Gift

Srimad Bhagavad Gita Seventeenth Chapter 17-22 adeśakāle yaddānamapātrebhyaśca dīyate asatkṛtamavajñātaṁ tattāmasamudāhṛtam The gift that is given at an improper place and time, to an unworthy person, without respect or with contempt, is held to be Tāmasic (of the mode of ignorance). Comment: In the scriptures, it is said that in Kaliyuga (Iron age), offering charity is the only 'Dharma' (righteousness)-- 'danekam kalau yuge' (Manusmirti 1/86, Mahabharata Maha.Sh. 231/28', Skanda Pur. Nagar 51/67), Padma Pur.18/441 etc.). Therefore, charity given in any which way, leads to one's spiritual welfare--. pragata chari pada dharam ke kali mahu eka pradhana, jena kena bidhi dineh dana karai kalyana (Manas, 7/103 kha). It means that in Kaliyuga, performance of virtuous actions such as sacrifice, charity, penance and vows (fast) etc., according to the ordinance of the scriptures, is difficult; therefore a person should somehow or other develop a habit to give charity, to renounce. In the Gita wherever the distinction is made between the three modes of nature-- Sattvic, Rajasic and Tamasic, Sattvic mode should be chosen because it leads to salvation-- 'daivī sampadvimokṣāya' and Rajasic and Tamasic modes have to be abandoned; because they result in bondage -- 'nibandhāyāsurī matā' (Gita: 16/5). From Gita Prabodhini by Swami Ramsukhdasji -----------------------------------------

Vivekananda Chudamani verse 2 and 3

"Three things are rare and are gained by the grace of God, namely, a human birth, desire for liberation and getting a great soul as one`s Master or Guru to guide him" "For all living creatures, a human birth is indeed rare; much more difficult is to attain full manhood; rarer than this is a Sattwic attitude in life. Even after gaining all these rare chances, to have steadfastness on the path of spiritual activity as enshrined in Veda-s is yet rarer. Still rarer is to have a correct knowledge of the deep knowledge of the scriptures. Discrimination between the Real and the unreal, a personal experience of spiritual Glory and ultimately to get fully established in the living consciousness that the Self in me is the Self in all..... these come only later on, and culminate in one`s own liberation. This kind of a perfect liberation can not be had without earned merits of a hundred crores of lives lived intelligently." (Verses 2 and 3 of Viveka choodAmani)

Gods Lila

God’s Lila, Understanding the Collective Impact of Avatara One evening, after having propitiated the fire god Agni with milk offerings, the great sage Kashyapa was seated in deep meditation inside his sacrificial hall. At that moment his wife Diti, stung by the arrows of Kamadeva approached him saying: "Oh Learned One!, just like an elephant crushes a banana tree, so is Kama the god of love tormenting me. Please confer your favor on me. Satisfy my desire; indeed, an entreaty of the distressed to the great ones is never fruitless." Diti was besides herself with desire. Sage Kashyapa replied to her in a soothing tone saying, "Devi! I am ready to comply with your desire at the earliest. Who would not satisfy his wife who is but his better half? A man is able to move around freely only because his wife is there to look after his house. A man cannot repay his wife’s debts in this life or the next. But please wait for some time before I satisfy your desire." Kashyapa then explained to his wife that there were four factors why he couldn’t satisfy her at the present moment: 1). He was seated in meditation. 2). According to the scriptures, conjugal acts are forbidden in the evenings (and mornings, being allowed only in the nights). 3). The time of twilight (sandhya) was approaching. This is the time when the great God Shiva roams arounds the world riding His bull, surrounded by His ghost companions. Bhagawan Shiva witnesses everything with His three eyes. Hence, nothing in the world remains hidden from him. Out of respect to His presence, one should refrain from this act during those moments. 4). Lastly, I am disinclined (According to the scriptures, if either partner is disinclined, the other should refrain). Though she was thus instructed in the ways of dharma, Diti, whose senses were thoroughly overwhelmed by passion, caught hold of her husband’s garment. Kashyapa, realising that it was God’s will, agreed to his wife’s request and they both entered a secluded area. Later, he took a bath, performed pranayama and meditating silently on the pure, eternal light, repeated internally the Gayatri Mantra. Diti too, now that her passion had subsided, was ashamed that she had transgressed dharma. She approached sage Kashyapa with her face cast down and said: " Oh Noble Brahmin! I have committed a fault against Bhagawan Shiva; but I hope that he will not destroy my impending child. I bow to the Great Lord Shiva. We women are treated compassionately even by ruthless hunters, what then to say of Bhagawan Shiva?" Her husband, who had completed his evening rituals, spoke to his wife who was trembling greatly with fear and was desirous of obtaining the good of her progeny. He said: "Lady! your mind was impure with desire. The time also was not right. You did not obey my order and also you disrespected the gods. As a consequence, you will beget two wicked sons, who will make the whole world cry out with their atrocities. When their activities will cross all limits, the ever compassionate Bhagawan Vishnu will descend to take avatara and kill your two sons." On hearing this, Diti said: "This is what I too want, that my sons should meet death directly at the hands of the glorious Bhagawan Vishnu." Kashyapa continued, "On account of your repentance at your act, and due to the great respect you have shown for Bhagawan Shiva and Vishnu, one of your grandsons (Prahlada) will be a great bhakta who will be a source of inspiration for all generations to come." Diti was delighted on hearing that her grandson would be a great bhakta of Bhagwan Vishnu. She felt even more delighted at the prediction that both her sons would meet their ends at the hands of Bhagawan Vishnu Himself. As she bore the seed of her husband and the day of delivery neared, the sun lost its lustre, engulfing the world in darkness. Even the gods felt helpless at the unfolding events. They immediately rushed to Brahma Ji and asked him to protect them from the embryos in Diti’s womb, whose darkness was consuming the world, much like fire consumes fuel. Brahma Ji laughed out aloud and replied to the gods in a sweet and reassuring voice: "You need not worry. The two sons of Diti are none other than two individuals named Jay and Vijay, who were at one time gatekeepers of Vaikuntha, the residence of the Supreme God Vishnu." How Jay and Vijaya Fell from Vaikuntha Once it so happened that goddess Lakshmi was out of Vaikuntha. When she returned, the two gatekeepers asked her to wait outside because Vishnu Ji was in yoga nidra. This obviously annoyed Lakshmi Ji. She felt insulted, that she, being the mistress of the house, was made to wait outside by the gatekeepers who were, after all, her servants. She later complained to the Lord, telling Him how His gatekeepers had stopped her from entering His chamber. Bhagawan Vishnu asked her to forbear a little. He pointed that it would not be seemly if He banished them at her instigation. People would accuse Him of being ruled by His wife. "I will banish Jay and Vijay the day they insult a sage," He promised. Lakshmi Ji was calmed by these words because she always obeys the Lord. Soon after this incident, four saints, known by the common name ‘Sanatkumaras’, came to visit Vaikuntha. The Sanatkumaras are highly accomplished saints who view this whole world as a manifestation of God and are beyond all duality. Despite being older, they always maintain the appearance of five-year olds and go around without clothes. They too were stopped by Jay and Vijay, who laughed and made fun of them. Even though they knew the Sanatkumaras very well, because of God’s will, at that moment, they treated the Kumaras as mere children. So, Jay and Vijay tried to block their access to Bhagawan Vishnu.It was God’s design that the great Sanatkumaras become angry at this intervention. Interestingly, the Bhagavata Purana, from where this story is taken, refers to anger as ‘kamanuja’, meaning the younger brother of kama (desire), just like Lakshmana is called Ramanuja. Anger follows desire, just like Lakshmana follows Rama (Bhagavatam 3.15.19). So, the Sanatkumaras, prevented from their desire of seeing Bhagawan Vishnu, were overcome by kamanuja when Jay-Vijay misbehaved with them. Their eyes reddened a little and they said: "You behave like ordinary men and hence do not deserve to live in this spiritual world." The Sanatkumaras then cursed Jay and Vijay saying: "Go where material people live (i.e. the earth). That is where you deserve to live." Meanwhile, hearing the commotion, Vishnu Ji emerged from his abode. Seeing the great saints he welcomed them with reverence saying, "The curse you have given to these two is most appropriate." Here we see an example of the Lord’s tact. People should never side with their servants on such occasions. They should first pacify the enraged guests. Bhagawan continued, "Despite being my attendants, these two did not understand My priorities. They go against my wishes when they show disrespect to brahmins. That is why it is proper for you to have cursed them. Respected Sirs! I consider saints My all-in-all. It is because the saints sing My virtues that Devi Lakshmi accepts Me. It is because of you that I live in Vaikuntha and am known as God. It is through your mouths that I eat. Indeed, I do not as much relish the offerings poured into the sacrificial fires as I do food dripping with ghee offered to brahmins. It is the dust of the holy feet of brahmins that I wear on my crown. Brahmins, milk-bearing cows and protection-less beings, all three are my own body. Those who look upon any of these three as different from Myself, are torn with rage by Yamadutas, the servants of death. I am won over by those who look upon even harsh speaking brahmins as Myself and honour those brahmins with a joyous heart (what then to say of people who revere virtuous brahmins like Sanatkumaras). It is My principle, with regard to those who serve Me, that I consider their mistakes to be Mine. Therefore, while my two attendants will descend three times to the earth as demons, I will follow them even more, i.e., I will descend four times." The following is the distribution of Jay-Vijay’s descent and Bhagawan Vishnu’s avatars (lit. descent): 1). Varaha Avatar for killing Hiranyaksha 2). Narasimha Avatar for killing Hiranyakashipu 3). Rama Avatar for killing Ravana 4). Krishna Avatar for killing Shishupala. Bhagwan concluded: "Four times will I go for their salvation and bring them back to My abode." The Purpose of Avatar Thus here we see the entire causal life-cycle of Bhagawan’s avatar. It is never for one single purpose but to fulfil many functions at the same time. For example, through His Varaha Avatar, God accomplished the following objectives: 1). Never leaving His bhaktas in distress. Bhagawan Vishnu followed Jay-Vijay all the way to earth, after they had fallen from Vaikuntha. 2). Born as evil demons, these two wrecked havoc on innocent people. By killing them, Bhagwan restored dharma and fulfilled the promise made by him in the Gita (4.7). 3). By killing them with His own hands, He ensured for them a glorious death. 4). By manifesting Himself in the lowly body of a ‘varaha’, Bhagwan Vishnu reminded us of the sacredness of all life. 5). Indeed, any of Bhagwan’s lilas takes into account the collective karma of all creatures. Additionally, through the events leading upto to Bhagawan Vishnu’s avatar (Diti-Kashyap dialogue, conduct of Jai-Vijay etc), we are also instructed in the subtle nuances of dharma, which in the process, help us lead a richer, more fruitful life. References & Further Reading: G. P. Bhatt & J. L. Shastri (tr). The Bhagavata Purana (5 Volumes): Delhi, 2002 Saraswati, Swami Akhandananda (tr). Bhagwatamrit: The Elixir of the Bhagawat: Mumbai, 2005. Saraswati, Swami Akhandananda. Bhagavata Darshan (Collection of Discourses in Two Volumes): Mumbai, 2003. Saraswati, Swami Akhandananda (tr). Shrimad Bhagavata Purana (2 Volumes): Gorakhpur, 2004.

