Who am I? Posted in: Broadcasts

Pause for Thought  on BBC Radio 2 My spiritual master Srila Prabhupada was once asked to speak to a group of school children. “Who is the most intelligent student here?” he asked. A sea of modest blank faces stared back but eventually one child was thrust forward by his obliging friends and Prabhupada said to him, “Please point to your head.” The bemused boy, expecting a sterner examination of his intellectual powers, duly complied. His…

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Lessons from Life Posted in: Broadcasts

Pause for Thought, BBC Radio 2, Sun 4th May Recently I took delivery of a new mobile phone. Quite a complex affair, boasting a range of amazing new features. Being a typical male with a stubborn resistance to being told how to do anything, I tossed aside the instruction manual and set about figuring it all out. Soon I had managed to have a conversation with the phone itself, take a close-up photo of my…

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Sri Jagannathastakam Posted in: Poetry, Vaishnava songs

1) kadacit kalindi-tata-vipina-sangitaka-ravo mudabhiri-nari-vadana-kamalasvada-madhupah rama-sambhu-brahmamara-pati-ganesarcita-pado jagannathah svami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me With songs and sweet music, strolling gaily through groves, by the Kalindi. A bee seeking nectar from the lotus-like faces of the gopis. Praising him are Shiva, Brahma, Indra, Ganesh and Goddess Lakshmi. Jagannatha Swami, Lord of all beings, be visible to me. 2) bhuje savye venum sirasi sikhi-puccham kati-tate dukulam netrante sahacara-kataksam vidadhate sada srimad-vrndavana-vasati-lila-paricayo jagannathah svami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me Sporting fine silken cloth,…

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Pastimes in the Spring Posted in: Vaishnava songs

VASANTA RASA By Srila Narottama das Thakur 1. Vrndavana ramya-sthana dibya-cintamani-dhama ratana-mandira manohara abrta kalindi-nire raja-hamsa keli kore tahe sobhe kanaka-kamala Vrindavan, resplendent abode, of transcendental touchstone, Jewelled temples divine, enchanting the mind Yamuna with gentle waves flows, where swans swim within shaded groves. A lotus of gold on that water shines. 2. tara madhye hema-pitha asta-dale bestita asta-dale pradhana nayika tara madhye ratnasane bosi achen dui-jane syama-sange sundari radkhika Golden altar within its whorl,…

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Songs of the Saints Posted in: Vaishnava songs

Prayers are of course a personal affair. Praying is a time for the soul to connect with God, offer him heartfelt praises and seek his mercy. Whilst this is certainly beneficial, in Vaishnavism it is also recommended that one offer the prayers composed by great saints. Such prayers always express appropriate sentiments, whereas in our conditioned state it is possible that material desires and sentiments will creep into our offerings. The Lord is pleased by…

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