RawFood Diet Made Easy

            RawFood Diet Made Easy

                              [Scroll for recipes.]

 A main reason for this post 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.

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.] Always check with your doctor first!

With that said, many do not have blocks and could benefit by eating a lot more raw food. 

I myself am not aiming to go 100% raw. Oh, it is very good for healing, but long term it may have some negatives. 

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. 

Please stop dying dear devotees & pious folk - at least eat more sprouts. :)

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.

Having struggled with it myself, I found some tricks & tips that helped, wishing to share them with others who need little window's opened to get them going. 

From there, they may increase, or not. I may increase, or not.  But folks like us deserve a starting place.

     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?

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. 

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.

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.

And maybe a good lesson in that for me. 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, hopefully increased an understanding & compassion for people who want to go raw food - but struggle. Thus, this post.
 
Something seldom mentioned - 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.

TIP: I found it essential 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.

This equally applies to videos. 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!

     Next: 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. 

* And it is also not the end of the world to lightly steam some veggies. 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. Especially modern-day wheat or anything with gluten. 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.

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 resolved easily. One merely needs to cleanse the palate. How? Eat an apple. If you don't have one, sometimes a large cucumber. That should take care of that.

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. 

TIP: For people who are low in energy, it's helpful to know that there are still some days 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. :)

                                                   * SOUP:

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. [Low salt, no sugar, low or no oil, organic spices & veggies.]  Someday I may add a recipe, but until than, to make sure yours is in line with health: google. :)

Incidentally, for Summer, see the vegan raw-food ice cream recipes at the end. :)

                                       SUN TEA: 

 

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.


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. 

One thing I did find out the hard way :) is that if the weather is hot, tea made inside and not under the sun - can go bad. When it is cooler outside, inside tea stays fresh longer. 

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. 

Remember, the ratio 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. :)


     Next: 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, etc - these foods may be all that can be managed. They can be offered in a mood of thankfulness to a pic of Prabhupada. 

Also, stores often sell frozen and canned foods as "organic." That was not available when I was young. 

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. 

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.

TIP: 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 first use white vinegar 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.

While many raw food recipes can be simple, they often need preparation. Usually something easy, just need to think /plan ahead.

                      Most recipes below, serves 2:

      SIMPLE VEGIE'S IN A JAR

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.

* 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.

* Place finely cut vegetables in a large clean jar. At least 2 cups of veggies, 3 works well too.

* Pour in approximately 1 - 2 Tablespoons of organic, raw olive oil. Or an "organic" oil of your choice. Not too much, not too little.

* 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, etc.  Tho it can be any spices, this is just to give the idea. Use what you wish.

      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.

[Don't worry about exact amounts, this recipe is pretty hard to mess up.]

* Place lid on jar and SHAKE.

* 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.

* Next, you can view this as a salad 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 extra mix with a large mixing spoon. And of course, first offer this salad to Prabhupada with love and devotion. <3

 SIMPLE VEGIE'S IN A BOWL:  

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.   

1 Large bowl and mixing spoon.

2 cups riced cauliflower -organic.
1 spiralized or thinly cut up, zucchini, organic.
1 cup fresh organic corn kernals. [Can remove kernels or buy organic frozen. If against corn try carrots, etc.]
1 heaping Tablespoon of Nutritional Yeast,
1 Heaping Tablespoon of Tomato Powder, organic
1 - 2 teaspoon raw organic Olive Oil.
Handful Sun Dried Tomatoes.
Handful walnuts, organic 
Handful of Black Olives,
1 teaspoon lime juice. [Or lemon.]

So simple, and such yummy prasad! 

Think ahead: Defrost vegetables 1st. Once thawed:
Put vegies in a strainer or etc and thoroughly rinse. Transfer to large bowl.

Add everything else, and manually: mix, Mix, MIX until that too has been done thoroughly.  

Optional: 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.

Offer first, with love and devotion. <3

  RAW ORGANIC OATMEAL

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! :)

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. :)

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.

Serves 2.

* Overnight in a jar soak 1 and 1/2 cups "organic, raw" oatmeal over night. - - Next day, drain. Then rinse.

* 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:
 
- 2/3rds teaspoon organic vanilla extract - or scrape the insides of an organic vanilla bean.
 
-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.]

OPTIONAL:
- 2 banana's [or fruit of your choice. I've made this without any fruit and loved it! Tho did add Stevia.] 

- handful of almonds or walnuts.

