Human life is meant for growth. Although physical growth stops before several decades, emotional, psychological, intellectual and spiritual growth can and should continue throughout every person's life. In order to grow properly however, we need a proper place

Lord Surya Narayana is a representation of The Personality of Godhead Shri Vishnu in the material world. The Sun is the father of this material universe because he controls time and gives sustenance. Whether there is not enough Sun or if there is too much of his energy—either way the Universe can be destroyed

The quick and restless energy of anticipation danced across my consciousness as I turned into the driveway of an inauspicious yellow house set in the suburbs of East Harford. Above the doorway read "Hare Krishna". I drove down the driveway and parked in the back. The sun broke through white clouds, warming my skin and spirit as I helped my son out of the ca

On Earth Day, I thought of a prayer that resonated with me in my youth. "The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For He has founded it on the seas, and established it on the floods. Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord, or who shall stand in His holy place? He that has clean hands, and a pure heart; who has not lifted up his soul to vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord." (Psalm 24:1-5)

I began to write a simple, short comment on Parampara Prabhu’s article about our sampradaya, but more thoughts came, and thought again that this might as well become an article. Is the desire to glorify Srila Prabhupada or other vaisnavas in certain ways, the result of our human calculation, or our realised convictions?

Srila Prabhupada in the purport of Cc Antya 2.295 reveals the names of these four sampradaya acaryas: "A Vaisnava should study the commentaries on the Vedanta-sutra written by the four sampradaya-acaryas, namely Sri Ramanujacarya, Madhvacarya, Visnu Svami and Nimbarka.”

To mark the centennial of the sinking of the luxury liner Titanic, which went to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean early in the morning of April 15, 1912—taking with it five grand pianos, an automobile, a fifty-line telephone switchboard, a jeweled copy of The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, and more than 1,500 lives—articles, books, a television series, and the rerelease of the blockbuster film Titanic (converted to 3-D at a cost of eighteen million dollars) are flooding the market

One should distinquish between the terms Sampradaya Acarya and Acarya of the Sampradaya. As Srila Prabhupada instructs us there are only four Samapradaya Acaryas and this august appellation can therefore only be correctly attached to that exclusive four: Sri Ramanujacarya, Madhvacarya, Visnu Svami and Nimbarka

Since my childhood, I was told the glories of Nasik and Triyamakeshwar(one of the 12 jyotirlingas) by my mother several times. I had a desire to visit Nasik because of this. Nasik is a very old city and finds its mention in the Ramayana, it is located in Maharashtra that is a province/state in India

As regards to giving devotees who are inclined to disagree more distance from each other, that is a Vaishnava solution. Lord Balarama and Shri Vidura went on pilgrimage instead of staying to face the heat of dissent. Lord Shiva left the sacrificial arena when his followers and the followers of Daksha began to quarrel. We should be willing to encourage more separation at times. Indeed, sometimes permanent separation is required. And we should be more open to encouraging that too

In a relative world, such as the one we live in, how does one find truth? That quest is undertaken by many young adults as they try to make sense of the world, and I was one such seeker in my youth. My experiences in college played an important role in guiding my search, providing a proving ground on which to test different concepts as I came across them

Manifest Deity pastimes in the ISKCON era remind us that Lord Caitanya's pastimes are still going on. Two very fantastic Deity pastimes are presented below

Way back in the deep hills of Tenn. there is a valley…. with a narrow dirt road threw it that connects to 2 paved roads , named Preston Ridge rd and Dry Prong rd. The narrow dirt road is approx one mile long….the legal name of that road is Murari Lane… now your starting to get the picture….

Remember the childhood lyric ‘twinkle twinkle little star,oh, I wonder who you are….? Who has not stared at night in the vast sky fascinated by the overwhelming beauty of seeing unlimited stars all of different sizes, of different brightness and sometimes even falling?

ISKCON’s open, innovative and straightforward approach in the ISKCON Chapter 11 Reorganization Plan was well received by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. During the confirmation hearing in West Virginia, Hon. L. Edward Friend II of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court stated he was “impressed” with the Reorganization Plan and with all the effort that it took to put together, and that he “wholeheartedly endorsed the Plan” as being in the “best interests of the creditors [Gurukuli tort claimants].”

