Understanding The Meaning Of Tantra
August 26, 2008
There is a general lack of understanding among people concerning Tantra. What is Tantra? What benefits can Tantra have for me? There is no single solid definition for Tantra, as it can encompass several different subjective meanings and connotations. We can examine the common beliefs about Tantra, and explore its history and variety of definitions to get a better understanding of what Tantra is really all about. Many people hear the word “Tantra” and automatically think of uninhibited sex, Asian religion, and different sexual positions such as those listed in the Kama Sutra. Others think about the free love fad of the 1960s or New Age sexual therapy.... Read more »
Introduction To The Epic Mahabharata
August 22, 2008
Traditionally, Hindus ascribe the authorship of the Mahabharata to Vyasa. The first section of the Mahabharata states that it was Ganesha who, at the request of Vyasa, wrote down the text to Vyasa’s dictation. Ganesha is said to have agreed to write it only on condition that Vyasa never pause in his recitation. Vyasa agreed, providing that Ganesha took the time to understand what was said before writing it down. This also serves as a popular variation on the story of how Ganesha’s right tusk was broken (a traditional part of Ganesha imagery). This version attributes it to the fact that, in the rush of writing, his pen failed, and he snapped off his tusk as a replacement... Read more »
The Five Most Important Limbs Of Devotional Practice
August 11, 2008
Among the 64 limbs of devotional practices, there are five main limbs of that which can award one love of God. They are: associating with devotees, studying Srimad Bhagavatam, chanting the holy name of Sri Krishna, worshipping His form and residing in a holy place. The power of these five limbs cannot be estimated. Srimad Bhagavatam says, “By regular attendance in classes on the Bhagavatam and by rendering of service to the pure devotee, all that is troublesome to the heart is almost completely destroyed, and loving service unto the Personality of Godhead, who is praised... Read more »
Mundane Attachments - The Cause Of Spiritual Failure
August 10, 2008
One of the main reasons for reincarnation is that living beings have attachment towards the products of material nature such as families and friends. Until one detaches oneself completely from them one will not escape from the vicious circle. Attachment to mundane things or too much attachment to family is a major obstacle in the advancement of spiritual life. Srila Prabhupada says that having attachment for the family is natural. But when one is 50 years old, one has to accept the vanaprastha order... Read more »
Vrindavan: The Land Of The Supreme Cowherd Boy
July 31, 2008
Vrindavan is a town in the district of Mathura on the site of an ancient forest which is believed to have been the region where Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, appeared as a cowherd boy and spent his childhood days. He performed many wonderful pastimes there with His associates. It is about 15 kilometers away from Mathura city, where Krishna appeared as the son of Vasudev and Devaki in the prison cell of King Kamsa. The town has about 5000 temples dedicated to the worship of Radha and Krishna. Vrindavan is a very sacred place that is very dear to the vaishnavas and staunch worshippers of Lord Krishna. Vrindavan consists of 12 main forests:... Read more »
Reality And Illusion: Modern And Vedic Living
July 26, 2008
In the words of the Lord, everything that is connected to Him is real whereas things acting independently of Him are unreal. Modern culture is also of the same nature since people are working independently and most of the people in this age are atheists. Such a culture is eventually leading us to destruction. There is nobody in this modern culture whom we can regard as an example to follow so that future generations can benefit from the activities of such a person. An academic is seen as great when he defeats the philosophy or conclusion of another academic.... Read more »
Shiva: The Auspicious One And His Glories
July 26, 2008
Shiva is one of the three main deities in Hindu religion. He is the personification of the mode of ignorance, although he is transcendental to the modes of nature. Followers of Lord Shiva are called shaivaites. He’s also known as “Mahadev”, the great God. Vaishnavism, Shaivism and Shaktism form the three main denominations in Hinduism. Vishnu represents the mode of goodness, Brahma is associated with passion, and Shiva with ignorance. Collectively they are known as the Trimurti where Brahma is the creator, Vishnu the preserver, and Shiva the destroyer. Shiva... Read more »
Vaishnava Sarvabhauma - Jagannath Das Babaji And His Teachings
July 26, 2008
Srila Jagannath Das Babaji Maharaj was an associate of Thakur Bhaktivinoda. He was well-known and very much respected among the vaishnava community. As such he became known as “Vaishnava Sarvabhauma”. He spent a lot of time in the land of Vrindavan and that was where he is believed to have attained perfection. Later he moved to Navadvip Dham where he lived in a tent with his servant. As compassionate and respectful to the ‘dhamvasis’ as he was, he would even allow dogs to eat with him on his plate. He once asked his servant to buy a good load of ‘rasagullas’... Read more »
The Six Goswamis: The Embodiments Of Spiritual Perfection
July 26, 2008
The Six Goswamis of Vrindavan were the people who revived Vrindavan. Rupa and Sanatana were direct disciples of Sri Chaitanya and they compiled literatures based on the teachings they received from Him. The other goswamis also were disciples of Sri Chaitanya with the exception of Jiva who was initiated by his uncle, Rupa Goswami. Sanatana was accepted by the inhabitants of Vrindavan as their Guru. The Goswamis are famous for their devotional literatures, their staunch practices and renunciation, their establishing of temples, and... Read more »
The Powerful Devious Demons And Their Exploits
July 26, 2008
The sage Kashyapa had two wives, Diti and Aditi. From Diti the demons were born and from Aditi came the demigods. The demons also follow the Vedic ways of life under the guidance of their spiritual master, Sukracharya. It so happened that many times the demons took over the heavens and made the demigods flee in fear. Realizing the great danger, God takes an avatar to defeat the demons, relieves the demigods from fear and returns them back to the heavens. Many such accounts can be found in the Srimad Bhagavatam. To name but a few, we have Bali Maharaj and Hiranyakashipu. When King Bali conquered the universe, the Lord appeared as Vamana and tricked... Read more »
