Posted by geeta kakkar on March 1, 2010 at 11:04am
Three "stages" of chanting
1.Nama-aparadha : Offensive chanting of the holy name, or chanting of the holy name which is subject to the ten kinds of nama-aparadha.
2.Namabhasa : The stage of chanting in which one is becoming cleared of sins and offenses but has not yet attained pure chanting. By serving the spiritual master with full attention while chanting namabhasa, one gradually rises to the platform of suddha-nama...
3.suddha-nama : This is the pure stage of chanting where Krsna fully reveals Himself. A devotee who chants suddha-nama observes Krsna appearing personally on his tongue. As an effect of this chanting, he is bestowed pure love of God. Suddha-nama can be achieved by taking nama with a favorable attitude, while remaining free from all material desire, and from coverings of jnana, karma and so on. One will not receive suddha-nama as long as he still desires the fruits of performing jnana, karma, yoga and so on.
Read more…
Posted by geeta kakkar on February 28, 2010 at 11:35am
The 4 step japa mala technique
Step 1--Make a sankalpa to hear ONE mantra.
A sankalpa is a resolution or determination to do something. So the 1st step is to tell the mind to resolve to just hear one hare krishna maha mantra.
The idea is that it is a doable request. If we tell the mind to hear 16 rounds of mantra, or even 1 round....the mind is to powerful to heed such a big request. But if we tell the mind "Just hear this one mantra..." we have it in our power to force the mind to comply to at least this small request.
If the mind is really going wild and it wont even heed this small request, make a resolution to hear one half of a mantra. So request the mind to hear one (or a half) of the maha mantra...and that means to hear EVERY word in that mantra with no distraction.
Once this has been completed (the hearing of one whole mantra, hearing every word of the mantra), repeat. Again tell the mind "hear just one mantra". Hear every word. Once this is done, repeat. Eventually the mind will succumb and it will hear one mantra after another. The mind will get absorbed in the sound vibration of the holy name.
Step 2. Neglect the mind
As the mind starts to become absorbed in the sound of the holy name, it will periodically rebel and try to drift to some other topic. So you must now neglect the attempts of the mind to deviate from the task of japa. It is like a child who wants something at the store...it will cry and cry, but the stern parent just ignores or neglects the misbehaviour.
In due course the child will get the message and calm down. Similarly the mind will introduce so many ideas and rationalizations for thinking something else, but one must just neglect the mind and force it back to japa.
Step 3. Take shelter of the Holy Name.
Now the mind is absorbed in the sound of the holy name. One's whole existence is only the holy name....there is nothing else to be conscious of. So realize that the holy name is in fact Krishna Himself and surrender completely to Him, and accept Him in the form of the Holy Name as everything and all that we really ever will need.
Step 4. Obtain Krishna's Mercy
If the Holy Name so desires, being pleased by our endevor He may bestow His mercy upon us and give us a glimpse of real bhakti and the sweetness of His loving friendship.
Again....it's 1. Make a sankalpa 2. Neglect the mind 3. Take shelter 4. Await Krishna's mercy.
Posted by geeta kakkar on February 27, 2010 at 11:26am
The 16 Names of Shri Radha by Lord Narayana in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Shri Krishna Janm Khanda 17.220-240:
Radha - She who is the bestower of ultimate divine bliss. Rasesvari - She Who is the Goddess of the rasa dance. Rasa-Vasini - She Who always lives with the rasa dance. Rasikesvari - She Who is the Goddess of those who relish divine mellows. Krsna-Pranadhika - She Who is dearer to Krishna than His own life. Krsna-Priya - She Who is Krishna's most dearly beloved companion. Krsna-Svarupini - She Whose form resembles Krishna in so many ways. Krsna-Vamanga-sambhuta - She Who is generated from Krishna left side. Paramananda Rupini - She Who is the personification of supreme ecstasy. Krsna - She Who bestows the best form of supreme liberation. Vrindavani - She Who lives in Vrindavana. Vrinda - She Who always lives in the company of Her girlfriends. Vrindavana-Vinodini - She Who enjoys many pleasures in Vrindavana. Chandravali - She Whose form has many moons. Chandra-Kamta - She Whose effulgence is like the moon. Sarac-chandra-Prabhanana - She Whose face glows like the full moon of August.