The desire to see God, to touch God, to talk to God is in itself probably the strongest argument for His existence; besides the logic and evidences from the scriptures, this direct experience is very significant indeed. Bringing Deity Worship from the insiders circle of elderly pujari-priests and making it part of the congregational development is probably the only way it may become part of the positive future for many places in ISKCON

His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Srila Prabhupada has, once or maybe more, clearly mentionedthat ISKCON brainwashes its members, he says “We are brainwashing from bad to good” This is true.He also stated that everybody is also being brainwashed by advertising and material education etc.,what a simple but profound statement that is

When I was teaching in gurukulas, the students would occasionally find out that another child didn't like one sort of food or another and would tease them: “Eww—you don't like mangoes? That means you don't like Prabhupada and Krishna!” These eight- or nine-year-olds were probably joking, or half joking, to the extent that kids are capable. But when adults insist in the rudest language that other devotees who don't share their opinions on one detail or another regarding devotional practice or association are faithless, or even demons, they are not joking. And it's not funny

The Kirtan Mela in Mayapur ended this morning at 10 AM PST. The participants although under one roof physically, yet throughout the world on-line, must have been as diverse as could be, yet all were chanting the Lord's Blessed Holy Names with such exuberance my heart melted

The Small Farm Training Center’s (SFTC) is a land based educational center and a hands-on working organic farm within the boundaries of New Vrindaban Community. Pursuant to Srila Prabhupada’s specific instructions for New Vrindaban, its mission is to create a green economic model that makes organically grown food affordable and available

Like many other mystique Vaishanva personalities of Vraj, Bilvamangala Thakur perhaps would have occurred in many places as he pleased, causing ordinary people to conclude there were 10 Bilvamangalas etc. Thus based on a version of the local people ,but keeping though that Srila Prabhupada narrated quite similar but not exactly the same story, listening to their age old beliefs, an ancient place and people who relishes the nectar of Bhakti latent in their village traditions (na budhibedam janayet) we dare to put this across!

I am writing this article as a means to increase dialogue within the devotional community with respect to risk management. I do not place myself as an expert in this area though I do have a sensitivity to the subject given my occupation

Veda means knowledge. The word Veda is related to the Sanskrit root ‘vid’ meaning ‘to know’. So, it encompasses the entire corpus of knowledge, both phenomenal and numinous. Actually, knowledge is established through three primary epistemological premises, viz., sense perception, logical-mathematical inference and reliable testimony

A man’s work is the centre of his life ( unless he is a gentleman of leisure and does not need to earn a living, for one or more of a variety of reasons ). His interests, leanings, education, hobbies, lifestyle all revolve around and are centred on his work. In time, a man’s work becomes his passion. He is identified by his work, and the more successful he is seen in that work, the more successful is his life supposed to be

As the new year approaches, the newspapers and different magazines get flooded with columns on the forecast for the coming year for people born under different star influences or star signs. Everybody seems to be reading it with great interest. The mysticism of the unknown and desire to explore it is very fascinating indeed

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada established ISKCON when it consisted of one rented storefront in New York City. He wrote purposes for his new society—to teach spiritual knowledge, consciousness of our existence as a soul part of the Supreme Godhead Krishna, and a simpler natural way of life

Have any of us ever thought that high living is possible within a spiritual domain like Iskcon? There is such a thing as rising high, and living high, but not in the way that some of our corporate methods of management might teach us. Improper use of such management will lead to low living. Is this really possible among devotees who have high spiritual aspirations?

When a butterfly sneezes in Africa, there is a hurricane in Caribbean Sea. This is true not just of stock markets but even in the real world that we live in. It brings out how fragile our systems are. A fall in subprime sector in the US melted down scores of sectors and economies across the globe; many big companies closed down, giant financial organizations turned paupers and sold out

What is the best way to relate to other people? What is the secret to success? How can we make others do whatever we wish them to do? This may sound like advertising for some success book, the kind which never really answer our question but only promote the sales of its author. But in this exposé we are going to give it all out to the reader. Those who know the secret of love can be successful preachers. They can have successful relationships with one another and can know the pleasure of being liked

The incident will always be fresh in my mind. I had been a practicing devotee for ten years, eight of which were in the sacred holy land of Sri Dham Mayapur in India. Little did I know that Krishna would be sending me the test of my life, the test of chanting His holy names

Soon after I joined iskcon, in England in 1975, I got the association of Prabhavisnu Dasa, who was the unofficial leader of the brahmacaris and respected by all. Although he was soft-spoken, his devotional qualities and leadership abilities endeared him to others. He was special

