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Thursday, May 4, 2017

WWIII - What Would You Do If the Internet Collapsed?

"The Blessed Lord said: Time I am, destroyer of the worlds, and I have come to engage all people. With the exception of you [the Pandavas], all the soldiers here on both sides will be slain."  ~ BhagavadGita 11.32 

What if World War II hit? How would your spiritual life wind up if there was no longer an internet connection?

Currently, many are concerned that there could indeed, be a war. From fears of Ebola to the start of WWIII, people are talking!

Even those who are not, still have concerns over how long the internet can last, or if someone can hack and shut it down.  Or living in an area of chronic electrical outages, will everything on their hard drive be left when they get back online. What to do?

It is the age of kali. That means there is a lot of insecurity. With a propensity in the world to bicker/argue/fight. People have a more difficult time holding on to peace, happiness - what to speak of God. 
It does not have to be this way. Simply, without the know-how, or the endeavor, to work toward positive, good vibrations, the negative ones have a better chance of entering in this kali-yuga. [Yuga means age.]

The Hare Krishna Movement began in the 1960's during the Vietnam War. It seems when there is upheaval, unrest, etc, people are open to listening, to learning how to love and be at peace. 

When there is peace for an extended period of time, oddly, people loose interest in God. Maybe not fully, but noticeably. Sense gratification starts to crawl higher up on the list of what is important. Businessmen and women try to up the corporate ladder more than usual. Too much self-absorption becomes the norm. What to do?
Many do not realize, or haven't been taught, that God is not a grumpy old man sitting in a rocking chair with a white beard, just waiting for you to slip up and do something wrong so he can cast you down into eternal hell fires. As a result, those who find this a ridiculous way to believe in God - turn away from Him. 

So fortunate are we, that Prabhupada came to the West to teach us that the above is not what God is like! Phew. :) God/Krishna does not have a psychical material form but a transcendental form. And it is blue, with long flowing hair, plays a flute, never ages, God always has fun, is blissful - and by the way, loves us! :) So, not the above fanaticism, but this:

Thus there is no real deprivation of pleasure once one learns the science of Krishna Consciousness. It is the highest, most fun :), pleasure! How could hippies of the past give up so much sense gratification [drugs and illicit sex] other than the fact that Krishna/ God brings greater pleasure.

Anyway, must there be another huge war to open the minds and hearts of some, for true Krishna Conscientiousness to get thru, and according to the way Prabhupada taught it in the beginning?

Maybe.

But we are also speaking of  a loss of the internet, for any reason. Tho war being most likely. Anyhow, there are lots of sites on what to do physically, but here we ask the question: what would you do spiritually?


Some ideas:
Vedic scriptures reveal that war is the result of violence done unto others, meat eating [which is violent to the animal], illicit activities, and so on. 

For those who have not fully gone vegetarian, here is a link to our free unique online cookbook to start. And here it is in pdf.

Offer it with prayer/mantra. If you are not a vegetarian, and this is not about guilt, but simply learn how to be one - and learn how to offer your food to take it even higher than vegetarian, rather prasadam! This means it was first taken by God /Krishna and now you get His left overs. The unique ability of God is that unlike humans, when God is finished eating, everything is still left on the plate. :) God eats through love, to make sure we too have food.

Next, what else would you do if there was a war or no internet to get some idea of how to live a Krishna Conscious lifestyle at home? Or online association?

This is one reason I promote at-home worship.

And at-home japa /chanting meditation.

But what more could be done to protect yourself and family?

Many will point out, learn how to hold peace and kindness in the heart. That it sends out electrical and other unknown forms of good vibrations. I agree. There is actually quite a bit of science behind this. Simultaneously, I do not see how anyone can hold on to that without a God connection. Mediation on His love, on His transcendental names, etc, are what keep us from getting down, it's what maintains us when ok or up, it even grants us bliss! Thus that higher vibration is Krishna, to be shared with the world, creating the best type of change.

I remember a point in the late 1970's when there was a very real threat of WWIII. Our government, other governments, and even the United Nations - were having big scary meetings! 

