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July 2, 2008

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 325

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 325, "The Most Confidential Wisdom."



June 25, 2008

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 322

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 322.



June 18, 2008

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 321

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 321, Five Attitudes of Absorption of the Lord.



June 11, 2008

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 320

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 320.



June 4, 2008

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 320

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 320.



May 28, 2008

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 320

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 320.



May 21, 2008

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 320

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 320, Attaining the Lord Through Amorous Love.



May 14, 2008

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 320

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 320, Attaining the Lord Through Amorous Love.



May 7, 2008

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 316

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 316, General Desciptions of Raganuga.



April 23, 2008

Bhakti Sandharba Anuccheda 312

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 312, General Desciptions of Raganuga.



April 16, 2008

Bhakti Sandharba Anuccheda 311

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 311, General Desciptions of Raganuga.



April 9, 2008

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 311

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 311, General Desciptions of Raganuga.

Note: Seems as though, everyone was disconnected from the conference call. As result, the recording stopped when call stopped.


March 26, 2008

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 311

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 311, General Desciptions of Raganuga.



March 19, 2008

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 310-312

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 310-312, General Desciptions of Raganuga.



March 12, 2008

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 310

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 310. This begins the final section of Bhakti Sandarbha on raganuga-bhakti. This section is very important for everyone as it mostly describes the essence of devotional service, to serve Krishna out of natural attachment.



March 5, 2008

Srila Dhanurdhara Swami Returns To The US

In this evening's sanga, Srila Dhanurdhara Swami, having just returned from India earlier in the day, shares his realizations in a causal, informal talk.


February 27, 2008

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 309

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 309.



February 20, 2008

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 307

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 307.



February 13, 2008

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 305

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 305.

Note: We had trouble calling in today and as a result or sound quality is not the best.
Your servant,
Rathi Krishna dasa



February 6, 2008

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 304

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 304.



January 23, 2008

Jagannatha Puri Sanga with Satsvarupa dasa Gosvami and Dr. Fakir Mohan

In today's class, we have the association of Satsvarupa dasa Gosvami reading a passage from his book Srila Prabhupada in Jagannatha Puri and Dr. Fakir Mohan gives a talk on nama tattva


January 9, 2008

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 300-303

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 300-303.



December 26, 2007

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 298

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 298.



December 19, 2007

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 296-297

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 296-297.



December 9, 2007

Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 1 Chapter 8 Text 52

Srimad Bhagavatam
Canto 1 Chapter 8 Text 52

yatha pankena pankambhah
suraya va surakrtam
bhuta-hatyam tathaivaikam
na yajnair marstum arhati

TRANSLATION
As it is not possible to filter muddy water through mud, or purify a wine-stained pot with wine, it is not possible to counteract the killing of men by sacrificing animals.


December 5, 2007

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 286-295

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 286-295.



November 28, 2007

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 286-295

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 286-295.



November 21, 2007

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 286-295

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 286-295.



November 14, 2007

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 286

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 286.



November 7, 2007

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 285

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 285.

Note: Unfortunately, the call cut out at the very end and I was unable to get back on.


October 31, 2007

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 286

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 286.

Note: Unfortunately, the call cut out at the very end and I was unable to get back on.


October 24, 2007

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 285

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 285.

Note: I didn't have the best connection today, so some places the audio quality is spotty at best. I working on ways of improving the recording but I'm limited to the quality of the line I call in on.


October 17, 2007

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 284

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 284, Pure and Mixed Worship.

Note: I didn't have the best connection today, so some places the audio quality is spotty at best.


October 3, 2007

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 284

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha with Anuccheda 284.


September 26, 2007

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 283-303

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 283-303, and its topic of arcana or deity worship.


September 12, 2007

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 283-303

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha with Anuccheda 283-303, which begins the arcana or deity worship section of the Bhakti Sandarbha.



September 5, 2007

Srila Prabhupada's Vyasa Puja with Jayadvaita Swami and Bhakti Madhava Puri Swami

Tonight's sanga, in honor of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's Vyasa Puja, features Jayadvaita Swami and Bhakti Madhava Puri Swami sharing their memories and realizations of Srila Prabhupada.



August 29, 2007

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 283

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha with Anuccheda 283.

