On any path there will always be ups and downs, and we have to remain steady in difficulties, reverses and success—any of which could deviate us. Krishna consciousness is all about developing and deepening of faith—from beginning to end—and we have to do what is favorable to have and improve our faith. Though we will repeatedly stumble, we have to keep picking our self up, dusting our clothes, and keep on keeping on. I have stumbled many times in the past, yet even in the worst of times I continued to practice Krishna consciousness to some degree. Though I might l...

Beholding the unlimited opulence of Krishna and feeling dwarfed by the manifestation of other Brahmas, our universes Brahma felt like a rabbit amidst many elephants. I love what Brahma says, 'There are people who say, 'I know everything about Krishna.' Let them think in that way. As far as I am concerned, I do not wish to say very much about this matter. O my Lord, let me say this much. As far your opulences are concerned, they are all beyond the reach of my mind, ...

The idea that it is better to give than to just receive (to just be "on the take"), is a universal truth understood by people of all religions. In addition people understand that giving is actually getting, or by giving you are nourished and benefited. In a broad sense we can tell people that Krishna consciousness is all about learning how to give, rather then just being an exploiter. So people should be encouraged to begin the process of giving somewhere, somehow, to someone. Ultimately from our vision giving to God and saintly persons ...

The concept that we are not our bodies is considered a preliminary basic understanding for devotees, yet this conception has proved not so easy to put into practice. We can all look within ourself and at our communities and society and contemplate how our failure to realize this truth is the cause of many of our disagreements and heated debates. Lets look at the basics of our embodiment. The soul takes on a material body and mind, with an ego that says, “This is me.” The false ego (“false” because we have a real spiritual identi...

Our heart is compared in the scriptures to be like a clear crystal that reflects what is before it. We become like who we associate with closely or intimately. That means that when we open our heart to someone, and they open their heart to us there is an exchange of energy or power--we and they are influenced. I meet people all day where I work. Some I have gotten to know well, others casually. I see coming together with someone like two doors facing each other. Behind each door is many pathways leading to different oceans. So two people...

RESPECT: esteem for or a sense of the worth or excellence of a person, a personal quality or ability, or something considered as a manifestation of a personal quality or ability: I have great respect for her judgment. / deference to a right, privilege, privileged position, or someone or something considered to have certain rights or privileges; proper acceptance or courtesy; acknowledgment: respect for a suspect's right to counsel; to show respect for the flag; respect for the...

I know where I want to go in my head, yet part of my heart is still attached to the flesh and trying to love matter. We will see how I fare in the years to come. I will continue to explore that quest in my writings.

There are different conceptions of outreach, and we may not agree with another view. I am giving one perspective here, and contrasting with what I don’t feel is effective outreach.

We don’t want to preach “at” people, without taking the time to really know them. One emphasis doesn’t fit everyone, though both perspectives are important. What about you? What do you materially love or hate? That will tell you much about your conditioned identity, and how much progress you have, or haven't made.

Stressing the “YES” aspect of Krishna consciousness was part of Prabhupada’s formula for success. He was following the recommendations of Rupa Gosvami when he first tried to awaken peoples’ attraction to Krishna through kirtana, prasadam, and talks about Krishna, and then introducing the “prohibitions” and other principles.

The world we live in speaks to us loudly, boldly, in no uncertain terms, according to our interest or necessity. What we want from life we notice and pursue. Other things we rarely notice due to lack of awareness.