miércoles, 28 de septiembre de 2011

Akrura das, Gita Coaching: DEVELOPING A CAPACITY TO SWITCH








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"Planet ISKCON" - 42 new articles

  1. H.G. Sankarshan das Adhikari, USA: Corrected Version: Thursday 29 Sept 2011--"Mantra Express" Lecture at Russian Theatre--and--How Do Time and Karma Act?
  2. Kurma dasa, AU: Naan
  3. Japa Group: Krsna's Mercy
  4. Japa Group: Let Us All Give Proper Respect
  5. Akrura das, Gita Coaching: WHAT KIND OF RESULTS?
  6. Akrura das, Gita Coaching: DO NOT LOSE ENTHUSIASM
  7. Akrura das, Gita Coaching: THERE WILL BE NO IMPEDIMENT
  8. ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Daily Class - Gangesvara Prabhu
  9. Ekendra das, Alachua, USA: the Incredible Grump
  10. Akrura das, Gita Coaching: DEVELOPING A CAPACITY TO SWITCH
  11. H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Wednesday, September 28th, 2011
  12. H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Tuesday, September 27th, 2011
  13. Akrura das, Gita Coaching: GUIDELINES FOR GREAT QUESTIONS
  14. Bhakti Lounge, NZ: Ready. Steady. Cook.
  15. H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami (Ret.): 446 — Poem for September 28
  16. H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami (Ret.): Selected Writings
  17. H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami (Ret.): 445 — Poem for September 27
  18. H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami (Ret.): Selected Writ­ings
  19. ISKCON News.com: Alexander the Great and the Thief
  20. ISKCON News.com: The Beast Rises
  21. Bharatavarsa.net: Bhakti Vikasa Swami: The Greatest Charity
  22. Bharatavarsa.net: Bhakti Vikasa Swami: Photo of Srila Prabhupada
  23. Akrura das, Gita Coaching: LEARN HOW TO LEARN
  24. ISKCON Toronto, Canada: Deity Darshan: Sunday, September 25, 2011
  25. Madhava Ghosh dasa, New Vrndavan, USA: Seeing Krishna Everywhere
  26. New Vrndavan, USA: Palace Restoration Committee Minutes July 9th, 2011
  27. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  28. Sita-pati dasa, AU: The Glories of the Holy Name
  29. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  30. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  31. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  32. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  33. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  34. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  35. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  36. H.H. Sivarama Swami
  37. H.H. Sivarama Swami: Report on yesterday’s Advertisers’ Conference and my presentation on “Reality and it’s Relevance to Marketing.”
  38. Akrura das, Gita Coaching: ORDINARY PEOPLE CANNOT UNDERSTAND
  39. Akrura das, Gita Coaching: HELPING DEVOTEES SUCCEED - FREE AUDIO AND TEXT DOWNLOAD
  40. Akrura das, Gita Coaching: FINER POINTS OF ETIQUETTE
  41. Akrura das, Gita Coaching: RADHARANI, BHAKTI-TIRTHA SWAMI AND DEVOTEE CARE
  42. Gouranga TV: Indradyumna Swami – kirtan. Ekaterinburg 2006.09.20.
  43. More Recent Articles
  44. Search Planet ISKCON
  45. Prior Mailing Archive

H.G. Sankarshan das Adhikari, USA: Corrected Version: Thursday 29 Sept 2011--"Mantra Express" Lecture at Russian Theatre--and--How Do Time and Karma Act?

