Hare Krsna

The Kirtan Rabbi

Aug. 2nd, 2009 at 8:42 PM

500 years ago Lord Sri Krishna Caitanya appeared in Bengal, India. His appearance delivered to the world Nama Kitana, Congregational Chanting of the Holy Name. God has unlimited Holy Names. Kitran Rabbi has found the perfect way to unlock the beauty of Judaism for those of his faith.

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All Glories to Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

Unconditional Acceptance

Jul. 28th, 2009 at 2:18 PM

Now and then I feel guilty. This happens when I feel that I'm rejected by God. Because of my actions. Something that I am doing. The way that I am. Somehow I feel if I become a certain way then God will accept me. But yet, Lord Chaitanya offers us His unconditional love. But wait, there must be a condition. Why is that so drummed into my head? I guess it resonates so perfect with my constant desire to be good for Him. But there's that word again, unconditional. I guess it is too good to be true. Hm..who was that devotee? Oh yes,Vasudeva Datta. I remember how when Lord Chaitanya called him up close and asked what wish he would want to come true, this great Vaishnava saint could only ask that all the sinful reactions of everyone in the entire universe to be transferred to him, and for the Lord to forgive and liberated everyone else. Hearing this Lord Chaitanya began to cry. Composing Himself, the Lord told everyone gathered an amazing thing. He described a large kettle and how thousands and thousands of mustard seeds filled it to the top. As everyone sat spellbound listening to the Lord's words, He told everybody that each mustard seed represents a universe in His cosmic creation. He then asked, "Do you think Lord Krsna will miss one tiny seed [universe] out of this large pot. Do you suppose He will mind if I pluck this one seed out of the pot and liberate the entire thing, just as my dearmost devotee, here, has desired. I agree with you. I don't think so either. Then so be it. Hare Krsna."

The Lord with His devotees

This is absolutely profound! If there was any condition involved here it was the great love that filled the heart and soul of Vasudeve Datta. Could this be why there are no conditions because we are already free? Well, I am always learning. Recently I read that there are two conditions. To receive the blessings of Lord Chaitanya, we must be willing to fall at His lotus feet and take shelter of them. Secondly, we must be eagar. Eagar to receive what He has come to give. I can do that.

Christ & Krsna

Jul. 18th, 2009 at 9:15 PM

Looking in my mind at the tall stack of Christian books I have read over these many years, without a doubt, The Way of A Pilgrim stands out as my favorite. I was living in Philadelphia back in the early 90s when I read it for the first time. Over the years I have read it many times, bought it many times, and given away many times. I don't know, its a book that just rings so true. The Pilgrim has become my friend. And my teacher. Turn to Chapter One and the opening two paragraphs get right to the point.

As you read further and discover more, you see that everything stems from a sincere question and the Pilgrim's quest for a spiritual master to help him answer it. The Pilgrim wants to know how to obey Saint Paul’s command, to pray continuously (1 Thess. 5:17). This led me to discover the ancient Christian art of Prayer. More specifically, The Jesus Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me. Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me a sinner. Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me a sinner. All three version work. To repeat this prayer continuously is the spiritual essence of what Christ taught. After the Pilgrim receives this great mantra from his spiritual directer, he then spends the rest of his life in continuous prayer, describing what then happens to him. Absolutely fascinating. Now enter the teachings of Lord Sri Krsna Chaitanya.

What is it that he taught? Very simply: to pray continuously. Isn't that amazing!

Holy Name

Jul. 17th, 2009 at 5:14 AM

Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

"I have come to teach you what you have forgotten"

Jul. 15th, 2009 at 7:40 AM

Since this posting [below] I have often thought about what Srila Prabhupada said. Because I work at a vaction resort, I speak to and meet a lot of "new" people and sometimes I will place everything in perspective to what he said: "I have come to teach you what you have forgotten." I'll look around at all the people and it is as plain as day that they have zero awareness of Lord Krsna and His divine activities. They have forgotten.

