Meditations on Transcendence

  The Investigation of God: Creation as Witness God remains elusive, hidden behind the grandeur of His creation. As investigators, humanity is tasked with solving the mystery of existence, with the universe itself as the primary witness. The Bhagavad Gita exhorts seekers, saying, “In whatever way people surrender unto Me, I reciprocate accordingly. Everyone follows My path in all respects” (Gita 4.11). This suggests that the search for God is deeply personal, requiring focus and an unwavering commitment to uncovering the divine truth. Unlike typical investigations, this quest does not rely on external validation. The individual must turn inward. Krishna assures in the Gita, “The Supreme Truth exists both internally and externally, in the moving and the non-moving” (Gita 13.16). This implies that God’s presence permeates all existence, though veiled from the senses. Saints and scriptures guide us, but ultimately, the heart becomes the courtroom where God is “arrested” through me...

How to Understand God's Unpaid Servants: The Glories of Serving the Lord In the realm of divine service, unpaid servants of God exemplify selfless dedication. They receive no salary, no worldly compensation, yet their hearts overflow with fulfillment. Why? Service to God is not a burden but a wellspring of joy. The act itself becomes the reward, as divine service expands the ocean of bliss— anandambudhi vardhanam . This unique experience transcends ordinary mortal understanding. God's servants, being His amsas (fragments), share in His supreme bliss. Service invigorates the soul, akin to tapta jivanam —life-giving nectar. It is not servitude but divine connection, a celebration of love that enriches and uplifts eternally. ----------------------------------------- O Krsna, master of amorous pleasure, O bestower of benedictions, we are Your unpaid maidservants. You are killing us by the glance of Your eyes that steal even the proud beauty of the whorl of supremely enchanting, hi...

Pratyahara is less a practice and more an inward magnetic pull, an attractive force originating from Krishna as Paramatma within. Like a chemical reaction in equilibrium, this process activates when external "reactants"—desires, thoughts of past and future—are eliminated, creating the perfect conditions for an inner pull. The "attraction force" of Kaarshna (Krishna’s pull) is then strongly felt, drawing consciousness inward. Freed from mental impurities, the mind naturally shifts toward its pure, inward state, where Krishna’s presence becomes the nucleus. Thus, pratyahara is a state of internal resonance with the Paramatma, an alignment of inner and divine forces.

The Hare Krishna Mahamantra offers a profound pathway for the integration of Ashtanga Yoga, guiding practitioners through the stages of pratyahara, dhyana, and samadhi. In this view, the mantra encompasses more than a devotional repetition; it becomes a philosophical tool for aligning consciousness with the innermost reality. The invocation of "Hare" signifies the severing of attachments to the external world, metaphorically cutting the outward pivots of consciousness. It is through this aspect that pratyahara, the withdrawal of the senses, is first achieved. The chanting of "Krishna," which signifies the all-attractive force, draws this freed consciousness inward, aligning the seeker toward the essence of the Self, the ātman, which is none other than Krishna Himself. This inward pull forms the foundation of introspection and contemplation. Finally, "Rama," which embodies inner bliss, anchors the consciousness in a state of meditative absorption. It posits...

Bliss, in its primordial essence, first emerged from the flute sound of Nandalala, not as a product of mere sensory interaction, but as the transcendent harmony resonating beyond the empirical realm. Sense objects, ever fleeting and temporal, offer only illusions—mirages of satisfaction—devoid of the eternal substance they seem to promise. In contrast, the sound of Krishna’s flute has manifested in this temporal sphere as the mahamantra, a divine call that, when heeded, draws the soul away from the false exterior toward the interior realm of truth. This journey is one of pratyahara, where the conscious mind retracts its dependence on the mutable and turns inward toward the immutable essence, the "self of the self." In this dialectical movement, the finite being reconciles with the infinite—Akhilatma Bhuta, Sri Krishna, who is both the totality of being and its transcendence. Through this inward turn, Krishna calls all to dissolve the fragmented self into the absolute unity of...

