3 Lessons from Cicadas
Those of us who live on the east coast of the US are nearing the end of the cicada season. They are curious creatures who teach us a few helpful things for our spiritual practice
May 31st commemorates the 100th year anniversary of the Tulsa massacre, avoided in most school courses and books on American history
Reflections from an interfaith event on the bayou on Akshya Tritiya
“One who knows the transcendental nature of My appearance and activities does not, upon leaving the body, take his birth again in this material world, but attains My eternal abode, O Arjuna.”
Sankirtana Das is a longtime resident of the New Vrindaban Community and an award-winning author and storyteller. His most recent book, Hanuman’s Quest, is acclaimed by scholars and has received a Storytelling World Resource Honors. For more info about his work see www.Mahabharata-Project.com
Every secret rests on a foundation or a frame of silence. In order for secretiveness to exist, there must be the larger context of silence. Just as a picture relies on a frame to declare it to be art, to declare its separateness from all else, so a secret must be surrounded by silence in order for it to even exist as a secret. Just as a musician establishes an arena of silence before he or she performs, so a clearly delineated realm of silence is first established in order for what is secret to be established as a secret.
Is there such a thing as spiritual time management? Can we organize our schedule based on spiritual principles?
The mothers, after embracing their son, sat Him on their laps. Due to pure affection, milk sprang from their breasts. They were overwhelmed with delight, and the tears from their eyes wetted the Lord.
Loneliness is not simply that we are alone, rather it is the feeling that you are not connected or loved by the people around you. This is why so many people feel lonely even though their lives are full of people. We may be in relationships, friendships or even be married, yet feel that ache in our hearts.
The Hare Krishna Community joins hands with other religious and civic leaders in condemning the gun killings of eight FedEx employees in Indianapolis on April 15th. Our prayers go out for the victims as well as their families.
My reflections on Krishna consciousness and interview with Rick from Goose on music, spiritual seeking, and Hare Krishna connections.
“All beautiful and glorious creation springs from but a spark of My splendor,” Sri Krishna says in the Gita.[2] Wonder leads us to love. Whether or not you consciously link God with the wonder of creation, spend enough time experiencing wonder and you’ll begin to love the Earth.
From the Srimad-Bhagavatam we learn that the earth is controlled by the goddess Bhumi Devi, who sometimes takes on the form of a cow. The Bhagavatam's ancient Sanskrit texts give the history of her dealings with a king named Prthu Maharaja, an incarnation of the Supreme Lord's power to rule. From the history of Prthu we learn how demigods, the controllers of the universe, help us serve the Supreme Personality of Godhead. We also see how they can retaliate against our misuse of the resources they generously provide. In particular, Mother Earth (Bhumi) can subdue our rebellion against God's laws by responding with famine and environmental disaster.
Gardening has always been an important part of my family, especially for my father who took great pride in our well-maintained garden. As a child, and to a large extent, even as an adult, I have enjoyed the benefits of having a beautiful garden without having to put in any effort. In more recent years I have gradually taken on more responsibility in caring for the garden. In doing this I have realized how much work it actually takes to maintain it, and how much my father was doing. Similarly, in my Krishna Consciousness, for many years I have been enjoying so much facility in Krishna consciousness, benefiting from the mercy of guru, Prabhupada, and Krishna without having to endeavor for it. However, at some point, I have to take responsibility for my Krishna consciousness and maintaining my bhakti-lata-kripa.
Many devotees who are very dear to me have physically departed from this world due to the Covid-19 virus. This breaks my heart.
An eastward swing down Porter Street, a long residential mediary between two busy thoroughfares, offers an easy and enjoyable tree-lined descent to cyclists with a modicum of common sense. But am I a sensible cyclist? Nope.
“Please give me something special today.” Inwardly, Sri Radha’s heart melted at His request, but outwardly, she concealed her secret mind with a studied silence. Speaking not words, but with the tilt of her head, her sidelong glance, and the sign language of her lotus hand, she invited Krsna to tell her what He wanted. And Sri Krsna eagerly obliged her silent invitation with an outburst: “Please give me your love!”
At the age of 73 years, I am in the so-called “high-risk category” for COVID-19 so I decided to get vaccinated. My vaccination story, however, begins in the 1950s when I was a child and another virus was overtaking America and the world.
Tuning into our inner calling is where the real journey begins, otherwise we may well be careering down a no-through road.
One may ask why take any precaution at all since we are devotees and Krishna protects His devotees.
Many times, we commit sins because of ignorance. But that is not an excuse. The laws of nature are very cruel. Whether we do things knowingly or unknowingly we have to face the consequences.
