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दातव्यमिति यद्दानं दीयतेऽनुपकारिणे |
देशे काले च पात्रे च तद्दानं सात्विकं स्मृतम् ||
dātavyam iti yad dānaṁ dīyate 'nupakāriṇe
deśhe kāle cha pātre cha tad dānaṁ sāttvikaṁ smṛitam
Charity given to a worthy person simply because it is right to give, without consideration of anything in return, at the proper time and in the proper place, is stated to be in the mode of goodness.
The Bhagavad Gita (17.20)
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As we approach the end of the year, we express our gratitude to God and Guru for the many blessings we have received. We are thankful for a healthy body and mind, a roof over our heads, an intellect that allows us to perform our duties in order to meet physical and emotional needs of family members, an inner strength that keeps us together when faced with challenges, and a support system of like-minded devotees.
As an expression of our devotion and gratitude, in this issue we describe the qualities of a yogi, share a story that encourages us to examine whether or not we hold prejudices, talk about the foods based on the types of gunas (constitutional traits), and revisit some major cultural community events organized by the Radha Krishna Temple of Dallas
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Bhakti Ras
Meaning of a Yogi
Of the many characteristics of a yogi described in the Bhagavad Gita and propounded by Swami Mukundananda, we highlight two specific traits. He elucidates that a yogi is "one who is steadfast in the performance of duty but renounces all desires for the fruits of actions."  Swamiji says that a yogi shows equanimity by accepting both positive and negative circumstances with serenity. Yogis understand that their job is to make the effort but not be attached to the results which should be dedicated to God. This level of seva-bhav and equanimity "helps us to accept fame and infamy, success and failure, pleasure and pain, as God's will, and when we learn to embrace both equally."
A yogi, equipped with knowledge and self-realization, is able to control his/her body, mind, and speech. Such yogis see all material things in their relationship with God. Since the material energy belongs to God, all things are meant for his service.
Shree Kripaluji Maharaj repeatedly proclaimed that this state of perfection leads to a purified intellect where the mind is controlled by not indulging in likes and dislikes, where the senses are restrained, and the impulses of the body and speech are tenaciously disciplined.
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Inspirations for Living
 A preacher was visiting a new city for the first time and thinking about the topic for the sermon. He had an idea. He went to the temple a couple of hours early. Instead of wearing saffron clothes, he disguised as a disheveled homeless person and stood in the parking lot for thirty minutes, watching people who came to listen to him. He asked people for pocket change because he was hungry. Most people ignored him; one said, "This is a temple; we come to give to God not to beggars." Another man said, "I will complain to the authorities if you do not leave immediately." A lady in a blue saree gave him $5.00 and said that he could get some prasad after the sermon was over. Then the preacher, still in disguise, went inside the temple but was stopped by the authorities from going inside the hall. He told them that he too wanted to listen to the new preacher. One volunteer asked him to wait outside and go in after everyone was seated so others do not leave. He sat on the floor outside the hall and listened to various announcements. The preacher watched how patrons were honored and new guests welcomed. Meanwhile those who walked past him gave him disgusted looks. Then a senior member went up to the mike and said that the preacher was a little late due to flight delay but was on his way. Seconds later, a man walked up to him and whispered something in his ear. The senior member said, "The preacher has arrived and will walk in any minute." Everyone was excited and looked at the hall entrance with anticipation. The lady in the blue saree came forward and said, "I am honored to introduce the new preacher." Everyone stood up and clapped their hands. The homeless man sitting in the back stood up and started walking forward. Suddenly there was pin-drop silence. Some people gasped in surprise, others looked completely confused. The preacher smiled as he walked up to the mike and quoted from the Bhagavad Gita (14.10) and translated the verse in English: rajas tamaśh chābhibhooya sattvaṁ bhavati bhārata
rajaḥ sattvaṁ tamaśh chaiva tamaḥ sattvaṁ rajas tathā
"Sometimes goodness ( sattva) prevails over passion ( rajas) and ignorance ( tamas), O Arjun. Sometimes passion ( rajas) dominates goodness ( sattva) and ignorance ( tamas), and at other times ignorance ( tamas) overcomes goodness ( sattva) and passion ( rajas)." He further described the context for the shloka and how these gunas tend to change from time to time based on one's mental state. Then he said, "I did not plan this introduction to make anyone feel guilty or ashamed but to help me come up with a topic for the first sermon." Those who had made derogatory comments to him earlier, hung their heads in shame while others started crying. A couple of people made angry remarks at the lady in the blue saree that she should have said something. The preacher said, "I see a lot of people who love God but seem to dislike those who need Him the most. Let us work together to become the people who show their love to God by loving those who are less fortunate. This moment onwards, it is a new start, a new day. Please excuse me for a few minutes so I can properly introduce myself." He walked out and returned 10 minutes later, all cleaned up, in saffron-clad clothes, with a gentle smile on his face. For the next hour, his sermon focused on how to cleanse the soul from inside and prevent making judgements about others based on superficial knowledge of their existence.
