"Uselessly Opinionated, Professional debators"

Just the Monday we honored the great Vaishnava Srila Bhaktivinode Thakura. A week earlier I was gifted with one of his amazing works, the "Sri Caitanya Siksamrta".

I thought that I should just browse through the book. As I was in the middle of some other books. However book itself told me not to read it. As checked the index index I found this interesting topic, 'Studying Many Scriptures'
this is what is said,

"The devotees should only learn the scriptures concerning bhakti (loving service to God) and those works that conform to the conclusions of bhakti. However, because of a lack of time, to read small parts of large works without completing a full study is not advised. Devotees should read a work thoroughly. Otherwise, they will become uselessly opinionated, professional debaters. Some people take pleasure in arguing with any statement they hear, whether good or bad. This is forbidden for devotees."

After reading this I decided to finish the books that I am working on so that I can give proper attention to this wonderful work when I am done.
Hare Krishna
Your humble servant,
Nityananda Chandra Das

Texas Faith 6: What thinker most influenced you?

Dallas Morning News,

Each week we will post a question to a panel of about two dozen clergy, laity and theologians, all of whom are based in Texas or are from Texas. They will chime in with their responses to the question of the week. And you, readers, will be able to respond to their answers through the comment box.

John Calvin's 500th birthday rolls around next month, and the theologian's influence will be observed in ceremonies and seminars across the country. Our own Texas Faith panelist Cynthia Rigby is participating in Calvin conferences in North Carolina and Russia this year.

If you only knew of Calvin's participation in a trial that led to a heretic being put to death, you would think he was a sinister figure bent on punishing his foes. Actually, he was one of the most influential theologians the world has ever known. His work on the sovereignty of God, for example, remains a bedrock of the Reformed tradition. What's more, his emphasis on empowering young Genevans to read on their own reflects the premium he placed on education.

Love him or hate him, 500 years later Calvin remains a force with which theologians --and the larger world --must grapple. And that leads us to this week's question:

What thinker has most influenced you? Please explain.

and here was the response:

NITYANANDA CHANDRA DAS, minister of ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness), Dallas

A teacher is only as good as their example. The person who has been the most influential thinker in my life is His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.

Prabhupada's life was the embodiment of his teaching, the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. He gave a perfect example of how one can be a 100% pure devotee of God, free from any sin by accepting God's grace.

The teachings of the Bhagavad Gita are that one should always think of God, become His devotee, worship Him, and offer our respects to Him (BG 9.30). How this is done can be easily understood by simply examining the life of Srila Prabhupada.

At very beginning of his youth, Prabhupada had deep attraction towards God. It wasn't however until his later years did people begin to realize his greatness.

With the mission to make the teaching of Bhagavad Gita available to the English speaking world, he ventured to the U.S.A. in 1965 with no money, just a box of books, and his faith. Traveling on freight ship at the age of 70, he suffered two heart attacks. Going straight to New York City, he struggled to open a learning center by 1966.

By the age of 82 his last year in this world, he managed to establish over 130 temples across the globe, he formally accepted over 10,000 sincere students and wrote over 80 volumes of books translated from Sanskrit. It was noted that the success of his teaching was that his example upheld all his instructions.

Hare Krishna :)
Your humble servant,
Nityananda Chandra Das
To see all the responses from the Texas Faith Panel click here

Evening with The Veronica's II

Over a thousand rockers danced as the sounds of electro rock fused with the building. Shouting out each and every word, the fans were absorbed in the catchy riffs and tunes that jumped from the stage. Some noticed an unfamiliar scene adjacent the stage. An excellently dressed Krishna girl dressed in a wonderful red sari with full regalia. An equally well dressed little Krishna girl and along with the dad. The dad's white tilak and white dhoti glowed under the black light.


Last night two wonderful souls, Jessica and Lisa of The Veronica's, invited us to visit their show at The House of Blues. The day before I received this message from them, "Hare Kṛṣṇa ♥ We are going to be in Dallas tomorrow, and plan to Visit the Temple for Lunch or Dinner! :) We hope to see you again :)"



Last year we met the two twins lead singers as their tour brought them to Dallas. Everywhere they go, they said, "We look for a temple to eat prasadam." Delicious vegetarian food offered to Lord Krishna. This year they were very happy to bring their mom along as well. When they arrived she was gifted with one of Krishna's beautiful garlands.

We had a nice lunch at Kalachandji's and then gave their mom, and their friends, members of the band Carney, a tour of the temple and the grounds.


The band members of Carney asked some questions about Krishna Consciousness and were also quite nice. After the temple tour Lisa, and Jessica invited us to their show. Jessica said, "We will put your name on list with 5 other all access back stage passes." They were so friendly that we could not refuse. They are both a very sweet and friendly souls. So my wife and I and little baby Visakha as well ventured downtown to the very familiar spot, the House of Blues. Every few weeks we passed this area with around 60 devotee chanting the holy name on harinam.

