The material world is actually a great place. It is managed by Sri Maya devi (Both Jeeva Maya and Yoga maya). I say this because if there were no material world then there is no scope of Vaishnavas being generated from here and then being sent to the spiritual world. There was no scope of a “baddha” becoming a “bhakta” and then being promoted to the platform of Nitya Sevak on the transcendental platform. Continue reading “Ornaments of a Vaishnava”
Srila Gurudeva
I was asked to give a brief introduction on Srila Gurudeva by one of my old friends who is also a devotee. Personally I speak from whatever Gurudeva had revealed to us ..after much coaxing. Gurudeva prefers to be just introduced as a devotee of the divine couple and as a servant of Sriman Mahaprabhu…However I will take this opportunity to say a few words on Srila Gurudeva.
Identifying a Sadhguru
Identifying a Sadhguru is one of the most challenging part in a disciple’s life. Actually there is no process!! The Sastras may have a lot of guidelines but no disciple can be there in the presence of a Guru 24X7 , 365 days to identify whether the Guru whom he is following is a full blown God-realized “Sadhguru”. It becomes amazingly difficult to identify a Sadhguru. It is said in the Sastras that attaining the Lord is “impossible” without taking shelter of a Sadhguru.This is an undeniable fact!! Continue reading “Identifying a Sadhguru”
Moods of Braja Nishtha
Srila Gurudeva is the most significant aspect of Bhakti especially in Rasika Bhakti or Raganuga. Then comes the significance of Braja.Though Braja is the single most important aspect of Seva Prapti , most times we do not understand the utmost significance of Braja Bhoomi. It is mentioned in the Garga Samhita that Srimati Radharani had to undergo a 100 years separation from Sri Nandanandana owing to a transcendental curse implied on Her by her own dear brother , the Lord’s own intimate friend Sridama. When the Lord approached Her to help Him satisfy the wish of Sridama , Sriji (Radharani) replied “I will not enter a place where there is no Goverdhana, No Yamuna and No Vrindavana”. So the Lord specifically had to summon these transcendental entities to appear on Earth. Continue reading “Moods of Braja Nishtha”
Guru Tattva
Based on reading from prema-bhakti chandrika, discussion with Damodar Dasji and confirmation by our beloved Babaji Guru word is very widely used. We use this word for anyone. Our school teacher, coach, physical instructor and even sometimes for person who is clever and cunning. It is important to understand what exactly is the meaning of the word Guru or what is this tattva or element which we term as Guru.In general the potency or power to teach others is present in everyone. It is sarva-vyapi. Thus in generic term every living entity is guru. Just as paramatma is present in everyone similarly the guru-tattva is present in everyone. Thus we can even learn from Continue reading “Guru Tattva”
Pratishtha and Nishtha– Part 2
The other important positive aspect of Bhajana is “Nishtha”. We may have a typical definition of Nishtha that it is steadfast , undeviating devotional dedication. However I wanted to specifically highlight the understanding that Srila Gurudeva delivered on Nishtha. He claimed that it is the single most positive aspect of Bhajana that will attract the instant mercy of Sriman Mahaprabhu and the divine couple. Nishtha, he said is an aspect of the mind’s instant attachment to all matters related to Vraja, especially in the mode of our sadhana, the Raganugiya way. This Nishtha or commitment to Bhajana related to the divine couple is developed “only” through Sadhu Sanga ; through the heart of a Rasika devotee; one who is firmly established in spontaneous devotional service of Braja Bhumi and the divine couple. Continue reading “Pratishtha and Nishtha– Part 2”
Pratishtha and Nishtha– Part 1
Yesterday I was speaking with Srila Gurudeva (Babaji) for a long time. The way he spoke yesterday was amazingly inspirational. I immediately decided that I would pen down the purport of his talk with me because it will be very useful for people treading the spiritual path especially those on the path of Raganugiya Bhakti.
Straight Answers
Q.What determines success in Krishna Bhajana?
- If Bhajana enables ourselves to be fixed in the thoughts of Sri Sri Radha Krishna’s name, form,qualities and pastimes for the major part of our day , then our Krishna Bhajana is considered successful
The Sadhguru
During Sriman Mahaprabhu’s time and maybe a few 100 years later also , the guru parampara of the Gaudiya Vaishnavas flourished. Sriman Mahaprabhu’s dear associates usually householders took the position of guru and initiated 1000s of people into the Gopal Mantra and the Radha Mantra. It was only later during the late 1800’s that this system almost collapsed and pseudo-practitioners welled up to usurp the true sentiments of Krishna Bhavana. Thanks to the advent of Thakhura Bhakti Binode ; who raised up the bar on “deciding who can be a guru”. Continue reading “The Sadhguru”
Distributing Love of Godhead
I got a phone call at 4:00 PM ; from my once mentor in Bhakti from an erstwhile Gaudiya Mutt connection. When I started my bhakti path approximately a decade ago ; this mentor of mine had a great influence on me. He was (is now also) very passionate about Bhakti ; the movement of Lord Caitanya and the movement of Srila Prabhupada Bhaktisiddhanta and Srila A.C Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada. As I heard him on phone today I rolled back a decade ago when Continue reading “Distributing Love of Godhead”
Charan Pahari 