Swami Sivananda's Perpective

What Christmas Means To Me

Combining as it does, the joy of life and the Spirit of God, the festival of Christmas comes year after the approaching herald of a new year, with its sweet message and silent shifting of our attention, more and yet more to the spiritual pursuits in which alone consist man’s real peace, true progress, and everlasting glory. Whether it was Jane Taylor or Watts who affirmed, “Lord, I ascribe it to Thy grace, and not to chance, as others do, that I was born of Christian race” it is no expression of any spirit of fanaticism but a humble acknowledgement of the excellent benefits that the genuine Christian way and style of life confers upon one; it is an eloquent tribute to the First Christmas divinely celebrated in the Christ’s crib one thousand, nine hundred and fifty-six years ago, a tribute paid by one who has reaped in experience the life-making fruits of the seeds sown by the birth of Christ. Besides that elevation of sentiments that inspiration for the inmost spirit in man, that gladness of heart for all, Happy Christmas renews and revivifies in us splendid spiritual values, unyielding spirit of courage, hope, service and sacrifice, a wider and more profound meaning of life to live by. Nothing but a complete volume of weighty writing becomes necessary for any satisfactory narration of the Great Meaning that Christmas has always held for each of us. May this Christmas bring to everyman on earth, immense happiness, persisting peace, a new strength, a long life of service, love, sacrifice and spiritual progress!

This message was written in 1956 for including in the special Christmas Issue of ‘The Guardian’, Madras. Excerpt from Life And Teaching of Lord Jesus

Guru: Jesus Christ

Srila Prabhupada: Jesus of the Father. Jesus of the Christ. And that Father, that Christ, is Krishna. Christa is simply another pronunciation of Krishna. And of course, from his teachings we can understand that Jesus Christ represents God.

Devotee: Oh, yes. What he was teaching, what he was giving to his original disciples—he gave them examples like, “The birds are not worrying about their food. And yet God is supplying all their wants. So why should you worry about your food or other needs? Simply follow God’s laws and teach others to do the same. God is feeding the birds. Do you think He will not feed you?”

Srila Prabhupada: Yes, he said that, didn’t he? That’s a fact. That is our mission: simple living and high thinking. No need for such a big bombastic economic arrangement. Depend on God’s natural economic arrangements—the earth’s produce and the cow’s milk. And the main thing, use your priceless human life for becoming God conscious.

Devotee: So Christ was a pure devotee of God, teaching devotional principles.

Excerpt from Christ Is Our Guru

Sincerity Redefined

Chanting Hare Krishna is said to be very powerful. But even if you chant any other mantra or names, it is still very powerful because of the sincerity that is present. A sincere heart filled with nothing is more precious than an insincere heart that is filled with all spiritualism. Krishna is all about sincerity. Even if you do not wish for Him or call upon Him, your sincerity is just what needed to make up the missing link.

-vrindananda-

Necessity

""Riches aren’t necessarily evil, for utility alone determines value. For example, a knife can be used as a deadly weapon or as a craftsman’s tool. Similarly, our busy activities may now distract us from spirituality, but Bhagavad-gita teaches us how to channel those same activities so that they help us solve the problems of life. Lord Krishna therefore instructs Arjuna, “Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you offer or give away. and whatever austerities you perform—do that, O son of Kunti as an offering to Me. In this way you will be freed from bondage to work and its auspicious and inauspicious results.”""
Excerpt from Prosperity in Perspective

One Solution

Srila Prabhupada: Insanity. Everyone is overpowered by insanity. Everyone who is trying to be happy in this material world—everyone is overpowered by insanity. They do not know the only solution is, as Krishna says, sarva-dharman parityajya mam ekam sharanam vraja: “Just surrender to Me.” (Bg. 18.66) But that they’ll not do. Anything but surrender to Krishna.
Excerpt from A Dog's Obstinacy

Friendship

The idea of Gopis and Gopas is none other than to have a friendship with Krishna, by which multitude grace and mercy is shown. Friendship with Krishna is the most simple and practical way towards spiritualism.

-vrindananda-

Synthesized Yoga

Do whatever you want to do a per your heart's wish. But dedicate all to Krishna. That's the dynamic synthesis called Krishna Yoga. Be a Krishna Yogi.

-vrindananda-

Fact of Life

Have Krishna in your heart and Gita in your mind. Then go ahead courageously into this battle of life. Victory is already yours the moment you turn to Yogeshwara Krishna!

-vrindananda-

Stark Statement

There's No God But Krishna

I may not capable of proving the existence of God or not,

But I am well certain that there's Krishna.

-vrindananda-

Holy Point

"Tulsi wood is more powerful than any gem for protecting one from negative influences"
-Sacred Tulsi-

Gita Experimented

Devaan bhaavayataanena te devaa bhaavayantu vah;
Parasparam bhaavayantah shreyah param avaapsyatha.
Ishtaan bhogaan hi vo devaa daasyante yajnabhaavitaah;
Tair dattaan apradaayaibhyo yo bhungkte stena eva sah.

With this do ye nourish the gods, and may the gods nourish you; thus nourishing one another, ye shall attain to the highest good. The gods, nourished by the sacrifice, will give you the desired objects. So, he who enjoys the objects given by the gods without offering (in return) to them, is verily a thief. (Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 3, Verse 11 & 12.)

From my own experience, I would say that this is the way life should be lived when you are materially bonded. While being spiritual when threading material path, we would need some material assistance to go across the sea of samsara. Thus we need to acquire such helps and aids as stated in above verse. -vrindananda-

Gracious Reminder

Often times, while working on the binds of world, we tend to oversee the bond of Krishna. But He is so gracious that He do comes in time to time to remind us of the missing link.

-vrindananda-

Thin Line

We may seem to know Krishna, but we actually don't understand Him as much as we know Him. This distinct thin line difference is what we call as Spiritualism.

-vrindananda-

Hope

""I also repeatedly tell myself, “Krishna is my dearest friend and well-wisher, and everything He does is for my highest good.” A favorite saying in God-centered self-help groups is “Let go and let God.” This is a high ideal for any practitioner of a spiritual path.""
Excerpt from Let Go and Let Krishna

Spiritual Science

Spiritualism is a science of knowing the unknown, discovering the yet-to-be-discovered horizon. The enlightened ones are the scientist of spiritualism, dynamically analyzing and researching the endless experiments of this universe. God is of course, the core subject of development.

As for us, Krishna has given us the great guide through Bhagavad Gita, which expounds the entire universe in one go. We are sure to be a good scientist once we are in touch with Gita. We can then call ourselves, The Spiritual Scientist of Krishna.

Tulasi Branch

Olive branch is associated with peace and good will, synonym with extending kind help to person needed. Try holding onto Tulasi branch, and you realize that Tulasi Herself will help you.
[vrindananda]

Hand of God

Develop love towards Krishna rather than devotion. You will soon realize that someone is ever watching over you and at times needed extends helping hand. That's Krishna's Hand of God.
[vrindananda]

Magic Moment

The name KRISHNA is akin to the magic wand, where, with just one touch of thought, everything will just work out as perceived. He is indeed the Master Magician. [vrindananda]

God in Vedas

The Vedas teaches only God, both personal and impersonal. The existence of God is preached everywhere in Gita. Hinduism is nothing without God.

[Swami Vivekananda]

Ultimate Krishna

It's far more worth to live with Krishna in a deep dabgerous jungle rather than living in a posh safe palace without Him. The thought of being without Him is most terrifying than anything else. He's the Ultimate Comfort and Courage.

[vrindananda]

Our Savior

'Not a single one of Krishna's deeds was done for Himself. Every one of them was for the good of others'

-Swami Vivekananda-

Jagadguru

Krishnam Vande Jagadguru

Krishna is the verily The Ultimate Teacher of Universe, and;
His teachings are all in one mode, Gita.

Divinity

Krishna is not just the embodiment of Divinity, He is The Divine Himself. Getting in touch with Him itself transforms one's life into Divine. Jai Shri Krishna! [vrindananda]

True Renunciation

Renunciation is not giving up everything and leaving this world. It's about living in this world but dedicate all at the Lotus Feet of Krishna. Simply, just live for Krishna alone. [vrindananda]

Simply Right

Do not confuse yourself with all those Vedanta concepts that gives varieties and variances. Just get to know about Krishna, and live your life as usual and dedicate this to Him alone. This is simply the Real Sacrifice which provides us with the The One Truth. [vrindananda]

Best of All Yogas

Live with Krishna your entire life. Share all that is yours with Him, from your things to your feelings. Take Him as your mentor, adviser, best friend, or in whatever relationship that suits you. Basically, you just go on doing all you need to do with Krishna in your body, mind, heart and soul. This is Krishna Yoga, greater than any other yogas.
[vrindananda]

Harness Krishna

The strong current of a daunting river can be very dangerous, but if utilized wisely, it can harness many great energy. Similarly, addiction is unhealthy, but if it is directed into positive wise stream, it turns into a magnificent force. Be addicted to Krishna and His Gita. You'll be able to find the true bliss which are craved by many people. [vrindananda]

A friend called Krishna

Have Krishna as your best friend who aids you in all your daily life. You'll be surprised to see your life being illuminated with a bright guide light who brings you to The One Truth. The best example is Arjuna, the person enlightened with Gita by his best friend, Krishna.
[vrindananda]

So Easy...