अहम्‌ मम भावः मोहिनी प्रकृतिः, कृष्णस्य भावः दैवी प्रकृतिः The "I and mine" feeling (अहम्‌ मम भावः) is rooted in the ego, which draws one into the illusionary energy, or Mohini Prakriti. This energy binds us to worldly attachments, desires, and the illusion of separateness from the Divine. In contrast, the feeling of "by and of Krishna" (कृष्णस्य भावः) awakens the Daivi Prakriti—the divine nature. When we see ourselves as instruments of Krishna’s will, ego dissolves, and the heart becomes aligned with divine love. This shift uplifts consciousness, pulling it away from material entanglements and anchoring it in surrender, service, and devotion to the Supreme.

गोपीकृष्णः च गोथमबालेनः (Krishna of Gokula and Gotham’s Bruce Wayne) Krishna, much like ब्रूस वेन (Bruce Wayne), emerges from the shadows to protect and serve. Born in गोकुल (Gokula), a humble place like Bruce’s childhood mansion, Krishna grows in innocence, playing among गोपबालकाः (cowherd boys). Yet, destiny calls both to step beyond their origins and face a world of darkness. Krishna leaves वृन्दावन (Vrindavan) for मथुरा (Mathura), just as Bruce leaves Gotham’s elite society for the shadows of his city. Krishna, like Batman, dons a new role to confront evil. In Mathura, he faces कंस (Kamsa), a tyrant much like the जोकर (Joker), who embodies chaos and cruelty. Krishna’s धर्म (duty) is to restore cosmic balance, while Bruce's mission is to uphold न्याय (justice) in Gotham. Both are bound by their कर्तव्य (duty), stepping into danger with an unwavering moral compass. As the भगवद्गीता (Bhagavad Gita) declares: "यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत। अभ्युत्थानम् अधर्मस्य तदात्मा...

 In the spiritual journey, becoming "nothing" is a profound state of realization. This concept is often likened to the hollow flute, which, devoid of any obstruction, allows the divine breath of the Lord to pass through it, creating music that is enchanting and full of bliss. The flute, in its emptiness, symbolizes the soul that has emptied itself of ahankara (ego), desires, and attachments, thus becoming a perfect instrument for the divine. In the Bhagavad Gita (2.47), Lord Krishna teaches: "You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions." This verse emphasizes the need to relinquish the ego that clings to the results of actions. When the ego dissolves, we become like the flute—completely surrendered, allowing the divine will to flow through us effortlessly. This state of surrender is described in the Upanishads as naishkarmya siddhi —the perfection of actionlessness, where one acts without any selfish mo...

 The concept of humans being like puppets in the hands of the divine, or under the influence of higher powers, is echoed in the *Bhagavad Gita* in several places. Although the text doesn't explicitly use the term "puppet," it does describe how living beings are controlled by higher forces, particularly the modes of material nature (gunas) and the divine will of God. Here are some relevant verses: ### 1. **Bhagavad Gita 3.27**    ```    प्रकृतेः क्रियमाणानि गुणैः कर्माणि सर्वशः।    अहङ्कारविमूढात्मा कर्ताऽहमिति मन्यते।।    ```    **"Prakṛteḥ kriyamāṇāni guṇaiḥ karmāṇi sarvaśaḥ,      Ahaṅkāra-vimūḍhātmā kartāham iti manyate."**    Translation:      "All activities are performed by the modes of material nature. But the soul, bewildered by false ego, thinks itself to be the doer."    This verse implies that individuals are like puppets being moved by the modes of nature (goodne...