Unfortunately, Srila Dhanurdhara Swami was disconnected from the conference call about 30 minutes into the call. Maharaja managed to call back in shortly thereafter.


August 23, 2007

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 279

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha with Anuccheda 279.



August 15, 2007

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 278

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha with Anuccheda 278.



August 8, 2007

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 275

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha with Anuccheda 275.

Note: There's a bit of an echo on this recording.



August 1, 2007

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 270

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha with Anuccheda 270.

Note: There's a bit of an echo for the first 5 minutes or so of this recording.



July 25, 2007

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 269

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha with Anuccheda 269.



July 11, 2007

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 265

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha with Anuccheda 265.



July 4, 2007

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 264

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha with Anuccheda 264.



June 27, 2007

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 262

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha with Anuccheda 262.



June 20, 2007

Bhakti Sandarbha Questions & Answers Session

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha with a questions and answers session.

Due to technical difficulties, there were problems with the recording and only the second half of the class was recorded. I also apologize for the poor sound quality of today's recording.

Your servant,
Rathi Krishna dasa



June 13, 2007

Bhakti Sandarbha - No recording.

Unfortunately I was not able to record this evening's class. I apologize to our listeners for the inconvenience.

Your servant,
Rathi Krishna dasa

June 6, 2007

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 255

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha with Anuccheda 255.



May 30, 2007

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 253

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha with Anuccheda 253.



May 23, 2007

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 251

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha with Anuccheda 251.



May 16, 2007

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 248

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha with Anuccheda 248.



May 9, 2007

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 247

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha with Anuccheda 247.



May 2, 2007

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 243

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha with Anuccheda 243.



April 18, 2007

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 240

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha with Anuccheda 240.

Note: I must apologize for the quality of the recording. I had many technical difficulties today and missed the first 5 or 10 minutes of the class. Pardon the inconvenience. ys, rkd.



April 11, 2007

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 239

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha with Anuccheda 239.



April 4, 2007

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 238

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha with Anuccheda 238.



March 28, 2007

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 238

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha with Anuccheda 238 where the importance of proper sadhusanga is discussed.



March 21, 2007

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 237

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha with Anuccheda 237.

[Unfortunately, I missed the first 10-15 minutes of the class. My apologies for the inconvenience. ys, rkd.]



March 14, 2007

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 236

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami continues his discussion on the Bhakti Sandarbha with Anuccheda 236.



March 7, 2007

Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 235

In today's class, Srila Dhanurdhara Swami's begins with Bhakti Sandarbha. The Bhakti Sandarbha is the fifth part of the Sad Sandarbha (six sandarbhas) which was originally started by Srila Gopal Bhatta Gosvami but then expanded upon and completed by Srila Jiva Gosvami.

The Sad Sandarbha's six parts are as follows.

  1. Tattva Sandarbha - Wherein the different aspects of tattva or truth are explained. It concludes the highest tattva is the Bhagavata Purana, also known as the Srimad Bhagavatam.

  2. Bhagavata Sandarbha - Wherein the distinction of the brahman (impersonal), the paratamta (internal) and the bhagavata (fully personal) aspects of God is made and establishes the bhagavata manifestation as the highest.

  3. Paramatma Sandarbha - Wherein the paramatma or supersoul is discussed. The paramatma is the manifestation of God residing in every living entity's heart.

  4. Krishna Sandarbha - Wherein Krishna is established with scriptural reference as being the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

  5. Bhakti Sandarbha - Wherein bhakti or devotional process to Krishna is explained.

  6. Priti Sandarbha - Wherein prema bhakti is established as the highest form of liberation.

Srila Dhanurhdara Swami starts the class with Anuccheda 235 where the concept of saranagata, surrender, is explained.

For more on this section, please see Srila Dhanurdhara Swami's journal entry from February 1, 2005, entitled Lessons from Bhakti Sandarbha.


February 28, 2007

Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 11 Chapter 23 Text 57

On the 25th anniversary of his entering the sannyasa asrama, Srila Dhanurdhara Swami shares his realizations on the sannyasa asrama and tells his own story of taking sannyasa.

