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तमेव शरणं गच्छ सर्वभावेन भारत |
तत्प्रसादात्परामं शान्तिं स्थानं प्राप्स्यसि शाश्वतम् ||
Surrender
exclusively unto Him with your whole being, O Bharat. By his grace,
you will attain perfect peace and the eternal abode.
Bhagavad Gita, chapter 18, verse 62
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| | | From the Editor's Desk | Ever
wonder why we were happy and carefree as little children? It's because
we completely trusted and surrendered to our mother or father. We can
certainly be that happy child again if we unconditionally surrendered to
God, our eternal Father. When
we truly believe that He alone is everything to us, He gives us His
joy, love, and wisdom. When we relinquish the mind and intellect in
total devotion to God, He will come to us like He did in the guise of a
merchant to help Narsinh Mehta (Bhakti Ras column), as Bal Krishna to
walk a little boy through the woods (Inspirations for Living), or as
Maha Vishnu to save Gajendra or Gajraj (Bal-Mukund). This month, we present a little insight into how devotees, who seek shelter and happiness in Him, surrender. |
Radha Krishna Temple Update
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Underground
utility work continued in the last few weeks. Gas and electric lines
are installed, as well as lines for data connections. This work required
yet more excavation and trenching for the embedment of these lines.
Preparations for tapping into the power grid, gas, and communication
lines were made during this period, although the tap-ins will not occur
till a later phase of construction. The
ground under the temple site consists of a lot of limestone and shale.
Having dense rock underground has made excavations more laborious, but
on the other hand geologically this makes for a steady, stable, and
unshifting foundation. During
the excavation process, a large number of fossils were uncovered. These
fossils date back 100 million years, to the time when this region was a
shallow sea bed called the Skull Creek Seaway. Most of the fossils are
clamshells. The fossils range in size from fractions of an inch to
several feet in size. No buildings have been built on this property, it
has remained fallow land. God
has endowed us with a virgin piece of land that naturally provides a
rock solid foundation for the temple. As the utility work is winding
down, surface road and parking construction will begin. This will mean
getting the fire lanes, parking areas and turning lanes into the temple
site constructed. Once the infrastructure and road, fire lanes and
parking are complete, we will be able to move forward with actual
construction of the temple building. |
 | | Bhakti Ras
An Affluent Wedding in a Poor Man's Home
The
name of Narsinh Mehta is synonymous with bhakti ras and illustrates
unconditional surrender to Lord Krishna. Even though Nirsinh Mehta's
bhajans and kirtans date back to the 15th century, they have as much
relevance in this day and age because the resplendent life stories
recount the grace of God. We present one story that exemplifies Nirsinh
Mehta's total surrender to Lord Krishna and how God graced his beloved
devotee at the time of his daughter's wedding.
Nirsinh
Mehta's heart was always engrossed in singing the praises of Lord
Krishna ever since he witnessed the divine ras leela. He was not very
interested in worldly events, including participating in the preparation
of his daughter's wedding. When asked about why he was not upholding
his responsibilities, he would respond that the Lord always took care of
His family. One day after repeated requests that did not produce any
outcome, Nirsinh's wife, Manekbai, asked him to make the effort to find
resources to buy clothes and jewelry for their daughter's wedding. She
gave whatever jewelry she had to Nirsinh and asked him to go find a
wealthy person who would exchange the jewelry for cash. Nirsinh was on
his way when he heard recitation of the Bhagavat Mahapuran at someone's
house.
Narsinh
Mehta could not stop himself from going inside to listen to the stories
of Lord Krishna. As the recitation progressed from one canto to
another, Nirsinh was so lost in bhakti that he lost track of time. Hours
morphed into days and at the end of the saptahik, he realized that his
wife had asked him to bring money for his daughter's wedding, which was
to be held in a few days. When Narsinh found out that he had been
sitting in the Bhagavat katha for a week, he got very worried about what
might have happened to his daughter's wedding. He wailed and said,
"Lord Krishna, I do not understand Your leela. Why did You let me forget
my daughter's marriage? But if this is what You desire, so be it."
