A food product, though classed in the mode of goodness,

A food product, though classed in the mode of goodness, fresh, and uncomtanimated,may be of inferior quality, having bad taste, texture or color. The same food product of
superior taste and quality is preferable is possible.
A food product may be in the mode of goodness, may be fresh, uncontaminated and of
superior quality, but if it is prepared by a person who is impure and sinful, that food
should not be taken. Prepared or cooked foods, particularly grains, take on the qualities
of the person who has prepared them. If one eats such foods one will take on those sinful
qualities as well. Thus a
Furthermore, a food product though in the mode of goodness, fresh, uncontaminated, of
superior quality, and prepared by a sinless person, is filled with sin if it is not first offered
to the Lord.
yajna sistasinah santo
mucyante sarva kilbisaih
bhunjate te tv agham papa
ye pacanty atma karanat
The devotees of the Lord are released from all kinds of sins becasue they eat food which
is offered first for sacrifice. Others, who prepare food for personal sense enjoyment,
verily eat only sin.
BG Ch.3, V.13
When suitable foods are offered to the Lord they surpass sattva guna and become
transcendental to material nature. Such food is called prasadam, the mercy of the Lord.
Therefore the Vaisnava takes only those cooked foods which are prepared by another
Vaisnava, who has thorough knowledge of what is acceptable for offering and
consumption and what is not, who is sinless in conduct, and who offers everything to the
Lord before serving it.
The considerations of quality, impurity etc do not apply however to food which has been
offered by bona fide devotees to the Lord without offense (who offer it to the Lord
considering the proper standards mentioned above). That food or bhoga is called
mahaprasadam and is absolute like the Lord:
One should eat the mahaprasada of the Lord immediately upon receiving it, even though
it is dried up, stale or brought from a distant country. One should consider neither time
nor place.
CC Madhya v.2.p.324
In the Brhad Visnu Purana it is stated that one who considers mahaprasada to be equal to
ordinary rice and dahl certainly commits a great offense. Ordinary edibles are touchable
and untouchable, but there are no such dualistic considerations where prasada is
concerned. Prasada is transcendental and there are no transformations or contaminations,
just as there are no contaminations or transformations in the body of Lord Visnu Himself.
CC Madhya V.1, p.293
Source of Food:
The brahmana is forbidden to take food from a sudra, since the sudra by his inherent
character is a person addicted to sinful activity. Since all of a man's sins reside in his
cooked grains, if one eats the grains cooked by a sudra, one must suffer for all his sins.
Thererfore to avoid undue difficulties, this food is avoided.
Exceptions are made however. One can take food from sudra after giving suitable
payment. After paying one can take rice cooked in sugar and milk, items cooked in ghee
or oil (not boiled items); cow milk, sweet cakes and oil cakes. One can take honey,
water, fruits, and roots from a sudra if they are offered without ones asking. One can
accept food from a sudra who works someone elses land and takes half the crop. One
may take food from a sudra if one is well acquainted with the his family and habits. One
can also accept food from a sudra who tends cows or is the family barber.
The word "sudra" must refer to a person of sudra quality, rather than of sudra anscestory,
for one must always take food grains cooked by a Vaisnava , who offers the grains to the
Lord, regardless of his caste. The Skanda Purana says that there are four pure things:
ekadasi vrata, the heart of a devotee, Ganga water, and the grains cooked by Vaisnava.
As you will pay for the dinner, for the foods, you can offer them to Krsna within your
mind, then eat them as Krsna prasadam. Any foods stuff when it is paid for it becomes
purified...The source of receipt of the things may be not very good, but if one pays for it,
it becomes purified. So vegetable diet, when it is paid for, you can offer it in your mind
to Krsna and take it. Meat is not considered an eatable...It is not to be done ordinarily--w
We should prepare our own foodstuff and offer-- as much as possible of course.
letter from Srila Prabhupada
Brahmananda, Oct. 6, 1968
COOKING
Cooking should be understood to be a devotional activity, for the product must be offered
to the Supreme Lord with devotion. The rules which apply to deity worship, cleanliness
and devotion, also apply to cooking.
Cleanliness:
Ones body should be clean. One who cooks must have performed his morning nitya
kriyas of sauca, brushing teeth, bathing, dressing properly and applying tilaka. The hands
should be always clean, never touching impure objects or the holes of the body.
Utensils and ingredients must be clean. Just artilces for deity worship must be cleaned
before performing deity worship, before cooking one must be sure that his utensils and
kitcehn are pure. One must know what is considered pure and impure, and how
contamination spreads. One must also know how to rectify impurity if that is possible ie
the proper method of purifying different articles. The ingredients are for offering to the
Lord, and therefore one should not enjoy them first, by smelling or tasting or looking
upon with lust. As well non devotees or those not familiar with the rules of cleanliness
and worship, should not be allowed to cook, nor should any animals be allowed entrance
in the kitchen. Nor can the unoffered preparations and ingredients be mixed with,
touched to or placed in proximity to items already offered.
The place should be clean. The kitchen should be thoroughly washed before starting and
garbage should not be allowed to accumulate in the kitchen. Shoes should not be worn
into the kitchen.
The mind should be purified by strict sadhana and constant chanting of the Holy Name.
While engaged in cooking one should not discuss mundane matters, but as in deity
worship maintain silence on these matters. Instead one should meditate on pleasing the
Supreme Lord by ones activity, and constantly chant the Holy Name.
As far as possible non-initiated devotees may not enter the kitchen or deity area. They
can help from outside.
letter from Srila Prabhupada
April 4, 1971

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Re: 2009 Kamada Ekadashi on April 5th

Nityaananda!! Gauraanga!! Hare Krishna!! Thank you for your thorough testing Srinath. There may be differences in regards to pure Ekadashi and impure Ekadashi (when Dashami gets mixed with Ekadashi) and Ekadashi breakfast times since fixed duration muhurtas are standardized now but those may be quite rare or small which is why you may not be able to notice many changes.

Daaso'smi, BR Sadhu Swami Gaurangapada.

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Re: 2009 Kamada Ekadashi on April 5th

Respected Swamiji and devotees,

      Nityananda Gauranga Hare Krishna! I compared the readings of both calendars. Everything is almost identical.  No difference in tithi and other important days. The sunrise/sunset timings and fast breaking times are sometimes different by about 1 min for both calendars.  I checked for a 5 year calculation. This is because of very small differences (1') in latitude/longitude entries of the cities and also due to different rouding off of times.

       What needs to be checked is the moon timings. Moonrise in Vaisnava Reminder are on average 4 mins off with respect to Gcal. So considering Gcal's accuracy it may be that VR may be the one off. However on an average, both calendars are off by 3 mins either way from modern calculations. Gcal's error is about 1 wrong date in 20 years and perhaps VR too is more or less accurate.

