Shantanu, who had waited so long for his heir, was desperate, but he could not say anything, remembering the conditions she had set: he must not hinder or criticize his wife’s actions, otherwise she would abandon … Read More
The Mahabharata in the Vedas The Vedas are divided into various literary groups and one of them is called Itihasa. It is considered that Itihasa are only two books: the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. These are … Read More
The Naradiya Purana, quoted in the Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu, states: sad-dharmasyavabodhaya yesam nirbandhini matih acirad eva sarvarthah siddhaty esam abhipsitah Those who are steadfast in wanting to know the Absolute Truth, of all objects of desire, quickly attain … Read More
Notes Of Philosophical Nature The Ramayana also offers us some philosophical points which I consider important to address, albeit briefly. Man has always felt the need for a personal God. It could not be otherwise, since … Read More
“My name is Shantanu,” he replied, “and I am the king of these lands. It doesn’t matter if you don’t want to tell me your name for now, but know that you have already won my … Read More
The efforts of one who is steadfast in the performance of bhajana are described in the Hari-bhakti-vilasa: evam ekantinam prayah kirtanam smaranam prabhoh kurvatah parama-pritya krtyamanyan na rocyate bhavena kenacit prestha sri-murter anghri sevane … Read More
Now, as far as I am able, I shall describe the devotees who had previously appeared with the Lord in His Vraja pastimes. The cowherd boy named Sridama appeared in Lord Caitanya’s pastimes as … Read More
Geographical Hints Ayodhya is located in the state of Uttara Pradesh in northern India, not far from the large commercial center of Lucknow. It is a large and prosperous city, very beautiful. In Ayodhya the devotees … Read More
Syamananda Prabhu then went to Nrisinghpur where Narottama Dasa Thakura came to meet him after arriving from Nilachala. When Narottama Dasa Thakura went back, Syamananda Prabhu went to Chakulia accompanied by Rasikananda. There lived a … Read More
Hair band Hair-tying bands (bala-pasya) increase the beauty of the hair and tie the hair. They are made by stringing together like a garland various colourful flower buds. a. Tatankam Tatankas, which look like palm leaves, … Read More
O Visnu, your name, om, manifested by itself, is the form of eternal knowledge. Although my knowledge of the glories of chanting this name is incomplete, through the practice of chanting this name I will attain … Read More
One day, while he was walking aimlessly on the banks of the sacred river, he saw a beautiful girl who, with no one to accompany her, came to meet him, looking at him insistently. The situation … Read More
Decoration for the forehead Lalatika is made of flowers of two different colours. It has two parts. One is of red colour. It is fastened at the top of the head and follows the parting of … Read More
You must be careful about the quality of the company. Hari-bhakti-sudhodaya (2.13) explains the reasons: yasya yat sangatih pumso manivat syat sa tad gunah svakularddhyai tato dhiman svayuthany eva samsrayet Just as the qualities of an … Read More
The Vedas describe the truth concerning the holy name with these words from the Rig-vedas: om ity etad brahmin nedistam nama yasmad uccaryamana eva samsara-bhayat tarayati tasmad-ucyate tara iti om asya jananto nama cid-viviktan mahaste visno … Read More
A deliberation on Namabhasa Namabhasa vicara Glory to Gadai-Gauranga and the life of Jahnava Devi! Glory to Sita’s husband! Glory to Srivasa and all devotees! Mahaprabhu extended His lotus hand and then raised Hari Dasa. He … Read More
Years had passed, and Pratipa had grown old. So, he retired to the forest to spend the last years of his life in devotional service and meditation. Shantanu had inherited his father’s throne and ruled with … Read More
After those first fortunate circumstances, on my travels to London, Delhi, and Bombay I bought several editions of the Ramayana and Maha-bharata, and immersed myself in their study. I have read these books a considerable number … Read More
When Dhritarastra introduced his welcome speech in paternal ways, Yudhisthira could not help but catch a glimpse of false expressions. However, he replied without resentment, hiding his concern about the proposals that his uncle would later … Read More
According to Namastaka (2), the holy name is worshiped by liberated souls, as even namabhasa destroys all kinds of suffering. jaya namadheya muni-vrnda-geya jana-ranjanaya paramaksarakrte tvam anadarad api manag udiritam nikhilogra-tapa-patalim vilumpasi Oh Hari-nama! The great … Read More
