Divine Teachings of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj in America

Upcoming Event at JKP, Radha Madhav Dham: Maha Shivratri (Feb 19, 2012)

2012-02-05T21:07:22Z

All are invited to offer abhishek at the Gopeshwar Mahadev Shrine at Radha Madhav Dham, while devotees sing bhajans in praise of Lord Shiv. The program also includes parikrama of the Temple and Shankar Bhagwan's arti. Lunch prasad will be served by Radha Madhav Dham devotees afterwards.

Indoor Program
11:00 am - Bhajan & discourse by a Radha Madhav Dham preacher
11:00 am - 12:00 pm - Jhanki of Shiv Parvati barat
Outdoor Program
12:15 pm - Parikrama of Temple
12:30 pm - Shankar Bhagwan's arti & bhajan & abhishek

The meaning of Maha Shivratri 2012

People know very little about Shivratri and the greatness of Shivratri. So I'll try to explain what is the significance of today's celebration.

Dear souls. This particular event is called Shivratri or Maha Shivratri. This is described in the Balkand of Ramayan in great detail. What happened... God Shiv and Parvati or Sati, They are both same, not separate. But in leela, They appear in different style. So, Goddess Sati means Shiv and Sati. They were in Kailash abode, and Daksh, father of Sati, was doing a big yagya (fire ceremony). Sati went to where the yagya was being held and She did not like something that was happening there. Daksh was very proud, and out of his great pride, he was disrespecting God Shiv. Sati could not tolerate it. "My father disrespected My beloved of My soul God Shiv?" So She jumped in the fire of yagya and finished Herself. This is the beginning...

God Shiv was now alone. Then Parvati again took birth in the family of god Himalaya. So, from very childhood She was desiring to meet God Shiv. She was doing austerity in the jungle--not drinking anything, not eating anything, just breathing fresh air, absorbed in love of God Shiv. She spent many many years like that. In the meantime, Saptarshi came and Naradji also came. They told Her, "You will find Your God Shiv." That's all described in Ramayan. And they also told the family of Parvati. So the day was fixed: marriage, on this particular day, the same day we are celebrating today. The marriage of God Shiv and Parvati.

So God Shiv was the bridegroom. Bhagwan Vishnu was there, Brahma was there, and all the important celestial gods and goddesses, all of them joined the procession. God Shiv called His people from Kailash abode and they also joined. It was a mile long procession. Bhagwan Vishnu, Brahma, God Shiv as bridegroom--they slowly moved towards the wedding place in the Himalayas. They were all rejoicing. It was a most happy mood. Once they had all assembled, God Shiv was married to Parvati. Then He again came back to His abode, Kailash. That is the story in gist. This is greatly described in Ramayan: the marriage of God Shiv; the meeting of God Shiv and Parvati. So we celebrate every year, Shivratri.

Are Shiv and Parvati separate? No. Then what was that meeting or marriage? Just a leela, Divine leela, Divine happening. Because when Sati was doing austerity, and God Shiv was in samadhi, He had forgotten everything. He was sitting in deep samadhi, deep trance, transcendence. It means He even forgot His own consort, He was so deep in samadhi. Then the gods and goddesses had to come to wake Him up, "Please, please, Sati is born as Parvati, go and get married." "Oh, oh, OK, OK, it's alright, I am coming." He was absorbed in samadhi? Forgot His consort? That was Krishn love, nothing else.

God Shiv has two forms. With one form He is supreme God of Vaikunth, like Maha Vishnu. In Vaikunth, Maha Vishnu, God Shiv and Durga, all those three are equally supreme God and Goddess in Vaikunth. Vaikunthaadi pati. From Them this whole universe evolves--such great personality!

The other form of God Shiv is in Golok where He is in the form of a Gopi--not like God Shiv wearing matted hair, and scorpions moving around. He is a Gopi. A very pretty, young, Gopi. He's called Gopeshwar. That's what we have here in our ashram, a temple of Gopeshwar. You can see, a Shiv ling is there, and on that Shiv ling there is an inscription in golden lines--the Gopi is there, Gopeshwar form is there. The form of Gopeshwar. So Shiv as a Gopi. In Braj, in Vrindaban, in Barsana, He cannot be in the form of Shiv. He has to be as a Gopi. His personal intimate form is Gopi. So He was absorbed in that love, Krishn love. He had forgotten everything. He remembered only Krishn... Radha... Krishn... Radha... So when gods and goddesses came and tried to wake Him up, "Please God, God Shiv, Parvati is now ready for marriage. Go and marry Her. She is Your own consort." "OK." Then He agreed and They both got married. That's the story.