I have just spent several days reading about Sri Jiva Goswami, one of Lord Krsna's beloved saints, and yet, I have only scratched the surface!!! Exactly like he said, it was Srila Prabupada who brought this matchless gift of knowledge about Krsna and His devotees to the West ...to teach us what we have forgotten. Prabhupada even showed us where Jiva Goswami's earthly remains are located and directions on how to go there. On the "Chaitanya Tree," Jiva Goswami was a powerful branch. He sprouted three great limbs and before long many leaves and fruits appeared. Click on my "Blessings" link over on the right to read about this great Vaishnava Saint. Thank you Srila Prabhupada. All glories to Sri Jiva Goswami.

Eternity

Jul. 11th, 2009 at 9:55 PM

I was just going to bed and had a moment where I was noticing all the things in my room. Really solid things. Floor tiles, the shower, walls, etc. But I think on such a small scale. I believe in eternity. I believe in my eternal nature. So I looked again around me and wondered to myself, "what about all this stuff 1 million years from now?" What about my IMPORTANT life and all the IMPORTANT "things" in it, one million years from now?" Not one shred of anything will be left. Will the Canyon Lake dam even still exist? So all of this that seems so important now, ...nothing will remain. And what is a million years from now on the clock of eternity? A millisecond? Less? Lord Chaitanya said that only two things are real. Real means they are never destroyed. He said that Lord Krsna is real, as are His devotees - who are His eternal loving servants. So I think I need to be very careful what I do. Time is running out.

Now I will go to bed.

Saintly Life

Jul. 10th, 2009 at 9:12 PM

Death, What a Wonderful Way to Explain it...

Jul. 8th, 2009 at 7:08 PM

Sent to me by a friend via e-mail

A sick man turned to his doctor as he was preparing to

Leave the examination room and said,

'Doctor, I am afraid to die.

Tell me what lies on the other side.'

Very quietly, the doctor said, 'I don't know.'

'You don't know? I know you believe in God,

and don't know what's on the other side?'

The doctor was holding the handle of the door;

On the other side came a sound of scratching and whining,

And as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room

And leaped on him with an eager show of gladness.

Turning to the patient, the doctor said,

'Did you notice my dog?

He's never been in this room before.

He didn't know what was inside.

He knew nothing except that his master was here,

And when the door opened, he sprang in without fear.

I know little of what is on the other side of death,

But I do know one thing...

I know my Master is there and that is enough.'

All glories to Srila Prabhupada

Jun. 30th, 2009 at 11:20 PM

The other night I was at a pizza party and gathering of like souls when my friend Eddie said the most amazing thing. So simple yet so amazing. He said that when Srila Prabhuapad was asked why he had come to America, he said that he had come to teach. "Teach what?" Srila Prabhupada then said, "...to teach you what you have forgotten." For me, that is so profound.

Ever Increasing Faith - Part 1

Jun. 14th, 2009 at 3:42 AM

Ever Increasing Faith

Rohini-suta dasa

note: c's are pronounced "ch" such as in Caitanya [Chaitanya]. S is often pronouced "sh" such as in Sri [Shri]...or as in Srila [pronouced Shrila]

Although a bit difficult to locate, within the Holy Bible there are indications of prophesy, preparations, and reasons concerning the birth of Lord Jesus Christ. For example, genealogy is used in the Book of Mathew to prove that Jesus was a descendant of Abraham and King David, thus fulfilling what Biblical experts say is an Old Testament prophecy that directly points to the birth of Jesus.

[King David speaking]

2 Samuel 23:2- The spirit of the Lord spoke to me, and His work was on my tongue. The Rock of Israel said to me; one shall come who rules righteously, who rules in the fear of God. He shall be as the light of the morning; a cloudless sunrise when the tender grass springs forth upon the earth; as sunshine after rain.

