There was once in a jungle village of Bengal a young lad named Pancanam. Because in these hots climates young boys run naked, he was given the nickname “Naked Penco.” As Penco grew up he showed himself to be a bright young fellow. He excelled in his studies, was well-behaved and in general became a…

SB 4.8.34 Narada Muni to Dhruva Maharaja gunadhikan mudam lipsed anukrosam gunadhamat maitrim samanad anvicchen na tapair abhibhuyate guna-adhikat—one who is more qualified; mudam—pleasure; lipset—one should feel; anukrosam—compassion; guna-adhamat—one who is less qualified; maitrim—friendship; samanat—with an equal; anvicchet—one should desire; na—not; tapaih—by tribulation; abhibhuyate—becomes affected. Every man should act like this: when he meets a…

Today I realized something …. I like teaching. I took 3 classes today and at the end of the day I was practically floating home. The kids seemed to like my teaching too. Its amazing that a few weeks ago I was affected by a bit of apprehension and uncertainty. Today I feel like I…

By Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur, from his Foreword to Sri Krishna Caitanya. The references are to chapters and verses of Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 10. Krishna is possessed of an unlimited intellect. (88/22) Krishna is inaccessible to sensuous knowledge. (16/46) Krishna is lord of the infinity of worlds.(69/17) Krishna wields the power of creating the unlimited.…

Some herons were standing next to a boggy pond. A swan happened to pass by. One of the herons asked the swan, “Why are your eyes, face and toes so reddish?” The swan answered, “Well, I’m a swan.” The heron then asked, “Where do you come from?” “From Lake Manasarovar,” the swan replied. “So, what’s…

Today I taught 2 lessons on design using the PowerPoint. The response from the students was very favourable. From looking at their earlier work I could see that they were keen on design. Because this enthusiasm was in place I thought that, with permission, I could introduce them to a few more design principles. My…

In the introduction to Sri Isopanisad Srila Prabhupada emphatically states: “The Vedas are not compilations of human knowledge. Vedic knowledge comes from the spiritual world, from Lord Krishna. Another name for the Vedas is sruti. Sruti refers to that knowledge which is acquired by hearing. It is not experimental knowledge. Sruti is considered to be…

Srila Prabhupada writes in the preface to NOD: “The principle of Lord Caitanya’s movement in educating and elevating everyone to the exalted post of a gosvami is taught in The Nectar of Devotion.” Here he reveals his purpose in presenting the summary study of Srila Rupa Goswami’s Bhakti-rasamrita-sindu. He very plainly wants to elevate and…

From Lilamrita: After the plane had reached cruising altitude, a uniformed gentleman emerged from the cabin. Immediately he caught sight of Srila Prabhupäda sitting by the window and walked over. When he leaned over and asked Prabhupäda how he was, Prabhupäda saw that the man wanted to talk, so he asked Upendra to get up…

A boatman used to earn his money by towing a barge up and down a canal. This he would do by walking along the canal-side pulling the barge behind him with a rope, stopping here and there to load or deliver goods. As he went about his business, he would sometimes dream of what he…

Today I got up and taught again. What a revealing experience. I have really got to work on making clear instructions and stating the learning outcomes clearly before the lesson starts. Today some of the students were trying to have me on a bit. At first I just sort of ignored it and went on…

by Radharani dd This incident happened some years ago: I was distributing in Nevada USA. We stopped at a gas station to get some gas and water. When I got out of the van I saw one man that looked like he would be receptive to the mercy of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. So I approached…

A woodcutter decided to journey to the great Sundarban forest to collect a big load of wood. A friend warned him that the Sundarban is filled with wild animals. “You should not fail to take a weapon with you,” his friend advised. The woodcutter snorted, “I am an experienced woodsman. Your advice that I should…

Today I realized that a large part of the teaching job is getting organized … staying on top of things.

After a public lecture, a guest asks the question: “How can we distinguish between different religious practices and traditions, and determine their respective merits?” sattvanurupa sarvasya sraddha bhavati bharata sraddha-mayo ‘yam puruso yo yac-chraddhah sa eva sah “O son of Bharata, according to one’s existence under the various modes of nature, one evolves a particular…