TEDx talk on Prabhupada & Happiness

"From the depths of our heart we want to be happy all the time. Many of us view happiness as the entire aim of human existence. Prasanna Tadi M.D., a neurologist, speaks about lessons from his spiritual journey, gratitude for the fragile nature of life, and the path to finding Ultimate True Happiness.

Prasanna, a medical graduate of Alluri Sitaram Raju Academy of Medical Sciences in Eluru India, comes to Brown University most recently from Columbia University Medical Center where he was a research assistant in the Department of Neurology. He coordinated four research study projects; three abstracts from these studies have been submitted. One of the literature reviews Prasanna conducted, which examined the effect of bariatric surgery on metabolic syndrome, was published in New England Journal of Medicine.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community."

Published April 26, 2016

Click to hear an 18ish minute TEDx talk:

Glorifying Others

This particular post is something that may be ongoing - at least for a while. You see, when I joined the Hare Krishna Movement, Prabhupada was the center, and the rest of us, regardless how great, knew we were conditioned souls. Once in a while we'd hear how wonderful so-and-so was, yet all too often they eventually had a weakness rise up. Then devotees would remind each other, and I swear I heard this more than once, "The bigger they are - the harder they fall." 

Of course even the biggest who fell, most remained devotees, and most returned to the Movement. Yet, we need to get the lesson to place our faith and attachment to the pure devotee Srila Prabhupada.

Decades later I remain startled to see so many chant the glories of the average devotee.

Also, their photo's are appearing all over the place now. 

Tho unsure how I feel about photos. It's a mixture. You see, when I joined, we were trained as monks or nuns. So no one had photo's of themselves. It was discouraged. If married, you could have one or two. If unmarried / brahmacari / brahmacari - you were expected to be renounced over such things. Cameras predominately, were for God or Prabhupada.

Yet today with most cell phones containing a camera, coupled with the popularity of the "selfie" ha, much has changed.  Admittedly I do like seeing how old friends/godsiblings look these days.  But it's really not important. Anyhow, this post is less about photo's, and more about "where" we attach our faith, or to whom.

So on fb the past few weeks I've been reading: "Come and hear so-and-so speak." With flyers going out all over the place. Again this is not clear cut, because if they are going to tell their wonderful memories of Srila Prabhupada, I want to know! That would be wonderful to hear from specific persons who were there at the time. 

On the other hand, if they are just going to speak, well Prabhupada told all of us to speak, to take turns giving class, and express our realizations. When we start putting it on brochures - I fear too much attention on how wonderful they are, is spiritually unhealthy, making them [as if] superior to all the other devotees.

Then too, some are selling their wares, no longer just Prabhupada's books.  Again, I have not come to a final conclusion how I feel about this. Some of them have indeed written fascinating books - books I too want to purchase! And others have a right to pay their rent so they sell incense etc. Yet, is this the place, the time? During a gathering? Maybe for a book about experiences with Srila Prabhupada, but most else - mail order or online might be better.

The other problem is ... us. We are all looking for that perfect person in life to take shelter. We lower our standards if someone gets us psyched a few minutes, or touches our heart. Then they have us for life - or for quite a while anyhow. :)

That circles back to, "The bigger they are - the harder they fall." Originally spoken by Prabhupada. When will we learn? Stop taking shelter of each other, and only take shelter of the pure devotee, His Divine Grace, Srila Prabhupada.

This does not mean we should go the other extreme and be rude, or disrespect one another. No. Matter of fact, respect is what we should be doing instead of glorification. While we should not take shelter of a human being - DO hold respect. And the more spiritually advanced they become, the more we can root each other on. "Rah rah, you go girl/guy." ha There is nothing wrong to inspire like that. However, to take it beyond this - not wise, to put it politely. 

That is where our, the human race, has a weakness. The minute we notice someone is more spiritually advanced than we are, we want to put them on a pedestal. Not good. They will have their bad days too. Instead, encourage them, take tips from them, but don't confuse tips with "instructions."

