Newsletter Number #185  ( Sri Radhastami & Vaman Dwadasi issue 2006 A.D. Gaurabda 520 )
http://www.hknet.org.nz/index.htm

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ki jaya

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Please Accept My Respectful Obeisances (cyber pranams) & Best Wishes To All

_0____,

All Glories To Srila Prabhupad.

\o/
(_)
/ \    Haribol..............All Glories to Sri Guru and Gauranga.

Welcome to the latest edition of the on-line HKSRNewsletter, and our humble attempt to render some service to the devotee community. The format of this newsletter is that of a continuous scroll, please see the table of contents where everything is hyper-linked on-line, we hope it's now easier for you all. This newsletter still goes out to way over 3008 receivers. We trust that all is well with everyone by the Mercy of the Lord. However, if anyone would like to be removed please just send us a message requesting me to do so, and we will do it promptly. If you are receiving this from a friend, and would like to be added directly to the mailout please also let us know and we will do the needful there too. Removal and Subscription details are at the very end of this newsletter.

Hare Krishna. =>B-) JTCd

"May there be good fortune throughout the universe, and may all envious persons be pacified. May all living entities become calm by practicing bhakti-yoga, for by accepting devotional service they will think of each other’s welfare. Therefore let us all engage in the service of the supreme transcendence, Lord Sri Krishna, and always remain absorbed in thought of Him."(Srimad Bhagavatam 5:18:9.)

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The Nectar in this Issue 

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From time to time articles and shlokas (verses) included in this newsletter may require the Balaram font in order to view them nicely. If you don't have the Balaram font installed on your system you can download it for free from our fonts page.

See the events on Interactive Calendar site for details:
http://www.hknet.org.nz/Calendar2002-2003.html
http://www.hknet.org.nz/Calendar2003-2004.html
http://www.hknet.org.nz/Calendar2004-2005.html
http://www.hknet.org.nz/Calendar2005-2006.html
The present year's Vaishnava Calendar for 2006-2007
http://www.hknet.org.nz/Calendar2006-2007.html
(some selected locations are available already below)

...Download the Vaishnava Calendar software VCAL 4.01
...Ekadasi Information - fasting - breakfast times

Local temples
...Newsletters & Blogs

Words of Wisdom - Shastra & Shastrakaras speak:
... (Srila Prabhupad & the previous Acharyas)
... Coming Festivals
... Local temples
... Verses from Shastra
... Hare Krishna Maha Mantra
... Hare Krishna as ancient religion - NOT a cult
... Vaishnava Songs
... Samskaras and Agama Tantra
... Articles - topical
... Other Topical links - etc
... Vedik revival - Vedik World Heritage

Advertisements - what's on where: check them out...
... Cyber Community Notice Board
...lastest important news items !!!!

... Hare Krishna School in Auckland
... Ayurvedic health - and seminars - Radiance Ayurved has new site
... Fire Safety - Water Safety - Internet Safety
... Singles - Hare Krishna Singles - Vegetarian Singles - Marriage Compatibility checking
... FREE CD Rom
... Sri Shalagram Tirtha Pradarshini web-site and new newsletter
... Vegetarianism and Beyond site gets re-vamped
... Gaura Yoga - Wellington
... The Loft Auckland
... The new Auckland Temple now open

... and much more

At Grass Roots: Topical stuff
... Seasonal Greetings.....Happy 2006
... Have a Happy Year - Gaurabda 520

Prasadam Recipes: To slake the thirst of body, mind & soul
...World Vegetarian Day & World Vegetarian Awareness Month of October links
... Religious Stands on Vegetarianism (Vaishnava - Hindu, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism)
... some really useful Vege links and support
... inspiring Vegetarian articles
... Eggless cooking - baking - cakes
... Vegetarian Cheeses - new page (try the Tuxford range...)(updated August 2004)
... Vegetarian clubs
... Hare Krishna Food For Life - local and international food relief
... check out the new Ekadasi recipes link
... 101 reasons to be a vegetarian
... Meat substitutes - Tofu - Soy - TVP - tempe recipes
... White Sugar free from bone char in NZ
... FREE Meet your Meat CDRoms
... How to offer your food to God
... You mean that's in the Bible?
... visit our Vegetarianism and Beyond Award winning web-site
... Kurma's new web-site
... The Meatrix
... Holiday Season & Xmas survival recipes

Krishna conscious - Vedikly acceptable jokes:
... cut loose have a laugh
... serious therapy in humour !!!
... did U ever wonder -  Ways of the world - Strange but true

Thanx 2 our sponsors and supporters:
... sponsorship and support
... add or remove - sub or unsub
... HELP !!!
... donations welcome

Now you can view the FULL years 1999-2000 & 2000-2001 & 2001-2002 & 2002-2003 & 2003-2004 & 2004-2005, and 2005-2006.
All Calendar entries are explained - Appearance or Disappearance days, festivals, fasts, feasts, etc.

View previous years festival dates on the Calendar:
http://www.hknet.org.nz/Calendar2001-2002.htm
http://www.hknet.org.nz/Calendar2002-2003.html
http://www.hknet.org.nz/Calendar2003-2004.html
http://www.hknet.org.nz/Calendar2004-2005.html
http://www.hknet.org.nz/Calendar2005-2006.html
The coming year's Vaishnava Calendar for 2006-2007
http://www.hknet.org.nz/Calendar2006-2007.html

Second month of Chaturmasya begins. (Fast from yogurt for one month.)

27th Aug 2006 Ganesh Chaturthi - ends 21:48 - do not look at the Moon

Srimati Sita Thakurani (Advaita's consort) - Appearance - Avirbhav

Sri Lalita sasti

Sri Radhastami : Srimati Radharani's Appearance - Friday 1st September 2006 in NZ  (Fasting till noon)

Father's Day -  1st Sunday in September in Aus & NZ - 3rd Sunday in June in US & UK

Fasting on Suddha Ekadasi for Parsva Ekadasi - (Fasting from Beans and Grains - 4th Sept 2006  in NZ)

Sri Vamana Dvadasi - Appearance of Lord Vamandeva
(The fast is observed till noon on the Ekadasi.)(Feasting is done tomorrow.)

Srila Jiva Goswami - Appearance - Avirbhav

Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur - Appearance  - Avirbhav Utsava (Fasting till noon)

Sri Ananta Chaturdasi Vrata
Srila Hari Das Thakur - Disappearance - Tirubhav
8th Sept 2006 - Partial Lunar Eclipse (do not cook, eat, etc. Only Chant Hare Krishna) see eclipses-page

Sri Visvarupa Mahotsava
Acceptance of sannyasa by Srila Prabhupada 1959 AD.
Srimad Bhagavatam Day
Third month of Chaturmasya begins.(Fast from milk for one month.)

Srila Prabhupada's arrival in the USA 1965

Kanya Sankranti (Sun enters Virgo)

Fasting on Suddha Ekadasi for Indira Ekadasi - (Fasting from Beans and Grains - 18th Sept 2006  in NZ)

22nd Sept 2006 - Amavasya - Annular Solar Eclipse  (do not cook, eat, etc. Only Chant Hare Krishna) see eclipses-page

Sri Durga Puja

1st Oct World Vegetarian Day (every year)

Sri Ramachandra Vijayotsava (Vijay Dasami)
Sripad Madhvacharya - Appearance - Avirbhav mahotsav

Fasting on Suddha Ekadasi for Pasankusa Ekadasi - (Fasting from Beans and Grains - 4th October 2006  in NZ)

Srila Raghunatha Das Goswami - Disappearance - Tirubhav
Srila Raghunatha Bhatta Goswami - Disappearance - Tirubhav
Sria Krsna Das Kaviraj Goswami - Disappearance - Tirubhav

Sri Krsna Saradiya Rasayatra
Sri Murari Gupta - Disappearance - Tirubhav
Sri Laksmi Puja

Fourth month of Chaturmasya (Karttika mase) begins. (Fast from urad dahl for one month.)

Srila Narottama Das Thakur - Disappearance - Tirubhav

Appearance of Radha Kunda prakat, snan dan
Sri Bahulastami

Sri Virachandra Prabhu (Virabhadra) - Appearance - Avirbhav

Fasting on Suddha Ekadasi for Ramaa Ekadasi - (Fasting from Beans and Grains - 18th October 2006  in NZ)

Tula Sankranti (Sun enters Libra)

Sri Dipa dan, Dipavali, Diwali (Kalipuja) - Sunday 22nd October in NZ

Sri Govardhana Puja, Go Puja, Go krda (Worship of Govardhana Hill) - Monday 23rd October in NZ
Sri Bali Daityaraja Puja
Sri Rasikananda - Appearance - Avirbhav

Sri Vasudeva Ghosa - Disappearance - Tirubhav

Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada - Disappearance - Tirubhav (Fasting till noon) Thurs 26th October in NZ

Sri Gopastami, Gosthastami
Sri Gadadhara Das Goswami - Disappearance - Tirubhav
Sri Dhananjaya Pandit - Disappearance - Tirubhav
Srinivasa Acharya - Disappearance - Tirubhav

Sri Jagaddhatri Puja

Srila Gaura Kishora das babaji - Disappearance - Tirubhav was on Ekadasi
(Fasting till noon)(Feasting is done tomorrow)

Sri Bhisma Pancaka

Fasting on Suddha Ekadasi for Utthana - Devotthani Ekadasi - (Fasting from Beans and Grains - 2nd November 2006  in NZ)

Sri Bhugarbha Goswami - Disappearance - Tirubhav
Sri Kasisvara Pandit - Disappearance - Tirubhav

Sri Krsna Rasayatra - Kartika purnima
Sri Tulasi-Saligram Vivaha (marriage)
Sripad Nimbarkacharya – Appearance - Avirbhav
Chaturmasya vrata ends.(have some urud dal kachoris and urid dal popadam)

This year's full panjikam also now available for viewing:
http://www.hknet.org.nz/Calendar2005-2006.html
The coming year's Vaishnava Calendar for 2006-2007
http://www.hknet.org.nz/Calendar2006-2007.html

All Calender information HERE
http://www.hknet.org.nz/CalendarWhosWho-page.htm

http://panjika.pagehere.com/

Check out the Ekadasi pages with links to every Ekadasi:
(also find out from Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Prabhupada what is, and what constitutes a mahadwadasi)
Find out about Dwadasi and Mahadwadasi here:
http://www.hknet.org.nz/dvadasi.htm

NEW EKADASI RECIPES:
http://www.hknet.org.nz/ekadasi-page.htm

kasmad ekadasi jata tasyah ko va vidhir dvija
kada va kriyate kim va phalam kim va vadasva me

ka va pujyatama tatra devata sad-gunarnava
akurvatah syat ko dosa etan me vaktum arhasi

"Oh Gurudeva! When did Ekadasi take birth and from whom did she appear? What are the rules of fasting on the Ekadasi? Please describe the benefits of following this vow and when it should be followed. Who is the utmost worshippable presiding deity of Sri Ekadasi? What are the faults in not following Ekadasi properly? Please bestow your mercy upon me and tell about these subjects, as you are the only personality able to do so."

Find out what was said HERE:
http://www.hknet.org.nz/ekadasi-page.htm
 

Download yourVaishnava Calendar and make a hard copy for this
All Vaishnava Calendar Information HERE (Downloads, Glossary, Calendars, Eclipses etc)

A New Face Lift for the old VCAL program - info page

Vaishnava Calendar Reminder Services
http://www.vaisnavacalendar.info/programs.htm

GBC Vaishnava Calendar Committee - Vaisnava Calendar Calculation
http://vcal.iskcongbc.org/

The present year's Vaishnava Calendar for 2005-2006
http://www.hknet.org.nz/Calendar2005-2006.html
(some selected locations are available already below)

Now available:
http://www.hknet.org.nz/Calendar2006-2007.html

or if you can't do that and you'd like a Calendar for your longitude, latitude and time zone ANYWHERE in the world I can do that for you and e-mail it to you - FREE    Vaishnava Calendar Software 4.01

Vaishnava Calendar Program Vcal 4.01 FREE Download, and make your own Calendar:
http://www.hknet.org.nz/vcal401.zip

MAKE YOUR OWN CALENDAR FOR YOUR LOCATION,
no more dodgy calendars/panchangas/panjikas from India

...some already made for you http://www.hknet.org.nz/Cals2005-2006-World.html

Vaishnava Calendar maker for your region - on-line:
http://www.iskcondc.org/cgi-bin/vcalndx.pl

Astrologically/Astronomically Accurate and FREE

Please download the software from:
http://www.hknet.org.nz/vcal401.zip

How to use the VCAL calendar program:
http://www.hknet.org.nz/VcalHow2use.html

mailto:jtcd@xtra.co.nz

Vaishnava Calendar maker for your region - on-line:
http://www.iskcondc.org/cgi-bin/vcalndx.pl

Free Vaisnava Calendar Email Reminder Service
Website URL:  http://www.vaisnavacalendar.info

New service just launched - a Free Vaisnava Calendar Email Reminder Service (BETA) where devotees can sign up and receive automated location sensitive reminders of ekadasi's, festivals, appearance and disappearance days via email.

Festivals on the Vrindavan Calendar
http://www.naturalnirvana.com/Braja-Mandala/Braja-Mandal-Files/Braja-Vrindavan-Festivals.htm

Time Zones and Countries World-wide:
http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/
Free Downloadable Vaishnava Reminder for your Desktop
This Vaishnava Calendar Reminder is so simple, so nice and so practical
It has a huge data base of Towns to choose from, and facility to add towns too.
This can be used in conjunction with all other software and URLs mentioned above.

New version 0.55a of Vaishnava Reminder is ready for use. (updated March 2006) (Click HERE for more details)
Check it at the http://vreminder.gauranga.in .

"This software aimed to be a personal information manager of anyone in Krishna's devotee community. Did you ever miss Ekadasi? With Vaishnava Reminder it will not be so easy - it alerts you about fasting days. Also it has built-in vaishnava calendar generator, to-do tasks, custom events, diary and panchang. And it is 100% free - just visit http://www.vreminder.tk and download it. It quietly sits in the system tray and alerts you when needed."

Vaisnava Reminder v.0.501a setup - 520 kb
http://vreminder.gauranga.in/setup-vr0501a.zip

Once you've downloaded it and installed it, you'll never want to be without it, I have it on my machine.

Here's a few Vaishnava Calendar locations around the World friends asked for us to post !!

Moonrise tool Free Download

Check the time of the Moon Rise locally in your area

Moonrise version 3.5 is a very simple to use, yet very accurate program. If you put it in your Startup folder, it will greet you everyday with the day's sunrise, sunset, moonrise, moonset, and twilight times. You can easily see the next series of moon phases, and see a graphic of the current phase. You can find the same information for tomorrow, next week, forty years from now, or the day you were born with a few clicks of the mouse.

Moonrise is available in either 32 or 16 bit versions. You may download a free trial version from the download page.

http://htdconnect.com/~bsidell/download.htm

You will need to enter the latitude, longitude and time zone for your location. If you don't know yours

Eclipses of the Sun and Moon
http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/UpcomingEclipses.html

2006 September 22 - annular solar eclipse (see map)
2007 March 19 - partial solar eclipse (see map)
2007 September 11 - partial solar eclipse (see map)
2008 February 7 - annular solar eclipse (see map)
2008 August 1 - total solar eclipse (see map)

(See also NASA's solar eclipse pages)

Map of Solar Eclipses until 2020:

Find Your Time Difference HERE:

US Navy's Lunar Eclipse calculation computer: (put in your location and check the times)
NASA's Solar Eclipse list 2001 - 2010 - Very useful maps and graphix

Partial Lunar Eclipse of September 07th 2006
http://sunearth.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse/OH/OH2006.html#2006Sep07P

The second lunar eclipse of the year is a rather small partial eclipse. The penumbral phase begins at 16:42 UT (UT means GMT  Greenwich Mean Time = UK time), but most observers will not be able to visually detect the faint shadow until about 17:30 UT. A timetable for the major phases of the eclipse is as follows:

Penumbral Eclipse Begins:   16:42:23 UT
Partial Eclipse Begins:     18:05:03 UT
Greatest Eclipse:           18:51:21 UT
Partial Eclipse Ends:       19:37:41 UT
Penumbral Eclipse Ends:     21:00:20 UT

In spite of the fact that the eclipse is shallow (the Moon's northern limb dips just 6.3 arc-minutes into Earth's dark umbral shadow), the partial phase lasts over 1 1/2 hours. This is due to the grazing geometry of the Moon and umbra.

                                                                              Moon's
Sydney Australia                                                Azimuth   Altitude
                                                             h  m            o        o
Moonrise                           2006 Sep 07  17:59          97.0     ----
Moon enters umbra            2006 Sep 07  18:05.0        97.0      1.1
Middle of eclipse                2006 Sep 07  18:51.3        96.9     11.9
Moon leaves umbra            2006 Sep 07  19:37.6        97.1     23.0
Moon leaves penumbra       2006 Sep 07  21:00.3        98.4     43.0
Moonset                            2006 Sep 08   06:23         266.7     ----
 
 

                                                                              Moon's
Auckland New Zealand                                         Azimuth   Altitude
                                                             h  m            o        o
Moonrise                           2006 Sep 07  17:59          97.0     ----
Moon enters umbra            2006 Sep 07  18:05.0        97.0      1.1
Middle of eclipse                2006 Sep 07  18:51.3        96.9     11.9
Moon leaves umbra            2006 Sep 07  19:37.6        97.1     23.0
Moon leaves penumbra       2006 Sep 07  21:00.3        98.4     43.0
Moonset                            2006 Sep 08  06:23         266.7     ----

Go to this site http://aa.usno.navy.mil/cgi-bin/aa_lunecl.pl Scroll down to the red Form B - Locations Worldwide Just type in your town or city and click on Place Name. Then click on Get Data, very simple.

At the instant of greatest eclipse (18:51 UT), the Moon will stand near the zenith for observers in the central Indian Ocean. At that time, the umbral eclipse magnitude will be 0.190. The event is best seen from Africa, Asia, Australia and Eastern Europe. Unfortunately, none of the eclipse is visible from North America. The Moon's path through Earth's shadows as well as a map illustrating worldwide visibility is shown in Figure 4. http://sunearth.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse/OH/image1/LE2006Sep07-Fig4.GIF
 
 

Annular Solar Eclipse of September 22
http://sunearth.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse/OH/image1/SE2006Sep22-Fig5.GIF

The final eclipse of 2006 is an annular eclipse of the Sun. The track of the Moon's antumbral shadow begins in northern South America and crosses the South Atlantic with no further landfall. A partial eclipse will be seen from a much larger region including South America, the eastern Caribbean, western Africa, and Antarctica (Figure 5). The path of the annular eclipse begins in Guyana at 09:48 UT when the Moon's antumbral shadow meets Earth and forms a 323 kilometre wide corridor (Figure 6). Guyana's capitol city Georgetown lies just a few kilometres outside the path's northern limit. Here, a magnitude 0.920 partial eclipse will be seen at sunrise. On the central line 160 kilometres south, the duration of annularity is 5 minutes 31 seconds.

Rushing east, the antumbra quickly enters Surinam where its capital city Paramaribo lies deep within the antumbral path. Maximum eclipse in Paramaribo occurs at 09:51 UT, the Sun's altitude is 5° and the duration of annularity is 5 minutes 1 seconds. Continuing into French Guiana, the capitol city Cayenne stands just 10 kilometres south of the central line. Maximum eclipse occurs at 09:53 UT as the Sun stands 8° above the eastern horizon during an annular phase lasting 5 minutes 42 seconds.

The southern edge of the antumbra briefly clips the north coast of Brazil before spending the next three and a half hours sweeping across the South Atlantic. Greatest eclipse occurs at 11:40:11 UT. The annular duration is 7 minutes 9 seconds, the path width is 261 kilometres and the Sun is 66° above the featureless horizon of the open ocean. The central track runs south of the African continent and nearly reaches Kerguelen Island before ending at local sunset (13:31 UT). During its 3 hour 40 minute flight across our planet, the Moon's antumbra travels about 13,800 kilometres and covers 0.83% of Earth's surface area. Path coordinates and central line circumstances are presented in Table 3.