A daily broadcast of the Ultimate Self Realization Course Thursday 29 September 2011 The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna, and His eternal consort, Srimati Radharani are enjoying transcendental pastimes in the topmost planet of the spiritual world, Sri Goloka Vrindavan. They are beckoning us to rejoin them. (Click on photo to see a larger image.) Our Mission: To help everyone awaken their original Krishna consciousness, which is eternal, full of knowledge and full of bliss. Such a global awakening will, in one stroke, solve all the problems of the world society bringing in a new era of unprecedented peace and prosperity for all. May that day, which the world so desperately needs, come very soon. We request you to participate in this mission by reviving your dormant Krishna consciousness and assisting us in spreading this science all over the world. Dedicated with love to ISKCON Founder-Acharya: His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, our beloved spiritual master, and to you, our dear readers. For Transcendental Association Connect With Other Members of this Course. Join this Conference: http://groups.google.com/group/sda_students Today's Thought: Mantra Express Lecture at Russian Theatre Uploaded from Tallinn, Estonia The evening of 27 September 2011 was the time, and the prestigious Russian Theatre in Tallinn, Estonia was the venue that Bhakta Denis arranged for my Mantra Express lecture. It been promoted on Facebook, the newspaper, and on some fliers posted around Tallinn. I did not know how many people would come, but when I arrived I was pleasantly surprised to see the auditorium was completely packed with every single seat occupied. Even some benches had to be brought in to accommodate the overflow crowd. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing people being attracted by Krishna consciousness. Of course, this is natural because every living being is originally Krishna conscious. But because we live in a world that it 99.99% unnatural it is quite rare and extremely satisfying to see a person who is attracted to hear about their original nature. Sankarshan Das Adhikari Mantra Express Lecture--27 September 2011 at the Russian Theatre--Tallinn, Estonia http://www.backtohome.com/images/2011-Fall/Talinn_Theatre.jpg http://www.backtohome.com/images/2011-Fall/Tallinn_Theatre4.JPG http://www.backtohome.com/images/2011-Fall/Tallinn_Theatre1.JPG http://www.backtohome.com/images/2011-Fall/Tallinn_Theatre2.JPG http://www.backtohome.com/images/2011-Fall/Tallinn_Theatre5.JPG http://www.backtohome.com/images/2011-Fall/Tallinn_Theatre3.JPG http://www.backtohome.com/images/2011-Fall/Tallinn_Theatre6.JPG Answers by Citing the Vedic Version: Question: How Do Time and Karma Act? Honorable sir, I want to know how do time and karma act in bringing the result of one's past deeds. I am in the growing stage of Krishna consciousness, and I have a lot of trouble on the job. It affects me spiritually. What can I do to sustain my Krishna consciousness? Thank you, N. Kathikeyan Answer: They Act to Free You From Past Sins. To sustain your Krishna consciousness in times of difficulty always remember this: A devotee patiently suffers the reactions to his past misdeeds taking them as a token reaction for what he actually deserves. He accepts these reactions as the blessing of Krishna to free him from his past sins. While suffering these reactions he continually offers his obeisances to the Lord within his heart, and thus he becomes an eligible candidate for liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Sankarshan Das Adhikari Transcendental Resources: Receive the Special Blessings of Krishna Now you too can render the greatest service to the suffering humanity and attract the all-auspicious blessings of Lord Sri Krishna upon yourself and your family by assisting our mission. Lectures and Kirtans in Audio and Video: Link to High Definition Videos Link to Over 1,000 Lecture Audios Lecture-Travel Schedule for 2011 http://www.ultimateselfrealization.com/schedule Have Questions or Need Further Guidance? Check out the resources at: http://www.ultimateselfrealization.com or write Sankarshan Das Adhikari at: sda@backtohome.com Get your copy today of the world's greatest self-realization guide book, Bhagavad-gita As It Is available at:http://www.ultimateselfrealization.com/store Know someone who could benefit from this? Forward it to them. Searchable archives of all of course material: http://www.sda-archives.com Receive Thought for the Day as an RSS feed: http://www.backtohome.com/rss.htm Unsubscribe or change your email address Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Daily_Thought Thought for the Day on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Ultimate.Self.Realization Copyright 2005-2011 by Ultimate Self Realization.Com Distribution of this material is encouraged. Simply we request you to acknowledge where it is coming from with a link to our sign up page: http://www.backtohome.com Our records indicate that at requested to be enrolled to receive e-mails from the Ultimate Self Realization Course at: This request was made on: From the following IP address:

 
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Kurma dasa, AU: Naan

Robert K from New Mexico writes: "Can I make naan breads without a tandoor oven?"

My reply: Yes. They may not be as spectacularly scorched and smoky as the ones in this photo, but they are certainly an acceptable substitute. Here's my recipe:

naan:

Punjabi Baked Flatbread (Naan)

This popular leavened bread, especially enjoyed in Punjab in north-west India and Pakistan, is cooked in a traditional coal or wood-fired clay oven called a tandoor. Many versions of this flat bread are found throughout central Asia, from Iran in the East to the Soviet countries in the North.

The breads, enriched with milk, yogurt and butter, are slapped onto the inner walls of the hot oven where they cook quickly, partially puffing, and taking on a smoky flavour. The occasional charred spot from where the flames lick them adds a delightful crisp textured crust. This recipe calls for a household griller, which does a pretty good job.

If you have a tandoor oven, all the better. Naan are traditionally sprinkled with kalonji seeds that are also known as nigella seeds and occasionally misnamed as onion seeds. Kalonji seeds are available at Indian and specialty grocers.

DOUGH RESTING TIME: about 4 1/2 hours PREPARATION TIME: about 30 minutes COOKING TIME: about 6 minutes per bread YIELD: 6 naan

1/2 teaspoons dried yeast 1 teaspoon sugar 2 tablespoons warm water 1/4 cup warm milk 1/4 cup yogurt 4 tablespoons melted butter or ghee 3 cups plain flour 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon kalonji seeds about 1/2 cup extra warm water 2 teaspoons extra kalonji seeds

Combine the yeast, sugar and warm water in a small bowl and set aside for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy.

Mix the frothy yeast mixture with the warm milk, yogurt and melted butter or ghee. Combine the flour, salt, baking powder and 1 teaspoon kalonji seeds in a large bowl, and add the blended wet ingredients. Mix well, adding a little of the extra warm water at a time until the mixture leaves the side of the bowl and becomes a non-sticky, kneadable dough. Knead for 6-8 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl and set it aside in a warm place for about 4 hours or until it is well risen.

