Krishna certainly put me to the test today. This morning during my morning service in the kitchen I came up with this wild idea in my head and thought "I want to try some MORE book distribution but by myself." Being on harinam with book distribution was only training wheels for me. I felt I needed more of a challenge. So I got some advice from sankirtan devotees here in New Dwaraka then headed out this afternoon.
But before my service in the pujari room this afternoon, I went into the temple to pray to Srila Prabhupada and Krishna for mercy and blessings with this. After I had finished offering my prayer to Krishna one of His flowers fell off from Him. I took it as confirmation that Krsna was pleased and wanted me to go out today. So I went out at 1pm today.
I walked up and down Venice BLVD. As I did this I handed out yellow invitation cards to people as they walked by. The majority of the people took them and I must have handed out over 30-50 cards today. I tried to speak to a few people. Many were very friendly and some were inquisitive. I made my way all the way to Grandview BLVD. I noticed there was a mini flea bizarre there today so I decided to hang out there. I noticed that there was a store called Floyd's Barber shop next to the flea bizarre. And also they had a picture of the Beatles inside so I stood near by that store so that I could see George Harrison's picture in there to get even more inspiration.
I handed out more cards to people and tried to speak to them. Many were nice some not so favorable but were still polite Finally after about an half an hour one couple stopped to look at the books I had. They chose the Perfection of Yoga and made a donation of $1.00. Then there was a group of three young men who I stopped to talk to and show them the books. They couldn't make a donation but gladly took the invitation cards. Then I also saw someone with a Beatles t shirt and showed them a Chant and Be Happy book. He couldn't make a donation either but took a card.
I headed back to the temple around 3:15pm. I still handed out more cards on the way back. Im going to hopefully try this again tomorrow.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Friday, May 18, 2012
Not Feeling "Clean"
I hate feeling contaminated. And its not just the physical part being contaminated it's mentally as well. Srila Prabhupada has said "Cleanliness is next to Godliness." I have a hard time with this one. Srila Prabhupada said that we not only have to be clean externally but interally too.
Today I had taken three showers, and yet I still don't feel very clean so that proves that Srila Prabhupada is right. You have to be clean internally. The mind can be one's greatest enemy if it is not practicing Krishna Conciousness to bring it under control. Krishna says the senses are very strong and it is difficult to control the mind especially in this age of Kali the age of quarrel and confusion.
Thank goodness Srila Prabhupada saved us and brought us the Bhagavad Gita As It Is to help us feel internally "clean"
Even when I go out to go to the store to buy necessities, I feel contaminated when I come back to the temple because the temple is so clean and I'm not clean because of the pollution in the air from car pipes, and people smoking and items handled by karmis.
My other reasons I don't feel clean is because my being in anxiety about alot of things. My guru Maharaj says I worry too much. He's right about that. He had chastised me plenty of times about being anxiety and it was for my own good as he said he does't want me getting sick from it which was very kind of him to say. That proves he really does care for others.I hope Krishna will help me get rid of my personal anxiety. If I have any anxiety I want it to be for Krishna like the Gopis. They were always in anxiety for Krishna when He was not personally present before them.
My goal is to try to chant Krishna's Holy Names with a bit more sincerity so that my soul can clean out the dirt and clutter and also cut the branches of material desires. I want to develop spontaneous loving service to the Lord. But as my guru Maharaj had instructed me, he said for me to be patient and the time will come for that ecstatic loving service. But how long will I have to wait???? Feels like forever that I have to wait to get that feeling for Krishna.
Lord Jagannatha though has been helping me lately. He has been keeping me engaged in His loving service by allowing me to make flower garlands for Him. I have felt that Lord Jagannatha is purifying my heart and soul because whenever I do service for Him I feel blissful and want to do more for Him. I have felt His reciprocation and now I am feeling some great attachment to Him. So this is helping me a bit to feel "internally clean."
Today is harinam. Hopefully I can feel somewhat clean going out with devotees on harinam to chant Krishna's Holy Names to the other fallen souls out there.
Today I had taken three showers, and yet I still don't feel very clean so that proves that Srila Prabhupada is right. You have to be clean internally. The mind can be one's greatest enemy if it is not practicing Krishna Conciousness to bring it under control. Krishna says the senses are very strong and it is difficult to control the mind especially in this age of Kali the age of quarrel and confusion.
Thank goodness Srila Prabhupada saved us and brought us the Bhagavad Gita As It Is to help us feel internally "clean"
Even when I go out to go to the store to buy necessities, I feel contaminated when I come back to the temple because the temple is so clean and I'm not clean because of the pollution in the air from car pipes, and people smoking and items handled by karmis.
My other reasons I don't feel clean is because my being in anxiety about alot of things. My guru Maharaj says I worry too much. He's right about that. He had chastised me plenty of times about being anxiety and it was for my own good as he said he does't want me getting sick from it which was very kind of him to say. That proves he really does care for others.I hope Krishna will help me get rid of my personal anxiety. If I have any anxiety I want it to be for Krishna like the Gopis. They were always in anxiety for Krishna when He was not personally present before them.
My goal is to try to chant Krishna's Holy Names with a bit more sincerity so that my soul can clean out the dirt and clutter and also cut the branches of material desires. I want to develop spontaneous loving service to the Lord. But as my guru Maharaj had instructed me, he said for me to be patient and the time will come for that ecstatic loving service. But how long will I have to wait???? Feels like forever that I have to wait to get that feeling for Krishna.
