Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das Srila Vrndavana dasa Thakura describes how Caitanya Mahaprabhu instituted the first Gaudiya Vaisnava Vyasa-puja ceremony in 1509 a.d. through Sri Nityananda Prabhu in Shrivasa Angana, Navadvipa. “Srivasa Pandita, the head priest for the function, gave Prabhu Nityananda a flower garland to offer to a painting of Vyasadeva. Holding the garland in […]
Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das You said work. But is it work? Let’s see the difference between “work” and “service”. Two words: work and service. Work means doing, toiling, labour, struggle, drudgery. Work means karm, and karm brings bondage, samsara and misery. Service is not work. The word service means to help, aid, assist. Service with […]
Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das In this last article, we will describe how Krishna takes everything and gives Himself, and the power of surrendering to Sri Krishna. Most pious Bharatvasis believe, follow and say, “If you worship Durga or Siva you will get wealth, power and fortune. But if you worship Gopal Krishna…YOU WILL LOSE EVERYTHING! […]
Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das In parts one and two, we described the conjunction of material and spiritual in Krishna’s pastimes; its relevance in a life of sadhana; and repentance in bhakti bhajan. Devotion means lovingly serving Krishna for His pleasure. However, at the same time devotees also “enjoy” the basic sense objects. Yet devotees know […]
Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das There is an amazing relationship between the destruction of karma in bhakti bhajan, and the first six children of Mother Devaki who were brutally murdered at birth by the asuric King Kamsa. Sri Visvanatha Cakravartipada explains: “First, I want to ask, ‘how is it possible that before the advent of Balarama […]
Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das What is REPENTANCE IN BHAKTI BHAJAN? In part one of this series, Sri Visvanatha Cakravartipada said, “When a devotee repents like this and shows fear of material enjoyment, gradually the tendency to enjoy matter subsides.” We will now describe something about the concept and practice of repentance, an essential aspect of […]
Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das Why give charity, money, articles and seva to great Krishna bhaktas? In many places, the Veda Shastras describe the wonderful benefits of serving devotees and giving charity for the seva of Sri Hari, Sri Guru and the Vaisnavas. Here are a few verses to illustrate this point. Skanda Purana says vishnum […]
Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das Daan Bihari Lal Bhagavan Sri Krishna ki jai! Sri Krishna is famous for taxing and taking “charity” from His most beloved damsels in Daan Ghati, Govardhan. And Sri is also famous for His taxing the hearts and minds of all those trying to serve, love and attain Krishna. Such is the […]
Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das Do you know the four secret teachings of Bhagavad Gita? In chapters 1-6, Sri Krishna teaches the truth about karm, gyan and yoga. Then Krishna says, “O Arjun! Because you are NONENVIOUS (anusuya) of Me and very dear (ishto -si -me -drdham: 18.64), I will now tell you four secret teachings […]
Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das Srimad Bhagavatam is called the “king of all spiritual books” (Grantha Raja) for good reason. Within this triguna-free, immaculate and divine spiritual shastra, the amala-purana, one will find all the sweet, majestic and beautiful truths about the sadhana and sadhya (daily practice and perfection) of Gaudiya Vaisnavism. In his most compassionate […]