Krishna has thought us a very simple way of living our life, that is, just go on living our life as it is without any attachment. And we'll see the light not at the end of the road, but all way along the road.
[vrindananda]

Ideal Charity

"The best charity is taking great care with love of one's self and it's surrounding, just like Tulasi; because this is where God resides"
[vrindananda]

Krishna and Arjuna in Bali.

This is the magnificent gigantic statue of Krishna and Arjuna seated on their chariot in Mahabharata War. It is situated at the gateway of Bali Airport in Denpasar. Really a superb way to greet tourist into Bali, especially Krishna lovers. Inset: Krishna driving the chariot and Arjuna ready to bow.

Work Unattached

Those who disregard the Lord Krishna's commandment in Gita: “Renouncing all actions in Me, with the mind centred in the Self free from hope and egoism and from mental fever, do thou fight”, and who sit quiet, renouncing their own duty, will not derive any benefit by such renunciation. The power of Maya is invincible to even wise men; then how much more difficult it would be for worldly men to conquer it! For them, renunciation of work without attainment of knowledge is undesirable. They will be caught in the clutches of Maya. Of what avail is their effort to control the senses, or what can restraint do in their case? These worldly men cannot escape the clutches of likes and dislikes.
-Swami Sivananda-

Real Dual

The duality of our existence is verily in attachment and non-attachment. The former slides towards self-destruction while the latter leads to self purification.
[vrindananda]

Duty Bound

Even if you try not to do your duty you will be perforce obliged to do it. Let the body complete the task for which it came into being. Shri Krishna also says in the Gita, whether Arjuna liked it or not he would be forced to fight. When there is work to be done by you, you cannot keep away; nor can you continue to do a thing when you are not required to do it, that is to say, when the work allotted to you has been done. In short, the work will go on and you must take your share in it -- the share which is allotted to you. [Question: How can it be done? Reply: Like an actor playing his part in a drama: free from duality.]
-Ramana Maharishi-
Karma Yoga, Selfless Service is the practical way to go across this ocean of Samsara. Do your work with dedicated dynamism yet remain unattached. -vrindananda-

Beyond

Suppose a thorn has pierced a man's foot. He picks another thorn to pull out the first one. After extracting the first thorn with the help of the second, he throws both away. One should use the thorn of knowledge to pull out the thorn of ignorance. Then one throws away both the thorns, knowledge and ignorance, and attains vijnāna. What is vijnāna? It is to know God distinctly by realizing His existence through an intuitive experience and to speak to Him intimately. That is why Sri Krishna said to Arjuna, 'Go beyond the three gunas.'

-Ramakrishna Paramahamsa-

Look upon Krishnaaaaaaa...

KRISHNA ...whenever and wherever the name is being mentioned,a quakeful vibrance comes with infinite glitters, just like the sun lit upon the entire universe. And everytime His name is called upon, our life becomes bright. This is why, we say Hari Krishna, which means, sun-like-golden boy who takes away darkness and gives the breezeful enlightment.

An Ideal Wife's Place.

What a wife is to a Hindu husband is well illustrated by a verse in the Ramayana where Sri Rama referred to Sita says: “In counsel she is my counselor, in action she is my servant, in religious performances she is my partner, in tolerance she is like the earth, in affection she is like unto my mother, in bed she is like the celestial Rambha and in play she is my companion. Such indeed, O Lakshmana, is my beloved...” This is the Hindu ideal of a wife.

Many verses indicates that an ideal wife should be devoted God-in-motion, her husband. But what's the wife to husband? Now hear this, I reveal to you the position of a wife in husband;
"As Lord Krishna keeps His consort neither alongside Him, nor on His crown, nor under His feet but in His heart, in the same manner, all men are to keep their wives throned in the seat of heart"[vrindananda]

Today, upon the grace of Krishna, I am getting married the the person I love a lot. We have decided together to live a life filled with Krishna. Jai Shri Krishna!

Mahabharata Infused: Wise Choice

When the war between Pandavas and Kauravas is inevitable, both, Arjuna and Duryodhana seeks Krishna's help. Krishna was sleeping when both approached Him. Duryodhana arrived first, enters the sleeping chamber and stand beside Krishna's head. Then, Arjuna came, entered and stand near Krishna's feet. When Krishna awake from His slumber, He saw Arjuna first, as He was the first object fall in His opening eyes, and greeted Him. Then He saw Duryodhana. Both reiterated their plans for war and asked Krishna's assistance. Being close to both of them, Krishna gave an equal choice to both of them, either choose Himself without any weapon or His vast army without it's Master. Since Arjuna was the one Krishna greeted first, He asked Arjuna to choose first. Arjuna selected Krishna instead of His army and Duryodhana was so happy to receive the army, thinking Arjuna made a bad decision.

Arjuna actually made the most wise decision ever, and Duryodhana is the one who actually made the worst decision. Arjuna chooses God for assistance, and Duryodhana chooses everything else except God. And as you all know, Pandavas with Krishna won the battle. This event also shows that, humility pays. Wonder how? Duryodhana, in arrogance, went and stand at the side of Krishna's head wherelse, Arjuna, being humble, waited at the feet of Krishna.

Those in God's way are always in the right path. Krishna Saves.
[vrindananda]

Mahabharata Infused: Incognito

During the twelve years in exile of Pandavas, Arjuna spent some time in Indra's place in order to learn arts of martial. During his stay, he was approached by Urvashi, the most beautiful maiden in Indra's court, to gratify her desires. But, Arjuna declined her. Thus, she have cursed him to be an eunuch. Arjuna, being the best friend of Krishna and a master warrior, is being cursed into being eunuch here. Why did Krishna let this happen?

After their twelve year exile, The Pandavas are required to be incognito, under disguise for one year. Arjuna, being a valiant and well known all the places, finds it hard to conceal his identity, when suddenly, he thought of being a eunuch is the best way to hide his Gandarva bow within those big dresses. Alas, he went dusguised as one.

Krishna is the knower of all. Sometimes things may go awkwardly against our will and norm, but be sure that is the perfect plan for ourself. This is what we call as blessings in disguise.
[vrindananda]

Mahabharata Infused: Narayana Astra

Ashwathamma, the son of the warfare teacher Drona who thought the entire Kuru dynasty, released the Narayana Astra against the Pandavas in order to avenge them for the death of his father. Narayana Astra is the most disastrous powerful weapon, million times greater than the current nuclear bomb that can destruct enemies in one go. Once released, the astra approached Pandavas, but instead of mass destruction, it vanishes in seconds. Ashwathamma got so confused that he asked Sage Vyasa of the reason the potent Narayana Astra being nullified.

Krishna, being Narayana Himself, knows the secret of the Narayana Astra, which, emmanates from Himself. The Astra can never inflict harm towards those with devotion. So, Krishna ordered the entire Pandava army to lay down all their weapons and lay in proscranation. Seeing there's no resistance, the astra defines all the Pandavas as devotees and not foes, and it vanishes into thin air.

The Supreme Lord is the Knower of All. He will protect His beloved devotees at any cause, because He alone is the author of this grand plan of universe. Take refuge at His Lotus Feet. Krishna will protect you.
[vrindananda]

Trust

I depend on Krishna alone;

and only trust Him with all my heart forever;

for my entire life.

[vrindananda]

Mahabharata Infused: Reciprocity

According to the rules of battlefield, no war should be held after sunset, but, Jayadratha was deceived with sunset by Krishna so that Arjuna can kill him;
According the the rules of battlefield, nobody should be attacked when defenseless, but, when Karna was releasing his chariot wheel from mud trap, Krishna ordered Arjuna to kill him;
According to the mace fight rules, nobody should be hurt below the waist, but, Krishna has ordered Bhima to smash Duryodhana's thigh in the mace fight.
All these was done on the advise of Krishna. Why?

