On the day of the performance, we all attended our regular spiritual programs and Japa meditation session. About forty-five minutes into the session, while everyone was quietly chanting and meditating, a loud voice suddenly boomed through the temple hall, interrupting our peace: “Who is Yamuna? The king has sent a palanquin for you!” We were …

Pitra Paksha is a time to honour our ancestors and the path they paved for us. Narada Muni advised Yudhishthira to perform the Rajasuya sacrifice so that his father, Maharaja Pandu, could continue his journey beyond Pitraloka. Sri Nrisimha Deva Bhagavan requested Prahlada Maharaja to perform the last rites for Hiranyakashipu, even though he had …

Daily case studies of living in the three internal houses My personal experiences and observations in the monastery may illustrate the principle of three houses and Home State better:   Sense gratification (Pleasure seeker) I sat in a meditative pose, while enjoying samosas and Jalebis in my mind. I was famished and had already been …

Every change begins with a conversation, but it is not often that a conversation brings with it a cathartic moment of gratitude towards the parties involved. This is one such moment – so thank you Mrs. Meneka Gandhi & ISKCON. Here’s why – Mrs. Gandhi & ISKCON are stellar examples of excellence in their respective …

Three abodes in our inner world A friend of mine who owns homes in Zurich, Los Angeles, and Mumbai once told me that his “real” home was in Mumbai, where he felt a sense of shelter and belonging. In the same manner, in our inner world also, we could reside at any one of the …

The most offensive and violent outburst by a politician from the DMK party is highly condemnable. It reveals the individual’s low and demoniac character. The pressing question that lingers is: How should we respond? As a Hindu community, we must urge the legal system to take stern action to ensure that individuals like him do …

As we celebrate the successful Chandrayaan mission to the moon, it’s important to remember that there’s more to consider. The dharma tradition has a proper occasion to celebrate and then continue to perform purushartha for the next unresolved missions. It encourages us to acknowledge achievements and keep striving for other goals. Celebrating the Chandrayaan mission …

While it’s common to analyse external events and people using our minds, it’s also important to examine the state of our own mind. Instead of being fully identified with our thoughts, we can practice stepping back and cultivating awareness. Through slow breathing and fostering positive emotions like gratitude, we can expand our heart space and …

The sage imparted his wisdom, saying, “We all face the same set of worries and problems, which are like a handful of salt. The difference between us lies in our hearts. Is it small like a cup of water, or is it large and benevolent like a beautiful lake? If you live with a scarcity …

“For the self there is neither birth nor death at any time. He has not come into being, does not come into being, and will not come into being. He is unborn, eternal, ever-existing and primeval. He is not slain when the body is slain.” –         Bhagavad Gita (2.20) As I looked down at my fully …

How many have actually seen a crow eating the shraddha food offered as part of the ceremony for the deceased ? Certainly most people must have heard about this in Bharat – either with belief, skepticism or completely rejecting it as stupidity. As student of Dharma, I speak about this phenomena with a mix of …

Our emotional connection to our nation, without a deep understanding of how human selfishness can manipulate such sentiments, forms the essence of the freedom struggle. Amidst genuine efforts, few individuals falsely claim credit for their small or no contributions. Yagna, dedication, and sacrifice aren’t investments guaranteeing increased returns. In reality, such commitment brings added responsibilities …

Just as we have a physical home in the material world, we also have a home in our inner world. When our heart beats with healthy emotions and a sense of ‘all’s well’, we can experience inner peace even amidst external chaos. This safe space of our heart is our real home in our internal …

“That supreme abode of Mine is not illumined by the sun or moon, nor by fire or electricity. Those who reach it never return to this material world.” – Bhagavad Gita (15.6) Imagine being forced to enter a deadly, lonely forest all alone. The eerie and foreboding darkness sends shivers down your spine as wolves …

“When a devotee drinks water or any other liquid, he immediately remembers Krishna. For a devotee there is no difficulty in awakening Krishna consciousness twenty- four hours a day.” – Srila Prabhupada (Chaitanya Charitamrita, Madhya lila, 8.274) Returning to Krishna helps us find shelter. When we confess our failures or report our success and genuinely seek …

“Recollection, absorption, meditation, constant remembrance and trance are the five items of progressive krsna-smarana. At first remembrance of Krishna may be interrupted at intervals, but later remembrance proceeds uninterrupted.” – Srila Prabhupada (Nectar of Instruction, Verse 8)   This step helps us view God as a person, a sentient being who listens and waits for …

