Celebrate Independence Day

Celebrate Independence Day

On August 15th, people across India celebrate Independence Day with great enthusiasm. Whether it’s spending time with family, enjoying movies and restaurants with friends, or reflecting on the sacrifices of freedom fighters, this day is a symbol of joy, patriotism, and national pride for many Indians. We honor those who fought for our freedom and cherish the independence we gained in 1947. But in the midst of all the celebrations, have we ever stopped to question what independence truly means?

The Essence of Independence

The word “independence” generally means not being controlled by anything or anyone. But if we look closely, we might find that our so-called independence hasn’t freed us in the way we think. Consider this: we have little control over our own bodies. Our heartbeat, digestion, and many other bodily functions operate on their own, without any conscious control from us. Even if we wish to meet someone important, like the Prime Minister, we realize how difficult it is. Despite being independent citizens, we don’t have unrestricted access to those in power. Is this what true independence looks like?

A Comparison Between Then and Now

During British rule, many Indians worked for the British government in exchange for a salary. Today, many Indians are government employees too. When people went against the British, they were often met with violent suppression. Today, if large groups protest against the government, the police are called in to control the situation. So how different is independent India from the India under British rule?

Some might argue that the difference lies in our ability to follow our culture, social values, and traditions. But are we truly following our ancient Vedic culture? From the way we dress to the food we eat, we seem to be adopting more and more of a materialistic Western lifestyle. Our wardrobes are filled with branded jeans, our diets include pizza and burgers, and our best jobs are with multinational companies. Even our education system was introduced by the British. We may be politically independent, but are we culturally and spiritually independent?

Real Independence: A Spiritual Perspective

Most people don’t grasp the true meaning of independence. Real independence means returning to our original, constitutional position as servants of God. According to the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna says that all living entities are His eternal parts and parcels. However, due to their desire to enjoy the material world, they are struggling with the six senses, including the mind. This struggle is because we are not in our true home. Just as a fish out of water will eventually die, living entities suffer in this material world because it is not their natural environment.

The Illusion of Identity

In our material existence, we identify ourselves with our bodies, families, and nations. If someone is born in America, they identify as American; if someone is born in India, they identify as Indian. But these identities are superficial. The Srimad Bhagavatam says that a person who identifies with their body, considers their family as their own, or worships the land of their birth is no better than a cow or an ass. This verse reminds us that our true identity is spiritual, not material.

The Upanishads also teach that the living entity is uncontaminated by the material world. Just as oil and water don’t mix, the soul, even though it is in contact with matter, remains distinct from it. No amount of political or material change can bring true independence. Real independence means being free from the cycle of birth, old age, disease, and death. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna describes these as the real problems of life.

The Temporary Nature of the World

Krishna explains in the Bhagavad Gita that this world is temporary and full of miseries. He describes it as “dukhalayam” (a place of misery) and “asasvatam” (temporary). The only way to escape this world is by attaining Him. Once a person attains Krishna, they never return to this miserable world. This is the real independence we should strive for: independence from the cycle of birth and death.

The Path to True Independence

Krishna outlines the path to true independence in the Bhagavad Gita. He advises Arjuna to always think of Him, become His devotee, worship Him, and offer homage to Him. By doing this, Arjuna is assured that he will come to Krishna without fail. Krishna also instructs us to abandon all other forms of religion and surrender to Him. He promises to protect us from all sinful reactions if we do so.
This process of surrender is made even easier by Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who propagated the congregational chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra. This 16-syllable mantra:

“Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna,
Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare,
Hare Rama, Hare Rama,
Rama Rama, Hare Hare”

can give us true independence – independence from the material world.

Independence Beyond the Material

To truly understand independence, we must look beyond the material realm. The body is temporary, but the soul is eternal. Real independence comes when we realize our spiritual nature and our eternal relationship with God. By focusing on our spiritual identity, we can transcend the temporary struggles of this world and attain eternal peace and happiness.

Krishna, in the Bhagavad Gita, teaches us that true knowledge includes humility, nonviolence, tolerance, and self-control. It also includes the understanding that birth, death, old age, and disease are inevitable as long as we remain in this material world. True independence, therefore, is not just about political freedom or the ability to live as we please. It is about freeing ourselves from the bondage of material existence.

The Role of Devotion in Achieving Independence

Devotion to God plays a crucial role in achieving true independence. Krishna emphasizes the importance of constant and unalloyed devotion to Him. He advises us to live a simple life, detached from material possessions and the general mass of people. By focusing on self-realization and the philosophical search for the Absolute Truth, we can attain true knowledge and independence.