We had 4 extra back stage passes so we simply passed them on to whoever came us to us to ask us about our attire. We went on the the backstage which had only band members. There we saw their mom again who happily greeted us. Jess and Lisa were on stage and the were preparing for curtains to open for their headline show. But, as soon as they saw us the ran off the stage to give us a big hug and a thanks for coming.

After the rocking concert was over they came over to again talk to us. The curtains were still open, so hundreds of fans simply watched and cheered in curiosity as the Veronica's welcomed their strangely dressed guests. Some also during the show noticed our little Visakha dancing along to the music.



They then invited us to tour their tour bus. An apartment on wheels; 10 beds, a kitchen, a shower, and two lounge areas with wireless internet. Both Lisa and Jessica has Krishna items to accompany them on their beds.


So if you see these nice souls in your town don't hesitate to bring them some delicious prasadam, they will be eternally grateful.
Hare Krishna
Your humble servant,
Nityananda Chandra Das

Texas Faith 5: How does a faith adapt without losing its meaning?

Dallas Morning News,

Each week we will post a question to a panel of about two dozen clergy, laity and theologians, all of whom are based in Texas or are from Texas. They will chime in with their responses to the question of the week. And you, readers, will be able to respond to their answers through the comment box.

This weeks question:In his new book, "God's Continent, Christianity, Islam and Europe's Religious Crisis," Philip Jenkins argues that Europe is really not being Islamized, that Christians from Africa and Asia also are pouring into Europe. And both Muslims and Third World Christians are running full-square into Europe's secular culture, says Jenkins, who also has written the acclaimed Next Christendom and New Faces of Christianity books.

What's interesting, the Penn State professor reports, is that the great faiths aren't fading away. Instead, Islam and Christianity are adapting to the culture around them.

This leads me to this week's question, which we have discussed in various ways over the last few weeks:

How does a faith adapt without losing its essential meaning?

See what our panelists have to say about this topic, which mirrors the larger discussion about how Sonia Sotomayor or any Supreme Court justice interprets the Constitution. Like the Constitution, faith has to apply to the times in which it lives. But, also like the Constitution, a religion loses its meaning when it becomes too malleable.

and here was the response:

NITYANANDA CHANDRA DAS, minister of ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness), Dallas

Every religion must adapt according to time, place, circumstance and individual. The principle of religion -- to develop love for God -- must always remain the same. Strategies, or details, may change but the principle must remain the same.

For example: Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura (1874 -1937) was one of the first sannyasis (a renounced monk) in India to use an automobile. One of the primary principles of religion is simplicity and therefore the sannyasis used to travel only by foot.

As an educator in the principle of developing Love of God, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura saw that the automobile was a useful instrument to serve that ultimate purpose. He could visit people over long distances and thus expand his efforts. Thus, despite criticisms, he adopted the use of the automobile.

Adaptations can be properly applied when one considers or consults the authority of Guru, Sastra, and Sanga. Guru is the exemplary teacher, Sastra are the revealed scriptures, and Sanga refers to the association of saintly practitioners. Adaptations should be validated by this three-point check system. If the scriptures, the exemplary teacher, and the saintly practitioners all support the adaptation, then it can be accepted as a good course of action.

Hare Krishna :)
Your humble servant,
Nityananda Chandra Das
To see all the responses from the Texas Faith Panel click here

Yesterday was Tamal and Today was Gaura

Blackened skies thundered above, causing the ground to rumble. The ocean opened above everyone's head and millions of gallons washed the city. A forecast 100F was shot down by the power of the storm. Yesterday we were showered by the torrential glories of His Holiness Tamal Krishna Goswami. Devotees flew in from different parts of the world in order to honor this great personality. Some devotees were visiting from Houston, some from England and even several devotees from Australia. His Holiness Lokanatha Swami, His Holiness Rtadhvaja Swami, and His Holiness Giriraja Swami also attended to share their memories of their dear godbrother.

By the mercy of the great devotees the fire of material existance is drenched by the torrents of mercy.

In contrast to yesterday's Tamal (blue-black) sky, today a golden colored haze enshrined the temple's domes as the entire sky was lit by a bright Gaura (golden yellow).

Texas Faith 4: Can the lamb and lion really lie down together?

I was invited to participate in the Texas Faith Panel. This column in the Dallas Morning News, William McKenzie/Editorial Columnist describes as follows ,

Each week we will post a question to a panel of about two dozen clergy, laity and theologians, all of whom are based in Texas or are from Texas. They will chime in with their responses to the question of the week. And you, readers, will be able to respond to their answers through the comment box.

This weeks question:
President Obama wove together numerous themes in a compelling address in Egypt Thursday. He talked about bridging religious differences, expanding women's rights and America's role in the Mideast. At the very end, he said:

"We have the power to make the world we seek, but only if we have the courage to make a new beginning, keeping in mind what has been written.
The Holy Koran tells us, "O mankind! We have created you male and a female; and we have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another."
The Talmud tells us: "The whole of the Torah is for the purpose of promoting peace."
The Holy Bible tells us, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."
The people of the world can live together in peace. We know that is God's vision. Now, that must be our work here on Earth. Thank you. And may God's peace be upon you."