5 Most

The 5 Most Important People To Forgive Before The End Of The Year BY SHANNON KAISER DECEMBER 23, 2014 12:28 PM EST As the year comes to an end, many of us focus on resolutions, goals and adopting new healthy habits. The month of December is often filled with travel, family time and holiday parties. With it can come stress and frustration. One of the most overlooked ways to de-stress is to go inward and release anger. Many of us hold onto resentment without realizing it. Your boss didn't promote you, your ex remarried, the big SUV took your parking spot. Money woes and holiday stress can add a lot of pressure to the mix. If you want to start the New Year truly feeling balanced and empowered, look at all your relationships and see who you can forgive. When you forgive others, it doesn't excuse their behavior. Forgiveness is an act of kindness to your own heart. When you forgive, you prevent yourself from hurting. You move on. You take the high road. You're free. To feel free this holiday season, forgive these five people in your life. 1. Your ex-lover(s) Forgiving your ex-lovers doesn't mean saying what happened is OK. It just means you've accepted the situation and can now see the big picture. When you forgive, it isn't about the other person. It is about opening up your future because you've finally forgiven your past. Holding on to past relationships after they expire is part of healing a broken heart. When you love someone, you never truly get over them. Love is love and can never die. The form of the love changes and you may be in a position where you're no longer with the person you once loved. When you hold onto emotions and replay negative aspects of the relationship, you put yourself in a holding pattern of anger. Releasing that anger and letting go of regret will help you welcome a new start. 2. Your parents Your parents are doing the best they can with the information they have. They were raised a particular way and passed on only what they knew. As you grow up into your own beautiful being, parents may resist or be uncomfortable with certain aspects of your lifestyle. Forgive them. They mean well, but it's up to you to align with your own truth. The best thing you can do is not take what they say, or don't say, personally. Instead, recognize they want the same thing you want: to be happy, healthy and free of emotional burdens. 3. Your children If you have children, they may do things that don't make sense to you. Give them permission to explore and do things that resonate with their own heart. Forgive them for acting out or saying things that hurt you. When people hurt us, it is just them trying to make sense of a world that is hurting them. Do your best to forgive them and love them for who they are growing to be. 4. Your boss Workplace relationships can affect us on a deep level, in many ways we aren't even aware of. Are you harboring resentment because your co-worker got the raise before you did? Or maybe your boss keeps ignoring your brilliant ideas? Forgive them. Next time a co-worker or boss does something that causes you frustration, go inward and remind yourself they know not what they do. Align with your own heart and forgive them. 5. Yourself You are far too hard on yourself. This holiday season, you can forgive everyone else. But if you forget to look inward and forgive yourself, you will still feel a void. You can't start the next chapter of your life if you are holding on to the past. To make the New Year your best year yet, forgive yourself for not being where you think you should be and recognize you are exactly where you need to be to get to where you want to be. Consider that everything in your life has led you up to this point right here, right now. You have madeno wrong turns, there are no mistakes. Where you sit, in this very moment, imperfect. You are enough and perfect as you are. Forgive yourself. For more inspiration on how to live a balanced and happy life grab this FREE Love Your Life to The Fullest Guide.

