AMERICAN VEDIC ASSOCIATION - NEWSLETTER - MARCH 2009

AMERICAN VEDIC ASSOCIATION
NEWSLETTER – MARCH 2009


Hari Bolo Friends of the Vedas!
Please accept my respects. All glory to the transcendental light of the Bhagavad-Gita as It Is!

On Tuesday, March 17rd, 2009 7:30pm

Come join this wonderful evening that includes: Congregational Mantra MeditationA short study in SanskritA FREE Vegetarian Feast andA Bona-fide Sat-sanga where we will discuss:

Freedom To Be A Fool The wise learn from a reliable source, the average person wants to find out for himself and freedom protects the right of a fool to never learn and keep repeating the same mistakes. Don't misuse your freedom or waste time speculating about what you “think” may be true. Follow in the footsteps of the sages at the next AVA meeting! 7:30PM / 687 West Villanova Road - 640-0405 Always Free!

Current Events:

Visit To Audarya Ashrama

On the weekend of March 7th I had the opportunity to visit with Sriman Tripurari Maharaja at the rustic ashram he has developed in Marin county about three hours north of San Francisco. It was an adventurous trip but rewarded by the opportunity to meet with an old friend and one of the original pioneers of massive book distribution in the Western Work. Tripurari Maharaja continues to set extraordinary standards for his scriptural erudition and inspiration to both his god brothers and numerous disciples.

Prelude to This Month’s Feature Article

God Is a Creep Because People Suffer!

One of the most common arguments that are offered in an attempt to prove that God doesn’t exist is the evidence of so much pain and misery in the world. This reasoning points to that suffering and uses it to suggest that God must therefore not exist because if He did he would eliminate suffering. Arguments of this type are particularly popular after natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina or the Indonesian Tsunami.But the only thing this line of thought proves is the insidious nature of the false ego. It is very similar to the diatribes of an inmate who blames the Governor of the State for the bars that confine him! In both cases the viewpoint is narcissistic and absconds all responsibility from those who hold it.

Just as there are contemporary laws in place to ensure a smooth functional society, there are also universal laws that God has put in place for the purpose of keeping the universe functioning smoothly. In both cases when the laws are broken there will surely be reciprocal consequences. The term used to describe this phenomenon is perhaps the most well known Sanskrit word the world: It’s called Karma.

Despite how straight forward, well know, and simple this concept is, many people still have a hard time integrating it into their lives. Many continue to wonder why a loving God would create a world filled with such a labyrinth of perilous conditions, but those who do so further confirm that they are incapable of seeing how their own behavior has contributed to the difficult conditions they wish toe assuage.

It's Someone Else's Fault!

The tendency to remove oneself from the formula when things don’t work out so well is a very common oddity that we observe in others all the time. That appears to be part of our human tendency to find faults. Only rarely do we meet someone who is willing to take a close look at their own shortcomings with the same type of alacrity. The reason for this is found in the power of the false ego which provokes us to think that everyone else has the strangest behavior and beliefs while we tend to remain completely blind to the origin, validity and reasonableness of what we do or accept as true.

The courts are packed with what seems to be an endless flow of disputes because both feuding parties are unable to fathom the other person’s point of view. A less contentious resolution to legal disputes can sometimes be achieved when a good mediator steps in to help both sides see the conflict from their opponent’s perspective. For example a good marriage counselor is trained to push both parties to move their attention from the transgressions of their spouse, to look more closely at what THEY contributed to the unraveling of their once loving relationship. When one is controlled by the unchecked demands of the false ego all one is capable of seeing is how others have failed to perform according to their selfish expectations. One of the signs of a more mature individual is their ability to see how their OWN behavior could have been less provocative, inflammatory, rude, unreasonable or just plane unfair.

God Must Approve Of Everything

In the mundane world there are many examples of terribly exploitive, manipulative, insensitive, inattentive, illegal, dangerous, or grossly irresponsible behavior that has gone on in the name of business, politics, management, and marital exchanges. But this type of destructive cheating does not exist on the spiritual plane. We learn from the Vedas that regardless of who one is or what one does, if Krishna does not bless their efforts then they cannot possibly succeed.

tapasvino dana-para yasasvino manasvino mantra-vidah sumangalah
ksemam na vindanti vina yad-arpanam tasmai subhadra-sravase namo namah
“Let me offer my respectful obeisances unto the all-auspicious Lord Sri Krsna again and again because the great learned sages, the great performers of charity, the great workers of distinction, the great philosophers and mystics, the great chanters of the Vedic hymns and the great followers of Vedic principles cannot achieve any fruitful result without dedication of such great qualities to the service of the Lord.” – Srimad Bhagavat Purana Canto 2, “The Cosmic Manifestation" Chapter 4, “The Process Of Creation” Text 17. LINK: http://vedabase (dot) net/sp/2/4/17/en (Replace (dot) with . for hyperlink)

The more important point here is the origin of all auspicious events because He is pure and everything associated with Him is also pure. When one actually grasps this point it becomes quickly evident that when a serious material setback does occur there must be more then just “suffering” going on. From the perspective of material conditioning it is indeed unfortunate when someone is affected by a tremendous natural disaster. But those who are quick to blame God for that event can be compared to the alcoholic who blames his misfortunes, on his spouse. Both individuals fail to consider what role THEY played in bringing these types of problems down on their own head. Substance abuse destroys one’s ability to focus (austerity) and without that skill it is just a matter of time before a marriage starts to unravel. Similarly; The average person is completely oblivious to how the laws of nature work. They are therefore unable to see how transgressing them will also lead to serious karmic consequences like a natural disaster, an environmental holocaust, or a world economic crisis etc.

So the Vedas confirm the old saying: "Not a blade of grass moves without the will of God" Everything that occurs in the material world is first sanctioned by Krishna, but that doesn’t mean the things He agrees to sanction are the same as what He prefers!

This can be better understood by recalling the Biblical parable about the prodigal son. The father protested the request of his son to take his inheritance early and move to another town. His father strongly protested this plan but due to his loving affection for his son, he acquiesced to his foolish wishes anyway. His son had to learn the hard way after being cheated and becoming homeless. In the end he finally realized what His father had attempted to tell him before he left and he eventually came home more humbled.

God Is Endlessly Patient

In the same way the Vedas confirm that God is the most kind and patient and gives the living entity unlimited opportunities to get it right. This is a significantly different concept compared to the Abrahamic Traditions (Islam, Judiasm & Christianity) which teach that God gives the individual soul just one life to restore their relationship with Him. According to their teachings if the soul fails to complete this task in this life, there is no second chance! Instead all hell literally breaks loose and consumes that poor soul!