Partial phases of the eclipse are visible primarily from South America and Africa. Local circumstances for a number of cities are listed in Table 4. All times are given in Universal Time. The Sun's altitude and azimuth, the eclipse magnitude and obscuration are all given at the instant of maximum eclipse. Additional maps, tables, and prediction details are available at NASA's 2006 annular solar eclipse web site:

http://sunearth.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse/SEmono/ASE2006/ASE2006.html

This is the 16th eclipse of Saros 144. The series began with the first of eight partial eclipses on 1736 Apr 11. The first central eclipse was annular in the Southern Hemisphere on 1880 Jul 07. The series will produce 39 annular eclipses the last of which is 2565 Aug 27. The series terminates on 2980 May 05 after 23 more partial eclipses. Complete details for Saros 144 may be found at:

http://sunearth.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse/SEsaros/SEsaros144.html

For more details on Graha-grashtha - Solar and Lunar Eclipses please view our page
 

Newsletters:

Our Archives http://www.hknet.org.nz/Newsletter.html

Do you get the Hare Krishna Newsletter from Auckland?
If not send a message to Mother Madri to add yourself to their list:
mailto:madri@pamho.net
mailto:harekrishnanews_auck-owner@yahoogroups.com

See Auckland's latest newsletter HERE:

Christchurch Temple Times:
mailto:nitail@zfree.co.nz

Wellington Temple Newsletter:
mailto:jagjeevandas.mvgm@paradise.net.nz

Gaura Yoga Centre (Wellington) newsletter:
mailto:gaurayoga-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

...and across the ditch in Aus':
Brisbane temple newsletter
to subscribe - mailto:brisbane@pamho.net

Melbourne temple blog - Hare Krishna movement:
http://www.iskcon.net.au/

New Govardhan Newsletter (Murwillumbah)
contact Govinda Charan prabhu to subscribe - mailto:g.biswas@mullum.com.au

Sydney Temple Newsletter:
http://www.iskcon.com.au/Mailing_list.html

Other Journals, Newsletters, & KC WeBlogs:
Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupad's Blogspot - All letters:
http://sangalog.blogspot.com/

Aisvarya prabhu's 'blog:
http://www.livejournal.com/~icemonger/

Aniruddha's blog: There's more comes out of the beadbag than just the finger...
http://www.iskcon.net.au/aniruddha/

Bala Gopala's Mrdanga (formerly Ekendra's Mrdanga)
http://www.gopala.org/
This is my new journal where I hope to contribute something worth reading to the world. The inspiration for this comes from Nectar of Devotion wherein it is stated that to reveal one's mind in confidence is one of the loving exchanges between Vaisnavas. Ekendra dasa.

CafeKrishna.com run by devotees from Pandava sena in the UK
http://cafekrishna.com/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,1/

Candidasa dasa' Deltaflow Blog
http://www.deltaflow.com/index.php

The Conch newsletter - Radha Giridhari temple Auckland
http://www.hknet.org.nz/TheConch-newsletter.html (old)
http://www.iskconnz.com (The Auckland temple new site)
The Conch Newsletter is a subscription newsletter that is sent out in PDF format either as a printable attached file through e-mail, or hard-copy by snail mail. The newsletter is monthly, and compiled by Amrita-pani devi dasi in conjunction with the editorial advisor HH Mukunda Goswami.

Food For All Newsletters UK - We have made all our Newsletters available on the FoodForAll Kingscross homepage which can be found at:
http://iskcon.org.uk/ffl/KingsCross/home.html

Gauranga Sundara prabhu in Leicester (UK) Newsletter can be found at:
Current issue http://www.gauranga.org/files/newsletter_06.PDF
Back issues and all future issues can be found at: http://www.gauranga.org/newsletter_backissues.htm

Gopala Guru prabhu's blog on MSN - Religious Worship; Ever wonder what's it like to live the life of a Hare Krishna monk?
Visit this Space to find out.:
http://whatsyourstory.msn.com/
http://spaces.msn.com/members/gopalaguru/PersonalSpace.aspx

Hare Krishna Cultural Journal - Krishna-Kirti dasa in USA - A commentary on the culture, views and progress of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.
http://siddhanta.com/weblogs/culture/

Indradyumna Swami's "Diary of a Travelling Preacher" blog:
http://blog.worldsankirtan.net/IDS/

ISKCON News.Net -  Blog Updates a compendium of news, with notices sent out by e-mail
http://www.iskconnews.net/

Japa Group - an open forum for discussion on all aspects of chanting:
http://japagroup.blogspot.com/

Jayadvaita Swami's blog - satyam param dhimahi
http://www.jswami.info/

Kavichandra Swami's Blog
http://www.kavicandraswami.info/
http://kavicandraswami.info/node/feed

Krishna conscious Podcasting
http://www.prabhupada.org/rama/?page_id=1405

Kurma prabhu's Travel Diary Blog:
Hello there ! I have a new Blog (weblog) Travel Diary. Follow my very latest culinary travels: http://www.kurma.net and click on the blog link right side of page.
Hope all is well with you. Happy cooking, Kurma

Namahatta.org - The Web-siteof ISKCON's Congregational Development Ministry
http://www.namahatta.org/nh2/

Prahladananda Swami's Health blog: On the road, Journal, Audio, Health, Photos etc
http://prahladanandaswami.net/blogs/index.php

Rati Manjari mataji - Every Town & Village - newsletter, which consists of a collective contribution from preachers throughout the UK. To view or download it click the link below:
http://www.gauranga.org/files/etav_02.PDF

You may need to install the latest version of Adobe's Acrobat Reader:
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

Reflections - daily expressions of spiritual living in the material world:
http://www.rasa108.blogspot.com/

Sit Properly dot com - go to extras 4 the blog - lots of useful info especially for new devotees throughout site
http://www.sitproperly.com/index2.html

Umapati Swami's Blog - http://www.umapati.net/
You can contact me by e-mail at swami@umapati.net. I won't be publishing any comments, but I would be glad to hear from you if you would like to let me know what you think about the blog or if there is any topic you would like me to write about.
Your servant,  Umapati Swami

THE VEDIC THEATRE COMPANY - BRINGING THE ANCIENT VEDIC CLASSICS TO LIFE
http://vedic108.blogspot.com/

Vaishnava Blog Feeds
http://www.prabhupada.org/rama/

From the Virtual pen of Sita-pati dasa http://blog.worldsankirtan.net/sitapati/
News and views from Sita-pati dasa in Brisbane Australia.

Waves of Devotion | Journal - Writings and Realizations of His Holiness Dhanurdhara Swami
http://www.wavesofdevotion.com/journal/index.html

The International Society for Education in Krsna Consciousness http://www.isekc.com/ has a Blog called Vaishnava Sanga which one can access from the ISEKC home page.

News stories, articles, comment, insights, features, and Vaisnava perspectives available on-line from http://www.iskcon.com/new/

Vraj journal
http://www.vrajajournal.com/

prausthapadyam paurnamasyam
hema-simha-samanvitam
dadati yo bhagavatam
sa yati paramam gatim

Srimad Bhagavad Gita AS IT IS

Bhagavad Gita:   Chapter 6 - Dhyana-yoga

TEXT 4
                         yada hi nendriyarthesu
                          na karmasv anusajjate
                         sarva-sankalpa-sannyasi
                          yogarudhas tadocyate

   WORD FOR WORD
yada--when; hi--certainly; na--not; indriya-arthesu--in sense gratification; na--never; karmasu--in fruitive activities; anusajjate--one necessarily engages; sarva-sankalpa--of all material desires; sannyasi--renouncer; yoga-arudhah--elevated in yoga; tada--at that time; ucyate--is said to be.

TRANSLATION
   A person is said to be elevated in yoga when, having renounced all  material desires, he neither acts for sense gratification nor engages in fruitive activities.

PURPORT by HDG Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupad:
   When a person is fully engaged in the transcendental loving service of the Lord, he is pleased in himself, and thus he is no longer engaged in sense gratification or in fruitive activities. Otherwise, one must be engaged in sense gratification, since one cannot live without engagement. Without Krsna consciousness, one must be always seeking self-centered or extended selfish activities. But a Krsna conscious person can do everything for the satisfaction of Krsna and thereby be perfectly detached from sense gratification. One who has no such realization must mechanically try to escape material desires before being elevated to the top rung of the yoga ladder.

His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

Copyright 1983 The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International. Used with permission.

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Prabhupada Uvacha:
(here's some nectar, sometimes it comes in the form of Srutakirti prabhu's diary, other times from Govinda dasi's diary, Hari Sauri prabhu's Transcendental Diary, or sometimes from a letter, or other related source, but still nectar...)

I could live under a tree, but would you come to the press conference?

Later that morning we went for a walk on a steep, wind-swept peak overlooking a bay and skyscrapers. Prabhupada said it reminded him of Darjeeling, a mountainous area of India. The weather was windy-cold, and Prabhupada noticed that Panditji had no warm clothes. Prabhupada therefore asked Bhurijana to please buy Panditji a jacket or coat.

Several interested Hong Kong Chinese boys accompanied us, and they inquired submissively from Srila Prabhupada. He very patiently and enthusiastically answered all their basic questions about the body, the soul, the next life, and God, discussing in depth the answer to each question.

While criticizing the foolish man who works hard with no knowledge of the soul, Srila Prabhupada pointed to the clusters of tall buildings across the bay. "What is the purpose of these skyscrapers?" he asked. "They build them with such sturdy foundations, but those who build them will have to leave."

As we spoke the wind gusts made it hard to hear, and everyone but Prabhupada was visibly shivering. For the sake of debate, I argued with Prabhupada, "These buildings are being built so that the owners will be able to enjoy them," I said.

"No," said Prabhupada, "they will be kicked out of these buildings by death when they try to live in them."

"Well then," I said, "they can build these skyscrapers for the enjoyment of posterity. Their own family will enjoy them in the future, and they will get satisfaction from that."

"That is ridiculous!" laughed Prabhupada. "What about oneself? One builds these skyscrapers actually to enjoy oneself, but he is not able to because he is kicked out by death. This is illusion, this building of skyscrapers for enjoyment. The skyscraper's foundation is firm, but the man's foundation is very flimsy."

After the walk, there was a press conference in the reception room of the Tibetan Suite. Half a dozen reporters and TV men, mostly Britishers, came and fired questions at Srila Prabhupada in the usual manner. When Srila Prabhupada mentioned the need for renunciation, one of the men remarked, "You speak of renunciation, and here you are in the presidential suite."

"For me," Prabhupada replied, "I could live under a tree, but would you come to the press conference?"

One of the men asked Prabhupada his opinion of a popular, controversial guru. Prabhupada had been asked such questions before, and he would sometimes say, "I don't know him, but in Bhagavad-gita Krsna says .. ," or something like that -- straightforward and yet avoiding a personal criticism. But this time Prabhupada answered in an overwhelming way. "He is a cheater," Prabhupada said. "He claims that he is God. Anyone who says that he is God is actually just the opposite. Instead of being G-O-D he is D-O-G." The answer caused a ripple of laughter and excitement among the reporters. They went on with further questions and then left.

I had been gradually procuring items to make Srila Prabhupada a lunch. By 11:00 A.M. I had just barely enough vegetables, rice and spices to begin. Prabhupada had noticed on the hotel menu that the restaurant supplied jallebis, and he asked that some hot jallebis be sent up to supplement his lunch. Although cooking in a hotel living room proved difficult, somehow it all came together -- thanks to Prabhupada's triple-boiler and Panditji's strainer technique for making capatis over an electric coil -- and Prabhupada had a normal lunch.

Miraculously, Srila Prabhupada had done some Caitanya-caritamrta dictation that morning after being up all night, and at the first opportunity I set up the equipment and typed out his words. He had been translating Lord Caitanya's instructions to Rupa Gosvami and was commenting on verses dealing with the bhakti-lata-bija, the plant of devotional service. Lord Caitanya was describing to Rupa that an offense to a Vaisnava is like a mad elephant that destroys the young plant. In several of the purports Prabhupada seemed to be addressing the discrepancies and problems that he had confronted in Hawaii and Hong Kong. One purport in particular pointed out the danger of so-called advanced devotees and the danger of leaving the society of devotees. As I typed out these words, I knew that I wanted to save them and show them to Bhurijana and others:

When the bhakta-lata creeper is growing the devotee must protect it by fencing it all around. The neophyte devotee must be protected by being surrounded by pure devotees. In this way he will not give the maddened elephant a chance to uproot his bhakta-lata creeper. When one associates with nondevotees, the mad elephant is set loose. Caitanya Mahaprabhu has, said: asat sanga tyaga -- avaisnava acara. The Vaisnava is to give up the company of nondevotees. A so-called mature devotee, however, commits a great offense by giving up the company of pure devotees. The living entity is a social animal, and if one gives up the society of pure devotees, he must associate with nondevotees (asat sanga). By contacting nondevotees and engaging in nondevotional activities, a so-called mature devotee will fall victim to the mad elephant offense. Whatever growth has taken place is quickly uprooted by such an offense. One should therefore be very careful to defend the creeper by fencing it in -- that is, by following the regulative principles and associating with pure devotees.
If one thinks that there are many pseudodevotees or nondevotees in the Krsna consciousness society one can keep direct company with the spiritual master and if there is any doubt, one should consult the spiritual master. However, unless one follows the spiritual master's instructions and the regulative principles governing chanting and hearing the holy name of the Lord, one cannot become a pure devotee. By one's mental concoction one falls down.

But Prabhupada already had in mind to share the purport with Bhurijana. He called him to his room and played it right off the dictaphone tape, complete with all the pauses and dictaphone click-click sounds. Bhurijana came out and told me that hearing the tape was like having arrows going into his heart. Now he and his wife were very contrite, considering themselves mad elephant offenders. I said that I didn't think that Prabhupada meant they were offenders, not as long as they followed his instructions. They continued to feel devastated, but now they were clearly convinced that they had to follow Prabhupada. Jagattarini wanted to start performing Deity worship, at least in her home, since as yet they didn't have a formal temple in Hong Kong. And Bhurijana wanted to surrender to whatever Prabhupada wanted him to do. They bought Prabhupada gifts, a soft gold ring with the letter "P" imprinted on it and a gold I.D. bracelet. Accepting the ring, Prabhupada took a gold ring from his own finger, placed it in the ring box just given to him by Bhurijana, and presented the ring and the box to Jagattarini.

"If someone doesn't come to Krsna consciousness," Prabhupada said, "it is very unfortunate. If someone does come to Krsna consciousness, then he is fortunate. But if someone comes to Krsna consciousness and then leaves before he is mature, then that is the most unfortunate."

"Prabhupada?" Bhurijana said, "Yesterday you said that I should go to the Mayapur festival and I said that I didn't want to. But if you want me to then I will go."

"Yes," said Srila Prabhupada, "and bring some Chinese."

The Hong Kong newspapers ran accounts of Srila Prabhupada's press conference: "Spiritual Leader of Hare Krsna Movement Calls Popular Guru a Cheat. " The following day Newsweek magazine published a short article with the heading, "Trouble in Nirvana." Prabhupada chuckled as he read the report. "They have quoted me accurately," he said. "I did not want to speak against him, but they insisted. I could not help myself. I had to say it: he is a cheat. It is a fact. He says he is God, but if he has a toothache he will be in difficulty. What kind of God is that?"

Bhurijana wanted to bring the good results of his preaching before Srila Prabhupada. He said there was a nice Chinese gentleman who desired to meet Srila Prabhupada. Bhurijana had used the word "gentleman" to describe Yung Pak Hei, even though Yung was only twenty-five years old. He felt the word fitting because Yung was a reserved young man and wore a shirt with a tie. But when Bhurijana brought Yung before Prabhupada, Prabhupada asked, "Where is the gentleman?", since he was expecting an elderly man.

Yung Pak had become attracted to Krsna consciousness through Bhurijana's preaching, and he was now chanting sixteen rounds and donating money from his job as an engineer.

In a respectful and confidential spirit he inquired from Srila Prabhupada. "I am still attached to my family. So I want to know, can I still prosecute Krsna consciousness?"

With disarming boldness, Prabhupada replied, "It is not very surprising that you are attached to your family. Even the birds and dogs and cats are attached to their families." Yung Pak Hei took the remark like a gentleman and became very attached to Srila Prabhupada. The next time he saw Prabhupada, Yung bowed down and made fully prostrated obeisances.

"This is an advanced devotee," exclaimed Srila Prabhupada, "one who makes obeisances to the spiritual master, not one who goes away to seek his own prestige."

- From the "Life with the Perfect Master" by HH Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami

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"We Are All Servants"

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Bhagavad-gita 2.13 -- Hyderabad, November 18, 1972

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Prabhupada:

dehino 'smin yatha dehe
kaumaram yauvanam jara
tatha dehantara-praptir
dhiras tatra na muhyati
 [Bg. 2.13]

The Second Chapter is the summary study of the Bhagavad-gita. The First Chapter is the preparatory study of Bhagavad-gita, and the Second Chapter is the summary study of the contents of Bhagavad-gita. Bhagavad-gita means the song sung by the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Bhagavata. From the word bhagavata, we speak Bhagavan. Bhagavan, here, in the Bhagavad-gita you'll find everywhere: sri bhagavan uvaca. So it is the science of understanding God. Yad vijnana-samanvitam. Jnanam te pravaksyami yad vijnana-samanvitam. It is a vijnana. Vijnana means science. As everything is understood thoroughly through a scientific process, similarly, if you want to know the science of God, then you have to adopt the process by which one can understand God. That process is described in the Bhagavad-gita: bhaktya mam abhijanati [Bg. 18.55]. Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, He says, "If anyone wants to understand Me, then he has to take the process of devotional service," not by the speculative process or by fruitive activities, or by yogic process, mystic yogic process. It is clearly stated. Not only in Bhagavad-gita. In all other Vedic scripture.

continued.......................

That in Varsana we are under Srimati Radharani's shelter, here is Her janma-lila. He mentioned how Srila Prabhupada was very reserved whenever he talked about Radharani - She is so special, all happiness expands in Her, and Krsna expands Himself in Her, She is the source of all fortune and the original angel. Krsna does not tolerate any offenses against Her. . .
    Saying this, let us remember the pastime about how Srimati Radharani appeared. She came just to serve Krsna. . . She wanted to make devotees for Him, just like Gadadhara Pandit (who is Her expansion), also came to make devotees for MahaPrabhu's.