Read more…
Posted by geeta kakkar on February 26, 2010 at 12:17pm
Radhe Radhe,
Surrender to God
Surrender means to yield ownership, to relinquish control over what we consider ours: our property, our time, our "rights." When we surrender to God, we are simply acknowledging that what we "own" actually belongs to Him. He is the giver of all good things. We are responsible to care for what God has given us, as stewards of His property, but by surrendering to God, we admit that He is ultimately in control of everything, including our present circumstances. Surrendering to God helps us to let go of whatever has been holding us back from God's best for our lives. Read more…
Krishna is the lover of Radha. He displays many amorous pastimes in the groves of Vrindavana, He is the lover of the cowherd maidens of Vraja, the holder of the great hill named Govardhana, the beloved son of Mother Yashoda, the delighter of the inhabitants of Vraja, and He wanders in the forests along the banks of the River Yamuna.
Read more…
Posted by geeta kakkar on February 24, 2010 at 1:19pm
Mere Man Mandir
This song prays that Lord Krishna, Giridhari, the lifter of Govardhan Hill, will appear to us in the temple (mandir) of our mind (man).
Mere man mandir mein ek bar tum a jao Giridhari Giridhari Banavari Manmohan kunjavihari pyare a jao Giridhari O Giridhari! I am begging You to enter, just once, into the temple of my mind. O Giridhari, O Banavari, You who reside in the groves of Vrindavan and attract our minds towards You. O beloved Giridhari, please come to me.
Bahut bar he ter lagai karuna nainan mein ghir ai ye roya ek dukhari pyare a jao Giridhari So many times have I called out to You with eyes over-flowing with tears. This most unhappy person is pleading before You. So please, O beloved Giridhari, please come to me.
mag johat ankhiyan pathrai dar dar par maya takarai ye dekho dasha hamari pyare a jao Giridhari Simply waiting for You my eyes have become weary. Maya is attacking me at every step. Just see my pitiable condition, O beloved Giridhari, and please come to me.
thori kripa idhar barsao prem boond pyase ko pao mein aya ek bhikhari pyare a jao Giridhari Please shower some of Your mercy here also. Being extremely thirsty, let me drink just a drop of your love. I am nothing but a beggar, begging from you. O beloved Giridhari, please come to me.
bhaint nahin mein kuch bhi laya khali nath tere dar aya mein tera prem pujari pyare a jao Giridhari I have brought You no gifts, my Lord, and have come empty-handed at Your doorstep. I worship You with my love, so O beloved Giridhari, please come to me.
pyar karo chahe thukara do pas bulao dur bhaga do mein sab vidhi sharon tihari pyare a jao Giridhari You are free to love me or reject me. You may call me near or You may send me away. In any condition of life, I am a soul surrendered unto You, please, O beloved Giridhari, please come to me.
Read more…
Posted by geeta kakkar on February 23, 2010 at 11:08am
Prayers to the Queen of Goddesses, Shrimati Radharani
In his Sri Prarthana-paddhati [Stavamala], Srila Rupa goswami prays:
"O Queen of Vrndavana, O Radharani, Your complexion is like molten gold, Your doe-like eyes are captivatingly restless, a million full and brilliant moons wane before Your lustrous countenance, and a blue sari, having stolen the hue of a fresh rain-laden cloud, has enwrapped Your exquisite form. O Radha, You are the crest-jewel of all the dallying damsels of Vrndavana, fragrant and pristine like a budding jasmine flower. Your sublime form is adorned with priceless jewelry, and you are the best of all the charming and intelligent gopis. You are decorated with all wonderful excellences and surrounded by eight dedicated and beloved cowherd girls known as the asta-sakhis.
"The ambrosia of Your beautiful lips, red as the bimba fruit, is life-giving syrup to Krsna. O Radha, I am rolling on the banks of the Yamuna, my poor heart filled with anticipation, praying to You with all humility. I am guilty of being an offender, a rascal, a useless wretch--yet I beg You to kindly engage me in even the smallest service to Your lotus feet. O most merciful Lady, it will not become You to ignore this most distressed soul, for Your heart is always overflowing with compassion and love."
Read more…
(4) shri-guru karuna-sindhu, adhama janara bandhu lokanath lokera jivana ha ha prabhu koro doya, deho more pada-chaya ebe jasha ghushuk tribhavana
jaya jaya prabhupada! jaya jaya gurudeva!
Translation
(1) The lotus feet of our spiritual master are the only way by which we can attain pure devotional service. I bow to his lotus feet with great awe and reverence. By his grace one can cross the ocean of material suffering and obtain the mercy of Krishna.