Jayadrata, Karna and Duryodhana are the chieftains of the Kaurava army who have rounded Arjuna's son Abhimanyu and killed him merciless, all done against the law of warfare. As such, the same law do not apply to them at any cause and they deserve the similar treatment as what they treat the others.

Krishna is never at fault here. He simply has revealed that, you reap for what you sow. Be good and do good. Treat others as you would like to be treated.
[vrindananda]

Satisfying Krishna

Nothing in this universe can guarantee everlasting happiness with total satisfactions, other than Krishna alone. This is what they call as blissfulness. Krishna is the real meaning of bliss...
[vrindananda]

Mini Vrindavan

Mini Vrindavan Landscape which was displayed as a welcoming note in the recently concluded Gita Jayanti 2008.

Lord Maestro Krishna

[Click to enlarge this image]
Lord Srinivasa Perumal situated royally in the middle of the stage;
Yogeshwara Krishna situated at the center is being pampered by Narasimma(left) and Theena(right).

Hanuman's Class...

Hanuman, in Ramayana, is really unique, incomparable to other divinity like Lakshmana and Bharatha. Do you know why? Because, even without any blood relationship or any other ties, Hanuman has the greatest reverance to Lord Rama from the moment they met. Hanuman just want to live for His Lord in anyway, by any means.

This is the true way of a devotee to approach Lord.

Wonder...

CHRIST-NA

He's the same One Fellow...MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Live, Life, Love

Life without Krishna means nothing to me.
Even Krishna without a life also doesn't make much difference.
I need a life to live and love Krishna.

Unique Path

I don't follow generally prescribed rules and regulations in being Krishna conscious. I follow my heart and thread an unique path for my own self based on my true sincerity and honesty towards Krishna.
Some people do inquire me, why I'm not following the prescribed method, for which I answer, "I am not a devotee of Krishna, I am a lover of Krishna".
A devotee follows the path that is already placed to reach Krishna, but a lover follows his own way to reach Krishna, because, Krishna resides in the heart of His lover.
[vrindananda]

Oh Krishna....

Love Krishna and you are in love with the entire universe.....
[vrindananda]

Art and Science

Art is the method to know Krishna through His Depiction;
Science is the method to understand Krishna through His Glory.
Krishna is verily the master of all arts and all science.
He's indeed, the artful science.

Mokshada Ekadasi

Today is the Mokshada Ekadasi, the eleventh day of the Shukla Paksha (light fortnight) of the month of Margasheersha (November-December). This day also marks the advent of Bhagavad Gita, which is celebrated as Gita Jayanti.
Know more about the glories of this Ekadasi here. Observe this day by thinking of Krishna and rendering service to Him. Fasting according to your circumstances is encouraged on Ekadasi. Learn more about the fasting culture here.

Gita Jayanti 2008

Today's the day. Gita Jayanti, the advent birthday of Bhagavad Gita, an utmost wonderful supreme scripture from the Lord Himself. On this day, reading, practicing or even thinking about Bhagavad Gita with sincere mind and honest heart is the best way to celebrate Her birthday. For those who is well verse in Gita, spend this day chanting and reciting verses from Gita. For those who yet to start on Gita, let this day becomes the stepping stone towards a blissful journey through Gita to reach Krishna. Since today is also Ekadasi, try your best to abstain from food and live only on milk, water and fruits.

Happy Birthday,
Bhagavad Gita!

Why I Love Bhagavad Gita?

She's my dearest mother who milk-feed my soul.
[vrindananda]

QnA

Q: The Koran for the Muslims, the Bible for the Christians, the Old Testament for the Jews, the Gathas for the Parsis. What about the Hindus?

A: The Gita, of course. That is the simple, basic scripture for all Hindus. It contains the essence of the Upanishads, gives an optimistic and ideally adequate philosophy of life and shows the main paths of Yoga in an integrated perspective.

Swami Sivananda(Q223, May I Answe That)

Quote on Gita

Nothing has ever arisen in my life, internal or external, that the Gita has not made clear and enabled me to deal with or understand.
-Swami Nirmalananda Giri-

Quote on Gita

I owed a magnificent day to the first Bhagavad Gita. It was the first of books; it was as if an empire spoke to us, nothing small or unworthy, but large, serene, consistent, the voice of an old intelligence which in another age and climate had pondered and thus disposed of the same questions which exercise us.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson-

Qoute on Gita

If one desire to acquire the perfect happiness and freedom while still living in this ever changing world full of troubles and mysteries, then Shrimad Bhagavad Gita has this knowledge, acquiring which not only can you experience the feeling of freedom in this life but you can take others also to the road to supreme bliss and satisfaction.
-Sant Sri Asamranji Bapu-

Quote on Gita

In order to approach a creation as sublime as the Bhagavad Gita with full understanding, it is necessary to attune our soul to it.
-Rudolph Steiner-

Quote on Gita

The Bhagavad Gita deals essentially with the spiritual foundation of human existance. It is a call of action to meet the obligations and duties of life ; yet keeping in view the spiritual nature and grander purpose of the universe.
-Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru-

Quote on Gita

Everyday in the morning, I bathe my intellect in the stupendous and cosmogonal philosophy of the Bhagavad Gita, in comparison with which our modern world and its literature seems puny and trivial.
-Henry David Thoreau-

Gita Jayanti 2008

Gita Jayanti, the day Bhagavad Gita was born, is commemorated as one of the most holy days because it was the day the greatest scripture on the face of earth was expounded by non other than The Almighty Lord Himself during one of His Lilas. It falls on the Ekadasi (eleventh day) of Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) in the month of Marghasirsa (November-December).

Here in Malaysia, Gita Jayanti is celebrated by many organization. Among them, Gita Jayanti Society is the sole organization dedicated entirely on spreading the glory of Bhagavad Gita alone. This socety celebrates Gita Jayanti every year with many different Hindu organizations in order to bring Bhagavad Gita consciousness to all Hindus from all walks of life.

This year the Gita Jayanti is celebrated on Tuesday, 9th December 2008, in Kandiah Hall, Jalan Abdul Samad, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur. Mass recitation together with Arati and Kirtan is to be held from 3.00pm till 9.00pm. Please kindly join in hand and sing this wonderful celestial song!
[Kindly download the flyer attached for more info]

Professionalism

A good photographer can never expect himself to be present in all the photos he's capturing.
Similarly, a true devotee should never expect himself to be glorified for all his service to Lord.
That is the professionalism ethics practiced by both people.
[vrindananda]

Utpanna Ekadasi

Today is the Utpanna Ekadasi, the eleventh day of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the month of Margasirsa (November-December).
Know more about the glories of this Ekadasi here. Observe this day by thinking of Krishna and rendering service to Him. Fasting according to your circumstances is encouraged on Ekadasi. Learn more about the fasting culture here.

Spirituality

Spiritual aspirant have no caste or creed.
He becomes the child who is yearning for his birthright, Krishna.

[vrindananda]

Hardship

Hardships builds character to endure adversity; Devoid of which destroys the very character itself. [vrindananda]

Potent Mantra

The greatest yet most powerful mantra ever is the most simplest one,

that is none other than the wonderful name,
KRISHNA!

श्री कृष्ण
Shri Krishna

[vrindananda]

Utthana Ekadasi

Today is Utthana Ekadasi, also known as Haribodhini/ Devotthani Ekadasi, the eleventh day of the Shukla Paksha (light fortnight) of the month of Karthika (October-November).
Know more about the glories of this Ekadasi here. Observe this day by thinking of Krishna and rendering services to Him. Fasting according to your circumstances is encouraged on Ekadasi. Learn more about the fasting culture here.

Krishna Yogi

By selflessly working for Krishna, one is being a Karma Yogi;
By constantly thinking of Krishna, one is being a Raja Yogi;
By tirelessly researching about Krishna, one is being a Jnana Yogi;
By incessantly loving Krishna, one is being a Bhakthi Yogi;
These processes are possible because, Krishna is, for the fact, Lord of Yoga.
And he who practices this doctrine with sincere faith is a Truly Resolved Yogi.
This is my conviction.
vrindananda

Subtle and Gross

The wise one sees the subtle matter and realize the essence,

The unwise one sees the gross material and never be content.

[vrindananda]

Real Liberation

I seek not Moksha or total liberation. I am ever content with the bliss in devoting to Krishna. I want only to be in conscious of Krishna, because, He alone is the truly love embodied freedom. [vrindananda]

Five Point Analogy

Ankolam nija-bīja-santatiH ;
be like the seeds of the ankola tree, which once matured, joins with the parent root.
Ayaskantophalam sūchikā ;
be like the metal iron drawing to magnet
sādhvī naija-vibhum ;
be like the chaste wife, showing unswerving her love to her husband
latā kshiti-ruham ;
be like a creeper finding it’s parent tree for support
sindhus-sarid-vallabham ;
be like the river, flowing bound to the sea.