Other religious scholars have stated that the birth of God, as the child Jesus, is beyond the ability of human logic and reasoning. This is why God sent angels to help us understand the meaning of His birth. Angels are spirit-beings who live in God’s presence and do His will and although many angels are hinted at, only two are mentioned by name: Michael and Gabriel. The angel, Gabriel, actually manifested as a human being to interact with Zacharias …thus the spirit-being angel could be seen, touched and heard. It was Gabriel who first told Zacharias that God was preparing to take birth upon the earth.

Luke 1: 6-17- Zacharias was in the sanctuary when suddenly an angel appeared, standing to the right of the altar of incense. Zacharias was startled and terrified. …But the angel said, Don’t be afraid, Zacharias! For I have come to tell you that God has heard your prayer, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son. And you are to name him John. …You will both have great joy and gladness at this birth, and many will rejoice with you …for he will be one of the Lord’s great men. He must never touch wine or hard liquor-and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from before his birth!… And he will persuade many a Jew to turn to the Lord his God. …He will be a man of rugged spirit and power like Elijah, the prophet of old; and he will precede the coming of the Messiah, preparing the people for his arrival. He will soften adult hearts to become like little children’s, and will change disobedient minds to the wisdom of faith.

Another reason for God’s “birth” can be gathered from the very name, “Jesus,” which means, Savior. Jesus is God Almighty in the flesh and thus God was literally here, walking shoulder-to-shoulder with humans on a mission to save humanity. Besides Gabriel, who clearly spoke about the birth of God, John the Baptist is another important character found in the Holy Bible. Hundred of years earlier, the prophet Isaiah had foretold that John would appear upon the earth. The Bible nicely reflects upon the humility of this great saint, whose mission was to formally herald the presence of God, in the man known as Jesus Christ: the son of Mary and Joseph. John, who was already famous as a genuine prophet and renunciate, said of Jesus that he [John] was not even worthy of untying Jesus’ shoes, or being his slave.

Further indication of the mind of God can be gleaned from the Baptism of Jesus Christ. Of course, we all know that it was John the Baptist who immersed Jesus in the Jordan river. Immediately after this event the narrative describes the heavens as opening; the Spirit of God descending as a dove; a voice from heaven announcing that Jesus is God's beloved Son; and that God is pleased with him. Of course, God doesn’t need to be baptized but in order to give mankind an example to follow and a way to proclaim His public ministry, the baptism of Jesus Christ took place.

A significant aspect concerning the validity of the Holy Bible is validated by the person who wrote the Book of Luke, who was a doctor by trade. Because he was educated beyond the reach of the average man who lived back then, Bible scholars argue that we can therefore read Luke’s testament with confidence, knowing that what he recorded was written by a man of sound character, education, and that he had a clear and thoughtful mind.

By his own sweet will, Jesus choose to live as a man, but it is said that He never ceased to be God Almighty, who is the Creator of the universe; the binding force that holds creation together; and the source of eternal life. By becoming “human,” Jesus became the perfect teacher and by studying Jesus we can discover the mind of God and receive His mercy.

Although the Holy Bible is an account of Jesus‘ life, in reality, key points that would be very interesting are barely mentioned and sadly, other sections are totally missing. Only in a very limited way are the prophesies, reasons, and preparations of Jesus’ birth recorded. This is mentioned not to belittle Lord Jesus Christ [who after all said, there is so much more] or to diminish the Holy Bible, but rather this little essay is intended to encourage the truthful lovers of God to have an open mind and to keep on searching.

The sweetness of the Lord does exist and the good news is that the Holy Bible is not the only written Word. That would be ludicrous to imagine. Therefore, O' truthful lovers of God, let our attention now fall upon Sri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. (Sri means “holy” …Krishna [Krsna] means “all attractive” …Chaitanya [Caitanya] was the name given to Him when he accepted the renounced order of life [sannyasi] …Mahaprabhu means, “great master.”)

Just like offering someone a slice of sweet melon, please read what I have written and taste the nectar of Lord Caitanya's divine pastimes. Stated as briefly as I dare, what follows are the prophesies, preparations, and reasons for Lord Chaitanya’s birth.

