tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36243230579439037182024-03-19T01:46:59.725-07:00Bhakti Yoga At HomeHow to be conscious of Krishna at home. For those working toward initiate lifestyle [with or without ceremony], OR those already initiated to revitalize, OR folks who simply want to do what they can - finding nectar within it. All levels exist here. NO NEED TO JOIN ANY organization. Additionally, there are bits of my life in the Movement of 1970's and beyond. To get the latest post with new info, SUBSCRIBE. :)HareKrishnaBloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984787475788837467noreply@blogger.comBlogger125125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3624323057943903718.post-17322332620375765102024-02-19T09:03:00.000-08:002024-03-18T10:29:05.581-07:00Catholic, Protestant, and Hare Krishna<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj1S8zN7TG7nH623ZtmkKrKnVhUTLzw45QjZKmBH-CHIuPpwbBlTIDfM-U2ASwEqvlHZ3ndZfUEnVCEnAtOwPpO3uBhuxv7utJKdsSBfL2KJU24AHpJylIcoquEd7GF6aI9xZaARiCW7Hit32pGHrhK3_t9EJEi8eg2BEaZU2YDyVgV3iMRdw4W_SvEIo/s390/3d-illustration-rendering-colorful-signpost-260nw-698624113.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="390" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj1S8zN7TG7nH623ZtmkKrKnVhUTLzw45QjZKmBH-CHIuPpwbBlTIDfM-U2ASwEqvlHZ3ndZfUEnVCEnAtOwPpO3uBhuxv7utJKdsSBfL2KJU24AHpJylIcoquEd7GF6aI9xZaARiCW7Hit32pGHrhK3_t9EJEi8eg2BEaZU2YDyVgV3iMRdw4W_SvEIo/w640-h460/3d-illustration-rendering-colorful-signpost-260nw-698624113.webp" width="640" /></span></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">It's been awhile since I posted! Wew! :) What can I say but my life has been keeping me super busy. Yet, it is time. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Now isn't youtube a fun place to go? You click on one video - after that tons of that topic come up over and over. ha I watched one video by Catholics, and now youtube's algorhythm thinks I am one, or want to become one. :) It's showing me video option after video option of various Catholic topics, from pro to against.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Fine. My curiosity was up. I wanted to get to the root of the matter. What is the first ever Christian religion? This is what I asked myself. And felt it is probably the Catholic religion. So, I googled it. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The answer is, yes, and no. :)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I will keep this as short as humanly possible, because my goal is not to promote, nor put down, Catholicism, nor Protestantism, nor anyone. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">According to Catholics, their religion is the original of all Christian religions. It started when Christ left this world and ascended, or at Pentecost. One of his disciples became the first pope, and their lineage has maintained ever since. Sounds nice. But is it accurate?</span></p><p><span color="initial" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Protestants claim it is not. That different Christian sects popped up prior to Roman Catholicism, and that the Pagan religion was the religion of those times. Christianity was punished. Centuries later, Emperor Constantine, a Pagan, developed interest in Christianity. Though politically motivated, a way he was able to convert many Pagans as well as make Christianity acceptable and not punishable by law - was to merge the two paths as one. And that is why they claim there are so many Catholic rituals.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">On youtube we have Protestants yelling the Catholics are lying and going to hell, and Catholics sternly voicing against fallen Protestant's deviating ways into Purgatory. :) </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Well, I looked at a few. Not all but a few, and some of the conclusions I have arrived at are given in this blog post. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Catholics believe the status of Jesus is part Divine and part human. Protestants believe Jesus is only Divine. Both can be variegated truths. In this case I side more with the Catholic's because it sounds similar to ShaktyaveshAvatara, a highly exalted position as part Divine and part empowered <i>pure </i>human. And that is exactly how Prabhupada describes Jesus! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">However, to readers who are Protestants, please don't feel bad or left out. To approach Jesus as solely Divine is not going to hurt anyone. After all, his vapu or earth body has disappeared, and he is now only spiritual. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Next, Catholics have many saints you can pray to for help. Protestants believe you do not need anyone other than Jesus. This time I lean toward the Protestant belief that we only need pray to God/Krishna, and no one else. Yet, there's no harm in praying to (qualified) saints or pure devotees for help. Of course, there must not be demigod worship/praying.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Protestant's criticism of Catholics praying to Mother Mary, and criticism of viewing her as Divine, needs revamping. Srila Prabhupada has explained that the Virgin Mary is energy of Radharani, so the Catholics get this one. :)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>"Mary is the representation of the energy of God. Either as internal energy Radharani or as external energy Durga, the energy of Godhead can be considered the mother of the living entities."</b> - SP letter to Sivananda, New York 19 April, 1968 </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Next, the Catholic's believe Jesus is God. Christ states throughout the Bible that he is "son" of God, not God. I suppose man needs a face, and not knowing Who that is, they try to make it Christ. Ok, there are other reasons. However, it does touch on the need for Personalism. Nirvisesa-sunyavadi-pascatya or impersonalism and voidism can annoy or frustrate a seeker. Thus, if an identity is not given, man just may assign one. Anyway, </span><span color="initial"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Jesus says in the Bible John 6:38 that he came “not to do my own will but the will of <i>him</i> who <i>sent </i>me.” In another verse while praying in the garden,</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> C</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span color="initial" style="font-family: arial;">hrist points out there is Someone superior to him that he is speaking/praying to: “not my will, but yours be done.” Luke 22:42 And one I like because I feel it gets right to the matter, is where Jesus says: </span><span color="initial" style="font-family: arial;"> "The Father is greater than I." - John 14:28 There is much argumentation on this topic among Christians, Theologists, and some Philosophers. Since our scripture can be traced back in time to it's origin (God), </span><span color="initial" style="font-family: arial;">devotees take the Vedas as the final authority. Thus we know Jesus to be Son of God. Bas.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">There is one issue I have and do not know where to place it on this blog post, so this spot has been elected. :) And that is, in Catholicism women can only become Nun's, and a Nun gets married to Jesus. I find that odd but somehow they are ok with marrying Jesus. Years ago I read that the reason for this requirement originated eon's back, when women wanted to join the church. Authorities felt females could not handle it without a husband. Therefore, they decided to have her become the Bride Of Christ. Instead, these ladies should be allowed to become full-fledged Priests. Prabhupada instructed that women/disciples can become priests, they can</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> go on the altar,</span><span color="initial" style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span color="initial" style="font-family: arial;">they can give class, they can</span><span color="initial" style="font-family: arial;"> perform any and all Brahmanical /Priestly duties. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">With that said, in many cases there is too much disagreement between Catholics and Protestants over smaller issues, that nevertheless have a positive spiritual effect on</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> a person. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">For example, Baptism. In Baptist churches and some other denominations, they insist it is not in the Bible for babies and must be a conscious choice by an adult. Sounds ok, but no harm in mom and dad benefiting by bringing baby in for Baptism and starting to set their child on a path, IMHO only. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShF9it0VKQdZIEQX9fTZ00tsQZKVNuHqhQ2D0OPrzDI4BcREyA9fMb5OXqbKy95iej6zFyw38V_1R_9sbNwYOEAbC68STJu5AQ54oogxRejAr2hh6PHiuKvN8ZuhJPAzPZKiqW2h1iere6t1y_bTCZHrkOzrVptTjdD-nha7CU_W14Os9XDZSm4so41E/s393/continuous-line-sketch-drawing-holy-260nw-2367727447.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="393" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShF9it0VKQdZIEQX9fTZ00tsQZKVNuHqhQ2D0OPrzDI4BcREyA9fMb5OXqbKy95iej6zFyw38V_1R_9sbNwYOEAbC68STJu5AQ54oogxRejAr2hh6PHiuKvN8ZuhJPAzPZKiqW2h1iere6t1y_bTCZHrkOzrVptTjdD-nha7CU_W14Os9XDZSm4so41E/s320/continuous-line-sketch-drawing-holy-260nw-2367727447.webp" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p><p><span color="initial" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Other Protestant churches insist one must be submerged for Baptism to count, not a sprinkling of Holy Water over the head. Do they think God cares about such things? Details, fanatism. Do what you believe in, but don't judge others choices. Both are equally good. Some might claim I am saying do your own thing and ignore scripture, regarding this or other parts of this post. No. What I am saying is do it sanely, and do it within practicality.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="600" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6GpTWsuYK80nOtrlKDU6jd-q1erzCcutklVZ6hw_wUyYW_zLhYRhjGDy9xr-pnSBwvTnKpnk11VhJtN9E9viHNOOt750tYmImbLEdCRELjdFhldv5DxiY23YxF21WEcTkYF6sk5Zig5hmh14j8NpMq1WrrIVYCZzF5DFgEpBt158Paoz7eOl7xFPSEU/s320/1194305070812_12.jpg" width="320" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Now, Confirmation in Catholic Churches, Catechism, and various rituals are criticized by Protestants. Yet, they appear harmless, and if they make a person feel and behave spiritual, why not. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">There is criticism [<i>overreaction</i>] regarding the use of incense. According to one set of Protestants, the Bible says Frankincense etc is only meant for God, not for the priests or people. Now, sure, it is for offering to God. But how can you do that and not smell it yourself - or have the congregation avoid the scent? Is everyone to hold their nose? ha Or is their solution not to use it at all. In which case, how or when does it get offered to God - never? A bunch of silly questions, no answer is expected. And maybe it has something to do with the specific way Catholics are offering it, I really don't know such details. We offer incense in our temple rooms - to God. What wafts your way, or to the priest, is considered "prasadam," something all ready touched by God. He's fast & done with it, thus it's fully spiritual. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvC5VDI6bJ7EiVUEKfYCOquFbMeE4VESuhE11eFJrAlLDIJ6VLr3AlkLUUnVjxJDiNxdXiLoi5Ib_YPAVA7gYi2nfKLp4-boIshwGEG8z2v7BF6JioyK_KrkSv6xETpltGF8QV3j5_XWcUdq1nUEZIMRcLs1L1C6mBCWuXFaqBGxTd1ItmZ3n9On2I0o/s389/closeup-communion-wafers-bowl-260nw-145165753.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="389" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvC5VDI6bJ7EiVUEKfYCOquFbMeE4VESuhE11eFJrAlLDIJ6VLr3AlkLUUnVjxJDiNxdXiLoi5Ib_YPAVA7gYi2nfKLp4-boIshwGEG8z2v7BF6JioyK_KrkSv6xETpltGF8QV3j5_XWcUdq1nUEZIMRcLs1L1C6mBCWuXFaqBGxTd1ItmZ3n9On2I0o/s320/closeup-communion-wafers-bowl-260nw-145165753.webp" width="320" /></span></a></div><span color="initial"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">My husband was raised in the Church of Christ. He said Church Authorities use to argue over whether the Communion wafer is suppose to be heard when it is broken, or not heard when it is broken. Really? Are these OCDish fanaticisms going to get us back to God, or get God to favor us more? [Rhetorical]. </span></span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Some Christians will claim the reason for looking into various details is to get it right, exactly how God wanted; and if that is not done it does not count, or worse, is an offense. My opinion, to take or leave, is that when so much of the Bible has been changed or lost or with many different versions - God would be far more interested in your sincerity than fanatism. Fanaticism can be a symptom of self-righteousness. Not always, but often enough. Though anyone can change who desires that change. <br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">So much fighting over small things that won't harm, and often will benefit the doer who is of sound mind, following honestly, and means it within their heart.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">In the same letter quoted above, Prabhupada further explains: "<b>But there is no clash between the Bible and the Vedas, simply some people formulate their personal ideas and cause quarrelings</b>." SP letter to Sivananda, New York 19 April, 1968 </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">What I found interesting, is that when I traced the roots of these religions, they had so much in common with Krishna Consciousness. Both Protestant's and Catholics believe in the worship of One Supreme God, so do we. Both believe in singing God's glories, we do too. Both believe in offering prayer to God, we also believe in vandanam or prayer. The list can go on! Why? Because ultimately every <i>bonafide </i>religion came from the same one God; some have just become watered down or changed over time. Much has been lost.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Briefly: This is why we must make sure there are no changes to Prabhupada's books! Look at all the changes to the Bible. Do you really want that to happen to us? (Rhetorical.) Help support the maintaining of his originals by only buying, only reading, Prabhupada's unchanged, unedited books please. See link below.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Now yes, I'm going to take this roots concept the extra mile. :) I feel if we traced back even further, we would find the Vedas. After all, Pagan rites and Catholic rites or rituals, even some basic Christian rituals - are similar to the Veda's. </span></p><p><span color="initial" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Some Christian faiths detest the whole concept of a ritual, viewing it as evil or satanic. I'm tired of that, and wish to clear up this issue. Even gathering together for a child's birthday party, lighting candles, and singing "Happy Birthday" is a ritual. They should not think they do not do rituals. Eliminating the word from their vocabulary does not eliminate the fact that they include rituals in their life. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span color="initial"><span style="font-family: arial;">Attending sports events and rooting for a team, is a ritual. Celebrating Christmas is a ritual. Ever go to a Rock Concert? Ritual. Exchanging marriage vows is a ritual. Attend a funeral? Yes, that's a ritual. W</span></span><span color="initial"><span style="font-family: arial;">atch Presidential Inaugurations on tv? You're watching a ritual. M</span></span><span color="initial" style="font-family: arial;">arch in a parade or with a band or festively observe it? Ritual. Celebrate your grown child graduating High-School? Ritual. Attend or Christen a baby? It is still a ritual. </span></span></p><p><span color="initial"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">On and on this list goes, because humans love rituals! And while we need to make sure it's aim is going to the right place, did one ever wonder if the reason nobody has been able to stamp out rituals for eons, or the reason people love them - is because God put that desire inside of us so we could use it to sing etc for Him? Plus, rituals are healthy, as they relieve stress, increase connections [be it with people or with God], and bring a sense of stability. </span></span></p><p><span color="initial" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What needs to be understood is that <b><i>intent </i></b>is important. Is the ritual to worship evil, or God? If it is for God but you disagree, at least remove it from the category of evil. It's one thing to have an opinion, but stop calling it satanic. Geesh. Show respect to those who worship God differently. </span></span><span color="initial" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">So please Protestants, with all due respect, do not put all rituals into one category. </span></p><p><span color="initial" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Though will add, in Krishna Consciousness you can have ritual, or NOT have ritual. Both are accepted ways to worship. Because spiritual life is facilitated for all types of persons. Matter of fact, simply sing or pray the Holy Names daily, follow the lifestyle, and that is all you need.</span></p><p><span color="initial" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Anyhow, we can note similarities in the rituals of Catholics and Protestants. They even have a lot in common to Vedic rituals and belief's. Why? Jesus went to India, which makes sense as he was drawn to spiritual places. Some do not like to hear he went there. It's easier to call it a hoax than to accept. Recently </span><span color="initial"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I read one site claiming he never visited India, that they proved it through scholars, people with PhD's. Therefore, I listened/read. It was stated that the "Christian <i>belief</i>" is Jesus stayed with his parents in his town until he started preaching. I did not find that very convincing. And, you're not a good Christian if you have a different belief? Hmmm Moreover, he was fully grown, also a Missionary by nature - yet doesn't move his feet and get started sooner? Nah. Other Christians may have different beliefs about that time period, but when I realized many were improvising stories to fit their comfort zone, I stopped looking. (By the way, I know there are some open minded, wonderful Christians out there who do not blindly follow or create stories to fill their needs.)</span></span></p><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span color="initial" style="font-family: arial;">How did Jesus end up in a Vedic scripture called the <a href="https://www.indiadivine.org/the-prediction-of-jesus-christ-in-the-bhavishya-purana/" target="_blank">BhavishyaPurana</a> if he didn't </span><a href="https://www.thehinduportal.com/2013/07/scientific-proof-of-jesus-christ.html" style="font-family: arial;" target="_blank">go to India</a><span color="initial" style="font-family: arial;">? :) And he studied in Puri with the priests. Vedic India existed prior to the origins of Christianity or Catholicism, therefore it seems logical he would go check it out. And, none of that is not to knock any of them. Just historical facts, which shows a thread of commonality.</span></span></div><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"></span></p><p style="color: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><span color="initial" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; text-decoration-color: initial;"><b style="color: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">"I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now." - John 16:12, King James Bible</b></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjiWV1rG4OZXn1YhLzC2V0B-dSOBXNr9x6sUYW6UXHVOUZgN-8pIXTsMNoHbZTugY81OuwImGi6760Zjz4WXAnIvGXX3-1_Tfsb3SjHJLrvg47i8oCh3rkserJpX-k83wJROkGQVW8Yp2DsCa5ieI7AZG2SRbcX8Y3kHnGU_5qaKTvyrQ7ez2xuTZM44/s1807/Ananda_34.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1807" data-original-width="1445" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjiWV1rG4OZXn1YhLzC2V0B-dSOBXNr9x6sUYW6UXHVOUZgN-8pIXTsMNoHbZTugY81OuwImGi6760Zjz4WXAnIvGXX3-1_Tfsb3SjHJLrvg47i8oCh3rkserJpX-k83wJROkGQVW8Yp2DsCa5ieI7AZG2SRbcX8Y3kHnGU_5qaKTvyrQ7ez2xuTZM44/w512-h640/Ananda_34.webp" width="512" /></span></a></div><span color="initial" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><p><span color="initial"></span></p><p>A while back, I attended our RathaYatra parade. An older woman walked up to me and asked: "Do you believe in Jesus?" And I replied: "Yes." She said then everything is ok, and walked away, satisfied. What a sweet lady. But some actually get angry we believe in Jesus because it is not their way. I see videos on youtube of that nature, and I refuse to click on them because I know it will be more about them spewing hatred and fanaticism, and not about getting to the facts. </p><p><span color="initial">Therefore, can we really blame some Hindu's for disliking Christianity? To my Hindu friends I pointed out that a lot of what I learned in Sunday School and in Church, helped me become a devotee of Krishna. Everything comes from God/Krishna. Christianity included. Additional reasons why some Hindus do not like Christianity, to make a long story short: When the British went to India, Hindu's were open to them and welcoming. That was met with put downs, trickery, invasion and attempts at a take over. As a direct result, these days it is hard to get in the door of Jagannatha Puri temple if you are not Indian. Not to belabor this topic, just to explain it. Therefore, moving on...</span></p></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Years ago I read a rather fascinating article. Summarized: A Jewish elderly man somehow or other had this old clock he cherished. A middle aged Christian man began to have memory of a past life. He was Jewish in that life, and said the clock was his. This was a rather lengthy article with a few twists and turns, but it really did sound like that clock had belonged to him. He wanted it back. The man who had it was Hasidic Jewish, so I thought, "Forget it, he's not going to return that clock to a Christian." I am happy to have been wrong. Yes, the lovely Jewish gentleman said the clock belonged to the Christian man, and returned it. Why mention this in the midst of Catholicism or Protestant discussions? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">How many times do we want to die, take birth, die again, get born again - hop from this religion to that religion? Krishna Consciousness is not a religion, because religion can be changed. Even God, or else the laws of nature, can change it on ya, as we see with the two gentlemen above. However, Krishna Consciousness is a yoga. Sure, it can be practiced as a religion, but Prabhupada came to the West to teach the "highest" thus most transcendental form of it, also known as "Bhakti Yoga." Yoga means to yoke up to, or connect with God! Bhakti means love and devotion to God. Life is getting short, this time period of Kali yuga is progressing, don't come back to get a clock. And do meet everyone in the Spiritual Sky. But no waiting necessary to taste spiritual bliss. Start chanting Hare Krishna and be happy right now. Just say it (& mean it). Hare Krishna! :) <3 </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> RESOURCES:</span></p><p></p><div class="post-header" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: initial; color: initial; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><div class="post-header-line-1" style="background-color: initial; color: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-8892078924727791223" itemprop="description articleBody" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: initial; color: initial; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.4; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; width: 650px; word-spacing: 0px;"></div><p></p><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: initial; color: initial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; position: relative; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">HOME ALTAR - How To Create <a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2011/08/home-altar-how-to-create.html" target="_blank">Your Very Own</a>,</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">For the Original, Unchanged Books, go <a href="https://gitatrust.com/collections/books" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></p><p><span color="initial" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">How To Use Your Home Altar, <a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2011/08/how-to-use-your-home-altar.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></p><p><br /></p></div>HareKrishnaBloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984787475788837467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3624323057943903718.post-17981320071836668032023-05-26T09:25:00.029-07:002023-06-04T10:50:03.550-07:00Lead Us Not Into Temptation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimFbwWAnJs9beQkr0NHkMWgpcRtMxO9mk189SruooZ325x5iOH8y2B0ZemgVbm9pcG1r4lagCBLihi0SHb8U2Os_4n_npZEOY9p7doXnm5czgdDpG7eIYzw905Ijv_nij_c3wtiD8Mvnv0Ra0R_vQifN9FaiskrK8De1v46FPg8GKlYGsvnbppUlJy/s500/hillsong%20cult2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="282" data-original-width="500" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimFbwWAnJs9beQkr0NHkMWgpcRtMxO9mk189SruooZ325x5iOH8y2B0ZemgVbm9pcG1r4lagCBLihi0SHb8U2Os_4n_npZEOY9p7doXnm5czgdDpG7eIYzw905Ijv_nij_c3wtiD8Mvnv0Ra0R_vQifN9FaiskrK8De1v46FPg8GKlYGsvnbppUlJy/w400-h225/hillsong%20cult2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Recently I bumped into a video about an initially impressive Christian Church called <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1sFLn_w4fY&ab_channel=Variety" target="_blank">Hillsong</a>. They played a lot of creative music and used a rock and roll mood to progress. It was a Mega-church and growing world wide. Then "stuff" happened that could no longer be swept under the rug. [Sound familiar?]<div><br /></div><div>As I watched the video they showed one pic of their main pastor with pants so low they barely covered his privates. I wondered how anyone could believe this is a bonafide pastor. </div><div><br /></div><div>Yet, they did. He was passionate in his speaking about God. He was powerful in his delivery. He made you feel. Later when it all fell apart, when he fell apart, and hurt so many including his loved ones - he said he did not know how it happened.</div><div><br /></div><div>Really? Because I did. Simply watching I observed his preaching to appear, not as coming from God, but from ADHD. However, shhhh as I was keeping that to myself because I could be mistaken. Low and behold, as I saw more, he said he has ADHD. Not to misunderstand. Anyone with ADHD can preach about God as well as anyone without it, "but" they must be properly treating it, and be under the guidance of someone '<i>qualified</i>' and more spiritually advanced (as should we all).</div><div><br /></div><div>Thus the next problem I recognized contributing to this falling apart, was ignoring their own Biblical teachings. As my title says, "Lead Us Not Into Temptation" (Mathew 6:13). Yet this man was put on a stage [<span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">by others - </span><span>whose offenses I've since discovered are worse than his!</span>]. He was surrounded by money, fancy cars, travel opportunities, women. Any desire that hit him, he could go get it if he wanted. And he did, while instructing the congregation maintain blind trust and faith in their pastor/him.</div><div><br /></div><div>Please dear devotees, do not surround yourself with temptations. Remember: Simple living, high thinking. :) And do not blindly surrender to anyone and get proof according to ancient scripture, that they are a pure devotee or <i>correctly </i>repeating the pure devotee. </div><div><br /></div><div>Some say these problems arise due to a society of cheaters and the cheated. Yes. Simultaneously, it's also a society of the desperate. Many want God but have been tricked out of the real deal; or can not even find Him therefore take what they can get. Their church has let them down, prissy arrogant preachers have left them feeling undeserving or hopeless. The opposite of sexualized preachers let them down. A [false] sense of community that wasn't there for them, let them down. And let down by those in charge who allowed nonsense to go on, or fallen pastors to still preach, while aware of their digressions. This list can go on. The larger the institute, the greater the risk.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, cheating exists, yet so does desperation. This is why people fall for it. It is why they surrender to narcissist's [not saying all are narcissists]. It's why they get taken in by charisma. </div><div><br /></div><div>They also fall for it because so few devotees are out there anymore, to give them a book. Since Prabhupada left the planet, book distribution has dwindled significantly. In turn, this shows in the population. </div><div><br /></div><div>Stuff happens because there needs to be <a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2011/08/qualifications-of-dksha-guru.html" target="_blank"><b>education</b></a> explaining how to recognize a qualified pure devotee, and surrender only unto him - who therefore would never want any harm to come to you! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP6lzElgEQpPr9ep3S_A-jbrcpxWK-1fKTLPDQwBAkQ8kmtvDLrdhU7Py0vohrUKatloIFCjnK04xO_iaUVI7npvRFbYGEYCsbS2OU5pTxXDINQXv-oWD1_I_3UtjC_bqljgW92VzD1f5tIy9_kNyvFgrd-jBR1aGlTzhIcgXIYBA8N0SYUAgGgbkI/s960/349948039_106195745826592_398438448546364970_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="771" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP6lzElgEQpPr9ep3S_A-jbrcpxWK-1fKTLPDQwBAkQ8kmtvDLrdhU7Py0vohrUKatloIFCjnK04xO_iaUVI7npvRFbYGEYCsbS2OU5pTxXDINQXv-oWD1_I_3UtjC_bqljgW92VzD1f5tIy9_kNyvFgrd-jBR1aGlTzhIcgXIYBA8N0SYUAgGgbkI/w514-h640/349948039_106195745826592_398438448546364970_n.jpg" width="514" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Life is short. Don't waste time. Study transcendental scripture, <a href="http://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/04/a-fun-spiritual-place-your-home.html" target="_blank"><b>open your own</b></a> <b>small</b>, <i><a href="https://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Each_temple_must_remain_independent_and_self-sufficient._That_was_my_plan_from_the_very_beginning" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">un</span>centralized</a> </i>temple on the condition to never spoil yourself with it's money or it's people power. (And keep it simple.)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Folks out there need you and may not find Krishna if someone like you does not have a place of worship for them to attend. Check in with yourself from time to time in an effort to stay humble, and you can do it. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">"There are unlimited conditioned souls who are bereft of Lord Kṛṣṇa’s service. Not knowing how to cross the ocean of nescience, they are scattered by the waves of time and tide. However, <b>some are fortunate to contact devotees, and by this contact they are delivered</b> from the ocean of nescience, just as a log floating down a river accidentally washes upon the bank." - (Caitanya-caritāmṛta Madhya 22.43, Purport)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At least open a preaching center or make regulated visits to the park with a book table, some prasad, and singing. You don't have to be perfect, just honest. Anyone can get together someplace, any place, for readings and popcorn or simple prasadam. Of course, only do what you can handle. Simply: Harinama Sankirtana is blissful.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RzLlGL-0XzwIA3S0IfxcRiMk2PwTbLs4jQbQa3OsKhYKyCpjV_JMOvKlxr7kBsXKCt-d6eh0L1cLdronWV9XYbNalXbCa_B6PziS5fBur78qK4M2dUi1w_LoA68NKSF2y_QAJWf_T5HTaL7fdFBU5PrVz_tjpIK5wy6NyA_mVA6jV6p4trVL4nAY/s843/271739672_10166046168175361_8781113116959581767_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="776" data-original-width="843" height="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RzLlGL-0XzwIA3S0IfxcRiMk2PwTbLs4jQbQa3OsKhYKyCpjV_JMOvKlxr7kBsXKCt-d6eh0L1cLdronWV9XYbNalXbCa_B6PziS5fBur78qK4M2dUi1w_LoA68NKSF2y_QAJWf_T5HTaL7fdFBU5PrVz_tjpIK5wy6NyA_mVA6jV6p4trVL4nAY/w640-h590/271739672_10166046168175361_8781113116959581767_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Prabhupada has told us - Everyone is looking for their dear-most friend, and that dear-most friend is Krishna. </div><div><br /></div><div>Give Krishna to someone soon, that they won't have to be so desperate they become cheated by the cheaters.</div><div><br /></div><div>Bottom Line: Share Krishna, worship, serve and chant - go back to Home back to Godhead. Enlightenment. :) </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1cWbP66HVA8H7yuCAD6hDZlJvOm22t5UaxZXW0jUO13GDtG7j7todibgMk5tbnkQsgIiiwFxTdajZaM_WpVA1s3MegJxia4NCdFswg8k7U4QNv6SEBtmK92ckAqc_8ykWH6IHGfEST9mvdoBhNuS_Lsi0eMAQKZqsCcfLpGALJRblTRcR53Eg_ak/s368/347432330_1331837554048034_1863876832039320497_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="368" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1cWbP66HVA8H7yuCAD6hDZlJvOm22t5UaxZXW0jUO13GDtG7j7todibgMk5tbnkQsgIiiwFxTdajZaM_WpVA1s3MegJxia4NCdFswg8k7U4QNv6SEBtmK92ckAqc_8ykWH6IHGfEST9mvdoBhNuS_Lsi0eMAQKZqsCcfLpGALJRblTRcR53Eg_ak/w640-h470/347432330_1331837554048034_1863876832039320497_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Anyone interested in buying some of Prabhupada's unchanged books, <a href="https://gitatrust.com/collections/books" target="_blank">go here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Free online unchanged books of Prabhupada <a href="https://prabhupadabooks.com/" target="_blank">here</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>Please <b><span style="color: #ff00fe;"><i>subscribe </i></span></b>to my blog. Then you will know when something new is posted.💕</div><div><br /></div>HareKrishnaBloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984787475788837467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3624323057943903718.post-20675044364731343462023-04-08T18:51:00.031-07:002023-04-30T13:59:02.824-07:00Embracing The Bliss<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-large;">Embracing The Bliss</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLHSauuIN7do-F_LUi3q7kvbMdOjpX9UGb7G_67CXLmjELZ1I35u78sg9BXQsHbzhRWJrZ-ipTizxPKJTdesF5QoKzwgCFP4LVKxxPmDkYGyS-R8TyKJYDusyT4nj6PNRGiLVMP1JOCwvX_rJz-Lbw0mcB-7sz9WX4bcbqUlesES_N-NlsH2D4fiy/s720/17457408_10155003159759336_8798589501128364680_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLHSauuIN7do-F_LUi3q7kvbMdOjpX9UGb7G_67CXLmjELZ1I35u78sg9BXQsHbzhRWJrZ-ipTizxPKJTdesF5QoKzwgCFP4LVKxxPmDkYGyS-R8TyKJYDusyT4nj6PNRGiLVMP1JOCwvX_rJz-Lbw0mcB-7sz9WX4bcbqUlesES_N-NlsH2D4fiy/w426-h640/17457408_10155003159759336_8798589501128364680_n.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">The older I get, and I am getting up there :) the more I realize the importance of embracing the highest form of Krishna Consciousness. The idea is to not let other nonsense get in the way. Yet, it is difficult to do that if not aware.</span></p><p>There are many politics going around. Some may not, initially, be recognized as politics. Others are. And some people/devotees do not believe they are behaving politically because they are surrendering to what has become vox populi without researching and making sure it is in accordance with Srila Prabhupada's teachings.</p><p>My advice, to take or leave, is to research <i>often</i>, and especially to only follow Srla Prabhupada. Anyone who instructs differently from jagad guru/Srila Prabhupada, please run away quick, because hearing from such persons can result in spiritual suicide. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWvu9-nuJ1ZeQIgBoTKpbSU6K1aFX5aGCYvvPrDXh-TD34gjhuvLGGwoVHoUtk1bXhU2TylkKnVhV83r_zaBdcrtbd9tiWg2z5p2ZRavBk-QJ75HSDZPH_NrYX9bX3fq6IYbAb8HDDacuBYgBNfhqv9aCBTQq8ySkAWCMe45o_eS2lruEeIuawmHW/s1398/278376671_4574165476016893_939015732546955878_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="787" data-original-width="1398" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWvu9-nuJ1ZeQIgBoTKpbSU6K1aFX5aGCYvvPrDXh-TD34gjhuvLGGwoVHoUtk1bXhU2TylkKnVhV83r_zaBdcrtbd9tiWg2z5p2ZRavBk-QJ75HSDZPH_NrYX9bX3fq6IYbAb8HDDacuBYgBNfhqv9aCBTQq8ySkAWCMe45o_eS2lruEeIuawmHW/w640-h360/278376671_4574165476016893_939015732546955878_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Ok, I recently learned there was a book published by a devotee that was critical of some of Prabhupada's instructions. Curiousity is natural, and I too wondered what was in it. Someone posted a few quotes from there, which I found upsetting, contradictory to Prabhupada, and sad. One of the best things I ever did was curb my curiosity and NOT buy that book.</p><p>Also, after decades of being a devotee, it continues to startle me that some, not all but some, still think women are inferior and can not make as much spiritual advancment as men or require a man in her ilfe to do so. These are not our highest teachings. It's bodily concept, often due to sex desire, or the desire for power and to lord it over others.</p><p>"When one knows that 'I am not this body; aham brahmasmi' then <u>civilization begins</u>." Quote from Srila Prabhupada's lecture in Hawaii, May 13, 1976.</p><p>"So all you boys and girls who are now married, follow this instruction of Lord Caitanya, and show vivid example to the world how man and woman can be united, <i>not for sense gratification but for the service of the Lord.</i>" SP Letter to: SuriDas -- Los Angeles 17 March, 1970</p><p><b>Not everyone should take spiritual initiation!</b> They can still practice Krishna Consciousness with less stress about celibacy. Only then can such men, and not all men, be more of an honest devotee. <i>Not to misunderstand</i>, I believe celibacy can be achieved and is <i>not </i>some horrible thing. But there are some who can't or won't absorb themselves "enough" in Prabhupada's outlined 24/7 daily program, & Krishna, therefore lust arises. </p><p>Some try to change the philosophy of this yuga in order to have their cake and eat it too. Thereby putting down women, promoting polygamy [including some not interested yet promote it for others], etc <i>etc</i>. They may even be very good at going thru the external motions, but what's in their heart and the mirror of their mind is contamination if they still desire to be lord and master over the ladies. <b>Plus </b>IMHO, where there is disempowerment of women, there is more often abuse of children.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwUeS2Z5pqFnhNgthpreTynLwl_W6ggKtJvYf1DWlQirrKpDqJcwkiANx5nznhrDp6SstINOTopc05ApWvsl9o_Pp_oYSXAmZldcSjC1BsjWj54S_muON5zNaMHXQTC2bOlG39F8tUXDnbguw2d2UgAUvzBLVR6fK2hPX9P041c6FKTS7PV6gQWAsz/s1080/339871185_893730435257540_2715322909869671836_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwUeS2Z5pqFnhNgthpreTynLwl_W6ggKtJvYf1DWlQirrKpDqJcwkiANx5nznhrDp6SstINOTopc05ApWvsl9o_Pp_oYSXAmZldcSjC1BsjWj54S_muON5zNaMHXQTC2bOlG39F8tUXDnbguw2d2UgAUvzBLVR6fK2hPX9P041c6FKTS7PV6gQWAsz/s320/339871185_893730435257540_2715322909869671836_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>At best, those who hold tight to beliefs in bodily superiority may be trying to follow VarnashramaDharma, which I do <a href="http://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/06/vadwhy-im-against-it.html" target="_blank">not believe is for this age</a>. Predominately, Srila Prabhupada said it can not be done now. I embrace the highest, most transcendental teachings of Srila Prabhupada. Starting with, we are not this body but spiritual soul, and that by serving Krishna, by chanting Hare Krishna, by following Prabhupada's outlined daily instructions - this is the way back to home, back to Godhead, for <b>everyone</b>. Gender or color is irrelevant. Material body is irrelevant. And, we are not practicing Hinduism.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tl0R1iRD4Bm0asRWqvFBfBQNxIJqQrRkCL7AVbdY7RtwGWvucP-XB8F1VQJBg3PoVkU_bQrXl372swzuQV4Janl0ycZyz47G5-TxoHo5BfoUPSDKexe3zoilCoaOkgy4gqbPFXMdoXXQlqjPp9ovk0oRIIMX7Mz9l-0pVi1GXQWNw7I4oLO2tvhK/s1080/336301450_768997134792646_7273863752957887727_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tl0R1iRD4Bm0asRWqvFBfBQNxIJqQrRkCL7AVbdY7RtwGWvucP-XB8F1VQJBg3PoVkU_bQrXl372swzuQV4Janl0ycZyz47G5-TxoHo5BfoUPSDKexe3zoilCoaOkgy4gqbPFXMdoXXQlqjPp9ovk0oRIIMX7Mz9l-0pVi1GXQWNw7I4oLO2tvhK/s320/336301450_768997134792646_7273863752957887727_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>There's an additional perspective regarding the fact that not everyone needs initiation. I see some complain how so much of their life was controlled. Of course, if there is anything bad or wrong going on, let me clarify that is NOT what I'm about to mention. {Plenty of other pages on that, see side links} ..... When someone decides to become a Catholic nun, a Buddhist priest, a monk up in the Andes, or something else similar, it is understood their way of life is going to be changed - a lot - and by those in charge. How long they sleep, what time they rise, how to pray, what to wear [chaste or celibate clothing of a monk/monkess], so on and so forth, is taught. This is 'not' required by everyone, but anyone who has a problem with it, should <b>not </b>surrender to initiation. After all, that's a large part of what it's all about. Now, after some time of doing it under advisement, one can create these habits and lifestyles to do on their own. But such training on how to live, or how to live a devotional lifestyle, is part of any deep spiritual commitment, and is going to be different what most are use to before. [Yes, you can train yourself via Prabhupada, if you are able, and willing, to see and correct your mistakes]. Disciple means discipline unto a higher authority, just make sure that authority is <b>qualified</b>. Anyway, embrace it, or simply be one who does not take initiation, and be okay with that. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8FH0-RtWZdDAudm-jCwkrDTc5dmm4jyprH8D8_XHhXGA7Ecvz0LIY8IgZUwfdNLECVr_gi36ARg2SlIMX6Al5YYZFPMFdUNX5GE6qgBocdL5Fm_s-xKtMam0PS31P0FshaSqdZeo_7ZlgJOBLmYQajgvomg1BgOCdY4GjvpqeTiBsgSGeRVlv1Dr/s281/aaaaaa.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="179" data-original-width="281" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8FH0-RtWZdDAudm-jCwkrDTc5dmm4jyprH8D8_XHhXGA7Ecvz0LIY8IgZUwfdNLECVr_gi36ARg2SlIMX6Al5YYZFPMFdUNX5GE6qgBocdL5Fm_s-xKtMam0PS31P0FshaSqdZeo_7ZlgJOBLmYQajgvomg1BgOCdY4GjvpqeTiBsgSGeRVlv1Dr/w640-h408/aaaaaa.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Next, I am disgusted with all the Gurukuli abuse, the lack of true caring for the special souls born as devotees. Won't say too much about it now because I all ready made such a blog post. If I start talking a lot on this topic, my heart breaks. [But you can read about it by scrolling the post topics at the side and will find it there].</p><p>There's yet another issue I run into, tho not as severe, but personally unpleasant. Sometimes I will read a quote or experience that is wonderful. Very inspiring. Even gives hope. Then I discover the source. A polygamist, or someone else with psychological issues not mentioned or recognised. At times their positive quotes on other topics will be shared all over fb. Not only, but often reposted by good men who do <i>not </i>bully women, and do <i>not </i>believe in polygamy, or abuse in any form. Tho the good guys may not recognize it, they need to become aware that: <b>to some women such reposting or sharing is similar to Gurukuli's seeing their abuser give class, lead kirtana, etc. </b></p><p>It can be confusing to anyone else reading such initially inspiring quotes or experiences but do not know the background or chosen lifestyle of it's author. I myself choose not to read them, when I know about the person. I do <i>not </i>wish to <u>encourage their self-promotion or lifestyle</u>. Do what you wish with it, but I rather get my inspiration and my hope from Srila Prabhupada, or at least someone who is not deviating while pretending they are first class. Plus, any conditioned soul I take inspiration from must be repeating Prabhupada correctly, not with a twist or vested interest.</p><p>None of the above should discourage from Prabhupada or Krishna. Quite the opposite. It is pointed out simply to recognize what to avoid. In such knowing one can move forward. As Christians warn of the devil creating temptation, we warn of maya casting a shadow and/or tempting. Different or real person, same outcome. Therefore IMHO, <b>what the above means is:</b> there will always be those who, tho fortunate enough to have run into how to cease taking a material birth again and go back to Krishnaloka, would rather lie to themselves and others that all their twistings of the teachings - are right. Run away from the scriputre-twisters and run toward Krishna.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimv1n6wb2nfsKhn_KxSYoe758IXA1g5DGn7b1kyv6NCwYnwME6fsWjUPfEl87cBM9Vxe4KfURFbz5tyxZXroO7Fv4MFWW4W_3JANxO6tdslzqYXB8NGJ3daQ9qNgfOfPvMkUAj9f86rH_TyqZj4cSREWxIor7Y3nNd9nABvP_-3BqvG7zdK-TkHS6I/s881/340158210_1226190724685304_2524283711871337181_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="881" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimv1n6wb2nfsKhn_KxSYoe758IXA1g5DGn7b1kyv6NCwYnwME6fsWjUPfEl87cBM9Vxe4KfURFbz5tyxZXroO7Fv4MFWW4W_3JANxO6tdslzqYXB8NGJ3daQ9qNgfOfPvMkUAj9f86rH_TyqZj4cSREWxIor7Y3nNd9nABvP_-3BqvG7zdK-TkHS6I/w328-h400/340158210_1226190724685304_2524283711871337181_n.jpg" width="328" /></a></div><p>Once I thought all such maya-nonsense in our society would end as the Movement grew thus purity would overcome. After all, we were suppose to embrace personal purification and uproot our <i>anartha's</i>. However, what I discovered was - some do, some don't. And that sadly, this is the way it will probably always be for some who nevertheless took initiation. [I say probably in hopes to be wrong, but I'm not holding my breath].</p><p>While the above may be an initial disturbance, we can't avoid maya if we don't want to hear about it, if we don't want to see her workings. </p><p>Thus my current belief is to ask everyone out there who can, <a href="http://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/12/why-start-temple.html" target="_blank"><b>to turn their homes or <i>some place</i> into temples</b></a>. Start Morning and Evening Programs, or do what you are able to handle. [Details on link]. These are becoming some of the safest places today to practice Prabhupada's highest, unchanged, teachings. Avoid the above mentioned risks, thus <i>embrace the bliss that is Krishna!</i></p><p>"Whatever action a great man performs, common men follow. And whatever standards he sets by exemplary acts, all the world pursues." Bg 3.21 </p><p>Let that great man we follow be only Prabhupada! :) </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-ZRoLyuD86ntxrs1i2_fyAMpakrlDzsDW9w6Or27zPU5niLA9NdRqaTv0tg6z6oRYydNoShQj5hZ8TB6kEyMbKG_X7zhy56QZjEdUngk_zqplT1QUGqN1lx6IJ864zUMXkctzxe2xVB9QfRU71aopWWYMLgMawukFg5uVJV84J_v6OL-7oUr2uzY/s2048/12194785_853916174729707_2468571529872225114_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1233" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-ZRoLyuD86ntxrs1i2_fyAMpakrlDzsDW9w6Or27zPU5niLA9NdRqaTv0tg6z6oRYydNoShQj5hZ8TB6kEyMbKG_X7zhy56QZjEdUngk_zqplT1QUGqN1lx6IJ864zUMXkctzxe2xVB9QfRU71aopWWYMLgMawukFg5uVJV84J_v6OL-7oUr2uzY/w386-h640/12194785_853916174729707_2468571529872225114_o.jpg" width="386" /></a></div><p>“He reason ill who tells that Vaisnavas die, </p><p>When thou art living still in sound!</p><p>The Vaisnavas die to live, and living try, </p><p>To spread the Holy Name around!”</p><p> (Poem by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura) </p><p><br /></p><p>Prabhupada: "I began my chanting in New York in a park. I was sitting underneath a tree and no khol. It was some dundubhi. And I was playing on it from two to five, three hours, chanting. And these young boys and girls with their dogs, with their children, they began to dance. Yes. That was the beginning. Gradually, they became student." (Srila Prabhupada during SB class, Vrindaban, Oct. '72)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF_J4NEQVr1iFCnFylnTQt8fBJv8Ir1yEsIe8xUhtj29Q9YlfdtWd7toYSt1eSQBbPYaM2s7JBeUj76H6adqbMOjnLDRSB0B2kcbWmAhnQfGo6Pjwtw10hwaZ7nOKME-7RA3SEwCX00xW32M1VQPp33GIU2Xs-hmDZQppoNJYB98Oaj9EbdQSDbAEy/s724/339741913_614266756855591_7692336840271336852_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="724" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF_J4NEQVr1iFCnFylnTQt8fBJv8Ir1yEsIe8xUhtj29Q9YlfdtWd7toYSt1eSQBbPYaM2s7JBeUj76H6adqbMOjnLDRSB0B2kcbWmAhnQfGo6Pjwtw10hwaZ7nOKME-7RA3SEwCX00xW32M1VQPp33GIU2Xs-hmDZQppoNJYB98Oaj9EbdQSDbAEy/s320/339741913_614266756855591_7692336840271336852_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Srila Prabhupada chanting in New York.<p>Current sign on the tree he stood under, marking history: </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg5rLYC51uqiZafjKVJPJ62iwhKjCFZLIQYcx8JrE9R4xvv3QDqE1GG53AzFZRegR3hIICfRVS_qxv6Oot25Av8Ox-pcr5yweZhoIiGPIBgj4sunwKvE9bFDjKDDU21IBtLUpa0XLsipK2azdPnQjR-Tof7FyxPrYPmq8SDdCGTi5OJdPSnd_SHcYR/s653/tree%20plaque.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="653" data-original-width="584" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg5rLYC51uqiZafjKVJPJ62iwhKjCFZLIQYcx8JrE9R4xvv3QDqE1GG53AzFZRegR3hIICfRVS_qxv6Oot25Av8Ox-pcr5yweZhoIiGPIBgj4sunwKvE9bFDjKDDU21IBtLUpa0XLsipK2azdPnQjR-Tof7FyxPrYPmq8SDdCGTi5OJdPSnd_SHcYR/s320/tree%20plaque.jpg" width="286" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>"Kṛṣṇa is the perfect name for God. The Sanskrit word kṛṣṇa means “all-attractive.” And rāma means “the supreme pleasure.” So if God is not all-attractive and full of supreme pleasure, then what is the meaning of God? God must be the source of supreme pleasure; otherwise how could you be satisfied with Him? Your heart is hankering after so many pleasures. If God cannot satisfy you with all pleasures, then how can He be God? And He must also be all-attractive. If God is not attractive to every person, how can He be God? But Kṛṣṇa actually is all-attractive." - The Journey of Self-Discovery, Chapter 5</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtXwmfbprHbkwrxtIWa1eYxPqeUj8TL1laOGG1re0ANDXk_6KlWlberLAuigktNnE4wOp_AMFB2hnR6SPqocIC_oTfyNTKTMYm40vGt1CjSly0zlKZ8vHTh2KATIVnMIf-D63mLfrbXdAp36H28NmgMBCCcKt-3bJIo7walonUM3WyH6ZmfmFqH8h/s2048/340827987_1158461378165378_8894270629254794400_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="946" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtXwmfbprHbkwrxtIWa1eYxPqeUj8TL1laOGG1re0ANDXk_6KlWlberLAuigktNnE4wOp_AMFB2hnR6SPqocIC_oTfyNTKTMYm40vGt1CjSly0zlKZ8vHTh2KATIVnMIf-D63mLfrbXdAp36H28NmgMBCCcKt-3bJIo7walonUM3WyH6ZmfmFqH8h/w296-h640/340827987_1158461378165378_8894270629254794400_n.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>"The pastimes of Śrī Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa are self-effulgent. They are happiness personified, unlimited and all-powerful. Even so, the spiritual humors of such pastimes are never complete without the gopīs, the Lord’s personal friends. The Supreme Personality of Godhead is never complete without His spiritual potencies; therefore unless one takes shelter of the gopīs, one cannot enter into the company of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa. Who can be interested in Their spiritual pastimes without taking their shelter?’ CC Madhya 8.206</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkLsHidyzlK4njlrO4JAfaPyKdtbS3E4Ew8_ZZExhOcmAlSFI90ItsboQkI8KHE7xCxBOrICA-APMHBKaYfuillF-6W3B0OnSi9i01NYk6ic0fI_2OYUDFccrt0Wc0WPrp6npCgHv5mVWfr9jOAMBiI3bArN0HsyNdxZkUP5dI4WUrxXbjjTNQrvZ/s619/Krishna-at-Matura.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="351" data-original-width="619" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkLsHidyzlK4njlrO4JAfaPyKdtbS3E4Ew8_ZZExhOcmAlSFI90ItsboQkI8KHE7xCxBOrICA-APMHBKaYfuillF-6W3B0OnSi9i01NYk6ic0fI_2OYUDFccrt0Wc0WPrp6npCgHv5mVWfr9jOAMBiI3bArN0HsyNdxZkUP5dI4WUrxXbjjTNQrvZ/w640-h362/Krishna-at-Matura.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>“The very name Kṛṣṇa means that He attracts even Cupid. He is therefore attractive to everyone — male and female, moving and inert living entities. Indeed, Kṛṣṇa is known as the all-attractive one." CC Madhya 8.139</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbdW2xKf1gASw9UVh5q2RvRdX11EoG0PZ0BPXBijmDbRDet_fnP74eZmeWdu70QWXfI3ytQgB-j_2c-KrhXiJmCkkikpGXfEUgiA1UYDsQXG0v2aPJ8CrwKpSlMveRhRO6YzNQSGgkzVUDlqf0zShO82RHx17MIs9mnnG0gnYdpJfb4cU_kvxb6pc/s1086/279135971_3168388246759274_9093935025458175176_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbdW2xKf1gASw9UVh5q2RvRdX11EoG0PZ0BPXBijmDbRDet_fnP74eZmeWdu70QWXfI3ytQgB-j_2c-KrhXiJmCkkikpGXfEUgiA1UYDsQXG0v2aPJ8CrwKpSlMveRhRO6YzNQSGgkzVUDlqf0zShO82RHx17MIs9mnnG0gnYdpJfb4cU_kvxb6pc/s320/279135971_3168388246759274_9093935025458175176_n.jpg" width="318" /></a></div><p>"I worship Govinda, the primeval Lord, the first progenitor who is tending the cows, yielding all desire, in abodes built with spiritual gems, surrounded by millions of purpose trees, always served with great reverence and affection by hundreds of thousands of lakṣmīs or gopīs." Bs 5.29 </p><p>Purport</p><p>"By the word cintāmaṇi is meant "transcendental gem." Just as Māyā builds this mundane universe with the five material elements, so the spiritual (cit) potency has built the spiritual world of transcendental gems. The cintāmaṇi which serves as material in the building of the abode of the Supreme Lord of Goloka, is a far rarer and more agreeable entity than the philosopher's stone. The purpose tree yields only the fruits of piety, wealth, fulfillment of desire and liberation; but the purpose trees in the abode of Kṛṣṇa bestow innumerable fruits in the shape of checkered divine love. Kāma-dhenus (cows yielding the fulfillment of desire) give milk when they are milked; but the kāma-dhenus of Goloka pour forth oceans of milk in the shape of the fountain of love showering transcendental bliss that does away with the hunger and thirst of all pure devotees. The words lakṣa and sahasra-śata signify endless numbers. The word sambhrama or sādara indicates "being saturated with love." Here lakṣmī denotes gopī. Ādi-puruṣa means, "He who is the primeval Lord." - Śrī Brahma-Saṁhitā 5.29 </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguqNFCOZtyRUVk3zErQzTRSn0hlvNRrjtehPofg5_9AueR3aHoWH9Bm5CuQVT-2fWK_G2h3epyVTwWWBP5AjZfbzE9d5ad60olY3uFETglfMBaU9Zhkjn36u1idNmCDIRYir7NTkvt4RgB-LIrWsVcwMyMyiR1DVSq1WeTYbdNTZ_kjXRw-XO5ewoC/s554/dwaraka%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="554" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguqNFCOZtyRUVk3zErQzTRSn0hlvNRrjtehPofg5_9AueR3aHoWH9Bm5CuQVT-2fWK_G2h3epyVTwWWBP5AjZfbzE9d5ad60olY3uFETglfMBaU9Zhkjn36u1idNmCDIRYir7NTkvt4RgB-LIrWsVcwMyMyiR1DVSq1WeTYbdNTZ_kjXRw-XO5ewoC/w289-h400/dwaraka%20(1).jpg" width="289" /></a></div><p>"Samādhi involves concentrating the mind upon the supreme cause of all, even if one is unaware of whether His actual nature is personal, impersonal or localized. Concentration of the mind on the Supreme is certainly a form of devotional service. To cease from personal sense endeavors and to concentrate on the supreme cause is a sign of self-surrender, and when self-surrender is present, that is a sure sign of devotional service. Each and every living entity needs to engage in devotional service to the Lord if he wishes to understand the ultimate cause of his existence. ŚB 3.8.21 purport</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnuf_NcSYsUp9JJ_JWxV7EJCumhe_6i3MjN5juNYTqCK6p1mLYHdbjHq56mgOCBW1urZqEgQwZ0toUXzewk_yNJworR5fvikJY_xzvSDDbn2BltbYQDNIq_LBtKSUGvwfSCSCyD69BNVYpRXks_83CYIVuWdqo54Q_GCWZpOOj3aFAxFiha1V-DrTC/s478/319508200_1585242715267417_5215084213371044961_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="354" data-original-width="478" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnuf_NcSYsUp9JJ_JWxV7EJCumhe_6i3MjN5juNYTqCK6p1mLYHdbjHq56mgOCBW1urZqEgQwZ0toUXzewk_yNJworR5fvikJY_xzvSDDbn2BltbYQDNIq_LBtKSUGvwfSCSCyD69BNVYpRXks_83CYIVuWdqo54Q_GCWZpOOj3aFAxFiha1V-DrTC/s320/319508200_1585242715267417_5215084213371044961_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>“I do not know how much nectar the two syllables ‘Kṛṣ-ṇa’ have produced. When the holy name of Kṛṣṇa is chanted, it appears to dance within the mouth. We then desire many, many mouths. When that name enters the holes of the ears, we desire many millions of ears. And when the holy name dances in the courtyard of the heart, it conquers the activities of the mind, and therefore all the senses become inert.”</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtsxyT8KO8PpkM1GAt6PZjds4XCDITxCLoryUmiq6a8bwGkBMuoUbA-qMftkuq-AFAP9R2N6FJBWOCQVkQn2RZybiqRdX_bv7XmXh4PwWnt6b3BpKHXLTNPx4ci8P69QQbH5HkdFwEfsLgEXbJidptwBHf7iEgF5rMIXNzL53mnlfPOkA6LUqreu66/s600/75339476_10157458071979336_9111234108658286592_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtsxyT8KO8PpkM1GAt6PZjds4XCDITxCLoryUmiq6a8bwGkBMuoUbA-qMftkuq-AFAP9R2N6FJBWOCQVkQn2RZybiqRdX_bv7XmXh4PwWnt6b3BpKHXLTNPx4ci8P69QQbH5HkdFwEfsLgEXbJidptwBHf7iEgF5rMIXNzL53mnlfPOkA6LUqreu66/s320/75339476_10157458071979336_9111234108658286592_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><b><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: large;">RELATED POSTS:</span></b></p><p><a href="http://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/07/love-of-god-experience-it-now.html" target="_blank">Love Of God - Experience It Now!</a> </p><p><a href="http://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2021/09/lift-your-spirits-now.html" target="_blank">Get Your Sadhana Back</a> </p><p><a href="http://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/07/blissful-sadhana.html" target="_blank">Blissful Sadhana</a> [Fun, creative, spiritual activities]</p><p><a href="http://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2011/08/shaktaveshavatara.html" target="_blank">ShaktiAveshAvatara</a> </p><p><br /></p>HareKrishnaBloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984787475788837467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3624323057943903718.post-53455658933565881052022-10-09T14:48:00.188-07:002023-08-12T11:34:33.030-07:00Women - the Never Ending Battle<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Wzkecd__yms3J_AhpnrlL5zPBJlrMSoQNaB7sXiG_-C5KSJVU-fOdJUKQMZuoc-RGm-kMK7sezBhV1mnWei2xT5B_cOW21m22l0jUpYacsrTsW6iBCet_7lXW3USQRMXyBr4l-3w7Yc_H-kLWBNFdEOuGmxLZDnnEHSXzYASplXAQYyf9lClqGPk/s1024/dark-crystal-skeksis-top.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Wzkecd__yms3J_AhpnrlL5zPBJlrMSoQNaB7sXiG_-C5KSJVU-fOdJUKQMZuoc-RGm-kMK7sezBhV1mnWei2xT5B_cOW21m22l0jUpYacsrTsW6iBCet_7lXW3USQRMXyBr4l-3w7Yc_H-kLWBNFdEOuGmxLZDnnEHSXzYASplXAQYyf9lClqGPk/w400-h225/dark-crystal-skeksis-top.webp" width="400" /></a></div><p>When I became a devotee [1973ish] the goal was to go back to Godhead. And that is one reason why I became a devotee. That, and the yogic connection Bhakti gives to help one develop their personal relationship with God, through meditative chanting, real service, and committed devotion. This path is something tangible that my church nor any other path I studied, could offer me. </p><p>However, over time when various books came out [as Prabhupada was still translating many of them], some words about women left certain men confused - at best. For some ladies, there was mistreatment. I knew this was a <b>misunderstanding</b>. After all, he <span style="color: red;"><i>never treated</i></span> women the way misogynists treat women. Obviously they are not comprehending the very high level words of the pure devotee. Also I suspected that those inclined to abuse were looking for an excuse to do just that, and did not want to hear truth. Thus, twistings of scripture. It happens in every religion, and not religion. Though some may just need to learn more - while others are seeking loopholes. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij4uD9xSoZi0-Ply2ystsQb57fEiz_0R6dDzlQyOkJ5R9cdxQh2ovKHnLHmgp5eWAEpwGRUeREVLaNJv1iFHvPEeHvrIDg31lWYI9nEt9yOyumli4_Y43H1Tyikod69K873GI4rEt8tTRXW92oaj1RtRKW4RCBP2mtOW00mshbJdoyKp0qRH4Qbs3h/s245/aaaaa.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="245" height="538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij4uD9xSoZi0-Ply2ystsQb57fEiz_0R6dDzlQyOkJ5R9cdxQh2ovKHnLHmgp5eWAEpwGRUeREVLaNJv1iFHvPEeHvrIDg31lWYI9nEt9yOyumli4_Y43H1Tyikod69K873GI4rEt8tTRXW92oaj1RtRKW4RCBP2mtOW00mshbJdoyKp0qRH4Qbs3h/w640-h538/aaaaa.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>At the time I believed that gradually, as everyone became older, mature, studied more deeply - it would get cleared up. And it did. For awhile. And for some. Until it rose to a head again in the 90's. And that was sort of cleared up, or at least they went to their side of the web and we, ours. However, again it showed it's nasty head on fb, causing me to believe it never ends.</p><p>In the 1970s my mood was that of trying to push forward the Movement - on the highest level, not bodily concept - rather with the focus on God - <span style="color: red;"><b>not how to be married</b>.</span> Over time, with repetition of some bully's picking on women in the name of God or Guru [passing the buck] I've come to accept that there will always be some out there who choose to put women down. <i>Misquoting </i>of course. </p><p>Some misogynists take joy in giving women who disagree with them - trouble. No matter how many times you ask them to stop, you don't engage in the debate with them - they won't leave you alone. They claim you refuse to talk with them (read "debate") because there are not many quotes to support our view - when the real reason is ya just don't want to fight with those who refuse to hear, because there's <u>plenty</u> of quotes as you will see as you continue reading. </p><p>Why do they persist like that? It is their sense gratification. They post to start a fight. Some are mean, sarcastic and laugh at things others would not. (Makes them feel powerful.) They're use to being in charge and doing whatever they want. They have no pujari-work or sankirtana or devotional service to busy them <u>enough</u> to keep <b>that </b>in the forefont of their consciousness, instead of the so-called joy of picking a fight - and working to belabor it.<br /></p><p>If you've had this experience or similar, and even if not but you want to avoid it, you are in the right place. Keep reading. <b><span style="color: #a64d79;">View this as you would a book in the sense that</span></b> it is going to have a lot of information, a lot of links with even more proof, and it must be long in order to make the point. Anyone who really wants help (or be able to help another) will understand that this is what it takes. Now, if you disagree with what is being preached here, that's your right, but it is suggested you stop reading. Now.</p><p>I make this post <b>to let women or parents know - never let them discourage you! </b>They can get very nasty, single you out and <i>harass </i>because you dare to think different from them, and pick on you for it. Which is proof they are <u>not</u> into protection of women as they claim. </p><p>Protect yourself and/or loved ones. Start by getting out of their bad association / block them. And be confident that you have every right to practice the <i><span style="color: #b208d4;"><b>highest </b></span></i>type of Krishna Consciousness just as much as any man. (Yes, there <i>are</i> lesser types, which is what most misogynists practice, but claim it's high. Details below.)</p><p>This post is <b>not </b>to belittle the good, honest, or sane men out there. I know there are wonderful male devotees who align with <i>aham brahmasmi </i>[not this body but spirit soul], and agree with acting on it too. It is not them I am talking about, and I offer them all respects. </p><p>Plus, there are men, and some women, who read quotes, sometimes sent to them or so-called explained to them, thus get the wrong understanding. <i>Or etc</i>. Therefore, this post. <u>Some just need education</u>. Others are bully's. </p><p>Male or female reader here, that does not matter. Please remember the Hare Krishna Movement is about God, not woman or how to be married. Has God right there in the name. :) </p><p>I am about to include some quotes for empowerment. Yes, I know they are hand-picked, but so are the ummm opponents quotes. I tire of hearing a woman was abused because she had a husband who subscribed to these various mis-beliefs, or tire of finding out women giving up on the practice of Krishna Consciousness because she read certain (incomplete) quotes. Bully's misusing them either don't believe their so-called preaching will bring such adverse results, or <i>don't care</i>. Anyway, to the sincere, it is up to you to empower yourself.</p><p>It is not my intention to make the entire blog on this topic - at all. Anyone who takes the time to look at my links to the side or below this entire post, will see that is not the case. Matter of fact, I suggest you <u>bookmark</u> this particular post <b><i>because </i></b>it is going to be a long one, for the very reason that I do not want to keep talking about this topic more then necessary. </p><p>Let me say upfront, I do not like doing this and am saddened that <span style="color: #3c00ff;">Prabhupada and Krishna are being misrepresented</span> in such ways. Misrepresentation is a large reason I do this - to clear 'Their' names. Additionally, I find it sad that I "have" to compose this at all. When <u>bigotry</u> rises it's nasty head again [a recent experience on fb by a young man bullying an old lady], I feel obliged to make a post to clear up any confusion for other young people, or old. </p><p>We are about God - not woman, and no more blaming Prabhupada or Krishna for abuse, including abuse of scripture. <b>Thus, some quotes:</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWu6ljHedNCiPILqEXd_u_j_MQv-4ACzEtdLRT9H_cF-QmTi6wxpfLyGs2txVzk5OW8ZmbJXjg6cVz_5mdaXyE00BWa_Z9epgPr_ArRmo-4hdSJhvsO6LxOH8lOyVT-000QXO3DIB0CnDI7vByJxnXQZSQKBdqP1X4FGpBOLJKiCi6eOzEzbLNOiRO/s520/279569366_10218858980378750_6297883708145208098_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="471" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWu6ljHedNCiPILqEXd_u_j_MQv-4ACzEtdLRT9H_cF-QmTi6wxpfLyGs2txVzk5OW8ZmbJXjg6cVz_5mdaXyE00BWa_Z9epgPr_ArRmo-4hdSJhvsO6LxOH8lOyVT-000QXO3DIB0CnDI7vByJxnXQZSQKBdqP1X4FGpBOLJKiCi6eOzEzbLNOiRO/w580-h640/279569366_10218858980378750_6297883708145208098_n.jpg" width="580" /></a></div><p>"Woman means for man the woman is woman, and for the woman the man is woman. Not that woman means a particular class. Woman means which are enjoyable. So in this material world, the man is enjoyable by the woman, and the woman is enjoyable by the man. For both of them, visayinam sandarsanm atha yositam. Yosit means enjoyable." Srila Prabhupada Lecture - Srimad-Bhagavatam. Vrndavana, 10 September 1976</p><p>"You do <i><b>not </b></i>think that only woman is woman. The man is <b>also </b>woman. Don't think that the woman is condemned; man is not. Woman means enjoyed, and man means enjoyer. So this <b>feeling</b>, this feeling is condemned. If I see one woman for enjoyment, so I am man. And if woman also sees another man for enjoyment, she is also man. Woman means enjoyed and man means enjoyer. So anyone who has got feeling of enjoyment, he is considered to be man. So here both sexes meant for... Everyone is planning, "How I shall enjoy?" Therefore he is purusa, artificially. Otherwise, originally, we are all prakrti, jiva, either woman or man. This is outward dress." Srila Prabhupada Lecture, Srimad-Bhagavatam. Vrndavana, 1 September 1975<span> </span></p><p>"We are <b>not concerned</b> with male or female position in life. That is simply <i>bodily concep</i>t of life. It is not spiritual." Srila Prabhupada Letter to Jennifer -- Mexico City 15 February, 1975 </p><p>"But the present age of kali is full of ignorant men. Even those who are born by a brahmana father are, in the present age, no better than the sudra or the women. " SB 1.3. 