But Vedic theology confirms that because God is the origin of everything auspicious, even when one’s physical body is completely annihilated, the presence of the individual soul continues to prevail!

sa sreyasam api vibhur bhagavan yato 'sya bhava-svabhava-vihitasya satah prasiddhih
dehe sva-dhatu-vigame 'nuvisiryamane vyomeva tatra puruso na visiryate 'jah

The Personality of Godhead is the supreme master of everything auspicious because the results of whatever actions are performed by the living being, in either the material or spiritual existence, are awarded by the Lord. As such, He is the ultimate benefactor. Every individual living entity is unborn, and therefore even after the annihilation of the material elementary body, the living entity exists, exactly like the air within the body. – Srimad Bhagavat Purana Canto 2, “The Cosmic Manifestation" Chapter 7, “Scheduled Incarnations with specific Features” Text 49. LINK: http://vedabase (dot) net/sp/2/7/49/en (Replace (dot) with . for hyperlink)

Although the process of transmigrating from one body to another is terrible experience, the auspicious “Silver Lining” found within that event is that we are given endless opportunities to restore our lost relationship with the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna.

To become pure on must NOT become Distracted!


In this way we can understand how God and everything associated with His is pure and beneficial. This means that if we wish to associate with Him we too must become pure! Just like if we want to enter fire we must be able to withstand the heat of the fire otherwise we will become burned up by it. Over time, our association with the personality of Godhead, we will start to adopt many of the purifying qualities that he has. This is how the law of association works. It works the same way as when a metal object is placed in the fire. In time it also begins to glow and pick up the immense heat that originated from the fire!

What keeps us from absorbing the auspicious qualities of the Supreme Lord is our distraction with so many material assets. We work so hard to collect so many unnecessary things that they only end up becoming big spiritual impediments! Those who are unable to understand this important point are considered to be foolish:

na veda krpanah sreya atmano guna-vastu-drk
tasya tan icchato yacched yadi so 'pi tatha-vidhah
svayam nihsreyasam vidvan na vakty ajnaya karma hi
na rati rogino 'pathyam vanchato 'pi bhisaktamah

Those who think material assets to be everything or to be the ultimate goal of life are called misers (krpanas). They do not know the ultimate necessity of the soul. Moreover, if one awards that which is desired by such fools, he must also be considered foolish. A pure devotee who is fully accomplished in the science of devotional service will never instruct a foolish person to engage in fruitive activities for material enjoyment, not to speak of helping him in such activities. Such a devotee is like an experienced physician, who never encourages a patient to eat food injurious to his health, even if the patient desires it. – Srimad Bhagavat Purana Canto 6, “Prescribed Duties for Mankind" Chapter 9, “Appearance of th Edemon Vrtasura” Text 49. LINK: http://vedabase (dot) net/sp/6/9/49/en (Replace (dot) with . for hyperlink)

God has granted the living entity the freedom to act thoughtfully or foolishly and the Vedas confirm tha there are two classes of men -- namely the krpana and the brahmana. A brahmana knows his real interest and is able to distinguish between all three aspects of Gods superior energy. 1) The Brahman 2) Paramatma 3) Krishna's Divine Personaliy. A krpana, however, is one who has a bodily concept of material life. Not knowing how to utilize his human or demigod life, a krpana is attracted by things created by the material modes of nature. The krpanas, who always desire material benefits, are foolish, whereas brahmanas, who always desire spiritual benefits, are intelligent. If a krpana does not know his self-interest and foolishly strives for something material, the person who awards it to him is also foolish.

We may Act Foolishly but God Never Does!

Krsna, however is not a foolish person; He is supremely intelligent. If someone comes to Krsna asking for material benefits, Krsna does not award him the material things he desires. Instead, the Lord gives him intelligence so that he will forget his material desires and become attached to the Lord's lotus feet. In such cases, although the krpana offers prayers to Lord Krsna for material things, the Lord takes away whatever material possessions the krpana has and gives him the sense to become a devotee. As stated by the Lord in the Caitanya-caritamrta (Madhya 22.39):

ami-vijna, ei murkhe 'visaya' kene diba?
sva-caranamrta diya 'visaya' bhulaiba

"Since I am very intelligent, why should I give this fool material prosperity? Instead I shall induce him to take the nectar of the shelter of My lotus feet and make him forget illusory material enjoyment."

If one sincerely prays to God for material possessions in exchange for devotional service, the Lord, who is not foolish like such an unintelligent devotee, shows him special favor by taking away whatever material possessions he has and gradually giving him the intelligence to be satisfied only by rendering service to His lotus feet. Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura comments in this regard that if a foolish child requests his mother to give him poison, the mother, being intelligent, will certainly not give him poison, even though he requests it. A materialist does not know that to accept material possessions means to accept poison, or the repetition of birth and death. An intelligent person, a brahmana, aspires for liberation from material bondage. That is the real self-interest of a human being.

This Issue HOT LINK:

This month the Hot Link connects us with a simple appreciation for human life presented by His Grace Srimad B.S. Govinda Dev- Goswami Maharaja. When we understand the Value of Human life, we will be less inclined to waste our freedom chasing foolish endeavors. out unleashing them to become dictatorial tyrants.

http://www.youtube dot com/watch?v=5hN6KXsvQo4 (Replace (dot) with . for hyperlink)

Main Article by HDG A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

Freedom To Be A Fool

This conversation between His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and Professor John Mize took place in Los Angeles on June 23, 1975

When the Soul Misuses His Independence

HDG A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami: In Bhagavad-gita Lord Krsna advises Arjuna, "The body and the soul are different." Dr. Mize: The body and soul are different. Yes. So it seems to me, too.

HDG A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami: That's nice. That is the beginning of spiritual education. People do not understand. I have seen many big, big European professors -- they do not have any clear conception that the body and the soul are different.

Dr. Mize: It still disturbs me, of course: how the body can influence the mind so much -- the mind not being the soul, apparently.

