How much money does a family need

4 years, 6 months ago by monkeydevotee in Special Category A


Hare Krishna

All glories to Srila Prabupada.


HpS - We asked KK to join this Blog and answer the following question. He is psychiatrist in USA, from India, and wife is also psychiatrist.


How much money needed to sustain family?


Before we approach this question we need to understand the concept of charity (Daan). Even before that we have to accept that we need money to sustain our family. For that we have to work one way or the other way. Money is important but how much we need for sustaining the family is a very interesting question.


There may not be any direct answer so let's first learn about Daan. 


How much charity needs to be done according to scriptures. 


Scriptures lay down a varying proportion of one's income (ranging from 10% to 50%) to give away in daan.


Skanda Puran - According to Skanda puran one should 10% of one's justly earned income on good deeds or works of pubilc benefit.


Bhagwat puran : He quotes learned people to recommend dividing one's fund into five equal parts.

1) One part should be used for Dharma e.g Supporting Sanayasis , helping temples (daan).

2) Second for Yash (public works like for hospitals, food).

3) Third should be re-invested for generating more wealth.

4) Fourth for material things

5) Fifth for one's family and friends.


 Charity should not result hardship to donors family or loss of livelihood  


Coming to the first question, how much money... Money we need to sustain family is the money where we can also do some charity for Krishna Consciousness. So people who have decent jobs should be doing more charity .


The amount may vary but the basic ground rule is the same. Earning money with intention to support Krishna Consciousness. But also not at the cost of time needed to do your chanting and other services. Hare Krishna.


ASA - Thank you. This is very nice discussion of principles and then individuals can start to apply in their own circumstances. Very specifically, someone like yourself: Husband, wife, two children... professional people, how much is needed per year to keep house, transport, food, health, recreation ?

Hare Krsna Dear Maharaj

4 years, 6 months ago by Gopal C Biswas in Other

Hare Krsna Dear Gurudev,

  Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.

  All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

  All glories to Guru parampara.


  Writing after 2-3 month later.

HpS - Yes!!


All is going as usual. No major update.

  same routine - Japa, reading, office, temple seva, scripture discussion etc.


HpS - Krsna, Krsna, Krsna, Krsna, He!


  Jibesh is doing good book distribution in west bengal. He frequently 

  Inquires about you. His spiritual practices are good.


HpS - All best wishes for him. Ask him for a Sankirtan story that you can post here. We hope all obstacles in his spiritual life are removed.


your fallen servant,

Girivaradhari-Gopal Das


HpS - Write a little more often! If you are chanting you have stories to tell.

Thank you for all the help.

Que es Misericordia

4 years, 6 months ago by Cruz Santa in Special Category A

Hare Krsna querido Gurudeva

Por favor acepte mis rendidas reverencias.

Todas las Glorias sean a nuestro muy misericordioso Srila Prabhupada!

Y Todas las Glorias a Usted querido Gurudeva!


Deseo que su salud se encuentre mejor, lamentamos enterarnos de que su cuerpo ha causado algunos problemas últimamente.    El nuestro es la principal fuente de tormento en estos días, intentamos refugiamos en sus palabras “Tener un cuerpo, es en sí mismo una enfermedad” así que hacemos lo que nos corresponde para cuidar de él y toleramos el resto.


Guru Maharaja, durante las clases recientes de ASA, hemos estudiado la conversación entre Uddhava y Vidura...  Sin duda los pasatiempos de nuestro Señor, nos dejan ver un poco de su magnífico carácter; entre sus innumerables cualidades Su misericordia me parece sobresaliente.


¡Cuán misericordioso es nuestro Señor!...  Él acepta la acción de Putana y la eleva a una posición de madre, pasando por alto la mala intención que ella tenía y por otro lado, en cuanto Lord Indra se arrepiente nuestro Señor lo disculpa de inmediato, a pesar de una mala acción acompañada de la peor intención, Sri Krsna lo acepto amorosamente, sin reparos, sin reproches e incluso lo reprendió en privado, no lo avergonzó...


"Misericordia" es un término que utilizamos frecuentemente, pero ahora pienso en lo lejos que estoy de comprender su significado en su sentido amplio y profundo...


