Blissful Sadhana

Maybe some readers out there have made the altar as described in the links or else below. And maybe some have been offering their foodstuffs. AND maybe lots of singing / chanting is going on at your home. Great! Want more ideas?

This page is to add fun spiritual activities. Take what you like, leave what you don't, and tweak what you feel needs tweaking for you as an individual.

PAINT a Terracotta flower pot with a Jagannatha face, then plant either Tulasi devi in there, or just a regular plant. Krishna is nondifferent than his form, so keep as clean as humanly possible. Like a picture..

TEA CUP GARDEN -So sweet. Easy to do. Create them, next place directly in front of your Deities/Pics, for Their pleasure. [I wouldn't place on an altar due to dirt that may spill or water splashing; plus harder to care for there]. You'll like it too. 

All it mostly requires - soil, seeds, sun, water, probably a few pebbles in the soil for air circulation - and attention. Part of that attention is to chant to them while giving care. Of course details on growing, can tweak it. Feel free too google "tea cup gardens."

             Make CLAY VASES - easy peasy:

:

Clay INCENSE HOLDERS:

DECORATION to hang in your temple room or meditation area:: 

 

[Wish blogspot let ya put pics across & next to each other, but they don't. sigh Oh well, it's still nice. ]

Step 1: Can cut strong paper to size OR use a cardboard Tube.

Step 2: If paper, toll together and tape or glue it.

Step 3: Another sheet of paper. Cut many small slits, like a comb, & leave some uncut above the slits..

Step 4: Crease slit paper in middle, then open, and glue it's tops around both ends of tube:

The finished product is the 1st pic above. Add string or ribbon and tie it where you want it tied. Where Krishna can see it. :)  


Hey Mr TAMBOURINE Man - chant a song for me - wait, for Krishna! :) We'll both like it. 

 OK, this admittedly is for or kids but adults could use it too. :) Fun for the whole family. So bright and pretty, what's the harm? Made from 2 sturdy paper or plastic plates. 

Punch Holes:

Paint [however you wish],

 

Add bells with eyelet fasteners:

Bells are easily found at Christmas OR in the scrapbook / craft isle in many stores. Simply put it all together, and use to a fun family kirtan.

PAPER FLOWERS: 
Tho best to offer real flowers, or else leaves if not available, it's nice to "also" offer art work of flowers.

Sorry, no instructions, tho you can google it. To me looks like a long, wide piece of colored paper - twirled from small to large, around a stick or pipe-cleaner, making sure it takes the rose shape.  UPDATE, here is a tutorial for 20 different types of paper flowers to make. 

And here are some others, from simple, to medium, to fancy. Take your pick, mix em up.

And here are some easy video's to follow. Make Hyacinth paper flowers. 

Oragami rose with Card - write something sweet to Krishna. Gently, meditatively focus on what you wish to say. [Veda recommends, and all scriptures really, to "glorify" god. Even, just tell Him what you find attractive. Is it His blueness? His pink Feet. His mercy? Etc Then follow up with Thank You. Of course if you need to ask for help that can be done, but better to do that thru prayer.] Make sue to read the card to Him as well. He IS there. :)

Use tissue paper and create this lovely CARNATION.

Reminder: Paper flowers are not for offering, but for decorating! :) Real flowers, or when they are not available then even leaves - are for offering.

Make a paper flower picture FRAME. Pretty! 

How to make a WALL HANGING paper flower [rose] decoration. Personally, I'd paint the background paper-plate, but aside from that, this is very nice!

Butterflies from the sky! Video. Make with paper, a little light wire - so lovely. 

Wall butterflies without wire, just string, video right here folks.

PROTECT altar naturally, from bugs:

Keep spiders and other bugs at bay, by growing certain plants that repel them. Mint is one.Tho I have had spiders creep across my mint. lol Will add, they did not hang out there. Personal experience has shown me that Mexican Tarragon seems to be the plant on my windowsill spiders avoid like the plague. ha Yet, its nice to mix it up for good measure, and for fun. So Lavender is another. They seemed to especially dislike my Rosemary. Any plant that has a powerful citrus fragrance works. Basil repels flies and mosquitoes. Pennyroyal's very helpful. It's good to co-plant, so if one doesn't resolve an issue, the other may. Decorate your spiritual spot where you connect with Krishna - with nice scented bug repellent plants. Krishna can enjoy them. :) 

MESSAGE STONES:

Either collect or buy some rocks. Clean them. Then paint inspiring quotes. "Joy" "Bliss," etc. Even, "Don't worry - Be happy" is a nice reminder. Can place around temple room or Meditation area to inspire yourself.

