January 5, 2019: we just learned of the passing of our dear Godbrother, Kaliyaphani dasa Prabhu. I would like to give a little eulogy based on my association with him. I first met Kaliyaphani Prabhu at the Bhaktivedanta Manor in London, October, 1976—I had just arrived from Los Angeles. He was a … Read More
It is well known that chanting the holy name in good company is easier than doing so alone. This holds true both for japa and kirtan. When we chant in a group of devotees, we co-create a devotional energy and atmosphere that we get to enter into together. It is therefore said … Read More
We feel stressed not so much because we are over-worked as because we are over-worried (Based on Gita 18.35) Chaitanya Charan Das: Stress is rampant in today’s society. Why? One common explanation is over-work. But is over-work the only cause? At least three points suggest otherwise: Nowadays, machines do many things that … Read More
QUESTION I don’t mean anything extravagant, but at least whatever is enough to feel happy with the process and hopeful about pleasing Kṛṣṇa. ANSWER Krishna gives mercy to everyone, devotees or non devotees. In general, most people have a difficult time to understand, recognize and accept what mercy is. Non devotees … Read More
(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 30 December 2017, Gold Coast, Australia, Bhagavad-gita 8.20) At the end of our lives, there will be a weighing scale to see if we have enough to go back to Godhead. We will first put on the scale all our devotional service that we may have accumulated in our … Read More
From Back to Godhead Though conceived of in various ways, ultimately the Absolute Truth is the Supreme Person who shares intimate loving exchanges with the best of His devotees. By Srila Jiva Goswami Here we present an excerpt from the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust edition of Srila Jiva Goswami’s Sri Tattva-sandarbha. Jiva Goswami … Read More
New York, April 23, 1969 Prabhupāda: om ajñāna-timirāndhasya jñānāñjana-śalākayā cakṣur unmīlitaṁ yena tasmai śrī-gurave namaḥ [Gautamīya Tantra] [I offer my respectful obeisances unto my spiritual master, who with the torchlight of knowledge has opened my eyes, which were blinded by the darkness of ignorance.] [aside:] It is recording? The meaning of … Read More
Sixteenth chapter of Bhagavad-gita denote godly and above all demoniac qualities – daivasura sampad vibhaga, which are to be found in a man’s heart. One of the human quality is cynism. I was curious, where Krishna describes that in sixteenth chapter, so simply that it belongs to godly or demoniac character qualities? … Read More
Recently I was in New York attending an initiation ceremony. As I watched the new devotees, young and old, take their vows, I reflected on my own beginnings. Over 35 years ago I sat before the fire and took the same vows. I am grateful to still be practicing. Later that day … Read More
¿Por qué 16 rondas de japamala y no otro número? PREGUNTA Manonatha Maharaj, por favor acepta mis humildes reverencias. ¿Cuál es el significado del número 16? ¿Por qué se nos instruye a cantar 16 rondas de Japamala y no algún otro número? B. Divya RESPONDER Querido Bhaktin Divya, Por favor … Read More