21</p><p>"<b>Unless </b>one is firmly <i>fixed </i>in the regulative principles, one may perform <i>mischievous </i>acts, <u>even if one is a member of the Krsna consciousness movement</u>. We THEREFORE advise our disciples to strictly follow the regulative principles; otherwise the most important movement for the upliftment of humanity will be hampered due to dissension among its members. Those who are serious about pushing forward this Krsna consciousness movement should remember this and strictly follow the regulative principles so that their minds will not be disturbed." Srimad Bhagavatam 5.14.35</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRsAzuaCSVqkJIyYhqJSz8GNScxt-1tT4R3RmcQchhNkBNp_OX6TUBeLO9xhw-k-x5HBUs2T-sNwtRfLME1fOqV2ZBrVwBi-1LNyLz2O1rbpEiGIKSNvvMrRStUgqj997SUNQbSE-M1ip_I5a5YawbkaWnNxq6r5sloVoiDrzQzKHjw9idwN6lDuVo/s720/325206591_1183248899227355_2232912496777093370_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="720" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRsAzuaCSVqkJIyYhqJSz8GNScxt-1tT4R3RmcQchhNkBNp_OX6TUBeLO9xhw-k-x5HBUs2T-sNwtRfLME1fOqV2ZBrVwBi-1LNyLz2O1rbpEiGIKSNvvMrRStUgqj997SUNQbSE-M1ip_I5a5YawbkaWnNxq6r5sloVoiDrzQzKHjw9idwN6lDuVo/w640-h466/325206591_1183248899227355_2232912496777093370_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">* </span></b>Some claim all women must marry (thus such men want to deny woman to be a brahmacarini). Not only did Prabhupada open brahmacarini ashrama's world-wide (many which have been closed but that's an entire, other topic), here are some quotes to show women can dedicate themselves fully to God if they want, and do not have to marry in order to be saved. While most people will marry, it needs to be made unhidden that women have other options. </p><p>Those seeking love-marriages (they can be real), or those who <u>later</u> may experience marriage problems but now it's hope and love - some of this may sound strong, though it is also worded in a positive way. Please know this is simply meant to show the option to be a single woman in Krishna Consciousness. </p><p>"I shall be glad if the Brahmacarinis can have nice husbands, and live as Grhasthas. But if they cannot find out <i>good </i>husbands, it is <b>better </b>to <u>remain a Brahmacarini</u> all the life, even though it is little difficult." - Srila Prabhupada letter to Satsvarupa Montreal, August 8, 1968</p><p><b>"</b>I always remember you as the nicest girl <b>because </b>you are so devoutly engaged in the service of Krishna. I am sure Krishna is pleased on you and He will bestow His blessings upon you. <b>Better you accept Krishna as your Husband</b> and He will never be unfaithful. Mundane husbands and wives never agree with one another. Because in the material world the relations are on the basis of body which is false basically. Under the circumstance how we can have the genuine thing on platform of false existence. Devote yourself therefore 24 hours in the service of Krishna and see how you feel happy in all respects. You are very good girl, because I have heard you chanting while working. It is very good and may Krishna give you more and more enlightenment. I always pray that you may be happy by our Lord's Grace. I shall be glad to hear from you.<b>"</b> -Srila Prabhupada Letter to a female disciple Jaudarani dd, San Francisco, January 30, 1967</p><p>"You will be glad to know that we draw no distinction of caste, creed, or nationality." Srila Prabhupada letter to HareKrishnaJi Das, L.A., Ca., Feb. 1, 1968 </p><p>"Under the circumstances, what woman who has once heard of <b>Your</b> glories from authoritative sources and has somehow or other relished the nectarean fragrance of Your lotus feet would <i>be foolish enough to agree to marry someone of this material world who is always afraid of</i> death, disease, old age and rebirth? I have therefore accepted Your lotus feet not without consideration but after mature and deliberate decision." - Krsna Book, Chapter 60</p><p>In the following quote, Srila Prabhupada was referring to Gurudasa's wife, Yamuna devi dasi: </p><p>"His <b>wife has also sanyasi, renounced</b>. Have you seen her? She has cut her hair, white dress, living alone in temple." - Srila Prabhupada, London, Room conversation, 1976</p><p> To read, enlarge the picture by clicking on it:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8EEFvSdhyI6CG9OPjY0RoryCIk3nC4lxlOvPVN2aIdHFrnmJrP-039_7o3-KOfv7iMMa0eGgqrVPq-VZ-4KmYGttogfM-ZV4AJAnX7SoKP_W1iq4ZsIQR1O4t-wnGCaBeOhGodvoQ0h8LSqGjQ8a3z1xiIRaTAc04gggq5LUFWUFMvqrCDEFunfQW/s245/sss.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="245" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8EEFvSdhyI6CG9OPjY0RoryCIk3nC4lxlOvPVN2aIdHFrnmJrP-039_7o3-KOfv7iMMa0eGgqrVPq-VZ-4KmYGttogfM-ZV4AJAnX7SoKP_W1iq4ZsIQR1O4t-wnGCaBeOhGodvoQ0h8LSqGjQ8a3z1xiIRaTAc04gggq5LUFWUFMvqrCDEFunfQW/w400-h336/sss.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Next, what follows is a verse the over-lords :) or those who want to lord it over women, often use. We need to look at it in order to gain a 'more clear' understanding than that of the repressors:</p><p>"A woman who has no husband declares herself independent, which means that she becomes a prostitute. A prostitute generally dresses herself in various fashions intended to attract a man's attention to the lower part of her body. SB 6.5.14, Translation and Purport</p><p>First, remember one of the quotes above, where Prabhupada actually says that women does NOT not have to marry if she can't find a 'good' husband, just remain good devotee. There may be a debate over what is a 'good' husband, but that's too complex to get into here. Let's summarize it to say, the authorities do not get to decide, the man wanting to marry her does not get to decide, SHE decides and in line with Prabhupada's <b>highest </b>teachings. </p><p>Next, considering it was a different yuga / time period, and there was not always a way for a woman to financially support herself, sometimes they felt forced to do various things to survive. </p><p>Then, when I researched the verse, there was <i>more</i>. They left off the ending. Had the ending been a continuance of the same, that might be more honest on their part. But it is different. Here it is:</p><p>"In our Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement, fashionable persons are taught to adopt one fashion—the dress of a Vaiṣṇava with a shaved head and tilaka. They are taught to be always clean in mind, dress and eating in order to be fixed in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. What is the use of changing one's dress, sometimes wearing long hair and a long beard and sometimes dressing otherwise? This is not good. One should not waste his time in such frivolous activities. One should always be fixed in Kṛṣṇa consciousness and take the cure of devotional service with firm determination." </p><p>I must say upfront, I did not put the entire purport because nondevotees also read this blog, or those on the fence - we don't want to discourage anyone, and the point <b><i>has </i></b>been made. Next, in the above we see Prabhupada is <u>including men</u> regarding fashion, cleanliness <i>of mind</i>, avoiding frivolousness (includes hassling a woman), and to be "fixed" in <i>Krishna </i>Consciousness, etc. </p><p>Plus, in that verse we see that Prabhupada was not talking about Krishna Conscious women, as oppressors often tell us such verses apply to us. No, as you see above, when progressing thru what he wrote, he points out that <u>devotee </u>women dress <i>differently</i>. Yet this verse was shown to me specifically in reference to devotee women - that this is what we will turn into if not married, to one of them/misogynists of course.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>"But she is not ordinary woman. She's devotee. Similarly, any devotee woman is as good as Kunti." - Srila Prabhupada, Mayapura lecture, Sept 30, 1974</b></span></p><p>I wish to add, there are various spiritual unmarried woman out there who are chaste. When Prabhupada spoke in a church, he showed respect to everyone there, women included. And it was not a show - he meant it! Also, there are various women who have not committed to any path, who are chaste.</p><p>Here is another verse they love to use, and ties into the above verse and topic. Let's look at it for a clearer view;</p><p>"Vedic civilization recommends that a woman stay under the protection of a man. During childhood she should be cared for by her father, in youth by her husband, and in old age by a grown son. In any stage of life, a woman should not have independence." SB 9.19.8, Translation and Purport</p><div>Vedic civilization - surely we want to be civilized, but we want the <i>highest </i>type of Veda. The above is more in relationship to society, not those who wish to live as brahmacarini's, or grhastha's -- <b>not grhamedhi's</b>. Besides, brahmacarini ashrama was not an option at that time. Prabhupada made it an option now.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Most misogynists and narcissists are extremely attached to marriage and so-called family life. Not in a healthy way.</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCk3jsW9HJg46_ZRIy6j7M3bWhw6ZmU8h5bGtUBloMPXiqhrZaX7qKKnXtGrbeWbUU8ZTR9uUJ6gpWAUpv1mIiDiN3nUK6rcK3_aUPY5fCzUYSbsAglivCQLMTep3Y1kLsBiRw9pcg9S3UjFmGrVsFr2l1va7K4xmx95pdn0wCy8SRxI57zbLSxUln/s736/aaaaaaaaaa.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCk3jsW9HJg46_ZRIy6j7M3bWhw6ZmU8h5bGtUBloMPXiqhrZaX7qKKnXtGrbeWbUU8ZTR9uUJ6gpWAUpv1mIiDiN3nUK6rcK3_aUPY5fCzUYSbsAglivCQLMTep3Y1kLsBiRw9pcg9S3UjFmGrVsFr2l1va7K4xmx95pdn0wCy8SRxI57zbLSxUln/w640-h640/aaaaaaaaaa.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>"Many householders, although well-educated in the knowledge of the Vedas, become attached to family life. They are compared herein to crocodiles out of water, for they are devoid of all spiritual strength. Their greatness is like that of a young husband and wife who, though uneducated, praise one another and become attracted to their own temporary beauty. This kind of greatness is appreciated only by low-class men with no qualifications." SB 5.18.13, P </div><div><br /></div><div><div>Now there are others holding negative beliefs about women with different reasons. I read a well-meaning devotee write that it is Vedic for the man to train up the wife. He was not a narcissist nor misogynist, it a looks like he has been taught this way since childhood. (Appears to be of Hindu background - but very dedicated to Prabhupada. Yet it seems some with such backgrounds have trouble shaking belief's that no longer apply.) He wrote several paragraphs on the topic that were actually quite nice - that it's the husbands responsibility to take the wife and children back to Godhead. We do not have argument with him in theory. But actions speak louder than words thus <u>regarding training</u> of wife, in reality we tried this - decades worth of endeavor- and it did not end well. The fact is, too few husbands are qualified enough to do so. </div><div><br /></div><div>There can be exceptions if, for example, a man meets a girl from the Rainbow hippie gathering, or some other similar place - he definitely needs to train her up. Plus ask other fixed up Vaisnavi's to help train her, as to do it alone is not wise, for many reasons but the short answer is<b>:</b> It takes a village to train up any new devotee - don't try to do it alone. </div><div><br /></div><div>However, it is better to marry a woman who is already a Vaisnavi trained by Prabhupada thru his books, lectures, all ready living the lifestyle of morning and evening program [even if in her own house], 16 rounds, 4 regs, 24/7 devotional service all day. </div><div><br /></div><div>The common reply is, they would only marry such a serious woman in the first place. But then why do they think they need to train her? They need to focus on self-training. To become the type of person they desire to attract. Next it will be natural for such a female to be attracted. </div><div><br /></div><div>Read and reread Prabhupada's instructions on the highest level, plus his letter to Silavati devi dasi. There is also another letter, I need to find but I read it, where a brahmacari asked Prabhupada if they could train women in their duties, and Prabhupada replied, no - it comes natural. Any training should only be in <b><u>transcendental</u> </b>Krishna Consciousness.</div><div><br /></div><div>We are talking here about initiates. For those who do not want to live the level of an initiate, there are different instructions. That can turn into a very long topic, and we all ready are undertaking a long topic. :) Lets just say, often the misogynists want the sense gratification of not following coupled with the privileges of spiritual superiority. </div><div><br /></div><div>When we read something is Vedic, we must examine, Vedic for whom? The disciple or the whole of society? If it is for society, that is different. Please stop lumping every believer of Krishna into one category, saying all women should do yada yada. No. Say all initiated disciples, or say that all congregational members, should do yada yada. Doing so will reduce the ease of throwing around <b>misuse </b>of philosophy because they will have to back up what they speak. Now you can look up any quote or a specific point and take it to the higher level. Tho IMHO don't waste time or life airs on narcissists, as they can NOT be changed. Do it for yourself, or protection of others. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>We appreciate the idea of protection when it is not a <b>code word</b> misused by some to mean abuse, or to do whatever he says, therefore letting him be lord and be master of all he surveys. That is not helping even him, as it is puffing him up, plus spoiling him = bad for spiritual life. None of that is real protection, for anyone involved. It is wrapping abuse or similar, in the veil of illusion. Maya.</div><div><br /></div><div>Genuine protection from a man / husband does <b>not </b>include degradation of woman, but the opposite. All her good qualities, and her strengths, will be encouraged, supported, and so on.</div><div><br /></div><div>Most of these oppressors want to keep her down to their level and are <u>afraid</u> she will make more advancement than him. All he needs to do is become a better devotee, but sense gratification blocks him from changing his mind.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Protection does <b>not mean</b> negligence. No. Protection means to give her <b><span style="color: #ff00fe;"><i>all </i></span></b>facility." Srila Prabhupada lecture, S.Bhagavatam 3.28.18, Narobi, Oct 27, 1975</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNC5_VEA2VQQRmfYvsYCUo8QuWleMe1ViL4v83_Id1i28P3Uz7AQ6UL80uz1fmJxwdQ2D_UH_vyOmgwuDFSWpN11aUVuyX1JZV4iNHqAC-DJl4tZX429NYk54Wc4q7XrYvaQI0qrxTlFEwnTj8eYTE79f28pz8eB4_RNtJwQHj9V-RgbzdmKaLPCA7/s1080/316414951_5609090219212255_8727962416754461770_n.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNC5_VEA2VQQRmfYvsYCUo8QuWleMe1ViL4v83_Id1i28P3Uz7AQ6UL80uz1fmJxwdQ2D_UH_vyOmgwuDFSWpN11aUVuyX1JZV4iNHqAC-DJl4tZX429NYk54Wc4q7XrYvaQI0qrxTlFEwnTj8eYTE79f28pz8eB4_RNtJwQHj9V-RgbzdmKaLPCA7/s320/316414951_5609090219212255_8727962416754461770_n.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div> (The subject of her independence is explained later, below).</div><p>Now, if marriage to a man was more important, then why did Prabhupada not quickly get every woman married, but instead gave women 1st AND 2nd spiritual <b>initiation </b>- plus created brahmacarini ashramas? Think about it. While he had some marry, he did not have every woman marry. </p><p>Prabhupada <b>wanted brahmacarini [female] ashramas. This took the place of the men described above, and further,</b> a safe place for mostly single women to take shelter, be <span style="color: #ffa400;"><b><i>protected</i></b></span>, and perform devotional service. They were unmarried and chaste. Narcissists do <u>not like</u> the existence of these ashrama's because then they can not lord it over women. They don't care that it was the instruction of the pure devotee Srila Prabhupada, as they went out of their way to shut them down.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">"Therefore as I have suggested previously as they do in Christian religion they have so many convent where the women stay <span><b>and they receive protection</b></span>. The point is that the women must be protected and it is the duties of the leaders of our society to see that this is carried out." -Srila Prabhupada letter, Melbourne, 10 February, 1973</span></p><p><b><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Any parent or woman can create and open her own</span> </b>Brahmacarini Ashrama. As long as she and all the women involved agree to live the lifestyle. One option is to open your apartment for this purpose (tho that can be tricky as people tend to move in and out), or find a couple of ladies desiring to commit, therefore you all rent and open a brahmacarini ashrama together. It may not, initially, be easy, but "learn how." It can't be that hard, as it was done before. <b>And don't let</b> anyone make you feel that because you are female, you can not open such things. They are wrong:</p><p>"If Yamuna and yourself can develop such an institution of a <i>woman's <u>asrama</u></i>, that will be nice. You are all elderly devotees. I think that this will be a 'good idea." Srila Prabhupada Letter to Palika <i>devi dasi</i>, Bombay - Los Angeles, Nov 13, 1975</p><p> Plus, here's a devotees personal experience and memory. Click on pic to enlarge and read:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3yHCVVpRUax7aY2Kuwygh2BxwVbkPFNJmEu86FckcfIKOF7Rlnxrw7imhwR2642C9Zinsjd4Ylf2IWlg1zNOjtpYD_7ICxKUW5Voztu84Xnqh_HEfvcV7VMUa4i9tuU1Fl-1lfpR88WcqTdt0mMkzTusvKuaUd9JtA-qBj6CEn6JZYRt9c34q8aQp/s1640/298568451_5329389253849021_3437971872167815212_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1640" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3yHCVVpRUax7aY2Kuwygh2BxwVbkPFNJmEu86FckcfIKOF7Rlnxrw7imhwR2642C9Zinsjd4Ylf2IWlg1zNOjtpYD_7ICxKUW5Voztu84Xnqh_HEfvcV7VMUa4i9tuU1Fl-1lfpR88WcqTdt0mMkzTusvKuaUd9JtA-qBj6CEn6JZYRt9c34q8aQp/w640-h360/298568451_5329389253849021_3437971872167815212_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Misogynists accuse, that if we don't hand our daughters or godisters over to them, we are not protecting them. Bogus. Nowhere am I saying not to give protection. By all means, protect the females in your life! <b><i>However</i></b>, no one should confuse protection as an excuse to <u>lord it over.</u> </p><p>Similarly, do not confuse protection as a way to win a <b>marital argument</b>. No one should be so puffed-up they will not read quality self-help books on how to be married if necessary, or find some type of (real) help when there is trouble in the marriage. If they are abusing, they need to admit they need help. But to start throwing scripture to win a battle with the wife is nonsense and has nothing to do with protection. Though it has something to do with the abuser not knowing how to live in the real world and get along with others.</p><p><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">* </span></b>Some claim, only man or husband can be spiritual master, therefore wife should do whatever her guru-pati/ husband tells her. Incorrect. Some such men even <b>deny the wife spiritual initiation </b>based on this concept. While there was an old 'system' that the husband be the family guru, that was a time when they were pure devotees or ran a close second. Those in our scripture were highly qualified. Nowhere do we see Prabhupada authorize men of <b>this time period</b> to be the spiritual master / guru over their wife. <u><span style="color: red;">Show me one letter where he gave that instruction</span></u> to the man to behave like diksha. It is not there. In kali yuga, ya don't get to be guru with someone you are sleeping with. Srila Prabhuapda is the guru, <b>bas</b>. Deviate from him, and that is the real cause of bullies marital problems. If they are wise, considering the karma they must take on their head if they want to absolute position of guru, better to avoid and just let Prabhupada be the family guru.</p><p>"'One <b>cannot be a husband if</b> he cannot liberate his dependents from inevitable death.' If a person is not in Krsna consciousness and is bereft of spiritual power, he cannot protect his wife from the path of repeated birth and death. Consequently such a person cannot be accepted as a husband. A wife should dedicate her life and everything to Krsna for further advancement in Krsna consciousness. If her husband abandons Krsna consciousness and she gives up her connection with him, she follows in the footsteps of the dvija-patnis, the <i>wives </i>of the brahmanas who were engaged in <b>performing sacrifices</b>. The wife is not to be condemned for cutting off such a relationship." Caitanya Caritamrta, Madhya-lila 15.264, P</p><p>"How he is realized soul? If he is speaking something wrong, how he is realized soul? Against the sastra. That is not realized soul. Yah sastra-vidhim utsrjya vartate kama-karatah, na siddhim avapnoti. Sastra reference must be there.- Morning Walk -- April 5, 1974, Bombay </p><p>"And they're <b>not</b>, that... I <b>cannot control even my tongue and control my genital, and I become spiritual master? </b>This is nonsense. This is nonsense. You learn first of all. Try to control. Become first-class controller, dhīraḥ. That is called dhīraḥ, not disturbed by any urges. Etān vegān yo viṣaheta dhīraḥ. Dhīras tatra na muhyati. This word is used, dhīraḥ. Dhīraḥ means very sober, <b>fully </b>controlled. That is called dhīraḥ. Dhīras tatra na muhyati. Unless you become dhīraḥ, you cannot understand what is spiritual life. That is not possible. Therefore Kṛṣṇa says in the Bhagavad-gītā, tathā dehāntara-prāptir dhīras tatra na muhyati [Bg. 2.13]. Dhīras tatra na muhyati. So you cannot understand even. Unless you become a dhīraḥ, you cannot understand what is spiritual life, what is spirit." Prabhupāda, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.16.20 Hawaii, January 16, 1974</p><p>"Nobody is master. One thinks that "I am the master," but he is actually servant. Suppose if you have got your family, if you are thinking that you are the master of your wife, of your children, of your servants, of your business, that is <i>false</i>. You are the <u>servant</u> of your wife, you are the <u>servant</u> of your children, you are the servant of your <u>servants</u>. That is your real position." -Srila Prabhupada Lecture BG 06.01-4, New York September 02, 1966</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTesnA1BHyT7BhlVZ8b3ZN1UcRhuPKCikG6t2ieqRgiwOuWk14i6de7wLB74Vaos8hhhy_LWF7Treo4PxyZA98zyHD_B8q4DBFR-cdSI7gTJEbQaluCOu6bLzG6P-__8X6LGO80Jq8QOuLjcIOgIwY-XOo-LEleIvH8RiHkfyqdhqlq49AgXm-PQU-LE/s744/006.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="353" data-original-width="744" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTesnA1BHyT7BhlVZ8b3ZN1UcRhuPKCikG6t2ieqRgiwOuWk14i6de7wLB74Vaos8hhhy_LWF7Treo4PxyZA98zyHD_B8q4DBFR-cdSI7gTJEbQaluCOu6bLzG6P-__8X6LGO80Jq8QOuLjcIOgIwY-XOo-LEleIvH8RiHkfyqdhqlq49AgXm-PQU-LE/w640-h304/006.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>"If your husband <b>cannot follow our principles</b> <u>properly</u>, you are not to think that you should let that hamper your spiritual life. You <b>should stay with us</b> and cultivate spiritual life peacefully under Krishna's protection and care. If he is not interested in spiritual life, let him do as he pleases. I have given all of my disciple instructions to follow for making spiritual advancement, but if they do not have the desire to follow, then what can I do? Anyone who is unwilling to follow our regulated principles, you should not live or associate closely with such a person." ~ SP letter to Caitanya Dasi, Los Angeles, 25 April, 1973</p><p>Above we see, for our day and age it's not true that the husband can do anything and the wife must put up with his bad character. To clarify, what we are encouraging is marriage counseling or such books if it is needed. Plus, the fallen bullies to purify themselves, become courageous to own their stuff, thus learn how to truthfully be a good husband in kali yuga.</p><p>Next quote from Krsna Book, Delivering the Wives of the Brahmanas Who Performed Sacrifices. Refering to the wives of the brahmana's: </p><p>"They began to embrace Krishna to their hearts' content, and the distress of separation was mitigated immediately. They were just like great sages who, by their advancement of knowledge, merge into the existence of the Supreme. As the Supersoul living in everyone's heart, Lord Krishna could understand their minds; they had come to Him despite all the protests of their relatives, fathers, husbands, brothers, and all the duties of household affairs. They came just to see Him who was their life and soul. They were actually following Krishna's instruction in the Bhagavad-gétä: one should surrender to Him, giving up all varieties of occupational and religious duties. The wives of the brähmaas actually carried out the instruction of the Bhagavad-gétä in total." Krsna book, Ch 23<span> </span> </p><p>We see here the most chaste and most Vedic women doing something higher than blind following of their husband.<br /></p><p>"A fallen husband is one who is addicted to the four principles of sinful activity--namely illicit sex, meat-eating, gambling and intoxication. <b>Specifically</b>, if one is not a soul surrendered to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, he is understood to be contaminated. Thus a <b>chaste woman is advised not to agree to serve such a husband.</b> It is not that a chaste woman should be like a slave while her husband is naradhama, the lowest of men. Giving up the association of her husband does not mean, however, that a woman should marry again and thus indulge in prostitution. If a chaste woman unfortunately marries a husband who is fallen, she should live separately from him." Srimad Bhagavatam 7.11.29Purport</p><div>Sure, devotee misogynists are not eating meat, but they are gambling with spiritual life by refusing to do, or at least believe in, the highest. And worse, instructing the wife to do and believe something lower. Anyway, this absoluteness that they can do anything they want and the wife must keep tolerating, is bogus. Actually, it's better for the marriage when it is not that way. Why? Because abusers will have to suffer either in this life or the next, thus keeping themselves in check, in some cases admitting they need help and getting it, can drastically reduce such bad karma. <span> </span></div><p>Some misogynists claim they are speaking in line with shastra. What they are really doing is <b>imitating </b>what great devotees did in better yuga's (age or time period), <i><u>while</u> </i>ignoring Prabhupada's instructions for those of us born now in Kali Yuga. Including his instructions to men. The bullies remain unqualified while pretending to be qualified.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYKJNYK-Wsajn6lMk6NR7JQvqqH-Z-rniF3lbOl8tyYUh64h3PL2ZzYMkTEAfkcTtqcKkXYu2nlTVb5qxQtzY8iopSmYVYmz1MYmDFfkTsWQcUbmKec8JwaWterpur4BKaNXTJ-nBioV1m66ZP88Yj3XDxX3oax8E-JQvi4btc5spZzioUnGvvgNQ/s2047/310941037_10158847937107045_3548242495297648175_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2047" data-original-width="2020" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYKJNYK-Wsajn6lMk6NR7JQvqqH-Z-rniF3lbOl8tyYUh64h3PL2ZzYMkTEAfkcTtqcKkXYu2nlTVb5qxQtzY8iopSmYVYmz1MYmDFfkTsWQcUbmKec8JwaWterpur4BKaNXTJ-nBioV1m66ZP88Yj3XDxX3oax8E-JQvi4btc5spZzioUnGvvgNQ/w632-h640/310941037_10158847937107045_3548242495297648175_n.jpg" width="632" /></a></div><p>Some oppressors actually agree they should not be diksha, but tend to follow that with, they are shiksha/instructing guru. </p><p>Back in the day when Prabhupada spoke or we found something interesting in scripture, we shared it with everybody. Husband with wife, but also wife with husband. Everyone who follows can be considered shiksha guru at times. If a man is truthfully spiritually advanced, he may give her some instruction, but does not get that position due to his maleness. Matter of fact, usually the more they think their material body qualifies them, the less spiritually advanced they are. Thus, if they're in maya, they are not shiksha guru merely because of their body. </p><p>"<b>First </b>business is to become <u>free from the designation</u>. If you think yourself that "I am American," "I am Christian," "I am Hindu," "I am Indian," "I am black," "I am white," these are all designation. So sarvopadhi-vinirmuktam, when you become transcendental to all designation, when you come to the platform to understand that "I am not this body; I am spirit soul," brahma-bhutah prasannatma, then you become happy.” Srila Prabhupada lecture, Srimad Bhagavatam 1.16.16, Los Angeles, January 11, 1974</p><p>“So this life should be utilized for purifying ourself <b><span style="color: red;">from </span></b>this designation. If you keep the designation then there is NO POSSIBIITY OF PURIFICATION. You'll get another designation. Now we are Indian or Iranian, next a sparrow or a crow or a tree or a demigod. Another designation. Just like the same, the child, a baby, on the lap of the mother, a baby, and another designation, boy, another designation young man, another designation, old man. But the spirit soul is the same. He's simply changing designations. So freedom means freedom from all these designations." Srila Prabhupada, Evening Conversation, Aug 76, Tehran</p><p>"I am practically seeing that as soon as they, our students, begin to learn a little Sanskrit, they immediately feel they have become more than their guru. Then the policy is to kill their guru <b>and become guru themselves</b>". "As soon as he learns that Guru Maharaj is dead, now I am so advanced I can kill guru and become guru. Then he is finished." (Srila Prabhupada 1976).</p><p>With that said, we want everyone to get along. That means there will be all types of marriages. Even theirs (if done correctly). It's not that I like theirs ha but it is their right which I honor. Yet narcissist hate us preaching even this, because they want only one type of marriage - theirs. But their belief on this topic is not based in fact. There is even a letter Prabhupada wrote to Silavati where he said <u>if the husband is not as spiritually advanced as the wife, then the wife can be spiritual master</u>. </p><p>Here is the letter, directly from the pure devotee. Read it and decide for yourself:</p><p>SP Letter to: Silavati, New Vrindaban, 14 June, 1969</p><p>"My Dear Silavati,</p><p>Please accept my blessings. I thank you very much for your letter dated June, 1969, and I have carefully noted the contents therein. Regarding the suggestion that you remarry, I have never suggested such thing, so you need not trouble yourself with this. As I have told you in Los Angeles, I wish that the mother's who have no husband at present should not remarry, but should dedicate their time to seeing that their children are brought up very nicely in Krishna Consciousness. Your boy, Birbhadra, has just arrived here, and he will be taken care of by Kirtanananda Maharaja. Satyabhama Dasi is in charge of educating the children in New Vrindaban, and she is very qualified to do this because she is educated and works very nicely with the children. So there is no difficulty at present in this regards, and as you are so nicely engaged in your activities in Los Angeles, you should continue as you are now doing. Your description of the course you are giving to the interested girls about the role they play in Krishna Consciousness is very nice, and I am pleased that you have begun this project. Actually the role of <b>all </b>conditioned souls is the <i>same</i>; to chant Hare Krishna, tell others to chant, perfect our lives in Krishna Consciousness, and to go back to Godhead when this body is finished. Now if you can induce all the women of Los Angeles to place an altar in their homes and help their husbands have peaceful, happy home life in Krishna Consciousness, that will be very great service for you. The actual <i>system </i>is that the husband is Spiritual Master to his wife, <b>but if the wife can bring her husband into practicing this process, then it is all right that the husband accepts wife as Spiritual Master</b>. Caitanya Mahaprabhu has said that anyone who knows the science of Krishna, that person should be accepted as Spiritual Master, <i>regardless </i>of any material so-called qualifications; such as rich or poor, <b>man or woman</b>, or brahmana or <b>sudra</b>. So if you can show the women of the community how to help their husbands and children to perfect their home life, and all aspects of life, in Krishna Consciousness by chanting, aratrik ceremonies, and eating Krishna prasadam, then you will improve the conditions of the neighboring communities to an incalculable extent. So try for this as far as possible. I already have practical experience that many of the American girls and boys are very intelligent and qualified to take up this sublime movement. We simply have to instruct them nicely, and surely many will understand that here is such a nice thing and they must take to it. So I am very pleased with the nice efforts you are making. I hope this will meet you in good health.</p><p>Your ever well wisher,</p><p>A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami"</p><p>So we see it is not one-size-fits-all. There are going to be a large variety of how marriages are run. In my day the marriage standard was<b>:</b> Whatever makes you the most Krishna C - do that. Not all this fanaticism. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBx4d6_peyHPDGRzpXKqshOL9ULPabQUqnWaTiT0CReMEsVrtoVr1_bb2pjOoh3lnW7xZKt73ortFysWgLhE5qkjIxSY1BHl_PlRHQI1EnmBswf5PaPzeB1yWPs7gJZ60QMEz1d88MjFVD4UMcKIj-vbVv7Aua9eBzR-LM4-q-k_fLl6nQfbRELK0i/s960/312920261_1258144105031480_4822543672945118733_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBx4d6_peyHPDGRzpXKqshOL9ULPabQUqnWaTiT0CReMEsVrtoVr1_bb2pjOoh3lnW7xZKt73ortFysWgLhE5qkjIxSY1BHl_PlRHQI1EnmBswf5PaPzeB1yWPs7gJZ60QMEz1d88MjFVD4UMcKIj-vbVv7Aua9eBzR-LM4-q-k_fLl6nQfbRELK0i/w640-h640/312920261_1258144105031480_4822543672945118733_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Abuse is maya, <b>moreso </b>when done in the name of God or Guru. It also suggests the man (only the abuser man) has lost control of his senses, and/or is not smart enough to ascertain a better way to make his point, or can't admit when he is wrong and his wife is correct. Many reasons, all maya. All blocks to going back to Godhead.</p><p>It is not that because one is born male that he is sinless or guru. He must earn any position he desires. Otherwise, just as they find verses against women such as the one above, here are some about them:</p><p>"When a person is devoid of devotional service, or visnu-bhakti, he takes to many sinful activities. King Puranjana left home, neglected his own wife and engaged himself in killing animals. This is the position of all materialistic men. They do not care for a married chaste wife. They take the wife only as an instrument for sense enjoyment, not as a means for devotional service. To have unrestricted sex life, the karmis work very hard. They have concluded that the best course is to have sex with any woman and simply pay the price for her, as though she were a mercantile commodity. Thus they engage their energy in working very hard for such material acquisitions. Such materialistic people have lost their good intelligence. They must search out their intelligence within the heart." Srimad Bhagavatam 4.26.17 </p><p>"There are similarly <b>men also. </b>Unnecessarily they are envious, offensive, unnecessary. They cannot tolerate <u>others</u>' opulence. Just like our Godbrothers. They are envious. What I have done to them? I am doing my business, trying to serve my Guru Mahārāja. But they are envious because I am so opulent. I have got so much fame, so many influence, so much influence all over the world. Everyone is praising me about... That is ignorance. And this is regrettable because they are posing themselves as Vaiṣṇava. Ordinary man can do that, but they are dressing like Vaiṣṇava, and they are so envious. That Tīrtha Mahārāja, unnecessarily he was envious, whole life fighting, fighting, fighting in the court and died." Srila Prabhupada Room Conversation January 8th 1977, Bombay</p><p>"King Puranjana left home, <b>neglected </b>his own wife and engaged himself in killing animals. This is the position of all materialistic men. They <b>do not care for a married chaste wife</b>. They take the wife only as an <b>instrument for sense enjoyment</b>, not as a means for devotional service. To have <u>unrestricted </u>sex life, the karmis work very hard. They have concluded that the best course is to have sex with any woman and simply pay the price for her, as though she were a mercantile commodity. Thus they engage their energy in working very hard for such material acquisitions. Such materialistic people have lost their good intelligence. They must search out their intelligence within the heart." Srimad Bhagavatam 4.26.17 P</p><p>"Persons under the grip of Maya are simply mad after sense enjoyment, but our goal is to lose all desire for sense gratification and become simply mad after Krishna." SP letter to Madhusudana das, Tittenhurst, September 19, 1969</p><p>"The practice of forcing one's wife to drink one's own semen is a black art practiced by extremely lusty persons. Those who practice this very abominable activity say that if a wife is forced to drink her husband's semen, she remains very faithful to him. Generally only low-class men engage in this black art, but if a man born in a higher class does so, after death he is put into the hell known as Lālābhakṣa. There he is immersed in the river known as Śukra-nadī and forced to drink semen." SB 5.26.26, P</p><p>I don't like digging up such verses, because there are very nice, fixed up, devotee men out there. So again I wish to clarify, these verses do NOT apply to them, and only apply to those misusing. I feel my hand is forced to research them as misogynists love to research how we will be prostitutes. Please know, not all men are misogynists or narcissists. </p><p>Next, those who have attitudes against women, most likely <b>also believe Black bodies or Latino Etc are inferior - male or female</b>. Maybe not all of them believe that way, but it is common in misogynists. I have seen it. This is contradictory to Prabhupada's transcendental teachings.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Z1rPLuFAfPmV0RNhZN1Fp0ve1rDy2ps9HuPvXaLR-6C-A8jSO31pspwX9W3qxvgGLnGA12EChT265FC4cAu73YqbFWId9XKOgngkIExugP7IF_XQ7mhMUwFUeyvJRwJa5YJvoORS6cdPrrox94D-uKqMIdSHjllIhoQrUKt7Ilka9jpAzK6EkkIh/s960/we-must-always-take-sides.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Z1rPLuFAfPmV0RNhZN1Fp0ve1rDy2ps9HuPvXaLR-6C-A8jSO31pspwX9W3qxvgGLnGA12EChT265FC4cAu73YqbFWId9XKOgngkIExugP7IF_XQ7mhMUwFUeyvJRwJa5YJvoORS6cdPrrox94D-uKqMIdSHjllIhoQrUKt7Ilka9jpAzK6EkkIh/w400-h400/we-must-always-take-sides.png" width="400" /></a></div><p><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">* </span></b>And we can't help but doubt how many misogynists are truthfully following <i>all </i><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">four of those regulative principles</span></b>. They want women because they want sex. And those who want <b>multiple women - want multiple sex</b>. </p><p>"After conferring with my various GBC representatives I have concluded that polygamy must be <i>strictly prohibited</i> in our society. Although it is a Vedic institution still there are so many legal implications. <u>Neither</u> are many of our men <b>fixed up</b> enough to tend for more than one wife. Polygamy will <span style="color: red;">simply increase the sex life </span>and our philosophy is to gradually decrease the sex life till eventually there is no sex life. The policy should be that all the women are given the utmost protection. Women are looking for husbands because they feel unprotected so it is up to the senior members to give all protection to the women." SP Letter to Rupanuga -- Sydney 14 February, 1973</p><p>Too bad the authorities seldom follow that policy. sigh Oppressors like to think that they therefore are picking up the slack. And that is why women must learn how to protect themselves. Teach your daughters, sons, and so on. There are many ways but on this blog we mostly empower ourselves with quotes about women that bullies don't want us to see, or try to philosophize away. Read, study, you are smart, use your brains because you DO have them. Einstein was awful at math. His wife did his math for him quite often. </p><p>We don't need polygamist to pick up any so-called slack. Prabhupada already solved the problem with brahmacarini ashramas. He specifically instructed that such ashrama's must be provided to avoid polygamy and give protection.</p><p>As touched on above, after I joined in the 70's, some men started to misunderstand scripture and mistreat women as inferior. Some even tried to get women out of the temples [but Prabhupada told them <b>no</b>]. Fast-forward many decades, now we have some wanting more then one wife. It may appear as opposite issues, <b>but </b>in essence it is the <i>same</i> issue<b>:</b></p><p><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>At first they hated women because such men were sexually turned on by the ladies, so they tried to kick out women or get rid of them.</b> </span><b><span style="color: red;"><span>Now some men want polygamy also because they're sexually turned on <i>but </i>no longer want to control themselves - some misogynists don't want polygamy yet <i>indulge </i>whenever they want. Thus not behaving like an initiated <i>disciple</i></span>. </span></b><b>Attraction and repulsion (Gita) = same thing. But decades of it?! Ridiculous.</b> Such men have <b>not </b>matured. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDHTWhtVsTWLw13Tk2-Q8z-ngs2VyvtKk3OAZD9QFIUACYxQCPZhKmX7fgghW_wqLc6-kZyjXgTOkJ05bid8GZ_XjojdqWxPAou8XyX1iNLKnhYtB_lYTsUYpC_bY1kmIhdj9NqMKjt05wGXcQ4YSsoSS8m2uwqjjs2TQBaNE1XaO9PlK18JOR9BN/s1640/324186750_573529474164867_1121755129439422998_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1640" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDHTWhtVsTWLw13Tk2-Q8z-ngs2VyvtKk3OAZD9QFIUACYxQCPZhKmX7fgghW_wqLc6-kZyjXgTOkJ05bid8GZ_XjojdqWxPAou8XyX1iNLKnhYtB_lYTsUYpC_bY1kmIhdj9NqMKjt05wGXcQ4YSsoSS8m2uwqjjs2TQBaNE1XaO9PlK18JOR9BN/w640-h360/324186750_573529474164867_1121755129439422998_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>"Eka-patni-vrata, accepting only <span style="color: red;">one</span> wife, was the glorious example set by Lord Ramacandra. One should <b>not </b>accept more than one wife. In <u>those days</u>, of course, people did marry more than one wife. Even Lord Ramacandra’s father accepted more wives than one. <b>But </b>Lord Ramacandra, as an <i>ideal </i>king, accepted only one wife, mother Sita. When mother Sita was kidnapped by Ravana and the Raksha's, Lord Ramacandra, as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, <u>could have</u> married hundreds and thousands of Sitas, but <b>to teach us</b> how <b>faithful </b>He was to His wife, He fought with Ravana and finally killed him. The Lord punished Ravana and rescued His wife <b>to instruct men to have only one wife.</b> Lord Ramacandra accepted only one wife and manifested sublime character, thus setting an example for householders. A householder should live according to the ideal of Lord Ramacandra, who showed how to be a perfect person." Srimad Bhagavatam, 9.10.55</p><p>Another reason there is no need for polygamy - long ago there were twice as many women born and less men, especially all men should not marry. However, in our present kali yuga, from the 1970's to now, there have always been fewer female devotees who "joined" and moved into the temples than male. Probably because certain men blow them away. :) Anyhow, in NY there were about 90 or more men - and about 20 women. I've lived at quite a few temples and there were always far more men than women. Now that authorities have shut down most [but not all] brahmacarini ashramas, there are even less women! It is no longer an excuse to accumulate wives. </p><p>And lets get honest - with a few exceptions - history shows that eventually <b>nearly all the men marry too</b>. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtbw3vgZcyE8GHBUWtvKOlgK71zVTJuwZMja_mcJndLCii8GWDIVPAMVAma23jNWALRwnl_J9i1gl8uUad239iVbBQ4AXrYLVXijQBYGOeK7g0fmh1K2MPAcTrkqkwiYGLRZeCDNQ-TysH9Wob4RAU5B_U4oV07tvg-EpYvGAPn84QWRW93dgIKNv/s1200/draupadi.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="1200" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtbw3vgZcyE8GHBUWtvKOlgK71zVTJuwZMja_mcJndLCii8GWDIVPAMVAma23jNWALRwnl_J9i1gl8uUad239iVbBQ4AXrYLVXijQBYGOeK7g0fmh1K2MPAcTrkqkwiYGLRZeCDNQ-TysH9Wob4RAU5B_U4oV07tvg-EpYvGAPn84QWRW93dgIKNv/w640-h352/draupadi.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Shall women act like Draupadi and taken on extra husbands? ha After all, it's in the Vedas. :) Not to worry, we have no such interest. Proof? Decades and it has never happened in this Movement! Why some men have interest in multiple wives is beyond me. Wait, no it's not. Sex desire coupled with power to lord it over.</p><p>"Those whose <i>senses </i>are very much uncontrolled especially try to hunt for many women." Srimad Bhagavatam 4. 26. 4 Purport</p><p>"The conditioned soul is very proud of becoming the husband of even one wife, but the Lord laughs at this; the <b>intelligent </b>man can know who is the <u>real husband</u>. Factually, the Lord is the husband of all the women in His creation, but a conditioned soul under the control of the Lord feels proud to be the husband of one or two wives." Srimad Bhagavatam 2.4.20</p><p>"A person should be so nicely trained up that the one wife with religious ceremony, by performing religious ceremony, is given to him, he should be satisfied with her, not to see other women, adulteration. <b><span style="color: red;">This is Kali-yuga.</span></b>" S. Bhagavatam class, 1974 </p><div><div>"Tapasya begins with brahmacarya, life of celibacy, or</div><div>accepting one wife only. That's all." Srila Prabhupada, 1976</div></div><div><br /></div><div>"<u>Nobody is doing his duty</u>, and everyone is simply puffed up by calling himself a brāhmaṇa (intellectual) or a kṣatriya (soldier or statesman). But actually such people are <b>without status</b>." Nectar of Devotion (p. 46).</div><p>"Anger <b>means </b>lust. When you are lusty and your lust is <i>not </i>fulfilled, you become angry. That's all. It is another feature of the lust. Kāma eṣa krodha eṣa rajo-guṇa-samudbhavaḥ. When you are <u>too much</u> influenced with the modes of passion, you become lusty. And when your lust is not fulfilled, then you are angry, next stage. And next stage is that there is bewilderment. And then next stage is praṇaśyati, then you are lost. Therefore one has to <i>control </i>this lust and anger." SP Lecture: Seattle, September 30, 1968</p><p> "The Vedic <b>principle </b>is that one should avoid sex life altogether. The whole Vedic principle is to get liberation from material bondage." Srila Prabhupada and Bob Cohen, February 28, 1972 </p><p>Interesting how misogynists say it is the women who are not Vedic who do not want to live their way, when we see here Prabhupada is saying something much <u>higher</u>. </p><p>And that is part of the problem. You see, Srila Prabhupada is very merciful. If someone can not live the lifestyle of the highest platform, they can do something lesser and still be a devotee. That part is fine; it is good. We want Krishna Consciousness open to everyone on any level they can handle. However, they may not run around the net and harass others, or behave superior to initiated devotees, bossing them around, when they can't do what these others are able to do.</p><p>Enviousness? Sure, plus issues. I believe most, if not all, misogynists and polygamists have something wrong with them. It usually can be fixed/purified, but they don't want to give up their sense gratification, which would be the result of correcting the problem.</p><div>Misogynists are not fooling anyone. Well, maybe their own group. What can be done. Once I thought I could preach and save them, as <b>we use to preach to each other in the old days</b>. After all, we were all going back to Godhead and didn't want anyone to fall off the boat. But I found out the hard way, they believe no woman has the right to preach to them. <span style="color: red;">She is just a toy to play with and put back on the shelf when done</span>.<u> (</u>Yes, I actually read one say like that). </div><div><br /></div><div>Wow! Prabhupada never spoke nor behaved this way, so we can see where they are coming from. Anyhow, years ago they became so mean, and harassing, that I realized I can't preach to them - nor can anyone else. They got their way, and karma is now completely on their shoulders. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ8tZDED0g11WoN3Tht5czTnrFimZRwu2Ckj8JuUrOPJo3RHKojsYgwc3w0_UmJISYj5KK_y5KMKTiJoaAG8JI9B53SwBYla9mNFODgc2FQWESHkxgIGCq4jQeFRciLGUSvVYAKu3MS7Po71MavzduW0noY-jsA9d9wwvTOPYeGiQFUoDXp3bTCBLn/s1640/312275364_10227803076725706_6023665565577175624_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1640" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ8tZDED0g11WoN3Tht5czTnrFimZRwu2Ckj8JuUrOPJo3RHKojsYgwc3w0_UmJISYj5KK_y5KMKTiJoaAG8JI9B53SwBYla9mNFODgc2FQWESHkxgIGCq4jQeFRciLGUSvVYAKu3MS7Po71MavzduW0noY-jsA9d9wwvTOPYeGiQFUoDXp3bTCBLn/w640-h360/312275364_10227803076725706_6023665565577175624_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div>However, women, or parents of girls, or grandparents of females, those of sons you want to raise nicely, or anyone who cares about Prabhupada's Movement via it's <u>highest</u> teachings - - need to empower ourselves <b>and </b>our offspring. Don't let these bullies make you fear all boys will ultimately turn out like them. <b>No</b>. Some of these guys were brainwashed by former so-called gurukula teachers who had their own set of psychological problems. Raise your boys as gentlemen and they will be gentlemen, of course. Srila Prabhupada said this is the quality of a brahmana, to be a gentleman. </div><p>"One should become a perfect gentleman and learn to give proper respect to others." - Sri Isopanisad, 1, Purport</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgd0W6RfshiLFYvTvYsI_IX2ivbI3Px-TV04ySfEnRIIgS20J6Hpcxc8QkusrYiiTXP2p9Tjxe90wPQnFnnE_b3KZwlYuPNID-ySdG4kBv03d3KGQaT-0GKk73q9PZTweqPJugFsWWzVEuuOAfA41Jmt--J-VA-louoHKQbebJy4s9AMQou-NIHw82K" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgd0W6RfshiLFYvTvYsI_IX2ivbI3Px-TV04ySfEnRIIgS20J6Hpcxc8QkusrYiiTXP2p9Tjxe90wPQnFnnE_b3KZwlYuPNID-ySdG4kBv03d3KGQaT-0GKk73q9PZTweqPJugFsWWzVEuuOAfA41Jmt--J-VA-louoHKQbebJy4s9AMQou-NIHw82K=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><p>Gurukuli abuse is partially due to misuse, twistings, snipping, etc, of Prabhupada's words, including those about females. (The other part is desire!) Selective quoting, half-truths, and so on. Because once women become disempowered - there is child abuse. </p><p></p><p>Some repressors claim the husband does not have to be a pure devotee to be given the same treatment of the great saints and sages in our ancient scripture, and can even be of questionable character. [They quote shastra to support their point. And I will quote shastra below to support our point.]</p><p>My response? Ok you don't have to be a pure devotee, but you do need to be actively working toward it. As an initiated disciple they must be following the rules and regulations, hearing, chanting, reading, worshiping, and <b><i>more</i></b>. If not initiated, or if not following Prabhupada's highest teachings, they should not be arguing with those who are, or with those sincerely trying toward the highest. They should not be picking fights with anyone really - get a life. :)</p><p>In the early days Prabhupada referred to all his disciple's as pure devotees, because than everyone was following strictly, it was only time separating them. However, we seldom see him call them that again. </p><p>Thus, two points: 1) Prabhupada expected all disciples to rise to the level of pure devotee. If not strictly following, then no sane man would want to be treated like the saints and sages of the past. Or if he does, big karmic reaction. 2) Prabhupada stopped calling everyone a pure devotee because he saw how so many were struggling just to do the basics.</p><p>Here is the letter with his very high expectations of everyone:</p><p>"Answering your puzzle, it may be said that a pure devotee is he who loves Krishna, without any material desire. People are generally engaged in karma. Karma means work and get the result and enjoy life. And jnana, jnana means speculating process to understand the Absolute Truth. So one who does not indulge in speculating habit, neither tries to gain something by his work, but simply engages himself in the service of the Lord, he is called a pure devotee. Such pure devotees are very rare. But by the Grace of Krishna, practically <u>all the devotees and disciples who have kindly joined me, they are, their symptoms are pure devotees. Even if they have got some ulterior desire, that will be removed very soon, <i>because </i>they have taken to the pure process of Krishna Consciousness</u>." Srila Prabhupada, letter to Janaki devi dasi, Seattle Oct 13, 19<b><span style="color: red;">68 <---</span></b></p><p>He did not call us pure devotees much longer after that. I understand men desiring right treatment. But why do such men (and not all men) doubt they will not be treated right, and to such an <b>extreme</b>. Why do they want a strange and possibly estranged relationship with the wife. Seems impersonal since they are not pure devotees and <u>not following strictly</u>. Maybe there is an exception out there but I do not believe I've ever run into a misogynist who "truthfully" follows Prabhupada's outlined program - strictly. If they were, they would not be so desirous of women <b>or </b>power.</p><p>Too much artificiality seems to be within such a marriage. Misogynists need to get humble and do genuine introspection, though they hardly ever will. Their ego is too big. </p><p>And sometimes it's their brain-<b><span style="color: red;">wiring</span></b>. Yes, some of them suffer from severe OCD to Depression or some other such issue. But they were never diagnosed or helped <i><u>because</u> </i>everyone around them in their family and like-minded friends, tell them how great they are. No one is allowed to tell them there is something wrong and they need to see a psychiatrist or therapist. No. The woman will get in huge trouble, and his friends are on his side. Thus, he goes through life lording it over, and the family suffers.</p><p>Not all have mental issues. Some are just <b>conceited</b>.</p><p>And some were taught since childhood that woman is lesser than man, therefore he must be blindly surrendered to, and as her guru. For example: Hindu's, other cultures, a handful of Gurukuli's may still believe this. We are not criticizing them. If the man can rise to the occasion and live as a pure devotee in truth, then if a married couple choose the lifestyle where he's in charge of everything, we accept. </p><p>However, most just want power, sex, to win marital arguments, or throw their weight around. </p><p>Instead, please live the lifestyle Prabhupada outlined for the disciple. That means the 4 regulative principles, not 3/12 regs, it doesn't exist. So, celibacy except to conceive a child and then 50 rounds are chanted first. It also means chant 16 rounds daily, rise early and either attend temple morning programs or do you own, <b>full</b>, morning program in your house. Spend the rest of the day in devotional service tho householders can get a job - but any opportunity to think/meditate on Krishna must be utilized even at work. No tv/video tv, karmi music, karmi anything. The evening is summed up with an evening program, very light prasadam, reading Krishna book before taking rest, and sleeping in separate beds, when doable <b>separate rooms</b>. There can even be more requirements of the initiate as these are only the <i>basics</i>. For anyone who wants to be authority over woman, first become authority over yourself - self disciple /disciple. Not telling everyone to live this way. Those who want denigrate women and claim superiority 'must' be capable to, first and foremost - without taking it out on children or women, or other men who may 'appear' lesser to them. </p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucGx_gjhsfG5qJilQx6hii3RFjsYBWDlKlL8d2r1yxt8SZkha3V6xdIr-Pdl6HBh-6wXQyb6ewaboIANQlVas7kEonhrswnd_2fYxnyI0yloXJ0-_BkJRyjC2XfyRTYUxPlBKANo0ZVjcqGMqip_RlVEcFn4vj6yxaA_-ui5RtWS-6HXQDYCP7HVX/s1640/014.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1640" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucGx_gjhsfG5qJilQx6hii3RFjsYBWDlKlL8d2r1yxt8SZkha3V6xdIr-Pdl6HBh-6wXQyb6ewaboIANQlVas7kEonhrswnd_2fYxnyI0yloXJ0-_BkJRyjC2XfyRTYUxPlBKANo0ZVjcqGMqip_RlVEcFn4vj6yxaA_-ui5RtWS-6HXQDYCP7HVX/w640-h360/014.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>After our history, the idea that wife must blindly "obey" the husband regardless if he has questionable character is puffed-up in this age. Who she should obey is the pure devotee Srila Prabhupada, and without twisting of scripture to get her to do so - as that is manipulation and trickery. </p><p>Even if we agree husbands don't have to be a pure devotee, they can not beat, rape, verbally abuse the wife, mislead her away from the <i>highest type</i> of Krishna Consciousness - and say it's in line with Prabhuapda. <span style="color: red;">Bogus</span>.</p><p>"So in India still, in villages, whenever there is some quarrel between husband-wife, the husband beats and she is tamed. In <b><i>civilized </i></b>society, "Oh, you have done this?" Immediately some <span style="color: red;">criminal </span>case. But in <b>un</b>civilized society they don't care for court <i>or civilized way</i> . . ."Srila Prabhupada Room conversation, New York, April 12, 1969</p><p>[Do you really think initiated female disciples need to be tamed? If so, who will tame the men? Surely everyone needs correction some times. Shall we use this method? May temple presidents and GBC tame the men in such ways? Prabhupada gave us a training program to train us up - not a hitting program. And, while misogynists love to quote other aspects of this verse, they minimize or ignore the fact that it is considered criminal!]</p><p>"If you become unnecessarily lusty <b>and attack your wife or somebody,</b> that is sinful." Prabhupada lecture G 07.11.13, Bombay India, Marcy 28, 72</p><p>"I have brought these vanara's, monkeys like mleccas and yavana's. <b>No one is fully qualified </b>among them." Prabhupada, Bengali conversation, Oct 8, 1977</p><p>"If you make intentional mistakes, if you have a sinful life, and you say to yourself, '<u>Now that I am singing Hare Krishna, I can do whatever I want</u>, the consequences will be cancelled.' This kind of scoundrel will be punished very, very severely. "Oh I live in Vrindavan, oh, it's a holy place, I can do anything, the effects will be undone. They will become Vrindavan's cats, dogs or monkeys." Srila Prabhupada, Vrindavan, December 5, 1975</p><p>"kauṭumbikaḥ krudhyati vai janāya. When one's mind is disturbed in so many ways, he satisfies himself by becoming angry with his poor wife and children. The wife and children are naturally dependent on the father, <b>but </b>the father, being unable to maintain the family properly, <b>becomes </b>mentally distressed and therefore chastises the family members <b>un</b>necessarily." Srila Prabhupada SB 5.13.8 Purport</p><div>Can't help but wonder who would want to be treated in <i>exalted </i>ways in the first place. Does not seem healthy, but artificial. The opposite of the humility Prabhupada teaches. </div><p>Some of them even take great joy in harassing women who disagree with them. What a toxic pleasure. Not very Krishna Conscious, especially from those claiming to be superior.</p><p>"It is especially mentioned here that a devotee must be free from <b>all </b><u>violence</u>. Lord Caitanya has recommended that a devotee not commit violence to any living entity...... A devotee has to execute the principles of devotional service exactly as they are, and he must know that however insignificant a living entity may be, the Lord is present within him. A devotee must realize this universal presence of the Lord." Srimad-Bhagavatam 3-29-23</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWcSeBBC-GZKE8jW8fNNRhilQv9hIBGP4_snDCQ5CqJe_Jtc0k0xJp8kjzeEvTorV2d0VK3fgKpRLFHN0ba1m5nhFxW44h7aBDyzEI9PzvYNWFZg_Z1OPdpIohyWMAUiwDN_YcGkJ5r2Aryad022W5V1K7mhe02t-JbEXHKqwYGxI3XI3STLXnyI51/s1080/316414415_5608945002560110_2225537433762016552_n.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWcSeBBC-GZKE8jW8fNNRhilQv9hIBGP4_snDCQ5CqJe_Jtc0k0xJp8kjzeEvTorV2d0VK3fgKpRLFHN0ba1m5nhFxW44h7aBDyzEI9PzvYNWFZg_Z1OPdpIohyWMAUiwDN_YcGkJ5r2Aryad022W5V1K7mhe02t-JbEXHKqwYGxI3XI3STLXnyI51/s320/316414415_5608945002560110_2225537433762016552_n.png" width="320" /></a></div>Regarding the quote above, also whether she is assisting her husband or assisting Krishna, there is no justification for uttering insults or put-downs. It is maya. <br /><p></p><div>Moving on, it is <b>not </b>a fact that in this age, a man can do anything he feels like doing and the wife must surrender: </div><p>"One should <i>never </i>think that his mind is trained and that he can do whatever he likes." CC, Madhya 11.10</p><p>"Inform my daughter Sathi to abandon her relationship with her husband because he has fallen down. When the husband falls down, it is the wife's duty to relinquish the relationship." Caitanya Caritamrita, Madhya Lila, 15.264</p><p>I myself am startled that I have to reference some devotee as narcists and/or misogynists, but those who choose to only follow the parts of Prabhupada's teachings that puff them up and give them sense gratification - are inclined to behave like this. Cheaters and the cheated. Sad when having the knowledge at your fingertips regarding how to get out of the material world and return to Krishna, they rather be bullies.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULsbLaGWL8y98NPclqaBtHCKwEuzlTTc4erOZE7-Zp_MI-rShPPjQm8vDoXGhMRbonGz8cqAUsggkZo1gQkbHs4BohqxWZIItY2Np8tr-atGsVDQOge52WIlh_0g8ExoluLMF9_YyRwmeQ0ZMjArEed-LuVs-_Rb1fqdCLfjjIlR_IFACImOOjdRp/s1749/311831530_10160766552051419_4595896681431567572_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1572" data-original-width="1749" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULsbLaGWL8y98NPclqaBtHCKwEuzlTTc4erOZE7-Zp_MI-rShPPjQm8vDoXGhMRbonGz8cqAUsggkZo1gQkbHs4BohqxWZIItY2Np8tr-atGsVDQOge52WIlh_0g8ExoluLMF9_YyRwmeQ0ZMjArEed-LuVs-_Rb1fqdCLfjjIlR_IFACImOOjdRp/w400-h360/311831530_10160766552051419_4595896681431567572_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Now, these guys like to point out that a woman should never have any connection with men before her marriage. Sure, we encourage that, but they make it sound like she is no good if she did. Prabhupada accepted everyone. And, we are a preaching Movement, meaning we bring in new people from the outside world all the time. They can't erase their past nor should they be made to feel bad. Plus, if such men are so spiritually advanced, it's kind of weird they even care about these things. The purity they should be seeking should not be about physical sex, but about spiritual God.</p><p>These fanatics OMIT the part that a man must be celibate for 25 years before he marries. So many things they exclude in that way. Please know, anyone has the <b>birthright </b>to take to spiritual life of the <u>highest</u>. </p><p>But if such men want to bring up the topic of prostitutes, which they are fond of doing so they can believe they are doing women a big favor marrying her, Prabhupada states even the prostitute can become a devotee. <a href="https://prabhupadabooks.com/cc/antya/3/140" target="_blank"><b>Cintamani </b>is a good example!</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg3SIuhz_Bjfg7okydEFjD029tthTVg-noBH4abqbcIQx7QlTp7HhssZkkD29lp9lnsplQF0-mWXJ2QbDwwBfXTniKXQ_fflu1GuRTgilEY7SwgysaWxp6u-oePladdjag40bM_wFNoQ0UYDE0B1lD8nV90zCpexPChEeg6ru7dbOxiVxsfxS3COGx/s780/cintamani.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="580" data-original-width="780" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg3SIuhz_Bjfg7okydEFjD029tthTVg-noBH4abqbcIQx7QlTp7HhssZkkD29lp9lnsplQF0-mWXJ2QbDwwBfXTniKXQ_fflu1GuRTgilEY7SwgysaWxp6u-oePladdjag40bM_wFNoQ0UYDE0B1lD8nV90zCpexPChEeg6ru7dbOxiVxsfxS3COGx/w640-h476/cintamani.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Painting is of former prostitute who gave it up & became a great devotee.)</span><p>What's sad is that misogynists assume devotee women are not chaste unless they preach the heck out of that to them, over and over they behave as if women need reminding. REALITY CHECK. What we have in truth are some men, and not all, lusting after more than one woman - while most devotee women are chaste as heck. </p><p>I've often suspected their lack of trust about women ability to control her sexual desire is because such men themselves see various young girls / teenagers or a pretty woman, and desire them all - assuming if they do this, so must their wife. <b>Hogwash</b>. </p><p>Women who take <b>initiation vows</b> (or privately vowing to live the <i>same </i>lifestyle) are as much of a good devotee as anyone else, and even some who don't take vows. Some men want to lump everyone into one category of prostitute, and it's simply not true. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoSIO3z_I9t7o0Rcp7nUKHjxiaVGKP9jGUWEcd1cb6dByQQ26aWMR5m-Bkxxqn7ye48CIVc-BkjjZo7Lhktok_mdfVloDifpy_WhVtZVpKEZQIVWeoliebCceSrQhAasWWRm3MNgJ3ckwATsuhYlb0LPh0sBrrgCvhed80Rqxv_yXRu3lWR8-7HWIf/s751/woma.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="751" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoSIO3z_I9t7o0Rcp7nUKHjxiaVGKP9jGUWEcd1cb6dByQQ26aWMR5m-Bkxxqn7ye48CIVc-BkjjZo7Lhktok_mdfVloDifpy_WhVtZVpKEZQIVWeoliebCceSrQhAasWWRm3MNgJ3ckwATsuhYlb0LPh0sBrrgCvhed80Rqxv_yXRu3lWR8-7HWIf/w400-h225/woma.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">* </span>Regarding the argument bullies give that a woman must never have her freedom and must never be independent - that it is not Vedic<b>:</b></p><p>First, lets briefly discuss what is Vedic. Demi-god worshippers are Vedic. Impersonalists and Mayavadi's are Vedic. Shivites are Vedic. There are many types and branches of Vedic. The type of Vedic <i>we </i>are trying to be is to <u>align ourselves with Krishna</u> the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Everything else is automatically there when one practices Krishna Consciousness. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Let us also remember, the <a href="http://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/02/pishimasister-of-prabhupada.html" target="_blank">sister of</a> Srila Prabhupada, Bhavatarini or known to us as Pishima, held the position of <b>Temple Commander.</b> And she's as Vedic as they come!Also a pure devotee. Read in the link, what she did. It does not fit in with what many misogynists are <i>claiming </i>is Vedic. But you know she was.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97U2UOLoM6iqqhUfl55GYhfUhwdMTzmju5acygN5e7kju5AioWEoooC9q8zS-sIqgtDPvU5C0TEZhqEUawlCmxNIg9woA5kyYpNxuiGlvWuMqB_74drhLGOcu_Y4ThLJhLFlnkqCCyrPTm06BUeFGtUVBb-qpvmc2i4kht9D_LRqcwqUu9PVzxBY3/s420/1980-05-06.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="304" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97U2UOLoM6iqqhUfl55GYhfUhwdMTzmju5acygN5e7kju5AioWEoooC9q8zS-sIqgtDPvU5C0TEZhqEUawlCmxNIg9woA5kyYpNxuiGlvWuMqB_74drhLGOcu_Y4ThLJhLFlnkqCCyrPTm06BUeFGtUVBb-qpvmc2i4kht9D_LRqcwqUu9PVzxBY3/w290-h400/1980-05-06.jpg" width="290" /></a></div><p></p><p>Prabhupada had us do many things that may not be considered Vedic. He gave ladies brahman initiation/priest. He sent single women out on the streets to distribute transcendental literature to men. </p><p>Misogynists know they <b>can't speak about</b> this or it will be a criticism of Srila Prabhupada. Therefore they either ignore it, or say they will let their wife do this only if the husband can go with her (and they often have excuses why they can not). It is wonderful for a husband and wife team to distribute Prabhupada's books together. It's a great idea. </p><p>"Now you have a very nice wife, Kancanbala, so my request to both of you is that you work combinedly to push on this Sankirtana Movement of Caitanya Mahaprabhu. This will bring perfection to your lives, as more and more you become attached to the Lotus Feet of Krishna. Persons under the grip of Maya are simply mad after sense enjoyment, but our goal is to lose all desire for sense gratification and become simply mad after Krishna." SP letter to Madhusudana das, Tittenhurst, September 19, 1969</p><p>Yes, it's good to work together on book distribution. And many have done so. <b>However</b>, though any husband surely can go out combinedly with his wife, that is not what misogynists are truthfully saying. Misogynists [and not all men] do not trust her unless they are there to keep an eye on her. </p><p>Prabhupada never said like that. Both married and unmarried brahmacarini's went out daily, married ones with or without their husband - on Sankirtana - when Prabhupada was on the planet. Usually in pairs, but not usually with men. I know cuz I remember. </p><p>Here is an excerpt of something <b>Ramesvara wrote:</b></p><p><b>"</b>When Srila Prabhupada began empowering his spiritual daughters to go on Sankirtan as preachers and book distributors, they quickly manifested the qualities of bold empowered preachers, equal to (and in some cases greater) than their Sankirtan Godbrothers.</p><p>Of course, due to the kanistha mentality and the fanatical animosity of so many foolish male-bodied devotees, in and outside of India, these empowered preachers in female bodies had to work twice as hard, both on Sankirtan and back in the ashram, just to be treated with respect. </p><p>With these female Sankirtan soldiers making up half the western zone Sankirtan book distributing army, we defeated the entire sannyas/brahmacari Radha Damodara 11-bus TSKP in the most famous holiday marathon in our Movement’s history (December 1975)</p><p>I am sometimes bothered by the stench of the anti-female fanatical fear being spewed by some leaders </p><p>Srila Prabhupada appointed Her Grace Yamuna Devi to lead the assembled devotees in every temple in the world in greeting the Deities every morning. Just to be clear for the benefit of the bodily-concept offensive female-hating smarta neophytes, His Divine Grace selected a Vaisnavi, not a male -bodied Vaisnava, to lead everyone in the world in greeting and mediating on the Deities Who have appeared in every temple in the Hare Krsna Movement. </p><p>Srila Prabhupada personally told me that Srimati Yamuna Devi was so advanced that she didn’t need to serve under the GBC. He told me she serves directly, transcendentally, under His Divine Grace himself-with no interference from the GBC, the India Bureau and amy other managing group or authority.