Why all the rules? Love, Rules, and Devotional Service. Understanding Bhakti. - Bhakti means loving devotional service to Krishna. Newcomers often raise questions about the necessity of rules. While there are numerous rules and guidelines, such as chanting sixteen rounds of the Hare Krishna mantra daily, these rules serve a vital purpose. They help those who have not yet cultivated pure love for God. Like caring for a loved one, these instructions are given out of deep love and knowledge, ensuring careful devotion. Ultimately, rules are like the handrails and supports, they guide us toward achieving the highest spiritual goal of love for God. Do you have a problem with rules in spirituality?
The greatest love letter in history? - This engaging exploration reveals the profound nature of what is the greatest love letter: the Bhagavad Gita. Initially perplexed by its inaccurate and dishonest translations, the writer eventually recognized the eternal and deep message of eternal love within it. Unlike conventional love letters, this sacred text transcends time, offering a deep, genuine, poetic understanding of love and connection. I invite you to find joy and solace by turning toward true love, emphasizing that despite life's turmoil, one can always return to the enduring embrace of this loving essence. Will you? Join the Mission: Distribute 100,000 Bhagavad Gitas Worldwide - I reflect on a transformative spiritual journey that began 25+ years ago with the Bhagavad Gita As It Is, from a monk in Mumbai. Initially skeptical, I engaged, allowing the Gita to purify my heart through countless readings. Inspired by my benefactor, I set a goal to distribute 100,000 copies of the Gita. Through persistent outreach, I have successfully shared over 10,000 copies worldwide but I recognize the challenge ahead. I invite you to join in this great mission. Can you see the potential for worldwide transformational change as each inspired individual can significantly impact countless lives? Will you help?
“Idol” and “Mythology” – Two words that are offensive to Vedic culture - Why should we avoid the terms "idol" and "mythology" when discussing Vedic culture? These terms undermine the Krishna and Vedic scriptures. Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The Vedic scriptures expound the Supreme Absolute Truth and Universal history. The original misunderstanding stems from historical attacks on Vedic culture. What is actual idol worship? What is actual mythology? Read more to find out!
The Simple Devotion of Haridasa Varya Prabhu - Haridasa Varya Prabhu, a humble and devoted soul, exemplifies the profound impact of simple devotion. Initiated at the age of 82, he lived a quiet life in Maharashtra, embodying true spirituality through daily chanting and reading. Despite illness, his dedication never wavered, demonstrating that it's never too late to pursue a spiritual path. Surrounded by supportive devotees, his sincere humility and consistent practice of chanting the Hare Krishna mantra brought him closer to Krishna, ultimately guiding him to spiritual perfection.
How Spiritual Practices Combat Material Pollution - Hyderabad, like many other cities, is a vibrant chaos of litter. Dedicated street cleaners face a relentless battle against the chronic litterbugs who trash the city daily. Despite their morning efforts, the streets revert to their messy state by evening. This mirrors our spiritual lives where temporary cleansings fail to eliminate deeper impurities. The battle against sin and distraction is exacerbated by our habits that pollute consciousness. The antidote? Fully embrace Krishna Consciousness—an all-encompassing practice that brings clarity, purpose, and purity to both streets and spirit.
Madhvacharya’s Genius: A Solution for Managerial issues - Managing in religious organizations is uniquely challenging, with managers often facing burnout from balancing volunteer dynamics, demanding senior leaders, and resource limitations. There are other issues too, leading to dysfunctional management. This can hinder personal and spiritual growth. Implementing a rotational management system, like Madhvacharya’s, can combat burnout and foster healthier organizational environments, allowing managers, the organizaton, and the congregations to thrive.
He who is regulated in his habits of eating, sleeping, recreation and work can mitigate all material pains by practicing the yoga system. BG 6.17
Can Spiritual Organizations Truly Exist? - Is "spiritual organization" a contradiction? Spirituality is all about simplicity while organizations lean towards complexity. Combining them poses risks, like losing sight of true spiritual goals. Yet, if done right, organizations can help spread spiritual teachings and drive broader impacts. It’s all about focus! Do you see problems with spiritual organizations?