* Mix all the above in a blender, bullet, or etc. You don't want it to turn into liquid! Just mixed together and slightly broken down.

* Pour or scrape into bowl and top with:

- cinnamon,
-a drizzle of honey if you want,
-a few pieces of any fruit you have on hand and like, chopped small but not blended. Apples 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.

- Offer with love and devotion. <3

Only problem I have with oatmeal is that I find it makes me sleepy. 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.    

                          ZUCCHINI SPAGHETTI

This is so easy, and tasteful too. Generally you need 2 to 3 medium to large Zucchini per person. 

Grab a potato peeler. In a mixing bowl, peel zucchini in the long direction, creating spiral spaghetti-shapes with the potato peeler. 

Next, put salt, oregano, basil, etc - plus a drizzle of organic Olive Oil over the string spirals of zucchini.

Next, either make some simple tomato sauce of your own [ Video Recipe- 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 [video recipe, ditto for garlic - may want to mute the music :) ], top with that. Then, offer, chant and be happy.

P.S. You can go to amazon and buy a Spirilizer if you wish. It's faster than a potato peeler. I've used both and they both have their ups and downs. :)

ha Look what I just found while looking for images: 

I never tried the above and rather make my own,
but if a reader is not feeling well, or <insert issue>, this is still raw food. 

TACO

This is fun, easy, and a little messy. Yet, what taco is not messy? :) They all are. And the flavor is great!

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.

Also, for some, the use of black olives or corn may not be considered first class and therefore not offerable to deities. 

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.

Prep: 
-Presoak cashews 2 hours ahead of time if you are going to use the sauce. 

-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.

 The above will make sense as you read the following:

Ingredients:

- Largest leaf Romain Leaf lettuce you can find. Wash.

- 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. 

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.

- 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. :) ]

- 1/3 cup Black Olives, rinse thoroughly.

- 1/2 teaspoon black or himalayan Salt. [I use 1/4 t.]

- cayenne pepper to your tolerance or preference.

- 1 teaspoon Olive Oil, raw, organic. Can use more.

- 2/3rds teaspoon Lime juice.

- 1/2 cup Sun-dried tomatoes, organic.

- 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.]

I kept this recipe a bit on the unspicey side, but add more if you like more. Of anything really.

The above is easy, and can even do by hand [with cooked chickpeas] if you do not have a food processor, blender, or magic bullet. Try a potato masher, or just use a clean fork saved for cooking.

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.

Next, with the exception of the romaine lettuce, add all the above ingredients to the chickpea mixture. The sundried tomatoes may need to be cut or ripped to size.

Now fold and stir and mash - whatever it takes to get it all thoroughly through.

Optional: Add Nutritional Yeast to the above, tho not necessary if going to make the sauce.

SAUCE: 
You will need a machine such as a food processor or blender or magic bullet for this:

-1/4 Cup Cashews, Pre-soaked 2 hours ahead of time, especially if you do not have a powerful machine for blending. [Spice grinder works.]

-1/2 Cup of pure Water.

-1 Tablespoon of Nutritional Yeast.

Most like to strain out 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.

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. 

And that is: 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 not side to side, it's top to bottom.  Of course maybe you are luckier than I was and found very large Romaine leaf lettuce. Go for it side-to-side. :)

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.

Before folding, pour a few drops of the sauce on, if you are using the sauce. It's optional.

Garnish Top: Cut up tomatoes, pieces of Avocado.

And yes, now fold. :)

Offer with love and devotion. It's wonderful!

  <More Recipe's To Be Added - please check back.>

 
TIP: 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. What is your favorite vegetable you would like to try this way? :) Think about it. Consider what you never considered.
 
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 to connect to Krishna more and more in a loving, devotional relationship.


                   Video's with Easy Recipes:

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. Note: 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.

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.

3 $1 RAW VEGAN RECIPES! ??Yovana    

5 FullyRaw Best / Easy Vegan Recipes for Beginners


Next are vegan and raw ICE CREAM 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.

NICECREAM 3 WAYS - vegan and healthy, my top "banana" ice cream recipes! Notice she pre-forze them first.

Homemade Vegan Ice Cream!  3-Ingredients! Mind Over Munch

Sorbet - 2 ingredients - frozen fruit & a bit of raw organic honey.


     My Former Post on going Raw Food - it too has tips or helpful info!


              Helpful Links Outside This Blog:

The Health Benefits of a Raw Food Diet.