<b>"</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggAzJsNDTG10BxI6c3G7p7GTaBu3ZkgtXc8VdcuQUBTtJvR52kDk9jdzRIMqWGBHcSi8qaFVYoqYY-iRgr6kOggjnmJ9W4dNfviY7rNNbAdJBNAWuSc2ICcDFbF_L3oD7wIUJdOYzA3LLCjoojPpTv3IJQUKpPMwS8H-VGPOhdCqu3WPOeKXQyQiib/s1615/1984-08-15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1120" data-original-width="1615" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggAzJsNDTG10BxI6c3G7p7GTaBu3ZkgtXc8VdcuQUBTtJvR52kDk9jdzRIMqWGBHcSi8qaFVYoqYY-iRgr6kOggjnmJ9W4dNfviY7rNNbAdJBNAWuSc2ICcDFbF_L3oD7wIUJdOYzA3LLCjoojPpTv3IJQUKpPMwS8H-VGPOhdCqu3WPOeKXQyQiib/s320/1984-08-15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Prabhupada: "I am especially pleased to learn that you are introducing my books as textbooks in the colleges. We especially have to try to attract the educated young men <b>and women</b> in your country so that in future there will be many <u>strong</u> leaders to keep our Kriuzshna Consciousness Movement strong." Srila Prabhupada Letter, Govinda dasa, New York, 4/7/73</p><p>Here is another letter, and look at all he expected of this woman!</p><p>"Please accept my blessings. In reply to your letter dated nil and have noted the contents. I beg to advise you to come to India and live in Mayapur comfortably in association of devotees. If you go, then I shall arrange to give you a very nice room completely for your use and you can peacefully engage in your painting work and read Srimad-Bhagavatam as well as join in with the devotees for regular kirtana, arati, and prasadam. What you have to do in this connection is as follows: 1) immediately you go to New York and take an entry visa from the consulate general of India. 2) ask your father to send the 200 dollars monthly to the Bank of America -Bombay branch, account number 16026, (International Society for Krishna Consciousness Mayapur-Vrndavana Fund.) This money will be kept for <b><span style="color: red;">your </span></b>expenditure. I think 500 rupees monthly will be sufficient for your food and lodging (60-70 dollars). And the balance you can spend as you like. I think this arrangement will be very nice for you according to my idea. Now you decide what to do. I hope this meets you in good health." SP Letter to Govinda devi dasi / female disciple -- Honolulu 1 February, 1975</p><p>He had no fear of giving a woman money, responsibility, freedom, business, or independence - as he knows she is not woman - she is aham brahmasmi and Vaisnavi. Plus, it is all based in Krishna Consciousness. Those who fear women being independent or having money or for whatever other reasons they fear her,<b> </b>may not be living a life fully surrounded by Krishna Conscious. Material desires are often what causes such <span style="color: red;">fears</span>. And many misogynists have a big fear of strong women, even tho she is a devotee. </p><p>In this age of Kali, if a woman does not have her name legally on the house, car, credit card, and anything else - God forbid but if her husband dies - she may have a lot of trouble keeping the roof over her head, buying groceries, keeping the electric turned on, and so forth. Additionally, if she does not know how to balance the bills, how to live in the real world - more <i>serious </i>trouble. Keeping her ignorant of these things, is keeping her <b>UN</b>protected.</p><p>I will agree that we live in the material world and therefore must be careful, but it's not that hard. Srila Bhaktivinode Thakura said to make our homes into Vaikuntha's. Prabhupada repeated this instruction from him. If <i>truthfully </i>doing it, there won't be all this fear and <u>hatred</u> going on.</p><p>Can't find the quote at the moment and am sure the narcists out there will love that, but I once read if a woman has a lot of money she is no longer a sudra and can be independent. I read Prabhupada say that in the <b>DOS database.</b> Of course, she must be a devotee and a good one. So must any man.</p><p>Additionally, here are some letters from Prabhupada about women doing <b>business</b>: </p><p>"My dear daughter Sally,</p><p>If you come here there will be no inconvenience for you because there is one lady friend at west 108th street and she will be very glad to accommodate you for a day or two. I think you should come and see the prospect of the <b>business</b>. I am sure you will get very good <b>profit </b>if you start this business and I shall teach you how to prepare nice vegetable dishes. I wish that you may consider this proposal a little seriously and decide to come here for a day or two." SP letter to Sally, New York, New York, November 13, 1965</p><p>"Since there is no longer such a rush for printing, you may once again send sketches for my approval. Thank you for organizing the art department." SP Letter to Jadurani -- Nellore 5 January, 1976</p><p>"If you produce milk, you should not drink milk very much. Rather, you should save it and convert it into ghee and then <b>sell</b> it to the householders and centers and thus maintain <b>your</b> asrama. The excess quantity of ghee may be exchanged by trade. Kirtana is our <b>first duty</b>. The Deity worship should be simple and the eating should be as meager as possible." Srila Prabhupada letter to Palika November 13, 1975.</p><p>"So you are an intelligent girl, I need not talk much, and be happy in Krishna Consciousness <b>business</b>. I am very glad to learn that <u>Muralidhara</u>, Devahuti and <u>Bharadraja</u> are working together. You simply <b>supervise them.</b> I know Bharadraja is a very fast working painter and if he sticks to his work, certainly he will do wonderfully." -Srila Prabhupada Letter to female disciple. Los Angeles, 14 January 1970</p><p>"Try to <b>publish </b>Persian books as <i>many </i>as possible. That will be a <u>big success</u>. Iranians have very much respect especially for the Americans and your dealings with them will be very much appreciated. Also, if the <i>collections </i>are very good there you can <i>send some money</i> to Gargamuni Swami in Mayapur for the project." Letter to Nandarani <b>devi dasi</b> -- New York 8 July, 1976, Tehran</p><p>"Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letters with photographs enclosed of Sri Sri Radha-Vanabehari, dated May 10, 1976. I am very glad to see how nicely you are caring for the Deities. I am scheduled to be in Los Angeles from June 1 to June 11. I am even contemplating coming to see you there on <b>your farm</b> if you are unable to come to see me. Please <u>continue</u> to develop things there <u>for women devotees</u> as previously instructed." Prabhupada Letter to women: Yamuna dd, and Dinatarini dd -- Honolulu 15 May, 1976</p><p>Moving on:</p><div><span style="color: #2b00fe;">* </span>Next, the oppressors claim it was an emergency in the early days, and now we have to change things. However please note, prior to his departure His Divine Grace, the pure devotee Srila Prabhupada, instructed that we <b>do not change a thing</b>. </div><div><p>Sure, he said we can make improvements. That is where they will <u>exploit</u>, as they will likely claim that is what they are doing. We know better. Besides, even improvements have to be backed up by Prabhupada. There is no such modern-day (<b>letters</b>) proof that we should live that way. He was happy if everyone could just maintain.</p></div><p>Next:<span> </span></p><p>"It is actually better to be a sudra than to be a brahmana and not develop the service attitude because that attitude alone satisfies the Lord. Every living being — even if he be a brahmana by qualification — must take to the transcendental service of the Lord. Both Bhagavad-gita and the Srimad-Bhagavatam support that this service attitude is the perfection of the living entity." Srimad Bhagavatm 3.6.33 P</p><p>"So we have to become designationless, no designation, sarvopadhi... "I am not Hindu. I am not Mussalman. I am not Christian. I am not brahmana." This is designation. Even sannyasi... Caitanya Mahaprabhu, therefore, naham vipro na ca nara-patir yatir va, He described Himself, "No, I am not ksatriya. I am not brahmana. I am not sannyasi. I am not grhastha. I am not vaisya." simply negation. He simply said, gopi-bhartuh pada-kamalayor dasa-dasanudasah: "I am the servant of servant of servant of the gopi-bhartuh, the maintainer of the gopis, Krsna." SP lec, Bombay, Dec 25, 74</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWWbqt5r9ycaP2AAj0QhCj04C6_apBoTD-lnSu5E-_T2Ng5ARjeA4KOd2rmT30blEWVANMA2g5zgfq1gwSpuHO03qGCnm_ze5PCmFo60_sXGNPWG9hgmS97ulkxjFApelmD9dUQfl7AIPwkuCJq-L0kObBUf0rqJCXOtceHSGuh5AiwoePCrOTD75m/s1640/289148599_5165275616927053_4642687573295528666_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1640" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWWbqt5r9ycaP2AAj0QhCj04C6_apBoTD-lnSu5E-_T2Ng5ARjeA4KOd2rmT30blEWVANMA2g5zgfq1gwSpuHO03qGCnm_ze5PCmFo60_sXGNPWG9hgmS97ulkxjFApelmD9dUQfl7AIPwkuCJq-L0kObBUf0rqJCXOtceHSGuh5AiwoePCrOTD75m/w640-h360/289148599_5165275616927053_4642687573295528666_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Click picture to enlarge and read Srila Prabhupada's transcendental words.)</span><p>A devotee who is also a <b>Jyotish Astrologer,</b> made an interesting FB post. He said years back, he did charts of many, <i>many </i>gurukuli girls, and none of them had submissiveness in their chart. He felt so strongly about his discovery that he took it to the GBC. But they did nothing. What could they do really? People are born the way they are born, and the only thing that can change a person is <u>transcendental</u> Krishna Consciousness. My purpose for including his discovery is, Prabhupada <b>always spoke highly of the children born into this Movement - that they are a higher birth than we are, standing in line waiting</b> to to be born into the Hare Krishna Movement. Therefore, maybe what some young men need are strong young women. Afterall, if Krishna is in charge of this Movement, would He not send who is best for it, and for it's devotees? So what's the big deal <u>complaining</u> about women not being submissive. It may be just what the doctor ordered. :) Some men do not need a doormat for a wife - they will exploit her. Some men need a strong, independent thinker in Krishna Consciousness.</p><p>"So take care of these children. If you can make one child Krishna Conscious, it is a great service. Krishna will be pleased." SP lecture, NV, June 22, 1969</p><p>"These children are given to us <b>by Krishna</b>....." To read quote and it's source, click on pic to enlarge and read what Srila Prabhupada has to say:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy8cua1ucKKw-R6mBn7R9Txmg7oKCHYBXJNnRput5LeYyy4fFuQZ-4cKOOs8XcYauDcX9Fr52IAX3t_uMHWzDcGdDZUqWGc9sEf5-YEyA1kJqR1O6QX00Kdnkzx9kNRtOMf8HyEwdvWlHNYb_uKWi-zQJyPkqp4wYtKmthEgWfCZkt_G4CQMwDIW1v/s1640/299157747_5329386037182676_2048291756356143560_n.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1640" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy8cua1ucKKw-R6mBn7R9Txmg7oKCHYBXJNnRput5LeYyy4fFuQZ-4cKOOs8XcYauDcX9Fr52IAX3t_uMHWzDcGdDZUqWGc9sEf5-YEyA1kJqR1O6QX00Kdnkzx9kNRtOMf8HyEwdvWlHNYb_uKWi-zQJyPkqp4wYtKmthEgWfCZkt_G4CQMwDIW1v/w640-h360/299157747_5329386037182676_2048291756356143560_n.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />IMHO misogynists (and not other men) are bordering on <span style="color: red;"><b><i>Sahajiya</i></b></span>. They want to imitate scripture from long ago while ignoring or minimizing so many of Prabhupada's instructions for the current times. And isn't it interesting they expect women to behave like those in ancient scripture from different yuga's, while they do not apply that to themselves and desire many women for sex, or at least approve of the idea for their friends.<p></p><p><b>Prabhupāda</b>: These <span style="color: red;">sahajiyās <i>will </i>come out of so many devotees. What can be done?</span> From my Guru Mahārāja's disciples, so many sahajiyās came. These are called sahajiyās. Very easily they capture thing. So my Guru Mahārāja used to say, "When my disciples will be sahajiyā, it will be more dangerous." He used to say like that. Take things very easily. You know that Puruṣottama, supposed to be my Godbrother?</p><p>Pṛthu-putra: No.</p><p>Prabhupāda: You don't know?</p><p>Pṛthu-putra: In Māyāpura?</p><p>Prabhupāda: In Vṛndāvana.</p><p>Pṛthu-putra: In Vṛndāvana. Ah, yes. Puruṣottama, yes.</p><p>Prabhupāda: He has poisoned this Nitāi.</p><p>Pṛthu-putra: Oh. Is it because we have the desire to come in contact with such persons that we contact them, like Nitāi contacting that Puruṣottama?</p><p>Prabhupāda: You may <b>not </b>desire, but if you are not <b>strong</b>, you'll be <u>misled</u> by these rascals. But if we follow this instruction, Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura, āra nā koriho mane āśā, oh, then you become strong. Then you remain strong. Our bhakti line is anyābhilāṣitā-śūnyam [Brs. 1.1.11]. We should be completely zero of our material desires. Anyābhilāṣitā-śūnyam [Cc. Madhya 19.167]. Śūnyam means zero." - Srila Prabhupada's Room Conversation January 28, 1977, Bhuvaneśvara </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYWtLFUMQdV4repIX6eyA0cUJn1D4vVUgMwYR4hIGdwZR-JY8-1XiBhhUDpNDXe9OTnVxt_AEKnN9qclbFT8NVV5-hKjm8jhRqRWcf3w_uxR41t08pjTFHnQilWpLx0OKOfYqem9LtIFVY5Ace-RKN2lmK6CtUnaSvrinYOIo049bWDISLORSXdJd/s1080/319845970_1163408744272882_7252747438304178210_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYWtLFUMQdV4repIX6eyA0cUJn1D4vVUgMwYR4hIGdwZR-JY8-1XiBhhUDpNDXe9OTnVxt_AEKnN9qclbFT8NVV5-hKjm8jhRqRWcf3w_uxR41t08pjTFHnQilWpLx0OKOfYqem9LtIFVY5Ace-RKN2lmK6CtUnaSvrinYOIo049bWDISLORSXdJd/w400-h400/319845970_1163408744272882_7252747438304178210_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>By the way, there's a reason you won't find certain things in our beautiful, ancient scripture:</p><p>"This is a <b>new</b> thing in the <u>history</u> of the sankirtana movement. In India all the acaryas and their dependents later on only acted from the man's side. Their wives were at home because that was the system from old times. <b>But </b>in Bhagavad-gita we find that women are also <u>equally competent</u> like the men in the matter of Krishna Consciousness movement. Please therefore <i>carry on these missionary</i> activities, and prove it by practical example that there is no bar for anyone in the matter of preaching Krishna Consciousness." Srila Prabhupada Letter to female disciple, 1969-12-20</p><p>There is a lot in our illustrious ancient scripture we should follow. But for example, giving away a daughter in charity plus to an old man - is not one of them. I recently had one young man quote that to me. He has daughters! sigh This is how selfish the oppressors are. Not seeing reality but holding tight to such dysfunctional ideas for kali yuga, makes me believe THEY are the ones who are less intelligent. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLLLbb1oYqL0d0V_eL3LNVCvRfSnb0JcdJWQqpAMh_O3Z8V9j-4EXVG5doZXMEiO22e-0H8D62clTo7eRYpbzlyJSMHoc8O5l6kCrQPoFZT7ytH-JXa6TJFOVZNygWOSPVmsKns9J5yOxVR6_42QeeJz0GX0SO-VGk9L1hJvPLq5kcZRlAuXuDTkaC/s600/302305765_3106980636259260_1627345931434170165_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="600" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLLLbb1oYqL0d0V_eL3LNVCvRfSnb0JcdJWQqpAMh_O3Z8V9j-4EXVG5doZXMEiO22e-0H8D62clTo7eRYpbzlyJSMHoc8O5l6kCrQPoFZT7ytH-JXa6TJFOVZNygWOSPVmsKns9J5yOxVR6_42QeeJz0GX0SO-VGk9L1hJvPLq5kcZRlAuXuDTkaC/w640-h336/302305765_3106980636259260_1627345931434170165_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The following is one of the verses they love to quote. Just keep reading beyond it for more.</p><p>"According to Vedic culture, even if a young woman is given an old husband, she must respectfully serve him. This is chastity. It is not that because she dislikes her husband she may give him up and accept another. This is against Vedic culture. According to Vedic culture, a woman must accept the husband given to her by her parents and remain chaste and faithful to him." SB 9.3.20, Translation and Purport</p><p>First, as I've repeatedly said but narcissist refuse to comprehend, <b>we are not living in that time period and therefore Prabhupada gave us a different</b> lifestyle, <i>nor </i>are we as <i>advanced </i>as those in scripture. ("We" means all disciples, thus men are included).</p><p>Next, people who use/misuse this verse, are omitting the fact that she does not have to get married to this old man. She can always say that she does not want to marry so-and-so. While it was encouraged to surrender to the parents 'back than,' and those parents were at least advanced souls - yet the adult child still had a choice. Look to the Four Kumara's for an example. Their father, Lord Brahma, insisted they marry but all four refused and wanted to stay young, innocent children. Lord Brahma became very angry, yet the Four Kumara stuck to their guns. So, this example is there too. </p><p>Misogynists are so intensely looking to be served and enjoy their senses thru woman, which is why they have these verses memorized, while minimizing or ignoring instructions for our present time. </p><p>Now, what is often spoken of as giving a daughter away in charity, is more often or in modern terminology, along the lines of asking a girl to marry who the parents picked, or they may tell her, but again, the final choice is hers. Nor did they pick some guy 'they' liked. Sure it's nice for the parents to also like him, but far more was involved - including Jyotish Compatibility charts. And in some of the pastimes I've read, the girl and boy had a natural attraction which the girls father picked up on. They were not a mere <b>commodity </b>as some of these kali yuga fathers who promote such verses, view daughters. The misogynistic father may even love her, well to the degree they know how to love. But they have an unhealthy type love for their self more, and toxic love of their need for power and control. There is nothing Krishna Conscious about that. </p><p>Another example from scripture: Bhishma wanted Amba, the lovely daughter of the King of Kashi, to marry his brother. But <b>Amba declined.</b> And that was allowed. Some may use this story as a jumping-off point to other aspects of it, but do not let anyone complicate or ignore the point being made here. Which is, even when a marriage is all ready in the works [Bhima kidnapped her, then physically fought off suitors], if the women disagrees, she had a right to say no, and that choice of hers <u>had to be honored</u>. Even centuries upon centuries past.</p><p>Had the misogynists bothered to research, they would have found this: </p><p>"Marriage and friendship are proper <b>between </b>two people who are equal in terms of their wealth, birth, influence, <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">physical appearance</span></b>, and capacity for good progeny, but <u>never </u>between a superior and an inferior.” Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.60.15</p><p>There are <span style="color: #800180;">more verses like that last one</span> too. In other words, they can be found by those who desire to find them. </p><p> An important instruction - for our yuga/time period:</p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz9Jpjxvo_FKKlK8keWBJJYgnAvzpRo7hY2MDwc_6oV0H_LiejWrnbD4oAeibdJ5n4Olyntl2egZa4Wos5xhx0UaEzBpR75DPpksZoAqQ3MXK7MdHGV0ozv0bwIw14pNEvC7NPQ_6uPQp3Y68vmr_DEBZQsP34V9R380AxDlRpXkGvJX97QMqnxhST/s800/29cb4bef2bf138fd3d4089a8f2a3f581.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz9Jpjxvo_FKKlK8keWBJJYgnAvzpRo7hY2MDwc_6oV0H_LiejWrnbD4oAeibdJ5n4Olyntl2egZa4Wos5xhx0UaEzBpR75DPpksZoAqQ3MXK7MdHGV0ozv0bwIw14pNEvC7NPQ_6uPQp3Y68vmr_DEBZQsP34V9R380AxDlRpXkGvJX97QMqnxhST/w640-h426/29cb4bef2bf138fd3d4089a8f2a3f581.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">* </span></b>Regarding intelligence, or those who are less :) the bottom line regarding <i>why </i>women have been considered less intelligent - that mostly has to do with emotions. Women are said to be emotional. But if she is not by nature that way, or if she learns how to control it, she is no longer less intelligent, as her emotions are not controlling her decision-making. If a man has too much anger or abuses, that is also getting too emotional, thus making such a man less intelligent. </p><p>Years ago on a devotee forum, I read one woman ask the question to the world of devotees<b>:</b> "What is the big deal about intelligence level?" At first many gave her all the explanations most readers here all ready heard. And so did she. Therefore, she elaborated, and replied<b>:</b> "No, I get that. What I mean is, why is there so much more importance put on that - shouldn't the importance be placed on how much devotional service and chanting we can do?" Bingo! She hit the nail on the head. And everyone who had been posting other replies, agreed with her, and now wrote different replies. [That consciousness of Krishna is more important than intelligence level].<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">x<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHLWlvLuadgUTYX2ucHs7nuWsS82RUSIqdbiPWc_oz6Sz_WSfWUdMLc6I-jJEi5MBZo6AIP7GbXfZpkqtgpYUU8zNXeGe80ZRg53bxvyBC_ffK-yuk23l23uMusY8inLDC_cP8lJxnxb-nOVVyvqE0Jt3aSRtVwISezPkS6YjTj2wp3eNnzDeDj2F7/s1654/312948174_10225242680666568_4721898891579563800_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1654" data-original-width="1654" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHLWlvLuadgUTYX2ucHs7nuWsS82RUSIqdbiPWc_oz6Sz_WSfWUdMLc6I-jJEi5MBZo6AIP7GbXfZpkqtgpYUU8zNXeGe80ZRg53bxvyBC_ffK-yuk23l23uMusY8inLDC_cP8lJxnxb-nOVVyvqE0Jt3aSRtVwISezPkS6YjTj2wp3eNnzDeDj2F7/w400-h400/312948174_10225242680666568_4721898891579563800_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Simultaneously, we do not see Prabhupada spending a lot of time referring to his female disciples as less intelligent, but the opposite. Therefore, imho men who "take shelter" of this 'women are less intelligent' aspect, are revealing they do not have a deep or genuine understanding of what that means, but are also revealing they may have issues of their own. For example, some misogynists [and not other men] misuse it when they were loosing a debate with a lady, or misuse it to control and manipulate women.</p><p>Additionally: </p><p>"One should not be very proud of his intelligence but should give all respect to others. In this way, one can chant Hare Krsna offenselessly." - Sri Siksastaka 3</p><p>"When one becomes lusty, then one <b>becomes </b>lost of all <u>intelligence</u>. The whole world is going on on the basis of these lusty desires. This is material world. And because I am lusty, you are lusty, every one of us, so as soon as my desires are not fulfilled, your desires are not fulfilled, then I become your enemy, you become my enemy." - Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 6.1.64-65 (ME: Yes, this is the material world, but it is also the world of polygamists, narcissists, and misogynists. We are trying to help them snap out of it.)</p><p>"Intelligence means... One who knows what he is, what is this world, what is God, what are the interrelations—he is intelligent. The animal does not know what he is. He thinks that he is the body. Similarly, anyone who does not know what he is, he is not intelligent." -PQPA, ch 7: Acting in Knowledge of Krsna</p><p>"Any process of religiosity based on sense gratification, gross or subtle, must be considered a pretentious religion because it is unable to give perpetual protection to it's folllowers. The real form of religion is spontaneous loving service <b><span style="color: red;">to</span></b> Godhead." Sri Caitanya-caritāmṛta (1968 edition) Ādi-līlā, Chapter 1, Text 91</p><p>It appears that many do not know how to be married. As such, they turn to scripture to try to figure it out. As any reader can see from the various types of quotes on this page alone, it is not so cut and dry. However, the Krishna Consciousness Movement is not about how to be married, it is about how to get out of this material world and go back to Home - back to Godhead.</p><p>Next, narcistic so-called protectors will <b>always </b>assume the woman is in the wrong. They will twist things, say she just wanted to chit-chat (because they view her as a fickle creature who can't be philosophizing), or that she can't see the obvious (different opinion from his) because she's a woman and therefore can't help it (Translation; she's stupid, always will be). On and on goes the word-juggling trickery of the misogynists. </p><p>What such men don't know is that they actually look uneducated in general, come across as stubborn rather than smart, and are unaware of the preaching /philosophizing abilities of women. </p><p>They can scream that they are protectors 'til the cows come home - but they would not say the above, or the many other mistreatments mentioned on this blog - if they were true protectors. They only protect men, and blame women for everything, no matter what it takes. </p><p>I can often tell when I run into one because they tend to think/speak in ways that start to go off topic from the conversation. (Ex: "You're saying that cuz as a woman you can't see the parallels showing you are wrong." Truth is, many women don't want to do battle or explain themselves to such men.) These are not very spiritually advanced men, even though they claim they are. It makes me <b>very sad that Prabhupada's teachings have been twisted in such egotistical ways</b>.</p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsKlOBM3VFjQ1a0BA1n829ZJa9MeDIgJXoLRLwDBLCfXhMG2IXepkNzgRj5MF3EGKO847mRohu7K30sUWELJC-5OLLDXpa7bzxBxzgKww1hV2GSMa-t5t2yiRKACUsmu-NJgWKoNVtlJRYD6_0A78r71oUM7P5IHwiesD7EOU42vq7L9B01O9EmDR/s650/a9898d2a1cce43ef9e5bbe44125041a6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="491" data-original-width="650" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsKlOBM3VFjQ1a0BA1n829ZJa9MeDIgJXoLRLwDBLCfXhMG2IXepkNzgRj5MF3EGKO847mRohu7K30sUWELJC-5OLLDXpa7bzxBxzgKww1hV2GSMa-t5t2yiRKACUsmu-NJgWKoNVtlJRYD6_0A78r71oUM7P5IHwiesD7EOU42vq7L9B01O9EmDR/w640-h484/a9898d2a1cce43ef9e5bbe44125041a6.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>Okay, so, how to tell what to follow and what to sit back and respect of a different time period/yuga? I'd say use common sense, but narcists do not have common sense. Of course, I believe most readers are not narcists because they can't stand such quotes as above, so are unlikely to remain here. Anyhow, IMHO the solution regarding what to follow and what not to, is: <a href="https://prabhupadabooks.com/letters" target="_blank">read Prabhupada's letters</a>. They are written for <b>our time period</b>. And if something goes against your grain, just don't do it. That is, if you feel it's more than you can handle, do not fret. It's far more important to chant Hare Krishna and be happy. </p><p>“Vaisnave jati-buddhih. If anyone considers a Vaisnava, a devotee of the Lord, in the categorical estimation of birth, then that is hellish consideration.” Srila Prabhupada, Srimad Bhagavatam, 6.1.41-42 lecture </p><p>"Love is the basic principle of Krsna consciousness, and love is the basic principle of all our activities. So love is there, dormant, but that love is not being properly utilized. So Krsna consciousness is the movement to revive that original love and the original person with whom that loving transaction can be executed." -Srila Prabhupada, Interview, September 24, 1968, Seattle</p><p>"So actually, <u>married couples should be paramahamsas</u>. Paramahamsa means the topmost stage of sannyasi. Paramahamsa. A sannyasi has got four stages: kuticaka, bahudaka, parivrajakacarya and paramahamsa. .... It doesn't matter whether a grhastha, vanaprastha, sannyasi. It doesn't matter. So when he preaches all over the world, that is called parivrajakacarya. And when he's experienced, he executes the work by his assistants. That is called paramahamsa. So grhasthas are <b>supposed to be</b> paramahamsa." ~ Sri Vyasa-puja lecture, London, Augt 22, 73</p><p>There can be <a href="http://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2019/10/forgiveness.html" target="_blank">forgiveness</a> for some, but bullies must change their behavior and take to a higher or more honest belief system. Many simply do not know how to be married. However, the Krishna Consciousness Movement is not about how to be married, it is about how to get out of this material world and go back to Home - back to Godhead.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_sJPEYxYf2NB9y_pjbcM9V4a7I2MI4QsVDovC7B0jPzpeWaG1uKMG8p1tvuYIsT35zLe17KUROROQYjrzleNDUiBmCq8LdK5L-kkm-VMhcRbpzSpCJsHE-UusDX1LoaHx_frbBh_OV85mNVOxRsKSc5cSYqAWcKo4DAsUtPZ4TICqZ5ZeEUTiPig/s2048/324262482_558178579541407_4799252894492372027_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_sJPEYxYf2NB9y_pjbcM9V4a7I2MI4QsVDovC7B0jPzpeWaG1uKMG8p1tvuYIsT35zLe17KUROROQYjrzleNDUiBmCq8LdK5L-kkm-VMhcRbpzSpCJsHE-UusDX1LoaHx_frbBh_OV85mNVOxRsKSc5cSYqAWcKo4DAsUtPZ4TICqZ5ZeEUTiPig/w480-h640/324262482_558178579541407_4799252894492372027_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p>"...when one is elevated to the platform of Krishna Consciousness, whether one is man, woman, shudra, or whatever, <b>everyone is equal</b>." - Srila Prabhupada, Srimad Bhagavatam, 9.14.36</p><p>"The Lord is ever increasingly merciful upon the fallen souls of this material world. The whole cosmic manifestation is a chance for <i>all to improve</i> themselves <u>in devotional service to the Lord</u>, and everyone is meant for <b>that </b>purpose." Bhagavad Gita 3.9.25</p><p>UPDATE: I noticed I lost 3 subscribers since this post. Not to misunderstand as I do not care how many subscribers I have, but isn't it interesting the same numbers of subscribers stayed for years upon years - until this post. Sorry but I can not water down the teachings to please anyone. And if we are going to save Prabhupada's Movement <b><span style="color: red;">or </span></b>open our own temples and <u>avoid problems</u>, we will not succeed by stickling our heads in the sand, or by making wrong things/abuse - as if ok. It is not as if I always write on such topics. There are many posts on direct, blissful Krishna C. For example, How to create your own altar. Some on gardening or health. Then I make a strong post about woman and either some don't want to hear it, or others want a superior position without meeting qualifications. I just can't support such concepts. Ok, enough said. Hare Krishna. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_iib2LHXQiQKKul8tQYAHRR1Bw_eNgom01HONIgGF4K7F1qubXzsfz5ziUD7tkczpIVJWjYsaMRazy9ptthr5RekD6sacxepp8IlGktZa9a7Tbsfy03GOVJfEg5w2taRYGDER_MHD2sqrbIEOtHtwyiQOe87YzdLf5OuPe8dTRA1Xoe02F-XAPbS/s1002/Bhagavati%20Devi,the%20second%20wife%20of%20Srila%20Bhakt%20Vinod%20Thakur%20and%20Mother%20of%20Lion%20Guru%20Srila%20Bhaktisiddhanta.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="647" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_iib2LHXQiQKKul8tQYAHRR1Bw_eNgom01HONIgGF4K7F1qubXzsfz5ziUD7tkczpIVJWjYsaMRazy9ptthr5RekD6sacxepp8IlGktZa9a7Tbsfy03GOVJfEg5w2taRYGDER_MHD2sqrbIEOtHtwyiQOe87YzdLf5OuPe8dTRA1Xoe02F-XAPbS/w259-h400/Bhagavati%20Devi,the%20second%20wife%20of%20Srila%20Bhakt%20Vinod%20Thakur%20and%20Mother%20of%20Lion%20Guru%20Srila%20Bhaktisiddhanta.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><div>(Bhagavati Devi, wife of Srila BhakVinod Thakur and Mother of Lion Guru Srila Bhaktisiddhanta.)</div><p><span style="color: red;">This post has come a long way. Seems there will always be more to this never-ending topic in kali yuga. My humble suggestion is to bookmark and read in the mood of an e-book, since it's long and may get longer. Knowledge is worth it to help protect ourselves, loved ones, and increase our consciousness of Krishna. Pease check back and/or read at your leisure. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2n2BQw5XN_oBHEPWvbaOvyV9uXH57Y1I0G1odaAgiXfnx71NLDmKNwQ6RkBA9FFHzesSivQjtQGJVVWZERC_hqjHrOrH__UFNtpHo8fhwEqehb8NREKrGNjENZsQbjGwTKOm2nMU2saT69htkEuEYkg2T8wI1ZT1Z4ugd35mE9bAVfbR0j42Xbpw0Zo/s1665/000002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1245" data-original-width="1665" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2n2BQw5XN_oBHEPWvbaOvyV9uXH57Y1I0G1odaAgiXfnx71NLDmKNwQ6RkBA9FFHzesSivQjtQGJVVWZERC_hqjHrOrH__UFNtpHo8fhwEqehb8NREKrGNjENZsQbjGwTKOm2nMU2saT69htkEuEYkg2T8wI1ZT1Z4ugd35mE9bAVfbR0j42Xbpw0Zo/w640-h478/000002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: red;"><br /></span><p></p><p> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">RELATED POSTS:</span></b></p><p><a href="http://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/06/vadwhy-im-against-it.html" target="_blank">VAD_Why I'm AGAINST it!</a> - VAD is an acronym for VarnAshrama Dharma. The name sounds quite nice, and once upon a time it was done nicely. However, read here what Prabhupada says about it for <b>our times</b> of kali yuga.</p><p><a href="http://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/04/women-and-gurukulis.html" target="_blank">Women and Gurukuli's</a> - A pretty intense post. Though like the one today, I felt obliged to write due to bad preaching about women and even about the kids, now grown. Some misogynists and narcissist were blaming the children for what happened to them in childhood. Thus, this post.</p><p><a href="http://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/06/a-little-fun.html" target="_blank">A Little Fun</a> - The reason I feel this post is related is because everyone has the right to smile. Plus it is a funny video about arranged marriages, you know, that thing the bullies like to claim they can <b>force </b>their daughters or <i>other </i>female devotees to do. Just see how silly force is even to Hindus. By the way, I myself am not against arranged marries "if" they are done right, but they seldom are. First, there has to be a <b>natural, and mutual attraction</b>. In other words, no one is forced to marry a man they are not drawn to. Next, Jyotish astrological compatibility charts must be done. Since they are not perfect, please get <span style="color: red;"><b>3</b></span>. With that said, have fun watching the parody. :) </p><p><a href="http://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2021/07/tired-of-abuse.html" target="_blank">Tired of Abuse?</a> - This post covers a lot on the topic. It is a more recent one that touches on a certain legal case, though when I started to compose it, I was all ready going to write about how we need to recognize, confront, and correct abuse in this Movement. That is the main topic of the post.</p><p><a href="http://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2019/01/yamuna-gems-narada-muni-came-to-our.html" target="_blank">Yamuna Gems </a>- Narada Muni came to our kirtan - IMHO this link should be included cuz it shows how blissfully potent the times were when we did things <i><b>Prabhupada's </b></i>way <u>for these days</u>. Practical, and women were included.</p><p><a href="http://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2022/06/understanding-destination-sb-11722.html" target="_blank">Understanding Your Destination SB 1.17.22 </a>- <b>Based on this verse, some will ignore</b> abuse from a spouse, teacher, or the misuse of power and position by a fallen guru or authority. Read here for a <i><u>clearer</u> </i>understanding, then decide for yourself. </p><p><a href="http://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2022/04/quotes-to-inspire.html" target="_blank">Quotes To Inspire</a> - This belongs here because <span style="color: red;">many women are depressed due to</span> the above-mentioned so-called preaching of bullies. Read quotes about <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><i><b>Krishna </b></i></span>to get inspired!</p><p><a href="http://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2014/03/gardening-time-vad.html" target="_blank">Gardening and VAD</a> - I wrote this before some of the others listed above. It can give an idea where I was coming from. Prabhupada quotes are included therefore readers may find it of interest.</p><p><a href="http://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2011/10/difference-between-hinduism-and-krishna.html" target="_blank">Difference Between Hinduism And Krishna Consciousness</a> - Are some devotees practicing Vaishnavism or Hinduism??? Read here to see the difference.</p><p><a href="http://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2018/06/smile-awhile.html" target="_blank">Smile Awhile :) </a> Belong here cuz, IMHO, everyone needs to chuckle. It is not maya or silly feminine stuff to do so. Prabhupada did it.</p><p><a href="http://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2021/11/be-careful.html" target="_blank">Be Careful</a> - IMHO this is a very important one for women to read. Or truthful protectors of the females in your family.</p><p><a href="http://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/06/for-kids-krishna-conscious-fun.html" target="_blank">For Kids - Krishna Conscious FUN! :)</a> We don't raise our daughters to worship humans, nor our sons. Real Krishna Consciousness is not repressive but joyous. Here is some Krishna fun for kids - or grand-kids! :-)</p><p><a href="http://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2020/02/this-and-that.html" target="_blank">This and That</a> - All I can say is, read it and you will see it's importance and relevance to our current, daily, spiritual life.</p><p><a href="http://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2018/07/ecstatic-bliss.html" target="_blank">Ecstatic Bliss</a>- Not a very long post compared to many - but blissful. A devotee memory about Srila Prabhupada.</p><p><a href="http://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/07/understanding-contradictions.html" target="_blank">Understanding the Contradictions</a> - The title says it all. Also, not a very long post, and to the point.</p><p><a href="http://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2021/09/lift-your-spirits-now.html" target="_blank">Lift Your Spirits Now! Get Your Sadhana Back - Now!</a> This post was originally written for anyone and everyone <b>feeling down and out, certainly it can be for ladies feeling</b> hopeless or depressed or just wondering how to get back even a little of their Krishna Conscious practices. </p><p><a href="http://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2011/08/handwritten-notice-by-prabhupada.html" target="_blank">Handwritten Notice by Srila Prabhupada </a>- Are those men who claim superiority and guruship really following everything Prabhupada instructed them to follow? Above was mention of the 4 regulative principles. Here, there is <b><i>more</i></b>.</p><p><a href="http://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/05/absorption-is-key.html" target="_blank">Absorption Is A Key</a> - Absorption in God, not man. :) Of course, no one is saying to be irresponsible, just be a good disciple and use only little time in householder things, and major time in serving and meditating/chanting of the Supreme Lord. With that said, please read the nectar.</p><p><a href="http://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2018/05/iskcon-child-abuse.html" target="_blank">ISKCON Child Abuse</a> - About Gurukuli's. Was it their fault? Their karma? Some arrogant narcissist's say yes. See what is written here, coupled with shastra/scripture.</p><p><a href="http://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/12/why-start-temple.html" target="_blank">Why Start A Temple?</a> - We are not just making a list of complaints on this blog, no. We are also offering solutions. Some within each post, and some, here. <b>That is, if </b>you live in a safe environment <i>without a misogynist</i>, then it would apply.</p><p><a href="http://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/12/the-old-days-now-days.html" target="_blank">The Old Days, Now A Days</a> - Many talk how they wish they were there back than, but you can start doing things the way Prabhupada wanted them [and not the way bullies say he wanted them], yourself. Relish the old days, these days, by doing it.</p><p><a href="http://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2020/09/dealing-with-crisis.html" target="_blank">Are You Having To Deal With A Crisis?</a> May be helpful to anyone trying to pull themselves out of the muck. <b>Links with <span style="color: red;">resources </span></b>such as: Suicide Prevention, ChildHelp, YouthLine, Drug Addition Hotline, Domestic Violence number, Crisis Text Line, Grief Guide.</p><p><a href="http://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/06/not-in-vedabase.html" target="_blank">Not In The VedaBase</a> - Good post about not having to be a pure devotee in order to go out into the world and preach, women included.</p><p><a href="http://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/07/love-of-god-experience-it-now.html" target="_blank">Love Of God - Experience It Now!</a> - Don't let the bullies take you away from Krishna. Nectar page!</p><p><a href="http://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2017/03/gallery-of-holy-names-blissfulness.html" target="_blank">Gallery of Holy Names Blissfulness</a> - Get happy! :) Transcendentally of course. Check out the nectar here.</p><p><a href="https://www.vaishnaviministryna.com/what-s-a-woman-to-do" target="_blank">Listen to Vishaka dd read her book, "What's A Woman To Do?</a>" You may or may not agree, but she makes some good points and was one of the early devotees!</p><p><a href="https://theharekrishnamovement.org/2014/06/21/women-in-iskcon-in-prabhupadas-times/#more-7604" target="_blank">Women in ISKCON in Prabhupada's Times</a> - Composed by a lovely devotee from France, Jyotirmayi dd. It is written in English. Some men make claims "Oh, Prabhupada was only doing that temporarily or wasn't serious about women doing yada yada." Read this link for clarification!</p><p><a href="https://poemachronicles.com/spiritual-narcissist/" target="_blank">Five Signs of a Spiritual Narcissist</a> - This is a nondevotee site which also makes it nonbiased, and helps people get clear on what to look for to recognize someone who is spiritual but is also a narcissist. </p>HareKrishnaBloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984787475788837467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3624323057943903718.post-89441140137349676132022-08-16T15:46:00.003-07:002022-08-16T15:50:18.773-07:00Anyone, Anywhere<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMrLwe_Rc5742SLovEsV-dDKayG3Cutdg6cNBKnxTOBkLepRGzDiJ9L3oPBhJdL7RV7hTz3WO4UKNx_zdl-RJqhfnIr-Hy1bbajm23gT7nUugpDh65G2zZQk_zGKRjRH5JDQejA0Bgqr6JEk3Bm0hVBxRvDN6NIfTAA7Uv_ldG1EKFZtK31UW6CVY/s1008/CV52%20Panca%20Tattva-01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="740" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMrLwe_Rc5742SLovEsV-dDKayG3Cutdg6cNBKnxTOBkLepRGzDiJ9L3oPBhJdL7RV7hTz3WO4UKNx_zdl-RJqhfnIr-Hy1bbajm23gT7nUugpDh65G2zZQk_zGKRjRH5JDQejA0Bgqr6JEk3Bm0hVBxRvDN6NIfTAA7Uv_ldG1EKFZtK31UW6CVY/s320/CV52%20Panca%20Tattva-01.jpg" width="235" /></a></div> "The process is very simple. Just keep a picture of Lord Caitanya with His associates. Lord Caitanya is in the middle, accompanied by His principal associates -- Nityananda, Advaita, Gadadhara, and Srivasa. One simply has to keep this picture. One can keep it anywhere. It is<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> not that one has to come to us to see this picture. Anyone can have this picture in his home, chant this Hare Krishna mantra, and thus worship Lord Caitanya. That is the simple method.</span></b> But who will capture this simple method? Those who have good brains. Without much bother, if one simply keeps a picture of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu at home and chants Hare Krishna, <u>then one will realize God</u>. Anyone can adopt this simple method. There is <i>no</i> expenditure, there is no tax, nor is there any need to build a very big church or temple. <i>Anyone, anywhere, </i>can <i>sit down on the road or beneath a tree and chant the Hare Krishna</i> mantra and worship God. Therefore it is a great opportunity."<p></p><p>(Srila Prabhupada lecture, London's Conway Hall, Nov. 1969)</p><p>Can print one of these pics and easily do that!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRjFHOtcOdLwTm1ATX_yBgKRN_EKbhNBngCvbpamysFhn_zMhAmRmabxSC2LZKpkwbZP6Fr9fOdHTkHtDLy-3KLrY_ESds6XRyaeEC8KeBWQtZQpLmy-LY-SIhufFaUfq40gKc09_IpnjfA1y3Sz_stztVl9E9v2ljpfAEqAVD2ydCUgI98CWKVZvQ/s423/f98d7bb4cd2b908c2e9d8d5d249a6c40.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="331" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRjFHOtcOdLwTm1ATX_yBgKRN_EKbhNBngCvbpamysFhn_zMhAmRmabxSC2LZKpkwbZP6Fr9fOdHTkHtDLy-3KLrY_ESds6XRyaeEC8KeBWQtZQpLmy-LY-SIhufFaUfq40gKc09_IpnjfA1y3Sz_stztVl9E9v2ljpfAEqAVD2ydCUgI98CWKVZvQ/s320/f98d7bb4cd2b908c2e9d8d5d249a6c40.jpg" width="250" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><br /></p>HareKrishnaBloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984787475788837467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3624323057943903718.post-26256349753401428022022-06-08T16:54:00.036-07:002022-07-19T14:17:26.107-07:00Understanding Your Destination SB 1.17.22 <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkQ5YM1GXbmW9pFaUDlWl_8jpZ1B33pfuFSIbM0bD-j0YXdWgvPXTrZ24rwOoP6Rmsr_ZxoOQKCJzIQsi2vumKMHE9myYynbKsNfoOncaKY1lYHhOpu2nU6hxVRDtgvkF9zxAI6V3fo9ML2X3I1RFk-iCMk3OZ9JZIOAp9hgFvkpnUwLx8Bhi0vrP/s584/bull.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="376" data-original-width="584" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkQ5YM1GXbmW9pFaUDlWl_8jpZ1B33pfuFSIbM0bD-j0YXdWgvPXTrZ24rwOoP6Rmsr_ZxoOQKCJzIQsi2vumKMHE9myYynbKsNfoOncaKY1lYHhOpu2nU6hxVRDtgvkF9zxAI6V3fo9ML2X3I1RFk-iCMk3OZ9JZIOAp9hgFvkpnUwLx8Bhi0vrP/s320/bull.webp" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> Srimad Bhagavatam 1.17.22 is often a misunderstood, or a misused verse.</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span>Some utilize it to get away with nonsense. They feel they can do whatever they want and no karmic consequence is due to them. </span></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> Similarly, some will ignore abuse from a spouse, teacher, or the misuse of power and position by a fallen guru or authority - based on this verse.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> Others believe that if they discover abuse, they should not report it, for fear of also receiving a karmic reaction. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> IMHO these understandings are incomplete. And they're evidence that we need to study Prabhupada's books better, <i>more thoroughly</i>. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Here is the verse:</span><p><span style="color: #800180; font-size: medium;">"The King said: O you, who are in the form of a bull! You know the truth of religion, and you are speaking according to the principle that the<b> destination intended for the perpetrator of irreligious acts </b>is <u>also intended for one who identifies</u> the perpetrator. You are no other than the personality of religion."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> When initially reading this, I was taken-back, like many are I suppose. I could just see it <i>misused </i>to the point of "nothing matters here - anything goes." </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Therefore, I had to study it further. I</span><span style="font-size: medium;">n the preceding verse, I emphasized the parts that can initially be confusing. Let us <i>ummm</i> now <b>un</b>confuse it. :)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Start by recognizing that in the above verse, Dharma, a <u>pure devotee</u>, is speaking for himself. He has made a personal choice to accept the karma. We are not pure devotees - should not imitate. Of course, there is a lesson in it for all, but it needs to be more deeply understood.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> At first glance this verse makes many concerned that both the doer of a bad act, and those who turn them in, will receive the same karmic reaction - so why bother?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> It's not that simple. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Though I admit, I'm trying to simplify it for this blog post. :)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Why does the identifier and the perpetrator achieve the same destination?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> As devotees, some tend to think they are above karma as long as they maintain their devotional service and their chanting. Of course, chanting and serving Krishna / God is the highest and transcendental. Yet, we are not fully realized, are <i>still undergoing</i> purification, thus still have karma. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> We are working to free ourselves of it, but sticking our heads in the sand when something bad happens is not freeing ourselves of it at all. One extreme or the other = karmic entanglement. What to do? Will get to that soon. First...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Let us briefly consider the word "destination." If I buy an airplane ticket and my destination is India, there is still a difference whether I will be directed to Tungnath Mandir in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand [Shiva temples], or directed to Vrindavana, historical city in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh [Krishna / God's temples]. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> While we respect both, the devotee wants to be sent to Vrindavana. :) Past life activities, along with consciousness, and God, help make that decision.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Next, just as one who preformed bad karmic activities has to take birth again to receive that particular karmic reaction - similarly one who preforms good karma [opens hospitals, feeds the hungry, reports abuse] also has to return to be materially rewarded for their good action. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span> Thus the same destination </span><b>is the material world or rebirth</b><span>. It is not transcendental. This doesn't mean we shouldn't report harmful activities. IMHO it means we should report it, then next get back to our chanting and saddhana as quickly as possible to help us rise above any reaction. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> When factually discovering - and not just cuz ya dislike the way they raise their kids, or part their hair - but knowing facts of real harm - to think that doing something for justice is still karmic & therefore end up do nothing - such persons need to realize that unless they're pure devotees (and we are not), then doing nothing IS doing something. Basically there can be karma from inaction at the very least, and possibly the karma of what became worse as a result of your silence. Instead, do our duty, and back to Krishna's service & chanting as fast as possible.</span></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-size: medium;">"A person who knows things as they are and still does not bear witness becomes involved in sinful activities." CC Madhya 5.90</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> These verses may seem contradictory but will make sense now, or over time. Lets stick with<b>:</b> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Regardless of how much service, chanting, or etc that you do, even if you're fortunate enough to be engaged 24/7 - most of us still have many births of karma stuck in our aura, in our chakras, and wherever else. :) We are not pure devotees, therefore can't ignore offenses by passing the buck to SB 1.17.22. We must look at the whole picture, <i>additional verses</i>, as well as how we are karmically entangled anyway, so do the right thing, then back to chanting & Krishna's service immediately.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsln3VNwE3m52yx2YMh5po5_7dmuQdCbVaJYEaSGx0cnMNC-Lcif90LNlBw-ngb6RLnqAv978346kzQdwbivfmxzVq3npBOAR72iNfJ_ESa7p24qq9834olwv4AA9NEB-MLhURzC1us9UCFjf2iN2oHMsHXYhvXXj2YeN_AajSJQ75eIYubM0FpmCQ/s800/286399194_10221635141374101_5656944728506156039_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span><img border="0" data-original-height="617" data-original-width="800" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsln3VNwE3m52yx2YMh5po5_7dmuQdCbVaJYEaSGx0cnMNC-Lcif90LNlBw-ngb6RLnqAv978346kzQdwbivfmxzVq3npBOAR72iNfJ_ESa7p24qq9834olwv4AA9NEB-MLhURzC1us9UCFjf2iN2oHMsHXYhvXXj2YeN_AajSJQ75eIYubM0FpmCQ/s320/286399194_10221635141374101_5656944728506156039_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><div>Credits: Thank you to various devotees for ideas and philosophical points. Names omitted to protect their privacy, but I can not take full credit for everything. Some wonderful devotees made fantastic points [elsewhere]. Thank you prabhu's!</div><div><br /></div></span><p><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> RELATED LINKS:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2021/07/tired-of-abuse.html" target="_blank"><b>Tired Of Abuse?</b></a> [The title says it all.]</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2017/03/anyone-can-go-to-krsna-loka.html" target="_blank">Anyone Can Go To KrishnaLoka</a>:</b> Don't let anybody tell you that you can't qualify. Any who follow Prabhupada, can qualify. And can make it BTG! :) </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2018/05/iskcon-child-abuse.html" target="_blank"><b>Child Abuse within Iskcon</b></a>,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2011/08/home-altar-how-to-create.html" target="_blank"><b>Create Your Own Altar At Home</b></a>: You don't have to move in or join a temple to practice transcendental Krishna Consciousness. Start experiencing the bliss now, by creating it all within your own home. Turn it into Vaikuntha. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/04/women-and-gurukulis.html" target="_blank"><b>Women and Gurukuli's</b></a>: Tire of chronic misunderstandings how women should be treated [or be!]; and how children should tolerate hurt [blaming karma]? I don't care how many quotes some twist to hide behind in order to get away with this - it's all maya.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2011/08/home-altar-how-to-create.html" target="_blank"><b>Little Krishna Animation</b></a> - for kids and adults alike. Joyful fun for everyone.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/06/vadwhy-im-against-it.html" target="_blank"><b>VAD - Why I Am Against It</b></a>. Some food for thought. Ok, LOTS of food for thought. :) </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2012/01/reiki-learn.html" target="_blank"><b>Heal - Learn Reiki Now</b></a>. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/04/its-bona-fide.html" target="_blank"><b>It's Bonafide</b></a> - Don't let anyone try to convince you Prabhupada did not want happiness of us, or that their abuse is due to him. Nonsense. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/05/tedx-talk-on-prabhupada-happiness.html" target="_blank">TEDx Talk on Prabhupada and Happiness</a></b>.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2011/11/humor.html" target="_blank">Humor</a></b>: Laugh a little. :)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/12/why-start-temple.html" target="_blank">Starting A Temple</a></b>: Interesting points by Prabhupada.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/04/a-fun-spiritual-place-your-home.html" target="_blank">A Fun (Safe) Spiritual Place - Your Home</a></b>. One purpose of my blog is to try to bring the old days back for folks of today. You can do it too! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><a href="One purpose of my blog is to try to bring the old days back for folks of today. " target="_blank">Blissful Saddhana</a></b> - Fun spiritual activities you [and sometimes your children] can do at home!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Please subscribe! :)</span></p></div>HareKrishnaBloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984787475788837467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3624323057943903718.post-47885758028510009592022-05-22T16:14:00.009-07:002022-06-01T14:01:02.107-07:00League Of Devotees 2.0<p>I post this regarding a godsibling who is offering a safe place to go [online] for Krishna Consciousness. Anyone can sign up who believes in Prabhupada as jagat guru. Others, no offense intended, simply there are many places for you on the net.</p><p> Pic: PRABHUPADA'S ORIGINAL 'LEAGUE OF DEVOTEES'</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Frrh2B-1t_hb5RpBGwNAbjSiyA985fFGkmgtDOd3vxSXMeef86QC7dkXE945kkMQIuqvT4FgaAQTjLSDWFbvE_aRgOu5IdIn1wwRr5yCWFX2Aoz9Hz7uECAxCtzQBA4YdpEur8RPTE2Sd_5gxoMx6-LWLXx0RQrIe2eH6j-X_Oa8HlZUxd3PWhF8/s493/League-of-Devotees-Bharati-Bhavan-Jhansi-1953.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="323" data-original-width="493" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Frrh2B-1t_hb5RpBGwNAbjSiyA985fFGkmgtDOd3vxSXMeef86QC7dkXE945kkMQIuqvT4FgaAQTjLSDWFbvE_aRgOu5IdIn1wwRr5yCWFX2Aoz9Hz7uECAxCtzQBA4YdpEur8RPTE2Sd_5gxoMx6-LWLXx0RQrIe2eH6j-X_Oa8HlZUxd3PWhF8/s320/League-of-Devotees-Bharati-Bhavan-Jhansi-1953.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe you no longer feel connected to ISKCON or it's various authorities - and maybe you do. This is a new project that looks very promising. </div><div><br /></div><div>Padmapani writes:</div><div><br /></div><div>"Hare Krishna. Jaya Srila Prabhupada! Respects to you.</div><div><br /></div><div>Come join us and help to revive the original spirit of the Hare Krishna movement as so kindly revealed to us by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, our beloved spiritual master and dearmost servant of Krishna.</div><div><br /></div><div>Who are we? We're ordinary people with faults and problems who somehow or other miraculously received the causeless mercy of Krishna's pure devotee, Srila Prabhupada, by connecting with His Divine Grace through his books, his example and/or Srila Prabhupada's personal darshan. We love Prabhupada and abhor what's happened to his beloved ISKCON. So in response we've revived The League of Devotees which in 2022 means that we simply try to build (or rebuild) genuine devotee relationships based on love for Srila Prabhupada, love for Srila Prabhupada's original books, love for Srila Prabhupada's original ISKCON (the eternal ISKCON), love for genuine devotees, love for women and children, love for the suffering people, love for the suffering animals, love for Krishna's creation, love for Mother Bhumi, and love for one another. We have everything — except "all we need is love." Kindly drop an <span style="color: red;">e-mail</span> if you're interested<b>:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>leagueofdevotees@prabhupadaconnect.com <b><span style="color: red;"><----</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>All glories to Srila Prabhupada.</div><div><br /></div><div>Pd" <span style="color: #ff00fe;"><b><i>ALSO</i></b></span>: Click <a href="http://www.prabhupadaconnect.com/The-League-of-Devotees.html" target="_blank">on this link</a> to read more, and if you wish - sign up.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>HareKrishnaBloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984787475788837467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3624323057943903718.post-6067111226961448752022-04-18T13:36:00.009-07:002022-04-19T11:46:02.282-07:00Quotes To Inspire<p><span style="font-size: medium;">IMHO we all could use some quotes that uplift us, getting us going, inspire. Here are but a few:</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAPMEztY2AmMKoFVuoKXr4tKfHxG-L0uU2TZHR4fCiNRfLOTV5skQDiDF-sgntORECut5Mwzh9xojmL9OLRlnEnlE5ZGOlc_waH6i5KmMjzALO5lbAWdAgXVGHF42jEFnDQ5Nhzv97MsTisYyOiW7V761XMpQVq6ebqqNgGonfnNb00X94SmXQoVog/s742/paramatma%20God%20in%20your%20heart.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="552" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAPMEztY2AmMKoFVuoKXr4tKfHxG-L0uU2TZHR4fCiNRfLOTV5skQDiDF-sgntORECut5Mwzh9xojmL9OLRlnEnlE5ZGOlc_waH6i5KmMjzALO5lbAWdAgXVGHF42jEFnDQ5Nhzv97MsTisYyOiW7V761XMpQVq6ebqqNgGonfnNb00X94SmXQoVog/s320/paramatma%20God%20in%20your%20heart.jpg" width="238" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">"If you keep in touch with God with faith and love, then God is within yourself, He'll give you intelligence how you can go back to home, back to Godhead. There are many different processes or yoga system to be in touch with God, but for the people in this age, this is the easiest method, to be in touch with God simply by chanting His holy name."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">(Srila Prabhupada Lecture, Hamburg, September 10, 1969)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">[For those who do not know, Lord Ramachandra or Rama - is Krishna - simply in a different incarnation. God can do anything, thus He can appear in varoius forms. With that said, what follows is an inspiring quote.]</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj05lXM78bwHE_aSfNDDmy44Il-gCF7pm1bAZSA0a2aOjNEMO0mzZXRZI5chVyqiZSRyBveASktJVqfYk8wG-b5WTSNJAqDUNXr7F_r_IuGfgOOHUK6Zx2PvkjFJE9gi-oZDMmgU2zCIbtWo73dPG3VgXBEAOW9lIN2f4C8lNq_K025e4oaYGDQvUPC/s669/277590170_5105743866183078_1255838952052457174_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="669" data-original-width="458" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj05lXM78bwHE_aSfNDDmy44Il-gCF7pm1bAZSA0a2aOjNEMO0mzZXRZI5chVyqiZSRyBveASktJVqfYk8wG-b5WTSNJAqDUNXr7F_r_IuGfgOOHUK6Zx2PvkjFJE9gi-oZDMmgU2zCIbtWo73dPG3VgXBEAOW9lIN2f4C8lNq_K025e4oaYGDQvUPC/s320/277590170_5105743866183078_1255838952052457174_n.jpg" width="219" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">"When Lord Rāmacandra, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, was the King of this world, all bodily and mental suffering, disease, old age, bereavement, lamentation, distress, fear and fatigue were completely absent. There was even no death for those who did not want it." </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 9.10.53</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHb_G7Q8sNe8MXaj4ut4o4045GHu3S4T9jw4wwzVTtPXVFGmxYjMvz6hDOzDk5Qvv3W5XVFP6ujyzBNlDXbcNBKZ13RrRLN4Yf0iAEZAoTLCE0sg_fpNnQwHadmez54vO_GXIfplrb6Xye2-wnXsF-V-DAW6wxHYpSd--kIq5blosAxVTNyoNbJFP7/s514/277553222_10159538099749336_3455859341406085876_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="514" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHb_G7Q8sNe8MXaj4ut4o4045GHu3S4T9jw4wwzVTtPXVFGmxYjMvz6hDOzDk5Qvv3W5XVFP6ujyzBNlDXbcNBKZ13RrRLN4Yf0iAEZAoTLCE0sg_fpNnQwHadmez54vO_GXIfplrb6Xye2-wnXsF-V-DAW6wxHYpSd--kIq5blosAxVTNyoNbJFP7/s320/277553222_10159538099749336_3455859341406085876_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">"Simply hearing submissively will free one's heart from all the faults of ignorance, and thus one will achieve deep love for Kṛṣṇa. This is the path of peace."</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Reference: cc/adi/1/97</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3pX7qMVmTcs8ugAl6737J_YaJHbWObJUb3jVDQLFOXhwnNrtizikMXfVaKsIhXm5wSQmEp17h-Pr51PgAf2188RTfj0b8afok9iK9kzo7mC7YipZNTzZhxw19m3XhxDq6crTWJMrjxIXZ4iE4h5_ccfKRElRBhKK7b5mPnIu_YPVch96qcnoAg6Gl/s960/274006953_4853096151434710_6913000282089862571_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3pX7qMVmTcs8ugAl6737J_YaJHbWObJUb3jVDQLFOXhwnNrtizikMXfVaKsIhXm5wSQmEp17h-Pr51PgAf2188RTfj0b8afok9iK9kzo7mC7YipZNTzZhxw19m3XhxDq6crTWJMrjxIXZ4iE4h5_ccfKRElRBhKK7b5mPnIu_YPVch96qcnoAg6Gl/s320/274006953_4853096151434710_6913000282089862571_n.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">"Even though one may be ignorant, one can reach the far shore of the ocean of transcendental love by Lord Kṛṣṇa’s mercy.”</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">CC Madhya 19.236</span></p><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKiYaXsaWoqSCryd0iQTICyr25fWrMSDrh9MNZryXPgG_HavNxn7k1DRy6lw2PoZBpuKrnuNE_Jpet_GDfWIYIpcld0YJf9DoGWA9dx41p8rnrGqaV0QE6CkQGaaJyElt9W-5JhBqcc4PFO07DSkoeqNVa3Wj7fW4ohecUeUoPwJYiZycwMDaSTz0M/s568/58701383_631505697314159_7476991931474509824_n.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="568" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKiYaXsaWoqSCryd0iQTICyr25fWrMSDrh9MNZryXPgG_HavNxn7k1DRy6lw2PoZBpuKrnuNE_Jpet_GDfWIYIpcld0YJf9DoGWA9dx41p8rnrGqaV0QE6CkQGaaJyElt9W-5JhBqcc4PFO07DSkoeqNVa3Wj7fW4ohecUeUoPwJYiZycwMDaSTz0M/s320/58701383_631505697314159_7476991931474509824_n.png" width="320" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">"Dedicate your life for Krishna. That is the perfection. Even if there are most faults, dedicate life is noble life. Maybe, due to our past habits, we may commit some faulty action, but that decicated life is sublilme." SP, Mayapur, March 4, 1974</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7bdCGZFTKKClX4qx8yAZHJhNDSvFrxbQzsZIhHh67CrFke8v0ILF1ZEWnekczp-IiCM20YRK7hRkI459zbCuJxN58U5n7ml0HPEgrHIKu5-IUUvyYSMhY1GDhGvC0N8wKxBV9DeSzgFMR35VSLN1bk13VIOG59RAcE-dBgC3Cj_hAfPYimmMVj0rp/s720/1466302_313310878864675_6910015051423654956_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7bdCGZFTKKClX4qx8yAZHJhNDSvFrxbQzsZIhHh67CrFke8v0ILF1ZEWnekczp-IiCM20YRK7hRkI459zbCuJxN58U5n7ml0HPEgrHIKu5-IUUvyYSMhY1GDhGvC0N8wKxBV9DeSzgFMR35VSLN1bk13VIOG59RAcE-dBgC3Cj_hAfPYimmMVj0rp/s320/1466302_313310878864675_6910015051423654956_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"So here it is said anyone, somehow or other if he has become attracted to Kṛṣṇa by His transcendental qualities and pastime, then what happens?</span></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;">na te yamaṁ pāśa-bhṛtaś ca tad-bhaṭān</span></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;">svapne 'pi paśyanti... [SB 6.1.19]</span></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The agents of Yamarāja, <b><i>even in dream</i></b>, do not come there. Even in dream, not to speak of directly. So you are guaranteed. You are guaranteed." </span></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;">SP lecture Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 6.1.16–20, Aug. 2, 1971, NY</span></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><br /></div></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhVZIoxw_9afu4btKjbwHr5ymBdmWPsMnfuq2gIFhHcagqzqkeGSGf-9W_T6EuEGTL2_q4Kesf_ldDcYQPk_pgBD-NH24sH0qsnbNfAf53dVtWNM1ZJatzroPw_7IPdJCJevgKtyVqN63yHxhXF0F_jpFLAgc5tTBsaDYJko2OGeTmt65LSwjO33K/s800/272122317_10159426687054336_1536670411236613766_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="617" data-original-width="800" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhVZIoxw_9afu4btKjbwHr5ymBdmWPsMnfuq2gIFhHcagqzqkeGSGf-9W_T6EuEGTL2_q4Kesf_ldDcYQPk_pgBD-NH24sH0qsnbNfAf53dVtWNM1ZJatzroPw_7IPdJCJevgKtyVqN63yHxhXF0F_jpFLAgc5tTBsaDYJko2OGeTmt65LSwjO33K/s320/272122317_10159426687054336_1536670411236613766_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="text-align: left;">Please see the links below or at the side of this blog -for either the How-To's or</span><b style="text-align: left;"> inspirtion</b><span style="text-align: left;"> of at-home devotional service. :) <3 </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div>HareKrishnaBloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984787475788837467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3624323057943903718.post-11555768871144027672022-03-14T09:48:00.004-07:002022-03-14T11:18:05.267-07:00Ukraine_Polish border_Day 7<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">UKRAINE / POLISH BORDER - Day 7<b>: </b></div></blockquote></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWqwve9BCaKQbVoTJNwxnql-aqBSSDdl1tAEhPPaFqmZM5gN9nomtbdaeQN3hmQ8cALVVst97Weh8C5IiMOJ_M67IHAV1uJ3iL-qXH1FRJU4Bf2pm1iXkRONESZuGq98WVZyYxEB8lpSbOhKQ1nrb-Z6cUSTEAxUzJbVWqXD7NS8q03GLmjfJhbzR2=s960" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWqwve9BCaKQbVoTJNwxnql-aqBSSDdl1tAEhPPaFqmZM5gN9nomtbdaeQN3hmQ8cALVVst97Weh8C5IiMOJ_M67IHAV1uJ3iL-qXH1FRJU4Bf2pm1iXkRONESZuGq98WVZyYxEB8lpSbOhKQ1nrb-Z6cUSTEAxUzJbVWqXD7NS8q03GLmjfJhbzR2=s320" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>Surely you know what's going on between Russia and the Ukraine. This post is "not" about any political view. It is only about taking care of those in need.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9l303y6s7VC_hYFkHKPllkvcbTXRAH88f33qpL5YixSVHA4JxLhJ5aO6IZNA0RNE3IqoUH_4BILiu2GoYU1ql1nEVOt1eAXLVwUPe6NlKZTNqvyn_W1U2Mo3veQPCqnjGnh-aNxogagiNmEym-rYMu6u3RR6D9wG-Xp4saGWv7qofgUu9j2S-Z5Pm=s960" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9l303y6s7VC_hYFkHKPllkvcbTXRAH88f33qpL5YixSVHA4JxLhJ5aO6IZNA0RNE3IqoUH_4BILiu2GoYU1ql1nEVOt1eAXLVwUPe6NlKZTNqvyn_W1U2Mo3veQPCqnjGnh-aNxogagiNmEym-rYMu6u3RR6D9wG-Xp4saGWv7qofgUu9j2S-Z5Pm=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Letter by Para das:<div><br /></div><div><div>Dear Prabhus,</div><div>Hare Krishna </div><div>Hope you are well</div><div><br /></div><div>We are in a safe zone on the Polish side of the border</div><div>The Army , the Police, the Fire Brigade and the Ambulance team all engaged in Prasad distribution(Sanctified Food)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh33e-4KNDGfcQBC-yhjCWjSLcu9Df8uBBM1-sIgveGH4xX9U-hpxyH0SQd5uuyZShR2Ibbn7D_IIlZhROvs4e1EQg5I_zH8ck0Kmuf_9HltjfK7EjYeado6F4cpVAfQXpqcbXdilhuH7EUbch3t8DZxtaWKOI59RbMfdF8q6ypbLgN2-uTfu9V7DXt=s960" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="697" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh33e-4KNDGfcQBC-yhjCWjSLcu9Df8uBBM1-sIgveGH4xX9U-hpxyH0SQd5uuyZShR2Ibbn7D_IIlZhROvs4e1EQg5I_zH8ck0Kmuf_9HltjfK7EjYeado6F4cpVAfQXpqcbXdilhuH7EUbch3t8DZxtaWKOI59RbMfdF8q6ypbLgN2-uTfu9V7DXt=s320" width="232" /></a></div><p>When you go through extreme conditions, on a mutual goal , you start to make real friendships amongst people who don't even speak the same language.