But what is Parvati, what is Shiv? They are both Gopis! Both. You see when Bhagwan Krishn appeared, again God Shiv was in samadhi, thinking of Krishn and Radha, absorbed in Their love. But when Krishn appeared, the appearance of Krishn is a special happening--not just in this brahmand, but in the universe. Something happens. It is like a wave of Divine love excitement outbursts the whole of the atmosphere. But that could be felt only by the Divine personality. So when Krishn appeared, that wave of Divine love permeated the whole of the brahmand. It reached Kailash and Shiv opened His eyes, "Oh! In whose love I am drowned, the same Personality has appeared! in Braj!" He just got up and rushed immediately, without thinking. He comes to Gokul, there He saw all the Gopis dressed up nicely and they were dancing and singing...and He found Himself out of place. But He was so much in love with Krishn He couldn't think of decorating Himself. Anyway, Krishn Graced Him, and He had darshan of baby Krishn.

When He saw baby Krishn sitting in the cradle, Their eyes met--Krishn and God Shiv. Whatever He felt, He knows. But that feeling again excited His love for Krishn. In that excitement He began to dance...in total unconsciousness. Yet some ecstatic consciousness, to keep His body from falling. His eyes were closed, He was dancing in ecstasy. That was called taandava nritya. Taandava nritya means dancing in total ecstasy in love of Krishn is called taandava nritya. So, there's no classical rhythm in that taandava nritya. It's just nritya, just dance, in total ecstasy. He danced for hours. His Bhao slightly subsided, again He opens His eyes, and when He opens His eyes He sees Krishn everywhere, same baby Krishn smiling everywhere, wherever He sees, in Gopi, in Gwalbal, in atmosphere. In such a ecstatic state, He again was amazed. Just saying, "Krishn jai ho! Krishn jai ho! Krishn jai ho! Krishn jai ho!" He goes back to Kailash abode. That is Bhagwan Shiv.

After some time, just a few years afterwards, eight years afterwards, Krishn decided to do maharas. Maharas--the absolute culmination of Divine love. Beyond that, there is nothing. Nothing means it's the absolute limit of Divine love that Radha and Krishn reveal. So, They both were sitting, Shiv and Parvati. And when Krishn played on the flute, the sound went everywhere. It went to Kailash abode, Vishnu's abode, everywhere. And Parvati said, "Shiv, Radha is doing maharas." Shiv said, "Yes, We are going to join maharas." They both came. Parvati was like a Gopi--She directly entered, with no obstruction. But, a Gopi stopped God Shiv, "Please, wait for a few seconds. I have to take permission from Radha Rani, because this is maharas. Only Gopis can join." Anyway, Radha Rani permitted, and God Shiv immediately became a Gopi--instantly. From God Shiv's appearance, He became Gopi--a young, beautiful Gopi--and entered maharas.

So that Gopeshwar form is His real form in Braj, in Golok, and in Vrindaban. That's what we have here in Barsana Dham--Gopeshwar Mahadev. They both enjoyed the Bliss of maharas, Shiv and Parvati. They enjoyed so much, again, They could not describe what They enjoyed. But His other form is God Shiv as supreme God in Vaikunth.

With this example we must understand that God Shiv is giving us a message. This Shivratri is a message. "O souls! Whatever I have experienced, you can also experience! You can experience the same Bliss of maharas. Radha Rani is so Gracious." That is the message of Shivratri. Because both Shiv and Parvati entered into maharas and experienced and enjoyed the Bliss of maharas. That Bliss of maharas is the supreme Divine Bliss, supreme Divine love, which any soul could experience. Any soul, any of you.

What is the requirement? One single thing. Your sincere desire, nothing else. That's it. Desire. Wholehearted desire...and have it. No requisite. But desire sincerely, desire wholeheartedly, desire single-mindedly: "O Radhey! I want Your love. O Krishn! I want raas ras. O Radhey and Krishn I want to love you, that's all I want." That's all you have to do. A single-minded wholehearted desire to find Radha Krishn's love. That's the only requirement.

And desiring, that part every soul has. You keep on desiring every day--lots of things. You desire. You can't live without desire--impossible! Even an insane person also desires, even if he is insane. Desiring is there. It simply has to be diverted from wrong side to right side. Desiring the world; now desiring Krishn love. Desiring part is there.

In your family you have your friend, your father, your mother, your spouse, your children, your grandfather, your other people. Add one more person. Krishn is in your family. Radhey is one of your family members. Means you have to desire to find love of Radha and Krishn; that's all. Slowly. You can't do it abruptly, you can't do it overnight. Add. Addition is very possible, not impossible.

