".

Angel said when bird hears this, he will get disheartened. Could You suggest any solution for this?

God replied: Tell him to recite this mantra "Thank you God for everything". Angel met the bird again and delivered the message of God to the bird. 

After seven days, the Angel passed the same path again and saw that bird was so happy; feathers had grown on his body, a small plant grew up in the desert area, a small pond of water was also there, the bird was singing and dancing cheerfully. Angel was astonished as to how this happened, 'God said for seven life times, there is no happiness for the bird'... with this question in mind, He went to visit God.

 Angel asked his query then God replied: "Yes, it was written there will be no happiness for the bird for seven life times but because the bird was reciting the mantra "Thank you God for everything"  in every situation.

 When bird fell down on the hot sand, it said "thank you God for everything", when it could not fly it said "thank you God for everything", so whatever the situation, the bird kept on repeating "Thank you God for everything" and therefore the seven life times' karma got dissolved in seven days".

When I heard this story, it landed me in a different energy zone, i felt a tremendous shift in my way of feeling, thinking, accepting and viewing life. 

I adopted this mantra in my life. Whatever the situation I faced, I started reciting this mantra ' THANK YOU GOD FOR EVERYTHING'. It helped me to shift my view from what i did not have to what i have in my life. 

Similarly,  i started using this mantra in my relationship, finance, love life, social life, business, with friends, maids, colleagues and everything with which I can relate. I shared this story with my spouse and children too which brought a great shift in their behaviour.

 This simple mantra really had a deep impact in my life, i started feeling how blessed I am, how happy I am, how good life is....

The purpose of sharing this message is to make all of us aware how powerful is the power of gratitude is. It can reshape our life.

 A simple word, a simple thought, which teaches us to be grateful for everything we have in our life has power to dissolve the karmic baggage which we are carrying from so many life times. Lets recite this mantra continuously to experience the shift in our life. 

I end this article with the beautiful lines:

Be grateful, and see the change in your attitude.

Be humble,and you will never stumble.

Deep love and gratitude to you for reading it.

 Thank you

Forwarded with utmost gratitude, 

Thank you God for everything!...

Mature Vs Immature

Immature thinking	Mature thinking
I deserve I am entitled Pay my bills Take care of me Do not offend me It’s really all about me	I must earn It’s about others Challenge my views I will buy my own stuff Nobody owes me anything I am responsible for my success

Dalailama msgs

• Dalailama msgs:
1. We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.
2. Take into acct that grt love n grt achievements involve risk
3. When u lose, don’t lose the lesson
4. Follow the 3R’s : respect for self, respect for others, responsibility for all ur actions
5. Remember that not getting what u want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
6. Learn the rules so u know how to brk them properly
7. Don’t let a little dispute injure a grt frdship
8. When u realize u have made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
9. Spend some time alone everyday
10. Open ur arms to change, but don’t let go of ur values.
11. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer

Mentally Strong 💪

• 6 things mentally strong ppl do
1. They move on. They don’t waste time feeling sorry for themselves.
2. They embrace change. They welcome challenges
3. They stay happy. They don’t waste energy on things they can’t control
4. They are kind, fair and unafraid to speak up.
5. They are willing to take calculated risks.
6. They celebrate other ppl’s success. They don’t resent that success.

I challenge u to lust for life

I challenge u to lust for life. Drink less alcohol n more tea. Do more yoga, lift more weights, n sit on the couch less. Text more frds random articles that r interesting n call others to have deep conversations. Book more train n airline tkts , to see sights that u hav never seen. Listen more when u don’t know, ask more questions , n always practice the art of learning. Work a job u love, use a budget weekly, n learn how to appreciate every single day. I challenge u to lust for life, don’t just have a heartbeat n flesh, no that does not mean u r alive. I challenge u to really live ur life, to give each day a purpose, n  find ur joy daily…..Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside while we are living.