</p><p>We start sharing food, sharing wood, sharing facilities, in -15 temperatures.</p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnW6v59XnG-z-DcqSefbpqrUcn22uCl1rojLzTvuC6bHsVPtescjCwvt_hT-kS2Ahk_Tr3AvrwgSmbF_uysO3KZBz2Lh8qePxg16lzbrm0ztyc--TqSnXzFqhJrWpzLZ4uT51o3s56gSsMyP5zp5UAT3NAe8Qnz7BpfdhRvptVBm5bA8OxEJNcPmCs=s960" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnW6v59XnG-z-DcqSefbpqrUcn22uCl1rojLzTvuC6bHsVPtescjCwvt_hT-kS2Ahk_Tr3AvrwgSmbF_uysO3KZBz2Lh8qePxg16lzbrm0ztyc--TqSnXzFqhJrWpzLZ4uT51o3s56gSsMyP5zp5UAT3NAe8Qnz7BpfdhRvptVBm5bA8OxEJNcPmCs=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>At first the Polish soldiers were a bit aloof from us but as time went on they appreciated our Prasad distribution and spontaneously got involved. Photos attached.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4YpZTnJ7-qlFtoem-H30lzkz4nTsN2hwJ5MbBe6trp2MJ3YGXeRRFsnzIIHAf5byFg1sOvRAuFMl5eFpp0PL5uKuFbv5yZKBIvcOPfHpL3LNfES_H1FBK8wrJ_bCuOYZBLf2BDyP38RIKHVLQqwyE90sMrY0PN0rN_TR9FeI8qZA7Sav6OYi-jq1w=s960" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="787" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4YpZTnJ7-qlFtoem-H30lzkz4nTsN2hwJ5MbBe6trp2MJ3YGXeRRFsnzIIHAf5byFg1sOvRAuFMl5eFpp0PL5uKuFbv5yZKBIvcOPfHpL3LNfES_H1FBK8wrJ_bCuOYZBLf2BDyP38RIKHVLQqwyE90sMrY0PN0rN_TR9FeI8qZA7Sav6OYi-jq1w=s320" width="262" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVWzW-SJooSMx2qTjHggoYW3qknLCxm8axPT4x7FFwLy7Yg-BzdofBwlymNg2QNHwsZzPnfA3xNgEwEJ42SQG-NV7IRzEVLg-YRLkyCE1FYTJQmV8nu4q8OLAQDqlby2r1T-HC5USSGPWbMx3gRBMr8xQ-x23sLIJcgKZr-yD38F20YSQJkiLKFfL2=s960" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVWzW-SJooSMx2qTjHggoYW3qknLCxm8axPT4x7FFwLy7Yg-BzdofBwlymNg2QNHwsZzPnfA3xNgEwEJ42SQG-NV7IRzEVLg-YRLkyCE1FYTJQmV8nu4q8OLAQDqlby2r1T-HC5USSGPWbMx3gRBMr8xQ-x23sLIJcgKZr-yD38F20YSQJkiLKFfL2=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><div>Refugees fleeing their homes were waiting up to 2 days to cross the border in subzero temperatures, they were delighted with a plate of hot delicious Prasad.</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_33sgS5qosfkcuAm9EE0eIgPV-JdgoQy1YC6DAAn_XYOuakvDGA3wEwLLiI2OtQo2VunmX_roTh-3iD8Wxs05SRcKQOAHKpe_BSjmXb3xOzYB8zdYeR5UqddeZ1KC_1nxMV2QHWjWtIpl62pDwpdtSEsQnpOGev51_Q0LUmOPI8AQCI6Qe4RLPuti=s960" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_33sgS5qosfkcuAm9EE0eIgPV-JdgoQy1YC6DAAn_XYOuakvDGA3wEwLLiI2OtQo2VunmX_roTh-3iD8Wxs05SRcKQOAHKpe_BSjmXb3xOzYB8zdYeR5UqddeZ1KC_1nxMV2QHWjWtIpl62pDwpdtSEsQnpOGev51_Q0LUmOPI8AQCI6Qe4RLPuti=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><div>One lady with two small kids explained how she arrived at the border at 5pm and crossed the next morning at 6am , chilled to the bone , she remarked " the soldiers were shooting bullets at me and now you are feeding me, I will never forget your kindness".</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrepZKhf78dNIagHDpJczNg6HwvwOSr59q6A8TmJWzVqhDD2W7kWA5xycBI28E54wxX1mijuc4iLokjO15-hwVAOZIw4wAw1tI7G9jp0woeln9ebusZEbVy6el4NZDByFaWXUOqwAjzamQynKjY0XUjrsKzCMAqkzSxhYCtRaGx0cUdKURtphMJsDj=s960" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrepZKhf78dNIagHDpJczNg6HwvwOSr59q6A8TmJWzVqhDD2W7kWA5xycBI28E54wxX1mijuc4iLokjO15-hwVAOZIw4wAw1tI7G9jp0woeln9ebusZEbVy6el4NZDByFaWXUOqwAjzamQynKjY0XUjrsKzCMAqkzSxhYCtRaGx0cUdKURtphMJsDj=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><div>Today the soldiers transported a children's hospital from Ukraine to Poland , they requested us to provide the children's meals , a great honour, we are next the train station. Video is on Nick Balen Facebook.</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTH2TWRkog8VmBFuvU9v3XhpauCgvXoaSgp1pqJOMdAM4fbHDPKRoejU0kBJa6aFA7ee70uB0NTtcqXWOjJBE5PFfn-pQWqdqO_QtgJ-Saeg2ns_w8cK-MMFt4oSH56dssXAumD88XmpeBsWw7o8p1gML5fD4j8vp4tJB-iBS37KrxTeR1r2uZRHac=s960" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTH2TWRkog8VmBFuvU9v3XhpauCgvXoaSgp1pqJOMdAM4fbHDPKRoejU0kBJa6aFA7ee70uB0NTtcqXWOjJBE5PFfn-pQWqdqO_QtgJ-Saeg2ns_w8cK-MMFt4oSH56dssXAumD88XmpeBsWw7o8p1gML5fD4j8vp4tJB-iBS37KrxTeR1r2uZRHac=s320" width="240" /></a></div></div><br /><div>The devotee volunteers were staying as late as 11.30pm serving meals and rising at 4am to start again. 2,600 plates of Prasad distributed daily.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVc73H6b2U5tpQnbDbL_ofmo_PohDy_AfehabwD3B5A47TQk28PnGoJSgEPWPmXS3ASWfxgVgATjPTDXquJQKxngh-0Afjz9gH0u0byATaKRNU9k0VznG17Uo2v5aLm7IgAXvOqKUR2PCrvJW4xl_VAnrZogLTraHY60ItkrOfmPqy-YXCHCYiDVGQ=s960" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVc73H6b2U5tpQnbDbL_ofmo_PohDy_AfehabwD3B5A47TQk28PnGoJSgEPWPmXS3ASWfxgVgATjPTDXquJQKxngh-0Afjz9gH0u0byATaKRNU9k0VznG17Uo2v5aLm7IgAXvOqKUR2PCrvJW4xl_VAnrZogLTraHY60ItkrOfmPqy-YXCHCYiDVGQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhHDpB4xzQLTErXZax1WDqJuw_g1rm7bFgSoe6ZXyJRIBvhbaMBkN3k3uklG2OqQlJgQadvbCqKlMXTfPn_bLPb2ybA63Dfdw4HxFIcGHB2vMVVIpfHgIiSSHvP4Lz2p-sLnS3rmWeVkpY-6QrLFI3G6n0tctc_W3SLKZhfwgkN1BKRpV9tVg9S70t=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="640" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhHDpB4xzQLTErXZax1WDqJuw_g1rm7bFgSoe6ZXyJRIBvhbaMBkN3k3uklG2OqQlJgQadvbCqKlMXTfPn_bLPb2ybA63Dfdw4HxFIcGHB2vMVVIpfHgIiSSHvP4Lz2p-sLnS3rmWeVkpY-6QrLFI3G6n0tctc_W3SLKZhfwgkN1BKRpV9tVg9S70t=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Two volunteer ladies came today from Hogan and Lovell , their office is across the road from Morley House.</div><div><br /></div><div>We will be heading back to the U.K. Tuesday evening.</div><div><br /></div><div>Before we go we will purchase a small van , called a combo , and kitchen equipment and cash so the Polish devotees can continue to distribute Prasad </div><div>Yours Para</div><div><a href="https://foodforalluk.com" target="_blank">https://foodforalluk.com</a></div><div>💙🙏💛💙🙏💛💙🙏💛💙🙏💛💙🙏💛</div><div><br /></div><div>Regardless of what side you are on, both politically and spiritually, this has <b><i>nothing to do with that</i></b>, so please give a donation - or at least a sincere prayer: <a href="https://foodforalluk.com">https://foodforalluk.com</a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>HareKrishnaBloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984787475788837467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3624323057943903718.post-86931898806735345442021-11-15T13:46:00.017-08:002022-04-04T18:04:49.036-07:00Be Careful<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqgK7x3n9KJUhtkQ7C5ZgnWMztEUQg9Uinp5o5xAldvo4P6MBQXS3FnA0nT_840Gi_SMpKkbUv4EY0ZKVX-PF2ShIdDjLZkK_eDYT9dIA34klWkj8PqTIgCL4rbisGFMTDZBTRzBmrwuI/s509/a-word-to-the-wise.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="509" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqgK7x3n9KJUhtkQ7C5ZgnWMztEUQg9Uinp5o5xAldvo4P6MBQXS3FnA0nT_840Gi_SMpKkbUv4EY0ZKVX-PF2ShIdDjLZkK_eDYT9dIA34klWkj8PqTIgCL4rbisGFMTDZBTRzBmrwuI/s320/a-word-to-the-wise.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The other day I read a most beautiful experience of a senior devotee with Srila Prabhupada. It was very moving! </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Simultaneously I knew his personal history and he has major issues with women, and with power. Yet after reading that, I was thinking fondly of a person I knew had such a problem! After all, his story was highly spiritual.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">However, I knew that feelings, while they should be recognized as present, must also be in sync with Prabhupada's teachings. So first and foremost I took shelter of those.</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">To me the bottom line is:</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Prabhupada showed him mercy, and showed mercy to countless devotees. He still does! It is not that this particular devotee who had a powerful experience with Srila Prabhupada is to be praised [consider his history plus twisting of scripture over decades]. The glory goes to Prabhupada for letting him be part of something special, especially at a time prior to any of his deviations and was still following correctly.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">That devotee had the option of how to live his life. Sure, he's to be given credit for becoming a devotee. Simply, what level? [Rhetorical.] He chose sense gratification and covert bullying. No story can cover that over.</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Moving on, what of those who do not have such issues? Or those you do not know about, one way or the other? </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Anytime you get those warm fuzzy feelings over a devotee, or feel inspired by a unique experience they share - be <i>respectful</i> to them. Enjoy the positive. But don't ignore the negative. Please do not go extreme to put any human being on a pedestal. The glory goes to God, and to <a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2021/07/tired-of-abuse.html" target="_blank">Jagat Guru</a>. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Prabhupada cautioned us that <b>even a mahatma</b> can fall down. Therefore, what to speak of those of us born in kali yuga. And what to speak of others with a history of women issues coupled with conceit or abnormally huge ego's. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Yes, Prabhupada made some comments that those born during the time period he was starting the Movement had been devotees in a last life. Another quote even makes connections with devotees to Lord Caitanya! No need for such quotes cuz it diverts attention away from the point being made here, <b>which is:</b> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> One can take many births as a devotee, but to get out of the material world, one must follow the instructions of the pure devotee / Srila Prabhupada, without twisting them, or etc to them. <b><i>Plus</i></b>, anyone who takes shelter of Krishna is special, with full opportunities. Such opportunities should be used wisely. As Prabhupada sometimes cautioned, "Do not take advantage."</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Some readers may be surprised <a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/04/women-and-gurukulis.html" target="_blank">how many have such issues but keep it hidden</a>, and how long it has been going on. Continues to go on. From child abuse to women, to power abuse, to men that are not very strong therefore not treated well.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">IMHO, better to be safe, than wind up sorry. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Not to misunderstand.</b> If reading a sublime story of a devotee that brings you bliss, go for it. But don't take it beyond that. Don't elevate the devotee too far. Even the best of devotees can easily get puffed up. IMHO it therefore, can be a disservice to tell them how wonderful they are. </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Maybe from afar, offer respects to someone with a great spiritual narrative. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">If you know they have problems, consider offering up a </span><span style="font-family: arial;">short</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> prayer that they will awaken to what is truthfully right and truthfully wrong - followed by them acting on it properly. Then <i>let go, let God</i>.</span></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>Better yet</b>, if you know of anything questionable in their personal character, avoid their association and leave them alone. Save and protect yourself, taking shelter of Srila Prabhupada. He will never mislead, or trick, or cheat you.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpSoS0lk6bdfOiRpU8V1gT-CqOhyCdZ-HJxWKw_R9eDYawT_D9isMDEpGhIMufhXIrIPVkb7sVWRWJv-uoKUxd4SxU_II1FKwsFBR4-p84ZKVDuKnW_QN8hXx-KpR1VN99ODHZGAH6C8/s660/The-mahatma-and-the-mahajan-660x400.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="660" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpSoS0lk6bdfOiRpU8V1gT-CqOhyCdZ-HJxWKw_R9eDYawT_D9isMDEpGhIMufhXIrIPVkb7sVWRWJv-uoKUxd4SxU_II1FKwsFBR4-p84ZKVDuKnW_QN8hXx-KpR1VN99ODHZGAH6C8/s320/The-mahatma-and-the-mahajan-660x400.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">RELATED and INSPIRING Posts:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/05/glorifying-others.html" target="_blank">Glorifying Others</a>.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/05/tedx-talk-on-prabhupada-happiness.html" target="_blank">TEDx talk on Prabhupada and Happiness</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/02/dr-mishras-ashrama.html" target="_blank">Pishima</a>, Prabhupada's sister - As temple commander.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/02/dr-mishras-ashrama.html" target="_blank">Dr. Mishra's Ashrama</a> - My experience as a teenager when visiting.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">"<a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/02/shyam.html" target="_blank">Shyma!</a>" - The song: It all began from a dream!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/04/its-bona-fide.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">It's Bonafide</span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/03/nonviolence-means.html" target="_blank">Nonviolence Means.....</a> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/06/not-in-vedabase.html" target="_blank">Not In the Veda Base</a> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/06/for-kids-krishna-conscious-fun.html" target="_blank">For Kids - Krishna Conscious FUN :)</a> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">"...years ago my husbands old friend who actually stopped living as a devotee, returned. He is now very fixed-up. However, what did he tell my husband? That he was shocked the Movement was so drastically different [negatively], in comparison to when he lived on the inside, before." Continued: <a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/04/a-fun-spiritual-place-your-home.html" target="_blank">A Fun Spiritual Place - Your Home</a></span></div>HareKrishnaBloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984787475788837467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3624323057943903718.post-1532668551140258832021-09-09T17:03:00.030-07:002022-02-20T16:39:31.128-08:00Lift Your Spirits Now!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>Get Your Sadhana Back - Now!</b></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwlbs9gtiKigLdrn5UuW6VjhvaWFhYGIye_fzOCo7A1euqTwvhGokrhhOsFekNrWnbeQWnIMdPVS12Hi12IVVjKpFNLsRjQhDbyK_-FP7g0RUGxtAmvz0_IL8RcQxWoz8ib_emnSmPV-0/s1024/istockphoto-1058105406-1024x1024.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwlbs9gtiKigLdrn5UuW6VjhvaWFhYGIye_fzOCo7A1euqTwvhGokrhhOsFekNrWnbeQWnIMdPVS12Hi12IVVjKpFNLsRjQhDbyK_-FP7g0RUGxtAmvz0_IL8RcQxWoz8ib_emnSmPV-0/s320/istockphoto-1058105406-1024x1024.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> (Saddhana means <i>spiritual practice</i>.)</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Many devotees are going through hard times lately. While the Pandemic is not helping, it's not the only issue. I thought to share something that may give hope plus help to others. If you're not a devotee, it may do that for you anyway. :)</span></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I had an unexpected, wonderful spiritual experience the other night that was so lovely - it's hard to hold it inside. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Krishna was kind and gave me some bliss! It felt soooo good, and a bit mystical. No, not visions ha, but feelings some may get at the temple. I am not special, anyone can have this or their own spiritual experience!</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Initially I was unsure if this should be shared. Part of my inner self thought it may be meant for me only, therefore to keep it private. However, the bigger part came from Prabhupada's teachings where we are suppose to share / preach / encourage Krishna C with anyone who wants it. And that is actually what it is all about - telling <b>only those who want to hear <i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">in an <u>open</u> and positive frame of mind</span></i></b>. If this is not you, please stop reading, and click this page off, now.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Some are in bliss with their spiritual life and that's great. Others have had a taste of bliss but it got left behind due to bad experiences interfering, which can include a large range of issues. Then there are those in grey area's. I suppose I am someone in a grey area.</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">You <b><i>can</i></b> lift your spirits! Some may be wondering "how," if already feeling very down. While I don't have the answer for everyone, what I can do is share an experience of mine <i>which may in turn</i>, open a door or window for someone else out there. It's worth checking out. </span></div><div><br /></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Incidentally, one does not have to be feeling bad or sad, because anybody can benefit from doing this. Including those who are happy. :) </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Of course if a reader is feeling sad etc, they tend to give up, so it should be known what's about to be shared, can genuinely help.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Where do I start without complaining too much of my own stuff. ha Please know that we all have some. It's kali yuga/age, therefore no one need to feel singled out. You are not alone, as in this age, life is hard, what to speak of peaceful life, what to speak of spiritual life! Yet, there is a way.</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Taking my own advice :) every night I do a small arotika. If you don't know how, I will give basic info, plus links for more detailed info. However, please only do as much as you can <i>peacefully maintain</i>.</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I had to start that day - though every day - taking care of family stuff, house cleaning, and dealing with my own health. Mundane but responsibilities. Then there's the fact that the Movement changed so drastically that it even effected my husband, children, grandchildren, self. Not what I signed up for when becoming a devotee. Yet, not what I wish to get into with this post. Whatever our reasons, we all need to keep on going, one way, or another way. :) I had to find a way!</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Stepping into my little temple room at night, cracking open the door after knocking on it to enter the Lords house, darkness hit me in the face! </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xmUyrnU-t-m0XZv7wXyGh4qRXtvHKDQJU2PxCQqXnWJOnHBAWVOUN_-k4L5d7eit5yGn_rGn7Bg4xaSmbtrt0XWZkfRT9z02lorB0igD_GqSrllS1EI-3KONyANco9JZ4datxB1DZIc/s612/istockphoto-535631119-612x612.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="612" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xmUyrnU-t-m0XZv7wXyGh4qRXtvHKDQJU2PxCQqXnWJOnHBAWVOUN_-k4L5d7eit5yGn_rGn7Bg4xaSmbtrt0XWZkfRT9z02lorB0igD_GqSrllS1EI-3KONyANco9JZ4datxB1DZIc/s320/istockphoto-535631119-612x612.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Why was it so dark? </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Then I saw. A light-bulb blew out. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Oh great. Now what was I to do? I could stand on a chair to change it, but not at the end of the day after working and tired. Too risky to fall.</span></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">It hit me. Why not do arotika in the dark, like we do for Mongala [morning worship]? For a few seconds this brought back thoughts and feelings of what it was like to be present in those early morning [4:30] arotika's - and it felt great!</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Didn't know how it would play out at home since I had to set up a few items which required light to see. Yet there was one lamp shining onto the altar = some light in the room as well. So, not totally dark. Just the correct amount. :)</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_tK7w2VsMDCAMjVcKKwUEJsJmPlGpTLgZ6OUt7NSETD8W2hn7DFsgpujDhcCgkjUStG1fvLgrrNPRM9oyB3UGPeEUi43qEyEWOqJySl8d4LEejqd-MXcKrNiGMk2SbNlW4DYwJ3aj7Q8/s440/desklamppsbanner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="247" data-original-width="440" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_tK7w2VsMDCAMjVcKKwUEJsJmPlGpTLgZ6OUt7NSETD8W2hn7DFsgpujDhcCgkjUStG1fvLgrrNPRM9oyB3UGPeEUi43qEyEWOqJySl8d4LEejqd-MXcKrNiGMk2SbNlW4DYwJ3aj7Q8/s320/desklamppsbanner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b><span>If you are overwhelmed with life issues</span><span style="color: red;"> <i><u>to the point where it's hard to do an arotika</u></i> - </span></b>resolving that is part of what this post is about. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Please know: this is <i>also</i> when it's the <u>best time</u> to do something small and simple, rather than elaborate or perfectionism.</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">That equally<b> applies to</b> those who are exceptionally busy, or may be feeling too sick to do much. Let us <b>not forget those who are getting up there in age</b>, wondering why they can't do the sadhana they use to even when they try. Here is something they most likely <i>can</i> do!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">You do not have to be a brahmana to do this, no need to be initiated, and no need to join any organization. Just go with your heart and some basic tips:</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">[Since the following will include small fire, keep water nearby, stay away from curtains etc, and be careful.]</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWCuLRQwrpNZZF3pvRgON8we6JgFcRUlCAIeCYESZ2YzX_-XJsJhyphenhyphenV3uUxjeakRhqUbs3ULkeKpEFauB4a8ag5ti4OBz0rUIID46kHbTgw4vKhQ5So7-jbLwnmziwbsb2_6UM798NHuc/s1292/61QY9qa5k9L._AC_SL1500_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1292" data-original-width="1171" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWCuLRQwrpNZZF3pvRgON8we6JgFcRUlCAIeCYESZ2YzX_-XJsJhyphenhyphenV3uUxjeakRhqUbs3ULkeKpEFauB4a8ag5ti4OBz0rUIID46kHbTgw4vKhQ5So7-jbLwnmziwbsb2_6UM798NHuc/s320/61QY9qa5k9L._AC_SL1500_.jpg" width="290" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I entered - <i>singing</i> Hare Krishna. After an easy gathering of items, I picked up a sweet-scented incense stick imported from India. Lighting it, did </span><span style="font-family: arial;">a simple offering by c</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">ircling it gently around the Lord, for Him to smell. After that, into the incense holder it went. This lovely smoke wafted about, </span><span style="font-family: arial;">making the entire atmosphere fragrantly wonderful! </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Next, </span><span style="font-family: arial;">I picked up a taper candle. After lighting, made slow or gentle circular motions offering to each deity/murti or picture. [I have both; whatever you have is fine]. Ambient light of the candle flickered brightly around the Lords form - lighting up a large portion of the room.</span></span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">While I have done all of this before, I never did it at home in a softly lit room! A little mesmerizing.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Wondering why darkness felt helpful when I was under the impression that it was something to avoid; next remembering, as touched on above, that in the temples we do Mongala Arotika / worship before sunrise. Sure, Mongala is a better time, but any time to worship is good.</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">It appears to be about the ratio. To have a room dimmed a certain "amount," seems to shut out the three guna's/material modes, when focusing on Krishna. Kind of like closing your eyes. Did you know when eyes are shut, one can automatically be put in an Alpha State by "up to" 80%? Though not recommended [nor possible] when doing an offering. Thus, we dim the lights in the room - leaving on the lamps on or near the altar. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Additionally, there just may be more ions in the night air. And in that, or the above, there is always some light. From evening stars to that which you see with closed eyes. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">All are food for thought.</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">These sciences are there. They originate from God, the Supreme Scientist. Not the other way around. I mention this because some misunderstand that if they find a scientific reason for something it therefore removes God from the equation. That's backwards. If God is the Creator, there is no reason He could not create science. </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We humans are merely figuring out some of what He made.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> Thus, it's a Gift from Him - to get us to Him</span></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPC0ZjCERE1A1KZqiWi4c3S8-tjY-25zDnprOgwF0hfSr1fX6HV6buebFp9n0FdZc84944_xvdZeQ8KTNNtH6218JEWpfodRbEEhbLHPFyKcE_UJSh5wxh1BY0VvNR1wxsHmgGneDbg2M/s960/187431268_1191925787932447_8053050214685256420_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="946" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPC0ZjCERE1A1KZqiWi4c3S8-tjY-25zDnprOgwF0hfSr1fX6HV6buebFp9n0FdZc84944_xvdZeQ8KTNNtH6218JEWpfodRbEEhbLHPFyKcE_UJSh5wxh1BY0VvNR1wxsHmgGneDbg2M/s320/187431268_1191925787932447_8053050214685256420_n.jpg" width="315" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Anyway, I am thinking of buying Black-Out curtains for a daytime option, but not sure. I like sunlight arotika's too. Of course! :) </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Next, my singing continued. Since I was able to <i>relax</i> more, different <b>tunes</b> were easier to find. I am someone who needs a variety of tunes. [Not talking of what should be sung in official temple rooms, just at home.] Though I can and do sing some, they don't usually come to me easily. But this time they did! A few variants on the all ready different tune I had started singing, came out of my mouth.</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Arotika over. A half hour later, I was still feeling blissful! Believe it would have lasted longer if I did not have some mundane duties. :) </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>You can</b> also experience this bliss after an artoka! THIS is what spiritual life should be like, <a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2021/07/tired-of-abuse.html" target="_blank">not all the nonsense that has been going on</a>. Prabhupada told us to <i>turn our homes into Vaikuntha</i>. While mine has a long way to go, we start with the temple room, and let it spread out from there. :) [You don't have to have an entire room. A table or shelf in a special area will work.]</span></div><div><br /></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Anyone can do this.</b></span> What follows are a few details.</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">NOTE: I all ready have numerous paraphernalia for worship, but other folks may not, so what follows are some easy, variegated, ideas.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Cleanliness: I'm not going to add a lot about that here simply because it is all ready in the links I've posted below. Please wash hands <i>etc</i> before doing sadhana, and please keep the Lords items clean. Don't throw anything into the dirty trash. Create a "sacred throw-out" or container to gather it where you can later bring it somewhere to dispose of, tho often not practical so find a way that works for you. Maybe burn it, or if eatable then distribute to the local squirrels etc. Sprinkle around your favorite tree. Dig a hole and/ or create an interesting, artistic mound in your backyard, decorate it too. Think up some of your own. I've done my best to keep clean-up down to a minimum so those having a hard time will be able to follow through.</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Ghee wicks: These are great, but require ability to make, time to clean the brass holder, and make or buy ghee. For simplicity - tall bees wax candles. I'll put their link below, but any candle will do. It does not have to be beeswax, tho I prefer those. However, in my past I could not get them, and that is when I used a regular candle. It's far more important to worship then to get persnickety about candles. And I suspect most temples use regular ones during Damodarastakm. Incidentally, while I am fine holding and offering these tall candles, they <b>do drip a bit of wax</b>, therefore the reader may wish to <span style="color: red;">buy or make a candle holder</span>. [If making, can do similar to those for incense, described below.]</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><div>If you've felt you're not a good fit at a temple, community, or in some places feel rejected - offering a candle flame brings a billowy mellow that, "at the speed of light" :), creates atmosphere in the area it is burning. You feel warm and welcomed, peaceful, thus easier to connect to God/Krishna. And even if you have felt accepted, etc etc, this is just blissful to do! Illumination of the candle flame aids with a meditative state, thus meditating on the deity or pic to Whom you are offering. It's nectar!</div>
<div></div></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Essential Oils: These are something I all ready have in the little temple room and only for Them, but if you don't, they're not a requirement. With that said, I simply put some on the wick and on the candle itself. This takes less then one minute. The idea is to keep everything short and sweet so it can not only be done, but be maintained.</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Incense: Do you love using it, but fried on a simple way to clean up the ashes <i>easily</i>? Well, if you have nothing else, and don't have much money, can use cooking Foil and shape it like a hat with a rim. The incense stick would go in the ball or top of the hat [<b>poke</b> a hole 1st & <b>test</b> that it stays]. The rim will catch most ashes. This can be rinsed then thrown out after, with little mess. Wipe floor with wet paper towel or baby wipes. ....The next biggest tip on cleanup? Once done, stop thinking about it. On all levels.</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Another way to make an incense holder is to use <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">clay</span></b>. This is preferred over foil, tho either will do. Since one purpose of this blog post is not only simplicity but maintenance, PlayDoh works! Oh how odd that may initially sound, yet think about it. PlayDoh is made so a child can eat it, because they are inclined to. That means legally, it has to have high cleanliness standards! It's inexpensive, about 50 cents a can, & can make several holders. Simplest way is to roll a ball the incense can easily stick into when the time is right; or any shape you wish. Just flatten the bottom so it can sit on a table or area you are placing offering items.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">UPDATE: <span style="color: #ff00fe;"><b>Yet another way</b></span> to make one. Shape foil in your hand like a tube, close one end, <b><i>or</i></b> use a new glass holder you don't mind washing regularly. Fill with rice, or with salt, or ivory flakes, sand, etc. I almost wish I placed this idea first because it is so inexpensive, easier to clean up [just toss the rice to the birds, or salt in the garden - not in the dirty trash]. It's also very practical and simple. Remember, this can <b>also</b> work for candles. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7wDAXNOuQYckIDb34Xk4huYX9fnbEOQ2unZR29_nRlSlvMmXUSVE1dQMkwO8vW500djLsXGSTxPyVRoBeoMYcUDhhNOdx-5Tiotj4SlVmvLFbkzHv4AItxWd9tnmHJaabPUeCHkJ9Y94/s300/1516457680978686801hymn-sing-clipart.med.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7wDAXNOuQYckIDb34Xk4huYX9fnbEOQ2unZR29_nRlSlvMmXUSVE1dQMkwO8vW500djLsXGSTxPyVRoBeoMYcUDhhNOdx-5Tiotj4SlVmvLFbkzHv4AItxWd9tnmHJaabPUeCHkJ9Y94/s0/1516457680978686801hymn-sing-clipart.med.png" width="300" /></a></div>Singing: Even before the arotika, I decided to sing during the SetUp. That is, singing <i>while staying relaxed</i>. No nervousness, no worrying if you're doing it right. Such things have all ready been decided, so <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><i>let go, relax</i></span> and sing! :)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The set-up did not take long, but even if it did, I would sing because it is so joyful to sing the Lords names! <span style="color: #2b00fe;">If you want bliss, you need to engage those vocal cords He gave ya. :)</span> This is not about how good or bad you sound. He does not care. This is about devotional service. He makes it fun; let us not make it the opposite. Enjoy your singing of Hare Krishna no matter how you sound! Get into it!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Matches: This should be simple. Yet, can create confusion. Most will think: "But they are easy to light." Yes. Let me explain. First for the candle, then for the incense - keeping offering items in the right hand. Hard to strike a match with the left. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGy0hW4bcUMZCRHROrrruPn_pokx_5GFo9H4sbFn7d_jFYYRV94kpOo0jtobQ3TmfVG89TyEhYomXvetGyoQTst4olk0XmGm0XJhGBR2vwWwCr40l3JhCvDshrPNSsXN9nog2uqeBvqdg/s1200/incense-1200x628-facebook-1200x628.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGy0hW4bcUMZCRHROrrruPn_pokx_5GFo9H4sbFn7d_jFYYRV94kpOo0jtobQ3TmfVG89TyEhYomXvetGyoQTst4olk0XmGm0XJhGBR2vwWwCr40l3JhCvDshrPNSsXN9nog2uqeBvqdg/s320/incense-1200x628-facebook-1200x628.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Solution: Seek and ye shall find. :) Take out another candle and set it on something for easy maintenance and clean up. [Can use aluminum foil if you want.] This candle is never offered - it's used for lighting the items. [Sometimes the rim of this candle may need to be snipped back in order to light the wick, because over time the middle melts down, leaving wax walls. It's easy to do.] And it's something pretty to have in the room. Light this candle first, next the incense from it, later the offering candle from this one. At end of arotika, only this candle is snuffed out - with a snuffer, or a cone shaped piece of foil with a long foil handle. Be creative, be safe.</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Environment: From curtains, to getting away from bad [or questionable] association, to adding inspiring items like essential oils. Yours may be different. Simply find what gets you cooking, what makes you feel good, what lifts your spirits. Create the environment or atmosphere that assists you in these ways.</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">In a time when "The Secret" or "Feel Good To Heal" have come to the forefront, at the very least we can't ignore such benefits arotika can add. Elevating oxytocin, endorphins, dopamine, serotonin - I</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">MHO adding such exciting, blissful life may assist in such ways.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">While this is not a post about physical or mental healing, as</span></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> I have another page on that, simply, healing is something to consider. I remember a woman who joined years ago who, shall we say, was not very pretty. After a while of practicing Krishna Consciousness, a friend pointed out to me how she is changing! Her skin was nicer, her face softer, she is prettier! We are not this body and should not focus on that. Just saying, Krishna / God and his process - when we follow Srila Prabhupada - it's very potent! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Some readers will be quick to point out we are not in this for healing. I agree. It is simply an automatic side-benefit. The goal is to develop love of God. Whatever supports your Krishna Consciousness and is doable for you as an individual, <b>take action</b>. <i>Otherwise it likely is just an exercise in reading</i>. It doesn't have to be hard, nor complex. Find what you can enjoy and maintain. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Joyful options: Maybe grow some flowers, or locate the highest quality incense, or buy a colorful altar cloth, or spend time <a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/07/blissful-sadhana.html" target="_blank">molding the incense holder of your choice</a>, etc. Just stay relaxed, gently focused, allowing happiness and satisfaction to enter.</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">In this way most can take out a short time to worship. <b>Do not let time issues block you</b>, fearing it takes too long, or you don't have enough. I was going through some of that too. And the "I'm not </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">qualified, </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">not good enough, etc." Maya's tricks to keep us from doing anything! <b>Therefore, if you can only do a ten, heck even five minute arotika - then <i>DO</i> a five minute arotika.</b> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Be "present" in it. Give up worry, guilt, tension, negativity of any sort - and allow yourself to relish what you are doing in these Krishna Consciousness moments. Tell the mind that wanders, or worries, to shut up. lol And just be here, now. :)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>Summarized:</b> Optional: dim the lights. Next sing, offer incense, then offer candlelight; chant and be happy. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Get into it! It's so simple some may not want to believe it. But this is spiritual, therefore it works when you do. :) Desire and heart = everything.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><u><b>Remember</b></u>: <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">There is </span><span style="color: red;">no need to join any</span><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> group or organization in order to practice Krishna Consciousness. Srila Prabhupada's Movement is not physical, thus it is in the heart of anyone who wants to practice it, even in their own homes. <3</span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>And...</b></span><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ff00fe;">please save to your FAVORITES. :)</span></b></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> RELATED and HELPFUL LINKS:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Chanukah-Candles-Honeycomb-Beeswax-Natural/dp/B0065JH1OS/ref=sr_1_5?crid=BNWYSE9VX0YS&dchild=1&keywords=beeswax+candles+hanukkah&qid=1633313224&sprefix=beeswax+candles+ha%2Caps%2C173&sr=8-5" target="_blank">BeesWax Taper Candles</a> - These are the ones I use. They are less expensive than the link directly below, but sometimes amazon is out of them. ....</span><span style="font-family: arial;">You will need to make or buy some type of holder because they drip. </span></span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RBJOAUY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">Bees Wax Taper Candles</a> - </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Don't let that bee on it fool you, it's not real, but looks it. Adorable! </span><span style="font-family: arial;">If you want to cut the candle in half you will have twice as many. [Snip away wax around 1 wick.] Make or buy some type of holder.</span></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2011/08/home-altar-how-to-create.html" target="_blank">How To Create Your Home Altar</a>: This is only if you wish to do more, to tweak things, as are all the rest which follow. Never feel that if you can't do this or the others, that you should quit. No! Doing only what is posted above on this page is fine.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2011/08/how-to-use-your-home-altar.html" target="_blank">How To Use Your Home Altar</a> - As touched on via the link above, only take on what you can maintain, and allow yourself to feel good about. With that said, some may want this too.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2011/08/turn-food-into-prasadam-spiritual.html" target="_blank">Turn Food Into Prasadam - Spiritual Foodstuff</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/03/life-music.html" target="_blank">Life and Music</a>: Using sound vibration of music to lift spirits.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/04/walking-and-singing.html" target="_blank">Walking and Singing</a>: "Last night I had a wonderful experience..."</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/07/blissful-sadhana.html" target="_blank">Blissful Sadhana</a> - Fun spiritual <i>arts and crafts</i>. Also: how to make an Incense Holder out of clay.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/04/its-bona-fide.html" target="_blank">It's Bona Fide</a> :) </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/05/absorption-is-key.html" target="_blank">Absorption is Key</a> - and it's bliss too! </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2017/03/gallery-of-holy-names-blissfulness.html" target="_blank">Gallery of Holy Names</a> - Why does anyone take to chanting Hare Krishna? </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2018/06/smile-awhile.html" target="_blank">Smile Awhile</a> :) </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2018/07/ecstatic-bliss.html" target="_blank">Ecstatic Bliss</a> - nectar memory of one of the first disciples.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2011/08/qualifications-of-dksha-guru.html" style="font-family: arial;" target="_blank">How To Pick Guru, or Qualifications of Guru</a><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Since <b>subscribing via email is no longer an option</b> please <b><span style="color: #ff00fe;">save to your FAVORITES. :)</span></b> And come back for more updates, or to read a helpful, &/or inspirational post. When kept in your favorites, they are easier to access quickly. Thanks!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: red;"><b>ALL DISCLAIMERS APPLY</b></span>. I should not even have to say that, but ya never know who needs to hear it. :) </span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>HareKrishnaBloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984787475788837467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3624323057943903718.post-46116441581726987812021-07-01T12:25:00.109-07:002022-05-26T19:37:17.375-07:00Tired Of Abuse?<div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Kff4aFoQnDnWjJmugJQtTcFmiwhgK1JYv7DoInCEzVWfXMLT3TpXXtSV5Rpp4gsg40IOh20oc1UfI3XkgmwWictllKHRej-itdTbsBFvPCeE4Y3Rm6hU6ZSHFirQ-uJjUyDs2aZeyQo/s1300/83783286-little-girl-abuse-maltreatment-beat-girl-child-violence-on-women.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1158" data-original-width="1300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Kff4aFoQnDnWjJmugJQtTcFmiwhgK1JYv7DoInCEzVWfXMLT3TpXXtSV5Rpp4gsg40IOh20oc1UfI3XkgmwWictllKHRej-itdTbsBFvPCeE4Y3Rm6hU6ZSHFirQ-uJjUyDs2aZeyQo/s320/83783286-little-girl-abuse-maltreatment-beat-girl-child-violence-on-women.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">TIRED OF ABUSE?</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The following may be disturbing for some. If you want bliss, there are many such links to the sidebar of this blog, or beneath. Most of my posts are based in bliss. If you are sensitive, stop reading.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Whereas, if you'd like ideas regarding how to put an end to child molestation, misogyny, abuse of men, elder abuse, etc - - ideas to protect yourself, family, friends - - keep reading.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">This post is aimed toward anyone under 55 years of age, for the simple fact that it requires some physical energy.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">First, let us touch on the problem. Scroll if you want to go directly to the solution for any abuse.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">As I type, the current issue is <a href="https://satyavrata.wixsite.com/lokanathswami" target="_blank">Lokanatha Swami.</a> However, if it's not him, it's someone else. That's a part of our history which never gets corrected. There is a long laundry list. It is not my purpose to focus on them - only to bring awareness that these sad activities are real.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">My goal? How to protect your child, self, spouse, friend, and spiritual life. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Yes, it needs to be recognized that even spiritual life is effected if these problems continue to be ignored or minimized. Then it may eventually boomerang back to your family if left unchecked. Healthy thinking and <i>physical brain patterns <u>can</u> change</i>, plus more, if wrong philosophies are made acceptable. It may not initially be noticeable to individuals because these others are expert at what they do.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Something I've noticed as a constant over decades, is that regardless of who is the abuser or molester, when there's a cover up, it involves some of the most outrageous philosophies:</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">"It's cultural - Westerns would not understand [neither would Prabhupada<b>!</b>],</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">or </span><span style="font-family: arial;">"The offender was naive and didn't know any better," or "It happened accidentally [repeatedly<b>!</b>]," or "It's not a big deal," </span><span><span style="font-family: arial;">or "The child wanted it," </span><span style="font-family: arial;">etc.</span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-D08goPLEbJKu66fbRFrXXtty0rTmRAch8Gqbv6ncQr5eZqfzCoXY4hYwXJL_V7Cks9YPx0eTXRvjMJlh1G_9_jsfJJwb235wSwlHRlOqFwBKVuhwhXMJHKF5TeZas7bjYoQy7sUNAY/s400/unnamed+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-D08goPLEbJKu66fbRFrXXtty0rTmRAch8Gqbv6ncQr5eZqfzCoXY4hYwXJL_V7Cks9YPx0eTXRvjMJlh1G_9_jsfJJwb235wSwlHRlOqFwBKVuhwhXMJHKF5TeZas7bjYoQy7sUNAY/s320/unnamed+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Do not fall for it, regardless who speaks. Regardless of the tone of voice, which can be alluring. [Again, they are expert.] Let us not take spiritual advice from anyone who ignores or minimizes abuse or molestation. When <b>common sense</b> goes out the window, trouble walks in the door.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Some believe it's their duty to stick up for an authority who fell-down if it is their guru. That is a huge misunderstanding of our philosophy. Show me any place in Prabhupada's books that says to support a fallen guru, as guru. It is not there.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The person you <b><i>are</i></b> responsible to is Srila Prabhupada. Don't make his Movement a social embarrassment. If you think the nondevotees don't know - they know! Who will join [or remain] if you do not prove our morals. The minute someone in a position of power strays, followers who care for Prabhupada at all, will not water down issues due to wrongly placed loyalties. If you're initiated by someone who fell down - take shelter of Prabhupada. Don't try to minimize seriously wrong actions as if they're not so bad. That's not helping anyone, but it is an offense to Srila Prabhupada. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">What startled me was the </span><b style="font-family: arial;"><i>sentimentality</i></b><span style="font-family: arial;"> some employed, resulting in curses and death threats. That revealed how little of Prabhupada's teachings are known. </span><span style="color: red; font-family: arial;">Some </span><span style="font-family: arial;">believe if</span><span style="color: red; font-family: arial;"> a lot of service & chanting has been or continues to be preformed, it's acceptable to commit sin. This is not true - please read the <u>7th of the Ten Offenses</u>.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><div><span><br /></span></div><div>Others naively stick up for that which is wrong as if it were loyalty, when it's actually revealing unawareness of Prabhupada's highest philosophy. Disciples are supposed to read Prabhupada's [unchanged] books <b>daily</b>. Especially his personal <a href="http://prabhupada.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">letters</a> as well as his <a href="https://prabhupadabooks.com/conversations?d=1" target="_blank">conversations</a>, which help gain a deep comprehension of what he wanted. With all the <b>adult tantrums currently</b> being thrown, it does not sound like some are doing that. </div><div><br /></div><div>Evidence that some do not know the philosophy is the claim of a guru being God incarnate. Tamala Krsna M asked Prabhupada if he/Prabhupada was God? Prabhupada <i>jeeringly</i> replied that when he died then Tamala can become God <i>too</i>. There's another example from 1969. Newspaper reporters saw so many young devotees bowing to Indian Swami [Prabhupada]. Noticing their observance, Srila Prabhupada told them that the spiritual master is to be worshiped as God. Next he said, "But, if the spiritual master thinks that he is God, then he is dog." Disciples should be careful of what they say. And please study. Don't stop in the middle of a conversation or quote. Read all of it in it's entirety.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now others were more calm, may be chanting their rounds, attending Morning & Evening Programs, doing service. But if blindly following in the name of loyalty, one can't help to wonder if they, or anyone doing that, are taking <i>time</i> out of each day to 'study' his writings deeply. After all, daily <u>personal</u> reading [<i>not</i> only class] was an <b>instruction</b> of his, and it will help us pan out what is sentimentality and what is proper following.</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #6aa84f;">"<b>Religion without philosophy <i>is sentiment</i>, or sometimes <u>fanaticism</u>, while philosophy without religion is mental speculation.</b></span>" BG 3.3, P</div><div><br /></div></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Additionally, is it always about defending your guru, or is it about yourself? Too uncomfortable to admit it's level of seriousness? </span><span><span style="font-family: arial;">Hard to accept you worshiped the wrong person for years? </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Difficult to renounce attachment to him? ...Ego plays a big role here. Be honest, do inner work, and keep the false ego in check. </span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We do not have to surrender to something that is out-of-sync with Prabhupada. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">If an authority tells you something strange is in line with Prabhupada and you feel that's off, go check it out.</span></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPtxOh5y9sf701jF0UBBvQc_g2Jr-FoBZpOf1lhI6LMsl4HRQxpZxtm5UfXoZv_FLA_NEWiQ5829zG5VIuTtq27zKu1918szCQsMua6vpQ_2wiAz38rn9h5D0zqc2b-IQaqEzdza-jJY/s1201/217395205_10158580299058253_8796140310192931432_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPtxOh5y9sf701jF0UBBvQc_g2Jr-FoBZpOf1lhI6LMsl4HRQxpZxtm5UfXoZv_FLA_NEWiQ5829zG5VIuTtq27zKu1918szCQsMua6vpQ_2wiAz38rn9h5D0zqc2b-IQaqEzdza-jJY/s320/217395205_10158580299058253_8796140310192931432_n.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Any authority worth their salt will have no problem with their instruction being checked against Prabhupada's. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Whereas, if they are trying to twist Prabhupada's words in an attempt to merge them with their own odd or stinking-thinking, well, they should not be in a position of power in the first place.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">There is a popular misunderstanding that the GBC must be surrendered to all the time, no matter what they instruct. However, Prabhupada did not put them on such an absolute platform. They must be able to do what Prabhupada set up as their service. If they can't, we are not to follow them.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiOddHtZtrW7uij8w4erkWuYcOTdqxRjhEv3QweZNkszOVjlXqMhVmzvNHuP7hnP_vqGQSMfavK0Cf4yYgeBlPZjAiQQoY_hpcxlKMntHzJ8ht32FI6KRC0D2lxBsvkjvAldHD7WejgtU/s400/s-l400.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiOddHtZtrW7uij8w4erkWuYcOTdqxRjhEv3QweZNkszOVjlXqMhVmzvNHuP7hnP_vqGQSMfavK0Cf4yYgeBlPZjAiQQoY_hpcxlKMntHzJ8ht32FI6KRC0D2lxBsvkjvAldHD7WejgtU/s320/s-l400.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">When they sound less spiritual and more often like bureaucrats, our reading of their yearly by-laws may no longer be important. Read them if you wish, simply, reading Prabhupada's instructions are far more important. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">This is not against the GBC principle. Srila Prabhupada instructed that we should have a GBC. However, he also said they must be qualified. No blind following pleaseeeeeeee.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-size: medium;"><b>"But the difficulty is that our GBC men are falling victim to maya. Today I trust this GBC and tomorrow he will fall down." </b>Srila Prabhupada Letter to Jayatirtha -- Bombay 16 December, 1974 </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-size: medium;"><div><b>"What will happen when I am not here, shall everything be spoiled by GBC?” - </b>Srila Prabhupada Letter, April 11th, 1972</div></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>“GBC does not mean to control a center. GBC means to see that the activities of a center go on nicely. I do not know why Tamal is exercising his absolute authority. That is not the business of GBC. The president, treasurer, and secretary are responsible for managing the center. GBC is to see that things are going nicely but not to exert absolute authority. That is not in the power of GBC. Tamal should not do like that. The GBC men cannot impose anything on the men of a center without consulting all of the GBC members first. A GBC member cannot go beyond the jurisdiction of his power.”</b> — Srila Prabhupada Letter to Giriräj, 8-12-71</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">
<div><b>“Now has the GBC become more than Guru Maharaja? As if simply GBC is meant for looking after pounds, shilling, pence.” </b>Srila Prabhupada Letter, November 10th, 1975</div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>"Therefore we have created these GBC. So they should be very responsible men. Otherwise, they will be punished. They will be punished to become a śūdra. Although Yamarāja is a GBC, but he made a little mistake. He was punished to become a śūdra. So those who are GBC's, they should be very, very careful to administer the business of ISKCON. Otherwise they will be punished. As the post is very great, similarly, the punishment is also very great. That is the difficulty. You can see from this example, Vidura. He was immediately punished. He did little mistake..."</b> - Srila Prabhupada - on SB 1.13.15 -- Geneva, June 4, 1974</div>
<div></div></div><div><br /></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I am not anti-GBC. I am anti-doing-it-wrong. And anyone who is truthfully pro-GBC will also be against them doing it wrong so the GBC will not incur the above mentioned karma. Yes, I give a hoot about my godbrothers. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Moving on .... Does the mere thought of someone inappropriately touching your child, grand child, or friends child - upset you? Good! If not - I can't help you; please see a therapist.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">For those who find it disturbing, it's time to bring it to an end. How? You can't be lethargic. Lethargy helps problems grow, even if they are not [yet] effecting you or your family. They will. Maybe one way, or another unforeseen, unexpected way - but they will. Our history has proven this, repeatedly. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">There <i>are</i> things you can do. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">First, be cautious. Do not blindly trust in someone just because they attend the same church/ temple, or are in a position of authority. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Remember, anyone can join. And that's good. However, they must be willing to undergo training. And take to it. Decades back, authorities made sure they took to it. But not so much anymore. If they do not accept the process <u>cent per cent</u>, they may be dragging with them luggage from their past. <b>How can you know? You can't. </b>That's why there must not be blind trust, or because everyone else trusts so-and-so, therefore you should too. No. Investigate, courteously.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">It may require time to see the areas some have not purified out of themselves. In Krishna Consciousness, like when making ghee, impurities rise to the top. A person gets to make the choice to get rid of them, or keep them. Not everyone may notice this is going on, as it's their internal battle. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">And yes, this can include authorities. I'm not bad mouthing. I've seen it, over and Over and OVER. We wish all such persons well - simply - do not follow them on mere faith, or because others are doing it thus <u>devotee peer pressure</u>. Authorities should always be willing to have their words or instructions checked against Prabhupada's.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHgKNu4CepnFAL2FI6ulKluDYuwyrGUZ2sh3k_UB-a0v3RLCDI6YF4MiHTWuvGCoVIIc1fdwhkVgeAGaMFDfvbYvOpBHhyphenhyphen2lwkCVknUybcxW-NMFzkC4Y5wDfQ4MMh-U_rLJ-TBEIS-xs/s612/istockphoto-1098003182-612x612.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHgKNu4CepnFAL2FI6ulKluDYuwyrGUZ2sh3k_UB-a0v3RLCDI6YF4MiHTWuvGCoVIIc1fdwhkVgeAGaMFDfvbYvOpBHhyphenhyphen2lwkCVknUybcxW-NMFzkC4Y5wDfQ4MMh-U_rLJ-TBEIS-xs/s320/istockphoto-1098003182-612x612.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Next, do not send your children away NOR allow overnights. And check out their teacher, including when they're not trying to impress you but during a normal school day. [Many teachers are innocent, so do it <b>politely</b>.] </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Considering all that has happened for decades, Day Gurukula trumps ashrama. I have often been told, & heard, "Prabhupada wanted all the children to go to Gurukula." Yes, he did. This was the instruction! What to do? So I thought. Duh it hit me. :) We <span><b style="color: red; font-style: italic;">never </b>had</span> a real Gurukula to start with! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Authorities, let us know when you actually create such a safe, loving, sane, healthy, etc, ashrama that is free from abuse and kindly promotes love of Krishna. Because so far, too many of them were either hot-spots pedophiles went to find their next victims, or places narcissistic religious fanatics/bullies gravitated toward so they could find children to release their desire to beat or to brainwash. None of that is Gurukula! Stop stealing Prabhupada's name for such bogus schools, do punish those who deserve it. And until authorities create a truthfully safe overnight school - Daytime Gurukula is the way to go. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Why wait for them to do what they have not been able to do for decades? Anyone can start their own. Begin learning how to home school and simply Krishnaize it. It's often much better, and safer, when loving parents start a little home-school with a few kind friends. Learn how, but do it.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7GFXLrD9m70T8mcSX5ADq1iKCplruq2BwSYNua9w5uDj3eDJQcV05wA2hF4z75aDEkm0gLZBTIofU_rDPMiVCtMa2qsQQBLntYzUjw_6pWJenQzMn6J-zL5XL1Pxutt_-_-A4tEsLMeg/s1000/dont-worry-i-investigated-myself-and-found-i-did-nothing-wrong-d0013188255.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="746" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7GFXLrD9m70T8mcSX5ADq1iKCplruq2BwSYNua9w5uDj3eDJQcV05wA2hF4z75aDEkm0gLZBTIofU_rDPMiVCtMa2qsQQBLntYzUjw_6pWJenQzMn6J-zL5XL1Pxutt_-_-A4tEsLMeg/s320/dont-worry-i-investigated-myself-and-found-i-did-nothing-wrong-d0013188255.png" /></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">If you discover factual abuse or molestation - do not - I repeat, do <span style="color: red;"><b><i>NOT</i></b></span> go to the temple authorities! Do call the real, legitimate police or social services and make a "legal" report/arrest! ISKCON is <i>not good at policing itself</i>, so let that be done by the current yuga kstriya's - law enforcement. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Some feel there is an advantage when reporting to both the karmi law and our authorities. I'm mixed on this because often Iskcon authorities tell you they will take care of it, but <b>do not</b>. That can an even make it <i>worse</i>. However, if you still want to report to both, FIRST call the nondevotee police! IMHO this can not be stressed enough. Go to the legal, nondevotees <span style="color: red;">first</span> and foremost! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: red;"><b>UPDATE</b>:</span> It is saddening that this must be added, but just read that in some countries or places, people are afraid for their life if they report any type of abuse to the police. And in some cases, even to temple authorities. This is shocking! Prabhupada would be so displeased! But what can I say? Most import: BE SAFE! Do not do anything that would harm you or your child or any victim. [Which includes not shaking things up - stay under the radar even if you do something. And <b>google safest ways to do it.</b>] Maybe you need to move in order to get away from an abuser. Maybe something else. Please try to figure it out because I do not know much that can be done if you can not report to anyone! Though I do have one more major idea. That is explained below, under "</span><span><span><b style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-align: center;">WHAT CAN YOU DO?</b></span><span style="font-family: arial;">" It still may require relocating, but it may not. You will figure it out in accordance to your personal situation. Anyway, it's what Prabhupada wanted, and a new start for those who need or want one! A safe place for everyone.</span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">If this post bothers your mind, making you wonder if you should protect ISKCON "<b>by</b>" covering up serious offenses, stop and consider<b>:</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">It is not your job to protect ISKCON, it is ISKCON'S job to do that. If they do nothing wrong, or if they themselves arrest the sinners, then they are properly protecting iskcon. Your job is to protect your child! Which in turn will protect the spiritual life of your child, if that is one of your worries.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>Prabhupada: “Child-worship is more important than deity-worship. If you cannot spend time with him, then stop the duties of pujari. At least you must take good care of your son until he is four years old, and if after that time you are unable any more to take care of him then I shall take care. These children are given to us by Krishna, they are Vaishnavas and we must be very careful to protect them. These are not ordinary children, they are Vaikuntha children, and we are very fortunate we can give them chance to advance further in Krishna Consciousness. That is very great responsibility, do not neglect it or be confused.” - </b>Prabhupada Letter to Arundhati dasa, July 30, 1972</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Stop doing ISKCON's job for ISKCON. Start protecting children, the little Vaisnava's and Vaisnavi's who Prabhupada said waited in line to take birth in this Movement.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">When there is a CPO [Child Protection Office] that the GBC has power to block or over-rule, <b><i>and has done so</i></b>, we need to turn first and foremost to the law. These children deserve genuine protection and "that" is our duty - to protect "them." [See Update on this page.]</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>“It is very good news that Vishnu-arati is advancing nicely in Krishna Consciousness and I know that you and your husband will always do your best to bring her up on the right path of Krishna Consciousness. To <i>raise</i> one soul to Krishna Consciousness is counted by Krishna as a very great service, so you do <u>this</u> duty very carefully and Krishna will certainly bestow His blessings upon you.”</b></span> - Srila Prabhupada Letter, 2/11/69</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Sorry, but I feel iskcon authorities try to convince us to feel guilt if we are not helping them lift their load via responsibility to protect iskcon, when there are quotes from Prabhupada that instruct our big responsibility is to our children:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: arial;"><b>“Now you husband and wife must work together combinedly with <u><i>great </i>responsibility for</u> raising your new child in ideal Krishna consciousness. Children <i>learn by imitation</i> of their, so if you both set Krishna conscious example the child will very naturally and easily become advanced in Krishna consciousness by following.” </b>- S.P. Letter to Jagadisha dasa, July 9, 1970</span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: arial;"> </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">It is not setting a good example to help brush sins/abuse under the carpet; but it is a good example to report it to the police, to (legal) Child Protective Services, and so on. Anyone who doubts this as a good example and right thing to do, can ask a Gurukuli who went thru it - some who even left because they had no support, no therapy, no belief, no help.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYy1CQoD7QpzW404dhB0e7t1sfEaCe1CltcKnZswQL3GPSTH_QoFhMiFXHCS_AGlXYx62cyMn5eTCj0cvOe6Q9O-exEeqRXatZ_IiJ9tzMlsHms_AsJqdhWGVSR_HBhBboUuLO3ht6vU/s179/no-more-silence-vector-art_gg77813830.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="179" data-original-width="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYy1CQoD7QpzW404dhB0e7t1sfEaCe1CltcKnZswQL3GPSTH_QoFhMiFXHCS_AGlXYx62cyMn5eTCj0cvOe6Q9O-exEeqRXatZ_IiJ9tzMlsHms_AsJqdhWGVSR_HBhBboUuLO3ht6vU/s0/no-more-silence-vector-art_gg77813830.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> wish I had the legal solution for each country. Sadly I can only speak for America, as we have decent laws against child abuse. But they only work if it is reported! [Please remember the UPDATE, above.]</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Canada and Europe may have similar laws.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Countries that are not sufficiently strict may have hidden laws that, if discovered, could be very helpful. Please use them, and if you uncover any secrets to help arrest a pedophile in other countries, let it be known!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: red;">However</span> as the update now points out, always do it by keeping your child, self, victims - safe first and foremost! Learn "how" before doing.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div>Some have pointed out that in certain cases a female child was not dressed modestly [wore shorts], and/or was starting to turn into a young woman even though her age was young. </div><div><br /></div><div>These Gurukuli's have been thru so much I could care less what they wear. It does not reveal their consciousness and attachment to Krishna. Besides, a girl wearing shorts <i>in her own home</i> where she can relax and let down - that's considered a safe place to do so. [We wore only slips & choli's in the brahmacarini ashrama. I was told, at that time in India the women took off their saree when the men went to work and also only wore slip/choli].</div><div><br /></div><div>No one should think that because they disapprove of ones attire, that person is not good enough, so they may as well exploit them. That's merely an excuse to take advantage, coupled with arrogance of believing ones self as superior. What superior person - exploits? [Rhetorical.] If you can't help someone, walk away.