The bramhan eagerness q

The Brahmana's Eagerness Once there lived a brahmana, who felt his time was up. But before dying he wanted to see Lord Badrinatha up in the Himalayas thus he left his village to go north. The journey up the mountains was strenuous and it took up all his remaining strength. The main question was: Would he be able to reach Badrinath in time? For half a year the temple was closed. From the end of September all throughout March when snow covered the high mountains the priest would lock up the doors and go down to the valley to wait there for the snow to melt. The brahmana gave it his best. Many pilgrims, who passed him advised the old man to make haste as soon the temple would be closes. In great anxiety he pressed on. He was very fragile and the paths were bad, travelling was extremely difficult and his body was so old. When he finally arrived he was practically crawling up the steps of the temple on all fours. From the steps of the temple he heard the sounds of bells and the familiar aratika song; but on the last step, the sounds stopped and the priest was standing with a heavy key before him, ready to close the gate. "Oh no" - groaned the old brahmana - "Just wait for a few more minutes till I have offered my homage to the Lord." But the priest was intent on locking the doors. "God does not have to wait for us, we have to wait for him. He is not our servant. Come back in half a year." "You don't understand" - cried the brahmana. Then he grabbed the feet of the priest and pleaded: "I am too old. I will die in a month or so. I have heard, the Lord is bhaktavatsala, a friend to his devotees, and the devotees are like wish-fulfilling trees ready to fulfill the desires of all?! " "No way!" - answered the priest. "I am already late. Let me bei" and then he kicked away the hands of the brahmana to free himself.The brahmana cried bitterly. But when no one heeded him and his voice fell on deaf ears he fainted and rolled down the temple steps. When he awoke, he was alone. Only the stars looked down on him. No human being was in sight. The old man was desperate. He felt his life had been in vain. With great determination he got up and exclaimed: "Now, where my Lord and His devotees have ignored me, my only shelter is Mother Ganga." Calling out loud : "Narayana, Narayana!" he stumbled towards the wild waters of the river Ganga to end his life there and then. When he had almost reached, he was stopped by a voice: "Hey old man! What do you think you are doing?" Upon turning around he saw a young man from the village galloping on a horse towards him: "Don't you know that suicide is sinful? It never brings us to the Lord." Finally he took the old man's hands into his. What a touch - both, delightful and firm. The brahmana told him his story: About how he had left his village in the hope of seeing the Lord, how he had overcome all kinds of obstacles, tolerating many hardships, and how, when he was just minutes away from his goal, the priest had kicked him down the temple stairs. The young man simply smiled. With a wave of his hand he said: "You are old and have become hard of hearing. The temple is open for you tomorrow. I am from here. Stay with me in a warm cave for the night and tomorrow I will take you personally for a darshan." The old man could not believe his ears. The young man led him into a warm cave nearby with a dancing fire and chessboard: "Let's spend the evening playing chess - then the time will go by faster", he suggested. And although the old brahmana had no idea about board games, he could not resist the attractive villager and much to his surprise, he always won the game. Finally they went to sleep. Early the next morning the young villager woke the brahmana up and after they had taken their bath in Brahmakunda, he led him up the stairs. At the top, they found the surprised priest. "Oh good! you are back old man. I was quite worried that you would not be alive" - the priest remarked. "Come right in." "Anyway it was only for a night", answered the brahmana. "No, it has been for 6 months! After I closed the temple door half a year ago, I went down to the valley. Today I am re-opening the temple again. You will be amongst the first pilgrims, who will see the first aratika ceremony of Lord Narayana." The brahmana was shocked, as a sweet realization dawned upon him. Quickly he turned around to look for the young man. When he could not see him next to him he shouted: "Young man, where are you?" The priest was surprised. At that moment the conch shells resounded, the bells started ringing and everyone rushed into the temple to participate in the first aratika ceremony. The brahmana stumbled inside and as he looked onto the altar he saw for a few moments, how the detiy had turned into the youth who played chess. Totally ecstatic, the brahmana came to understand that it was the Lord Himself who had saved him from taking his life. He had taken him into a warm cave and had kept him alive for 180 days and nights. When his eagerness had reached the highest point and he had longed with all his heart and soul to be with the Lord, the Lord had personally arranged to facilitate the union. As the other pilgrims looked on, he went out of the temple and laid down on the topmost step. Calling out: "Narayana! Have mercy on me!"- he closed his eyes and was immediately taken back to Godhead! Once a god-brother asked Srila Prabhupada: "How do we attain Krishna?" His answer was immediate: "By your anxiety." My god-brother was amazed: "Was anxiety not something material and had to be given up?" Srila Prabhupada clarified: "Not that anxiety! Material anxiety is a product of false ego. Be anxious for Krishna, not yourself. Be so eager to attain him that all other anxieties fall away!"

Perfect picture of Krishna

Story: Artist present perfect picture to Krishna! One day Krishna was seating in Dwaraka and was discussing with Narada Muni some spiritual subject matters. At that time Krishna was approach from artist who has painted picture of Krishna. Artist wanted to present picture of Krishna to Krishna. Krishna look at this picture and said: My dear artist this picture is not so good! Look at me see the difference and paint it again. Artist look at Krishna and now could notice few differences. So he went away and painted new picture. He come again. This time Krishna again told him the same. This repeated few times and picture was never complete.The artist was becoming desperate. Finally Narada Muni become very compassionate to the artist. He took him away and told him: If you want to make perfect picture of Krishna you cannot paint like this. He is at every moment new and new, more beautiful and more beautiful. You just go at market and buy some mirror. Present that to Krishna. The artist followed instruction of Narada Muni. And he come with present for Krishna. Krishna oppenend the present and look at mirror. Krishna was very long time looking at the mirror. He was very pleased by what was seeing. Finally He said to artist: Thank you! This is perfect picture! ( source unknown ) Moral of the story: When our hearth become clean by chanting Krishnas holy names only then we can see beautiful form of Krishna inside! Sri Siksastakam Text 1 ceto-darpana-marjanam bhava-maha--davagni-nirvapanam shreyah-kairava-chandrika-vitaranam vidya-vadhu-jivanam anandambudhi-vardhanam prati-padam purnamritaswadanam sarvatma-snapanam param vijayate sri-krishna-sankirtanam Glory to the Sri Krishna Sankirtana, which cleanses the heart of all the dust accumulated for years and extinguishes the fire of conditional life, of repeated birth and death. This sankirtana 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 enables us to fully taste the nectar for which we are always anxious. Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. PS: I humbly request all the devotees to please forward moral / instructive stories they hear so that everyone can be benefitted.

The greatest thing

Story:Krishna ask Narada what is greatest thing? One day Sri Krishna and His devotee, Narada Muni, were together in a beautiful forest. They were sitting among the trees next to a little river, which glittered in the sunlight. All the animals in creation gathered around Krishna and Narada Muni, delighted to be in the presence of the Lord. There were songbirds, peacocks, swans, squirrels, deer, foxes, tigers and many other creatures. And being in the presence of the Lord, they were so full of love that a deer laid down next to a tiger, and a fox affectionately licked a squirrel's ear. The devas were there as well. It was a special moment for everybody. Krishna was smiling blissfully, and everyone was happy. Narada Muni's heart was overflowing with devotion towards the Lord. His hands were caressing the holy feet of his Beloved. All of a sudden, Krishna looked deeply at Narada Muni. To test his spiritual understanding, He asked him, "Narada, what do you think? What is the greatest thing there is?" Narada became a little nervous because he desperately wanted to give the correct answer. He thought and thought and thought, and then he said, "My Lord, I've got it! Without any doubt, the ocean is the greatest of all." All the fish that were swimming in the river jumped playfully in the water when they heard this because they were on their way to the ocean. But Krishna replied, "Narada, how can it be? Don't you know that the ocean is surrounded by land?" Narada Muni said, "Sorry, my Lord. You're right. It cannot be. In that case, the mountains must be the greatest." The squirrels were satisfied by this answer because they loved to run and play in the mountains. They giggled and said to each other, "Squeak, squeak, squeak," which in their language means, "Yes, yes! Very good!" But again the Lord replied, "No, Narada. How can that be? Don't you see that the mountains are limited and the sky around their peaks are much greater?" "I'm sorry," said Narada, becoming red in the face. He was astonished at his own ignorance. But still, he wanted to please the Lord. So he said, "My Lord, now I understand that the sky is the greatest thing there is." All the birds chirped in delight when they heard this. But Krishna was not happy with this answer. He said, "No, Narada, you failed again. Don't you know that Heaven is beyond the sky?" Narada said, "That's it! Heaven is the greatest thing!" The devas who live in Heaven were so happy to hear this that they flew about making somersaults. But Sri Krishna just shook His head. "No," He said. The squirrels felt so sad for Narada. One of them started to cry. But Krishna smiled at the squirrel and gave him a nut to make him happy. Narada felt defeated. He said, "Sorry, my Lord. You are right. It cannot be." Narada said to himself, "Now, let me think deeply because I don't want to fail again. Is there anything that can be greater than Heaven? Hmmm…" So he thought and thought. The peacocks spread their wings displaying all the beautiful colours of the rainbow, hoping to inspire Narada. But he couldn't come up with an answer. The Lord came to his rescue and said, "You see, devotion is the greatest of all things because it makes you little and humble and loving -- and there is nothing greater than being little and humble and loving." Narada, who loved the Lord more than anything in the world, was deeply moved. He took the Lord's hand and held it to his cheek. "Oh, my Lord, thank you so much," he said. "I didn't know that." The squirrels, who like all the other creatures were greatly devoted to Krishna, reverently folded their paws and said, "Squeak, squeak, squeak," which means, "Thank you very much, Krishna! We also didn't know that." The animals were very happy, and they all bowed to the Lord. The birds chirped, the peacocks danced with their beautiful tails spread out, the deer skipped about, the foxes smiled and wagged their tales, and the tigers purred very loudly. And because they loved Lord Krishna so much, they all lived happily ever after. Moral of thes story: It is so clear as Lord Krishna say in Bhagavad gita that he can be only achive by bhakti – devotion ( Bhakti mam abijananti ). Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. PS: I humbly request all the d