“Simply our prayer should be, My dear Krishna, please remind me to always chant Your Holy Name, please do not put me into forgetfulness. You are sitting within me as Supersoul, so you can put me into forgetfulness or into remembering You. So please do not put me into forgetfulness. Please always remind me to …

“Don’t feel yourself to be alone because Krishna is always with you. Krishna is always with every living entity as supersoul, and to His devotees especially He talks and gives instructions how to attain the perfectional stage of meeting Him. So don’t feel alone. Always chant whenever possible, read our books, and there will be …

“We are persons and Krishna is a person, and our relationship with Krishna He leaves open as a voluntary agreement. That voluntary attitude – Yes, Krishna, I shall gladly cooperate whatever you say – that ready willingness to obey is only possible if there is love. Forcing will not make me agree. But if there …

“Our only business is to love God, not to ask God for our necessities.”  – Srila Prabhupada   If we live in quadrant 3, Krishna will guide us to quadrant 4. If we predominantly live in quadrant 1 or 2, we’d find Bhakti Yoga practises hackneyed. Our spiritual life would be dull and unexciting. Or …

“Because we are Krishna’s children, we have a very intimate relationship with Krishna and since we have given Him up and we have forgotten Him, therefore we are suffering.” – Srila Prabhupada (December 11, 1974, Bombay, lecture on Shrimad Bhagavatam 3.25.43)   As you manage your busy schedules and fulfil your various responsibilities, you also …

In the era of widespread social media usage, two prominent outcomes emerge: confrontation and the dissemination of information. Unfortunately, confrontation often outweighs the gathering of information, resulting in greater offenses, misunderstandings and eventually, censorship. To address this issue, our Dharma Sastras offer guiding principles for conducting respectful debates and constructive confrontations. In the book “Vada,” …

“Being attracted by external opulence, the non-devotee always forgets his intimate relationship with Krishna. Such a person does not like the idea of becoming Krishna conscious.” – Srila Prabhupada (Purport to Chaitanya Charitamrita, Madhya, 12.184)   The four quadrants of a relationship with God Now, let us merge both figures 1 and 2. You have …

When we are trying to discipline and elevate ourselves, we may resort to two unhealthy approaches toward emotions: suppress them or repress them. Although these two words can sound similar, they point to two distinct ways of dealing with inner negativity. When we suppress an emotion, we prevent it from appearing openly at the physical …

“Religion means to know God and to love him.” – Srila Prabhupada   An exercise will help you discover where you stand in your relationship with Krishna/God: Open your mind’s eye. Now visualize a screen/board and draw a vertical line – the line of struggle. (Figure 1). The space on the left of the line denotes …

“For man, the mind is the cause of bondage and the mind is the cause of liberation. Mind absorbed in sense objects is the cause of bondage, and the mind detached from the sense objects is the cause of liberation.” – Amrita-Bindu Upanishad (Mantra 2)   I was now ready for tracking yoga, writing, and hearing …

One of the greatest tragedies for Hindus is their lack of awareness about their own calendar, known as Panchang. The only aspect that resembles Hindu calendar with Western calendar is days, like Monday is Somavar, Sunday is Ravivar etc. But, rest everything about it is profoundly complex and in harmony with nature’s mathematics and planetary …

In the realm of Sanatana Dharma, there exists one profound and unchangeable reality: the process of learning through parampara, which entails the presence of a preceptor or Guru. This process is not only highly unique but also unchangeable. The flow of knowledge from past, present to the future through personal interaction with a Guru is …

“The living entities in this conditioned world are My eternal fragmental parts. Due to conditioned life, they are struggling very hard with the six senses, which include the mind.” – Bhagavad Gita (15.7)   Habits unknown to us I wanly said I have no habits as if I had resigned myself to being inadequate and …

“Every disciple should always remain busy in some work for Krishna. We shall not allow our mind to remain vacant, and if the mind is always filled up with Krishna consciousness activities, there is no chance of Maya to sit on the mind and force us to act under her spell.” – Srila Prabhupada (Letter to …

“Time is eternal and is compared to a sharp razor. A razor is meant to shave the hair from one’s face, but if not carefully handled, the razor will cause disaster. One is advised not to create a disaster by misusing his lifetime. One should be extremely careful to utilize the span of his life …