(2) My only wish is to have my consciousness purified by the words emanating from his lotus mouth. Attachment to his lotus feet is the perfection that fulfills all desires.
(3) He opens my darkened eyes and fills my heart with transcendental knowledge. He is my Lord birth after birth. From him ecstatic prema emanates; by him ignorance is destroyed. The Vedic scriptures sing of his character.
(4) Our spiritual master is the ocean of mercy, the friend of the poor, and the lord and master of the devotees. O master! Be merciful unto me. Give me the shade of your lotus feet. Your fame is spread all over the three worlds. We take shelter of your lotus feet. You are the friend of the most fallen.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to Gurudeva!
Read more…
Posted by geeta kakkar on February 20, 2010 at 11:09am
Radha Kripa Kataksha SHRI RADHA KRIPA KATAKSHA – The PRAYER FOR THE MERCIFUL SIDELONG GLANCE OF SHRI RADHA (by Lord Shiva from the Urdhvamnaya-tantra)
1. munindra vrnda vandite tri loka soka harini prasanna vaktra pankaje nikunja bhu vilasini vrajendra bhanu nandini vrajendra sunu sangate kada karisyasiha mam krpa kataksa bhajanam
Adored by the host of great sages, She drives away the grief of the three spheres. Her face like a lotus blooms with joy. Delighting in love's games in secret groves, She is the daughter of King Vrsabhanu and lives in the heart of the son of the King of Vraja. O when will She shower upon me Her sidelong glance of over-flowing grace?
2. asoka vrksa vallari vitana mandapa sthite pravala bala pallava prabharunanghri komale varabhaya sphurat kare prabhuta sampad alaye kada karisyasiha mam krpa kataksa bhajanam
She rests upon a flower throne beneath a canopy of creepers and boughs of Ashoka. Her lotus feet are lustrous red like coral, yet as soft as new-sprouted leaves. Her hand is eager to give the blessing of fearlessness. She is the abode of abundant opulences. O when will She shower upon me Her sidelong glance of over-flowing grace?
3. ananga ranga mangala prasanga bhangura bhruvam sa vibhramam sa sambhrama drg anta bana patanaih nirantaram vasi krta pratita nanda nandane kada karisyasiha mam krpa kataksa bhajanam
By charming movements Her arched eyebrows are the colourful stage of the play of love. By casting the arrow noose of Her rolling and love laden sidelong glance, She perpetually holds captive the unswerving allegiance of Sri Nandanandana. O when will She shower upon me Her sidelong glance of over flowing grace?
4. tadit suvarna campaka pradipta gaura vigrahe mukha prabha parasta koti saradendu mandale vicitra citra sancarac cakora sava locane kada karisyasiha mam krpa kataksa bhajanam
As lightning's radiant illumination, or gold, or the blossoms of the champa is the fairness of Her limbs. The shining brilliance of Her face defeats the glory of a million moons of Sharad. Like young Chakoras, Her restless eyes skip to and fro, as if bewildered by strange and dazzling scenes at each new moment. O when will She shower upon me Her sidelong glance of over flowing grace?
5. madonmadati yauvane pramoda mana mandite priyanuraga ranjite kala vilasa pandite ananya dhanya kunja rajye kama keli kovide kada karisyasiha mam krpa kataksa bhajanam
In exceedingly intoxicating youth, Her delightful sulking mood is Her bejeweled ornament. Dyed in Her darling's dedication, She is fully skilled in all the arts of making love. In sanctified groves, incomparable, She is learned in the study of all love's novelties. O when will She shower upon me Her sidelong glance of over flowing grace?
6. asesa hava bhava dhira hira hara bhusite prabhuta satakumbha kumbha kumbhi kumbha sustani prasasta manda hasya curna purna saukhya sagare kada karisyasiha mam krpa kataksa bhajanam
The infinite and calm ocean of the sentiments of loving gestures adorns Her neck in the shape of a diamond necklace. Her well-developed breasts are like golden water pots or the cranial globes of an elephant. Her slow, enchanting smile glows with a silent bliss like a sea full of mirth. O when will She shower upon me Her sidelong glance of over-flowing grace?
7. mrnala bala vallari taranga ranga dorlate latagra lasya lola nila locanavalokane lalal lulan milan manojna mugdha mohanasraye kada karisyasiha mam krpa kataksa bhajanam
Her slender arms, creeper slim, rhythmically wave and flow like lotus fibres in a current of water. Like the dancing top of the swaying vine, Her blue lotus eyes flash with enthralling glances. Her playful and alluring movements entice lovely meetings and fascinate Mohan Himself to take refuge in Her charms. O when will She shower upon me Her sidelong glance of over-flowing grace?