Krishna appears to a devotee

True Vrindavan story: Krishna appear to devotee on Govardhan! - By Sacinandana Swami Five years ago there was a terrible monsoon. Water poured from the sky as if the end of the world had come. Soon the small lanes where turned into torrents of waters, which created a lot of trouble for both men and animals. Especially affected were the free-roaming cows who soon began to wander throughout the village, desperately in search for shelter to take from the devastating rainfall. One sadhu whom the villagers called Baba, felt the obvious distress of the cows very deeply and decided to put his own bhajan (spiritual practice) aside in order to help the cows. Baba thought: Five thousand years ago Krishna had helped the cows in an even more difficult situation by lifting the mountain Giriraja and held it up like a huge umbrella...Something quick needed to be done because the cows were in a similar situation as they had been at that time. Baba worked day and night for two days getting help from whoever had a free hand to give and at the end he had constructed a simple rain-shelter large enough to accommodate the cows of Aniyor and thus he gathered them under the roof of his makeshift “goshala” (cow-ashram). Exhausted he went to sleep together with the cows. But soon he woke up and could not fall asleep again– because of hunger. He had worked so hard that for 48 hours he had found no time whatsoever to eat. At around midnight he saw a little boy entering the cowshed. He had a bowl of laddhus with him and sweetly offered them to Baba: “Here, eat these laddhus – you must be hungry. In the morning I will collect my bowl. And by the way, you may need this tooi” With these words he handed Baba a stick for cow-herding and quickly left. Everything happened in the dark and ever so quickly. The next morning, there was a big commotion in the village. The priests of the temple on top of the Giriraj mountain had ordered a search of the whole village. That night a thief had entered the temple and had stolen Nathaji’s (the name of the local Krishna deity) silver bowl and His cowherd stick. When Baba heard about this he immediately went to the cowshed and inspected.the bowl and stick in the bright daylight. There was little doubt – they matched exactly the descriptions the priests had given. Could it be that the Lord had personally appeared before Baba, fed him laddhus and provided him with a cowherd stick just to acknowledge the seva which he had done to protect the cows? Baba decided to find out for sure but without taking the risk of becoming famous as someone favoured by the Lord. Thus, he went to the chief priest with the silver bowl and the golden stick in hand and told him that a boy had visited him at night and deposited these items, saying he would return to collect them sometime later. When the priest inspected the bowl and the stick he immediately recognized them as the belongings of Sri Nathaji and thanked Baba for returning the lost items of the Lord. Baba must have smiled in ecstasy thinking: “If you only knew that the thief was the One you worship upon your altar!” Moral of the story: When one lives in Vrindavan, one is constantly reminded of Krishna. He is worshiped in the many temples there, devotees glorify Him in song and narrations (katha), sadhus and saints describe Him with affection, etc. But does He ever appear in person and make Himself visible to the eyes of those who so ardently worship Him? Is He only adored but remains invisible – or does He actually engage in a tangible relationship with His worshippers? Can they hear Him with their ears, touch Him with their hands, eat the food He offers them and even smell His fragrance? These questions have held my interest for such a long time because I wish to worship a God with whom I can have an “experience” – having become tired of the innumerable religious concepts and mental concoctions. Vrindavan abounds with such stories. Stories in which Krishna touches the human dimension just like when He came down from the altar to play marbles with the village boys, etc. Anywhere else one might be inclined to discuss such stories as imaginative but here in Vrindavan where Krishna seems to be standing just around the corner, the supernatural becomes totally natural – a part of life.The reason is given in the sacred scriptures: krishno ´nyo yadu-sambhuto yah purnah so ´sty atah parah vrindavanam parityajya sa kvacin naiva gacchati “The Krishna known as Yadu-kumara is Vasudeva Krishna. He is different from the Krishna who is the son of Nanda Maharaja. Yadu-kumara Krishna manifests His pastimes in the cities of Mathura and Dvaraka, but Krishna the son of Nanda Maharaja never at any time leaves Vrindavana.” (CC Antya 1.67) Srila Rupa Goswami writes this about Krishna: O Lord who rises in the hearts of Your devotees. You became deeply concerned when You saw Your devotees and the cows troubled by the terrible rainclouds sent by Indra. Thus you lifted the great Govardhana Hill with Your left lotus hand.O Lord who protected Vraja, O lotus eyed Lord, please please protect me in the same way.” (Sri Mukunda-muktavali 4) ( Source: Later Baba revealed the entire story to a relative of Krishna Murari Goswami of Vrindavana who in turn narated to Sacinandana Swami ) Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

The Pandava and Shri Krishna

Mahabharata strory: Sage Romarishi , The Pandavas and Bhagavan Sri Krishna The Pandavas during the time of their exile once walked into the forest of Romarishi . Romarishi was a Sage whose body was covered with hair and his beard was so long that it spread like a carpet into the entire area of the forest . There was a sacred tree in that forest yielding a very special type of fruit which, once tasted by a person, would relieve him of hunger and thirst for years and years. But the fruit was not to be plucked, it was to be eaten only when it fell down on its own. One day Dharmaraja and Draupadi chanced to come near the tree. Draupadi was very much tempted to taste that luscious big fruit hanging from the tree. She said : "Can we not take that fruit? We can all share it." Dharmaraja shot an arrow and the fruit fell on the ground. He went to take the fruit with his hand. It was so heavy that he could not move it . Dharmaraja tried to lift it with all his strength using both his hands but he could not lift it . Draupadi also tried but in vain. In the meantime, Arjuna arrived at that place. He tried to lift the fruit but could not succeed. All the three tried to lift the fruit but it would not move. The two younger brothers Nakula and Sahadeva came and tried to lift the fruit but they too could not succeed . Finally came the mighty hero, Bhima . He asked the others to keep away and said: "I will lift it “ . But even Bhima failed. Meanwhile the hair of Romarishi which had spread all over the area, began to stir because when these six people were trampling about to lift the fruit, the strands of hair were being trodden and pulled. He realised that some one must be trying to steal the fruit . He had become furious. His long hairs started coming together and coiling round the Pandavas to tie them up. Draupadi realised the danger and as always in times of danger immediately prayed to Bhagavan Shri Krishna . Bhagavan appeared before them. Draupadi fell at His feet and prayed to Him for help. Shri Krishna said : " Sister, I am helpless . Romarishi is a great Sage. I reside in his heart. How can I do anything against the wishes of my devotee ?" Draupadi once again pleaded : "You alone can save us, you can do anything if you wish to ." Shri Krishna said : " I will help you, but all of you should be totally silent whatever may be the situation and do exactly as I tell you ." Draupadi and Pandavas promised to obey his orders.Shri Krishna went towards Romarishi's ashram and instructed them to follow him after sometime. In the meantime, Romarishi was so much enraged that he had actually started to walk towards the tree to curse the poachers. Just then Bhagavan Shri Krishna entered the ashram. Romarishi fell at the Lotus Feet of the Bhagavan . He was overjoyed to see Shri Krishna . He said, "How fortunate am I to have you as my guest . Oh Bhagavan! What can I do for you?" Shri Krishna engaged him in discussing certain spiritual matters till the Pandavas arrived . As soon as the Pandavas along with Draupadi reached the ashram, Shri Krishna hurried towards them and fell at their feet . The Pandavas were feeling embarrassed but remembering the Lord's command, kept quiet . Seeing Bhagavan Shri Krishna fall at the feet of the Pandavas, Romarishi also fell at the feet of those visitors . Then Shri Krishna asked them to come into the ashram . He introduced them to Romarishi . He praised the virtuous Dharmaraja, valiant Bhima and Arjuna and the intelligent Nakul and Sahadeva, and above all, the devout Draupadi. Romarishi by that time totally forgot about the fruit and the poachers . Krishna informed Romarishi that the Pandavas were the people who were tempted to taste the fruit being unaware of the unique nature of the fruit . Romarishi desired to please those who could please the Bhagavan Himself . He said : "Let them take the fruit . I would like them to have it ." By eating the fruit the Pandavas were able to live without hunger for a long time!! Moral: Taking shelter at Krishnas lotus feet can save us from all dangers we face in our lifes. Diference between devotee as Pandavas is that they alwasy turn to Krishna in all times, and not like ordinarily people who turn to power of therie strenght, relatives, money or goverment. Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