Lord Jagannatha though has been helping me lately. He has been keeping me engaged in His loving service by allowing me to make flower garlands for Him. I have felt that Lord Jagannatha is purifying my heart and soul because whenever I do service for Him I feel blissful and want to do more for Him. I have felt His reciprocation and now I am feeling some great attachment to Him. So this is helping me a bit to feel "internally clean."
Today is harinam. Hopefully I can feel somewhat clean going out with devotees on harinam to chant Krishna's Holy Names to the other fallen souls out there.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Why Are They (The Beatles)Back In My Life Again?
Okay why are they back in my life again? I haven't listened to any Beatles songs for months possibly a year. Maybe I guess because I wanted to remember how and why I came to Krishna Conciousness. I went onto youtube this morning and found all of the Beatles music on there. So I am now downloading them to .my computer to upload to my ipod.
Now just because I am going to listen to their music again does not mean I will become overly obssessed with them like I used to. I don't listen to the Beatles as much anymore due to being Krishna Concious and I'd much rather prefer to hear the Holy Names. It's the same with George's music too. I only listen to him once in awhile not all the time.
I think maybe if I listen to the Beatles once in awhile it may boost my spiritual lif e a bit and remember how I came to Krishna Conciousness and how enthusiastic I was in the beginning. Don't get me wrong Im still enthusiastiac but sometimes I struggle in KC and if I need something to put me in a better mood I guess listening to my favorite band The Beatles might help put me in a better mood. Their songs do put a smile my face. But I do feel funny and I feel strange to be listening to them again since I've been living in the temple.
I have to thank George Harrison though. He was the whole main reason why I surrendered to Krishna. Whenever I see or hear George, I immediately think of Krishna at the same time. So in turn I have to thank Paul for finding George and telling him to join the Beatles back in those early days. I think that is why Paul is my second favorite for bringing George to the Beatles and even after the break up George became very spiritual and religious. That had inspired me the most.
Now just because I am going to listen to their music again does not mean I will become overly obssessed with them like I used to. I don't listen to the Beatles as much anymore due to being Krishna Concious and I'd much rather prefer to hear the Holy Names. It's the same with George's music too. I only listen to him once in awhile not all the time.
I think maybe if I listen to the Beatles once in awhile it may boost my spiritual lif e a bit and remember how I came to Krishna Conciousness and how enthusiastic I was in the beginning. Don't get me wrong Im still enthusiastiac but sometimes I struggle in KC and if I need something to put me in a better mood I guess listening to my favorite band The Beatles might help put me in a better mood. Their songs do put a smile my face. But I do feel funny and I feel strange to be listening to them again since I've been living in the temple.
I have to thank George Harrison though. He was the whole main reason why I surrendered to Krishna. Whenever I see or hear George, I immediately think of Krishna at the same time. So in turn I have to thank Paul for finding George and telling him to join the Beatles back in those early days. I think that is why Paul is my second favorite for bringing George to the Beatles and even after the break up George became very spiritual and religious. That had inspired me the most.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
When Will I Actually Listen to Krsna?
Lately I have been experiencing Krsna testing me. Krsna keeps giving me the same challenge all the time and I fail it every time. There is this level that I cannot pass. It is like a video game. The first levels are easy but as you go along, the levels get harder up to the end usually the last level is the hardest to beat. So similiarly, spiritual life is like that. The real test is at the time of death but in the mean time Krsna throws at us challenges in our life time, and makes us pass a certain level.
I am stuck on this one level. I can't seem to pass it no matter how many times Krsna gives it to me. I feel totally guilty about it. Krsna never gives us a challenge we can't handle. But this challenge He is giving me seems totally impossible for me to pass. Living in a community all the time is a challenge. There will be ups and downs and it's really hard on me. Srila Prabhupada disciples here in New Dwaraka have been giving advice but when I face this challenge I can't remember any of their teachings. Another guilty thing I have with that.
So I am beginning to wonder if my mind will ever listen to Krsna or His devotees that instruct me? Today devotees were asking me to bless them but at this stage I am in NO position to give blessings. If anything I need theirs! They have been in this movement longer than I have. I've only been in this movement for four and a half years nearly five. It is a learning experience, and I have always been very slow at learning things, I might have some kind of learning disability without evenknowing it. I try to fight that too. I've been associating with Om Kara Devi Dasi Mataji and Jaga Mataji,and Tadit Mataji. They have been a great help to me and Svavas Prabhu too. While not having Maharaj's direct association they have been encouraging me when I need it like he has. I try to remember what Maharaj said about always having problems and finding solutions. At times though when I am in anxiety it is hard to remember them.
I should inquire to Maharaj again and if I speak to Svavas Prabhu about how to get rid of these anxiety feelings that I have about service and focuse more on Krsna. It isn't fair Im suffering from anxiety like this. I'd rather have anxiety for Krsna not about how my service should be done for Him.
But the main question is when will I actually listen to Krsna????????
I am stuck on this one level. I can't seem to pass it no matter how many times Krsna gives it to me. I feel totally guilty about it. Krsna never gives us a challenge we can't handle. But this challenge He is giving me seems totally impossible for me to pass. Living in a community all the time is a challenge. There will be ups and downs and it's really hard on me. Srila Prabhupada disciples here in New Dwaraka have been giving advice but when I face this challenge I can't remember any of their teachings. Another guilty thing I have with that.
