There is a lot of discussion right now, especially in America, about the latest presidential election. In a recent issue of Sri Krishna Kathamrita Bindu we put together a collection of statements from Srila Prabhupada regarding his mood towards voting in secular circles. As always, Srila Prabhupada's attitude is purely Krishna conscious. I also found it very detached -- he was asked several times if he wanted his followers to vote or not, -- he repeatedly replied that the choice was ...

One may ask how it was that the brahmacari was obliged to maintain his aged mother? Since he had devoted himself to religious pursuits and was strictly following the vows of brahmacarya, would he not be free from this obligation as per the following injunction of Srimad Bhagavatam 11.5.41? Anyone who has completely given up all worldly relationships and has taken absolute shelter of the lotus feet of the Lord, who gives us salvation and who alone is fit to be taken shelter of, is no longer a de...

The Baron Thomas Babington Macaulay (1800 -1859), is infamous as one of the leaders of a British endeavor to minimize Vedic culture and promote Western Christian culture as being superior. Amongst other things, he is accredited as being one of the founders of English education in India, which replaced Sanskrit as the current medium of instruction in higher education.

When Priyavrata’s father, Svayambhuva Manu, requested him to accept the responsibility of ruling over the world, he did not welcome the suggestion. This is the symptom of a great, liberated devotee. Even though engaged in worldly affairs, he does not take pleasure in them, but remains always absorbed in the Lord’s service.

In March 2004, many people had gathered at the ancient Shiva temple known as Kapileshwar Mahadeva in the Old Town area of Bhubaneswar to observe the 22-year-old tradition of hearing a nine-day recitation of Srimad Bhagavatam. Just as the recitation was about to begin, a large bull entered the compound and sat down next to the devotees.

Throughout his life, a brahmana should consider material prestige to be like poison and dishonor to be like nectar. After all, if one learns to tolerate dishonor, then his agitation will subside and he will happily sleep, happily wake, and happily move about. The person who insults him will, because of his sin, become regretful, and his happiness in this and the next life will be vanquished.