Markendeya

Krishna story - every day Story: Sage Markandeya winning over death! Sage Mrikandu was leading an ascetic life in a forest. His wife was Marudhvathi. They were childless for a long time. Mrikandu performed intense tapas for several years in order to please Lord Shiva to have childrens. Lord Shiva in all his splendour appeared before him. He said, “I am pleased by your devotion. Ask from me any boon you desire.” Mrikandu was overjoyed. He prayed to Lord Shiva thus: "O Lord! I am childless. Grant me a son." The Lord said in reply, "Do you desire to have a virtuous, wise and pious son who will live up to sixteen years or a dull- witted, evil-natured son who will live long?" The sage Mrikandu did not hesitate over the choice. He did not want a worthless son. He begged only for the short-lived son of whom he could be proud. Lord Shiva granted the request of his devotee and departed. After some time Marudhvathi conceived and gave birth to a son. The parents were extremely happy about the new arrival whom they named " Markandeya". When Markandeya was - five, Mrikandu arranged for his studies. Even in boyhood Markandeya mastered all the Vedas and Shastras. His pleasing ways endeared him to his teachers. The boy was liked by one and all. When he reached the age of twelve, his parents arranged his Upanayana. He was initiated into the chanting of the mystic Gayatri Mantra. The boy was very regular in performing the Sandhya Vandana which pleased his parents and other elders. He was thus spending his days very happily, delighting everyone by his charming looks and pleasant behaviour. But the parents were sad at heart and whenever they looked at their son a gloom spread over their face. They did not tell Markandeya that he was not destined to live long. The sixteenth year was fast approaching. One day, unable to control their grief, they wept before him. Markandeya was surprised. He asked them gently the reason for their grief. Mrikandu, with tears running down his cheeks, said, "O my son! According to Lord Shiva's boon you are destined to live only for sixteen years. How can we withstand this? We are helpless and do not know what to do." Markandeya consoled his parents saying that death was not a thing which wise people should dread. It is as natural as birth. The next day the boy came to them and said, "Dear father and mother, do not worry for me. I am confident of winning over death. Pray bless me that I may succeed in my endeavor. Permit me to perform severe penance to please the Lord.” The parents blessed him heartily and sent him for penance. Markandeya was to complete the sixteenth year on a certain day. Yama knew that Markandeya's life was to come to an end. As usual Yama's servants came to take his life. But they could not approach him for the radiation from him was too intense for them. So, Yama, the God of Death, himself came on his wonted black buffalo. He had in his hand the well- known rope with a noose for taking out the young lad's soul from his body and carrying it away. Yama saw the young devotee engaged in the worship of Lord Shiva. Yama could not let the worship be completed if his duty as the God of Death was to be properly performed. Markandeya could not be allowed to live a minute longer after the completion of the sixteenth year. Normally invisible to human eyes, this time Yama had been forced to show himself to the young boy by virtue of the latter's intense piety and devotion to God. Yama threw his rope with the loop and it went and encircled Markandeya's neck and also the Shiva Linga. The Shiva Linga at once split into two and out came Shiva, trident in hand. He pushed Yama aside and killed him to save the child. From that day onwards, Markandeya got the names Mrityunjaya and Kalakala. After that at the request of other gods, Shiva restored life to Yama. Then, turning to the young devotee, with whose piety he was highly pleased, Lord Shiva blessed him with deathlessness. He said to Markandeya, “Every desire of yours will be fulfilled. You will never be old or grey - haired. You will live virtuous and famous till the end of the world. Omniscience will be an asset in you.” MARKANDEYA To this day, the Hindus reckon Markandeya as one of their immortals. It is said that Markandeya is a great Chiranjivi, one who lives with the body forever and whose body always appears young, beautiful and saintly on account of his yogic powers. Markandeya has become proverbial for long life. The blessing of the elders even today is, “May you live like Markandeya, forever youthful and beautiful.” People believe that even now he is living somewhere in the Himalayas ill deep meditation for the good of the world. Moral: For everything in life we need blessings. By taking shelter of superior personality we can do impossible things. Things who are above our power and abilitis.

Residents of hell uttering Krishna

Story from hell: Residents of hell saved by utering namaha to Lord Krishna! Once a great Brahmana and a devotee of the Lord called Mudgala travelled to the abode of Yamaraj to meet him. When he saw the torturous punishments inflicted by the Yamadutas on the sinful living entities, he looked at them with compassion and they saw him. At once they became purified and felt momentary bliss and relief from their hellish suffering. Yamaraj explained to Mudagala that this was possible because of his glory of worshipping the Supreme Lord in your third previous life, and offering of charity made along with chanting the Lord's names along with 'namah' such as 'krishnaaya namah', 'vasudevaaya namah'. Yamaraj also said, "Those who remember Lord Krishna, bow down to him, take shelter of Him and worship Him by chanting mantras like krishnaaya namah, vaasudevaaya namah, they are not under my jurisdiction." Hearing this the living entities who were suffering in hell started chanting, "krishnaya namah, govindaya namah, vasudevaya namah etc". Though they could not bow down because they were being tied up and punished, but they verbally offered obeisances by saying namah. Because of the potency of the names coupled with namah, all the devices in the hell which were used to torture them stopped working; all the weapons in the hands of the Yamadutas became blunt; the fire burning in the hell became extinguished and all the Yamadutas became diminished in their strength and could not exert any further punishment on the residents of hell. As the chanting continued more and more, fragrant and cool breeze started flowing in that hell; everyone started hearing pleasing musical instruments of flute, vina etc; they became free of the hellish coverings and became endowed with heavenly dress and ornaments. Understanding the purifying effect of their chanting, Yamaraj immediately got up from his seat and started worshipping those residents of hells by offering water at their feet and said, "Those who bow down to Lord Vishnu, who is known as Yajnavaraha and who is the Lord of all gods, I bow down to them again and again. Even those who say 'vishnave namah, krishnaaya namah, to them I bow again and again." As he was saying this, a heavenly plane came there and all the residents boarded into that plane and were transferred to heavenly planets.Their punishment was severely reduced by their offering obeisances to the Lord with words by uttering his names joined with namah. ( Story is from Vishnu Dharma Purana ) Moral of the stroy: Lets us all offer our namaha to the Lord folowing examples of great devotees. Kuntidevi says in Srimad Bhagavatam: namaha pankaja naabhaaya namaha pankaja maaline namaha pankaja netraaya namaste pankajaanghraye "My respectful obeisances are unto You, O Lord, whose abdomen is marked with a depression like a lotus flower, who are always decorated with garlands of lotus flowers, whose glance is as cool as the lotus and whose feet are engraved with lotuses." In Bhagavata purana, Suta Goswami says to Parikshit Maharaj in verse 12.12.47 patitah skhalitash caartah kshuttvaa vaa vivasho grnan haraye nama ity uccair mucyate sarva paatakaat "If when falling, slipping, feeling pain or sneezing one involuntarily cries out in a loud voice, "Obeisances to Lord Hari!" one will be automatically freed from all his sinful reactions." So lets all offer respect to Lord Krishna by uttering mantras: om keshavaya namah om narayanaya namah om madhavaya namah om govindaya namah om vishnave namah om madhusudanaya namah om trivikramaya namah om vamanaya namah om sridharaya namah om hrishikeshaya namah om padmanabhaya namah om damodaraya namah om vasudevaya namaha Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. PS: I humbly request all the devotees to please forward moral / instructive stories they hear so that everyone can be benefitted.

Men who performs Yagna with a umbrella

Faith story: Men who come on yagja with umbella! Once there was a drought hit village. There was absolutely no rains for the past 3-4 years. All the villagers who are solely depending on Agriculture were almost starving to death. After some time they all decided to perform a yajna, to get rain. They all decided to venue & time for the Yajna. And made it compulsory for all the people to attend. As per the schedule, slowly all the vilalgers started to gather at the venue. One villager came with an umbrella. Seeing this person, all the villagers burst into laughter. They all thought that he has become mad. The Yajna was performed & after taking prasadam, the villagers slowly started to leave the place. To their disbelief, the sky darkened, & in a few moments there was a heavy shower. All the people ran upto the person who was holding the umbrella. They asked him what made him to carry an Umbrella . He simply replied "FAITH". He said we are performing a puja to Krishna for rain. He said he had firm faith in the Lord's mercy. Moral of the story: The Crux of this story is that if we have faith on the Lord & surrender to him, he will take care of the rest. The Supreme Personality of Godhead promises in the Ninth chapter of Bagavad Gita, that his devotee does not perishes. The Lord in the 18 chapter says: sarva dharman parityajya mam ekam saranam vraja aham tvam sarva papebhyo moksya samy ma sucah If there is such a guarantee from the Supreme Personality of God himself, we should take to the process of Surrender immediately with full faith & without any delay Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. PS: I humbly request all the devotees to please forward and share this moral / instructive stories they hear so that everyone can be benefitted by hearing about Krishna and his dear devotees.