So I am beginning to wonder if my mind will ever listen to Krsna or His devotees that instruct me? Today devotees were asking me to bless them but at this stage I am in NO position to give blessings. If anything I need theirs! They have been in this movement longer than I have. I've only been in this movement for four and a half years nearly five. It is a learning experience, and I have always been very slow at learning things, I might have some kind of learning disability without evenknowing it. I try to fight that too. I've been associating with Om Kara Devi Dasi Mataji and Jaga Mataji,and Tadit Mataji. They have been a great help to me and Svavas Prabhu too. While not having Maharaj's direct association they have been encouraging me when I need it like he has. I try to remember what Maharaj said about always having problems and finding solutions. At times though when I am in anxiety it is hard to remember them.
I should inquire to Maharaj again and if I speak to Svavas Prabhu about how to get rid of these anxiety feelings that I have about service and focuse more on Krsna. It isn't fair Im suffering from anxiety like this. I'd rather have anxiety for Krsna not about how my service should be done for Him.
But the main question is when will I actually listen to Krsna????????
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Developing A Passion For Bike Riding
Okay I confess. Im a cyclist or bike rider another words. I don't think Im much of a walker like my guru Maharaj is. I like walking sure, but somehow or other I feel that I am using my bike more than I am walking.
Last Tuesday I went on an hour and a half bike ride. I rode from Venice BLVD to La Cienaga, then to Pico BLVD, to Overland Avnue and back to Venice. I discovered that most of the streets around here are all connected to each other so I did a HUGE around the block bike trail. Pico BLVD took me the longest however to get to Overland Avenue. But that was okay. It was a nice day and enjoyed the breeze.
Today I rode my bike past the freeway to get to the library on Venice. There is one on Inglewood Avenue in Mar Vista Suburb. My computer isn't working and is being fixed so I came to the library to use the computer. I have missed going to the library.
Anyways I don't know where this passion of mine for bike riding came from all of a sudden. I go out on my bike when I can sometimes after service Im so tired I don't go out but when I feel energized I hop on my bike and go for a spin.
But deep in my heart I wish I could be like my guru maharaj with his walking. I like to walk but I start hurting after an hour of walking. Bike riding I could go for two hours without hurting.
However on my guru Maharaj's blog post awhile back I read that he approves of Cyclists or bike riders. It is because you can see the person and they are getting good exercise. So I am happy Maharaj approves of bike riding.
If and when I go back to Toronto maybe I can save up for a bike to ride around Toronto. Walmart is pretty good with prices on bikes. I wish I could take my grandpa's old bike with me to Toronto but I can't. So I am trying to use it now as much as possible before heading back to Toronto.
Last Tuesday I went on an hour and a half bike ride. I rode from Venice BLVD to La Cienaga, then to Pico BLVD, to Overland Avnue and back to Venice. I discovered that most of the streets around here are all connected to each other so I did a HUGE around the block bike trail. Pico BLVD took me the longest however to get to Overland Avenue. But that was okay. It was a nice day and enjoyed the breeze.
Today I rode my bike past the freeway to get to the library on Venice. There is one on Inglewood Avenue in Mar Vista Suburb. My computer isn't working and is being fixed so I came to the library to use the computer. I have missed going to the library.
Anyways I don't know where this passion of mine for bike riding came from all of a sudden. I go out on my bike when I can sometimes after service Im so tired I don't go out but when I feel energized I hop on my bike and go for a spin.
But deep in my heart I wish I could be like my guru maharaj with his walking. I like to walk but I start hurting after an hour of walking. Bike riding I could go for two hours without hurting.
However on my guru Maharaj's blog post awhile back I read that he approves of Cyclists or bike riders. It is because you can see the person and they are getting good exercise. So I am happy Maharaj approves of bike riding.
If and when I go back to Toronto maybe I can save up for a bike to ride around Toronto. Walmart is pretty good with prices on bikes. I wish I could take my grandpa's old bike with me to Toronto but I can't. So I am trying to use it now as much as possible before heading back to Toronto.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Lord Jagannatha's Mercy
Lord Jagannatha had been extremely kind and merciful to me. He is allowing me to make more flower garlands for Him. Today I had to make three sets of garlands for Him. They took me about 2 hours to do. I make the small Lord Jagannatha garlands that They wear during Mangal Aarti and today I made the big Lord Jagannatha Deities' garlands for tomorrow.
I am such a fallen soul, and yet He is still being so merciful. It is a great priveledge and honor to do this service for Lord Jagannatha. Any service to the Lord should be gladly accepted. When I told my guru Maharaj that i was making Lord Jagannatha flower garlands he was very much pleased. So I am very happy to be able to render some service to Lord Jagannatha.
When they dress Lord Jagannatha here in New Dwaraka sometimes they have Lord Balaram have His plow and club with Him. I always like seeing Him with His transcendental weapons. Lady Subadra also looks very beautiful when the pujaris put flowers around Her head or sparkly jewels. And Lord Jagannatha Himself of course is always beautiful because of His blackish complexion. These Lord Jagannatha Deities here are very big and whenever I look at Lord Jagannatha I can actually feel Him looking right through my very heart and soul. Tonight as I looked at Lord Balaram, I felt Him smiling at me. He knows that I have somewhat of an attachement to Him. I love Lord Balaram. He's awesome. :)
I've been wanting my own set of Lord Jagannatha Deities. They sell them here in the local gift shop for $30.00 but I have to save up a bit and get them outfits too. I hope They will be merciful and allow me to have Them. I currently have a Lord Nrsimahadeva deity and Gaura Nitai Deities. I may have my own Deities but I do not neglect the big Deities in the temple. They are so beautiful to look at and I often go to as many Aartis as possible.