Srimad Bhagavatam
Canto 11 Chapter 23 Text 57

etam sa asthaya paratma-nistham
adhyasitam purvatamair maharsibhih
aham tarisyami duranta-param
tamo mukundanghri-nisevayaiva

TRANSLATION
I shall cross over the insurmountable ocean of nescience by being firmly fixed in the service of the lotus feet of Krsna. This was approved by the previous acaryas, who were fixed in firm devotion to the Lord, Paramatma, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.


January 17, 2007

Brihad Bhagavatamrta Part 1 - Prapancatita: Beyond the Material World Text 75

Brihad Bhagavatamrta
Part 1: Finding the Essence of the Supreme Lord's Mercy
Prapancatita: Beyond the Material World Text 75

tvat-tatato mad garudaditas ca
sriyo 'pi karunya-visesa-patram
prahlada eva prathito jagatyam
krsnasya bhakto nitaram priyas ca

TRANSLATION
There is a greater recipient of Krsna's mercy than your father, me, and other servants like Garuda, and even the goddess of fortune. His name is Prahlada. He is famous throughout the world as the dearmost devotee of Krsna.



January 10, 2007

Brihad Bhagavatamrta Part 1 - Prapancatita: Beyond the Material World Text 1-4

Brihad Bhagavatamrta
Part 1: Finding the Essence of the Supreme Lord's Mercy
Prapancatita: Beyond the Material World Text 1-4

sri-pariksid uvaca
bhagavantam baram tatra
bhavavistataya hareh
nrtyantam kirtayantam ca
krta-sankarsanarcanam

bhrsam nandisvaradims ca
slaghamanam nijanugan
pritya sa-jaya-sabdani
gita-vadyani tanvatah

devim cmam prasamsantam
kara-talisu kovidam
durad drstva munir hrsto
'namad vinam ninadayan

paramanugrhito 'si
krsnasyeti muhur muhuh
jagau sarvam samakirtayat
su-svaram samakirtayat

TRANSLATION
Sri Pariksit said: Arriving in Sivaloka, from a distance the sage Narada saw Lord Siva, Sri Hara, who had just finished his worship of Lord Sankarsana, Sri Hari. Entranced in ecstatic love, Lord Siva was dancing and loudly singing the glories of the Lord, while his associates played instrumental music and shouted "Jaya! Jaya!" With great affection he praised his assistants like Nandisvara, as well as the goddess Uma, who was expertly clapping her hands. The sight of all this delighted Narada. Vibrating his vena and nodding his head to show respect, he called out several times, "You are the greatest recipient of Krsna's mercy!" and in a sweet voice he recounted to Lord Siva everything just told to him by their father, Lord Brahma.



January 3, 2007

Brihad Bhagavatamrta Part 1 - Divya: In Heaven Text 14

Brihad Bhagavatamrta
Part 1: Finding the Essence of the Supreme Lord's Mercy
Divya:In Heaven Text 14

asya na svarga-rajyasya
vrttam vetsi tvam eva kim
kati varan ito daitya-
bhityasmabhir na nirgatam

TRANSLATION
Are you unfamiliar with what ruling heaven means? Don't you know how many times we have had to flee heaven in fear of the Daityas?



December 27, 2006

Brihad Bhagavatamrta Part 1 - Divya: In Heaven Text 7

Brihad Bhagavatamrta
Part 1: Finding the Essence of the Supreme Lord's Mercy
Divya:In Heaven Text 7

sahasra-nayanair asru-
dhara varsantam asane
sviye nisannam tat-parsve
rajantam sva-vibbhutibhih

TRANSLATION
Indra shone forth in his own opulence as he sat on his throne next to the Lord, shedding from his thousand eyes a downpour of tears.


December 20, 2006

Brihad Bhagavatamrta Part 1 - Bhauma: On the Earth - Conclusion

In today's class, Srila Dhanurdhara Maharaja concludes the first chapter of Part 1 of the Brihad Bhagavatamrta, Bhauma: On the Earth, and gives us a preview of the second chapter, Divya: In Heaven.


