To Dispel Some Perplexities I am perfectly aware that when I affirm the historicity of the Ramayana, I arouse some perplexities in the minds of the readers. There are, in the narrative, numerous ideas that might … Read More
She took him home, and Shantanu asked the fisherman to give him Satyavati as his wife. The fisherman thanked the gods for the good fortune his daughter had, but asked that certain conditions be respected. “This … Read More
Bhajana in the morning Sadhu-sange anartha-nivrtti (Removal of the Anarthas through the association of devotees) There are no good or bad times to chant the holy names. As explained in the Siksastaka (2), the … Read More
In those days, among the upper social classes, the Kshatriyas were the only ones allowed to hunt, but only certain animal species. They thus learned to kill to defend their territories. One day, while Shantanu was … Read More
The Ramayana: Allegory or Historical Event? Not a few have referred to the Ramayana as an allegorical work, thus emptying it of its historical value. Many say that the Ramayana is actually a poetic description of … Read More
If one remembers kunja-bhanga-lila (when Radha and Krishna separate after their pastimes in the forest) at the end of the night, one can enjoy the intimate pastimes of Radha and Krishna. Govinda-lilamrta says: ratryante trastavrnderita bahu-vira-vaibodhitau … Read More
Transcendental Qualities of Krishna and of His tattvas Important Acaryas have established that Krishna has unlimited qualities but have categorized them in sixty-four divisions. Srila Krishnadasa Kaviraja Gosvami says: ananta kṛṣṇera guṇa, cauṣaṭṭi — pradhāna … Read More
After having heard that, everything was clear; however, the satisfaction of curiosity in such circumstances was a meager palliative. Shantanu, having quenched his thirst for knowledge, suddenly felt unhappy. Now she’d have to go. “I’ve loved … Read More
Can We Learn Something Practical? Rama was an ideal person. How can we not learn something from him? We can learn to love everyone, but also to vigorously defend those principles that lift the human soul. … Read More
Srimad Bhagavatam (6.3.22) states: etavan eva loke ‘smin pumsam dharmah parah smrtah bhakti-yogo bhagavati tan-nama-grahanadibhih Devotional service, which begins with the chanting of Krishna’s holy name, is the highest religious principle in human society to the … Read More
You were born as king Pratipa’s son, and I am now here with you, like an ordinary mortal. When the eight Devas learned of their fate, they came to me and said: “We know that you … Read More
India’s Treasures Does India hide something? How many people travel back and forth to that sunny and hot country each year? Why have so many poets, writers, musicians, painters, and artists in general turned to India … Read More
The Bhagavat-nama-kaumudi quotes the Puranas as follows: naktam diva ca gatabhir jita-nidra eko nirvinna iksitapatho mita-bhuk prasantah yady acyute bhagavati sva-mano na sajjen- namani tad rati karani pathed vilajjah If your mind is not fixed on … Read More
Shantanu listened. Of course he remembered nothing of his previous life, as humans forget everything at the moment of birth; however, something made him believe that story. “But what does all that have to do with … Read More
How to Understand the Ramayana? To understand these poems is necessary, first of all, to have at least a minimum of knowledge of Vedic philosophy, of the concept of God the person, of His energies, of … Read More
Sri Krishna, who is the number one expert in love affairs and the adorable deity of amorous pastimes, always takes pleasure in Radha. He is therefore called Rama (Radharamana Rama). Chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra is … Read More
Shantanu was surprised. Was his wife a goddess? The goddess of the Ganges River? He couldn’t believe it. “If you want, I can tell you what happened in your previous life and the reason that led … Read More
Sri Gopala Guru Gosvami explains the meaning of the name with these words: vijnapya bhagavat-tattvam cid-ghanananda-vigraham haraty avidyam tat karyam ato harir iti smrtah haraty sri-krishna-manah krishnahlada-svarupini ato harety anenaiva sri-radha parikirtita anandaika-sukha-svami syamah kamala-locanah … Read More
In the years that followed, she killed their seven children in the same way, drowning them in the river. “Now, I will have to go away. Do you remember the condition I imposed on you? If … Read More
Relationship, Method and Realization Sambandha, abhidheya, prayojana When the clouds and fog are gone, the Holy Name shines forth and manifests the highest kind of prema. The devotee receives that reward. The authentic Guru bestows knowledge … Read More