Punch the dough down and knead it briefly, adding a little flour if it is sticky. Divide the dough into 6 pieces and form each piece into a smooth ball. Place the balls on an oiled plate and cover them with plastic wrap. Allow the balls to rest for 10-15 minutes.

Pre-heat the griller to the highest setting. Place a shelf 12.5cm (5 inches) under the heat source, and pre-heat your baking sheet. Roll and stretch a ball of dough into a teardrop shape, about 25cm (10 inches) long and 12.5cm (5 inches) wide at its base. Repeat for one more ball of dough and spray the bread with water. Sprinkle on half the extra kalonji seeds.

Place the breads under the griller and cook them for about 3 minutes on each side, or until they rise and turn golden brown. Avoid placing the breads too close to the griller, otherwise the breads may not fully cook inside before browning. If you wish, allow the breads to become slightly toasted, with a few charcoal flecks.

Remove the breads from the oven, cover them with a clean teatowel and repeat the procedure for the remaining breads. Serve the naan hot or warm.

 
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Japa Group: Krsna's Mercy


Hare Krsna dear devotees. I hope you are having a nice week of chanting. We are in the middle of the week, some still have a hard week of work ahead and others maybe a lot of preaching and temple service to do but we all need to have Japa as our priorities. Sometimes we arrange our lives according to our job or our services but I have heard that we should do different - arrange our lives according to our Japa making chanting the most important part of the day. Then after we chant we can do all the other things we have to do in life. How can we live without the holy names?


Today I was asking myself this question "How can we live without chanting?" I found it impossible, even though I am not attracted to chanting as I should. I miss chanting when I do not do it at the time I should and I miss the feelings I get when I concentrate and pray before Japa. That is only Krsna's mercy to make us more enthusiastic and share with others how chanting can make us happier.

I wish you keep on your good japa and always share your realisations with others.

your servant,

Aruna devi
 
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Japa Group: Let Us All Give Proper Respect


Today I had a nice realisation - no matter what situation you are in and how many distracting elements are around you, we simply need to have the determination to avoid all distractions in our life and make a big effort to just sit down and chant in a quiet place where we can fully concentrate on the sound of the Hare Krsna mantra.


It's not always easy....Maya has many tricks up her sleeve, but with knowledge and determination we can overcome her allurements and give proper respect to Krsna when chanting.

There is an example...if you call someone into your house and they come but you completely ignore them and continue to do other things - this is like calling out to Krsna (when we chant) and Krsna comes to your house but you completely ignore Him and do other things - then where is there a question of relationship?

When we don't listen to the words of the mantra (and only listen to the mind's thoughts), it's like ignoring Krsna (as He is present in the sound) and it's the same when we do other things at the same time as Japa - we are not being attentive to our relationship with Him.

Let us all give proper respect to the Supreme Lord and really try to fix our mind on the sound during Japa - give up inattention and take up good quality chanting.
 
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Akrura das, Gita Coaching: WHAT KIND OF RESULTS?

Have you ever thought about what results are you trying to achieve in your life? And why?

You may achieve many external results, feel satisfied because of that and perhaps become famous too.

But how long will this satisfaction last?

Until we attain inner peace and satisfaction by connecting to the Source of all peace and happiness, all external results and achievements will not bring us lasting happiness.
 
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Akrura das, Gita Coaching: DO NOT LOSE ENTHUSIASM


My dear Tejiyas,

Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letter dated December 10, 1972, and I am very much disturbed to hear from you that you have become disturbed in your mind. Do not be disturbed. There is no cause for anxiety.

You are doing your best to serve Krishna, that is very much appreciated, so do not lose enthusiasm out of frustration, that will spoil everything. Krishna Consciousness means we should always be satisfied and happy, not that we must work something impossible, becoming overburdened, and then because we are unhappy by so much trouble we lose enthusiasm altogether and give up all hope. No, if too much endeavour is there, that is to be avoided.

By all means we must preserve our spiritual status, that is the point, not that we are mad after big buildings, many devotees, life-members, this, that -- no, these are only ways to engage the devotees so that they may apply the principles of devotional living to some kind of work for practical realization of these principles. It is not the result of the work we want.

If only one person daily, if we sincerely preach to such one person in a day, that is sufficient, never mind big, big programmes. So my request to you is that you do not be bothered by these things, ...

Krishna does not like to see His sincere devotee suffer or become frustrated or depressed. He will not stand idly by in any such case, so do not fear on that account. Krishna has got some plan for you, always think in that way, and very soon He will provide everything to your heart's desire. ...

Hoping this meets you in good health.

Your ever well-wisher,
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

Letter to: Tejiyas  --  Bombay 19 December, 1972
 
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Akrura das, Gita Coaching: THERE WILL BE NO IMPEDIMENT


We should know always that we are lame, pangoh. Just like a lame man cannot go very fast. But by the grace of Krsna, even a lame man can go fast -- not only go fast, but cross over the mountain.


mukam karoti vacalam
pangum langhayate girim
yat krpa tam aham vande
sri gurum dina-taranam


It is possible if we become obedient student of guru, then even though we may be dumb, deaf and dumb, still, we can become good lecturer. Mukam karoti vacalam, talk very much about Krsna. This is Krsna's grace, mukam karoti... Pangum langhayate girim, if one is lame man, he is made to cross over the hill, mountain. This is the mercy of guru.