Según leí, misericordia significa "tener un corazón solidario" y se dice que se manifiesta en; amabilidad, ayuda al necesitado, instruir, aconsejar, consolar y confortar pero se manifiesta especialmente en el perdón y la reconciliación... ¡Maravilloso!


Para mí, la misericordia parece ser es una cualidad divina e incomprensible; y ahora observo que cultivarla puede ser muy difícil sin abandonar el apego a la "Así llamada justicia". ¿Es así?


He pensado que algunas veces, cuando hay diferencias entre devotos. La persona que se siente ofendida, pide una sanción para los ofensores - "¡Queremos justicia!” - Y el aparente ofensor también busca justicia (todos tienen sus razones válidas)

Entonces, el maestro espiritual no imparte un castigo (quizá no es la justicia que esperamos)... a cambio ¡él otorga su misericordia, para beneficio de todos! Parece ser que, la decisión de tomarla o no, es nuestra ¿Podría ser así?


¡Es difícil entender la misericordia del Guru! Porque es ilimitada y además ¿quizá requiere de cierto grado de rendición, fe y un poco de inteligencia? 


Gurudeva, muchas gracias por brindarnos su misericordia sin causa de tantas y tantas maneras. Por favor perdóneme por distraerle, quería comentar estos detalles y tratar de entender un poco de esta incomprensible cualidad. Gracias por todo.


Su aspirante a sirviente

Karuna Sakti DD


=--=--=--=

(Translated by Gaggle) Hare Krsna dear Gurudeva

Please accept my bowed obeisances.

All Glories be to our most merciful Srila Prabhupada!

HpS - ASA - !!

And All Glories to You dear Gurudeva!

I wish your health is better, we are sorry to hear that your body has caused some problems lately. Ours is the main source of torment these days, we try to take refuge in his words “Having a body, is in itself a disease” so we do our part to take care of it and tolerate the rest.


Guru Maharaja, during recent ASA classes, we have studied the conversation between Uddhava and Vidura ... No doubt our Lord's pastimes let us see a little of his magnificent character; Among his innumerable qualities, His mercy seems outstanding to me.


HpS - The Personified Vedas say that this is His foremost quality.


How merciful is our Lord! ... He accepts Putana's action and elevates her to a position of mother, ignoring the evil intention that she had and on the other hand, as soon as Lord Indra repents our Lord excuses him from Immediately, despite a bad deed accompanied by the worst intention, Sri Krsna accepted him lovingly, without qualms, without reproach and even rebuked him privately, did not embarrass him ...


"Mercy" is a term that we use frequently, but now I think about how far I am from understanding its meaning in its wide and deep sense ...


As I read, mercy means "to have a caring heart" and is said to manifest itself in; kindness, helps the needy, instructs, advises, comforts and comforts but it manifests itself especially in forgiveness and reconciliation ... Wonderful!


For me, mercy seems to be a divine and incomprehensible quality; and now I see that cultivating it can be very difficult without giving up the attachment to "so-called justice." Is that so?


HpS - ASA - I remember one story of Harishchandra. He was a King who had to make some decision in his court to kill some criminal. That was the truthfull application of justice, but after so many experiences he came to the conclusion that mercy is the essence of justice, not truth.


I have thought that sometimes when there are differences between devotees. The person who feels offended asks for a sanction for the offenders - "We want justice!" - And the apparent offender also seeks justice (everyone has their valid reasons).


HpS - !


So, the spiritual master does not impart a punishment (perhaps it is not the justice we hope for) ... in return he grants his mercy, for the benefit of all! It seems that the decision to make it or not is ours. Could this be so?


HpS - The question is not clear to us. Krsna is Spiritual Master as Paramatma and He is rewarding and punishing while sitting in our heart. He gives knowledge to the Diksa and external Siksa gurus also, to punish, or not. Yes, if we are not really surrender and only superficially ask for chastisement, then Krsna may not give it, even though we need it, but He chastise as He wants.


It is difficult to understand the mercy of the Guru! Because it is unlimited and also perhaps it requires a certain degree of surrender, faith and a little intelligence?


