SRINATHJI TEMPLE , Nathdwara

The temple of Srinathji in Nathdwara, 48 kms north of beautiful city of Udaipur in Rajasthan is one of the wealthiest temples in India. Built in the early 18th century, the temple is thronged by staunch Vishnu and Krishna devotees every year on special occasions, especially Janmashtami. According to a popular folklore, the idol was initially installed at Mount Govardhan near Mathura city, birth city of Lord Krishna; while escaping the wrath and demolition by Muslim king Aurangzeb at a later date, the chariot carrying the idol of Srinathji got stuck in Nathdwara . This was taken as a divine signal to install the idol. Shrinathji is believed to be a form of Krishna, in which he lifted the Govardhan hill to save the people of Brajbhoomi from the wrath of Varun-Lord of Rain. The temple's inner sanctum where the idol of Srinathji is placed, is opened only eight times a day when devotees throng to catch a glimpse of the sacred form of the Lord . Everything in the inner temple, right from china to silver/ gold-ware, paintings, wall hangings, clothes and furniture, are reminiscent of the old times and its heritage.An interesting fact relating to the famous temple is that the temple servants still wear the clothes and costumes of the bygone era.

A SENSE OF A GOOSE

When you see geese flying along in "V" formation, you might consider what science has discovered as to why they fly that way. As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in "V" formation, the whole flock adds at least 71 percent greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own.

People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going more quickly and easily because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.

When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone - and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front.

If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those people who are headed the same way we are.

When the head goose gets tired, it rotates back in the wing and another goose flies point.

It is sensible to take turns doing demanding jobs, whether with people or with geese flying south.

Geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

What messages do we give when we honk from behind?

Finally - and this is important - when a goose gets sick or is wounded by gunshot, and falls out of formation, two other geese fall out with that goose and follow it down to lend help and protection. They stay with the fallen goose until it is able to fly or until it dies, and only then do they launch out on their own, or with another formation to catch up with their group.

If we have the sense of a goose, we will stand by each other like that. 

Saint story

A Saint story tells of an old man who accidentally fell into the river rapids leading to a high and dangerous waterfall. Onlookers feared for his life. Miraculously, he came out alive and unharmed downstream at the bottom of the falls. People asked him how he managed to survive. "I accommodated myself to the water, not the water to me. Without thinking, I allowed myself to be shaped by it. Plunging into the swirl, I came out with the swirl. This is how I survived." 

Vithoba Temple

Vithoba Temple, Pandharpur is the main centre of worship for the Hindu deity Vithoba, believed to be a local form of god Krishna or Vishnu and his consort Rakhumai. It is the most visited temple in Maharastra. The warkaris start marching from their homes to the temple of Pandharpur in groups called Dindi to reach on Aashadhi ekadashi and Kartiki ekadashi. A dip in the holy river Chandrabhaga on whose banks Pandharpur resides, is believed to have power to wash all sins. Vithala means lord standing on a brick,a brick which was given to him to stand on by his beloved devottee Pundalik.

Lord Venkatesha

Lord Venkateshwara also known as Venkatachalapathy, Srinivasa and Balaji, is a form of the Hindu god Vishnu in India. Venkateshwara means the Lord who destroys the sins of the people. According the Hindu scriptures, Vishnu, out of love towards his devotees, incarnated as Venkateshwara and appeared for the salvation and upliftment of humanity in this Kali Yuga and is considered the supreme form of Vishnu in this age. Venkateshwara's abode is in the Venkatam hills (the hills are more often referred to as ThiruVenkatam) near Tirupathi. Thus, the main temple of Venkateshwara is the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. The Tirumala temple is believed to be the richest of all the temples in the world. The temple is located in Andhra Pradesh (southern India) in Chittoor district. It is around 120 km away from Chennai.

Saint Kabir

“Man, here is your worth,

Your meat is of no use! 

Your bones cannot be sold

For making ornaments,

And your skin cannot be played

On an instrument!”

~~~~

“I am looking at you,

You at him,

Kabir asks, how to solve

This puzzle--

You, he, and I?”

~~~~

“I said to my longing heart,

What is this river you want to cross?

There are no travelers before you, there is no road.

Do you see anyone moving or resting on that bank?”

~~~~

“This union with the guru, O Kabir,

Sets me free; like salt mingled

With flour, I am no more I!”