Krishna also assures us that those who attain Him never return to this material world. They achieve the highest perfection, which is freedom from the cycle of birth and death. This is the ultimate goal of life – to attain Krishna and be free from the miseries of the material world.

The Power of the Hare Krishna Mantra

Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who is considered an incarnation of Krishna, introduced the simple yet powerful method of chanting the Hare Krishna mantra. This mantra has the power to purify our hearts and minds and reconnect us with our original spiritual nature. By regularly chanting this mantra, we can gradually become free from material desires and attachments, and develop a deep love for Krishna.

The Hare Krishna mantra is not just a religious chant; it is a spiritual tool that can help us achieve true independence. It reminds us of our eternal connection with Krishna and helps us focus our minds on Him. In this way, we can transcend the temporary nature of this world and attain eternal happiness.

Conclusion: Embracing True Independence

As we celebrate Independence Day, it is important to reflect on the true meaning of independence. Political freedom is important, but it is not the ultimate goal. True independence lies in understanding our spiritual nature and our eternal relationship with God. By following the teachings of Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita, we can free ourselves from the cycle of birth and death and attain eternal peace and happiness.

Let us strive for this true independence by focusing on our spiritual development, chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, and living a life of devotion to God. This is the real freedom that will bring us lasting happiness and fulfillment.

126th Advent Anniversary of Srila Prabhupada

126th Advent Anniversary of Srila Prabhupada

The founder-acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, His Divine Grace  Abhaya Charanavinda Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda, was born on 1st September 1896 on the day of Nandotsav at Toliganj, Kolkata. His mother Rajni Devi and father Gour Mohan De named him Abhay Charan. Shri Gour Mohan De was a middle-class cloth merchant belonging to Subarna Banik Samaj.

Fortune teller Prophecy of Spreading Devotion Across the World

After the birth of Abhay Charan, his father called the astrologer at home to get the horoscope made. Whatever that astrologer said was 100% correct. He foretold that Abhay would go across the sea at the age of 70, spread devotion, and build 108 temples.

The same type of prophecy was also made by Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the founder of Yugadharma Sankirtana Yagya. He said a devotee of his commander would spread this Sankirtana movement to every town and village around the globe.

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur, another distinguished pure devotee of the Gaudiya Vaishnava guru-disciplic succession, also predicted that someone would soon come to propagate the voice of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu to the whole world. Soon, Harinama Sankirtana will be sung in the streets of different cities of the world as a whole. And the day will also arrive when the good creatures of England, Germany, France, Russia, and several other countries will be seen dancing in Harinama Sankirtana with Gaudiya flags, Mridanga and Kartal in Sri Mayapur Dham.

Srila Prabhupada Journey to the path of devotion

Shri Gour Mohan De had taught Abhay to practice the aspects of pure bhakti since his childhood. He used to take Abhay to the nearby Sri Sri Radha Govind Temple, and on the insistence, he also organized a Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath for the children in the courtyard of his house. When Abhay was eight years old, he started going to school, and gradually he started becoming proficient in the English language. 

At the age of 16, Abhay had countered the sad demise of his mother. His mother, Rajni Devi, passed away when Abhay was just 16. Due to this, there were some hardships and ups and downs in Abhay’s life, but his father consoled him by saying that whatever Supreme Lord does, he does it for good. Therefore, Supreme Lord would have a better plan for this. So, have faith in the Supreme Lord and depend on Him only.

At that time, it was a time of significant change for the whole world. The First World War was on the flare-up. Shri Gour Mohan De was not in favour of sending his son abroad for higher education. Then at the age of twenty, Abhay enrolled in the well-known Scottish Church College in Kolkata.  He wanted to make Abhay a pure devotee, but for this, a Guru was needed in the form of a pure devotee. In college, Abhay took education in English and Sanskrit along with many other subjects.  At that time, Abhay was interested in participating in the Indian freedom struggle. He was greatly influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violence and indigenous ideas and considered him as his ideal.

Meeting of Srila Prabhupada with his Guru

Seeing Abhay’s inclination towards nationalism, Shri Gour-Mohan De was very worried about making Abhay a pure devotee.  He wanted to know the prediction of that astrologer being turned into reality. With the passage of time in this process, Abhay got married to Radharani Devi.  Abhay didn’t have any unique attraction towards his wife, but his father told it to be a sign of the Lord’s grace because, in this way, he could stay away from worldly attachments.  At the same time, his friend introduced him to Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Sarasvati Thakura. Later, Abhay acknowledged him as his guru.

