I must say that quote that my guru Maharaj had on his blog post "You need some inspiration, go for a walk" really hit the nail on the head for me. I went on TWO japa walks today.
I walked up with Mandakini to her house and then I walked back which was quite a bit of a distance but I enjoyed it anyway. Then I made that stop at the palace of gold and walked aroudn there and back to the temple again. It was a good day to be outside. Guests were around visiting and also out and about walking around.
Then I took an evening japa walk after I finished serving Tulasi. The evening was very beautiful. The sun setting was pretty. I liked seeing the sunlight through the trees as it was setting. I finished the last of my rounds i only had about two.
As I walked around the pond in the evening there were still many guests around. And then toward the end of my walk I noticed all the animals were coming out. Maybe I should take my walks in the evening because I could see some wildlife around. I saw the peacocks. There were three peacocks who had all their feathers up which was very pretty. The female peacocks were waddling around too. Then I saw some Canadian Geese, and regular ducks, and I saw two deer past the peacock cage by the cabins from a distance. And then on my last time around I stood to watch the swans again. They were primming themselves and then the mother swan led the way into the pond with their four baby swans following in single file behind their mother and the father brought up the rear. It was so cute to see them in a single file line with the parents carefully guarding their childeren. Nice to see a family spending quality time together. Something I never really had as a child with my own parents since they had divorced. So I do admire these swans as the perfect family.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
George Harrison Found His Way Back Into My Life Again
Well this was interesting today. As I had done my walk around the Palace of Gold I stopped in the Palace Gift shop and browsed through the CDs and found one CD of George there. Looks like George found his way back into my life again. I have not heard his music in such a long while. Maybe that was why I was feeling grouchy these last few days...lack of George's music LOL. I had found a couple pics of George I had in my bag and brought those out too to chase the grouchiness away. it helped.
I've been a fan of George's since I was 13 and Im still nuts for him. In the past so called friends have said "oh you'll get tired of him or get burned out." And have I? NO! The reason why I havent heard George's music in awhile is due to being busy with devotional service, but now I can find time to squeeze into listening to his songs again while Im doing service. That will lighten my mood up a bit. After all George brought me to Krishna and he even helped me to find a special guru Maharaj to continue my spirituality with. I believe this was why George kept appearing in my dreams alot. He wanted me to continue on with spirituality. Im sure he saw how curious I was and all and just wanted to help me grow more. And he was successful with it and he still will be for the rest of my life. My guru Maharaj said that George is like a guru to me, and he had instructed me not to put George away or give up on him because of that reason.
I know George must be happy with the progress I've made during this past year. I felt his presence at my initiation through my heart since they say that a guru is always with you in your heart. So I felt that George was there with a big smile on his face while my guru Maharaj was talking about him through out my whole initiation ceremony. And my guru Maharaj is such a genius naming not only after Krishna but George too LOL!Well that makes me feel closer to both Krishna and George. Thank you Maharaj! Another good excuse to continue loving George. Everything else with karmi music wise I can give up on. But George is a DEVOTEE, so I can continue loving him and his music for the rest of my life if I want. :)
Thank you George for turning my life around and waking up my spirituality for Krishna. Haribol!
Guru Maharaj Knows Best
Many of you know that old saying "Mother knows best" or "Doctor knows best" But in my case most recently..."Guru Maharaj Knows Best."
I was just reading today in my guru Maharaj's blog that he had told one of the monks in Toronto, "You need some inspiration, go for a walk." Apparently my guru Maharaj read my mind yet again through his blog post without even having to tell me in person. Krishna really did pick out the right guru for me as I keep having so many realizations with my guru. The last blog post if I can remember correctly he had read my mind something about shyness and getting over it. He just knows me too well. He knows Im shy, I worry a lot, and knows when I need to get out and do some walking.
Its amazing how life changes when you are aspiring for a bona fide guru or after you take initiation from one. I read recently in a book by Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura, that all bona fide spiritual masters are sent by Lord Krishna from Vaikuntha to come here to teach people to awaken their spiritual conciousness. I guess that goes for me too. So this could mean that that is why my guru Maharaj already knows so much about me without even asking anything about me. Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura also said that Lord Krishna incarnates Himself in the heart to of the spiritual master since the spiritual master is preaching Krishna's message. That is another reason why I believe my guru Maharaj knows a lot about me. So Lord Krishna is present in the spiritual master.
So I did go out on a walk today up to Mandakini's house and then back which took a good half hour. I walked around the Palace of Gold and then back to the temple. So I got my walk in for the day. :) It was pretty hot outside but I did my best to ignore the heat. At least it was still pretty out with the sun being out for a change. It's supposed to rain again a lot next week hopefully not all day to squeeze in a walk.