Gurudeva, thank you so much for giving us your causeless mercy in so many ways. Please forgive me for distracting you, I wanted to comment on these details and try to understand a little of this incomprehensible quality. Thanks for everything.


Your would-be servant


Karuna Sakti DD


HpS - So far you have been a strong example of the proper life and from what we hear a good friend to others.

Go ahead. You will wake up and see everyone in their proper relation to Krsna and laugh about any friends and enemies you had.

URGENT!!!!!....Pandaveya Spain.

4 years, 6 months ago by PABLOPARIKRAMA in Personal Sadhana Reports, Other

Hare Krsna Gurudeva!

Agt SP!

Agt Guru and Gauranga!!!

How are you doing? I hope very well.


HpS - AGTSP!!! paoho.... Hey, that is not an urgent question!! 🙂


Today I am writing to you ahead of time because today I am very clear about what I have to talk to you about. It is a controversial topic, and very very rare. Dangerous maybe too.


ASA - 😮


Yesterday, after months of doing a medical health follow-up, some former colleagues from the hospital where I studied have confirmed that someone in my house is poisoning me. I am not surprised, since once I had to leave my parents' house because I suspected the same thing, but this time, the health workers have told me that I have two options, poisoning or a miracle, proven.


After three times I entered a series of diseases or symptoms that did not disappear with anything, but if I started to cook myself, or just drink milk from a freshly opened bottle and never leave it until I drank it all, then, suddenly, all my symptoms disappeared. In less than a day even, or in 1 or 2 days.


They have found toxic traces in my blood, which can only be from poisoning, so this is my current situation. Incredible but true.


HpS-ASA - 😟 What could be the motive???


I have spoken with some old police friends and they have told me that I only have two options: I solve it my way and that nobody knows, or I have to let myself be poisoned again, and run to do a quick analysis to be able to file criminal charges against my parents and brother, because all three are involved.

I've caught my mother throwing things into my food, and my father too. I have not been able to catch my brother yet, but he makes jokes about the matter, so he knows and is a sure participant.


My police friends have told me that these things are almost impossible to catch in time with evidence, unless I get poisoned again, for the 4th time this time, but the truth is that I have already been through this many times, so now I am drinking only milk for days to nullify the poison and feed myself, and at most a couple of potatoes cooked at night, because I have been told that if I only drink that freshly opened milk, and only eat freshly cooked whole potatoes, it is almost there is no way they can put poison in my food. Now, after 3 days, I'm like I'm 20 years younger.


I tell you all this, because I think that it can help a lot to other people, who are being manipulated to make them look crazy, when in reality, it is very easy for them to be involved in a conspiracy against them, especially if they are not from the satanic energy vampire groups who are trying to create a new world order based on the exploitation of people and the brain death of children to be possessed and controlled by demons.


I have been fighting these people since I was 20 years old, and for 22 years I have been fighting without stopping, and on many many occasions, literally fighting for my life.


Many years ago I promised myself that I would either die at the hands of these people, or I would destroy them all. Thanks to Lord Nrsimhadeva, I have been fighting these demons for 22 years, and I have not yet fallen.


ASA - Have your formed partnership with others in this endeavor?? ? That seems very important, otherwise the very forces we are trying to fight can make their purposes seem like our own. For example, if we consider Osama Ben Laden killed so many unarmed men, women and children in the name of Allah, then we might consider that the Satanic forces had tricked him into doing their work, thinking that it was Allah's work.

So, important to keep Sadhu sanga in these things. Sadhu sanga, scriptural basis and the example of the great Acharys.


My ex-wife uses these satanic energy vampire techniques, and my son, because of my ex, I think he's already lost too.


My parents and brothers also belong to this group of satanic energy vampires, but since I am not, and also they cannot with me ... they have tried everything, black masses, possessions, poison, madness, etc. But my promise to Nrsimhadeva, for some reason, was fulfilled, and I am still in the gap, like a good soldier of God that I am.


There is a subtle, yogic technique that appears to be very effective against these people and their subtle entities. When I use it, they can hardly alter my energies at all, and apparently they hate it.


