How can learning be truly memorable and transformative? Often, the main word people use to describe their formal education is “boring.” The word “irrelevant” would come a close second. How to change that situation by deepening learning with “peak moments” is a wonderful concept. The following is an email I received from Dan and Chip Heath, authors, in relation to one of their books. Their point relates to...
This is an article by a scholar, analyzing how Jiva Gosvami instructs us to meditate on the Lord–His name, form, qualities, pastimes, abode, and associates–as one advances in bhakti and is on the platform of raganuga sadhana. The clear and specific guidelines which Jiva Gosvami teaches parallel those given by Rupa Gosvami, and of course, by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. This is a great read for those already on this platform,...
There is so much astonishment and “wow” in these few sentences in the middle of this one purport of Srila Prabhupada… “The Lord Govinda is engaged there in herding the surabhi cows as His natural occupation. These goddesses of fortune can be seen automatically if we are attracted by the bodily features of the Lord. The impersonalists cannot observe such goddesses of fortune because of their dry speculative habit. And...
Our life is full of anguish when others unjustly blame us… we feel offended and angry, and feel a strong urge to defend ourselves. Is there another way, a way to freedom? tṛṇād api sunīcena taror api sahiṣṇunā/ amāninā mānadena kīrtanīyaḥ sadā hariḥ “One should chant the holy name of the Lord in a humble state of mind, thinking oneself lower than the straw in the street; one should be more tolerant than a tree, devoid of all sense...
This amazing story is about a saint named Mataji Pada Sevanam, from Baku, Azerbaijan (Caucasus, former part of the USSR), who re-established devotional service to Lord Nrsimhadeva and changed the hearts of many devotees due to her limitless love to Krishna, fearlessness, and determination. (From a lecture by A.C. Bhagavatamrita Keshava Swami. Barnaul, Russia December 18, 2016) Gopal Told Me The beginning Once upon a time, someone distributed...