The standard of education - We wake up to horrible headlines every day. People in leadership roles, people who are "highly educated" act in terrible ways.
We come up with band-aid solutions every day, whack-a-mole style. But have we examined the root cause of the problems we face in our world?
Could there be a problem with our education system?
What Dogs Teach Us About Nationalism and Identity… Nationalism is Dogism - Our society is plagued by rampant nationalism. The behavior of humans mirrors that of barking dogs. Dogs are fiercely protective of their perceived territories, and humans are behaving just like dogs. This disturbing behavior reveals a mindset rooted in bodily identity. This has overshadowed our shared spiritual essence. We are all spirit souls. We share the same heavenly father. But we are just focused on temporary external designations. Dogs will be dogs, but humans do not have to be dogs. Rejecting these divisive instincts will surely bring true unity among us all.
Life as a football is no fun - Are you living the football experience? Are you constantly driven by desires and impulses like lust and anger? Despite life’s turmoil, there’s hope for liberation through spiritual practice. By seeking connection with genuine spiritual guidance, you can experience true freedom and purpose, transcending the endless kicking in material existence. Want to try it out?
A Moment of Reflection: Mantras and Unexpected Friendships - During a serene lunch break by Lake Ontario, a spontaneous encounter with a young man named George transformed a potentially uneasy moment into a thoughtful exchange about spirituality. Embracing the opportunity, I conveyed some nuggets of spiritual knowledge, fostering connection and understanding. Then I chanted my mantras. Ultimately, I left the encounter gratefully, having made a new friend.
What is the religion of eating our mother and father, brother and sister? - How can we take the cow's milk, and then kill her? Which religion supports this kind of ingratitude? How can we be so inhuman as to kill and eat the flesh of cows, bulls, and calves? Do we not see how this is causing havoc in human society? Please protect cows, and be peaceful and happy!
The Spiritual Connection revealed at a Farewell - At a funeral in Toronto for a man from Kazakhstan, the author, even though unfamiliar with the deceased, reflects on his unexpected role in the cremation, arising from a shared devotion to Krishna. Krishna is the All-Knowing, All-Powerful Supreme Personality of Godhead. This unexpected connection demonstrates Krishna's omniscience and the surprising spiritual connections that intertwine our lives.
Leveraging Jet Lag for Spiritual Growth - Recently returning from a transformative trip to India, I found jet lag to be an unexpected ally in my spiritual journey. Embracing early mornings, I engaged in meditation, reading, and serving Krishna. Instead of viewing jet lag negatively, I was able to leverage it to enhance my devotional practices and enrich my daily routine. What a blessing! Jet lag? Bring it on!
Brahmachari vs Bhramachari: Which one do you want to be? - A Brahmachari is like a spiritual athlete, dedicated to serving the Supreme Truth, while a Bhramachari chases illusions—basically like a spiritual couch potato, confusing the finish line for a mirage in a desert. We dive into how society’s roles, like Brahmanas and Shudras, fit into this divine quest, reminding us that serving God is the real goal, whether you’re a householder or a renounced sage. Remember, folks: always be a Brahmachari, not a Bhramachari—that’s the real spiritual workout!
Understanding Vaishnava Compassion: Lessons from Great Saints (part 3) - This article explores the profound concept of Vaishnava Compassion through the examples of Jesus Christ, Vasudeva Datta, Ramanuja Acharya, and Srila Prabhupada. Each figure exemplifies immense compassion, willing to suffer for the sake of others. Their teachings inspire us to embody such selflessness and understanding in our own lives.
Happy New Year! - Happy New Year! Or so they say! When does something "happy" or "new" turn to something "sad" or "old" or worse?
Understanding Compassion: Actions That Truly Help (Part 2) - Suppose you want to help someone. Very noble! First do no harm. How can you tell if you are helping or hurting? Suppose we want to act with compassion... should we not understand what compassion is first? Here is a discussion about hte complexity of compassion and how well-intentioned actions in passion and ignorance cause harm. Effective compassion must be in the mode of goodness. But charity begins at home. If we are not compassionate with ourselves, we cannot be compassionate towards others. And how to be compassionate with ourselves? 