-Adi Shankara, Sivanandalahari-

Best Strategy

K.R.I.S.H.N.A

Kindness,..........be good and do good
Rightness,........do right thing at any expense
Instinctive,.......rely on your consciousness
Sincerity,..........be truthfully honest
Humility,..........realize your true self
Nonviolence,....always be peaceful
Altruism...........be selfless all the time

Happy Deepavali 2008

Today is Deepavali, fondly known as The Festival of Light. Many reasons have been connected to this celebration, but, the popularly known reason is the defeat of the demon Narakasura in the hands of Lord Krishna. Significantly, this day is considered as a start to new bright horizon, where the brightness is the symbol of light. New things replaces old things. New principles and policies are formulated to form a good future.

Spiritually, we are ought to start discover The Light within and illuminate our mind of our true Self on this day. We should try to fulfill our goal of life towards Divinity according to scriptural injunction and create a spark for a long sustainable spiritual journey . So let us together hold onto Lord Krishna as our torch to seek The Truth.

Jyotishaamapi tajjyotistamasah paramuchyate;
Jnaanam jneyam jnaanagamyam hridi sarvasya vishthitam.
That, the Light of all lights, is beyond darkness; it is said to be knowledge, the Knowable and the goal of knowledge, seated in the hearts of all.

verse18, chapter 13, Bhagavad Gita.

HAPPY DEEPAVALI!

Papankusa Ekadasi;Rama Ekadasi

*Due to networking problem, I've not been online for sometime. Now that all is back to normal, I'm posting all the missed posts.
Saturday, 11th October 2008 was Papankusa Ekadasi, the eleventh day, which occurs on the Shukla Paksha (light fortnight) of the month of Asvina (September-October). Know more about this Ekadasi here and get more info on Ekadasi fasting culture here.

Saturday, 25th October 2008 was Rama Ekadasi, the eleventh day which occurs on the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the month of Kartika (October-November). Know more about this Ekadasi here and get more info on Ekadasi fasting culture here.

Divine Secret

Do you know what is the best way to live in this Kali Yuga and attain total liberation? Lord Jesus and Lord Buddha have thought us the divine secret, which is none else than the oldest doctrines of the world, Love All; Hate none; And be ever blissful.
[vrindananda]

Perfect Sadhana

The best Sadhana in this world is, to practice moral filled spiritual life in the midst of material mode.
[vrindananda]

1st Anniversary

Today marks the 1st year anniversary of KRISHNASARANAGATI Blog. From the day I started this blog, I have been going all around to get suitable information, experience and knowledge to be posted at this blog. In course, i have gained more enlightenment, if can be said so, during this tenure. My mindset before and after is full with many positive difference. Many have praised me for this effort and compliment for my feat. But the truth is, nothing is being done by me. Even all this looks so miracle for me. It's all Krishna's work and I m just an instrument in His hands, can be said, His postman.

I hope Krishna will bless me to undertake more ideas and imagination to be realised into this blog. Jai shri Krishna.

Read Gita

Krishna knows, that the moment His passing away takes place, Kaliyuga, the age of utter darkness will prevail. Man will be working out His tremendous Karma while being binded by more Karmas. As such, reading the entire Vedas and Upanishads will be impossible. So, Krishna has given the wonderful Bhagavad Gita, where the essence of all scriptures are condensed in 701 simple verses for man to read in simple way and attain liberation.
So don't waste anytime. Go on reading Bhagavad Gita and know that you are reading the entire scriptures in one book.
[vrindananda]

Gandhi Jayanthi

Today, is the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, whom I refer as the Father of Spiritualism personality. United Nation has declared this day as International Day of Nonviolence, commemorating Gandhi's Nonviolence life principles.
On all occasions of trial He has saved me. I know that the phrase 'God saved me' has a deeper meaning for me today, and still I feel that I have not yet grasped its entire meaning. Only richer experience can help me to a fuller understanding. But in all my trials — of a spiritual nature, as a lawyer, in conducting institutions, and in politics — I can say that God saved me. When every hope is gone, 'when helpers fail and comforts flee', I experience that help arrives somehow, from I know not where. (Young India (24 April 1931), p. 274)

Krishna Saves!

Simply...

He's neither a miracle nor a magic, neither a mystery nor a mystic. Although He's very mischievous, yet, He's the only mighty character ever present on the face of earth.
He's just simply Krishna.

Idealistic Approach

What is the point of arguing who is God and how He looks like and what's His attributes? Take up whatever ideal and focus in it. Feel God's presence in it. Concentrate fully and strive incessantly towards reaching Him. God will present in purity. Arguing on petty issues is like dog fights and it never bring anyone anywhere. Have your own conception and dwell into it. Don't compare and contrast.
I neither know Krishna's background nor about Krishna. But I like Him. And I love Him a lot. So I took Him as my ideal and dwell in it. I soon get to know Krishna vehemently and finally realize, He is my God. No fuss. No frill. Just devotion with unconditional sincere love.
[vrindananda]

Parivartini - Parshva Ekadasi

Today is the Parivartini/Parshva Ekadasi, the eleventh day of the Shukla Paksha (light fortnight) of the month of Bhadrapada (August-September).
Know more about the glories of this Ekadasi here. Observe this day by thinking of Krishna and rendering service to Him. Fasting according to your circumstances is encouraged on Ekadasi. Learn more about the fasting culture here.

Today: 8th of September.

Today, 8th September, is the 121st birthday of Swami Sivananda Saraswati Maharaj. Our beloved Swamiji has done many revolution in spiritual world. Notably, he has written exactly 296 books covering many variety areas of life, yet, emphasize of practical yoga application. That's why he is well known for the sayings "An ounce of practice is better than tons of theory; Practice Yoga, Religion and Philosophy in daily life and attain Self-Realization"

Happy 121st Birthday, My Beloved Guru,
Swami Sivananda!

[vrindananda]

Our Bodhi Tree

For Siddharta, the life became the reason for renunciation into asceticism and He achieved enlightenment under Bodhi tree and became Buddha;

For us, the life is the path where we realize The One Truth and achieve similar enlightenment under the feet of Guru.
[vrindananda]

Divine Reliance

Such was Arjuna's surrender to Krishna that he set aside all logic and quietly obeyed the commands of the Lord.Once, pointing to a bird, Krishna asked Arjuna, "Do you see that peacock?" Arjuna responded in the affirmative. "Oh Arjuna, it is not a peacock; it is an eagle," said Krishna. Arjuna promptly agreed. The naughty Krishna then said, "I am sorry; it is a dove." Arjuna approved again. "It is not a dove at all; it is a crow," asserted the mischievous Lord. Arjuna acceded yet again. Krishna was now roaring with laughter, as if mocking Arjuna's blind agreements. The wise Arjuna, however, gave an eye-opening response: "What you say is the truth for me. You can make a crow into a dove, or a peacock into an eagle. Why should I differ from what you declare? Your word is the truth I go by." Arjuna had realized that the five elements were nothing but God's slaves and would unfailingly carry out His command.
God often test the reliance of human towards the divine to make sure it's really truthful. This sincere pure love yet naive surrender to Krishna is what made Arjuna fit enough to be conveyed of Bhagavad Gita. So, should be emulate Arjuna's love onto Krishna?
[vrindananda]

Hardship.