December 13, 2006

Brihad Bhagavatamrta Part 1 - Bhauma: On the Earth Texts 50-51

Brihad Bhagavatamrta
Part 1: Finding the Essence of the Supreme Lord's Mercy
Bhauma: On the Earth Texts 50-51

pundarikaksa-devasya
tasya darsana-lobhatah
maha-prasada-rupannady-
upabhoga-sukhaptitah

sadhu-sangati-labhac ca
nana-desat samagatah
nivasanti sada tatra
santo visnu-parayanah

TRANSLATION
Saintly devotees of Lord Visnu come from various countries to reside permanently in the kingdom. They come out of eagerness to see the lotus-eyed Deity of the Lord, to relish the food and other special remnants from the Lord, and to obtain the association of spiritually advanced persons.


November 29, 2006

Brihad Bhagavatamrta Part 1 - Bhauma: On the Earth Text 44

Brihad Bhagavatamrta
Part 1: Finding the Essence of the Supreme Lord's Mercy
Bhauma: On the Earth Texts 44

aham varakah ko nu syam
datum saknomi va kiyat
vaibhavam vartate kim me
bhagavad-bhajanam kutah

TRANSLATION
Who am I but a most wretched person? How much charity am I able to give? What opulence do I have? And how have I ever reciprocated with the Lord in devotional service?


November 22, 2006

Brihad Bhagavatamrta Part 1 - Bhauma: On the Earth Text 35

Brihad Bhagavatamrta
Part 1: Finding the Essence of the Supreme Lord's Mercy
Bhauma: On the Earth Texts 35

bhojayitva tato dinam
antyajan api sadaram
atosayad yatha-nyayam
sva-srgala-khaga-krimin

TRANSLATION
Next he respectfully fed everyone else, including the most fallen outcastes. In suitable ways, he satisfied even the dogs, jakals, birds and insects.


November 15, 2006

Brihad Bhagavatamrta Part 1 - Bhauma:On the Earth Texts 24-25

Brihad Bhagavatamrta
Part 1: Finding the Essence of the Supreme Lord's Mercy
Bhauma: On the Earth Texts 24-25

ekada tirtha-murdhanye
prayage muni-pungavah
maghe pratah krta-snanah
sri-madhava-samipatah

upavista mudavista
manyamanah krtarthatam
krsnasya dayito 'siti
slaghante sma parasparam

TRANSLATION
Once a group of exalted sages were at Prayaga, the best of pilgrimage sites, during the month of Magha. The sages had taken their bath and were happily seated before the Deity of Sri Madhava. Feeling satisfied, as if all their goals in life had been fulfilled, they were praising one another, saying, "You are the recipient of Lord Krsna's mercy."


November 8, 2006

Brihad Bhagavatamrta Part 1 - Bhauma:On the Earth Text 11

Brihad Bhagavatamrta
Part 1: Finding the Essence of the Supreme Lord's Mercy
Bhauma: On the Earth Text 11

bhagavad-bhakti-sastranam
ayam sarasya sangrahah
anubhutasya caitanya-
deve tat-priya-rupatah

TRANSLATION
This book collects the essence of the scriptures teaching devotional service rendered to the Supreme Lord. These essential teachings I have personally realized under the shelter of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. I received them from His dear devotee Sri Rupa.


November 1, 2006

Brihad Bhagavatamrta Part 1 - Bhauma:On the Earth Text 8

Brihad Bhagavatamrta
Part 1: Finding the Essence of the Supreme Lord's Mercy
Bhauma: On the Earth Text 8

jayati jayati krsna-prema-bhaktir yad-anghrim
nikhila-nigama-tattvam gudham ajnaya muktih
bhajati sarana-kama vaisnavais tyajyamana
japa-yajana-tapasya-nyasa-nistham vihaya

TRANSLATION
All glories, all glories to Sri Krsna-prema-bhakti! Knowing that the feet of Prema-bhakti secretly compromise all the truths of the Vedas, Liberation herself has come to worship her. Indeed, Liberation, abandoned by the Vaisnavas, has now given up her dependence on mantras, penance, sacrifice, and renunciation and is eager to have the shelter of Prema-bhakti.