My father though a materialistic person had an auspicious departure from this world, he left with eyes open and a smile on his face ,” recounted His Holiness Giriraj Swami in the discourse he gave on the 7th of Jan. 2012 in Punjabi bagh, Delhi

Here is a fictional conversation between a ‘heavy’ preacher - used to calling people mudhas, canines and other low descriptions, and is badly in need of reform - with a reformer preacher trying to strike a balance. Let us see how the ‘heavy’ and negative can remain without turning people off

A unique feature and strength of ISKCON is having many devotees awarding initiation. But this can also engender problems. One problem that negatively affects the development of preaching is that of “guru groupism.” In some places there is no such competition, either due to enlightened leadership or more commonly because something resembling the old zonal acarya

Somewhere round midnight, I could see the shadow of one man standing beside me. I don’t know from where he had suddenly popped up. I was shivering from within and tried to keep my poise as I continued to chant the mahamantra...

Goloka Dasi: For the last fifteen years she’s managed the Govinda’s restaurants in Dublin. Although that is challenging, she does it with an infectious smile. Devotees and guests call her Mrs. Govinda’s. Her other nickname is Mrs. All-nighter, because she does marathons in the kitchen when there are festivals; afterwards, she never takes rest but just keeps going all day

Most resolutions take the form of “do’s”—things I resolve to do—and “don’ts”—things I resolve to not do. And Vedic wisdom tells us that all do’s and don’ts should support one main do—always remember Krishna (God)—and one main don’t—never forget Him

I appeal to the GBC that along with the laudable projects you are managing and those you are contemplating - especially the magnificent temple that will arise here in Sridhama Mayapura - consider that the behaviour of the ISKCON devotees who participate in these projects must also be magnificent

Today, most people in the Western world equate democracy with fairness and justice; these words are interchangeable in common speech. A modern progressive would consider it odd to question if something is “too democratic.” However, if one reads Richard Hofstadter’s classic book, “The American Political Tradition” they will learn that the U.S. Constitutional Assembly was dominated by fear of too much democracy

Despite this fast changing world where promiscuity encouraged by the hedonist approach to life is overtaking almost everywhere, India still preserves its age old veneration towards celibacy. The vast majority of girls and boys still remain celebate till their marriage and even post-marriage lead a regulated life. Of course in cities, this ‘conservative’ species are on the brink of extinction, and even when preserved, generally make the person a butt of ridicule and curiosity

Many times devotees try to reconcile this essentially Christian concept with Vedic understanding, but end up writing lengthy explanations that do not always satisfy the curiosity. This is because it is mostly incompatible with the truths of Bhagavad-Gita, for it has to be broken down in a simplified manner to give a satisfactory and brief explanation

In popular historical accounts the word democracy was first used in ancient Greece denoting a contemporary system of governing. In ancient Athens the word democracy was a compound term which could be broken into two parts: demos meaning people and kratein to rule. This ideal of governing inspires us even today. Democracy echoes the ancient ideals of equality and freedom into the modern governing systems

If Srila Prabhupada visited you, Maybe just for a day or two, And came by unexpectedly, I wonder what you'd do. Oh, I know you'd give your nicest room, To such an honored guest, And all the food you'd offer, Would be the very best

How many of us wonder, “If I ever attain the level of raga-bhakti, who in Iskcon will be able to guide me? We are emphasising sadhana bhakti too much. Maybe I’ll have to seek someone elsewhere who can do so…” Will such doubt and uncertainty help us find someone capable, or does the answer lie somewhere much closer to home?

On the day of Govardhana-puja, one individual approached me. I knew he had shared loyalties. He asked me, “How is your bhajana?” I replied by saying that generally, devotees pursue sadhana Bhakti until, with mercy, they qualify themselves… “That is why you need a ‘rasika’ guru who can help you,” he replied confidently

We see yet another example of right and left opinions being expressed - this time about Food for Life. We have seen them before on women’s issues, on whether to innovate or not, and on Srila Prabhupada’s way forward for Iskcon. Do these interpretations reflect our unity in diversity, or are they potentially frictional?

Sometimes people think that physical proximity to the spiritual master is an indication of special mercy or good fortune, and in one sense it may be. But the real essence of the relationship with the spiritual master is service to the instructions. And service to the instructions does not depend on physical presence

At this point, I am not going to press the "All glories to You" button or "All glories to Srila Prabhupada", as it is mostly expressed in inter-devotee communications, because I just think it inappropriate