The Raw Food Diet: A Beginner's Guide and Review.

7 Benefits I Never Expected When I Went On A Raw Foods Diet. [What good points she makes. Points we may not have initially thought of.]

Top 10 Health Benefits of a Raw Food Diet [This is a summary, good to have for a quick read or reminder.]


               ALL DISCLAIMERS APPLY.

QUARANTINE

QUARANTINE

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.

"May I be quarantined in the heart of Sri Sri Radha Madhava for the rest of eternity.

May They have me locked down beneath Their reddish lotus feet for the rest of eternity, keeping me safe from the virus of illusion.

May They increase my immune system by giving me the vitamins of Their service.

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.

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. )

Let me keep great distance from the people called lust, anger, pride and hypocrisy who have arrived from a foreign land full of virus.

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.

Let me cover my mouth with the tissue of intelligence, whenever I cough or sneeze any complaints about the service of Your Lordships.

Let me always keep in my mouth the antivirus of Your holy names and pastimes."

Please chant: 

                                         and be happy. :) 

P.S. You can sketch it too, as shown above. That too is devotional service.

Free download of many books to keep you blissful during this lockdown! Right here. 

Smile Awhile - a little humor goes a long way to keep our spirits lifted.

Nectar Story about Srila Prabhupada - many may not have heard this one.

Anyone Can Go To KrishnaLoka - keeps your hopes up!

Ted Talk on Srila Prabhupada and Happiness.

Engage In Practical Service - 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.

KIDS - 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. :) 

WWIII - What Would You Do If The Internet Collapsed?
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. 

I GOT A SPOT

[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. ]

                            I GOT A SPOT

Last night electricity went out,
Was lucky to be near the couch,
With bed far away - so here I lay,
Windows open - wasn't terribly hot,
Thinking to self "I got a spot."

Feeling its warmth and security,
Safely and cozy beneath me,
Allowed thoughts another place to stroll,
Toward this Movement - it's my life and soul,
How on earth did I get to enroll?

Lost in it's problems, a sense of Responsibility,
About worthy causes, kids and kuli's......
Other issues too - all need resolving,
Then wondering how to pursue.
Often I think of shastra - or pray,
It's never enough, but aim for the sky,
If ya get treetops, it won't have far to fly.

But electricity off, forced to slow down,
The most fascinating thing I found,
Is with all that's going 'round,
Life's ups and its downs,
Be it luck or whatnot,
......I Got a Spot.

Sometimes I'm a bad fit,
Independent you see,
Not blind to surrender,
Only to qualified authority.
This got in my way,
Yet kept me from going astray,
Always asking "What's your SOURCE?"
As Prabhupada taught us - Of course.

Wonder how me - an independent personality - arrived,
Yet now the Movement has become my life,
Am thankful - 'tis true,
Even if sometimes it brings with it, strife.

But birth and death, than birth some more,
Who was I last time - I might implore,
Was I a boy, a hunter, a bidder,
Did I pull capers? Or just a late night baker?

Did I do something good?
To the hungry give food?
Try to change the world,
With issues of value?

Was I a big wig?
A little wig?
Who was anyone before?
My eyes began to shift to the floor.
 
One thing I know,
Thinking back on the days,
When ashrama life was all the craze,
And I slept on that hard floor,
Blissful in my sleeping bag,
Didn't matter how many past births I had,
At that point in time it made me so alive,
With Krishna's protection from all sides,
I didn't need to be a big-shot,
All I knew was......I Got A Spot.

Out the door for book Distribution,
Airports, red lights, Grand Central Station,
My Sankirtana abilities were poor at best,
But Prabhupada said it, so I tried with zest.
Back to the asrhama late at night,
Maybe tomorrow I'd try Harinama instead. :)

Unimportant how few possessions upon my shelf,
All I needed was Balarama's floor, strong beneath self,
Was told "Don't lean on temple walls - it's Him!"
So too must be ashrama floors supporting us, therein.

I did not feel qualified, but grateful to be there,
Worldly worries ceased and were out of my hair.
As I learned to spread Krishna's glories about,
Prabhupada said our chanting created WWIII bailouts.

Now, with godsisters in this new found family,
Of those days in the early 1970s,
To which I recall feeling,
Tho a diamond in the rough,
"I belong," regardless of what came up,
I stayed, and sing that transcendental song,
"Hare Krishna"...thus His mercy carries us along.