Srila Prabhupada instructed all of his temples world-wide to go out on HariNama [chanting Krishna's Holy Names in every town and village]. And we did! A lot. :-)
Put my toddler in a stroller and went out on Harinama too. Tho I could not do it as much, being a mom, but I wanted "in." ha  So, off we went, myself, child, and other devotees - blissfully chanting down the streets. This went on in all our temples in the entire world!

In case you didn't notice ha, WWIII did not happen. Srila Prabhuapda revealed, it was this chanting of Krishna's names that stopped it! It is, after all, a transcendental sound, not to be confused with a material one. 

Yet war is once again a threat, and every now and than, tries to reoccur. Why? 

Srila Prabhuapda explains:

"If you want to stop some diseased condition of life, then you have to follow a regulative principle. Just like when you go to a doctor for curing some disease, he gives you some medicine and some direction also, that "You should not eat like this, you not sleep like this; you should do like this." Some do's and some do not's. That prescription is followed.

So here, Śukadeva Gosvāmī gives this example that na aśnataḥ pathyam eva annam. Suppose if you have got indigestion; you cannot digest food very nicely. So you have to eat such things which are easily digestible, or which may not cause acidity, flatulence, air. 

The doctor prescribes. So if you neglect those principles, then how you can be cured? Similarly, if you want to eradicate your ignorance how miserable conditions are arising, problems are arising, and you do not try to subside them with real knowledge, how there can be solution of the problems?

Try to understand. Just like if you do not follow the program given by the physician for curing your disease, you cannot be cured. If you violate the rules given by the doctor, then how you can expect cure of your disease? Similarly, if you do not think wisely, like wise man, as they're prescribed in the Vedic knowledge, how you can stop the problems of life?

That is not possible. Simply by atonement there may be temporary suppression of something, but it will arise again. The same example can be given: The whole world is trying to stop war. But by some means like League of Nation, United Nation, but it is stopped for the time being, but again, after some years, there is huge war.

So Śukadeva Gosvāmī says that this material sinful life, we are acting in a way, we are forced to commit some sins, and you are suffering as a resultant action. This is going on. But if you want to stop this business—one suffering and one again becomes victim—then you have to become advanced in knowledge. Karmī-jñānī. Ordinary people, they are karmīs, or fruitive actors. Fruitive actors. They're working whole day and night, and getting some result, enjoying, again suffering, again there is problem.

This is going on. They are called karmīs. So this will not solve the question, problem. He suggests that you have to elevate yourself to the platform of knowledge. How it is done? That is prescribed herein. The first thing is tapasya. The first... Tapasya means you have to accept some austerity."  ~ SP lecture on
SB 06.01.11, date 710725, New York

~*~*~*~

I hope the above answers some readers question regarding "why" we have war. 

Additionally, a natural question to arise is:

"If you did Harinama in the past to stop WWIII and claim the Holy Names will do it, than why has the threat of war returned?"

Good question! :) Easy answer: You see, Prabhupada once stated that if we, the initiated devotees, were serious, we could make the entire world Krishna Conscious in 18 days. Clearly we have not done that. Therefore, whenever there's an increase in irreligious activities, as well as forgetfulness of God, there eventually will be war. We still have a lot of work cut out. Yet it is blissful work, and we are happy to do it. 

One does not have to be an initiated disciple, nor living in a temple to go out on Harinama. Can we be saved like the Pandava's?  (See quote atop this page.) While we are clearly not on their level, yet we can still be saved / protected. Simply learn how to do Harinama, the right and super-easy way presented here, go for it! :) Be an activist - this is the best peace process ever! 

John Lennon's, Give Peace a Chance, makes me think of this book: Excerpt: "In 1969 John Lennon invited Srila Prabhupada (the Founder-Acharya of the Hare Krishna Movement) and some of his disciples to live at his Tittenhurst Park Estate near London. Search for Liberation is based on a conversation where John Lennon, Yoko Ono and George Harrison ask Srila Prabhupada questions about liberation and spirituality. The Beatles questions and Prabhupada's answers create a fascinating book."  Small inexpensive book. Besides, you're going to need some hard copy books if there is an emergency! And even when there isn't. :) 

Another question may arise: "Do I have to give up so much? It says tapasya/austerity, but my life is hard and I don't want to add anymore austerities." 