Marry well

Marry well.. Who u marry is the most imp decision u vll ever make. N marry well does not just mean ur life partner - it also means who u do business vth , who u befriend, who u choose to be around. Relationships r hard enuf, but it takes a real champion of a person to be married to sone who is obsessed vth a creative pursuit. Lots of times u have to be a maid, a cook, a motivational speaker, a mother and an editor  - all at once…..You don't need someone to complete you, just someone who accepts you completely

10 ways to stop overthinking

• Overthinking: The art of creating problems that weren't even there. 10 ways to stop overthinking
1. Sleep
2. Meditate
3. Do a fun activity
4. Take deep breaths
5. Chill vth a gud frd
6. Stay in the present moment
7. Ask urself if u can change it
8. Think of things u r thankful fr
9. Observe each thought n let it go
10. Remember thoughts become things

Anger

A Snake penetrated into a carpentry workshop. 

As it slipped, it passed over a saw and got slightly wounded.

Suddenly, it turned and bit the saw, and biting the saw, the snake seriously got wounded in its mouth!

Then not understanding what was happening and thinking that the saw was attacking "him," it decided to roll around the saw to suffocate it with all its body by squeezing it with all its strength, but it ended up being killed by the saw!

Sometimes we react in Anger to hurt those who have harmed us, but we realize after all that we are being hurt ourselves.

In life it is better sometimes to ignore situations, ignore people, ignore their behaviors, their words. Because everything is not meant to be fight back.

If we can remember not to react in anger & really understand the situation and take the action then definitely  we can do what is right.  
Sometimes you may have to fight back for your safety, your rights and for the right things. And Sometimes it is better not to react so as not to suffer consequences that can sometimes be deadly or harmful.

The key is not to react in anger but understanding what really needs to be done for your happiness, growth, progress and safety is important.

Do not let anger take over your life.

Light -> Darkness

Once, it so happened that Lord Krishna was standing in front of the mirror decorating himself. He was trying on different crowns on his head and putting on some fine jewelry while his charioteer waited outside with the chariot ready. 

His charioteer waited and waited and thought to himself – usually Krishna comes immediately, today he has still not come. So, out of curiosity he went inside to find out if the program was still on because Krishna was very unpredictable, anytime anything could change. So, the charioteer goes inside and he sees Lord Krishna standing in front of the mirror admiring himself.

He politely asked, “My dear Lord, tell me, why are you dressing up so much today. Where are we going?”

Lord Krishna said, “I am going to meet Duryodhana.”

The charioteer said, “You are dressing up so much to meet Duryodhana?”

Lord Krishna then said, “He cannot see my inside, he can only appreciate my outside. So how I am dressed will impress him because he cannot see my inside.”

Then the charioteer said, “You are going to Duryodhana? You should not go, he should come to you. This I cannot accept.” 

Many times, the drivers and assistants give you more advise than needed. He continued to say, “This is not fair. Look at your status and look at him! You are the Lord of the world. You should not go, let him come.”

Krishna turned back, looked at him, smiled and said, “Darkness does not come to light, light has to go to darkness.”

These few words silenced the charioteer.

Happy Deepali- Followed by Goverdhan Puja.

Wishing  all devotees a very HAPPY KRISHNA CONSCIOUS Deepavali- The Festival Of Lights.🏼🏻‍♀

This very auspicious day is specially meant to remember the victory of the Supreme personality of Godhead Sree Krsna over evil.🏼

1. Bhagavan Sri Krishna Killed Narakaasura: On the day preceding Diwali, Lord Krishna killed the demonic king Narakaasuru and rescued 16,000 women from his captivity. The celebration of this freedom went on for two days including the Diwali day as a victory festival.

2. The Victory of Lord Rama: According to the epic ‘Ramayana’, it was the new moon day of Kartik when Lord Rama, Mother Sita, and Lakshman returned to Ayodhya after vanquishing Ravana and conquering Lanka. The citizens of Ayodhya decorated the entire city with the earthen lamps and illuminated it like never before.

3. The Return of the Pandavas: According to the great epic ‘Mahabharata’, it was ‘Kartik Amavashya’ when the Pandavas appeared from their 14 years of banishment as a result of their defeat in the hands of the Kauravas at the game of dice (gambling). The subjects who loved the Pandavas celebrated the day by lighting the earthen lamps.