So bhakti, or cultivation of spiritual knowledge, is never subjected by any material things. Ahaituky apratihata. No material thing can check us in our progress in Krsna consciousness. It is not possible. Never think like that. Simply follow the instruction of Krsna consciousness, man-mana bhava mad-bhakto mad-yaji mam namaskuru [Bg. 18.65]. Follow the rules and regulations and everything will be clear, very crystal clear. There will be no impediment. Always chant, hear; don't waste time.

Srila Prabhupada
 
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ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Daily Class - Gangesvara Prabhu

Srimad Bhagavatam 1.3.3 a good sufficiency of knowlege is when you come to love Krsna

 
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Ekendra das, Alachua, USA: the Incredible Grump

I was in a grumpy mood the other day. I mean all day long. An astrologer once told me my personality can swing from extremely high sattva to extremely low tama. Well, telling you this was one hella tama kinda day.

I don’t even remember what kicked off this particular grumpfest, but once it set in it was stonelike. I couldn’t be moved from it. Everything I saw, heard, touched, smelled, or thought about made me either depressed or mad. I cursed inanimate objects (a favorite pastime while in dark-ville). I used vocabulary absent from any Sanskrit dictionary.

People who don’t know me very well – that is, practically everyone except my wife — think of me as mild-mannered, meek, quiet, lighthearted, and occasionally funny. I’m here to debunk such thinking. For example, when I’m in one of my modes, and I do mean modes, I’m likely to out and out willfully break things. Once, while adjusting the position of a plastic storage crate in our living room, the crate wouldn’t budge, so I considered it appropriate to curse it in language that would melt the ears off Long John Silver while punching it until it shattered.

“What happened to that crate?” my wife asked, a few days later.

“I punched it,” I said.

“What the HELL? You think you can just go around punching things? What’s WRONG with you?”

Most of the time, I am indeed levelheaded. I don’t wantonly and constantly lash out at household furnishings. It’s just every so often, I don’t know what comes over me. It’s like I morph into a fiery demon with Tourette’s.
This most recent case of the ultra-grumps had me depressed on top of being grumpy; “Why should I have to be this way? This is awful! This sucks!” I remember praying to our Deities for relief. As I sat before Them, feeling like the most condemned, miserly curmudgeon to ever besmear the face of the planet, I reached for the Krishna Book.

With aggravated fury seeping out of every pore of my body, I opened the book, searching for some antidote to my inner foulness, until I reached the adventure of Krishna killing Jarasandha’s army multiple times and sending him back, defeated, again and again.

As I read about the carnage inflicted by the Supreme Personality of Godhead on Jarasandha and company, I felt fifteen pounds lighter. I began to laugh. By the time Krishna led Kalayavana to the cave where Mucukunda was sleeping, and Mucukunda awoke and burned Kalayavana to ashes with one angry look, I felt completely revived. I was cracking up. I felt like I was back to as close to normal as I get.

 
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Akrura das, Gita Coaching: DEVELOPING A CAPACITY TO SWITCH

What I need to practice every day is switching consciously from the mindset of a conditioned soul to a mindset of a devotee.

Mindset means how do I see things, how do I think about them, how do I understand them.

Mindset means thinking, feeling and willing (or desires).

The most powerful tool for a switch to happen is asking ourselves the right question.

What is the best question that will make for us that shift - right away?

Here are few that we can use:

- Am I thinking as devotee or as a conditioned soul?

- How would a devotee react to this event?

- How can I please Krsna (God) in this situation?

- What can I learn here that will help me improve myself and make spiritual advancement?

Action
Think of a question that can help yourself switch from where you find yourself to where you want to be. 
 
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H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

The Burst at Amherst

Little River to Amherst, Nova Scotia

Two Royal Canadian Mounted Police stopped their vehicles out of curiosity. We chatted. They were familiar with our Hare Krishna order. Then outside Shipley's Monuments, where they sell tombstones, Dave, the owner, caught my eye as I proceeded west.

"Where are you from?" He asked in a friendly tone. We talked of many things, including tombstones, and of life and death. In our community, we would likely not provide much business for Dave because we basically cremate our parish people. Dave was not concerned with anything but the fascination of the pilgrimage undertaken. After I left him to hit the road again, he proceeded to call his buddy Donald who told his buddy. Through word of mouth I suddenly had all these friends to talk to as they met me at the road.

Lilly Ann was walking and spotted monk, Matt, and I on the street in Amherst. We conveyed to her what we did the others, that this is a therapeutic walk meant to purge the soul, "Please try this Hare Krishna mantra."

Truly intriguing for me was to meet Dave of the Amherst Daily Paper. He picked up on the purpose of the trekking as a way to explore who you really are. I took that cue as a way to say that we are spirits. We are not humans, black, white, male, female, Buddhist, Christian or Hindu. We are a spark of life, moving on, trying to make good, being conscious of the Creator, loving Him, and seeking ultimate freedom.