TOWER OF FLOWERS::

 OK, in the above case, it's herbs. But you can grow anything you want in there, including flowers for Krishna! :)

I've yet to get this together but do dream of it. So am sharing with others. Here's the basics how to make your own multi-planter. Then you can grow even more plants in front of the altar.

SKETCH or DRAW: 
This is the type of thing I like to do. Simple and sweet. The following is a pic by a devotees mom [MomJi] after she learned of the story where Prabhupada said 2 birds were actually sharing Krishna Katha to each other! Use your art to meditate on things that inspires.

To see more of Momji's artwork, go here.

Not so artistic? Most will tell ya, many artists started out poorly and got better with practice. Here is a place for beginners - learn free! A small step up may be here. And if you want a bit more challenge with muscles and such, check out this site.

SIMPLE ART: For those like myself, ha, without the talent but oh so much the desire - keep it simple. Plus, a little cut & paste is helpful to keep all of us meditating on Krsna - even those of us grown-ups who are not as artistically inclined.

Ever hear of a VISION BOARD?
 
Make a Krishna Conscious one! Not everything has to be in the temple room. Make your whole house spiritual. Vision boards are often misunderstood. IMHO they have a lot in common with scrap-booking and photo albums [See below]. Ya have to look at them to get the benefit! :) And of course, making them should be a meditation in and of itself. If you don't know how to make one, here's a link.

SCRAP-BOOKING has become popular. When I was a young devotee, it was common to take a regular Photo Album and put in pics of Krishna, Deities, etc. Then we'd turn the pages and "oooo and ahhh" over each divine picture. :) That can still be done! Scrapbooking is similar. Tho in this case it involves more cutting and pasting. A great meditation. Sit in your living room, at your desk, temple /meditation room, and begin this spiritual project.

COLLAGES -  What's the difference between these are the above? I'd say, the mess. lol That is, some are very busy.... Please note, if you are ripping, never rip Krishna or His associates, or Prabhupada. Always keep them in one piece.

 

BUT you can make collages any way you wish: 

Focus / meditate on the spiritual message you wish to convey thru yours, and enjoy making it. These are great in the kids play room, the living rooms, kitchens. Have fun making it together as a family! Tutorial.

NOTE: Krishna pics, etc, should not be placed in bathrooms or bedrooms or any place undressing or etc, goes on - nor anywhere regularly smelly. Other areas are fine and even a good idea. Bring Krsna or Lord Chaitanya and so on, into your home. Make Him happy, and automatically yourself as well. :)

POSTERS or TAPESTRIES -  How about decorating with them? Either can be placed behind a glass frame to give them a classic appearance, or just as it is - according to the room and your mood. I was surprised to find posters as cheap as 19 cents! Here's the place.They also have lovely tapestries - painted on cloth!

GOT MILK errr KIDS? :) GRANDKIDS? 

Spiritual life should be easy and enjoyable for them. Krishna Animation on DVD - just pop it into a player. Fun!

Yes, a few of the above cost money, tho most here do not. And if we have to give our money to someone, let it be a spiritual someone. :)  The price is smaller than often spent on other entertainment or a pizza or ... it's worth it IMHO. Besides, I'm just trying to give the connection to make it easier to locate. What you do with that is your choice. 

SCRIPT, LETTERING:
I do enjoy lettering, so wish to share it. Here is one example, after, that google words like 'script' and 'lettering.

[And that includes Krishna Conscious education. Many problems arise from incomplete knowledge!] 

OK, One more. :)

Practice writing the Maha Mantra..... in Sanskrit!  :) 

Or English:

Paper Bag STARS:
Decorations for your little temple room or meditation area. Pretty. Click for video here. 

How to make paper bag FLOWERS, an offering of art. Please buy new paper bags for God. :) Video here

GROWN-UP COLORING BOOKS - It's very popular now - for good reasons. Studies have shown it is extremely relaxing and healthy. 

No need to buy expensive, fancy tools. Unless you want to. However, regular Crayola Crayons OR Colored Pencils work quite well. 

Some like to use markers for a paint effect. The only caution there is to first test them and see if there is bleed-thru. They can still be used [if you don't mind the appearance on the back of the page] BUT it's important to remember to place a file card etc underneath the pic 'before' using those particular markers. I just kept testing markers until I found one that doesn't bleed-thru. 