I was just reading today in my guru Maharaj's blog that he had told one of the monks in Toronto, "You need some inspiration, go for a walk." Apparently my guru Maharaj read my mind yet again through his blog post without even having to tell me in person. Krishna really did pick out the right guru for me as I keep having so many realizations with my guru. The last blog post if I can remember correctly he had read my mind something about shyness and getting over it. He just knows me too well. He knows Im shy, I worry a lot, and knows when I need to get out and do some walking.
Its amazing how life changes when you are aspiring for a bona fide guru or after you take initiation from one. I read recently in a book by Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura, that all bona fide spiritual masters are sent by Lord Krishna from Vaikuntha to come here to teach people to awaken their spiritual conciousness. I guess that goes for me too. So this could mean that that is why my guru Maharaj already knows so much about me without even asking anything about me. Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura also said that Lord Krishna incarnates Himself in the heart to of the spiritual master since the spiritual master is preaching Krishna's message. That is another reason why I believe my guru Maharaj knows a lot about me. So Lord Krishna is present in the spiritual master.
So I did go out on a walk today up to Mandakini's house and then back which took a good half hour. I walked around the Palace of Gold and then back to the temple. So I got my walk in for the day. :) It was pretty hot outside but I did my best to ignore the heat. At least it was still pretty out with the sun being out for a change. It's supposed to rain again a lot next week hopefully not all day to squeeze in a walk.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Watch Your Step!
Today it was finally nice enough to go outside for a walk since it STILL continued to rain after the Festival of Inspiration. I went for a walk after lunch. i would have gone out before lunch but I was feeling a little too dizzy and my back was hurting me again so I waited until after lunch and i felt better to go out on a walk.
I only went for a short walk. It was sunny with clouds. The sun was going in and out of the clouds. And there was a nice breeze in the air. It was a bit humid too but not too bad. I decided to walk around the pond a few times since I now know that my guru Maharaj walked around it. It was easier to feel his presence there now walking that same path he did. I had finished the last five of my rounds on the walk.
As I was walking one of the matajis that I know lives here (I forgot her name) noticed me walking and she said "Taking a walk like your guru Maharaj instructed you to?" she asked
"Yes,"I said. "Sometime I can almost 'see' my guru Maharaj walking in front of me while Im on the walk."
I walked around about five or six times. The peacocks were out all over the place. A few of the male peacocks had all their feathers up. They are very pretty birds. Then by the cabins, I had to watch my step. I saw a catepillar crawling on the ground, and as I continued past the cabins, I saw even MORE catepillars on the ground. I bent down to pick one up gently to hold it. They sure are fuzzy little creatures. I put it gently back on the ground. I noticed along the way that there were some that were squished. Poor little things. They must have gotten run over by a car more than likely. Ants were also on the ground and I saw a centipede as well later on, and then a spider run past. Lots of living entities today I saw on the ground, even worm or two. Bugs like that like cool and moist places.
On my last time around I stopped by the pond to watch the swans for about ten or fifteen minutes. The baby swans were still all there. There are four of them. They are the cutest little things I've ever seen. They are learning to swim and feed themselves along with their parents who are carefully guarding them. I've always liked to watch animals as they are amazing creatures and why people would want to kill animals is beyond me.
But anyways it had been a peaceful day. I did receive a message from my guru Maharaj as well. He still wishes me to return to Toronto and he had instructed me to continue to serve and pray to Tulasi, fix the shoe rack and help Jaya Krishna the temple president in the meant time and also not to worry too much and do my best to be happy. So I am committed to follow his instructions. I know he means well and I know he only wants whats best for me to help me spiritually advance.
I only went for a short walk. It was sunny with clouds. The sun was going in and out of the clouds. And there was a nice breeze in the air. It was a bit humid too but not too bad. I decided to walk around the pond a few times since I now know that my guru Maharaj walked around it. It was easier to feel his presence there now walking that same path he did. I had finished the last five of my rounds on the walk.
As I was walking one of the matajis that I know lives here (I forgot her name) noticed me walking and she said "Taking a walk like your guru Maharaj instructed you to?" she asked
"Yes,"I said. "Sometime I can almost 'see' my guru Maharaj walking in front of me while Im on the walk."