“Living like an animal, not understanding the goal of life, one foolishly thinks that there is no eternity and that his life span of fifty, sixty, or, at the most, one hundred years, is everything. This is the greatest foolishness.” – Srila Prabhupada (Purport, Shrimad Bhagavatam 6.5.19) In our inner world, we have a natural attraction …

Yoga is not Globalization Yoga and globalization go ill together. The concept of a global citizen is often seen as superficial and mythical. Does this raise the question: What about yoga being globalized? Can India ascertain its soft power through yoga? The beauty of yoga lies in its root meaning, which is universal but applied …

The speech of Hanumanji was highly captivating to Sri Ramchandra. The way Hanumanji spoke deeply touched Lord Rama’s heart and he held great admiration for the eloquence and charm that resonated in Hanumanji’s words. It was their first meeting, the Kishkinda section of Ramayana reveals the unfolding of the divine connection between Shri Ram and …

Step into the enchanting world of Puri, Odisha, where the sacred Gundica Mandir awaits. Just three kilometers away from Lord Jagannatha’s majestic abode, this temple symbolizes Vrindavana, the cherished childhood home of the Lord. As Ratha-yatra approaches, a timeless tradition unfolds—a ritual that holds profound significance for our spiritual journey. In the purport of Sri …

Today marks the auspicious occasion of Nirjala Ekadashi, a sacred day that symbolizes Bhima’s resolve of devotion & sincerity, a day when many people choose to observe fasting without food and water. The beauty of Sanatana Sanskriti is that even fasting becomes a festival. The Rasa Sastra is one of the core foundational principles of …

“Therefore, any comfort of life or any material happiness which does not warrant an eternal life is but an illusion for the eternal living being. One who factually understands this is learned, and such a learned person can sacrifice any amount of material happiness to achieve the desired goal known as brahma-sukham, or absolute happiness. …

In the realm of religious beliefs, the “sensitive atheist” and the “educated theist” share more similarities with each other in comparison to the “radical theists”, who deal radically against different faith. The “universal wisdom” of the Vedas that drives the faith of evolved theists has numerous similarities with the “basic common sense” that shapes the …

“One whose happiness is within, who is active within, who rejoices within and is illumined within, is actually the perfect mystic. He is liberated in the Supreme, and ultimately he attains the Supreme.” (Bhagavad Gita 5.24) Although our external lives are important, it can’t be at the cost of our inner growth. We may analyse others …

Shani is an interesting personality based on its planetary position. It encompasses both the impact of the planet Shani and the personality of Shani as portrayed in Jyotishya Sastra and Puranas. While individuals may choose to acknowledge either or both aspects, the influence of Shani on human beings is highly significant. Shani tends to slow …

The success of a leader is not synonymous with the success of his followers. The followers need to endeavor & strive for their own success. A successful individual should also be connected to his family, community and nation, otherwise he will be hijacked by other communities and nations. Just because someone defeats you in an …

Vrindavan – A rare early poem By His Divine Grace Srila Saccidananda Bhakti Vinod Thakur,The Pioneer of Gaudiya Vaiishnava World. Written on 18 July 1871 in Sri Puri Dham and published in Sri Gaudiya Darsan on 12 August 1957. nitya-dhama vrndavana yatha mora krsna-dhana nitya-kala karena vilasa chidanandamaya lata prema-kisalaya yatha jnananandamaya kunja-vasa [1] My …

In the ideology of dharmik literature & dharmik sensibility there is a strong connection between the mind, the moon and the mother. According to Jyotishya Sastra, the moon symbolizes the mind and the mother. If one receives training from a mother under her affectionate guidance then one’s relationship with the mind is favorably established. This …

Did your God protect you? How can Shiva offer you protection, when he himself is depicted as running with his wife’s dead body? How can Sri Rama be regarded as God and your protector when he himself took help from the monkeys? And that Other God of yours is seen, playing with girls, how can …

“I am the ability in man,” Sri Krishna seamlessly mentions. This statement holds profound meaning if one understands the potential of every living being. It is natural for individuals to question their own identity, ability, and capacity, leading them to conclude that they are good for nothing. Unfortunately, such claims are often endorsed by religious …

Sita Devi, as depicted by Valmiki Maharshi, is indeed a fascinating and unique personality in the Ramayana. Her qualities and actions are worth contemplating and emulating. One of the most remarkable qualities of Sita Devi is her toughness, without being desensitized. She faces challenges and difficulties with determination, rather than stubbornness and maintains her refinement …

