When I first moved into a Krishna temple, back in the 70s, I discovered that the founder of the Hare Krishna society had dubbed his movement ‘the kitchen religion’. I was somewhat bemused by this – but, as a young man in my 20’s with a keen interest in eating, I was not entirely averse to the idea. And I soon found out the reason for this culinary epithet when, a few weeks later, a…
Continue readingOfficially, the summer solstice is the longest day – almost 17 hours of broad daylight. However, in my experience the length of the day depends largely upon what I happen to be doing. How could I ever forget, for example, those interminable history lessons at school. The clock on the wall all but froze as the teacher apprised us of the fascinating exploits of Oliver Cromwell and his gallant roundheads. Thankfully I am no longer…
Continue readingVRAJA RAJA SUTAM ASTAKAM 1 nava-nîrada-nindita-kânti-dharam rasa-sâgara-nâgara-bhûpa-varam s’ubha-vankima-câru-s’ikhanda-s’ikham bhaja-krishna-nidhim-vraja-râja-sutam Complexion that conquers storm clouds gathering Lord of lovers and great sea of all ecstasies Peacock plume in his crown angled auspiciously Worship Krishna dark jewel son of Vrindavan’s king 2. bhrû-vis’ankita-vankima-s’akru-dhanum mukha-candra-vinindita-koti-vidhum mridu-manda-suhâsya-subhâshya-yutam bhaja-krishna-nidhim vraja-râja-sutam His eyebrows like rainbows both broadly bending A million full moons fail to match his beauty Sparkling speech on his lips ever smiling sweetly Worship Krishna dark jewel son of…
Continue readingA dramatization of Srimad Bhagavatam, India’s greatest spiritual classic.
Continue readingPurva raga Dear friend, the trembling of my heart can never find a cure. No herb or medicine or balm, my beating breast can calm. For this disease one remedy will bring relief for sure, but that alas will soon produce painful opprobrium. My friend I am severely struck and all my sense departs, when Krishna’s name enters my ears and lodges in my heart. And then there is another one whose flute enchants my…
Continue readingCurious to see if I was an authentic Brit I recently attempted the Life in the Uk test that the government requires aspiring new British citizens to take. To my great relief I passed it with 90%, only falling down on a question of how long was the hundred years war. I can’t see many people knowing that it was actually 116 years nor indeed how relevant to being British that knowledge is. I would…
Continue readingIn the halcyon days of my youth I was a bit of a rock fan. As well as permanently damaging my ear drums, it has left me with a head full of various song lyrics hollered out to the strains of rapid fire guitar and pounding drums. One such line I recall was an old blues song covered by Cream, where Jack Bruce declaimed that, “If it wasn’t for bad luck I wouldn’t have no…
Continue readingIt isn’t always easy to see the funny side of things. Often I find it happens in retrospect. Recently I set off for a trip to that fabled land of chocolate and respected home of the European Union, Belgium. After loading up my trusty Satnav with the appropriate maps, I struck out by road. All went well until I approached my destination and it became apparent that the old satnav was struggling. It had taken…
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