        However gcal's solar and lunar co-ordinate calculation is accurate to 6 digits which is remarkable.

     Vaisnava Reminder also has fixed muhurtas and also the daylight savings feature. It had a major update.

     So in conclusion:

VR:
-->Pros -- Interface, Style, ease of use, gives Strong Alerts in advance, many varieties of calculations available. Most parameters Sync with gcal within 1 min, if at all. Has different calendars for ISKCON/BTI. Can also add more places with all parameters.

                Automatic Calculations. Auto Load and auto alert at startup. Supplies information on important days and dates. Alerts active for upto 2 days. Keeps running in background and works automatically. Format similar to Windows System Date and Time. Multiple Date and Time formats. Daylight Savings option.

                  Can add own events (I haven't tested this). Built in scheduler, To Do list and Diary. Data can be exported to HTML or icalendar with custom settings.

-->Cons -- Moonrise/moonset timings differ with Gcal by avg 3 mins. Does not show astrological parameters in events list.

Gcal :
-->Pros -- More accurate timings (about 1 min). Huge number of virtually all astrological parameters calculated and displayed in Calendar. More accurate moon rise timings. Events list merged with calendar. Greater number of built in cities

-->Cons -- No automatic control, needs manual startup and recalculation at every run. No Alert system. Excessively plain notepad interface.

My suggestion is that devotees use both. You will need VR for its automatic start, hefty features and customization and alerts, but then if you want best accruacy you can cross check the timings with gcal accordingly.
     

Daaso'smi,
Srinath

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Re: ...bhakt question?....

Nityananda! Gauranga! Hare Krsna!

Thank you Gurudeva. This morning I realized these things too (where my bliss is evident), and your confirmation is gratefully accepted and will be implemented. It is has confirmed the truth of the matter. Thank you for your paitence, and kindness.

aspiring service...Nava.

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Die reine Liebe der Seele

Lieber Freund,
Nityaananda! Gauraanga! Hare Krischna!
Yoga bedeutet die wunschgem�sse spirituelle Vereinigung. Die harmonische Verbindung zwischen der Seele und Gott nennt man NITAAI Yoga. Diese Beziehung mit Gott erweckt die nat�rliche, in uns schlummernde Liebe der Seele zum H�chsten. Deshalb ist NITAAI Yoga die reine liebende Natur der Seele. Die Seele ist ein spiritueller Funke, ein winzig kleines Teilchen von Gott, und nicht etwa ein Produkt aus Materie oder Chemikalien. Wir sind alle Seelen, welche in unseren materiellen K�rpern wohnen, w�hrend wir durch die 8,4 Millionen k�rperlichen Lebensformen dieses Universums wandern. NITAAI Yoga ist das wissenschaftliche Wesen unserer Seele. Es ist der Vorgang des Erweckens von unserer nat�rlichen, liebenden Verehrung unseres H�chsten Herrn und Meisters.

Wir nutzen diese Gelegenheit, um Dir unsere Dankbarkeit f�r Deinen gesch�tzten Besuch auf NITAAI.com, der offiziellen Website von NITAAI Yoga, auszusprechen. Wir hoffen, dass Du durch unsere Website tiefere spirituelle Einsichten auf Deinem Pfad gewinnen kannst. Wir sind sehr erfreut �ber Deine wertvolle Gemeinschaft, und dass wir Dir auf Deiner spirituellen Reise dienen d�rfen. Viele Seiten im obengenannten Menu sind noch im Aufbau. Bis dahin benutze bitte unsere Foren, NITAAI Veda site, Photos site, Video Forum, Medien Gallerie, Bibliothek u.s.w.

NITAAI Yoga ist kein Kult oder eine k�nstliche Religiosit�t. Es ist die wesenseigene und grundlegende Eigenschaft der Seele, die nicht ausgetauscht werden kann, wie einige Religionen dieser Welt, bei welchen man einfach von einer zur anderen wechseln kann. Es ist nichts neues, k�nstliches oder �usserliches f�r die Seele. Es ist die urspr�ngliche Energie der Seele. Die Seele ist  qualitativ gleich mit Gauraanga-Krischna, aber quantitativ verschieden, das heisst, sehr viel kleiner. NITAAI Yoga ist die Wiederbelebung der in unserer Seele innewohnenden g�ttlichen Eigenschaften. Darum kann jeder NITAAI Yoga aus�ben, ungeachtet der �usseren Stellung, Begrenzungen oder Unf�higkeiten.

NITAAI ist der wohlwollendste heilige Name Gottes, Es ist die Kurzform von 'Nityaananda' oder 'ewige Gl�ckseligkeit' und ebenfalls das K�rzel von 'Nityaananda Gauraanga Hare Krishna Naama Bhakti'. NITAAI ist der heilige Name vom g�ttlichen �lteren Bruder von Gott. NITAAI ist derjenige, welcher unbegrenzte Gl�ckseligkeit und Kraft gew�hrt. NITAAI fleht uns an, Seine h�chste Liebe anzunehmen. NITAAI beachtet nicht unseren materiellen Stand oder unsere F�higkeiten. Er verteilt allen freiz�gig den seltenen Schatz Seiner reinen Liebe. NITAAI ist nichts anderes als beispiellose Gnade, Frieden, Liebe und Gl�ckseligkeit. Ob Du es glauben kannst oder nicht, NITAAI ist der sch�nste Klang auf dieser Welt. Er ist der Inbegriff aller Vollkommenheit.
Im Zeitalter des Kali f�hrt der einzige, kurze und einfache Weg, Gott zu erreichen, �ber NITAAI. NITAAI kann ohne weiteres eine der f�nf g�ttlichen Beziehungen der Seele mit Gott gew�hren. Deshalb wird es unumg�nglich f�r jede Art von spiritueller Erfahrung, sich mit NITAAI zu verbinden. Diese Verbindung nennt man NITAAI Yoga. Darum ist NITAAI Yoga der Anfang und das Ende aller spirituellen Verwirklichungen.
Alle anderen Formen von Gott geben uns nur Gnade, Gl�ck und Freiheit von Reaktionen, wenn wir immer wieder zu Ihnen beten und uns Ihnen hingeben. Jedoch NITAAI ist anders. Er gibt, ohne zu fragen. Er ist echt besorgt um uns. Er weint f�r uns. Er blutete f�r uns, als Madhaai Ihn auf Seinen Kopf schlug. Wir m�ssen nur Seine Gnade annehmen. Jeder von uns kann das sehr einfach und ohne grosse Anstrengungen tun, weil Er von uns f�r diesen grossen Gefallen, den Er uns so gerne gew�hrt, keine Gegenleistung erwartet. Glaube ist der einzige Preis. Deshalb ist NITAAI Yoga f�r jederman geeignet, denn es ist einfach, ein wenig Glauben an NITAAI zu enwickeln. NITAAI Yoga wird sich selbst denjenigen als sehr n�tzlich erweisen, welche nicht an der Seele oder an Gott interessiert sind.