“Spiritual strength means sincerity and sincerity means spiritual strength.” – Srila Prabhupada (May 14, 1975, Perth) A song from the 1954 award winning Bollywood film Boot Polish, graphically explains how empowered we are: John, a bootlegger teaches little children self-respect and asks – nane munne bacche teri mutti mein kya hai? – ‘Oh dear children, what’s in your …

“In this world men are not meant for quarrelling like cats and dogs. Men must be intelligent to realize the importance of human life and refuse to act like ordinary animals.” – Srila Prabhupada (Introduction, Bhagavad Gita As it is) If you win one million rupees, you could either waste it away or double it by …

“Only if a living entity gives up the false conception that the body is the self and always thinks himself an eternal servant of Krishna and the Vaishnavas can he surpass the influence of Maya.” – (Srila Prabhupada purport to Chaitanya Charitamrita, Antya 3. 251) The final test The Lord in great happiness asked him who …

“Krishna did not teach Bhagavad Gita to a Vedantist. He went to teach to Arjuna. He was a family man, he was a soldier, but why he was selected? – because Krishna saw that Arjuna was Bhakto si – a devotee.” – Srila Prabhupada (November 10, 1971, Interview) In the mid sixteenth century when Lord Chaitanya …

“If one is fortunate enough to beg from the Lord this Hare Krishna Maha Mantra, his life is successful.” – Srila Prabhupada (Chaitanya Charitamrita, Adi 9.36, Purport) He fights harder, struggles to perform more austerities, takes up more responsibilities, busies with day long services – hoping that he’d get so busy that he’d have no time …

“Devotional service is more or less a declaration of war against the illusory energy.” – Srila Prabhupada (Bhagavad Gita 9.30, Purport) A young warrior brandishing an AK 47, and with adrenaline pumping, marches confidently to battle. His seniors and comrades encourage him to fight the enemy called ‘Maya’. He is confident and roars at the …

“When one is intelligent enough, one tries to find out the supreme cause of all causes—within and without.” – Srila Prabhupada (in Science of Self-Realization) A friend of mine was surprised when I organized a high profile event and a lunch programme that featured some of the senior most leaders of our community, including the presence …

“He thus makes all things complicated, and he is always in trouble.” – Srila Prabhupada (Purport to Bhagavad Gita 15.5) The first step though is to get more awareness. But we can’t stay stuck there. When Journal writing is clubbed with good association and studying wisdom literature with an open heart, self-awareness leads to a sense …

Today is Akshaya Tritiya, which means “inexhaustible third day”. It is considered an auspicious day for investments as it is believed that any investment made on this day will yield inexhaustible returns. Historically, people have invested in buying gold on Akshaya Tritiya as gold has retained its value and its price has consistently increased over …

“Every living entity, especially persons in the human race, must feel grateful for the benedictions offered by the grace of the Supreme Lord.” – Srila Prabhupada (purport to Srimad Bhagavatam 3.19.36) 4. Gratitude journal A one week experiment would reveal to you the incredible power of gratitude journal. Write your inner most desires and don’t worry …

“Survival of the fittest” is the reality of material nature which emphasizes that those who are fit are the ones who survive and flourish. This is not just an opinion about nature but an objective observation. Will Durant, in his book “The lessons of History” asserts – “The first biological lesson of History is that …

“Satisfaction of the soul can only be obtained by questions and answers on the subject of Krishna.” – Srila Prabhupada (Shrimad Bhagavatam Purport, 1.2.5) 3. Question Answer writing This is a thirty-day experiment that would reveal to you your evolution – you wouldn’t need others to certify that you are growing emotionally and spiritually. You would …

“One whose happiness is within, who is active within, who rejoices within and is illumined within, is actually the perfect mystic. He is liberated in the Supreme, and ultimately he attains the Supreme.” – Bhagavad Gita (5.24) While journaling, one day you may get scared and discover your fears and insecurities. Probably you tried to avoid …

“Anyone who is steady in his determination for the advanced stage of spiritual realization and can equally tolerate the onslaughts of distress and happiness is certainly a person eligible for liberation.” (Srila Prabhupada, purport to Bhagavad Gita 2.15) ‘I am not comfortable writing’ As kids some of us had teachers who forced us to write essays …

Sri Valmiki Ramayana is a phenomenal harmony of many ideologies. That is the timeless ideology & beauty of Ramayana that it remains the living force which instills inspiration within the mankind. It portrays the burning of Lanka but not out of frustration or sadistic pleasure as that is just one aspect of Ramayana. One cannot …