8. suvarna malikancita tri rekha kambu kanthage tri sutra mangali guna tri ratna dipta didhiti sa lola nila kuntala prasuna guccha gumphite kada karisyasiha mam krpa kataksa bhajanam
On Her neck, graceful as a lovely conch, its beauty enhanced by three lines, She wears a golden necklace. Three lustrous jewels sparkle and swing from three cords, decreeing all fortune and auspiciousness. Her luxuriant black tresses, artfully woven with clusters of flowers, flow in waves towards Her heels. O when will She shower upon me Her sidelong glance of over-flowing grace?
9. nitamba bimba lambamana puspa mekhala gune prasasta ratna kinkini kalapa madhya manjule karindra sunda dandika varoha saubhagoruke kada karisyasiha mam krpa kataksa bhajanam
The fullness of Her rounded hips is girdled with a wreath of flowers of excellence. A splendid waistband of costly gems emits a soft melodious sound like the tinkling of bells, applauding Her beauty. Her graceful thighs are sloping like the tapering trunk of the tusker king. O when will She shower upon me Her sidelong glance of over flowing grace?
10. aneka mantra nada manju nupuraravas khalat samaja raja hamsa vamsa nikvanati gaurave vilola hema vallari vidambi caru cankrame kada karisyasiha mam krpa kataksa bhajanam
Her jingling anklets sweetly resound as the divine and timeless chanting of many mantras, and in their melody is heard all the enchantment of the warbling of a flock of noble swans. The elegant movement of Her limbs is like the bewitching dance of golden creepers. O when will She shower upon me Her sidelong glance of over-flowing grace?
11. ananta koti visnu loka namra padma jarcite himadri ja puloma ja virinca ja vara prade apara siddhi vrddhi digdha sat padanguli nakhe kada karisyasiha mam krpa kataksa bhajanam
Before whom Laksmi, the goddess of millions of unlimited Vaikunthas, stoops to bow with all humility; from whom Sati, Saci and Sarasvati receive favours; endless riches, supernatural powers, perfection and liberation are attained within the light of Her small toenail. O when will She shower upon me Her sidelong glance of over flowing grace?
12. makhesvari kriyesvari svadhesvari suresvari tri veda bharatisvari pramana sasanesvari ramesvari ksamesvari pramoda kananesvari vrajesvari vrajadhipe sri radhike namo stu te
O Goddess Supreme, who presides over all sacrifices, rites and oblations and over the hosts of demigods and saintly persons. O Goddess Supreme, who provides the force to the Vedic utterances and to all arguments of law and logic; O Supreme Mistress of Laksmi and Bhu; O Queen of the celestial gardens of delight; Queen of Vraja, O Sovereign Mistress of Vrndavana, Srimati Radhika, I prostrate before Thee!
13. itidam adbhutam stavam nisamya bhanu nandini karotu santatam janam krpa kataksa bhajanam bhavet tadaiva sancita tri rupa karma nasanam bhavet tada vrajendra sunu mandala pravesanam
May the Daughter of King Vrsabhanu, thus, on hearing this wonderful hymn of Her glories, be pleased to always shower on Me Her sidelong glance of over-flowing grace. Then may the threefold forms of karma, accumulated over many births, be immediately annihilated and may I be granted entrance into the eternal realm of King Nanda's divine son.
Read more…
(9) srimad-guror ashtakam etad uccair brahme muhurte pathati prayatnat yas tena vrindavana-natha-sakshat- sevaiva labhya janusha 'nta eva
Translation
(1) The spiritual master is receiving benediction from the ocean of mercy. Just as a cloud pours water on a forest fire to extinguish it, so the spiritual master delivers the materially afflicted world by extinguishing the blazing fire of material existence. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master, who is an ocean of auspicious qualities.
(2) Chanting the holy name, dancing in ecstasy, singing, and playing musical instruments, the spiritual master is always gladdened by the sankirtana movement of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Because he is relishing the mellows of pure devotion within his mind, sometimes his hair stands on end, he feels quivering in his body, and tears flow from his eyes like waves. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master.