HDG A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami: Actually, the soul is above not only the mind but also the intelligence. Above the intelligence. Our gross senses provide our present perception, which is direct. And beyond these gross senses, there is the mind. And beyond the mind, there is the intelligence. And beyond the intelligence, there is the soul. So coming to this platform of the soul requires the process of meditation -- to make our sense activities calm and quiet and our mind settled, so that we can then rise to the intelligence platform and eventually to the spiritual platform. To a disciple: Find this verse:

indriyani parany ahur indriyebhyah param manah

manasas tu para buddhir yo buddheh paratas tu sah

Disciple (after repeating the Sanskrit):

"The working senses are superior to dull matter; mind is higher than the senses; intelligence is higher than the mind; and he the soul is even higher than the intelligence." - Bhagavad Gita As It Is, Chapter 3 "Karma Yoga", Text 42. LINK: http://bhagavadgitaasitis (dot) com/3/42/en (Replace (dot) with . for hyperlink)

And now the Purport, by HDG A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami: "The senses are different outlets for the activities of lust. Lust is reserved within the body, but it is given vent through the senses. Therefore, the senses are superior to the body as a whole. Their outlets are not in use when there is superior consciousness, or Krsna consciousness. In Krsna consciousness the soul makes direct connection with the Supreme Personality of Godhead; therefore the bodily functions, as described here, ultimately end in the Supreme Soul. Bodily action means the functions of the senses, and stopping the senses means stopping all bodily actions. But since the mind is active, then, even though the body may be silent and at rest, the mind will act -- as it does during dreaming. But above the mind there is the determination of the intelligence, and above the intelligence is the soul proper. If, therefore, the soul is directly engaged with the Supreme, naturally all other subordinates, namely the intelligence, mind, and the senses, will be automatically engaged. In the Katha Upanisad there is a passage in which it is said that the objects of sense gratification are superior to the senses, and mind is superior to sense objects. If, therefore, the mind is directly engaged in the service of the Lord constantly, then there is no chance of the senses becoming engaged in other ways. This mental attitude has already been explained. If the mind is engaged in the transcendental service of the Lord, there is no chance of its being engaged in the lower propensities. In the Katha Upanisad the soul has been described as mahan, the great. Therefore the soul is above all -- namely, the sense objects, the senses, the mind, and the intelligence. Therefore, directly understanding the constitutional position of the soul is the solution of the whole problem.

"With intelligence one has to seek out the constitutional position of the soul and then engage the mind always in Krsna consciousness. That solves the whole problem. A neophyte spiritualist is generally advised to keep aloof from the objects of the senses. One has to strengthen the mind by use of intelligence. If by intelligence once engages one's mind in Krsna consciousness, by complete surrender unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead, then, automatically, the mind becomes stronger, and even though the senses are very strong, like serpents, they will be no more effective than serpents with broken fangs. But even though the soul is the master of intelligence and mind, and the senses also, still, unless it is strengthened by association with Krsna in Krsna consciousness, there is every chance of falling down due to the agitated mind."

HDG A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami: Hm. The yogic process is to control the mind. Our process is, immediately engage the mind in Krsna -- thinking of Krsna, feeling for Krsna, willing to act for Krsna. Then everything will be all right. Then everything will be all right. If the mind is immediately engaged in serving the lotus feet of Krsna, then on this side and that side, everything will be all right.

sa vai manah krsna-padaravindayor vacamsi vaikuntha-gunanuvarnane

karau harer mandira-marjanadisu srutim cakaracyuta-sat-kathodaye

Maharaja Ambarisa always engaged his mind in meditating upon the lotus feet of Krsna, his words in describing the glories of the Lord, his hands in cleansing the Lord's temple, and his ears in hearing the words spoken by Krsna or about Krsna. => SB 9.4.18, - Srimad Bhagavat Purana Canto 9, “Liberation" Chapter 18, “Ambarisa Maharaja Offended by Durvasa Muni” Text 18. LINK: http://vedabase (dot) net/sp/9/4/18/en (Replace (dot) with . for hyperlink)


Padaravindayoh: the mind is focused on the lotus feet of Krsna. So this is our process: Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare -- engaging the mind, meditation.

Disciple: Srila Prabhupada, Dr. Mize was saying that he holds to the philosophy of Kant.

HDG A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami: What is Kant's philosophy?

Dr. Mize: It seems one of Kant's major differences with the point of view of the Eastern or Indian philosophies, in particular, is that for him, the soul of man is not something eternal but something created.

HDG A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami: No. The soul is part and parcel of God. Now, God is not created; He is above creation. God created the cosmic manifestation. Before the creation of this cosmic manifestation, God was there. Therefore, He is not created. And the soul -- being part and parcel of God, he is also not created.

Dr. Mize: The question that bothers me is, Then why would the soul fall? I understand your conception that the soul is part of the spiritual sky originally, or part and parcel of God. And yet he somehow falls out of this blissful condition, due to pride, much like the Christian thesis that the devil fell out of heaven due to pride. So it seems puzzling why the soul would be so silly, so foolish, so insane, as to do such a thing. HDG A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami: That is his independence.

Dr. Mize: Independence.

HDG A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami: If instead of using his independence properly he misuses his independence, he falls. He falls down on account of his independence. For instance, you have got independence. You are sitting here. You can go immediately. You may not like to hear me. That independence you have got. I have got it, also. I may choose not to talk with you. So that independence is always there. Similarly, as part and parcel of God, it is the duty of the soul to be always engaged in the service of the Lord. For instance, this finger is part and parcel of my body. Whatever I am ordering, it is immediately carrying out. I say, "Make it like this." Srila Prabhupada's index finger circles and swoops. It will -- it will do that. But this finger is dead matter -- it is acting mechanically. The brain directs the finger, and the finger acts immediately, like a machine. This whole body is just like a machine. But the soul is not a machine, not a mechanical part. It is the spiritual part. So therefore, although I am directing the finger and, being a machine, it is working, at the same time I may direct a friend or servant to do something, and he may not do it. So when the soul misuses his independence, then he falls down. That is material life. Material life means misusing the independence of the soul. Take, for example, a son. A son's duty is to obey his father. But he may not obey. That is his madness. So when the soul misuses his independence and becomes mad, he is sent to this material world.

Dr. Mize: It is puzzling to me that one would be so foolish.

HDG A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami: By independence you can become foolish. Otherwise, there is no meaning of independence. Independence means you can do whatever you like.

”When The Soul Misuses His Independence"(BTG #36-05, 2002)

The following conversation was between His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and Australia's director of research for the Department of Social Welfare. It took place at the Melbourne ISKCON center on May 21, 1975. This is actually the last portion of the conversation. In the first section the director had mentioned that it was "Impossible" to expect men to control their sexual appetite. That comment is referenced later in this exchange between Bhaktivedanta Swami and his disciples.

Director: Actually, I haven't come here for "treatment."

HDG A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami: Yes. Otherwise, why have you come?

Director: I was invited.

HDG A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami: Just to get some ideas to help your social-welfare activities, you have come to take some suggestion from us. But when we give the suggestion, you reject it.

Director: If I were to come and join your movement, then I would accept your prescription.

HDG A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami: No. You may join or not join, but you have come here to consult us, to see whether we can help your activities. But when we prescribe, you do not accept.

Disciple: Srila Prabhupada, the Director is scheduled to return to his office fairly soon.