When you hike a mountain, the early stages will be easier but the more higher you go, the more harder it comes. And when you are nearing the summit, you will be in the hardest level ever. But once you reached the summit, all the pains will disappear and only bliss will be evident.
Similarly, in our life, when we are relaxed and in comfort, know that you are far away from liberation. Only when you are finding hardships around, then know that, you are nearing total freedom from the bondage of worldly life, and be grateful that God has given you an opportunity to seek freedom. No wonder Swami Sivananda says that, misery is the eye opener towards Divine.
Kunti Devi, mother of Pandavas, has requested Lord Krishna to give her more misery and pain so that, she can always remember Krishna and pray to Him. She requested such a boon, knowing that, humans, are tend to forget the divine when they are happy and only remembers God when they are in trouble.
[vrindananda]

Ganesh Chaturthi

Today is, Ganesh Chaturthi, the birthday of Lord Ganesh. He is popularly known for many variety reasons but, one less known event is that, Lord Ganesha is the scriber of Mahabharata, which incidently, contains the Bhagavad Gita as well. Wondering how?
Vyasa Bhagavan, the compiler of all Vedas and asociated scriptures, wanted to write down The Mahabharata so that it won't be lost in time. But He wanted an intelligent wise person to be the scriber. So Brahma sent forth Lord Ganesha. Lord Ganesha agreed to Vyasa with a condition that, Vyasa must dictate non-stop. Vyasa agreed, providing Lord Ganesha understands each and every word He writes down. Thus was written The Great Mahabharata and it's gem, Bhagavad Gita.
So, we all ought to thank Lord Ganesh because if he didn't scribe the Mahabharata, we would not find a complete text of Bhagavad Gita. So let us all thank Lord Ganesh on His birthday today. And, I personally do believe that, if one wants to read and understand Bhagavad Gita well, we should pray to Lord Ganesh. Why? Because, by writing each and every word with complete understanding, He became the master of Bhagavad Gita and if we do pray to Him for realizing the essence, then, He will definately be our de facto Guru.
So, for those who find it hard to cope in studying Bhagavad Gita, then, go to Lord Ganesh ask His help in understanding Gita. And try reading Gita after that. You'll be more than thrilled!
[vrindananda]

Spiritual Life Greatness

"…To enter into the spiritual life is a rare blessedness,it is a great good; to take it seriously and engage in active spiritual Sadhana is a second blessedness and a still greater good; but to persevere in the spiritual life , to be ever progressive and ceaseless in one's spiritual life , is the greatest good , the crowning blessedness"
This was Swami Chidananda's message as one of India's representatives to the Centenary of the World Parliament of Religions in 1993 , and his own life was a living testimony to the great ancient ideals he reiterated for the modern age .

Swami Chidananda's View

At the time of the advent of Lord Rama and Lord Buddha, everything auspicious, everything beautiful, satyam, sivam, sundaram, took place. But Lord Krishna, however, was born in a set of circumstances most undivine, most unspiritual, most negative. He was born in prison; both parents were shackled to the walls, their hands chained and their cells were locked. It was pitch dark, heavily raining midnight in the month of Shravana. Thus everything that the Bhagavad Gita says is inauspicious-night time, the dark half of the month, the sun on its southward journey-were present.

Yet, despite the odds, Lord Krishna was ultimately a glorious triumph for the Divine against all dark laden forces. And one feature here that is noteworthy is that in spite of the most dire, inauspicious, unfavourable, asuric, dark circumstances, which seemed hopeless, Devaki and Vasudeva never lost faith. They were absolutely certain that the divine advent would overcome everything that stood against it. There was in their hearts parama sraddha; there was in their hearts great visvasa, faith and trust in the promise of the Divine. It was this that enabled them to face all opposing circumstances and never lose faith. They had absolute trust in God, which made them strive through all the difficult circumstances and to ultimately have the blessedness of being liberated directly through the hands of the Lord.

Perhaps this is an indication of how the spiritual seeker, the sadhaka, the devotee, the aspiring soul has to be rooted in firm faith no matter how adverse the circumstances, how dark the prospects may seem. For, ultimately, if you persist in absolute faith, trust and devotion, and carry out the divine injunctions to the letter, then triumph is yours. You overcome all obstacles, become free and attain bhagavat svarupa. Lord Krishna Himself came to the prison house, took away their chains and made them free. This is the specialty of Shri Krishna, extraordinary from start to finish.

-Swami Chidananda Maharaj-

Swami Chidananda's Mahasamadhi

Swami Chidananda Maharaj, the direct-next-to-order disciple of Swami Sivananda and current President of The Divine Life Society based in Rishikesh, has attained Mahasamadhi yesterday, 28th August 2008, around 8.12pm(Himalaya time). The vibrant, dynamic yet ever loving Yogi's passing away is a great loss for all of us, but, knowing that He has gone to the realms of God to be together with Swami Sivananda is a big solace. Yet, I do believe, Swami Chidananda will live in all the hearts of spiritual aspirants and his breath will live forever in all the Ashrams worldwide. We can still feel His Holiness's presence through many of His marvellous authored books. Let us live up His dreams through all His advices.
May Lord Krishna bless His Holiness Swami Chidananda Maharaj.

IF...THEN...

If Muhammad has walked on the soil of Mecca,
If Jesus has walked on the soil of Jerusalem,
If Buddha has walked on the soil of Nepal,
Then, Krishna has definitely walked on the soil of India.
-vrindananda-

Annadaa/Aja Ekadasi

Today is the Annadaa/Aja Ekadasi, the eleventh day of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the month of Bhadrapada (August-September).
Know more about the glories of this Ekadasi here. Observe this day by thinking of Krishna and rendering service to Him. Fasting according to your circumstances is encouraged on Ekadasi. Learn more about the fasting culture here.

Krishna Jayanthi

"Lord Krishna appeared when the moon entered the house of Vrishabha at the constellation of the star Rohini, on Wednesday, the 8th day, Asthami, of the second fortnight of the month of Sravana, which corresponds to the month of Bhadrapada Krishnapaksha according to the Barhaspatyamana, in the year of Visvavasu, 5,172 years ago (from 1945), which means 3227 B.C." -Swami Sivananda-

Today, the star of Rohini and lunar day of Krishna-Paksha(dark fortnight) Asthami intersects together in this month of Bhadrapada(August-September), indicating Krishna Jayanthi or fondly called Krishna Janmasthami for the year 2008. Spend this day living for Krishna. Think of Him. Remember Him. Chant His names. Pray for Him. Serve Him. Be blissful and ever peaceful through His grace. Let Krishna bless you.

If you cannot read the whole of the Srimad Bhagavatam on this day, at least you should recite the following four most important verses from the book. The leading two verses and the closing verse are the prologue and the epilogue respectively:

“Hear from Me the most secret knowledge coupled with the essential experience and its component parts.

“May you realise by My Grace, the knowledge of Myself and what form, qualities and actions I am endowed with.

1. “Before creation I alone existed. There was nothing, neither existence nor non-existence. I am that which remains after dissolution.
2. “Understand that to be Maya or illusion which is devoid of any purpose, which is not to be found in the Self and which is unreal like light and darkness.
3. “As the primary elements are amalgamated, with one another and also separate from one another at the same time, so I pervade the whole universe and am also separate from it.
4. “The aspirant should, by the method of positive and negative, know that thing which exists always and everywhere.

“Experience this truth through the highest superconscious state so that you will not be disturbed even by illusory objects”.

There is another beautiful verse in the Bhagavatam which you can recite daily: “In days of yore, the Lord, born of Devaki, brought up in the house of Yasoda, killed the wicked Putana of illusive form and lifted the Govardhana hill, killed Kamsa and the sons of the Kuru race, and protected the sons of Kunti. Thus is recited the essence of the ancient Bhagavat Purana consisting of the nectarine stories of the deeds of Lord Krishna”.

May the blessings of Lord Krishna and Sri Radha be upon you all! -Swami Sivananda-

Do also take some time to read about Lord Krishna's birth through The Summum Bonum from Srimad Bhagavatam and Birth of Lord Krishna from Krsna Book.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KRISHNA!
OM NAMO BHAGAVATE VAASUDEVAAYA
HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE
HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE

Krishna Jayanthi Countdown 2

Krishna has played various roles during His stay in the world. He was Arjuna’s charioteer. He was an excellent statesman. He was a master musician; he gave lessons even to Narada in the art of playing the veena. The music of His flute thrilled the hearts of the Gopis and everyone else. He was a cowherd in Brindavan and Gokul. He exhibited miraculous powers even as a child. He killed many demons. He revealed His Comic Form to His mother, Yasoda. He performed the Rasa Lila, the secret of which can only be understood by devotees like Narada, Gauranga, Radha and the Gopis. He taught the supreme Truth of Yoga, Bhakti and Vedanta to Arjuna and Uddhava. He had mastered every one of the sixty-four fine arts. For all these reasons He is regarded as a full and complete manifestation of God.
-Swami Sivananda-

Krishna Jayanthi Countdown 3

Lord Krishna was great in knowledge, great in emotion, great in action, all at once. The scriptures have not recorded any life more full, more intense, more sublime and grander than the life of Sri Krishna.
-Swami Sivananda-

Krishna Jayanthi Countdown 4

His enchanting form with flute in hand is worshipped in myriads of homes in India. It is a form to which is poured out devotion and supreme love from the hearts of countless devotees not only in India but also in the West. Millions of spiritual seekers worship Him and repeat His Mantra, Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.
-Swami Sivananda-

Krishna Jayanthi Countdown 5

Though Lord Krishna appeared in a human body, He had a divine body not composed of the five elements. He did not take any birth here in the usual sense of the term. He did not die. He appeared and disappeared through His Yoga Maya as He has declared in the Gita. This is a secret, known only to His devotees, Yogis and sages.
-Swami Sivananda-