There was one more Dave today who interviewed me right in the studio of CKDH 101.7 FM radio station. We got to speaking about the soul's motion from body to body and that we have this golden opportunity as a human to work at perfecting to the fullest capacity, our potential. I mentioned to him that I chant for 3 hours each day on my japa beads. He was astounded. "Three hours?" he repeated. I walk 6 hours each day so 3 hours of chanting is easy.

The Amherst area was the best yet for receptivity. In the beginning of the day I conveyed to Matt, "You know, here in Nova Scotia people are rather reserved. Even the police haven't stopped. By responding to a call that I might have escaped from a local penitentiary where the guys dress in orange." This has happened several times in the past. So here we are, the day started with the meeting between two mounties and a monk, and everything rolled out just great from there.

This portion of the first leg of walk four ends here. I will reconvene at the New Brunswick border in the spring of 2012. All goes well. Om tat sat. Daily walking reports will continue.

24 KM

 
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H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Tuesday, September 27th, 2011

He Slapped His Tail

Oxford/Little River, Nova Scotia

He slapped his tail against the surface of the water, warning his community that danger lurks in their midst. I was the intruder and the one sending the warning sign was a beaver. On the Cross Canada Trail leading up to Oxford, Nova Scotia, you will have these wilderness experiences. I also spotted a pair of grouse, bear feces everywhere, but most prominent was the work of the boys with the fancy sharp teeth and tennis racket tails who have made their mark. Their trails are abound. I saw a mini Hoover dam so expertly constructed, and at least one sizeable tree chewed off to a pencil point and then crashed to the ground.

Thicker trees are left alone, but not by the night chill. Autumn cold is turning leaves from green to deep orange and red. So that happens to those trees who stand alone. Those nestled by other trees are at this point protected from a chilly dynamic. This display of nature is to me, like attempting spiritual life all on your own. You are vulnerable to the onslaught of temptations when you try it solo. Once you commit to spiritual camaraderie, you are then sheltered from the attacks of maya (illusion). I'm fortunate to have Bhakta Jeff, a good supporting soul, to be present at every access area to the trail as he drives ahead. Once we reached Oxford we realized the trail merges with the highway. It was a disappointment. From there onward I ventured down the Highway 204 to Little River at Oxford. Jeff and I met with Charlie of the Oxford Journal for an interview and photo.

Boy, this is certainly not the Oxford we hear about in the UK, but it does boast having the world's largest blueberry, a metallic sculpture of the fruit.

We left the wilderness and small towns behind for a wild and ecstatic kirtan (chanting), a reunion with other brahmacharis (monks) in Halifax for the late afternoon. Halifax is another world. There's young people everywhere and they respond so well to the presence of us monks.

30 KM




















 
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Akrura das, Gita Coaching: GUIDELINES FOR GREAT QUESTIONS


inquiryinstitute.com


"A question can be an invitation, a request, or a missile. What impact do you want your questions to have?"

- Marilee Adams


Expertise with question asking always begins with the mindset of the individual asking the questions. These guidelines presume an Inquiring Mindset that is open-minded, genuinely curious, desirous of learning, and intending a positive outcome for both parties. There are no absolute "rules" in question asking, since the best questions must always factor in context, relationship, and intentions.

  • The general goal is to ask a question effectively.  This means to acquire or convey the information necessary, or initiate some specific action, while maintaining respect and rapport with the other person.  Effective questions are usually asked by one's Learner mindset, not one's Judger mindset.

  • Observe the Golden Rule in asking questions.  Ask questions of the other person as you would like to be questioned.

  • Make sure you have the other person's attention.  If that person doesn't realize he or she is being asked a question, there's little chance they'll answer it, or that you'll get what you're asking for.

  • As much as possible, know what you want before you ask.  For example, is this a question for getting information, to get some action started, or for bringing up a subject to think about?

  • Recognize that questions can convey information and/or feelings.  For example, "Did you know that the team meeting was changed to Tuesday?" or "Have I told you recently how much I enjoy working with you?"

  • Timing is everything.  This pertains to when a question is asked, as well as the potential length of the interaction.  Unless the question interaction is going to be brief, say to the other person, for example, "I have something to ask you.  Is this a good time?" or "Do you have a minute?"  

  • Also, consider the circumstances and use common sense.  For instance, don't ask a complicated, difficult, or emotional question when your coachee is already late for a meeting.  

  • When is the answer needed?  Let the other person know if this is something for which you need an immediate answer, or if it's simply something you want them to think about so you can discuss it later.

  • Be careful about how the question is delivered.  To neutralize "defensive listening," deliver questions in a neutral or accepting tone.  Use congruent facial expressions and body language. (Remember:  even on the phone you can tell if a person is smiling!)

  • Set the question up properly.  For example, "I have a question about that situation with XYZ Company that we talked about last week."