I won't pretend the early days were prefect, they had their problems, tho could have been worked out if we tried. More importantly, there was also much nectar and loving feelings in the old days - and IMHO that is missing now, due to this glorification of others. 

We have lost sweet little community consciousness, to the bigger gatherings of [what some view as] the best ones. We have lost our individual connections - to admiration of some other conditioned soul. 

It's a bit difficult for me to find the right words to express this, so one example is a story I heard from a devotee decades back. He spoke how he had fallen asleep, but without a blanket. And woke to find a devotee / brahmachari covering him with one. Then he pointed out, no one acts like this anymore. 

Sure, someone out there may say they or a friend does it, but that's not the point. The point is that predominately we have changed, that it's the minority who cares for someone outside of themselves. Lets change back! That's all I'm trying to point toward. Decentralization, with the cozy nice temple and simple, sweet devotees- like it started.

Once when I was a new devotee, just getting trained up, I complimented this devotee. And she replied: "Don't say that." Not understanding "why," I had to ask. And her reply to that was: "It will just puff me up."

Not saying we should never compliment each other, but we must be careful not to glorify each other.

Prabhupada - ShaktyaveshAvatara

Absorption Is A Key

"In the Padyavali of Rupa Gosvami it is stated that when the gopis hear the sound of Krsna's flute, they immediately forget all rebukes offered by the elderly members of their families. They forget their defamation and the harsh behavior of their husbands. Their only thought is to go out in search of Krsna. When the gopis meet Krsna, the display of their exchanging glances as well as their joking and laughing behavior is called anubhava, or subecstasy in conjugal love.

In the Lalita-madhava, Rupa Gosvami explains that the movements of Krsna's eyebrows are just like the Yamuna and that the smiling of Radharani is just like the moonshine. When the Yamuna and the moonshine come in contact on the bank of the river, the water tastes just like nectar, and drinking it gives great satisfaction. It is as cooling as piles of snow. Similarly, in the Padyavali, one constant companion of Radharani says, "My dear moon-faced Radharani, Your whole body appears very content, yet there are signs of tears in Your eyes. Your speech is faltering, and Your chest is also heaving. By all these signs I can understand that You must have heard the blowing of Krsna's flute, and as a result of this, Your heart is now melting." " ~ NOD, 44

"Everyone should attach himself to the bosom of the Supreme Personality of Godhead so that he can be happy eternally." B.Gita 9.33, P

"Always think about the lotus feet of Sri Krishna and you will find no difficulties in executing the tasks alloted to you by Krishna." ~ Srila Prabhupada letter, Aug 28, 1973

"No one can be a greater well-wishing friend to any living entity than the Supreme Personality of Godhead." ~ S. Bhagavatam, 3.15.31, P

:-)

 

 

 In the water or in the air, Krishna is everywhere. Think about it.

God can be a child if He wants too. Never underestimate His power, tho do relish His cuteness! :)

This was actually a sweet little booklet when I joined and I just loved it, made me feel blissful. Get a free copy of it here.

 [Check back - I may add more quotes here. :)]

A Fun Spiritual Place - Your Home!

The other day an older devotee made a commented on fb explaining he had been away from the Movement a very long time, and tho he remained a devotee, he did so on his own. Upon returning, he was surprised it was not the same, sweet Movement.

A couple 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.

It is not limited to these two. Often it seems when running into someone who was there at the time Prabhupada was on the planet, left, then returned - they notice a huge difference in the spiritual quality of our society!

When Prabhupada disappeared [passed over], he said not to change anything. Yet so much has been changed.

One purpose of my blog is to try to bring the old days back for folks of today. Often I feel they are getting cheated out of the training we received, which lead to some wonderful experiences we had. Therefore by hearing what those were, and following thru, others can also benefit in such ways. 

To clarify, I do not feel competent to present it fully, but at least will try. It really will be up to you. Anyone can start turning their home into a family temple. 