Amid the turmoil in the business and education, the death of Shri Gour Mohan De left a massive void in Abhay’s life. In 1932, he received formal Diksha (initiation) and was named Abhay Charanaravinda. Gradually, he devoted himself to obey the orders of his guru, and later the Abhay Charan became famous as Abhay Charanaravinda Bhaktivedanta Swami.

Established 108 Temples Across the World

At the age of seventy, he travelled abroad alone, even after two severe heart attacks, struggling with many personal and bodily difficulties, and proved the astrologer’s prediction to be correct, which was made in his childhood come true. He preached Krishna Bhakti while doing parikrama (circumambulating) the whole world fourteen times and established 108 temples.

Inspired by his pure and factual teachings, lakhs of young men and women gave up all kinds of distinctions and attachments and started adopting pure devotional service dedicated to Krishna.

Celebration of 126th advent anniversary of Srila Prabhupada

Today, Srila Prabhupada is the only credible and pure devotee in the entire world, whose commentaries on Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam are reaching the masses in more than eighty languages. As a result, enthusiasm and joy are sprinklings in the lives of millions of people by adopting pure Krishna Bhakti.

Devotional service of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna, is being promoted in every city and village through ISKCON, the organization established by him.

This year is extraordinary because this year will be the 126th advent anniversary of Srila Prabhupada. On 1st September, the 126th birth anniversary of Srila Prabhupada will be celebrated. And on this auspicious occasion, a coin of Rs.125 will be issued by the government. Various programs will be organized in the ISKCON temples established across the world to commemorate this.

All of you are also requested to go to the nearest ISKCON temple, take shelter from this great saint, and take inspiration from his life to make your life successful.

Hare Krishna!!

Your Smallest act of Charity can make a difference and bring smiles to Needy Faces.

Sayana Ekadashi

Sayana Ekadashi

According to Padma Purana, the worship of Lord Vishnu on Shukla Ekadashi of the month of Ashadh has special significance because on this day the sleep of the Lord begins.

According to Vedic texts, the sleep of Lord Hari is also called Yoga Nidra. On this day, Lord Mahavishnu falls asleep in Ksheersagar.

Chaturmas, which is the four-month period of self-control according to the Hindu Calendar, begins from Devasayani Ekadashi itself.

The Great Legend behind Sayana Ekadashi

Once Yudhishthira Maharaj asked Supreme Lord Krishna, “O Keshav, what is the name Ekadashi coming in the Shukla Paksha of the month of Ashadha.

Who is the worshipable deity of this day? And what is the method of observing this fast? Tell me in detail, tell me, everything Lord.

Then, Supreme Lord Sri Krishna said :

Once asking the same question to Lord Brahma of  Devarshi Narada, O’King replied that the Ekadashi which falls in the Shukla paksha of Ashadha month is also known as Sayana or Devshayani or Padma Ekadashi.

Supreme Lord Hrishikesha, the master of the senses is the presiding deity of this day;  that’s why festivals are held for their happiness, and devotees should observe this fast.

In the past, a king named Mandhata was born in Raghuvansh, He was the appointed emperor of the earth; they used to follow the leaders of the truthful kings, powerful, mighty subjects as their children.

There was never any flood, drought, or famine in his kingdom. There was never any disease. Everyone was living happily and healthy, but after some time, maybe from Godly or maybe sinful deeds, there is no rain for direct three years.

People started starving due to lack of rain, all of them, distraught with sorrow, requested the King that O king, you always see our welfare, so we humbly beg your assistance now.

Thus, we are all miserable, O King! Please find some resolutions to this problem, and bring us peace and prosperity all over again.

Hearing this, the King said that it had been said in the Vedas and Puranas that such a situation arises only because of the King’s sinful deeds. But I do not know what crime I have committed.

Yet I will try to benefit my subjects; having said this, the King and his officers and soldiers saluted the brahmins and proceeded toward the forest. After entering the forest, he visited many ashrams.

One day he, fortunately, met Angira Muni; Angira muni was the son of Brahmaji and very intelligent.

Seeing them, the sense controlled King Mandhata immediately dismounted his horse and offered his respectful bowed to him.

When the sage inquired about the King’s arrival, the subjects, then King, said that I am ruling with righteousness and maintaining my kingdom while following the Vedic injunctions.

Thus, I don’t know why there has been no rain in my kingdom for three years, and I need to understand why? O Gurudev! To solve this mystery, I have requested you for help, and please help me reduce the difficulty of my subjects.

Then Angira Muni said that the present era is the best of all ages; everyone respects Brahmins as the topmost member of society in this age.

Only Brahmins have the right to perform penance, although there is one ‘Shudra’ who is unlawfully performing the rituals of austerity and penance in your kingdom.