NITAAI stieg im Jahre 1473 im heiligen Dorf Ekachakraa Dhaama in Westbengalen, Indien, auf diese Welt hinab. Von diesem Tag an bl�hte der ganze Birbhum Distrikt auf. Der ganze Planet und das ganze Universum wurden durch seine Lotusf�sse und seine Gegenwart auf dieser Erde gereinigt, welche doch nur ein unbedeutender Teil seiner Eigenen Sch�pfung ist. Durch die Form von NITAAI wurde das ganze Universum Zeuge der gr�ssten Aussch�ttung von Gnade und Gl�ckseligkeit aller Zeiten. Sogar heute noch tauchen diejenigen sofort in einen Ozean von Gl�ckseligkeit ein, welche NITAAI rufen oder nach Ekachakraa gehen. Dies ist der Beweis f�r die
Wirksamkeit von NITAAI. Versuche bitte NITAAI anzunehmen, Du wirst sicherlich nicht entt�uscht werden. Du wirst einfach �berw�ltigt und erstaunt sein �ber die Einfachheit, Tiefe und die gl�ckseligen Erfahrungen von NITAAI Yoga.

NITAAI ist der h�chste Herr und der Ursprung der ganzen Sch�pfung. Sein g�ttlicher Bruder ist GAURA KRISCHNA, die h�chste absolute Pers�nlichkeit Gottes und die Ursache aller Ursachen. GAURA stieg im Jahre 1486 in diese Welt hinab, und zwar in der heiligen Stadt Navadvipa Dhaama in Westbengalen, Indien, und vollf�hrte Seine Spiele in Jagannaatha Puri Dhaama, Orissa, Indien, von 1510 bis 1534.
GAURA = RADHA + KRISCHNA. Sri Sri Radha und Krischna sind die H�chsten Absoluten G�ttlichen Geniesser, welche Ihre Spiele in Vraja Dhaama, Uttar Pradesh in Indien vor etwa 5000 Jahren vollf�hrten. Beide verschmolzen in eine vertrauliche, goldene Form f�r ekstatische Spiele, und sind vor rund 500 Jahren als GAURA im Kali-Zeitalter wieder hinabgestiegen. Balarama erschien als NITAAI. Beide, sowohl NITAAI als auch GAURA sind keine erdichteten oder erfundenen Gottheiten, sondern sie werden ganz klar in den indischen Geschichtsb�chern beschrieben, welche auch an Schulen und Universit�ten gelehrt werden. Millionen von Menschen wurden auf der Stelle befreit, als sie Sie w�hrend Ihrer pers�nlichen Anwesenheit auf diesem Planeten vor etwa 500 Jahren von Angesicht zu Angesicht sahen. Auch wenn Sie in Indien erschienen sind, geh�ren Sie nicht zu einem bestimmten Land, oder einer Sekte, Kaste, Glaubensrichtung oder Rasse. Sie sind die ewigen G�ttlichen V�ter jeder Seele der Sch�pfung.

NITAAI GAURA = BALARAAMA KRISCHNA. Es gibt nichts h�heres in der ganzen Sch�pfung als diese beiden G�ttlichen Br�der. Sie sind das summum bonum von allem in der Sch�pfung. Sie sind die personifizierte Liebe. Sie kamen aus dem einzigen Grund, um Ihre eigene Liebe zu verteilen. Es kann gar keine gr�sseren Wohlt�ter als Sie in dieser Welt geben, weil Sie das gr�sste Kronjuwel der absoluten Liebe grossherzig verteilen, welches uns vorher noch nie so freiz�gig gegeben worden war. Sie erf�llen alle unsere W�nsche. Sie sind die einzige Hoffnung in diesem heruntergekommenen und s�ndigen Zeitalter. Sie geben uns wahre Hoffnung in all der Hoffnungslosigkeit, welche uns heutzutage umgibt. NITAAI ist das einzige Mittel um GAURA KRISCHNA zu erlangen. NITAAI Yoga ist der allgemeing�ltige Vorgang von Nityaananda Gauraanga Hare Krischna Naama Bhakti Yoga.

Das gr�sste Pech der Menschen im Kali-Zeitalter ist, dass die Mehrheit nicht einmal die leiseste Ahnung davon hat, dass ihre Herrschaften vor etwa 500 Jahren pers�nlich auf diesem Planeten erschienen sind, mit dem einzigen Ziel, allen Ihre h�chste Liebe freiz�gig zu verteilen. NITAAI Yoga vermittelt uns das Wissen �ber diese vertrauliche Wahrheit. Es erm�glicht uns, ins Licht hinauszutreten und beendet unsere Unwissenheit. Dem Srimad Bhagavatam zufolge ist jemand, der diese Wahrheit kennt, die intelligenteste Person im Zeitalter des Kali. Deshalb ist NITTAI Yoga sicherlich ein sehr seltenes Geheimnis. Obwohl es f�r jederman bestimmt ist, bleibt es sehr verborgen. Trotzdem ist jetzt die Zeit gekommen, das Siegel zu brechen und dieses Wissen und den Nektar von NITAAI Yoga freigebig an jeden zu verteilen, den Fussstapfen der grossen Seelen nachfolgend, welche das in der Vergangenheit so getan haben.

Da gerade erst ungef�hr 5000 Jahre vom Kali-Zeitalter vergangen sind, bleiben davon noch etwa 427000 Jahre �brig, welche noch schrecklicher sein werden als die Gegenwart. Danach wird wieder ein Satya-Zeitalter (tugendhaftes und religi�ses Zeitalter) anbrechen. Die gesamthafte Dauer eines Zyklus aller vier Zeitalter (Satya, Dvaapara, Tretaa und Kali) betr�gt 4320000 Erdenjahre. Tausend solcher Zyklen entsprechen 12 Stunden von einem Tag von Brahma. Dar�berhinaus lebt Brahma Hundert Jahre in Satyaloka, dem h�chsten Planeten dieses Universums. Nach Ablauf dieser Hundert Jahre von Brahma, welche 311 Trillionen Erdenjahren entsprechen, werden alle Universem in den g�ttlichen K�rper von Maha Vishnu eingehen, wenn er einatmet. Er ist eine Teilmanifestation von NITAAI-GAURA. Alle Seelen und Universen bleiben f�r weitere 311 Trillionen Jahre in einem Schlaf-Zustand, bis sie sich wieder f�r 311 Trillionen Jahre manifestieren, w�hrend Maha Vishu wieder ausatmet. So wird die materielle Sch�pfung immer wieder geschaffen, erhalten und wieder zerst�rt. Die Aufgabe unserer Seele ist es, frei zu werden von diesem ewigen Kreislauf der materiellen Sch�pfung, und zum Zeitpunkt unseres Todes in die ewige Heimat der Seele einzugehen, um f�r immer mit unseren Herrschaften NITAAI-GAURA und RADHA-KRISCHNA in der unzerst�rbaren spirituellen Welt zusammen zu sein, welche drei Viertel der gesamten Sch�pfung Gottes ausmacht. Diese Aufgabe ist als NITAAI Yoga bekannt.