You see, you are alone, then you marry, then you have one child, two children, three children. It means you keep on multiplying your desires. You love everybody, equally. So you can also add Radha Krishn in your family. They are also part of your family. At least They have some space. In your heart and mind. And when They get some space, They Themselves...expand. Just like fire, a little fire, a match stick, it can burn the whole house, if you properly protect it. So the flame of desire when it's simple and honest, it becomes an earnest desire that itself takes the shape of pure love for Radha and Krishn. That's all you have to do.

So that message God Shiv and Parvati gave on Shivratri. "O souls! Whatever I am experiencing, and I have experienced, the same raas ras Bliss you all can experience. Just desire for Radha and Krishn."

Bolo Shyama Shyam ki, jai!

Barsana Dham ki, jai!

Gopeshwar Mahadev ki, jai!

Raseshwari Radha Rani ki, jai!

Jai Shree Radhey!

(By H.D. Swami Prakashanand Saraswati)

In anticipation of Radha Madhav Dham's Hindu Family Camp (Winter 2011)

2012-02-04T13:11:19Z

1/22/12 6:27pm Allegheny College, Meadville, PA

- Vyasar Ganesan

I am thinking about the drive up.

It is Friday, December 23rd, and Texas is marvelously warm compared to the rest of the country. The rolling Hill Country is still a little green, clinging to summer in anticipation of spring. As the car takes the sharp turns and deep drops, bits and pieces of buildings rise and fall in the windshield. A ranch here, a gas station there. The only constant bit of man-made edifice I see are chicken wire fences.

Then, at the crest of the highest hill, with a grand parting of the trees and flourish of the sky, the topmost bit of the shikar flies into view. Radha Madhav Dham, one of the largest Hindu temples in America, a beacon in the hills and in my heart.

It has been a long time.

I was here more than four months ago, mumbling a hasty prayer in the hall the day before my flight back to school. The night was hot, an oppressive force on my back, pushing me wherever I went. I remember feeling rushed in my thoughts, mentally weighing the clothes, snacks and books I was taking with me to school. My whole memory of summer, in a way, feels somewhat like this: rushing to pack away good feelings, good memories, to take with me to college.

But in winter, things slow down. The trees behave less like living, breathing organisms, and more like statues left out in the cold. Animals and insects huddle together for warmth, lowering their heart rates and taking their time in foraging, nesting, surviving, understanding their environment. Winter is a season that gives us all pause, room to feel out our sense of self in relation to the larger world. And for our spiritual guidance, nothing is more important than having the time to actively practice faith with that tempered mindset.

I am traversing the hills to Radha Madhav Dham to attend the 2011 winter Hindu Family Camp, something I have done since I was sixteen. Every year, more than 100 people from across the country do the same thing; old and young, rich and poor. Some have been coming as long as I have, but many of the attendees this year are coming for the first time. Not all of them are families, either: some single adults and, in my case, college students, come without their families. But from everyone, I have heard the sentiment expressed multiple times that "if you can't be in India, you should be here."

Attending a Family Camp at Radha Madhav Dham is not accurately comparable to being in India, but it is certainly an experience you're unlikely to have anywhere else in America. Who else spends their day after Christmas lost in prayer, dreaming of God? Where else are you going to find a tightly massed crowd crammed into a temple on New Year's Eve, chanting until noon the next day? What people do you know who spend the days in between learning about scripture, religious festivals, and the path of devotion?

What pushes a Family Camp beyond the normal temple experience, though, isn't just the prayer hall. It's what people bring into the prayer hall, the totality of the divine experience they have at Radha Madhav Dham. We remember staying an extra half an hour outside to finish a seva project, of our own volition; the smiling faces of children as they perform heart-wringing leelas of Radha and Krishn; the smell of prasad being cooked in the community kitchen; kabadi being played on the front lawn of the temple; adults and kids alike running out of breath as they are surrounded by hugging arms. When you have all of that to take into the prayer hall, and you look at the loving forms of Radha and Krishn, you are transformed, transported to place you didn't think existed.

The temple is just around the next bend, and I find myself thinking of all the work that needs doing, in preparation for the next semester, and even in preparation for the Camp. The weight is very sudden and swift, and I can feel the gears beginning to heat up and spin in my mind. I smile as I pass through the gates. I have to remind myself that it's winter.