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>Besides, I have seen fully saree-clad 8 year old little girls in the temple room, innocently wander over to the men side, when next the parents were told she is agitating the men, to bring her back to the women side. What nonsense! </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>If someone can not control themselves while in a house with a girl child, first they need to leave. Next, they need to either get therapy, go back into the ashram for more training on how to absorb themselves 24/7 in thoughts of Krishna - possibly both. For someone to <b>blame the victim</b> for their own sexual weakness is an offense. </div><div><br /></div><div>Then there is going out on Sankirtana or preaching at Festivals. How can we help the public accept Krishna if seeing scantily clad women is so disturbing that some think it makes it ok to exploit her instead of save her. There are girls and women everywhere. If some men can't handle it and feel the need to take advantage, let them go to the forest as Prabhupada said to Tamala Krsna M. </div><div><br /></div><div>Another excuse, in this case, is that we are bigoted against a dark bodied person. This startled me. Anyone who knows our philosophy, knows the very basic ABC's are: <i>Aham Brahmasmi </i>or<i> I am not this body, I am spirit soul.</i> If someone does not believe this, does not live it, then they do not understand Prabhupada's teachings. In which case, they should not be getting involved. Bonafide initiated disciples don't care what color someone is, therefore those making such accusations should start doing the same. We only care about right treatment and that requires keeping the eyes <i>truthfully</i> open. </div><div><br /></div><div>It has been said complaints about such abuses from us former mlecca's and still Westerners, are an attempt to impose liberal ideals onto India. However, Srila Prabhupada himself <u>cried</u> <span style="color: red;">when</span> he found out about Gurukula abuse! While I am not happy to have taken birth as mlecca I find it far more offensive to minimize the sin of child molestation! No one should be chest-thumping they are automated higher birth if they hold fast to the belief that child molestation is not a serious offense. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>The day sexual molestation of anyone but especially a child, becomes minimized as so-called liberal idealism, reduced to no big deal, or acceptable as cultural - is the day the purity of Srila Prabhupada's teachings go down the drain.</b> <b>Or it's the day recognition of that which was kept in hiding is brought to light - thus revealing contamination of our society, Prabhupada's Movement. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Let us remember, we are not practicing Hinduism. We are practicing, or working toward, <u><i>transcendental</i></u> consciousness of Krishna. </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #ffa400;"><b>"And that Mataji, she has taken land. I don't like that idea. Some Hindus are supporting. I </b><i style="font-weight: bold;">don't</i><b> want a Hindu temple. Our constitution is </b><i style="font-weight: bold;">different</i><b>. We want everyone. Kṛṣṇa consciousness is for everyone. It is </b><i style="font-weight: bold;">not a</i><b> Hindu propaganda."</b> Srila Prabhuada Meeting with Devotees -- June 9, 1969, New Vrindaban, USA.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Further details, quotes, and clarification that what Prabhupada teaches is <b>not</b> Hinduism, can be found in the link below this post.</div><div><br /></div></span></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The many angles of excusism used to justify abuse are endless. For each one defeated, some can concoct a new one. I'm not going to go into each one forever. <i>Let truth seekers find truth. Blind followers will have to remain blind 'until' they choose to awaken. </i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Therefore, don't write me with any other perspectives you think I should consider. This is not up for debate. Child molestation is a crime, a sin, vaisnava-aparadha, maya nonsense, breaks the 4 regulative principles, and more. Any other opinion is not open for discussion. If you truthfully care about ISKCON, the person hurt, or even the offender - you will support the suggested right actions. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Small precaution: Make sure it is really going on. There are times when it's not true. But in our society we see it is usually true. Especially after a child was sent away, or around many strangers, etc. Collect evidence! While it is rare for anyone to personally see sexual crimes, even the law [in USA] allows circumstantial evidence, takes it seriously, especially when there is a lot of such evidence. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I've seen enough Gurukuli's messed up [even <span style="color: red;"><b><i>commit suicide!</i></b></span>] because people want to sit around in Ivory Towers talking about all the perspectives. It's time to DO something.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>WHAT CAN YOU DO?</b> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">In addition to the above, IMHO one extremely important step to take in order to genuinely put a stop to pedophiles and misogynists: OPEN YOUR OWN TEMPLE. How on earth does that help?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Simple. If independent temples are opened, and kept small, there is less chance of cruelty or exploitation. Then if abuse happens, there is also less likely to be tolerance of such crimes. Instead, it's more <b>natural for parents etc</b> to call the police or karmi Child Protection Services, and have an arrest made. [Remember, do it safely and with know-how.] Not all this mubo jumbo excusisim in the name of God. Poor Krishna, blaming everything on Him. sigh</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I realize that many devotees these days do not seem to want to open a temple. I also do not understand this, finding it bizarre, since my generation loved to do that. Wishing I knew the right motivation or words to assist readers in getting serious enough to get up off their chair after reading this post, phone a few like-minded devotee friends, and start the opening of a small, sane, loving temple. [<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><b>Hint, <i>hint</i>! :-)</b></span> ] All I can do is try to write this blog post, and hope some idea's will tickle your fancy enough to get you moving.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Some point out there are no new temples opening because devotees argue, <i>or</i> they can't get everyone on the same page. I had to consider this. After some honest thought, here is my personal conclusion<b>:</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">So what? Simply do what you know how to do to open one, then purification will come automatically while living it when properly following. Over time this will facilitate everyone to get on the same page, or at least find some common ground. Do not avoid opening temples merely because you can't get everyone to agree. You don't need everyone, only a few. After all, Prabhupada a pure devotee, did not get everyone. He was happy with who he did get though.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">And/or, how about this for motivation? </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Did some authority mess you over? Did someone take your apartment/house out from under your feet? Or your job/service? Did someone humiliate you repeatedly? Have you or a friend been severely hit but it was brushed under the carpet by authorities? Do you even suspect someone may have hurt your child, or any child - yet you have to see that individual at the temple, or worse, hear them give class? Have you been exposed to far too much political jargon to make wrong things appear right, and you are feeling a lack of enough spiritual katha?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">For these, and other similar reason's, it's time to detach from the huge corporate ISKCON, and for the sake of yourself or loved ones, open a temple. Help bring this to an end:</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ptOeILZN0rY3KPxH89JmhKtM0gdenchDHQmxwifOc8888LiLKy5NaqkD20Bc5SyagCmoGivMYonszQlZzFgBosURvmZNmJytifNRsDxCyAYb7zL8nItiTCK-2Urq2-BN2az9a-zIlAw/s728/imgbin-sexual-assault-rape-sexual-abuse-crime-sexual-harassment-panda-8XF1MaT5vt4simPi8iXZ65a5s.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="728" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ptOeILZN0rY3KPxH89JmhKtM0gdenchDHQmxwifOc8888LiLKy5NaqkD20Bc5SyagCmoGivMYonszQlZzFgBosURvmZNmJytifNRsDxCyAYb7zL8nItiTCK-2Urq2-BN2az9a-zIlAw/s320/imgbin-sexual-assault-rape-sexual-abuse-crime-sexual-harassment-panda-8XF1MaT5vt4simPi8iXZ65a5s.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; text-align: left;">It is not that the above goes on all the time or everywhere. <b>No</b>. The problem is that <i><span style="color: #0b5394;">when</span></i> it goes on, not enough legal action is taken. Like the <b>Catholic Church</b>. Thus this post. </span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Now, some readers may think I am anti-iskcon. No, you might even be able to legally call your temple iskcon [like iskonbangalore did]. Tho <u>do check it out with the law</u>. And there's nothing wrong with giving it other names, like "Radha Krishna Temple" via George Harrison recording, or "Bhakti Yoga Center," so on and so forth.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Simply, when a religious organization is so big, making decisions on phones in offices away from real people or actual situations, and their decision-making has no effect on them - they may loose awareness. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Let others who can really fix them, take them on. </span><span><span style="font-family: arial;">If you can't fix it, and most of us can not, then start your own temple. </span></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It doesn't have to be huge or fancy, just clean. Keep it small in numbers. Keep it in line with Prabhupada. Keep it safe. Do a Morning and Evening Program. Perform various services throughout the day. Harinama is fun to do! :) Prabhupada has instructed all of us to open temples. We need to <u><span style="color: red;">stop </span></u></span><span style="color: red; font-family: arial;"><u>ignoring</u></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><u><span style="color: red;"> <i>this</i> instruction</span></u><b>:</b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>"Yourself, Tamala, Mukunda, Hamsaduta, Syamasundara—all of you are in now double strength, so please do things very enthusiastically and organize the world Sankirtana Party because in India the people are already expecting us next year. Also open <u><i>as many</i></u> branches as possible.</b><b>" </b>Srila Prabhupada letter to Umapati das, LA Ca, April 26, 1970</span></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">"Every householder, husband and wife together, they require to live in an apartment, so if they have got an extra room, they can </span><span style="color: #ff00fe;">immediately</span><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> start a center</span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">."</span></b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> - Srila Prabhupada letter to Vamanadeva, Tittenhurst, 21 October, 1969</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>"It is <i>not</i> unnecessarily we are opening so many centers. No. It is for the benefit of the human society."</b> - Srila Praabhupada Lecture on SB 6.1.49 -- New Orleans Farm, August 1, 1975</span></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>"Regarding opening branches in Laguna Beach, you know I am always very much enthusiastic to open branches, so if another branch can be opened for propagating Krishna Consciousness, it is <u><i>always</i></u> welcome. " </b>~<b> </b>Srila Prabhupada Letter to Tamala Krsna, New Vrindaban June 17, 1969</span></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>"All these newses are to me life-giving ambrosia, so the more you open branches, the more I increase my duration of life." </b>SP letter to Sridama - Los Angeles 10 April, 1970</span> [Yes, he is still here. Tho different, but present, so lets keep him present.]</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">If in your little temple, God forbid but one day abuse or molestation is committed, and you know for certain that it has been committed, the philosophy preached followed by actions, should be to call the police and arrest them.</span><span><span style="font-family: arial;"> [S</span><span style="font-family: arial;">afely and with know-how.] </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Then, back to Krishna Consciousness. </span><span><span style="font-family: arial;">We will be more Krishna Conscious this way, not less.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></span></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Cover-ups and dishonesty in the name of <i>so-called preaching</i> or so-called helping our society, has instead damaged our reputation. That philosophy is backwards thinking. It even reduces effectiveness of our Sankirtana and Harinama. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">IMHO it's also a way some [not all] authorities can be lazy and avoid genuinely dealing with the problem, <b>nor learn how to!</b> Simply trying to get everyone to pretend that it's not so bad, or if we were more spiritual we could handle it, so on and so forth - is nonsense. In that way they don't have to lift a finger, can sit back and drink their chai. :) It's time they step up to the plate and do their jobs the way Prabhupada instructed this service to be done. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">It is honesty, and correct dealings, that will change our reputation. These qualities will also increase our spiritual life because once we get the person causing trouble out of the picture, we can get back to our devotional service and won't have to spend a lot of time hiding this, that, or the other thing that was wrong - again. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">If people do not make a choice, thinking, hoping, it will all get resolved even tho it has not for decades - then a choice will automatically be made, usually by the material energy, and often for the worst. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Therefore, you ARE making a choice. Doing nothing and just sitting on the sidelines, "is" doing something. It's letting more children etc be harmed, and Prabhupada's Movement go down the tubes.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjDAL-TOu0ALexnVn1mlkEfnrzjGnVbrhpNIt9x6RzElrtoxTg810BCeyw4eyBe7ANdSG8nzbW44jXXqzV4z4wlMoQa9NUFMMKytuNld2dY2o1I0Yh7t3BS0KmgOlPqA9bYF8LmWasIhs/s800/213668376_10158500247063318_8703229577461519164_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="597" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjDAL-TOu0ALexnVn1mlkEfnrzjGnVbrhpNIt9x6RzElrtoxTg810BCeyw4eyBe7ANdSG8nzbW44jXXqzV4z4wlMoQa9NUFMMKytuNld2dY2o1I0Yh7t3BS0KmgOlPqA9bYF8LmWasIhs/s320/213668376_10158500247063318_8703229577461519164_n.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Honesty is the best policy - and the last leg Mother Bhumi stands on in this age. To close our eyes and pretend everything is ok when it is not, is karmic. Don't let it's severity bounce back on you. Take action - open a safe temple.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>"A person who knows things as they are and still does not bear witness becomes involved in sinful activities." - </b>Caitanya Caritamrita, Madhya 5.90</span></div><div><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>"There was a poetry by Rabindranath Tagore. The purport of the poetry is that one who is mischievous, he is culprit. But one who tolerates mischievous activity, he is also culprit. If you are mischievous, you are criminal. But if you tolerate mischievous activities that is also criminal."</b> - Srila Prabhupada Conversation, May 3, 1973</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Of course, <b>if going thru something personal</b>, one may not be able to get involved. That is different, and should be consciously noted as different so others do not use it as an excuse.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Some may ask, what about mercy for the abuser or molester? Maybe they need therapy? Or some other form of help? Or fond of quoting <b>Bhagavad-Gita 9:30 where</b> the devotee is forgiven for any action?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">First, that verse is <i><b><span style="color: red;">not</span></b></i> a free license to intentionally commit sins</span><span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">behind closed doors</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: arial;">[<u>7th of 10 Offenses</u>] then try to wiggle out of those actions through service. The verse is for devotees no longer engaging in such actions but are instead maintaining a pure lifestyle. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Is an accidental slip forgivable? Sure. But it's not "all one." They are not all on the same level. Details differ depending on what went on. And it's certainly not about keeping one foot in, one foot out; following when everyone is looking, but dong whatever they feel like doing when they're not. </span><span><span style="font-family: arial;">Especially if an offense was Vaishnava aparadha. Add to that, if it's</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> someone in a high position with power over others, they should not have such a weakness and uncontrolled senses. </span></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Forgiveness can not be voted in, demanded, or granted by society. It must be given by the victim. Nor should they be forced to do so by others who did not go thru it, or anyone at all. The offender must first exhibit truthful remorse, coupled with real steps to change any such thinking or hidden propensities of that nature. This seldom magically goes away. It often requires professional help. And the victim gets to feel whatever they feel for however long it takes them to mend, or to forgive. This is one reason why it is so important that we do not offend each other! </span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><b><span><span>"...</span></span>if Krsna consciousness is covered by material sins, one can eliminate the sins simply by chanting the Hare Krsna mantra, but if one pollutes his Krsna consciousness by offending a brahmana or Vaishnava, one cannot revive it until one properly atones for the sin <u>by pleasing the offended Vaishnava</u> or brahmana.” ~ </b></span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">Srimad Bhagavatam 4.26.24</span></span></div>
<div></div><div><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Of course, we recognize two stages of grief are denial and anger. It appears there's a lot of that going on. We hope it will soon progress to the next stages because there can be a karmic reaction when misusing shastra to justify wrong actions. Be careful.</span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span><b>"Satyam. This word means that one should not distort the truth for some personal interest. In Vedic literature there are some difficult passages, but the meaning or the purpose should be learned from a bona fide spiritual master. That is the process for understanding the Vedas. Śruti means that one should hear from the authority. One should not construe some interpretation for his personal interest."</b> </span><span>- Bhagavad-gita As It Is 16.1-3, P</span></span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Any offender is welcome to seek help. That is not the job of the victim, nor the overall population, which should be protected from such persons. An abuser can certainly take the appropriate action to go and get therapy. We wish them well and to heal. Simply, only they can fix themselves or walk into a therapists office - followed by <i>sincerely</i> doing the work. No one can do any of this for them. They must show genuine interest and do it for themselves.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Plus, anyone, no matter what they have done, can be a devotee in their home. "This" is where <b>Bhagavad-gita 9:30</b> applies! They can still be practice Krishna Consciousness and continue to undergo the purification process. However, they do not need to attend - putting our children, women, or the elderly - at risk.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDhGXWTNnJqNj1v0uOUmqtMQIDJhn94ySYnPejY02XztZhwb-BLL04vd1o5rt8lVxspDWuYNVgzeaNG962Du9boR7ssTvmhGkz4XT1cbiQPSQBVomrRNJAfwNY1GiwbHT-C04t5NkLIM/s320/istockphoto-901968604-612x612.jpg" /></span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Let persons with such problems worship at home, or thru the internet. The combination of therapy and <i>private</i> worship is where there may be hope. Not pretending it's unreal or not that bad. Keep them away from the rest of the devotee populace.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">As fixing Iskcon is not our job, fixing the abuser or molester is also not our job. Are you a fixaholic? :) We can't fix everyone. That's impractical, overwhelming, and an <b>over-endeavor = cause of falldown</b>. We have to first and foremost save ourselves, and family.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Matter of fact, we are doing the offender a <span style="color: #ffa400;"><b>disservice</b> <b>by</b></span> sweeping their sins under the rug. Karma after death, or next life for that person, will be worse than accepting their consequences in this life.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Next, what guru to worship at your new temple? IMHO, why take risks? The undoubtedly pure devotee Srila Prabhupada would be my recommendation. If you disagree but do not know what guru to trust, for now worship Srila Prabhupada and see where that goes. After all, if we are not clear in Prabhupada's teachings, if some authorities can misuse his words and we do not recognize that, than how can we know if someone is properly representing them? [Rhetorical.] Sure, you feel you know all this. Great! However, after 47 years of being a devotee, I am still finding quotes that surprise me! This is blissful, ever fresh knowledge. Put time into studying his unchanged books.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>What to speak of: </span><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">"</span></b></span><span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Do you know that every day even I read my own books? </b></span><b style="font-family: arial;">Do you know why I read my books? I read my books everyday because even I learn something new when I read them. Do you know why I learn something new when I read my books? Because these books are not my books - I do not write these books. </b></span><b style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: arial;">Every morning when I sit here to write my books Krsna comes personally and he dictates to me what to write, I simply take dictation from Krsna and I write these books. Therefore when I read them <i>even I learn something</i>.” </b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: arial;">~ </span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: arial;">Srila Prabhupada Room conversation with Bhagavat Das Vanachari, Bombay, 1974</span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Ok, I have said what I felt a strong push to speak, or type. <b><u>Simply to reiterate</u>:</b> If you want abuse to stop repeating, instead of letting so many authorities be in charge of you, you become the authority in charge of yourself and loved ones by finding the ambition to open a small, peaceful, kind, temple. <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Set the example. Do not copy the wrong actions you've seen or read. Do not create your own either. :) It's easy to avoid these simply by sticking with, and always focusing on, Prabhupada's instructions regarding how to open and run a temple. Doesn't have to be fancy. Can start with a small daily gathering and a couple of spiritual pictures. See my links on how to make an altar at home, how to offer and worship at home, etc, at the sidebar. It's in the early date of the first posts I ever made.</span></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZhpMTaxSH0egwggAZ3pp8Qcj2nXmx6kzzqQ2L3dKzm7xTxtmVB_RGoZ7hx8DSW-8wjVHiipkIGc9Sxk_1XzXU5mvCiXr_BWEkI_3aBW5kKB2Nh-RgJjwVT9NbuyuLbL670RcZVE_Cy0/s570/il_570xN.1170081830_1c67.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="570" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZhpMTaxSH0egwggAZ3pp8Qcj2nXmx6kzzqQ2L3dKzm7xTxtmVB_RGoZ7hx8DSW-8wjVHiipkIGc9Sxk_1XzXU5mvCiXr_BWEkI_3aBW5kKB2Nh-RgJjwVT9NbuyuLbL670RcZVE_Cy0/s320/il_570xN.1170081830_1c67.jpg" /></span></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Find <i>inspiration</i> that helps you take action, a few families at a time. You can thoroughly interview them if needed [google how to do this], but get going! :) IMHO it will please Srila Prabhupada. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7yyvmrHqxztgQGeC52Mn9TFsumYeRj7V_NTMIY9hgzLugWfW2YJ_02HPA9ZzgGgx2p9USk-09Yq0gvE_bVVxBHgnHpVtfRrr1DpIFicm-JS6SIn8oDLnFxzioWICNbXX-vpZNP_XSS54/s720/247898499_4451206598249998_7126552794432127607_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="720" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7yyvmrHqxztgQGeC52Mn9TFsumYeRj7V_NTMIY9hgzLugWfW2YJ_02HPA9ZzgGgx2p9USk-09Yq0gvE_bVVxBHgnHpVtfRrr1DpIFicm-JS6SIn8oDLnFxzioWICNbXX-vpZNP_XSS54/s320/247898499_4451206598249998_7126552794432127607_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">RELATED HELPFUL POSTS OR LINKS:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/12/why-start-temple.html" target="_blank">Why Start A Temple?</a> <i><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><b>Ladies can</b></span> </i><i><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><b>also</b></span></i> open temples, it's bonafide. :)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.childwelfare.gov/organizations/?CWIGFunctionsaction=rols:main.dspList&rolType=custom&rs_id=5" target="_blank">America: State Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Numbers</a>: Here is a list for the USA. <span style="color: red;">Remember,</span> child abuse is not someone who disciplines their child in a way you disagree. Abuse is horrid. And neglect is about "serious" neglect. Not a parent who is less than perfect but essentially okay. Report if you are aware any of that is going on.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Opening_Our_Branches,_Centers_And_Temples" target="_blank">Prabhupada Quotes on Opening Temples</a> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://boilthemilk.wordpress.com/2021/06/24/why-do-victims-of-abuse-re-emerge-years-after-abuse-shouldnt-they-have-gotten-over-it/" target="_blank">Why Do Victims of Abuse Re-emerge Years After Abuse? Shouldn’t They Have Gotten Over it?</a> <br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/04/a-fun-spiritual-place-your-home.html" target="_blank">A Fun, Spiritual Place - Your Home! :)</a> While this and other posts on my blog explain you can do it for yourself at home - please <span style="color: #ff00fe;"><b>don't let that stop you from opening temples, because Prabhupada also wanted you to open them! </b></span><br /><br /></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2018/05/iskcon-child-abuse.html" target="_blank">Child Abuse Within ISKCON<br /></a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2018/05/iskcon-child-abuse.html" target="_blank"><br /></a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://theharekrishnamovement.org/2011/02/17/letters-by-srila-prabhupada-to-the-gbc/" target="_blank">GBC QUOTES</a></span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2017/04/guru.html" target="_blank">Guru Training</a> <br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2011/08/qualifications-of-dksha-guru.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Qualifications Of A Diksha Guru - do you know them?</span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/05/glorifying-others.html" target="_blank">Glorifying Others</a><br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.fond.co/blog/8-signs-toxic-leader/" target="_blank">Recognizing Toxic Leadership [plus some solutions]</a>. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2020/02/this-and-that.html" target="_blank">This and That</a> - Related issues discussed.<br /></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/12/the-old-days-now-days.html" target="_blank">The Old Days - Now A Days</a> - See how you can recreate it for yourselves.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oV6kr1lPqYs" target="_blank">Proof That The GBC Have Lost Touch</a> with the people, with what their own service is according to Srila Prabhupada's instructions about GBC, are not sufficiently caring about those hurt, making arm-chair decision from offices without comprehending what has happened or the pain it causes. Tho I am not a follower of the particular devotee who made the video comments - at all - and do not endorse him. However, <b>in this case</b> I believe he gave a good synopsis of what goes on <i>when they think no one is looking.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div>HareKrishnaBloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984787475788837467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3624323057943903718.post-42081718370519294792021-03-09T15:37:00.043-08:002022-05-26T19:41:28.439-07:00No Longer Relevant_SP's Teachings<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b> Prabhupada's Teachings No Longer Relevant?</b></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4HkK5Vk7LPfPZJeVkM8BZCa8vr4H8tgoSLRI142xg02om1ST9io8H1pp1wqPzyMifflKwUOuMs8cU0TaeVIsKd1MmZseEVs35OPeFk7ZcVtQemU-Ir4r5Wc7PcJI6D9ORazhJzvDwNQ/s239/confusion.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="211" data-original-width="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4HkK5Vk7LPfPZJeVkM8BZCa8vr4H8tgoSLRI142xg02om1ST9io8H1pp1wqPzyMifflKwUOuMs8cU0TaeVIsKd1MmZseEVs35OPeFk7ZcVtQemU-Ir4r5Wc7PcJI6D9ORazhJzvDwNQ/s0/confusion.png" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Recen</span><span style="font-family: arial;">tly I've read some devotees claim various teachin</span><span style="font-family: arial;">gs and instructions of Srila Prabhupada are no longer relevant. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span>When I joined, something I utterly loved about what Prabhupada's taught, is that he was part of a very special and pure lineage going back from one pure devotee to the next, until it reached the lotus mouth of Lord Sri Krishna - God. </span><span>And that since only pure devotees repeated the message, nothing was changed, nothing was contaminated. Everything was - as it is. I found this something worth putting my faith in!</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span>"So the same thing, what was spoken five thousand years ago by Kṛṣṇa personally, we, Kṛṣṇa cons..., we, Kṛṣṇa conscious men... Because we are known in the world as Hare Krishna People. They write in the newspaper, 'The Hare Krishna People.' So our preaching is the same. We don't change. We present, therefore, Bhagavad-gītā As It Is. Kṛṣṇa says that everyone should surrender unto Him. We are preaching the same philosophy, that 'You surrender to Kṛṣṇa.' Kṛṣṇa says, man-manā bhava mad-bhakto mad-yājī māṁ namaskuru (BG 18.65). We say the same thing. We ask everyone that 'You become a devotee of Kṛṣṇa. You think of Kṛṣṇa constantly. You worship Kṛṣṇa. You offer your obeisances unto Kṛṣṇa.' So this is favorable. If we preach what Kṛṣṇa said five thousand years ago, that is favorable. That is Kṛṣṇa consciousness." </span><span>S. Prabhupada Lecture, Vrindavan, October 28, 1972</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I've read some devotees [not all] claim the times have changed due to more acceptance of sex outside of marriage, A.I.D.S., legalization of gay marriage, and more - thinking these are reasons that Prabhupada's instructions are no longer relevant today as they were in the beginning. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Krishna has incarnated countless times, and you mean to tell me He never ran into such issues before us, therefore <b><i>never left instructions to make such changes due to these issues?</i></b> It's not news to God. And, God <u>maintained</u> as they were.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span>"</span></span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">We do not change. Why should you change? What right you have got to change? If Bhagavad-gītā is a book of authority, and if I make my own interpretation, then where is the authority? Can you change the lawbook according to your interpretation? Then what is the meaning of that lawbook? That is not lawbook. You cannot change. Similarly, if you accept Bhagavad-gītā as the book of authority, you cannot change the meaning. That is not allowed. What right? If you have got some opinion, if you have got some philosophy, you can write in your own book</span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">." - </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Srila Prabhupada Lecture, Hyderabad, April 27, 1974</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">To clarify, this is not a post of fanaticism, nor political opinions on drugs, sex, or so on. Heck, I haven't even given my opinions. Rather, this is a post about transcendental instructions. Instructions given by the pure devotee. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span>"Ācāryas will never say, 'I think.' 'It is in my opinion.' No. Such things are not accepted. No personal opinion. It must be supported by Vedic evidences. That is called paramparā system, genuine system of understanding. As Kṛṣṇa says, evaṁ paramparā-prāptam imaṁ rājarṣayo viduḥ (BG 4.2). No change. Therefore we are presenting Bhagavad-gītā as it is. We do not change. We have no power to change. Then where is the authority of Bhagavad-gītā? I am a third-class man, and if I change the statements in the Bhagavad-gītā, then where is the authority of Bhagavad-gītā? That is going on." -</span><span><span> </span><span>Srila Prabhupada Lecture, Vrindavan, October 22, 1972</span></span></span></p><div><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">With that said, when I hear the one about sex, that we must change this part of the 4 Regulative Principles / Vows, because it is not as relevant as it use to be in the early days since sex outside of marriage now, is more acceptable. I almost laugh. Why? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">It has less to do with sex, and more to do with historical facts. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Some act as if the generation who joined when Prabhupada initially started the Movement, those of the 60's / 70's era - a time of drugs, sex, and rock and roll - did not have significant interest in sex outside of marriage. How unrealistic.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span>My generation had to give up premarital sex, drugs, <i><b>etc</b></i>, if we wanted initiation. In order to gain a higher, more spiritual taste, one needs to let go of these. </span><span><span> </span></span><span><span><span>Not to misunderstand, as it's stated in ancient scripture that sex desire is the hardest to give up, because it is the highest <i>material</i> pleasure. </span></span></span><span><span>Such material renunciation can not be artificially achieved and can only be done by surrendering to a pure devotee, if one wants to </span><i>experience</i><span> an even higher and therefore spiritual pleasure. This starts by chanting, and following his blissful Morning / Evening Program </span><b>as well as</b><span> daily outlined lifestyle. [Details on how to do that, elsewhere throughout this blog.]</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Now those who do not want initiation, do what you please. This is not about judgement. This is about not changing the philosophy or vows so others can get initiated and feel good while going contradictory to the instructions of Srila Prabhupada. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I find those who say that not all of his teachings are relevant anymore, to be looking for a loophole. Some do not desire to follow strictly, while still wanting to view themselves as first class devotee. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">It does not work that way. That is the cheating process. Let us not turn into a society of the cheaters and the cheated, as Prabhupada cautioned us.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">"Don't change, don't alter. You simply try to preach what Kṛṣṇa has said. This is Caitanya Mahāprabhu's instruction. If you follow this instruction... Don't make any addition and alteration of your so-called learned scholarship. That will not help you. You must present Bhagavad-gītā as it is" - </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">SP Lecture on SB 5.5.30 -- Vrndavana, November 17, 1976</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">As I've said many times, I have no problem with someone who does not follow the 4 regs when honest about it. It is those who want to make changes so they do not have to change themselves, yet take initiation - to be dishonest at best. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Better are those who may not follow as firmly, <i style="text-decoration-line: underline;">repeat</i><u> the teachings as they are</u> - than those, some all ready initiated, wearing dhoti / saree, tilaka, etc - <b><i>but</i></b> no longer believe the "transcendental" teaching of jagat guru Srila Prabhupada are relevant.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">"It is important that we preach the message of Krishna Consciousness <b><i>exactly</i> </b>as we have heard it from our Spiritual Master. The same philosophy and spirit must be there exactly." </span><span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">- </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Srila Prabhupada Letter, January 23, 1969</span></span></span></p><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">There are other devotees who throw out tons of quotes as an endeavor to justify their point about these <i>changes</i>. Sure, <b>I just </b>used quotes, <u>and will continue</u>. What is the <i>difference</i>?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">There is nothing wrong with quotes and it's even recommended. However, <u>if they are not truthfully in sync</u> with Prabhupada's teachings, possibly taken out of context, we must not view the person who posts them to be advanced thus blindly surrender to them. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">It's a [common] mistake to assume that because someone has knowledge, they're automatically very advanced. Knowledge certainly has it's place, but anyone can misuse it to make a point.</span></div><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I mention this because of witnessing someone throw out a large number of verses in effort to prove their personal belief <b><i>that</i></b> Prabhupada's instructions have become irrelevant. (This startled me!) It was followed by some telling them how advanced they are because they knew so many verses.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">It needs to be recognized that memorizing verses or purports is <b>Jnana yoga</b>, whereas speaking the philosophy unchanged and "as it is," taught by Srila Prabhupada, is <b>Bhakti yoga</b>. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Therefore, everyone needs to read Srila Prabhupada's <i><b>unchanged</b></i> books for themselves. Not blindly follow anyone because that person knows a hundred, or thousand, quotes. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">As touched on, quotes have their place and are important. Srila Prabhupada has actually instructed us to use them to support what we say, that it can be seen it is not a mere concoction, but ancient Vedic fact. However, when there is a debate, or else something just doesn't feel right, I've found it is important to google them, because <b>sometimes it is taken out of context</b>, <i><b>or even twisted</b></i>. Thus, a different meaning. Other times, not. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #ff00fe;"><b><i>I invite</i></b></span> readers to research any quotes I use here if they'd like to see their full context. I am not afraid. :) Feel free to check.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span>Sure, there will be moments it may be overwhelming to research each and every quote. That is where </span><b style="font-style: italic;">your </b><span>studies of Prabhupada's books will kick in. Be ambitious, as his books are your way out of the material world. So take time to read and study them.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Does what they say jive with your gut, "after" reading his books? Does it feel wrong to entertain such thoughts that, in this case, his teachings have become irrelevant? It actually makes my gut toss and turn! But don't stop with gut feelings - investigate. What did Prabhupada actually instruct? Find out.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Some devotees claim "we can't do that anymore." Hogwash <i>excuse</i>. Show me one place where Prabhupada says that even in the near future, what to speak of further, that we won't be able to do it anymore. There isn't any such instruction. If anything, he said we are to <b>maintain</b>, and <b>do not to change a thing</b>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">If we could do it in the 1960's and 70's, it can be done now. Srila Prabhupada would never give us something we could not do. Simply, one must hold the <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><i>desire</i></span> to follow the instruction</b> of his, and <u>do the needful to support following through</u>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">"What Vyāsadeva said, your guru will also say the same thing. Not that "So many hundreds of thousands of years have passed away. Therefore I will give you a new formula." No. There is no new formula.The same Vyāsa-pūjā, the same philosophy. Simply we have to accept it. Then our life will be successful. Thank you very much." - </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Srila Prabhupada, 761210DB.HYD</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">On this blog post I am referring to the initiated, or those who wish to live the lifestyle of an initiate - which makes them an initiate. Be smart and do not change a thing. To change may create very bad karmic reactions.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada all ready lowered the standard in the wild 60's / 70's, as <b>only he, the pure devotee, has the right and <span style="color: #ffa400;">qualification </span>to do.</b> Still, we can get back to Godhead if we follow him. Whereas to think we, the conditioned soul, can make changes, that is maya nonsense.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">"Regarding the Ratha Yatra Festival, keep it always gorgeously alive, but do not change the principle. The principle should go on as usual. Yes, it is all right to make something in the park as you have suggested. Why you want to change the wheels? This is unnecessary. Don't do this. Keep the old system strong, and if necessary repair it. Don't change from this to that. That is your American disease. This is very serious that you always want to change everything. Spoked wheels will never be as strong and hard as the old way. Never do this. Neither there should be any separate float as you have suggested for me."</span><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Srila Prabhupada Letter - Bombay 24 November, 1974</span></span></div><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span>There are others who love to apply the popular quote that we can preach according to time, place, and circumstance. Yes, this instruction is there. It's sometimes used to justify making all sorts of changes. <b>However,</b> where to draw the line? </span><span>Initially it may be hard for some to figure that out, but over time or study it will chime in.</span><span><span> </span><span>IMHO basically: Preaching is one thing - changing the teachings is another.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">"You will find that one who is very experienced medical practitioner, he gives you a prescription, and you visit him again and again, <u>he gives you the same prescription unless you are cured</u>. His prescription is so nice that <b>he doesn't change.</b> But a <i>nonexperienced</i> physician, every time you go, he will change the prescription. But actually, those who are experienced, he knows "This is the disease, and ultimately this medicine will cure. So let him repeat that medicine." So our is that platform. Harer nāma harer nāma harer nāmaiva kevalam (CC Adi 17.21). We repeat only. We don't change: "Now hari-nāma is not curing so let me add, instead of Hare Kṛṣṇa, 'John Kṛṣṇa,' if I may." No. No "John Kṛṣṇa."</span><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> - SP Lecture on SB 1.3.15 - Los Angeles, September 20, 1972</span></span></p><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">We really need to grasp that only the pure devotee can make changes - the conditioned soul can not. Otherwise all types of concoctions will arise. Some all ready have. Nip it in the bud and don't let anymore arise, at least not in your own life. </span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">"Your study aids that you are using to help the children learn the meaning of Bhagavad-gita slokas fully seem to be alright. The thing is, you must see that the meaning of the verse is in no way altered or changed. Simplification is alright but do not change anything." </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">- Srila Prabhupada Letter - Honolulu, February 2, 1975</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Follow Srila Prabhupada's <i>unchanged</i> instructions to find bliss, and of course anyone can chant Hare Krishna. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">"Yes I am glad that your center is doing so well and all the devotees are now appreciating the presence of their spiritual master <b>by following his instructions, <i>although he is no longer present</i></b>. This is the right spirit." - </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span>Srila Prabhupada Letter, September 13, 1970</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: red;">No one has to take shelter of the institution</span>. Anyone can benefit from chanting Hare Krishna - simple, don't change anything. :) </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">"If you concoct, 'I am more intelligent than my Guru, I can make additions and alterations,' then you are finished." - </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Srila Prabhupada lecture, Philadelphia, 7/12/75</span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeX0J9ZsY0gnzOm1-oFn5Zlhv0S2bziAbTIT2w6tQLXdGYzBrzNeDp_4zl8m0vpB0101FhrYBUeqHsq0ryaZb4lba0EzAtzss1LVTVqdrbTfawYTmeljGMF6eOspIEkhMiFXVkmzh9-aI/s720/168466053_253834149777590_2412080002360930589_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeX0J9ZsY0gnzOm1-oFn5Zlhv0S2bziAbTIT2w6tQLXdGYzBrzNeDp_4zl8m0vpB0101FhrYBUeqHsq0ryaZb4lba0EzAtzss1LVTVqdrbTfawYTmeljGMF6eOspIEkhMiFXVkmzh9-aI/s320/168466053_253834149777590_2412080002360930589_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">"Now we have to accept knowledge from Vedas, Vedic knowledge, not this rascal's knowledge. Rascal knowledge is that "Yes," as soon as he comes to the imperfect point, "yes, we are trying." You are trying. What is this trying? Trying means that your knowledge is imperfect. And another rascal will come, he will say, "Now here is the perfect." And ten </span><b><i><span style="color: red;">years after</span></i></b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">, another rascal will come," No, this is not perfect. This is perfect." This is going on. This is called scientific advancement. This is... Advancement means... But we don't change our Vedic knowledge. </span><b style="color: #2b00fe;">We do not say</b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">, "Now, Kṛṣṇa, five thousand years ago, said like this. Now we are advanced. We change this line." Of course, others are doing. In the scriptures... Just like the <a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/02/christ-and-krishna.html" target="_blank">Christians</a>, they are changing the words. But you cannot do that. </span><span><i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Then </span><span style="color: red;">where is the authority</span></b></i></span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">? If you change the word of the scripture, then where is the authority of the scripture? Just like in lawbooks, there is some law made already. Whimsically you </span><b style="color: #2b00fe;">cannot</b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">, I mean to say, erase the words and </span><i style="color: #2b00fe;">put something that "It should be changed like this</i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">." That will </span><b style="color: #2b00fe;">not</b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> be accepted.</span></span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">" </span><span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">- </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Source</span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">:</span></span><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> https://prabhupadabooks.com/classes/sb/1/3?d=1</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">RELATED:</span></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2011/08/qualifications-of-dksha-guru.html" target="_blank">Diksha Guru Qualifications</a>,</span></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2011/08/shaktaveshavatara.html" target="_blank">ShaktiAveshAvatara</a>,</span></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2011/08/engage-in-practical-service.html" target="_blank">Engage In Practical Service</a>,</span></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2011/10/dom-direction-of-management.html" target="_blank">D.O.M</a>.</span></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2011/11/humor.html" target="_blank">Humor</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><a href="http://www.prabhupadaconnect.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Prabhupada Connect</span></a></div><div><br /></div>HareKrishnaBloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984787475788837467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3624323057943903718.post-91538468336777172472021-02-25T12:28:00.008-08:002021-02-26T15:12:30.320-08:00Memories No One Else Has<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx7X9xDhL1GNV4Qp3rqC8D_9cXPjASiDGZxeFTbSz0MUCtxj84ARZAJn8sjpSlP7hUltha3DP8_Mb_idO8MWfbUpk03W4MnlNje6hRj3r72f-FBKXfXZyyWvoHGexlMA4bG5b28MjhtxU/s225/memories+treasured.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx7X9xDhL1GNV4Qp3rqC8D_9cXPjASiDGZxeFTbSz0MUCtxj84ARZAJn8sjpSlP7hUltha3DP8_Mb_idO8MWfbUpk03W4MnlNje6hRj3r72f-FBKXfXZyyWvoHGexlMA4bG5b28MjhtxU/s0/memories+treasured.jpeg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> I have had two memories from the old days as a devotee in Srila Prabhupada's Hare Krishna Movement and to my surprise, no matter how many times I have posted them over decades, no one else seems to remember them. Therefore, I post them here in hopes one day someone may step-up and say "I was there and remember that!" Or I just post it here for the sake of posterity.</span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Memory Number One:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I joined and lived in the ashrama at Henry St, Brooklyn New York. Srila Prabhupada came to that Radha / Govinda NY temple when I was lucky to live there at that time.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Everyone wanted to go to the airport to pick him up. And I mean everyone. We all piled into cars and vans galore! It was so much transcendental fun! Chanting the whole way. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">We arrived at the airport and were waiting for Srila Prabhupada to get off the plane so we could pay obeisances.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Airport authorities had previous experiences with devotees [there were simply too many of us.] Therefore they had everyone else deboard first. Many people just getting off the plane. We waited patiently. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Then there was a gap in time, and a gap in people exiting the plane. Kind of quiet, no one else got off. We figured that space indicated everyone else was off, and they would next have Prabhupada deboard. We were all so very excited waiting and now it was his turn! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The minute someone started to exit the plane, we hit the ground. As I / we got up, it was not him. :) </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">It turned out to be a business man! lol Suit, briefcase, etc. My godsister & I joked to each other - what must he have thought about everyone hitting the ground at his presence. ha [He appeared humble tho.] We kind of chuckled at ourselves as well. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Finally, Srila Prabhupada got off the plane and we were able to pay obeisances to him. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">If you were there and have this memory, please email me. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Memory Number Two:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Technically I have mentioned this elsewhere on this blog. However, IMHO it would be hard to find if looking for it, so I'm including it here. Besides, it deserves to be here. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The regular news was scary. Big fear had arisen that Word War Three just might break-out! A lot of political turmoil was going on. If it continued to play out, it would not only effect those involved in politics, but the average person. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">At that point in time I was living in the Laguna Beach Temple in California. Srila Prabhupada gave a world-wide instruction for everyone to go out on Harinama 24/7! That's right, twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. This did not mean we each had to put in that much time individually. No. It only meant to keep "someone" or several someone's out on the streets chanting. This would change the vibration on the planet, uplifting it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I remember putting my baby into the stroller at Laguna and going out an hour and a half regularly, to help chant on Harinama for this specific purpose. Oh I love Harinama anyway. It is bliss! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">After some time there was no more threat that WWIII was about to happen. Prabhupada said it was due to us going out, world-wide, spreading the transcendental vibrations of the Holy Names. In other words, we, or really Krishna's holy names - stopped WW III.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I finally found one devotee, many years ago, who remembered this. However, we lost touch. If there is anyone out there with this memory, email me. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">And if ya don't have these memories, no big deal - now you sort of do. :)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p></div>HareKrishnaBloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984787475788837467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3624323057943903718.post-10419824594708480462020-11-17T16:10:00.093-08:002021-04-21T07:58:13.819-07:00Liquid Fast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5OlpK8271a3jU51WBsDJ9KoA24NX_q0hz6el5P3PJYtg-c_fbIMhClzxmtf1LN9NdXlXGWu_FaPkCMU3vWb8SWC47pf3iLvAkMJofk5zrTt85pzTISJiyMH32A7Op47dCF9trENToOA8/s800/empty-dish-spoon-fork-pink-background-38703806.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="587" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5OlpK8271a3jU51WBsDJ9KoA24NX_q0hz6el5P3PJYtg-c_fbIMhClzxmtf1LN9NdXlXGWu_FaPkCMU3vWb8SWC47pf3iLvAkMJofk5zrTt85pzTISJiyMH32A7Op47dCF9trENToOA8/s320/empty-dish-spoon-fork-pink-background-38703806.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">UPDATE: Discovered I have S.I.B.O., similar to I.B.S. Also discovered terrific treatment! If you want to skip the process I went thru, scroll to the last entry, "DAY 5." Tho some may find the journey interesting. There's also a spiritual story that surprised this fallen soul, under 'Day 5.' :) Krishna's mercy knows no bounds! And it IS just mercy, as I am a struggling rascal.</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">~~*~~</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> DAY 1</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">So, I woke up a few days ago - sick. Could not keep anything inside my body. Currently our kitchen is in upheaval due to some carpentry work. As a result, it's hard to find much of anything. Including the right herbs or medicine. </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">First I tried certain OTC / over the counter meds. They kind of worked, until I stopped taking them. </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I ate a certain diet that was suppose to help. However, it only reduced the issues. They quickly came back - overnight - twice.</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Finally I decided to do a liquid fast. No, I am not great at fasting. Oh when I was young I did some days of liquid fasting. But that was a long time ago. </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Those with autoimmune issues are not really suppose to fast. (Hashimotto's Hypothyroidism is mine.) And it's not recommended for old people. (Well, I'm old, but not THAT old, I <i>think</i>. ha.) Incidentally, children, young folk, and pregnant or nursing ladies should not fast.<br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">For some of the above reasons, and others, I have not done any type of health fast for decades. [I observe Ekadasi. Not talking of holidays or for spiritual reasons. Only speaking of health reasons.]</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">So far I have gone all day drinking water and nothing else. Not sure how long I will last :) which is also why I am posting about it. Will update as time goes on.</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">However, I am all ready getting health benefits. And that too is why I am posting about it. I hope to list them later, when I can double check to make sure they are really happening.</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Years ago, ok decades ago, I did a 7 day Liquid Fast. It was hard. But I succeeded it. How? I had a few tricks, which I am now using.</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">One is that I read about the benefits of liquid fasting, often. Especially when hunger twinges set in. I pulled out a book that I wish I still had but do not. It was small, but very potent. I read it all throughout the day but especially when I felt weak. Both physically but also just wanting to give up, reading about it stopped me from quitting. </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Another little trick I learned was to lay down when hungry, tired, or weak. Shut eyes a few minutes. Of course, one can't fast if going to work or school, etc. It has to be done when there is time to yourself.</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Nor should anyone do it by following my ideas. Please get a book or do a good netsearch for qualified help. </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">That little book I had years ago, had great information. It explained that hunger pains go away. I did not know that. I thought if you don't feed them to calm them, they roar louder. Well sure, at first. But if able to wait longer, they die down. </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">That book talked of people curing tumors and diseases. One man saw his tumor shrink before his eyes, as a result of Liquid Fasting. Inspiring? Yes. It's why it's important to find your own book, or own favorite site on the topic that has both medical knowledge and testimonials.</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Another tip is that when hungry, taking a big chug of pure water calms down the hunger. No, it won't replace a meal ha. We're talking of liquid fasting here, not soup. :)</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Tho vegetarian broth, with the vegetables strained out and fully removed so it really is only liquid - this is acceptable as part of a liquid fast. I have not done this yet today because I am sick. But as I get better, I probably will.</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Herbal tea is also acceptable. Dandelion root is very good for the liver. Tho it has a slight laxative effect. Take it or leave it, you decide. <br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">It's also important to take a daily Vitamin / Mineral pill or liquid when fasting. <i><span style="color: red;">Extremely</span></i> important!<br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Anyway, I am not making any commitment to how many days I shall do this. If I can get thru one day, I will be thrilled. :) </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">That makes it easier, for me anyway, because there is no pressure. Just checking how my health is doing. <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /><span><span><span><span>I will update this post to let readers know how things are going. Other ideas that come to me as I go thru this, I will try to add here. <br /></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Some may wonder: "What does this have to do with spiritual life?" </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Well, when time is not spent cooking or eating, it is available for other things - like chanting! I have been happily sitting here, chanting Stotrams and mantras. Also there is more time for reading. I've been reading Srimad Bhagavatam online. I may return to put a link to that later. It makes a person feel bliss, and hope! <3 <br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Liquid fasting is not for everyone. If it is not for you, do not feel bad! I refused to do it for years and years. My body has forced me into it today. ha And for that I am happy. But if it did not, I would be happy chanting Hare Krishna. </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i>After</i> the following disclaimer, I will <b>add</b> DAY 2, below. Keep scrolling. :) <br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><b>ALL DISCLAIMERS APPLY</b></span>. Nothing here is to replace a medical professional. Speak to a licensed doctor etc, as well as be responsible for your own actions and choices.</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">RELATED To Blog Post: </span></span></p><h1 class="css-1jisqi6"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/fasting-benefits" target="_blank">8 Health Benefits of Fasting, Backed by Science</a> - <span style="font-weight: normal;">Nice summary of the medical health benefits, plus scroll to read precautions.</span></span></h1><h1 class="css-1jisqi6"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"> </span></h1><h1 class="css-1jisqi6"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><b><a href="https://www.krishnapath.org/ebooks/" target="_blank">Books to Read When Fasting - or Not Fasting :)</a></b> - Download them free. They are yours to keep. From small books like "Perfection of Yoga," to "Nectar Of Devotion," or "Srimad Bhagavatam," and "Caitanya Caritamrita" plus more! </span></h1><h1 class="css-1jisqi6"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"> </span></h1><h1 class="css-1jisqi6"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">--- </span></h1><h1 class="css-1jisqi6"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"> DAY 2 - LIQUID FASTING: <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhniXbSYE-na9D-TfWYNkHuMNLoe_PScu2-JZP9PSunul05uqthdsi5hCMFFjFDvM7yca9hBL7O8-ucd-SA5_XLrEv9vRWIvhwVcvpAS11AJV-rer3eToNULcIqLcEePRi7XOtxFNZzlbA/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="368" data-original-width="259" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhniXbSYE-na9D-TfWYNkHuMNLoe_PScu2-JZP9PSunul05uqthdsi5hCMFFjFDvM7yca9hBL7O8-ucd-SA5_XLrEv9vRWIvhwVcvpAS11AJV-rer3eToNULcIqLcEePRi7XOtxFNZzlbA/" width="169" /></a></div></span></h1><h1 class="css-1jisqi6"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">It's around 9 a.m. and I have not eaten breakfast. Tho I am drinking water. <br /></span></h1><h1 class="css-1jisqi6"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"> </span></h1><h1 class="css-1jisqi6"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">I feel the need to reiterate, children require all their nutrients and should not fast. Healthy young people also should not fast. Feeble senior citizens should not. And of course, women who are pregnant or nursing should not fast. </span></h1><h1 class="css-1jisqi6"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"> </span></h1><h1 class="css-1jisqi6"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">It's not that no one should fast. LOL I just don't want folks to do it and if it doesn't work for them, or if there's some problem, then they blame me. So please be responsible. Do your homework, read the disclaimer. Moving on:<br /></span></h1><h1 class="css-1jisqi6"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></h1><h1 class="css-1jisqi6"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">Personally, I am doing a detox. As we age and live in this kaliyuga world of environmental pollution. There's impure food and water, car exhaust & factory fumes, nail polish or paint or chemicals, a whole in our ozone, and so on. This results in our bodies absorbing all sorts of toxins. It is these toxins I am trying to get out. Those, and currently I am sick, so I have plenty of gunk to be released. However a healthy person does not. And a sick person may need to find out if this is the route they should go, or not. Talk to a professional health care practitioner. </span></h1><h1 class="css-1jisqi6"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></h1><h1 class="css-1jisqi6"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">On to my day: Currently I am reading Srimad Bhagavatam online, taking breaks to chant some of my favorite mantras. </span></h1><h1 class="css-1jisqi6"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></h1><h1 class="css-1jisqi6"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">For my health, I am taking Berberine (herbal) and a couple other things not worth mentioning as they will not effect liquid fasting. I am not that hungry. Got a few twinges, drank water. The water feels very cleansing.</span></h1><h1 class="css-1jisqi6"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"> </span></h1><h1 class="css-1jisqi6"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">Trying to wait to say it but can't help myself :) as there is a big health issue I have not mentioned, that appears to be clearing up! Time will tell. However, it is noticing things like this that helps a person keep up the liquid fasting. Some may find it helpful to write it in a journal. </span></h1><h1 class="css-1jisqi6"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></h1><h1 class="css-1jisqi6"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">Will your family support you if you decide to do a liquid fast? This has been my concern. Oh, mine will be all for it. In that way, they will support. But will they talk about what to eat next or what food to buy in town? This is the challenge most of us have. However, just talk to them and remind them to keep such chat short, when it is necessary. Then pick up a book or distract the mind somehow or other.</span></h1><h1 class="css-1jisqi6"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></h1><h1 class="css-1jisqi6"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">Next, one might wonder about juicing. Am I going to make and drink fresh homemade juice? Right now, I am not. However, it is perfectly in line with Liquid Fasting. It's even a good idea. For me, I would not be able to keep it down at this point. Plus, it would be too much work considering how I am feeling. Then there is the extra issue of not having a functioning kitchen at the moment. However, I mention juicing because it is a great healer! In the past, I have juiced a lot. Anyone interested in the healing benefits of juicing, please do a good netsearch. Remember, it must be organic.<br /></span></h1><h1 class="css-1jisqi6"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></h1><h1 class="css-1jisqi6"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">It is now 10 p.m. and my day is over. Somehow, I made it! Hooray! :) I must tell you folks out there, toward the end it was getting hard. But I followed my own advice ha, read about fasting, kept reading Prabhupada's books, and got a little stubborn about it all ha, and made it thru the day. Now, I can not promise I will do it tomorrow, but I am hopeful. Tune in and see. :) I'll put a couple more links below - right under the disclaimer. Goodnight for now.<br /></span></h1><h1 class="css-1jisqi6"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></h1><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><b>ALL DISCLAIMERS APPLY</b></span>.