“Without being self-controlled, without being disciplined and without being fully obedient, no one can become successful in following the instructions of the spiritual master and without doing so, no one is able to go back to godhead.” – Srila Prabhupada (Shrimad Bhagavatam purport, 1.5.24) Journaling improves Self-Awareness Right now are you aware of the room …

My inspiration to write regular journals is the following quote of Srila Prabhupada: “Realization means you should write, every one of you, what is your realization. What for this Back to Godhead is? You write your realization, what you have realized about Krishna. That is required. It is not passive. Always you should be active. …

“Real yoga practise entails meeting the Lord in the heart and then following His dictation.” – Srila Prabhupada (Purport, Bhagavad Gita 6.6) The logic is simple: When you stretch your body and perform herculean physical exercises, you also relax your muscles and rest your body sufficiently. This ensures you get the six pack you seek. …

“I see all people rushing full speed into Your mouths, as moths dash to destruction in a blazing fire.” – Bhagavad Gita (11.29) My close shave and the subsequent epiphany taught me a sacred lesson. ‘Slow’ gives spiritual insight If I hadn’t slowed down, I’d have likely carried the fearful experience with me for the …

Community living is an integral part of human existence. When we study this concept of living in a community or group, it brings out certain interesting phenomena.If we analyse the ideal village depicted in the vedic scriptures or a typical traditional Indian village, we see that it has never been an officially guarded community. Protection …

“By the slow process of devotional service, under the guidance of the bonafide spiritual master, one can attain the highest stage, being freed from all material attachment, from the fearfulness… from the frustrations… Then one can ultimately attain to the abode of the Supreme Lord.” – Srila Prabhupada (Purport, Bhagavad Gita 4.10) The sword of …

“If you simply chant Hare Krishna, you will be directly associating with the Supreme Lord. You will be directly associating.” – Srila Prabhupada (lecture on Bhagavad Gita, New York, May 25, 1966) One day I was chanting intensely in the temple hall – shaking my head vigorously and vibrating my body. It was more of …

“We must chant with the proper service attitude – not demanding love of God, but chanting for Krishna’s pleasure.” – Radhanath Swami Krishna dasa does the needful on his various roles, and then sits to chant. For him, chanting is important but not the first thing in the morning. He confessed that during his initial …

“I have no devotion, nor do I have any knowledge, but I have strong faith in the Holy Name of Krishna.” – Srila Prabhupada, on board the ship Jaladuta, Commonwealth Pier, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A. (dated 18th of September, 1965) Two sincere spiritual practitioners – Rama dasa and Krishna dasa (names changed) are chanting Hare Krishna for …

Journal with Krishna Many people journal regularly but stay stuck in their negative beliefs. That’s because they are unable to access the deep, spiritual layers within themselves. Usually we write about what’s happening in our lives. We improve awareness of our own inner state; we dive deep into our experiences; and we express gratitude for …

However, when I spend time with Krishna, mind’s crafty schemes are not necessarily checkmated. He is biding his time, and would pounce on me at the least expected moment. He is determined to keep me in the external world, and he does that with myriad thoughts. But the more attentive I am in my Krishna …

“…..After capturing animals, a cunning hunter does not put faith in them, for they might run away. Similarly, those who are advanced in spiritual life do not put faith in the mind. Indeed, they always remain vigilant and watch the mind’s action.” – Shrimad Bhagavatam (5.6.2) Just as a lover feels unloved in a relationship, …

Bhismadeva was known as Devavrata before he took the terrific vow of not becoming the next king, remaining celibate and always protecting the throne of Hastinapura.This vow, shook every one including the Gods above and the celestial beings cried out, “Bhisma Bhisma”- “terrific, terrific” referring to his vows. This vow was taken by Bhismadeva for …

Kunti devi is a personification of motherhood. Her motherhood is not defined only by her loving nature but her ability to help her children find their own true nature and allow them to act accordingly. Kunti devi unlike many mothers raised them to be active participants in real life’s battling situations together with always keeping …

“The key is not in spending time, but in investing it.” – Steven Covey Don’t look at the watch when you meditate. Relax and slow down. To reduce the influence of Time, look at Time, and not at the watch! Acknowledge Time’s presence in your life and observe without judgement. Reduce your activity for some time …

“The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot” – Michael Altshuler We all do it differently – but we must do it! Withdraw from everything for some time, daily, to meet yourself, your soul, your vision – and feel loved. Just connect and attain a state of congruence where the …