HDG A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami: Then just give him a nice plate of prasada. Returning to the Director: So to make the whole human society happy, this God consciousness movement must spread.

Director: Well, I'll surely report back with that message. Thank you very much for seeing me.

HDG A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami: Please wait for a moment.

Disciple: We want you to enjoy some prasada, some delicious vegetarian dishes that we've offered to Krsna. It's the Vedic custom. Srila Prabhupada says to give prasada to everyone.

HDG A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami: It is our custom that if anyone comes, he should be offered a nice seat and given some eatables. Yes. Director: Have you seen many people in Melbourne?

HDG A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami: There are daily one or two gentlemen. Like you, they are coming, but they find our prescription very strict. Laughter. But we are not going to change it. We are not beholden to vox populi. Public opinion is not our concern. We have got our standard method.

Director: Yeah. Sure. I believe that you should have these standards if you want them.

HDG A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami: Yes. That is making us successful. We do not make any compromise. This is our method. If you like, you take it. If you don't like, you go away. We don't mind.

Director: If you can convince the society to change, then the public servants will change.

HDG A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami: Yes, we are working hard within the society, and we are inviting everyone, and they are coming. Gradually, they are becoming converted to this genuine spiritual culture. My hope rests on these young boys. They will do my work.Take the whole plate. It is fruit and other sweet things. It is very nice. Patram puspam phalam toyam: in Bhagavad-gita Krsna instructs, "Just offer Me, with devotion, fruits and vegetables and flowers."

patram puspam phalam toyam yo me bhaktya prayacchati
tad aham bhakty-upahrtam asnami prayatatmanah

"If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit or water, I will accept it." - Bhagavad Gita As It Is, Chapter 16 "The King of Knowledge", Text 9. LINK: http://bhagavadgitaasitis (dot) com/9/26/en (Replace (dot) with . for hyperlink)

This kind of foodstuffs is meant for the human being -- the fruits and vegetables. For instance, the tigers will not even eat the fruits. The tigers, with their huge teeth -- they will not like the fruits. We human beings have got a different kind of teeth, for eating fruit.

Director: It's very nice and sweet.

HDG A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami: So we have got grains. We have got fruits and vegetables. We have got milk. By the combination of fruits, vegetables, milk products, and grains, we can prepare so many nice, palatable dishes, full of vitamins. Why should we kill some poor animal? Let the animal live, and take her milk and prepare nice food, full of vitamins. Milk is nothing but a transformation of the animal's blood. So why do you take the blood by killing? Take the blood in a different form -- milk. This is our program. Let the animal live peacefully, and if you are meat-eaters, let the animal die naturally, and then you can eat. There will be no charge for it.To the meat-eaters we say, While taking the cows' milk, we will see that they are protected, and when they die naturally, we will call you meat-eaters and say, "Please take this." You can take the skin for free, you can take the bones for free, and then you can eat the meat. Just wait for the animals to die. They will die, after all.

That much of a concession I want. Let the animals live without any fear of being killed, so that they will supply more milk. Suppose you know that I am keeping you here for eventually being killed. Will you be very happy? Your mind will be always disturbed. We could not get good service from you. So the animals also understand, "They are going to kill us" Therefore, you don't get so much milk. But when they are assured that they will not be killed, they will give double the milk. People do not know the animals' psychology. This is going on.Director: Thank you very much.

HDG A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami: So if you want to eat meat, let the animals die naturally. That is our program. If you like, you can accept. Thank you very much. The Director departs.

To disciples: Lust. This is the modern world's disease. For instance, the leaders want to keep the poor girls free for prostitution, so that they can enjoy. This is the main point. The Director has admitted as much. Keep the young girls "free." They also have sex desire, and so let us enjoy. This is the whole basic principle here in the Western world.

Disciple: Srila Prabhupada, the Director was of a very ripe old age. Still, he was saying that...

HDG A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami: Yes. Ripe old age notwithstanding, up to the point of death one is sexually inclined. Up to the point of death. Even at the point of death, one is still looking for a young girl. That is natural. Unless one is trained up, that is natural. That is maya's entrapping machine to keep the living entity within this material world.

Disciple: Sometimes when we offer young people Krsna consciousness, they say, "When I get older, I won't be so attached to sex enjoyment, so then I can take up Krsna consciousness."

HDG A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami: They generally think so, but that is not possible. In Paris very, very old men -- seventy-five or eighty years old -- they are going to nightclubs, paying fifty dollars' entrance fee, and then they spend money for wine and women. And they stay there a few hours and go home, only to come back another night. They are all old men. So breaking this sex attachment is a very difficult job, but still, by Krsna's grace you disciples are accepting this principle. That is the great mercy of Krsna. Otherwise, it is very, very difficult.One old man, the Marquis of Zetland -- he proposed to one of my God-brothers, "Can you make me a brahmana?"

"Oh, yes. You give up these lusty habits."

"Oh, that is impossible. That is impossible. These things are our life."

So in the Western countries, these things are their life -- to have illicit sex, meat-eating, drinking, and gambling. And yet people are accepting this Krsna conscious principle -- young boys like you. It is Krsna's mercy on us. Otherwise, it is impossible. Breaking these lusty habits is impossible, unless we enjoy with Krsna.

No illicit sex. Sex we are not stopping. But sex is restricted to the grhasthas, the householders. We are not stopping sex. Sex is required. But under rules. If you enjoy illicit sex, then the whole society is spoiled. You make the innocent girls spoiled. And they have no other business than prostitution. That means you put the society into chaos. The young girls become cheap, and you enjoy them and become irresponsible. You stop maintaining the family structure. That is the situation. What is the reason for this welfare department? It is that the young boys enjoy the young girls, and the girls get children. So the government has to support the girls and their children.

Disciple: That's the cause of this whole problem.

HDG A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami: Yes. The welfare department is for that purpose only.

Disciple: And this gentleman is a big leader in the welfare department.

HDG A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami: And yet he does the very same thing -- the same illicit sex that created the need for the welfare department in the first place. He does not know how to cure the problem.

Disciple: In so many words he said, "I could not live without illicit sex."

HDG A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami: Yes. The leaders themselves have created this "bachelor daddy" madness: young men posing themselves as bachelors, uninterested in having wives and children, simply interested in having sex. You see. And these leaders are accepted as standard. And if you want to reform this situation, then it is so difficult.