When King Vrshabhanu offers his Beautiful, blind baby girl to Narada Muni for blessings, Narada Muni became overwhelmed in ecstasy, his hair stood on  end, tears were flowing  from his eyes, all his body was shivering. . .Narada Muni took that girl baby and put her on his lap. He started to think :'I have gone to all the places in the entire universe, no where I had found such a beautiful girl like this. NOWHERE!!
I am very fortunate.' Then he tells King Vrshabhanu that he is very very fortunate to have this baby girl as daughter. Wherever this girl is, this place resides the Goddess of Fortune. So your duty is just to take care of this baby and nothing else. Narada Muni prayed to Radharani with very pleasing prayers, having Her on his lap. He asked Her to give darshan of Her Youthful Kishori form. Radharani being very pleased appeared before him with all Her sakhis and told Narada Muni to meet Her in Kusum Sarovar. Accordingly Narada Muni got darshan of Srimati Radharani in Her Kishori Form which is very very pleasing, which attracts the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

 “Since so many Puranas already depict Krsna’s pastimes, it was not necessary to retell Lord Krsna’s pastimes in the SRIMAD-BHAGAVATAM.  What was the special reason for writing the SRIMAD-BHAGAVATAM?  The SRIMAD-BHAGAVATAM was written to introduce and describe the glories of the gopis; and especially to establish Srimati Radharani’s supremely elevated position as the most beloved of the Supreme Lord Krsna”. (SVMP)  According to Srila Visvanatha Cakravati Thakur, in the SRIMAD-BHAGAVATAM verse (10.83.42) the word “sriyah” refers to the supreme goddess of fortune, Srimati Radharani.”  “The transcendental goddess, Srimati Radharani is the direct counterpart of Lord Sri Krsna.  Radha is the central figure for all the goddesses of fortune.  Radharani possesses all attractiveness to attract the all-attractive Personality of Godhead.  Radharani is the internal potency of the Lord”. (BGT)

Sri Radha’s Gold and Flower Ornaments

 Srimati Radharani wears twelve different ornaments on Her transcendental form.  These ornaments which include Radha’s crown, earrings, belt, ankle-bells, finger and toe rings, armlets, and jewel necklaces that look like strings of stars are all fashioned from pure gold; they appear like myriad shining suns.  Sri Radha wears a locket containing a picture of Sri Krsna and a signet ring that is engraved with "Radha".  Radha’s Syamantaka jewel is also known as Sankhacuda-siromani” (Sankhacuda’s crest jewel).  Srimati Radhika’s ankle-bells stun Sri Krsna with their tinkling sounds.
 Besides jewels and gold, Radha wears a variety of flower crowns, necklaces, armlets, sashes, earrings, bracelets, anklets and blouses.  Radha taught Lalita-sakhi how to make these flower decorations, which Radharani prefers over the jeweled variety.  Srimati Radhika’s favorite crown is made from flowers and buds of five colours arranged in five points.  The gopis also artistically arrange flowers to create five different kinds of earrings; resembling objects like a peacock, lotus, shark or half-moon. (RKG)
 “The glaringly effulgent tiara’s shimmering halo; beautifully sports in all directs stretching to the horizon.  Glistening, sleek armlets, bracelets and necklaces refract a collective, flickering of jewel-like coronas.  Hip-spanning belt of softly tinkling bells.  Anklets charming musical chimes embellishing the majesty of Her divine lotus feet.  Oh, my dear mind! Just worship the effulgence known as ‘Radha’”. (RRS)

Srimati Radharani’s Clothing

 Wearing light-colored clothes during the full moon and dark colours in the moon’s absence, Sri Radha dresses to please Her beloved Krsna, and to facilitate Her nightly meetings with Her gallant lover, Sri Syamasundara.  Radha’s favourite outfit is a “Krsna-blue” sari and shawl matched with a pink blouse that delights Sri Krsna.
 “Radharani’s upper garment is red like a ruby, and it is the favourite of Lord Hari.  Radha’s lower garment is the color of a blue cloud, and it is Her favourite.” (RKG),  “Sri Krsna said to Sri Radha, ‘All glories to Your wonderful ruby-red silk sari.  O Radha, this sari has doubled the passionate love I bear for You in My heart’”. (UN)

Glorification of Srimati Radharani’s Indescribable Beauty

 Sri Krsna praised Srimati Radharani, ‘My dear Radha, Your curling locks of hair, long restless eyes, firm breasts, slender waist, shyly lowered head, creeper-like arms and jewel-like fingernails are all exquisitely beautiful.  The jubilant festival of Your beauty makes the three worlds tremble in transcendental bliss’”. (UN)
 “The beauty of Srimati Radharani’s eyes forcible devours the beauty of the newly grown blue lotus flower, and the beauty of Radha’s face surpasses that of an entire forest of fully blossomed lotuses.  Radha’s bodily luster seems to place even gold in a painful situation.  Thus the wonderful unprecedented beauty of Srimati Radharani is awakening in Vrndavana”. (Vidagdha-madhava)
 “Entwining this way and that with decorations of fresh forest flowers, and bound and tied up with jewel-threads; Adorned with jasmine garlands of exotic fragrance and hanging down very best of noble gemstones; Your hair style arranged by the hand of Hari, will I ever see it, Oh Radhe?
 “Teeth like rows of pearls and lovely lips like bimba berries; Thin waist, wide hips and a deep navel like a whirlpool of newer youth; This indescribable lover – the very heart of the cleverest maidens – May Radha protect us!
 “Oh moon-faced one! O doe-eyed one! O Goddess! Oh lovely-nosed one! O one with reddish lips! O sweet smiler! O Supreme Laksmi! O creeper-armed one! O lustrous one of conch shell-smooth neck! O one with plantain tree shaped thighs! Oh whose collection of lotus toenails brightly illuminates all directions! When, Oh Radhe, will You be worshipped by me?” (RRS)

 Among Radha’s innumerable transcendental attributes, She has twenty-five principal qualities.  1) Radharani is very sweet and most charming to look at;  2) Radha is adolescent and always freshly youthful;  3) Radhika’s eyes are doe-like and restless;  4) Sri Radha’s face is smiling and every blissful’  5) Auspicious, beautiful lines adorn Sri Radha’s lotus hands and feet;  6) Radharani maddens Krsna with Her fragrant bodily aroma;  7) Srimati Radharani is the most exceptional singer and vina player;  8) Radha’s words are charming and pleasing;  9) Radha is expert at telling jokes that delight Krnsa;  10) Srimati Radhika is exceptionally humble;  11) Radha is the embodiment of mercy and compassion;  12) Sri Radha’s intelligence and wit surpasses all;  13) Radharani is expert at performing all activities of love:  14) Shyness is the shining gem in Radha’s character’  15) Srimati Radharani is the beacon light of modesty and never swerves from the path of honesty;  16) radha is never perturbed by worldly sorrow or misery;  17) Sri radha has unbounded gravity and sublimity;  18) Radhika is ever fascinated to unite Herself with Krsna;  19) Radha possesses Mahabhava, the highest sentiments of love;  20) Radharani is the reservoir of loving affairs in Gokula;  21) Radha’s transcendental glories are shining in all the worlds;  22) Sri Radha is most affectionate to her superiors;  23) Radhika is submissive to the love of Her senior girlfriends;  24) Radharani is the chief among Krsna’s gopi lovers;  25) Radha always keeps Sri Krsna under Her control.  Krsna submissively obeys Radha’s command. (CS)
 “Srimati Radharani always keeps Her hand on the shoulders of Her friends and Radha always talks and thinks of the pastimes of Krsna.  Radharani forever offers Krsna a kind of intoxication by Her sweet talks.  Sri radha supplies all the demands of Sri Krsna, and Radharani possesses unique and uncommon qualities meant for Krsna’s satisfaction.  Srimati Radhika is able to fulfill all the desires of Krsna.  No one else can do so.  Radha is so expert in all affairs that the damsels of Vraja come to learn the arts from her”. (TLC Chap.31)

Prabhupada: So our request is... Everyone who is present here... Today is Rädhäñöamé. So pray to Rädhäräëé. And She is hare, harä. This hare, this word, is Rädhäräëé. Harä, Rädhäräëé. Rädhä or harä  the same thing. So Hare Kåñëa. So we are praying to Rädhäräëé, “My Mother, Rädhäräëé, and Kåñëa.” Hare Kåñëa. “O Kåñëa, O the Lord.” Hare Kåñëa Hare Kåñëa, the same thing, repetition. “O Rädhäräëé, O Kåñëa.” “O Rädhä-Kåñëa.” “Rädhe-Kåñëa” or “Hare Kåñëa,” the same thing. Hare Kåñëa Hare Kåñëa Kåñëa Kåñëa Hare Hare. Again addressing, “O Kåñëa, O Kåñëa, O Rädhäräëé.” Hare Räma. The same thing, again. Hare Räma. Räma is also Kåñëa. Räma is Räma, Räma is Balaräma. They are all Kåñëa. Hare Räma Hare Räma Räma Räma Hare Hare. So this repetition of addressing Rädhä and Kåñëa or Hare Kåñëa is to pray, “My dear Lord, the, and the energy, the spiritual energy of the Lord, kindly engage me in Your service.” That’s all. “I am now embarrassed with this material service. Please engage me in Your service.”
    This is good sense. We are servants here. We are engaged in so many services. But it is not giving us comfort. Na trapä nopaçänti. The service which we are rendering to others, they are not satisfied, I am not satisfied. This is material service. But if you give service to Kåñëa... Svalpam apy asya dharmasya träyate mahato bhayät. A little service can save you from the greatest danger. This is the formula.
    Just like Ajämila. Ajämila, in his boyhood, he was brähmaëa. He was giving service to Viñëu. But in young age he became a victim of a prostitute, and he fell down. But at the end, ante näräyaëa-småtiù, when Yamadüta was coming and were so fearful, he did not know whom to take shelter, but he was attached to his youngest son, whose name was Näräyaëa. So he thought, “This Näräyaëa would give me protection.” So he asked him, “Näräyaëa!” But at the same time he remembered that “That Näräyaëa, oh, hm, I sometimes gave service.” So immediately Näräyaëa saved him. Svalpam apy asya dharmasya träyate mahato bhayät.
    So it is our duty therefore... That is the duty of human life, to become Kåñëa conscious. And that is stated here. Véta-räga-bhaya-krodhä man-mayä mäm upäçritäù, bahavaù. It is not that one or two. Many. Jïäna-tapasä. Jïäna. That is required, knowledge and tapasya. That is human life. If, if we remain just like cats and dogs, eat, sleep and have sex life, beget children and die someday, this is cats’ and dogs’ life. This is not human life. Human life is different. Man-mayä mäm upäçritäù. Jïäna-tapasä pütä. To become purified by knowledge and tapasya. Tapo divyaà yena çuddhyet sattvam. That is the statement of Åñabhadeva. Everywhere. We have to purify our existence, and get out of this repetition of birth and death. That is success of life.
    So we shall pray to Rädhäräëé... What is Rädhäräëé? Rädhäräëé is the pleasure potency of Kåñëa. Pleasure potency. Paräsya çaktir vividhaiva çrüyate. The Supreme Lord has many potencies. Na tasya käryam karaëaà ca vidyate. Therefore He has nothing to do. He has got so many potencies. Just like big man, a rich man. He’s sitting. But his energies, his potencies, are working. Big, big factory. And he knows everything. Similarly, paräsya çaktir vividhaiva çrüyate. He has got many multi-potencies. One of them is this pleasure potency. Pleasure potency...

He also wants pleasure. So when Kåñëa wants... Kåñëa is Paraà Brahman. He cannot enjoy anything material. He has to create the source of enjoyment by His own spiritual potency. That is Rädhäräëé.
    So Rädhäräëé is described in the çästra: rädhä-kåñëa-praëaya-vikåtir hlädiné-çaktir asmäd. That is Kåñëa’s hlädiné-çakti. She gives pleasure to Kåñëa. So She is very kind. And today is Rädhäñöamé. If we pray to Çrématé Rädhäräëé... Therefore in Våndävana you’ll see. They are first of all glorifying, “Jaya Rädhe!” Everywhere you’ll hear. “Jaya Rädhe.”

Guest: Jaya Rädhe.

Prabhupäda: To glorify Çrématé Rädhäräëé. So if Rädhäräëé’s pleased, he’ll be able to approach Kåñëa very easily. And that is the goal of our life. That is the goal of life. Véta-räga-bhaya-krodhä man-mayä mäm upäçritäù. Mäm upäçritäù means you have to take... You cannot take shelter of Kåñëa directly. You have to take shelter of His potency.
Kåñëa is therefore trying to help us. Guru-kåñëa-kåpäya päya bhakti-latä-béja. He is within. He is called caitya-guru. If you are purified... Kåñëa... Buddhi-yogaà dadämi tam. He’ll directly speak you. And so long you cannot, then He sends His representative, the spiritual master, the guru. You can ask through the spiritual master about Kåñëa. Yasya prasädäd bhagavat-prasädaù.
So in this way we have to be absorbed in the thought of Kåñëa. We have to take shelter of Kåñëa. Then... If you take shelter of Kåñëa, this jïäna...

väsudeve bhagavati
bhakti-yogaù prayojitaù
janayaty äçu vairägyaà
jïänaà ca yad ahaitukam

The same thing. Kåñëa will speak. Kåñëa is within you. Simply you have to take shelter of Kåñëa, always thinking of Kåñëa, chant Hare Kåñëa Hare Kåñëa Kåñëa Kåñëa Hare Hare, Hare Räma Hare Räma...
Guests: Hare Räma Räma Räma Hare Hare.
Prabhupäda: Thank you very much. That’s all. (end)(A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. 23rd September 1974. BG 4:10. class. Srimati Radharani's Appearance day lecture excerpt. Calcutta.)

dämodara-rati-vardhana-veçe
hari-niñkuta-våndä-vipineçe

våñabhänudadhi-nava-çaçi-lekhe
lalitä-sakhé guëa-ramita-viçäkhe

karuëäà kuru mayi karuëä-bharite
sanaka-sanätana-varëita-carite
rädhe jaya jaya mädhava-dayite

This song was sung by Rüpa Gosvämé. He is the real person, actual person, to understand Rädhä and Kåñëa. So he says, “All glories to Rädhäräëé.” Rädhe jaya jaya mädhava-dayite. “She’s so dear to Kåñëa.” Kåñëa, everyone is trying to love Kåñëa, but Kåñëa is trying to love somebody. Now how great She is. Just try to understand. Everyone, the whole world, the whole universe, all living entities, they are trying to love Kåñëa. Kåñëa-prema. Lord Caitanya describes, prema-pumärtho mahän. And Rüpa Gosvämé described that “You are distributing kåñëa-prema.” So kåñëa-prema is so valuable, but Kåñëa is after Rädhäräëé. Just see how Rädhäräëé is great. Just try to understand the greatness of Rädhäräëé. Therefore She is so great, and we have to offer our respect. Rädhe jaya jaya madhava-dayite. How She is? Gokula-taruëé-maëòala-mahite. Taruëé, taruëé means young girls. You’ll see the pictures, they are all young girls. But of all the young girls, She is the most beautiful. She is enchanting to the young girls also. She is so beautiful. Gokula-taruëé-maëòala-mahite. Dämodara-rati-vardhana-veçe. And She always dresses Her so nicely that Dämodara, Kåñëa, becomes attracted by Her beauty. Hari-niñkuta-våndä-vipineçe. And She is the only lovable object of Kåñëa, and She is the queen of Våndävana. This queen of Våndävana... You’ll find in Våndävana, if you go to Våndävana, everyone is worshiping Rädhäräëé. Räëé means queen. They are always speaking, “Jaya Rädhe!” Rädhäräëé. All the devotees in Våndävana, they are worshiper of Rädhäräëé. Hari-niñkuta-våndä-vipineçe. Våñabhänudadhi-nava-çaçi-lekhe. And She appeared as the daughter of King Våñabhänu, and Her companion, Lalitä-sakhé and Viçäkha-sakhé, and the devotees... So on behalf of the pure devotees of Kåñëa, Rüpa Gosvämé is praying, karuëäà kuru mayi karuëä-bharite. “Oh, my worshipable Rädhäräëé, You are full of mercy. So I am begging of Your mercy because You are so merciful, very easily You offer, bestow Your mercy. So I am begging Your mercy.” Karuëäà kuru mayi karuëä-bharite, sanaka-sanätana-varëita-carite. Now somebody may say, “Oh, you are so great, learned scholar, you are so great saintly person, and you are begging mercy from an ordinary girl? How is that?” Therefore Rüpa Gosvämé says, “Oh, this is not ordinary girl.” Sanaka-sanätana-varëita-carite. “This girl’s description is possible to be made by great saintly persons like Sanaka-Sanätana. She is not ordinary.”
    So the lesson is that we should not treat Rädhäräëé as ordinary girl, or Kåñëa as ordinary man. They are the Supreme Absolute Truth. But in the Absolute Truth, there is the pleasure potency, and that is exhibited in the dealings of Rädhä and Kåñëa. And Rädhä’s expansion all the gopés, and Kåñëa is the Supreme Lord.
    Thank you very much. Chant Hare Kåñëa. You can chant? Can you chant? Janärdana? All right, you can chant. What is that? No, I have explained that one çloka from this Räma-carita-manasa. Chant Hare Kåñëa. (end) (A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. 30th August 1968. Srimati Radharani's Appearance Day. Montreal.)

"I constantly remember Shrimati Radharani`s foot dust which is a fragrant transcendental powder possessed of unlimited potency, able to immediately subdue the Supreme being, Shri Krishna Who is not so easily seen even by great devotee-leaders like Brahma, Shiva, Shukadeva, Narada and Bhishma."

gaurange mradima smite madhurima netrancale draghima
vakshoje garima tathaiva tanima madhye gatau mandima
shroNyam ca prathima bhruvoh kutilima bimbadhare shoNima
shri radhe hridi te rasena jadima dhyane'stu me gocarah

"O Sri Radhe! May the softness of Your transcendental golden body, the sweetness of Your smile, the wideness of Your eyes, the abundance of your bosom, the slimness of Your waist, the lightness of your gait, the wideness of Your hips, the crookedness of Your eyebrows, the redness of Your cherry-lips and the numbness of Your heart saturated with aesthetic loving sentiments, be present in my meditation."

"Although Krishna is the pleasure giving like cooling moon for all the inhabitants of Vraja, still Srimati Radharani is the resting place for all of His senses which She completely maddens with the two syllables of Her name Radha.”

"May the two strikingly wonderful syllables "Ra-dha”, that immediately attracts the Lord of Gokula (Krishna) when they are pronounced even once, that reveals the insignificance of all human pursuits (other than bhakti sadhana and prema) when there is love for Them, that are included in the mantra-formula repeated with great love by Lord Madhava (Vishnu) and even by Sri Krishna himself, appear in my heart !”

"May the surprisingly fine, bliss giving, spiritually tastfull, endowed with the flavour of absolute transcendental shringara-love, wish fulfilling and charming two syllables of Radha’s name, which represent the highest supreme cognition and are muttered by Sri Hari (Krishna) who like a great yogi sits in a bower’s temple on the bank of the Yamuna, meditating on the effulgence of Shri Radha’s lotusfeet with streaming tears of love, be always revealed in my heart !

"The divine ambrosial transcendental name of Sri Radha, that remains difficult to utter by the demigods, the devotees in general, the liberated souls and Krishna’s friends, is even repeated and described with love by Hari (Krishna). He listens this name of Radha being sung to him by the sakhis and also chants it congegationally with them in ecstasy. This name of Radha that consists of the greatest spiritual love, gusto and bliss, is my very life.”

"If one can simply get into the habit of daily chanting only the holy name of Radha, millions of best spiritual practises (exept the different limbs of bhakti sadhana) will be naturally depreciated and given up. Millions of greatest human goals of life just worship the transcendental nectar of Sri Radha ‘s lotusfeet, and are thus of no interest for those worshipping Them. There are Millions of wishyielding trees in Sri Radha’s playground (Vraja) which is always decorated by Her foot marks, and millions of wonderfull mystic perfections roll at the feet of Sri Radha’s manjaris, but are simply uncared for by them.”

"O Sri Radhe! Madhupati (Krishna) doesn’t take into consideration the innumerabile offenses commited to Saints by anyone who relished even once the sweetness of repeating your delicious holy name, but rather considers, overwhelmed with great ecstatic love, to bestow the highest gift of Your personal service to such a person. Then how can we ever think to understand the greatness of someone whose mind always dwells on Your service.”

"Glory, glory to the holy name of Radha, that permanently dwells everywhere in Vrindavana, and that is the ocean of Krishna’s blissful transcendental pastimes. Due to my bad luck I didn’t hear the glorification of such a Radha.”

"O brother ! (Sister !) By singing Krishna’s name you will reach Radhika’s lotus feet, and by singing Radha’s name you will reach Krishna-chandra. Now that I have told you this in brief, follow this advice and you will be relieved of your mental distress.

After the ekadasi occurs the appearance day of Vamana deva, which is usually a fasting day, being also mahadvadasi. In the case of mahadvadasi fasting on the ekadasi is omitted.

One may perform the puja on the ekadasi night or on dvavasi morning. Lord Vamana appeared at noon.

Sankalpa (ceremonial vow):

     ekadasyam niraharah sthitva caivapare'hani
     bhoksye sri vamanananta saranagata vatsala

One may perform the puja over a kumbha, install a murti or worship Vamana in a salagram, offering sixteen upacaras, a bamboo danda, jala mala, upavita, paduka and umbrella, the articles held by the brahmacari, Vamana deva.

Asana, padyam, arghyam, acamaniyam, madhuparka, bath, cloth, sacred thread, ornaments, gandha, flowers, incense, lamps, naivedyam, betel nut and pranamas may also be offered.

Special arghya (barley, kusa, tulasi, yoghurt, flowers, etc.) prayer is as follows:

     vamanaya namas tubhyam kranta tribhuvanaya ca
     grhanarghyam maya dattvam vamanaya namo'stu te

The next day one may feed the brahmanas, give gifts and break the fast.

Conerning this festival Srila Prabhupada has said:

     Decorate a (little boy), give him a special raised seat, offer him the best prasada. Everyone should offer their respects by touching his feet.

Lord Vämanadeva, the Dwarf Incarnation
Srimad Bhagavatam 8the Canto 18th Chapter Summary

This chapter describes how Lord Vämanadeva appeared and how He went to the sacrificial arena of Mahäräja Bali, who received Him well and fulfilled His desire by offering Him benedictions.