Below verse from Niti Sastra or wisdom from regular life experiences, distill out a dynamic concept of harmonizing growth , ambition with death. अजरामरवत्प्राज्ञः विद्यामर्थं च चिन्तयेत् । गृहीत इव केशेषु मृत्युना धर्ममाचरेत् ॥ Follow “Dharma” as if Yama is holding your hair but work towards “Vidya and Artha” as if you will never become …

Education is the key to empower one with freedom from fear and uncertainty. But sadly, the “factory kind of education system” is causing greater harm to the children as compared to those deprived children who could never go to school. Fifty years ago in India, schools were in “scarcity” but now the schools are “scary” …

Farmers are the backbone of a country who works with patience in all seasons to feed the masses. There are two kinds of farmers: one is a farmer who cultivates farm and the other is one who uses his black money to convert it as farm income and keeps agitating farmers for his personal advantage. …

As each one of us humans is an irreducible individual, we all will have different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. This will sooner or later lead to mutual differences of opinion. Generally, we learn to live with such differences; we consciously or unconsciously adopt the motto, “Live and let live.” However, such coexistence becomes difficult when …

Festive periods usually highlight how much our lives have changed, triggering memories and nostalgia of how it used to be. People have come and gone, relationships redefined, fortunes have swung, lifestyles transformed. Everyone wanders to the past – so many events, experiences and emotions that have made us who we are. To think of the …

Bhagavad Gita is the doorway to Sri Krishna’s world of love and His timeless spiritual & practical wisdom. So if a question is asked, “What are the key learnings from Gita?”…… Below are some reflections: 1. Gita is “Sensitivity to Reality” – visible and invisible 2. Gita is dialogue between two willing people – one …

Channeling the need to be different (02.69 Gita analyzed 7 — Human level) This Bhagavad-gita verse conveys that spiritual seekers need the courage to be different from the world. While being different requires fearlessness, it can also induce recklessness especially when it fulfills a basic human longing: the longing to be special, to stand out …

Don’t Let Your Relationship Unfold Unconsciously – Start to Consciously Plan Weekly & Daily Time to Work On Your Relationship Many of us start our relationships unconsciously. We feel drawn towards another & as our alignments, desires & attractions co-mingle, a relationship is born. But, as our relationships mature & unfold, the many layers of …

There is a light and airy feeling to new beads. Their wood is fresh, often light colored, and their surface textured. After daily, chanting, there seems to be a miraculous change. Their weight begins to change. It is inexplicable, but they feel heavier, as if they have somehow been filled, saturated with the potency of …

In the first few months of a relationship, couples naturally feel a general sense of emotional intimacy because of what I call the euphoria of the “in—love” experience. It’s that feeling of closeness and connection we all long for. Yet, when the euphoria subsides, these same couples may begin to feel estranged or distanced from …

The Indian cricket team had a humiliating defeat in the World Cup T20 semi-finals against England. But astonishingly, who is trolled? The Astrologers, for right or wrong reasons. It is a known fact from the Bharatiya wisdom bank that there are three categories of evidence for proving anything: Direct evidence, inference, and testimony (sabda praman). …

Most people eagerly await their retirement so they can relax and enjoy at home. But there are exceptions Divya Simha Dasa (Devidas Vaidya), 70, from Mumbai is a person who does not believe in retirement – in fact he feels real work begins now. After working with Pfizer India for over 33 years and entering …

Emotional Freedom One day during a light-hearted conversation with Rajesh, my old saintly and joyful ashram friend, I was surprised by his confession: he was unable to forgive his senior leader for insulting him in front of over a hundred people. I was shocked when I discovered that the incident happened over fifteen years ago …

The debate of Hindu and Non-Hindu does not fit in the scheme of Sanatana dharma or Hindu dharma. It is very sentimental, non-philosophical and outrightly useless disposition. Duryodhana was also immensely ritualistic in his life, in fact he performed Vaishnav Yagna unlike Pandavas performing Rajasuya Yagna. So should all the vaishnavas give eulogies about Duryodhana? …

Diwali is an occasion to celebrate victory over defeat, light over darkness & awareness over ignorance. Indeed, it is an occasion to celebrate life. In one of our dharmik literatures, there is a beautiful Vedic Mantra which invokes auspiciousness, resources and culture and seems to b a true Diwali Reflection. This Mantra says: Let my …