[Registration for JKP Radha Madhav Dham's Summer Hindu Family Camp is now available. Visit www.HinduFamilyCamp.org for details]

Prem Mandir Inauguration... The long awaited time has come

2012-02-03T17:28:47Z

The long awaited time has come...the glorious Prem Mandir will be inaugurated in Vrindaban, India on February 15-17, 2012.

The long awaited time has come...the glorious Prem Mandir will be inaugurated in Vrindaban, India on February 15-17, 2012. The festivities will include kalash yatra with Yamuna jal (water), which will cleanse and sanctify the temple. Thousands of devotees from around the world are expected to participate in the yatra. Vedic havan (fire ceremonies) and rituals will be held, and the pran prathistha (instilling life into the Deities) will be personally performed by Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj, founder of Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat and Prem Mandir. Radha Krishn deities will reside on the ground floor, and Sita Ram will Grace the shrine on the first floor. Every evening, the famous Ras Mandalis of Vrindaban will enact Braj leelas.

Many years in the making, this temple is unique in Vrindaban. Elegantly carved of white Italian marble, the temple depicts 84 scenes of Radha Krishn leelas carved into the temple's outer walls. Stepping inside the magnificent temple, one can view the philosophy of bhakti yog, as revealed by Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj, inlaid in the ornate walls with semi-precious stones. Kripalu Trayodashi, the famous concise overview of all of the philosophy of Hindu dharm in only 13 verses, composed by Kripaluji Maharaj, is displayed just next to the shrine. Historical Saints and the Jagadgurus of India are prominently displayed on both levels.

Prem Mandir is situated on a 50-acre site on the outskirts of the holy city of Vrindaban (Braj District, U.P. India). The surrounding area is being developed as a place of pilgrimage for visitors from around the world. Here, one can participate in the satsang and take the spiritual benefit of the Divine teachings emanating from this important spiritual center, which will be a Divine nucleus in Vrindaban.

When completed, the center will include a fully charitable hospital, a 10,000-seat satsang bhavan (hall) - one of the largest in India - dining and living facilities. The multi-media shops will offer beautiful kirtans, philosophical books, stunning photos of Radha Krishn and other devotional material for sale. A museum depicting India's antiquity and the history of the creation of the brahmand is also planned.

(Written by Sushree Janeshwari Devi of JKP India)

Chanting, discourses and meditation in Loudonville, New York (Feb 4 & 5, 2012)

2012-01-17T18:06:41Z

Albany Hindu Temple proudly presents:

Bhagwan Naam Mahatmya: The greatness of God's Name
Discourse & kirtan by Swami Nikhilanand of JKP Radha Madhav Dham

Dates:
February 4 &5, 2012
Saturday, Feb 4 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Saunday, February 5 1:30 - 2:30 pm

Venue:
Albany Hindu Temple
450 Albany Shaker Road
Loudonville, New York 12110
Phone: 518-459-7272
www.AlbanyHinduTemple.org

Topics:
Feb 4: The Divine effect of chanting God's name.
Feb 5: How to meditate while chanting God's name.

School-break program: Introduction to the Bhagwatam (New York, Feb 19 - 26)

2012-01-17T12:43:19Z

Beyond the Gita: An Introduction to the Bhagwatam
Discourse & Kirtan for adults by Swami Nikhilanand of JKP Radha Madhav Dham, the US ashram of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj. Separate Bhagwatam classes provided concurrently for youth age 6-18

Dates:
February 19-26, 2012 (mid-winter recess)
Feb 19 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Feb 20 - 25 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Feb 26 11:30 am - 1:30 pm

Location:
Asamai Temple
80 E. Barclay St.,
Hicksville, NY 11801
(516) 433-4388

Youth Class:
Separate Bhagwatam classes provided for youth age 6-18

To register your kids: call Rohit Sharma
(516) 582-1113

Adult Topics: (Adults will hear a discourse and do kirtan of Krishn leelas each evening).
Feb 19: Why the Bhagwatam is beyond the Gita
Feb 20: Bhagwatam takes a soul beyond the attainment of mokch
Feb 21: The difference between worshipping God and loving God
Feb 22: The importance of listening to Krishn leelas
Feb 23: Krishn is supreme God
Feb 24: The secret of Krishn's appearance
Feb 25: Navdha bhakti and the essence of devotion
Feb 26: The characteristics of a mahapurush

Youth Topics: (Youth will learn stories & philosophy of the Bhagwatam. read Krishn leelas and play Jeopardy each evening. There will be an exam on the last day for the youth, with prizes for top scores.)
Feb 19: Story of Narad meeting Bhakti Devi, Gyan and Vairagya in person
Feb 20: Story of Gokarn & Dhundhukari; what is the Bhagwatam
Feb 21: Story of King Parichit; story of Shukdeo Paramhans
Feb 22: Story of why Ved Vyas wrote the Bhagwatam
Feb 23: Story of what happened in Braj after Krishn left the earth planet
Feb 24: Krishn and His different avatar as told in the Bhagwatam
Feb 25: Krishn is supreme God; the secret of His appearance
Feb 26: The story of Prahlad. What is a Saint.