Another easy and pleasant answer: In this age of kali, the austerity is really not austere, it's fun! Simply chant Hare Krishna. "Kalu nasteva nasteva nasteva  gatir anytha." Change the sound vibration in the atmosphere around you, and watch all the positive unexpected good things pop up no one can explain. To you, but also to the world. Well, we can explain. :) Chanting draws the bliss of Godhead to travel all around, creating a highly charged positive atmosphere where more and more people actually "want" to get along. It's not austere to do this, it's a joy!

Some might consider it austere to become a vegetarian, but in our modern times, less and less are feeling that way. And if you do, I suggest you take a real life tour of a slaughter house and see first hand, what goes on. Oh yes, they give them! At least they use to because I know someone who went. The bottom line is, don't put your head in the sand and pretend meat eating is not violent just cuz it is purchased all clean and warped in saran.  It did not grow out of the ground, that is a spirit soul who lost its life, or its baby's life. Violence begets violence. And it's easy to become a vegetarian! IMHO tastes better anyhow! :) [Again, here's that cookbook link.]

This post was not limited to physical survival of WWIII - but more-so how to spiritually survive it, and/or a loss of the internet. After all, such emergencies are sometimes accompanied with deep loss, therefore we need to take care of our souls to have them prepared.  

However, with that said, the following may be helpful as they include physical suggestions like growing your own food/medicine - plus more spiritual ideas I find highly imperative. Feel free to print out hard copies of these or any you find helpful - and save!
 

MORE TIPS:  
* Self-Sufficiency Camping: Ideas for camping can also be good for surviving if the electricity goes down - for any reason.

* Longevity: Can you do your own Dental work if there is no dentist around? Of course not all forms, but some? From simple eating to Hatha yoga [yes worrywarts, it's bonafide,ha], plus more. Check it out.

* How To Grow a Flower Clock: Do this and you will always have a good idea of the time even if there is not any electricity, led or other clocks are no longer available.

* Herb for Cancer: Grow this and read of other help for cancer. God-forbid anyone get this disease if there is a war and not know ahead of time of any alternative help.

* Depression - Not clinical but situational. And if there is a war, people are likely to feel depressed from that situation to some degree. Want to know little tips and tricks how to snap out of it? If you are not clinically depressed and its only due to a situation, this link should help. If you have clinical depressing, take your medication [be it natural or allopathic] and after that, this link should help. Of course, one has to truly desire it.

* A Fun Spiritual Place - Your Home!  Make your house a blissful place for yourself and your family, any close "trustworthy" friends. This is crucial for spiritual life during a war or when the internet is not regularly working.

* George Harrison - Be Here Now :) - Hari's son, as Prabhupada named him, quickly lifts spirits or even helps keep them positive.

* Humor - Good grief, laugh a little. Devotees are so serious, which has it's place,but even Prabhupada told jokes! Lighten up. If it's not a habit now, imagine if the internet were to collapse. What a grouch! ha That too was a joke. :)
 

* Anyone Can Go To  Krsna-Loka - That's right. Never think you can't! :)

* Christ and Krishna - the name says it all. 

* Guru - How to pick your guru while the lights are on, and internet functioning. :)

* Is Lack of self-love really a predominant cause of illness? - During an emergency, the last thing you want is to get stuck on the mental platform and start self-blaming for sickness, problems, of that which is not! Pop psychology makes us think it is science when this is not a fact. Even, it changes all the time. The good part of this link? It also goes into detail about various forms of healing!

* Life and Music - Under stressful circumstances one tends to freeze up. What to do? Find out here.

* Energy Healing - learn Free: If there are no doctors nearby during a war or some other type of emergency, learning this can be a help! 

fNo one gets out of this material world alive. While I don't want to worry anyone too much, I have also found that never mentioning such things helps folks keep their head in the sand like an ostrich. Then what if someone comes along with an axe? Yikes! :) So once in a while I have to post this stuff to keep that axe away from folks. And if readers utilize this information, it delivers blissful results. 

In case I haven't said it enough - or a reader has not seen it: No one need join anything, you can practice on your own at home and feel the bliss! :)

   -->Want to keep up with TIPS on how to practice Krishna Consciousness at home - or else just stay inspired? Subscribe.  And share with friends:


Friday, April 28, 2017

Hare Krishna film - Nationwide!



