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Monday, August 28, 2017

Becoming Free

There are many ways to become free, and the most transcendental will be posted after I explain my personal need to clear a few unexpected maya blocks [attacks?] that suddenly entered my life. Maybe it will help others in some way as well.

It's been a while since I posted, which also was unexpected. Many problems hit out of the blue.  The electricity crashed. When it was fixed, the Internet went down. Next, they took turns, back and forth, even together, going down. Arrrgh as Charlie Brown says. ha

What to speak of some personal issues that I did not know were going on for a few years! But suddenly came into the light. Issues: a fancy word for problems ha. They were revealed and I had to deal with them - big time.

Saturn retrograde was doing what it does. Yes, I was effected by that as well. Readers may have been able to notice this by the recent addition of items I now must start selling.

It was not my plan to add sales - it became a necessity. A serious one. What happened even effected my ability to spiritually practice. Thus I merely want to get back on my own 2 feet.

In case you're curious, it was someone outside the family who took liberties with my family and caused a variety of problems, including financial.

Saturn has the propensity to bring what was hidden, into the light. Especially in my chart. :-)  In it's own way, that is good, but can be painful. I'm glad Saturn has, just recently, gone direct. Phew. 

It may take time until everything gets back into sync. There are often some shadow or lingering effects. If you too had problems arise, soon you will likely notice them reduce and, though according to the chart, go away or get resolved.

Moving on, this brings up the topic of Astrology. To be specific, I only trust Jyotish/Sideral/Eastern/Vedic astrology. Not Western.  

With that clarified, some say: "If we are Krishna Consciousness, astrology should not effect us."

My understanding of this, or my reply?  "All who are pure devotees, please raise your hand." No one? lol 

Ok, until we become pure devotees, there will be influence of planets, just like there is influence of sunshine, moonshine, gravity, or wind. They are all natural forces.

What to do about that? It does not mean we must become absorbed in astrology. No. Instead, a person can spend 24/7 thinking of, actively serving, etc, Krishna. And until we become 100 percent pure, with a schedule plus lifestyle to support that - an easy solution is to make a daily habit of "attentively" chanting or singing DASHAVATARA. This covers nearly every planets [Vaishnava] lordship while simultaneously glorifying God.

Next, it is soon to be RADHASTAMI, the 'appearance' day of Srimati Radharani. Let us remember, She is our Divine Mother. Also, one who approaches Radha, Krishna listens to Radha. :) But always keep awe and reverence to Her. Both of Them really.

The date for Radhastami changes from year to year, according to the Vedic Calendar/sidereal. This year it is Tuesday the 29th of August - in America.

If you are honoring this day at home, make it festive and fun. Can cook something special. Radha Red is a wonderful Chutney, both sweet and spicy. 

Also, a good read comes from Krishna Book, etc. These are pastimes, not to be imitated. Not always understood if we use only the left or mundane side of our brain. They are on the highest level of transcendence. Relish them. 

Dance in front of your altar or in your meditation area, while chanting Her transcendental Names on her special day. 

Invite a few friends over too and share it with them. Of course make sure they respect what you are doing and won't give you stress. However, if you have someone who would enjoy doing this holiday with you - go for it. And if you don't, do it yourself. Connect with the holiday all on your own.


Prayer Containing Ten Names of Radha,
Ananda-candrika (The Moonlight of Bliss)
by Srila Rupa Goswami

[NOTE: If you are new or for any reason have trouble with pronouncing the Sanskrit, do not worry, just scroll to the English. Radha knows your intent. - Those who can read Sanskrit, should. :) ]

radha damodara-prestha
radhika varsabhanavi
samasta-ballavi-vrnda-
dhamillottamsa-mallika

1. Radha, 
2. She who is dear to Lord Damodara, 
3. His greatest worshiper,
4. the daughter of King Vrsabhanu, 
5. She who is the crowning garland of
mallika flowers on the decorated braided hair of all the gopis,

Text 2

krsna-priyavali-mukhya
gandharva lalita-sakhi
visakha-sakhya-sukhini
hari-hrd-bhrnga-manjari

6. the first of Krsna’s beloveds, 
7. an expert singer and musician, 
8. Lalita’s friend, 
9. She who is delighted with the friendship of Visakha, 
10. the flower blossom that attracts the black bee of Lord Hari’s heart.


Text 3 and 4

imam vrndavanesvarya
dasa-nama-manorama
ananda-candrikam nama
yo rahasyam stutim pat het

sa klesa-rahito bhutva
bhuri-saubhagya-bhusitah
tvaritam karuna-patram
radha-madhavayor bhavet

[BENEDICTION]
He who reads this confidential prayer, which bears the title Ananda-candrika (The Moonlight of Bliss), and which is beautiful with ten names of the queen of Vrndavana, becomes free of all troubles and decorated with great good fortune. He quickly becomes the object of Sri Sri Radha-Madhava’s mercy.

UPDATE: It is now the day after Radhastami and I wish to let folks out there know, it does not have to be that holiday in order to practice what has been written here. It can be done on any day! 

Chant or read the benediction prayer, do an offering, make it a great day! Yesterday I was surprised that even this fallen rascal had a blissful day. It was all because of spending it in a form of singing/meditation, and doing some readings here and there

Anyone can do it. I actually wanted to report in ha, that my day was so especially nice yesterday, that I plan on repeating bits of it today, and for as long as I can. I will probably go looking for a variety of transcendental tunes, but am going to start out with one I found that really got me motivated. 

Of course, do remember to include the Maha Mantra: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare. :) 

Related Post:
"Who Is That Girl With Krishna?" :) And other details are explained on that year 2011 Radhastami blog post. Very nice. Plus more ideas you can do if you wish. And another benediction prayer / mantra. Etc.