The basic wrong is, the leaders have become godless animals. That's all. The only method for reform is this Krsna consciousness. There is no second method.

yasyasti bhaktir bhagavaty akincana sarvair gunais tatra samasate surah
harav abhaktasya kuto mahad-guna manorathenasati dhavato bahih

TRANSLATION

"All the demigods and their exalted qualities, such as religion, knowledge and renunciation, become manifest in the body of one who has developed unalloyed devotion for the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vasudeva. On the other hand, a person devoid of devotional service and engaged in material activities has no good qualities. Even if he is adept at the practice of mystic yoga or the honest endeavor of maintaining his family and relatives, he must be driven by his own mental speculations and must engage in the service of the Lord's external energy. How can there be any good qualities in such a man?" – Srimad Bhagavat Purana Canto 5, “The Cerative Impetus" Chapter 18, “The Prayers Offered to the Lord by the Residents of Jambudvipa” Text 12. LINK: http://vedabase (dot) net/sp/5/18/12/en (Replace (dot) with . for hyperlink)

Harav abhaktasya kuto mahad-gunah: you cannot raise anybody to high qualities unless he is God conscious, Krsna conscious. That is a fact. And the proof is here. Because these boys have taken to Krsna consciousness, they are ideal. All others -- what is their value? That welfare director is a leader -- and he says, "Yes, illicit sex is all right. By contraceptive methods we are enjoying it."

”If the Leaders Do Something Wrong, Others Will Follow"
(BTG #35-06, 2001)


*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* End This Issue Feature Article *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

This Issue Thoughtful Quote(s)

1. O supreme reservoir of love, unfortunate are they who even after obtaining Me, the Lord of both liberation and material riches, hanker only for material treasures. These worldly gains can be found even in hell. Since such persons are obsessed with sense gratification, hell is a fitting place for them. – Srimad Bhagavat Purana Canto 10, Chapter 60, Text 53. LINK: http://vedabase (dot) net/sp/10/60/53/en (Replace (dot) with . for hyperlink)

2. " Lord Krsna is the source of all incarnations, and all others are His parts or partial incarnations. We find that the whole and the part behave as superior and inferior. - Sri Caitanya Caritamrita, Adi Lila Chapter 6 Text 98

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Scheduled AVA Television Shows in Ojai & Ventura

Interesting & Educational!

All of our readers are encouraged to tune in and see as many of the following well produced television shows that are now being broadcast on local Public Access Television. It is easy to see by the listings provided below that we have a large catalogue of very interesting material that includes Serious Vedic Philosophy, Reincarnation, Vegetarian Lifestyle, Dharma, Meditation, Yoga, Contemporary events, Dance, Drama, Religion and very sacred places of pilgrimage in India.

Volunteer to Get AVA Shows Broadcast in Your City?

We are anxious to expand our viewing potential to the cities of Oxnard, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Santa Barbara, Santa Paula and Simi Valley! However in order to do that a local resident must make the request. If you live in one of these areas, understand the importance of this work, and are willing to assist in getting these shows broadcast on your local Public Access Station, the please contact AVA and let us know. AVA will assume all administration fees related to getting the shows aired. All we ask you to do is submit the paperwork which we will help you do, and spot check that the broadcasts are actually being made when scheduled

Purchase or Borrow Shows From AVA for Educational Purposes.

All of our shows are very educational and have been loaded to Educators, Yoga Teachers, Open Minded churches, or anyone who would like to show them to public audiences free of charge. All of these shows can also be purchased directly from the producers if one would like to do that. For further information about how you can borrow or purchase any program on VHS or DVD format please contact AVA directly. Thank you!

Ventura Cable Channel 6 CAPS Scheduled Broadcasts:
Ventura Channel 6: March 15th – March 21th, 2009
Sun: 3pm-4pm / Sat: 9am to 10am / Wed: 7pm-8pm / Fri: 8pm-9pm

Himalayan Pilgramage

The Himalayas are know as the abode of the Gods and are considered a manifestation of the abode of the supreme. (Bhagavad Gita 10.25) To view the Himalayas is to have a transcendent experience. In this visually spectacular and spiritual journey through Nepal, history and religion are explored in the last Hindu kingdom on earth. Beginning in Katmandu, and ending Jomsum this documentary takes the viewer on a pilgrimage of the mind as well as the soul.
Cooking With Kurma:
Cooking Broccoli &Squash in their own juices with a zesty ginger pepper cumin aromatic chaunce.

Ventura Channel 6: March 22th – March 28th, 2009
Sun: 3pm-4pm / Sat: 9am to 10am / Wed: 7pm-8pm / Fri: 8pm-9pm

My Hare Krishna Family

This film won special recognition at the 2006 Mayapur festival for it’s excellent portrayal of the devotional lifestyle. It is about the life of Ila Devi Dasi (Ivan Opperman) who holds an honors in Education and serves as the head school teacher in ISKCON’s Africa Gurukula, her husband Sastra and her son Ramananda Ray. The film was the result of a desire by her brother, Frank Opperman, to better understand why his quiet academic sister Ivan decided to join the Hare Krishna movement, move from Australia and dedicate her life to teaching Africa children how to become Krishna Consciousness. The show does an excellent job presenting the lifestyle of the first interracial Vaishnava marriage in Africa along with all the unusual cultural obstacles that are encountered in that type of relationship.

Ventura Channel 6: March 29th – April 4th, 2009
Sun: 3pm-4pm / Sat: 9am to 10am / Wed: 7pm-8pm / Fri: 8pm-9pm
The Hills of Varsana

Varsana is a famous place of pilgrimage because it is where Krishna exhibited a wide variety of pastimes with his most beloved gopi friend Radha. This show provides a visual tour of these many sacred hills where Krishna frolicked with Radha about 5000 years ago. The tour includes the following special places of pilgrimage. 1) Vilas Garh, 2) Sankari Kor, 3) Radha Sarovara, 4) Mor Kutir, 5) Mana Garh, 6) Dana Garh, 7) Jaipur Temple, 8) Sriji Temple, 9) Pill Pokhara Detailed stories about each of these landmark shrines help the viewer understand why Krishna is recognized all over India by millions of Hindus as the Supreme Personality of Godhead! It is said that in the material world Krishna is worshipped, but in the Spiritual world, everyone focuses their attention on Radha, including Krishna Himself!

Ojai Time Warner Channel 10 Scheduled Broadcasts:

The Cable television services for Ojai are currently under restructuring. Because of a change in the laws that govern the use of cable channels, Time Warner is attempting to cut costs and discontinue the “Pubic Access” service Ojai has enjoyed in the past. Currently the city of Ojai seems to be willing to support a proposal by the local school system to keep public access alive in Ojai, but until all the details are resolved, nothing is for sure. In this regard we would like to acknowledge School Administrator Tim Bair for offering to integrate the cable services into the local educational system as a win-win solution for aspiring students as well as the local community in an attempt to preserve broadcasts on Channel 10.