4. Goddess Lakshmi’s Appearance Day: The Goddess of wealth, Mother Lakshmi incarnated on the new moon day (Amavasya) of the Kartik month during the churning of the ocean (Samudra-Manthan), hence the association of Diwali with Goddess Lakshmi.

5. Lord Vishnu Rescued Goddess Lakshmi: On this very day (Diwali day), Lord Vishnu in His fifth incarnation as Vamana Avatara rescued Goddess Lakshmi from the prison of King Bali and this is another reason for worshipping Mother Lakshmi on Diwali.

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THERE ARE SEVERAL REASONS WHY DIWALI IS CELEBRATED AND ONE AMONGST THEM IS RELATED TO LORD RAMACHANDRA.

The word Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit term "Deepavali", which translates to "Rows of lamps". Based on the Hindu lunar calendar, Diwali falls between October and November on an Amavasya or a moonless night. Celebrated as the victory of good over evil, the festival is associated with Lord Rama's return to his kingdom Ayodhya, after 14 years in exile. The Demon king Ravana of Lanka had abducted Lord Ram's consort Sita only to invite his own death as a result. Lord Rama, along with His brother Laxman and an army of monkeys defeated and killed Ravana and returned to His kingdom with Sita. The people of Ayodhya lit up clay lamps known as diyas to welcome Him on His return from exile.

King Dasaratha ruled the rich and prosperous city of Ayodhya. He had three wives Kausalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra. Kaikeyi was his favorite. She saved his life in a war at a very crucial time. Dashrath granted her two boons for saving his life.

Dashrath had four sons. Ramachandra, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna. Rama, the eldest, was everybody's favorite. He was married to the beautiful and devoted Sita. Just before Rama's coronation, Kaikeyi reminded Dashrath of her two boons. She requested him to crown Bharata as the king and to banish Rama to the forest for fourteen years. Though King Dashratha begrudged but finally had to succumb to Kaikeyi's request as he was bound by his boons granted to her. Her wishes were granted.

The old king Dashratha later died of a broken heart. After a few years in the forest, Sita was lured and abducted by the demon king Ravana. Lord Rama, with the help of a monkey general, Hanuman rescued Sita and defeated Ravana. After fourteen years in exile Lord Rama and Sita and returned to Ayodhya.

It is in Their honor that "Diwali" is celebrated. "Diwali" signifies the victory of good over evil. So Diwali is celebrated in commemoration of Lord Ramachandra's return from exile and His victory over the evil king Ravana of Langka.

Today Diwali is celebrated as the Festival of lights or lamps. The ghee or oil lamp signifies light or knowledge. So where there is light there is illumination or knowledge and no darkness or ignorance. In this month of Kartik or Damodara, it is very auspicious to light up the ghee lamps and celebrate the pastimes of the Supreme Lord, Sri Krishna or His avatars.

This Diwali,✨⚡💫💥💥💥🍬🍬

This Diwali,

instead of wearing a new dress, 

can I change the way I address people?

This Diwali,

instead of cleaning an already clean house, 

can I work on scrubbing my dusty heart?

This Diwali, 

instead of lighting up my doorway, 

can I light up my pathway to ignorance?

This Diwali,

instead of stuffing myself with sweets,

can I give up the bitterness in my heart?

This Diwali,

instead of bursting crackers, 

can I burst my egoistic pride?

The day I do all this,  God will quietly walk into my heart! 

While we all light up our houses, do spend some time to light a few lamps inside you; sit in silence with your eyes closed.

Light the 1st lamp inside you and let it burn away any anger and jealousy that you have for any one; see it melt away.

Light the 2nd lamp and let it burn away unwanted greed and desires. Feel happy and contented with what you have been blessed with.

Light the 3rd lamp and let it fade away all insecurities that you may have in your mind related to anything material or financial; just believe that God has given you life and He will surely give you enough to survive.