Lord Vämanadeva appeared in this world from the womb of Aditi completely equipped with conchshell, disc, club and lotus. His bodily hue was blackish, and He was dressed in yellow garments. Lord Viñëu appeared at an auspicious moment on Çravaëa-dvädaçé when the Abhijit star had arisen. At that time, in all the three worlds (including the higher planetary system, outer space and this earth), all the demigods, the cows, the brähmaëas and even the seasons were happy because of God’s appearance. Therefore this auspicious day is called Vijayä. When the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who has a sac-cid-änanda body, appeared as the son of Kaçyapa and Aditi, both of His parents were very astonished. After His appearance, the Lord assumed the form of a dwarf (Vämana). All the great sages expressed their jubilation, and with Kaçyapa Muni before them they performed the birthday ceremony of Lord Vämana. At the time of Lord Vämanadeva’s sacred thread ceremony, He was honored by the sun-god, Båhaspati, the goddess presiding over the planet earth, the deity of the heavenly planets, His mother, Lord Brahmä, Kuvera, the seven åñis and others. Lord Vämanadeva then visited the sacrificial arena on the northern side of the Narmadä River, at the field known as Bhågukaccha, where brähmaëas of the Bhågu dynasty were performing yajïas. Wearing a belt made of muïja straw, an upper garment of deerskin and a sacred thread and carrying in His hands a daëòa, an umbrella and a waterpot (kamaëòalu), Lord Vämanadeva appeared in the sacrificial arena of Mahäräja Bali. Because of His transcendentally effulgent presence, all the priests were diminished in their prowess, and thus they all stood from their seats and offered prayers to Lord Vämanadeva. Even Lord Çiva accepts on his head the Ganges water generated from the toe of Lord Vämanadeva. Therefore, after washing the Lord’s feet, Bali Mahäräja immediately accepted the water from the Lord’s feet on his head and felt that he and his predecessors had certainly been glorified. Then Bali Mahäräja inquired of Lord Vämanadeva’s welfare and requested the Lord to ask him for money, jewels or anything He might desire.

---

Lord Vämanadeva Begs Charity from Bali Mahäräja
Srimad Bhagavatam 8th Canto 19th Chapter Summary

This Nineteenth Chapter describes how Lord Vämanadeva asked for three paces of land in charity, how Bali Mahäräja agreed to His proposal, and how Çukräcärya forbade Bali Mahäräja to fulfill Lord Vämanadeva’s request.
When Bali Mahäräja, thinking Vämanadeva to be the son of a brähmaëa, told Him to ask for anything He liked, Lord Vämanadeva praised Hiraëyakaçipu and Hiraëyäkña for their heroic activities, and after thus praising the family in which Bali Mahäräja had been born, He begged the King for three paces of land. Bali Mahäräja agreed to give this land in charity, since this was very insignificant, but Çukräcärya, who could understand that Vämanadeva was Viñëu, the friend of the demigods, forbade Bali Mahäräja to give this land. Çukräcärya advised Bali Mahäräja to withdraw his promise. He explained that in subduing others, in joking, in responding to danger, in acting for the welfare of others, and so on, one could refuse to fulfill one’s promise, and there would be no fault. By this philosophy, Çukräcärya tried to dissuade Bali Mahäräja from giving land to Lord Vämanadeva.

Bali Mahäräja Surrenders the Universe
Srimad Bhagavatam 8th Canto 20th Chapter Summary

The summary of this Twentieth Chapter is as follows. Despite his knowledge that Lord Vämanadeva was cheating him, Bali Mahäräja gave everything to the Lord in charity, and thus the Lord extended His body and assumed a gigantic form as Lord Viñëu.
After hearing the instructive advice of Çukräcärya, Bali Mahäräja became contemplative. Because it is the duty of a householder to maintain the principles of religion, economic development and sense gratification, Bali Mahäräja thought it improper to withdraw his promise to the brahmacäré. To lie or fail to honor a promise given to a brahmacäré is never proper, for lying is the most sinful activity. Everyone should be afraid of the sinful reactions to lying, for mother earth cannot even bear the weight of a sinful liar. The spreading of a kingdom or empire is temporary; if there is no benefit for the general public, such expansion has no value. Previously, all the great kings and emperors expanded their kingdoms with a regard for the welfare of the people in general. Indeed, while engaged in such activities for the benefit of the general public, eminent men sometimes even sacrificed their lives. It is said that one who is glorious in his activities is always living and never dies. Therefore, fame should be the aim of life, and even if one becomes poverty-stricken for the sake of a good reputation, that is not a loss. Bali Mahäräja thought that even if this brahmacäré, Vämanadeva, were Lord Viñëu, if the Lord accepted his charity and then again arrested him, Bali Mahäräja would not envy Him. Considering all these points, Bali Mahäräja finally gave in charity everything he possessed.
Lord Vämanadeva then immediately extended Himself into a universal body. By the mercy of Lord Vämanadeva, Bali Mahäräja could see that the Lord is all-pervading and that everything rests in His body. Bali Mahäräja could see Lord Vämanadeva as the supreme Viñëu, wearing a helmet, yellow garments, the mark of Çrévatsa, the Kaustubha jewel, a flower garland, and ornaments decorating His entire body. The Lord gradually covered the entire surface of the world, and by extending His body He covered the entire sky. With His hands He covered all directions, and with His second footstep He covered the entire upper planetary system. Therefore there was no vacant place where He could take His third footstep.

Bali Mahäräja Arrested by the Lord
Srimad Bhagavatam 8th Canto 21st Chapter Summary

This chapter describes how Lord Viñëu, desiring to advertise the glories of Bali Mahäräja, arrested him for not fulfilling his promise in regard to the Lord’s third step.
With the second step the Supreme Personality of Godhead reached the topmost planet of the universe, Brahmaloka, which He diminished in beauty by the effulgence of His toenails. Thus Lord Brahmä, accompanied by great sages like Maréci and the predominating deities of all the higher planets, offered humble prayers and worship to the Lord. They washed the Lord’s feet and worshiped Him with all paraphernalia. Åkñaräja, Jämbavän, played his bugle to vibrate the glories of the Lord. When Bali Mahäräja was deprived of all his possessions, the demons were very angry. Although Bali Mahäräja warned them not to do so, they took up weapons against Lord Viñëu. All of them were defeated, however, by Lord Viñëu’s eternal associates, and, in accordance with Bali Mahäräja’s order, they all entered the lower planets of the universe. Understanding Lord Viñëu’s purpose, Garuòa, the carrier of Lord Viñëu, immediately arrested Bali Mahäräja with the ropes of Varuëa. When Bali Mahäräja was thus reduced to a helpless position, Lord Viñëu asked him for the third step of land. Because Lord Viñëu appreciated Bali Mahäräja’s determination and integrity, when Bali Mahäräja was unable to fulfill his promise, Lord Viñëu ascertained that the place for him would be the planet Sutala, which is better than the planets of heaven.

The summary of this Twenty-second Chapter is as follows. The Supreme Personality of Godhead was pleased by the behavior of Bali Mahäräja. Thus the Lord placed him on the planet Sutala, and there, after bestowing benedictions upon him, the Lord agreed to become his doorman.
Bali Mahäräja was extremely truthful. Being unable to keep his promise, he was very much afraid, for he knew that one who has deviated from truthfulness is insignificant in the eyes of society. An exalted person can suffer the consequences of hellish life, but he is very much afraid of being defamed for deviation from the truth. Bali Mahäräja agreed with great pleasure to accept the punishment awarded him by the Supreme Personality of Godhead. In Bali Mahäräja’s dynasty there were many asuras who because of their enmity toward Viñëu had achieved a destination more exalted than that of many mystic yogés. Bali Mahäräja specifically remembered the determination of Prahläda Mahäräja in devotional service. Considering all these points, he decided to give his head in charity as the place for Viñëu’s third step. Bali Mahäräja also considered how great personalities give up their family relationships and material possessions to satisfy the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Indeed, they sometimes even sacrifice their lives for the satisfaction of the Lord, just to become His personal servants. Accordingly, by following in the footsteps of previous äcäryas and devotees, Bali Mahäräja perceived himself successful.
While Bali Mahäräja, having been arrested by the ropes of Varuëa, was offering prayers to the Lord, his grandfather Prahläda Mahäräja appeared there and described how the Supreme Personality of Godhead had delivered Bali Mahäräja by taking his possessions in a tricky way. While Prahläda Mahäräja was present, Lord Brahmä and Bali’s wife, Vindhyävali, described the supremacy of the Supreme Lord. Since Bali Mahäräja had given everything to the Lord, they prayed for his release. The Lord then described how a nondevotee’s possession of wealth is a danger whereas a devotee’s opulence is a benediction from the Lord. Then, being pleased with Bali Mahäräja, the Supreme Lord offered His disc to protect Bali Mahäräja and promised to remain with him.

This chapter describes how Bali Mahäräja, along with his grandfather Prahläda Mahäräja, entered the planet Sutala and how the Supreme Personality of Godhead allowed Indra to reenter the heavenly planet.
The great soul Bali Mahäräja experienced that the highest gain in life is to attain devotional service under the shelter of the Lord’s lotus feet in full surrender. Being fixed in this conclusion, his heart full of ecstatic devotion and his eyes full of tears, he offered obeisances to the Personality of Godhead and then, with his associates, entered the planet known as Sutala. Thus the Supreme Personality of Godhead satisfied the desire of Aditi and reinstalled Lord Indra. Prahläda Mahäräja, being aware of Bali’s release from arrest, then described the transcendental pastimes of the Supreme Personality of Godhead in this material world. Prahläda Mahäräja praised the Supreme Lord for creating the material world, for being equal to everyone and for being extremely liberal to the devotees, just like a desire tree. Indeed, Prahläda Mahäräja said that the Lord is kind not only to His devotees but also to the demons. In this way he described the unlimited causeless mercy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Then, with folded hands, he offered his respectful obeisances unto the Lord, and after circumambulating the Lord he also entered the planet Sutala in accordance with the Lord’s order. The Lord then ordered Çukräcärya to describe Bali Mahäräja’s faults and discrepancies in executing the sacrificial ceremony. Çukräcärya became free from fruitive actions by chanting the holy name of the Lord, and he explained how chanting can diminish all the faults of the conditioned soul. He then completed Bali Mahäräja’s sacrificial ceremony. All the great saintly persons accepted Lord Vämanadeva as the benefactor of Lord Indra because He had returned Indra to his heavenly planet. They accepted the Supreme personality of Godhead as the maintainer of all the affairs of the universe. Being very happy, Indra, along with his associates, placed Vämanadeva before him and reentered the heavenly planet in their airplane. Having seen the wonderful activities of Lord Viñëu in the sacrificial arena of Bali Mahäräja, all the demigods, saintly persons, Pitäs, Bhütas and Siddhas glorified the Lord again and again. The chapter concludes by saying that the most auspicious function of the conditioned soul is to chant and hear about the glorious activities of Lord Viñëu.

SB 8.23.1
çré-çuka uväca
ity uktavantaà puruñaà purätanaà
mahänubhävo ’khila-sädhu-sammataù
baddhäïjalir bäñpa-kaläkulekñaëo
bhakty-utkalo gadgadayä giräbravét

TRANSLATION
Çukadeva Gosvämé said: When the supreme, ancient, eternal Personality of Godhead had thus spoken to Bali Mahäräja, who is universally accepted as a pure devotee of the Lord and therefore a great soul, Bali Mahäräja, his eyes filled with tears, his hands folded and his voice faltering in devotional ecstasy, responded as follows.

SB 8.23.2
çré-balir uväca
aho praëämäya kåtaù samudyamaù
prapanna-bhaktärtha-vidhau samähitaù
yal loka-pälais tvad-anugraho ’marair
alabdha-pürvo ’pasade ’sure ’rpitaù

TRANSLATION
Bali Mahäräja said: What a wonderful effect there is in even attempting to offer respectful obeisances to You! I merely endeavored to offer You obeisances, but nonetheless the attempt was as successful as those of pure devotees. The causeless mercy You have shown to me, a fallen demon, was never achieved even by the demigods or the leaders of the various planets.
PURPORT
When Vämanadeva appeared before Bali Mahäräja, Bali Mahäräja immediately wanted to offer Him respectful obeisances, but he was unable to do so because of the presence of Çukräcärya and other demoniac associates. The Lord is so merciful, however, that although Bali Mahäräja did not actually offer obeisances but only endeavored to do so within his mind, the Supreme Personality of Godhead blessed him with more mercy than even the demigods could ever expect. As confirmed in Bhagavad-gétä (2.40), svalpam apy asya dharmasya träyate mahato bhayät: “Even a little advancement on this path can protect one from the most dangerous type of fear.” The Supreme Personality of Godhead is known as bhäva-grähé janärdana because He takes only the essence of a devotee’s attitude. If a devotee sincerely surrenders, the Lord, as the Supersoul in everyone’s heart, immediately understands this. Thus even though, externally, a devotee may not render full service, if he is internally sincere and serious the Lord welcomes his service nonetheless. Thus the Lord is known as bhäva-grähé janärdana because He takes the essence of one’s devotional mentality.

SB 8.23.15
çré-çukra uväca
kutas tat-karma-vaiñamyaà
yasya karmeçvaro bhavän
yajïeço yajïa-puruñaù
sarva-bhävena püjitaù

TRANSLATION
Çukräcärya said: My Lord, You are the enjoyer and lawgiver in all performances of sacrifice, and You are the yajïa-puruña, the person to whom all sacrifices are offered. If one has fully satisfied You, where is the chance of discrepancies or faults in his performances of sacrifice?
PURPORT
In Bhagavad-gétä (5.29) the Lord says, bhoktäraà yajïa-tapasäà sarva-loka-maheçvaram: the Lord, the supreme proprietor, is the actual person to he satisfied by the performance of yajïas. The Viñëu puräëa (3.8.9) says:

varëäçramäcäravatä
puruñeëa paraù pumän
viñëur ärädhyate panthä
nanyat tat-toña-käraëam

All the Vedic ritualistic sacrifices are performed for the purpose of satisfying Lord Viñëu, the yajïa-puruña. The divisions of society—brähmaëa, kñatriya, vaiçya, çüdra, brahmacarya, gåhastha, vänaprastha and sannyäsa—are all meant to satisfy the Supreme Lord, Viñëu. To act according to this principle of the varëäçrama institution is called varëäçramäcaraëa. In Çrémad-Bhägavatam (1.2.13), Süta Gosvämé says:

ataù pumbhir dvija-çreñöhä
varëäçrama-vibhägaçaù
svanuñöhitasya dharmasya
saàsiddhir hari-toñaëam

“O best among the twice-born, it is therefore concluded that the highest perfection one can achieve by discharging his prescribed duties according to caste divisions and orders of life is to please the Personality of Godhead.” Everything is meant to satisfy the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Therefore, since Bali Mahäräja had satisfied the Lord, he had no faults, and Çukräcärya admitted that cursing him was not good.

SB 8.23.16
mantratas tantrataç chidraà
deça-kälärha-vastutaù
sarvaà karoti niçchidram
anusaìkértanaà tava

TRANSLATION
There may be discrepancies in pronouncing the mantras and observing the regulative principles, and, moreover, there may be discrepancies in regard to time, place, person and paraphernalia. But when Your Lordship’s holy name is chanted, everything becomes faultless.
PURPORT
Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu has recommended:

harer näma harer näma
harer nämaiva kevalam
kalau nästy eva nästy eva
nästy eva gatir anyathä

“In this age of quarrel and hypocrisy the only means of deliverance is chanting the holy name of the Lord. There is no other way. There is no other way. There is no other way.” (Båhan-näradéya Puräëa 38.126) In this age of Kali, it is extremely difficult to perform Vedic ritualistic ceremonies or sacrifices perfectly. Hardly anyone can chant the Vedic mantras with perfect pronunciation or accumulate the paraphernalia for Vedic performances. Therefore the sacrifice recommended in this age is saìkértana, constant chanting of the holy name of the Lord. Yajïaiù saìkértana-präyair yajanti hi sumedhasaù (Bhäg. 11.5.29). Instead of wasting time performing Vedic sacrifices, those who are intelligent, those who possess good brain substance, should take to the chanting of the Lord’s holy name and thus perform sacrifice perfectly. I have seen that many religious leaders are addicted to performing yajïas and spending hundreds and thousands of rupees for imperfect sacrificial performances. This is a lesson for those who unnecessarily execute such imperfect sacrifices. We should take the advice of Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu (yajïaiù saìkértana-präyair yajanti hi sumedhasaù). Although Çukräcärya was a strict brähmaëa addicted to ritualistic activities, he also admitted, niçchidram anusaìkértanaà tava: “My Lord, constant chanting of the holy name of Your Lordship makes everything perfect.” In Kali-yuga the Vedic ritualistic ceremonies cannot be performed as perfectly as before. Therefore Çréla Jéva Gosvämé has recommended that although one should take care to follow all the principles in every kind of spiritual activity, especially in worship of the Deity, there is still a chance of discrepancies, and one should compensate for this by chanting the holy name of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. In our Kåñëa consciousness movement we therefore give special stress to the chanting of the Hare Kåñëa mantra in all activities.

SB 8.23.27.
brahmä çarvaù kumäraç ca
bhågv-ädyä munayo nåpa
pitaraù sarva-bhütäni
siddhä vaimänikäç ca ye
sumahat karma tad viñëor
gäyantaù param adbhutam
dhiñëyäni sväni te jagmur
aditià ca çaçaàsire
 

TRANSLATION
Lord Brahmä, Lord Çiva, Lord Kärttikeya, the great sage Bhågu, other saintly persons, the inhabitants of Pitåloka and all other living entities present, including the inhabitants of Siddhaloka and living entities who travel in outer space by airplane, all glorified the uncommon activities of Lord Vämanadeva. O King, while chanting about and glorifying the Lord, they returned to their respective heavenly planets. They also praised the position of Aditi.

SB 8.23.28
sarvam etan mayäkhyätaà
bhavataù kula-nandana
urukramasya caritaà
çrotèëäm agha-mocanam

TRANSLATION
O Mahäräja Parékñit, pleasure of your dynasty, I have now described to you everything about the wonderful activities of the Supreme Personality of Godhead Vämanadeva. Those who hear about this are certainly freed from all the results of sinful activities.

SB 8.23.29
päraà mahimna uruvikramato gåëäno
yaù pärthiväni vimame sa rajäàsi martyaù
kià jäyamäna uta jäta upaiti martya
ity äha mantra-dåg åñiù puruñasya yasya

TRANSLATION
One who is subject to death cannot measure the glories of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Trivikrama, Lord Viñëu, any more than he can count the number of atoms on the entire planet earth. No one, whether born already or destined to take birth, is able to do this. This has been sung by the great sage Vasiñöha.
PURPORT
Vasiñöha Muni has given a mantra about Lord Viñëu: na te viñëor jäyamäno na jäto mahimnaù päram anantam äpa. No one can estimate the extent of the uncommonly glorious activities of Lord Viñëu. Unfortunately, there are so-called scientists who are subject to death at every moment but are trying to understand by speculation the wonderful creation of the cosmos. This is a foolish attempt. Long, long ago, Vasiñöha Muni said that no one in the past could measure the glories of the Lord and that no one can do so in the future. One must simply be satisfied with seeing the glorious activities of the Supreme Lord’s creation. The Lord therefore says in Bhagavad-gétä (10.42), viñöabhyäham idaà kåtsnam ekäàçena sthito jagat: “With a single fragment of Myself, I pervade and support this entire universe.” The material world consists of innumerable universes, each one full of innumerable planets, which are all considered to be products of the Supreme Personality of Godhead’s material energy. Yet this is only one fourth of God’s creation. The other three fourths of creation constitute the spiritual world. Among the innumerable planets in only one universe, the so-called scientists cannot understand even the moon and Mars, but they try to defy the creation of the Supreme Lord and His uncommon energy. Such men have been described as crazy. Nünaà pramattaù kurute vikarma (Bhäg. 5.5.4). Such crazy men unnecessarily waste time, energy and money in attempting to defy the glorious activities of Urukrama, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
.
SB 8.23.30
TRANSLATION
If one hears about the uncommon activities of the Supreme Personality of Godhead in His various incarnations, he is certainly elevated to the higher planetary system or even brought back home, back to Godhead.
.
SB 8.23.31
TRANSLATION
Whenever the activities of Vämanadeva are described in the course of a ritualistic ceremony, whether the ceremony be performed to please the demigods, to please one’s forefathers in Pitåloka, or to celebrate a social event like a marriage, that ceremony should be understood to be extremely auspicious.
PURPORT
There are three kinds of ceremonies—specifically, ceremonies to please the Supreme Personality of Godhead or the demigods, those performed for social celebrations like marriages and birthdays, and those meant to please the forefathers, like the çräddha ceremony. In all these ceremonies, large amounts of money are spent for various activities, but here it is suggested that if along with this there is recitation of the wonderful activities of Vämanadeva, certainly the ceremony will be carried out successfully and will be free of all discrepancies.

Thus end the Bhaktivedanta purports of the Eighth Canto, Twenty-third Chapter, of the Çrémad-Bhägavatam, entitled “The Demigods Regain the Heavenly planets.”