Readers Input Requested

It is unclear where the future of Cable Television for Ojai is going. In order to preserve the opportunity to broadcast AVA shows to the Ojai public I am willing to meet with whomever the appropriate people are to reopen this wonderful educational venue. If anyone can provide me with information relevant to this issue then please call me if there is something I can do to achieve this intended end result. –Thank you. (805) 640-0405 c/o mayesvara dasa

* * * * * * * * *END OF Television Schedule * * * * * * * * * *

Standing Notices:

Invitation to Everyone Who Receives This Newsletter!

The purpose of this newsletter is to seek out and invite anyone who is serious about real spiritual growth to come join us for a great evening of Krishna Katha, (Discussions about Krishna), Krishna Prasadam, (Wonderful Vegetarian Dinner first offered to Krishna with Love) and Krishna Nama-Bhajanas. (Glorification of Krishna's names and Pastimes in Sanskrit.) 1st & 3rd Tuesday of every month. Reservations are NOT required. (805) 640-0405

Invitation to Fellow Vaishnavas!

Vaishnavas who have experience speaking on the transcendental name, fame, and pastimes of the Supreme Personality of Godhead Lord Sri Krishna are invited to contact AVA if you would like to speak atone of our programs. The AVA congregation meets on the first and third Tuesdays of the month with special events held to celebrate Janmastami and Gour Purnima. If you are in the area, or would like to visit with us for the evening, please let us know of that desire and we will schedule a date and work out the details for when you can speak. This invitation is extended to any male of female initiated member of Lord Caitanya's Brahma-Madva Gaudia Sampraday Sankirtan tree. Our mood is that of transcendental collaboration for the glorification of Krishna sans niti-katha. Those who are interested in leading kirtan, or assisting in the preparation of the FREE Vegetarian feast are also invited to contact us so we can make the necessary arrangements to accommodate you.

Vegetarian Cooking!

We are happy to see how nicely the AVA congregational members are improving their Vegetarian culinary skills! Adopting a diet that allows other creatures to live their lives peacefully is a tradition that extends way back in both Vedic as well as Buddhist traditions. One would think that all serious transcendentalists would understand this simple principal, but unfortunately that does not appear to be true.

Educating people about the importance of a Vegetarian diet is essential for anyone who is serious about escaping the serious laws of karma delineated in the Vedas. Unfortunately there are many teachers who will compromise the importance of the Vegetarian diet in order to attract more followers and promote their own watered down ideas about what real spiritual maturity is all about.

AVA is committed to teaching the science of Self Realization the way it has been handed down and respected by the great sages for thousands of generations. That is why part of the service we offer is to teach anyone who is interested in this process how to eat properly.

Those who are raised in a carnivorous society but then want to convert to a Vegetarian diet often experience a lot of cognitive dissonance. On one hand, they are intellectually convinced that they ought to be a vegetarian, but they simply don't know how to convert their diet over to that lifestyle. Instead of postponing that on-going dilemma, why not consider learning how to cook wonderful Vegetarian foods using herbs and spices that not only taste good, but also make eating a tremendously fulfilling experience! You can do that prior to any AVA meeting where we always prepare a nice meal for all the guests who attend. Those who want to learn this tremendous skill are advised to contact us 36 hours prior to the AVA event so we can tell you what and when we will be cooking for that program. You can then join us at that time and start learning how to adopt the eating habits recommended in the Vedas for Human life, which is also the most beneficial for rapid spiritual maturity. :-)

Public Engagements?

As the AVA newsletter continues to find new audiences, some have asked about the possibility of bringing the subjects we discuss into other gatherings. If it is possible to schedule those requests we will be happy to do so as part of our service to the community. For this purpose AVA has compiled a list of contemporary subjects for which we have essays, books, charts, graphs, and in some cases, videos to augment our presentations. For more information about scheduling an engagement to learn more about the Vedic Siddhanta (conclusion) please contact us directly.

Suggest A Subject?

Many of the subjects we cover in the "AVA Newsletter" come from questions or topics that are only vaguely commented on by other sources. If you have a subject you would like us to address, please send the question in to us and we will consider it for a future AVA topic. Simple questions are also addressed during the "Bhagavad-Gita Fellowship" meetings for the benefit of all those who attend.

Vedic Authority

What makes the AVA program different from all other contemporary sources of transcendental learning? We rely on the methodical, thorough and scientific way the Vedas portray the world we live in. The Vedas are so vast, and unlike any other literature known to man, they are often criticized as confusing and esoteric. But this is because the secret of the Vedas can only be unlocked by one who has been properly trained how to "decode" them. Although that sounds like an exhausting study, it is actually quite easy if the candidate is willing to accept instruction from a good source. In fact, the path of Bhakti (Loving Devotion to the Supreme Lord in His Personal Form) is so powerful that the essences of all the Vedas become automatically realized to that soul who surrenders to the Personality of Godhead and engages in devotional service to Him. "A person who accepts the path of devotional service is not bereft of the results derived from studying the Vedas, performing austere sacrifices, giving charity or perusing philosophical and furtive activities. Simply by performing devotional service he attains all these and at the end he reaches the supreme eternal abode." - Bhagavad-Gita Gita As It Is Chapter 8 "Attaining the Supreme" Text 28. LINK http://bhagavadgitaasitis (dot) com/8/28/en (Replace (dot) with . for hyperlink)

To grow transcendentally requires a reliable authority like the Bhagavad-Gita, (The torchlight of knowledge, Bg. 10.11) One is free to reject Vedic authority, but the consequences of doing so returns one to the words of speculation, conjecture, flawed empirical analysis, and a plethora of silly ideas about what spiritual life is from psycho-therapists, self declared gurus, charlatans, and carpetbag religionists, to name just a few.

Back Issues of AVA Newsletter

The subjects that we have already covered in 2005 are also included at the end of this newsletter. If you would like a digital copy of a past "AVA Newsletter," let us know and we will be happy to forward it to you for your further erudition.

AVA MISSION

Honor & Respect All the Magnanimous Souls

The American Vedic Association is an humble attempt to carry on with the mission of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami. In the Bhagavad Gita Lord Krishna unambiguously states:
udarah sarva evaite jnani tv atmaiva me matam
asthitah sa hi yuktatma mam evanuttamam gatim

"All these devotees are undoubtedly magnanimous souls, but he who is situated in knowledge of Me I consider to be just like My own self. Being engaged in My transcendental service, he is sure to attain Me, the highest and most perfect goal." - Bhagavad Gita As It Is, Chapter7 “Knowledge of the Absolute’, Text 18. LINK: http://bhagavadgitaasitis (dot) com/7/18/en (Replace (dot) with . for hyperlink)

It is therefore clear that anyone who is properly trained in the science of self realization as handed down in the Gaudia Vaishnav tradition is a "Magnanimous Soul" and therefore deserves all respects. Based on this simple fact the American Vedic Association welcomes all Vaishnavas to participate in AVA events regardless of which branch on Lord Caitanya's sankirtan tree they may have studied with.

