Mining Memories

Beginning with an adorably romantic treasure hunt of perfectly selected gifts by my husband, my day began all excited and pensive. Going through daily chores, accepting love-filled wishes from dear ones, fulfilling some hobbies, reading, chanting, playing with my bachu and spending some family time, I reached the threshold of dusk in a blink of eyes. We left for the temple; my baby’s first visit to Radha Gopinath, and mine ‘after a long time’ visit. After an almost 2 hour journey, when we reached the closed door my heart skipped a beat and eyes immediately checked the watch. The doors were yet to open for last (shayan) Darshan of 10 mins. Listening to the heart-melting tune of the Mahamantra, I recollected the same feelings that had filled our heart the previous time I was there. Same apprehension filled anticipation, some excitement, it was all the same just a lil more guilt of having the filth in the heart increased. The Darshan opened, dressed in pink roses and white...

More than a decade back on January 1 st ,2000; I had been to ISKCON Juhu, with Uncle and his family . It was too crowded so we could only manage a glance of the deities, and I vaguely remember instead of looking at the deities I was looking at the group of devotees dancing to the tune of Hare Krishna Mahamantra. I remember wondering what sort of worship that was. Then we came out of the temple and went to the snacks counter (since we had had nothing for the breakfast). While my uncle was purchasing some eatables I ran to the gift-stall that had attracted me. I was looking at the different types of beads when a man in saffron dhoti-kurta asked me, “Mala Karega?(would you like to do the beads?)” I gave him a confused look. (does he wants me to make these beads I wondered). He cleared again, “ Japa karega Japa? (would you like to chant?)”  I asked him “ Why do we chant?” He gave a very sweet reply, “ Jaise chota bacha ka bar bar naam leta hai toh wo khush ho jata hai, waise Krishn...

Janmashtmi is here and we see many people decorating their houses, decorating ‘palanas’ (cradle) and arranging various paraphernalias. But take a moment to think, -while I am absolutely not against Deity-Worship- is that all the preparation required to Welcome the Supreme Personality of Godhead? Is he really interested in the nature of the metal of the palana you bring for him or number of flowers you offer, or sweets you make? Krishna is ‘Atmarama’ meaning self-satisfied completely. By accepting our services He is actually pleasing us. Then how can we please Him? This question reminds me of an interesting story. ‘Krishna had 9 lakh cows, some of them were ‘Surabhi’ cows which produced extremely nectarine milk. These cows were personally taken care of by Mother Yashoda. She fed them Extremely fragrant special grass, milked them personally, and make butter out of them for Krishna, which was of highest quality and nectarine. All of it for Krishna. Then why would he steal t...

Trying to fathom the complexities of 20 vowels in the sprint of completing the assignments my mind drifted to the time where learning 5 vowels was an achievement finding words that do not contain these vowels was a clever discovery. The simplicity of lifestyle then, drew my attention to the simplicity of the thoughts and heart of a child. It is so open and so unpolluted; filled with innocence. They fight with their friends and get along in no time. When you scold them they get hurt, but the moment you smile at them, they come running to you. No ego, no duplicity just a simple heart vulnerable yet resilient by the power of forgiveness. And the best defence statement “jo bolta hai wahi hota hai” (the one who teases possesses the same qualities) isn’t it the same principle, “what you see in me is nothing but your reflection” or “When people insult you that are telling you the exact negative qualities they possess.” Kids not only use this statement to defend themselves, but relig...

Remembering HH Bhakti Tirtha Maharaj on his appearance day (25 Feb). His most humble prayer in the mood of Vasudev dutta. I got this poem as a gift ... I was just a couple of years old in my sadhna... This poem has changed my mood.. And m more inspired since then.. Amazing how Maharaj continues to inspire ... Even after he has physically left this world... Certainly this pure devotion and highest mercy. Take away my WILL Krishna, I am yours. Force me to do what is right & best. Use me as you like, You be my intelligence. You be my mind, You act as my will. I do not know what is best for me. In this lifetime I am trying so hard and nothing is working. I ask you to put me in the right place, at the right time, for the right thing. Whatever is best, whether it is auspicious or inauspicious, bring on me what I need. My desire, my intelligence even my will, they are all contaminated. I offer them all to you, my dear Lord SHYAMASUNDARA I am yours, Yo...

Many people have different opinions about today (Saint Valentine’s Day). Some enjoy it, some crib about it, some are simply neutral. For me it is yet another opportunity where we can celebrate the Love of God. Historically, that is what both the Saint Valentine actually did. It may be argued that God’s Love can be celebrated every day, every moment; true!! But until we achieve the unconditioned consciousness and can sincerely feel that, there is no harm in doing it at least on a few days. Anyways we always hunt for a reason to celebrate. My day began missing my beloved father at almost the midnight. I was thinking about him that after he left how I want him back even if it means he scolding me all day, or being angry at me, because I know at the core of his heart there was immense love, and his anger was only a manifestation of his love and concern. I shared this thought with my husband, and we appreciated the fact that the same thing apply to his parents. It is true that most of...

Sitting in the park I was noticing a monkey playing on a nearby tree.  It climbed down and sat on a bike parked by the tree. Looking at his own reflection in the mirror the monkey was puzzled. It tried to look everywhere for the other monkey. It also went behind the mirror. Angry he started pulling the mirror and vigorously moving it until the owner of the bike hushed it away. I was not the only spectator at the scene and we all were laughing at the silly act of the monkey. However, the anger and irritation along with the amazement of the monkey on seeing its own reflection reminded me of a thought I had read few days ago. “Everything that irritates you about others is your key to understanding yourself. What angers you in another person is an unhealed aspect of your own self. If you had already resolved that particular issue, you would not be irritated by its reflection back to you.” It’s common wonder that we are irritated to see behaviour that is not according t...