"Glory to the Sri Krishna Samkirtan which cleanses the heart of all the dust accumulated for years together. Thus the fire of conditional life, of repeated birth and death, is extinguished. The Samkirtan Movement is the prime benediction for humanity at large because it spreads the rays of the benediction Moon. It is the life of all transcendental knowledge, it increases the ocean of transcendental bliss, and it helps us to have a taste of the full nectar for which we are always anxious."

(Every Town & Village, album cover)

On-line Virtual Arati to Sri Sri Gaura Nitai - check it out
http://www.in2-mec.com/GNpuja.html

http://www.hknet.org.nz/harernam-page.htm
http://Harinam/rulestheweb.com

What's So Special About Chanting Hare Krishna?
By Stephen Knapp (Sri Nandanandan dasa ACBSP):
http://www.stephen-knapp.com/chanting_hare_krishna.htm

Hare Krishna is NOT "a Cult":
Is ISKCON a Cult or part of the "Hindu Culture" or Something Else?
http://www.hknet.org.nz/not-a-cult.html

Hare Krishna is NOT a Cult letter by Kunti dd editor of Hare Krishna World:
http://www.hknet.org.nz/HK-no-cult.html

40+ Years of Krishna Consciousness through Iskcon.........
http://hinduism.about.com/library/weekly/aa081201a.htm

Very nice articles and numerous links on the About Hinduism web-site.

What is ISKCON ???
http://www.iskcon.org/main/twohk/iskcon/what.htm

Is Iskcon a Cult?
http://www.hknet.org.nz/not-a-cult.html

Iskcon and Hinduism
http://www.hknet.org.nz/IskconHinduism.html

New to Krishna Consciousness - these topics 4 you
http://harekrishnaworldnews.blogspot.com/2005/08/new-to-krishna-consciousness.html

For those who are new to the Krishna Conscious philosophy,
here are a series of FLASH presentations introducing the philosophy to beginners.

What is Krishna Consciousness? (172k)
How can we become Krishna Conscious? (144k)
What is the Soul? (412k)
What is Yoga? (396k)
What is the Maha mantra? (216k)
What is Sanskrit? (64k)
What is the syllable Om? (312k)
Who is the girl with Krishna? (200k)
What are the Incarnations of the Lord (1.2mb)

http://www.iskcon.com.au/New_to_Krishna.html

Are You Tired Of Suffering?

Unlimited Bliss Is Your
Constitutional Birthright.

Now You Can Regain It With
The Ultimate
Self-Realization Course

Enroll Today
For Your Free E-Course!

http://www.backtohome.com/

SONGS AND MANTRAS by Vaishnava spiritual masters:
http://web.tiscali.it/no-redirect-tiscali/gopala/Vaishnava-Songs/index.html

Vaishnava Song Book:
http://www.iskcon.org/sastra/f_vs.html
http://www.iskcon.org/sastra/vs_other.html

Vedic Art Publications
http://www.vedicarts.net/catalogmain.html

Vrindavan Art
http://www.vrindavanart.com/index.php?gallery=gal14

Mayapur Darshans

http://www.mayapur.com
http://www.photo.net/photos/Vrindavan Lila
http://www.maphoto.tk
http://www.mayapur-katha.tk
http://www.dipika.org/mainpages/contributors/vrindavan.lila.dd.htm
http://www.geocities.com/mayapurkatha1
http://www.mayapurmail.com
http://mayapur.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=5025
http://mayapur.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=11

Radhastami photo-gallery:
http://www.photo.net/photodb/folder?folder_id=528023

Nrisimha Deva's photo-gallery:
http://www.photo.net/photodb/folder?folder_id=500789

Also we are sending out mailing lists with regular postings of video clips,
photos and PDF jornals.

to SUBSCRIBE to our FREE MAILING LISTs:

- MAYAPUR KATHA for web-magazines (PDF) send request to
  "Mayapur Katha Magazine" <Mayapur.Katha.Magazine@pamho.net>

- MAYAPUR DARSAN, video clips of Mayapur, send reqest to
  "Mayapur Darshan" <Mayapur.Darshan@pamho.net>

- Second SUNDAY MAILING LIST - photos of Mayapur, send request to
  Padmalochan.ACBSP@pamho.net / vrindavanlila@photo.net

Iskcon Mayapur are looking at starting a new WWW web-site, and are looking for a sponsor
if you are interested is assisting this great project please contact
Padmalochan.ACBSP@pamho.net or his wife vrindavanlila@photo.net

New Calcutta (Kolkata) Guesthouse Near Airport

http://www.prabhupada.org/rama/?p=1560

Dear devotees, please accept our humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada.

PLEASE POST THIS ON YOUR TEMPLE’S NOTICE BOARD

Hare Krishna. We are pleased to inform you that there is now a comfortable, affordable and secure accommodation for devotees to stay overnight just 1 one minute drive away from the Calutta airport located on VIP Road. Now you can avoid the high prices and bad quality of hotels in the vicinity of Calcutta airport as well as the long expensive drive to downtown Calcutta.

ACCOMMODATION FEATURES:

1. Guest-house run by ISKCON devotees
2. Secure gated complex with 24 hr security
3. 24hr filtered water supply from private well
4. 24hr standby generator
5. Hot & cold water supply
6. Walking distance to Haldiram vegetarian restaurant
7. Own kitchen available for devotee cooking
8. Comfortable beds
9. Clean bathrooms and showers
10. Vehicle to and from Mayapur Dham can be arranged (car or bus etc)
11. Per night per person Rs 500/- (Compare to hotels Rs 1200-1500/- or more)

CONTACT & RESERVATION DETAILS:

1. In Mayapur Dham
Reservation available thru Mayapur Travel Seva
Bhadra Balaram Das email: bhadra.balaram.jps@pamho.net
phone: (3472)-245-468

2. Bhakta Amit email: iskcon_amit@yahoo.co.in
phone: 9932823574 (cell)

3. Bhakta Shivaji phone: 9231549376 (cell)

4. Caitanya Dasi & Paradhyeya Das
email: paradhyeya.acbsp@pamho.net
(in USA) phone: 916-568-1401

Note: Bhakta Shivaji will meet scheduled devotees arriving at Calcutta
airport and escort them to the guest-house.

Your servants,
Paradhyeya Dasa
Caitanya Dasi

Listen to or download Prabhupad lectures and bhajans
http://chantandbehappy.com/prabhupada/index.html

Devotional Bhajans and kirtans
http://chantandbehappy.com/bhajans/index.html

Hundreds of devotional songs by various artists - singers - performers - and many more coming soon:
http://www.radiokrishna.com/modules.php?name=NukeView&file=index&query=http://www.radiokrishna.com/rkc_archive_new/index2.php

Download songs
http://www.harekrsna.cz/mp3/folk/

Krishna Vision of Krishna Prema dasa ACBSP Sound Track Vol. 4 samples:
http://www.krisnavision.narod.ru/

Sydney temple Audio page
http://www.iskcon.com.au/Audio.html

Leicester Temple UK Audio page - many bhajans and kirtans
http://www.gauranga.org/audio_page.htm

Listen to Krishna Radio on various subjects on-line:
http://www.krishna.com/newsite/main.php?id=260

Hare Krishna Media Library
http://www.harekrishna.org.au/

Iskcon Podcast live classes
http://www.podcast.net/tag/iskcon

Agama Tantra and the Vaishnava Samskaras as a way of life:

Recently I was asked, "Don't you find it an inconvenience to always be checking to see when is the right time to do this or the best time for that?"

In simple terms my answer was and still is; if you go to the bus or railway station or airport it is probably an intelligent venture to enquire about the times and routes of vehicles than to just hope that one will be along soon, or one is going in your direction.

There are subtle influences in the Universe that, for thousands of years gone by, advanced cultures have honoured, respected and utilised. Before the corruption of the Vedik literatures by the Christian and Moslem invaders to India all these things were used; Ayurvedik Medicine; Vedik Astrology; etc. Today there's a rennaisance among many to revive these arts.

We have been trained and studied to be able to provide these services. See some of my sites:

http://www.hknet.org.nz/jtcd-samskaras.html
http://www.iskcon.net/nz-namahatta/jtcd/1-homepage.html

or contact me directly: mailto:jtcd@xtra.co.nz

aham kratur aham yajnah
svadhaham aham ausadham
mantro 'ham aham evajyam
aham agnir aham hutam

"But it is I who am the ritual, I the sacrifice, the offering to the ancestors, the healing herb,
the transcendental chant. I am the butter and the fire and the offering."(Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita 9.16)

Krishna conscious affirmations:

 Always remember Krishna and never forget Him

Join and receive Krishna conscious affirmations:
mailto:Sravana.SPGTSI@pamho.net

By popular demand - Looking for a devotee husband or wife?
&
Marriage Synastry

Devotee Meeting-Place Web site - FREE Service:
http://www.angelfire.com/ab7/devoteesmeet/home.html

or HERE

BHAKTI YOGA SINGLES:
This list is for Bhakti Yoga singles. Those who practice Bhakti Yoga are known as Vaisnavas.
This list is therefore called Vaisnava Singles.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vaisnavasingles

Post a Message: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vaisnavasingles/post

Vegetarian Singles:
This list is for vegetarian singles. I know it can be difficult to get to know someone. There may not be anyone who can help us to get to know that special someone. We've got the computer now. So signup and start letting people know you're lonely.
Don't keep it a secret any longer.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vegetariansingles

Post a Message:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vegetariansingles/post

Post your singles ads here.
http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/devoteesingles

.....think you've found someone special......
Marriage Compatibility Checking - Synastry

For marriage compatibility analysis bookings
http://www.hknet.org.nz/3-synastry.html

For more information about the system of analysis - the Vedik Kuta system
http://www.hknet.org.nz/synastry9page.htm

For more information about Vedik Marriage Compatibility
http://www.hknet.org.nz/MarriageSynastry4U.html

......and the process of Vaishnava Vivaha - sacred marriage

Kayastha Matrimonial
http://www.Kayasthatokayastha.org

We Have the largest Collection of well educated Kayastha
brides and grooms from all over India and other
countries including US, UK, Canada, Australia etc. The
data base includes bio-data of Kayasthaboys and girls
from various fields of life i.e. Medicos, Engineers,
IT Professionals, Software Engineers, Professors,
Teachers, Entrepreneurs, Industrialist, Businessmen,
Self Employed, Employees in private

contact Rani Srivastav
kayastha_marriage1@yahoo.com

Bringing Into The World "Rays of Vishnu"

RTU KALABHIGAMI YAH SVA DARA NIRATAS CA YAH
SA SADA BRAHMA CARIHA VIJNEYA SAN GRHASRAMI
RTUH SODASA YAMINYAS CATASRAS TASU GARHITAH
PUTRAS TASU API YUGMAS TU AYUGMAH KANYAKAH SMRTAH

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 11/156,157 from SKANDA PURANA and PADMA PURANA)

 "Any grhastha (householder) who copulates with his own wife only when it is time for conception is called brahmacari or celibate. There are sixteen nights for conception of the woman from the day of the discharge of menstruation. Among them, the first four nights are rejected and very much criticized (by scripture). Of whatever days are left, on the even numbered days, one produces a son and on the odd numbered days, one produces daughter.

Read more HERE

If you want our assistance in this regard we can oblige.
Our service is discrete, professional and 108% confidential.

Please send an e-mail by clicking on the snake-charmer to request our
Information Package and how to donate for the consultation

Gurukuli.com
A positive, safe environment to meet and chat
http://youth.rupa.com

BRITish CREW - Gurukuli forum
http://britcrew.com

Young F.O.L.K.
Young Friends Of Lord Krishna
 http://www.hknet.org.nz/YoungFOLK.htm

ete cäàça-kaläù puàsaù
kåñëas tu bhagavän svayam
indräri-vyäkulaà lokaà
måòayanti yuge yuge

“All the lists of the incarnations of Godhead submitted herewith are either plenary expansions or parts of the plenary expansions of the Supreme Godhead, but Kåñëa is the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself.” (Srimad Bhagavatam 1.3.28)

rämädi-mürtiñu kalä-niyamena tiñöhan
nänävatäram akarod bhuvaneñu kintu
kåñëaù svayaà samabhavat paramaù pumän yo
govindam ädi-puruñaà tam ahaà bhajämi

“I worship the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Govinda [Kåñëa], who is always situated in various incarnations such as Räma, Nåsiàha and many subincarnations as well, but who is the original Personality of Godhead known as Kåñëa, and who incarnates personally also.” (Brahma samhita 5:39.)

Hindu Gods, Goddesses & Devas Wallpaper - 22 different ones, and screensavers too.
http://coolbuddy.com/wallpapers/Religious/hindu_god_home.htm

The Devotee List - Iskcon and Gaudiya math(s):
(It's still being developed, and a lot of devotees are not here......)
http://devotee.s5.com/index.html

Mail box full - over quota - newsletters bouncing.......

Still waiting for an internet company to come forward
and give you a massive mailbox for FREE like it's been rumoured for months.

HELP IS HERE AT LAST.

Tired of that wimpy 2mb mailboxs?  rejecting important emails cause
its always overflowing but still too cheap to spring for a "real" ISP..
No computer but need an email address? Need a stealth email address? Got
a friend who fits that description?... Well here are some other free
options for you. Note that a couple of these offer HUGE 100-200mb mail boxes...

http://www.hotmail.com   ..................2 mb
http://www.yahoo.com ....................4 mb
http://www.freeserve.com ..............5 mb
http://www.myownemail.com ........5 mb
http://www.lycos.com ......................5 mb
 http://www.softhome.net ................6 mb
http://www.bigmailbox.com ...........7 mb
http://mail.uk2.net ...........................10 mb
http://www.mail15.com .................15 mb
http://macnews.de .........................20 mb
http://xms.ms ..................................20 mb
http://balls.com ............................100 mb
http://ukonline.net .......................200 mb

Get a FREE Gmail account today
HERE  or HERE
Gmail give you 2000+ Mb of free space

Vedik World Heritage pages

Read enlivening articles
See pictures of exhumed relics
Understand conspirital deceptions...
Join the renaissance to rebuild the Golden Age in the Kali-yuga
Find out about Vedik heritage items all around the world.....

Send in your articles and news:
http://www.hknet.org.nz/VWH.html

See more similar pages and links http://www.hknet.org.nz/VWH.html and http://www.hknet.org.nz/index-Vedik.htm

Vedik Culture list
 mailto:vediculture-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

A selection of interesting Krishna conscious articles from New Panihati - Atlanta temple USA:
http://newpanihati.tripod.com/NewsGroup/KCNectar/KCNectarMain.htm

Paradigms - where things are not all they seem

Krishna conscious Dramas and plays:
A collection of 88 transcendental dramas assembled and presented for the pleasure of
His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
http://www.cedarpost.com/krsnaconsciousplays/default.htm

Wonderful modern Krishna conscious plays:
http://www.cedarpost.com/krsnaconsciousplays/TableOfContents.htm

These are great for Sunday feasts, or school programs or street presentations, or just for our own understanding.

Read here what Prabhupad says about such plays and dramas:
http://www.cedarpost.com/krsnaconsciousplays/PlaysP2SPquotes.htm

Click on this link to see how really short life is.

http://www.sastradana.com/video/lifeisshort.wmv

thanx again Shyam'

Hare Krsna!

In the download section of my website  http://tinyurl.com/9er95 you will find a copy of Ganguly's complete English translation of the Mahabharata (originally in 13 hardback volumes) in HTML format. It is in a 7.5 MB zipped file.

The Mahabharata explains by example how Lord Krsna's Vedic culture and Varnashrama Dharma are meant to work. Where the Manu Smriti is a concise book of laws for Mankind the Mahabharata shows how those laws are applied. The Mahabharata along with the Ramayana have been the main foundation for the continuation of Vedic culture because they are easily accessible to the masses. The Mahabharata was actually written for the unfortunate people of the Kali Yuga to help uplift them. A close study of the Mahabharata and Ramayana in conjunction with the Manu Samhita would serve as a good guide on how to implement Varnashrama Dharma. And, in conjunction with the Srimad Bhagavatam, insight into Daivi Varnashrama Dharma. The Mahabharata is thus an essential text for anyone interested in implementing VAD.

The Mahabharata is a vast treasure house of Brahminical knowledge and as the Mahabharat itself says: "What is found in the Mahabharata may be found in other texts; whatever is not found in the Mahabharata is not found anywhere."

You will also find a PDF copy  of a canto of Agnivesa's Caraka Samhita (an Ayurvedic text) entitled Sarirasthana, a fascinating account of how the body is formed starting with philosophical details, conception, karmic details, embryology etc. I once gave this text to an obstetrician to read while she was waiting to see me and she was astounded at how much knowledge was contained in such an ancient text. Size 14 MB

Yours faithfully,

Shyamasundara Dasa

http://www.ShyamasundaraDasa.com
"krsnas tu bhagavan svayam"

Rig Veda complete - From the Translation of the Rigveda by Griffith 1896
http://www.beliefnet.com/frameset_offsite.asp?pageLoc=http://hinduwebsite.com/sacredscripts/rigintro.htm

The Formidable Audio page - Bhajans, Kirtans, Lectures many Iskcon devotees:
http://www.iskcon.com.au/Audio.html

and

Bhajans and Kirtans
http://chantandbehappy.com/bhajans/index.html

and

Download latest Real Player for Free:
http://software-dl.real.com/22e4968a89f121132020/windows/mrkt/AUN03D/RealOnePlayerV2GOLD.exe

Listen to audio and view videos on-line here:
http://www.prabhupada.org/prabhupadadesh/a_deposito_oggetti/Archivio_Audio-Video/index.php?q=t&t=EN
http://www.prabhupada.org/prabhupadadesh/a_deposito_oggetti/Archivio_Audio-Video/index.php?q=f&f=%2FAudio
There's literally hundreds of bhajans, kirtans and videos segments to check out.............try all the folders too.......

Devotional bhajanas, kirtans and mantras:
http://www.sudarshana.org/

Nectar for kids and adults alike:
http://www.rasa-music.com/Bodies/body-shop.html

...........more Audio sites linked HERE

Topical Articles:
Abortion - http://www.hknet.org.nz/index-abortion.htm
Genetic Engineering ( GE or GM ) - http://www.hknet.org.nz/GE.html
Environment - http://www.hknet.org.nz/Environment.htm
Encroachment - http://www.hknet.org.nz/WE-Day2004.html
Cloning - http://www.hknet.org.nz/cloning.htm
Science - http://www.hknet.org.nz/science2KC.html
Cow Protection - http://www.hknet.org.nz/Cow-protection.htm
The Four Regulative Principles of Freedom - http://www.hknet.org.nz/Regs-4page.htm
seX-files - http://www.hknet.org.nz/seX-files.htm
Mundane Knowledge - http://www.hknet.org.nz/mundaneknowledge.html
Death (Yamaduttas - Terminal Restlessness etc)- http://www.hknet.org.nz/death.html
Near Death Experience - http://www.hknet.org.nz/NDE.htm
Ghosts - http://www.hknet.org.nz/ghosts.htm
Reincarnation again here - http://www.hknet.org.nz/Reincarnation-page.htm
Gain some insights in the TV culture  - http://www.hknet.org.nz/television.html
The aweful Truth about softdrinks - http://www.hknet.org.nz/theREALthing.html
Changing the face of the Earth - http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/1390/index.html
UFOs - http://www.hknet.org.nz/UFOs.html
Vegetarianism & Beyond - http://turn.to/Vegetarianism
Articles for newcomers to Krishna consciousness - http://www.krishna.com/newsite/main.php?id=87
Self Help and Motivational pages - Deals and Affiliate programs: - http://www.hknet.org.nz/index-selfhelp.html
Myth of the Aryan invasion by Dr. David Frawley: - http://www.hknet.org.nz/Aryan-invasion-mythDF.html

The Peace Formula - (By HDG Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada) http://www.hknet.org.nz/PeaceFormula.html

.........many other articles - http://www.hknet.org.nz/index-articles.htm

and from there go to the Main Index http://www.hknet.org.nz/index.htm

Iskcon News Articles now available - many topical insights
http://www.iskcon.com/new/index.html

Bomb attack on ISKCON's Hare Krishna temple in Manipur kills 5 and wounds 50 +, more expected to die. This happened during the Krishna's Birth commoration celebration (Janmastami)

Here's some URL's that cover the story
http://news.google.com/news?q=iskcon+manipur&hl=en&hs=SCL&lr=&client=opera&rls=en&sa=X&oi=news&ct=title

Grenade Explosion Kills Five in Indian Temple

Religion News Service

CHENNAI, INDIA, August 17, 2006: A Reuters report quoted an intelligence official saying that unidentified people had warned International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) officials not to hold any functions on Wednesday, when the country was celebrating Janmashtami, a major Hindu festival. The official said the grenade attack might have been carried out by a local group as part of a campaign to revive indigenous Hindu practices and discourage new religious movements like ISKCON. A statement from ISKCON said the attack occurred around 7 p.m. as some 1,000 worshippers were gathered at the temple. The grenade was tossed into a large tent outside the temple where devotees were watching a religious dance that depicts Lord Krishna's pastimes. "The victims were innocent devotees of God," said Anuttama Dasa, ISKCON's minister of communications in Washington. "There is no excuse for such wanton acts of violence. . .. We pray that Lord Krishna will soon lift the terrible veil of hatred and violence that is covering our world." The state of Manipur, with a population of around 2.5 million people, is one of seven states in northeast India that are home to at least two dozen separatist groups and more than 200 tribal and ethnic communities. The attack is the latest in a string of bombings that have targeted Hindu holy sites during major holidays. Last October, a bombing in Delhi killed more than 60 people during Diwali, and 20 people were killed last March at a temple in Varanasi. "This attack on the ISKCON temple that serves all devotees and all visitors with welcome arms is an example of the lengths that terrorists go to undermine the fabric of India and to provoke religious and sectarian conflict," said Ramesh Rao, a member of the executive council of the Hindu American Foundation.