(3) The spiritual master is always engaged in the temple worship of Shri Shri Radha and Krishna. He also engages his disciples in such worship. They dress the Deities in beautiful clothes and ornaments, clean Their temple, and perform other similar worship of the Lord. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master.
(4) The spiritual master is always offering Krishna four kinds of delicious food [analyzed as that which is licked, chewed, drunk, and sucked]. When the spiritual master sees that the devotees are satisfied by eating bhagavat-prasada, he is satisfied. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master.
(5) The spiritual master is always eager to hear and chant about the unlimited conjugal pastimes of Radhika and Madhava, and Their qualities, names, and forms. The spiritual master aspires to relish these at every moment. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master.
(6) The spiritual master is very dear, because he is expert in assisting the gopis, who at different times make different tasteful arrangements for the perfection of Radha and Krishna's conjugal loving affairs within the groves of Vrindavana. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master.
(7) The spiritual master is to be honored as much as the Supreme Lord, because he is the most confidential servitor of the Lord. This is acknowledged in all revealed scriptures and followed by all authorities. Therefore I offer my humble obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master, who is a bona fide representative of Shri Hari [Krishna].
(8) By the mercy of the spiritual master one receives the benediction of Krishna. Without the grace of the spiritual master, one cannot make any advancement. Therefore, I should always remember and praise the spiritual master. At least three times a day I should offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of my a spiritual master.
(9) That person who very attentively recites this ashtakam to Sri Gurudeva during the brahma muhurta is sure to achieve direct service to the lotus feet of Sri Krishna, the very life and soul of Vrindavana (Vrindavana-natha), upon attaining his vastu-siddhi, or pure spiritual form.
Read more…
Posted by geeta kakkar on February 17, 2010 at 6:32pm
Tulasi-arati Kirtana
vrindayai tulasi-devyai priyayai keshavasya cha vishnu-bhakti-prade devi satyavatyai namo namaha
Translation
(The first mantra is offering of obeisances to Shrimati Tulasi Devi. Srila Prabhupada explains that the Tulasi tree is a pure devotee of Krishna in the body of a plant. Worship of the Tulasi plant is very important in devotional service.) "I offer my repeated obeisances unto Vrinda, Shrimati Tulasi Devi, who is very dear to Lord Keshava. O goddess, you bestow devotional service to Lord Krishna and possess the highest truth."
namo namah tulasi krishna-preyasi namo namaha radha-krishna-seva pabo ei abhilashi ye tomara sharana loy, tara vancha purna hoy kripa kori' koro tare brindavana-basi mor ei abhilash bilas kunje dio vas nayane heribo sada jugala-rupa-rashi ei nivedana dharo sakhir anugata koro seva-adhikara diye koro nija dasi dina krishna-dase koy ei jena mora hoy shri-radha-govinda-preme sada jena bhasi
Translation
O Tulasi, beloved of Krishna, I bow before you again and again. My desire is to obtain the service of Shri Shri Radha-Krishna. Whoever takes shelter of you has his wishes fulfilled. Bestowing your mercy on him, you make him a resident of Vrindavana. My desire is that you will also grant me a residence in the pleasure groves of Shri Vrindavana-dhama. Thus, within my vision I will always behold the beautiful pastimes of Radha and Krishna. I beg you to make me a follower of the cowherd damsels of Vraja. Please give me the privilege of devotional service and make me your own maidservant. This very fallen and lowly servant of Krishna prays, "May I always swim in the love of Shri Radha and Govinda."
Devotees circumambulate the Tulasi plant while singing the following prayer:
yani kani cha papani brahma-hatyadikani cha tani tani pranashyanti pradakshina pade pade
"By the circumambulation of Shrimati Tulasi Devi all the sins that one may have committed are destroyed at every step, even the sin of killing a brahman." Read more…
Posted by geeta kakkar on February 15, 2010 at 4:51pm
The Ten Offenses in Chanting the Holy Names
1. To blaspheme the devotees who have dedicated their lives to the propagation of the holy names of the Lord.
2. To consider the names of the demigods like lord Shiva or lord Brahma to be equal to, or independent of, the name of Lord Vishnu.
3. To disobey the orders of the spiritual master.
4. To blaspheme the Vedic literature or literature in pursuance of the Vedic version.
5. To consider the glories of chanting Hare Krishna as imagination.
6. To give mundane interpretation of the holy name of the Lord.
7. To commit sinful activities on the strength of chanting the holy names of the Lord.
8. To consider the chanting of Hare Krishna as one of the auspicious, ritualistic activities which are offered in the Vedas as fruitive activities (karma-kanda).