Having taught many family Gita classes in the New York area, this February Swami Nikhilanand is returning to deliver a series of discourses explaining what is beyond the Bhagwad Gita. This program, to be held at the Asamai Hindu Temple in Hicksville, New York from Feb 19 - 26, will introduce listeners to the philosophy of the Bhagwatam. The program will combine a discourse and kirtan in the main hall for adults with a youth Bhagwatam class in a separate room. It will also differ from most other Bhagwat saptah programs in that listeners will not only hear the stories of the Bhagwatam, but will learn the actual philosophy of the Bhagwatam, how it relates to other Hindu scriptures, and how to apply it in their own practice of devotion.

Swami Nikhilanand is a disciple of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj. He was born in Canada in a non-religious family and learned about God while attending a Catholic school in his small hometown. Although he knew nothing about Hinduism at the time, his spiritual questions led him to search beyond the conventional religious education he received in school, and he read many religious books of other traditions. As a young man, his quest brought him to a Hindu religious center in Austin, Texas by the name of Radha Madhav Dham. Radha Madhav Dham is the main U.S. ashram of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj. While visiting the ashram, Swami Nikhilanand learned the Hindu concepts of God, soul, reincarnation, karm, and liberation and found many of the answers he had been seeking since his childhood. Soon after, Swami Nikhilanand moved to the ashram in Texas and also started making regular visits to India to learn more about Hinduism. He learned Hindi, and also studied the main Sanskrit scriptures with the guidance of Jagadguru Kripaluji Maharaj. After several years of study and meditation, he was given the order of sanyas, which is a renounced order of living similar to being a monk. He now travels around America giving discourses on the philosophy of Sanatan Dharm to adults and youth, and teaching the path of bhakti as he learned from his Guruji, Jagadguru Kripaluji Maharaj.

In his Bhagwatam discourse this July, Swami Nikhilanand will be going beyond what he has taught in his past Gita classes. Swamiji tells, "It is commonly said that where the teachings of the Bhagwad Gita end, the philosophy of the Bhagwatam begins. The Gita gives general knowledge about who God is, who Krishna is, and how a person should lead their life. The Bhagwatam reveals things about God that are only hinted at in the Gita, and tells secrets about the ultimate goal of life which you could not know by reading the Gita. That is why the Bhagwatam is considered to the crown jewel of all the Hindu scriptures." The satsang will conclude each evening with singing bhajans of Krishn leelas which are based on the stories of the Bhagwatam. This helps participants to engage their mind in remembering God for a longer time, whereas normally the mind is too fickle to allow a person to meditate for more than a few minutes.

While the adults attend the satsang and discourse in the main hall, the youth will be learning the philosophy and stories of the Bhagwatam in a separate class. Youth will also play a fun game of Jeopardy every day to test their knowledge of the Hindu scriptures. Dinner prasad will be served after the arti every day.

Devotion in Connecticut: How to apply Gita in daily life (Feb 10 & 11, 2012)

2012-01-17T11:47:42Z

Karm Yog of the Gita: How to Practically Apply It in Life

Discourse & kirtan by Swami Nikhilanand of JKP Radha Madhav Dham

Dates:
Feb 10 & 11, 2012
Friday, February 10 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Saturday, February 11 4:00 - 7:00 pm

Presented by Hindu Cultural Center of Connecticut
96 Chapel Street
Stratford
Connecticut 06614
[Map]
www.HinduCulturalCenter.org

Topics:
Feb 10- What is karm yog; who is a true karm yogi?
Feb 11- What is the benefit of listening to Krishn leelas?

Swami Nikhilanandji's highly acclaimed 'Essentials of Gita' class in New York, which takes place from time to time, is the definitive source of Hindu scriptural learning for parents and youth. It offers a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of modern living, and gives participants a chance to get crystal clear answers to questions such as who are we, what is our purpose in life, who is God, what is our relationship with God etc., under the guidance of a profound and prolific speaker of Bhagavad Gita. This 3-day lecture in Connecticut is a more concise lecture series on how to actually apply the karm yog of the Bhagavad Gita in daily life.