Die Probleme in dieser Welt werden nicht abnehmen, bis die Menschen die barmherzigste Pers�nlichkeit NITAAI und NITAAI Yoga, der Vorgang der Wiederherstellung unserer verlorenen Verbindung mit Ihm, versuchen zu verstehen. Wir w�rden uns schuldig machen, wenn wir einen solch grossen Schatz, wie wir ihn so grossz�gig von NITAAI und GAURA erhalten haben, nicht annehmen und verteilen, und ihn somit missachten w�rden. Damit wir von dieser Schuld befreit werden und anderen Menschen wahrhaftig von Nutzen sein k�nnen, m�ssen wir NITAAI Yoga ernsthaft praktizieren und es jedermann lehren.

Das bedeutungsvolle Sanskritwort 'Yoga' wird heutzutage einfach gebraucht um k�rperliche Gesundheits-�bungen und Haltungen anzupreisen. Das tats�chliche Yoga der spirituellen Verbindung und die Nahrung der Seele wird meistens von dieser Welt vernachl�ssigt, wegen dem intensiven Streben nach k�rperlichen Dingen. Dies geschieht, weil der feine spirituelle Funke der Seele im Herzen mit den abgestumpften materiellen Sinnen nicht so deutlich wahrgenommen werden kann wie der grobe K�rper. Und so wurde Yoga unat�rlicherweise als etwas haupts�chlich k�rperliches angenommen. Jedoch ist unsrere ewige spirituelle Beziehung mit NITAAI die einzige Nahrung f�r unsere Seele. NITAAI Yoga ist der spirituelle Vorgang um diese schlummernde Verbindung aufzuwecken. Es ist nicht nur ein feiner materieller Vorgang. Wenn unsere Seele, welche seit Millionen von vergangenen Leben spirituell schlummert, von NITAAI Yoga erweckt wird, dann kann die Seele unbegrenzte M�glichkeiten erreichen. Die Seele kann dann erkennen, dass ihre urspr�ngliche Natur ewig (sat), voller Wissen (chit) und immerw�hrender Gl�ckseeligkeit (ananda) ist.

NITAAI Yoga ist g�nzlich kostenlos und trotzdem das Erhabenste �berhaupt. Es ist der segensreiche Vorgang der Verbindung mit Gott durch Mantra-Meditation, d.h. durch die �beraus m�chtigen Klangschwingungen der Nityaananda- (NITAAI) und Gauraanga- (GAURA) Mantrarajas und dem Hare Krischna (HARINAMA) Mahamantra: Hare Krischna Hare Krischna Krischna Krischna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare. NITAAI Yoga ist der hehre Vorgang von NITAAI GAURA KRISCHNA Bewusstsein, wie es uns von den grossen, unersch�tterlichen Acharyas wie Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Srila Bhaktisiddantha Sarasvati Prabhupada und Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura gelehrt wurde.

NITAAI Yoga wird haupts�chlich durch den Vorgang der neun nachfolgend beschriebenen NITTAI Kriyaas ausge�bt. Kriyaa bedeutet die dynamische Besch�ftigung der Seele in der Beziehung mit Gott. Der Herr wird in den vedischen Schriften als das h�chste Yoga und Kriyaa beschrieben. Diese neun NITTAI Yoga-Kriyaas sind reine Bhakti- oder hingebungsvolle Kriyaas, welche dem Herrn gefallen und keine Kriyaas der trockenen Spekulation. Die wahre Bedeutung von Yoga und Kriyaa wird von den Bhakti Yogis ganz verstanden. Das Yoga des heiligen Namens (Naama Bhakti Yoga) ist ein aktiver und kein passiver Vorgang. Man kann nicht sagen, dass jemand Gott liebt, wenn er nicht bereit ist, Ihm praktisch zu dienen und Ihn durch Aus�bung von mindestens einer dieser Arten von hingebungsvollem Dienst zu erreichen. Das Wort 'Kriyaa' bedeutet, dass NITAAI Yoga die spirituell-wissenschaftliche, praktische und allgemeing�ltige Bet�tigung der Seele ist. NITAAI Yoga ist das Kriyaa der Seele. Es besteht aus diesen Handlungen (Kriyaas) welche die Mittel darstellen, durch die man den h�chsten Herrn Gauraanga Krishna erreichen kann.

(1) Das NITAAI Sankirtana Kriyaa ist das wichtigste Kriyaa. Es ist der K�nig und das Leben aller anderen NITAAI Kriyaas und auch das Wesentliche von NITAAI Yoga. Es ist das Seil, welches Gott an uns bindet und Ihn uns so n�herbringt. Es ist der meditative musikalische Vorgang vom spirituellen Gesang und Tanz, begleitet vom melodi�sen Chanten und H�ren der NITYAANANDA, GAURAANGA und HARE KRISCHNA Mantras. Die Musikinstrumente, welche dieses NITAAI Sankirtana Kriyaa begleiten, sind die Karataalas (Hand-Zimbeln) und die Mridangas (l�ngliche Trommeln aus Ton, mit verschiedenen Durchmessern an beiden Enden). Dieser Vorgang des rhytmischen Tanzens zum lauten Singen der Mantras und religi�sen Liedern, ist sehr effektiv zum Wiederbeleben unseres spirituellen Lebens und ein Beschleuniger f�r alle anderen Kriyaas von NITAAI Yoga.