From Schadenfreude to Compassion: A Journey (part 1) - Compassion is a complex and often misunderstood concept, as it calls for empathy towards all individuals, regardless of their circumstances. Balancing compassion for various groups can present challenges, especially when faced with conflicting needs and situations. Ultimately, striving for universal compassion is essential, despite the inherent difficulties in this pursuit. However, if we want to act with universal compassion, we should start with understanding what compassion is not! Schadenfreude, certainly not. Alas, it is more common than we think!
Why Religious Conversion Does Not Equal True Transformation - A reflection on the nature of religious conversion... does it often lack genuine transformation? What is religious conversion driven by? Let us not ignore the importance of personal development and the cultivation of qualities such as compassion, truthfulness, and humility, rather than merely changing religious labels!
Lord Ganesha’s topmost blessing - It's the Festival of Lord Ganesha! Millions of people are praying for all sorts of benedictions. Do you know what Lord Ganesha's highest blessing is? What will you ask for?
Best Way to Understand Bhagavad Gita - What is the best way to understand Bhagavad Gita? Chant Hare Krishna! Doesn't sound reasonable? How can chanting a mantra over and over again help me understand the Bhagavad Gita? What is the proof of the pudding? Is it not in the eating? Read more to find out how this works! Do you have questions?
Enrollment alone will not help us progress to perfection - Many of us are enrolled in various programs... the program is designed to help us progress... but most of those enrolled don't make any progress. Is enrollment alone sufficient to make progress?
How to Surrender Completely? - Surrender is terrible in the material world. It implies humiliation. But surrender is no bad word in the spiritual realm. Spiritual Surrender is victory! Surrender must be done intelligently though. And Surrender means Loving Devotional Service. How to do it though?
Delicious Names! - The Names of God are Unlimitedly Sweet. Purandara Dasa, who was a multi-billionaire, gave up the sweeter than honey money to taste the delicious names of God.
He wrote a beautiful song about the sweetness of the Lord's Names...
To the Milk of Rama's Name, add the Sugar of Krishna's Name
Add the Ghee* of Vitthala's Name, and Smack your Lips!
Bring the Wheat of Single-Mindedness, Grind with the Stones of Renunciation
Draw out the Fine Flour of Simplicity, and Roll into Thin Vermicelli
In the Pot of your Heart, with the Green Gram of your Faith
Cook it all down with your Intelligence, and Serve to Hari's plate
Oh Joy Oh Bliss when you Experience, and Let Out Satisfied Burps
Then remember Our Lord Eternal Vitthala, the Form of Eternal Bliss!
What do we call persons who don’t recognize their own suffering? - What do we call someone who does not recognize that they are suffering? What do you call someone who does not recognize the root cause of their suffering? What do you call someone who refuses to accept the cause of their suffering? We call them innocent, just like children, just like animals. And then we see them as spirit souls, and we try to serve them on their spiritual journey. Hare Krishna!
Moonlight wakeup call - I strive to follow the spiritual practices such as rising early for meditation, but sometimes, being encased in dull matter, even though I am a spirit soul, I stumble. But by divine serendipity this morning, I got a loving moonlit wake-up call!
Satan as Competitor to God, what an absurdity! - On Easter Friday, reflecting on Jesus' sacrifice, compassion, and forgiveness fills us with hope. While beliefs about Satan vary, turning inward reveals our own role in turning away from God - the cause of all problems. Instead of blaming external forces, let's embrace personal responsibility and reconnect with God's boundless love and grace. No one else can thwart our journey to knowledge and bliss. Hare Krishna!
An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth? - An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth? Where does that leave us all? And if we don't want to get involved, what can we do instead?
A great saint – bull in his last lifetime - Once upon a time there was a bull. Then there was a warrior. And then there was a great saint. The bull became the warrior who became the saint when reminded of his legacy... how come? How does a bull become a saint?
Bound up, Fashionably - Do you strive to look good? Body building? Sculpting? Plastic Surgery? Fashion? Chic? Couture? Do you know that you may be bound up, trapped, shackled, your freedom of choice stripped from you? Do you know you could be trapped?Is your wealth safe? - Not long ago, Silicon Valley Bank collapsed. With over $209B in assets, it still collapsed. Where is your wealth? What is your wealth really? Who or what can protect your wealth?