9. To instruct a faithless person about the glories of the holy name.
10. To not have complete faith in the chanting of the holy names and to maintain material attachments even after understanding so many instructions on this matter. It is also offensive to be inattentive while chanting.
Anyone who claims to be a Vaishnava must carefully guard against these ten offenses in order to quickly achieve the desired success, Krishna Prema! Read more…
Posted by geeta kakkar on February 7, 2010 at 9:14am
Radhe Radhe,
Here sharing a message with my friends which I have downloaded from the internet. The message is as follows:
Radha-Stuti
radha raseshvari ramya rama cha paramatmanah rasodbhava krishna-kanta krishna-vaksha-sthala-sthita
"Beautiful Shrimate Radharani is the queen and the origin of the rasa dance. She is the giver of pleasure to Krishna, who is the Supersoul in the hearts of all. She is the lover of Krishna and is always situated upon the chest of the Lord."
krishna-pranadhidevi cha maha-vishnoh prasur api sarvadya vishnu-maya cha satya nitya sanatani
"She is the presiding Deity of Krishna's very life, and She is the first of all persons, the energy of Lord Vishnu, the embodiment of truthfulness--eternal and ever-youthful."
brahma-svarupa parama nirlipta nirguna para vrinda vrindavane tvam cha viraja-tata-vasini
"Her form is spiritual, therefore She is transcendental and beyond mundane qualities. She is divine energy and is unattached. O Radha, in Vrindavana You are the leader of the gopis, and You reside on the banks of the Viraja River."
"She is a resident of Goloka Vrindavana and is a cowherd damsel. She is the queen of the gopis and the divine mother of the cowherd boys. She is joyful and always experiencing the highest bliss, and She incites lusty desires in the heart of the son of Nanda (Lord Krishna)."
vrishabhanu-suta shanta kanta purnatama tatha kamya kalavati-kanya tirtha-putra sati shubha
"Radha is the daughter of Maharaja Vrishabhanu. She is very peaceful and lovely. She is completely contented and fulfilled, very pleasing and is the daughter of Kalavati. She is the purifier of the tirthas (holy places) and She is most auspicious and chaste to Lord Krishna."
samsara-sagare ghore bhitam mam sharanagatam sarvebhyo 'pi vinirmuktam kuru radhe surshvari
"O Radha, I have fallen into the horrible ocean of birth and death and am frightened, but I am seeking Your shelter. O queen of the demigods, please free me from all fears."
"O Radhika, please give me transcendental devotional service to Your lotus feet, which are worshiped by Lord Brahma and Lakshmi, and which are served even by Lord Krishna."
"O Shrimati Radharani, I offer my respects to You whose bodily complexion is like molten gold. O Goddess, You are the queen of Vrindavana. You are the daughter of King Vrishabhanu, and are very dear to Lord Krishna."
"O Shrimate Radharani, You are the exalted form of mahabhava, therefore You are the most dear to Krishna. O Goddess, You alone are able to bestow pure love for the Supreme Lord; therefore I offer my humble obeisances unto You." Read more…
Posted by geeta kakkar on January 9, 2010 at 11:27am
I worship Govinda [Krishna], the primeval Lord, who is adept at playing on His flute, whose blooming eyes are like lotus petals, whose head is bedecked with a peacock’s feather, whose figure of beauty is tinged with the hue of blue clouds, and whose unique loveliness is charming millions of Cupids.I worship Govinda. the primeval Lord, round whose neck is swinging a garland of jeweled ornaments, who is always reveling in pastimes of love. whose graceful, threefold- bending form of Syamasundara is eternally manifest.
Read more…
Posted by geeta kakkar on January 1, 2010 at 7:26pm
“Possessed of knowledge of the purport of the scriptures (Jnana) and realisation of the oneness of the Self and Brahman and of the truth that Brahman is himself (Vijnana) immersed in the delight of Self-realisation and finding thyself to be the Self of all embodied beings, thou will not experience obstructions or obstacles.“He who has risen above good and bad does not refrain from doing what is prohibited from a sense of fear of evil consequences nor does he do the prescribed duty in the hope that it will conduce to merit; but he acts only like a child. The sense of right and wrong will be natural in him independently of scriptural teachings. He has destroyed all egoism. The laws of the world do not affect him. He has no more duties to perform. He is above Karma and Karmas cannot touch him. He may, for the instruction of the world, perform works or refrain from forbidden acts. He will exceed the limits of both right and wrong.“The friend of all beings, calm and quiet at heart, with the firm conviction due to knowledge and Self-realisation and seeing the universe as himself, he no more comes to grief. He is not drawn back to births. He can never be shaken from his pedestal of bliss or get lost. He can never get into the path of Samsara.”