After a period of time and with experience, some may eventually think to extend that to others to create a [homey, small] new branch - errr returning to the old one really. :)

Of course, not everyone should feel obliged to open their home to everyone. We must be cautious. Anyone who wants to be a devotee, must prove it via their behavior & lifestyle, first. [Especially around children.]  They must truthfully follow all Prabhupada has said to follow.  

OR, if one has a little money, or friends to chip in, could rent a tiny apartment to use as a temple. In that way everyone can still have their private living quarters but gather together to attend temple as we did in the old days. Making sure devotional service goes on within that little temple. 

Either way, it's fun! Who said spiritual life must be boorish or drab? Those who don't know about Krishna I guess.

Putting that concern aside, I confess to being a very private person, and would never open my home in this way. 

However, when I was younger - I would have at least had Sunday Feasts at my home. And did, a few times. :)  

Prior to the internet, were college billboards where people would tack up the need for this or that, like a roommate or wanting to sell their car, etc. My husband and I tacked a paper with an invitation to a free meal/feast at our home. We didn't get a crowd. lol But one nice young man stands out in my mind. Every little bit counts.

Often when I recommend these things, I get concerned about precautions. Therefore, select mode of goodness places to invite, and give a pamphlet if possible so they have a clue to behave honorably when they arrive. If necessary, these days you can get their name and do a quick internet check. Or meet/have a gathering at a public Park. Whatever works for you as an individual. Mostly, use your intelligence, as I can't imagine every single angle. But don't use it as an excuse to give up. Prabhupada wanted a Sankirtana Movement. Simply, be mindful. With that said.....

Once when Prabhupada was physically present, I heard about some from another country who, merely by reading Prabhupada's books, turned their home into a temple! I don't mean a little of this or that spiritual thing, then TV blaring in the next room. lol But a full-on temple. Family, trustworthy friends, and initiated disciples were welcomed.

Devotees eventually visited and saw it was true! They only made one small mistake regarding the order they placed the Deities. However, the devotees showed them the correct order, and they happily made the change. 

So it can be done. Even just for your family, or to 
included some extended-family or friends you find trustworthy. But it can be done.

The bliss and the nectar we once experienced when Prabhupada was here in his vaphu [physical] presence, can still be experienced in his vani [instructions] by those who dive into the programs he gave us to follow. Take to the genuine lifestyle, embrace it's bliss - and it's your experiences now! :)
 
Start with self and/or family doing an at-home Morning Program.Later add an Evening Program. Engage in blissful service during the day. ...Can start small - but maintain the goal. :) 

~~*~~

"So we can change our home also into Vaikuntha. We can change our home. It is not difficult. Because as Krsna can be all-pervading, Vaikuntha is all-pervading. But we have to simply realize it by the authorized rocess. Everyone, we can change our home into Vaikuntha.  Goloka Vrndavana Is Everywhere" ~ Srila Prabhupada, Bombay India, 25 Sept 73

~~*~~

"I wish that each and every Branch shall keep their independent identity and cooperate keeping the Acarya in the centre. On this principle we can open any number of Branches all over the world." ~ Srila Prabhupada letter, 2/11/67

~~*~~

"According to Bhaktivinoda Thakura, a husband and wife can turn the home into a place as good as Vaikuntha, even while in this material world. Being absorbed in Krsna consciousness, even in this world husband and wife can live in Vaikuntha simply by installing the Deity of the Lord within the home and serving the Deity according to the directions of the sastras." ~ SB 4.23.29 

P.S. To anyone out there in cyberspace who is not married, this does not leave you out - anyone can do it - anywhere, any time, any place. :)

~~*~~

Reporter: "What will happen to the movement in the United States when you die?"

Srila Prabhupada: "I will never die. I shall live from my books, and you will utilize."  ~ Interview, July 16, 1975, Berkeley, California

~~*~~

 "If you feel very strongly about my absence you may place my pictures on my sitting places and this will be source of inspiration for you." 