Nothing here is to replace a medical professional. Speak to a licensed
doctor etc, as well as be responsible for your own actions and choices.</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://healthfully.com/do-three-day-master-cleanse-6008888.html" target="_blank">Vegan Liquid Diet</a>: I am not a vegan, and proud to follow Prabhupada's
teachings on Ahimsa or at least Organic milk. However, for healing, even
Ayurveda says under certain circumstances [such as mucous production] to fast from milk. With that said, this site has some
great tips on how to ease into a fast, how to ease out of it, and why to do one. </span></span><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><a href="https://prabhupadabooks.com/sb/4/9?d=1" target="_blank">Srimad Bhagavatam</a>: Read a lovely story about Dhruva Maharaja. He returns home. Nectar! For those who can't read Sanskrit, just scroll past it. It's no big deal and some who do read Sanskrit scroll past it themselves. :) </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">---</span></span></p><h1 class="css-1jisqi6"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"> DAY 3 - LIQUID FASTING: </span></h1><h1 class="css-1jisqi6"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMMBNjk8osS3kBfYcRQvfE_TJex4vTA_qE00ft2aJPwYLwkT1zllPKlAW5rOWmRGAE1byCaeFUuIWk5mZvvVc1WdB66W6VUAoyNGD7DBwYFcEENiDHNGEtcEPxuXHVduOiAPLdAYJZDs/s275/carob+hot.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMMBNjk8osS3kBfYcRQvfE_TJex4vTA_qE00ft2aJPwYLwkT1zllPKlAW5rOWmRGAE1byCaeFUuIWk5mZvvVc1WdB66W6VUAoyNGD7DBwYFcEENiDHNGEtcEPxuXHVduOiAPLdAYJZDs/s0/carob+hot.jpg" /></a></div><br /> It's 9:25, been up awhile. It's a good day for a carob hot drink, or peppermint tea. The carob is a little more filling since it is a powder. Sweeten with organic xylitol. Some like raw honey, organic. <br /></span></h1><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Not sure how much longer I can do this liquid fast, but this next reminds me to read the benefits of fasting. And after reading that, to read something from Prabhupada's books to bring everything full circle. </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">It's still early, so not much to say that hasn't been said. Will be back later. Incidentally, my writing all this is not just about me. That is there. However, I do this because I hope someone finds something beneficial here. </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">It's 3 p.m. now, and I must say, I am feeling a bit more clear. Both mentally and physically. <br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Of course, we are not our bodies, we are spirit soul and will one day be dragged out of our bodies with our last breath. I am not trying to put too much emphasis on the material body, but to put too little is not good either. So we must try to heal our bodies, when we can. And in the process, to think of Krishna, read about Krishna, Prabhupada, etc.</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Right now I am watching a fantastic video of Prabhupada's Samadhi, a place camera's usually can not get into. It is on Facebook and I'm not sure if it is public or private. This is a great thing to watch while liquid fasting. Not only takes the mind off of eating, it is spiritually elevating.</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">It is now almost 8 p.m. When I haven't eaten all day, night becomes the hardest. Not sure how much longer I will last. Just being honest. </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">And it's not that I need to last much longer. I never committed to anything more than moment by moment. :) And it worked. It got me thru three days! </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">However, check back tomorrow and see where it goes from here. :)<br /></span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><h1 class="css-1jisqi6"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">RELATED LINKS:<br /></span></h1><h1 class="css-1jisqi6"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://www.onegreenplanet.org/natural-health/mastering-intermittent-fasting-plant-based-diet/" target="_blank">Mastering Intermittent Fasting On A Plant Based Diet</a> - Interesting site. Hits up a variety of points. Talks about circadian rhythms of your body, aging with agility, blood glucose levels, and much more. </span></h1><h1 class="css-1jisqi6"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"> </span></h1><h1 class="css-1jisqi6"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">With any link I give, take what you like, and leave what you don't. :) <br /></span></h1><h1 class="css-1jisqi6"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"> </span></h1><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><b>ALL DISCLAIMERS APPLY</b></span>.
Nothing here is to replace a medical professional. Speak to a licensed
doctor etc, as well as be responsible for your own actions and choices.</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">--- </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7QjzCr0qQMYPzKsxtAXuZ8EN0t5XdKA8TqdOlOZT4B9JK1cJyzexeSTLCB7B5T_WH3hjx1xd6I5AwEbXq-D1T83f1hPM6kIF_MOPHXhVTkCQzfSvcHQhiZiPcKszA917YY8Eyu9nKGZY/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="684" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7QjzCr0qQMYPzKsxtAXuZ8EN0t5XdKA8TqdOlOZT4B9JK1cJyzexeSTLCB7B5T_WH3hjx1xd6I5AwEbXq-D1T83f1hPM6kIF_MOPHXhVTkCQzfSvcHQhiZiPcKszA917YY8Eyu9nKGZY/" width="160" /></a></span></span></div><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /> DAY 4</span></span><p></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Not sure how to title this because I am now eating, but very lightly. I actually plan to do some intermittent fasting. That is where you eat a little, than fast a little. So unlike a full liquid fast, I am now doing something a little different. </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Tho I do not plan on following the ratio often given for intermittent fasting. They are a good guideline for those who want it, but I am just going to follow the needs of my body. </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Not referring to the pushings of hunger, tho they are to be included. But also how the health of my body is improving. Incidentally, previously I was sick and am now about 80% better. </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Though there came a point where the sickness needed to eat a little to get better. It worked too! Now I'm going full circle to intermittent fasting. </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I've never written such a person blog post and it feels a bit strange. In a sense it helped me fast. Also, this is not just for me, but if any ideas, or mess ups ha that I did, help someone else, good. </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Actually IMHO it's important to be kind to yourself and recognize it's ok to not do it perfectly. If a mistake is made, or a slip-up, that's ok. Just get back to it. As long as you really wanted to do a Liquid Fast in the first place. </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">And as I always say, don't do it willy-nilly. First check with a health care practitioner, and also read qualified books or links on the how-to's.</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Did fasting cause me to get better? Partially. If you recall, I was taking medicine for illness. There were powerful herbs, and they did their job. </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Also, what I had was a stomach sickness. That makes it easier to fast. And it's why I reiterate that I am not pushing folks to fast, nor am I good at it. I just had something going on with my body that demanded it anyway. <br /><br />Initially I was fighting the inability to eat and keep it down, thinking: "Why won't this stay in me?!!! I need to eat!" However, when I thought about it further, I was able to figure it out. Then I made a conscious choice not to eat, and I was at peace. My stomach wasn't ha, but the rest of me was. <br /><br />And this shows the difference between force and free choice. No one should force another person. From Krishna Consciousness to child rearing to most anything. Ok, except for stepping in front of a moving truck by accident; then we should force the person to stop walking. Things like that. :) But for most others, it is better to use free will. Give a person a choice, a chance to think about it, include knowledge on whatever it may be - and 9 times out of 10 they will make the right choice. <br /><br />What if they make the wrong choice? Except for the obvious [back to that moving truck ha], who are we to judge what is the right choice for each person? (Of course, I am speaking within the boundaries of Krishna Consciousness.) What may appear as wrong to us, may be the best thing for another person. Sometimes God even sets it up that way. We wonder why. Then later, something good happens to that person. <br /><br />Okay, it is now after 10 p.m. and I feel the day went well. Will there be more tomorrow? I do not know. :) Check back and see.<span style="color: red;"><b> </b></span></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">RELATED:</span></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://plantbasednews.org/lifestyle/what-are-benefits-intermittent-fasting/" target="_blank">What Are The Benefits Of Intermittent Fasting</a>? - Good one to read to keep a person going. <br /></span></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baVEOXM-oyI" target="_blank">Vaibhava Prakasha</a> - What happens when Krishna has to choose between two devotees? Sweet animated video. IMHO for any age - adults included.<br /></span></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><b>ALL DISCLAIMERS APPLY</b></span>.
Nothing here is to replace a medical professional. Speak to a licensed
doctor etc, as well as be responsible for your own actions and choices.</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> DAY 5: WONDERFUL, LATEST UPDATE!</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsUQnf9CQ1kmSYXzPXyiWo9RrTbUXBSaPegj4mfvT86n0ug4Bup-wehZgD3iLyLmKBmX6mWI7JFkh1FGoXJ0D52eeiUIdWXVzET3f0_7UwrkcNAvXihWArOwR-jUsRKKoxQr7GqQXTqPI/s754/52605694_1982661502042263_3244534774911467520_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="754" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsUQnf9CQ1kmSYXzPXyiWo9RrTbUXBSaPegj4mfvT86n0ug4Bup-wehZgD3iLyLmKBmX6mWI7JFkh1FGoXJ0D52eeiUIdWXVzET3f0_7UwrkcNAvXihWArOwR-jUsRKKoxQr7GqQXTqPI/s320/52605694_1982661502042263_3244534774911467520_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></span></span></div><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span> [Krishna heals / straightens the hump of Kubja's spine.]</span><br /> </span></span><p></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> It has been at least 3 weeks since the above and much has transpired. For the better. Tho initially had its challenges. </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;">The
following is a copy and paste off my fb wall. In it I have omitted what I did
via the fasting cuz, well, it was just overwhelming to write every thing
I did. </span></span>All of the above remains true and helpful. It simply would have been more helpful if I had a diagnosis. Than I would have known, for example, exactly "what" liquid soup would work best, and etc. </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">With that said, <b>here it is:</b></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I have a story to share & not fully clear how to go about it, but it's regarding a health issue, & prayer or Krishna. I'll do my best to describe what happened. Forgive my mistakes please.<br /><br />Oh, I should mention - if you get queasy easily even tho medical names are used, keep on scrollin'. 🙂 But if you'd like to hear how maybe prayer/Krishna might have helped, tolerate. 🙂<br /><br />A little 'over' 2 weeks ago, I developed sudden onset diarrhea. It's been h*ll! The first few days I tried to heal it myself, as it's usually able to be healed with home remedies. Even google agrees. <br /><br />But no luck. So I called the doc. It was a weekend so had to wait until Monday. And Monday I phoned. They don't answer, they return your call. When I finally got a return call, it was the wrong doc. [I temporary have more then one.] Ok, so next day I called the right doc. They return the call & give me a prescription over the phone. I only point all of this out to show how long it took just to get all this. <br /> </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I spent about 5 days on the script. It worked, sort of. I would have had to live on the stuff, cuz the minute I went off it.... <fill in the blank>. In addition, the medicine was giving me stomach pains, with nausea.<br /><br />It alone was not enough. I "had" to take PeptoBismol/pink stuff for it to go the extra mile. And to contribute to being able to finally eat.<br /><br />Again I call the doc. This was a good ten days ago. They say I have to come in this time, but not until the 29th! Of course I took the appointment. Tho the medicine left an awful smell on my breath. <br /><br />I was miserable. Weak. Could not do my saddhana, or even clean the house, not even a little. To shower and scroll fb was the most I could manage. </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br />I would not even share this if it wasn't for something kind of spiritual that recently happened.<br /><br />Fast-forward about 20 etc days into all of this - the other night before putting my deities / murties to bed, I talked to Them. Or maybe it's prayer. IMHO, both.<br /> </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I said something along the lines of: "Dear Baby Krsihna, Ladhu Gopal, Pancatattva [pic], Dhanvantari [pic], Hanumanji, LaksmiNarasimha - why are You letting this go on with me? Why don't You help me?" But I quickly modified it, to: "I am sure I don't deserve it. I know I am a fallen rascal & do not deserve Your intervention or help. But would You show mercy & do it anyway?" Along those lines I was also asking for the right keywords to google to get the right answers for what is wrong with me, and how to treat it.<br /><br />I had just spent many <b><i>many</i></b> days googling my symptoms, guessing words, and doing what they said - with only small help. However, that next morning I found all the right key words! <br /><br />What I have is called SIBO or Small Intestine Bacteria Overgrowth. Bingo! I know this is right because as soon as I tried those methods to heal - they worked! I read home remedies for this have been proven to work as good as prescriptions. Since I could not go to the doctor until the 29th, I went for it.<br /><br />Admittedly, I thought even if it was going to work, it would take time. But that <b>same day, I was able to go off all alopathic</b> <b>medication.</b> The script, the Imodium [it initially was less painful than the script], and the PeptoBismol. One day! </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br />It is now day 2. Oh my stomach still rumbles, and I must keep doing the natural, herbal treatment cuz it is too soon to be fully cured. But I know I am on my way out of this! <br /><br />I only write about it because I feel it was talking to my deities / murties that made the difference! It's not that I had not talked to Them before. I am not fully sure what made the difference, but I suspect I was able to get a little more focused. Yes, I was. And spent a little more time at it. <br /><br />In any case, I feel Krishna etc did indeed intervene. How can I <b><i>suddenly</i></b> figure out the keywords when, all that time prior, I kept going round in circles with the same ones. Yet after prayers to Krishna on the topic, the very next morning, it all came to me. Prayer works. Talking to your deities, works. I hope this story inspired someone out there. It is the only reason I shared it. <br /><br />Thank you dear Lord Krishna, Ladhu Gopal, LaksmiNarasimhadeva, & Everyone Else on my altar! Srila Prabhuapda ki jai!<br /><br />P.S. I am not special. This can happen for anyone. Matter of fact, I am a struggling devotee. Ya just have to be sincere, and talk / pray to your deities. Not suggesting anything sahajiya or cheap. One must maintain awe and reverence while talking to God. It doesn't need to be fear-based and can be friendly, just friendly with awe and reverence. You'll figure it out. :) </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">And we need to try to not be attached. God can do whatever He wants, or does not want - with or without our comprehension. </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Initially I wondered why, when I had mentioned it to Him/Deities/Murties before, nothing changed, yet it did this time. Then I suspected, this is what mercy is all about. It has no rhyme or reason. It is simply given when God feels like it. It may not be something I did not do, or did do - well other than keep approaching Him. That parts important. :) However the rest? He did what He wanted, when He wanted - and that's mercy. 🙂 ❤ We ourselves can't give Him up if He does not do what we ask. That is not love of God, that is a business deal. </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">It's not about chronically asking this or that from the Lord. It is only when something was really getting in the way of my health and of my saddhana, that I asked. We should worship Him, regardless.<br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Next, I can't seem to find the wonderful web site that had a list of what to take that helped me. Therefore, I will write it here from memory BUT what worked for me may or may not work for you. Everyone is different, and apparently, so is this SIBO!</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>Cinnamon</b> - <i>not</i> the red type, rather the brown. This was a major game changer for me. So powerful that I broke it up in small pieces, put it near my bed, and when I woke, I grabbed a piece to suck on or chew before I went back to sleep. Everything got under control! I was able to go off all medication! </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>It was the<span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">BROWN</span> Cinnamon</span> </b>that made the difference for me! When I woke in the middle of the night before & had to reach for an Imodium pill, I discovered now that reaching for pieces of this specific type of cinnamon ran a close 2nd to giving the same results! Phew. :) It's official strain? Cinnamomum "<u>burmanni</u>." Also known as "Indonesian" Cinnamon. Bought mine in bulk years ago from Amazon, company: <b>Frontier</b>.<br /></span></span></p><div><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: arial;">Oil Of Oregano</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> - Fortunately my husband happened to have some. This worked like an antibiotic. This oil can </span><span style="color: red; font-family: arial;">actually be dangerous</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> to the liver or etc! One must know what they are doing & I am borderline reluctant to share this info BUT it can also be dangerous to never get rid of SIBO! Therefore, first please speak to a qualified, knowledgeable & licensed Health Care Practitioner. I took even a smaller dose than the bottle said, for the sake of safety. I feel it is working and take it 2 times a day. Note: It is </span><i style="font-family: arial;">far</i><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><u style="font-family: arial;">safer</u><span style="font-family: arial;"> to </span><b style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #38761d;">use the <i>herb</i></span>. Thyme also works similarly. Though I do not even feel this was the most important thing to take. </b></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: arial;">Berberine:</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> Yes, I was on the right track with this one, mentioned above. It was high on the list of herbs to take for SIBO. <b>UPDATE:</b> I have found Golden Seal "root" to be easier on the stomach and it contains berberine. Not sure if it is as potent as berberine itself, but it worked just as well for me. </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>Grapeseed Extract</b> - Similar to berberine <i>in the way that </i>it's a natural antibiotic. I seem to need a few different types or strains. If getting this, some may prefer the vegetarian encapsulated version to avoid the taste.<br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>Thayers Slippery Elm Lozengers</b>: Great for coating the stomach! They come in pill form as well. Both work. Lozengers are faster, but once the pills kick in, they work too.</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>Probiotics:</b> This is crucial for correcting SIBO! Tho it is recommended not to get prebiotics and said many probiotics automatically include those. So read the ingredients carefully. With that said, this helps mend much of the damage in the gut. </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Atrantil-Travel-Pack-Count-Discomfort/dp/B06XJ4SB3N/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=atrantil&qid=1609410712&s=hpc&sr=1-3" target="_blank">Atrantil</a>: This is herbal and I was surprised how powerfully this worked! It's a little expensive, but so is going to the doctor, getting lots of testing done, going back to the doctor, if lucky getting results of the tests with answers, followed by a prescription. Nothing wrong with going that route if ya want - just saying, for me, this product worked! Got things under control, plus drastically reduced the pain. While this is placed at the end, I found it is one of "the" most important and 'the' most helpful. I put their amazon travel pack above but they have a web site with, as of this writing & IMHO, a better deal. <a href="https://atrantil.com/" target="_blank">Here they carry a larger bottle and you get many more capsules</a>.<br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Make product similar to Atrantil Yourself: When sick, ya may not be up to this, especially if making many runs to the bathroom. Simultaneously, you just may! This guy shows how to make a similar product yourself, that costs less. Of course you will need to front the money for bulk products, have or purchase a capsule machine, buy "vegetarian" empty capsules. But it just may be worth the investment, especially if you have SIBO. Five minute video <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJMxJ9ALQhk" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>ALLIMAX</b>: A natural antibiotic. I've been reluctant to put this here since it's made from garlic and some devotees may criticize. If ya don't like it, don't take it. I found it more potent than the above mentioned herbal antibiotics. And when your stomach is doing the "heave-ho!" one can't be fussy. I was able to eliminate the Oil of Oregano, the Grape seed oil, the Berberine, Sage, Thyme, and a few others not listed here. While they all helped, none of them did for me, what Allimax did! This is a professional product used by Naturaopaths, etc. It's a little costly, but IMHO, it's cheaper than taking a group of herbs to try to get the same results. And I still did not.</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><b>UPDATE</b>:</span> It is now April 3rd. Some with SIBO say they have had it for ten years or more and can't get free of it. Scared me, like it may the reader. However, it is why I post my improvement of approximately 5 months. And here it is:</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Thus far, I feel 85% better! I also have control over SIBO bathroom issues, painful stomach, nausea! While I will not know for certain if I will become cured, this level of improvement, compared to others, gives a lot of genuine hope.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I have added <b>Crystallized Ginger Slices.</b> This has helped immensely. It is for motility. Even if you have the hydrogen type of sibo [running to the bathroom too much] there are times, especially with the treatments or diet changes to slow things down], that motility has slowed too much. These Crystallized Ginger Slices can make the difference for some. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Another benefit I found from them: Solved my <b>nausea</b>! Not only the medical properties of ginger itself [tho that is included], but the way it is like a thick jelly. This coated my stomach and anything else that was making me nauseated. It does have sugar on it and while I keep sugar at bay, this is an exception for me, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=crystallized+ginger+slices" target="_blank">because it works</a>!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>Here is my current herbal program:</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">- Atrantril,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">- Allimax,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">- Crystallized Ginger Slices</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">- Indonesian Cinnamon sticks.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Sometimes <i>soil-based</i> Probiotics, but not always. Basically, I am down to needing only 4 main products daily! </span><span style="font-family: arial;">I still require them, but the progress has been realistically hopeful! Ok, maybe it is five. However, the probiotics are about mending what was torn apart - whereas the above 4 are about getting me thru my day without bathroom runs, nausea, pain! So all are needed. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">SIBO BREATH: This is a term I made up ha, tho would not be surprised if others have thought of it too. It is different from regular bad breath. It is breath that smells like a chemical. Maybe alcohol, others say gasoline smell, or nail polish remover / paint thinner. It can be different for different people but the bottom line is, it smells like a chemical. And it is not limited to coming from the mouth or nose. It comes out of every pore of the body! Bed-sheets, pillowcases, and blankets will smell like it in the morning! Now, I did not have this on day one. Therefore some may not yet have yet, and some do not get it at all. Anyway, I found a solution. Of course, in every way must work on healing. With that said, an herb that got rid of Sibo-breath, and sibo bed-sheets for that matter ha, was the <b>Indonesian Cinnamon Sticks</b>. Worked like a charm - for me.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Next, have also <b>modified my diet</b>, but only going to give a summary. Those with previous belief systems on sibo diet and feel certain parts here are not healthy - do not criticize - just keep on scrolling. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Or you can take what you like, leave what you don't. After all, it's not</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">like it's unhealthy</span><span style="font-family: arial;">. And everyone is different.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">For those drawn to Fodmap, I only do the parts that works on me as an individual. So basically, I do not use it. However, if it works for you, go for it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>My basic diet:</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Remember, everyone is different. What works for me, may, or may not, work for you.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Potatoes. Not everyone with sibo can eat them, I can. They calm my stomach!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Steamed Greens. But nothing with surfer, no broccoli, no cruciferous veggies = pain! What I can eat are: steamed string beans, okra, eggplant [tho I did <i>not</i> touch that in the beginning], zucchini was great; most any type of squash. Any color squash has been ok for me, but I found cooked carrots to bring some discomfort. So it's not limited to color. Beets are fine.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Avocado's are terrific! Google all the vitamins and minerals they have.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">A little Cheese. [Many say no dairy, but with hydrogen type sibo, I eat foods that slow things down. Plus, dairy is an improvement over allopathic meds. Buy organic. If you have methane type sibo [can't visit the bathroom enough] skip the cheese! :) </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Bananas, organic of course. [For hydrogen sibo.]</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Cream Of Tartar / Potassium: This is an easy way to get a decent dose of potassium, and potassium is required for good digestion. Now if you have hydrogen type of sibo therefore things are very active [too many bathroom trips], this may not be the time to add this. However, if that is under control, it has been seen that even those who are sensitive in the hydrogen way, sometimes upon healing or just from the treatment itself, may get a little constipated. Adding some cream of tartar often moves things along. Don't take too much. Google side effects of overdose. But not to go the other extreme. Too little is bad too. Personally, I add 1 teaspoon into my salad once daily and no more than that. Mix well. :)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Salad: I could NOT eat this for months! But can I now. Apparently some with sibo find cucumbers easy on the stomach. No tomatoes for me, yet, but over time, maybe. I find the ability to now eat leafy salad as a sign of healing. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Salad Dressing: Apple Cider Vinegar raw and organic. It's HCL aids digestion! Mix with organic Olive Oil. Himalayan Salt. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Kefir: Again, some can't eat a drop of dairy, while others can. After reading how one man cured his SIBO with kefir, I gave it a try. It did not cure me, but it did not hurt me either. It does contain it's own probiotics too. Now I can not eat yogurt. Oddly, that hurt my stomach - a little. But not the kefir. Plain kefir is best though they all are ok. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Kombucha: Some may criticize me for this, but please note: Prabhupada was a pharmacist and I read a letter he wrote purchasing "spirits" to make tinctures. Kombucha is not spirits tho I don't know how it's made, and don't put a lot of attention into it because it is a non-dairy <b>Probiotic</b>!!! It has made the world of difference. I had to mention this because if someone out there is in pain or has nausea, etc, this may help. Recommend only one per day tho. And it can keep you awake so do not drink after 2 p.m. Most contain a lot of sugar and are high in calories. However, amazon has a brand that contains zero sugar, and is low in calories. It's called <u>Remedy</u>. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Apple. Could not eat that at first either. But now I can. Organic.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Watermelon. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Jasmine Rice, organic.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Quinoa. Organic.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Pistachio nuts: Found they did not hurt my stomach at all. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Cashews: Technically not a nut, tho not important. What's important is that I found it easy enough to digest. No pain for me. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Puffed Rice / rice cakes. Since I can't eat chapatis or any form of wheat [a big no no!], this is a good replacement. Need I mention organic? :) Anyhow, spray a little olive oil on top of a rice cake, instead of using butter. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Peanut Butter: Organic, unsweetened. Small amount. Could <b>not</b> eat at first, can now.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I've often wondered if those who have not healed in 10, 20 years - have this problem due to meat eating. I can't prove that, but when I see them post what they do eat, asking what is wrong with it, why they still feel pain - it usually has at least eggs mentioned, or chicken soup, etc. Really folks, there is all kind of karma involved in eating flesh foods. Maintaining poor health is one of them.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">RELATED:</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.inspire.com/groups/agmd-gi-motility/discussion/alternatives-to-anti-biotics-for-sibo/?origin=freshen" target="_blank">Alternatives to Antibiotics for SIBO</a> - Good info. Short. Read closely!</span></span></p><p></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><b>ALL DISCLAIMERS APPLY</b></span>.
Nothing here is to replace a medical professional. Speak to a licensed
doctor etc, as well as be responsible for your own actions and choices.</span></span></p>HareKrishnaBloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984787475788837467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3624323057943903718.post-82290940703900407742020-09-09T09:15:00.041-07:002022-07-13T14:58:46.288-07:00Dealing With Crisis?<p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Are You Having To Deal With A Crisis?</span></b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Cuxa2IHPSAggVQFOxk-WJ9Q6OSzd7duggjzlq1J_MG5RHpAuDa_jQcMIW9WK7zGW2y7YyH7AR9os8LNW5p-mPKOJZUpOHhmw0NnL2aC-58MSpctUmGo94drvPTgayT4HdbqTW1TL2mI/s2048/blog-image--crisis-managment-02-05-19-01-01.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1149" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Cuxa2IHPSAggVQFOxk-WJ9Q6OSzd7duggjzlq1J_MG5RHpAuDa_jQcMIW9WK7zGW2y7YyH7AR9os8LNW5p-mPKOJZUpOHhmw0NnL2aC-58MSpctUmGo94drvPTgayT4HdbqTW1TL2mI/s320/blog-image--crisis-managment-02-05-19-01-01.png" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>What to do in a crisis is hard to know when it hits because, well, one is IN the middle of a crisis. Can't always think clearly. What is one to do? </span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> <br /></span></span></span><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> First, I'm not referring to who to call, or materially how to deal. And you <u>should</u> do that. I will put some links at the bottom for those who need that too. <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> However here, let us predominately talk about what to do spiritually. So few really touch on that topic.<br /><br /> In this time of Covid, that alone is delving many into crisis. Some have lost loved ones to the disease. Others fear they may. Some feel confided with a dysfunctional person. Yet others actually enjoy the privacy. <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Some are suffering for different reasons that have nothing to do with CoVid or quarantine - such as miscarriage, car accidents, teenagers going astray or adult kids who already did, severe financial issues, a cheating spouse, sudden hospitalization, Nursing Home abuse, loss of any significant dream that was cherished, loss of safety, trauma, and more. <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> Some may not know this, but <b>non</b>clinical depression may get so bad that one feels dead inside. No feelings at all. Wondering what the heck was the cause of that sensation? It's usually depression. Not always, as there can be neurological causes. Don't be afraid to t</span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>ake medical action [which may include a talk doctor]. Ayurveda was sent to us because God has nothing against medicine. Tho it can also be from exhaustion or just being tired. Take a nap, probably need some nutrition / prasadam too.<br /></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> Regarding </span></span>the emotional side of feeling empty or nothing - and you know if this is you or not - it's often a type of depression. Possibly shock. Or more subtle shock of a problem that goes on and on. <br /></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLCMDBSS6CoWka63a1NnmYhs-xlB3h4cuzH8T4xok6fRl9hCTltFmni_wA8o1PLURaZk4vOerTc75RDT6W6OscOQg6y4oio632ptoZwMPRAn_I3meAodnMDLi9s7D-emWS1xi3I6UmgW4/s959/960x0.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="514" data-original-width="959" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLCMDBSS6CoWka63a1NnmYhs-xlB3h4cuzH8T4xok6fRl9hCTltFmni_wA8o1PLURaZk4vOerTc75RDT6W6OscOQg6y4oio632ptoZwMPRAn_I3meAodnMDLi9s7D-emWS1xi3I6UmgW4/s320/960x0.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> </span></span></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> One needs to include <i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">spiritual action</span></i><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: black;">, and to genuinely take such action.</span></span> Matter of fact, those who minimize it or feel it foolish, are often unaware of it's power. It not only helps, but makes a huge difference. Start to lift that veil of illusion by making a phone call :) or connection to God.<br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> For example, if a loved one dies, those who do not believe in God <i>nor</i> life after death, compared to those who do = those with belief are more likely to have their healing improve. Most anyone feels better knowing a loved one still exists, has carried on, and God is taking care of them. This is <b>not</b> mere blind belief. <i>Krishna Consciousness</i> is a <b><span style="color: #ffa400;">science</span></b>, plus a yoga. Not mere sentiment. Anyway, I've discussed proof of God elsewhere on this blog. <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> I know someone who lost their mother. The mom was very old. The adult child even felt that way when the mother was alive but suffering so much due to very old age. Now, it has been quite a while since the mother died, yet the adult child revealed still feeling pain, crying, etc. Of course in one sense, there is no time limit on grieving. Simply that adding spiritual life helps one mend. And this person is an atheist. Need I say more? Yet I wish to reiterate, I am not advocating flaky belief. Repeatedly, Krishna Conscious has proven to be scientific. <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Therefore, taking spiritual action truthfully helps. It lifts the veil of illusion, it brings genuine hope, and even love of God. Start by finding what works for you as an individual to connect with Krishna. See the many links below, as well as on the side bar of this blog. Many ideas there! :) <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> When one is feeling down-and-out, initially it may be hard to believe some form of devotional service [which includes prayer] will help. Yet, the moment it is genuinely tried, you will see & feel - spiritual actions do bring relief. And when the time is right, it's uplifting. It is a science. Thus, if the reader is new to Prabhupada's method, read how, in the links all around this blog. <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> This doesn't mean one should not feel sad etc over the loss of a loved one, or some other serious problem. That is not really spiritual. More often it's Impersonalism. You feel what you feel, not what someone else tells you to feel. Simply, adding spiritual life adds relief, and more. It is like a boat assisting you to cross over rough waves. </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYcq8vt50PHQfSTdeHT24eh1vNwZDB84oLlOpPVz4hJpyyWFqOmRopIgXTJq4L6tu7JNMsTw0yWS5APyXZqskSom69XlV5zFNtFzhm866pfw6kBfQT671KE3q7HEdluRr5VvSB8e5o3YE/s934/m10-934x495-how-to-manage-a-business-crisis.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="495" data-original-width="934" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYcq8vt50PHQfSTdeHT24eh1vNwZDB84oLlOpPVz4hJpyyWFqOmRopIgXTJq4L6tu7JNMsTw0yWS5APyXZqskSom69XlV5zFNtFzhm866pfw6kBfQT671KE3q7HEdluRr5VvSB8e5o3YE/s320/m10-934x495-how-to-manage-a-business-crisis.webp" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> To those concerned it may be selfish taking care of you - facts are that you can't serve others if you are a mess. Or even just having difficulty getting through the day. Therefore, accept time to mend. Sleep enough [not too much, not too little]; eat lovely though easy to digest prasadam. Deep breathing can help give relaxation to some. Give it a try; possibly add visualizing beautiful pictures of Krishna or chanting. <br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> Do not allow anyone stress you - in other words - choose your association wisely, especially select devotees who are sensitive to what you are going through. They should be good at "Active Listening," whether they call it that or are unaware of that name yet utilized the process. Followed by encouraging words when they can. However, sincerity is an important part of all this. <br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> Of course if you need to stop and cry etc, go ahead. I once read of a young woman who had acid thrown in her face. Previously she was pretty. Now, no. Zero. Some time passed and she had good spirits. The question was asked of her, from my memory: "How do you keep your spirits up? Don't you ever cry?" She replied, from my memory: "I allow myself to cry 5 minutes a day, then I make myself turn it off and go about my life." Again, she had some time to heal before coming to this point, but it is a nice philosophy to keep in our brains and retrieved when ready.<span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> <br /></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> Also,
do your best to keep a routine going, or to be regulated. This helps a
person feel more in control at a time when they may feel out of control.</span></span> <br /></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Most of us will go thru the stages everyone goes thru: <b>Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. </b>This is normal. They can repeat, and skip steps at times. Go ahead and grieve, but <i><b><span style="color: #ff00fe;">grieve with God</span></b></i>. Talk to Him/<a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2011/09/radhastami.html" target="_blank">Her</a>, pray, cry, find hope, find love.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHhR_sspOwoExFQZ_vmnG2dFUXDmQaq_Z5buoudwCvuEEPfsdbRkaJFd4PW4IC2BTP4i10Oml1lVCmTM4dRDY3mGnK2BGoqblb18dkNmCfZprRXiVNJQmE0uDMQLncufe4GdJg_voD3Ww/s425/krsna+hearts.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHhR_sspOwoExFQZ_vmnG2dFUXDmQaq_Z5buoudwCvuEEPfsdbRkaJFd4PW4IC2BTP4i10Oml1lVCmTM4dRDY3mGnK2BGoqblb18dkNmCfZprRXiVNJQmE0uDMQLncufe4GdJg_voD3Ww/s320/krsna+hearts.gif" width="320" /></a></span></span> <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Today I was reading something that spurred all this in me. It is actually the cause of this post. Before I quote it, if you are a New Ager or similar and do not believe anything bad should ever happen, this post is not for you. [I DO respect New Agers.] If you believe that you wish nothing bad to happen but sometimes it does, keep reading. <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> The reality around us is that the material world is always changing, for good but also for bad. Buildings go down, and up. People get new living quarters, or kicked out. Money comes in a windfall, or it is all taken away. This list can go on. It is the reality of the world we live in. <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> On a higher level, we can understand that the material world is not a place we are meant to live in eternally. Rather it's to help us detach from that idea. Acknowledging that "stuff" happens is one way it does that. <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Karma in kali yuga [the age we live in], is very austere. We should not, however, sit in judgement of others karma, or our own. That lacks compassion most of the time. Nor are we always accurate. Instead, I find it healthier to accept the fact that no one is perfect, everyone makes mistakes, and the material world is set up to bring us back home - back to Godhead. <br /><br /> So yes, bad things happen due to karma. But to really and properly know which karma is acting [Sanchita Karma?, Praarabdha Karma? Etc Karma?], what depth is goes, what route it took, what triggered it, etc - - is very difficult. I often feel only God knows this. Maybe the occasional [Vedic] astrologer, as astrology is a map of our karma. But in this age, they even disagree on charts. ha The science is known to have been somewhat lost. One may be able to find a good Jyotish astrologer, but it takes time, and knowledge. So much effort, time taken away from the immediate need for God. <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> With that said, the following is just part of what I was reading. I can't post the whole chapter here :) but it got me thinking<b>:</b> <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Prabhupada: "There are many results of past sinful activities for which we are suffering at the present moment, and we may be suffering in the future due to our present sinful activities. But all of these reactions to sinful deeds can <b>immediately be stopped</b> if we take to Kṛṣṇa consciousness. As evidence for this, Rūpa Gosvāmī quotes a verse from the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (11.14.19). This verse is in connection with Lord Kṛṣṇa’s instruction to Uddhava, where He says, “My dear Uddhava, <span style="color: #073763;"><b>devotional service</b></span> unto Me is just like a blazing fire that can burn into ashes unlimited fuel supplied to it.” The purport is that as the blazing fire can burn any amount of fuel to ashes, <span style="color: red;">so devotional service to the Lord in Kṛṣṇa consciousness can burn up all</span> the fuel of sinful activities." ~ <span>From book, the Art Of Eternal Love, By His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami.</span> <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Put simply: Active devotional service makes bad things unwind and stop happening! We can't speculate on which ones or when, but it is the way end to karma. It even places one on a transcendental platform. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfUY6ZrScY0HzbxhuG2By0F0joRKpQo6VhmCn9GOdFQLmVIIaeGfAI1dodo0NsjLq1tpfhg5Zdm62QVO2oQItU6gHhrFV6UjPzpd9GEwICE6hl1Xu2fmOemOefw90mPcKNCbcJ_0YGlaY/s259/Krsna+Shadow+Lamp+Candle.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfUY6ZrScY0HzbxhuG2By0F0joRKpQo6VhmCn9GOdFQLmVIIaeGfAI1dodo0NsjLq1tpfhg5Zdm62QVO2oQItU6gHhrFV6UjPzpd9GEwICE6hl1Xu2fmOemOefw90mPcKNCbcJ_0YGlaY/s0/Krsna+Shadow+Lamp+Candle.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> <span>[Shadow candle - of Krishna!]</span><br /><span></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> Of course, when one is stressed due to crisis, it's important to locate that which you can do regarding devotional service. When feeling 'out of it,' one may not initially believe it will help. That is the mind and negative feelings giving a hard time. :) Tell them both that they can still be there later, but for now, to please stop talking [in your head], </span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>sit down, </span></span>and be quiet. :) When you know you do not have to forget about it, just put it on hold, that <i>gives you power to proceed</i>. <br /></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Please do not use an "all or none" mood where, if you did not get completely happy or giggly, you decide it is worthless and quit. Rather, notice and accept the small victories. In that way, they can build one onto the other. <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> Maybe you can just fall onto your knees and <b>start to pray</b>. Maybe you want to do more. </span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>Meditate on His beauty and take shelter of Him. </span></span>We 'start' where we can, then we increase as time moves on, so as not to loose that connection. <br /></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNL7lUgJsxphrJI5ceHoMt5wQtVduyPcQZs0RCABmOwmao4lKmuwiUq354q3GhnaXnj7RMpPYv4ZenL4I2fcuutHjRzRMhqhAlht8v3PVcdz3L-temGfpL_4XVZOP5JeYnV4WEhqecGdI/s320/krsna+blinking.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNL7lUgJsxphrJI5ceHoMt5wQtVduyPcQZs0RCABmOwmao4lKmuwiUq354q3GhnaXnj7RMpPYv4ZenL4I2fcuutHjRzRMhqhAlht8v3PVcdz3L-temGfpL_4XVZOP5JeYnV4WEhqecGdI/s0/krsna+blinking.gif" /></a></span> <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> And a connection we can indeed make. Some think because we are not pure or perfect devotees, we therefore can't connect. But how do you think we become pure devotees? By trying, by starting. Furthermore, the connection has less to do with our purity and more to do with His mercy. He sees us trying, and lets us in.</span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> <br /></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> That feeling, the connection, is what makes everything bad start to go away. One should try to get as calm as doable, then pray or chant or both. [It still works if you can't get calm or centered, tho over time, try.] </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Both prayer and chanting is a great idea. They work when you merely try. Anyone who would like to add learning <b><span style="color: #800180;">Mantra & Energy Healing Techniques</span></b> can find out about that on my blog page <a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2012/01/reiki-learn.html" target="_blank">here,</a> or at my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Mantra-Energy-Healing-Skills-4-Devotees-1860858227472805" target="_blank">fb group here</a>. It's something where you learn it at your own pace, your own timing, privately, etc.<br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Continuing, some speculate that the good feelings we receive from prayer or mantra-chanting can be explained away by science. I have written about this in the past, so will just give an abridged version here. <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Even if that is true, Who do you think put those feelings, neurons, atoms, connections - inside of us, and why? Krishna of course. And the 'why' part, is to make it easier for us conditioned souls to reconnect with Him. Even if someone believes physics has something to do with it - no problem. God gave us physics to use for our benefit. He's given us many ways to reach out to Him. This does not mean He won't do His own divine intervention. Until we become pure devotees, do not fear utilizing science. He gave it to you for a reason.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span style="font-family: arial;"><span>Placing these within, is like putting up telephone polls, or these days cell phone towers. They are put there to make a phone work. God wants us back, so until we become as pure as needed, He installed wires /nerve endings / photons/ <i><b><span style="color: #ff00fe;">etc</span></b></i> - so we can connect. Wouldn't any parent whose child left home, give them their phone number plus a a way to use it? Of course they would. So has our Divine Parents. :)</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwcqvN4dvFKa_dxFyxuP719Wa_bw57ybt5lug8AzB6-NHEtmZDuQrY1ZjRRWAobwnaeX1OQ3z2pjOW6Qb6CZDQBa7usYjsyJpwMvnpfjGSB14Hq15izlYvjlvl_Hxc5iCX76PKkVc27w0/s480/5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwcqvN4dvFKa_dxFyxuP719Wa_bw57ybt5lug8AzB6-NHEtmZDuQrY1ZjRRWAobwnaeX1OQ3z2pjOW6Qb6CZDQBa7usYjsyJpwMvnpfjGSB14Hq15izlYvjlvl_Hxc5iCX76PKkVc27w0/s320/5.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Moving on, Krishna hears us when we talk to Him. I will put a few quotes from Prabhupada telling us it's ok to pray. Once someone told me it is not our process. They were a new devotee and unaware that it <i><b>is</b></i> a part of our process<b>:</b> <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>Prabhupada: "I am glad to learn that Jadurani is improving in her health, and I shall always pray to Krishna for her health and prolonged life."</span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> <span>~ </span></span></span><span> SP Letter to Satsvarupa, Seattle, Sept 28, 1968</span> <br /></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>"We do not need any high qualifications to offer prayers to the Supreme personality of Godhead. Whatever our social or intellectual position may be, we can offer prayers. We do not have to be very learned or very scholarly, nor do we have to present our prayers in nicely selected words that are poetical, rhetorical or metaphorical. None of this is required, although if it is there it is very nice. We simply have to express our feelings, but in order to be able to do this we have to be aware of our position. Once we are aware of our position, our feelings can be expressed sincerely and automatically." </span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>~ </span></span> SP quote from Elevation to Krsna Consciousness</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> "I shall be praying to Krishna for your steady recovery and continual advancement in Krishna Consciousness, and hope you will be feeling physically stronger when you come to see me in New York. Please keep me informed how you are feeling." <span>~ Srila Prabhupada Letter, March 23, 1968 </span> <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Here's my own memory on prayer, however small: Prior to Srila Prabhupada's disappearance [passing over], when he was very sick, he asked everyone to pray for him. Temples world-wide. I remember where I lived at that time and how we all felt so unqualified, yet we were instructed to pray. <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Now going full circle :) add to that prayer, the glorification of God <b><i>thru</i></b> chanting His names, and wow! <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> What if you still don't feel it? That's okay, because what we feel can be fickle - thank goodness for that <i>when</i> under negative circumstances. Feelings can indeed change. So take right actions = get right. :) Changes comes with practice. <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMPhJjARz5E1dYxeTLjV6s9z-lcbgCRRthQJIxwRFWUYpDDRoDN_1huA_X4-hL7p6gaVcUJGHEO92c2YqldrhbvDv14rSzKDTZYg02OyrlInUWWYADR3-YigmXQDwcb8L1mEMvEtD4Gc/s831/candle+in+hands.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="577" data-original-width="831" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMPhJjARz5E1dYxeTLjV6s9z-lcbgCRRthQJIxwRFWUYpDDRoDN_1huA_X4-hL7p6gaVcUJGHEO92c2YqldrhbvDv14rSzKDTZYg02OyrlInUWWYADR3-YigmXQDwcb8L1mEMvEtD4Gc/s320/candle+in+hands.webp" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> It also comes from meditating on beautiful Krsna. And with allowing. Be patient. Keep trying.<br /></span></span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6gRI9ZtWWPOY4TiOl9zhy1HGN1O-Fx83AVAUrmX-gH5eL3Ct7Vbip3vA5B2adreASQUPs93FF8YpznTz_NAUOKRC3kbekKJ9lJVEZgbgChiVddPn6TyYRG4D_7G_Bf7j8lbLAeIv4_Yo/s471/krsna2+gif.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="471" data-original-width="468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6gRI9ZtWWPOY4TiOl9zhy1HGN1O-Fx83AVAUrmX-gH5eL3Ct7Vbip3vA5B2adreASQUPs93FF8YpznTz_NAUOKRC3kbekKJ9lJVEZgbgChiVddPn6TyYRG4D_7G_Bf7j8lbLAeIv4_Yo/s320/krsna2+gif.gif" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> Here's something helpful we use to </span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>do in the ashrama<b>:</b> Pick one
of Prabhupada's books. Hold it, close your eyes, open it and let your finger drop
anywhere on the page. Then read wherever it is pointing. I can't begin to tell you how many
times a godsister did this and said it was exactly what they needed to
hear/read - that it addressed their personal problem and brought relief. <br /></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> Another helper. :) It's important to reduce your internal stress responses [cortisol, etc] and this is done thru blissful spiritual life. As I've said throughout this blog, leave any shame and guilt at the door - we are here to elevate ourselves and that only happens when we jump into the bliss. Find some transcendental <b><span style="color: #ff00fe;">music</span></b>. Spiritual Music that is simultaneously grounding or you can relate. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QWsPN8wIFA" target="_blank">Mongalananda</a> is a good one for that.</span></span> <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> And yet another. DO something. Don't misunderstand, as this is not a time to make major decisions, or do anything drastic. No. Matter of fact, there's a point where one freezes in shock with upsets. As mentioned above, one must go thru the stages. Here I am speaking of - when moving away from being frozen. Which can happen at almost any point. Thus, when ready, find a devotional activity that makes you <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">feel good.</span></b></i> <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWyBM3KHy0mcyJQ4XsCfuEQJbR4IYOgoblfvnkKJEdnEdkHFK7E_VpnO1yLHTxRODS106ws2s6qArrFLGNCHS9TOXylvpSfdgdZCZVZ659tpgPAnu8e2kOxECRbpH6Ao5zHtnM2Hpecw/s1100/radha+krsna+candle.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="1100" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWyBM3KHy0mcyJQ4XsCfuEQJbR4IYOgoblfvnkKJEdnEdkHFK7E_VpnO1yLHTxRODS106ws2s6qArrFLGNCHS9TOXylvpSfdgdZCZVZ659tpgPAnu8e2kOxECRbpH6Ao5zHtnM2Hpecw/s320/radha+krsna+candle.jpg" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> It's ok to feel good. If in your sadness etc, you have a problem with it, know that since it's related to God, it's perfectly okay. Of course, you feel what you feel; just know you will get there in time. To feel good doing such activities is spiritual. Matter of fact, one way to help our loved ones, wherever they may be, is to become Krishna Conscious ourselves. Prabhupada said that generations both forward and back/ancestors, will be liberated by our Krsna Consciousness.</span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4ohZzqxXNQ7rLO9BIZe0BJfXcElV8O8XFn_C95GMCt54GYQ8hqqMJGCMM0cTbsuknzKl7SmXzZHbnxqNOixk2LfLEDfPUig1QZbDpv6k_sQP5CguiCTSfSA7onsk8jaIeYFu2dRIRq8/s498/radha+krsna+gif.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4ohZzqxXNQ7rLO9BIZe0BJfXcElV8O8XFn_C95GMCt54GYQ8hqqMJGCMM0cTbsuknzKl7SmXzZHbnxqNOixk2LfLEDfPUig1QZbDpv6k_sQP5CguiCTSfSA7onsk8jaIeYFu2dRIRq8/s320/radha+krsna+gif.gif" width="320" /></a></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> <br /></span></span></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Another: Sometimes sharing about Krishna will also make one feel good! When we tell others <i><b><span style="color: #ff00fe;">who are favorable</span></b></i> [don't tackle the arguers right now], or tell devotee friends about the Lord, than we are giving less energy or attention to issues we are going through. That is a good start. Taking it higher, this Krishna Katha/talk will add spiritual energy into you, moving on up to Personal Krishna Consciousness - where we become more conscious of Krishna, and less of maya or the suffering she causes us. <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> So reach out and touch someone [trustworthy] with Krsna Katha, or play uplifting spiritual music, or read your favorite Prabhupada book [<a href="https://krishna.org/nectar-of-devotion-original-1970-edition-pdf-download/" target="_blank">Nectar of Devotion</a> is an inspiring place to get lost!], or stand before <a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2011/08/home-altar-how-to-create.html" target="_blank">your at-home altar</a> or a pic and talk to Krishna along with chanting His names: </span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>Hare
Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare. Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare ... Do any or all of the above, find something that helps you focus, helps you find peace - add to it the chanting - and allow yourself be happy, or at least start
with ... not miserable.</span></span> It may arrive in steps that build, but it works! :) <3 </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6KOEu2C98yHnOxyQAGLI7Uqiz929Q0K7wxNC3DoYJAh7H3seoT9KW7geerSYRWpxI7YqmXcaatsUl9qxgRU83HpGJwvwot5kCJ1TUse79j72Fasfm2OAYAtdp7a0Cm5AY48l1E7doA0/s1024/ghee+lamp+w+flower+and+achman+cup.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6KOEu2C98yHnOxyQAGLI7Uqiz929Q0K7wxNC3DoYJAh7H3seoT9KW7geerSYRWpxI7YqmXcaatsUl9qxgRU83HpGJwvwot5kCJ1TUse79j72Fasfm2OAYAtdp7a0Cm5AY48l1E7doA0/s320/ghee+lamp+w+flower+and+achman+cup.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> RELATED and HELPFUL LINKS:</span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: red;"><i>First</i> listed are emergency numbers <i>etc</i>, <span style="color: #ff00fe;"><u>followed by</u> Krishna Conscious <i>helpful</i> links.</span> </span><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">USA National Suicide Prevention Hotline -- 1-800-273-8255 <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>Crisis Text Line - ext 741741 in the US or UK (686868 in Canada), or message Crisis Text Line <a href="https://www.facebook.com/help/1088995834578594" target="_blank">on Facebook</a>.</span></span><span> <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">USA National Domestic Violence Hotline -- 1-800-799-7233 <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline -- 1-800-422-4453</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">YouthLine - Text teen2teen to 839863, or call 1-877-968-8491</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) 1-800-656-4673 <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Drug or alcohol abuse - SAMHSA National Helpline – 1-800-662-4357</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">USA - Can call 911 for an emergency or your local emergency hotline. <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.helpguide.org/articles/grief/coping-with-grief-and-loss.htm" target="_blank">Grief Guide</a> - Good page with tips on how to grieve, undoing myths, etc. <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/03/life-music.html" target="_blank">Life & Music - Life Has It's Ups and Downs</a> - Telling a bit of my own, may help others. Plus, music as a big helper! <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2017/03/anyone-can-go-to-krsna-loka.html" target="_blank">ANYONE CAN GO TO KRISHNALOKA</a> :)</span></span></p><p><span><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/02/funny-sankirtana-story.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Funny Sankirtana Story <br /></span></span></a></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/05/absorption-is-key.html" target="_blank">Absorption</a> [in Krishna] is Key. <br /></span></span></span></p><p><span><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/02/realizations-life-lessons.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Realizations and Life Lessons <br /></span></span></a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span> </span><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2011/11/humor.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>HUMOR</span></span></a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span> </span><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/02/joy-of-devotion.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>Joy Of Devotion</span></span></a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span> </span><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/02/be-here-now-george-harrison.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>Be Here Now - George Harrison</span></span></a></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/02/situations.html" target="_blank">Situations</a> <br /></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span> </span><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/02/christ-and-krishna.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>Christ and Krishna?</span></span></a></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/10/depression-and-mental-illness.html" target="_blank">Depression</a> Or Mental Illness - This is also about <i><b>non</b></i>-clinical or situational depression. Basically from any cause, even abuse. It is not about how to deal with abuse. [There's other posts about that.] It is about how to heal. I include it here because it may be very helpful for those in crisis, to help them move on, when ready.</span></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/3624323057943903718/8401087886630687993" target="_blank">Smile Awhile :) </a>- Cartoon page, including a few devotee karmics. :) <br /></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Gallery Of Holy Names <a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2017/03/gallery-of-holy-names-blissfulness.html" target="_blank">Blissfulness</a></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span style="color: red;">* </span><span style="color: red;">Save this page to your favorites so </span>you will always have the emergency and other links. :)</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span style="color: white; font-size: medium;">.</span><br /></span></span></p>HareKrishnaBloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984787475788837467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3624323057943903718.post-42288060485308434402020-06-21T14:12:00.000-07:002020-07-11T16:55:31.965-07:00RawFood Diet Made Easy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRbPzoNXb5diBMx2dtIwVUZdvTzDvueAMf_EA5T5bQALDO7hjQind4QpjuHZI7_O4lu6RgtO_X1gXyWekKSY6lbvFUqRfXMa5Y5xgT1j1klha26ACFQeFcPi7-9TwNbtwIcAUpZurIBhU/s1600/0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="1300" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRbPzoNXb5diBMx2dtIwVUZdvTzDvueAMf_EA5T5bQALDO7hjQind4QpjuHZI7_O4lu6RgtO_X1gXyWekKSY6lbvFUqRfXMa5Y5xgT1j1klha26ACFQeFcPi7-9TwNbtwIcAUpZurIBhU/s320/0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> RawFood Diet Made Easy</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"> [Scroll for recipes.]</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: purple;"><i>A main reason for this post</i></span></b> is that I've been hearing of older devotees die right