You should bring happiness and prosperity to the state by killing him. Hearing this, the King said that I couldn’t kill a sinless person engrossed in penance; please suggest any other simple solution.

Then, Angira Muni replied that you and your subjects should observe the holy Devsayani Ekadashi in this situation.

Following this, there will be rain in the state; Ekadashi falls in Shukla Paksha the month of Ashadha.

By observing this fast, person is freed from all the sins and all the obstacles in the path of attaining his final goal. 

Therefore, O king! It would be best if you observed this fast with your family and subjects.

After hearing the words of Angira Muni, the King returned to his kingdom united with his family and subjects.

It occurred this fast due to its effect. There was rain everywhere in the kingdom, and the kingdom was again prosperous and flourishing. And the people were also pleased.

In this way, Lord Hrishikesha is pleased with the observance of fast and the statement of the person who observes the fast.

All the sins that have been prone are destroyed.

This is the Glory of Sayana Ekadashi

On this Ekadashi, devotees throng to see Lord Sri Vitthal in Pandharpur, Maharashtra. All the nearby village devotees make groups and go to see Lord and see him divine.

If we come back after holding a beautiful form in our hearts, then all of us should also keep this simple and dear to Supreme Lord means Ekadashi and save it as much as possible to remain firm on the path of Bhakti.

One should keep on hearing, chanting the Hare Krishna Maha-Mantra, and one should try to attain the transcendental loving devotional service of the Supreme Lord.

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The Greatness of Yogini Ekadashi

The Greatness of Yogini Ekadashi

We all experience happiness and sorrows in this life, but no one wants it and also everyone wishes for joy, but do we even know what true pleasure is?

What Are the real sorrows? First, of course, problems are the most significant birth, death, old age and disease of life because no one can escape from them, and it will happen to everyone.

Birth is painful, and we forgot it, that doesn’t mean labour is not painful, as death is unfortunate, old age is not good, diseases are not good, it’s sad, so what pain is not good?

An incredible Story about Yogini Ekadashi 

Once upon a time, Dharmaraja Yudhishthira said,

O Lord, address the of Ashadha Krishna Ekadashi what it is thus?

Lord Krishna Said:

Rajan, Ashadh Krishna Ekadashi, is known as Yogini Ekadashi, observing this fast person’s serious sins and ocean of wins release.

Yogini Ekadashi is the liberator in heaven and the three worlds.

Donate on this Auspicious Yogini Ekadashi

The Story told by Supreme Lord Krishna.

Hey Rajan, “Now I tell you a beautiful story as described in the Puranas; listen carefully.

A place in heaven called “Alka Puri” was the kingdom, which was the treasurer of the gods.

There was a devotee of Shiva name Kubera. He used to worship Shiva every day; his Gardener was a Yaksha named Hem.

Who brought beautiful flowers from Mansarovar and give them to Kubera and which is for use in the worship of Shiva, used to do the same every day.

Hem Yaksha’s name Vishalakshi and this Gardener towards his wife was very infatuated.  

One day he bought flowers from Mansarovar, but because of his love for his wife, he started laughing with his wife and having fun with her, and here king Kubera kept watching his way till noon.

In the end, king Kubera ordered a soldier to find out why the Gardener was not coming because he had not yet brought flowers.

The soldier’s said that.

Maharaj! Hem Mali is with his wife and must have been doing fun, extreme humour, and pleasure.

Listening to this, Kubera got angry and called him trembling; Hem Mali reached near him, King Kubera got angry and said, ‘ oh sinner Lowly, hypocritical, mischievous. You have disrespected my most respected Shiva Ji. That’s why I curse you, that you will suffer the separation of the woman and go to the world of death and become a leper.

Hem, Mali fell from heaven due to the curse of Kubera, and he fell to earth at that very moment as soon as he came to earth, while got into the body and his woman also become introspective at the same time.

After coming to the world of death, the Gardener suffered great sorrow and wandered without food in the terrible forest, couldn’t even sleep at night. But due to the effect of worshipping Shiva, he must have known about the condition of previous birth.

One day while roaming around, he reached the ashram of ‘Saga Markandeya’, whose age is seven Kalpas. Seeing them, Mali bowed several times from a distance.

Seeing them, the merciful and compassionate Markandeya Rishi asked him, what is the sin you have committed? Due to this condition, has it happened to you? 

Hem Mali narrated the whole story to the sage; after hearing this, the saga said, “indeed you have spoken the truth in front of me, so I tell you a fast for your salvation.

‘If you observe fast on Ekadashi called Yogini Ekadashi of Krishna Paksha of Ashad month, then all your sins will be destroyed. Hearing this, Hem Mali was delighted and bowed the land to the sage; Markandeya Rishi raised her with affection.