The technique is... (ASA - Edited because this is a public audience and the technique involves things related to the lower, though within the bounds of the 4-principles, Chakras.)


I use this simple technique when I want not to allows the demons to bother me.

Perhaps, in other people it does not work the same, since I have been doing yoga for years, and maybe my conscious body is in another kind of body, and it is posible that dont work the same ... but I doubt it, really.


People don't believe in these things, but then they are all day doing satanic energy movement techniques, which leads to their ruin, as it is satan's trick for people to turn into two-legged animals. Action Reaction.


It is true that people who defend themselves use similar techniques, and they are not as bad, but they have to be seriously corrected so that they do not lose their future, since the fact of entering that kind of fight is already a victory for the Devil, because those techniques destroy the soul. For this reason, I do not respect anyone who uses these techniques, whether they help me or not, because it is like badly educating them.


HpS - ASA -- That is what I was saying! If we are careful to offer unopened packages, containers, and uncut vegetables to Krsna then automatically it precludes the possibility of poison. Of course, Prahlada is very good example in of people in the house trying to kill, him, but of course we are not Prahlada and so we must adopt means according to our nature.


I don´t understand why people not fight fisically this people, is very easy. Try to control your energíes, in karma laws, is the same that cut you with a knife. Is not bad think kill this people. God see that good. Karma also, it is only auto-defense.


HpS - We can consider that in Vrndavana only Krsna and Balarama kill demons. The devotees chant Hare Krsna! Hare Rama! and take shelter of Rama-Krsna. Of course, Krsna empowered Arjuna to do His work for Him, but that was ONLY after Arjuna understand BG perfectly and Krsna was directly present as his chariot driver. I am now remembering that Srila Prabhupada said just that, that we can kill demons for Krsna if Krsna is personally driving our chariot and telling us who to fight with and who to forgive.


I do not usually give importance to the . . . .. [ASA - Have to jump ahead because this is not directly applicable to our fighting style...😇] . . .



Forgive me from the heart Gurudeva for all this stuff, but I think that many people will be able to benefit from these things, or at least know, that there are others in the same situation, and that there are people like me, who even physically fight against these people, so don't worry, it's only a matter of time before they're sent to hell, and Hades told me in person on a trip I took to hell so I could see exactly what it was like.


It was incredible ... I tell you in another letter.


Finally, I want to say, that I am almost sure, that the Covid is a tool that these Satanists use just as Satanists do with their elders, relatives, etc. So that they die or become their slaves for fear of being killed. Satanists are trying to kill humans, because they are not, they are unhappy and unfortunate creatures that the only thing they know how to do is hate. Do not trust yourselves, since it can be a brother, father, neighbor, boyfriend, girlfriend, etc. Be alert and on guard. They know they have little time left here, and they want to take away as many souls as possible.


At Your feet. Your disciple.

Hare Krsna Maharaja.


P.D: The Dakinis I see are like that, I don´t know exactly why, is possible for the Tamo-Guna. So much beauty, power and aggressiveness together that they give fear and pride. They are not of this world...sure...hahaha


HpS - Thank you for this letter. There is no way on earth that I can make too much of a comment on these topics. Like you say this is not the process for everyone. Real demons attacked Krsna and the Vraja vasis. In general devotees, are protected from these people, but I do hear of others who describe things like you. So have to fight in the newspapers. Some in the higher planets, some.... but read SB 1.8, Bhisma's instructions to Yuddhisthira about Y's use of force to serve Krsna. What justification does Bhisma give?

From the recovery room & You-tube, ASA-Audio Visual

4 years, 6 months ago by Victoria in Personal Sadhana Reports, Special Category B

Hare Krsna Gurudeva, please accept my humble obeisances

All glories to Srila Prabhupada

All glories to you Guru dev


Here we are, still alive. Now more than ever it is a relief to know that Krsna says that any progress one makes on the path of bhakti is not lost.


I am a bit shocked at how the world has changed in a short time due to the pandemic (the social situation). I realize that for me the Kali Yuga advance existed as an idea. I also realized that I still have "faith" in the material world as a refuge ... I see things differently now, although sometimes it is a bit depressing.