Read more…
Posted by geeta kakkar on December 15, 2009 at 1:16pm
GOVINDA IS THE COLOR OF RAIN CLOUD BLUE,A GLOWING BEAUTIFUL DAKISH HUE.HE PLAYS BENEATH THE KADAMBA TREE,AND LOVES THE COW & CALVES FOR FREE.THE MUSIC FROM HIS FLUTE IS SWEET,AND BANGLES JINGLE ON HIS DANCING FEET.THE SWANS DRINK THE HAPPY SOUND,OF THE FLUTES NOTES FLOATING ALL AROUND.THE BIRDS & BUTTERFLIES CRY WITH JOY,WHEN THEY LOOK UPON THIS COWHERD BOY.HIS EYES ARE CHARMING, HIS SMILE IS SWEET,ATTRACTING TO HIS LOTUS FEET.GOVINDA IS A CHARMING COWHERD BOY,HIS COWS & CALVES ARE FULL OF JOY.HIS FACE, LIKE A LOTUS ENCIRCLED BY CURLS,SHINES LIKE THE MOON ON THE COWHERD GIRLS.WHEN MOTHER YASODA CHURNS BUTTER SOSWEET,GOVINDA LIKES TO HAVE SOME TO EAT.HE'LL STEAL THE BUTTER HIDE IN FEAR,AND CRY TEARS WHEN YASODA COMES NEAR.THE ROPE IS ALWAYS A BIT TOO SMALL,TO TIE UP HER NAUGHTY LITTLE GOVINDA<'LL>HIS MOTHER IS QUICK TO FORGET & FORGIVE,WITHOUT LITTLE GOVINDA,HOW COULD SHE LIVE ?THE PRINCE OF BRAJA, GOVINDA GOPAL,IS SO ATTRACTIVE HE'S LOVED BY ALL.THE SUN SETS ON PASTURES,THE COW CEASE TO ROAM;FLUTE PLAY & COWBELLS RING,ALL THE WAY HOME.
Read more…
Posted by geeta kakkar on December 8, 2009 at 11:28am
Radha or Radhika is the chief of the Gopis. She made Aradhana of Krishna. Radhika means literally one who makes Radhana or Aradhana (worship). She was an embodiment of love. Radha is an embodiment of Lord Krishna Himself. Radha and Krishna are inseparable like heat and tire.Gopis' love for Krishna was supreme love. For them Lord Krishna was the living God. He was the moving image of the Supreme Lord. Their faith was intense. When they thought of Lord Krishna they forgot their worldly activities. They were merged in the love of Krishna.Gopis love was not sexual passion. It was pure unselfish divine love. They did not wish for Krishna's embrace, but they tried their level best to make Krishna embrace Radha. To achieve this end, they sent Krishna to Radha under many pretexts. By so doing they enjoyed a bliss hundred million times sweeter than of selfish enjoyment. Krishna was very much pleased, when He witnessed the pure, selfless love of the Gopis. The unselfish love of the Gopis intensified the Prema Rasa.Radha is the creeper of the Love of Krishna. The Sakhis or Gopis represent the leaves, flowers and twigs of this creeper. If the nectar of dalliance with Krishna waters the creeper, the leaves, flowers and twigs rejoice in it hundred million times more than themselves if they had been watered.If you want to gain Krishna, you must serve Him as a Gopi. You must adore Him with the mental attitude of a Gopi. The devotee who worships Krishna with a Gopi Bhava, enjoys the Madhurya Rasa.Excerpts from book LordKrishna by Sri Swami Sivananda
Read more…
Posted by geeta kakkar on December 2, 2009 at 10:48am
Rasa Lila is divine sport (Kreeda) with the devotees for bringing about their union with the Lord through Prema or pure divine love. Rasa is the sweetest juice of Prema. It is the manifestation of divine love or higher emotion which takes the devotee to the magnanimous height of holy communion with the Lord.Lord Krishna’s Rasa Lila is the mystery of mysteries. It is the secret of secrets. It is not a matter for intellectual discussion. It is a holy matter for silent meditation for devotees. It should not be divulged to insincere critics or those who have no devotion to the Lord. It should be studied with reverence and faith. It contains Madhurya Rasa, the crowning glory of Bhakti, which leads to absolute self-surrender and absorption in the Lord.Sri Krishna performed the Rasa Lila to destroy carnality by means of pure love or Prema. He taught humanity through the Rasa Lila how to convert passion into dispassion and pure love, and how to