and left. Sure, I'm no fanatic and don't believe every problem can
be solved with raw food. Simultaneously, I also believe going the other extreme to think
nothing or little can be healed with raw food, to be just as bad. <br /><br />My
dear godsiblings and pious well-wishers, as we age, many of us need more
raw food than has become habitual. Now if there are stomach problems,
or etc, of course don't do it. [Sometimes lightly steamed will do the
trick in those cases.] <b>Always</b> check with your doctor first! <br /><br />With that said, many do not have blocks and could benefit by eating a lot more raw food. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I
myself am not aiming to go 100% raw. Oh, it is very good for healing,
but long term it may have some negatives. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Yet, most of us have no trouble
getting cooked foods, and much trouble including raw foods in our
diets. Many of us need to increase them, along with the wonderful
enzymes they possess. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Please stop dying dear devotees & pious folk -
at least eat <i>more</i> sprouts. :) </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This post is for those who 'struggle' with a raw food diet and would like an easy way to get started. It is not for those who are expert at it. It's not even for those in the middle with their abilities regarding raw food.<br /><br />Having struggled with it myself, <b><span style="color: blue;">I found some tricks & tips</span></b> that helped, wishing to share them with others who need little window's opened to get them going. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">From there, they may increase, or not. I may increase, or not. But folks like us deserve a starting place.<br /><br /> Next, I should briefly clarify my experience since previously I made a post on going raw food. And I was strong with it for a approximately year and a half - no struggle. What happened?<br /><br />A slew of complications. Or, I call it karma. :) When you try hard at something you need, and we always should, but if it does not happen, it's usually karmic. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Our fridge broke in the middle of a hot summer. During the other 3 seasons raw food left out was fine - but rot in summer - now also in this broken fridge. We heard one man wanted to sell his refrigerator, so my husband tried to make that happen. However, a friend confided that this man always wants to sell that fridge and his wife never does. lol So that put us back 3 months to get to the truth. Next, there were other reasons, complications - not worth getting into. It tacked on an additional 2 months to get a refrigerator. <br /><br />One might think now I could go back to my original raw food diet. Sadly, no. I suspect the stomach stretches, as well as the body gets use to the wheat etc one had to eat during that time. It was like starting all over again. <br /><br />And maybe <b>a good lesson in that for me.</b> The first time I found it much easier to get off grains. But this time I had an extra health issue which may have contributed to slowing things down. Unsure, tho it sucked energy out of me to do much of anything. Not to worry, this is being resolved. Simply, it also caused me to seek out and find recipes that only required low energy from myself, to make. Plus, <span style="color: red;">hopefully increased an understanding & compassion for people who</span> want to go raw food - but struggle. Thus, this post.<br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Something seldom mentioned</b> - you need energy to make raw food recipes that give energy. Therefore, below I have put some recipes that only require low effort. Plus a few others that may require a little more that may be doable for most. But if not, it can be a goal as one heals. Anyhow, most of the recipes are super simple.<br /><br /><b>TIP</b>: I found it <u>essential</u> to keep reading about the raw food diet almost daily in order to maintain. Maybe every other day, and not to replace shastra lol. Just a little, regularly. When I'd falter, if I picked up a book, ok a kindle, it made a difference. Don't own a kindle? You don't need one. Just google anything about raw food you would like to know. Anyway, reading would put me right back on track. A combo of the science behind it, along with a recipe here or there, changed everything. I recommend anyone to do like this.<br /><br />This equally applies to <span style="color: magenta;">videos</span>. When not in the mood to read but need a bit of a kick, youtube is full of easy recipes to keep one motivated. I will list some at the bottom of this post, tho feel free to look around youtube as they have so many unique vid's on this topic!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Next:</b> There will be days you slip, or it's a holiday, or someone tempts you one time too many with sugary treats or deep fried foods. It's important to remember that if you slip, that is not the end of the world. The next meal, or two - or day :), get back to your raw food way of eating. Or as soon as you can. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>* </b>And it is also not the end of the world to <span style="color: red;">lightly steam some veggies</span>. It can even serve as a bridge from the slipping point, back to the raw foods. It's ok to eat both, because it is usually the cooked grains that are an issue. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Especially modern-day wheat or anything with <u>gluten</u>. </span>As touched on above, this post isn't for the super strict raw foodist, so offering and consuming gently steamed veggies are acceptable. Also, it can keep a person from binging.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Something
else often missed when going thru a slip, is the aftereffect of still having a "strong,"
lingering, desire for these sweet, salty, oily foods. To the point of
making us want to quit. Most of that can be <span style="color: blue;"><b><i>resolved easily</i></b></span>. One merely needs to <u>cleanse the palate</u>. How? Eat an apple. If you don't have one, sometimes a large cucumber. That should take care of that. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Don't give up if you are celebrating a holiday, or if you give in to temptation, or etc. Just regroup as soon as sensibly possible, pick sensible foodstuffs, and get right back to it. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>TIP: </b>For people who are low in energy, it's helpful to know that there are <u>still some days</u> with higher energy than others. So if you're having such a difficulty, maybe tomorrow will be better. Once at those high energy days, make the portions larger, then save them in the fridge. Assuming you have one. :) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: red;">* </span></span>SOUP:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0ItURHb2sYq8mfEZojtg4Li8aTJEzQWi9XmgTAeqE4ZybMqq91xTHWBc64r88SifN7r-ISm1KaYk8O2UhdrCmqA3K3LPWhodv6b7F_F7o2yzkGCH5sCEsDKNuskEPXoc6uSaGuzwDDA/s1600/bowl+of+soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="512" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0ItURHb2sYq8mfEZojtg4Li8aTJEzQWi9XmgTAeqE4ZybMqq91xTHWBc64r88SifN7r-ISm1KaYk8O2UhdrCmqA3K3LPWhodv6b7F_F7o2yzkGCH5sCEsDKNuskEPXoc6uSaGuzwDDA/s320/bowl+of+soup.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Last
year directly before Winter, I desired something hot, and wondered if soup
is ok with a raw food diet. I did a netsearch and the short answer is,
yes. Just as herbal tea is acceptable, so is soup. Especially, you can make it yourself so it will be healthy. Often
low-fat fits into this category. If you're one who needs to grain
wait, lucky you. :) Tho most who are weak or sick or etc, need some
gentle detox coupled with nutrition. A low-cal soup can help. </span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> [Low salt, no
sugar, low or no oil, organic spices & veggies.] </span></span></span>Someday I may add a recipe,
but until than, to make sure yours is in line with health: google. :)</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Incidentally, for Summer, see the vegan raw-food ice cream recipes at the end. :)</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> SUN TEA: </span></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_MovF3v9OnivWTOGnqzCfrKvK_o_kqOTBp8gi-BEpRVIC4DgFj0fXBXX454EoqVzEbEiU9IFFV_glgZAYYonwgrEWNPpO0v0z53XoigjGYczjHuQeZqt1in6Er_xo4J9KZi4UE550Fk8/s1600/00000000000000000+sun+tea.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_MovF3v9OnivWTOGnqzCfrKvK_o_kqOTBp8gi-BEpRVIC4DgFj0fXBXX454EoqVzEbEiU9IFFV_glgZAYYonwgrEWNPpO0v0z53XoigjGYczjHuQeZqt1in6Er_xo4J9KZi4UE550Fk8/s320/00000000000000000+sun+tea.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This is so easy to make! No heat from the stove, just natural sunshine. And here's the kicker. If there isn't any sunshine, or even if the seasons are different so it's cold outside - this can be made inside without any sun! Sure, the sun is nice. Use it when it's there. But no need to go without herbal tea when it is not.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Basically all you do is take a clean jar of any type, with a lid of course. Put pure water in it and an organic herbal tea bag. [If you add stevia, etc, that goes in the jar now too.] Place outdoors under sun "or" on your table, on a shelf - there are endless spots when there isn't sunshine. It helps to stir or shake it every now and than, but it's not a requirement. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">One thing I did find out the hard way :) is that if the weather is hot, tea made <i>inside</i> and not under the sun - can go bad. When it is cooler outside, inside tea stays fresh longer. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Outdoors: Leave it to bask under the sun for approximately 3 to 4 hours. In cold weather, longer but check the tea. Actually, I've read of some who made inside tea in only an hour, tho I have not tried it but you may want to. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Remember, the <span style="color: red;">ratio </span>is the same regardless how much or how little tea you are making: 1 teabag per each cup of water. Or if it is loose tea, 1 teaspoon per each cup. Making more than one cup? Just do the math. :)<b><br /></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Next:</b> If you're against frozen foods or cans, skip this. I don't like them, but am taking into consideration the variety of people out there with different issues: Sickness, or weak, poor, roommate issues, <i>etc</i> - these foods may be all that can be managed. They can be offered in a mood of thankfulness to a pic of Prabhupada. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Also, stores often sell frozen and canned foods as "<span style="color: #cc0000;">organic</span>." That was not available when I was young. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It may make some feel better to know that as you get healthier from eating raw - you may gradually no longer need to use frozen or canned. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If you all ready don't need these - great! Go for the real deal. Just don't criticize those who do not have the money, facility, or some other block, in their way. <br /><br /><b>TIP:</b> With that said, riced frozen cauliflower saves you the energy of ricing it yourself. No machine needed. Other frozen vegetables save you the effort of so much scrape-washing of roots or any veggie really. It's still nice to rinse them off. Matter of fact, IMHO even frozen foods should be removed from their bag and cleaned: When I rinse anything, regardless what it is, I <u>first use </u><b><span style="color: purple;">white vinegar</span></b> as it is a natural germ-killer. [1/4 Cup vinegar to 2 Cups water.] Next, rinse that off with pure water. Also, mixed oriental vegetables that are frozen give you a quick variety so you don't have to buy a bunch of veggies. You may want to cut some smaller, but others, no. Depends on the flavor etc of the veggie. And, strong veggies one may not be fond of, have a lighter taste when cut thing. I found some veggie's I was not found of, to even like, after I used a potato peeler or spirilizer. <br /><br />While many raw food recipes can be simple, they <i>often need preparation</i>. Usually something easy, just need to think /<u>plan ahead</u>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Most recipes below, serves 2:</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: blue;">SIMPLE VEGIE'S IN A JAR</span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4uwfEujTEQ_xP0JeLZRswzpmIAqFcXfJF9DQEGsraclQL9FGPwrOkxVlYjZbTtWK_vfEReU_HxdnfcrToyadKrsyqkde8ZZxApAsQ_fspktnTJI15X_WEQSKuvkpaNtvS4-5kDjRusa0/s1600/0000000000000000000000000000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4uwfEujTEQ_xP0JeLZRswzpmIAqFcXfJF9DQEGsraclQL9FGPwrOkxVlYjZbTtWK_vfEReU_HxdnfcrToyadKrsyqkde8ZZxApAsQ_fspktnTJI15X_WEQSKuvkpaNtvS4-5kDjRusa0/s320/0000000000000000000000000000.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Can use fresh or frozen organic veggies. If frozen, make sure to leave it out of the freezer to thaw ahead of time. And they too, should be rinsed first.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">* Pick the veggie of your choice. A good one is riced, or small cut Cauliflower Florette's. Whatever vegetables you choose, they should be cut very small, and you must like them in their raw state.<br /><br />* Place finely cut vegetables in a large clean jar. At least 2 cups of veggies, 3 works well too.<br /><br />* Pour in approximately 1 - 2 Tablespoons of organic, raw olive oil. Or an "organic" oil of your choice. Not too much, not too little.<br /><br />* Add spices of your choice. Examples: Black or Himalayan salt - tho just a little, a pinch of cayenne to keep the desire for salt low. Next: Hing, Turmeric, Paprika, Thyme, Oregano, Basil, <i>etc</i>. Tho it can be any spices, this is just to give the idea. Use what you wish.<br /><br /> Optional: A slice of lemon, or a little lemon juice. Cuts through the oil, plus aids digestion a bit. But if you don't like lemon so much, it's ok to skip this. Try raw organic apple cider vinegar or if you're not open to that, try a lime.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />[Don't worry about exact amounts, this recipe is pretty hard to mess up.]<br /><br />* Place lid on jar and SHAKE.<br /><br />* Put jar on counter. Shake again when walking past it or whenever you wish. In the summer, place it where it wont get too hot. In winter, place that won't get too cold. Leave it there for a few hours. However, it has been used immediately in a pinch. Just make sure the herbs, spices, oil is shaken well thru the batch. <br /><br />* Next, you can view this as a <b>salad </b>if you wish, since it is not cooked, but whatever it is, it's yummy. Pour into serving bowl. You may want to give it an <u>extra mix</u> with a large mixing spoon. And of course, first offer this salad <span style="color: #741b47;">to Prabhupada with love and devotion.</span> <3</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"> SIMPLE VEGIE'S IN A BOWL: </span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVIQYcL7bOvjvdxxwSbHyzBFF-ZwBuwGg37K1TCFtV1OKU8YeGh4ASI0Q0NUMuLucaro0kX0VZf2WJv0oD2nwLOJdxC75uzwnrkaxetE-4H_v4StFN2U1Ns6d8Jbdv52GQ4jyZIhZH4PY/s1600/000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="236" data-original-width="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVIQYcL7bOvjvdxxwSbHyzBFF-ZwBuwGg37K1TCFtV1OKU8YeGh4ASI0Q0NUMuLucaro0kX0VZf2WJv0oD2nwLOJdxC75uzwnrkaxetE-4H_v4StFN2U1Ns6d8Jbdv52GQ4jyZIhZH4PY/s1600/000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000.jpg" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This recipe came as a result of tasting better than the one in the jar ha, or to me. Of course, the same ingredients here can be used for the jar, but I didn't want to take down the fun option about using a jar in that way. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 Large bowl and mixing spoon.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2 cups riced cauliflower -organic.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 spiralized or thinly cut up, zucchini, organic.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 cup fresh organic corn kernals. [Can remove kernels or buy organic frozen. If against corn try carrots, etc.]</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 heaping Tablespoon of Nutritional Yeast,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 Heaping Tablespoon of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=organic+tomato+powder&ref=nb_sb_noss" target="_blank">Tomato Powder, organic</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 - 2 teaspoon raw organic Olive Oil.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Handful Sun Dried Tomatoes. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Handful walnuts, organic </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Handful of Black Olives,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 teaspoon lime juice. [Or lemon.]</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So simple, and such yummy prasad! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Think ahead</b>: Defrost vegetables 1st. Once thawed: </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Put vegies in a strainer or etc and thoroughly rinse. Transfer to large bowl.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Add everything else, and manually: mix, Mix, MIX until that too has been done thoroughly. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Optional</b>: A little tomato sauce, but not mixed in. Rather kept to the side to add when eating if you choose - kind of like with french fries, tho a little different. Anyhow, if you want a tomato sauce recipe, scroll to: "Zucchini Spaghetti." Again, this is optional.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Offer first, with <b><span style="color: magenta;">love and devotion. <3 </span></b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> RAW ORGANIC OATMEAL</span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGcEJr1vxLafgO_Dff6hC7SbXR1GyDYJOZl2vlueGYFzRA5I5unsbQKvEBXQ4R70Y_95o9IE6uiHupDE7hqUPkvp3M-eI52Pyfo06fPUaib9bfBlKwCeSKzYgfaGYeI_HZZaVkc8Ie6xU/s1600/00000000000000000000000000000000000000000.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="910" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGcEJr1vxLafgO_Dff6hC7SbXR1GyDYJOZl2vlueGYFzRA5I5unsbQKvEBXQ4R70Y_95o9IE6uiHupDE7hqUPkvp3M-eI52Pyfo06fPUaib9bfBlKwCeSKzYgfaGYeI_HZZaVkc8Ie6xU/s320/00000000000000000000000000000000000000000.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">I
do not like oatmeal that much, but I like this. Also, since a raw diet
is usually free of all grains, nevertheless acceptable /
healthy to eat soaked, slightly sprouted grains - which in turns fills you
up! :)<br /><br />You will need a food processor, or blender, or maybe a
Magic Bullet. I have the bullet tho feel it mixes it too well. Still, it's good. Now those without any machine, you might be able to do this
manually, but don't take my word for it, as I never tried it. You will
have to be your own guinea pig. :)<br /><br />Preparation Time: With the exception of the
overnight soaking, this only takes me about 10 minutes to make at most,
especially if I do not use fruit in the first step of blending.<br /><br />Serves 2.<br /><br />* Overnight in a jar soak 1 and 1/2 cups "organic, raw" oatmeal over night. - - <u>Next day, drain. Then rinse</u>. <br /><br />*
Either pour the oatmeal in a bowl for easier manual mixing, or remove it, rinsed of course, from its jar into a machine. ADD the following:<br /> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">- 2/3rds teaspoon organic vanilla extract - or scrape the insides of an organic vanilla bean.<br /> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">-1/3rd to 1/2 teaspoon Stevia or 1/2 to 1 t raw organic Honey. [Tho if going to blend
in a fruit as suggested below, this becomes optional. Depending on your
sweet tooth. :) I found it to be needed when zero fruit is blended in.]<br /><br />OPTIONAL:<br />- <b>2 banana's</b> [or fruit of
your choice. I've made this without any fruit and loved it! Tho
did add Stevia.] </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />- handful of almonds or walnuts.<br /><br />* Mix all the above in a blender, bullet, or etc. You <span style="color: red;">don't want it to turn into liquid!</span> Just mixed together and slightly broken down.<br /><br />* Pour or scrape into bowl and top with:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />- cinnamon,<br />-a drizzle of honey if you want,<br />-a
few pieces of any fruit you have on hand and like, chopped small but
not blended. <b>Apples</b> are recommended since they help with digestion and
cut thru a lot of internal stuff. Matter of fact, I tend to fold in small
apple pieces, than add more for garnish. Do what you like.<br /><br />- <a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2011/08/turn-food-into-prasadam-spiritual.html" target="_blank">Offer with love and devotion</a>. <3<br /><br />Only
problem I have with oatmeal is that I find it makes me <b><i>sleepy.</i></b> Who says
you have to eat it for breakfast? Eating it later in the day might be
better for some. Of course if it does not make you sleepy [as it did not
do that to me when young] have it whenever you want.</span></span> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /> ZUCCHINI SPAGHETTI</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUThH16wILWeJp4o9vRVmKUncwUJ86MQWoXAaJ2-UYCOoP_SMEOvbacjjA_MLoXtJrAECFKyoTj8T-zvw9a-DbLqm49dW_udn4bVvxXtdzQRNApSd-afROyjcILauzVeTnVi5hyphenhyphenPPHXw/s1600/00000000000000000000+zucchini+noodles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUThH16wILWeJp4o9vRVmKUncwUJ86MQWoXAaJ2-UYCOoP_SMEOvbacjjA_MLoXtJrAECFKyoTj8T-zvw9a-DbLqm49dW_udn4bVvxXtdzQRNApSd-afROyjcILauzVeTnVi5hyphenhyphenPPHXw/s320/00000000000000000000+zucchini+noodles.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br />This is so easy, and tasteful too. Generally you need 2 to 3 medium to large Zucchini <i>per person</i>. <br /><br />Grab a potato peeler. In a mixing bowl, peel zucchini in the long direction, creating spiral spaghetti-shapes with the potato peeler. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Next, put salt, oregano, basil, etc - plus a drizzle of organic Olive Oil over the string spirals of zucchini.<br /><br />Next, either make some simple tomato sauce of your own [ <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hqDov_2cqc" target="_blank">Video Recipe</a>- omit the cooking of noodles, omit garlic & replace with Hing], or buy some to get yourself started. Put it on top of everything. If you prefer Pesto [<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcFJxiH0WHI" target="_blank">video recipe</a>, ditto for garlic - may want to mute the music :) ], top with that. Then, <i><b><span style="color: #073763;">offer,</span></b></i> chant and be happy. <br /><br />P.S. You can go to amazon and buy a <u>Spirilizer</u> if you wish. It's faster than a potato peeler. I've used both and they both have their ups and downs. :)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">ha Look what I <i>just</i> found while looking for images: </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoUzIdG1b-inSylLMKmLiKx6UefO0J_gjGsQHh1SJ1AOc6G1B1pNHAWu6hQqLX8TOiWalpB6R1FYnd8qAGNrnp81_ZNx-N_YxYZ4lTBiq08Mhbl46MXcvJAcUPPmJhM3R0zQhZko83v14/s1600/000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoUzIdG1b-inSylLMKmLiKx6UefO0J_gjGsQHh1SJ1AOc6G1B1pNHAWu6hQqLX8TOiWalpB6R1FYnd8qAGNrnp81_ZNx-N_YxYZ4lTBiq08Mhbl46MXcvJAcUPPmJhM3R0zQhZko83v14/s320/000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I never tried the above and rather make my own, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>but</b></i> if a reader is not feeling well, or <insert issue>, this is still raw food. </span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">TACO</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHhkRsEqkJLF1jnKiFJdj3mLgOVQdEbFEEyQFk6bdX6UePVE-nkvzI1fILJbU4ghD4h5jQHu4uSRojOpld5BBvWGIZkeql3ndJpF8VZH4DVillVJrCrGcORAOUHDrKEGky1tO2AdlT-Y/s1600/00000000000000000000000000000000000000+romaine+leaf+taco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="507" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHhkRsEqkJLF1jnKiFJdj3mLgOVQdEbFEEyQFk6bdX6UePVE-nkvzI1fILJbU4ghD4h5jQHu4uSRojOpld5BBvWGIZkeql3ndJpF8VZH4DVillVJrCrGcORAOUHDrKEGky1tO2AdlT-Y/s320/00000000000000000000000000000000000000+romaine+leaf+taco.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is fun, easy, and a little messy. Yet, what taco is not messy? :) They all are. And the flavor is great!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Not using bread here. In it's place, large leaf Romain Lettuce. You can still use healthy bread like Ezekiel or Crackers, make your own bread, OR make chapati's for this purpose. However for this recipe, it is grainless.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Also, for some, the use of black olives or corn may not be considered first class and therefore not offerable to deities. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Brief answers: A) I never said to offer to deities, rather offer to a pic of Prabhupada. B) This is not a post on how to become a brahamana, it's a post on how to hopefully live longer. C) Feel free to substitute those or any items with different ones, tho you are responsible for how that recipe turns out yourself. :) I believe in recipe experiementation; I also believe in taking responsibililtly for it.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prep</b>: </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">-Presoak cashews 2 hours ahead of time if you are going to use the sauce. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">-Presoak chickpeas overnight. If going to use cooked chickpeas, have them ready ahead of time. If you have a food processor, can use presoaked, raw, chickpeas.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> The above will make sense as you read the following:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">- Largest leaf Romain Leaf lettuce you can find. Wash.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">- If you don't mind 1 item cooked, can cook a heaping cup of chickpeas, or 1 Can organic Chickpeas, OR chickpea sprouts you pre-soak overnight. I've never used the sprouts but am looking forward to trying it. Will let you know. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">UPDATE:
I have since made this with totally raw, sprouted, chickpeas and it was
great! However, I just purchased a small Food Processor as that was
required. If you do not have one, or are not going to get one any time
soon, than circle back to canned or cooking the chickpeas yourself. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">- Corn, frozen works. Make sure to rinse it first. Or use fresh, take it off the cob, about 3/4ths cup. Wash. [If you are not open to corn, omit, or substitute something else. Tho the flavor is now on you. :) ]</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">- 1/3 cup Black Olives, rinse thoroughly.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">- 1/2 teaspoon black or himalayan Salt. [I use 1/4 t.] </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">- cayenne pepper to your tolerance or preference.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">- 1 teaspoon Olive Oil, raw, organic. Can use more.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">- 2/3rds teaspoon Lime juice.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">- 1/2 cup Sun-dried tomatoes, organic.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">- Dehydrated Tomato powder, 1 teaspoon [If you don't have any, buy it, it's worth it. But temporarily can switch out for another spice you prefer.]</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">I kept this recipe a bit on the unspicey side, but add more if you like more. Of anything really. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">The above is easy, and can even do by hand [with <i>cooked</i> chickpeas] <i><b>if</b></i> you do not have a food processor, blender, or magic bullet. Try a potato masher, or just use a clean fork saved for cooking.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Put washed chickpeas in a dish with sides like a pie tin/glass, or flatish bowl - and smash them.Takes a some minutes if doing it by hand.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Next, with the exception of the romaine lettuce, <i><b>add</b></i> all the above ingredients to the chickpea mixture. The sundried tomatoes may need to be cut or ripped to size.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now fold and stir and mash - whatever it takes to get it all thoroughly through.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Optional: Add Nutritional Yeast to the above, tho not necessary if going to make the sauce.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">SAUCE: </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> You will need a machine such as a food processor or blender or magic bullet for this:</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">-1/4 Cup Cashews, Pre-soaked 2 hours <i><b>ahead of time, </b></i>especially if you do not have a powerful machine for blending. [Spice grinder works.]</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">-1/2 Cup of pure Water.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">-1 Tablespoon of Nutritional Yeast.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Most like to <u>strain out</u> the nut pulp. Interesting how we garnish with nuts on top, but throw this out. ha Well, it may taste a little different. It's up to you. If throwing out, at least give it to the animals when doable. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">NEXT whether you plan on using the sauce or not, put the chickpea mixture into the romaine leaves. This is a little tricky but I found out a tip. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>And that is:</b> If your romaine lettuce leaves are not hugely wide, then don't expect to be able to fold them from sides, inward. Messy! In that case, fold the end of the stem over top of the chickpea mixture! This works great. If the stem's too tough, or does not proportionately fold the way you want, no big deal. Just fold it into itself, or even tear off a bit of the stem - whatever you want. Just remember when it comes time to folding leaves less than huge, it's <i>not</i> side to side, it's <u>top to bottom</u>. Of course maybe you are luckier than I was and found <i>very</i> large Romaine leaf lettuce. Go for it side-to-side. :)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now, place a bit of the chickpea mixture in the last THIRD of the Romaine lettuce. Once placed there, it's a good idea to take a fork or your clean fingers and mush it slightly into the leaf to stick it there better.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Before folding, pour a few drops of the sauce on, if you are using the sauce. It's optional.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Garnish Top</u>: Cut up tomatoes, pieces of Avocado. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">And yes, <b>now fold. :)</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Offer with love and devotion. It's wonderful!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> <More Recipe's To Be Added - please check back.><br /><br /><b> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>TIP:</b> It's always ok to pick up an [offered] Bell Pepper, a Tomato, baby Cucumber, even raw zucchini - and just eat it. It's more common to think like this for in regards to an apple, but let us modify our thinking and view certain vegetables we like in this same category. It's a good idea. Full of nutrients. <i>What is your favorite vegetable you would like to try this way? :) Think about it. </i>Consider what you never considered. <br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I am writing all this to keep folks alive! Please think this way for yourself as well. Your own consciousness makes the difference. Take care of yourself so you will have more time on this planet <a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/05/absorption-is-key.html" target="_blank">to connect to Krishna more and more in a loving, devotional relationship</a>.<br /><br /><br /> <b>Video's with Easy Recipes: </b><br /><br />These make it simple to get started. Devotees, I'm not responsible for garlic, onions, or "etc" used in any videos. Employ common sense & omit them. <u>Note</u>: Some say a little hing with finely chopped celery give a similar flavor to onion/garlic. Adding organic oil 'etc' to make the spice stick. I don't like celery and am considering trying the same thing with cucumbers instead. <br /><br />Also, some of these videos are vegan. I am not vegan, but these are easy recipes to get started to easily increase raw meals into the diet. <br /><br />3 $1 RAW VEGAN <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQtZyEy6nAI" target="_blank">RECIPES</a>! ??Yovana </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />5 FullyRaw Best / Easy Vegan Recipes <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F57U-THcGL4" target="_blank">for Beginners</a><br /><br /><br /><i>Next</i> are vegan and <u>raw</u> <b><span style="color: magenta;">ICE CREAM</span> </b>recipes. In winter one may think, 'who needs this.' But in the heat of summer, some may find it hard to never ever eat a drop of ice cream. Therefore I've included some healthy raw recipes to make your own, relatively easy. By the way, they still should be desert and not a meal. Don't overindulge. :) And of course, offer it with love and devotion first.<br /><br />NICECREAM 3 WAYS - vegan and healthy, my top "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlJdeKVTHXU" target="_blank">banana</a>" ice cream recipes! Notice she pre-forze them first.<br /><br />Homemade Vegan Ice Cream! <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5n8dcbHxcCc" target="_blank">3-Ingredients</a>! Mind Over Munch</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtgsaTy6bd8" target="_blank">Sorbet</a> - 2 ingredients - frozen fruit & a bit of raw organic honey. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> My Former Post on going Raw Food - <a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2017/01/longevity-tips.html" target="_blank">it too has tips or helpful info</a>!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Helpful Links Outside This Blog</b>:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The <a href="https://globalhealing.com/natural-health/benefits-of-raw-food-diet/" target="_blank">Health Benefits</a> of a Raw Food Diet. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The Raw Food Diet: A <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/raw-food-diet" target="_blank">Beginner's Guide</a> and Review.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">7 Benefits I <a href="https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-14628/7-benefits-i-never-expected-when-i-went-on-a-raw-foods-diet.html" target="_blank">Never Expected</a> When I Went On A Raw Foods Diet. [What good points she makes. Points we may not have initially thought of.] </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Top 10 Health Benefits of a Raw Food Diet [This is a <a href="https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-health-benefits-raw-food-diet/" target="_blank">summary</a>, good to have for a quick read or reminder.]</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"> <u><i>ALL</i></u> DISCLAIMERS APPLY</span>.</span>HareKrishnaBloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984787475788837467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3624323057943903718.post-50307355921408923932020-04-20T05:29:00.002-07:002023-06-05T10:25:27.427-07:00QUARANTINE<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">QUARANTINE </span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span>Some are having trouble with the lock down, some are not. And some have found a way to use it spiritually. I'm sharing this, composed by a young girl Nandini in Mayapur, in hopes any reader out there will be uplifted, plus start putting some of this into action in their own lives as a meditation, and/ or to compose your own. Writing can also be a form of meditation when used to glorify God.</span><br />
<span></span><br /><span>"May I be quarantined in the heart of Sri Sri Radha Madhava for the rest of eternity.<br /><br />May They have me locked down beneath Their reddish lotus feet for the rest of eternity, keeping me safe from the virus of illusion.<br /><br />May They increase my immune system by giving me the vitamins of Their service.<br /><br />This is an order from the government of my heart to the citizens of my mind, during the lockdown period which will extend till the existence of the soul. <br /><br />Let me use the hand wash called sincerity, to cleanse me of the germs of superficiality. (This should be done as many times in the day as possible, for at least 20 seconds, as per the time of Lord Brahma. )<br /><br />Let me keep great distance from the people called lust, anger, pride and hypocrisy who have arrived from a foreign land full of virus.<br /><br />Let me at the least keep a two meter distance of anger, from anyone who sneezes and coughs out harsh words against You or Your devotees.<br /><br />Let me cover my mouth with the tissue of intelligence, whenever I cough or sneeze any complaints about the service of Your Lordships.<br /><br />Let me always keep in my mouth the antivirus of Your holy names and <a href="https://krsnabook.com/" target="_blank">pastimes</a>."</span><br />
<br />
<span>Please chant: </span><br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJCMMvVle6zKEboQjwdiuuWC4GiRPGctTg8NrHgJxKPoOz9c_VcPA6Y-Zab_FS4s0GDmumTwRMlcSbAQfK2ZHV1NYKm9vKDzMVsz4fEPYpqqsif5JCICKm177RcVXVRF77z2PpBLWlpU/s1600/5-pretty-different+colors+per+letter.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="375" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJCMMvVle6zKEboQjwdiuuWC4GiRPGctTg8NrHgJxKPoOz9c_VcPA6Y-Zab_FS4s0GDmumTwRMlcSbAQfK2ZHV1NYKm9vKDzMVsz4fEPYpqqsif5JCICKm177RcVXVRF77z2PpBLWlpU/s320/5-pretty-different+colors+per+letter.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"> and be <a href="http://www.harekrishna.com/col/books/YM/cbh/" target="_blank">happy</a>. :) </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span>P.S. You can sketch it too, as shown above. That too is devotional service.</span><br />
<br />
<span>Free download of many books to keep you blissful during this lockdown! Right <a href="https://www.krishnapath.org/__free-download-srila-prabhupada-book/free-ebooks-audiobooks-of-srila-prabhupada/" target="_blank">here</a>. </span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2018/06/smile-awhile.html" target="_blank">Smile Awhile</a> - a little humor goes a long way to keep our spirits lifted.</span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2018/07/ecstatic-bliss.html" target="_blank">Nectar Story about Srila Prabhupada</a> - many may not have heard this one.</span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2017/03/anyone-can-go-to-krsna-loka.html" target="_blank">Anyone Can Go To KrishnaLoka</a> - keeps your hopes up!</span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/05/tedx-talk-on-prabhupada-happiness.html" target="_blank">Ted Talk on Srila Prabhupada and Happiness</a>.</span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2011/08/engage-in-practical-service.html" target="_blank">Engage In Practical Service</a> - don't only live in your head, here are some ideas to do service and transcend whatever is going on in the material world. Create your own world, at home, via practical service of your choosing.</span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/06/for-kids-krishna-conscious-fun.html" target="_blank">KIDS</a> - they need some fun too! Here are some Krishna Conscious activities they will enjoy! It will keep them happily busy during this quarantine. You too. :) </span><br />
<br />
<span><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2017/05/wwiii-what-would-you-do-if-internet.html" target="_blank">WWIII - What Would You Do If The Internet Collapsed</a>?</span><br />
<span>Interestingly, this is a blog post I wrote on May 2017. It's main focus is how to be a devotee at home during rough times. </span><br />
<span><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>HareKrishnaBloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984787475788837467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3624323057943903718.post-15521845355523099262020-04-12T08:51:00.000-07:002020-04-20T05:32:55.466-07:00I GOT A SPOT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzMmpCO-WEdOzQDVQwvKqY-eFFeYFEabHUSBOLw5fXmoHUIg6oMdu1gwq4lhCWNeAiVLGtLQQ7SzWveOdXX-oHJbEF1hXLrsdoiaEFCQQVgyKRxHtCMGRiQHbJ9Y1JDHxgjl6AEZStcqM/s1600/5-f+p.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzMmpCO-WEdOzQDVQwvKqY-eFFeYFEabHUSBOLw5fXmoHUIg6oMdu1gwq4lhCWNeAiVLGtLQQ7SzWveOdXX-oHJbEF1hXLrsdoiaEFCQQVgyKRxHtCMGRiQHbJ9Y1JDHxgjl6AEZStcqM/s320/5-f+p.png" width="307" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">[This is a poem I wrote some years back. I'm not really a writer of poetry, so this will be less then perfect. And usually I don't share what I write, it's clumsy. However, I felt I should share this one here, so take it with a grain of salt. By the way, it's true that the night I wrote it, the electricity went out. Simultaneously, it's all true. ]<br /><br /> <b><span style="color: blue;"> I GOT A SPOT</span></b><br /><br />Last night electricity went out,<br />Was lucky to be near the couch,<br />With bed far away - so here I lay,<br />Windows open - wasn't terribly hot,<br />Thinking to self "I got a spot."<br /><br />Feeling its warmth and security,<br />Safely and cozy beneath me,<br />Allowed thoughts another place to stroll,<br />Toward this Movement - it's my life and soul,<br />How on earth did I get to enroll?<br /><br />Lost in it's problems, a sense of Responsibility,<br />About worthy causes, kids and kuli's......<br />Other issues too - all need resolving,<br />Then wondering how to pursue.<br />Often I think of shastra - or pray,<br />It's never enough, but aim for the sky,<br />If ya get treetops, it won't have far to fly.<br /><br />But electricity off, forced to slow down,<br />The most fascinating thing I found,<br />Is with all that's going 'round,<br />Life's ups and its downs,<br />Be it luck or whatnot,<br />......I Got a Spot.<br /><br />Sometimes I'm a bad fit,<br />Independent you see,<br />Not blind to surrender,<br />Only to qualified authority.<br />This got in my way,<br />Yet kept me from going astray,<br />Always asking "What's your SOURCE?"<br />As Prabhupada taught us - Of course.<br /><br />Wonder how me - an independent personality - arrived,<br />Yet now the Movement has become my life,<br />Am thankful - 'tis true,<br />Even if sometimes it brings with it, strife.<br /><br />But birth and death, than birth some more,<br />Who was I last time - I might implore,<br />Was I a boy, a hunter, a bidder,<br />Did I pull capers? Or just a late night baker?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />Did I do something good?<br />To the hungry give food?<br />Try to change the world,<br />With issues of value?<br /><br />Was I a big wig?<br />A little wig?<br />Who was anyone before?<br />My eyes began to shift to the floor.<br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">One thing I know,<br />Thinking back on the days,<br />When ashrama life was all the craze,<br />And I slept on that hard floor,<br />Blissful in my sleeping bag,<br />Didn't matter how many past births I had,<br />At that point in time it made me so alive,<br />With Krishna's protection from all sides,<br />I didn't need to be a big-shot,<br />All I knew was......I Got A Spot.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />Out the door for book Distribution,<br />Airports, red lights, Grand Central Station,<br />My Sankirtana abilities were poor at best,<br />But Prabhupada said it, so I tried with zest.<br />Back to the asrhama late at night,<br />Maybe tomorrow I'd try Harinama instead. :)<br /><br />Unimportant how few possessions upon my shelf,<br />All I needed was Balarama's floor, strong beneath self,<br />Was told "Don't lean on temple walls - it's Him!"<br />So too must be ashrama floors supporting us, therein.<br /><br />I did not feel qualified, but grateful to be there,<br />Worldly worries ceased and were out of my hair.<br />As I learned to spread Krishna's glories about,<br />Prabhupada said our chanting created WWIII bailouts.<br /><br />Now, with godsisters in this new found family,<br />Of those days in the early 1970s, <br />To which I recall feeling,<br />Tho a diamond in the rough,<br />"I belong," regardless of what came up,<br />I stayed, and sing that transcendental song,<br />"Hare Krishna"...thus His mercy carries us along.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />Things have changed, but none can take this away,<br />As hard as some try, they have no say,<br />Prabhupada's lotus feet I hold tight -<br />While self still needing to purify,<br />My heart desires Krishna - so here I stay.<br /><br />If you're reading this, a devotee you be,<br />Never mind whence joined, you too are free,<br />Grab Prabhupada's feet, put up his pic,<br />Offer him an incense stick,<br />Do what he says, don't let others trick,<br />Cling to what he told us to do,<br />Then feel his love & protection shower you anew.<br /><br />This Movement shall forever grow,<br />Even if back and forth 10,000 years it goes,<br />Cuz once you surrender to Prabhupada,<br />Then you too have </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">.....</span>"Got A Spot." :-)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare. Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /> Y.S.,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Priitaa dd</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Don't miss an entry! Subscribe! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Also, save to your favorites <i>because</i> you'll always have it to reread anything that inspires or helps you in one way <i>or another way</i>. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Hope you do both. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">.</span></span> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Related Post:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2019/05/poem.html" target="_blank">Poem - By Saradiya devi dasi</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>HareKrishnaBloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984787475788837467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3624323057943903718.post-82770195039150405302020-02-19T16:37:00.003-08:002020-04-15T11:56:33.675-07:00This and That<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYa8Kpj2fDp61tIDXASzwpV5GA7uznNfzZwbJB-E_jG-lLa1zlctzD0op5aj8wCv7UVs6RxHaV5ep7DzDsZ15F0CBbugtGLTDMVFIikRR4ffxOONkSGbA22yPZj8W4dzLH-Sb_sirtjx4/s1600/000_a+%252863%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYa8Kpj2fDp61tIDXASzwpV5GA7uznNfzZwbJB-E_jG-lLa1zlctzD0op5aj8wCv7UVs6RxHaV5ep7DzDsZ15F0CBbugtGLTDMVFIikRR4ffxOONkSGbA22yPZj8W4dzLH-Sb_sirtjx4/s320/000_a+%252863%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Time I made a blog post! What's been on my mind? Life hands us variety.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Let's start with a post I was reading on fb from a young devotee. She was under a lot of stress due to a significant problem, and not receiving help via authorities. The topic is not about her problem, that's not mine to share. The topic is how the Movement has changed so much that many new devotees aren't getting what we received. They don't have that spiritual family to count on, don't feel at peace within, and more of them leave than our generation. As I read her post, and all that happened to her, I felt sad. This is yet another reason to start your <a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2011/08/home-altar-how-to-create.html" target="_blank">own at-home spiritual practice</a>. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xvwlisLCnHTJdOo2BbDC5CKGy20mMLPMoOFAVK7pONicnI7Ciq9uuh8AlAMJwtfRNRuxhHOJ0NqobtioaCbs11fLphSyyKLSq-9hoRoJ3QuPJXSaferGLcZtHE_4FkBvqUurj_q40wQ/s1600/1-bBB+little+by+little+%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xvwlisLCnHTJdOo2BbDC5CKGy20mMLPMoOFAVK7pONicnI7Ciq9uuh8AlAMJwtfRNRuxhHOJ0NqobtioaCbs11fLphSyyKLSq-9hoRoJ3QuPJXSaferGLcZtHE_4FkBvqUurj_q40wQ/s320/1-bBB+little+by+little+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;">S</span><span style="font-size: large;">ome readers may feel my comments are anti-ISKCON but that is not my intent. Anyone who was around in the days when Prabhupada was on the planet knows full well that things have changed. Even those who, for quite a long time, did not want to admit it - admit it now. I still believe in Iskcon, just the one Srila Prabhupada created, and want to get back to that.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, I had to ask myself: "If I were young, would I join today?" I am not sure! That unnerved me a bit. What would happen to my spirit-soul? Therefore, had to think deeper. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">There are solutions. Take your instructions only from Jagat Guru, Srila Prabhupada. And start a small temple of your own 'safely' within your living quarters <b>or regular meetings at a park in good weather, or etc</b>. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">This way you surround yourself with safe people who also inspire. And</span> practice <a href="http://krsnabook.com/" target="_blank">peacefully, the bliss that is Krishna katha/ sravanam or hearing which includes reading nectar</a>. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6Fw4GPFDx926Ow1_x5yi8oDkWsBqI6fRav7hpbgpot_wJH7Yz0CdLVYFxDuqkrds9B4E6xKZOHzrrtnq4ccMjwYtWZ_xNf3oGJhGoGYzsn4cSYi6wqdTkVIDeiFrCNm0_X2KTX54os0/s1600/2-never+created+to+live+depressed+etc.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="527" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6Fw4GPFDx926Ow1_x5yi8oDkWsBqI6fRav7hpbgpot_wJH7Yz0CdLVYFxDuqkrds9B4E6xKZOHzrrtnq4ccMjwYtWZ_xNf3oGJhGoGYzsn4cSYi6wqdTkVIDeiFrCNm0_X2KTX54os0/s320/2-never+created+to+live+depressed+etc.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Also, see the links throughout this blog on sidebar or below, regarding "<span style="color: magenta;"><i><b>how</b></i></span>" to do that. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Managing Director</b> <b>- new title for Temple President</b>. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Why on earth change it? These little shifts are unnecessary, and adding up. While I'm sure they have some philosophical or convincing reason, I don't want to read it. Loaning an ear can be dangerous. Prabhupada instructed, <span style="color: #990000;">don't change a thing</span>! His instructions override any philosophy or convincing arguments they may create. Prabhupada said it - I therefore believe it. Managing Director has more of a mundane sound vibration to it than Temple President. Is it really turning into corporate Iskcon? Srila Prabhupada did not want that either. Matter of fact, he wanted the exact opposite.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> New Sanyasi's and the Sanyasa Ministry.</b> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I admit, I tend to keep my distance and did not know there was such a ministry; especially since I knew Prabhupada said, <span style="color: red;">no more sannyasa</span>. Yet there was a glaring post about it on fb. One devotee spoke of how wonderful the new candidates are, since most are Hindu or with a similar background - pointing out that they will be better than the Westerners who had emotional or mental issues. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">My thoughts? How do we know that merely because someone has a good record now, they will not mess it up later? That was the case with many of the Westerners who previously took sanyasa. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Additionally, what makes one assume only Westerners can have emotional or mental issues but not those born in the East? Of course there are many wonderful people born in the East, but that is a digression. For some of them there are mental or emotional issues as well. And some can turn out to be the same as Westerners, just initially covered over by the fortune of being birthed in India.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I also wonder if the standard which even the average devotee accepts, has become<b>:</b> Anyone who is nice, is pukka, is sattvic, is pundita, etc - they are qualified to take sannyasa. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Certainly we want all those qualities; simply it is not to end there. The reality we have seen is that very few make it through life with such extreme sense control. Those who take sanyasa, often later in life do feel urges - leading to a tendency to <i>take it out on others</i>. Mostly women and children, but also men whom they can belittle. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho8z_nYtaX-_sEBHa2HEev-1IFkWFsLwVk_QYdH4A9ESuO0ZC6GrjWT6MFOkqvoDlIJxXK8cN3Z3lwha5n-H4yweADxslKkb5wLjvtzoYXYpICLzoKrxnuf8xfL_3b7wriAbb4edySEnc/s1600/000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1200" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho8z_nYtaX-_sEBHa2HEev-1IFkWFsLwVk_QYdH4A9ESuO0ZC6GrjWT6MFOkqvoDlIJxXK8cN3Z3lwha5n-H4yweADxslKkb5wLjvtzoYXYpICLzoKrxnuf8xfL_3b7wriAbb4edySEnc/s320/000.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">So sannyasa is less about how much service someone has preformed, less about how much knowledge anyone compiled, and more about<span style="color: red;"> sense control - already on a high spiritual level where they see & treat everyone as spirit soul - <span style="color: blue;">plus </span>being blissfully [& truthfully] absorbed in Krishna. <span style="color: blue;">They are joyous</span>, not superficially so, not grumpy, certainly not materialistic [such as climbing the corporate ladder of Iskcon - that will not be an interest with a real sanyasa].</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Are
sanyasi's still given too many privileges? Fancy prasadam? Are they genuinely living a simple life without many servants, or different special advantages that often belong to the householder? </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bank accounts? Cars? </span></span>In this age Prabhupada has <i>warned</i> that some sanyasi's take these. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">If they are living in simplicity - that's great! However, can they maintain that for life? </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">IMHO
some applying to take sannyasa look too young. Sannyasa usually is not given until
after 50 years of age, and usually after one has been married - thus real
life experience. </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;">We learned the hard way. Most of them could not give
advice to householders since most had not married, did not have
children living at home, no job or bills to pay. Even, often gave bad advice. Spoiling with servants and so forth turned out to be a disservice to many of them. </span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">I do not know <span style="color: red;">nor judge</span> the upcoming. This
is more about us. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Devotees have a responsibility to be sufficiently studied to recognize first scripture than kali-yuga experiences <i>that reveal</i> exactly what should be expected for
sannyasa initiation. Not mere sentiment of "<span style="color: blue;">this is better than that;</span>" rather shastric requirements. Maybe when the power of the people :) kicks in, the Sannyasa Ministry
will as well. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Srila Prabhupada put a lot of attention on the <b>irrelevancy</b> <b>of material birth, caste, etc</b>,. We should not think because some have a better background [or so some assume], therefore they won't form another type of fanaticism. Are we becoming Hindu's now? Out of desperation "this/hinduism" becomes better than "that/westerner?" Well, give up desperation and maintain standards Prabhupada gave us, which is off the bodily platform - because Hinduism is <a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2011/10/difference-between-hinduism-and-krishna.html" target="_blank">not our path</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: red;">* </span></b>More important are Prabhupada's instructions. When he said no more sannyasa, that should have been that. However, one devotee mentioned that the a guru told some to take sanyasa, even selected them. [We see how well that worked in N.V. <span style="color: red;">Not</span>.] My reply here? A real <a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2011/08/shaktaveshavatara.html" target="_blank">guru</a> never goes against the instructions of jagat guru. </span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"This should be strictly outlawed, no more sannyasis." Srila Prabhupada Conversation, 7/1/19<b><span style="color: red;">77</span></b> </span></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Something Else Semi-Broke My heart.</b> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Only for a moment. I bounce back quickly. :) </span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It's actually not limited to one person, but am often reading: "They were such a lovely devotee, but they left - became very fallen." At this point I figured they lost interest in Bhakti Yoga. But no, keep on reading: "They became a ritvik, we should pray for them." Wow, my heart did a nose dive.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Sure, I get it that there are a lot of angry and uncontrolled ritviks out there. I've even posted around this blog for them to cease and desist such behavior. Simultaneously, there are also a lot of mellow, sweet ones. They should not be lumped in together. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">With that said, we are not suppose to judge a philosophy by the people who try to practice it. We are to use our intellect and follow the instructions of the pure devotee Srila Prabhupada. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The word 'ritvik,' came from the lotus lips of Srila Prabhupada. We had not heard of it before! Technically it's in our scripture, but so few knew this, that decades after his departure many claimed it was not. It was not a focal point when he was here. Thus, when he brought it up, it was news to us. Now, I'm not telling anyone what to believe. Just saying, hate for anybody is not very spiritual. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnQzsQcuDT2du9wEXiybdv7m3bSwBHKtU7sKDp7bIN1S67xoHkGK33pdgyEKmRHJVpNP4yhsS6CdkLxHULJpJQ_zQRBrb_7UMtNsGABoDlNHv-WfONvCypUzO9D6DanFF6NcoByc_14I/s1600/religion.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="1600" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnQzsQcuDT2du9wEXiybdv7m3bSwBHKtU7sKDp7bIN1S67xoHkGK33pdgyEKmRHJVpNP4yhsS6CdkLxHULJpJQ_zQRBrb_7UMtNsGABoDlNHv-WfONvCypUzO9D6DanFF6NcoByc_14I/s320/religion.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Deity Shoes & Arotika</b> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Were did Prabhupada instruct to place Deity shoes upon the head at the end of arotika? It's not offensive, but not in line with our own Sampradaya. At least, that is what I was told when I researched and asked where this originated. I was informed: "the Ramanuja Sampradaya." Well, we are the "Brhama Sampradaya." To clarify, this is not a criticism of that activity, it's more about sticking with the instructions of jagat guru Srila Prabhupada. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Some claim 'he instructed us to improve deity worship.' My two cents, 'sure, improve, but not to go outside our sampradaya as if what we were given was not enough.' If I am mistaken, all I need is a quote from Prabhupada or some type of proof that it's within the Brahma Sampradaya. <span style="color: red;">Why others don't take up this issue, or find it important, is beyond me.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1Y3Pv1_qtAfY6pMYdIac2pI5AC51NF-uRURBvFioGh-AV3cJvqrt2mZocmH_OooTayHdRFJhpkOWM4y-Knz2nM5V6S5_RsivzexB551cv2s45Aeu03ieZ1w4D5vUGzW3ED-aNvFL56w/s1600/brahma+sampradaya.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="379" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1Y3Pv1_qtAfY6pMYdIac2pI5AC51NF-uRURBvFioGh-AV3cJvqrt2mZocmH_OooTayHdRFJhpkOWM4y-Knz2nM5V6S5_RsivzexB551cv2s45Aeu03ieZ1w4D5vUGzW3ED-aNvFL56w/s320/brahma+sampradaya.jpg" width="236" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
[From God/Krishna, to Brahma, all the way down to Srila Prabhupada. <i><b>Our </b></i>Sampradaya]</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Seats or sitting places to give class</b>. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When I joined, it was a small rug on the floor. So simple and blissful. In cold areas some were, well, catching a cold. Therefore, they elevated the seats by building a small box a few inches off the ground, on which they next put the rug on top. I don't mean a fancy box either. Not ugly, but not fancy. Very simple. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Today, classes are given on a large, high seat. Too similar to a vyasana! Do not blame the person giving class. They have to sit somewhere. It is those who create such a standard, then enforce it in our temples word-wide, who need to correct this. Sitting on big seat above everyone else too easily takes away our humbleness. Please change it back to a rug or small box.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">[I wanted to find a pic but without someone sitting on it, as that may detract from the real topic. Anyway, if you google a pic on the Vyasana that Srila Prabhupada sat on in the early days - and the so called regular seats used for giving class these days, well, you may be surprised at how similar they are.] </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>ABORTIONS</b>. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Such a touchy subject. However, saw a post about it so had to blog here, a balanced perspective.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This is not to debate whether it's right or wrong. All religions state that it's wrong. We ourselves agree with Prabhupada's instructions. Those are, the spirit soul is looking for a home - if there is abortion, they were kicked out, horribly. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Now any reader who has had an abortion, if you take to Krishna Consciousness you can free yourself of that karma. [In sync with avoiding the 10 Offenses, especially going forward, one must <i>not sin on the strength of chanting</i>.]</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTQsSHSxdJKM_AaW1dPMGZCGg8wqyUFFXaoIsXWPtt_00cPEyrW9mTtkRwwGQ2n0m99eNAksDro2_JxgKiCKYWOW7F3xvDRFsyVZ9YLqbv6cndL25DauGjvYXts_sZQeEClQsE9nzzHg/s1600/2-nf+Distance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="403" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTQsSHSxdJKM_AaW1dPMGZCGg8wqyUFFXaoIsXWPtt_00cPEyrW9mTtkRwwGQ2n0m99eNAksDro2_JxgKiCKYWOW7F3xvDRFsyVZ9YLqbv6cndL25DauGjvYXts_sZQeEClQsE9nzzHg/s320/2-nf+Distance.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: magenta;">* </span></b></span>With that <u>summarized</u>, now on to <i>my point</i>: Stop blaming only the women! We can not unite if total blame is placed upon woman. Fact is, I mostly heard of someone's boyfriend insisting she get an abortion! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Additionally, I knew a girl, 15 years old, who became pregnant. She went alone to a place to eat. A man [her boyfriend's friend] told her to get an abortion. In all fairness I should mention, her boyfriend did not want her to get an abortion. She was very strong and replied 'no' to that man. But most of these young girls are not as strong. They're still growing up, and some adults are just growing. It takes some people more time than others to develop such courage, or gain more insight into all it involves. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Also many years ago :) oh around the 1980's, I saw an advertisement from New Agers giving seminars and get-together circles just for women who had an abortion and could not get over it. They were holding hands in a large circle, doing some therapy and maybe some singing. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">One should stop and reflect: "Why would such therapy be given if all women who got an abortion really wanted to so voluntarily, and/or were genuinely informed?"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Parents also</b> force abortions on their daughters. I recall one young woman in a chat room years ago who was mentally challenged, going out of her way to get pregnant. She finally achieved her goal. Her parents forced her to abort the child. To be mentally challenged is not justifiable, they have a right to children too, and those children have a right to life. Anyhow, that is but one example. There are many more where parents forced an abortion, tho the reader may have heard of them as well. [In all fairness, many parents are supportive of keeping the baby, or adoption.]</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Sure, women are not off the hook, but they have all ready been taking the blame. That's imbalanced, as there are many who can contribute to someone undergoing an abortion. <b>Including doctors and medical staff,</b> specifically those who tell them there is no life yet. However, that's simply not true.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Therefore, boyfriends, parents, or someone they met out and