~~~~

“Don't open your diamonds in a vegetable market. Tie them in bundle and keep them in your heart, and go your own way.”

~~~~

“Look at you, you madman! Screaming you are thirsty and dying in a desert, when all around you there is nothing but water!”

Vishnu Sahasranāma

The Vishnu sahasranāma (literallythousand names of Vishnu") is a list of 1,000 names for Vishnu,one of the main forms of God in Hinduism and the supreme personification of Brahman (i.e., a personal supreme God) for Vaishnavas (followers of Vishnu). It is also one of the most sacred and commonly chanted stotras in Hinduism. According to the 149th chapter of Anushāsanaparva in the epic Mahabharata, the names were handed down to Yudhisthira by the famous warrior Bhishma who was on his death bed at the battle of Kurukshetra. Yudhisthira asks Bhishma the following questions: In this universe who is the one Deva of all? (i.e., at whose command all beings function?, or who is God of all?. Who is the one greatest refuge for all? Who is the one Divinity by praising and by worshipping whom a man attains good? Which according to you is that highest form of Dharma (capable of bestowing salvation and prosperity on man? What is that by uttering or reciting which any living being can attain freedom from cycle of births and deaths? Bhisma answers by stating that mankind will be free from all sorrows by chanting the Vishnu sahasranāma' which are the thousand names of the all-pervading supreme being Vishnu, who is the master of all the worlds, supreme over the devas and who is one with Brahman. The Vishnu sahasranāma has been the subject of numerous commentaries. Adi Shankaracharya wrote a definitive commentary on the sahasranāma in the 8th century, which has been particularly influential for many schools of Hinduism. Parasara Bhattar, a follower of Ramanujacharya wrote a commentary in the 12th century, detailing the names of Vishnu from a Vishishtadvaita perspective. Hindu literature includes sahasranamas dedicated to Shiva, Devi, Ganesha and other popular deities .

Spiritual Journey

~ Everyone is so afraid of death, but the real sufis just laugh: nothing tyrannizes their hearts. What strikes the oyster shell does not damage the pearl.

~ If in thirst you drink water from a cup, you see God in it. Those who are not in love with God will see only their own faces in it.

~ He (GOD) is a letter to everyone. You open it. It says, 'Live!'

~ Remember, the entrance door to the sanctuary is inside you.

~ Appear as you are, Be as you appear.

~ When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy.

~ Conventional opinion is the ruin of our souls.

~ In silence there is eloquence. Stop weaving and watch how the pattern improves.

~ Patience is the key to joy.

~ Since in order to speak, one must first listen, learn to speak by listening.

~ The intelligent want self-control; children want candy.

~ To praise is to praise how one surrenders to the emptiness.

~ We rarely hear the inward music, but we're all dancing to it nevertheless.

~ Close both eyes to see with the other eye.

~ Don't grieve. Anything you lose comes round in another form.

~ My friend, the sufi is the friend of the present moment. To say tomorrow is not our way.

~ Nightingales are put in cages because their songs give pleasure. Whoever heard of keeping a crow?

~ You wander from room to room

Hunting for the diamond necklace

That is already around your neck!

SRIMAD BHAGWATAM

The Bhagavata Purana (also known as SRIMAD BHAGAVATAM, or simply Bhagavatam) is one of the Puranic texts of Hindu literature, and is Sanskrit for "The Book of God". Its primary focus is the process of bhakti yoga (loving devotion to the Supreme Lord) in which Krishna is understood as the Supreme all-embracing God of all gods (Svayam Bhagavan). The Bhagavatam takes the form of a story being told by a great rishi known as Suta Goswami,to a host of assembled sages, who ask him questions in regard to the various avatars, or descents of Vishnu within the mortal world. Suta Goswami then relates the Bhagavatam as he has heard it from another sage, called Sukadeva. The language of the Purana closely resembles Vedic which may indicate an early dating or a variety of other possible possible reasons to resemble the archaic texts. 
Each section or canto describes specific avatars of Vishnu, beginning with a summary of all avatars in the first canto concluding with description of Krishna as Svayam bhagavan. The tenth and eleventh cantos give detailed accounts of the story of Krishna's appearance and pastimes in Vrindavan, and his instructions to various devotees (such as the Uddhava Gita). The final twelfth canto foretells the coming of the age of Kali yuga (the current age according to the Hindu cycle of ages), and the eventual destruction of the earthly universe.

Tips For A Happier Life

Mind your own business; don't interfere in other people's personal matters unless they request you... it keeps you free from extra tension.