UPDATE: The ones I found with the least bleed-thru so far, are from CrazyArt. [These are child level markers, not artist.] Did not like their crayons, only their markers. Got mine at Walmart, tho they can also be found online.

With that said, here is a link at amazon to an Grown-Ups Krishna Coloring book.

It is also perfectly fine to go to your local online [or not online] Hare Krishna store and buy a Krishna Coloring book for kids. Why? It's a meditation after all, to help transport you to a higher place.

If you own a printer, google, then click on images - and you will find free Krishna, Hanuman, etc, Coloring pages!  

SEWING:
Have a bit of sewing talent? Make clothes for your Deities OR pictures. With pictures it's usually a skirt, but anything you can visualize, go for it.

[When sewing for God, don't spit on your fingers to moisten thread to get it thru the needles eye. :) Simply keep a spray bottle or moist clean paper towel, wet, close by. Use it for such things. Don't touch hair either, but again easy solution - spray bottle, towelettes. ]

BEADING, Necklaces, Bracelets, Earrings, etc:

Maybe one can't sew, but most can learn how to do simple beading. It's easy. Make your Deities or Spiritual Pictures some special Jewelry just for Them. Brand new of course.  Picture Tutorial. Video Tutorial.

ART JOURNALING:

This is a somewhat new thing, or technically anyhow, and it is a wonderful thing! While I don't know an exacting definition of it, off the top of my head I'd say: Its any combination of art, lettering, cut-outs if you want them, any media [from crayons to professional items], usually with a quote. What a great way to collect our favorite, most inspiring quotes of Srila Prabhupada, or from Krishna Book, anywhere really. We can use art to get creative and help us meditate on the bliss of Krishna, or the mercy of Lord Chaitanya, the protection of Rama or Narasimha, etc! 

Technically, I do not know how to make these fancy little things. ha But I've always wanted to. Maybe one day. I found these lovely pics on a Christian site. [For those who do not know, Hare Krishna devotees believe in Jesus.] Unfortunately I lost the link that tells how to make this. sigh BUT if you can do other things on this page, try them first, then you can probably do this. Or just go to youtube and search how to make an Art Journal Booklet with Pockets or Pop-Ups, maybe Pop-Outs. I do not know the perfect key words. ha Think some up yourself.
 
DIARY or JOURNAL: 

Here you can make all types entries. Anywhere from jotting down realization that comes to mind, to writing specific goals you wish to attain. [They are more likely to be attained after they are physically written.] Just make sure to keep the focus spiritual and on Krishna. Lord Chaitanya etc would be fine too. :)

HAPPY JAPA:

When chanting remember, it's about bliss! That is found within the sound vibration. Keep the mind focused and the heart happy. Not focused on laundry, the office, a fight, etc. Rather, the bliss that is Krishna. :) If the mind wanders, don't feel bad, it does for everyone! ha Just drag it back as soon as you notice. Keep on chantin'.

Check back - Never know when something hits my fancy, I'll add it here. :) Bookmark this page.

Understanding the Contradictions

Lately I've been reading some discussions about the appearingly contradictions Prabhupada has made. [Which IMHO are in the minority.] Those discussions were not intended in a bad or doubtful way - more along the lines where some were wondering how to comprehend them. Well, I say two things:

1-If you've all ready accepted Prabhupada and find most of what he says right-on, don't beat yourself up over perfect comprehension of every tiny thing - it WILL come in time. Realization will find you. Have had it happen and I am no one special, it can happen to anyone at all.Actually, many of what appeared contradictory - no longer did - at all. A combination of spiritual education [Prabhupada's books, letters, etc], chanting, and patience - it will arrive.

2) Prabhupada's books were written for "everyone." Think about it. That means there are different things for different people. For example, what is good for the Kanishta Adhikari may not be good for someone higher. Or the Kanishta may have different rules to follow to get higher. There may even be many gray areas where some parts of an individual devotee is strong in one area there for can follow yada yada, but weak in another ares so should follow blah blah. Madhyama adhikari and the Utthama adhikary are the other two levels. The short answer is, do what works for you, and look into those grey areas we all have, to do the best for them. [Don't try to water anything down, the only one that hurts is you. Make it functional, but keep it honest.] But regarding what might appear as contradictions, this explains a lot. Everyone is one a different level. So they're really not contradicting, ya just need to see where they apply and where they do not apply.