So I am feeling myself becoming attached to Lord Jagannatha because of His loving mercy. After all He is the Lord of the Universe.
I am such a fallen soul, and yet He is still being so merciful. It is a great priveledge and honor to do this service for Lord Jagannatha. Any service to the Lord should be gladly accepted. When I told my guru Maharaj that i was making Lord Jagannatha flower garlands he was very much pleased. So I am very happy to be able to render some service to Lord Jagannatha.
When they dress Lord Jagannatha here in New Dwaraka sometimes they have Lord Balaram have His plow and club with Him. I always like seeing Him with His transcendental weapons. Lady Subadra also looks very beautiful when the pujaris put flowers around Her head or sparkly jewels. And Lord Jagannatha Himself of course is always beautiful because of His blackish complexion. These Lord Jagannatha Deities here are very big and whenever I look at Lord Jagannatha I can actually feel Him looking right through my very heart and soul. Tonight as I looked at Lord Balaram, I felt Him smiling at me. He knows that I have somewhat of an attachement to Him. I love Lord Balaram. He's awesome. :)
I've been wanting my own set of Lord Jagannatha Deities. They sell them here in the local gift shop for $30.00 but I have to save up a bit and get them outfits too. I hope They will be merciful and allow me to have Them. I currently have a Lord Nrsimahadeva deity and Gaura Nitai Deities. I may have my own Deities but I do not neglect the big Deities in the temple. They are so beautiful to look at and I often go to as many Aartis as possible.
So I am feeling myself becoming attached to Lord Jagannatha because of His loving mercy. After all He is the Lord of the Universe.
Lord Krsna Pacified Me This Morning
Here is another realization in Krsna Conciousness. Last night I came across a nasty post on one of Iskcon's websites that have a list of gurus. However I was FURIOUS at the one post. I will not discuss it in detail because I will just go ranting on and on. If you really want to know the details of this post please email me simplyshadygirl@yahoo.com and I will discuss it with you in an email. It was extremely offensive and I want this particular website I found shut down forever. There is always one person who has to ruin things for everybody. The internet is just bad news now a days. No one posts anything positive anymore. They only want negativity just to get attention. Doesn't anyone want to believe in saying something nice or positive about someone anymore? Why must everyone have something negative to say about someone ESPECIALLY if they do not even know the person and just speculate about them.
But this morning I was still FUMING over the post. I felt like Lord Nrsimahadeva wanting to rip something apart total anger. This post I had found on that website was a MAJOR offense agains a dear most exalted devotee that I know very well, and that I am very close with. And I just blew up early this morning and left my angry comment on that particular post. I had lost my temper big time. I was still fuming over this post during the second part of the morning program and before breakfast. I almost didn't go to breakfast and I almost had decided not to go to harinam because I was so upset about that post on that website that made me so angry. Im still sort of not in any mood to do anything because of that post.
However something told me to go to breakfast this morning. It was Krsna Himself. He had sent this very nice mataji named Bhaktin Peggy. She gave me a small white envelope and said there were photos of my dearest guru Maharaj in them. I had then felt my heart soften immediately and I felt pacified by Lord Krsna. I gave Bhaktin Peggy a hug and thanked her for the photos and that it really meant a lot to me. I feel it was Lord Krsna reciprocating with me because He knew how angry I was over the internet post about His exalted devotee.
But this morning I was still FUMING over the post. I felt like Lord Nrsimahadeva wanting to rip something apart total anger. This post I had found on that website was a MAJOR offense agains a dear most exalted devotee that I know very well, and that I am very close with. And I just blew up early this morning and left my angry comment on that particular post. I had lost my temper big time. I was still fuming over this post during the second part of the morning program and before breakfast. I almost didn't go to breakfast and I almost had decided not to go to harinam because I was so upset about that post on that website that made me so angry. Im still sort of not in any mood to do anything because of that post.
However something told me to go to breakfast this morning. It was Krsna Himself. He had sent this very nice mataji named Bhaktin Peggy. She gave me a small white envelope and said there were photos of my dearest guru Maharaj in them. I had then felt my heart soften immediately and I felt pacified by Lord Krsna. I gave Bhaktin Peggy a hug and thanked her for the photos and that it really meant a lot to me. I feel it was Lord Krsna reciprocating with me because He knew how angry I was over the internet post about His exalted devotee.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Tulasi Devi Seminar Class Soon
Today I had several devotees asking me to teach them how to care for Tulasi. Im happy to hear that these devotees here in LA are anxious to learn how to care for Tulasi Devi properly. I am willing to give the class. If I do give the class it would be my first time ever giving a class. I never gave a class before in my life. And now Tulasi Maharani by her mercy is allowing me to do this opportunity to teach others about her.
I have to talk to the temple president Svavas and see if he would let me do the class. I also emailed my guru Maharaj for his blessings on teaching others about Tulasi.
There is a lot of information one must know before taking care of their own Tulasi plant. The first and foremost rule for caring for Tulasi is that you CANNOT think of Tulasi as an ordinary plant, she is a PERSON, a pure devotee of the Lord.