Taj Bibi – Mughal Queen, Pure Devotee of Krishna - Taj Bibi was a Mughal queen. A wife of the great Mughal Emperor Akbar himself. But she is also a great Vaishnava saint. Her devotional songs are sung to this day. Her tomb is in Vrindavan. How did she make the journey from a mere Mughal Queen to an exalted pure devotee of Krishna?
Why Krishna Takes Birth - Why does Krishna take birth in this horrible material world? How does contact with Krishna help a soul? And what if we cannot associate with Krishna personally?
The Stone Deity who bore witness – Saakshi Gopal - Deities are made of stone, wood, marble, metal etc. But authorized deities are anything but material! Want to read about a deity who walked a thousand plus miles to bear witness for His devotee? Read about the renowned Sri Saakshi Gopal!
Feasting on the Holy Name - Many spiritualists fast. Especially Vaishnavas on Ekadasi day... but Ekadasi is meant for feasting. So how is it that someone can be simultaneously fasting and feasting at the same time?
God has no shortage of sons (and daughters) - Some people say that God has only one son. But God is unlimited. So why can't God have more than one son? And why not daughters? Are we misunderstanding something here?
Vrindavan Feeling in Toronto - Sometimes, you're so near to a spiritually perfect person or in a sacred place of pilgrimage, but your consciousness is far from spiritual, and sometimes you could be far from a spiritual preceptor or a place of pilgrimage, but feel blessed with spiritual grace... w Howhy is that? How can we be in perfect spiritual consciousness always? How can we experience Krishna at every moment?
A gift of warm socks, from one beggar to another - Once, on the street, an old lady gifted me with warm socks. I am not a beggar, and but yet a beggar. Why was I begging? I don't need anything from anyone. Or do I?
Killer Earthquakes – why do they happen? - Why do earthquakes occur? Yes, the scientists explain about sesimic faults, tectonic shifts, and so on, but why an earthquake at a particular place at a particular time that affects only a particular set of people? Have we forgotten the most fundamental law of nature?
Always Be Prepared – to Die - Everyone will face death, it's just a question of death, whether it comes in the next 80 seconds, or not for another 80 years. Our attitude to death brings all sorts of choices... and we all know that the decisions we make today constrain our choices tomorrow. So how to live with a perfect balance between the long-term view and the short-term view?
(dis) United Nations - In 1945 when the United Nations was setup, there were 74 countries. Now there are 194. Since 1945, more than 285 wars have been fought. So clearly the nations are disunited! Did you know why we can never achieve unity through negotiations and resolutions?
The weapon guaranteed to backfire - If you had a weapon that was guranteed to backfire each time you use it, would you ever employ it? But we routinely do! What is this weapon that is guaranteed to hurt the owner?
Celebrate Humility, not Pride - Pride is celebrated these days. Be proud of this or that, we are told. But what is the price of pride? And why is humility better? How to be humble? What is the big deal about humility? Why not celebrate humility for a change?
Ascending vs. Descending Process of knowledge - What is knowledge? What is ignorance? How do we acquire knowledge? Which method actually works? Finding out things the ascending way, or hearing from an authority? How to acquire perfect knowledge beyond all doubt?
The Ultimate Synthesis of Advaita & Dvaita – achintya bheda abheda - There are a lot of different philosophies in the world. Some are just absurd, but some are partial truths. Instead of fighting over philosophies, one should try to understand the ultimate synthesis of philosophies - if you haven't heard of it before, it's called "Simultaneous Inconcievable Oneness and Difference" - the philosophy of Lord Chaitanya.
Democracy means a society ruled by Hogs, Dogs, Camels, and Asses - Democracy is much praised, but what does it really produce? A government where the leaders are no better than hogs, dogs, animals and asses, just like the people who elect them. Don't believe me? Read on!
Slaughtered in moments on the 401 - Death can come at any moment. We experience death regularly, whether of a fish that just got caught, or a person who died in a car accident, or someone who had a heart attack. Animals, birds, fish and insects can't do anything about their death. But as humans, how can we prepare for death? How can we transcend it altogether?