He
started chanting the Lord's name and walked back toward his village. As
he got closer to his house, he heard people talking about the opulence
of the wedding ceremony. Upon inquiring, he found out that it was his
daughter's wedding that people were describing. He went home and saw
that his wife was filled with joy. He asked her how the wedding took
place without the money or his presence. Manekbai told him that a dark
complexioned young man brought loads of beautiful clothes, jewelry,
food, and money for the wedding guests. "Who did the kanyadaan?" asked
Narsinh. His wife said, "You were so engrossed in bhajans that you do
not even remember giving your daughter away?" Narsinh just smiled and
said, "Didn't I tell you that Krishna is always there for us? We just
need to have the deep faith and love and chant His name. He takes care
of the rest." This story is an example of how the Lord unconditionally loves and graces His devotees when their surrender is complete. |
| | Inspirations for Living
Surrender and Experience His Love
When
we firmly believe that He is everything to us, we begin to experience
His grace. As Swami Mukundananda ji says, "When we surrender like we did
to our mothers as newly born children," we receive His grace. That's
when He bestows His Divine Love and serves the surrendered soul.
On
the bank of Yamuna, in a small village, there once lived a mother with
her son, Govind. She earned her living by gathering the firewood from
the nearby woods and selling it in the village. Every time she walked by
the village temple, she would hear the priests chanting hymns from
Vedas and feel sad that she was illiterate and could not worship or
glorify Krishna in the same manner as other scholars. The only way she
knew to express her love for Him was by chanting His names while
gathering firewood. When
Govind turned six years old, she decided to send him to school, so that
he would learn to read, write, and sing the glories of Shree Krishna.
After the first day of school, Govind came home and said that he could
not go to school because he was afraid to walk through the patch of
woods between their hut and the school. His mother drew him into her
lap, and affectionately patting on his back, said, "Govind, your elder
brother, Gopal Krishna, tends the cows in those woods. When you reach
that patch of woods, call him for help. He will walk you through the
woods. You don't need to fear anything, my son." From
next day onwards, Govind, while going to school and returning home,
would stop at the patch of the woods, and call out loudly, "O Gopal, O
Krishna bhaiya, I am here. Can you please walk with me, bhaiya?" Bal Krishna would hop from behind one of the trees playfully and say, "Alright let's go, but first tell me. What did maiya give you for lunch today?" Govind would lovingly share meagre portions of food with Bal Krishna. Many
months passed by, and one day, Govind's teacher asked all the children
in his school to bring a special dessert the next day to celebrate
Krishna Janmashtami. Govind went home and asked his mother
to make dessert, but his poor mother said, "Govind, I don't have money
to buy milk, jaggery, rice, and all the other ingredients to make a
dessert for all the children in your school. Ask your elder brother,
Gopal Krishna. He will certainly help you." So
the next day, Govind while walking through the woods with Krishna, told
Him about the celebration at school. Krishna gave him a small pot of kheer
(rice pudding) and said with a smile, "Govind, while returning home
this evening, you will bring me all the desserts that your friends
brought to school, won't you?" Govind happily nodded his head, took the
small pot of kheer and walked towards the school in excitement.
However, when he reached the school, the children made fun of his small
pot and asked him how such a small amount of kheer would be sufficient
for everyone. Surprisingly, when Govind started serving, everyone got a
ladle full of the sweet kheer. "Govind, who made this divinely tasting kheer?" asked his teacher as he relished the dessert. "My elder brother, Krishna, gave it to me, Sir," said Govind. Annoyed with his answer, the teacher said, "What? Krishna is your elder brother? And he made this kheer for you? Stop lying to me, child." Govind
said, "No, Sir. I am not lying. My elder brother Gopal Krishna walks
me to school every day because I am afraid of the darkness in that patch
of woods." "In that case, bring Krishna to school tomorrow," said his teacher. That
evening while returning home, Govind told Krishna about what happened
at school. When Krishna said, "I will come to your school tomorrow,"
Govind was overjoyed. The next day, Govind was so delighted to take his
elder brother to school, he felt like he was walking on the clouds. He
went straight to his teacher and said, "Here is my brother Gopal
Krishna, Sir. You may ask him whether he gave me the kheer or
not, but please hurry. He has to go back to tending the cows in the
woods." The teacher looked on either side of Govind, didn't see anyone,
so he looked all around. Seeing none, he started yelling
impatiently at Govind, "Where is He? Are you playing games with me?"