October 25, 2006

Brihad Bhagavatamrta Part 1 - Bhauma:On the Earth Text 5

Brihad Bhagavatamrta
Part 1: Finding the Essence of the Supreme Lord's Mercy
Bhauma: On the Earth Text 5

jayati jayati vrndaranyam etan murareh
priya-tamam ati-sadh-svanta-vaikuntha-vasat
ramayati sa sada gah palayan yatra gopih
svarita-madhura-venur vardhayan prema rase

TRANSLATION
All glories, all glories to this place where we are living Lord Murari's Vrndavana forest! He prefers residing here to residing in Vaikuntha or in the hearts of elevated saints. In Vrndavana, while always tending His cows, He gives pleasure to the gopis, whose love for Him in the mood of the rasa dance He increases by sweetly playing His flute.


October 18, 2006

Brihad Bhagavatamrta Part 1 - Bhauma:On the Earth Text 4

Brihad Bhagavatamrta
Part 1: Finding the Essence of the Supreme Lord's Mercy
Bhauma: On the Earth Text 4

jayati mathura-devi srestha purisu mano-rama
parama-dayita kamsarater jani-sthiti-ranjita
durita-haranan mukter bhakter api pratipadanaj
jagati mahita tat-tat-krida-kathastu viduratah

TRANSLATION
All glories to goddess Mathura-devi, the best of holy cities! She enchants the mind, she is most dear to the enemy of Kamsa, and she is adorned with the Lord's birthplace. The city of Mathura is acclaimed throughout the world for dispelling misery and bestowing liberation and devotion, not to mention the various pastimes the Lord has played there.


October 11, 2006

Brihad Bhagavatamrta Part 1 - Bhauma:On the Earth Text 2

Brihad Bhagavatamrta
Part 1: Finding the Essence of the Supreme Lord's Mercy
Bhauma: On the Earth Text 2

sri-radhika-prabhrtayo nitram jayanti
gopyo nitanta-bhagavat-priyata-prasiddhah
yasam harau parama-sauhrda-madhurinam
nirvaktum isad api jatu na ko 'pi saktah

TRANSLATION
All glories above all to the gopis, headed by Sri Radhika, who are famous as the Lord's dearmost devotees. No one can even begin to properly describe the charm of their supreme affection for Sri Hari.


October 4, 2006

Brihad Bhagavatamrta Part 1 - Bhauma:On the Earth Text 1

Brihad Bhagavatamrta
Part 1: Finding the Essence of the Supreme Lord's Mercy
Bhauma: On the Earth Text 1

jayati nija-padabja-prema-danavatirno
vividha-madhurimabdhih ko 'pi karisora-gandhih
gata-parama-dasantam yasya caitanya-rupad
anubhava-padam aptam prema gopisu nityam

TRANSLATION
All glories to that inconceivable Lord who descended to bestow the gift of perfect love for His own lotus feet. He is an ocean filled with many kinds of sweetness, and He always bears the fragrance of fresh youth. In His form as Sri Caitanya He has realized the last extreme of transcendental experience, the love residing eternally in the gopis.



September 13, 2006

Caitanya-caritamrta Madhya-lila Chapter 1 Text 140

Caitanya-caritamrta Madhya-lila
Chapter 1 Text 140

sivanandera sange aila kukkura bhagyavan
prabhura carana dekhi' kaila antardhana

TRANSLATION
A dog accompanied Sivananda Sena and the devotees, and that dog was so fortunate that after seeing the lotus feet of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, it was liberated and went back home, back to Godhead.



September 6, 2006

Caitanya-caritamrta Madhya-lila Chapter 1 Text 137

Caitanya-caritamrta Madhya-lila
Chapter 1 Text 137

sarvabhauma-ghare prabhura bhiksa-paripati
sathira mata kahe, yate randi ha-uk sathi

TRANSLATION
Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu was invited to dine at the house of Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya. While He was eating sumptuously, the son-in-law of Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya [the husband of his daughter Sathi] criticized Him. Because of this, Sathi's mother cursed him by praying that Sathi would become a widow. In other words, she cursed her son-in-law to die.