  • Consider who else might be listening.  Never ask questions that could make the other person feel uncomfortable or look bad in front of someone else.

  • Keep questions simple. Ask only one question at a time, as much as possible.

  • Be certain the other person understands the question – or the implications of the question – and clarify if necessary.

  • Give the other person enough time to think and respond ("wait time").

  • Listen carefully to the verbal and non-verbal response.  Observe and be sensitive to the other person.  Ask yourself questions such as:  "Did I get what I was looking for?"  "Did this work for him or her?"  "Are we still in rapport?"  "Is this complete?" and "Is there anything else I need to do here?"

  • Complete any question-answer interaction; for example, with a simple "Thanks."


Here are some questions to ask yourself before asking questions of others:
  • "What do I want my question to accomplish?"
  • "What do I need to take into account when asking it?"
  • "What are my intentions?"  "Are they positive?"
  • "What's the best way to ask this question?"
  • "Is this a good time to ask it?"
  • "Can we both win with this question?
  • "Is there anything I should tell this person before I ask my question?"
 
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Bhakti Lounge, NZ: Ready. Steady. Cook.

 
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H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami (Ret.): 446 — Poem for September 28

4:20  A.M. Poem for September 28 The child Nimai went to the homes of neighbors and stole milk and disturbed their children. When His mother reprimanded Him, He broke the pots in the house and then came before her ashamed. Sometimes the Lord went with other children to bathe in the Ganges, and the neighboring [...]

446 — Poem for September 28 is a post from: EVERY DAY

 
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H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami (Ret.): Selected Writings

From Spiritualized Dictionary "Lombrosium "Lombrosium comes from Cesare Lombroso, an Italian physician and criminologist (1909). It relates to the doctrines of Lombroso, especially that a criminal represents 'a distinct anthropological type with definite mental and physical stigmata and that he is a product of hereditary atavism, and degeneracy. Thus the Lombrosian approach to criminology.' Whether [...]

Selected Writings is a post from: EVERY DAY

 
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H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami (Ret.): 445 — Poem for September 27

4:29  A.M. Poem for September 27 Although Lord Caitanya's childhood pastimes appear exactly like those of an ordinary child they should be understood as various pastimes of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. In the first childhood pastimes the Lord turned upside down while lying on His bed and this showed His parents the prints of [...]

445 — Poem for September 27 is a post from: EVERY DAY

 
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H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami (Ret.): Selected Writ­ings

From My Dear Lord Krishna: A Book of Prayers "Yesterday when I wrote to You, I discussed, in part, my attempt to communicate with You. I said my prayers are writing exercises but real attempts to come before You openly for darsana. I wish to discuss this some more. I write to You to be [...]

Selected Writ­ings is a post from: EVERY DAY

 
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ISKCON News.com: Alexander the Great and the Thief

By Mukunda Goswami on 28 Sep 2011

Alexander came upon an Indian thief whom he got arrested and brought before him. A conversation ensued in which the recidivist reminded Alexander, a former pupil of Aristotle, that the renowned chieftain was himself a thief.


 
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ISKCON News.com: The Beast Rises

By Krishna Dharma Das on 28 Sep 2011

In the aftermath of last month's riots opinions were divided as to their cause. "Existing criminals on the rampage," pronounced Justice Secretary Kenneth Clarke, while, in a display of party disunity, Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan-Smith declared the problem to be "selfish bankers and MP's ignoring the plight of the poor."


 
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Bharatavarsa.net: Bhakti Vikasa Swami: The Greatest Charity

As far as charity is concerned, it is plain that charity should be given to the devotees of Krsna who are engaged in His devotional service to spread the Krsna philosophy, or Krsna consciousness, throughout the world.

If one gives some amount of his money to persons involved in distributing Krsna consciousness, that charity, given to spread Krsna consciousness, is the greatest charity in the world.

>From BGAII 11.54 purport

 
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Bharatavarsa.net: Bhakti Vikasa Swami: Photo of Srila Prabhupada

In my book "My Memories of Srila Prabhupada" I wrote:

This morning I was looking at a photo of Srila Prabhupada (In Srimad-Bhagavatam Canto 1 Volume 3) sitting very straight on his vyasasana, looking most aristocratic and determined, playing a gong and wearing a huge, beautiful flower garland. The vyasasana is also profusely decorated with flowers.

[end of quotation]

I plan to reprint this book and would like to include the photo described above. But I don't remember what it looks like, or exactly which photo I was referring to. If anyone on this list happens to have Srimad-Bhagavatam Canto 1 Volume 3 from the old series (with blue dust jackets, pre-1982) please have a look to see which one it was, and inform me.

hari-guru-vaisnava dasa, BVS ---------------------------- www.bvks.com

 
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Akrura das, Gita Coaching: LEARN HOW TO LEARN

"Once you have learned how to ask questions - relevant and appropriate and substantial questions - you have learned how to learn and no one can keep you from learning whatever you want or need to know."
- Neil Postman and Charles Weingarten


 
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ISKCON Toronto, Canada: Deity Darshan: Sunday, September 25, 2011



 
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Madhava Ghosh dasa, New Vrndavan, USA: Seeing Krishna Everywhere

Stumbled across this in my blog archives while looking for something else. I posted it in 2008 but realize that many of my readers are new since then.  I hope you find it fascinating  too.