The Profession of Confession and Atonement - In many religious traditions, there is the concept of confessing and atoning for sins. But why do people keep sinning and keep confessing, keep atoning? What is the use of such confession and atonement? What can be done to completely get out of this nasty habit of committing sinful activities?
A bridge to the Moon - With all this talk of going to Mars and the Moon, did you ever pause to think that this has been tried before? There is a way to go to other planets but is this it? But anyways, why go here and there when it is all necessarily temporary?
Dear Pope Francis, how many apologies to go? - Recently, Pope Francis apologized for the abuse and killing of Inuit children in residential schools in Canada. But is an apology enough? Does the faith he profess even understand what "spirit soul" means? I challenge all Christians to read and understand the Bhagavad Gita, so they can actually be Christians one day.
Moving homes – painful business - Have you ever moved? Moved a home? Moved a job? Moved to another city? Moved to another country? Moving is painful, is it not? What about the ultimate move we will be forced to make at the end of our lives? That moment when our soul is ripped from all its current attachments? How to deal with that?
Surrender means Loving Service - OK, so surrender is required in spiritual life, and it is not an admission of defeat, and the person surrendering cannot surrender their intelligence too. But what exactly is this surrender practically?
Surrender yourself, with your intelligence - In spiritual life, we often hear the term "surrender", and surrender we should. But dear reader, never surrender your intelligence!
Bodily Consciousness, Miss America, and Suicide - Recently, an accomplished young lady committed suicide. What is the root cause of it? What is the consequence of it? What can we do to stop this?
Muslim Brahmin in Hyderabad - Can a Muslim be a Brahmin? Can a Vaishnava be as good as a Mullah or Rabbi or Christian priest? Here are some great insights from a Maulvi in Hyderabad!
The myth of the increasing human lifespan - They say, that due to advances in science and medicine, the average human lifespan is steadily increasing. But is this really true? Could it be that the advances in science and medicine are actually decreasing our life expectancy?
Be careful what you think around saintly persons! - When we visit the great saints, and when we pray to them, are our prayers heard? Is there any reciprocation? How do we know it was not our imagination?
Human Animal Farm - George Orwell's Animal Farm describes a horrifying story of how "equals" exploit other equals... There are so many different social systems being tried out, communism, capitalism, socialism, and so on, but practically all of them are animalistic. Is there an ideal social system? 
Why don’t I remember my past lives? And were all the species created in a moment? - If I had a past life, then why don't I remember it? And how were the species created?
The origin of western religion - What is it with those who claim to have the one and only true eternal religion? And why do they spew hatred? Would you like to understand the origin of the western religious traditions?
Descartes did not understand Consciousness - Many believe that animals and other species in other bodies outside of humans are not souls, that they are mere automations. The misunderstanding can be traced back at least to Descartes' "cogito ergo sum", where he sadly misunderstood something very important...
Heat Wave in Canada(!!) - Canada is known for the cold, but there was a heat wave that killed hundreds! Why do these types of things happen? Is there any way out?
The “science”(dogma) of conjecture - Evolution is a fact. But not the way it is commonly understood... How to understand evolution scientifically?
Sun Engineering - The sun is our primary source of energy, uses fusion reactions, which are ordinarily understood to be very difficult to control. is it reasonable to assume that the sun remains in equilibrium without engineering and control?
Jiva Soul – A poem from 1874 - Back in in 1874, Bhaktivinode Thakura wrote this sublime poem that gives us the formula for Supreme Spiritual Success! Jiva Soul, from Saragrahi Vaishnava
Mind is like a child, Intelligence is like the mother - How does a mother take care of the child? Your intelligence should take care of your mind the same way. Read to find out more!
What “the great” took with him - Alexander "the great" took nothing of his conquests with him, or did he!
How to stop death - How to stop death? Most people don't understand that death can actually be stopped. Would you like to understand how?
Poor St. Patrick - St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, he brought Christianity to Ireland. Why then is he associated with excessive alcohol consumption? Poor St. Patrick.
