Prabhupada's Appearance Day - and the World Around Us

Today is VyasaPuja or the Appearance Day of our Spiritual Master. 

Initially some may wonder why we celebrate such a day. However, that is not hard for most to understand. The Christian Holiday of Christmas is glorification of the appearance of their guru, Lord Jesus Christ. [Now lets not waste time getting into accuracy of dates. lol Save that for some future post, maybe.] Similarly, we too, celebrate the appearance of our pure devotee, Srila Prabhupada.

In so doing, I want to bring up a story that has been on my mind a while. 

Approximately two years ago I was hospitalized for almost 3 months. Several surgeries, etc, but am fine now! :) However, while there I saw something disturbing. Hospitals have TV's. The "Today Show" came on. I heard Matt Lauer and Meredith Vieira. She was doing the main broadcasting, he was interacting but off camera. They kept talking about "the religion." So of course I wanted to find out "which" religion? 

As they talked back and forth, I realized it was ours! Over and over again, they'd say: "The Religion." ..."The Religion yada yada," and "The Religion blah blah." ....What the heck was that about? But this is only the minor part of this story.

What bothered me more, was their constant reference to Srila Prabhupada as a mere "Hindu man." 

I wanted to say to them: "Apparently, you wouldn't recognize a pure devotee if you fell over him." LOL I also wanted to say: "I don't call your Jesus Christ a mere Jew who started some new religion, so don't call my Prabhupada a regular, run of the mill Hindu." Well, a disciple can't help but to protect their guru. And I have to remember, no one knows how to recognize a pure devotee until they are taught this unique knowledge

Yet something more was going on. How much of it was their highly inaccurate perception of Srila Prabhupada, and how much was our own misrepresentation of him to the world?! 

Yes, that had a lot to do with it. Matt and Meredith talked about devotee men as narcissistic, issues with the children [tho admitting some stayed devotees], and problems with "in-fighting." No longer the peaceful Movement we use to be. Sad.

To a degree, they were not totally off the mark. Although they did not appear to have looked into any other direction. ...Mostly I was irritated that they blamed OUR issues on Prabhupada.

However, I was pleasantly surprised they also verbalized to the world that Prabhupada himself was not a narcissist. Phew. Tho they still did not agree with, or understand, his views on women. I've done my best to clarify it here on this blog for others out there.

The chances of them getting such info when it's far more gratifying for certain devotees to hit that keyboard typing unpleasantries about females, ignoring needs/protection of children, or to passionately fight in public - is rampant. Thus it is far more likely as 'what' will come the way of anyone who investigates us. sigh.

So devotees out there, take responsibility. Think twice before you speak in some odd way. Ask yourself, are you really doing it for the sake of preaching [benefits others], or to release your own negative feelings. 

I've been saying that for decades, how this free-for-all in the name of preaching, is in truth, not preaching - and I don't see how so much negativity can be pleasing to Srila Prabhupada either. Now we have further proof! Well, we always had proof, but just see, it's effects do not stop and it hit 'major network Television!'

So own your stuff and type with thought, with care - regardless how you feel inside. Sure, most things can be discussed, but use self-control coupled with intelligence. A little humility wouldn't hurt either. :) And how about pitching in where there are issues, instead complaining.  Push a-w-a-y from the computer. lol Get involved.

Moving on....

Prabhupada did so very VERY much for us. Let us not forget this, and may we each, individually, find a way to pass it on.



Prabhupada even stayed up late or got up early - to translate these books in our language for our benefit.
 


Prabhupada taught us our very 1st songs - which hopefully will remain our most used tunes.


 
 Prabhupada was kind to children, both boys AND girls. They are all special birth. Make sure to treat them as such.



 Books, books, BOOKS - so important to Srila Prabhupada. [His, not others copies or changed.] Prabhupada's books are so transcendental - with Krishna throughout - that he even said we could offer arotika to them.

~*~

"My dear beloved Children,

Please accept my blessings. I am so much pleased with your kind and affectionate words on the occasion of my birthday anniversary on the Nandotsva day this year (1972). My Guru Maharaj wanted me to spread this Krishna Consciousness Movement in western world, and you are all helping in this great attempt.

