At the beginning of this week, there has been a program to where devotees can learn how to play musical instruments for Krishna such as the kartals, harmonium, and the mrdanga drum. I've always wanted to learn how to play a musical instrument, but my mother never allowed me to. She claimed that I never finish what I've started. But she always took guitar lessons, and had her own guitar. So now living in a temple I have a chance to learn how to play a musical instrument and I can learn how to play it for Krishna.
The first instrument we started to learn is the Kartals which are cymbols. There is a certain beat and angle one must do in order to play them. The beat is a one two three beat and you have to play the kartals at a slight angle to get a nice ring to the kartals. You can just bang on them like a toy. But I've got the hang of playing the kartals. I just have to try and practice singing and playing the kartals at the same time as that can be very tricky. But Im getting there.
Then this past Friday we learned a bit how to play the harmionium. That is even harder to play than kartals. I know one tune or melody now on the harmonium. It was a little tricky first but once you get the feel of it it's easy. You have to hit the key at a certain time otherwise you'll sound completely off key while you play the harmonium. It will take some time to learn.
Im sure the next instrument we'll learn on Monday is the mrdanga drum. Out of all the instruments I think the harmonium is the most difficult to play. But I think once I get practice in i'll be good with it. I know this will make my guru Maharaj very very pleased and then maybe I can really lead mangal aarti or the other Aartis with playing an instrument.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
A Vaisnavi (Women's) Retreat To The Wilds
Just a few days ago, Malati, a senior Prabhupada disciple offered to take all the women on a special get away retreat. She hadn't told anyone what we were doing or where we were going until the day we went. We went on Wednesday for our outing and the weather was perfect for it.
It was a long two hour drive up to Ohio where we were going. Many of the women I was with were all acting like really young teenagers very excited about where we were headed. I was quiet for most of the trip. Mandakini also tagged along. She sat next to me in the van. On the way there everyone tried to guess where we were going. Then about and hour later Harinam mataji said "You just missed your first clue to where we are going. Pay attention to the signs on the road." So the matajis in the back kept their eyes out for the signs. It wasn't until we were about there that we guessed it. It was a zoo park called The The Wilds. It is located in Cumberland Ohio. It is very much like an African Safari like zoo.
The park has a lot of land. And it really did look like Africa almost only with hills. Africa doesn't have many hills as the land is mostly flat. But as we went in after we paid for our tickets for an open window bus which cost $30.00, we sat and watched a brief video about the zoo park. They had plenty to do there and things for kids to do and teenagers like camps and things. People could also stay over night if they wanted to. They also have pick up trucks that drive out into the fields and lets you get up close to the animals in the park that are in the distance.
The carnivor animals however are behind fences of course to keep visitors safe. The park had Rhinoceres, Zebras, Donkeys, Giraffes, endagered Deer,Cheetas, and Wild African Dogs etc. What I liked the most of course were the Cheetahs. They have such cute faces. And they too are endangered, as is most wild life on the planet. As I was watching the Cheetahs, the one Cheetah cub who was so cute was looking directly at me. And then as I was walking away three more Cheetahs including the cub who was looking at me, had all kept their eyes on me turning their heads slowly at me as I was walking away. I thought that was interesting. Maybe they sensed I love cats or something. But that little Cheetah cub was absolutely adorable. I love wild cats. Even when I was young I've always loved cats, and when I went to the zoo I always wanted to see the Big Wild Cats and nothing else.
Then after our nice trip around the zoo park, we went to have prasadam. We had lasgna, potato salad, bread sticks, pickles, and cupcakes. But we had a lot of fun. And all thanks to Malati for taking us out on a brief trip. It is said that sometimes even devotees need a brief break away from the temple for a day or two so as not to feel too isolated. But it was a very fun day for all of us.
Thank you again Malati for taking us out on a wild trip.
Hare Krishna.