(2) Das zweitwichtigste Kriyaa ist das NITAAI Japa Kriyaa. Es umfasst das leicht h�rbare Chanten der drei Mantras (Nityaananda, Gauraanga und das Hare Krischna Mahamantra) auf einer heiligen Tulasi Gebetskette (Mala) mit 108 Perlen. Eine Runde bedeutet somit, 108 mal das jeweilige Mantra zu chanten. Der Spiritualist, welcher NITAAI Yoga aus�bt, sollte eine Anzahl Runden von jedem dieser drei Mantras festlegen, welche er problemlos jeden Tag chanten kann, je nach seinen F�higkeiten, und sie dann gleich- und regelm�ssig chanten, damit ihm der spirituelle Erfolg sicher ist. Und falls es m�glich ist, sollte er versuchen, auch die Anzahl und Qualit�t der Runden schrittweise zu erh�hen. Das Beachten der t�glichen Disziplin in diesem NITAAI Japa Kriyaa wird vom Herrn reichlich mit spiritueller Liebe und Gl�ckseligkeit belohnt. Wenn man es schafft, eine festgelegte Anzahl Runden der Mantras (egal wieviele) jeden Tag konzentriert zu chanten, dann wird der Fortschritt in den anderen Kriyaas ebenfalls leicht erfolgen. Man kann mit 10 Nityaananda, 10 Gauraanga und einer Hare Krischna Runde t�glich anfangen (10-10-1), was h�chstens eine halbe Stunde dauert. Das ideale Ziel f�r den gew�hnlichen Praktizierenden von NITAAI Japa Kriyaa ist 32-32-16 oder 64-64-16 Runden der Nityaananda- und  Gauraanga-Mantrarajas und dem Hare Krischna Mahamantra t�glich zu chanten. Das h�chste Ziel f�r den ambitionierten Gottgeweihten ist von allen drei Mantras t�glich je 64 Runden zu chanten. Man kann dieses NITAAI Japa Kriyaa auf einer Gebetskette aus Tulasiholz aus�ben, w�hrend man in einer padmasana, vajrasana, svastikasana oder jeder anderen bequemen Sitzposition auf einer Matte, einem Stuhl, Bett oder Sofa verweilt, oder auch beim Gehen. Wenn es umst�ndehalber nicht m�glich ist, auf einer Gebetskette aus Tulasiholz zu chanten, kann man die Mantras auch mit einem mechanischen Z�hler oder auf den Fingern abz�hlen, um sicher zu sein, dass man die festgelegte Anzahl der drei Mantras t�glich chantet. Daran festzuhalten, die Anzahl Mantra-Runden (egal wieviele) t�glich zu chanten, wird einem zu raschem spirituellen Fortschritt verhelfen. Das Wichtigste ist, dass man seinen Geist beim Aus�ben von NITAAI Japa Kriyaa auf den transzendentalen Klang und die Bedeutung der Mantras konzentriert.

(3) Das dritte Kriyaa, das NITAAI Praana Kriyaa ist eine Atemtechnik durch beide Nasenl�cher oder nur durch eines (anuloma und viloma), in Verbindung mit den NITAAI und GAURA Mantras. Ein Durchgang von NITAAI Praana Kriyaa beinhaltet folgende zwei Atemz�ge: In Gedanken chantet man 'NI' w�hrend des Einatmens und 'TAAI' beim Ausatmen vom ersten Atemzug und 'GAU' w�hrend des Einatmens und 'RA' beim Ausatmen vom zweiten Atemzug. Atme diese zwei Mantras w�hrend des Tages wann immer Du kannst, und f�hle die Gl�ckseeligkeit die Deinen ganzen K�rper, dein Herz und deine Seele durchstr�mt. Du kannst die gleiche Atem�bung auch mit dem Hare Krischna Mahamantra durchf�hren, indem Du mit 'Hare Krischna Hare Krischna' einatmest und dann mit 'Krischna Krischna Hare Hare' ausatmest, danach 'Hare Rama Hare Rama' beim Einatmen und schliesslich 'Rama Rama Hare Hare' beim Ausatmen, was einen Durchgang von NITAAI Kriyaa mit dem Hare Krischna Mahamantra darstellt.

(4) Das vierte Kriyaa, das NITAAI Lekhana Kriyaa, ist das Schreiben und Visualisieren der Sanskrit Silben von NITAAI und GAURA oder NITYAANANDA  und GAURAANGA oder dem HARE KRISCHNA Mahamantra mit dem Zeigefinger in der Luft, mit einem Schreibstift auf Papier oder mit Kreide auf eine Tafel u.s.w.
Die Meditation �ber die Form der Sanskrit-Silben dieser drei Mantras ist so gut wie wenn man �ber Gott selbst meditiert. Deshalb ist NITAAI Lekhana Kriyaa ein sehr kraftvoller Vorgang f�r unsere Seele, um sich Gott anzun�hern und mit Ihm in Verbindung zu treten.

(5) Das f�nfte NITAAI Kriyaa, das sogenannte NITAAI Shravana Kriyaa ist das regelm�ssige H�ren, Reden, Sehen von spirituellen Videos, Lesen oder Befragen von verwirklichten Seelen und Diskutieren �ber Verse, Spiele, Heilige Schriften, Religi�se Lieder, Mantra Chanten u.s.w. Dies sollte man tun, indem man sich ganz darauf konzentriert, den spirituellen Klang dieser transzendentalen Themen in sich aufzunehmen. Durch solches regelm�ssiges H�ren von fortgeschrittenen spirituellen Autorit�ten und Quellen, kann man seine Stetigkeit im Aus�ben von NITAAI Yoga n�hren und bewahren.

(6) Das sechste Kriyaa, das NITAAI Dhyaana Kriyaa ist die Verehrung, Visualisierung und Meditation �ber die g�ttlichen Formen von NITAAI, GAURA, RADHA und KRISCHNA, durch eine Bildgestalt oder ein Photo. Dies sind die transzendentalen Stellvertreter von Gott und dadurch nicht verschieden von Ihm. Die Mantras offenbaren die g�ttliche Form von Gott und fortw�hrende Meditation �ber diese Form f�hrt zu immer tieferer Verwirklichung Seiner g�ttlichen Eigenschaften und Spiele.

(7) Das siebte Kriyaa, NITAAI Tulasi Kriyaa, beinhaltet das regelm�ssige Pflegen, Giessen und Verehren der heiligen Pflanze Tulasi (Ocimum tenuiflorum). Diese einfache Handlung gef�llt Gott sehr, und jeder, der Tulasi verehrt, wird sicher ein Gef�hrte von Gott.

(8) Das achte Kriyaa ist das NITAAI Prasaada Kriyaa. Es ist der erhabene Vorgang des Opferns vegetarischer Speisen, welche man t�glich zubereitet, zusammen mit einem Tulasi-Blatt, vor einem Photo oder Bildgestalten von NITAAI GAURA, w�hrend man die drei Mantras rezitiert. Dies tut man, um die Speisen spirituell zu heiligen und sie so g�nzlich Karma-frei zu machen, da sogar vegetarische Nahrung karmische Reaktionen enthalten. Diese geweihten und geopferten Speisen, Prasaada (grundlose Barmherzigkeit) genannt, n�hren nicht nur unseren K�rper sondern auch unsere Seele auf spirituelle Weise. Ein wichtiger Bestandteil von NITAAI Prasaada Kriyaa ist auch das Fasten von jeglichem Getreide zweimal im Monat an den sogenannten Ekaadashi-Tagen, und auch an speziellen Feiertagen das ganze Jahr hindurch, um damit das Verlangen der Zunge und des Bauches zu �berwinden.