Krishna Jayanthi Countdown 6

There is no true science except devotion to Lord Krishna. That man is wealthy indeed who loves Radha and Krishna. There is no sorrow other than lack of devotion to Krishna. He is the foremost of the emancipated who loves Krishna. There is no right course, except the society of Sri Krishna’s devotees. The Name, virtues and Lilas (divine pastimes) of Krishna are the chief things to be remembered. The Lotus Feet of Radha and Krishna are the chief objects of meditation. Devotion is the only means of attaining Lord Krishna. Bhakti kindles love for the Lord. When love is directed towards Krishna, man is freed from the bondage of the world.
-Swami Sivananda-

Krishna Jayanthi Countdown 7

His palms bear the signs of a lotus and discus, the right sole of His feet of a flag, lotus, thunderbolt, an iron goad, barley seed, and the Swastika. His left sole has the rainbow, triangle, water-pot, crescent, sky, fish, and a cow’s footprint. His Form is composed of condensed universal consciousness and bliss. His Body pervades the entire cosmos. That's Shri Krishna.
-Swami Sivananda-

Krishna Jayanthi Countdown 8

Shri Krishna is the ocean of bliss. His soul-stirring Lilas, which are the wonder of wonders, are its waves. The honeyed music of His flute attracts the minds of His devotees from all three regions. His unequaled and unsurpassed wealth of beauty amazes the animate and the inanimate beings. He adorns His friends with His incomparable love.
-Swami Sivananda-

Putrada/Pavitraropana Ekadasi

Today is the Putrada/Pavitraropana Ekadasi, the eleventh day of the Shukla Paksha (light fortnight) of the month of Sravana (July-August).
Know more about the glories of this Ekadasi here. Observe this day by thinking of Krishna and rendering service to Him. Fasting according to your circumstances is encouraged on Ekadasi. Learn more about the fasting culture here.

Sure Way For Success

Have a simple and unassuming manner of life. Live not to eat, but eat to live. Bear no envy. Commit no slander. Speak no falsehood. Practice no deceit. Harbour no malice. You will be ever joyful, happy and peaceful.

Righteousness is the rule of life. Lead a virtuous life. Strictly adhere to Dharma. Human life is not human without virtues. Study the lives of saints and draw inspiration from them. Cultivate a melting heart, the giving hand, the kindly speech, the life of service, equal vision, and impartial attitude. Your life will, indeed, be blessed.

Lead a simple life. Lead a regulated life. Lead a hard life. Take hold of each day as if it were the last day, and utilize every second in prayer, meditation and service. Let your life become a continuous sacrifice to God.

Live in the present. Forget the past. Give up hopes of the future. Understand well the meaning of life, and then start the quest. Life is thy greatest gift. Utilize every second profitably. Success often comes to those who dare and act. It seldom comes to the timid. May you all attain success in life!

—Swami Sivananda

Kamika Ekadasi

Today is the Kamika Ekadasi, the eleventh day of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the month of Sravana (July-August).
Know more about the glories of this Ekadasi here. Observe this day by thinking of Krishna and rendering service to Him. Fasting according to your circumstances is encouraged on Ekadasi. Learn more about the fasting culture here.

Gita in Space

Sunita Williams, the first ever Indian-American and the first women to complete the longest spaceflight haul, brought with her a copy of Bhagavad Gita and kept it with her all the time in the spacecraft.
Thus, she scored another record for being the first person to bring The Bhagavad Gita into the open outer space.
[vrindananda]

Krishna's Birthday in Georgian Calendar

Multiple research and analysis have been undertaken by many scholars from spiritual, religious and historical groups to determine time line of Lord Krishna's life on earth. They have calculated astrologically and revealed collectively that, Lord Krishna's birthday, according to the Gregorian calendar, falls on 19th July 3228 BCE.
Hard to believe? Well, I've made quick research on many online sites dedicated to Lord Krishna and here I present three sites that gives reliable complete proof.
Wikipedia, Krishna's Birth, Lord Krishna's Life Story.

So, today is His birthday.[according to English calendar]
Happy Birthday Lord Krishna!

[vrindananda]

Unified One

Due to the overwhelming conflicts on spiritual and religious matter nowadays, many are very much eager to have unified single oneness in God, religion, scripture and service. This verse provides the best solution:

ekam sastram devaki-putra-gitam

Let there be only one scripture only, Bhagavad Gita;
eko devo devaki-putra eva

Let there be one God only , Shri Krishna;
eko mantras tasya namani yani :

Let there be only one mantra prayer, chanting Krishna;

karmapy ekam tasya devasya seva

let there be only one service only, serving Krishna;

(Gita Mahatmya 7)

Sayana Ekadasi

Today is the Sayana Ekadasi, the eleventh day of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) of the month of Asadha (June-July).
Know more about the glories of this Ekadasi here. Observe this day by thinking of Krishna and rendering service to Him. Fasting according to your circumstances is encouraged on Ekadasi. Learn more about the fasting culture here.

The One

The only lunar mansion (Nakshatra) I know is, Rohini;
The only lunar day (Tithi) I know is, Ekadasi;
The only food I know is, Milk;
The only offering I know is, Tulasi;
The only scripture that I know is, Bhagavad Gita;
The only God that I know is, KRISHNA........

Golden Rule!

"Forget the past; Forgo the future. Fulfill the present."
[vrindananda]
This is indeed a golden rules, especially for spiritual aspirants and God seekers. Both the past and the future are terrifying. All the regrets about the past and worries about the future leaves remarkable damage to our inner self, which will greatly disrupt our present life. This will eventually condemn our concentration and aspiration, leading to self destruction.
This rule does guarantee us joyful liberation and blissful peace!

Note: I must follow this!

Yogini Ekadasi

Today is the Yogini Ekadasi, the eleventh day of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the month of Asadha (June-July).
Know more about the glories of this Ekadasi here. Observe this day by thinking of Krishna and rendering service to Him. Fasting according to your circumstances is encouraged on Ekadasi. Learn more about the fasting culture here.

All is Godly Good

Why things are not as it should be? Only God would know the answer to this question. The Lord, as we all know, moves in mysterious ways. Whatever it may be, God is not frivolous. God does not do things for no reason. God always does things with a purpose in mind. So we must go along with God’s grand plan because God has said in the all the Holy Scriptures that He is the greatest schemer of all and mankind can never be a greater schemer than Him. God knows what He is doing, so we must accept whatever it is because that’s His will, and the reason for this will unravel in time. We must therefore look at the big picture. And the big picture would become clearer as time goes on.-source concealed-
Everything comes from Krishna and goes back to Him alone. Even tough it's hard to digest, yet, He knows the best for all, as He is The Ultimate Source Controller.

Mission Motive

Recently, a good friend of mine asked me why all the posts in my blog revolves around Krishna alone, to which I answered abstractly, I am not glorifying Krishna; I'm expounding the Truth.
[vrindananda]

Wise vs Fool

A fool sees God as small part of himself; but the wise one sees himself a micro particle of God. [vrindananda]

The materially inclined person sees God as a separate entity, someone to turn to whenever there's a problem. Once the problem settled, once his desires are gratified, God is neglected. Elsewhere, the spiritually inclined person will always put God first above the rest in all circumstances as he knows that he is the part of God's Cosmic Plan and all is His Divine Play in motion.
Thus is regarded that materialistic is the quality of the fool and spiritualistic is a the quality of the wise.

Life: The Guru

Krishna could have thought the Gita to Arjuna whenever they are chit chatting in the garden, whenever they go for a walk, whenever they both eating together, whenever they both lying down on the bed or whenever they are having the sweet times together. But Krishna choose to give the Gita in the battlefield, right in the middle of warring opponents. Why?

Because, Krishna showed that, enlightenment and self realization do not come when we are in ease of comfort. It can be only attained in the mist of threading through the hardships of life. Krishna encourage us to live the life and learn the lessons from it and attain liberation. Life itself is the greatest tutor for mankind.

Krishna is the life and the teacher!

Nirjala Ekadasi

Today is the Nirjala Ekadasi, the eleventh day of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) of the month of Jyestha (May-June).
Know more about the glories of this Ekadasi here. Observe this day by thinking of Krishna and rendering service to Him. Fasting according to your circumstances is encouraged on Ekadasi. Learn more about the fasting culture here.