I walked around about five or six times. The peacocks were out all over the place. A few of the male peacocks had all their feathers up. They are very pretty birds. Then by the cabins, I had to watch my step. I saw a catepillar crawling on the ground, and as I continued past the cabins, I saw even MORE catepillars on the ground. I bent down to pick one up gently to hold it. They sure are fuzzy little creatures. I put it gently back on the ground. I noticed along the way that there were some that were squished. Poor little things. They must have gotten run over by a car more than likely. Ants were also on the ground and I saw a centipede as well later on, and then a spider run past. Lots of living entities today I saw on the ground, even worm or two. Bugs like that like cool and moist places.
On my last time around I stopped by the pond to watch the swans for about ten or fifteen minutes. The baby swans were still all there. There are four of them. They are the cutest little things I've ever seen. They are learning to swim and feed themselves along with their parents who are carefully guarding them. I've always liked to watch animals as they are amazing creatures and why people would want to kill animals is beyond me.
But anyways it had been a peaceful day. I did receive a message from my guru Maharaj as well. He still wishes me to return to Toronto and he had instructed me to continue to serve and pray to Tulasi, fix the shoe rack and help Jaya Krishna the temple president in the meant time and also not to worry too much and do my best to be happy. So I am committed to follow his instructions. I know he means well and I know he only wants whats best for me to help me spiritually advance.
Lord Nrsimahadeva's Appearance Day
Wow, I can officially say that Christmas is no longer my favorite holiday like most people out in the world. Lord Nrsimahadeva's Appearance Day is my favorite holiday. He is the half man half lion incarnation of God who came to kill Hiranyakashipu who was a demon that threatened the world and his only young son Prahlad Maharaj.
Devotees had to fast all day until sunset for Lord Nrsimahadeva's Appearance Day. He is the divine protector of devotees. Many devotees have their owns experiences with Lord Nrsimahadeva. I hadn't had any yet. Probably because i am not that purified just yet to experience it. I've had experiences with Tulasi Devi though.
Anyways, there was a fire yajna held for Lord Nrsimahadeva, then in the evening around 6:30pm we had the blessing of Lord Nrsimahadeva to see Him being bathed by brahmanas. That was the most interesting experience I had that evening. The brahmanas then tossed the fruit garlands out to the guests and devotees. I got some raisins from one of the fruit garland and I think I got a grape. Boy those fruits sure were purifying! The Lord Himself wore those fruits. Then at 7:30pm the wait was officially over to see The Lord Himself appear. The temple lights were off, and when the curtain opened there were red and white flashing lights and you can hear Lord Nrsimahadeva's lion roar as if He were really coming out of the pillar to kill Hiranyakashipu. Eveyrone went wild including myself! I was literally screaming for Lord Nrsimahadeva! Then at the end of the kirtan the brahmanas tossed flowers from Lord Nrsimahadeva's garland and also sweets from His Lotus Foot to all the devotees. I caught five or six flowers and gave a few away but I kept three. That was fun catching Lord Nrsimahadeva's flowers in the air LOL! I felt like I was at a concert or something again whent the lights went out and Lord Nrsimahadeva appeared. It was so totally cool! This is why Christmas is no longer my favorite holiday. Lord Nrsimahadeva's Appearance Day is. :D
I cannot wait for Janmashtami now in Toronto! I'll be able to see Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha on that day! I know I'll go wild on that one too! I have to get a front row spot for that one. I may make a poster to hold up to Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha on Janmashtami for Them to read! Boy Im getting ideas already for that. I gotta get some kind of gift for Them on Janmashtami! Im getting excited for that! Haribol!
Devotees had to fast all day until sunset for Lord Nrsimahadeva's Appearance Day. He is the divine protector of devotees. Many devotees have their owns experiences with Lord Nrsimahadeva. I hadn't had any yet. Probably because i am not that purified just yet to experience it. I've had experiences with Tulasi Devi though.