The Silent Scream for Love You know it’s the silent scream for love when instead of addressing their anguish people launch an attack on others. Far from solving our problem, the blame game accentuates our misery; additional pain then convinces us more about others’ wrong-doing and finally we merge with the lie that others are …

Poor Self Care Habits If you break your leg while playing football, years later when you watch a football game, the pain won’t resurface. But if your loved one rejected you, and it rained heavily that day, then a downpour on another day could fill your mind with the same memories – emotional pain echoes …

Two-year-old Heer was inconsolable. Her parents, uncles, grandfather, older sister, and my friend Manish tried their best to appease the child. She wailed, then gave out long helpless breaths and again whined. The father took a turn to quieten the baby. With his left arm, he picked her up and with his right began hitting …

To get married is easy, to stay married to the same person is difficult and to stay happily married to the same person is even more difficult. But the difficulties in our relationships help us go deeper and search for meaning and purpose in our lives. To help relationships flourish, right from the day of …

Karva Chauth is where women fast from morning to evening for the safety of their husbands. The modern feminist considers karva chauth as primitive and an insult to womanhood and therefore it should be boycotted by one and all, especially reasonable and empowering women. One unique thing about festivals in India is that it is …

Diwali is one of the most popular festivals in the Indian calendar. The anniversaries of many auspicious historical events comprise this ancient festival. The festivities comprise of firecrackers, ceremonial bathing, feasting, artis, family get-togethers  – and illuminations. The aesthetically appealing illumination dates back to many millennia when the jubilant citizens of Ayodhya welcomed Lord Rama …

Sri Krishna, God of Prema Sri Krishna is called as the God of prema. He taught the world the act of love through the villagers of Vraja. They were willing to do anything and everything for Sri Krishna. This is the most evolved concept of God realization . Similarly, Sri Krishna interacted with every living entity in Vrindavana, including the …

Shubh Valmiki Janmadivas Valmiki – the original compiler of Ramayana is not a poet per se but an empowered learned sage & classic historian speaking skillful poetry that is unique & par excellence. But unfortunately in modern times, the logical human mind bemused by the sheer depths of sacred epics, try to unveil & uncover …

As I was growing up in the early 80’s, along with the stories of late Lal Bahadhur Shastri ji, I grew up hearing his slogan of “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” which reverberates even today across India. Shastri ji’s life is mysterious & covered and his unique contributions are isolated because of the Gandhi & the …

The ability to see divinity in everything can fascinate anyone. During the Dussehra festival, Hindus consciously celebrate this aspect as “Ayudha Puja” by offering respects to every big & small thing that adds meaning to their life – weighing scale, farming instruments, weapons, vehicles, kitchenware and many other utility things. Unfortunately in many modern spirituality …

Ramayana is a magical tale of triumph of good over evil and Lord Rama is an embodiment of righteousness & an epitome of infinite leadership traits. When Lord Rama was in the forest, He had nothing to organize as His army, wealth and ministers were in Ayodhaya. So when war broke out with Ravana, Sri …

Brahmastra – the weapon and the movie, have absolutely nothing in common. One is real and the other is reel with an agenda. What agenda? Conscious commercial interest along with conscious & unconscious denigration of Dharmik tradition. Let us understand what Plato, an ancient Greek philosopher states about actors and art, which has not even …

Harmonising Skill & Patience Any skill acquired due to practice and passion makes one an expert and a master of that skill. Arjuna was skilled due to his extreme degree of focus, practice and passion. Practice and patience are an interesting combination for becoming successful. Both qualities are opposite of each other. Patience is full …

The departure of British royalty Queen Elizabeth is world news. She ruled the throne for, over seventy years, longer than any other Monarch in British history. As a Bharatiya, we do wish the departed soul to be progressing towards higher destination. It does not matter who departs, they deserve respect, prayers and an honorable ceremony …

Shakti Tattva The Sanatana Dharma has the unique concept of – “abstract energy” and the “concrete energetic”. The foundational principle of Sanatana dharma is that the feminine energy and masculine energetic exist simultaneously forever. The Shakti-tattva is feminine in nature and it ranges from physical existence to spiritual ananda – Ma Durga to Srimati Radharani. …

Sri Ganesh denotes beginning of something in regional languages, especially in Marathi. It is folk tradition to offer 1st puja to Sri Ganesh amongst all the devatas because He is vighnaharta, meaning remover of all hurdles in our mission. Ganapati indicates the master of Gana. Crowd without leader or a wrong leader causes great disturbance …

