Navadha Bhakti

Radhe Radhe

Jai Gurunath

HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE
HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE

It was a week of Shabari Katha

In the weekdays, attended 4 days of Shabri / Navadha Bhakti (from Ram Charit Manas) Katha at Lyn Parade.
Shabari Katha is always amazing to hear. The speaker was DR (Pandit) K D Sharma from Melbourne...who has a amazing, knowledge of ramayana

Saturday was a Satsangh at Srimati Sarita Ram and Shri Sanjeev Bali's house. The topic we chose, coincidentally (not), was again Shabari Katha and Navadha Bhakti...

Katha was followed by Maha Mantra and bhajans by the children....

Sunday afternoon was a memorable day, as we had a really amazing, totally transcedental session of NSK (Nama Sankirtan) at Shri Muthuji's house. The atmosphere was amazing.
More than an hour of chanting, followed by Bhajans and a short talk and prasadam.

read more abt the satsangh at Muthu's with Pictures

Sunday Night and the following 2 nights saw us reciting Gita at the place of a grieving family which had lost their young daughter that week.
The three nights was really spent on having as much NSK as possible for the departed SOUL. Very very Happy that G had given us the opportunity to do NAMA for the departed soul.
As always MaheshJi and the Girls were a key part of it - also accompanied by Shri Jagdish RamJi -

There is a question lurking on my mind.
What happens to a person who has taken up devotional life and does slip. As we know, Maya Devi focusses greater energy trying to bring down those in path of the LORD. The tests are greater.
Can a devotee succumb to the enemies of within....Kama Krodha Lobha and the Like...?

And what happens if they do?

Shri Guru Arpanamastu
Radhe Radhe

HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE
HARE KRISHN HARE KISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE

G's Jayanti

Radhe Radhe

It was great pleasure to have taken part in G's Jayanti Celebration. (my first one).
Felt really blessed to be in the shelter of G.

http://www.namadwaar.org/ozgod/newsevents/news/?action=news&id=1225683693

Little Namadeva (son of Shri Raviji)gave the most touching speech in which he narrated the importance of following the Guru's word without questioning - He narrated it through a story about Sandhanana, the disciple of Sri Adi Shankara. One day Sri Adi Shankara asked Sanandhana to cross the river. Sanandhana didn't question his Guru, but simply obeyed his Guru and started walking. As soon as he did that, lotus flowers appeared whereever his feet stepped and he in this manner crossed to the other bank. Namadev concluded his speech by saying 'obey Guru's words without questioning'
-

Really blessed are those who follow the words of the GURU with complete faith and devotion.

Not sure if Adiyen will ever truly follow that path. To be fully surrendered to the Master.

Is Guru-bhakti Saadhya (objective) or Saadhan (means)?
My small intelligence is now understanding that Guru-bhakti is Saadhya. Please correct me if i am incorrect.

Should I ask Guru for devotion to Krishna or
Should I pray to Krishna for devotion to Guru...?

which is the point that Muthuji made about Ekanathji Maharaj. Very very nice story. In serving the GURU, Maha-Bhagavat Shri Ekanath JI, had no desire for the LORD. Single-pointed Guru Bhakti, nicely illustrated by Sri Muthu Ji.

Which reminds me of the story of these 2 marvellous Mataji's I met last week. Part of Iskcon FIJI, they had come to Australia to preach HariNama and to generate interest in the BIG temple they were building.

These Mataji's from Fiji were given a task by their Gurudev to build a temple in a town called Sigatoka in Fiji. This was their Guruji's last instruction to them before HE attained param-samadhi. The Mataji's after a few years of preaching HariNaam and serving Shri Radha-Damodar in a Garage, decided that it was HIGH time the dreams and instructions of their Gurudev was realised. So they started the temple project which is estimated to cost close to $3million for the complete construction. In order to show people they were serious,...they started the project off with the construction of the first two floors with their own effort and money.

So these Mataji's started to travel outside their city and preach and generate Laxmi for the temple and also spread Mahamantra. In their venture they came to Australia, where they hardly knew anyone and did programs in 3 major cities in one week and generated a lot of interest and with Krishna's and Guru's Grace raised a lot of money...more than $60,000.

What really touched me is the passion, the fervour, the dedication with which they went about their work in order to fulfill the instructions of the Spiritual Master. Showed me that without coming out of ones comfort zone, it is hard to get results.

Guru's Grace is endless and boundless like the OCEAN. Truly depends on the sadhak and discipile as to how GRACED they want to be.