When he was about to spank Govind, he got a whiff of sandalwood paste
and the fragrance of tulsi leaves. He stood perplexed and then he
heard Krishna say, "Govind can see me because he trusted me as a child
trusts his mother. He fearlessly walked through the woods because he
surrendered to me completely." At the Lord's words, the teacher fell on
the ground wailing, and choked with gratitude he said, "O Lord, you are
so benevolent. Although I can't see you, I have the fortune to hear your
voice, and it's because of Govind. I doubted his words, please forgive
me." When we completely surrender with love and believe that He is the patit pavan (savior
of destitutes), He appears as our mother, father, guru, child, friend,
and in numerous other forms. Why? It is because He is bound by the love
of His devotees. As Maharaj ji says:
अलबेलो हमारो यार, प्रेम के बंधन में |
alabelo hamāro yār, prema ke bandhana meṅ
Our beloved Shyamsundar behaves strangely, bound by the strings of love.
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| | Bal-Mukund: Playground for Vedic Wisdom
Gajraj and the Crocodile There
is a famous story about Gajendra or Gajraj, the king of elephants who
lived in the Chitrakut mountain region. Legend has it that he possessed
the strength of thousands of elephants. He would tell all his family
members and other smaller animals in the jungle to always call upon him
for help whenever they were in trouble. He protected other animals and
over time developed a strong sense of pride in his strength and ability
to protect the weak. One
day while travelling through the jungle, Gajraj and his family members
saw a small lake and decided to take a bath in the nice cool water. What
they did not know was that a huge crocodile lived in the same lake.
Gajraj stepped into the water first to scope the safety before his
family members entered the lake. Almost immediately, the crocodile
grabbed his foot and clenched it in his mouth with sharp teeth and
torturous jaws. Gajraj thought that the crocodile would eventually have
to let go because he, the king of the jungle, had more strength than any
other animal. However, the crocodile did not let go and his grip became
increasingly more intense and the elephant felt himself pulled deeper
into the water. By this time, his family members ran away into the
jungle, abandoning him, afraid of their own safety. Gajraj
realized that he was losing a lot of blood and he started to feel weak
as his strength diminished. He had tears in his eyes. He knew that no
one else but Lord Krishna would help him during this time of need. His
ego was shattered into a thousand pieces. He lifted his trunk to salute
the Lord and shouted with full force, "Govind, I need your help."
Immediately, he saw Lord Vishnu who was seated on Garuda, coming toward
him. Gajraj scooped a lotus from the lake into his trunk and offered it
to the Lord and said, "Oh Narayan, Lord of the universe, I offer my
obeisance to You over and over." The Lord caught hold of his trunk and
pulled him out of the water. The crocodile who had grabbed Gajraj's foot
was also dragged out of the water. Lord Vishnu released His divine sudarshan chakra, which separated the crocodile's head from its body, finally letting go of Gajraj's foot. The
moral of the story is that God protects those who surrender to him
unequivocally, and His love for all living beings is the same. We would like to hear from our Bal-Mukund friends or their parents about ways in which our
Bal-Mukunds have shown courage to face the truth or not been afraid to
risk failure for the good of someone else. Please contact us at [email protected] |
| | We love to hear from you! |
Community Event Updates
For
the benefit of the community, Radha Krishna temple provides
abundant opportunities to volunteer and participate in various
events.