My Spiritual Master knew it that alone I could not do this great work. Therefore He has very kindly sent you all to help me in this task. I accept you therefore as respresentatives of my Guru Maharaja playing as my affectionate disciples.

It is said that child is father of man. Kindly therefore continue your help in this great task and act as my young father and mother in my old age. I am

Your ever well-wisher,,
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

Reference


~*~  

VIDEO - Prabhupada speaks on the importance of Books. "Where Do You Get The Money?" 

VIDEO - "Thank you Srila Prabhupada."

VIDEO - "Original Maha Mantra." It's been said Prabhupada transported his tunes from Goloka. Let's keep using them! Oh, it's ok to use other tunes, just make sure not to forget this one. Especially in the temple room. 

P.S. Pass it on!  :) Email/Share the glories of Prabhupada with your friends, send them this blog link. Copy and Paste the following: 

http://harekrishnablogging.blogspot.com/2016/08/prabhupadas-appearance-day-and-world.html

Kids Blissful Sadhana

After writing a post on Blissful Sadhana for grown-ups, I thought, "What about the children? Don't leave them out!" :) So below are some fun spiritual activities for kids.

I can not take credit for these. Found them on various devotee web sites. 

Be thoughtful of God and do not place any Krishna items in bathrooms or places people undress, etc. But do enjoy them anywhere else in the house! :)

Important: Supervision, get involved, and keep on eye on their safety in cases where scissors etc are involved! 


* VRINDAVANA GAME: 

AGE: Toddlers.

Material Needed:
-Large piece of cardboard or chart paper
-Printouts of photos various places in Vrindavan like Govardhan, Yamuna, different Kundas, Nandagram etc 

-Krishna picture or figurine

Stick all the photos on the cardboard to create a Vrindavan picture map.

Place the Krishna picture or figurine on any one place and ask your child -

"Where is Krishna?" "Krishna is on Govardhan!"
Initially, you will have to say the answers. But once your child gets the hang of it, he/she will start answering your questions. Your child can also keep the picture on different places and ask you the question.

It's such a simple, fun and Vrindavan meditation game. It is also a great way to practice prepositions like on, under, in, around, beside etc.

E.g. if your child puts the Krishna image next to a place, you can say - "Krishna is beside Govardhan."


* Print the following game and play it with children or grandchildren:

* Shadow Puppet Theater -
Make your own! Video. Its short. Puppets are a great creative learning game for children.You can make your own Shadow Puppet theatre out of a cardboard box and help your kids put on their own puppet show, from Krishna Book, etc. Video here.


                                    DECORATION:

This is a simple branch one can find outside or make out of papermache. Then dovetail. :) Use playdoh etc to make simple figures of Gopis, Krishna, Deer, Peacock, etc.


* PAPER JAGANNATHA, SUBHADRA, BALARAMA:
Using this as a guide, draw your own patterns:

[Apparently they removed their pic. I will try to find it online and come back to add.] 

 Update - Close enough:

Help kids / grandkids, trace, cut out, and glue the face you both made patterns for. When done, can lean against a clean cardboard box or shelf...or make an extra bottom piece to hold them up [cardboard with a slot at each end & bend - or use clay]. Then offer paper flower, paper incense hehe.  Let kids have fun with this project.

* Here is one of my pages that explains how to make cut out paper dolls of Jaganatha, Subhadra, Balarama.
 

* PLAY-DOH Jagannatha Deities. Then have your own RathaYatra at home. Invite other kids. How cute is that! :)

[UPDATE: They also removed this pic. I will try to find it online too, and come back to add. Use your imagination,  It's easy-peasy play doh after all.]

Here is one that runs a close second in appearance, tho it is fantastic as it is for older children. However, if yours are younger, just watch the video to get the gist of it, then simplify for a younger child. Either way, good for many age groups.

Lord Jagannatha, Subhadra, Balarama, MAGNETS. Made from dough.

How to DRAW Lords Jagannatha, Subhadra, Balarama. As much as many of these are for kids, some like this for older children, are also good for adults sadhana too. :) Have a little transcendental fun with Jagannatha etc. 