Jaynesh, Kaushik and Amish (nehpews) all sang kirtans and bhajans...it was really nice to see them taking part

Kaushik and Amish


Jaynesh Singing Gopala Gopala




Radhe Radhe
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

Wow...its been a while

Radhe Radhe

It has been a while...almost 3 weeks have past...havent blogged recently.

The first week of October (a long weekend in Australia) saw us have 2 house warming satsanghs and one birthday satsangh. The first one on Friday was a Sunderkand session at Beecroft (was the sister of a mataji who hosted a program in Adelaide) - she was most touched to have Nama sankirtana and Sunderkand Parayana for her House warming.

Next day we were at the house of Smt Vandana and Shri Asis Kumar for their house-warming satsangh. It was celebrated with a Recital from Shri Ram Charit Manas -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_lx2MAvbcY

Next day we had a satsangh at the house of Shri AnandJi...who requested the Katha of Kevata (the Boatman) who was most most fortunate be receive the grace of the LORD.

..

The following week we were at the house of Smt and Sri Sailesh Kumar at Prestons. For the first time, had to speak on the topic of Vali Vadham...notably a topic of much discussion, controversy and sentiment for many generations. ...as to why Shri Ram killed Vali in such a way

http://www.namadwaar.org/answers/valianswer.html

Reading from Swami Shri Ram Kinkarji Maharaj's books, he states that

Vali, when laying on the ground after being hit by the arrow, says
"dharam hetu avatarahu gosai"
"maarahi mohi vyadh ki naai"

"You have taken avataar for the protection of Dharma, why then have you killed my like a hunter"

Swami Ramkinkar ji states: Bali acknowledges that Shri Ram was the supreme LORD himself not an ordinary man. And he also states that he has desccended for the protection of Dharma.

Hence what Shri Ram did was danda nyaya as opposed to yuddha. When fighting someone, it is wrong to kill someone in an improper way. It is not the same for a upholder and provider of justice and punishment. When a judge condemns someone to death, he does not pick up a sword to kill him himself...that is danda nyaaya as opposed to yudha maryaadaa. Shri Ram is not expected to uphold yuddha maryada here as while killing Vali, he is handing out punishment.

And looking at our lives, we are also punished for our prarabdhas. The supreme lord does not appear before us to hand that punishment. Rather it is handled "unseen" by our eyes. Also, the LORD who is also responsible for the creation, maintenance and dissolution (annihilation) of the creation....How does he go about doing that? Unseen, isnt it. So can one claim that bhagavan has not followed maryada to do pralaya in the manner in which he does. No.

Secondly...The LORD is a warrior...and Vali is an animal or rather his act was befitting an animal...And warriors do not challenge animals to a fair fight. Tbey are hunted.

In the end...what agrees most with my heart is...that the most compassionate LORD is called bhakta-vatsala. For his devotees, HE is even willing to forego his reputation and can welcomes with open hands any infamy that may come HIS way (viz BHISHMA's sankalpa in Mahabharat). He is "kartum akartum anyatha kartum samarthaH" ...there is nothing beyond HIM. And also as Tulasidas Ji says. " samartha ko nahi dosha gosai" - no act can tarnish ALL powerful "

Photos of the above events

Watch my nephews and niece chant mahamantra

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H52vr9o8P8g

Radhe Radhe

Shri Guru Arpanamastu

HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE

HARE KRISHNA HARE KISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE

Last Weekend in September 2008

Radhe Radhe

What a week.

G graced us again with a weekend of Satsanghs and Nama propogation.
Friday night we went to our monthly program at Shri Temple in Auburn. There we had a very good session of Nama sankirtan. A good Half hour..followed by Glories of Nama sankirtan by our senior brother Mutthu, qouting from various shastras, the mahima of Nama. The night concluded with Maha Mantra again.

Saturday was an eventful day. Spent most of the day packing books for Yaadein Vision for our annual shipment to Fiji... - www.yaadeinvision.org
Our shipment goes out on Tuesday.

Surprises, unpredictability, uncertainty are to be expected in life. Only predicatable aspect of life is its unpredictability. Came home Saturday afternoon to discover Mum had accidentally driven a knife through her hand, in between the thumb and first finger. A freakish Kitchen Accident. Even though the incident was in the scheme of things a minor event, it still highlights and hint how a moment in life is enough to take away our comfort. If our comfort is controlled by such events then comfort is something that will be short -lived and always disturbed.

