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,...
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...
What’s the importance of the family in society? Are men and women the same? What value, particularly, do women have to social peace and harmony? If women have a special role, how is it best accomplished? This article from First Things gives a simple and interesting perspective. As an introduction to the article, here is a quote from Prabhupada that makes the same point… This is from a lecture by Srila Prabhupada about the value of...
OBL Kapoor, godbrother of Srila Prabhupada, explains how the various sampradayas view simultaneous oneness with, and difference from, God, in this chapter of his well-known book. Srila Prabhupada especially liked this book and wanted ISKCON centers to distribute it. This chapter makes the concepts of oneness and difference very clear and as understandable as anything “inconceivable” can ever be! This chapter is helpful for those are...