Don't be too curious; never try to investigate or inquire about a person's schedule, as these inquiries usually make you and the ones questioned uncomfortable.

Help yourself; always do your work yourself, try not to use help unless you actually need it. It keeps you busy and secondly it saves you the hassle of another's carelessness.

Help other people; you get a lot of pleasure by helping the needy. Always be ready to lend a helpful hand. Thanks and warm wishes will make your journey, life, happy and safe.

Recognize small achievements; don't aim too high as small goals are equally important. Always remember little droplets makeup the ocean. Your small achievements and virtues will also prove your worth.

Give thanks and say sorry; never hesitate to say thank you and sorry. It shows your kind and caring nature. It also compels other to respect you and advise you.

Art of living

Live life to the fullest. True and honest, begin with yourself and extend it to others. Use your words wisely. Words have power and create influence, do not spread them carelessly. Negative words create negative energy and repel those around you. Live in the positive.

Leave your "stamp" on everything you do. Make yourself an icon to be admired and respected. Become an inspiration to others-so think carefully before you speak and act. Every action, every word carries a consequence. Create a genuineness about you that is addictive to all those who meet you.

And finally, leave a mark on those you meet that couldn't have been left if you weren't in their lives.

You are special

A well known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20 bill. In the room of 200, he asked,"Who would like this $20 bill?" Hands started going up. He said,"I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first, let me do this." He proceeded to crumple the bill up. He then asked,"Who still wants it?" Still the hands were up in the air. "Well," he replied,"What if I do this?" And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe.

He picked it up, now all crumpled and dirty. "Now who still wants it?" Still the hands went into the air."My friends, you have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20."

Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value.

THOUGHT: The worth of our lives comes not in what we do or who we are but by WHOSE WE ARE! You are special - Don't ever forget it!

PLEASANT MORNING

Have you ever woken up in the morning and looked out of the window, or gone out on the terrace and looked at the trees and the spring dawn? Live with it. Listen to all the sounds, to the whisper, the slight breeze among the leaves. See the light on that leaf and watch the sun coming over the hill, over the meadow. And the dry river, or that animal grazing and those sheep across the hill watch them. Look at them with a sense of affection, care, that you do not want to hurt a thing. When you have such communion with nature, then your relationship with another becomes simple, clear, without conflict.

FEEL YOUR BELOVED EVERYWHERE

PLEASANT MORNING....

Morality

by: A Spiritual Master, One Minute Wisdom

The disciples would frequently be absorbed in questions of right and wrong. Sometimes the answer would be evident enough. Sometimes it was elusive.

The Master, if he happened to be present at such discussions, would take no part in them.

Once he was confronted with this question: "Is it right to kill someone who seeks to kill me? Or is it wrong?"

He said, "How should I know?"

The shocked disciples answered, "Then how would we tell right from wrong?"

The Master said, "While alive, be dead to yourself, be totally dead. Then act as you will and your action will be right."

Golden Quotes

~ Krishna consciousness is not something imposed on the mind. On the contrary, it's already inside of each of us, waiting to come out, like fire in a match. Chanting Hare Krishna brings out that natural, pure state of mind. ~

~ Krishna and His energy are fully present in the sound of the mantra, so even if we don't know the language or intellectually understand how it works, by coming in touch with Krishna we'll become happy, and our life will become sublime. ~

Golden Quotes

Seeing Your great effulgent and various-colored form touching the sky; Your mouth wide open and large shining eyes; I am frightened and find neither peace nor courage, O Krishna. ~

~ We have been told, O Krishna, that people whose family traditions are destroyed necessarily dwell in hell for a long time. ~

Few Golden Words

~ "Move and the way will open."

~ "No snowflake ever falls in the wrong place."

~ "When the student is ready the teacher will appear."

~ "An angry man catches no fish"

~ "First thought, best thought." 

~ "The obstacle is the path."

~ "Better to see the face than to hear the name." 

~ "Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional." 

~ "A visit will always bring pleasure, whether on the arrival or the departure."

~ "If you can't improve on silence, don't speak."