August 30, 2006

Sri Radha-Krpa-Kataksa-Stava-Raja - Srimati Radharani's Appearance Day

In this evening's Radhastami-themed Sanga, Srila Dhanurdhara Swami begins the class with the following verses where Lord Shiva glorifies Srimati Radharani.

sri-radha-krpa-kataksa-stava-raja

munindra-vrnda-vandite tri-loka-soka-harini
prasanna-vaktra-pankaje nikunja-bhu-vilasini
vrajendra-bhanu-nandini vrajendra-sunu-sangate
kada karisyasiha mam krpa-kataksa-bhajanam
||1||

asoka-vrksa-vallari-vitana-mandapa-sthite
pravala-vala-pallava prabha ’runanghri-komale
varabhaya-sphurat-kare prabhuta-sampadalaye
kada karisyasiha mam krpa-kataksa-bhajanam
||2||

ananga-ranga mangala-prasanga-bhangura-bhruvam
savibhramam-sasambhramam drganta-bana-patanai
nirantaram vasi-krta-pratiti-nanda-nandane
kada karisyasiha mam krpa-kataksa-bhajanam
||3||

tadit-suvarna-campaka-pradipta-gaura-vigrahe
mukha-prabha-parasta-koti-saradendu-mandale
vicitra-citra-sancarac-cakora-sava-locane
kada karisyasiha mam krpa-kataksa-bhajanam
||4||

madonmadati-yauvane pramoda-mana-mandite
priyanuraga-ranjite kala-vilasa-pandite
ananya-dhanya-kunja-rajya-kama keli-kovide
kada karisyasiha mam krpa-kataksa-bhajanam
||5||

asesa-hava-bhava-dhira-hira-hara-bhusite
prabhuta-sata-kumbha-kumbha-kumbhi kumbha-sustani
prasasta-manda-hasya-curna-purna-saukhya-sagare
kada karisyasiha mam krpa-kataksa-bhajanam
||6||

mrnala-vala-vallari taranga-ranga-dor-late
latagra-lasya-lola-nila-locanavalokane
lalal-lulan-milan-manojna mugdha-mohanasrite
kada karisyasiha mam krpa-kataksa-bhajanam
||7||

suvarna-malikancita-tri-rekha-kambu-kanthage
tri-sutra-mangali-guna-tri-ratna-dipti-didhiti
salola-nila-kuntala prasuna-guccha-gumphite
kada karisyasiha mam krpa-kataksa-bhajanam
||8||

nitamba-bimba-lambamana-puspa-mekhala-gune
prasasta-ratna-kinkini-kalapa-madhya manjule
karindra-sunda-dandika-varoha-saubhagoruke
kada karisyasiha mam krpa-kataksa-bhajanam
||9||

aneka-mantra-nada-manju-nupura-rava-skhalat
samaja-raja-hamsa-vamsa-nikvanati-gaurave
vilola-hema-vallari-vidambi-caru-cankrame
kada karisyasiha mam krpa-kataksa-bhajanam
||10||

ananta-koti-visnu-loka-namra-padmajarcite
himadrija-pulomaja-virincaja-vara-prade
apara-siddhi-rddhi-digdha-sat-padanguli-nakhe
kada karisyasiha mam krpa-kataksa-bhajanam
||11||

makhesvari kriyesvari svadhesvari suresvari
triveda-bharatisvari pramana-sasanesvari
ramesvari ksamesvari pramoda kananesvari
vrajesvari vrajadhipe sri radhike namo ’stu te
||12||

iti mam adbhutam-stavam nisamya bhanu-nandini
karotu santatam janam krpa-kataksa-bhajanam
bhavet tadaiva-sancita-tri-rupa-karma-nasanam
bhavet tada-vrajendra-sunu-mandala-pravesanam
||13||

rakayam ca sitastamyam dasamyam ca visuddha-dhih |
ekadasyam trayodasyam yah pathet sa svayam sivah ||14||

yam yam kamayate kamam tam tam apnoti sadhakah |
radha-krpa-kataksena bhuktvante moksam apnuyat ||15||

uru-daghne nabhi-daghne hrd-daghne kanta-daghnake |
radha-kunda-jale sthita yah pathet sadhakah satam ||16||

tasya sarvartha-siddhih syad vak-samarthyam tatha labhet |
aisvaryam ca labhet saksad drsa pasyati radhikam ||17||

tena sa tat-ksanad eva tusta datte mahavaram
|
yena pasyati netrabhyam tat-priyam syamasundaram ||18||

nitya-lila-pravesam ca dadati sri-vrajadhipah |
atah parataram prarthyam vaisnavasya na vidyate ||19||

iti srimad-urdhvamnaye sri-radhikayah krpa-kataksa-stotram sampurnam
|



August 16, 2006

Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 10 Chapter 3 Texts 1-5 - Krishna's Appearance Day