To any close observer it is evident that His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami single handedly completely revolutionized the concept of yoga, meditation, Self Realization and religion in the Western world. He did this by introducing the Vedic Siddhanta which clearly delineates the three different levels of God Realization which culminates in Bhagavan Realization.

"Learned transcendentalists who know the Absolute Truth call this nondual substance Brahman1, Paramatma2 or Bhagavatam3. -Srimad Bhagavat Purana Canto 1, "Creation" , Chapter 2, "Divinity & Divine Service", Text 11. LINK: http://vedabase (dot) net/sp/1/2/11/en (Replace (dot) with . for hyperlink)

The symptoms of Bhagavan Realization are evident when the aspiring transcendentalist finally understands, accepts, and surrenders to Krishna the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

"And of all yogis, the one with great faith who always abides in Me, thinks of ME within himself, and renders transcendental loving service to Me, He is the most intimately united with Me in yoga and is the highest of all. That is My opinion. - Bhagavad Gita As It Is, Chapter 6 “Sankya Yoga’, Text 47. LINK: http://bhagavadgitaasitis (dot) com/6/47/en (Replace (dot) with . for hyperlink)

Expose the Shortcomings of Impersonalism and Voidism

Based on the strength of the Vedas, Bhaktivedanta Swami also taught that the greatest threat to the welfare of the world, society, economy and world peace etc, was the irrational self-centered sophistry of the Non-Dual and voidists schools of transcendence. This is further confirmed by Lord Caitanya Himself:

"Sripad Sankaracaray has describe all the Vedic Literatures in terms of indirect meanings. One who hears such explanations is ruined." – Sri Caitanya Caritamrita Adi Lila, Chapter 7. "Lord Caitanya in Five Features" Text 109" .LINK: http://caitanyacaritamrta (dot) com/adi/7/109/en (Replace (dot) with . for hyperlink)

"Sankaracarya, who is an incarnation of Lord Siva is faultless because he is a servant carrying out the orders of the Lord. But those who follow his Mayavadi Philosophy are doomed. They will lose all their advancement in spiritual knowledge." - Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita Adi Lila, Chapter 7. "Lord Caitanya in Five Features" Text 114" .LINK: http://caitanyacaritamrta (dot) com/adi/7/114/en (Replace (dot) with . for hyperlink)

The Non-Dual Advaita school was introduced by Sankaracarya and is also referred to as Mayavadi philosophy. The Voidist traditions are taught primarily by the followers of Lord Buddha. It is ironic that Sripad Sankaracarya is accepted as Lord Siva working under the instruction of Lord Krishna for the specific purpose of deluding those who are not willing to surrender. It is equally curious that Lord Buddha is also accepted as an incarnation of Lord Krishna. In both cases Krishna has tricking those who can not grasp his original form as the Surpreme Personalty of Godhead. By appearing in these forms he has made it possible every for the impersonaist to appreciate Him indirectly in a less personal way as one of his immediate expansions. Both of these points make for an interesting discussion but I will not elaborate on this any more here.

It is primarily because the followers of Christianity and Islam have failed so miserably to set a good example that the mass of the population is turning away from the classic "God" centered religions and are now starting to adopt these atheistic faiths. The alternative to this dire scenario requires rethinking the prudence of embracing impersonalism and voidism but as stated above, once the mind has become contaminated with the word juggling rhetoric of the faithless it is very difficult to grasp the concept of God as a Person, ie: Bhagavan Realization.

Therefore out of all the numerous and extraordinary things that His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivanta Swami Prabhupada taught in the Western World, exposing the futility of these misguided traditions was arguably his foremost mission. This is clearly evident in the Sanskrit Pranama mantra which he was honored by during his physical presence and continues to be eulogized by to this day:

namas te sarasvate deve gaura-vani-pracarine nirvisesa-sunyavadi-pascatya-desa-tarine.

“We offer our respects unto you, the student of Sarasvati Gosvami. You are kindly teaching the message of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu for the purpose of delivering the Western World from impersonalism and voidism."

For this reason it is also the mission of the American Vedic Association to help the conditioned souls philosophically understand where and how these impersonal traditions fail to meet both the needs of the eternal soul, as well as why they can not possibly resolve the numerous social ills that plague the peace and solvency of all the worlds peoples. It is not our intention to offend any of our friends who may currently be involved with these other practices only inform them of a historical point of view they may not currently be familiar with. If anyone wishes to understand any of these points in greater detail you are encouraged to join us at one of our bi-monthly meetings where we will be happy to thoroughly answer all your questions based on the strength of Vedic Authority.

How to Contact

mayesvara dasa (md @ jagannatha (dot) com)

aka: William Roberts* Director

American Vedic Association

687 West Villanova Road
Ojai California, 93023
(805) 640-0405 AVA @ jagannatha (dot) com

About the Author

William Roberts is the founding director of The American Vedic Association, a legally independent but philosophically concurrent local branch of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. (ISKCON) He began studying Vedic philosophy in 1973 and assimilated the works of eminent Vaishnava saints while living in India for several years. He became an ordained Brahman priest under the tutelage of the world-class authority on Bhakti Yoga, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami. The American Vedic Association is currently sponsoring the Free Bhagavad-Gita Fellowship Gatherings held on the First and Third Tuesday of every month. The program includes a formal section which includes congregational changing of sacred mantras, a short lesson in the pronunciation and comprehension of Sanskrit, and a philosophical discussion. The informal part of the program includes a Free Vegetarian Dinner, open questions and answers, and when appropriate, an interesting subject related transcendental Video. For more information call, (805) 640-0405, or contact william.roberts @ jagannatha (dot) com.

"Dispel the Darkness of Ignorance With the Torchlight of Knowledge!" - Bg. 10.11

Bhagavad-Gita Gita As It Is Discussion Fellowship

Planned Gatherings & Topics

Every 1st & 3rd Tuesday of EACH Month

Sanskrit, Mantra, Kirtan, Prasadam!