The Beauty of Gita

"Mother Gita urges you not to fight the stream and go upward to the mountain peak, but she nurtures you to follow the flow of the river, reach the sea, dissolve in it, evaporate to the sky and come down as the rain to the peak. This might be the long run, but, faster, easier and safer to reach the top naturally"
Why? Think carefully. When we are fighting the stream flow and go upwards against gravity, we are utilizing a hefty amount of energy and time will be prolonged for each steps. We may worn out and suffer high depletion of power which will cause many obstacles that can halt our journey severely. We also may become too fanatic and lunatic in our motive, Time will be wasted and we may seem to be going nowhere. Where else, when you follow the stream flow, it may be longer in distance and duration, but you are being aided by all nature factors and your journey will bear fruits easily and faster. You can save the energy and channel it in tapping our spirituality.
[vrindananda]

Knowledge

There are two kind of knowledge, namely, the Higher (Para) and the lower (Apara). The lower knowledge consists of the Rig-Veda, the Yajur-Veda, the Sama-Veda, the Atharva-Veda, the Shiksha (or the science dealing with pronunciation and accent), the Kalpa (or the sacrificial liturgy), grammar, the Nirukta (or the science dealing with etymology and the meaning of words), prosody, and astronomy. The higher knowledge is that by which that Unchangeable is known.

-Mundaka Upanishad-

Krishna is neither any of it. He is verily the Supreme Knowledge.

Krishna Panchangam

Krishna Nakshatra, Krishna Tithi, Krishna Yoga, Krishna Vara, Krishna Karana.

Every second is Krishna's; Every minute is Krishna's; Every hour is Krishna's;
Everyday is Krishna's; Every month is Krishna's; Every year is Krishna's;
Every decade is Krishna's; Every century is Krishna's; Every millennium is Krishna's.
And, being so, what's the use of finding auspicious timing?

Krishna Himself is The Time, The Best One Indeed!
Think of Krishna faithfully, devote to Him sincerely and run your life as it is. There's no time better than that.
[vrindananda]

Apara Ekadasi

Today is the Aparaa Ekadasi, the eleventh day of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the month of Jyestha(May-June).
Know more about the glories of this Ekadasi here. Observe this day by thinking of Krishna and rendering service to Him. Fasting according to your circumstances is encouraged on Ekadasi. Learn more about the fasting culture here.

Ekadasi Explained

Ekadasi, is the eleventh day of every lunar phase. This day is deemed to be very sacred. The connection between the mind and moon is being related here by Swami Krishnananda and the significance of Ekadasi is detailed according to Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition here.

But, yet, to my opinion, the fasting culture that have been prescribed on Ekadasi is for our own good. Scientifically, by fasting at least once in fortnight, we are resting our digestion system. This process is knows as detoxification, where, resting digestion tracts means cleaning it from impurities and lubricating it better. Furthermore, by not eating anything, we are also mobilizing our stored energy which can burn fats and lose weight. If complete fasting is not feasible, than a fruit diet is undertaken, where, only fruit and plain water is taken. This is good for those majority of people who do not have the habit of eating fruit and drinking water, in the sense that, at least for this one day, they take such nutritious food in high volume.

Spiritually, fasting can be taken as a sacrificial procedure. Out of pure sincerity, we sacrifice something that we do all the time, that is, our food for one day. Tangibly, this action teach us to thank God for giving us the food. Intangibly, we learn to live a life derived from the basic need for some moment in the sense of realization devoid of material mode.

I hope everyone will take up sincerely the Ekadasi fasting culture as a worship of Krishna.
[vrindananda]

Eka-Nishta Approach

"Though I know that the Lord of Shri and Lord of Janaki are both the manifestation of One Supreme Lord, yet my all in all is ever the Lotus Eyed Rama"
-Lord Hanuman-
Such is the approach that should be undertaken by all sadhakas in the Eka-Nishtha or devotion to one ideal.
Exceprt from Bhakti Yoga, by Swami Vivekananda

Gita Verse: Follow The Flow

Yajnadaanatapah karma na tyaajyam kaaryameva tat;
Yajno daanam tapashchaiva paavanaani maneeshinaam.
Etaanyapi tu karmaani sangam tyaktwaa phalaani cha;
Kartavyaaneeti me paartha nishchitam matamuttamam.
Acts of sacrifice, gift and austerity should not be abandoned, but should be performed; These actions are the purifiers of the wise. But even these actions should be performed leaving aside attachment and the desire for rewards, O Arjuna! This is My certain and best conviction. [v5&6,c18,BG]
This is a summary of the doctrine of Karma Yoga already expounded. The defect in Karma is not in the action itself but in attachment and expectation of a reward.
-Swami Sivananda-

Nine Expressions

"Prahlāda Mahārāja said: Hearing and chanting about the transcendental holy name, form, qualities, paraphernalia and pastimes of Lord Viṣṇu, remembering them, serving the lotus feet of the Lord, offering the Lord respectful worship with sixteen types of paraphernalia, offering prayers to the Lord, becoming His servant, considering the Lord one's best friend, and surrendering everything unto Him (in other words, serving Him with the body, mind and words) — these nine processes are accepted as pure devotional service. One who has dedicated his life to the service of Kṛṣṇa through these nine methods should be understood to be the most learned person, for he has acquired complete knowledge."
-Śrīmad Bhāgavatam-

Buddha Jayanthi

Buddha is the first great reformer the world has seen, who dared to say, "Believe not because some old manuscripts are produced, believe not because it is your national belief, because you have been made to believe it from your childhood; but reason it all out, and after you have analyzed it, then, if you find that it will do good to one and all, believe it, live up to it, and help others to live up to it." He works best who works without any motive, neither for money, nor for fame, nor for anything else; and when a man can do that, he will be a Buddha, and out of him will come the power to work in such a manner as will transform the world. This man represents the very highest ideal of Karma-Yoga.
-Swami Vivekananda-

Narasimha Jayanthi

Today, Chaturdasi Tithi and Swati Nakshatra of Vaisakha month, is the much revered Lord Narasimha Jayanthi. This very day signifies many facts to the humankind that, The Lord is always be with all, especially His devotees.

• Lord Vishnu took the very fearsome avatar and dared to kill fierily the demon who hurts His devotees. The Lord is always ever ready to protect His truthful devotees, at any cause, by any means.
• Lord Narasimha appeared in a devastating form, sprung from the pillars with thunderous noise. The Lord is the Omnipresent, one who is, was and will dwell everywhere, be it in the pillar or the twig.
• Even when all Gods fail to calm Lord Narasimha's fury, Praladha successfully made Him calm with simple prayers. Sincere devotees are always dearer to The Lord than anyone else.

Let us all pay our obeisance to Lord Narasimma to bestow us with protection and instill fearlessness to pave our devotion towards The Supreme, Krishna.
[vrindananda]

Adversity of Wealth

Lord Buddha, who was born as Siddharta Gautama in a royal family, was destined to becomes a monarch, ruling all over the world. He can easily take up this position as a king and spread His philosophies through His administration. Yet, he choose to live as an ascetic. Because, Buddha knows that, enlightenment and self realization can never be attained wherever material mind is present, particularly power and money. That's why He renounced worldly life and selected a hard way to understand God and wandered all around like a mendicant, invoking realization unto others.

This statement can be supported by Jesus sayings in Sermon on The Mount "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth"

Further, Albert Einstein has quoted "I am absolutely convinced that no wealth in the world can help humanity forward, even in the hands of the most devoted worker in this cause. The example of great and pure characters is the only thing that can produce fine ideas and noble deeds. Money only appeals to selfishness and always tempts its owners irresistibly to abuse it.Can anyone imagine Moses, Jesus, or Gandhi armed with the money-bags?
[vrindananda]

Suffering Reliever

Once while wandering, Gautama saw a herdsmen bringing a herd of goats and sheep in a narrow valley. Among the vast flock, there was a little lamb, toiling behind, wounded in one part of the body and made lame by a blow of the herdsman. Gautama's heart was touched and he took it up in his arms and carried it saying, "It is better to relieve the suffering of an innocent being than to sit on the rocks of Olympus or in solitary caves and watch unconcerned the sorrows and sufferings of humanity".
-Swami Sivananda-

The Middle Way

Buddha determined to attain the Supreme Peace by practicing self-mortification. He abstained almost entirely from taking food. He did not find much progress by adopting this method. He was reduced to a skeleton. He became exceedingly weak. At that moment, some dancing girls were passing by, singing joyfully. It was just a simple fun song, but for Buddha it was a message full of profound spiritual significance. It was a spiritual pick-me-up to take him out of his despair and infuse power, strength and courage. The song was:

"Fair goes the dancing when the Sitar is tuned,
Tune us the Sitar neither low nor high,
And we will dance away the hearts of men.
The string overstretched breaks, the music dies,
The string overslack is dumb and the music dies,
Tune us the Sitar neither low nor high."