Sri Krishna Janmastami - The Appearance Day of Lord Krishna

Srimad Bhagavatam
Canto 10 Chapter 3 Text 1-5

sri-suka uvaca
atha sarva-gunopetah
kalah parama-sobhanah
yarhy evajana-janmarksam
santarksa-graha-tarakam
disah prasedur gaganam
nirmalodu-ganodayam
mahi mangala-bhuyistha-
pura-grama-vrajakara
nadyah prasanna-salila
hrada jalaruha-sriyah
dvijali-kula-sannada-
stavaka vana-rajayah
vavau vayuh sukha-sparsah
punya-gandhavahah sucih
agnayas ca dvijatinam
santas tatra samindhata
manamsy asan prasannani
sadhunam asura-druham
jayamane 'jane tasmin
nedur dundubhayah samam

TRANSLATION
Thereafter, at the auspicious time for the appearance of the Lord, the entire universe was surcharged with all the qualities of goodness, beauty and peace. The constellation Rohini appeared, as did stars like Asvini. The sun, the moon and the other stars and planets were very peaceful. All directions appeared extremely pleasing, and the beautiful stars twinkled in the cloudless sky. Decorated with towns, villages, mines and pasturing grounds, the earth seemed all-auspicious. The rivers flowed with clear water, and the lakes and vast reservoirs, full of lilies and lotuses, were extraordinarily beautiful. In the trees and green plants, full of flowers and leaves, pleasing to the eyes, birds like cuckoos and swarms of bees began chanting with sweet voices for the sake of the demigods. A pure breeze began to blow, pleasing the sense of touch and bearing the aroma of flowers, and when the brahmanas engaging in ritualistic ceremonies ignited their fires according to Vedic principles, the fires burned steadily, undisturbed by the breeze. Thus when the birthless Lord Visnu, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, was about to appear, the saints and brahmanas, who had always been disturbed by demons like Kamsa and his men, felt peace within the core of their hearts, and kettledrums simultaneously vibrated from the upper planetary system.



August 9, 2006

Nectar of Devotion Chapter 41: Fraternal Devotion - Balarama's Appearance Day

Balarama Purnima - The Appearance Day of Lord Balarama

Nectar of Devotion
Chapter 41: Fraternal Devotion

One devotee described the personal beauty of Baladeva as follows "Let me take shelter of the lotus feet of Balarama, whose beauty is enhanced by the earrings touching His cheeks. His face is decorated with tilaka made from kasturi [musk], and His broad chest is decorated with a garland of gunja [small conchshells]. His complexion is as white as an autumn cloud, He wears garments of blue color, and His voice is very grave. His arms are very long, touching His thighs, and He has shown His great strength by killing the Pralamba demon. Let me take shelter of this chivalrous Balarama."

Baladeva's affection for Krsna is illustrated in this statement to Subala: "My dear friend, please inform Krsna not to go to Kaliya's lake today. Today is His birthday, and so I wish to go along with mother Yasoda to bathe Him. Tell Him He should not leave the house today." This shows how Balarama, Krsna's elder brother, took care of Krsna with parental love, within the scope of fraternal affection.




August 2, 2006

Caitanya-caritamrta Madhya-lila Chapter 1 Text 130

Caitanya-caritamrta Madhya-lila
Chapter 1 Text 130

damodara-svarupa-milane parama ananda
sikhi-mahiti-milana, raya bhavananda

TRANSLATION
Eventually there was a meeting with Svarupa Damodara Gosvami, and the Lord became very greatly pleased. Then there was a meeting with Sikhi Mahiti and with Bhavananda Raya, the father of Ramananda Raya.



July 26, 2006

Caintanya-caritamrta Madhya-lila Chapter 1 Text 128

Caitanya-caritamrta Madhya-lila
Chapter 1 Text 128

raja-ajna lana tenho aila kata dine
ratri-dine krsna-katha ramananda-sane

TRANSLATION
Upon the order of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, Sri Ramananda Raya took leave of the King and returned to Jagannatha Puri. After he arrived, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu very much enjoyed talking with him both day and night about Lord Krsna and His pastimes.