Light the 4th lamp and carry that lamp to each part of your body; let it burn away all your diseased cells or any disease in making. Feel healthy as this lamp travels to each part of your body and illuminates each of your organs. 

The 5th lamp is a miniature of the Sun, nothing but the divine light. Light it and let it fill you with warmth and love. Feel one with the Divine. Let the love and warmth filled inside you radiate out of you. Carry this love with you and you will find everyone around you happy and elated too.

Light these 5 lamps and carry their positivity wherever you go.

Jai Laddu Gopal

Happy Diwali to all

I Won’t Go To The Temple Again...

I Won’t Go To The Temple Again...

A daughter went to her father and said...  

“I won't be going to temple anymore..”

The father said:

“may I ask why?”

She said:

“when I go there All I see is people on their mobile phones during service & bhajan, some are gossiping, some just are not living with integrity, they are all just hypocrites...”

Father became silent, and then said:

“OK... can I ask you to do something for me before you make your final decision?”

She said:

“Yes.. what's that?”

He said:

“Plz take a glass of water and walk around the temple 2 times; but you mustn’t let any water fall out the glass.”

She said:

“yes... I can definitely do that.”

Then... 

She came back and said 

“it's done and here is the Glass Of Water”

He asked her 3 questions:

1.  Did you see anybody on their phone? 

2. Did you see anybody gossiping? 

3. Was anybody living without Integrity?

She Said:

“How could I have seen anyone else?.... I didn't see anything; All I was focused on was the glass and the water within it., making sure the water never dropped.”

He told her, 

“when you go to temple, this is what you should Do... you should be simply focusing, thinking and connecting on  God, and how you can progress and help yourself to help others.. this is so that YOU don’t ever FALL in life.

The Daughter thanked her father for helping her understand the inner learning of the essence of Our focus with god

Shubh Deepawali

Happyness - Gitamrita class by HG GaurGopal Pr

*Happiness is not so much about getting what you like but Happiness is about liking what you get.*

*level 1*: lowest person only sees bad in others.(e.g.. duryodhana)

*level 2*: person who sees both good and bad  but conveniently neglect the good and simply focus on bad

*level 3*: person who sees good and bad but they see good and bad equally.

*level 4*: person who sees good and bad but they choose to neglect the bad and they will only focus on good.

*level 5*: person who only focus on good.(e.g.. Lord, saintly person, etc..)

*Most of us we are in level 2, who just see both good and bad but we conveniently neglect good and only focus on bad.*

we have to move to level four to neglect the bad and focus on good. 

*Only when we focus on good in others then we can able to start liking them*

*Likings:* In order to have the congenial meaningful relationship we have to like people. *in order to like people we have to come on level 4: neglect the bad, focus on the good.*

*Trustings:* In our relationships we have to Learn how to trust others. people do wrong but they don't necessarily mean wrong things. Their intention may not do wrong or their intention may not to say wrong. But somehow they may act in certain ways. 

*Trusting means trust their intention.*

one time a teacher said to student, if I give 2+2 mangoes how many do you have? student said 5mangoes.

teacher said I give 2+2 mangoes how many do you have?

student said 5mangoes.

teacher said I give 2+2 strawberries how many do you have?

student said 4 strawberries

and now teacher said I give 2+2 mangoes how many do you have?

student said 5mangoes.

now you said 2+2 strawberries is 4 and you are saying 2+2 mangoes is 5. How?

student said I already have 1 extra mango in my bag.

was the teacher wrong? no

was the student wrong? no

both are right.

similarly, in relationships also both are right, not wrong  But the issue is the person the way looking over it.

According to teacher, externally she is right and student was looking something deeper that 2+2=4 & inside 1=5. therefore 5 mangoes. 

many times we have to look for hidden  mango in our relationship. so we have to trust.

*if you want to deal with anyone in relationship, please do not look with external behaviour but go deeper to find what's that hidden mango.*

people say and they do,  not they are bad. but because  situations, sometimes makes them rude. understand their intention. 