I've had several experiences with Tulasi to where she let me know she's a person. I often feel her "Talking" to me. I've even had dreams of seeing her and communicating with Tulasi. My guru Maharaj says that dreams of Tulasi are very real and should be cherished. He also told me that since I had dreams of Tulasi, he said that I had her blessings and that she is very pleased. I do the best I can to serve Tulasi Maharani. She's given me so many realizations. Maharaj also told me awhile back in an old email that Tulasi will help me stay anchored in Krsna Conciousness and to continue serving her. So I took those instructions to heart and now I am extremely attached to Tulasi, Lord Krsna's pure devotee. I am still aspiring to be her maidservant. I love serving her so much. Being attached to Tulasi is my guru Maharaj's mercy. The credit goes to him.
So we will see about the Tulasi Seminar class. Many devotees told me that they would attend the seminar and I was quite surprised by the number of devotees who said they'd come if I gave the class. Let's see what Krsna arranges. And if it goes well I'd love to get the same seminar about Tulasi to others in Toronto that might be interested there.
I have to talk to the temple president Svavas and see if he would let me do the class. I also emailed my guru Maharaj for his blessings on teaching others about Tulasi.
There is a lot of information one must know before taking care of their own Tulasi plant. The first and foremost rule for caring for Tulasi is that you CANNOT think of Tulasi as an ordinary plant, she is a PERSON, a pure devotee of the Lord.
I've had several experiences with Tulasi to where she let me know she's a person. I often feel her "Talking" to me. I've even had dreams of seeing her and communicating with Tulasi. My guru Maharaj says that dreams of Tulasi are very real and should be cherished. He also told me that since I had dreams of Tulasi, he said that I had her blessings and that she is very pleased. I do the best I can to serve Tulasi Maharani. She's given me so many realizations. Maharaj also told me awhile back in an old email that Tulasi will help me stay anchored in Krsna Conciousness and to continue serving her. So I took those instructions to heart and now I am extremely attached to Tulasi, Lord Krsna's pure devotee. I am still aspiring to be her maidservant. I love serving her so much. Being attached to Tulasi is my guru Maharaj's mercy. The credit goes to him.
So we will see about the Tulasi Seminar class. Many devotees told me that they would attend the seminar and I was quite surprised by the number of devotees who said they'd come if I gave the class. Let's see what Krsna arranges. And if it goes well I'd love to get the same seminar about Tulasi to others in Toronto that might be interested there.
Bicycles Approved/Motor Cars Disapproved
Wow I just read my guru Maharaj's blog. He's really against motorists. He prefers to walk everywhere that he possibly can. I admire him for that. I wish I had a tiny drop of nectar of his passion for walking. He's at least saving our environment's resources. People are wasting our oil to keep the cars running. People now a days use cars way too much for unnecessary things. They just use it to sight see or use it to satisfy their senses.
What made me happy about his blog post was that Maharaj approves of people using bicycles. Which is a good thing in my case because bike riding is easier for me than walking. So I am happy that he approves of that. So if I am not up to walking I can at least ride my bike around town. Bike riding is easier for my back as well and helps the sciatic nerve pain to go away. The sciatic nerve is located right by the lower back into the hip and goes all the way down to the toes. So using the bike to exercise the nerve helps the muscles get stronger to ease off the pain. I've always liked bike riding since I was very young. Maybe that is where my passion lies for exercise, bike riding. Maybe when I return to Toronto I can save up and buy a bike from Walmart or something so that I can get exercise in. Don't get me wrong I like to walk but for some reason I get tired out from walking quicker than I do bike riding and I have no idea why. Maybe because I am sitting on the bike and just using my legs and not my whole entire body like walking requires.
Maharaj approves of bicycles because he agrees that it's good exercise for our legs and also we can see the person. In cars you cannot see the people much. He's got a very good point on that one. Cars pollute the air anyway from the exhaust pipes. Buses do the same. I only use the bus once in awhile because bus rides can get expensive after awhile.
So maybe this week I will ride my bike to the beach and back agian. I did it before and I didn't feel that tired from doing that. It was actually refreshing.
What made me happy about his blog post was that Maharaj approves of people using bicycles. Which is a good thing in my case because bike riding is easier for me than walking. So I am happy that he approves of that. So if I am not up to walking I can at least ride my bike around town. Bike riding is easier for my back as well and helps the sciatic nerve pain to go away. The sciatic nerve is located right by the lower back into the hip and goes all the way down to the toes. So using the bike to exercise the nerve helps the muscles get stronger to ease off the pain. I've always liked bike riding since I was very young. Maybe that is where my passion lies for exercise, bike riding. Maybe when I return to Toronto I can save up and buy a bike from Walmart or something so that I can get exercise in. Don't get me wrong I like to walk but for some reason I get tired out from walking quicker than I do bike riding and I have no idea why. Maybe because I am sitting on the bike and just using my legs and not my whole entire body like walking requires.
Maharaj approves of bicycles because he agrees that it's good exercise for our legs and also we can see the person. In cars you cannot see the people much. He's got a very good point on that one. Cars pollute the air anyway from the exhaust pipes. Buses do the same. I only use the bus once in awhile because bus rides can get expensive after awhile.
So maybe this week I will ride my bike to the beach and back agian. I did it before and I didn't feel that tired from doing that. It was actually refreshing.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Respecting Vaisnavas
Today was a lesson well learned. In the material world, we are conditioned soul and are bound to make mistakes and commit many offenses. We must also learn to be tolerant in difficult sitauations.
Krishna warns us that offending a Vaisnava is a greater offense than committing an offense against Him. If we commit an offense against a Vaisnava we must go up to that Vaisnava and beg forgiveness. We cannot ask Krsna for forgiveness it has to be through His devotee first, and if that Vaisnava forgives then Krsna forgives.