HpS - Only depressing if you don't accept that you and Radharani (Hara! Hare!) are not going to let Krsna's birth day party stop. O.K. Radha, I have an idea for the menu. Is it good?


Reading prayers of Queen Kunti attentively helped me a lot. Thank you and the devotees who invite me to give a lectures about this topic.


HpS - Thank you!


Hari Vamsi is very well. As you mentioned in the previous letter: Yes, helping him teaches me to understand my mind. For me, the experience of motherhood is an opportunity to improve my character, develop humility and patience very fast… Although many times I feel that lack of tools to help him.

He is going to a Montessori kinder garden, he is happy and now he asks us to teach letters because he wants to read and write. His curiosity is intense, and so is his energy.

He likes Kirtan, he is enthusiastic about offering a wick to Damodar (maybe 50% attraction to fire- 50% bhakti). He likes to listen Krsna's pastimes and he has quite a few questions about demons and details. He is also have atraction for the Monster Trucks, dinosaurs, speed and power.


HpS - He can fly on Garuda some times.


I have improved the rounds, but I still cannot go back to the standard of 16. Many times I feel helpless in the face of laziness, poor time management and lack of focus ...


HpS - Srila Prabhupada says in one letter, that that is O.K. but don't stop trying, and, yes, eventually you will succeed. Then .... next challenge!


About my work, I am working as a freelance for clients in the USA, retouching and cleaning their photographs.


Also in our house and in the garden. Some days ago four cows and two calves came to our garden and ate some things, but most of them survived (They left some compost in return). Hari helps me and already recognizes the plants, insects and removes the leaves that have fungi.


HpS - Wow! Should have collected some of their milk as a tax also.


You also asked me about my father, Ekachacra Nitai Candra das. He is very well, he attends the FMP every day and he is happy with it. He and two of my brothers live in the north of Argentina. I hope we can meet this summer.


HpS - Ahhhh! That is Ek Ch. Nitai! I was thinking it was maybe our disciple from Peru!! Big administrative progress today.


About ASA Audivisual. We download almost all the Twitter links that you posted, some are lost because our internet service is sometimes suspended and the links are only available for a few days. But we can recover those recordings from the recordings that devotees broadcast on Facebook.


I'm really happy with the service, but unhappy with me because I perform the service with interruptions. I really hope I can improve and be of useful to your Sankirtan. 


HpS - See! This is exactly what we heard from conversation with Prabhupada. As our 16/4 is steady, then our other services are just as steady. So, put effort into the better rounds because (also telling myself this) then being:

  1. Mother
  2. Wife
  3. Citizen
  4. Cook
  5. Gardener
  6. Photo artist
  7. Channel Manager
  8. Sankirtan Devotee

will all improve in the fastest and most efficient way.



I think of the channel (asa audiovisual) as a library of your classes, to keep them in an orderly manner and to be able to share with whoever is interested. We have invited more devotees to the work in a team, to translate, upload or edit more classes. Still no one joined, probably due to our faults.


HpS - Hector et al say. Ask six times and then you will get practical results.


We are working on the missing classes and the illustrated FMP. Time management is the challenge.

Please let me know what we can improve and how to be really useful.


Thank you very much Gurudev for your inspiration and constant care. Your effort in maintaining the FMP, classes, and programs. Your loving way of always finding a way to engage us in service.


your aspirant to servant

Vrsabhanu Nandini dd



These are the links of the last videos uploaded


Cosmologia Védica

https://youtu.be/tR8YIz6WHTM


Festival por la aparición de Srila Prabhupada

https://youtu.be/MYhMXPBAWT0


SB 2.7.8

https://youtu.be/JqI33mflZm0


Radhastami

https://youtu.be/LPmd5lf6mEM


Desaparición Haridas Takura

https://youtu.be/oCDg5DV2-wU


SB 2.7.7 (by Sugopi Radha)

https://youtu.be/dmVxg91nuAg


SB 2.1.5

https://youtu.be/vy3pcKdEjgQ


SB 3.2 Uddhava Siksa

https://youtu.be/w0R_Ob21Nyw



Re: Hare Krishna!