Who is greater Lord or name

Holy name story: Who is Greater - Lord Almighty or His Divine Name? Once, after Lord Rama returned to his kingdom from exile, a group of sages started arguing about the superiority of The Lord’s Name over The Lord Himself. Many opinions were given, yet they were not able to come to any conclusion, so they approached Sage Narada. Sage Narada requested a few days’ time to give an answer to this question. Sage Narada thought it best to seek Lord Hanuman’s help in solving the problem. He approached Hanuman and requested Him to assist him in the task, to which Hanuman agreed. Sage Narada told Hanuman, “Make some mischief that will enrage Lord Rama’s Guru, Vishvamitra, so much that He will order Lord Rama to punish You. Then leave the rest to Me.” Hanuman at once started working on this task. As expected, Lord Rama’s Guru became very angry at Hanuman and told Lord Rama, “Tomorrow morning You must punish Hanuman for the wrong that He has done. In front of the sages and all the towns people, you will aim your powerful arrows at Him, so that all will witness and learn a lesson about what happens when one annoys the Guru.” Lord Rama was surprised at His devoted servitor Hanuman’s behavior. But, He had complete obedience unto His Guru, so He accepted the Guru’s instruction and went back to His palace with a heavy heart. In the meantime, Sage Narada told Hanuman to chant Lord Rama’s Name when Lord Rama aimed the arrows at Him. The next day dawned, and all the sages and townspeople gathered next to the river to witness the punishment that would be given to Hanuman. Lord Rama with a very heavy heart aimed at Hanuman and let go His first arrow. The arrow headed straight for Hanuman, but changed direction at the very last moment, and fell to the ground without touching Him. Hanuman was standing with his eyes closed, deeply chanting Lord Rama’s Name. All the arrows that Lord Rama aimed at Hanuman missed Him and went in different directions. When all arrows were over, Lord Rama looked at His Guru. Vishvamitra Guru asked Lord Rama to order the divine weapon (Brahmaastra) that would not miss its target. At that point, Sage Narada interrupted and convinced the Guru, “O great sage, You are great among the Gurus. By forgiving Hanuman, You could give the best example of a loving and compassionate Guru.” The Guru listened to Sage Narada’s advice and forgave Hanuman. When the incident was over, Sage Narada approached all the sages gathered at the river. They had got their answer through this incident and unanimously agreed on the power of The Lord’s Name. Moral: Dear friends, this story shows the power of God’s Name. It also shows Hanuman’s devotion to Lord Rama and obedience. We, too, can be protected completely as Hanuman was, by chanting (repeating) the all-powerful Name of God with devotion. Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

Lord threading elephant through needle

Faith story: Narada Muni, The Cobbler and The Brahmana Once Narada Muni while traveling meet brahmana who ask him: Oh Great sage where are you going? I am going to Vaikuntha to meet my Lord Narayana! reply great sage. “Oh, you are going to meet the Lord? Will you please ask Him when I’m going to get my salvation?” asked brahmana. “All right,” Narada agreed. “I shall ask Him.” As Narada proceeded, he met a cobbler who was sitting under a tree mending shoes, and the cobbler similarly asked Narada, “Oh, you are going to see God? Will you please inquire of Him when my salvation will come?” When Narada Muni went to the Vaikuntha planets, he fulfilled their request and asked Narayana (God) about the salvation of the brahmana and the cobbler, and Narayana replied, “After leaving this body, the cobbler shall come here to me.” “What about the brahmana?” Narada asked. “He will have to remain there for a number of births. In fact i do not know when he is coming.” Narada Muni was astonished, and he finally said, “I can’t understand the mystery of this.” “That you will see,” Narayana said. “When they ask you what I am doing in My abode, tell them that I am threading the eye of a needle with an elephant.” When Narada returned to earth and approached the brahmana, the brahmana said, “Oh, you have seen the Lord? What was He doing?” “He was threading an elephant through the eye of a needle,” Narada answered. “I don’t believe such nonsense,” the brahmana replied. Narada could immediately understand that the man had no faith and that he was simply a reader of books. Narada then left and went on to the cobbler, who asked him, “Oh, you have seen the Lord? Tell me, what was He doing?” “He was threading an elephant through the eye of a needle,” Narada replied. The cobbler began to weep, “Oh, my Lord is so wonderful, He can do anything.” “Do you really believe that the Lord can push an elephant through the hole of a needle?” Narada asked. “Why not?” the cobbler said, “Of course I believe it.” “How is that?” “You can see that I am sitting under this banyan tree,” the cobbler answered, “and you can see that so many fruits are falling daily, and in each seed there is a banyan tree like this one. If, within a small seed there can be a big tree like this, is it difficult to accept that the Lord is pushing an elephant through the eye of a needle?” Moral of the story: So this is called faith. It is not a question of blindly believing. There is reason behind the belief. If Krsna can put a large tree within so many little seeds, is it so astounding that He is keeping all the planetary systems floating in space through His energy? Although scientists may think that the planets are being held in space simply by nature alone, behind nature there is the Supreme Lord. Nature is acting under His guidance. As Sri Krsna states: mayadhyaksena prakrtih suyate sa-caracaram hetunanena kaunteya jagad viparivartate “This material nature is working under My direction, O son of Kunti, and is producing all moving and unmoving beings. By its rule this manifestation is being created and annihilated again and again.” (Bg. 9.10) ( Story nareted by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in book Raja Vdyam ) Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. PS: I humbly request all the devotees to please forward and share this moral / instructive stories they hear so that everyone can be benefitted by hearing about Krishna and his dear devotees.

Lord Shiva give watermelons to a beggar.

Story: Lord Shiva give watermelon to a begger! Lord Siva and his consort Parvati once are passing through a town disguised as ordinary willage people. While they were walking around a beggar came and asked for a donation. Lord Siva said he didn't have anything. "This poor man is begging, so why don't you give him something," Parvati said to Lord Siva. "Even if I give, he will not be able to enjoy. He is so unfortunate," Lord Siva answered. But Parvati again requested him to give the beggar something, so Lord Siva consented. "Take this," Lord Siva said to the man, and he gave him a watermelon containing a great treasure of gold and jewels. The beggar was not very satisfied however because he didn't like watermelon. The beggar thought, "What shall I do with this?" But he took it anyway thinking he could get something for it in the village. He found someone to give a few paise for it then he went on his way. When the person that bought the watermelon cut it open he was surprised to find it filled with priceless jewels. The beggar that received the melon didn't know the great value of what he had been given so he practically just gave it away. Moral of the story: We are as unfortunate as this beggar. Krsna is giving us so many great treasures as his holy names,Srimad Bhagavatam, devotees association and so many other gifts in life but because of not knowing what is the priceless value of them we are not properly using them for our spiritul advancement. ( Story narrated by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in book Raja Vidyam ) Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. PS: I humbly request all the devotees to please forward and share this moral / instructive stories they hear so that everyone can be benefitted by hearing about Krishna and his dear devotees.

