Venugopal Acharya's Blog, page 8

Your Unique Gift

“In this world men are not meant for quarrelling like cats and dogs. Men must be intelligent to realize the importance of human life and refuse to act like ordinary animals.” – Srila Prabhupada (Introduction, Bhagavad Gita As it is)

If you win one million rupees, you could either waste it away or double it by proper investment.

Right now the good Lord above has bestowed you with a million rupee gift.

If I ask you to give me one of your fingers for a thousand rupees, would you give it aw...

Are you a soldier or a beggar? – Part 4

“Only if a living entity gives up the false conception that the body is the self and always thinks himself an eternal servant of Krishna and the Vaishnavas can he surpass the influence of Maya.” – (Srila Prabhupada purport to Chaitanya Charitamrita, Antya 3. 251)

The final test

The Lord in great happiness asked him who he was. At this time, the king could have introduced himself as the Emperor who had tried many times before to meet the Lord. The king, fixed in his spiritual identity, humb...

Are you a soldier or a beggar? – Part 3

“Krishna did not teach Bhagavad Gita to a Vedantist. He went to teach to Arjuna. He was a family man, he was a soldier, but why he was selected? – because Krishna saw that Arjuna was Bhakto si – a devotee.” – Srila Prabhupada (November 10, 1971, Interview)

In the mid sixteenth century when Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu performed His most enchanting pastimes in the coastal holy town of Jagannath Puri, in Eastern India, the emperor of the land was attracted by the Lord. But the Lord tested him.

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Are you a soldier or a beggar? – Part 2

“If one is fortunate enough to beg from the Lord this Hare Krishna Maha Mantra, his life is successful.” – Srila Prabhupada (Chaitanya Charitamrita, Adi 9.36, Purport)

He fights harder, struggles to perform more austerities, takes up more responsibilities, busies with day long services – hoping that he’d get so busy that he’d have no time for Maya. But Maya secretly smiles at our fighter’s foolhardy attempts – she has unlimited tricks up her sleeve. Her arsenal of temptations and distractions...

Are you a soldier or a beggar? – Part 1

“Devotional service is more or less a declaration of war against the illusory energy.” – Srila Prabhupada (Bhagavad Gita 9.30, Purport)

A young warrior brandishing an AK 47, and with adrenaline pumping, marches confidently to battle. His seniors and comrades encourage him to fight the enemy called ‘Maya’. He is confident and roars at the enemy, shoots a few bullets in the air, and believes his friends who assure him that he will emerge victorious. He is young and determined to win the war aga...

Practical benefits and techniques of Journaling – Part 9

“When one is intelligent enough, one tries to find out the supreme cause of all causes—within and without.” – Srila Prabhupada (in Science of Self-Realization)

A friend of mine was surprised when I organized a high profile event and a lunch programme that featured some of the senior most leaders of our community, including the presence of my spiritual teacher. The event was smooth and without glitches – every minute detail was taken care of and all those who attended were happy. When I look b...

Practical benefits and techniques of Journaling – Part 8

“He thus makes all things complicated, and he is always in trouble.” – Srila Prabhupada (Purport to Bhagavad Gita 15.5)

The first step though is to get more awareness. But we can’t stay stuck there. When Journal writing is clubbed with good association and studying wisdom literature with an open heart, self-awareness leads to a sense of belongingness with the universe.

We feel safe and one with the universe; we want to serve and feel loved – that’s surrender. We let our lives be dictated b...

Practical benefits and techniques of Journaling – Part 7

“Krishna consciousness movement is meant to save human society from spiritual death.” – Srila Prabhupada

6. Experience journal

Since the last time you wrote a journal, what was the most touching experience you went through?

I once saw a badly mashed vehicle, and an ambulance taking the accident victims away. I soon got busy and forgot about the ghastly accident. A few days later when I sat down to write my ‘Experience Journal’, I realized this accident had an impact on me. My journal to...

Practical benefits and techniques of Journaling – Part 6

“Every living entity, especially persons in the human race, must feel grateful for the benedictions offered by the grace of the Supreme Lord.” – Srila Prabhupada (purport to Srimad Bhagavatam 3.19.36)

4. Gratitude journal

A one week experiment would reveal to you the incredible power of gratitude journal.

Write your inner most desires and don’t worry if it’s not socially acceptable. Just pour your heart out; what would you love to be or do, if time and money were no constraints?  Once y...

Practical benefits and techniques of Journaling – Part 5

“Satisfaction of the soul can only be obtained by questions and answers on the subject of Krishna.” – Srila Prabhupada (Shrimad Bhagavatam Purport, 1.2.5)

3. Question Answer writing

This is a thirty day experiment that would reveal to you your evolution – you wouldn’t need others to certify that you are growing emotionally and spiritually. You would see it for yourself if you follow these three steps.

First step – get the questions right

One day in the quietness of your room or a gar...