Dream and Dare

An eight-year-old boy approached an old man in front of a wishing well, looked up into his eyes, and asked:

"I understand you're a very wise man. I'd like to know the secret of life."

The old man looked down at the youngster and replied:

"I've thought a lot in my lifetime, and the secret can be summed up in four words

The first is think. Think about the values you wish to live your life by.

The second is believe. Believe in yourself based on the thinking you've done about the values you're going to live your life by.

The third is dream. Dream about the things that can be, based on your belief in yourself and the values you're going to live by.

The last is dare. Dare to make your dreams become reality, based on your belief in yourself and your values. "

And with that, he said to the little boy,

Think, Believe, Dream, and Dare.

Always Feel God......

And always feel that God and the Spiritual Master are with you. With whatever time you have available, bring God and the spiritual Master into your mind. Remember them. Then your heart will keep purifying...

You Should practice Remaining.......

You should practice remaining alert all through the day, and at the time of going to sleep, you should think: “When did I get angry today? When did I become greedy or lustful? When did I hurt others?” You should feel that, think about that, look into your own faults in this way. Make a determination to be more alert the next day. Learn from each fall. The next day it will be less. And then it will be less. Ultimately, it will end...

Feeling The Divine Presence Of Radha Krishn..

          Meditation means feeling the Divine presence of Radha Krishn or your Master near you. You can also feel Their touch or the perfume of Their body or the perfume of the garland They are wearing.You should try to visualize in your imagination any leela of Braj or Vrindaban or Barsana where you are either an observer or participant in that leela. You can be very close to Radha Rani or Krishn in the leela or be in the crowd, as you prefer..

The words of Jagadguru Shree kripaluji Maharaj

       

        Remember, that whenever any finally believes that Radha Krishn and Their name are one and the same and both have exactly the same Divine virtues and powers, at the very moment the soul becomes God realized; write it down in golden words.

       God is so Gracious, He says, “I am omnipresent everywhere, but (O souls) you don’t  recognize Me; I am in Golok, but there you cannot come; I am in your heart, but you don’t realize it; for your convenience I have thus kept ‘Myself’ in My ‘name’ and have revealed it in the world.”

        Whenever your mind will fully conceive this Divine reality that I am truly and totally in My name, your voice will be choked while taking My name and even once when you will say “Radhey” your whole being will be thrilled with the excessive love; your mind will be drowned and your heart will be unceasingly overwhelmed with the felicity of the exhilarating Bliss of the name. Thus there is no delay in God realization and receiving the Divine Grace of your Master (Guru). Trust in these words,and see what your Master and krishn do for you...

And Always Feel That God.....

And always feel that God and the Spiritual Master are with you. With whatever time you have available, bring God and the spiritual Master into your mind. Remember them. Then your heart will keep purifying...

Experience

The Master had a childlike fascination for modern inventions. He could not get over his amazement at the pocket calculator when he saw one.

Later he said, good-naturedly, "A lot of people seem to have those little pocket calculators, but nothing in their pockets worth calculating!"

Weeks later, when a visitor asked him what he taught his disciples, he said, "To get their priorities right: Better have the money than calculate it; better have the experience than define it." 

Krishna

• All of us are pleasure-seeking creatures. So you can say that directly or indirectly we are all seeking Krishna. Chanting Hare Krishna is a way of seeking Krishna directly.

• I desire neither victory nor pleasure nor kingdom, O Krishna. What is the use of the kingdom, or enjoyment, or even life?

• Krishna is a name of the Supreme. It means "all- attractive." Anything that might attract you has its source in the Supreme. Therefore the Supreme is also known as Rama (rhymes with "drama"). "Rama" means "the highest eternal pleasure.

Clean Mind

Krishna insisted on outer cleanliness and inner cleansing. Clean clothes and clean minds are an ideal combination.

Hare Krishna

As for the word "Hare" (pronounced huh-ray), it's a call to Krishna's divine energy. Just as the sun shines forth to us through its energies like heat and light, the Supreme reveals Himself through His multitude of energies. If the Supreme is the source of everything, then whatever we see--and even what we don't see-- belongs to the energy of the Supreme.