But first, what do I mean when I say, “truthful lovers of God.” What comes to mind is the example of a gold miner. First and foremost he has faith that gold exists. Otherwise he wouldn’t even think of searching for it. He is truthful because he will look anywhere: Rich Gulch, in the desert, South Africa, or in South America along the winding Amazon. Follow along with this transcendental prospector and I’ll show you where I’ve been. I want to tell you about the Sacred Motherload, shown to me by my spiritual master, Shrila Prabhupada. Yes, I’ve had a guide and all credit belongs to him.

The saints say that anyone who visits the Motherload is blessed. So, of course, I want to encourage everyone to read the original words of this great story. What I have written is just an introduction, imperfect and badly smeared by faults too numerous to count. But still, for my own edification, I am taking the time to write this small offering. Hare Krsna.

Ever Increasing Faith - Part 2
Ever Increasing Faith - part 3

Abandoned

Jun. 3rd, 2009 at 8:14 AM

Abandoned, is the name of a book I wrote back around 1999 and has been read and well recieved by many. I am now re-writing the very last part of the very last chapter to make it even better. As soon as I have finished, the links will work again and I will post the URL here.

How many different people are mentioned in the New Testament ?

May. 22nd, 2009 at 5:04 AM

I am finding this a difficult question to find an answer for? 10? 20? 30? 50? 100? Perhaps somebody on Live Journal will be able to help me. In searching I have seen that multiple people have the same name, so this has to be taken into consideration. Thanks

Be kind to all...

May. 9th, 2009 at 2:16 PM

In the Chaitanya-Bhagavata by Srila Vrndavana das Thakura, Lord Chaitanya says that we should treat all living entities with kindness. This morning I was doing the dishes and I saw a black, beetle-like bug in the sink. In the past I probably would have killed it. But now, instead, I took him outside where he fell onto the grass.

Compared to my size and all the physical advancements I have over such an insignificant creature ...well, it's just that. What I mean is that the mercy and kindness on my part was obvious to me. Like I said, in the past I would have easily killed it. It's just a bug. But not anymore. It's not that I "don't kill bugs anymore," but rather that I am trying to "be kind to all living entities" ...as the Lord has said I should act.

I struggle constantly because I am so fallen. It then struck me this morning that comparing myself to the "real" devotees I am reading about, I am just as insignificant as that bug. Yes, thinking like that, compared to the devotees I have read about (and now reading the Chaitanya-charitamrta) ...I am truly as insignificant as a black bug.

So here I am trying to follow the instructions of Lord Chaitanya and in doing so I have this realization. I could see this morning ...what a helpless state that bug was in: hot water, soap, the drain only inches away. Without my blessing, my kindness, that bug was going to die. Without the blessing of the Vaishnavas, how is my condition any safer? So yes, "be kind to all living entities" if on the other-hand you want mercy from above to save you. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

Envious Mind

May. 2nd, 2009 at 12:10 PM

Krsna listens to Bilvamangala Thakura

I have been reading chapter [24] found in the Caitanya-caritamrita / Madhya-lila when I saw verses by Bilvamangala Thakura being cited. Due to pure wickedness, my mind jumped on this immediately and said to me that how could Krsnadas Kaviraja be quoting Bilvamangala Thakura, since [my mind assumed] Bilvamangala lived at the same time or even later than Krsnadas Kaviraja.

So this was bothering me. This morning I looked up Bilvamangala Thakura on Google and soon found great relief in what I read and how he pre-dates Krsnadas Kaviraja by hundreds of years. On the right side of my Journal see "Blessings" ....click on that and then click on Quick Ref. and scroll down to the link, "Bilvamangala Thakura" to see what my Google search produced for me.

Krishna Disaster Relief

Apr. 9th, 2009 at 1:51 PM

Krishna Disaster Relief was founded in 1990 and although still a concept piece, I have put together this website to generate interest. Over on the right column is another link, "Blessings."