  Happy Janmashtami In the quiet corners of the heart, where the echoes of eons linger, we find ourselves running. We turn from the dark-eyed lord, Krishna, telling ourselves it’s not time, not now, not here. We chase distractions like fireflies in the night, elusive and fleeting, whispering, "Anyone but You." Yet, in the stillness between breaths, His name stirs, unbidden, unrelenting. For how long can we deny the truth we know? That in His smile lies the universe, in His gaze, our salvation. We stumble through lifetimes, but He waits—patient as the stars. When will we see Him as He is? Not a god of distance, but the heartbeat of our own soul. Let this be the life where we stop running, where we face the truth we’ve hidden from. Let us turn to Him, not out of duty or fear, but out of love—pure, undeniable, and bright as the dawn. For in the end, it is not the world that holds us, but the one who created it. O Krishna, we surrender, at last, to You.

Happy Janmashtami  In the quiet corners of the heart, where the echoes of eons linger, we find ourselves running. We turn from the dark-eyed lord, Krishna, telling ourselves it’s not time, not now, not here. We chase distractions like fireflies in the night, elusive and fleeting, whispering, "Anyone but You." Yet, in the stillness between breaths, His name stirs, unbidden, unrelenting. For how long can we deny the truth we know? That in His smile lies the universe, in His gaze, our salvation. We stumble through lifetimes, but He waits—patient as the stars. When will we see Him as He is? Not a god of distance, but the heartbeat of our own soul. Let this be the life where we stop running, where we face the truth we’ve hidden from. Let us turn to Him, not out of duty or fear, but out of love—pure, undeniable, and bright as the dawn. For in the end, it is not the world that holds us, but the one who created it. O Krishna, we surrender, at last, to You.

True independence is not about being free from all dependencies but rather finding the right dependency. When we place our dependence on the Infinite, who is Shyamasundar Sri Krishna, we achieve real independence. In this state, we transcend the slavery of our senses, which, when uncontrolled, act as tyrannical masters. The senses, when indulged, are like venomous serpents; they bite and bring misery to our lives. The pursuit of their gratification leads to a life filled with suffering and discontent. However, when we redirect our focus from gratifying the senses to serving the Supreme Lord, we unlock true freedom. This concept is encapsulated in the verse "Hrishikena Hrishikesha Sevanam," which means serving the Lord of the senses (Hrishikesha) with our senses (Hrishika). By engaging our senses in the service of Krishna, we free ourselves from their bondage. Instead of allowing the senses to dictate our actions, we regulate them through devotion. This regulation doesn't ...

 A person, Purusha, a reservoir true, Of eternity, knowledge, bliss profound, In these sacred waters, bathe anew, For in this pool, true solace can be found. Seek not beyond, for here your journey ends, Like rasogulla in sweet syrup lies, Take a dip where divine essence blends, In satchitananda, where joy never dies. In the Gita, Krishna's words do shine, "Tam eva viditvāti mṛtyum eti," Know Him alone, transcend the mortal line, No other path to liberation be. In divine sound's embrace, find your rest, In satchitananda, you are truly blessed.

Discovering the Supreme: A Journey with Sri Krishna As a humble part of the grand cosmic play, I find myself blogging about the Supreme Person, Sri Krishna. Life often poses the question: What to do? How to make existence truly nectarean? The answer is deceptively simple: elevate your energy. According to the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, energies are classified into two types: Mohini Prakriti and Daivi Prakriti. Mohini Prakriti offers fleeting, discreet joy. It’s the artificial, simulated pulse of happiness that many chase. In contrast, Daivi Prakriti is the realm of continuous, unbroken joy. Here, being itself is bliss. For those who aspire to make human life successful and meaningful, Daivi Prakriti is the way forward.  The Gita teaches us that "Prapadyante" – surrender – is the key. This act of surrender is the doorway to love, stripping away the ownership mindset. In surrender, you become His, and in feeling His presence, Daivi Prakriti flows through your veins. ...