Manipur Iskcon Temple Bombing

http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com

IMPHAL, INDIA, August 17, 2006: Janmashtami celebrations in Manipur turned bloody on Wednesday when a grenade was tossed into the Iskcon temple crowded with more than 20,000 devotees. The blast left at least four devotees dead (the BBC today reports that five people have been killed) and at least 40 others injured, including Iskcon international director Damodara Swami, police said. Organizers estimated about 20,000 devotees had gathered on Wednesday evening for Janmashtami, one of the biggest religious events in Manipur, where most Hindus were Krishna worshippers.

Courtesy of Hinduism Today  http://www.hinduismtoday.com

Subject: There but for the grace of God go I.
From: "Shyamasundara Dasa ACBSP" <shyamasundaradasa@gmail.com>

Dear Friends and well wishers,

Hare Krsna!

Doubtless you may have heard of the grenade attack that took place at the Hare Krsna temple in Imphal, Manipur, India last week.

See http://www.thehindu.com/2006/08/17/stories/2006081722030100.htm

And: http://www.e-pao.net/epPageExtractor.asp?src=related_news.timeline_ISKCON_Blasts_2006.html..

Because there has been sporadic violence in India since I have been here whenever such things occur friends and family quickly contact me to find out if I am alright. Often times their contacting me is the first time I become aware that there was a problem. I found out about last week's attack right away even before it was on the media because the attack occurred at one of our own temples and some of those who were injured were well known to me.

The following news item is about my friend Bhojadeva Prabhu. We served together in 1978-79 in Atlanta and Philadelphia while I was with the Bhaktivedanta Institute. I am sure that he would appreciate any help and prayers that some may send his way.

Your humble servant

Shyamasundara Dasa
______________________________________

Update on Bhojadeva dasa

By Jivanuga das

By now the entire worldwide devotee community must have heard of the tragic events that took place in Manipur on Janmastami. The devotees of ISKCON Manipur wish to thank everyone for their continued prayers and blessings for all of the vaisnavas who were injured and for those who have left this world. We will continue to provide updates on the situation.

At this time, we would like to bring attention to the condition of Bhojadeva dasa and also make a humble appeal on his behalf for funds in order to help pay for his medical expenses.

Bhojadeva dasa is a disciple of Srila Prabhupada who joined in 1972. Anyone who knows him is familiar with his gentle nature, warm laugh, and expertise in the kitchen.

Bhojadeva was sitting just 8 feet from the grenade when it exploded. His body shielded several devotees from the main force of the blast including H.H. Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Swami. If he had not been sitting there these devotees would have been more severely injured or even killed as Bhojadeva has a very big body and was able to absorb the force of the explosion. Somehow by the mercy of the Holy Names of the Lord he was able to maintain consciousness the entire frantic ride to the hospital. He never stopped chanting the maha-mantra even though he had sustained massive trauma all over his body. The doctors have told us that his maintaining consciousness greatly contributed to his survival as he did not go into shock and was only 5or 10 minutes away from them not being able to save him. By the time he went into surgery Bhojadeva had no pulse or blood pressure. A team of surgeons worked for five hours to save his life. Several of them had been to the temple earlier in the day with their families for darshan, one was passed by emergency vehicles while on his way to the temple and realized he should proceed to the hospital. Following surgery Bhojadeva was moved to intensive care so that he could be monitored around the clock. Afterwards, they commented that anyone else without such a strong constitution, positive outlook and faith would not have survived. The lead surgeon went on do say that he survived due to Lord Krsna’s blessings, to which Bhojadeva replied that Krsna works through his devotees, only to have the doctors humbly state that they were simply doing their duty. There are over one million Gaudiya vaisnavas in Manipur and many of the doctors and nurses come to work wearing tilak.

Bhojadeva is now out of any immediate danger, but he still has a long road to recovery. While he sustained shrapnel wounds over much of his body, the most serious are in the face, chest, abdomen, left arm and hand. The surgeons removed the fragments from the chest and abdomen, they have repaired all of the damage in these areas. A chest tube was inserted for drainage. The areas that will need reconstruction are the more serious of his injuries. His left arm and hand received massive damage, with a 6 inch area inside the elbow being completely blown away. His left hand is broken and the flesh and tendons on the back of the hand are completely gone. Both these areas will need reconstruction and skin grafts. The doctors feel that he can regain 90%-95% of movement in the arm and hand with proper treatment and rehab. The injuries to his face are even more severe. The force of the blast blew a large part of his nose away and simultaneously fractured the bones around the nose and eyes including the orbitals or eye sockets. This has resulted in leakage from the brain cavity which is very serious.

Fortunately, the discharge has been lessening and the doctors are quite encouraged with this. Patients with these types of injuries run the risk of developing meningitis. He will need reconstructive surgery to repair the fractures and fix his nose. The greatest area of concern is his right eye, there is inflammation of the optic nerve from either shrapnel or bone fragments. It is possible that he may lose vision in that eye. The hospital in Manipur does not have the equipment to assess the situation further. But the doctors are hopeful that if we get him to a better facility there is a chance to repair the damage. Please join us in praying to Lord Nrisimhadeva that his eye will be alright. We are in the process of moving him to a hospital in Thailand that specializes in reconstructive surgery and doctors can examine his eye further. Jivan Mukta das, Sacirani devi dasi and myself will be accompanying him to Bangkok to take care of him while he rehabilitates from is injuries.

It is on behalf of this sincere disciple of Srila Prabhupada and devotee of Lord Sri Krsna, that we are appealing for financial help with his medical expenses. If you would like help please send you offering by wire transfer or electronic check to:

Sarah Meade (Sacirani devi dasi)

BANK: Islanders Bank

BRANCH: Friday Harbor

BANK ADDRESS: 255 Blair Ave, Friday Harbor, WA 98250

ROUTING NUMBER: 125107820

CREDIT TO: Sarah Meade

ACCOUNT NUMBER: 211067384

Or you can mail a personal check, money order or small cash amount to: Sarah Meade (Sacirani devi dasi) PO Box 1316 Friday Harbor, WA 98250

To send a message for Bhojadeva, ask updates regarding his condition or to let us know of your wire/donation please email: mailto:sacirani@yahoo.com

Please continue to pray to Lord Nrisimhadeva and Lord Krsna for Bhojadeva dasa and the other vaishnavas injured in this attack so that their recovery can be speedy along by their blessings. Thank you and Hare Krsna!

Your servant, Jivanuga das

Tirupati Declaration: Hindus of the world unite
http://www.rss.org/New_RSS/News/NewsDetail.jsp

With Hinduism under siege from various quarters, it was time for a show of unity and purpose. And that is what was witnessed at the historic meeting of Tirumala Tirupati Samrakshana Samiti (TTSS) at Tirupati Saturday last.

The meeting's purpose was simple and straightforward ? to show in no uncertain terms the protest against the rampant and brazen evangelical activities in Tirupati and Tirmula by Christian missionaries.

Led by the two most respectable and revered sawmijis in our midst today, Swami Dayanand Saraswati and Vishveshwara Theertha Swami of Pejawar Mutt, the meeting, made a clarion call against the sinister attempts at proselytization by the missionaries and adopted the historical Tirupati Declaration.

The following are the three cardinal Articles of this Historic

Declaration:

I) We Hindus assembled here declare that we do not support, directly or indirectly, any group, institution, religion, media, or political force, which preaches, practices or works against Hindu dharma in this country.

ii) We appeal to all the Hindus in this country and elsewhere to subscribe to and support this declaration, the Tirupathi declaration.

iii) We want all the Hindu religious endowments to be managed by Hindu bodies, and not by the government. We want the secular government to release all religious endowments from its hold.

In addition to the above declarations, the following resolutions were also adopted unanimously:

a) Immediate action must be taken to bring under TTD control over 250 sq. kilometre area covering various Theerthams closely associated with the legend of Lord Venkateswara as against the 27.5 sq. kilometres under Andhra Pradesh Government order (G.O.) No.338. In this context, they quoted Mackenzie's manuscript of the year 1801 as

per which the Seven Hills extended up to the Swarnamukhi River near Sri Kalahasti in the east, Nagapatala Devarakonda in the west, Yerraguntla Thota in Rayachoti Taluk in the north and Pillari Kanuma near Narayana Vanam in the south. Such a law would ward off any threat of non-Hindu activities on the Seven Hills.

b) Only Hindus by law should be made eligible for appointment in TTD Service.

c) Andhra Pradesh Government should immediately give up its plans to convert Tirumala into a luxury tourist spot.

d) There should be a legal ban on all non-Hindu activities in TTD. medical and educational institutions.

e) TTD funds should be used only for Hindu spiritual activities.

f) The Dharma Prachara Parishad should be renamed as Hindu Dharma Prachara Parishad.

Speaking on the prohibition of non-Hindu appointments in TTD, the Swamijis urged that immediate steps should be taken to deport 40 Christian employees and other non-Hindus at Tirumala.

The Swamijis alleged that the TTD's medical and educational institutions have become centres of proselytisation by non-Hindus. They demanded that the Devastanam should punish those non-Hindus indulging in such evangelical activities and identify the TTD and State Government Officials encouraging them directly or indirectly and to transfer them from Tirupati forthwith.

The TTSS also charged TTD with diverting devotees' offerings to other activities owing to Government political pressure. 'These offerings made by Hindu devotees were meant for running temples, conducting religious festivals and providing pilgrim amenities and

propagating Hindu Dharma. They are not meant for the evangelization programmes of Andhra Pradesh Government under a Christian Chief Minister,' they said.

The TTSS also expressed its deep concern over the increase in evangelical activities at Tirumala and Tirupati and cited the documentary evidence adduced by the Five Member Fact Finding Committee appointed by the Pontiff of Pejawar with Justice Bikshapathi, former High Court Judge as its head.

The meet also cited High Court Ruling which said: 'The rights of Tirumala-Tirupati vest with Lord Venkateswara himself and the Trust Board and the EO are only trustees of the property. None can take any measures violating the right. All the Seven Hills fall under Tirumala (W.P. No. 26145 of 1996-97(2) and 59 (DB) dated 7.9.1996).

In conclusion, Pejawar Swamiji categorically told media persons that the Members of the TTSS fervently hope that their legitimate demand would be acted upon before 9 August, 2006 and that further action by the TTSS would be decided after ascertaining the nature, intention and direction of Government response.

A host of other influential Swamijis from different parts of India including Varada Ramanuja Jeeyar from Uttar Pradesh and Members of the Tirupati Fact Finding Committee, T S Rao, former Director General of Police, R. Srihari, former Vice Chancellor of the Dravidian University, Krishniah, State Backward Classes Welfare Leader and other prominent persons also attended the meeting. Several thousand Devotees deeply concerned about the need for protecting the Seven Hills and the Tirupati Temple joined in in the call.
V.Sundaram In News Today

Courtesy of Hinduism Today http://www.HinduismToday.com

August 21st, 2006 editor

(A következo linkre ”More” klikkelve a szöveg Magyar nyelvu fordítását olvashatod)

I often have to encourage devotees, especially those not living in the temples, to rise early in the morning and come to the temple for the morning program, or to have one at home. Devotees should generally rise by 4 am, which means that their lives must be organized in such a way that they get sufficient rest, meaning taking rest early.

Certainly there are many considerations for individual cases; however, we will see from the collection of quotes from Srila Prabhupada below (not referenced) that His Divine Grace made few exceptions to his rule of “early rising”. Rising early is difficult, but that is the meaning of austerity…

“Sometimes it is very troublesome to rise early in the morning, but whatever voluntary trouble one may suffer in this way is called penance.”

Srila Prabhupada envisaged that everyone rise early and participate in the morning program…

“In this Krishna consciousness movement we require everyone to rise early in the morning, by four A.M., and attend mangala-arati, or morning worship, then read Srimad Bhagavatam, perform kirtana, and so forth.”

This is especially so for devotees living in the temples…

“For instance, in the Krishna consciousness temples the devotees rise early in the morning, at 4:00 A.M., and they immediately bathe. Then they go to mangala-arati at 4:30, and after mangala-arati they study the Vedic literatures.”

And even children can be trained to do so…

“We say the child must rise early in the morning, worship the Deity in the temple, and chant Hare Krishna. In the beginning, force may be necessary. Otherwise the child will not become habituated. But the idea is to divert his attention to Krishna conscious activities. Then, when he realizes he is not his body, all difficulties will disappear.”

What to speak of preachers….

“Preachers living in ISKCON temples follow this advice daily. They rise early and gather for mangala-arati before the temple Deities.”

And making this effort is part of learning how to love Krishna…

“So, you must practice how to love Krishna. First you have to rise early in the morning. You don’t like to, but you think, ‘I will rise early to satisfy Krishna.’ This is the beginning.”

If we do not think we need to do it, or think we are advanced, then we will fall down…

“We must rise early in the morning, bathe, attend mangala-arati, worship the Deities, chant the Hare Krishna mantra, study the Vedic literatures and follow all the rules prescribed by the acaryas and the spiritual master. If we deviate from this process, we may fall down, even though we may be very highly advanced.… Even if one is in the renounced order, he should never give up the regulative principles.”

Early rising is one of the nine limbs of devotional service…

“Pada-sevanam means to rise early in the morning.”

This is the culture of India even today…

“So the Indian public still, even they are not very educated, because the culture is there in, especially, in the villages, they rise early in the morning and take bath.”

For it was also the example set by Krishna Himself…

“He was lying with His beautiful queens, and as soon as there is cock crow, immediately He would rise, early in the morning, three o’clock.”

And if we cannot rise early, then we should understand what that means…

“If we cannot rise early in the morning, that means we are under the clutches of maya. This is the test.”

And for those serious about advancing in Krishna consciousness, they know what to do…

“…but at least everyone who is interested in advancing in Krishna consciousness must rise early in the morning, before four.”

These are a few of Srila Prabhupada’s comments on early rising. Thus children, adults, preachers, sannyasis, villagers, men and ladies, everyone should be up by 4 am, if not earlier, ready to attend mangala-arati by 4:30.

H.H. Bhakticharu Swami: The Art of Dying - Part 1 (May 2003)
http://www.bhakticharuswami.com/?p=78

This is a 4 part seminar given by H.H. Bhakti Charu Swami entitled ‘The Art of Dying’, May 2003. The Art of Dying - Part 1 Click here to download (duration: 85:27 min., filesize: 15 mb) (Right click the link and choose either "save link as" or "save Target as" 

God Would Be An Atheist

presented by
Madhava Ghosh das:

God would be an atheist: Why can't we all be Japanese?
http://www.humaniststudies.org/enews/index.html?id=219&article=7

"Drawing on a wide range of studies to cross-match faith – measured by belief in God and acceptance off evolution – with homicide and sexual behavior, Paull found that secular societies have lower rates of violence and teenage pregnancy than societies where many people profess belief in God.

"Top of the class, in both atheism and good behavior, come the Japanese. Over eighty percent accept evolution and fewer than ten percent are certain that God exists. Despite its size – over a hundred million people – Japan an is one of the least crime-prone countries in the world. It also has the lowest rates of teenage pregnancy of any developed nation..."

" At the other end of the scale comes America. Over 50 percent of Americans believe in God, and only 40 percent accept some form of evolution (many believe it had a helping hand from the Deity). The U.S. has the highest rate of teenage pregnancy and homicide rates are at least five times greater than in Europe and ten times higher than in Japan.

"All this information points to a strong correlation between faith and antisocial behavior -- a correlation so strong that there is good reason to suppose that religious belief does more harm than good..."

“All believers learn that God holds them responsible for their actions. So far so good, but for many, belief absolves them of all other responsibilities. Consciously or subconsciously, those who are "born again" or "chosen" have diminished respect for others who do not share their sect or their faith. Convinced that only the Bible offers "truth", they lose their intellectual curiosity and their ability to reason. Their priority becomes not the world they live in but themselves.

"The more people prioritize themselves rather than those around them, the weaker society becomes and the greater the likelihood of antisocial behavior. Hence gun laws which encourage Americans to see each other not as fellow human beings who deserve protection, but as potential aggressors who deserve to die. And hence a health care system which looks after the wealthy rather than the ill..."

What do Vaisnavas have to say on this topic?

"In order to find God in ourselves, we must stop looking at ourselves, stop checking and verifying ourselves in the mirror of our own futility, and be content to be in Him and to do whatever He wills, according to our limitations, judging our acts not in the light of our own illusions, but in the light of His reality which is all around us in the things and people we live with."

"No Man is an Island" by Thomas Merton
Harcourt Brace Jovanovich Publishers, New York 1955: Page 120

Haribol,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

I am the author of "Picture a Cow" a little art book with quirky stuff about cows in it.

Now I am having a MAIL ART EXHIBITION in Brisbane Australia.

It is entitled "HOLY COW"

So if you could advertise it in your newsletter or on your website, (let the devotees around you know) I would be grateful. Already I have received art work from America for this event. It is in the spirit of increasing awareness about cows.

This would be the text for your advertising.

HOLY COW mail art exhibition.
A call to all cow lovers and artists, young and old.
Mail me a postcard sized artwork (any media, eg collage, crayon, pencil, watercolour...) using the theme, HOLY COW. Just stick my address on the back and yours too, like a postcard and a stamp for international postcards to this address:

TO
HOLY COW MAIL ART
PO BOX 145
Indooroopilly, 4068
QLD Australia.

Last post on December 25th, 2006. The exhibition will be in January at an inner city gallery. Your work will be on a website dedicated to the exhibition

See our World Vegetarian Day Newsletters 2004 - 2005 - World Vege Day

See similar articles at Vegetarianism & beyond:
http://turn.to/Vegetarianism

Vedic Culture is the Parent of Humanity
http://www.stephen-knapp.com/vedic_culture_is_the_parent_of_humanity.htm
By Stephen Knapp (Srinandanandana dasa ACBSP)

The title of this page may seem like a bold statement, but there is some very interesting evidence to consider. As we established in the chapter on the creation of the material world, when the Supreme Being created the universe He also provided the Vedic knowledge and terminology by which humanity could live peacefully as well as advance spiritually. Even the Bible (Genesis 11:1) describes how originally during pre-Christian times, "the whole earth was of one language and one speech." And, as we can see from the evidence in the previous chapters, that language was Sanskrit.

Theologians in general agree that despite diverse scriptures and tales of various people experiencing or hearing the voice of God, the immanent Divinity is One. Even physicists agree that the ultimate source of all elements has to be one. History too began from a single point. This means that the origination of the universe as well as the beginning of mankind was a purposeful and arranged event. It was not a chance encounter, a random, freakish, or spontaneous beginning, but an expansion from the Absolute Truth.

Since there is but one ultimate source of everything, all human activity started from that divine beginning. And activity means thought and speech. As the Vedic texts explains, the original language was Sanskrit, as taught by the Supreme Himself. We find that even the 1951 edition of the Encyclopedia Britannica (P. 70, Vol 13) describes that some scholars gave up attempts to explain the origin of language and have fallen back to the religious explanation that the first language was given by God to man.