“For one who sees Me everywhere and sees everything in Me, I am never lost, nor is he ever lost to Me.

“PURPORT

“A person in Krsna consciousness certainly sees Lord Krsna everywhere, and he sees everything in Krsna. Such a person may appear to see all separate manifestations of the material nature, but in each and every instance he is conscious of Krsna, knowing that everything is a manifestation of Krsna’s energy. Nothing can exist without Krsna, and Krsna is the Lord of everything — this is the basic principle of Krsna consciousness. Krsna consciousness is the development of love of Krsna — a position transcendental even to material liberation.”

Bg 6.30

Why don’t we see Krishna everywhere? Take the test in this video to find out why (fully realized souls, go ahead and skip this exercise).

 

See comments for a purport.

If you want to know why this phenomenon works as it does, go to this website.


Filed under: Illusions
 
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New Vrndavan, USA: Palace Restoration Committee Minutes July 9th, 2011

Present:

Gaura Shakti Dasa
Gopisa Dasa
Jaya Krsna das
Malati Devi Dasi
Ramesvara Dasa

Absent: Tripad Dasa

Agenda:

1)      What part of the Palace of Gold is of historic relevance?

2)      Next steps

3)      How to utilize the architectural work done so far by Kayafas Architects

  1. The members of the committee agreed that Srila Prabhupada's house is the core of the Palace with the Rose Garden and should never be removed. The later on added part towards the pond is in its form not of historic value and can be destructed.
  1. The following reasons request a new construction of a part of the Palace:
  • Handicap facilities
  • The visitors flow
  • The planned content of a tour (visitor's center, multi media show, Srila Prabhupada's museum and the Palace itself)
  • The desire to expand the glorification of Srila Prabhupada
  • The deterioration of the materials used; it is intended to use materials which will last for centuries and not for only a few decades
  • A proper design related to materials used, water drainage, mechanical infrastructure (water, electricity, AC)
  • An orientation towards LEED certification
  • Improved landscaping
  • Parking capacities and arrangements such as cross walk
  • Security issues

The committee decides that the facilities should allow having 250.000 visitors a year.  The layout should easily allow dealing with an average number of visitors plus 30%.

  1. The followings steps have been identified for the near future:
  • Get a quote from Kalkreuth for the immediate repair to gain time for a proper design and the fundraising                             Gopisa
  • Get proposals for a new design/expansion
    • o Surabhi, contacted by                                   Jaya Krsna
    • o Sadhbuja and related designers of TOVP   Gaura Shakti
    • o Other individuals                                           all committee members
  • Review each devotee repair by professionals in order to guarantee longevity
  1. 4. A Story Board to be defined for the design teams.             Proposal by JKd

 

  1. General decisions:
  • The main dome should be renewed.
  • The main elements of the outer area should be kept.
  • The fountains and lightening should be reactivated.

Gopisa will visit Kayafas Architects in order to get a proper understanding of their service related to the Palace renovation. Gaura Shakti will arrange a visit. Ramesvara will send copies of potential design for the dome.

JKd July 14, 2011

 

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1972 September 28: "I am especially interested in your college program because students are intelligent and inquisitive so approach them nicely and lead them gradually to Krsna Consciousness. It is a very good sign that they are allowing us to reside on campus and propagate Krsna Consciousness. "
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972

 
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Sita-pati dasa, AU: The Glories of the Holy Name

This Saturday at the Sherwood Scout Hall, 14 Young St, Graceville. 5pm start!

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1968 September 28: "The description given in my books are not mundane speculations but they are authorized versions of liberated souls presented by our humble self. So the strength is not in us but the strength is in the Supreme Lord. We simply must present them without adulteration in humble service spirit. That is the secret of success."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1968

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1968 September 28: "You are speaking in the University as my representative. I may inform you these books which I have already prepared are the ultimate source of knowledge. Simply reproduce what I have explained in those books and you will surely come out victorious even in the midst of so many great scholars."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1968

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1972 September 28: "It appears the new Deities that I have entrusted to you are being very well cared for, thank you very much. As long as Radha and Krsna are pleased, everything will operate very smoothly in your temple activities. Krsna gives all facility as much as He is pleased."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1970 September 28: "Improve the standard as far as possible that should be our constant care. Turn over your intelligence to Krishna, He will bestow upon you more and more intelligence how to serve the Spiritual Master. Do not divert your attention elsewhere."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1970

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1975 September 28: "It is the great mercy of Krishna that you want to serve me. Do not lose this opportunity. The best thing will be for you to immediately come and live with me. I will be glad to keep you as my constant companion for sometime so that you can learn Krishna consciousness and be useful for Krishna's service."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1975

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1971 September 28: "I am always thinking of you and praying to Krishna when you will be relieved and join us again. Your hospitalization is an opportunity. Simply go on chanting and think of Krishna always."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1971

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1971 September 28: "He is yet to learn a little more. Unless one is in our line of thought it is very difficult to translate nicely. He may associate with us and it will take some time to come to the perfectional stage."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1971

 
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H.H. Sivarama Swami

I am just trying to wipe out this Mayavada philosophy… Mayavada Philosophy is very dangerous for ordinary person… Mayavada Philosophy has played havoc in spiritual understanding leading to Atheistic tendency.