In the past I have committed many offenses. My biggest downfall is not thinking before I speak but now a days I have gotten a bit better with that over the past year. I am also learning to be a bit more tolerant myself which is another downfall I have. But I feel Krishna is helping me get stronger in these two problems I have. I know He will test me in the near future with tolerance, and thinking before I speak.
Facebook is another bad example because people post things that offend others. This is why I am hesitatant about bringing back my facebook page. I certainly do not want to commit an offense against a Vaisnava. However several devotees want me to bring it back but I won't bring it back unless I have my guru Maharaj's permission. I don't like doing things without having his consent or permission.
This post is to help others to avoid committing offenses against Vaisnavas. If we committ offenses against Vaisnavas without apologizing to them, then our spiritual life becomes spoiled and we cannot advance. We will fall down from the spiritual platform.
So my helpful advice to others is watch what you say to others who are engaged in the Lord's service, if you bump into them physically touch their shoulder with your right hand, and touch your forhead and apologize to them, try not to interuppt them during japa time or Bhagavatam class, do not do another Vaisnava's service unless they ask for your help or you ask them permission to help them with their service. Be humble and meek even if someone offends you or if the offense is too strong simply walk away from them.
We must avoid blashemy against Vaisnavas as well and also avoid fault finding. The one I have gone through the most was "fault finding."
We must respect Vaisnavas, because they are purely serving the Lotus Feet of the Lord and they want to help others serve Him as well. They can fullfill the desires of everyone if treated with honor and respect.
Krishna warns us that offending a Vaisnava is a greater offense than committing an offense against Him. If we commit an offense against a Vaisnava we must go up to that Vaisnava and beg forgiveness. We cannot ask Krsna for forgiveness it has to be through His devotee first, and if that Vaisnava forgives then Krsna forgives.
In the past I have committed many offenses. My biggest downfall is not thinking before I speak but now a days I have gotten a bit better with that over the past year. I am also learning to be a bit more tolerant myself which is another downfall I have. But I feel Krishna is helping me get stronger in these two problems I have. I know He will test me in the near future with tolerance, and thinking before I speak.
Facebook is another bad example because people post things that offend others. This is why I am hesitatant about bringing back my facebook page. I certainly do not want to commit an offense against a Vaisnava. However several devotees want me to bring it back but I won't bring it back unless I have my guru Maharaj's permission. I don't like doing things without having his consent or permission.
This post is to help others to avoid committing offenses against Vaisnavas. If we committ offenses against Vaisnavas without apologizing to them, then our spiritual life becomes spoiled and we cannot advance. We will fall down from the spiritual platform.
So my helpful advice to others is watch what you say to others who are engaged in the Lord's service, if you bump into them physically touch their shoulder with your right hand, and touch your forhead and apologize to them, try not to interuppt them during japa time or Bhagavatam class, do not do another Vaisnava's service unless they ask for your help or you ask them permission to help them with their service. Be humble and meek even if someone offends you or if the offense is too strong simply walk away from them.
We must avoid blashemy against Vaisnavas as well and also avoid fault finding. The one I have gone through the most was "fault finding."
We must respect Vaisnavas, because they are purely serving the Lotus Feet of the Lord and they want to help others serve Him as well. They can fullfill the desires of everyone if treated with honor and respect.
Friday, March 16, 2012
My Two New Baby Tulasis 3-16-2012
Well it happened again. I found two more baby Tulasis underneath the soil. Im so happy she is starting to grow now. I guess mid march and April are the best times to plant her as the weather does get warmer. My room alone is pretty warm over 70 degrees I think and plus I have a grow light for her that seems to be workign well enough.
My first born baby tulasi has survived two days so far and she is getting ready to grow her first set of leaves. The other two have a couple more days to go yet, and their leaves are not yet open. I am anxious to see how beautiful she will grow.
Archarya prabhu says he wants a Tulasi that has already grown so maybe if these new ones survive I can give him one but he must promise to take special care of her. i am very picky on who I trust people with Tulasi. I am very protective of Tulasi and I do not tolerate any type of offenses that one makes to her. She is very dear to me too like she is very dear to Krsna.
My first born baby tulasi has survived two days so far and she is getting ready to grow her first set of leaves. The other two have a couple more days to go yet, and their leaves are not yet open. I am anxious to see how beautiful she will grow.
Archarya prabhu says he wants a Tulasi that has already grown so maybe if these new ones survive I can give him one but he must promise to take special care of her. i am very picky on who I trust people with Tulasi. I am very protective of Tulasi and I do not tolerate any type of offenses that one makes to her. She is very dear to me too like she is very dear to Krsna.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
My New Baby Tulasi's Appearace 3-14-2012
Yesterday afternoon, something told me to check my small red clay pot. Sure enough underneath the soil, I found her. She had just sprouted. She is so tiny now. I found her around 1:45pm yesterday afternoon. I was almost in tears of happiness because she had finally and mercifully appeared. She must have heard me reading the Krsna Book to her and chanting to her as well. Even though she is only a seed when one plants her, if you read and chant to her she can still hear you. Tulasi's seed is none different from her. She has prooven this to me yesterday that she does hear one's service to her.