(9) Das neunte Kriyaa, das NITAAI Dhaama Kriyaa, ist der spirituelle R�ckzug zu den transzendentalen heiligen Orten, wo der Herr Seine Spiele vollf�hrt hat, in der Begleitung von ernsthaften und fortgeschrittenen Spiritualisten. Dies hilft uns dabei, die Tiefe unserer Meditation zu verinnerlichen und unser Wesen spirituell aufzuladen. Gott ist sicherlich auf eine spirituell konzentriertere und zug�nglichere Weise an den Orten anwesend, wo Er pers�nlich Seine Spiele aufgef�hrt hat. Die drei haupts�chlichen heiligen vedischen Orte Gottes in Indien sind Navadvipa (West-Bengalen), Puri (Orissa) und Vrindavana (Uttar Pradesh).

Man kann irgend eines dieser Kriyaas unabh�ngig von den anderen und zu jeder Tageszeit aus�ben, und sofort die unbegrenzte Gl�ckseeligkeit von NITAAI Yoga versp�ren. NITAAI Yoga ist so einfach wie das einfache Chanten, H�ren, Singen, Atmen oder Meditieren dieser drei K�nige aller Mantras, w�hrend des ganzen Tages auf eine der oben beschriebenen Arten. Somit kann NITAAI Yoga von jederman �berall w�hrend jeglicher T�tigkeit ausge�bt werden. Es gibt keine diesbez�glichen Regeln. Es gibt keinen Verlust und keine Kosten, nur unbegrenzten Gewinn f�r unser wahres Selbst, unsere Seele. Probiere es aus, und Du wirst sicherlich nie endende Freude und deinen ewigen Platz in der spirituellen Welt erlangen.

Auf Deinen Dienst in NITAAI Yoga hoffend,
Bhakiratna Sadhu Swami Gaurangapada,
Spiritueller Meister und Lehrer von NITAAI Yoga.

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Conquer your waking period first by constantly remembering the Lord Gaura Krishna during the day.

Conquer your waking period first by constantly remembering the Lord Gaura Krishna during the day.

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Re: 2009 Kamada Ekadashi on April 5th

Srinath, I do not know if this Vaishnava Reminder software follows the latest Gcal Vaishnava Calendar developed by Gopala Priya dasa. Gcal is by far the most accurate Vaishnava calendar software and includes fixed muhurtas etc. The link to download it is here as given in my first post. I would recommend everyone to use this for calculating the Vaishnava calendar for their respective latitudes and longitudes and time zones. Nityaananda!! Gauraanga!! Hare Krishna!!

Daaso'smi, BR Sadhu Swami Gaurangapada.

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Re: Chanting Hare Krishna offenselessly

Thank you Mihir for understanding that the daily chanting of the Nityaananda and Gauraanga Mantrarajas along iwth the Hare Krishna Mahamantra is the highest spiritual practice which can be performed in Kali Yuga, in fact in all ages in the past, present and future. This simple faith will ensure your advancement in leaps and bounds.

Daaso'smi, BR Sadhu Swami Gaurangapada.

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Re: ...bhakt question?....

Nityaananda!! Gauraanga!! Hare Krishna!! One can certainly grow by proper internet association. Vani of our Guru and the Acharyas is our primary source of devotional association with the Lord and that is available in it's complete and pure form on the internet. Shrila Bhaktisiddhanta Prabhupada recommended association with the Vani when a devotee asked him about association in the case that one is staying away froma temple. Actually even if one goes to a temple for association with the devotees but if our Acharyas' Vani is not properly understood and practiced then that is not proper association. If one steadily performs the daily chanting, sankirtana, viewing videos, reading, worshiping Yulasi etc. at home while associating with the Vani via the internet then that association will certainly make the soul advance in spiirtual realization and we will create our own associaton. For best results, Nava, I would recommend that you steadily fix yourself to the pure path of our Gaudiya Philosophy and Bhakti because it includes all philosophies, understandings and solutions to all our problems. Other intellectual theories or words may seem very flowery and enchanting but those will not help us in actual spiritual advancement which comes by pleasing Lord Nitaai and Lord Gaura Krishna.

Daaso'smi, BR Sadhu Swami Gaurangapada.

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...bhakt question?....

Nityananada! Gauranga! Hare Krsna! dear Gurudeva, please accept my obiesances.

Rose this morning for mangala arati and tulsi arati...kirtan with new mahdal (its pleasing to the heart for sweet kirtan). Lately I have been perplexed with various doctrines and religions and scriptures, trying to find harmony and understanding.

I was reflecting on Jagannatha Gauranga dasa's wisdom in regards to kirtan. And the spirit of transcendental devotion (free of the mind stuff).

Chapter 2 bg text 52-53  was class this morning:

'When your intellect emerges from the thicket of delusion, you shall become disgusted with all that has been heard and all that is to be heard. Thereafter, when your intellect is fixed and not perplexed by scriptural injunctions, you shall attain yoga-samadhi.'

I realized by Jagannatha Gauranga prabhu's grace, that the bliss internally of bhakti is freedom from...'the anxieties and complexities of religious vision'. I am very happy to have a mahdal drum, it is like small mrdanga...and is much sweeter and musical to play than just karatals which are a bit noisy on their own...thank you for your patience Gurudeva with me latey.

I still long for tangible association (and have opportunity five minute bike ride away, in small church that is broad and mystical) but unfortunately not many extract the essence and wisdom of bhakti/buddhi. So I dont know what to do? what would you suggest?

Salvation and the duality involved is not my way and peace of heart. I find my peace in bhakti and singing and internal bliss.

Can i grow on my own with just internet association? And simple life at home (I like simple)?

What do you think is best for my development Maharaja?

aspiring your Lotus Feet...Nava Gauranga dasa.
haribol!

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More or Less crazy

I love these small books you can slip them in your pocket or bag and read them every where: on a bus, train, or waiting in queueing.

Every one is more or less crazy, that means you and me if we listen to our senses and mind, and act on the on these impulses.