- Srila Prabhupada

 
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H.H. Sivarama Swami: Report on yesterday’s Advertisers’ Conference and my presentation on “Reality and it’s Relevance to Marketing.”

 
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Akrura das, Gita Coaching: ORDINARY PEOPLE CANNOT UNDERSTAND


Karmis, fruitive workers, cannot understand the finer conclusions of devotional service because they accept only its ritualistic value but do not understand how devotional service satisfies the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

The karmis view the formalities as a means of advancing in religion, economic development, sensual satisfaction and liberation.

Although these are only material results of following religious principles, the karmis consider them everything.

Such ritualistic activities are called karma.

Karmis who adopt devotional service very loosely and who therefore remain on the platform of material activities are called prakrta-sahajiyas.

They cannot understand how pure devotional service is rendered in parental and conjugal love, for this can be understood only by the special mercy bestowed by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu upon pure devotees.

Caitanya Caritamrita, Antya-lila, 10.101 Purport
 
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Akrura das, Gita Coaching: HELPING DEVOTEES SUCCEED - FREE AUDIO AND TEXT DOWNLOAD

Click on this link to access the free audio:

http://www.sendspace.com/file/drm03i

And here the transcript as an ebook:

http://www.sendspace.com/file/pknjt6
 
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Akrura das, Gita Coaching: FINER POINTS OF ETIQUETTE

One of myfavorite stories from the Caitanya Caritamrta:

FINERPOINTS OF ETIQUETTE

SriCaitanya Mahaprabhu lay down at the door of the Gambhira, and Govinda camethere to massage His legs.

It was asteady, long-standing rule that Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu would lie down to restafter lunch and Govinda would come to massage His legs. Then Govinda would honor the remnants of food left by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.

Govinda would come to massage His legs. Then Govinda would honorthe remnants of food left by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.

This timewhen the Lord lay down, He occupied the entire doorway. Govinda could not enterthe room, and therefore he made the following request.

Govindasaid, "Kindly turn on one side. Let me pass to enter theroom."However, the Lord replied, "I don't have the strength to moveMy body."

Govindamade his request again and again, but the Lord replied, "I cannot move Mybody."

Govindarepeatedly requested, "I want to massage Your legs."But the Lordsaid, "Do it or don't do it. It depends upon your mind."

ThenGovinda spread the Lord's wrapper over His body and in this way entered theroom by crossing over the Lord.

Govindamassaged the Lord's legs as usual. He pressed the Lord's waist and back verysoftly, and thus all the Lord's fatigue went away.

AsGovinda stroked His body, the Lord slept very nicely for about forty-fiveminutes, and then His sleep broke.

When SriCaitanya Mahaprabhu saw Govinda sitting by His side, He was somewhat angry."Why have you been sitting here for so long today?" the Lord asked.

"Whydidn't you go to take your meal after I fell asleep?" the Lordasked.Govinda replied, "You were lying down, blocking the door, and therewas no way to go."

The Lordasked, "How did you enter the room? Why didn't you go out to take yourlunch in the same way?"

Govindamentally replied, "My duty is to serve, even if I have to commit offensesor go to hell. Iwould not mind committing hundreds and thousands of offenses for the service ofthe Lord, but I greatly fear committing even a glimpse of an offense for my ownself."

Thinkingin this way, Govinda kept silent. He did not reply to the Lord's inquiry.

It wasGovinda's practice to go take lunch when the Lord was asleep. On that day, however,seeing the Lord's weariness, Govinda continued massaging His body.

There wasno way to go. How could he leave? When he thought of crossing over the Lord'sbody, he considered it a great offense.

These aresome of the finer points of etiquette in devotional service. Only one who hasreceived the mercy of SriCaitanya Mahaprabhu can understand these principles.

The Lordis very interested in manifesting the exalted qualities of His devotees, andthat is why He engineered this incident.

CaitanyaCaritamrta
 
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Akrura das, Gita Coaching: RADHARANI, BHAKTI-TIRTHA SWAMI AND DEVOTEE CARE

Here you can click to download the recording of my talk at ISKCON's Gita Nagari farm in Pennsylvania (USA), the day before Radhastami this year (3 September 2001), entitled "Radharani, Bhakti-tirtha Swami, and Devotee Care":

http://www.sendspace.com/file/gid45s

If you want to hear it, it is good to download soon, as the link is kept for a limited amount of time.
 
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Gouranga TV: Indradyumna Swami – kirtan. Ekaterinburg 2006.09.20.

Indradyumna Swami – kirtan. Ekaterinburg 2006.09.20.

 
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