Hare Krishna! nationwide release begins in New York City at the Village East Cinemas on June 16


The wait is finally over  - Hare Krishna! The Mantra, the Movement and the Swami who started it all (formerly known as Acharya) will be released nationwide in theaters beginning in New York City (at the Village East Cinemas) on June 16th, 2017 and in Los Angeles (at the Laemmle's Monica Film Center) on June 23rd, 2017.

Start making plans to visit New York and Los Angeles, as we want our screenings to SELL OUT in the first week! This will create a buzz around the country!

More opening dates in other cities will follow shortly, so stay tuned for updates and how to buy tickets.

To see the NEW OFFICIAL TRAILER, click on this direct link to view on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harekrishnathefilm/videos/1264291600359046/

Please share the trailer to your own personal, group or community Facebook page. By simply clicking here you can share it in just one click!

Remember to #harekrishna 


If you would like the code to embed the trailer in a website, please email info@innervoiceproductions.com with your name and website details.

And check out the OFFICIAL FILM POSTER below:
Today our distributor, Abramorama, announced the acquisition of the film via the industry trade site, Deadline. To read the full article, go to: http://deadline.com/2017/04/abramorama-hare-krishna-documentary-trailer-1202077915/

For more ways you can participate in creating as much excitement around the release as possible, please contact us at info@innervoiceproductions.com.Your continued support and enthusiasm is very much appreciated.

For more information on Hare Krishna! The Mantra, the Movement and the Swami who started it all, please visit our BRAND NEW website: www.harekrishnathefilm.com

Please forward on this email to all your family and friends to help spread the word! Hare Krishna! The Film

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Narada Muni Came To Our Kirtana

Narada Muni is a pure devotee.  The following is a story we often forget happened. "Narada Muni Comes to Kirtana."

Yamuna devi dasi:

"One night an extraordinary thing happened. Prabhupada led the first kirtan and then gave a lecture. I sat on the floor just to his right with the harmonium, and after the lecture, I began leading the second Hare Krishna kirtan. All of a sudden, Srila Prabhupada’s voice cut through the auditorium with the potency of Lord Nrisimha, right in the middle of my chanting. I had never heard Prabhupada do that, nor had I heard the words he chanted.

‘Narada Muni bhajaya vina radhika ramana namne,’ he sang. And then again he repeated it.


I looked up, and he looked down at me, signaling me to carry on. So I continued chanting Hare Krishna, and he continued singing his prayer to Narada Muni into his microphone. I closed my eyes and carried on, not knowing what was happening. Then he started leading with me. We could all understand that something inexplicable but amazing was happening. Everyone was literally jumping off the ground, leaping in the air; even little baby Saraswati was two feet off the ground, and the audience was leaping into the air. We jumped off the stage and all of us began running around the perimeter of the auditorium with the audience. It was one of those Krishna magic moments. Just amazing!

The next morning I asked what had happened the previous night.

“Didn’t you see?” Srila Prabhupada said. “Narada Muni came to our kirtan.”

“No, I didn’t see him,” I answered.

“Yes, Narada Muni came.”

London England, 1969



Read more about Narada Muni here.

Have your own kirtana's at home or out on the street! 


MRIDANG Drum / Banjira Ceramic Khol Drum.

Currently $159,92 but double check with link below:


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Looks wonderful, check it out and if you like it, please buy it thru my link and in this way we help each other.





KARTALS/HAND SYMBOLS: 


Initially I felt unsure if I should include these. Why?

Because misuse resulted in some developing 
hearing problems. However, next it hit me:

"Ohhhhh that is MISuse, not correct use." Plus, Srila 
Prabhupada himself told us to play them;  taught us 'how' [no clanging, no banging]. And Krishna wants them used. :)

So gently tap and support the transcendental Maha Mantra [as opposed to gettinging louder than it.  hehe.]


* Percussion instrument from India.

* Made in high quality Brass.

* Diameter of each cymbal is 3.5 inches.

* Attached with cotton thread cord.

* Handcrafted in India.