* Combo SCRAPBOOK with a devotee reading or telling the story of the BHAGAVATAM. Very sweet, with a few songs too. I use to hold my kids in my lap and read it to them, but not a scrapbook - which I think is a great idea.Tho either way works, but hey, this lady can even read Bhagavatam to you via her videos. hehe Adorable.

* MANDALAS for children: Cut out a pic of Krishna, Lord Chaitanya, etc to place in the center. Then make this sweet mandala - instructions included. Can gently explain how Krishna/God is the center of all.

* I could not resist the following site. It offers some ANIMATION, STORIES about Lord Vishnu, Rama, etc. Choose from various online ACTIVITIES Festival Mini Movies (Krsna Janmastami), matching Games (# 4 best), Ramayana story, View moving arotika, etc! Of course, some things may not be so bonafide while others are, so supervision & guidance may be needed. Cute site. ...We are not Hindus. We do not practice Hinduism. Tho some Hindus practice Krishna Consciousness. For those who need to figure out how to tell the difference, go here.

* Learn How To Draw Baby Krishna:

 Easy lessons, here.
 
* VIDEO'S, BOOKS, BHAJANAS, ACTIVITIES for Children, MUSIC - lots here! Check it out. Beautiful site!

* Cow MASK: Activities for children and grandchildren.
In addition, Scroll down to other projects, such as Cool Cows, Cow Puppets, Cows out to Pasture, One Very Cool Cow, etc. AND click on side link "Browse All Crafts," as they have a large selection.First: Cows mask, cow puppets, cows out to pasture, here.


* LITTLE VAISNAVA'S - Songs, coloring books and more. This is done by my dear Godsister who has been doing this decades! Did it for her own children [and of course godsiblings children], now for her grandchildren [and others grandchildren]. She knows her stuff. Check out her site. 

* QUILLING for KIDS: 

Once I read that long before the internet existed, or tv, or etc, nuns used quilling to bring a smile to the face of their school children. Often it was used to mark or decorate Bible verses. Also to decorate a paper the child worked hard on. Similarly, they can be used to decorate a younger child's paper after writing the Maha Mantra in cursive, or for an older child [teenager] to quill the Maha mantra themself! :) 

I found two lovely places that give simple, SIMPLE lessons on how to quill. I could not decide between the two so am putting both here for the reader to pick from. 

* TEMPLE IN A BOX - or any box:


This is so sweet I nearly wish my children were kids again just so I could do this. ha But you can! :)  [It did not come with instructions but will do my best and you can be creative from there.]  Make sure to cut windows, doors, etc in the box.

The children in the temple room were made out of play-dou. Remember to add little girl children too. :)

Cut out various pics to be used as the altar, combine with construction paper or color the backgrounds or leave - whatever you wish. And you along with the children can hang decorations from the ceiling or walls etc in the little temple room. Hang a small Christmas etc bell in its doorway, use ribbons, paper doilies, just anything you wish to help your children have fun with Krishna.

* RANGOLI for KIDS:

Patterns for all ages, from simple to complex. This art is often drawn outside the temple, thus outside the temple shoe-box. :) Or on paper, Or outside your house if you have steps or a patio and chalk. Many here, along with instructions.

* AND A CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM:
Even a small little boy or little girl can lead a kirtana! Encourage your kids to sing their hearts out. So many videos to pick from that I have included more than one:

MahaMantra by girl, so sweet. 

GaruaVanis's daughter, Revati, leads.

Its so much fun to chant "Jaya Rama!"

And this one just brought a smile to my face. He is singing Jaya Radha Madhava. Too cute! 


Unique. Children chanting Hare Krishna. 

* A little something FOR PARENTS, grandparents, adults in the life of kids. Especially if new to Krishna Consciousness and wonder about that VEGETARIAN thing. :) Read about intelligence and vegetarian kids. 
 

                        RELATED POST:

For Kids - Krishna Conscious Fun! :) Jagannatha cut out paper dolls. 

Sadhana-Siddha vs Nitya-Siddha

Recently I ran into a conversation where devotees were discussing whether Srila Prabhupada was Sadhana-siddha [became a pure devotee thru the act of sadhana], or Nitya-Siddha [born a pure devotee.] 