Now, we all want the lamb and the lion to lie down together. But here's the question for next week:

Can the world live together in peace? What does your faith tradition say about that being a realistic hope?and here was the response:

NITYANANDA CHANDRA DAS, minister of ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness), Dallas

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

This sentence from the Declaration of Independence is one of the best known sentences in the English language. For this statement to develop from an ideal to a reality will take time.
Since the day of its acceptance, on July 4th 1776, many issues were to be addressed. In previous times it was thought by some that African Americans did not have a soul. This misconception was known as racism.
It has also been considered that women did not have a soul. This misconception was known as sexism.
Currently, however, many humans consider animals to be soulless. This misconception I call speciesism.

The Bhagavad-gita explains that all souls may be united by religion. What is religion? Religion means to develop one's love for God. Religion does not mean club affiliation, but rather heart transformation.

In chapter 5.29 of Bhagavad-gita, the peace formula is given. If one realizes everything is meant for God, everything is owned by God, and God, Krishna, is everyone's most dear friend, one will have peace.

Egalitarianism is simply a myth without spiritual vision. No scientific study can validate that there should be should be equal rights among humans, as we are all different. Nor can science establish what grants rights. This spiritual vision is brought about when one realizes that all living creatures come from the same divine source.

All scriptures maintain that the ideal peaceful residence is the spiritual world. However, it is possible to have a fraction of such peace in this world, provided we develop the consciousness of the residents of the spiritual world.

Hare Krishna :)
Your humble servant,
Nityananda Chandra Das
To see all the responses from the Texas Faith Panel click here

Texas Faith 3: What's the role of emotion in shaping religious faith?

Here is another new series,
Recently I was invited to participate in the Texas Faith Panel. This new column in the Dallas Morning News, William McKenzie/Editorial Columnist describes as follows ,

Each week we will post a question to a panel of about two dozen clergy, laity and theologians, all of whom are based in Texas or are from Texas. They will chime in with their responses to the question of the week. And you, readers, will be able to respond to their answers through the comment box.

This weeks question.President Barack Obama has made it clear that he wanted a Supreme Court justice with a sense of empathy. Since then, a debate has ballooned up about what empathy means.

Some see it as a code word for judicial activism. Some see it as a trait needed to understand a litigant. The New York Times columnist David Brooks wrote last week that:

"People without social emotions like empathy are not objective decision-makers. They are sociopaths who sometimes end up on death row....But because we're emotional creatures in an idiosyncratic world, it's prudent to have judges who are cautious, incrementalist and minimalist."

I'm not looking for your views on whether Sonia Sotomayor would make a good justice, but I am interested in your thoughts about the role -- and limits -- of emotion in guiding individuals.

People of faith clearly have been known to be passionate about their beliefs. The joy they have in their faith often is seen as a positive, even by skeptics.

But here's the question of the week: How much can anyone rely upon emotion in shaping their religious experience and the way they act in the world? and here was the response:

NITYANANDA CHANDRA DAS, minister of ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness), Dallas

There is no possibility of personal relationship without emotion. Religion means to develop one's loving relationship with God. Such a relationship involves emotion.

The soul is different from the body as a driver is different from his vehicle. Emotion is properly utilized when the individual acts upon the spiritual emotions of the soul, selfless service to God, rather than just the selfish motivations of the body.

There are 9 stages in developing ones spiritual perfection, a loving relationship with God. They are as follows:

1)Shraddha, Initial faith, then one seeks, 2)Sadhu Sanga, Saintly association, by such association one begins, 3)Bhajana-Kriya, Engaging in service with devotion, which causes, 4)Anarta nivritti, The unwanted tendencies in the heart to be eradicated, which is then followed by 5)Nistha, Firm faith which leads to, 6)Ruchi, Pure taste for devotion to God 7)Asakti, Actual attachment to God, 8)Bhava, Preliminary love of God, 9)Prema, Full in loving relationship with the Lord.

If one is governed by emotions that are motivated by the desires and needs of the material body and mind, one will be stunted in their spiritual growth. However if one purifies the mind, as in stage 4, from all lust, greed, envy, etc, then one can properly utilize ones emotions in spiritual growth.

As Krishna states in the Bhagavad Gita Ch6.4-6,

"A person is said to be elevated in yoga when, having renounced all material desires, he neither acts for sense gratification nor engages in fruitive activities.

One must deliver himself with the help of his mind, and not degrade himself. The mind is the friend of the conditioned soul, and his enemy as well. For him who has conquered the mind, the mind is the best of friends; but for one who has failed to do so, his mind will remain the greatest enemy."

Hare Krishna :)
Your humble servant,
Nityananda Chandra Das
http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/06/texas-faith-whats-the-role-of.html