Things have changed, but none can take this away,
As hard as some try, they have no say,
Prabhupada's lotus feet I hold tight -
While self still needing to purify,
My heart desires Krishna - so here I stay.

If you're reading this, a devotee you be,
Never mind whence joined, you too are free,
Grab Prabhupada's feet, put up his pic,
Offer him an incense stick,
Do what he says, don't let others trick,
Cling to what he told us to do,
Then feel his love & protection shower you anew.

This Movement shall forever grow,
Even if back and forth 10,000 years it goes,
Cuz once you surrender to Prabhupada,
Then you too have ....."Got A Spot." :-)


Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare. Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare. 

                                    Y.S.,
                                       Priitaa dd

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                                Hope you do both. :)
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Related Post:
Poem - By Saradiya devi dasi

This and That

Time I made a blog post! What's been on my mind? Life hands us variety.

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 own at-home spiritual practice.

Some 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.

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. 

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 or regular meetings at a park in good weather, or etc. This way you surround yourself with safe people who also inspire. And practice peacefully, the bliss that is Krishna katha/ sravanam or hearing which includes reading nectar. 

Also, see the links throughout this blog on sidebar or below, regarding "how" to do that. 


Managing Director - new title for Temple President. 

 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, don't change a thing! 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.

       New Sanyasi's and the Sanyasa Ministry. 

I admit, I tend to keep my distance and did not know there was such a ministry; especially since I knew Prabhupada said, no more sannyasa. 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.  

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. 

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.

I also wonder if the standard which even the average devotee accepts, has become: Anyone who is nice, is pukka, is sattvic, is pundita, etc - they are qualified to take sannyasa.

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 take it out on others. Mostly women and children, but also men whom they can belittle. 

So sannyasa is less about how much service someone has preformed, less about how much knowledge anyone compiled, and more about sense control - already on a high spiritual level where they see & treat everyone as spirit soul - plus being blissfully [& truthfully] absorbed in Krishna. They are joyous, 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].

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? Bank accounts? Cars? In this age Prabhupada has warned that some sanyasi's take these. 

If they are living in simplicity - that's great! However, can they maintain that for life? 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. 

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. 

I do not know nor judge the upcoming. This is more about us. 

Devotees have a responsibility to be sufficiently studied to recognize first scripture than kali-yuga experiences that reveal exactly what should be expected for sannyasa initiation. Not mere sentiment of "this is better than that;" rather shastric requirements. Maybe when the power of the people :) kicks in, the Sannyasa Ministry will as well.

Srila Prabhupada put a lot of attention on the irrelevancy of material birth, caste, etc,. 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 not our path. 

* 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.  Not.] My reply here? A real guru never goes against the instructions of jagat guru. 

"This should be strictly outlawed, no more sannyasis." Srila Prabhupada Conversation, 7/1/1977

            Something Else Semi-Broke My heart. 

Only for a moment. I bounce back quickly. :)  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.

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. 

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.  

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.  

                    Deity Shoes & Arotika 

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. 

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. Why others don't take up this issue, or find it important, is beyond me.

[From God/Krishna, to Brahma, all the way down to Srila Prabhupada. Our Sampradaya]

                Seats or sitting places to give class. 

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. 

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.

[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.] 


                                         ABORTIONS. 

Such a touchy subject. However, saw a post about it so had to blog here, a balanced perspective.

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. 

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 not sin on the strength of chanting.]

* With that summarized, now on to my point: 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! 

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. 

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. 

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?"

Parents also 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.]

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. Including doctors and medical staff, specifically those who tell them there is no life yet. However, that's simply not true.

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. :)

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. 

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.

Therefore, we all know God/Krishna can forgive anyone for anything. 

                         Let us focus on God.
More focus on Krishna, with encouraging such women to hear/read, and chant.  Also include any doctors, family, etc who sincerely want to free themselves - they can do the same. Hearing, chanting, transcending. <3

Related Post:

Becoming Free

Forgiveness

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.

Some are very favorable to it, pointing out how Prabhupada said we should forgive minor offenses. Yes, he did.

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.

This blog post is not about the speaker, or the various devotees, just my two cents and experience with the issue.

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.

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.

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.

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 laws 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. 

One godsister expressed that forgiveness does not always result in healing for those who experienced intense abuse, quoting a therapist.  Summed up, she elucidated:

Psychologist Alice Miller explains that asking a victim to forgive prior to 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. 