Clashing for survival is the instinct of every living being, be it human, nonhuman or bacteria. But when clashes take place amongst those who have abundant resources, but want some specific position and power, it gives rise to organized war. Kauravas and Pandavas had plenty; to live and let others live for many generations.  But …

Lord Narasimha holds a special place among Vaishnavas, or devotees of Lord Vishnu or Krishna. He is known as the divine protector because he removes all obstacles that can hamper a devotee’s spiritual progress. The form of Lord Narasimha is unique. As the name suggests, his form is a combination of lion and human — …

Prahalad Maharaj’s prayers are very instructive; they also reveal his deep humility and love for the Lord. Besides, we learn how we could also please the Lord by our prayers. It was clear to all that the Lord is very angry and in His most ferocious form of Lord Narasimhadeva, He was unapproachable. All the …

A true story: January’ 1985: Sam thought it was a queer sight; he felt a strange sensation through his spines. Drawn like a piece of iron towards a magnet, he approached the elderly gentleman reading an ancient looking book. The man uttered exotic chants, in a rhythmic meter. It was pleasing to the ears. Meanwhile …

Book distribution is difficult. When most people in the world are interested in things other than Krishna, to stop them and convince them to listen to Krishna’s words is not easy. They will have an unlimited number of excuses to turn in a different direction. In the Bhagavad-gita, Krishna says, catur-vidhā bhajante māṁ janāḥ sukṛtino …

“Metpally . . . Radha-Krishna installation . . . festival . . .” Our ashram at ISKCON Chowpatty was buzzing with this discussion last week when I visited after a gap of few days. Many brahmacharis were excited about visiting this small town in Telangana, around 800 kms from Mumbai. The temple managers were busy …

The auspicious day of Makar Sankranti, which falls in the Krishna paksha of Magha maas (month of January), is considered a very auspicious day, and marks the entering of the sun into the sign of Capricorn or ‘Makar’. Importance of Makar Sankranti Lord Surya on His dazzling chariot, that has thousands of spokes and magnificent …

While engaged with the brahmanas who were too much involved in the performance of Vedic sacrifices, Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma also saw that the cowherd men were preparing a similar sacrifice in order to pacify Indra, the king of heaven, who is responsible for supplying water. In order to stop all such activities by His devotees, …

The First Day of Diwali The first day of Diwali is Dhanvantari Trayodasi, when Lord Dhanvantari appeared, delivering Ayurvedic medicine for mankind. This day marks the beginning of Diwali celebrations. At sunset, devout Hindus bathe and offer oil lamps along with prasada (sanctified food) to Yamaraja, the Lord of Death, and pray for protection from untimely death. …

Long ago the city of Mathura was ruled by a demon king Kamsa. All the citizens in his kingdom always lived in fear because he was wicked and cruel in his behavior. He had a noble sister named Devaki who was married to Vasudeva. One day he heard a divine voice in the sky which …

From the Vedic mantras we learn that the Supreme Personality of Godhead has nothing to do: na tasya karyaṁ kranaṁ ca vidyate. If the Supreme Lord has nothing to do, then how can we speak of the activities of the Supreme Lord? From Krishna Book chapter-68  it is clear that no one can act in …

While Śukadeva Gosvāmī continued to speak on the transcendental pastimes and characteristics of Lord Kṛṣṇa, King Parīkṣit, upon hearing him, became more and more enthusiastic and wanted to hear further. Śukadeva Gosvāmī next narrated the story of Dvivida, the gorilla who was killed by Lord Balarāma. This gorilla was a great friend of Bhaumāsura’s, or …

Once upon a time, thousands of sages came together in the holy place called Naimisaranya to perform sacrifice. To their very good fortune the great sage Suta Goswami, who had been traveling to different pilgrimage sites, arrived there along with his disciples. The sages present were very enlivened to see him. They all stood up …

The wonderful history of Krsna and His friend Sudama is told in its entirety in the Krsna Book, Volume II, by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. When Krsna descends from His eternal abode in the spiritual world and appears to this mundane world, as He did 5,000 years ago, He engages with others …

Daśaratha, his desire fulfilled, dwelt happily in Ayodhya awaiting the birth of his sons. The Brahmins and kings who had assembled for the sacrifice left for their various abodes, sent on their way with kind words and gifts by the emperor. Four seasons passed. Then, at a time when favorable stars were visible in the …