3) This lovely quote explains even more! 

 [Click on the pic to make it big and easy to read.] 

Love of God - Experience It Now!

When I was young and prior to joining this Movement, I had always been taught one either can not experience love of God now and will have to wait until they die, or at best you may get some experience but probably not until you're an old lady/man and even then, don't count on it. Needless to say, this was not very inspiring. 

When I discovered yoga meant to link up, create unity with God, I was drawn to it. When I discovered Bhakti Yoga, I was hooked. :)

Of course, there is a tender balance, as we do not want to become Sahajiya's. But we don't have to and can still reap Divine love. 

Prabhupada tells the rest:

"So to develop attraction for Krishna is not difficult, you simply have to hear about Krishna, his activities, his name, his form and his teaching in Bhagavad-gita. Naturally you will develop love for Krishna, because we are all part and parcel of Krishna. " ~ SP letter to Bhakta Stephen Knapp, Bombay, Dec 18, 75

 [Isn't He cute? ........ You just experienced a bit of love of God. Don't discredit it, keep working it - fun!] 

~~~**~~~**~~~

“Krishna Consciousness is the development of love of Krishna – a position transcendental even to material liberation.” B.Gita 6.30. P

~~~**~~~**~~~
 

I have got so many students, so many letters, how they are feeling directly. It is so nice. Pratyaksavagamam dharmyam su-sukham kartum avyayam. And very nice to perform. Chant and dance and eat. What do you want more? (laughter). Simply chanting, dancing, and eating nice sweetballs, kachori. So su-sukham and kartum avyayam."   SP lecture & Initiation, Seattle, Oct 20, 68

~~~**~~~**~~~ 

“One cannot attain love of Godhead by executing karma-kanda or jnana-kanda. But by dedicating ones karma, or fruitive activities, to the Supreme Lord, one may be relieved from the polluted mind, and becoming free from mental pollution helps elevate one to the spiritual platform. Then, however, one needs the association of a pure devotee.” Madhya 9. 263

~~~**~~~**~~~

“Those who have developed love of God, oh, they are enjoying the transcendental pleasure in every moment by seeing the artistic work of Krsna. So that is the position of a devotee.

So we request everyone to become devotee and Krsna conscious so that you will find everywhere the artistic work of Krsna, everywhere. Sarvatra sphuraya tara ista-deva-murti, sthavara-jangama dekhe na dekhe tara murti. Just like if you are drinking water... These things are very nicely described in the Bhagavad-gita." ~ Prabhupada lecture at Art Gallery, April 26, 1972

~~~**~~~**~~~

“When a living entity comes in contact with the material creation, his eternal love for Krsna is transformed into lust, in association with the mode of passion. Or, in other words, the sense of love of God becomes transformed into lust, as milk in contact with sour tamarind is transformed into yogurt. Then again, when lust is unsatisfied, it turns into wrath; wrath is transformed into illusion, and illusion continues the material existence. Therefore, lust is the greatest enemy of the living entity, and it is lust only which induces the pure living entity to remain entangled in the material world. Wrath is the manifestation of the mode of ignorance; these modes exhibit themselves as wrath and other corollaries. If, therefore, the mode of passion, instead of being degraded into the mode of ignorance, is elevated to the mode of goodness by the prescribed method of living and acting, then one can be saved from the degradation of wrath by spiritual attachment.” B.Gita 3. 37

~~~**~~~**~~~
 

“The sixth Sandarbha is called Priti-sandarbha, a thesis on love of Godhead. Here it is stated that through love of Godhead, one becomes perfectly liberated and attains the highest goal of life. 

A distinction is made between the liberated condition of a personalist and that of an impersonalist, and there is a discussion of liberation during one's lifetime as distinguished from liberation from material bondage. 

Of all kinds of liberation, liberation in loving service to the Lord is described as the most exalted, and meeting the Supreme Personality of Godhead face to face is shown to be the highest perfection of life. 

Immediate liberation is contrasted with liberation by a gradual process. Both realization of Brahman and meeting with the Supreme Personality of Godhead are described as liberation within one's lifetime, but meeting with the Supreme Personality of Godhead, both internally and externally, is shown to be superexcellent, above the transcendental realization of the Brahman effulgence. 

There is a comparative study of liberation as salokya, samipya and sarupya. Samipya is better than salokya. Devotional service is considered to be liberation with greater facilities, and there is a discussion of how to obtain it. 