~Srila Prabhupada Letter to Brahmananda and other students, 19/1/67

~~*~~

UPDATE: Recently on the fb Senior Devotee Godsiblings Egroup, the topic arose that authorities are trying to come up with a definition regarding what makes one a "member." Most thought it silly and a waste of time. Here is my reply, which I hope motivates some to follow through:

"Lately I've felt ISKCON will continue on in the homes of various devotees willing and able to [safely] extend it to others via Sunday Feasts and eventually more. Not referring to right now, tho it is possible now, but in the future - they may turn their home into little temples with Morning and Evening Program, Sankirtana - and everything just like Prabhupada had us do back in the day. It will likely be small in many cases, and the bigger iskcon may not recognize it, but they will call themselves iskcon. I may not live to see it, as I am speaking of wayyyy into the future and who knows what the institution will be like by that point in time. Tho I haven't given up, but nevertheless you never know. Therefore some may just start creating small little temples in their homes and it will be iskcon. Regardless what definition current iskcon writes down." 

Related Post:
 Why Start a Temple?

Car Accident!

                                                           [Govinda dasi]

In the very early days of Prabhupada's Movement, there were some devotees that stood out. They did a lot to help him get it started. Govinda dasi is one of them.

Actually there is much I'd like to post about her past and the specific help or service she did, simply at this moment something more pressing has hit:

It first showed up on my fb, and has since been growing and going all over the place. Here is the first post I read- 

DAY 1: 
"Please join us in prayers for our very dear Godsiblings Govinda dasi and Dasaratha Suta who were in a car accident. Dasarath Prabhu was driving his van and some deer ran onto the highway and he swerved and hit a tree on the passenger side where Govinda Dasi was sitting. She has many broken bones in her face and will be in the ICU of xx  Hospital for some time. Dasarath was not seriously hurt, but those of you who have been following him, know that he was just making a miraculous recovery from [something else] that left him with very serious injuries, so this will not be good at all.

DAY 2:
 "Our dear Govinda Dasi (ACBSP) is waiting for an open OR for facial surgery. The damage appears to be to her left eye and the bones surrounding the eye, and she is in a neckbrace for extra precaution. She is in the trauma ICU at xxx Hospital. I just visited with her, Stritama and Dasaratha Suta. Stritama has taken Govinda's personal possessions home, for safekeeping.

Dasaratha Suta just had CT scans of his head to waist and is waiting on the results to see if he will be admitted or sent home. A godsister is coordinating someone to sit with Govinda at least for today. When Govinda dasi is moved to a room after surgery, then we can bring in a tape player or sound device to play Srila Prabhupada's tapes, pics of Krishna, Prabhupada, etc. Right now, there is absolutely nothing in the room. She told me that she was not in physical pain as much as mental pain; she does not like hospitals or the thought that she may require surgeries and a long recovery.

The trauma ICU nurse was all over me about visiting, and I work here.

Staff are very protective of trauma patients and will not permit visitors to overwhelm the patient. ..... So it will be necessary to coordinate visits and keep conversation and noise to a minimum. Sent to me by Jayasri, who just came from visiting her in the hospital!"

DAY 3: 
"Update on GovindaDasi's surgery

"The surgeons were successful in repairing her eye laceration. It will be a few days before they know if she will recover her eyesight in her left eye. I will post daily updates.

The nurses requested her friends not call the hospital as they cannot give you information and they were besieged with calls today. She will be in ICU for a week or more.

You are welcome to share this post.

Thank you for continuing to send Govinda dasi your love and prayers."

