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कलेर्दोषनिधे राजन्नस्ति ह्येको महान् गुण: ।
कीर्तनादेव कृष्णस्य मुक्तसङ्ग: परं व्रजेत् ॥ ५१ ॥
kaler doṣa-nidhe rājann asti hy eko mahān guṇaḥ
kīrtanād eva kṛṣṇasya mukta-saṅgaḥ paraṁ vrajet
(Shreemad Bhagavatam 12.3.51)
"Kaliyug is an ocean of
faults, but it has one great quality. By doing kīrtan of Shree Krishna,
one is easily liberated from Maya and attains the Divine Abode."
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From the Editor's Desk
All of us love to
experience peace and calm. We constantly seek favorable circumstances
that would lead to peace and tranquility of the mind. However, we can't
control the external
circumstance, as the only thing that is certain in life is
uncertainty.
So, how can we
alleviate anxious thoughts when we find ourselves in unprecedented
and uncertain times such as the Covid-19? How do we take our
mind out of the worry loop? Our saints and scriptures have answered this
question: we have to train our mind to think God-thoughts! And kīrtan - singing the names, forms, qualities, pastimes, abodes, and associates of God - is the easiest way to take our mind to God. Kīrtan is the Sanātan technique to pacify and purify the mind!
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A Powerful Technique to Pacify & Stabilize the Anxious Mind
Our mind is
as restless as the wind, and naturally wanders off from the present
moment, either ruminating on the past, or worrying about the future.
Kīrtan is one of the most powerful means to uplift the mind and bring
inner peace. Kīrtan is a three-fold process of devotion (Thridhā bhakti)
that comprises:
- Shravaṇam (hearing)
- kīrtanam (chanting)
- Smaraṇam (remembering)
Hearing and chanting kīrtans
engage our senses, and this helps us persistently bring back our mind
from its wanderings. It insulates our mind from the fluctuations of the
external world. When uttered with genuine love and devotion, the very
names of God fetch bliss because He resides in His names. Shree
Chaitanya Mahāprabhu while revealing the vitality and glory of the God's
names bemoans:
नाम्नामकारि बहुधा निज सर्व शक्ति- स्तत्रार्पिता नियमितः स्मरणे न कालः |
एतादृशी तव कृपा भगवन्ममापि दुर्दैवमीदृशमिहाजनि नानुरागः ||
nāmnām akāri bahudhā nija-sarva-śaktis tatrārpitā niyamitaḥ smaraṇe na kālaḥ
etādṛśī tava kṛpā bhagavan mamāpi durdaivam īdṛśam ihājani nānurāgaḥ
(Shikshashtakam, 2)
"O my Lord, your holy name alone can render benediction to living
beings, and thus you have infinite names. In these transcendental names,
you have invested all your transcendental energies. There are not even
hard and fast rules for chanting these names. O my Lord, out of kindness
you enable us to easily approach you by chanting your holy names, but I
am so unfortunate that I have no attraction to those."
Chanting His names with sincere love and dedication is the easiest
path and very simple too, which anyone can do at any time and in any
place. The Vedas proclaim that in this age of Kali, kīrtan is the simplest, most powerful, and expeditious way to attach the mind lovingly to God. When we sing kīrtans,
our mind naturally dwells upon their meaning and they become great aids
for contemplation and meditation. We can immerse for hours in kīrtans, thereby engaging the mind very easily in the spiritual realm and get rid of all sorrow, as Saint Tulsidas reveals:
सादर सुमिरन जे नर करहीं। भव बारिधि गोपद इव तरहीं॥
sādar sumiran je nara karahi, bhava bāridhi gopada iva tarahī
(Shree Rāmacharitmānas) "Those
who devoutly remember him are able to cross the ocean of mundane
existence as if it were a mere hollow made by the hoof of a cow."
Kirtan
is best understood through direct experience. If you would like to go
deep inside and connect to the divinity within you, attend the 24-hour,
online Akhand Sankirtan from May 15th 7 pm to May 16th, 7 pm, that The
Radha Krishna Temple is offering as a part Bhoomi Poojan:
H. H. Swami Mukundananda explains the importance of Akhand Sankirtan Yajn while inviting for the Bhoomi Poojan.
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| | Radha Krishna Temple Phase 2 - Bhoomi Poojan Special Invite May 15 - May 17 |
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Wellness for Life
Since
about two months, the whole world has been under lockdown. It has been
challenging for people to manage the turn of events under quarantine.
Homes have been converted into offices, schools, recreation centers and
much more. Being with family members on a 24-7 basis has been described
by many as difficult. At such a time when people's morale seemed to be
slipping, H.H. Swami Mukundananda ji, connected with devotees world-wide
via Zoom to inspire, answer questions, and help us understand how we
could make best use our time in isolation. Swamiji shared many wonderful
tips on ways to boost immunity. Some of the key points are noted here:
- Immunity
is boosted by consuming plenty of citrus fruits which are rich in
Vitamin C. We should have one lemon a day in any form. If easily
available, we may consume amla or Indian gooseberry which has the rich
in Vitamin C and equival
 ent to ten oranges.
- Antioxidents are critical
to build or maintain high immunity. Thus, daily dose of amla, dark
colored fruits like blueberries, ginger and turmeric are
recommended.
- A
daily routine of pranayama or deep yogic breathing is very helpful for
boosting immunity. Suggested pranayama includes bhrastika, anulom vilom,
kapalbhati, and bhramari. Also, people should take deep
breaths every 2 hours to distress and stay calm. If we keep stress out
of our mind, we will be less susceptible to illness.
- At
a time of pandemic, anxiety and fear often take over especially when
negative viewpoints are circulated rampantly. Swamiji suggested that we
stay strong and not succumb to negativity. We can accomplish that by
paying attention to the positive aspects of such a situation. For
example, spending quality time with family members, reassessing
priorities in life, and utilizing isolation for spiritual sadhana and
growing from within.
A memorable quote by Swamiji that is truly inspirational is:
"Tough times do not last but tough people do."
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FREE JKYog Online Sessions
Moderated from USA:
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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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