Bhaiyaji studied Bhagavad Gita at its deepest levels under the guidance of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaji, and he was one of the presiding leaders at the 6th Global Gita Conference in New York in 2008. If you live in Connecticut, and have a curiosity to study how to practically apply Bhagavad Gita in life, this event is for you. Questions and answers sessions will be available throughout the lecture series. The event is FREE.

Glimpses of Durga Temple program, Jan 6 - 8 2012

2012-01-15T18:03:47Z

Glimpses of Nikhilanand Bhaiya's amazing 3 day lecture and kirtan program at Durga Temple, Virginia. Please mark you calanders for another exciting 3 day program called Karm Yog of the Gita: How to practically apply it in life to take place at Rajdhani Mandir, Virginia, Jan 20 - 22, 2012. More info here.

"England and India" Presentation by Vyasar Ganesan (Sun, January 8 2012, Radha Madhav Dham)

2012-01-04T23:43:16Z

Vyasar Ganesan, a devotee of Radha Krishn and Radha Madhav Dham since childhood, and currently a senior at Allegheny College in Meadville, PA, will be giving a special presentation this Sunday titled England and India: A Discussion of the Impact of English Rule on Indian Culture and Religion. Vyasar's presentation covers a wide variety of topics, from different naming conventions by visiting foreigners that have continued to be used in India, to examining Mughal rule in India, the Independence movement in India, and India's spiritual treasure of scriptural knowledge.

Vyasar has given this presentation to the head of the Religious Studies Department, the college chaplain, and several presidents of religious and spiritual student organizations. His upcoming presentation during Sunday satsang will be a wonderful opportunity to expose your children to the greatness of Hindu culture and history.

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Vandana & Chanting: 11:00 - 11:15am

Video speech by Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj: 11:15 - 11:45 am

Presentation by Vyasar Ganesan: 11:45 am - 12:25 pm

Chanting: 12:25 - 12:30 pm

Arti: 12:30 pm

We look forward to seeing everyone on Sunday for this special presentation.

Prem ki Paribhasha: The True Meaning of Love (January 13 - 16, Adelphi, MD)

2011-12-28T22:56:24Z

"Prem ki Paribhasha: The True Meaning of Love"
Discourse & kirtan by Swami Nikhilanand of JKP Radha Madhav Dham."

Dates:
January 13 - 16 2012
Friday, January 13 7:00-9:00 pm
Saturday, January 14 7:00-9:00 pm
Sunday, January 15 5:00-7:00 pm
Monday, January 5:00-7:00 pm

Presented by:
Hindu Temple of Metropolitan Washington
10001 Riggs Road,
Adelphi,
MD 20783
(301) 445-2165 or (301) 434-1000

Topics:
Jan 13: Is wordly love real love? Why do we love?
Jan 14: The definition of real love. What is selfless love?
Jan 15: What do we get if we love God?
Jan 16: Different levels of love; the ultimate Divine love.

Karm Yog of the Gita: How to practically apply it in life (Virginia, Jan 20 - 22 2012)

2011-12-21T23:58:12Z

Karm Yog of the Gita: How to practically apply it in life

"Karm Yog of the Gita: How to practically apply it in life"

Discourse & Kirtan with Swami Nikhilanand of JKP Radha Madhav Dham

Presented by:
Rajdhani Mandir
4525 Pleasant Valley Road,
Chantilly, VA 20151
703-378-8401
www.RajdhaniMandir.org

Topics:
Jan 20: What is karm yog? Who is a true karm yogi?
Jan 21: Is it possible to remember God all the time?
Jan 22: Why is the mind so difficult to control?
How can the mind be brought under control?

Swami Nikhilanandji's highly acclaimed 'Essentials of Gita' class in New York, which takes place from time to time, is the definitive source of Hindu scriptural learning for parents and youth. It offers a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of modern living, and gives participants a chance to get crystal clear answers to questions such as who are we, what is our purpose in life, who is God, what is our relationship with God etc., under the guidance of a profound and prolific speaker of Bhagavad Gita. This 3-day lecture is a more concise lecture series on how to actually apply the karm yog of the Bhagavad Gita in daily life.

Bhaiyaji studied Bhagavad Gita at its deepest levels under the guidance of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaji, and he was one of the presiding leaders at the 6th Global Gita Conference in New York in 2008. If you live in Virginia, and have a curiosity to study how to practically apply Bhagavad Gita in life, this event is for you. Questions and answers sessions will be available throughout the lecture series. The event is FREE.

