The Lord's Measuring Stick

When the enemy fires cannonballs or incites mad elephants to attack, what softens their assault even more effectively than the barriers we have erected to protect our hearts? Bales of cotton stop cannonballs, which would smash through stonewall and little lambs pacify a maddened elephant who would crush armored defenses.

Lalita-devi dasi stewardess of Lalita kunda / July 2016

All the kundas in New Vrindaban embody and hold a deep, sweet devotional principal. Lalita-kunda specifically testifies to the truth that no one, not even Krishna Himself, can approach Radha's kunda, service, or mercy without the blessings of Srimati Lalita Devi. And Radha complies with this principle by remaining ever submissive to the loving and protective will of Her senior sakhi.

Christmas Reflections 2015

Srila Prabhupada writes, "A Vaishnava should follow the example of such Vaishnavas as Haridas Thakura, Nityananda Prabhu and also Lord Jesus Christ." SB 4:6:47.

Govardhana's Moon Tower

The moon tower standing at Govardhan between Syama kunda and Lalita kunda awards a bird's eye view of a significant portion of the dham. The tower offers a variety of services to both the Deities and to Their devotees as they take turns watching over one another. It signifies our watchful and yearning search of the countryside for indications of Krishna's pastimes.

Kartik Meditation 2015

This current month of October/November is known as "Karttik" in honor of its presiding Deity, Karttik Devi. This is another name for the Daughter of Kirtida, the pleasure potency of Krishna and the ultimate reservoir for all love and devotion. Thus the month of Karttik is especially dear to devotees.

The Importance of the Dhama

For Gaudiya Vaisnavas, "back to home" means specifically Vrindavan or Navadwip Dhama (not Vaikuntha, Dwarka, Ayodya, or even Mathura). Prema-sankirtan, which descends from Goloka Vrindavan, is both the means and the goal of entrance into Vraja. Prema-sankirtan is the continuous chanting of the Holy Names of Sri Sri Radha and Krishna:

Morning Reflection

As the sun rises over the reddish horizon and dissipates the morning fog, the beauty of the fields, forests, and pasturing grounds become illuminated, serving as a backdrop for Sri Sri Radha Gopinath's various pastime places at Govardhan Hill in New Vrindaban.

Tundavik

Tundavik, the resident peacock of Radha-kunda who is devoted to delivering fresh feathers for Gopinath's turban, patiently oversaw Lalita's planting of flowers (photo caption 2). As soon as Lalita completed this service, Tundavik rushed on site (see action photo).

Pain shared is pain redeemed

Becoming overwhelmed by fears and insecurities and paralyzed by our own pain may be a sign that proper vaisnava relations are deficient. Pain however, can be an effective guide. It can teach us where to turn or where to reach, where to touch and be touched.

Rasa, Vrindavana’s architecture and art

Sri Krishna is the Source, Object and Abode of rasa. It is inherent within Him, He knows and feels it yet He cannot relish it, for the flavor He (and everyone) aspires to taste can only be experienced in the exchange, the sharing, and the reciprocation of love.