|
 | Weekly Satsangs These
satsangs truly propel one in the ocean of bhakti through a combination
of prayer, singing bhajans/kirtans, viewing a video lecture, and
followed by arati, and Prasad. For local satsang information visit: www.radhakrishnatemple.net or [email protected]. |
|
 | Free Community Yoga Classes Yoga
is much more than a physical exercise - it is a unique individual
journey to inner peace that uplifts body, mind and soul and can be
deeply transformative. All mobility and experience levels are
welcome and accommodated. Sessions
will include the 5 Yogic Sciences of yogasan (yoga poses); pranayam or
breathing exercises; meditation; subtle body relaxation; and science of
proper diet. Learning of some useful mudras will also be
incorporated into sessions. Where: | Watters Montessori Academy, 292 Bossy Boots Dr., Allen, TX 75013 | When: | Saturdays, 9:30 to 10:45 AM CST [starting November 22nd] | Contact: | [email protected] 412-407-4782 |
For details & FREE registration visit: www.radhakrishnatemple.net Note: Wear comfortable loose fitted clothing and bring your own yoga mat (blanket/pillow). |
|
|  | The Bhagavad Gita Study Group "Those
who meditate on Gita will derive fresh joy and derive new meanings from
it everyday," said Mahatma Gandhi once. Let us come together to
comprehend this priceless gift of God, implement the knowledge in our
daily lives, and uplift ourselves. Where: | Conference Call | When: | 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM CST (starting December 10th) | Source: | Commentary written by Swami Mukundananda, discussion in English | Contact:
| [email protected] | |
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|
 | Vishnu Sahashra Naam God's
names are no different from Himself. Every name in Vishnu Sahsranam
(thousand names of Vishnu) is a drop of nectar. Whether we chant it or
hear it, it gives an immense sense of peace and indescribable solace. |
|
|  | Little Hands Big Hearts Radha Krishna Temple Supports Homeless Children in DFW Area Through Little Hands Big Hearts,
we wish to inspire you to take to heart the plight of needy children in
our very own DFW community. Beginning November 20th,
2014 - the day designated by a United Nations Declaration to raise
awareness for children's well-being around the world - Radha Krishna
Temple will be collecting essential items for the approximately 48,000
children with nothing more than the clothes on their back. A
small act of kindness from each of us, coming together in support of
these disadvantaged children in the DFW area, can make a world of
difference in helping these little hands grab hold of a better future. Radha Krishna Temple and JKYog volunteers welcome you to be a part of Little Hands Big Hearts and
share the warmth of our big hearts, to kindle hope for a brighter
future in the lives of homeless children. Collection of essential items
will run through January 20, 2015. All items collected will be given
to Captain Hope's Kids, which assists 46 area organizations in serving
homeless children throughout 5 counties of the DFW area. Do something positive for a homeless child today! - Purchase items on wish list of children's essential items and leave them at the drop-off locations;
- Solicit or sponsor a large quantity bulk donations (pick up for bulk donation may be available);
- Spread the word about the drive to your friends and encourage them to donate;
Serve as a drop off point for our collection drive.
We are counting on your big hearts for support! |  |
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|
|  | 'Dollar A Day' - Pledge Continuous Support! Donate a Dollar a Day towards the building and upkeep of the Radha Krishna temple! By donating just $1 everyday,
you'll help this noble cause!
How many of us have the opportunity and are fortunate enough to build a house for God? Set up monthly contributions through credit card/debit card by calling: 860-605-3685 or by visiting temple website at Radha Krishna Temple of Dallas (click). |
|
| | Wellness for Life
Healthy eating at the time of winter The
end of the year is full of anticipation because it is a time to relax,
enjoy good food, spend time with loved ones, and reflect on the events
of the year. As you celebrate the holiday season with your friends and
family, here are a few tips to help you stay healthy. No
winter celebration is complete without pies, hot cider, and nuts!
Whether you are planning to bake or buy a pie, you might consider one
with blueberries. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, bio-available
copper, selenium, zinc, iron, Vitamins B, C and E, and promote brain
health. Hot
apple cider is a beverage of choice for many especially when it is cold
outdoors and everyone wants to feel warm and fuzzy. Put a gallon of
cider in a crock pot and add the following items for a delightful hot
beverage that will please your guests. Add slices of orange or
tangerine, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and slivers of ginger. The spices
can be put in a small insertable strainer. This combination is not only
tasty but also promotes overall digestion and prevents flatulence. Have
a plate of mixed nuts along with other appetizers. Almonds, walnuts,
pistachios, and others enhance brain functioning and add to the taste
and fun. Most
importantly, eat home-cooked food as much as possible and in small
portions. Exercise, do yoga, or at least go for a walk daily. Eat lots
of fruits and vegetables while avoiding sodas, and finally, love
yourself as much as you love your family and friends. |
| | | | Copyright © Jagadguru Kripaluji Yog 2014. All rights reserved. |
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