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Karnamrita.das — Thu, 11/19/2009 - 07:57

Relationships are Everything

The Importance of EQ
Some complain
about getting along
with others
who cause them
many problems—
ah, if they
could only be alone
they could experience
some peace and quite—
but really we are all
relational creatures
as is all existence,
conscious or inert
if we really study
the universe:

Karnamrita.das — Tue, 11/10/2009 - 07:18

Desiring to Discover the Spiritual Mission of Our Life

Magic door bookImagine that right now you stand before a door, appearing like a book cover. You have to decide whether to enter or not, which takes desire, resolve and commitment. Once inside you can discover the general spiritual mission for your life by reading these words. If you pray feelingly with urgency to the Lord of the Universe who is the source of everything including your very self and existence, you will gain the necessary power to be attracted to this most sacred and fulfilling task. Take a risk and trust the Highest and Supreme Power by opening your heart and being receptive to understand the most secret of all secrets.

Karnamrita.das — Sun, 11/01/2009 - 17:41

The Power of a Smile

Prabhupada and devotees smile

When I am at work or "out and about" shopping or going somewhere, I often reflect about what I am giving out--the energy I have within myself, and what, as a result, I am sharing with others--consciously or unconsciously. This is a kind of frequent "reality check" I try to remember to do, because I am very aware that my mental state will affect others--and my health as well. In addition, my spiritual development and my well-wishing to people will positively effect them--or my materialist, negative outlook will also influence those I encounter.

Karnamrita.das — Wed, 10/21/2009 - 14:13

Reflections on the Guru, on Prabhupada’s Disappearance Day

PhotobucketIt is likely that most disciples of Prabhupada remember exactly what they were doing when they heard the news that indeed Prabhupada had “left his body” or departed this world for the spiritual plane or Goloka. As the death of our mother and father is a kind of initiation or rite of passage for everyone, when one’s guru leaves the planet, it calls for a new birth--and an unexpected, difficult one, as it ushers in a another stage of life.

Karnamrita.das — Thu, 10/15/2009 - 11:03

Coming to Krishna and Finding a Way to Stay the Course

Redwoods 2
I often lived in the redwoods
near Muir woods across the bay
from Berkeley and San Fran
where every day was a quest,
a search for the Real Truth
beyond appearances
so I observed everything:
the Natural Order of
changing seasons, moon cycles,
the sun rising and setting,
old trees fallin’ to fertilize
new ones risin’ up through
decaying, rotting tree bodies.

Karnamrita.das — Sun, 10/04/2009 - 14:06

For we, the Fallen, the Hope of Kartik: Radha’s Mercy

Radha--her month Kartik
Now again
Kartika has come—
Radha’s month—
to remind us
of the beauty and mercy
of Shri Radha Gopinatha (Krishna)
and the importance
of our spiritual practices
as we derive special benefit
in this month
by our humble efforts
to serve the Divine Couple
hearing and remembering
their spiritual activities
chanting their holy name
in abandon and feeling.

Karnamrita.das — Fri, 10/02/2009 - 15:55

The Land of Faith

Evolution of Consciousness
In the material ocean
of ignorance and suffering
all souls float helplessly
unless they receive
help from above--
Plants and animals
can only follow
the narrow confines
of instincts for survival
while human life
is like parole from prison
offering a way out
the chance to rise above
mere existence,
to understand our
soul and God--
if we can overcome
the animality of sensuality.

Karnamrita.das — Mon, 09/28/2009 - 19:45

The Fall Wind's Message

Falling leaves
Sitting in my chair
in the forest
chanting "japa",
O Radhe, O Krishna!
please capture my mind
and heart,
end my material existence
pulling my attention and desires
to you alone--no other interests,
Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare.

Karnamrita.das — Tue, 09/15/2009 - 19:18

Amidst the Rush of life, Remembering to be Grateful

The mad dashLife is often a rush from one activity to another, and there is a tendency to not be in the present moment, but to be thinking of the next activity, or lamenting some past mistake. To counteract this habit, I do my best to begin my day by thinking of what I am grateful for. If I do this right, I observe my life with as much appreciation as I can. I look for those things I am thankful for, which are disguised as the regular details of my life. Becoming a devotee of Krishna means--among other things--to become conscious of what is really important, and gradually making our life a meaningful, joyous occasion which we offer to the Lord. My "ordinary" life is actually extraordinary, though I sometimes forget this fact. This is why being grateful needs to be a daily affair--or at least practiced frequently--so we can make gratitude and appreciation a habit, not a "should" that isn't practiced.

Karnamrita.das — Fri, 09/11/2009 - 09:25

Commemorating and Celebrating Prabhupada's arrival in America

Prabhupad'a arrival in the WestShrila Prabhupada's coming to the West is pregnant with deep with meaning and symbolism. It demonstrates the glory of Krishna's pure devotees, and shows the primary way divinity manifests in our lives. Ordinarily, or materially, the Lord is neutral as the indwelling Paramatma or Supersoul. He is awarding every soul's good and bad karma, allowing them to go up to the higher planets [heaven] or down to the hellish ones. However, this is not the Lord's desire. He desires that all souls awaken their eternal love for him, and join together to taste the bliss of their relationship. Although Krishna is not lacking in anything, is self-sufficient, and full in himself, still, at the same time, he wants our love. We are part of him, and although tiny, he loves us, and pines for our welfare and company. Imagine that!

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