DAY 4: 
CLARIFICATION regarding Govinda dasi's and Dasaratha Suta's car accident, written by Dasarahta Suta himself:
 
"It took me a few days to figure out exactly what happened in those 3 or 4 seconds, due to my concussion. We did NOT "swerve to avoid hitting the deer" -- the deer jumped out and one of them hit the bumper which set off the airbags, I was blinded by the impact and by losing my glasses, I knew another car was right behind us so I couldn't slam on the brakes, so I GENTLY applied the brakes and GENTLY steered off the road. Govinda Dasi was badly injured by a faulty airbag deployment system because she was moaning BEFORE we even hit the tree. This is why I got only a few scratches, whereas she required 7-hour surgery to fix her facial damage. My van's heavy-duty solid metal chrome bumper and truck frame saved her from being squashed by the tree. And the Holy Names I was screaming protected us both from a worse fate of rolling the van, possibly breaking necks and ejecting into the treeline. RadheRadhe!"

DAY 5: 
A devotee writes: Update on Govinda dasi. 

"She just called me from her hospital bed and is nicely alert and stable. So no worries. She is still in ICU only because there are no beds available on the regular floor. The hospital is packed. The doctors have talked about discharging her in the next day or two and devotees are finding her a nice place to stay along with care givers as she heals. 

She is still having trouble seeing out of her left eye but the return of the sight may take time. 

She basically just needs time to heal as she gotten pretty beaten up by the airbag plate that deployed and malfunctioned. The devotees here will take very good care of her. Myself or others can keep you posted. y.s."

DAY 6: 
"Govinda dasi may be released tomorrow or the next day from the hospital. This came as a total surprise to Govinda dasi this morning, and Chitra called me from the hospital with the news. I spoke with the nurses and requested they keep her a few more days. I am oversees. There are no arrangements yet for where she will stay and who will care for her. Please message me if you can host Govinda dasi
and/or care for her for short term or long term.

DAY 7:
"Govinda dasi is an amazing devotee! She is very grateful for
everyone's prayers and love. She is feeling a bit better ... and is starting to drink green shakes and soup. Chitra and Stritama will help coordinate visits for those who would like to bring her homemade, light prasada. Please understand visits should be short, like 20 - 30 minutes, while she is in ICU. It may be that she feels up to a longer visit when you are there, but please don't expect it.

She is going to need care from all of us for a while into the future. If you would like to offer to help care for Govinda dasi after she leaves the hospital (2 - 3 weeks from now) please let Chitra, Stritama, or myself know.

Thank you everyone for your prayers and concern. It means the world to Govinda dasi.

DAY 8:
"Update on Govinda dasi. She is out of the hospital and comfortably situated at a god sister's home. She needs lots of rest and recuperation but is making phones calls, eating etc. etc. She said she is so appreciative of every ones prayers for her. .... y.s."

DAY 9:
No comments from anyone, instead today Govinda dasi herself posted! Hurray!  Uploaded a pic mostly. But vision is needed even for that. Yet one eye will work for that. It will take time to discover if the left eye is working, yet I feel hopeful since she at least recovered "some" vision in it - and the doctors themselves say they won't know until some time has passed. I also hope she considers Energy Healing if needed - but for now - this post today was encouraging.

~~*~~

What would you do if such a thing happened to someone you either care for or highly respect? 

What would you do if it was the other way around and you were the severely injured party? 

I hope these posts stir some ideas toward that direction of thought. And here are a few of my own suggestions. :)

And may these two simple questions inspire readers to take it deeper, to figure out what's doable to increase spiritual activities. Gaining understanding that life on this planet is temporary -  even for the best among us - accidents or problems can show up out of nowhere. It's just a matter of time until its our turn. 

Thus, study, prepare, especially chant! We get the small tests now to help us get ready for that final exam. Never know when it will be a pop quiz. :)  

Next is an article about a beautiful dream - by Govinda Dasi.

                                         World Acharya Dream

"Some time after Srila Prabhupada left this world, I had a very powerful dream... In that visionary dream, I saw Srila Prabhupada sitting on a huge lion-flanked and jewel-bedecked Vyasasana. His Vyasasana rested on the brightly shimmering globe of Mother Earth, and was positioned just above the sacred land of India. Behind him, the vast curvature of the earth planet was visible. A silvery bluish-white light emanated from the center of the vision, forming a giant oval, in which Srila Prabhupada sat.