So after she appeared I immediately offered my obeisances to her and wrote her a little note welcoming her and encouraging her to grow. Yesterday there was Venice Beach harinam. I almost did not go to it as I was too scared to leave my baby Tulasi alone because she's so fragil. So I prayed to her asking her if it's okay for me to go to harinam for a few hours and asked her if she'd be okay while Im away for a few hours. I felt her say "yes" to me. Tulasi "talks" to me in her own way, not physically of course but in my heart I can feel her what she is trying to say to me. She is NOT an ordinary plant. She is a pure devotee of Krsna, a person. If one has enough love and devotion for Tulasi, she to will reveal herself to you. I am unqualified to be taking care of her but apparently she is accepting the services I am giving to her.
I have to start getting some Aarti pharaphenila for her when she gets a little bigger. Right now she is very tiny and not ready for Aarti yet. So in the mean time I will just chant to her and read her the Krsna book like I normally do. But when she gets bigger I will be doing Aarti for her twice a day which should be done if you have your own Tulasi.
I hope and pray that my baby tulasi will continue to grow this week. I have a special light for her in my room since I don't get much sunlight in my room and my room does get pretty warm in here so she seems to be doing well so far with that.
All glories to Tulasi Maharani!
So after she appeared I immediately offered my obeisances to her and wrote her a little note welcoming her and encouraging her to grow. Yesterday there was Venice Beach harinam. I almost did not go to it as I was too scared to leave my baby Tulasi alone because she's so fragil. So I prayed to her asking her if it's okay for me to go to harinam for a few hours and asked her if she'd be okay while Im away for a few hours. I felt her say "yes" to me. Tulasi "talks" to me in her own way, not physically of course but in my heart I can feel her what she is trying to say to me. She is NOT an ordinary plant. She is a pure devotee of Krsna, a person. If one has enough love and devotion for Tulasi, she to will reveal herself to you. I am unqualified to be taking care of her but apparently she is accepting the services I am giving to her.
I have to start getting some Aarti pharaphenila for her when she gets a little bigger. Right now she is very tiny and not ready for Aarti yet. So in the mean time I will just chant to her and read her the Krsna book like I normally do. But when she gets bigger I will be doing Aarti for her twice a day which should be done if you have your own Tulasi.
I hope and pray that my baby tulasi will continue to grow this week. I have a special light for her in my room since I don't get much sunlight in my room and my room does get pretty warm in here so she seems to be doing well so far with that.
All glories to Tulasi Maharani!
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Japa Walk LA Style From Watseka Ave To Overland Ave/Maharaj's Mercy For Walking
Let's see if I have everything: Sunglasses:check Suntan Lotion:check Sunhat:check Bottled water:Check Backpack:check 70 degree weather and sunny:check
LOL just kidding I really didn't have all of what I listed above except for sunglasses at least and sunny weather.
For the past two days or so I've been trying to do brief japa walks. My back has actually been better. It hasn't been hurting much only if it gets really cold here or if it rains. The warm weather here is actually good for my back.
So I made a limit for myself for a little walking as I know it would please my guru Maharaj. Maharaj says if we don't get out some and do a little walking we're in maya. I was unable to go with Maharaj on japa walks due to severe back pain but now that my back has been better even without seeing a doctor, I think I can handle it again as long as I don't strain myself or lift anything heavy. Hopefully if I return to Toronto I'll be able to go with him again on japa walks. The brief trail I've made for myself is to walk from Watseka Avenue all the way to Overland Avenue. That takes me almost a half hour. I don't walk fast however because i don't want to tire myself out too quickly.
The first day I did this walk it did take me a little over a half an hour. By the time I got back I did feel very sore and exhausted. The second day though was better and I didn't feel as tired. Today I want to walk a little farther but today there is harinam at 4:15pm and I may not have enough time to squeeze it in and also Nirantara Prabhu is giving class tonight. I often wonder how Maharaj fits walking into his very busy schedule. I know he sometimes goes out walking very early in the morning around 2am or sometimes even earlier than that midnight. I can't do that however because I am a woman and I am unable to protect myself from strangers that might be lurking. However Maharaj can protect himself and he is a man so he can handle walks like that at those hours but i still worry about his safety when he walks at those early hours because he is by himself and if there is an emergency nobody would be around to help him which means he relies on Krishna to help him. He's braver than me.
However I cannot imitate my guru Maharaj with his walking adventures but I can at least follow in his footsteps by doing a little walking. I relish Maharaj's walking adventures that he posts on his blog and I admire him for his achievements with it. I hope I can be like him one day with getting better at doing longer walks not around the world like him of course but here near by the temple I wish to at least try going on longer walks if I can for a change without being in pain with my back. I think I need his blessings for walking again Im going to email him about it. Maybe he has some good trails I can take around here if he remembers them.
LOL just kidding I really didn't have all of what I listed above except for sunglasses at least and sunny weather.
For the past two days or so I've been trying to do brief japa walks. My back has actually been better. It hasn't been hurting much only if it gets really cold here or if it rains. The warm weather here is actually good for my back.
So I made a limit for myself for a little walking as I know it would please my guru Maharaj. Maharaj says if we don't get out some and do a little walking we're in maya. I was unable to go with Maharaj on japa walks due to severe back pain but now that my back has been better even without seeing a doctor, I think I can handle it again as long as I don't strain myself or lift anything heavy. Hopefully if I return to Toronto I'll be able to go with him again on japa walks. The brief trail I've made for myself is to walk from Watseka Avenue all the way to Overland Avenue. That takes me almost a half hour. I don't walk fast however because i don't want to tire myself out too quickly.