3 things

“O Lord, although You are able to give all kinds of benedictions, I do not pray to You for the boon of impersonal liberation, nor the highest liberation of eternal life in Vaikuntha, nor any other boon (which may be obtained by executing the nine processes of bhakti). O Lord, I simply wish that this form of Yours as Bala Gopala in Vrindavana may ever be manifest in my heart, for what is the use to me of any other boon besides this?” (Shri Damodarashtaka, 4) Download this episode (right click and save) What do you think is the highest reward? There is the classic game of getting three wishes. It goes something like this: Suppose a magic lamp appears before you. You decide to rub it, and then a genie pops out. They ask you to make three wishes. If you were in this situation, what would you choose? Be careful, for once you’ve used them up you can’t ask for more. The Damodarashtaka says that even the highest reward in a material existence is nothing compared to the sight of an adorable child tied to a mortar in the courtyard of a loving mother living in Vrindavana. You could ask for religiosity. “Dear genie, please allow me to be dutiful to the tradition I inherited from my parents. There is something good about being religious. I want to show others that I believe in God. I want to convince myself as well that I am a good person. Let there be no lapse in respecting the duties prescribed to me.” You could ask for economic development. “Dear genie, please let me earn a lot of money. I want to make so much because then I will not have any worries. I see how much people struggle in this world. I see the pathetic images on television of those in other, less developed nations. Let me not end up like them.” You could ask for sense gratification. “Dear genie, please let me enjoy as much as possible. I want a beautiful spouse, children to play with, and very nice things. I’ve got my eye on this car. Let me have it along with so many other things. If I don’t have stuff, of what use is money? I want to enjoy life to the fullest.” One of the many names for God provided in the Vedic tradition is Mukunda. One meaning to this name is “giver of liberation.” Mukti is liberation. It is the enjoyment that is on the flip side of bhukti. Bhukti is the enjoyment of objects in this world and mukti is the enjoyment that comes from renouncing everything. Moksha is a term similar to mukti. It means “release.” It is the end to the cycle of birth and death. After moksha, you have no need for religiosity, economic development, or sense gratification. Moksha is considered the highest reward in a material existence precisely because of how difficult it is to get. Imagine having the ability to not get angry when others curse at you. That time that your wife really rips into you, where she brings up every mistake you’ve made in the past - think of not getting swayed in the least. Imagine being the same in temperament whether you get praise or dishonor. jitātmanaḥ praśāntasya paramātmā samāhitaḥ śītoṣṇa-sukha-duḥkheṣu tathā mānāpamānayoḥ “For one who has conquered the mind, the Supersoul is already reached, for he has attained tranquility. To such a man happiness and distress, heat and cold, honor and dishonor are all the same.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 6.7) This equanimity is very difficult to achieve. Moksha brings a steady existence that is free of ups and downs. In one sense it is nothingness, though individuality can never be totally annihilated. In the Damodarashtaka, the author readily acknowledges that God is Mukunda. He knows that the Lord can grant moksha very easily, should He be pleased. Even Lord Shiva, who is like God but in a slightly different form, can grant moksha. The author asks only to have Bala Gopala manifest in his heart. The person here knows that they will always be an individual. Whether they take birth as an animal or as a human being, they are not so worried. They are not concerned with mukti, of which there are five kinds. In one of them you get an opulent body that looks identical to God’s form of Narayana. “A pure devotee does not accept any kind of liberation - salokya, sarshti, samipya, sarupya or ekatva - even though they are offered by the Supreme Personality of Godhead.” (Shrimad Bhagavatam, 3.29.13) So God can give you a form like His. In that realm, known as Vaikuntha, everyone looks the same, and the only way you can distinguish God is by looking for the Shrivatsa, which is the mark of His consort Lakshmi that remains in His chest. So God can grant even this kind of liberation, and who will not accept it? The bhaktas are aware of the spiritual version of liberation. Mukti itself is a kind of material thing, since it is basically the negation of a material existence. True liberation is love for God, which the author has and hopes to always keep. He loves the form of Bala Gopala, which is Krishna in His childhood form in Vrindavana. Mother Yashoda bound Him with ropes of affection to a mortar as punishment one time. For thousands of years wise saints and poets have been trying to figure out that incident. They marvel at how a loving mother can do that to God, how she can be so fortunate. They continue to appreciate Krishna for allowing it to happen. They are liberated simply by remembering that incident, and they know that since Krishna is Mukunda, He can give anything. Therefore they ask to have this form remain in their hearts, allowing them to stay liberated in bhakti though apparently living in a material existence. In Closing: Forgetting rewards of life four, When Bala Gopala to adore. Genie in magic lamp can come, But devotee to ask for wishes none. Yashoda’s darling son longing just for, Image in their pure hearts to store. Mukunda to offer liberation real, Merging in oneness to bhakta no appeal.

Perfect Picture Of God

Story: Artist present perfect picture to Krishna!

One day Krishna was seating in Dwaraka and was discussing with Narada Muni some spiritual subject matters.

At that time Krishna was approach from artist who has painted picture of Krishna. Artist wanted to present picture of Krishna to Krishna.

Krishna look at this picture and said: My dear artist this picture is not so good! Look at me see the difference and paint it again.

Artist look at Krishna and now could notice few differences. So he went away and painted new picture. He come again. This time Krishna again told him the same. This repeated few times and picture was never complete.The artist was becoming desperate.

Finally Narada Muni become very compassionate to the artist. He took him away and told him:

If you want to make perfect picture of Krishna you cannot paint like this. He is at every moment new and new, more beautiful and more beautiful. You just go at market and buy some mirror.

Present that to Krishna. The artist followed instruction of Narada Muni. And he come with present for Krishna. Krishna oppenend the present and look at mirror. Krishna was very long time looking at the mirror. He was very pleased by what was seeing. Finally He said to artist: Thank you!  This is perfect picture!

Moral of the story:
When our heart become clean by chanting Krishnas holy names only then we can see beautiful form of Krishna inside!

Sri Siksastakam
Text 1
ceto-darpana-marjanam
bhava-maha--davagni-nirvapanam shreyah-kairava-chandrika-
vitaranam vidya-vadhu-jivanam
anandambudhi-vardhanam
prati-padam purnamritaswadanam sarvatma-snapanam param
vijayate sri-krishna-sankirtanam

Glory to the Sri Krishna Sankirtana, which cleanses the heart of all the dust accumulated for years and extinguishes the fire of conditional life, of repeated birth and death.

This sankirtana 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 enables us to fully taste the nectar for which we are always anxious. ..........

Birth of Ganesha

The True Meaning of the Story of “Birth of Ganesha”

Birth of Ganesha

The most well-known story about Ganesh’s birth is probably the one taken from the Shiva Purana

Once mother Parvati wanted to take a bath, there were no attendants around to guard her and stop anyone from accidentally entering the cave. Hence she created an image of a boy out of dirt and infused life into it, and thus a little boy was born. Parvati asked the boy not to allow anyone to enter the house, and the boy obediently followed his mother's orders.

Background: There are 2 energies in this Universe. One is the Universal GOD Energy that is outside us and the other is the Soul Energy that is inside a person. Hindu scriptures know that GOD is beyond Man or Women. To explain to a novice GOD is depicted sometimes as a Man and sometimes a Women (Per Hindu scriptures). So sometimes the Universal GOD is depicted as Man and sometimes it is depicted as a Woman. Similarly the soul inside is either a Woman or a Man depending on what the Universal GOD is depicted as.

Explanation: So in the story of Ganesh’s Birth, Parvati is depicted as Universal GOD and Shiva is the Soul in the body.

After a while Shiva returned from outside, and as he tried to enter the house,

Explanation: In a living person, Shiva (Soul) is always trying to reach Parvati (Universal Soul).

Shiva came to meet Parvati and was stopped by the little boy. He told the little boy that he was Parvati's husband, and demanded that he be let in. The little boy would not hear any person's word other than his dear mother's. So Shiva has a fierce battle with the little boy. The little boy was strong and rose up to the challenge and fought Shiva and held him back.

Explanation: The force stopping Soul(Shiva) from reaching Universal GOD (Parvati) is the little child and that is the EGO of the person. EGO is explained in different ways. Will not go in detail on what EGO is in this post. Just know that EGO is so strong that it can stop Shiva(Soul) from reaching Parvati(Universal GOD).

At last Shiva severed the head of the little boy head with his trishula.

Explanation: The only way for Shivato meet Parvati is to cut the head of EGO. i.e Bow the head to the Universal GOD. When EGO is out of the wayShiva(Soul) and Parvati

(Universal GOD) meet in a living person.

When Parvati came out and saw her son's lifeless body she asked that Shivarestore the boy’s life. A Brahma suggested that Shiva replace the boys head with the first living being that came his way which lay with its head facing north. Shivathen sent his celestial armies (Gana) to find and take the head of whatever creature they happened to find asleep with its head facing north. They found a dying elephant which slept in this manner, and after its death took its head, attaching the elephant's head to the boy’s body and bringing him back to life. And thus Ganesha is Born.

Explanation: In a living person the EGO is gone and therefore the Soul(Shiva) of the person has met the Universal GOD(Parvati). The energies activated in the person now is that of Ganesha. Meaning that any action taken by a person while connecting the Soul to the Universal GOD will remove obstacle. The elephant head is depicts the removal of obstacles.

Ganesha is married to 2 sisters Riddhi and Siddhie.

