In this training there is no memorization of theory or examination. Rather it is called an “action-reflection” model, which means, first I visit patients and then I reflect on those experiences with a group of peers and supervisor to discuss and learn why I did what I did and what I missed. Before hastily offering any spiritual or religious resources to the patient, we chaplains are trained to be present with, listen to and accompany the patient in their grief or distress, relate and build trust.

Navina Nirada Prabhu, a successful book distributor and leadership trainer, shares a success story that emphasizes the importance of following up on those who are interested in Srila Prabhupada's books. From inspiring someone to explore the realm of spirituality to facilitate a probable life-changing visit to Mayapur, India, there are many probabilities that someone can benefit from, simply because a Sankirtan devotee gave a little "extra push" to the sincere seeker.

We are good at advertising... and planting seeds but... we are not so good at harvesting! We have become expert at showing people the beautiful world of Krishna consciousness; giving them a glimpse Into this dynamic wonderful culture with Innumerable books distributed, millions of plates of prasadam distributed, thousands of Harinamas performed, countless festivals, millions of hours of work Invested, a fantastic number of dollars spent, but... we are not so good at harvesting!

In searching for something in the Srimad Bhagavatam that gives some reference to castrating a bull to make an ox I could not find something that said “you castrate a bull” directly however there is some word use information that might be telling. I am not a sanskrit scholar and may be well off the point here (if you are one please help).

There are some experiences in life that leave a deep impact on our consciousness. They are the life-changing instances that set an example for others. Here I am going to share the life story of an uncle of mine. Adorned with white turban carrying a medium height my GuruSikh uncle wore a serene though stern look. In all a simple man he was. My childhood memories are filled with beautiful pastimes in a very small town few miles away from the holy city of Amritsar in India.

Bilvamangala Thakura was a wealthy south Indian Brahmin and belonged to a cultured family. But he got attracted to a prostitute named Cintamani. The attraction soon became attachment. And as it happens when we get attached to worldly enjoyment we lose our intelligence and subsequently our dignity. The fire of lust was so intense that he was not at all moved when his father died; in fact standing near the pyre of his father he was engrossed in the thought of C...

The company that we keep plays a significant role in our lives. Our desires, habits, and goals are often dependent on the association that we are in (saṅgāt sanjāyate kāmaḥ, BG 2.62). Associating with cultured people helps us develop good habits, and associating with corrupt people makes us corrupt generally. The holy scriptures therefore repeatedly recommend that we avoid bad association and keep good association. Here is Lord Kṛṣṇa’s direct description on the glory of saintly association, in the Uddhava-gīta, the philosophical song that He sang to enlighten His dear ...

Loyalty and acts of loving devotional service, are only possible in the Spiritual Worlds when the relationship with Krishna is expressed in a "two way" contributing exchange. "Loyalty" is a "two way" street that can ONLY exist when "two" are having loving respectful exchanges of feelings. Without this basic rule in the Spiritual Planets, there can NEVER be genuine love within one's relationship with Krishna. Emotions expressed in a "one way" mood without the contribution of loving exchanges only experienced in a "two way" relationship, is NOT love at all, it is selfishness, and is real...

It is worthwhile mentioning over here, that a cell, which is the basic constituent of a human body, has a definite life span, and once a particular cell dies, it is replaced by another. In this way, it is believed that over a span of 7 years, all the cells that constitute the physical body of a person, are completely replaced by new ones. So in effect, a person receives a new body in every 7 years. Now if someone identifies himself with his own body, then he should be considered dead in the next seven years, as he gets physically replaced, or should we say, it is he who is r...