*in relationship, don't live on surface but be a DIVER to understand*

*Correcting:* it's very hard to correct someone. If you give Frank feedback people feel hurt. 

*Its not frankness that hurts, it's the bluntness that hurts.*

correcting in relationships is necessary but in order to correct you have to deposit 2 things 1. you have to make emotional deposit. 

can you withdrawal a money without deposits? no. 

Then how can you withdrawal by correcting someone without deposit of your emotions in their hearts?

the emotional account is the deposits of love, kindness, service, gifts. and all you deposits to your account, once in a while you should do withdrawal. 

Every relationship you have, you need to ask one question, am I deposit sufficient deposits when I need to correct someone we should ask 4 questions to ourselves.

*1. Am I the right person to correct other individual?* 

And who is the right person? Sometimes I say every women has only one best child in the world and that is her child and every man thinks that there is only one best women in the world and that is his wife. Can any man give a corrective  feedback to another person's wife? Can any parent give a corrective feedback to someone else's child?  Therefore when we say are you the right person? We should ask ourselves the question Am I relative? Am I a friend? Am I an authority in any way to give a corrective feedback? If answer is yes move towards 2nd question

*2. Do you have a right motive to correct?*

Very often the motive in correcting others is settling our old accounts instead of actually serve person by helping the person what wrong he or she is doing. In giving corrective feedback we should have a very high sense of conscious, we should introspect and come to the conclusion when I say something to the person it's actually serve the person and help the person and not to settle any old accounts. 

*3. Do you actually know a right way to give corrective feedback?*

*people are not close to correction but they are close to blunt correction.*

A lot of times people are okay with taking corrections but the way the correction is expressed is so crose,  so blunt and so abusive can actually create a lot of harm to the person and the person switches off for taking such feedbacks. Thus many times I say when we try to correct an issue, issue is only about 10% and 90% is about wrong tone of voice. If we just have a right tone of voice and if we say by right way then lot of people are okay to handle it. Our feedback, our correction, and our advices will sinks deeper.

*4. Is it the right time to give a feedback?*

We should ask ourselves this question is it the right time to give a corrective feedback? Many times I says we should not express our anger, we should explain our anger or a feelings. When you express what we feel then it's unpleasant and when we explain what we feels people can understand.  When heads are hot and we upset when we deal with a straightway feedback because it's a wrong timing because we expressed. And when we allow our heads to cool down you won't express but you will explain to say. Therefore remember 4 things in your life. If you want to ever ever ever give a corrective feedback, ask this 4 questions to ourselves.

*Forgiving:* 

*Connecting:* those who have strong connection with deep spiritual practice then only you can able to follow this  points in your life. 

Last Sutra is: *there is only one person who will never disappoint and that is Krsna.*

*when we connect with Krsna and when we find the source of joy and pleasure from Krsna then we can love everyone unconditionally. because we dont depend on them what i need from them*

*we depend on Krsna for our pleasure and we serve and we love and we give. Therefore connecting is very important thing in our relationship.*

Thank you very much

Hare Krsna

Attention: Problems in Hell!

Yamaraj is the demigod who records all of our pious, as well as evil deeds. Once, the servants of Yamaraj approached him and complained about something which they were very concerned about. Here is the conversation between Yamaraj and his Yamaduta servants.

Yamaduta 1: How are you Prabhuji?

Yamaraj: I am doing well. But you look a little tense?

Yamaduta 1: Yeah Prabhu… we are disturbed by a few matters.

Yamaraj: Oh, let me know your issues.

Yamaduta 1: I am worried about this hell.

Yamaraj: Why? What has happened?

Yamaduta 1: Hell is getting empty by each passing day and if this situation continues, we will need to close down hell.

Yamaraj: But why, what is happening?

Yamaduta 1: This is just because of a devotee of Krishna.

Yamaraj: Devotee? How is a devotee doing such miracle?

Yamaduta 1: This devotee is a representative of Krishna and although he has already left his material body and returned to the spiritual world, his magic is still working like anything.

Yamaraj: Whom you are speaking about?