Saturday night was a sastsangh at brother Dinesh's house. It was a smaller than expected turnout, ( about 50 0r so) however it was still a nice as GOD had a chance to propogate NAMA to a newish crowd. The night consisted of Nama Sankirtan by Kids to start off with, followed by a narration of Bhakta Dhruv's Katha from SB and finally concluding with NSK for 20 mins followed by Arati. On the way back while driving I suffered from various microsleeps...however seemed to awake at the right times...(felt that someone else was actually in control of taking me home safely) - rakhe ram to mare kaun ...

Sunday again was a busy day....We had 1/2 hour NSK at Ram Mandir Minto. In the afternoon, was requested by sister Arati to give a short discourse on bhagvatam on Samudra Manthan. It was a nice night...with Kirtan, Bhagvatam and a very inspiring talk by Bobby bhai on Various topics including amrit and surrendering to the lord and "LOVE" - as to how anything we see as beautiful in this world will sooner or later diminish in its beauty. The only one who is truly beautiful in essence is the LORD. We concluded with NSK and Mahaprasad.

About to hit the bed now. Hopefullly the weekdays can also be utilised for guru Kainkaryam like the weekends.

Shri Guru Arpanamastu
Radhe Radhe

HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE
HARE KRISHN HARE KISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE

GOD (Global Organisation for Divinity) goes to Adelaide

Radhe Radhe
Jai Gurunath

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

Friday 12th September - Sunday 14th September was a really special weekend, where Nama took us (Jayanthi Mataji and Uncle Venkat and Kajal Mataji and Myself) to Adelaide.
As advised by Jayanthi Mataji after our return to Sydney from the trip...there were many opposite and negative forces at work before we went to Adelaide...and ONLY and Sheerly through Gurudev's Grace that the Trip ended up being a memorable one for all concerned.

Being with Jayanthi Mataji and Ramanan Uncle for Kajal Mataji and myself was an amazing experience. I see them as the embodiments of "Nama Nistha" - They walk Nama, they talk Nama, they eat Nama, they sleep Nama, ...what more can i say..they LIVE Nama.

Please read the following report by Jayanthi Mataji on the Adelaide Trip.
http://www.namadwaar.org/ozgod/newsevents/news/?action=slideshow&id=1221444800

Overall, it was a great experience.....as I mentioned to Jayanthi Mataji and upon reminiscing on the trip (while there and upon coming back )..I realised that

Before leaving for Adelaide I was under a severe misconception that i was going there to give something to others...But now as i sit comtempating on the tour I know that wasn't the case. Instead of giving I believe G sent me there to "take" and "Gain" and "recieve". and GAIN i did.
I gained love from lots of friends who I never knew
I gained knowledge and learned lessons from various people - not through their words..but their action and lives
I gained inspiration for serve G more
I gained thirst to do more in Nama Propogation
I gained spiritual Richness
I gained the blessings and well wishes of many
and most importantly I gained the Nama Wealth.


Jayanthi Mataji appropriately advised of a nice story....
She said: "I remember an incident from Sri MahaPeriyava which HE narrated HIMSELF. Periyava said, everyone calls me Jagadguru, and I didn't understand why people called me so, HE narrated an incident and says " HE is being called as Jagadguru because, the Jagath teaches HIM and HE is learning new things daily"

The people we met were all amazing...I was most fortunate to have the chance to meet them and they all were extremely receptive to Nama.

Hereby hoping to continue to build on the initial foundation of our relationship with those we met...and praying to Shri Gurunath that one day this foundation will turn into a NAMA HATTA (Nama Dwaar) in Adelaide...

Smt Bamaji and Sri RajaGaneshan ji were amazing hosts...Really indebted to them....Not enough words to thank them....Praying that Gurunath shower HIS blessings on them and their Lovely family.

Finally I would like to say...I met a special friend , a brother, who in less than 2 days.. really touched my heart with his warmth, love and humility...Talking abt Shri Gautam Bala Ji....Most wonderful gentlemen and a very very nice bhakta who is doing a great service work for the youth and the Kids in Adelaide with his Bhagvatam, Gita and Vedanta classes....amongst a myriad of other activities he organised and runs for the upliftment of the kids and youth in Adelaide.

Gautam Ji with Myself and Kajal Mataji
http://picasaweb.google.com.au/deepak.vinod/AdelaideSeptember2008#5245843532521495698

See the other photos
http://picasaweb.google.com.au/deepak.vinod/AdelaideSeptember2008#

In the end...a remarkable experience for me...Thanking the GOD team of Australia and Gurunath for giving me the opportunity to be involved in propogation of Nama.