From Matchless Gift

The aim of this Krishna consciousness movement is to bring all living entities back to their original consciousness. All living entities within the material world are, to varying degrees, afflicted with a type of madness. This Krishna consciousness movement aims at curing man of his material disease and reestablishing his original consciousness. In a Bengali poem a great Vaishnava poet has written, "When a man is haunted by ghosts, he can only speak nonsense. Similarly, anyone who is under the influence of material nature should be considered haunted, and whatever he speaks should be considered nonsense." One may be considered a great philosopher or great scientist, but if he is haunted by the ghost of maya, illusion, whatever he theorizes and whatever he speaks is more or less nonsensical. Today we are given the example of a psychiatrist who, when requested to examine a murderer, proclaimed that since all the patients with whom he had come in contact were more or less crazy, the court could excuse the murderer on those grounds if it so desired. The point is that in the material world it is very difficult to find a sane living entity. The prevailing atmosphere of insanity in this world is all caused by the infection of material consciousness.
The purpose of this Hare Krishna movement is to bring man back to his original consciousness, which is Krishna consciousness, clear consciousness. When water falls from the clouds, it is uncontaminated like distilled water, but as soon as it touches the ground it becomes muddy and discolored. Similarly, we are originally pure spirit soul, part and parcel of Krishna, and therefore our original constitutional position is as pure as God's. In Bhagavad-gita Sri Krishna says:
mamaivamso jiva-loke
jiva-bhutah sanatanah
manah shashthanindriyani
prakriti-sthani karshati
"The living entities in this conditional world are My fragmental parts, and they are eternal. But due to conditioned life, they are struggling very hard with the six senses, which include the mind." (Bg. 15.7)
Thus all living entities are part and parcel of Krishna. By Krishna it should always be remembered that we are speaking of God, Krishna denoting the all-attractive Supreme Personality of Godhead. As a fragment of gold is qualitatively the same as a gold reservoir, so the minute particles of Krishna's body are therefore qualitatively as good as Krishna. The chemical composition of God's body and the eternal spiritual body of the living entity is the same-spiritual. Thus originally, in our uncontaminated condition, we possessed a form as good as God's, but just as rain falls to the ground, so we come in contact with this material world, which is manipulated by the external material energy of Krishna.
When we speak of external energy or material nature, the question may be raised, "Whose energy? Whose nature?" Material energy or nature is not active independently. Such a concept is foolish. In Bhagavad-gita it is clearly stated that material nature does not work independently. When a foolish man sees a machine he may think that it is working automatically, but actually it is not�there is a driver, someone in control, although we sometimes cannot see the controller behind the machine due to our defective vision. There are many electronic mechanisms which work very wonderfully, but behind these intricate systems there is a scientist who pushes the button. This is very simple to understand: since a machine is matter, it cannot work on its own accord but must work under spiritual direction. A tape recorder works, but it works according to the plans and under the direction of a living entity, a human being. The machine is complete, but unless it is manipulated by a spirit soul, it cannot work. Similarly, we should understand that this cosmic manifestation which we call nature is a great machine and that behind this machine there is God, Krishna. This is also affirmed in Bhagavad-gita where Krishna says:
mayadhyakshena prakritih
suyate sa-caracaram
hetunanena kaunteya
jagad viparivartate
"This material nature is working under My direction, O son of Kunti, producing all the moving and unmoving beings, and by its rule this manifestation is created and annihilated again and again." (Bg. 9.10)
There are two kinds of entities�the moving (such as human beings, animals and insects) and nonmoving (such as trees and mountains). Krishna says that material nature, which controls both kinds of entities, is acting under His direction. Thus behind everything there is a supreme controller. Modern civilization does not understand this due to lack of knowledge; it is the purpose of this Society for Krishna consciousness therefore to enlighten all people who have been maddened by the influence of the three modes of material nature. In other words, our aim is to awaken mankind to its normal condition.
There are many universities, especially in the United States, and many departments of knowledge, but they are not discussing these points. Where is the department for this knowledge that we find given by Sri Krishna in Bhagavad-gita? When I spoke before students and some faculty members at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the first question raised was: "Where is the technological department which is investigating the difference between a dead man and a living man?" When a man dies, something is lost. Where is the technology to replace it? Why don't scientists try to solve this problem? Because this is a very difficult subject matter, they set it aside and busily engage in the technology of eating, sleeping, mating and defending. However, Vedic literatures inform us that this is animal technology. Animals are also trying their best to eat well, to have an enjoyable sex life, to sleep peacefully, and to defend themselves. What then is the difference between man's knowledge and animal's knowledge? The fact is that man's knowledge should be developed to explore that difference between a living man and a dead man, a living body and a dead body. That spiritual knowledge was imparted by Krishna to Arjuna in the beginning of Bhagavad-gita. Being a friend of Krishna's, Arjuna was a very intelligent man, but his knowledge, as all men's, was limited. Krishna spoke, however, of subject matters which were beyond Arjuna's finite knowledge. These subjects are called adhokshaja because our direct perception by which we acquire material knowledge fails to approach them. For example, we have many powerful microscopes to see what we cannot see with our limited vision, but there is no microscope that can show us the soul within the body. Nevertheless, the soul is there.
Bhagavad-gita informs us that in this body there is a proprietor. I am the proprietor, and others are the proprietors of their bodies. I say, "My hand," but not "I hand." Since it is "my hand," I am different from the hand, being its owner. Similarly, we speak of "My eye," "My leg," "My this," "My that." In the midst of all of these objects which belong to me, where am I? The search for the answer to this question is the process of meditation. In real meditation, we ask, "Where am I? What am I?" We cannot find the answers to these questions by any material effort, and because of this all the universities are setting these questions aside. They say, "It is too difficult a subject." Or they brush it aside: "It is irrelevant." Thus engineers direct their attention to creating and attempting to perfect the horseless carriage and wingless bird. Formerly, horses were drawing carriages and there was no air pollution, but now there are cars and rockets, and the scientists are very proud. "We have invented horseless carriages and wingless birds," they boast. Although they invent imitation wings for the airplane or rocket, they cannot invent a soulless body. When they are able to actually do this, they will deserve credit. But such an attempt would necessarily be frustrated, for we know that there is no machine that can work without a spirit soul behind it. Even the most complicated computers need trained men to handle them. Similarly, we should know that this great machine, which is known as the cosmic manifestation, is manipulated by a supreme spirit. That is Krishna. Scientists are searching for the ultimate cause or the ultimate controller of this material universe and are postulating different theories and proposals, but the real means for knowledge is very easy and perfect: we need only hear from the perfect person, Krishna. By accepting the knowledge imparted in Bhagavad-gita, anyone can immediately know that this great cosmic machine, of which the earth is a part, is working so wonderfully because there is a driver behind it�Krishna.