wean the mind from the sexual Vasanas and instincts. He showed that through Madhurya Rasa one can effect total self-surrender or Atma-Nivedan, and attain Sayujya or absorption in the Lord or husband of our hearts.Rasa Lila was a sport (Kreeda) which was meant to build up the faith, to strengthen spirituality towards holiness, to improve the minds of the Gopis in particular and humanity in general.Krishna was ten years old when he performed the Rasa Lila. During the dance, the Gopis saw Krishna only, within, without, around and everywhere. They forgot all about their homes, husbands, children and parents. Their hearts melted in Lord Krishna, the Supreme Soul. The fire of devotion brought about a fusion of hearts. The glue of Prema cemented their hearts with Krishna. The Gopis were not ordinary women. They were exalted personages.Excerpts from book LordKrishna by Sri Swami Sivananda
Read more…
Posted by geeta kakkar on November 24, 2009 at 3:39pm
adharam madhuram vadanam madhuram nayanam madhuram hasitam madhuram |hrdayam madhuram gamanam madhuram madhuradhipaterakhilam madhuram || 1 ||Sweet are His lips and His mien is sweet.Sweet are His eyes as His smiles are sweet.Sweet is His heart as His bearing is sweet.The Lord of sweetness is entirely sweet.Lord Sri Krishna is entirely sweet.vacanam madhuram caritam madhuram vasanam madhuram valitam madhuram |calitam madhuram bhramitam madhuram madhuradhipaterakhilam madhuram || 2 ||Sweet are His words as His actions are sweet.Sweet is His dress as His posture is sweet.Sweet is His gait as His gestures are sweet.The Lord of sweetness is entirely sweet.Lord Sri Krishna is entirely sweet.venurmadhuro renurmadhuro vani madhura padau madhurau |nrtyam madhuram sakhyam madhuram madhuradhipaterakhilam madhuram || 3 ||Sweet is His flute and His foot-dust is sweet.Sweet are His hands, as His blue feet are sweet.Sweet is His dance and His friendship is sweet.The Lord of sweetness is entirely sweet.Lord Sri Krishna is entirely sweet.gitam madhuram pitam madhuram bhuktam madhuram suptam madhuram |rupam madhuram tilakam madhuram madhuradhipaterakhilam madhuram || 4 ||Sweet is His song and His pure drink is sweet.Sweet is His food and His sleeping is sweet.Sweet is His charm as His forehead is sweet.The Lord of sweetness is entirely sweet.Lord Sri Krishna is entirely sweet.karanam madhuram taranam madhuram haranam madhuram ramanam madhuram |vamitam madhuram samitam madhuram madhuradhipaterakhilam madhuram || 5 ||Sweet are His limbs as His sporting is sweet.Sweet are His guiles as His pranks are sweet.Sweet is His mouth and His resting is sweet.The Lord of sweetness is entirely sweet.Lord Sri Krishna is entirely sweet.gunj madhura mala madhura yamuna madhura vici madhura |salilam madhuram kamalam madhuram madhuradhipaterakhilam madhuram || 6 ||Sweet is His pearl and His garland is sweet.Sweet is Yamuna and Her rippling is sweet.Sweet is the stream and the lotus is sweet.The Lord of sweetness is entirely sweet.Lord Sri Krishna is entirely sweet.gopi madhura lila madhura yuktam madhuram muktam madhuram |drstam madhuram sisam madhuram madhuradhipaterakhilam madhuram|| 7 ||Sweet are His maids and His frolics are sweet.Sweet is His love and His parting is sweet.Sweet are His pets and His leavings are sweet.The Lord of sweetness is entirely sweet.Lord Sri Krishna is entirely sweet.gopa madhura gavo madhura yastirmadhura srstirmadhura |dalitam madhuram phalitam madhuram madhuradhipaterakhilam madhuram || 8 ||Sweet are His mates and His cows are sweet.Sweet is His staff as His creation is sweet.Sweet is His wrath as His graces are sweet.The Lord of sweetness is entirely sweet.Lord Sri Krishna is entirely sweet.Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.
Read more…