The first day I did this walk it did take me a little over a half an hour. By the time I got back I did feel very sore and exhausted. The second day though was better and I didn't feel as tired. Today I want to walk a little farther but today there is harinam at 4:15pm and I may not have enough time to squeeze it in and also Nirantara Prabhu is giving class tonight. I often wonder how Maharaj fits walking into his very busy schedule. I know he sometimes goes out walking very early in the morning around 2am or sometimes even earlier than that midnight. I can't do that however because I am a woman and I am unable to protect myself from strangers that might be lurking. However Maharaj can protect himself and he is a man so he can handle walks like that at those hours but i still worry about his safety when he walks at those early hours because he is by himself and if there is an emergency nobody would be around to help him which means he relies on Krishna to help him. He's braver than me.
However I cannot imitate my guru Maharaj with his walking adventures but I can at least follow in his footsteps by doing a little walking. I relish Maharaj's walking adventures that he posts on his blog and I admire him for his achievements with it. I hope I can be like him one day with getting better at doing longer walks not around the world like him of course but here near by the temple I wish to at least try going on longer walks if I can for a change without being in pain with my back. I think I need his blessings for walking again Im going to email him about it. Maybe he has some good trails I can take around here if he remembers them.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Monday, March 12, 2012
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Monday, March 5, 2012
Lord Sri Krsna's Beauty and Mercy
This morning I felt kind of groggy getting up. I managed to chant half of my rounds before Mangal Aarti and finished the rest after it. I really hate feeling so tired and groggy when I get up. I do get proper sleep. Im in bed by 9pm most of the time and I get up at 3am. It's an up and down feeling with me sometimes when I feel tired in the mornings and other mornings I feel more energized. But I want to feel energized every morning not just sometimes.
I went to Mangal Aarti this morning like I do every morning. The Deities were wearing a pretty red night outfit. Krsna Himself looked beautiful as usual. He becomes more and more beautiful every time I look at Him. At times when I see Him I feel like I can't move because I am stunned by His beauty. At the Deity Greeting from a distance I could see His beautiful smile as I know He is happy to see His devotees greeting Him first thing in the morning. I had to wait ten minutes to get pictures of the Deities. I need to have a clear view to do that. I have the pictures up already they are in my previous post here on my blog wearing the green and gold outfit.
Today's class was about Mahavendra Puri who was a great devotee of the Lord. There was a funny story about his Deity Gopal that Gopal had stolen the sweet rice. I thought that was pretty funny. That remind me of my favorite Deities of Sri Sri Radha Ksiracora Gopinatha in Toronto. Ksiracora also means to steal sweet rice. When I was listening to the class in the pujari room I was making flower garlands for the small Lord Jagannatha Deities and also washing the Deity plates. As I was washing the last of the Deities' plates i noticed there was a piece of maha pear stuck to the plate. What mercy I thought. I don't deserve it. But I guess the Deities wanted me to have it so They saved it for me by having it left stuck to Their plate. I am not sure which Deities' plate it was from but I felt it was Krsna Himself feeding me a little piece of His remnants. That was pure nectar.
After class was over I wanted to see Krsna again. I stood there looking at Him for about five minutes. I was up close to the altar. I was just relishing His beauty and smile. I hope I can make it for the 12 noon Aarti today to see Krsna again otherwise I'll have to wait until later this afternoon to see Him again.
Somehow or other as much as I want to return to Toronto to my favorite Deities, it seems as if Sri Sri Rukmini Dwarkadish want me to stay in their temple. But I cannot speculate on that. I just have to wait and see where I will go this summer. Krsna knows my desires but Prabhupada instructed us to fullfill Krsna's desire by serving Him with love and dovotion.
I went to Mangal Aarti this morning like I do every morning. The Deities were wearing a pretty red night outfit. Krsna Himself looked beautiful as usual. He becomes more and more beautiful every time I look at Him. At times when I see Him I feel like I can't move because I am stunned by His beauty. At the Deity Greeting from a distance I could see His beautiful smile as I know He is happy to see His devotees greeting Him first thing in the morning. I had to wait ten minutes to get pictures of the Deities. I need to have a clear view to do that. I have the pictures up already they are in my previous post here on my blog wearing the green and gold outfit.
Today's class was about Mahavendra Puri who was a great devotee of the Lord. There was a funny story about his Deity Gopal that Gopal had stolen the sweet rice. I thought that was pretty funny. That remind me of my favorite Deities of Sri Sri Radha Ksiracora Gopinatha in Toronto. Ksiracora also means to steal sweet rice. When I was listening to the class in the pujari room I was making flower garlands for the small Lord Jagannatha Deities and also washing the Deity plates. As I was washing the last of the Deities' plates i noticed there was a piece of maha pear stuck to the plate. What mercy I thought. I don't deserve it. But I guess the Deities wanted me to have it so They saved it for me by having it left stuck to Their plate. I am not sure which Deities' plate it was from but I felt it was Krsna Himself feeding me a little piece of His remnants. That was pure nectar.
After class was over I wanted to see Krsna again. I stood there looking at Him for about five minutes. I was up close to the altar. I was just relishing His beauty and smile. I hope I can make it for the 12 noon Aarti today to see Krsna again otherwise I'll have to wait until later this afternoon to see Him again.
Somehow or other as much as I want to return to Toronto to my favorite Deities, it seems as if Sri Sri Rukmini Dwarkadish want me to stay in their temple. But I cannot speculate on that. I just have to wait and see where I will go this summer. Krsna knows my desires but Prabhupada instructed us to fullfill Krsna's desire by serving Him with love and dovotion.
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