4 years, 6 months ago by mittalga in Other

My dear Maharaja,

Dandavat Pranams. Namaste!


Thank you very much for your reply.


There is a world outside which is fundamental. In this world, there is body. In this body, there is consciousnesses. Materialistic people think that this consciousness is produced by matter or don't think much about it. We reject this idea.


Second view is as follows:

There is world outside which is fundamental. In this world, there is body. In this body, there is consciousnesses. This consciousness is also fundamental and not product of matter. It occupies space in this body. In this second view, outside world is still starting point. This is how I used to see the world earlier. This world . . .

HpS - Outside world?

. . . is created by Krishna. In this world, I am eternal, unborn, ever existing and part of Krishna (Gita 15/7 - mamaivānśho jīva-loke jīva-bhūtaḥ sanātanaḥ).

HpS - Yet, we existed in the spiritual world before this world was created?


Third view is to start with consciousness. Consciousness is most fundamental. Paramatma and Atma illuminate ego and mind (Gita 15/15 - sarvasya chāhaṁ hṛidi sanniviṣhṭo

mattaḥ smṛitir jñānam apohanaṁ cha). World of images, perceptions, sensations etc gets projected in the mind. Mind identifies with these projections as Me and Mine and cycle of samsara starts. Consciousness is witness (seer) of the world including objects, body and mind.


This third view is huge fundamental shift in how one sees reality. This is our experience also. When we wake up, mind which is illumined by consciousness comes into existence before outside world. In the dream, mind creates another world which appears as real while we are dreaming. When we hit stone in dream, it hurts. When we are in deep sleep, mind is not active. There are no thoughts, no perception, no sensation and no mind. Still, consciousness (atma) exists. Seeing that I (atma) am illumining all 3 states (waking, dream and deep sleep state) and I remain distinct from these states which come and go is big shift in vision of reality.


When I am reading 11th canto of Bhagavatam (especially trying to understand sanskrit texts), I see that Bhagavatam is pointing out reality which starts with consciousness. Same text which I read earlier give totally different meaning after this shift in how I see reality.


There are 2 references of [to?] "I". When reference of "I" is on body and mind, then Ram is my master and I am His servants. All objects including body and mind belong to Him. When reference of "I" is on "atma" illumining mind, then I am His amsa (part). Reference of "I" is slowing moving towards "atma" illumining mind and senses.


Sriram is doing 2nd year computer science in Texas A&M. He has very strong work ethic and is noble person. Anjana is in 12th grade and applying for college. Few days ago, Anjana asked me - "Dad! where are your bones!". I said that they are in this body. Then she mentioned that she used to think that bones are in her. But now she can clear see that she is different from the bones. Bones are not in her. I felt that I am doing something good as parent. Sriram claims himself as an atheist. I remind him that Gita is science of Atma. As long as he accepts that he exists, he is following Gita. He, the atma, is eternal, ever-existing and part of Paramatma. That is true whether one accepts this truth or not. So everyone is follower of Gita. I am quite hopeful that one day the knowledge of Bhagavad Gita will be revealed to him.


Anandamukhi decided to leave 5 years ago. So we got divorced. I try to maintain good relationship with her.


Thank you very much for reading this email.

Dandavat Pranams,

Gaurav Mitttal


HpS - Thank you. Thank you with news of the family. I was thought Mataji had left.

I would make this comment on your Sankhya.

I would say that it starts with Ananda and not Cit. Love and not Consciousness. We primarily are lovers, servants, followers. Then there is Cit and then Sat. Of course, they all exist simultaneously. Balarama is the Sat or Sandhini potency.


Pradhana, external world, exists eternally, with Maha-visnu, like a piece of cloth with Mahavisnu. Then the 2nd and 3rd purusa avatars agitate it because the kids, the Jivas, want to play Mommy-Daddy, and it starts to take form like a puppet. The cloth gets marked, cut, sewed, ornamented, and the Jivas enter into some of the parts of it, and call it their puppet.

O.K.?

BG gives little description. SB 2 and 3 .... give more.