If you told me 40 years ago, someone would even 'think' Srila Prabhupada had to earn his purity - I would never have believed you.

My expectation within the conversation was, most would point to him as NityaSiddha. But to my surprised, more pointed to him as SadhanaSiddha! 

They claim he says it in shastra. But he says many things in shastra, and it seems since a big name was involved in the conversation, more worried about offending him, than Prabhupada. 

Others simply may not have connected dots, or did not want to rock the boat, or some other reason. I'm not about to judge them. I don't walk in their shoes of their daily life. But what I will do is give the shastric evidence that he is indeed, a Nitya Siddha.

Some said why should it matter, since either way he is a pure devotee. I thought about that. Yet, it got under my skin. But why? 

My conclusion: If he's Sadhana-Siddha instead of Nitya-Siddha, I've been living a lie all these decades, and so have countless others. Plus it might mean he is not 'quite' as pure as we thought [tho it might not, cuz Krishna can zap anyone and make them as pure as He wishes]. Most of all, it just felt WRONG. However, I must find it in scripture. Thus the following. :)

~~*~~

"So the nitya-siddha maha-bhagavata, they come from the spiritual world on the order of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and they, by example, they preach Krsna Consciousness. This is maha-bhagavata. By suffering, by example, everything, they look like ordinary men, but maha-bhagavata. How it is tested? Never forgets Krsna. This is maha-bhagavata nitya-siddha. And sadhana-siddha means those who are put into this material world, by the association of maha-bhagavata, if he tries, follows, then he can also become maha-bhagavata or nitya-siddha, because originally everyone is nitya-siddha." (Srila Prabhupada Lecture, Mayapur, February 11, 1976)

[NOTATION: There is a quote where Prabhupada said he never forgot Krishna not even in childhood. When I locate the exact words, and date, etc, I'll put it here. But it's a fact.]

~*~

Guest (1): Prabhupāda, did Christ return to the spiritual planets then, when he left the earth, to be with Kṛṣṇa?

Prabhupāda: He is coming from spiritual planets. He is authorized representative of Kṛṣṇa, we accept him as śaktyāveśa-avatāra. " SP,  Evening Darsana -- July 11, 1976, New York


[So let me see, Jesus has come from spiritual planets, but some initiated disciples think Prabhupada has not? Jiv Jago.]

~*~

"This word nitya-siddha is significant. Nitya-siddha and nitya-baddha. There are two kinds of living entities. Nitya-baddha means ever-conditioned. Ever-conditioned means those who are in this material world, they do not know when they came in touch with this material world. Neither they do know when they will be liberated. They are called nitya-baddha, ever-conditioned. 

And similarly, there are nitya-siddhas. Nitya-siddhas means they never come in contact with this material world, and even they come here for some business, they do not forget their position. That is nitya-siddha. Try to understand.

There are two kinds of living entities: nitya-siddha, nitya-baddha. Nitya-baddhas are within this material world. Beginning from Brahma down to a small ant, insignificant ant, they are all nitya-baddha. Anyone who is in this material world -- nitya-baddha.

And nitya-siddhas, they belong to the spiritual world. They never come in contact with this material world, and even they come for some business under the order of the Supreme Lord, they do not touch these material qualities. They remain always transcendental.

As Krsna remains always transcendental, even though He is in this material world, similarly, Krsna's nitya-siddha associates, they are also transcendental. They never touch this material world."  ~ Srila Prabhupada lecture, July 14, 1973

~*~ 

"Nitya-siddha devotees come from Vaikuntha to this material world to teach, by their personal example, how to become a devotee. The living entities in this material world can take lessons from such nitya-siddha devotees and thus become inclined to return home, back to Godhead. A nitya-siddha devotee comes from Vaikuntha upon the order of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and shows by his example how to become a pure devotee (anyabhilasita-
sunyam). In spite of coming to this material world, the nitya-siddha devotee is never attracted by the allurements of material enjoyment." (S.B. 7.10.3, Purport)

~*~ 
 
"A nitya-siddha never forgets the service of the Lord. He is always engaged, even from childhood, in worshiping the Supreme Personality of Godhead." (CC Madhya 3.167, Purport)

~*~ 

 "All nitya-siddhas within this material world may appear to toil like ordinary men, but they never forget their position as servants of the Lord." (CC Madhya 5.113, Purport)

[Yet some of us conditioned souls think they can recognize. Too risky imho. Karmic.]