All Glories to Mahamantra
All Glories to Caitanya Mahaprabhu
All Glories to Nityananda Mahaprabhu
All Glories to Shri Gurunath

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

The First Darshan

Radhe Radhe

"Tiny legs, Tiny hands, relatively larger head compared to the rest of the body, little eyes, nose and mouth, heart pumping, curled up in a fetal postion" - Fetal position ???- What am i talkin about. It WAS the foetus of the little one...in the mum's womb. - Yes...I had my first Darshan of the little one today...Today was the first Ultrasound for Kajal.

Amazing. "Ajab teri kaarigari kartaar"

Totally Amazing it was. What a remarkable Creator is our great LORD.

Doctor asked us: "Would you like to know if it is a boy or a Girl"
Smiling back at my wife, who knows I am not good at being held in suspense...she said Yes...we would like know. Then the doctor located the little piece of anatomy and Boldly declared that it was a "BOY"...just like G said, - He is the prasad of Shri Anjaneya...

It was a special special moment....to cherish....

Can't believe its only a matter of months till the little one is out.....Can't wait to relay the news to G. He's all yours G.

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

3 Day Bhagwat Katha at Praneel/Dylans house in Prestons

Radhe Radhe

Jai GuruNath

After the Ashtami, we had a three day talk on Shrimad Bhagwatam at Bhakta Praneels house (better known as Dylan's Dad :) funnily enough) .

On the first night we had a nice crowd of about 60-70. We covered the katha of Shri Dhruva Maharaja. His Katha being filled with inspiration for Kids and Adults alike. The main points being

"karyam sadhayami va deham patayami" - as the slogan goes. DO OR DIE. Dhruva Maharaja's INTENT to Fulfill his GOAL (even though Arthartic initially) was inspiring
We (all Jivas) as Uttanpaad and we have two rani's namesly Suruchi (Doing what pleases the Mind - sense gratification) and Suniti (path of righteousness and Truth) . The Jiva becomes the follower of Suruchi rather than Suniti. Suruchi has a son called Uttam and Suniti has a so called Dhruv. When one follows Suruchi, they will get Uttam phala (fruit) - Uttam = Ut (highest) tam (ignorance) meaning - AGYAN kI parakaashtha. However when one follows Suniti - one attains Dhruv - Bhajananand personified..that which is permanent and unshaking
If a mother wants..she can turn her child into a saint, a philisopher/Gyani, or if a mother wants she can turn her child in a thug or a criminal.
On the second day, we had a much migger group of devotees attending, around 100 or so. We were also graced with the presence of Sri Venkat jI and Shri Jayanti Mataji as well as Shri Vijayji and family.
The topic for the day was Maha Bhagvat Shri JadBharat (seems like an oxymoron to say Maha bhagwat and Jad at the same time) . Anyway we learnt the important role played by the mind.
Mana eva manushyanam karanam bandha mokshayoho
"As the mind, so the man; bondage or liberation are in your own mind"
And how the penultimate moment of our lives decide our next state, Hence ante Narayana Smriti.
Secondly, Jad bharat when seeing the helpless baby Mriga, saw himself as the caretaker and believed that without him there was noone to look after this poor baby Deer. Shridhar Swamigals experience comes to mind when he believed if he left home, who would look after HIS Son, then suddenly and egg fell from the nest from above him and from it popped out a little baby bird. And Swamigal realised that the one who will look after this jiva will also look after my son..

On the third day of Bhagwat Katha, we discussed Sudama charitra – brahmano brahma-vittamaa. Very nice..touching Katha of Krishna Sakha. And his resolve to never ask anyone for anything. And how the LORD actually worshipped him upon Arriving in Dvarika.
kim anena kritam punyam
avadhûtena bhikshunâ
s'riyâ hînena loke 'smin
garhitenâdhamena ca
What pious acts has this unkempt, impoverished brāhmaṇa performed? People regard him as lowly and contemptible, yet the spiritual master of the three worlds, the abode of Goddess Śrī, is serving him reverently. Leaving the goddess of fortune sitting on her bed, the Lord has embraced this brāhmaṇa as if he were an older brother.
And so the 3 days of Bhagwat Katha concluded.

Overall it was a very nice as there was great feedback from all. Most importantly the 3 days of Bhagwatam were decorated beautifully with amazing Nama Kirtana from Everyone present. Everyone also took maha mantra CD’s of Guruji and Stickers as well. There were also people taking Malas as well.

Photos: http://picasaweb.google.com.au/deepak.vinod/3DayBhagwatKathaAtPraneelDylansHouseInPrestons#

The funds that was collected actually went to a good cause as well. To a family whos house had recently burnt down in Fiji.

Thankful to G for making it all happen smoothly..

HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE
HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE

Jai Gurunath
Jai Sita Rama
Radhe Radhe