Yamaduta 2: Prabhuji - It is obvious - Srila Prabhupada. I don’t know what he told his followers but they are preaching and preaching and preaching, and because of their preaching - no one is coming to this hell.

Yamaraj: Yes, you are right - this is a concern…

Yamaduta 1: Even we cannot touch them or take them to hell.

Yamraj: Why? They must have made some mistakes… and for making certain mistakes they can be brought to my hell.

Yamaduta 1: We can’t take them. Everyone is going to Krishna-loka because they know a transcendental secret.

Yamaraj: Which transcendental secret?

Yamaduta 1: They know that “In whichever state you quit your body; in your next birth you will attain the same body.” That’s why every devotee keeps chanting Krishna’s name and never stops chanting. They practice to chant the Lord’s holy name so at the time of death they will be able to attain the Lord.

Wherever they go - they keep on chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, which is so powerful that these devotees become very sharp and smart. They always chant loudly so that people around them can also hear. The sound is everywhere . Some senior devotees are totally renounced and are traveling from country to country giving classes on Krishna consciousness. There are others that send regular weekly wisdom emails in order to give spiritual guidance. What shall we do? We will be in big trouble if hell closes! We will all lose our jobs!

Yamaraj: This is a big issue and problem for hell. But at least I am happy that we still have a lot of prisoners in hell.

Yamaduta 2: No Prabhu. These devotees are very cunning. *Srila Prabhupada has revealed every secret to them*. *These people are observing ekadashis to give benefits to their forefathers, and therefore hell’s population is decreasing.*

Yamaraj: Oh no…

Yamaduta 1: Especially because of Indira ekadashi! Due to Indira ekadashi a lot of souls have been released from hell. As stated in the Garuda purana, someone who is suffering in hell cannot practice Krishna consciousness - because it requires some mental peace. The reactionary tortures of hell make that impossible. But if a relative of a sinner suffering in hell gives some charity in the name of the sinner, he can leave hell and enter the heavenly planets. Or if a sinner’s relative observes Indira ekadasi fasting for his suffering kinsman, the kinsman goes directly to the spiritual world.

Yamaduta 2: And moreover - they observe every single ekadashi as per the directions given by Srila Prabhupada and thereby give comforts to their forefathers in this hell.

Yamaraj: Oh my Krishna… I am getting concerned with these devotees.

Yamaraj: Why don’t you put these devotees in some turbulence so that they will be afraid and will forget to chant Hare Krsna?

Yamaduta 2: Prabhuji - It’s not easy… whenever we create some problems for these devotees, they start chanting the Hare Krishna mantra and thank Krishna for giving them a test, or for their purification. They are not afraid of any problem. They think that whenever Krsna sends some problem, it means that Krishna loves them and is testing their sincerity. They are not afraid of anything. They know that Krishna is everywhere. They sing the Hare Krishna mantra in every situation. They are making us mad. We are really sitting idle just because of these devotees.

Yamaraj: Oh no… we are really in trouble.

Yamaduta 1: Even One more problem is there.

Yamaraj: What?

Yamaduta 1: They are making every place like Vrindavana.

Yamaraj: How?

Yamaduta 1: They are building new temples and spending money in Krishna’s service. They have installed so many deities in people’s homes. I can tell you that these devotees are making such a big mess in this material world. I am sure that if they continue to work with this speed, they will make everyone go from this world to Krishna-loka.

Yamaraj: Oh my Krishna!!! Save us from these devotees!

Yamaduta 1: Yeah… better to request Krishna to give us another job…

Yamaraj: What is their mantra?

Yamaduta 1 & Yamaduta 2 (In Chorus): Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.

And suddenly Yamaduta 1 and Yamaduta 2 became invisible and Yamaraj understood that they were going upwards to the spiritual plane.

*Then Yamaraj started chanting: “Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.*

Suddenly - I heard my clock "ring, ring, ring” – It’s 4:00 am. It’s 04:00 am - It was a dream. But yeah, never stop preaching, even in a dream.Transcendental Secrets

*By HH Dhirasanta Das