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Wellness for Life
We Are What We Eat! Beyond the Cliché
It is a well-known fact that the cells in our body are created by the food and beverages we consume. During the digestive process, foods break down and convert into energy that can sustain or harm the physical and mental functions. The importance of food is expounded by both biochemical and spiritual scientists. Sattvic (pure) foods transmit positive energy, rajasic (passion) foods transmit the energy to accomplish tasks, and tamasic (ignorance) foods transmit inertia and negative emotions (see Swamiji's lecture on Science of Healthy Diet). Ayurvedic experts suggest the need to consume foods to balance the doshas (constitution).
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Gunas
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Foods
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Nutrients
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Scientific Functions
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Sattvic
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Fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, sprouts, honey, whole grains
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Vitamin A & C; Protein; Carbohydrate; Folate; Iron and Calcium
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Build and repair body tissue; Provide growth and energy; produce normal red blood cells; promote normal nerve function
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Rajasic
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Foods that are hot, bitter, sour, dry or salty (e.g., herbs, spices, coffee, tea, chocolate)
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Antioxidants; some herbs (e.g., turmeric) decrease inflammation
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Cleanses tissues, increases absorption of minerals; lubricates tissues; stimulates digestion; Detoxifies body
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Tamasic
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Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, alcohol, tobacco, onion, garlic, fermented and overripe foods
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Protein and Iron in some foods
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Can build and repair tissues but also lead to energy loss, destroy immunity, create negative emotions (e.g., anger, jealously, greed)
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Community Events
Between summer and fall 2016, The Radha Krishna Temple of Dallas had organized numerous events for the benefit of the community. From two week-long lecture series by Swami Mukundananda ji in July and August respectively to the Diwali fund-raising celebration in October, the temple's activities have enveloped the devotees with love, inspiration, and serenity.
The lecture series on Growth from Inside to Succeed in Life, was beyond amazing! Swamiji shared his wisdom about how our values are determined by our beliefs. We can choose what to believe because our beliefs help us control our mind. If we are internally motivated toward self-improvement, if we have goals that produce success at each step, or the progressive realization of a worthy goal, then life is meaningful. Over the course of seven days, Swamiji talked about how we could attract positive circumstances in life through effective use of our knowledge, beliefs, values, and decisions. The series ended with practical application tips on how to attract the grace of God and make spiritual endeavors a way of life.
Another major events was the Diwali fundraising dinner, organized specifically to advance the construction of Radha Krishna Temple, was a huge success. There were so many exciting events including a magic show, cultural dances and music, an opportunity to socialize with friends and community members. The guests were enthralled by the dandiya raas, fireworks and the sumptuous dinner delights!
 
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Other Ongoing Community Events
For the benefit of the community, the Radha Krishna Temple provides abundant opportunities to volunteer and participate in various events. Read the benefits of each of these activities and related sewas for your body, mind and soul.
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Weekly Satsangs
These satsangs engulf a person in the ocean of bhakti through a combination of prayer, chanting soulful bhajans and kirtans, viewing a video lecture by Swamiji or Maharajji, followed by aarti and prasad dinner. Once a month we also recite Vishnu Sahasranama. God's names are no different from Himself. Every name in Vishnu Sahasranama (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.
For local satsang information visit: www.radhakrishnatemple.net or [email protected]. Toastmasters Gavel Club for Youth
Robert Moment said "Public speaking skills are an essential key to achieving career advancement and success." Effective communication builds confidence and leadership skills. This is even more important especially for today's youth who aspire to be the leaders of tomorrow.
The Radha Krishna Temple of Dallas has launched the Toastmaster Gavel Club for aspiring youths who are looking to become the cream of the crop in their future endeavors! Participating in this club will help to take the panic out of public speaking as well as help become a fluent speaker. We invite youth between the ages 10-18 years to join the club.
- Toastmasters Gavel Senior Club for high school students
- Toastmasters Gavel Junior Club for middle school students
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Bhagavad Gita
Study Group
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Free Community
Yoga Classes
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Vishnu Sahashra
Naam Chanting
At: 4020 Sendero Trail
Plano, TX 75024
On: 1st Sat, 3 to 4 PM
Details & Registration
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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).
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Please provide us with your feedback and requests for the type of features you would like to read at [email protected]
We really want to hear from you.
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Copyright © Jagadguru Kripaluji Yog 2016. All rights reserved. |
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