Some people, however, feel that ancient man was able to only slowly develop a language of his own. This is thought to have started from grunts and noises like animals until it somehow shaped into the different languages we find today. So does that mean that babies will also develop some kind of language of their own if they are given enough time and not taught one? As described in P. N. Oak's book, World Vedic Heritage (p. 130), the 16th century Moghul emperor, Akbar, had also questioned this. Being in such a position of authority, he was able to indulge in a heartless experiment. He ordered several infant children to be taken away from their mothers and be confined to a house. No one was permitted to speak anything to the children, even when clothed and fed. The result was that they all grew to be dumb adults. They could speak no language at all. Neither did they develop any form of communication between themselves. Therefore, the idea that man will eventually educate himself or even develop a language on his own is mistaken. All knowledge must be given by a superior, which is exactly what the Vedic literature says happened at the beginning of time. The Vedic references explain that human civilization began by the arrangement of the Supreme. Man was given an original consciousness by which he had knowledge of the Sanskrit language and was guided by Vedic information, as taught by Lord Brahma and the numerous sages that followed. Thus, the ancient Vedic culture is the primordial culture of the whole world and not exclusive to India, Arabia, or Sumeria. It is universal.

The philosopher and researcher Edward Pococke also wrote about this conclusion in his book India in Greece (page 251). He states: "Sir William Jones concluded that the Hindus had an immemorial antiquity with the old Persians, Ethiopians and Egyptians, the Phoenicians, Greeks and Tuscans, the Scythians or Goths, and the Celts, the Chinese, Japanese and Peruvians." The observance of this global connection between India and the rest of the world is actually an indication that the whole world was once under the influence of the Vedic culture. Thus, it was India who nurtured the rest of the world with her wisdom and Vedic knowledge.

Pococke continues in this vein in his observation: "Now the whole of the society of Greece, civil and military, must strike one as being eminently Asiatic, much of it specially Indian. . . I shall demonstrate that these evidences were but the attendant tokens of Indian colonization with its corresponding religion and language. I shall exhibit dynasties disappearing from India, western India, to appear again in Greece, clans who fought upon the plains of Troy." Therefore, since Greece is supposed to be the origins of European culture, and since Greece displays much of the same culture as India, we can say that the pre-Christian culture of Europe was Vedic.

In fact, it may be the case that without the connection with India, Greece may not have been a major contributor to the advancement of Europe. Godfrey Higgins writes in his book The Celtic Druids (p. 112), "In science the Greeks were pygmies. What would they have known of science if their Platos and Pythagorases had not traveled into the East! In science and real learning they were inferior to the Orientals [Indians], and were the greatest liars upon earth. They wilfully mis-stated everything or they foolishly confounded everything."

William Durant, author of the 10-volume Story of Civilization, wrote, "India was the motherland of our race, and Sanskrit the mother of European languages. She was the mother of our philosophy. . . of our mathematics. . . of the ideals embodied in Christianity. . . of self-government and democracy. . . Mother India is in many ways the mother of us all."

Interestingly, Sir Isaac Tailor, the author of The Origins of the Aryans, wrote in a similar way (page 1), "Adelung, the father of comparative philosophy. . . placed the cradle of mankind in the valley of Kashmir, which he identified with paradise. To Adelung we owe the opinion, which has prevailed so widely, that since the human race originated in the East, most westerly nations, the Iberians and Celts, must have been the first to leave the parent."

As explained in World Vedic Heritage (p. 115), this is also the conclusion of Mr. B. C. Chhabra, who is the ex-Assistant Director General of Archeology under the British administration in India. He writes, "I do not want to go deep into the larger question of the theory of evolution which is today at the base of archeological interpretations, but I must need say that the history of Indian civilization begins with knowledge and not barbarism. The kind of knowledge that has been preserved therein has stood the test of time and is still unsurpassed in certain respects. It believes in an evolution of limited extent only and that for a definite period of time in the history of man's life as also in that of a nation. To base the entire history of mankind, down to the present-day, on the ape-man and the archeological ages of Paleolithic, Neolithic, Bronze and Iron is a travesty of facts. Even in the present age of great scientific achievements the ape-man cannot produce the homosapiens, obviously because they are two different species. Recent archeologists have proved abundantly that these ages have no meaning because different cultural ages are found in different regions, and that sometimes they co-existed in the same region which cannot be explained on the basis of the theory of evolution." Thus, regardless of the classifications made by archeologists about the ancient history of mankind, as confirmed by the prehistoric records of the Vedic literature, India was the center from where spread the intellectually superior Vedic culture, and is, therefore, the source of humanity's spiritual heritage.

The Preface of Vol. VI of Indian Antiquities (pp 11-13) also points one in this same direction: "The Hindu religion probably spread over the whole earth; there are signs of it in every system of worship. . . the arithmetic, astronomy, astrology, the holidays, games, names of the stars, and figures of constellations, the language of the different nations bear the strongest marks of the same origin."

The discerning and honest Christian author Godfrey Higgins wrote in his book, The Celtic Druids (p. 61), about the basis of all human civilization originating from India and the Vedic culture. "The peninsula of India would be one of the first peopled countries, and its inhabitants would have all the habits of progenitors of man before the flood in as much perfection or more than any other nation. . . In short, whatever learning man possessed before his dispersion. . . may be expected to be found here; and of this Hindustan affords innumerable traces. . . notwithstanding all. . . the fruitless efforts of our priests to disguise it."

The above quotes would indicate that the Vedic culture was a global faith, a world influence. This may be given further credence in the remarks of Ctesias, the Greek writer (as found in Historical Researches, Vol. II, p.220), "The Hindus were as numerous as all the other nations put together."

This is further corroborated in P. N. Oak's World Vedic Heritage (p. 506) in which he presents evidence that, "In pre-Christian times the temples of Vedic Deities such as Vishnu, Shiva, the Mother goddess, Rama, Hanuman, and Krishna used to abound in all regions of the world. Evidence of this is found in the works of ancient authors such as Megasthenes, Strabo, and Herodotus. All those names are of Vedic origin, too. The term Megasthenes is Megh-Sthan-eesh, i.e. the Lord of the Region of the clouds. The name Herodotus is Hari-dootus, i.e. Messenger of [Hari] God."

In Some Missing Chapters of World History (p. 134), P. N. Oak also explains that Shiva was worshiped all over the world, even in the Vatican. The word vatican comes from the Sanskrit word vatica, which means a bower or sylvan hermitage. He explains that even the premises of the Vatican have many Shiva emblems buried in their walls and cellars. Many such emblems have been dug up in other parts of Italy as well. And some of those found in the Vatican are still preserved in the Vatican's Etruscan museum.

Another point is that the original worship of the Mother Goddess can be traced back to India. Whether this Goddess is called Ma, Uma, Mata, Amba, Shakti, Durga, Bhagavati, Parameshvari, Kali, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Astarte, Venus, Ceres, Mother Mary, Mariamma, Madonna, Notre Dame, etc., it can be traced to the Vedic culture where such worship originated.

Albert J. Edmonds, in his book Buddhist and Christian Gospels, also explains that, "Strabo considered all Asia as far as India to be consecrated to Bacchus where Hercules and Bacchus are called Kings of the East. The last religions of Babylon and Egypt were born there. Even the Greeks and the Romans were debtors thereto for the cult of Bacchus and Mithras."

Bacchus refers to Bakesh or Tryambakesh, Shiva. Hercules refers to Hari-culeesh, Lord Krishna. They were known as Kings or supreme deities of the East. Since the religions of Babylon and Egypt were born in Asia, and Greeks and Romans observed a similar version of the Bacchus cult and one of Mithras, the sun, it is obvious the whole world followed, or was influenced by, Vedic culture. The reason is that all of these deities can be traced back to India, or are directly Vedic deities. From this information we can begin to understand that Vedic culture was a cause of worldwide unity, or the parent culture of all humanity.

(This article is from: http://www.stephen-knapp.com)

Vedic World Heritage links:

See our pages supporting these views HERE:
http://www.hknet.org.nz/VWH.html (Vedik World Heritage)
Western Indologists been exposed page:
http://www.hknet.org.nz/WesternIndologists-page.htm
How British Misguided the World on Vedic History
http://www.hknet.org.nz/MotiveBritishRajMissionaries.html

World Smoke Free Day
31st May Every Year 

http://www.be-free.org/b-media/market-bfree03/cinema.php

yeah kick the butt
...and remember from 10th December 2004 no more smoking in public places in New Zealand by law

Lessons From Nature

presented by Balabhadra dasa ACBSP

As I was going to the barn for my morning check on the cows, I saw this spider web of intricate, artistic design. I appreciated its beauty and then saw the fly wrapped within. Just as the fly could not see the web as it winged its way through the air and was caught; we humans also have to be careful of the illusory nature of the material world.

The Spider and the Fly
An Apologue.
A New Version Of An Old Story.

Will you walk into my parlour?" said the Spider to the Fly, 'Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy; The way into my parlour is up a winding stair, And I've a many curious things to shew when you are there." Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "to ask me is in vain, For who goes up your winding stair can ne'er come down again."

"I'm sure you must be weary, dear, with soaring up so high; Will you rest upon my little bed?" said the Spider to the Fly. "There are pretty curtains drawn around; the sheets are fine and thin, And if you like to rest awhile, I'll snugly tuck you in!" Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "for I've often heard it said, They never, never wake again, who sleep upon your bed!"

Said the cunning Spider to the Fly, " Dear friend what can I do, To prove the warm affection I 've always felt for you? I have within my pantry, good store of all that's nice; I'm sure you're very welcome -- will you please to take a slice?" "Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "kind Sir, that cannot be, I've heard what's in your pantry, and I do not wish to see!"

"Sweet creature!" said the Spider, "you're witty and you're wise, How handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes! I've a little looking-glass upon my parlour shelf, If you'll step in one moment, dear, you shall behold yourself." "I thank you, gentle sir," she said, "for what you 're pleased to say, And bidding you good morning now, I'll call another day."

The Spider turned him round about, and went into his den, For well he knew the silly Fly would soon come back again: So he wove a subtle web, in a little corner sly, And set his table ready, to dine upon the Fly. Then he came out to his door again, and merrily did sing, "Come hither, hither, pretty Fly, with the pearl and silver wing; Your robes are green and purple -- there's a crest upon your head; Your eyes are like the diamond bright, but mine are dull as lead!"

Alas, alas! how very soon this silly little Fly, Hearing his wily, flattering words, came slowly flitting by; With buzzing wings she hung aloft, then near and nearer drew, Thinking only of her brilliant eyes, and green and purple hue -- Thinking only of her crested head -- poor foolish thing! At last, Up jumped the cunning Spider, and fiercely held her fast. He dragged her up his winding stair, into his dismal den, Within his little parlour -- but she ne'er came out again!

And now dear little children, who may this story read, To idle, silly flattering words, I pray you ne'er give heed: Unto an evil counsellor, close heart and ear and eye, And take a lesson from this tale, of the Spider and the Fly.

by Mary Howitt 1821. From Sketches of Natural History (1834), Effingham Wilson : London

See similar inspirational snippets HERE:
http://www.hknet.org.nz/parables.htm

See more on Darwin and Evolution HERE:
http://www.hknet.org.nz/Darwin-out-page.htm

Articles from Back to Godhead Magazine:
http://krishna.org/?related=Back%20to%20Godhead%20Magazine

Listen to Krishna Radio on various subjects on-line:
http://www.krishna.com/newsite/main.php?id=260

Hundreds of devotional songs by various artists - singers - performers - and many more coming soon:
http://www.radiokrishna.com/rkc_archive_new/

Assorted Audio Lectures from Senior Iskcon Devotees:
http://www.harekrishna.org.au/

Amala Bhakta dasa reciting Srimad Bhagavatam on-line:
http://www.prabhupadavani.org/SB_index.html

Seeing is believing...

Cheapest and best web-hosting - click on the banner above

Starting at 1Gb or 2 Gb space for one or two years @ just US$7.50 per month

Transcendental Visions Videos
Two new items being offered by Prananath prabhu in CHCH

Auckland Temple Opening Video & DVD
Puspa Samadhi Festival of HH Tamal Krsna Goswami - Double DVD only

see covers below

WWW.NECTARBOOKS.COM

  Please accept our respectful obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

 With thankfulness to our Founder Acharya Srila Prabhupada, Sri Gaura-Nitai, and the inspiration of all of you, we announce the Grand Opening of "NECTARBOOKS.COM". This website contains rare, wonderful Krishna Literature by our Vaisnava Acharyas, beautifully and carefully translated by Dasaratha Suta Prabhu, a scholarly disciple of Srila Prabhupada, long known for his translation work.

It was a desire of Srila Prabhupada to give all of us, his children and grandchildren, the entire Vaisnava Library of devotional writings, and we are  blessed by His Divine Grace to recieve some of this literature with which to further water our creepers of devotion.

Please consider forwarding this email to your address list in the mood of going for the mercy of Lord Chaitanya by assisting His missionary desires.

http://www.nectarbooks.com

Your aspiring servants at NectarBooks.Com

Dasaratha-suta Dasa and Dina Sharana Dasa

********
Letter to: Hayagriva
Tokyo April 27, 1972

.. It is my serious desire to devote the fag end of my life to translating Srimad Bhagavatam and so many other Vaisnava literatures so by assisting me in this regards you will be performing the highest service to Krsna....

HG Amal Bhakta dasa ACBSP
http://www.amalbhakta.com/

(the late) HH Bhakti Tirtha Swami
http://www.btswami.com/ (UK)
http://www.ifast.net/  (Institute for Applied Spiritual Technology)
http://home.iprimus.com.au/naractl/Biographys/ISKCON_Gurus/Bhakti_Tirtha_Swami.html#mod (Perth Aus)

HH Bhaktivaibhava Swami
http://www.vyasapuja.com

HH Bhakti Vikas Swami
http://www.bvks.com/

HH Bir-Krishna Goswami
http://www.bkgoswami.com/

HH Devamrita Swami
http://www.devaswami.com/main.php
http://www.devaswami.com/main.php?&displayPage=home
Lecture Catalogue - free downloads:
http://mp3cd.gaurayoga.co.nz/cat/

HH Gopal Krishna Goswami:
http://www.geocities.com/gopalkrsna/
http://www.fortunecity.com/millenium/quarrybank/78/news/news.htm

HH Indradyumna Swami:
http://www.Gurudeva.ru/eng
http://www.traveling-preacher.com/
http://www.harekrishna.asn.au/speakers/indradyumna_swami/indradyumna_swami.htm

HH Jayadvaiata Swami:
http://www.jswami.info/

HH Jayapataka Swami
http://www.hearjps.com/
http://www.jpsoffice.com/
http://www.harekrishna.asn.au/speakers/jayapataka_swami/jayapataka_swami.htm
http://www.victoryflag.com/
Many lectures by HH Jayapataka Swami and HH Radhanath Swami
http://www.radiokrishna.com/rkc_archive_new/

HH Kadamba Kanana Swami
http://www.kkswami.com/
http://www.geocities.com/kksaudioministry/

HH Kavichandra Swami:
http://www.kavicandraswami.info/

HH Prabhavishnu Swami
http://home.iprimus.com.au/naractl/Biographys/ISKCON_Gurus/Srila_Prabhavisnu_Swami_Biography.html#Prabhu

HH Prahladananda Swami
http://www.prahladanandaswami.net/
http://home.iprimus.com.au/naractl/Biographys/ISKCON_Gurus/Prahladananda_Swami_Maharaja.html#mod

HH Romapada Swami
http://www.prastha.com/cgi-bin/uncgi/renderphilo.pl?ndx=2

HH Sacinandan Swami
http://www.saranagati.net/

HH Sivaram Swami:
http://www.sivaramaswami.com/

HH Sridhar Swami (the late Sridhar swami formerly in Bombay)
http://www.jollyswami.net/home.php

HH Suhotra dasa Tapa Vanacharin
http://www.suhotraprabhu.com/

HH Trivikram Swami
http://www.tvswami.sotiko.pl/

HH Umapati Swami:
http://www.umapati.net/

HG Vaiyasaki dasa Adhikari
http://www.kirtan.org/index.html

If you know of any other senior Iskcon devotee web-sites please send their URL to us to share with others through this media mailto:jtcd@xtra.co.nz

See the Blogs above also for some interesting reads and feeds from other senior devotees too:

Here's a short list with some links - sadhu sanga ki jaya
http://krisna-volgy.hu/sadhu/

What's Going On Where &Adds

FESTIVAL EVENTS AND VENUES:

The New Iskcon Auckland temple

for more information and some wonderfrul pictures of the event see our page:
http://www.hknet.org.nz/HKAuckland-page.htm

photos updated 12th March 2004

page updated September 2005

Iskcon Auckland's new official web-page

Hare KrishnaSchool & Playgroup

Krishna Conscious education for children
http://www.harekrishna.school.nz

Hare Krishna School in Riverhead, Auckland is a government funded school that runs from 9am – 3pm five days a week. We cover all core subjects in the New Zealand Curriculum and in addition teach Sanskrit, Sastra and Vedic arts. Children who come to this school get everything that children at state schools get plus Vedic culture and values in a serene rural environment.

A school bus service provides transport from Auckland suburbs.

For enrolment information please contact:-

admin@harekrishna.school.nz

Ph: 09-412-6325
Mob: 021-265-7587
Fax: 09-412-6325

Find out what the NZ Government Education Review Office thinks of the Hare Krishna School. Click the link below.
http://www.ero.govt.nz/publish/reppub.ns4/Institution/98CA326F2C53BF0CCC256B7500174198/$File/4204.htm?OpenElement

Gaura Yoga Centre
First floor
175, Vivian Street,
Wellington

Phone:  (04) 801-5500

Learn about the Krishna conscious life-style
Learn Yoga
Learn about Vegetarianism
...all in a non-threatening friendly atmosphere.

http://www.gaurayoga.co.nz

Contact us: mailto:info@gaurayoga.co.nz

Subscribe to newsletter: mailto:gaurayoga-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Sunday Love Feasts - contact your local temple, or community for details
http://www.hknet.org.nz/index-int.htm

http://www.hknet.org.nz/NZKiwi-yatra.htm

http://www.hknet.org.nz/aussie-yatra.htm

Harinaam Kirtan and Bhajans in Tauranga BOP.
Every Saturday in the Red Square by the Strand (or Mt. Maunganui)

Come and join the throng 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

...for more details contact Trivikrama dasa

Vegetarian Clubs
Waikato University - Hamilton campus

2 days per week serving about 100 plates each day.

Auckland Veda club.
Auckland University - Wellesley St. campus

Its a simple weekly program thats been running for a few years, at Clubspace,
where we have a vegetarian prasadam lunch and sometimes show a video.
Srila Prabhupada's books are available to browse or buy.

For more information contact Auckland temple:
mailto:radhik@e3.net.nz

Otago University - Dunedin - Vege Club
Room 2., Clubs & Societies Building
Albany St.,

contact Jambavati dasi (03) 477 8277
mailto:jambavati85@hotmail.com

http://www.hknet.org.nz/HKDunedin-page.htm


Auckland
http://www.hknet.org.nz/AuckFFL-page.htm

Christchurch
http://www.hknet.org.nz/CHCH-FFL-page.htm

See more about Food For Life and how you can help HERE:
http://www.hknet.org.nz/HKFood4Life-page.htm

 268., Karangahape Road., Auckland

Delicious hot inexpensive Vegetarian Meals !

Pure Vegetarian Restaurant

$5 Combo Meal

Open Mon-Fri 11am-7.30pm

Sat 11am-2.30pm

Phone (09) 300 7585

SPIRITUAL MASTER INSPIRES FOOD DISTRIBUTION

Seven hundred plates of free prasadam (food offered to the Lord) were distributed to an appreciative public and to 50 devotees who took part in a central city Harinam (chanting in the streets).

By the mercy of Guru, Gauranga and Radha Krishna, (after our first bhajan album Bhajanamrtam) we have managed to produce a new CD entitled "Bhaktivinoda", a collection of bhajans of Saccidananda Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur and other Vaisnava acaryas in Orissi classical ragas.