Our process of knowledge is very easy. Krishna's instruction, Bhagavad-gita, is the principal book of knowledge given by the adi-purusha Himself, the Supreme primeval person, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He is indeed the perfect person. It may be argued that although we have accepted Him as a perfect person, there are many others who do not. Rut one should not think that this acceptance is whimsical; He is accepted as the perfect person on the evidence of many authorities. We do not accept Krishna as perfect simply on the basis of our whims or sentiments. No�Krishna is accepted as God by many Vedic authorities like Vyasadeva, the author of all Vedic literatures. The treasure house of knowledge is contained in the Vedas, and their author, Vyasadeva, accepts Krishna as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and Vyasadeva's spiritual master, Narada, also accepts Krishna as such. Narada's spiritual master, Brahma, accepts Krishna not only as the Supreme person but the supreme controller as well�isvarah paramah krishnah: [Bs. 5.1] "The supreme controller is Krishna."
There is no one in the creation who can claim that he is not controlled. Everyone, regardless of how important or powerful, has a controller over his head. Krishna, however, has no controller; therefore He is God. He is the controller of everyone, but there is no one superior to Him, no one to control Him; nor is there anyone equal to Him, no one to share His platform of absolute control. This may sound very strange, for there are many so-called gods nowadays. Indeed, gods have become very cheap, being especially imported from India. people in other countries are fortunate that gods are not manufactured there, but in India gods are manufactured practically every day. We often hear that God is coming to Los Angeles or New York and that people are gathering to receive Him, etc. But Krishna is not the type of God manufactured in a mystic factory. No. He was not made God, but He is God.
We should know then on the basis of authority that behind this gigantic material nature, the cosmic manifestation, there is God�Krishna�and that He is accepted by all Vedic authorities. Acceptance of authority is not new for us; everyone accepts authority in some form or another. For education we go to a teacher or to a school or simply learn from our father and mother. They are all authorities, and our nature is to learn from them. In our childhood we asked, "Father, what is this?" and father would say, "This is a pen," "These are spectacles," or "This is a table." In this way from the very beginnings of life a child learns from his father and mother. He learns the names of things and the basic relations of one thing to another by questioning his parents. A good father and mother never cheat when their son inquires from them; they give exact and correct information. Similarly, if we get spiritual information from an authority and if the authority is not a cheater, then our knowledge is perfect. If we attempt to reach conclusions by dint of our own speculative powers, however, we are subject to fall into error. The process of induction, by which, reasoning from particular facts or individual cases, one can arrive at a general conclusion, is never a perfect process. Because we are limited and our experience is limited, it will always remain imperfect.
If we receive information from the perfect source, Krishna, and if we repeat that information, then what we are speaking can also be accepted as perfect and authoritative. The process of parampara or disciplic succession is this very process of hearing from Krishna or from authorities who have accepted Krishna and repeating exactly what they have said. In Bhagavad-gita Krishna recommends this process of knowledge:
evam parampara-praptam
imam rajarshayo viduh
"This supreme science was thus received through the chain of disciplic succession, and the saintly kings understood it in that way." (Bg. 4.2)
Formerly knowledge was passed down by great saintly kings who were the authorities. In previous ages, however, these kings were rishis�great learned scholars and devotees�and because they were not ordinary men the government which they headed worked very nicely. There are many instances in Vedic civilization of kings who attained perfection as devotees of God. For example, Dhruva Maharaja went to the forest to search out God and by practice of severe penance and austerity found God within six months. Although he was only a five-year-old prince with a very delicate body, he was successful because he followed the directions of his spiritual master, Narada. The first month Dhruva Maharaja was in the forest, he simply ate some fruits and vegetables once every three days and drank a little water every six days. He finally restricted his inhalation of air and stood for six months on one leg only. After he executed these severe austerities for half a year, God became manifest before him, eye to eye. It is not necessary for us to practice such severe austerities, but simply by following in the footsteps of Vedic authorities we also can see God eye to eye. This vision of God is the perfection of life.
The Krishna consciousness process is based on austerity, but it is not very difficult. There are restrictions governing eating and sex life (only prasadam, food first offered to Krishna, is taken, and sex is restricted to married life), and there are other regulations which facilitate and foster spiritual realization. It is not possible in these days to imitate Dhruva Maharaja, but by following certain basic Vedic principles, we can make advancement in spiritual consciousness, Krishna consciousness. As we advance, we become perfect in knowledge. What is the use in becoming a scientist or a philosopher if we cannot say what our next life will be? A realized student of Krishna consciousness can very easily say what his next life is, what God is, what the living entity is and what his relationship with God is. His knowledge is perfect because it is coming from perfect books of knowledge such as Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam.
This then is the process of Krishna consciousness. It is very easy, and anyone can adopt it and make his life perfect. If someone says, "I'm not educated at all, and I cannot read books," he is still not disqualified. He can still perfect his life by simply chanting the maha-mantra: Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. Krishna has given us a tongue and two ears, and we may be surprised to know that Krishna is realized through the ears and tongue, not through the eyes. By hearing His message, we learn to control the tongue, and after the tongue is controlled, the other senses follow. Of all the senses, the tongue is the most voracious and difficult to control, but it can be controlled simply by chanting Hare Krishna and tasting Krishna prasadam, food offered to Krishna.
We cannot understand Krishna by sensual perception or by speculation. It is not possible, for Krishna is so great that He is beyond our sensual range. But He can be understood by surrender. Krishna therefore recommends this process:
sarva-dharman parityajya
mam ekam saranam vraja
aham tvam sarva-papebhyo
mokshayishyami ma sucah
"Give up all varieties of religiousness, and just surrender unto Me; and in return I shall protect you from all sinful reactions. Therefore, you have nothing to fear." (Bg. 18.66)
Unfortunately, our disease is that we are rebellious�we automatically resist authority. Yet although we say that we don't want authority, nature is so strong that it forces authority upon us. We are forced to accept the authority of nature. What can be more pathetic than a man who claims to answer to no authority but who follows his senses blindly wherever they lead him? Our false claim to independence is simply foolishness. We are all under authority, yet we say that we don't want authority. This is called maya, illusion. We do, however, have a certain independence�we can choose to be under the authority of our senses or the authority of Krishna. The best and ultimate authority is Krishna, for He is our eternal well-wisher, and He always speaks for our benefit. Since we have to accept some authority, why not accept His? Simply by hearing of His glories from Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam and by chanting His names�Hare Krishna�we can swiftly perfect our lives.
MG 2: Getting Out the Material Mire

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Re: vaisnava anthem

Nityananda! Gauranga! Hare Krishna!

Dear Lowerthanarat, thank you so much for these 'spiritual' realizations that you have shared. Very helpful to read these things, as a reminder of the truth of our place in the universe and scheme of things. Thank you!

aspiring some small service...Nava.

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