It was a long two hour drive up to Ohio where we were going. Many of the women I was with were all acting like really young teenagers very excited about where we were headed. I was quiet for most of the trip. Mandakini also tagged along. She sat next to me in the van. On the way there everyone tried to guess where we were going. Then about and hour later Harinam mataji said "You just missed your first clue to where we are going. Pay attention to the signs on the road." So the matajis in the back kept their eyes out for the signs. It wasn't until we were about there that we guessed it. It was a zoo park called The The Wilds. It is located in Cumberland Ohio. It is very much like an African Safari like zoo.
The park has a lot of land. And it really did look like Africa almost only with hills. Africa doesn't have many hills as the land is mostly flat. But as we went in after we paid for our tickets for an open window bus which cost $30.00, we sat and watched a brief video about the zoo park. They had plenty to do there and things for kids to do and teenagers like camps and things. People could also stay over night if they wanted to. They also have pick up trucks that drive out into the fields and lets you get up close to the animals in the park that are in the distance.
The carnivor animals however are behind fences of course to keep visitors safe. The park had Rhinoceres, Zebras, Donkeys, Giraffes, endagered Deer,Cheetas, and Wild African Dogs etc. What I liked the most of course were the Cheetahs. They have such cute faces. And they too are endangered, as is most wild life on the planet. As I was watching the Cheetahs, the one Cheetah cub who was so cute was looking directly at me. And then as I was walking away three more Cheetahs including the cub who was looking at me, had all kept their eyes on me turning their heads slowly at me as I was walking away. I thought that was interesting. Maybe they sensed I love cats or something. But that little Cheetah cub was absolutely adorable. I love wild cats. Even when I was young I've always loved cats, and when I went to the zoo I always wanted to see the Big Wild Cats and nothing else.
Then after our nice trip around the zoo park, we went to have prasadam. We had lasgna, potato salad, bread sticks, pickles, and cupcakes. But we had a lot of fun. And all thanks to Malati for taking us out on a brief trip. It is said that sometimes even devotees need a brief break away from the temple for a day or two so as not to feel too isolated. But it was a very fun day for all of us.
Thank you again Malati for taking us out on a wild trip.
Hare Krishna.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Srila Prabhupada Chants Maha Mantra CD
When I went to the palace of gold yesterday. I wanted to find some more devtional music to listen to since I really don't have any. I had found something by Srila Prabhupada that had different melodies of him chanting the maha mantra in a bhajan and kirtans which was something that I was looking for. I was also trying to look for Aarti songs too to listen to as well and I did find one Aarti songs CD it was by Lokanath Swami.
But anyways I think i sort of got hooked on to Srila Prabhupada's CD with the different melodies on it. I like track number 5 as it does have a nice tune and beat to it.It gets pretty ecstatic towards the end. And here I am still listening to that same track on the CD. This is one thing about me, I like to listen to music when Im doing something. If I don't I don't get motivated or inspired to do it. And I can't think of a better way than to listen to Srila Prabhupada's kirtan. It will keep me occupied until I make recordings of my own guru Maharaj's kirtans. I know my guru Maharaj's kirtans can get pretty wild! Just like that Saturday night when he led that kirtan. I was like HOLY SMOKES! I never been to a kirtan THAT ecstatic before in my life. I hope I see him lead another one like that. I go crazy over those kirtans because it makes me feel like Im at a concert or something. :D Only it's a devotional concert lol.
Yeah I do like this CD I got. I had gotten rid of most of my karmi CDs I kept some of George's of course but the rest I gave up including Beatles ones. I have to get some more devotional ones. Once I get an Ipod I can download some devotional songs when i get to Toronto because they have a better internet connection there for me to do that. I can download some Srila Prabhupada lecturs or kirtans and bhajans and other stuff too. Im going to try and redownload the 24 hour kirtan too because i really like that. Unfortunately I will not be here in New Vrndavan for the 24 hour kirtan this year as I will more than likely be in Toronto by then hopefully.