Buddha realized then that he should not go to extremes in torturing the body by starvation and that he should adopt the golden path by avoiding extremes. Then he began to eat food in moderation. He gave up the earlier extreme practices and took up what is formulated as The Middle Way, the path that is away from self-indulgence (too much) and self-mortification (too less) by emphasizing on moderation.
-Swami Sivananda-

Reasoning Factor

A blind man under the brightness is very much similar to a sighted man under the darkness. They are the same because both can't perceive anything rightfully. Similarly, God and reason are inter-linked. God is the light and reason is the sight. One need the sight to see the Light. You just need to rationalize to know The Truth.
All reasons pointing to Krishna alone because Krishna, is the Reason.
[vrinananda]

Mohini Ekadasi

Today is the Mohini Ekadasi, the eleventh day of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) of the month of Vaikasa (April-May).
Know more about the glories of this Ekadasi here. Observe this day by thinking of Krishna and rendering service to Him. Fasting according to your circumstances is encouraged on Ekadasi. Learn more about the fasting culture here.

Smile Always

Shri Krishna alone is a celebrated smiler. That is why He was always able to give a big smile. He conveyed through His life that we should live with smile all the time and be blissfully.
-Mata Amritanandamayi-

Akshaya Tritiya

Akshaya Tritiya, is a very auspicious day. The significance of the day is attributed to the event of Krishna giving Draupadi the Akshaya Paathiram and Krishna granting Sudama all his wishes. Other than that, this day also marks Lord Parasurama's appearance, the beginning of Treta Yuga, Pandavas victory in Kurukshetra, the start of Mahabharata scribing and the victory of Goddess Vijaya Chamundeswari over asuras.

Whatever the reason may be, the logical interpretation lies beneath all these matters. As the name denotes, Akshaya is a never ending, never diminishing, unlimited non-stop flow. That means, whatever we start and do on this day, will be with us forever and keep on growing as intended. But why we must strive for worldy affairs for sense gratification, when we know that material world is impermanent? It is more rational to spend this day for devotional purpose, to gain spiritual knowledge and lend divine services that leads us to God.

The ignorant one will spend this day feasting for material but the wise one will spend this day fasting spiritual. So let us, all together, stop the gold frenzy and shopping craze and dedicate this wonderful day for Krishna. He is the One who gave the inexhaustible vessel to Draupadi and the abundable wealth to Sudama, who both are true devotees of Krishna. Let us ask Krishna to grant us the divine insight to The Truth.
[vrindananda]

Easy method

The simple way of servicing Krishna on this very auspicious Akshaya Tritiya today:

• Give Krishna any white-colored prasad such as yogurt, milk, buttermilk, yogurt rice, puffed rice, etc. Distribute the prasad among your friends and family.
• Decor Him with sandal paste and garland Him with Tulasi. Do some Japa or Kirtan and small Aarti prayers.
  

Trust me, Krishna will taste the prasad, be cooled with sandal, feel fresh with Tulasi and glad with your prayers. Be sincere, be faithful and be happy with Krishna.

Enviromental Friendly

Krishna, by his own example, rejected the ritualistic worship of a 'God in the clouds' in favor of an earth-based religion which recognized the sacred in the everyday relationships between human beings and their environment. To live in harmony with nature, to show love to all creatures, never to harm any living being, to rejoice in the beauty of a natural life of simplicity: this was Krishna's practice of religion.
-Srivatsa Goswami in Krishna,The Forest Cowherd-

Labour Day Message

The secret of Karma Yoga, which is to perform actions without fruitive desires is expounded by Lord Krishna in Bhagavad Gita.
-Swami Vivekananda-
Let us all sincerely study the Gita and work incessantly for Krishna, without any expectation.

Brahma Muhurtha Timing

Every twenty four minutes is one Danda. Two dandas is equal to one muhurtha (fourty eight minutes). Each day has in total thirty muhurthas. The day's final two muhurthas, which occurs one hour thirty six minutes before the sunrise, is defined as the auspicious Brahma Muhurtha.
The Formula: Check your location's sunrise here. Then, minus one hour thirty six minutes from the sunrise time. For example, sunrise at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is at 7.10am. Minus one hour and thirty-six minutes is 5.34am. Thus the time frame between 5.34am and 7.10am is the Brahma Muhurtha.

Quenching doubt: In most writings and sayings, Brahma Muhurtha is usually defined as between 4.00am to 6.00am. This is true according to India time, because, all these sources originated from India. Thus, we should adjust it according to our time zone.
[vrindananda]

Divine Form

Though Lord Krishna appeared in human form, He had an Aprakritika, divine body. He did not take any birth. He did not die. He appeared and disappeared through His Yoga Maya. This is a secret, known only to His devotees, Yogis, Rishis, saints and sages.
-Swami Sivananda-

Three Tier

Thread the Avant-Garde path; Live an Incognito life; Be the De Facto master of yourself.[vrindananda]
First, personalize your preference in a method which suits you the best. Then, live a simple life with a low profile in the society. Finally, control your senses and lead yourself ahead towards God. This is the convenient formula of spiritualism in this era.

Right Antidote

"In essence, we recognize that the underlying cause of anxiety is lack of trust in a higher power. Krishna has expertly designed the material world to rectify our separatist mentality. If we decide to live in line with the purpose of the creator, then we’ll see the environment as favorable for our spiritual progress. We’ll see things, good or bad, as coming from the Lord, and we’ll understand how to use them in ways that will assist us on our path of self-realization."
-Excerpt from the article Let Go and Let Krishna-
I came across this article in Krishna.com and guess what, it's a great writing with many awakenings. Read it yourself and you'll see your reflection in it.

Spiritual Relativity

Truth and Faith goes together hand in hand. One without another one is like the wind without breeze and vice versa. Be truthful in your faith and be faithful to your truth. [vrindananda]

Nobility

"True nobility comes not by birth or by position or by wealth but by right action and right understanding."
-Buddha-
Lord Buddha reveal this wisdom to the people who discriminate themselves by telling they are the superiorly Godly people and others are inferior to them.

Three Tier

Thread the Avant-Garde path. Live an Incognito life; Be the De Facto master of yourself.

True Self

He who thinks of Krishna each second, strive to reach Him, works to serve Him, rationalize to understand Him, and sees Him as his own ultimate mission of life, is the righteous man. He need not any observations as he is free from the bondage. Rites and rituals, rules and regulations, barriers and boundaries, even the scriptures and laws do not apply to him. He is beyond all. Nothing taints him.
He is the Spiritual Lotus blossoms in the material pond, waiting to be dedicated to the Lotus Feet of Krishna. [vrindananda]

Defender of Mankind

Krishna alone seems to be the only one relevant to the new awareness and new findings of Freud that suppression is wrong and only brings in further destruction of the self; it is so because in the whole history of humanity, Krishna is the grand pioneer against repression. [Osho]
Taken from the book Krishna,The man and His Philosophy.

Reachable by All

Krishna can be reached in any method, be it positive or negative. Radha reached Him through Prema-Bhakti(Love) and Kamsa reached Him through Vaira-Bhakti(hatred). [vrindananda]
Questionable, but true. The key here is, constant thinking. Even tough both of them think of Krishna in two different opposing feelings, yet the thought counts here and not the motive. Such is Krishna's grace upon whoever thinks about Him, regardless of their intentions. He is indeed, The Ever Merciful Lord.

Meditative

"All actions in your life only let you to look the finite outward,but meditation alone makes you to look the infinite inward."
[vrindananda]
As long as all our senses are open and functioning mode, we only can have the limited reach within the range. But only meditation gives us the ultimate view of unlimited bliss through our ownself. The Self is the one and only gate to the horizon of heaven on earth.

Surrender Culture

"The six divisions of surrender are: accepting those things favorable to devotional service, rejecting unfavorable things, the conviction that Krsna will give protection, accepting the Lord as one's guardian or master, full self-surrender, and humility."(Narada-Bhakti-Sutra 15^th purport)

Expection-less

Curiosity kills a cat[BJ];'

"Expectation kills a man"

-vrindananda-

Interpretation: This is the condensed lesson of Karma Yoga or The Selfless Service. Expectations is the root of all desires and the reason for all attachments. So either it should be killed or it will kill us. Work without any expectation thus you can be non attached hence blissful. Make God your sole motive.

Meta Factor

The life of Lord Krishna has been misunderstood by many Western commentators. Scriptural allegory is baffling to literal minds.

-Paramahansa Yogananda-

Interpretation: The injunctions given in Scriptures can only be understood fully by sincere pure heart. The mind can't grasp the Ultimate due to it's finite rational faculty. God can only be felt by heart, not mind.