Current price at Amazon is $16.45 tho prices can change so click on this link to both see and buy it via that link pleaseeeeeeee. :) 




























  • 4.Curzrent price on Amaz

Sunday, April 16, 2017

Guru Training

My dear prabhu's and pious readers,

I have always tried to present a calm and balanced point of view in my postings. This next one is, admittedly, hard. Still, I will make such an attempt. It just feels so much has changed since Prabhupada left, and he instructed not to change anything.

Right now I will simply give readers the link. No time to research on Easter day with grandchild here. :)

Must give my 2 cents of a starting point tho. And that is:

The following editorial states that there's going to be education on how to be a guru. From the day I joined I'd always been taught, guru comes from qualification, everything one needs for education is all ready in Prabhupada's books so no special or additional classes, or etc, are needed. That guru will shine and stand out amongst others; will arise naturally when one sticks with Prabhupada's teachings.

They include many quotes on the following link from Prabhupada. Yes, they are bona fide. Almost overwhelming for some. My concern is, the omitting of quotes where Prabhupada repeatedly instructs that first and foremost - one must be qualified by realization - not by what's in the head, nor any psychology / behavioral tips. Rather, by what is in the heart and in the consciousness. 

I am concerned that new devotees [and some older ones], after reading the article, will not place much emphasis on the aspect of qualification to be looked at first. Or, due the article's overwhelming nature - some may get bedazzled :) and wind up unintentionally minimizing the point. Thus this post. Here's the link.

Please remember, one need not join anything to make spiritual advancement or practice Krishna Consciousness. 

You don't have to join ISKCON, you don't have to join any Ritvik organizations, you don't have to join any Anti-Ritvik groups, and don't have to join Gaudiya Math. At this point in time - why join anything? Too much confusion and arguing. These days so much information on how to practice consciousness of Krishna is easily available in videos and blogs on the internet. Just practice at home. :)

The following are some helpful blog links to immediately, without waiting for initiation, and without waiting for anything else, get ya going at home. And can keep ya going. :) 

Blissful Sadhana

A Fun Spiritual Place - Your Home! :)

Kids Blissful Sadhana

Sadhana Siddha vs Nitya Siddha

More on Guru.

He Saved Me.  Short excerpt from book: "The Hare Krishna Explosion."  After reading, click 'sidebar' for more nectar! :)

Also, to learn how to create your own Home Altar, and/or details on How To Use It, and/or how to Turn food into spiritual Prasadam - all within the home - scroll. :) 

 -->Want to keep up with TIPS on how to practice Krishna Consciousness at home - or else just stay inspired? Subscribe. And share with friends.



 



Monday, March 27, 2017

ANYONE CAN GO TO KRSNA-LOKA


Srila Prabhupada teaches:

"So this is the original nature of Krsna, original nature of Krsna. He is Radha-Madhava. He is the lover of Srimati Radharani. And kunja-vihari, always enjoying the company of the gopis within the bushes of Vrdavana forest. Radha-madhava kunja-vihari. So He’s not only lover of Radharani, but braja-jana-vallabha. The whole residents of Vrndavana, they love Krsna. They do not know anything else. They do not know whether Krsna is God or not, neither they are very much harassed that “I shall love Krsna if He is God.” “He may be God or He may be whatever He is. It doesn’t matter, but we love Krsna, that’s all. ” That is called unnalloyed love. “If Krsna is God, then I shall love Him”—this is conditional love. This is not pure love. Krsna may be God or whatever He may be, but by His wonderful acts, the Vrajavasi, they are thinking, “Oh Krsna, He is very wonderful child, maybe some demigod. Maybe some demigod.” Because people are generally under impression that the demigods are all-powerful. They’re powerful within this material world. But they do not know that Krsna is above all of them. Isvarah paramah krsnah sac-cid-ananda-vigrahah [Bs. 5.1]. The highest demigod, Brahma, is giving his opinion, “The supreme controller is Krsna.”


So as the residents of Vrndavana, they love Krsna without any condition, similarly, Krsna also loves them. Vraja-jana-vallabha giri-vara-dhari. When the inhabitants of Vrndavana were in danger because they stopped Indra-yajna and Indra became very angry, and he sent very great, powerful cloud and rained over Vrndavana incessantly for seven days, so when the inhabitants became very much disturbed, Krsna, although He was only seven years old boy, He saved them by lifting the Govardhana Hill. So He taught Indradeva, demigod, that “To stop your disturbance is the business of My little finger, that’s all.” So he came down to his knees. These things we’ll find in Krsna book. So as Gopi-jana-vallabha, His only business is how to protect gopi-jana.

