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Dignity: Pause for Thought BBC Radio 2 July 21, 2017 Posted in: Broadcasts

It can be a challenge to maintain your dignity sometimes. I remember when I became a Krishna monk many years ago and donned the orange robes to venture forth on to the streets. Hare Krishna devotees were not a familiar sight at the time, and we would often encounter a spirited response from onlookers, as we sang and danced our way along the road. On one occasion I was showered with a can of beer,…

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Lost Love Posted in: Broadcasts

Love must be one of the most over used and perhaps undervalued words in the dictionary. I’m just as guilty as anyone else, declaring my love for cheese on toast, lying in the sun, or, confession time, Raymond Chandler. In the true sense of the word I wouldn’t say I really love any of those things. For me love means an awful lot more than just liking something rather a lot. Actually in the language…

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Festive Food (Pause for Thought, BBC Radio 2, June 29th) Posted in: Broadcasts

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…

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The Longest Day (BBC Pause for Thought 22 June 2017) Posted in: Broadcasts

Officially, 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…

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English bhajan lyrics Posted in: Poetry

VRAJA 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…

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Vidagdha Madhava verses by Rupa Goswami Posted in: Poetry

Purva 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…

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Pause for Thought BBC Radio 2, May 5. ‘British and Proud’ Posted in: Broadcasts

Curious 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…

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