The CD includes 8 bhajans and a 12-page booklet with all lyrics and a translation of the songs:
Gurudeva! Kabe Mora Sei Din Habe
Hari Hari, Kabe More Hoibe Sudina
Kabe Sri Caitanya More
Radha-Kunda-Tata
Narada Muni
Janama Saphala Ta'ra
Brajendranadana, Bhaje Jei Jana
Kabe Ha'be Bolo

Price, inclusive of shipping, is 15 Euros per CD. If you want to order this CD, please transfer the amount to the following account (and send us your shipping address by mail or email):

Account number 3125628, Ashok Jagram, Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Bank details: Postbank, Foreign operations, P.O. Box 1800, 1000 BV Amsterdam [Swiftcode: PSTB NL2]

- HEALTHY ISSUES - Ayurveda:-
Visit Vaidya Yolande Manson's Ayurvedic practice - in Hamilton:
http://www.hknet.org.nz/YM-Ayurved.html

dhanvantaris cha bhagavan svayam eva kirtir
namna nrnam pururujam ruja asu hanti
yajne cha bhagam amrtayur avavarundha
ayusya vedam anusasty avatirya loke

"The Lord in His incarnation of Dhanvantari very quickly cures the diseases of the ever diseased living entities simply by His fame personified and only because of Him do the demigods achieve long lives. Thus the Personality of Godhead becomes ever glorified. He also exacted a share from the sacrifices, and it is He only who inaugurated the medical science or the knowledge of medicine in the universe." (Srimad Bhagavata Purana 2.7.22 )

Sacred Vegetarian Recipes - Prasadam

World Vegetarian Day 1st October each year

World Vegetarian Awareness Month - October

http://www.hknet.org.nz/VegeWVD.html

see what's already happened last year http://www.hknet.org.nz/VegeWVD2004.html

see what we hear is to be happening this year

See our previous World Vegetarian Day issue of the newsletter for a wide range of Vegetarian issues
2005 World Vegetarian Day newsletter
Shaligram Tirtha Pradarshini newsletter October 2005 - Theme Prasadam

Vege update:
Social scientists and law enforcement officials have identified animal abuse as a symptom of emotional illness and a precursor to violent crimes against human beings. To allow individuals guilty of perpetrating such cruel acts to go unpunished or not sufficiently punished would be to sanction these horrific crimes and would permit them to go on to possibly commit violent crimes against humans.

The Animal Spirit Newsletter - Issue #2 -  4/21/03-4/27/03

This list is about vegetarian kitchen crafts. This list is created for postings regarding back to basics vegetarian kitchen crafts. When we say vegetarian we mean no meat, fish or eggs. When we say back to basics, we mean tips on making yeast, bread, gluten, tofu, sprouts and so forth. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vkcrafts   Post a Message: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vkcrafts/post

Bengal Royal Rice
Preparation and cooking time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 to 8 persons (or two Bengalis)

Ingredients:
1 ½ Cups Basmati rice, white or brown
1/2 tsp Saffron threads
3 Cups Purified water
2 tsp Sea salt
3 tsp Nutmeg
1/3 Cup Ghee (clarified butter)
1/4 Cup Cashew bits, or halves
1/4 Cup Almonds, slivered
3 Tbsp Raisins
1 tsp Fennel seeds
1 Cinnamon stick
1 tsp Cumin seeds
6 Pods, Cardamom, bruised
6 Whole Cloves
1 tsp. Black pepper
1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp. Asafetida, a.k.a. Hing  (a spice similar in flavour to onions and garlic), can be found in most natural food stores.
2 Tbsp Coconut, shredded
1/3 Cup Green peas, frozen
1/4 Cup Raw sugar

Method:
 1.Wash, drain, and dry the rice.
 2.Boil the water, salt, saffron and nutmeg in a 2-quart saucepan over a moderate heat. Keep it covered to avoid evaporation.
 3.Heat 2 tablespoons of the ghee in a 4-quart saucepan over moderate heat. Add the cashews and almonds and toast. Remove with a slotted spoon and add the raisins for a couple of seconds  until they swell. Remove and place them in a bowl with the cashews and almonds.
 4.Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in same pan. Sauté the rice for 2 to 3 minutes over moderate heat; then add the boiling water. Stir, raise the heat, and bring the water to a full boil. Immediately reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight fitting lid, and gently simmer, without stirring, for 15 to 20 minutes or until all the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender and flaky.
  5.Remove the rice from the heat, leaving the lid on for another 5 minutes to allow the rice to become firm.
 6.Place the remaining ghee in a heavy pan over moderate heat.
    Stir-fry the fennel seeds, cinnamon stick, cumin seeds, cardamom pods and whole cloves for 1 minute. Add the black pepper, cayenne, asafetida, and dried or fresh coconut. Sauté for 1 minute and then add the peas, sugar, nuts and raisins. Remove from the heat.
 7.Carefully combine the cooked rice with all the other ingredients.
          Serve in a beautiful bowl befitting this beautiful rice.

Cauliflower and Potato Supreme (Gobi Alu Bhaji)
For best results with this North Indian favourite, use pure ghee as the frying medium. Serve this rich vegetable dish for special occasions.

PREPARATION AND COOKING TIME: 35 minutes
YIELD: enough for 5 or 6 persons
Ingredients:
2 large baking potatoes peeled and cut into 21/2 cm (1-inch) cubes
ghee or oil for deep frying
1 medium cauliflower cut into flowerets
1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) coarsely ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (2 ml) ginger powder
1/2 teaspoon (2 ml) turmeric
1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt
1 cup (250 ml) plain yogurt or sour cream at room temperature
1 tablespoon (20 ml) chopped fresh coriander or parsley

1. Rinse the potato cubes in cold water. Drain and pat them dry.
2. Place enough ghee in a deep wok or pan that will well-cover the quantity of potatoes. Heat the ghee to 190°C/375°F. Fry the potatoes until golden brown (8 - 10 minutes). (You might need to fry in 2 batches). Remove and drain the potatoes. Deep-fry the cauliflowers until they're cooked but slightly firm. Remove and drain them.
3. When all the vegetables are deep-fried, drained, and still warm, place them in a large bowl, add the spices, salt, and yogurt or sour cream. Add the fresh herbs and serve immediately. If not serving immediately, when you are ready to serve, warm the spiced vegetables in a low-heat oven and add the yogurt or sour cream.

Great Vegetarian Dishes - Kurma Cookbook 1

SabudaniThali-Peet (Tapioca thali-peet)

Ingredients:
     2 cups of soaked tapioca (sabudana)
     1 cup of Peanut powder
     1/4 cup of cooked mashed potatoes
     2 to 3 Green chillies
     1 tsp of Cumin seeds
     1 tbsp of chopped cilantro (coriander leaves - dhanya pata)
     a pinch of hing
     salt to taste

Preparation:
Mix the above ingredients in a mixing bowl with 1 tbsp of oil.Make a dough(like Chapati dough) and it will be sticky.

Heat the pan(tava)on the stove top. Take the ball size tapioca mix and pat it to a size of a thali on the tava. It shoudn't be thin nor thick. Pat it evenly. Make 4 to 5 holes in the thalipeet and put a drop of oil in each of the hole. After 5-8 min flip it over for a min or so. Then transfer it to a serving dish.

Paneer Tikkis
The ever popular paneer tikki, made richer with dry fruit stuffing and spiced with green chillies.

Cooking Time :  10 min.
Preparation Time :  10 min.
Serves/Makes :  Makes 20 tikkis.

Ingredients
400 grams paneer mashed
2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves
2  green chillies, finely chopped
2 pinches sugar
2 tablespoons cornflour
1 teaspoon chopped cashewnuts
2 teaspoons raisins, chopped
oil for shallow frying
salt to taste

Method

Mash the paneer thoroughly.
Add the coriander, green chillies, sugar, cornflour and salt and mix very well.
Mix the cashewnuts and raisins.
Shape the paneer mixture into small balls. Press a little in the centre of each ball, fill some cashewnut- raisin mixture and close.
Roll the tikkis in some cornflour.
Shallow fry in oil in a tava.

Serve hot with mint chutney.(or hot Radha red chutney)

Recipe Source
Tava Cooking by Tarla Dalal http://www.tarladalal.com

'Radha Red’ Plum Chutney
This is a version of the famous "Radha Red" plum chutney that has been a favourite at many Hare Krishna multi-course feasts throughout Australia for decades. It features the subtle and exotic flavour of pure camphor, sometimes available at Chinese and Indian grocery stores. The plums should, if possible, be the Damson variety or the red plums referred to as a "blood plums".

PREPARATION TIME: about 1 hour
YIELD: about 3 cups (750 ml)

Ingredients:
1.4 kg (3 pounds) ripe red plums, pitted and cut into eighths
a pinch of raw camphor crystals (being careful to purchase pure edible camphor, or pure refined camphor  not synthetic or napthlene "camphor" - moth balls)
2 cups (500 ) sugar
3 tablespoons (60 ml) finely shredded
fresh coconut
4 tablespoons (80 ml) butter
11/2 teaspoons (7 ml) ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) powdered cardamom seeds

1. Heat the butter over low heat in heavy 5-litre/quart saucepan until it froths. Add the coriander, cardamom, and coconut, saute for one minute, and add the plums. Raise the heat and bring the chutney to a boil; then reduce the heat and simmer covered for about 15 minutes or until the plums lose their shape.
2. Add the sugar and continue to simmer uncovered for another 40 - 45 minutes or until the chutney is fairly thick and glazed, stirring occasionally. Add the camphor crystals and mix well.
Serve at room temperature or refrigerate covered for up to 4 days.

Great Vegetarian Dishes - Kurma Cookbook1

Nippattu

Ingredients
     1 cup of rice flour
     1/4 cup of maida (white flour)
     2 tbsps of soaked chana dal
     2 tsps of chilli powder
     1 tbsp of freshly grated ginger
     salt to taste
     a pinch of hing

Preparation
Mix all the above ingredients except chana dal and make a dough. Heat the oil in a frying pan on a medium setting. Take a small ball of dough on a greased sheet of aluminum foil. press the ball gently and take 5 to 6 chana dal and place it on the dough patti. Now pat it gently. Now, gingerly flip the foil and transfer the patti in the oil. Deep fry it and remove them as they turn to a brown color.

RADHABALLABHA KACHORIS
Ingredients:
ghee for deep frying
cayenne pepper
1 cup of cleaned, split urad dahl
asafoetida
2 cups white flour
salt
2 T. freshly ground anise seed
butter or ghee solids

Wash urad dahl thoroughly. Soak in water overnight. Drain, leaving a tiny bit of water. In a blender, grind urad dahl until it is a smooth paste, adding a little more water if necessary. The paste should be very thick. Set aside.
Add anise seed to paste. Using white flour, butter or ghee solids and water, make a soft dough, like puri dough. (Not wet.) Let the dough sit for one hour under a dampened cloth. Meanwhile prepare three very small bowls in the following manner:

1.      Put in a mixture of 1 T. water and 1/2 t. asafoetida.
2.      Put plain salt in the second.
3.      Put cayenne pepper in the third.

Pinch off balls of dough one inch in diameter. Roll them out into circles of 21/2" in diameter. Pinch off a ball of kachori paste about one inch in diameter; dip into each of bowls in succession, and place in the center of the circle of kachori dough. Gather up the dough around the paste as you would gather a paper bag. Make sure all the urad dahl is covered, and seal the top edge very well using a little water. Flatten the sealed kachori with a rolling pin, and then roll gently as you would a puri or chapati.

Be very careful not to break the surfaces. If necessary, pat them out by hand. Deep-fry the kachori in fairly hot ghee as you would a puri. Stand up kachoris on paper toweling to drain. Before offering them, refry very quickly, but do not brown.

This preparation is one of Srimati Radharani's favorites and is always prepared for Her appearance day. There is nothing in the material world to compare with the flavor of Radhaballabha Kachoris.

Rajasthani Spicy Dal-Stuffed Bread
(Urad Dal Poori)
These spicy, fried breads called Urad Dal Pooris (and sometimes called Urad Dal Kachoris) are a popular roadside snack in Rajasthan. Uraddal can be obtained at any Indian grocer. Serve these tasty breads with hot Pumpkin and Potatoes Marwari Style, Date and Tamarind Sauce, or as a snack with a dab of fresh yogurt.

DAL SOAKING TIME: 4 hours
PREPARATION TIME: 45 minutes
COOKING TIME: 30 minutes
YIELD: about 20 dal pooris

Ingredients:
1 cup (250 ml) urad dal
2 cups (500 ml) sifted chapati flour or half-wholemeal and half-unbleached plain flour
1/2 cup (125 ml) ghee or oil, warmed
3 teaspoons (10 ml) salt
water
1 tablespoon (20 ml) coriander seeds
1 tablespoon (20 ml) fennel seeds
1 tablespoon (20 ml) cumin seeds
8 whole black peppercorns
4 large dried red chilies
ghee for frying

1. Place the urad dal in a bowl, cover with cold water, and leave to soak for 4 hours. Drain, place in a blender or food processor with a sprinkle of cold water, and grind coarsely to a paste. Transfer to a small bowl.
2. In another bowl, combine the flour, 4 tablespoons (80 ml) of warm ghee, 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of salt, and enough water to make a stiff but smooth dough. Knead well and put aside, covered with a cloth, for 20 minutes.
3. Sprinkle the coriander seeds, cumin, fennel, black peppercorns, and chilies into a heavy pan and dry-roast them over moderate heat until they darken a few shades and become aromatic (a few minutes). Transfer them to a coffee grinder, or mortar and pestle, and grind them to a powder.
4. Heat 1 tablespoon (20 ml) of ghee or oil in a heavy pan over moderate heat. Add the dal paste and stir-fry it, stirring constantly over moderate heat until it starts to stick on the bottom. Remove from the heat, add the powdered spices and 1 teaspoon of the salt, and mix well. Transfer onto a plate or dish to cool.
5. Divide the dough into 20 portions. Roll each portion into a smooth ball. With a rolling pin on a slightly oiled surface, roll out each ball into a thick patty about 5 cm (2-inches) wide. Place 1 tablespoon (20 ml) of cooled filling in the centre of each one, gathering the edges of the dough back over to completely enclose the filling. Pinch the excess dough together and press it back into the centre of the patty. Flatten slightly; then with a rolling pin roll out seam side down (carefully avoiding puncturing the pastry) into a disk 5 -  71/2 cm (2 - 3 inches) wide.
6. When all the dal pooris are rolled, heat the ghee or oil in a pan or wok to 180°C/355°F and carefully slip in 3 or 4 dal pooris. They will immediately sink then rise to the surface. Press them down with a slotted spoon until they inflate. Fry them until lightly browned on one side (about 2 minutes) then turn them over and fry on the second side for another 1 or 2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a triple-thickness of paper towels. Cook all dalpooris and serve hot.

Great Vegetarian Dishes - Kurma Cookbook 1

Vegetable Fritters (Pakoras):
Pakoras are popular spiced, batter-dipped, deep-fried, vegetables that make perfect snacks or hors d'oeuvres. Ghee is the preferred medium for frying pakoras, although you can use nut or vegetable oil. Serve hot pakoras with you favourite chutney or dip.
Try batter-frying various types of vegetables. Cauliflower pakoras are probably the most popular, but equally delicious are potato rings, zucchini chunks, spinach leaves, pumpkin slices, eggplant rings, baby tomatoes, sweet potatoes, red or green pepper slices, asparagus tips, and artichoke hearts.
Cook pakoras slowly to ensure that the batter and the vegetables cook simultaneously. You needn't precook the vegetables.

PREPARATION TIME: 10 minutes
BATTER SITTING TIME: 10 - 15 minutes
COOKING TIME: 30 minutes
YIELD: 2 dozen large or 3 dozen medium pakoras

Ingredients:
2/3 cup (165 ml) chickpea flour
2/3 cup (165 ml) plain flour
2/3 cup (165 ml) self-raising flour
21/2 teaspoons (12 ml) salt
2 teaspoons (10 ml) yellow asafoetida powder
11/2 teaspoons (7 ml) turmeric
2 teaspoons (10 ml) cayenne pepper
11/2 teaspoons (7 ml) ground coriander
2 teaspoons (10 ml) green chilies, seeded and finely chopped about 21/2 cups (625 ml) cold water, or enough to make a smooth batter bite-sized vegetable pieces of your choice ghee or oil for deep-frying

1. Combine the flours, salt, powdered spices, and green chilies in a bowl. Mix well with a wire whisk.
2. Slowly add cold water while whisking the batter until it achieves the consistency of medium-light cream. When you dip the vegetable in the batter, it should be completely coated but neither thick and heavy nor runny and thin. Have extra flour and water on hand to adjust the consistency as required. Let the batter sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Heat fresh ghee or oil, to the depth of 61/2 - 71/2 cm (21/2 - 3 inches, in a wok or deep-frying vessel until the temperature reaches about 180°C/355°F. Dip 5 or 6 pieces of vegetable in the batter and, one at a time, carefully slip them into the hot oil.
4. The temperature will fall, but try to maintain it between 173°C - 180°C/345°F - 355°F  throughout the frying. Fry until the pakoras are golden brown, turning to cook them evenly on all sides. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Continue cooking until all the pakoras are done. Serve immediately or keep warm, uncovered, in a preheated cool oven for up to 1/2 hour.
Great Vegetarian Dishes - Kurma Cookbook 1

Apple and Blackberry Crumble:
This version of the famous English dessert has delighted customers at Gopal's Restaurant in Melbourne for many years. Succulent stewed apples, folded with fresh blackberries, are baked with a buttery, crunchy topping and served with cream or hot custard.

PREPARATION AND COOKING TIME: 15 minutes
BAKING TIME: 20 minutes
YIELD: enough for 6 to 8 persons

Ingredients:
6 medium green apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
11/2 cups (375 ml) fresh blackberries (or try raspberries, loganberries, or boysenberries)
1 tablespoon (20 ml) sugar
1 tablespoon (20 ml) fresh lemon juice
3/4 cup (185 ml) raw oats
1/2 cup (125 ml) unbleached plain flour
1/2 cup (125 ml) wholemeal flour
1/2 cup (125 ml) raw sugar
1/2 cup (125 ml) brown sugar
1/2 cup (125 ml) melted butter

1. Place the sliced apples along with a sprinkle of water in a heavy 4-litre/quart saucepan. Cook covered over moderate heat until the apples soften. Fold in the fresh berries, one tablespoon (20 ml) sugar, and lemon juice. Remove from the heat.
2. In a bowl, combine the raw oats, unbleached plain flour, wholemeal flour, raw sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter, rubbing in the butter until a coarse meal-like consistency is achieved.
3. Spread the cooked apples and berries in the bottom of a 20 cm (8-inch) ovenproof baking dish. Without pressing down, spoon on all the topping.
4. Place the dish in the top one-third of a preheated 180°C/355°F oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the topping is golden brown. Serve hot.

Great Vegetarian Dishes - Kurma Cookbook 1

Brahmin bagels by Devadeva dasi

Although we devotees like to restrict ourselves to homemade breads, every once in a while some of us get that certain yen for a little bagel nosh. Instead of submitting ourselves to the karma and disappointment of store- bought supermarket bagels, why not make our own? I have seen some pretty good bagel recipes by devotee chefs and feel it is my dharma to continue the bagel parampara.

By following a few easy steps, devotees can achieve the bagel-jyoti. While they probably will not replicate the bagels of one's youth (unless one grew up in Kansas) they are an acceptable replacement.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

Use your favorite bread dough or use mine:

Ingredients:
Combine 12 cups flour (white, wheat, or any ratio of integration of the two)
1/4 cup oil
3 tablespoons sugar (white or brown, it's up to you)
3 tablespoons yeast
1 teaspoon salt
3-4 cups of hot water or whey

Method:
Now knead!
On an oily work surface, grab some dough and form rings that look like, you guessed it, bagels! Craft stores such as Michael's (if you are in the USA) sell doughnut/bagel shaped cookie cutter rings that work perfectly for shaping the dough. Usually there are two sizes of these cutters. I recommend the smaller size for the stability of the bagel throughout the bagel-making process. Lay each bagel on an oiled baking sheet and cover with a cloth. Allow the bagels to rise in a warm area. Brush with a little milk or keep it pareve* by brushing with plain soymilk.

The next step in the bagel making process involves good old-fashioned steam. Bagel makers can choose between boiling your bagel in a big pot of water for five minutes or steaming bagels on wax paper in a covered colander or bamboo steamer. Make sure not to turn the bagels over, and leave room for them to expand upon boiling. After boiling or steaming, drain bagels in a sieve and then place on baking sheet prepared with farina or cornmeal. I have found my boiled bagels to remain mushy in areas when boiled, therefore I personally prefer the steaming method.

Bake until bagels are brown. Allow bagels to cool and shmear with butter or cream cheese. Many of you may have a strong urge to say a brachah** over the bagels, but I know Krishna would prefer us to simply recite the standard offering prayers. Now that Krishna has eaten, it's your turn. Mmmmm. Delish!

This recipe makes 22 large size bagels or 44 small size bagels.

* "Pareve": a term used in Jewish cooking, not necessary for prasad. The bagel is a traditional Jewish bread.

** "Brachah": a Hebrew prayer.Ed.

© CHAKRA 27 March 2002

The Animal Spirit Newsletter - Issue #2 -  4/21/03-4/27/03

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