 

And, the offender must comprehend the depth of pain they caused those they offended, which is shown through (genuine) remorse followed by an honest apology - not lip service apologies.

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 not deserve it. This lifts a big burden off their shoulder, and from their inner dialogue. 

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. :)

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. 

While glad to have looked at both, and stand by what I wrote above - however, there I was reading many comments - my head getting a bit dizzy lol - when it hit me:

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?

Although I know the answers, am trying to aim this dialogue toward something higher. 

Quotes from Prabhupada instruct us to behave like ladies and gentlemen [gentle 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. 

When the opposite goes on, leading to a need to repeatedly put a band-aid over it, it may reveal a lack of genuinely following Prabhupada when no one is looking. Or they 'think' no one is looking. 

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. 

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. 

Others were using some of the lowest-class swear words.

Good grief, they must have forgotten God and Guru are up there watching them. Plus, they are maintaining 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.

Fortunately I also found many sane, lovely devotees online. But back in the day, if you took initiation, you towed the line regardless of situation. You understood that you are a representative of Srila Prabhupada.

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:

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.

Do live the lifestyle we were taught to live, even if no one is looking. Renounce excuseism and start to be a self-controlled, loving, peaceful example that would please Prabhupada and Krishna. 

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. 

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 not 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.

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.

How else do humans make it hard? Politics. Need I say more?  

Stinking thinking 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.

[Funny - but do recognize stinking-thinking when you hear it.]

There can be a long list of how we make living the lifestyle hard. Too much to get into, especially since my original intent of this post was:

We will need less focus on forgiveness when we start truthfully following properly - live the lifestyle even when 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.

 
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 something else. Or some may really be trying but can't make much progress with those listening.

Bottom line? Most of us are not that advanced, let it go and stick with the nectar of Prabhupada quotes.  

When preaching something higher, sublime - people are helped more than when fault-finding. Pick your association wisely.

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..

It's easy 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.

It's why I have links 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 confusion that may block you from making spiritual advancement. No wrong association passed off as right. No <fill in the blank>.

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.

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. :)

Simultaneously, the more we honestly live the sublime lifestyle, breathe it, bring it into our heart by reading daily, singing daily, listening to divine music daily, dancing daily, etc - then we get purified and automatically there are less offenses committed. 

. 
Those of us who are priests and nuns should be setting the example. Sure, much changed after Prabhupada left the planet, and it left many of us weak. Weak, not dead. lol 

So we should do what we can - but stop serious abuse by taking immediate action against confirmed abusers, because when they "know" they will not get a mere slap on the hand, but rigid consequences, watch the abuse numbers drop profoundly.

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 evidence that when abusers know 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 prison!. 

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 if we contributed - plus actively applying the process Prabhupada gave us. That is the way to bliss, happiness, and especially to Krishna..

 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.

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.  

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.

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 instead of a big glorified thing in the Movement. 

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.

 All lectures in the temple room etc should be about the blissful glories of Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.  To hear about Him will result in a lot of healing! We have seen. It can change a person for the better. 

What if for some, it does not bring healing? Then the individual should seek out a professional. There is no harm nor shame in that. 

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..  

IMHO, those who did not attend college to make a thorough 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..

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..

  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. . 

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..

If some readers think that is why I write this post, that it was a trigger for me, or yada yada - no. 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 "group" talks on such an intertwined and complex subject. Many will have different issues, different backgrounds - thus different healing needs. They will not all fit in with the group..

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. Prabhupada gave us something very special, and for that matter, rare in kali-yuga.  Countless other places on this planet offer counseling; there are far fewer that offer Krishna Consciousness - especially connected to ShaktyaveshAvatara.

There will be less offenses, less abuse, less need to ask forgiveness or give it - if we "truthfully" follow Prabhupada's outlined program. It will keep us joyfully busy, and it will keep our thoughts on a higher level.

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Glorifying Others.

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Honoring Parvati

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.

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. Ok, I surrendered.

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. 

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. 

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.

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! :)

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.

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:

[Thank you Mahadevi Dasi for the pics!]

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.

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.
 
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!

Accepting I'd probably never see her again if she was in India, I also was very happy for her to be there.

Additionally, it was good because when the time came, she got to leave her body in Vrindavan!

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. :) 

It was the fourth time that she departed, after she was moved from the hospital back to her home located in Vrindavana. Hmmmm

Therefore I'm simultaneously happy she 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. 

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.