Inspired by Empress, a new series on netflix which shows the complex rituals and court politics of royalty and how it curbs the free spirit of a young woman If he loved Radha He could have called her To the royalty of Dwaraka But never did Hints into transcendent diverge worlds Vrindavan and Dwarka The free spirited spontaneity of Sri Radha The carefree forests of vrindavan Both will be suffocated That explains krishnas cry and suffocation He sacrificed for all of us To establish Dharma and show us the way

 Verse 6 नमो देव दामोदरानन्त विष्णो प्रभो दुःख-जालाब्धि-मग्नम् कृपा-दृष्टि-वृष्ट्याति-दीनं बतानु गृहाणेष मामज्ञमेध्यक्षिदृश्यः ॥ ६॥ namo deva dāmodarānanta viṣṇo prasīda prabho duḥkha-jālābdhi-magnam kṛpā-dṛṣṭi-vṛṣṭyāti-dīnam batānu gṛhāṇeṣa mām ajñam edhy akṣi-dṛśyaḥ The above verse has -> Humility, prayer, Nama sankirtana, prayojana Seeing from the perspective of Sambandha, Abhideya and Prayojana: Sambandha Jnana - we are all part of ananta, since meaning of ananta means everything is included and nothing in the cosmos can be outside All inclusiveness with perfect awareness is Vishnu. To this when we add Prabhu and isa, it becomes a perfect definition of God and belonging to him Abhideya - Namah, dinam, ajna Prayojana - akshi drsyah Humility is manifested when one declares complete lack of knowledge before the Lord (mam ajnam) and also complete helplessness(dinam bata) being struck in the ocean of miseries (dukha jalabdhi) The request for mercy krpa should always be backed up ...

Presently due to the Corona pandemic, Whole country is lockdown. Lakshman rekha at the house door. All kinds of travel is banned even going outside the house. Flights, train, buses are off. Just stay at home is called a lock down. It is enforced but also voluntary lockdown. Is there lockdown concept in Gita?         The premise is that every concept will have its presence directly or indirectly in the Gita. Whats the difference between lockdown and lockup? One can lock oneself and go down or one can lock and move up. Evolve up. In Gita, the recommendation is to lock the senses. It is basically selective locking. In general societal terms lockup is used for the place, the prisonhouse. Whereas lockdown is more of a voluntary action to stay put with minimal external interaction. Any kind of meditation needs some form of selective lockdown. Our senses are bombarded with flow of data from all directions. Everything should not be allowed inside into the consciousness. Th...

Everywhere 'Avatar' buzz is doing the rounds. Nowadays you will not find a single primetime channel which does not have slot reserved for something about 'avatar'. According to initial reports, Avatar seems like a technological leap interms of cinema making and breathtaking experience. There seems also a hidden message in the movie related to global warming. The exploitative nature of human beings is brought out. The society of Navi depicted in Avatar seems like close to description of Vedic society. Living in harmony with nature, in close alignment and worship of their diety. In the movie, a human being is transplanted to the Navi community using DNA transformation. The human becomes like a Navi with 10ft in height and blue skinned(Sri Krishna's color???) physique. According to the movie, an avatar will mean entering a alien society adopting the foreign physical features. Lets explore what 'Avatar' means in the Vedic texts.

All of us have the experience of being in love. When in love, one wants to hear about our beloved(Sravanam), remember them(smaranam) or speak about beloved's qualities with our confidants(kirtanam). Almost everyday I come back from work, I ask my wife to narrate my daughter's activities for the day. Daughters are very dear to the Fathers and they take pleasure even in the trivia. In love, trivia brings in so much ananda. Even when I was in Munich on a business trip, I would get my daily dosage of my daughter's activities...........

Dharma is that which sustains ones existance - So according to Gaudiya Vaisnava school of thought Krishna prema is the dharma of every living being. Why do you think advanced devotees can sustain without food water etc? Becasue having achieved Krishna prema and saturated with it, Prem sustains them - Prem is the thing which really sustains us - others are artificial sustenence. During sadhaka stage it is important to nourish the body with food etc.....So our sadhana to attain prem maintains us Death is absence of sustenence - an identity which is illusory and artificial has to die and decay - only the real identity will be sustained by the universe - One can sustain for eternity and become timless by achieving Krishna prema