Explanation: In that state Ganesha i.e. Shiva(Soul) and Parvati (Universal Soul) meeting in a living person, interacts with the world. In this world one can only give or/and take from someone. i.e. Ridhi and Sidhi. So Ganesha (living person) is married to the world of giving and receiving. The living person is married to either taking or giving something to this world.

Ganesha has 2 children from Riddhi and Siddhie..Name of the children are Shubh and Labh

Explanation: So a living person in the state of Ganesha interacts with the world Riddhie and Siddhie there is an output from it that interaction i.e. He gets SHUBH LABH or PURE PROFIT.

Shubh and Labh ask their parents for a sister and they get a sister names Santosh.

Explanation: So from the interaction with the world as Ganesha a person gets SHUBH LABH (PURE PROFIT) and from the PURE PROFIT he gets SANTOSH or CONTENTMENT.

That is the purpose of Life. To get CONTENTMENT in every action that one takes in Life.

Summary:

In a living person the Soul (Shiva) is always trying to meet the Universal GOD (Parvati).

EGO stops the Shiva (Soul) from meeting Parvati (Universal GOD).

When the head of EGO is removed Shiva(Soul) and Parvati (Universal GOD) meet thereby creating igniting the energies of Lord Ganesha.

As Ganesha when a person interacts with the world as, giving (Riddhi) and taking (Siddhi), then the output is Shubh (Pure) Labh (Profit).

From Shubh Labh (Pure Profit) the person gets Santosh (Contentment).

Conclusion

When one prays to Lord Ganesha then one is asking to connect to the Universal Soul to remove obstacles and to give us contentment. All the rituals are fully aligned to this principle.

http://atul-thakur.hubpages.com/hub/True-meaning-of-Birth-of-Ganesha

Narada takes away Krishna from queens of Dwaraka

Story: Narada takes away Krishna from queens of Dwaraka

Sathyabama was the beautiful daughter of Satrajith, the owner of the sacred Syamantaka jewel.

She was little haughty and proud of her royal lineage and good looks. She prided herself on her pure love for Krishna and yet she was jealous of Rukmini, the goddess of wealth incarnate.

Rukmini on the other hand, being the first queen of Dwaraka was a very humble lady and a pious wife. She let nothing come in the way of her devotion to Krishna and served him with whole hearted love and devotion.

But Krishna is one who is known as destroyer of his devotees pride.

One day, the divine sage Narada, the creator of mischief, came to Dwaraka to offer his salutations to Sri Krishna.

In the courtyard he met Satyabhama, beautifying herself with some flowers on her tresses for pleasure of Krishna.

Narada walked up to her and with a voice of absolute innocence asked her, “Rani Satyabhama, dont doubt my intentions, but is it my old age or is it really true that Krishna loves Rukmini more than you?”

Sathyabhama was thoroughly shaken and stood still, gaping at Narada.

”You are far more beautiful and charming than her. You are the younger queen. Dont you think you deserve more attention?”, prodded Narada again.

Pulling herself together, Satyabhama looked inquisitively at Narada,

“Tell me divine sage, what should I do to gain his undivided attention? You are my only hope now”, she pleaded to him.

Narada, ever eager to cause confusion told, “That is my whole point of visit, mother. I have a first-class plan all hatched up to bring Krishna back to you.”

Satyabhama’s eyes were twinkling and she listened to Narada with rapt attention.”

You will now make a vow, that you will hand over Krishna to me as a slave. Then to keep the sanctity of the vow but also to retain Krishna to yourself, I will allow you to trade him in for an equivalent weight of your riches.

Seeing that you are willing to trade in your wealth for him, Krishna will admire you for your sacrifice and will keep you close to him. The only hitch is that I do not know if your wealth will suffice to balance out Krishna’s weight”, Narada asked sceptically.

Proud, Satyabhama flared up, “I am the daughter of Satrajith. My wealth is limitless. I am sure that I have enough to balance Krishna. We will carry on with this plan of yours.” And that,was exactly what Narada wanted.

Satyabhama rushed to Krishna and hurriedly told him about her unfortunate vow to Narada.

Krishna patiently listened to her and very meekly nodded his head.

Satyabhama then commanded one of the servants to bring out the large scales used to weigh grains and groceries.

She also sent the Caretaker of the Coffers to bring out all her jewels and gold to the grand court room. And gently leading Krishna, she went to the Courtroom.

All the ministers stared at the scales that had been placed at the center of the court. Their mouths further fell when they saw box after box of gold being carried inside.

Krishna was silent throughout the entire time.

So great was the uproar of surprise at the court that Krishna’s other queens too hurried from their Anthapuram to the main court.

Amidst all the courtiers and with Krishna himself as the witness,
Satyabhama gave away Krishna in dhaana to Narada.

The other wives of Krishna were shocked at this, but being ever dutiful, they did not speak out in front of the assembled court.

Narada then gave her the option of taking back Krishna but instead presenting him with an equivalent weight of riches. Amidst loud sighs of relief, Satyabhama agreed to it.

She then placed Krishna on one plate of the Scales and with a smirk on her face started piling up the gold, jewels and gemstones on the other plate.

She kept adding more and more of her wealth, but the pan with Krishna did not even budge.

To top it all Narada kept giving her ominous warnings, “Remember devi, if you fail to supply me with sufficient wealth, Krishna will forever be a slave to me. I can even bid him out to anyone I want.”

Satyabhama freaked out and swallowing her pride, begged the other wives of Krishna to give her their jewels so thet they could retain Krishna.

Out of their devotion to their lord, the wives removed every gold ornament on their body until they were wearing only the Mangalsutra.

But the scale showed no signs of motion. Krishna, always the sly cowherd, “Look Satyabhama, because of your stupid vow, I have to be a slave to this rishi”, he complained.

Satyabhama was at a loss for words when Krishna continued, “Why dont you ask Rukmini. She must be able to get us out of this predicament”, he suggested coyly.

Satyabhama was in such a state that all her ill will towards Rukmini flew out of the window.

Rushing to Rukmini’s private chambers she poured out the dire state of matters. Rukmini, ever calm, didnt panic and came along with Satyabhama.

On the way she passed the sacred Tulasi Maadam and plucking a single leaf of Tulasi [Sacred Basil], she continued her way to the hall.

She very quietly walked towards the balance and praying to Krishna. She has writen name "Krishna" one the single tulasi leaf on all the piled up wealth. Lo and Behold!

The pan containing Krishna flew up and remained underbalanced.

Shocked at this, Satyabhama looked to Krishna for explanation. “Try removing your riches, Bhama,” Krishna told her, all smiles.

With a very sceptical expression on her face she removed all her riches until nothing but the single tulasi leaf with name of Krishna writen on it sat on the pan.

And yet, it weighed more than Krishna.

She was stunned and humbled. Krishna jumped down from his high hanging pan and came to her, “Sathyabama, you gave all your riches to me, but there was no devotion in that offering. Just the feeling of possessiveness. When you made your offerings with such a thought in your mind, they lost their value and became mundane things.

On the other hand Rukmini offered just a single tulasi leaf. But her intentions were noble. She made the offering with utmost love and devotion towards me. And that single leaf was sufficient to please me beyond expectations.

Remember it is not the offering that matters, but the love and devotion with which you do it, that does.”

Then leaving Satyabhama standing stunned in the court, Krishna returned to his chambers with his other wives.

Turning to Narada, her eyes now shining bright with tears, Bhama said, “Devarishi, thank you for teaching me this hard learnt lesson today. I will never ever underestimate the power of devotion and love towards the lord.”

Narada nodded and with his characteristic singing Narayana-Narayana, and he was gone.

And thus ends the leela of Sathyabama’s lesson and thus begins the new custom of offering Tulabharam to the Lord in his temples.

Moral:

But let us all remember, that it is not so much as the value of the offerings that matter, as the love with which you offer it to the god almighty.

In Bhagavad gita 9.26, Krishna says.

patram puspam phalam toyam
yo me bhaktya prayacchati
tad aham bhakty-upahrtam
asnami prayatatmanah

If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit or water, I will accept it.

This story show us how Krishnas holy name is not different in power then the Lord.

So always chant

Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare/
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

and be together with the Lord.

PS: I humbly request all the devotees to please forward and share this moral / instructive stories they hear so that everyone can be benefitted by hearing about Krishna and his dear devotees.

https://www.facebook.com/bhagavatam.katha

 — with Alex Winchester and 2 others.