about, who encouraged or guilted them to get an abortion - play a role as well. Especially those who either have physical control or psychological power over her. There's plenty of blame
to go around, not only the female. :)</span> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Let us take the attention away from blame, and place it more on spreading the concept to not do it. Instead, give a baby for adoption, or some other alternative. But let the world know - babies are alive upon conception; and really, before it. That spirit soul was just seeking a home in a mothers womb. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Though if you choose to speak about abortion, do so carefully, because hurting an all ready hurting woman, in most cases does not help her surrender unto you. :) Rather, it results in the opposite. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFEDuGYi3Y7r2C6D0vUEI8OmLLeorOUcHYvsnTT8Dy0XdKWSWJC4H-8B66eQGGmVd2ivyZy9S49RSTPjFp7SPBwFrUBXME0HMlH28XKzwaAalSLUKB_jb65CO1ZNcmflejlcJaZfvMgQ/s1600/2-aaaaaaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="960" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFEDuGYi3Y7r2C6D0vUEI8OmLLeorOUcHYvsnTT8Dy0XdKWSWJC4H-8B66eQGGmVd2ivyZy9S49RSTPjFp7SPBwFrUBXME0HMlH28XKzwaAalSLUKB_jb65CO1ZNcmflejlcJaZfvMgQ/s320/2-aaaaaaa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Therefore, we all know God/Krishna can forgive anyone for anything. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"> <b>Let us focus on God</b></span>.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">More focus on Krishna, with encouraging such women to hear/read, and chant. Also <u>include</u> any doctors, family, etc who sincerely want to free themselves - they can do the same. Hearing, chanting, transcending. <3 </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhppijvd7601wq8UCh-jo8WRWjI-PrphzycvUCiBXyHxkFW7B8Ck054GRdyaXErXIQODCWBQEHYLbr4T8sfmPQpDXAGlWYs3Ev6yniNLcQY9KVTcMOdA8OrMyc7T5Rw4HfFDgTuVWLr7g8/s1600/1922491_594697680615428_664840409_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="640" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhppijvd7601wq8UCh-jo8WRWjI-PrphzycvUCiBXyHxkFW7B8Ck054GRdyaXErXIQODCWBQEHYLbr4T8sfmPQpDXAGlWYs3Ev6yniNLcQY9KVTcMOdA8OrMyc7T5Rw4HfFDgTuVWLr7g8/s320/1922491_594697680615428_664840409_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Related Post:</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2017/08/becoming-free.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Becoming Free</span></a><br />
<br />HareKrishnaBloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984787475788837467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3624323057943903718.post-12354441549933491702019-10-10T13:47:00.001-07:002022-10-17T11:06:34.358-07:00Forgiveness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7jZMOhxEZ560sLbTqGGGXq2OVaiLXRh4A3Me1RRlaWEb777qYwQWXxfG7JuBSrB54XQQGHL6-ke5BAz-PTCpc1WBuG3E6DAlB8q0MaHUn7l7tmmv0AzbWDdlu5bYOWUxFWMMVL7vxUA/s1600/000000000000000000Question-mark-clip-art-free-clipart-images-image-2.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7jZMOhxEZ560sLbTqGGGXq2OVaiLXRh4A3Me1RRlaWEb777qYwQWXxfG7JuBSrB54XQQGHL6-ke5BAz-PTCpc1WBuG3E6DAlB8q0MaHUn7l7tmmv0AzbWDdlu5bYOWUxFWMMVL7vxUA/s320/000000000000000000Question-mark-clip-art-free-clipart-images-image-2.gif" width="320" /></span></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Recently there has been some online facebook discussion about forgiveness. A devotee gave a talk on the topic - and there are many opinions regarding his ideas.<br /><br />Some are very favorable to it, pointing out how Prabhupada said we should forgive minor offenses. Yes, he did.<br /><br />Others feel that medium and particularly severe abuses are grave, and such offenders should not be allowed to slide. They too pointed out Prabhupada quotes which support their understanding. Furthermore, that abusers have the tendency to be repeat offenders when left unchecked. <br /><br />This blog post is not about the speaker, or the various devotees, just my two cents and experience with the issue.</span></span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Those in the first category were stating that forgiveness is more for yourself, a type of letting go in order to move on, so you can heal. I agree with that for minor offenses.</span></span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Those in the 2nd category were pointing out it's just a way to brush under the rug, the medium and chiefly large abuses someone committed. I agree with that too.</span></span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">The first group became more specific and pointed toward forgiveness as good for your health. Remove the anger, hate, blame, resentment, worry - and watch your health blossom. Again, I agree. </span></span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Since some were including a philosophy of "my karma - my fault," the second group debated that point strongly. I also take issue with that version of the karma belief - only because it's often a misunderstanding of <i>laws</i> of karma, it's far too speculative, can be misused by bad guys to blame the victim, plus a new adaption of a former misunderstanding. </span></span><br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirdXGZDggkWIPtUU8XIISGiTvzd4-_dRJd4fwMG_S5wDdxzSLP6S8HQdnGr46-tEdy8hsK-p1LY7HF703lqZdfr3obMK_yDBxq_kEomBC_Nsi4ttEi0suNsjrQzQoRc3M6dkOKF56TdBPr_y7Wf4rZy4dp_SSGWcKOl83br6JRr2p9dygsP80pDStm/s1120/2273739.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1120" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirdXGZDggkWIPtUU8XIISGiTvzd4-_dRJd4fwMG_S5wDdxzSLP6S8HQdnGr46-tEdy8hsK-p1LY7HF703lqZdfr3obMK_yDBxq_kEomBC_Nsi4ttEi0suNsjrQzQoRc3M6dkOKF56TdBPr_y7Wf4rZy4dp_SSGWcKOl83br6JRr2p9dygsP80pDStm/s320/2273739.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">O</span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">ne godsister expressed that forgiveness does not always result in healing <span style="color: red;"><i>for those</i></span> <span style="color: red;"><i>who experienced</i></span> <b>intense </b>abuse, quoting a therapist. Summed up, she elucidated:</span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
<span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span>Psychologist Alice Miller explains that asking a victim to forgive <i><span style="color: red;">prior to</span></i> the offender undergoing justice has been done and their victims nevertheless continued to experience suffering from the effects. It actually compounds trauma. What they really need to hear is unmoving condemnation of whatever bad thing happened. THAT is when real healing can begin. </span></span></span></span><br />
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span> </span></span></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWnC7NWtZSq1_3SefGRJmsXio17tj9q8DylhR87cvvVKOq7ONRieKirLVfPVumN7vbKaHnckFZFhST356N49kQ3YuXl9ydyIrGfrmKxDcpGVXW4FhCff9gNNrUtoU2bIAiJoj5NPWHtBY/s1600/12187723_10154006559194523_608304288270367474_n.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWnC7NWtZSq1_3SefGRJmsXio17tj9q8DylhR87cvvVKOq7ONRieKirLVfPVumN7vbKaHnckFZFhST356N49kQ3YuXl9ydyIrGfrmKxDcpGVXW4FhCff9gNNrUtoU2bIAiJoj5NPWHtBY/s320/12187723_10154006559194523_608304288270367474_n.png" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span>And, the offender must comprehend the depth of pain they caused those they offended, which is shown through (genuine) remorse followed by an <i>honest</i> apology - not lip service apologies</span>.</span></span></span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">This is what helps those outright abused to heal, since they no longer feel alone, but rather the world, in our case Movement, is with them. That we know and acknowledge they did <u>not</u> deserve it. This lifts a big burden off their shoulder, and from their inner dialogue. </span></span><br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCu-q_lc10WPTeVG_QZowG3AiKLbyu19EhILUME5kfLUY59nA23MqV1y8rLXP-A_wzzyMKktKKy43qOC7_-ABk_0jIpbX-Pd98MEfzPWl33qbJoMGs65GIeUbHTKguXs1hnf3ddzqI12U/s1600/1_C.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="458" data-original-width="774" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCu-q_lc10WPTeVG_QZowG3AiKLbyu19EhILUME5kfLUY59nA23MqV1y8rLXP-A_wzzyMKktKKy43qOC7_-ABk_0jIpbX-Pd98MEfzPWl33qbJoMGs65GIeUbHTKguXs1hnf3ddzqI12U/s320/1_C.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span>Completely agree with Alice. Plus, find one difficulty between the two groups belief systems - they often did not distinguish between the level of offense, or abuse. That is important and when omitted, can result in much argumentation, as we can see. :)</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span>Found myself in the midst of going back and forth, trying to figure out which side made the most sensible points, in order to pick sides. </span> </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span>While glad to have looked at both, and stand by what I wrote above </span>-<span style="color: red;"><span><i><b> </b></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><b><span style="color: red;">however</span></b></i>, there I was reading many comments - my head getting a bit dizzy lol - <b>when it hit me:</b> <br /><br />Why is there so much talk about forgiveness lately? Is it about people trying to get off the hook without making internal changes? Or is it about others who feel hurt? Our focal point use to be Krishna-Katha [talk of God.] I believe in forgiveness. But as devotees who took vows, why are many still living in a way to easily be able to make offenses in the first place? We should be living the blissful lifestyle of the disciple, which includes kindness toward one another - and others. Then there would be less offenses or abuse; less need to ask forgiveness - not more. Hence, I wondered, why so many offenses without solutions, when we have such transcendental teachings and took vows?<br /><br />Although I know the answers, am trying to aim this dialogue toward something higher. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Quotes from Prabhupada instruct us to behave like ladies and gentlemen [<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><b><span style="color: #783f04;"><i>gentle</i></span></b></span></span></span></span></span> men!], and that the devotional lifestyle is one of sense control - not the mind and senses gone wild. Other quotes of his tell us to be kind, respectful, and more. </span></span><br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">When the opposite goes on, leading to a need to repeatedly put a band-aid over it, it may reveal a lack of <i>genuinely</i> following Prabhupada <u>when</u> no one is looking. Or they 'think' no one is looking. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">I actually had this happen years ago. Getting online for the first time ever, I was looking forward to finding many lovely devotees for association. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">What I found were some making snide, sarcastic comments to another devotee - something most would never do when living in the temple, or on temple property, or even nearby renting from a nondevotee. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Others were using some of the lowest-class swear words. </span></span><br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTCYloEZX7UCfKG9vX6LQMlZYztU_xLVthXDBZD6Chb8pN19fegCFo3ZaT8XBZSDOrVb7CKa2dNy2ZtfIcezfUeZVaUDs7WC_MOVv3ZDNTb5WMVk3AMjSuwk_9apWpoDRTRXPHB8mR6I/s1600/000a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="770" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTCYloEZX7UCfKG9vX6LQMlZYztU_xLVthXDBZD6Chb8pN19fegCFo3ZaT8XBZSDOrVb7CKa2dNy2ZtfIcezfUeZVaUDs7WC_MOVv3ZDNTb5WMVk3AMjSuwk_9apWpoDRTRXPHB8mR6I/s320/000a.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Good grief, <b>they must have forgotten God and Guru are up there watching them</b>. Plus, they are <u>maintainin</u>g low consciousness. Doing it with intent, because a person is their real self when no one is over their shoulder. Then, the truth comes out. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Fortunately I also found <span style="color: blue;">many</span> sane, lovely devotees online. But back in the day, if you took initiation, you towed the line <i>regardless of situation</i>. You understood that you are a <span style="color: #783f04;">representative</span> of Srila Prabhupada.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">With that said, looking at the current discussions on forgiveness and offenses - the real issue seems to be less about forgiveness and more about honestly following. I need to get this out there and off my chest:</span></span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Offenders and especially abusers - knock it off! To continue to intentionally do such things, is going against Srila Prabhupada and Krishna. And come-on, you know it's a heavy pressure to keep doing or speaking wrong things. You want to be better, so if you need professional help - go get it. If you don't, the consequences may be more serious than you expected.</span></span><br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQq1ow_Fd-Z2WnsDqmTsapEHEZ70ZWg9DoNm02VJ0biWMKaLw5qc6l9Db77PiCoXuTC51WSCOurRD8dZ8kJzCD2pm7Ox5G9TCimSG7e3CCGNdVC-ZIUmpuGpBEtKygopof_CVLHc0uA4/s1600/10731108_293394510858984_3073935274940124624_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQq1ow_Fd-Z2WnsDqmTsapEHEZ70ZWg9DoNm02VJ0biWMKaLw5qc6l9Db77PiCoXuTC51WSCOurRD8dZ8kJzCD2pm7Ox5G9TCimSG7e3CCGNdVC-ZIUmpuGpBEtKygopof_CVLHc0uA4/s320/10731108_293394510858984_3073935274940124624_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Do live the lifestyle we were taught to live, <i><b>even if </b></i>no one is looking. Renounce excuseism and start to be a self-controlled, loving, peaceful example that would please Prabhupada and Krishna. </span></span><br />
<span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span>And for everyone else - it's not that hard to live the lifestyle - human beings make it hard. How? Brushing serious abuse under the carpet, as well as minimizing smaller offenses to the point that it was uncommon to say "I'm sorry," for decades. </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span>One example of the later: I read of someone who owed an acquaintance an apology, respond that they did not believe in apologies as long as they are a devotee - plus live life right. Wow, how startling! Where is the humility? No, this is <u>not</u> our philosophy. Prabhupada speaks about offering apologies. So we see even for the small offenses, asking forgiveness is necessary for spiritual life to progress nicely. </span></span></span></span><br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ZAeKPWoagGet4yfWuNjEsaLnGBfSXlUpU5c_OaW20geAVnlMY8IyauHECrlI1hcybwAOZy_ltGwlt1zpJKeLKXD25K_7sJk8EUxqOsS9MJ-CBC5vd0MDYNTGCFQsz6qk3Nrd_xzVOuI/s1600/000000000+utterly+sorry.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ZAeKPWoagGet4yfWuNjEsaLnGBfSXlUpU5c_OaW20geAVnlMY8IyauHECrlI1hcybwAOZy_ltGwlt1zpJKeLKXD25K_7sJk8EUxqOsS9MJ-CBC5vd0MDYNTGCFQsz6qk3Nrd_xzVOuI/s1600/000000000+utterly+sorry.png" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
<span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span>Next, how else do conditioned souls make living the lifestyle hard? By protecting known abusers and not arresting them. Stop trying to preach to them when they're first caught, which we know by now doesn't truthfully work. And cease giving them a ticket to India for 'purification.' As some friends have joked: "I have never been to India, guess I should do something wrong to get a free trip there." ha I suspect that has stopped now, but ya never know</span>.</span></span></span><br />
<span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span>How else do humans make it hard? Politics. Need I say <a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/06/bureaucracy.html" target="_blank">more</a>?</span></span></span>
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span> </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span><i><b>Stinking thinking</b></i> is another way. Some [not all] do this in the name of God. Yes, they believe they can lie, cheat, steal, etc - as long as they are doing it for the Lord. This can open the door to word jugglery, making promises to the less powerful devotee they later do not keep, as just one example. When those in positions of power do such things, first they're presenting it as if it is our lifestyle when it is not. Also, they make it difficult for others to want to continue to follow the Bhakti way of life, hard to pick it up again. Do not turn your power over to them. Make sure any instructions are in sync with Prabhupada's books, lectures, etc. </span></span></span></span><br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOBNdCn-zyuODgPAb1KwbTZ7G4k-LtqaiDMtI1nnyjHHz-Et4vgPSBy1RHQb98ZcD79HthxEc8qpbq9wqVq6FRh0kE9z3tFsQXRVdKGOcwcPSA3MaXlLh33du1BmH4KEMwV4eesYkZ1w/s1600/00000+715YPYbNjoL._SX466_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="466" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOBNdCn-zyuODgPAb1KwbTZ7G4k-LtqaiDMtI1nnyjHHz-Et4vgPSBy1RHQb98ZcD79HthxEc8qpbq9wqVq6FRh0kE9z3tFsQXRVdKGOcwcPSA3MaXlLh33du1BmH4KEMwV4eesYkZ1w/s320/00000+715YPYbNjoL._SX466_.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
[Funny - but do recognize stinking-thinking when you hear it.]</span></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span><br /></span></span></span></span><span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span>There can be a long list of how we make living the lifestyle hard. Too much to get into, especially since my <span style="color: magenta;">original intent of this post was<b>:</b></span></span><span style="color: magenta;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span>We will need less focus on forgiveness when we start truthfully following <u>properly</u> - <i>live</i> the lifestyle <span style="color: #783f04;">even when </span>no one is observing you. Prabhupada outlined a beautiful lifestyle for us. Things go wrong when it is not properly employed. Use it, or loose it.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxLtemUYY8H1eGIhurGY0AbcKWnQFvbvK4tN8_a-zF4-_9aiQINybQRbv-_8CWxpjnIBwi6TrZjGtVvo8gzaugAJMM6TiNqqK6QBh5Y-bdA1cpBMet_SRCVjxREWwd0t-1070DSBTD_k/s1600/10689570_791922607519980_2065531516998954917_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="417" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxLtemUYY8H1eGIhurGY0AbcKWnQFvbvK4tN8_a-zF4-_9aiQINybQRbv-_8CWxpjnIBwi6TrZjGtVvo8gzaugAJMM6TiNqqK6QBh5Y-bdA1cpBMet_SRCVjxREWwd0t-1070DSBTD_k/s320/10689570_791922607519980_2065531516998954917_n.jpg" width="244" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span> </span> </span></span></span><br />
<span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span>Additionally, some [not all] want initiation, yet do not want to give up, for example, mistreatment of others. Now they (think they) can do it in the name of God. Maybe hot tempers, maybe ADHD, maybe <a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/10/depression-and-mental-illness.html" target="_blank">something else</a>. Or some may really be trying but can't make much progress with those listening.</span></span></span></span><br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnagI2tfY8TcONATdyqZXDp4_O-VRpQ9Pl6ZV6DZHzwJU5ZIJoQhV3BH82k1zsqkOL9qlvJVa5dX_mkmBCxx-ghJktqM6tkcGFppFepyeAV8Hl0gwvHzqOyXdOX7yOCpgDq4NSgPQSkvg/s1600/47684422_2193157787471652_5076348059051360256_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="722" data-original-width="719" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnagI2tfY8TcONATdyqZXDp4_O-VRpQ9Pl6ZV6DZHzwJU5ZIJoQhV3BH82k1zsqkOL9qlvJVa5dX_mkmBCxx-ghJktqM6tkcGFppFepyeAV8Hl0gwvHzqOyXdOX7yOCpgDq4NSgPQSkvg/s320/47684422_2193157787471652_5076348059051360256_n.jpg" width="318" /></a></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
<span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span><span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span>Bottom line? Most of us are not that advanced, let it go and stick with the nectar of Prabhupada quotes. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span><span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Ixxwy_0Mo7KxWzUPHLJp-a3FsqhiLMNiDc0tTpLE2xiW3MKbjlNgvWUOEJwsZvlFnIVD9d4nDatiqqjHbBKH_-dVGhqb42dGUmwiNk8FxuLvCyURrw2FOPcLun1R9rxq0FfuqmKTgDw/s1600/1-explanations.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="678" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Ixxwy_0Mo7KxWzUPHLJp-a3FsqhiLMNiDc0tTpLE2xiW3MKbjlNgvWUOEJwsZvlFnIVD9d4nDatiqqjHbBKH_-dVGhqb42dGUmwiNk8FxuLvCyURrw2FOPcLun1R9rxq0FfuqmKTgDw/s320/1-explanations.jpg" width="226" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span>When preaching something higher, sublime - people are helped more than when fault-finding. Pick your association wisely.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRMwCfpwAF1EdeR-GqqpYDhbloowbZe-Eiji6XC8jDO_CnCJwSZ-FAq7PlcM5xU6mzPYZwMOZGdeUi_6OSAt4kMI3OLInlRCgFV9Z6ryioaUUYcC-t9OzuPA_We5BrMcgoau0eRLfph0E/s1600/1688167_588224517929411_833048067_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="604" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRMwCfpwAF1EdeR-GqqpYDhbloowbZe-Eiji6XC8jDO_CnCJwSZ-FAq7PlcM5xU6mzPYZwMOZGdeUi_6OSAt4kMI3OLInlRCgFV9Z6ryioaUUYcC-t9OzuPA_We5BrMcgoau0eRLfph0E/s320/1688167_588224517929411_833048067_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span>If one takes spiritual initiation - behave spiritually. Surrender the ego without looking for loopholes in shastra. Being honest = moving forward. Using trickery = moving backwards or freezing, knowingly and often unknowingly.</span>.</span></span></span><br />
<span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span>It's <i><b><span style="color: lime;">easy</span></b></i> to follow the lifestyle. Not suggesting anyone must be perfect, just to keep "sincerely" trying. And it sure does not involve all the above drama, or trauma.</span> </span></span></span><br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">It's why I have <a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/04/a-fun-spiritual-place-your-home.html" target="_blank">links</a> throughout and below this blog to help those interested, practice Krishna Consciousness at home. Than there are no big wigs to get in your way or create <a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/07/understanding-contradictions.html" target="_blank">confusion</a> that may block you from making spiritual advancement. No wrong association passed off as right. No <fill in the blank>.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">When Prabhupada was on the planet, classes were about how to practice Krishna Consciousness, when to practice Krishna Consciousness, where to practice Krishna Consciousness, the joy of Krishna Consciousness, the end of repeated birth, death, and suffering when absorbed in Krishna Consciousness. Now there is so much talk of other topics.</span></span><br />
<span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span>Please don't misunderstand. Certainly we should not be too puffed up to offer an apology over minor offenses. To make a small offense is unfortunately, a part of normal life in kali-yuga. This is the era we live in, and how it is set up. All the more reason to offer a 'genuine' apology when we make a minor offense. Just say it and get it over with. :)</span></span></span></span><br />
<span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span>Simultaneously, the <span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: #274e13;">more we honestly live the sublime lifestyle,</span> breathe it, <b><span style="color: #e06666;">bring it into our heart </span></b>by reading daily, singing daily, <a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/03/life-music.html" target="_blank">listening to divine music</a> daily, dancing daily, </span>etc - then we get purified and <span style="color: red;"><i>automatically</i></span> there are less offenses committed.</span> </span></span></span><br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKIbbpMucDqfZc5v-swlf6UFoCNdmExY2_yZaWK9bx6WRq9_UZzwnrm06kAw4CUd7GbF5A2w4IUCPkJETvD5prt30AW-72-pSMBLTbTzGo8Aekj80J_fvDy4A-CIVDajUtQ91vxk1fgSE/s1600/4-jLettering+about+singing.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="432" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKIbbpMucDqfZc5v-swlf6UFoCNdmExY2_yZaWK9bx6WRq9_UZzwnrm06kAw4CUd7GbF5A2w4IUCPkJETvD5prt30AW-72-pSMBLTbTzGo8Aekj80J_fvDy4A-CIVDajUtQ91vxk1fgSE/s320/4-jLettering+about+singing.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">. </span></span></span><br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"></span></span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Those of us who are priests and nuns should be setting the example. Sure, much <i>changed</i> after Prabhupada left the planet, and it left many of us weak. Weak, not dead. lol </span></span><br />
<span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span>So we should do what we can - but stop serious abuse <span style="color: red;">by</span> taking <u>immediate action</u> against confirmed abusers, because when they "<b>know</b>" they will not get a mere slap on the hand, but rigid consequences, watch the abuse numbers drop <i>profoundly</i>.</span> </span></span></span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span>In other countries where laws are strict, they have lower numbers of abusers than we do in the West. Not suggesting to copy their laws, or not copy them. I have not looked deeply into them. What I am saying is - this is <span style="color: #660000;">evidence that when abusers know</span> the reactions will be serious actions taken against them - it works to make most of them stop. They actually control themselves! [Which is proof they can!] No one wants to go to </span><i><span>prison!</span></i>. </span></span></span><br />
<span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span>And of course let us remember to include the small offenses, which are still hurtful. IMHO the way to reduce them is by owning our contribution <i><b>if</b></i> we contributed - plus actively applying the process <a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/12/the-old-days-now-days.html" target="_blank">Prabhupada</a> gave us. That is the way to bliss, happiness, and especially to Krishna.</span>.</span></span></span><br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynMmeNxUcusAwGcDtf1YcTQNgr4m5u-WWfrJ-6K1nKdIJqpvBD8GhaocQbGrpafyFkV0Gzz1zbTRT-mcRQ0ZNds8WkP_EflsddgByzDQ2lmkNM2KX6Hj3YykPrelpX5olwqPqvSSKYsc/s1600/0000+oops+sorry.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="201" data-original-width="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynMmeNxUcusAwGcDtf1YcTQNgr4m5u-WWfrJ-6K1nKdIJqpvBD8GhaocQbGrpafyFkV0Gzz1zbTRT-mcRQ0ZNds8WkP_EflsddgByzDQ2lmkNM2KX6Hj3YykPrelpX5olwqPqvSSKYsc/s1600/0000+oops+sorry.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> I agree with the point that if we need an apology from someone and are not getting it - we should not keep holding our breath, but instead move forward with our spiritual life. IMHO waiting for an unlikely apology is giving away your power. </span></span><br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6rXx_Fz1axDM1Nxx_ad1kS-kXmY1_g-mK5XFmgUuyNoDyu2sfyEVEmkbJvmUXSDP00gRcXrKivUhzMLN8rB_TAAHll_d9iILtaAOQqRYeK1FNSDuKh4mVMIfIQG6iStivsKAtwsn6e6g/s1600/6-b++am+not+what+happened+2+me+-+amwhat+i+choose+to+turn+myself+into%2521.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6rXx_Fz1axDM1Nxx_ad1kS-kXmY1_g-mK5XFmgUuyNoDyu2sfyEVEmkbJvmUXSDP00gRcXrKivUhzMLN8rB_TAAHll_d9iILtaAOQqRYeK1FNSDuKh4mVMIfIQG6iStivsKAtwsn6e6g/s320/6-b++am+not+what+happened+2+me+-+amwhat+i+choose+to+turn+myself+into%2521.png" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Simply, I do not believe resolving such a need is "one size fits all" forgiveness-therapy. :) What works for some, will not work for others. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">If you doubt this, ask any Gurukuli who attended a festival and saw their former abuser enjoying himself there. Gurukuli's have clearly expressed how that made them feel - decades later. When the offense is large, in most cases justice must be taken before the victim can feel sufficient relief. Even before the abuser can experience genuine remorse! Remorse is a known requirement for a real apology, otherwise it's just lip service.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Moving on, it's really not a good idea to give lectures that are more like therapy. Sure, we may need some of that, but it should be outside the Movement <span style="color: magenta;">instead of a big glorified</span> thing in the Movement. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">When Prabhupada gave class, he always spoke about spiritual life. When he instructed us to give classes, he said to speak our realizations [about God]. It was such an exciting time period. We thought it would never end. It doesn't have to, as long as we keep the excitement going by keeping Prabhupada's technique at the forefront. </span></span><br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdgjbnzxZP32lxt3dnGc7v9pSHD35yGuW_XHXTdp2J8tp8HCVtGfWtiyEHZJaIlKnPwj7lXfZrQM35PgVzigZTB5U502L3xfRkIrXlH0l5EbJpBuVOOulkSQRslk-73ULwrnTaNxjx4cs/s1600/1922491_594697680615428_664840409_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="640" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdgjbnzxZP32lxt3dnGc7v9pSHD35yGuW_XHXTdp2J8tp8HCVtGfWtiyEHZJaIlKnPwj7lXfZrQM35PgVzigZTB5U502L3xfRkIrXlH0l5EbJpBuVOOulkSQRslk-73ULwrnTaNxjx4cs/s320/1922491_594697680615428_664840409_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> All lectures in the temple room <span style="color: red;">etc</span> should be about the blissful glories of <a href="https://krsnabook.com/" target="_blank">Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead</a>. </span></span>
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">To hear about Him will result in a lot of healing! We have seen. It can change a person for the better. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">What if for some, it does not bring healing? Then the individual should <b>seek out</b> a <span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>professional</b></span>. There is no harm nor shame in that. </span></span><br />
<span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span>I appreciate the various devotees who try to help via therapy. Please do it in your office, your tiny apartment, your large house, heck write a blog post with tips - just do not do it within the Movement.</span>. </span></span></span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span>IMHO, those who did not attend college to make a <i>thorough</i> study of therapy or counseling - and complete it with a certificate on their wall - can cause more damage than the intended help. Get your education first. And do not experiment on devotees.</span>.</span></span></span><br />
<span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span>Thirty years ago I had this happen to myself, as well as some of my friends. There was a popular group of devotees following a certain self-help book. I'm not against self-help books, at all. But this one felt fishy to me, cult-like. I refused to join their club.</span>.</span></span></span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span>Oddly these things work for some, because everyone is an individual. However, when it came to people it did not work for, those who did follow this author wrote ostracized them in social settings. </span>. </span></span></span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span>Truth is, they really did not know what to do with anyone who thought differently from themselves, or didn't fit in the box. Suggestive to me that they were not really as qualified as they viewed themselves. [Neither was that author.] Matter of fact, it simultaneously reminded me of fundamental religions where you are either going to heaven or hell, no other understanding or philosophy allowed.</span>.</span></span></span><br />
<span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span>If some readers think that is why I write this post, that it was a trigger for me, or yada yada - <span style="color: red;">no</span>. Like I said, it was 30 years ago and a learning experience. I got the message and now hope devotees who mean well by including therapy in their lectures or seminars - will also get the message that it takes many years of specific study to give "<i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">group</span></b></i>" talks on such an <i>intertwined</i> and complex subject. Many will have different issues, different backgrounds - thus different healing needs. They will not all fit in with the group.</span>.</span></span></span><br />
<span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span>With that said phew ha, I'd like to circle back to the original or main intent of this post, that we go to temple to hear about God. </span></span></span></span><span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span><span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span>Prabhupada gave us something very special, and for that matter, rare in kali-yuga. </span></span></span></span> Countless <i>other places </i>on this planet offer counseling; there are far fewer that offer Krishna Consciousness - especially connected to <a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2011/08/shaktaveshavatara.html" target="_blank">ShaktyaveshAvatara</a></span></span></span></span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">. </span></span><br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">There will be less offenses, less abuse, less need to ask forgiveness or give it - if we "<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>truthfully</b></span>" follow Prabhupada's outlined program. It will keep us joyfully <a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/07/blissful-sadhana.html" target="_blank">busy</a>, and it will keep our thoughts on a higher level.</span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Related Posts:</span></span></b><br />
<br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/06/for-kids-krishna-conscious-fun.html" target="_blank">For Kids - Krishna Conscious Fun! :)</a> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/06/vadwhy-im-against-it.html" target="_blank">VAD - Why I'm Against It</a>.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/06/ravi-shankar-teaches-sitar-to-george.html" target="_blank">Ravi Shankar teaches sitar to George Harrison</a>.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/05/glorifying-others.html" target="_blank">Glorifying Others</a>.</span></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/03/nonviolence-means.html" target="_blank"><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Nonviolence Means.... </span></span></a><br />
<br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><a href="https://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/09/lack-of-self-love-predominant-cause-of.html" target="_blank"><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Lack Of Self-love a predominant Cause of sickness?</span></span></a> </span></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>HareKrishnaBloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984787475788837467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3624323057943903718.post-27748833156636128692019-05-18T16:30:00.000-07:002019-05-23T07:50:30.338-07:00Honoring Parvati<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhZ2Y-8sHIg_bIkyiY4jKh0ZJn_8-IXmhBs7XewqLeU1zo1jy0QID0lUtLsyyRwjQiL3_IIJVCiLFhaIs-dUIZrZ_xUMm4z3waSNjYmgts3zhY736aedYESLjfyfKRBmJX2HjXuRxzSNk/s1600/0+Parvati.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="402" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhZ2Y-8sHIg_bIkyiY4jKh0ZJn_8-IXmhBs7XewqLeU1zo1jy0QID0lUtLsyyRwjQiL3_IIJVCiLFhaIs-dUIZrZ_xUMm4z3waSNjYmgts3zhY736aedYESLjfyfKRBmJX2HjXuRxzSNk/s320/0+Parvati.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">A godsister recently left her body [passed away]. This is always difficult for me, but more-so when I knew the person. Actually, I am simply lucky to have met her.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Parvati devi dasi lived across the street from me for a while. At my house she told me that she a made children version "Krsna Book." I became excited about this, wanting one for my children. But next she said that the BBT was out of stock. </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ok, I surrendered.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Yet, later she surprised me. Parvati took one from her private stock, walked over to my door, and handed it to me. [If memory serves, she did not have many - at all.] Months later, I obtained the second volume from her. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Parvati told me she wrote these for her children; that she wished she could read them bedtime stories but did not have any [Krishna Conscious ones]. Therefore, she made her own. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And of course getting them published, they were for the rest of the devotee children as well. I still have mine and now my grandchildren benefit from them.<br /><br />Another time, Parvati came over my house with her hair twisted and stuck in a fan. She was trying to dry it, but the fan snapped it up! And she had a lot of hair! :) </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">There we were, an hour or more - probably more ha - trying to get her hair to unwind. While we did not get it all out, we did make an improvement.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />At that time her girls were about 2 and 4 years old. Long ago. :) Here is a pic of her two grown girls now, with Parvati in bed at the hospital:</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-1LerDytDQa-LOkG751gNUxmknOpputnh5iMIFsHiB2SwFuTfHi6pMxNmw3qnjY5kqyTLjxq8vDpfcF7L9kbbIJ9kaBFBQleq5W1DUoWbX2i1NUEkZfyAhmZVE25lUCaAVp1ugjaIyM/s1600/00000000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-1LerDytDQa-LOkG751gNUxmknOpputnh5iMIFsHiB2SwFuTfHi6pMxNmw3qnjY5kqyTLjxq8vDpfcF7L9kbbIJ9kaBFBQleq5W1DUoWbX2i1NUEkZfyAhmZVE25lUCaAVp1ugjaIyM/s320/00000000.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">[Thank you Mahadevi Dasi for the pics!]</span> </span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Eventually her and I both moved away from that particular temple to different temples. When I attended Ratha Yatra in California, I bumped into her at that festival. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Secretly I felt she was an "A" list devotees :), but not coming from her at all. Just someone that would be hard for me to get near, or maintain - because she was a staunch devotee very busy in service. However, as much of a warrior that Parvati was, she also was very nice! As soon as she saw me at RathaYatra, she was so friendly, talked to me about topics you would only share with a friend. It was as if no time passed! She was humble, and she was real.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Next, many more years passed and I wondered what happened to Parvati. Eventually found out she was doing service via Prabhupada's samadhi. Therefore she was in India. Wonderful!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Accepting I'd probably never see her again if she was in India, I also was very happy for her to be there.<br /><br />Additionally, it was good because when the time came, she got to leave her body in Vrindavan!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm sad, and a little startled that Parvati left. Thought she was getting better, but that was most likely my idealism. Well, three times the doctors expected that she would not make it over night, and three times she pulled through. Once even asking for papaya. :) </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It was the fourth time that she departed, after she was moved from the hospital back to her home located in Vrindavana. Hmmmm</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Therefore I'm simultaneously happy s</span></span>he left in the Holy Dhama and is with Prabhupada and Krishna somewhere. Certainly she is busy in some type of devotional service to the Lord. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I will miss you Parvati, but you go girl! I know you're up to something. A very good something. Hare Krishna on up to you.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>HareKrishnaBloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984787475788837467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3624323057943903718.post-70309675245278490622019-05-18T13:48:00.000-07:002019-05-18T20:32:40.310-07:00NrsimhaDeva<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6aWzgKNZIjAbKWkT1NY2EyZ6B5alo_amfh3IOgQVZ6R_HjMrLZFuRl47U2O2FuGkiVDGUNtc2sEDzbYRNFazdDJU7tSsfkq3i9rY6NRA7zpaFBKhOwH1iSJLv9ISpfT-9NRcHWtkptNw/s1600/1-b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6aWzgKNZIjAbKWkT1NY2EyZ6B5alo_amfh3IOgQVZ6R_HjMrLZFuRl47U2O2FuGkiVDGUNtc2sEDzbYRNFazdDJU7tSsfkq3i9rY6NRA7zpaFBKhOwH1iSJLv9ISpfT-9NRcHWtkptNw/s320/1-b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Many do not understand Lord NrsimhaDeva [also spelled NaraSimhaDeva] I hope to make this post a simple but direct explanation of how we devotees have accepted worshiping a half man/half animal. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">First, He is not an animal. Everything originally was created by God, and thus we have this <i>transcendental</i> Lion form. But that may not be enough for some, which is fine. So here's more<b>:</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Understand, God is unlimited. Many say or think: "Well, yes, of course God is unlimited." If we believe that, we need to accept He can appear however He darn well pleases. :) But why a lion, or half lion/half man? Details on that will be clarified below. First....</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am trying to have compassion & understanding that this form as God is difficult to fit into the brain. It can be hard or at least a bit unclear, to some, why God would choose to appear in these various ways.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Over time & with explanation, anyone can comprehend it. Maybe God is having fun. After all, these are <u><i>pastimes</i></u>. Maybe He is protecting his devotee. Devotees don't like to say "maybe" as it's often viewed as speculation. I was just having fun, not speculating <u>as you will see below</u>. Anyhow, there are many reasons we may not initially have thought up, He did. :)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However, I'd like to add a point I do not feel I have brought up before, at least not here. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Looking at various religions, we see similar belief in the unusual. For example, from the Bible we have a person who turned to salt, Noah's Arc, a burning bush, and much more. All of which many believe deeply. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Kindly do not assume I don't or do believe in these. I have not disclosed that here. It would take a huge post to explain my point of view on those. Simply pointing out - <span style="color: blue;"><b>if one can believe the Biblical "Jonah and the Whale," please make room for Nrsimhadeva. </b></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Next, a young 5 year old boy [named Prahlada] was being severely, SEVERELY, abused by his father. Actually, his father tried to murder him, repeatedly. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhceKRxGYwBPo7Hv2DTr6R517hh_D4WVPJJJClhUu0bdMiJGx-pmAOHAKY0sRTlPG3PKUwdSGOW5P8RgIt0kHKwazVJ1be9rAZ5QXku1oZkasLZHBzDoqiZUmbjI8kAOZFdyEkuHn90L_A/s1600/1519898400-1674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="354" data-original-width="630" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhceKRxGYwBPo7Hv2DTr6R517hh_D4WVPJJJClhUu0bdMiJGx-pmAOHAKY0sRTlPG3PKUwdSGOW5P8RgIt0kHKwazVJ1be9rAZ5QXku1oZkasLZHBzDoqiZUmbjI8kAOZFdyEkuHn90L_A/s320/1519898400-1674.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">HaranYaKashiPu (</span></span>the dad), was a very powerful king. Yet he increased that strength by preforming austerities reputed to grant mystical power too. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As a reward for such austerities, he asked to be blessed to never ever die. </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Lord Brahama [a demi-god, not to be confused with God], told him he could not grant such a blessing. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This clever father [HaranYaKashiPu] said fine, then benedict me that I shall never be killed in daytime nor night. Not inside nor outside. Not by any weapon, not by any man nor by any animal. ....You get the picture. :) </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Brahama said ok. To make a long story short, when Lord Nrsimha [God] appeared, He made sure not to break any of those promises. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Haranyakashipu was not killed in the day nor the night, but at twilight. He did not die inside nor outside, but in between the two, on a threshold on the Lords lap. He also did not die by any weapon but by the Lords transcendental nails. He was not killed by any man and not by any beast - but by a half man/half lion transcendental incarnation of Krishna known as Lord Nrsimhadeva. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In order to protect little child Prahlada, who also was a devotee, Lord Narasimha appeared in this way to still observe the promises, yet to make the abuse and chronic attempts at murder - stop.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT914OQovWj1aVjgd5o5T2yYOhP9-J_Uu9a6jTWYCTju4lJtrcVxDAStvHKoQFv7ZTYApoYBq2R8psNHGilWiS3G9Iru5gBJ_hs5Ip-POCKtWiYrntYhOV1j_ZBA1OjKThbMVbqt6s_zo/s1600/f973cdeb4ea77a2b2892b66a0881afe9--holy-spirit-hinduism.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="344" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT914OQovWj1aVjgd5o5T2yYOhP9-J_Uu9a6jTWYCTju4lJtrcVxDAStvHKoQFv7ZTYApoYBq2R8psNHGilWiS3G9Iru5gBJ_hs5Ip-POCKtWiYrntYhOV1j_ZBA1OjKThbMVbqt6s_zo/s320/f973cdeb4ea77a2b2892b66a0881afe9--holy-spirit-hinduism.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some may wonder, "Why didn't God just zap Haranyakashipu with mercy, healing, etc?" </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The answer is long and I'm trying to keep this post short. Simply put<b>:</b> In his past life Haranyakashipu was a devotee but made a big offense. Karmic reaction / consequences presented them-self. Yet a type of mercy was given. He was offered a choice. Did he want to take many births as a devotee, or shorten all those births as demon? </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Haranyakashipu himself made the choice to take birth as a demon and be killed by God. When one is killed by God, he or she is immediately liberated! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The other day was Lord NarasimhaDeva's Appearance day and on fb I often wonder how my nondevotee pious friends handle this. I become a tiny bit concerned posting about Him, for their sake of course. I will always post about God, but wish to do so with explanations when needed. Thus this blog post. Hope I've cleared up any confusion about this wonderful incarnation, because He is here to <u>protect</u> <b>you</b>! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Scripture: "When Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva appeared, Prahlāda Mahārāja was never afraid of Him, whereas his atheist father was immediately faced with death personified and was killed. Therefore, although Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva appears as death for an atheist like Hiraṇyakaśipu, He is always kind and is the reservoir of all pleasure for the devotees like Prahlāda. A pure devotee is not, therefore, afraid of birth, death, old age and disease." Source: Srimad Bhagavatam 10th Canto, also known as Kṛṣṇa Book, <a href="https://krsnabook.com/ch87.html" target="_blank">Chapter 87</a></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJ-_BV1vNILzRzmJmNcbAo-7FO7uFjaheihC1VnHp1y7hkAW244kGOMXtsBd0IRQ-w7tBD09s2qvf92FQ10ACZ6xv77VaPJHzCoGI4vPfNMpVTgI2pfBwdFlnME9k7IfjugJpeW4MELA/s1600/12392084_10214153799056160_25912126107287552_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJ-_BV1vNILzRzmJmNcbAo-7FO7uFjaheihC1VnHp1y7hkAW244kGOMXtsBd0IRQ-w7tBD09s2qvf92FQ10ACZ6xv77VaPJHzCoGI4vPfNMpVTgI2pfBwdFlnME9k7IfjugJpeW4MELA/s320/12392084_10214153799056160_25912126107287552_n.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"In the Nṛsiṁha Purāṇa, Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva says: 'Anyone who prays unto Me and takes shelter from Me becomes My <i><b>ward</b></i>, and I <i>protect</i> him always from all sorts of calamities." Source: Nectar of Devotion, Chapter 11 </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Y09LiTx21jjr21Bebl0gzfWrQfzWybIZIK8EDpHcoY5G8QbndjrjyOL6w9fw0KOQkiKaLuBYeyjHlfAfe_84xJnWSpa4oUBQxEBCYm0UaD_TNlBOXlLkkD2-BuNuNQi10cHJQFg8zrA/s1600/narsimha+and+devotees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="231" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Y09LiTx21jjr21Bebl0gzfWrQfzWybIZIK8EDpHcoY5G8QbndjrjyOL6w9fw0KOQkiKaLuBYeyjHlfAfe_84xJnWSpa4oUBQxEBCYm0UaD_TNlBOXlLkkD2-BuNuNQi10cHJQFg8zrA/s1600/narsimha+and+devotees.jpg" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Full "Nectar Of Devotion" / free book, opens <a href="http://prabhupadabooks.com/pdf/The_Nectar_of_Devotion-1970_ISKCON_Press_edition-Hardcover-SCAN.pdf" target="_blank">here.</a></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
HareKrishnaBloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984787475788837467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3624323057943903718.post-19384148501459777792019-05-18T12:32:00.000-07:002019-05-18T12:32:22.904-07:00Poem<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Poem for Srila Prabhupada - By Saradiya devi dasi</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">[Lovely poem composed by one of Prabhupada's early disciples.] </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzmQiKvOris86ch_EJ9AYRQqGzv3ceJ6n0vpS0gzqrM4_MhqUmLc__vWdsW2EInt1-XxDqanoCHtBv2GvjrLwCclzfc8mkV_C4YXAHZ90xeyGHVVh-xKPG6lHcxI28-V1VqyssRe3lB4/s1600/00000+Srila-Prabhupada-Saradiya-Montreal-1968-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="513" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzmQiKvOris86ch_EJ9AYRQqGzv3ceJ6n0vpS0gzqrM4_MhqUmLc__vWdsW2EInt1-XxDqanoCHtBv2GvjrLwCclzfc8mkV_C4YXAHZ90xeyGHVVh-xKPG6lHcxI28-V1VqyssRe3lB4/s320/00000+Srila-Prabhupada-Saradiya-Montreal-1968-small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our tears falling like rain<br /><br />Come back to see You again.<br /><br />You we have come to meet,<br /><br />Bow down at Your Lotus Feet;<br /><br />To hear Your nectarine words,<br /><br />Praise of the Supreme Lord.<br /><br />Your presence like morning dew,<br /><br />You're covered with golden hue.<br /><br />So long waited for this time,<br /><br />That again could bathe in Your shine.<br /><br />Still, the whole truth is not in meeting,<br /><br />But in separation; that’s Your teaching.<br /><br />This is actually more sweet<br /><br />Than touching Your Lotus Feet.<br /><br />Because that is our life’s perfection:<br /><br />Feeling love for You in separation.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><a href="http://www.prabhupadaconnect.com/A-Poem-for-Srila-Prabhupada.html" target="_blank">By Saradiya Dasi, 1968</a><br /></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>HareKrishnaBloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984787475788837467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3624323057943903718.post-33582844433554602612019-02-16T13:17:00.004-08:002021-05-06T17:57:16.809-07:00Caitanya Dasi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3beobTCGZBBA9FDHdC_d-2qMKyhr_48xllUqCBix1AkNWfBX7ZGUNT6moQ0ns9Om61ceyVRBX0JubNlK6Fn9zq8iQ9HNm2l26VAk5vfXdSh9Ws5SFPecvp01FhAEthyphenhyphenx78bJdKQXm-fQ/s1600/00000+Caitanya+dasi.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3beobTCGZBBA9FDHdC_d-2qMKyhr_48xllUqCBix1AkNWfBX7ZGUNT6moQ0ns9Om61ceyVRBX0JubNlK6Fn9zq8iQ9HNm2l26VAk5vfXdSh9Ws5SFPecvp01FhAEthyphenhyphenx78bJdKQXm-fQ/s320/00000+Caitanya+dasi.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></span></span></div>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">On Feb 11th, I awoke to shocking news that a godsister, Caitanya [pronounced Chaitanya] dasi, passed on.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span>.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">Though I knew she had some health issues, I had no idea they were as serious as this - which is probably why I was startled when she left this world</span>. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">That morning, my husband told me</span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;"> she was to have brain surgery to remove a tumor. I thought this was the cause of her death. But no. A fb devotee explained that her heart gave out - they never had the chance to do the surgery.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">If ya have to go, the best way is when you can hear the holy names. And that is exactly how she went; hearing Prabhupada chant. She also left on Advaita Acaryas Appearance Day - which is an auspicious time to pass over.</span></span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">Caitanya dasi was/is a disciple of Srila Prabhupada.</span>.</span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJlVZcFkf4Q34eRGSDhg8gH-uJazq66j8JBIP2URiL2Za0bgcceN91Nfg3Iptym0uD3cNfJzNDp5v1xe6nCTjQwn_JwvbAD-4XgbGasO03Cw5nt7HV1j8kb6ajkRf8Sil6CEuKEpTmiZM/s1600/0000+Caitanya+dasi2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="397" data-original-width="537" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJlVZcFkf4Q34eRGSDhg8gH-uJazq66j8JBIP2URiL2Za0bgcceN91Nfg3Iptym0uD3cNfJzNDp5v1xe6nCTjQwn_JwvbAD-4XgbGasO03Cw5nt7HV1j8kb6ajkRf8Sil6CEuKEpTmiZM/s320/0000+Caitanya+dasi2.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">Did you know she came from a wealthy family and gave it up to become a devotee? She was also an excellent cook for Krishna. Active in devotional theater, as well as singing for Krishna. So much more.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqOFgGhLvBQDuwmZMF5b6eVqqyW3K8S69-D0pNUM9z8j6TUJvpbFeqznVO7eGlg92LzOYjNbHrGGk6iz33ZYAGxq-uJCoU0qUdCZGC4aAL3LPJ424a61HDySmb0TB7Z5PX_dwYCQrGy9Y/s1600/00000+caitanya+dasi7.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="953" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqOFgGhLvBQDuwmZMF5b6eVqqyW3K8S69-D0pNUM9z8j6TUJvpbFeqznVO7eGlg92LzOYjNbHrGGk6iz33ZYAGxq-uJCoU0qUdCZGC4aAL3LPJ424a61HDySmb0TB7Z5PX_dwYCQrGy9Y/s320/00000+caitanya+dasi7.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Pic of Michael Douglas, Caitanya dasi and other devotees - taken during a movie they were all in, for a minute. <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Caitanya dasi met many very famous people, including rock stars, but was never tempted by those connections.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">I can not claim to have been her close friend, yet not a distant acquaintance either. We were neighbors. Before that, I heard of her. Plus of an unusual experience she had. It's important to make sure these things are not just "what's going around," but true.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">So I asked her directly. When she visited the Laguna Beach temple [where I was living at the time.]</span> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZ2l1lcpqT26CqLzM6W85VCQJFSS9CAbrsLuPzyjZHiwp0cL8B6JhUhRPZV6MXQ1e9gzpETtaBv2RABFBeFDiwpYSA-jlxliNnGVBQsVmnr3qO6og1zUEdmDjjGzzuG-WUNA8vAwG4II/s1600/00000+caitanya+dasi+twins.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="497" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZ2l1lcpqT26CqLzM6W85VCQJFSS9CAbrsLuPzyjZHiwp0cL8B6JhUhRPZV6MXQ1e9gzpETtaBv2RABFBeFDiwpYSA-jlxliNnGVBQsVmnr3qO6og1zUEdmDjjGzzuG-WUNA8vAwG4II/s320/00000+caitanya+dasi+twins.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">And Caitanya dasi told me a most wonderful story. When giving birth to her twins, one was dying.</span> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">She prayed to Lord Narasimhadeva who actually appeared to her, and saved that twin.[She is NO sahajiya, does not have a pattern of this; it actually happened!]</span> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">I wondered, why does her leaving bother me <i>this</i> much? Well any should initially be unpleasant, of course. Yet </span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> I couldn't seem to shake it, nor rise above it. There felt</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> to be more than that going on inside me. Had to think. Here is what I now suspect it to be.: </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">In addition to her current absence - because that is there - to me it's also a part of the break down of the old Movement! The way things were when Prabhupada was here. The spiritual family, breaking down.<br /><br />If I close my eyes hard enough, I can almost hear / imagine Prabhupada calling her, as he did so many others who are slowly but surely leaving. Those names, those who helped build the original Movement, for Prabhupada of course, all have a special meaning to me..<br /><br />I respected and admired her as well as all the service she did. Now, another devotee from the early days, strong in her sadhana, has bit the dust. sigh</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigeQOOQ4brOQLKgp0eEIIYnLKD8HWedQUGtIAsMnjZ1UwcdmmF_EIMBuML34m5HAx7XYNfvNi_V2fTzK1THT6zY91_VlT_7azCflwejXGYHjx9HqONMcIZod4s8NMHmSlCM0lJywP9kQA/s1600/00000+caitanya+dasi6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="453" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigeQOOQ4brOQLKgp0eEIIYnLKD8HWedQUGtIAsMnjZ1UwcdmmF_EIMBuML34m5HAx7XYNfvNi_V2fTzK1THT6zY91_VlT_7azCflwejXGYHjx9HqONMcIZod4s8NMHmSlCM0lJywP9kQA/s320/00000+caitanya+dasi6.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">I remember the first-in-my-life trip to California, New Dwarka/L.A.temple, where I moved. There was a "block party." The street was legally closed off so we could celebrate Janmastami.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Caitanya dasi was putting on puppet shows for the kids! I had a little baby at the time. Therefore this gave me hope that I was in the right place for children too.</span>.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">With that said, it was good to read she actually was ready to go: </span>:</span></span></span></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></span></span> <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">One devotee wrote: "I'm feeling overwhelmed with emotion but I want to at this time say goodbye to my godsister and lifelong friend, Caitanya Dasi. She wanted to go, she was ready to go and now she's gone from a body that was a source of pain and suffering. She's free now to move on in her spiritual journey back to home, back to Godhead. All glories to our spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada."</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">Govinda dasi wrote: "May she rest softly at the lotus feet of our Srila Prabhupada, this wonderful jiva known to everyone as Caitanya dasi Prabhu, a true disciple, a prabhu, dedicated to the lotus footprints of Srila Prabhupada , that great personality who is ever inviting us to join hin in lila."</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">Me: "May Lord Narasimha who protected one of her twins, now surround and protect Caitanya dasi, plus directing her on the other side. May she be serving Krishna "somewhere" out there, even better now with a new body, to always remember Krishna and never forget Him. Hare Krishna dear Caitanya dasi, who I was lucky to have gotten to know even a little. Such a strong, sincere, soul! May the maha mantra surround her: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare."</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">NaraDevi wrote: "Caitanya Dasi came to me in my dreams last night. She
was young and so beautiful. She told me she felt so much better, and she
led an ecstatic kirtan. She was with Stila Prabhupada. Can't remember
details, but at least I remembered some of the dream. So no worries, she
is happy and free of pain, and leading ecstatic kirtans everywhere she
goes. All glories to your devotion and dedicated service to Srila
Prabhupada, Caitanya Dasi, please come back and visit me any time you
can. I remain your eternal servant." </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">It is
said by 'genuine' mystics, that one way to know if it is real, is that they are more likely to
come to you in a dream 1 to 3 days after their departure, and not likely
after that. Technically they can after, but a whole other topic. ha
Anyhow, 1 to 3 days is the normal for a genuine visit, and it wasn't but
one day when Nara had this happen!</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">Not
saying I'm a big follower of psychis or mystics. I'm not. However, the
science is still out there and practiced in India as a form of yoga. So
some type or degree of it can happen once in a while to anyone. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">What's important is that she left hearing Prabhupada chanting, and on a very auspicious day! Advaita Acaryas Appearance Day.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO3yGdbtzBQ" target="_blank">Caitanya dasi memorium - This includes some humor, bits of theater she was in, etc.</a><br /></span>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: x-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">And here, Caitanya dasi <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irHUzrrsjuU&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR1m2ynK0kAcbqfoRrbvdmyIt_SinVH2Ms3Bugvqfk6lhJ3DJdjR_k4KwSo" target="_blank">speaks her memories of Prabhupada and the Movement</a> in general. </span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: x-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: x-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lovely Poem: "At Last I am Finally Home,"by Caitanya Dasi - Sorry, video was deleted but I keep this here in hopes that one day it will be reposted 'some place.'</span><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: x-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">.</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
</span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>HareKrishnaBloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984787475788837467noreply@blogger.com