So our Krsna consciousness movement is how to become one of the gopi-jana. Then Krsna will save us from any danger, even by lifting a hill or mountain. Krsna is so kind and so powerful. When Krsna lifted the hill, He did not practice some yoga system. That is God. Although He was a child, He was playing like a child, He was dealing like a child, but when there was need, He was manifesting as God. That is Krsna. That is Krsna. Not that He has to go and practice some yoga system, then He becomes God. No. He’s not that type of God, not manufactured God. He’s God.


So gopi-jana-vallabha giri-vara-dhari. And as a child, as beloved child of Yasoda, Yasoda-nandana,... Krsna likes to be a child of a devotee. He wants to be chastised from His devotee father and mother. Because everyone worships Him, nobody goes to chastise Him, so He takes pleasure when a devotee chastises Him. That is Krsna’s service. If Krsna takes pleasure being chastised, so the responsibility is taken by a devotee: “All right, I shall become Your father and chastise You.”


When Krsna wants to fight, one of His devotee becomes Hiranyakasipu and fights with Him. So all activities of Krsna is with His devotees. He is... Therefore, to become associate of Krsna, to develop Krsna consciousness... Yasoda-nandana vraja-jana- ranjana. His only business is how to satisfy... As braja-jana’s business is how to satisfy Krsna, similarly, Krsna’s business is how to satisfy braja-jana. This is reciprocation of love. Yamuna-tira-vana-cari. Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is wandering on the banks of Yamuna to please the gopis, the cowherd boys, the birds, beasts, calves. They are not ordinary birds, beasts, calves or men. They are on the top of self-realization. Krta-punya-punjah. After many, many lives they got that position, to play with Krsna.
 So our Krsna consciousness movement is so nice that anyone can go to Krsna-loka and become His associate, as a friend or so many other things, as a servant, as father, as mother. And Krsna is agreeable to any one of these propositions. These things are described very nicely in our Teachings of Lord Caitanya. So Krsna does not go even a step from Vrndavana. The original Krsna is Vrndavana. That is described in the Brahma-samhita,

cintamani-prakara-sadmasu kalpa-vrksa-laksavrtesu
surabhir abhipalayantam
laksmi-sahasra-sata-sambrahma-sevyamanam
govindam adi-purusam  [Bs. 5.29]


Brahma is accepting the Supreme Personality of Govinda, Krsna in Vrndavana. Venum kvanantam: “He is engaged in playing flute.”

aravinda-dalayataksam
barhavatamsam asitambuda-sundarangam
kandarpa-koti-kamaniya-visesa-sobham
govindam adi-purusam tam aham bhajami

[Bs. 5.30]

So take advantage of these books, this knowledge, and this prasadam, this chanting, and be happy and go to Krsna. So nice thing. All right."

Song Lyrics: Jaya Radha Madhava
 

Purport Author: Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
 

July 20, 1971 New York, NY, USA


 MY 2 CENTS: Life is too short. And for those who are young - it goes by faster than often realized. Thus please use this lifetime to practice blissful Krishna Consciousness. See links embedded in post above, or at sidebar, even below. Chant Hare Krishna and Be Happy. 🙂

No need to join anything. And for those who wish it - plus want to live it - the Krishna Consciousness Movement is in your heart. 💖


It's nice to place transcendental art in the home. [It should not be put in bathrooms or where people undress, or is a dirty area. Living rooms are often good places, but better are meditation areas.] Anyhow, turn your home into a higher spiritual vibration by adding paintings of the Lord. 

This is just one idea or option. You can get them anywhere you choose.

* Size: approx 8.5x11 inches.
* High quality offset printed & Golden Glitter (Double printed with gold accents).
* Paper/Card: 230-250 gsm quality art paper with UV coatig.
* Unframed. etc.
* Easily fits in standard size frame. Rolled and shipped n steady tube. Express shipping, speedy delivery. Includes free surprise gift. link
 

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