"Below him were many crowds of people -- all races, nationalities, and all ages -- all the people of the world, reaching out from darkness. They were pointing toward Srila Prabhupada, in awe and wonder, exclaiming, reaching out, praising, and acknowledging him according to their various abilities. Many were in darkness, in worldly life, yet they were all reaching out toward Srila Prabhupada, seeking his mercy.

"Above Srila Prabhupada, in the shimmering silver-blue sky, ......"   Full story at this nectar web page, I invite you to click all around this site.

Here is Govinda dasi's personal web page. This includes her Art Work,her Persona Experiences, Vidoe's, downloadable files, and more.  

                                  [Govinda dasi, Srila Prabhupada, Yamunna devi dasi.]

Happy Rama's Appearance Day!

                  [Godsister Sila honoring Rama-navami - lovely pic with candle etc]
 
We are celebrating the appearance of God who appeared in many ways as He choose - one being RamaChandra. 

We take birth, but God just "appears" whenever He so desires. 

Our birth includes karma. God's appearance is transcendental, as are all it's related activities.

What to do on such a day?

Since there are a mix of readers here, I'll give basics. It is after all, a celebration, so should be fun! :)  
 
Sing His name - a lot. It is most a auspicious day for glorifying Ramachandra through songs and joy. 

My godsister Sila, explains how she uses the above pic: 

   "Ah.. my secret yogic siddhis... :) What I do is, on festival days, place a relevant picture on the kitchen window ledge and maybe stick one or two on cupboard doors, then light candles and incense, with kirtan going too- makes a nice atmosphere -and keeps me focused whist cooking. Please feel free to do whatever you wish with picture and text. I'm glad it has been so appropriate for what you needed!  :) "

She must have read my mind hehe, as I had next written here: One could cook something nice [vegetarian] and offer it to God/Rama. Maybe dance and chant in front of a picture of Rama or in front of their home altar. Details on how to do these are in former posts at sidebar.  But if you simply want to have a quiet day, just you and Rama....

You can read something from Prabhuapda's books about Lord Rama. If not up for reading, or just for fun, see the lovely slide-show at the end of this post, put together by a devotee. It will tell the pastime, theatrically. Plus, includes nice songs, etc. 

I remember giving a cassette to my children of these very same songs. Not the full theatrical predominance here ha, but the music - yes. I am feeling a bit nostalgic. :) 

So make a cup of herbal tea etc, sit back, and enjoy the following:

The Ramayana - Pt 1

The Ramayana - Pt 2

Lastly, an interesting Article proving - via a 3 year Botanical study - that the Ramayana is not myth but fact. 

I've my own 2 cents to add to the evidence part: One may wonder how "talking, intelligent monkeys" can be real. First, they lived deep in the woods in secret places hard to find. Next, likely more significant: Once I read a web page pointing out the fact that many species have become extinct, plus as we moved further into this kali yuga [a large span of time], thus talking monkeys no longer exist. 

It's Bona Fide

I have been privately encouraging folks to create their own meditation spot/altar and gradually increase to where they can do like we do at our temples - but at home. This was a nice quote to run across today:


"The temple center is started just to present example to the neighboring residents how they can make a small temple in each and every home. It is not necessary that hundreds and thousands of people will live in our temple, but if we can make effective propaganda, then the neighboring residents, householders, will be inclined to be initiated and follow the modes of temple life.

"So you encourage the visitors, boys and girls as well as married couples, to understand the value of life and how they can peacefully and happily live if they follow the routine worship method in the temple and establish this in their home to be happy in all respects.

"Krishna Consciousness Movement is actually an attempt to make all people happy generally and, becoming liberated in this life from material contamination, they'll be thus eligible to enter into the Kingdom of God after quitting this body."

(Srila Prabhupada letter, June 1, 1969)

How To Create Your Own Home Altar

Chanting and Mantra's - Singing - How to Use Your Altar