By performing the practices of devotional service according to the teachings of the Siksastaka, Krishna’s pastimes gradually manifest in the heart of the devotee. In his commentary on the Siksastaka, the Sammodana-bhasya, Srila Bhaktivinode Thakura … Read More
On the evening when this intricate matter was being discussed, Vyasa, the great sage with a pure and pristine soul, visited them. Upon his arrival, the Pandavas and their companions bowed at his feet with great … Read More
Aniruddha, the fourth member of the Catur Vyuha, appeared in Mahaprabhu’s pastimes as Vakresvara Pandita. and caused Him to dance in ecstasy. This ecstatic dancing of Vakresvara Pandita delights Caitanya Mahaprabhu. One day Vakresvara … Read More
Karna and the Mystery Of His Birth Before leaving for Upaplavya, Krishna wanted to speak privately to the one who was Duryodhana’s closest friend and ally: Karna. He was the only one of the great warriors … Read More
Then Draupadi said with sobs: “I appeal to the elders of the respectable Kurava court, and to all the righteous men who are present here. Haven’t you seen what this dastardly villain has done to me? … Read More
It is written in Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu: adau sraddha tatah sadhu-sango ‘tha bhajana-kriya tato ‘nartha-nivrttih syat tato nistha rucis tatah athasaktis tato bhavas tatah premabhyudancati sadhakanam ayam premnah pradurbhave bhavet kramah Pious activities such as serving unknowingly or … Read More
As soon as the clamor subsided, everyone looked to the Pandavas, Duryodhana, and Dhritarastra, waiting for new developments. An icy feeling, like death, circulated among those present, and the expressions of Arjuna, Bhima, and the … Read More
The magical atmosphere that Shiva’s presence had brought about was still palpable when Arjuna saw the four Lokapalas appear in an extraordinary halo of light. Indra, Kuvera, Yama, and Varuna personally gave him their weapons. After … Read More
The Ganges River, who was born from the lotus feet of Visnu, appeared in Lord Caitanya’s pastimes as Ganga Devi, the daughter of Lord Nityananda. Her husband, Madhava, had formerly been Maharaja Santanu. Pradyumna, the … Read More
Vasudeva and Vaasudeva (with the double first “a”) are two different persons. The first (with the first “a” short) is Krishna’s father, the second (with the first “a” double) is Krishna. A double “a” means “the … Read More
Question Hare Krishna, dear Teacher! I am studying the Offenses Against the Holy Name. Please, explain the second offense: To consider the names of demigods like Lord Siva or Lord Brahma to be equal to, or … Read More
Flooded with a huge crowd that flocked to the inauguration, the Sabha of the Kuravas was truly beautiful. Among the guests there were the kings who had participated in the Rajasuya to warmly welcome the Pandavas. … Read More
Yesterday during Bhagavatam class we were talking about our version of the Maha-bharata under work and how non-devotee scholars translate Vedic books making many serious philosophical and historical mistakes. This is one I just corrected. … Read More
In your personal experience, does the pleasure of chanting Hare Krishna develop with time? The process of Krishna Consciousness definitely works. No senior Vaisnava is what he was in the past, when as a young man … Read More
When Dhritarastra learned that Vasudeva’s divine son was coming, he had the city embellished to offer him a worthy reception. He also thought of giving him vast riches so that he would become well disposed towards … Read More
He hadn’t come there by chance. He had reasons. The main one was certainly the strong desire to see his dearest friend again, but he also felt moved by an enormous curiosity. Both in Indra-prastha and … Read More
Sanjaya and Vidura’s Advice Sanjaya entered the council chamber with a look of disgust on his face, and Dhritarastra anxiously asked him what his nephews had replied. His answer was: “I come directly from Upaplavya and … Read More
Summary of a more elaborate answer: Karma (action) is a fundamental part of our existence and Karma yoga is a branch of Bhakti Yoga. The spiritual soul is active by nature, it cannot stop doing … Read More
The roosters, partridges and other birds continued their loud clamoring. Rādhā woke up, stretched Her limbs and said, “O birds, please forgive Me and let Me sleep a little longer.” The geese, ducks, swans, cranes … Read More
Dhritarastra’s Message The Brahmana who had been sent by Drupada as an ambassador returned from Hastinapura without any positive results. Duryodhana had been very arrogant and threatening in his responses and therefore the last chances of … Read More
