Good Dog vs Bad Dog - Session Three

Bhagavad-gita chapter two verse 62-63 (BG 2.62-63) clearly explains what happens from the crucial beginning of contemplation, especially contemplating objects of the senses for personal enjoyment.

Krishna explains from such contemplation one develops attachment. From this attachment a strong desire to possess, control and exploit arises - in other words LUST develops. From this lust comes anger.

Why anger? Because we cannot control and exploit anything fully or permanently to the extent we would like. It is just NOT possible - so then we get angry!!!

From this anger we fall into illusion. We think that we can and will dominate and enjoy this object the way we want; when and how we want. Thus we forget our identity and purpose.

We forget the purpose of our exploit, lose our intelligence and eventually fall into a material consciousness that is degraded and devoid of spiritual enlightenment.

The result: We see it all around us in this modern society - depression, aggression, aggravation, abuse, hypocrisy and a mad struggle for existence which is going no where quick.

We must learn to control the senses from the point of contemplation.

Remember THINKING - FEELING and WILLING - then we act. Later we often find that we also REGRET!

Good Dog vs Bad Dog - Session Two

Every thing starts with a thought. In one sense one might say that it is all JUST A THOUGHT.
Our spiritual teacher Srila Prabhupada explains that there is a process of "Thinking, Feeling and then Willing".

First our thoughts cultivate strong ideas and emotions that eventually develop into strong feelings that impel us to see those thoughts thru - thus willing them into being. Finally we act upon them and this becomes the strongest nourishment for either the Good dog or the Bad dog.

Our future is determined by our thoughts and words that transform those thoughts into deeds. This is WHO we are and WHERE we are going. This gives us an identity in the world - a false ego.

We all know the old adage from the bible "as you sow, so shall you reap."

Modern day success gurus explain that if you sow a thought you will reap an action; if you sow that action you will reap a habit; sow that habit and reap a character; sow that character and reap your destiny! Whether you like it or NOT!


So be careful what you think and wish for. It just might come true!

Good Dog vs Bad Dog - Session One

This presentation is based on an American Indian analogy explaining that within every human being there is a "Good Dog and a Bad Dog". These two dogs are constantly battling it out. The example of the proverbial devil on one shoulder and angel on the other may clarify this example a little bit.

We all experience inner turmoil and confusion. Sometimes feeling strongly to engage in activities that we know may not be the best thing for us long term, while trying to avoid that little voice saying "I don't think you should do this!"

Which dog wins??

The one you feed the most.

What is the nourishment? How do we actually feed these dogs?

This will be discussed next time - so stay tuned in.

Please comment if you feel inclined.

Back on the Blog

Hello Everyone

Sorry for the long delay. I have now decided to continue the Blogspot again.

I am currently in Delhi with HH Kesava Bharati Maharaj who is suffering from a massive herneated disc in his lower back. I am trying to assist him as this has been very debilitating for him and makes it quite difficult to do even the most basic things.

I realised from a recent conversation with my dear Mother that she is also suffering with this type of difficulty and can only imagine how much pain she must be in. I request everyone please pray for both of them. :)

These bodies can be like a torture chamber sometimes - in fact most of the time. Best thing is that we finish up with this body and change it in for a spiritual body in the spiritual world - where there is no disease - DIS EASE!

Here is a picture of HH Kesava Bharati Maharaja on one of his first walks.

I gave a talk to the IYF - ISKCON Youth Forum on Sunday. There were about seventy plus boys in attendance. The talk was called GOOD DOG vs BAD DOG and went very well.

I have decided to do little snipits of the talk on this sight so stay posted.

Hare Krishna.

Some new photos

It takes so long to do this uploading business at such a slow rate.

I hope you all like the photos.

Things are going well. I am relishing the nectar.

Disappearance Day of HH Tamal Krsna Goswami

Today was the fifth anniversary of the Disappearance of HH Tamala Krsna Goswami. I was so fortunate to be here in Govardhan, where his Puspa Samadhi is and also a few of his senior disciples.

We held an event for about seventy-five to one hundred devotees. It was so nice to hear how Maharaja had established this ashrama in order to facilitate devotees who needed to have a break from the wild west.

Afterwards we served ALOT of prasadam to all of the guests. I also ate alot and had to walk to this internet place to keep from falling asleep.

Ekadasi

Today is Ekadasi (day of fasting from grains) and I am chanting some extra rounds of the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra.

The day started with a class at the Srimad-Bhagavata Vidyapitham (pictured above) by HH Dhanudhara Swami. I truly relish Maharaja's classes. He has such taste for Krishna consciousness and it is contagious.
Here are a few highlights:
Looking at my notes there are so many to choose from!

Maharaja remarked that:

Faith = Animation
- Nothing moves without faith. Every decision we make is based on some sort of faith in something and only with this faith does our life become animated.

while Doubt = Suspension
- We become paralysed or frozen by fear and indecision.

Maharaja expressed with enthusiasm - How wonderful it is to move forward in life while having firm faith in the Absolute Truth.
Bhakti is the ultimate in faith - faith in pleasing Krishna the Supreme Lord through selfless service - as we are animated by this faith our faith increases with each experience.

After class I spent time with Bhakta Erik a brahmacari from ISKCON-London. he is now studying sanskrit and bhagavatam. He is absorbed and completely in his element. We were the last ones taking breakfast as he could not stop speaking elevated subject matter. I was amazed and inspired. I was asked to give class there tomorrow. (for my purification)

Then I proceeded to walk to Kusum Sarovar, which means "temple on a lake of flowers." A very beautiful spot, where I chanted and reflected on the simplicity of life here in the Holy Dham. Certainly life is hard compared to western standards - but very simple. (Picture above)

Always remember Krishna and never forget Him! (Our Golden Rule)