There are also discussions of the transcendental state one achieves after attaining the devotional platform, which is the exact position of love of Godhead; the marginal symptoms of transcendental love, and how it is awakened; the distinction between so-called love and transcendental love on the platform of love of Godhead; and different types of humors and mellows enjoyed in relishing the lusty affairs of the gopis, which are different from mundane affairs, which in turn are symbolical representations of pure love for Krsna. 

There are also discussions of bhakti mixed with philosophical speculation, the superexcellence of the love of the gopis, the difference between opulent devotional service and loving devotional service, the exalted position of the residents of Gokula, the progressively exalted position of the friends of Krsna, the gopas and the gopis in parental love with Krsna, and finally the superexcellence of the love of the gopis and that of Srimati Radharani. 

There is also a discussion of how spiritual feelings can be present when one simply imitates them and of how such mellows are far superior to the ordinary mellows of mundane love, and there are descriptions of different ecstasies, the awakening of ecstasy, transcendental qualities, the distinction of dhirodatta, the utmost attractiveness of conjugal love, the ecstatic features, the permanent ecstatic features, the mellows divided in five transcendental features of direct loving service, and indirect loving service, considered in seven divisions.  

Finally there is a discussion of overlapping of different rasas, and there are discussions of santa (neutrality), servitorship, taking shelter, parental love, conjugal love, direct transcendental enjoyment and enjoyment in separation, previous attraction and the glories of Srimati Radharani." ~ Madya lila 1.43 P 

~~~**~~~**~~~

“If we have a strong sense of love for the Supreme Lord, then we can discharge our duty and at the same time remember Him. But we have to develop that sense of love.” ~ BG Intro

For details on chanting at home, offering at home, transcendental music, ETC - scroll to the bottom or check out the sidebar. Get started feeling the bliss! :)

P.S. Please Subscribe [scroll up for button on your right] to stay on top of the most recent and updated postings with new info. Also, please share this blog with any friends you feel may appreciate it for what it is. Thanks!

Peter Max gets a Book

World Famous artist Peter Max gets one of Prabhupada's books-

Book distributor Drumila das shares a nectar story how he did this:

"I was talking to a woman outside the famous Omni Hotel. She had contributed to our Food for Life program. She was so nice I asked if I could take her picture and put her on my Facebook page holding her book. To reassure her I showed her some of the famous people that have gotten books from me. She said, "You know, I'm here with Peter Max." 

I said, "You're here with Peter Max!?"

I said, "Can I go in and give him a book, and take my picture with him?" She said, "I'll bring him out to you!" I said, "Really!?" She said, "Sure."

He's a very famous illustrator from the 60's and 70's, whose work was on the Beatles album 'Yellow Submarine'.

Peter Max (born Peter Max Finkelstein, October 19, 1937) is a Jewish German-born American illustrator and graphic artist currently living in New York City. He's known for his use of psychedelic shapes and color palettes, spectra in his work, and the counter-culture, pop-art-focused nature of his art. 

His work has been featured in various popular publications, events, and various museums and galleries worldwide. Examples of his commissions include being the official artist of the 1994 World Cup, painting of the hull art of a Norwegian Cruise Line, and border murals along entry points to the USA from Canada and Mexico."

[And now the best prize yet - transcendental knowledge via a Prabhupada book. :) ]

A Little Fun :)

Funniest video I've seen in a while! Laughter has been scientifically proven to be good for health, healing, and of course longevity.  

If you don't have a sense of humor, do not watch.

With that said, I found it hilarious! :) 

 To the tune of 'Call Me Maybe' - a parody -
"Be Our Pondati." 

Hilarious! :) 

Ravi Shankar teaches Sitar to George Harrison

1968 rare footage! Need I say more? :)

Actual I "would" like to say a little more. ha How about a quote from George first:

"Sometimes I feel like I'm actually on the wrong planet.  It's great when I’m in my garden, but the minute I go out the gate I think, 'What the hell am I doing here?' 

[Yes George, me too. Aren't we all lucky to have found Prabhupada to show us our real home.]

 The above is a pic of George in Vrindavana India [Holy Land], wearing his neckbeads. 

George or Hari's Son as Prabhupada named him, is seen in the above pic paying his obeisances [bowing down] in Vrindavana.

The above is George's Star of Fame. Notice the book "Chant and Be Happy" and other devotional items on his star.

Finally, Ravi teaches George to play Sitar:

And in case you missed it, here is another blog posting about George, also with a video.