Vision of devotion and joy: Thanksgiving retreat with Siddheshvari Didi at Radha Madhav Dham (Part 1)

2011-12-20T19:28:23Z

The thanksgiving retreat with Siddheshvari Devi, senior disciple of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj and founder of Radha Madhav Society was among the most well attended and joyous retreats at Radha Madhav Dham so far. An awakening of the great value of Indian culture, heritage and spirituality for kids and parents was received by attending this extraordinary retreat. Kids experienced pride in being Hindu, and the whole family had a new devotional way to share time together.

Siddheshwari Deviji has delighted families every year with her loving and fun filled retreats. At this retreat, families from across Texas enhanced their understanding of Hindu philosophy, and learned how to bring it into their everyday life. They heard thought provoking speeches by Siddheshwari Deviji and got all their devotional questions answered.

Participants also learned how to do roop dhyan, a meditation on the loving form of Radha Krishn, as thought by Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj. The retreat included activities like yog, nature hikes, outdoor chanting, parikramas and a special Thanksgiving celebration to bring everyone together in enjoyment as one big happy family. The retreat was hosted at Radha Madhav Dham in Austin Texas, the official center of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj in the west.

This was a great opportunity for retreat participants to meet other Indian families who also wanted to enrich their family lives in learning about Hindu spirituality; and to experience the peace and serenity of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj's ashram. Visit Radha Madhav Society's facebook page for more pictures. Watch one of Didiji's lectures to retreat participants here.

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Just a few days left to register for JKP Radha Madhav Dham's one-of-a-kind Hindu Family Camp...

2011-12-20T16:05:15Z

Soon our children will be grown, getting married and having children of their own. Who is responsible for teaching your grandchildren about the greatness of Sanatan Dharm? How will they know about the great heritage they are being born into? What will they do in school when they are learning about 'Hinduism' and are confronted with derogatory misinformation that is in their textbooks? How do your children feel now? Are you equipped with Scriptural knowledge to help them feel proud to be a Hindu in America?

At Radha Madhav Dham Temple, we are committed to teaching the authentic knowledge from the Divine Scriptures such as The Vedas, Puranas, Ramayan, Bhagavad Gita and Bhagwatam.

With the blessings of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj, Sushree Diwakari Didi and Nikhilanand Bhaiya, sanyasi teachers of JKP Radha Madhav Dham are bringing the Scriptures to life during our Hindu Family Camps.

Once a year families from all over the country choose to invest in their children's future by attending the winter family camp. While immersing in devotional, educational and family fun activities, everyone is given the opportunity to have their questions answered, spend quality time with their family, meet new friends and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the temple and beautiful grounds.

Families of all ages are invited to attend. Adults, teens, youths and children learn devotional philosophy that provides answers to fundamental questions such as, "Who am I? Who is God? Am I separate from God? How can I meet God?" As the answers to these core questions of our life are unfolded through the teachings of the scriptures of Sanatan Dharm, participants gain a firm faith and pride in the Hindu heritage.

"My teenager learned about all the great world discoveries that came from India and told me he was proud of being a Hindu for the very first time. Bonding with other Hindu youth and families made even my Camp experience not only enjoyable, but I sincerely gained a lot.„

Kids activities include devotional stories, arts and crafts, cooking, leela performances, kirtan, meditation, creative movement and dance, parachute play, peacock walks and much, much more.

Youth activities include interactive knowledge sessions, learning shlokas, leela plays, devotional 'Jeopardy', scriptural storytelling, arts and crafts, dholak, harmonium, cymbals, yog and outdoor activities.

Adults will learn the basics of Hinduism and how to practice meditation. They will also choose electives such as gentle yog asanas, harmonium, dholak or cymbal playing classes. The schedule includes enjoyable family activities like ras garba, historical Saint reenactments, campfire, water Holi, holy dip in Radha Kund and family olympics.

"My family gets more understanding of Hinduism, which strengthens our trust and faith in God, every time we attend the Radha Madhav Dham Family Camp. The most important teaching we learned is to love God and form a relationship with God. This knowledge carries us through difficult times. It strengthens our practice of Hinduism at home.„
- Ashay, Austin, TX

The Winter Family Camp will be proceeded by a special Christmas Retreat with Sushree Braj Banchari Didi and will be followed by a 24-hour akhand sankirtan (continuous 24-hour chanting) program.