Hem Mali observed this Yogini Ekadashi ritually according to the advice of the sage. 

As the effect of this fast, Hem Mali got freed again in his old form and started living happily with his wife.

As per Markanday Rishi’s guidance, Hem Mali become free from all the sufferings and misfortunes.

Benefits of Yogini Ekadashi 

Lord Krishna said, “O king, Yogini Ekadashi fasting, brings prosperity and joy in life and is popular in all three dimensions.

Observing this fast of Yogini Ekadashi, one gets good virtue equal offering food to 80 thousand Bramins, and a person becomes virtuous by being freed from his all sins.

Ekadashi, therefore we yogis, may one by one destroy our sins and proceed on the path of sweet loving devotion to the Lord.

 

Your Smallest act of Charity can make a difference and bring smiles to Needy Faces.

Apara Ekadashi

Apara Ekadashi

It is said that when God created the material world, He created all beings, and at the same time, many kinds of sins also took birth. Out of those sins, a paap purusha was created. God saw that the souls were very easily inclined towards sin, and they were repeatedly sent to hellish worlds for punishment. God took mercy upon the living entities and expanded Ekadashi from his body. Living entities started observing fast on Ekadashi and were getting rid of sins. This agitated paap purusha, he went to the Lord and said, “You created me, but by the influence of Ekadashi, I am unable to do my duty.” Lord replied, “If that is the case, I order you to enter in grains on every Ekadashi. This will save your existence.”

That’s why, if we observe fast on Ekadashi (Apara Ekadashi), then we would be saved from all the sins which we could get by consuming grains on Ekadashi. Ekadashi fast not only reduces our sins but also assists us in getting the devotion service and mercy of the lotus feet of the Lord, Shri Hari.

Once Yudhisthira asked Lord Krishna, “O Krishna! Please tell me, what is the name of Ekadashi, which occurs in the Krishna paksha of Jyestha month and its glories?”

Lord Krishna replied, “O King! This Ekadashi is popularly known by two names – Apara and Achala. As per Vedic injunctions, Ekadashi on the Krishna paksha of Jyestha month is termed as Apara Ekadashi because it bestows unlimited wealth. Those who observe fast on Apara Ekadashi, they will attain fame in the world, get rid of all sins committed due to brahma hatya, and blaspheme and also get freedom from ghostly species of life. By doing this fast, all the sins accumulated due to illicit sex life, giving false testimony, lying, reading or making false scriptures, becoming a false astrologer or becoming a false physician, etc., are all destroyed. The Kshatriya who runs away from the battlefield is certainly to hell, but by the influence of Apara Ekadashi, he will attain heaven.”

“Devotees who accept knowledge from the spiritual master but blaspheme him will certainly go to hell, but by observing fast on Apara Ekadashi, they can also get freedom from such heinous sin. The results of taking bath in Pushkar in the month of Karthik or the results of pind daan on the holy banks of Gang; same results one gets by observing fast on Apara Ekadashi.”

“This fast is like an axe which cuts the tree of sins, it is like fire which burns down all sins, it is like the Sun which destroys the darkness of sins, it is like a Lion who kills deer. That’s why living entities should be careful enough not to commit sins and observe fast on Apara Ekadashi.”

By fast observation on Apara Ekadashi and by the worship of Vishnu, one gets rid of all sins and attains the Vishnu Loka after leaving this material body. As per the popular story, there was a righteous king named Mahidwaja. His younger brother, Vajradwaja, was very cruel, unrighteous, and unfair. He was very envious of his elder brother. One-night Vajradwaja killed his elder brother while he was asleep and buried the body under a peepal tree in the woods. Because of unnatural death, Mahidwaja attained ghostly species of life. He used to live on the peepal tree and created several nuisances.

apara ekadashi rishi

One day a great sage, Dhaumya, passed by that forest and he saw the ghost. With his mystic power, he could know the ghost’s past life. He also understood the reason for such nuisances. He brought down the ghost from the peepal tree and instructed about parlok vidhya. Sages are always very kind by nature, and out of his kindness, he observed fast on Apara Ekadashi so that the ghost could be freed. He also donated all the piousness earned by him to the ghost. As a result of which, Mahidwaja got freedom from the ghostly species and attained a transcendental body. He went to the higher planetary system after boarding pushpak vimaan.

Let’s not waste this great occasion of Apara Ekadashi, we all should observe fast to get rid of sins and attain the pure love of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Shri Krishna.

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare |

Hare Ram Hare Ram Ram Ram Hare Hare ||

Your Smallest act of Charity can make a difference and bring smiles to Needy Faces.