Many thanks to Srila Prabhupada for getting us hooked on kirtans. That was one thing that kept me attracted to the movement was the kirtans because Im so picky about music and well might as well be hooked onto Krishna music! :)
But anyways I think i sort of got hooked on to Srila Prabhupada's CD with the different melodies on it. I like track number 5 as it does have a nice tune and beat to it.It gets pretty ecstatic towards the end. And here I am still listening to that same track on the CD. This is one thing about me, I like to listen to music when Im doing something. If I don't I don't get motivated or inspired to do it. And I can't think of a better way than to listen to Srila Prabhupada's kirtan. It will keep me occupied until I make recordings of my own guru Maharaj's kirtans. I know my guru Maharaj's kirtans can get pretty wild! Just like that Saturday night when he led that kirtan. I was like HOLY SMOKES! I never been to a kirtan THAT ecstatic before in my life. I hope I see him lead another one like that. I go crazy over those kirtans because it makes me feel like Im at a concert or something. :D Only it's a devotional concert lol.
Yeah I do like this CD I got. I had gotten rid of most of my karmi CDs I kept some of George's of course but the rest I gave up including Beatles ones. I have to get some more devotional ones. Once I get an Ipod I can download some devotional songs when i get to Toronto because they have a better internet connection there for me to do that. I can download some Srila Prabhupada lecturs or kirtans and bhajans and other stuff too. Im going to try and redownload the 24 hour kirtan too because i really like that. Unfortunately I will not be here in New Vrndavan for the 24 hour kirtan this year as I will more than likely be in Toronto by then hopefully.
Many thanks to Srila Prabhupada for getting us hooked on kirtans. That was one thing that kept me attracted to the movement was the kirtans because Im so picky about music and well might as well be hooked onto Krishna music! :)
What Timing!
Yesterday I had told Nitya Mukta that there were two flowering trees by the palace of gold that had purplish pink flowers on the trees, that I saw on my way back to the temple from Mandakinin's house. I didn't have a bag with me at the time yesterday to pick them. So I had told her I'd pick them today.
Getting these types of flowers were not easy. I had to go into the tiny gulley in the woods just to get to them. There were broken branches on the ground an also thick green plants around them. I don't think they were poison ivy because they only had two leaves on each side not three like poison ivy does. I actually had to try to bend the branches of the tree as far down as I could to reach the ones at the top. Seems like the ones on the top are always the best looking ones. Probably because they are getting the most sunlight which is what plants like...sunlight. I did manage to fill up my bag with the flowers. We'll see how the Deities look tomorrow with those flowers on Them.
And the funny thing of it was just as I got back Nitya Mukta was just about to go out herself to pick these same flowers, but I had saved her to the trouble to go through that. I didn't mind picking those flowers despite the difficulty to get them for the Deities. I just hope Sri Sri Radha Vrndavan Chandra will be pleased with the flowers on Them tomorrow. All I can say is what timing when I got back to the temple because I was able to give them to Nitya Mukta for her to make garlands with right away so she didn't have to wait or go out herself.
Getting these types of flowers were not easy. I had to go into the tiny gulley in the woods just to get to them. There were broken branches on the ground an also thick green plants around them. I don't think they were poison ivy because they only had two leaves on each side not three like poison ivy does. I actually had to try to bend the branches of the tree as far down as I could to reach the ones at the top. Seems like the ones on the top are always the best looking ones. Probably because they are getting the most sunlight which is what plants like...sunlight. I did manage to fill up my bag with the flowers. We'll see how the Deities look tomorrow with those flowers on Them.
And the funny thing of it was just as I got back Nitya Mukta was just about to go out herself to pick these same flowers, but I had saved her to the trouble to go through that. I didn't mind picking those flowers despite the difficulty to get them for the Deities. I just hope Sri Sri Radha Vrndavan Chandra will be pleased with the flowers on Them tomorrow. All I can say is what timing when I got back to the temple because I was able to give them to Nitya Mukta for her to make garlands with right away so she didn't have to wait or go out herself.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Afternoon And Evening Japa Walk
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.
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.
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.
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