~*~ 

"In all the ancient scriptures of devotional service and in the more recent songs of Srila Narottama dasa Thakura, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura and other unalloyed Vaisnavas, the spiritual master is always considered either one of the confidential associates of Srimati Radharani or a manifested representation of Srila Nityananda Prabhu." (CC. Adi 1.46, Purport)

~*~

ME: The question arises, as it did in that discussion, if Prabhupada is NityaSiddha he would have said that; and why did he call himself a SadhanaSiddha?

We must understand thru the eyes of shastra. First, one can be a SadhanaSiddha AND a NityaSiddha at the same time [as the pure devotee still preforms saddhana], but not to "assume" it is the other way around. It sometimes could be, but we must not speculate. 

Second, it's highly important to understand the pure devotee is humble. He does not like to show off his level of purity, and rather say he is Sadhana-Siddha than Nitya-Siddha.
 
"It is characteristic of advanced Vaisnavas following the principles of bhakti that they think themselves ordinary human beings. This is not an artificial exhibition of humility; a Vaisnava sincerely thinks this way and therefore never admits his exalted position."  (Srimad-Bhagavatam 5.24.26, Purport)

~*~
 
"The activities of these elevated souls are not to be questioned by us. They have a higher purpose which we cannot determine; therefore do not try to imitate the actions of the very powerful, but one should simply follow their instructions."  Prabhupada Letter, July 25, 1970

~*~

UPDATE: Found the quote where Prabhupada says he never forgot Krishna:

"So far my present life is concerned, I do not remember any part of my life when I was forgetful of Krsna."  SPL to Tamal Krsna, Los Angeles, 21 June, 1970

~*~

Poem on the Passing of Thakur Haridas
Author : Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur

"He reasons ill who says that Vaishnavas die
When thou art living still in Sound!
The Vaishnavas die to live and living try
To spread the holy life around!"

FEEDBACK: 

[The comment box is turned off because I want this to be a place I can speak my mind without it turned into a debate. However, someone sent me a positive message. If anyone I know has supportive feedback, they are welcome to email or message me with it. The following is what a devotee wrote relating to this particular blog posting.]

"Hare Krsna!  I'm afraid I stirred this pot, as I was the one that posted the original post, regarding Guru Krpa. 😃  I'm with you - I have always felt that Srila Prabhupada was nitya-siddha.

This is not very helpful if I can't find the evidence, but there was a story, I believe told by Daivi Shakti. Gita Devi Saraf, who donated the land for Krsna Balaram mandir, once had a private meeting with Srila Prabhupada toward the end of his manifest pastimes. In that meeting, Srila Prabhupada told her that he had come from Goloka and would soon be returning.  Gita Devi confided this to (I believe) Daivi Shakti, before her own passing.

As far as I'm concerned, there is plenty of evidence that Srila Prabhupada was not only nitya-siddha, but far beyond anything we can imagine! \o/ 
YS
Aja dasa"

Related post: Is Srila Prabhupada a ShaktaveshAvatara? 

Blissful Sadhana

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

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

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

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

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

             Make CLAY VASES - easy peasy:

:

Clay INCENSE HOLDERS:

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

Punch Holes:

Paint [however you wish],

 

Add bells with eyelet fasteners:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Use tissue paper and create this lovely CARNATION.

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

Make a paper flower picture FRAME. Pretty! 

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

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

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

PROTECT altar naturally, from bugs:

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

MESSAGE STONES:

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

TOWER OF FLOWERS::

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

BUT you can make collages any way you wish: 

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

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

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

GOT MILK errr KIDS? :) GRANDKIDS? 

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

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

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

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

OK, One more. :)

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

Or English:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BEADING, Necklaces, Bracelets, Earrings, etc:

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

ART JOURNALING:

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

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

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

HAPPY JAPA:

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

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