The sack of rice - There is enough for every creature's need, but there isn enough even for one man's greed.
Whose Consciousness have you eaten? - What is the most intimate act? Do you know how consciousness can get transferred just from the food you eat? Did you know you are literally eating someone's consciousness? A cut from above - Have you ever experienced a cut from above ever? Did you recognize it? I was fortunate to experience this...
Pursuing the Highest Instruction of your Scripture - Every scripture has higher and lower instruction. Pursue the highest instruction always. The lower instructions are for animal-like humans... we should strive to go deeper, higher.
So you want to serve the needy? - Would you like to help others? How do you know you are actually helping them and not prolonging their misery? How do you know you are not getting entangled in an endless web of actions and reactions?
The Form of God - God has a form. There are specific descriptions of His form. Meditation of His Lotus Feet, for example, dispels all the thick gloom of the heart.
Love He who made all that - Why do we love someone? Why do we love dogs, cats, and things? What is it about them that we love them or lust for them or are attached to them?
Eating a Mango in hiding - The great saint Ramanuja once gave his disciples a mango each and ordered them to eat hidden from view... one disciple couldn't find a place to hide! What about you? Do you think you can hide?
The wife of the saint didn’t believe him - Great saints invite us to go back home with them. Even today. Will we heed that call?
Devout Atheists - Does the phrase "Devout Atheist" sound strange to you? Do you know it takes a lot more faith and dogma to believe in atheism? Why do spiritualists bother with atheists?
Living with Science and Scripture – development of the fetus - The Bhagavatam says that the foetus, in development, is very distressed. Does science offer any evidence of this? In general, how to reconcile science and spirituality?
Spiritualists, speak up and be heard - When going about your spiritual practices, hearing and chanting about God, don't do it quietly, do it loudly. Why? Can spiritual sound vibration benefit others?
Watch out for the little guys - Do you watch out for the little guys when you are out and about? Yes, the ants,the snails, and others with smaller bodies than you?
Christians, please don’t blaspheme God The Father - Why should we blaspheme other religious traditions? Why can't we learn from them? Why can we not increase each other's knowledge and faith instead?
“Old” New Discoveries - Do you think the Vedic Scriptures are Mythology? Do you think that modern scientists know better? Did you know that scientists are simply re-discovering whatever was already explained in the Vedic Scriptures?
Tongue, Belly, Genital Consciousness - How are you living your life? Would you like to relish genuine human life? Or stay on the animal platform?
Slavery by Subscription - Do you know that most of us subscribe to slavery? We actively seek it and choose to remain enslaved. How can you be free?
Penn State or State Pen? - Governments fund Universities and the same Governments fund prisons too. Where would you rather be? For 4 years or 80? For this lifetime or eternity?
People must care for people - Spiritual organizations are great. But personal care to a soul can only be given by another soul. Individuals must take care of individuals, regardless of any organizational systems in place...
Praying to see everyone else ahead - Can you find someone who is better than you? What about someone who is worse than you? Which is easier? Surrender: ain’t no bad word - Surrender- gets a bad rap. Why do the spiritualists talk so much about Surrender?
"Momentum" is made up of many Moments - Feeling discourged? Are you struggling to build momentum in spiritual life? Are you failing to recognize the progress you have made? You have made progress! Just look back on yourself!
Sexy Shackles - What is it that keeps us bound up in the material world? What are the shackles that bind us? Could it be the things that drives the world? Sex?
The religion of fire, the religion of water, and the religion of the soul - What is your religion? What is the religion of fire? What is the religion of water?
How to be unhappy - What is the best way to be unhappy? It is the fastest, and the most effective way. And what's more, we're past masters at this game of unhappiness.
Recovering from the arrogance of modern civilization - We are an arrogant bunch, no doubt. But we have been brought to our knees by this insignificant little virus. While we're on our knees, here's something useful we can do... Despite COVID-19 you go on forever - The COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic is serious. But rest assured you are immortal. Imperfection is no excuse - There are many travails on the spiritual journey, tests of faith, challenges, mainly our own imperfection, but imperfection is no excuse...
Freedom through Genuine Spiritual Progress 