Akhand Namsankirtan Program at Radha Madhav Dham, Austin, Jan 1st 2012

2011-12-11T17:09:53Z

Akhand Namsankirtan Program at Radha Madhav Dham, Noon Dec 31 - Noon Jan 1 2012

At the JKP ashrams in India, a 24-hour akhand chanting (continuous, without break) is a special yet familiar occurrence for satsangis. Since 2005, Radha Madhav Dham, the official center of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj in the west, has been offering this same devotional opportunity, and participants come from all over Texas to partake of this special blessing. Beginning at Noon Dec 31, for 24 hours, devotees chant to over 50 unique tunes of the mahamantra, "Hare Ram, Hare Krishn". At the conclusion of the chanting, participants are enchanted by a delightfully sweet jhanki (leela darshan) performance by devotee children.

As stated in The Divine Vision of Radha Krishn, The Grace of the Master shines in the heart of a devotee as the blissful experience of Radha Krishn love. The following are some experiences from past participants of the akhand namsankirtan:

“I remember in one of Shree Maharajji's speeches, he said our mind is impure because of our material attachments, and it can be purified through continuous remembrance of Radha Krishn. He said, in the beginning, we have to do some effort to keep the mind engaged in remembrance, and slowly, affinity for the name of Radha Krishn is developed. Through the 24-hour "Hare Ram" sankirtan, these teachings helped me to increase my affinity for Radha Krishn.„

“After immersing myself in the 24-hour chanting at Radha Madhav Dham, I felt such a devotional upfliftment, my devotional mind had been revitalized. I felt Shree Maharajji closer to me than ever before and I also felt such a deep sense of happiness. I now truly understand the importance and the immence benefit that can be gained by akhand namsankirtan.„

The akhand sankirtan program directly follows two of the most exciting events of the year at Radha Madhav Dham, the Christmas Retreat with Sushree Braj Banchary Didi Ji, senior disciple of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj (Dec 24 - 26) and Radha Madhav Dham's one-of-a-kind Winter Hindu Family Camp (Dec 26 - 31). Last year, Pooja (age 21) from New York commented:

“The Family Camp was absolutely amazing! Every person could feel the amazing grace! New years was so awesome too - all the kids got up and started to dance before midnight in front of the Shrine singing loudly Radhey Radhey. It was so
beautiful.„

Now is a perfect time of the year to come stay at Radha Madhav Dham. Register for the Christmas Retreat by calling Lisa Ghosh at (713)-755-6588; register for the Winter Family Camp online at www.HinduFamilyCamp.org or by calling Radha Madhav Dham on (512)-288-7180. No registration is required for the Akhand Namsankirtan program, but if you would like to stay the night, please book your accommodation online as soon as possible or call us at (512)-288-7180.

Glimpses of today's discourse at Shri Shirdi Sai Baba temple, Flushing, New York

2011-12-11T01:47:39Z

Here are some glimpses of Nikhilanand Bhaiya's special 2 hour Gita discourse at Shri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Flusing, New York. Pooja from Flushing, New York said:

This was today and we are so blessed it was an amazing discourse on the Gita and what a karm yogi is and how to to karm yog. Thank you so much Bhaiya Ji we enjoyed so much.

Mark your calendars for Bhaiya Ji's upcoming lecture and kirtan series' at Fairfax Station, Virginia and Adelphi, Maryland in January 2012.

1. The science of Desires, Happiness & Unhappiness
Jan 6 - 8
Presented by: Durga Temple, Fairfax Station, Virginia

2. Prem ki Paribhasha: The True Meaning of Love
January 13 - 16 2012
Presented by: Hindu Temple of Metropolitan Washington, Adelphi, Maryland

JKP Radha Madhav Dham calendar 2012, Christmas Retreat and Family Camp 2011

2011-12-11T00:50:43Z

We have just released our colorful JKP Radha Madhav Dham Calendar of Events 2012. The full pdf version is available on our website.

2012 will begin with the New Year 24-hour Akhand Sankirtan on Jan 1st 2012 followed by Jagadguru Divas (the anniversary of when Shree Kripaluji Maharaj was awarded the Jagadguru title in 1957) on Jan 14th. Please note that JKP Radha Madhav Dham's celebration dates are usually different than the official celebration dates with Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj in India.

Meanwhile, make sure to register for the devotionally rejuvenating Christmas Retreat with Sushree Braj Banchary Didi Ji, senior disciple of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj (Dec 24 - 26, 2011) and JKP Radha Madhav Dham's one-of-a-kind Hindu Family Camp (Dec 26 - 31).

Be inspired to extend your stay so as to experience the 24-Hour Akhand Sankirtan program on Jan 1st 2012! Welcome the New Year with continuous chanting of the Divine names of God. Book your accommodation by clicking the banner below, or by calling (512)-288-7180.