Anyways, there was a fire yajna held for Lord Nrsimahadeva, then in the evening around 6:30pm we had the blessing of Lord Nrsimahadeva to see Him being bathed by brahmanas. That was the most interesting experience I had that evening. The brahmanas then tossed the fruit garlands out to the guests and devotees. I got some raisins from one of the fruit garland and I think I got a grape. Boy those fruits sure were purifying! The Lord Himself wore those fruits. Then at 7:30pm the wait was officially over to see The Lord Himself appear. The temple lights were off, and when the curtain opened there were red and white flashing lights and you can hear Lord Nrsimahadeva's lion roar as if He were really coming out of the pillar to kill Hiranyakashipu. Eveyrone went wild including myself! I was literally screaming for Lord Nrsimahadeva! Then at the end of the kirtan the brahmanas tossed flowers from Lord Nrsimahadeva's garland and also sweets from His Lotus Foot to all the devotees. I caught five or six flowers and gave a few away but I kept three. That was fun catching Lord Nrsimahadeva's flowers in the air LOL! I felt like I was at a concert or something again whent the lights went out and Lord Nrsimahadeva appeared. It was so totally cool! This is why Christmas is no longer my favorite holiday. Lord Nrsimahadeva's Appearance Day is. :D
I cannot wait for Janmashtami now in Toronto! I'll be able to see Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha on that day! I know I'll go wild on that one too! I have to get a front row spot for that one. I may make a poster to hold up to Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha on Janmashtami for Them to read! Boy Im getting ideas already for that. I gotta get some kind of gift for Them on Janmashtami! Im getting excited for that! Haribol!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
My Sweet Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha
Well I am missing Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha again. *sigh* It was also because Maharaj left to go back to Toronto today too. The pain of separation is almost unbearable. But for some reason Sri Sri Radha Vrndavan Chandra still want me here in New Vrndavan. I don't get it. Krishna knows what my desire is, but He's holding me back for now. Maybe He's trying to make me even more desparate for Him like He did with the Gopis when He went into hiding from them. Now I am also finding myself wanting a REALLY huge poster of Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha. I want to find a favorite outfit that I love seeing Them wear and make a big poster of that photo of Them.
I thought of another prayer for Sri Sri Radha Gopintha again.
My Sweet Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha.
Why is it taking so long to return to Toronto to You?
Im so heartbroken about being away from You.
Oh Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha,
I now see You as my real parents.
My biological parents are divorced
And felt I had no one at that time.
But now You came to me
With love and let me into Your family.
I consider You, my sweet Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha
To be my real transcendental parents,
Because You are never separated from one another.
You have accepted me as Your daughter
During my initiation on Jan. 1st.
That's when my attachement grew for You.
Please my sweet Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha
Help me to return back to Toronto to You soon.
I am crying for You Both.
Im so homesick being away from You Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha.
Please hear my prayer!
I love You Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha!
I thought of another prayer for Sri Sri Radha Gopintha again.
Why is it taking so long to return to Toronto to You?
Im so heartbroken about being away from You.
Oh Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha,
I now see You as my real parents.
My biological parents are divorced
And felt I had no one at that time.
But now You came to me
With love and let me into Your family.
I consider You, my sweet Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha
To be my real transcendental parents,
Because You are never separated from one another.
You have accepted me as Your daughter
During my initiation on Jan. 1st.
That's when my attachement grew for You.
Please my sweet Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha
Help me to return back to Toronto to You soon.
I am crying for You Both.
Im so homesick being away from You Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha.
Please hear my prayer!
I love You Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha!
Last Day With Maharaj
Today was one of the hardest days of my life. Maharaj left at 12 noon today. Maharaj let me talk to him for a few minutes before he left. He did leave me some instructions and he even let me type his blog one more time. He instructed me to continue serving Tulasi Devi and fix up the shoe rack a bit. He also told me to get along with the authorities here which i do. I have no problems with them. Maharaj also told me that after Toronto's trip if all goes well to go to Miami. He said he'd talk with the devotees there into letting me stay there for the winter. We'll see how that goes.
Earlier before Maharaj left...I was feeling very strange like I was going to physically collapse. I didn't want him to leave. He knew I was terrified about him leaving. So he had ran into Jaya Krishna and asked him to look after me and also another devotee named Tulasi too. Maharaj knew I needed support.
Now Im finding myself BEGGING Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha to let me come back to Them. I will have to try and get a bus ticket to Buffalo. I HAVE to go to Toronto this week. I JUST HAVE to. Im feeling so homesick being away from Them as it is even more so now that Maharaj left this afternoon.
Tomorrow is Lord Nrsimahadeva's Appearance Day My favorite time of the year. hopefully that will help me ease the pain of separation from my guru Maharaj.
Earlier before Maharaj left...I was feeling very strange like I was going to physically collapse. I didn't want him to leave. He knew I was terrified about him leaving. So he had ran into Jaya Krishna and asked him to look after me and also another devotee named Tulasi too. Maharaj knew I needed support.
Now Im finding myself BEGGING Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha to let me come back to Them. I will have to try and get a bus ticket to Buffalo. I HAVE to go to Toronto this week. I JUST HAVE to. Im feeling so homesick being away from Them as it is even more so now that Maharaj left this afternoon.
Tomorrow is Lord Nrsimahadeva's Appearance Day My favorite time of the year. hopefully that will help me ease the pain of separation from my guru Maharaj.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)