AVA Topic Schedule 2008

Date/Event Meeting Subject
1st Tue: Jun 01, 2008 Purity & Freedom
2nd Tue: Jun 15, 2008 Artificial Intelligence
Sunday Aug 3, 2008 Rathayatra Festival at Venice Beach
1st Tue: Aug 5, 2008 Only Rare Individuals Transcend Economic Development
2nd Tue: Aug 19, 2008 Krishna Janmastami with Brigupati Dasa
1st Tue: Sep 5, 2008 How Can There Be Peace?
2nd Tue: Sep 19, 2008 Live Naturally & Feed the People
1st Tue: Oct 7, 2008 Mundane Education?
2nd Tue: Oct 21, 2008 Spooky Karma
1st Tue: Nov 4, 2008 Rascals Elect Rascals?
2nd Tue: Nov 18, 2008 Sixth Commandment & Cow Killing
1st Tue: Dec 2, 2008 There is Only One Religion
2nd Tue: Dec 16, 2008 The Tolerance of Lord Christ
1st Tue: Jan. 6, 2009 Absolute Authority
2nd Tue: Jan 20, 2009 Be Good To Feel Good
1st Tue: Feb. 3, 2009 Leadership Means 'By Example'
2nd Tue: Feb 17, 2009 How to Respond to Crime & Conflict
1st Tue: Mar. 3, 2009 Don't Compromise Your Integrity
2nd Tue: Mar 17, 2009 Freedom to be a Fool


AVA Scheduled Subjects for 2009

1st Tue. Apr. 7th, 2009

“Christ Never Justified Slaughter!” - will be topic at the next American Vedic Association Bhagavad-Gita As It Is Fellowship discussion. Some justify the massive systematic slaughter of innocent animals on the allegation that: "Jesus ate fish." But portraying the compassionate "Prince of Peace" as such and oxymoronic heartless monster betrays the essence of everything He taught and died for. Don't stymie your own spiritual maturity, praise Jesus properly at the next AVA meeting! 7:30PM / 687 West Villanova Road - 640-0405 Always Free!

2nd Tue. Apr. 21th, 2009

“Live Simple for Peace & Truth” - will be topic at the next American Vedic Association Bhagavad-Gita As It Is Fellowship discussion. Cities & factories disturb the environment, promote anxiety, generate lust and torture the spirit. Agrarian villages feed the people, sooth the mind, please the heart, and satisfy the soul. Concrete alienates whereas the harvest cycle leads to peace and an awareness of the divine! Cultivate the seed of truth at the next AVA meeting! 7:30PM / 687 West Villanova Road - 640-0405 Always Free!


1st Tue. May. 5th, 2009

“Where Did the Chemicals Evolve From?” - will be topic at the next American Vedic Association Bhagavad-Gita As It Is Fellowship discussion. Physicists have no idea where matter originated from but the Vedas scientifically demonstrate how all the elements evolved from the misguided “False Ego.” Transcendence requires correcting this mistake by reestablishing the soul’s identity with “Real Ego.” Learn this subtle science and how it all began at the next AVA meeting! 7:30PM / 687 West Villanova Road - 640-0405 Always Free!


2nd Tue. May. 19th, 2009

“Satisfaction Is the Measure of Advancement” - will be topic at the next American Vedic Association Bhagavad-Gita As It Is Fellowship discussion. Attempting to satisfy the elusive demands of the senses just escalates to the point where it will disturb the individual, others and the environment. Conversely; the properly situated soul is self-satisfied and not dependent on the external phantasmagoria for peace. Treat your soul to lasting satisfaction at the next AVA gathering! 7:30PM / 687 West Villanova Road - 640-0405 Always Free!

1st Tue. Jun. 2th, 2009

“Seeing God Inside & Out” - will be topic at the next American Vedic Association Bhagavad-Gita As It Is Fellowship discussion. Some advise to seek God from within, above, in silence or in Nature. Still others say He transcends all matter and has no personality while atheists insist any concept of God is man-made humbug. Find out how the Vedas reconcile all these diverse viewpoints at the next AVA meeting! 7:30PM / 687 West Villanova Road - 640-0405 Always Free!

2nd Tue. Jun. 16th, 2009

“Gainsay Gushy Guessing Gurus!” - will be topic at the next American Vedic Association Bhagavad-Gita As It Is Fellowship discussion. Bad teachers thrive on the poorly informed. Illogical rhetoric, personal visions, brain twisting clichés, and bodacious patronizing about ones own "Godliness" does not equate spiritual maturity. Learn how chakras, silent meditation, and Kundalini all fall short of the "Absolute Truth" identified in the Vedas as the "Topmost Yoga" and taught about at every AVA meeting! 7:30PM / 687 West Villanova Road - 640-0405 Always Free!

To Be Continued in July 2009...

c/o William Roberts / mayesvara dasa: AVA Director (805) 640-0405

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Why This Newsletter Was Sent to You & the AVA Purpose

This newsletter is being sent to you because someone felt you might have an interest in the "Science of Self Realization" as it is explained in the Vedic literature of ancient India. It is posted twice a month and its primary purpose is to remind the American Vedic Association congregation to attend the bi-monthly Bhagavad-Gita Gita Appreciation Gathering that is held on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month.

The material presented in these newsletters is based on the conclusions of the Vedic Literature as understood by India's foremost authorities on that subject namely, Lord Brahma, Maharaja Pariksit, Narada Muni, Madhavacarya, Ramanujacarya, Krishna Dasa Kaviraja, Narotama Das Thakur, the Six Goswami's of Vrindaban, Bhaktivenode Thakur and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu to name just a few. The purpose of this correspondence is to help readers properly explain Sanskrit terms, clarify misunderstandings about Indian theology, and make the Vedic conclusion more accessible to the Western mind.

Questions are always welcome, and may be integrated into future newsletters. It is our hope that you will find the content to be informative and meaningful. It is also an invitation for you to consider joining us at one of our bi-monthly Bhagavad-Gita as It Is meetings if you happen to be within a reasonable driving distance from Ojai, California, USA.

Must Say No?

Most people are familiar with the Biblical advice given in the "Sermon on the Mount"

"Give not what is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine. Lest they trample them under their feet, and turn against and rend* you." - Bible, Matthew Chapter7, Text 6. (*rend = tear you apart violently.)

This is not only a common theme found in all great scriptures, yet even secular teachers have no interest in trying to explain something to a defiant student. Therefore, if you prefer not to receive any further information about the Vedas, AVA events, or the process of spiritual growth honored by the great sages of ancient India, then simply request to be removed from our mailing list. We will lament seeing you go when we do, but will gladly comply with your request.

"Bewildered by the modes of material nature, the ignorant fully engage themselves in material activities and become attached. But the wise should not unsettle them, although these duties are inferior due to the performer's lack of knowledge. "- Bhagavad Gita As It Is; Chapter 3 Karma Yoga Text 29, LINK: http://bhagavadgitaasitis (dot) com/3/29/en (Replace (dot) with . for hyperlink)

Thank you for your patience and interest!