The Pursuit of Bliss

Answer by Jagadguru Shree Kriapalu Ji Maharaj, in response to the question “Why does Discouragement In Devotion Occur?” Discouragement occurs as a result of prior practice. It has to be eliminated through knowledge, through practice. The feeling of discouragement comes when not just one, but all of our weaknesses culminate. They reside in our subtle body and therefore, from time to time, they become strong and manifest. Just like a strong wind that suddenly comes and passes, in the same way, they also come and go. They are not permanent. During that time (a devotee) should hasten his devotion. Everything will be possible with practice only. For example, when someone is riding a bike or when someone is driving a car up a hill or a slope, he puts the car in first gear, puts it in second gear and the car easily drives up the hill. One who is riding a bike puts out more effort trying to get up a hill. When the slopy part ends, then the bike runs smoothly. Similarly, due to the old p...

The following question was asked by a devotee and answered by Jagadaguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj Himself. God is omnipresent, yet why have we not found Him so far? You did not desire for Him. There are several levels of desiring. You may desire something so much that you are unable to survive without it; without it a moment may feel like a yug. This stage will come when you are totally and perfectly surrendered to God. Our mind is full of worldly attachments – “this is mine, that is mine.” In place of these worldly attachments, one should fully dedicate himself to the lotus feet of God. Look at God’s Grace! Out of His compassion He gave you this human form, He gave you inquisitiveness to know about God, He arranged for you to meet a Divine Saint. Our heart should melt if we sincerely feel how much God has Graced us. Mind alone is the reason for mayic bondage and liberation. Mind is attached in the world; it has to be attached to God. This is true devotion. By your own effo...

Jagadguru Shri Kripaluji Maharaj's Final Lecture - Man Karu Sumiran [Subtitled Eng] Its all about the Mind and how to use the mind  to aid your sadhana and its importance.  O Mind! Meditate Upon the Lotus Feet of Shri Radha Rani This was the final talk given by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj, Bhakti Bhavan, November 11, 2013 One with true spiritual knowledge addresses his mind, “Listen, mind!  Meditate on the lotus feet  of Radha Rani.”  Every sense organ performs its respective function.  The tongue performs the  function of speaking; ears perform the function of hearing; eyes perform the function of seeing;  the nose performs the work of smelling; skin performs the function of touching, and the mind  performs the function of thinking.  But here the devotee is asking the mind to listen.  He is telling not the ears, but the mind to listen.  Imagine someone asking his eyes to listen attentively.  Eyes can...

Shivratri (The Great Night of Shiva)  (A quick synopsis from the view point of Itihasa Puranas and Scriptures of the Vedic Tradition) Consort of Lord Shiva. By rigorous penance she won over Bhagawan Shiva, himself a great ascetic.  Mother of Ganesha and Kartikeya. By becoming the wife of Shiva she paved the way for the spread  of peace and felicity in the world. Mother Parvati Goddess Parvati is the wife of Lord Shankar. She has several names, each with a special significance. Since Ishwara or Shiva is also called 'Bhava' (Of course by now you would have also known that  Maha Bhava Swarupini is Shri Radha Rani and thus Lord Shiva is constantly in Radha Samadhi, earning Him the name Bhavaya) his wife is known as 'Bhavani.' She is 'Parvati', being the daughter of the king of mountains, Parvataraja. With the same connotation she has two other names ‘Girija’ and 'Shailaja'. As she is the source of all good things to all those who have fait...

Sat Sattya Sattya Ho - By Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj (English Translated Lecture)   "Sat Sattya Sattya Ho Govind Radhey Sang Sattya Sattya Ho To Lakshya Dilaa De" You are no doubt familiar with the word 'Satsang.' 'Sat' means 'Saint,' and 'Sang' means 'Association.' If 'Sat' (Saint) is 'Sattya Sattya', (a true Saint), and the 'sang' (association) with him is 'Sattya', (true), then the ultimate goal of God-realization can be attained. The Vedas say: "Tadvijnanaartham sa Gurumevabhigachhet samitpaanih shrotriyam brahmanishtham" (Mundakopanishad) A true saint is one who possesses theoretical knowledge of scriptures and a practical experience of God. A genuine saint is one who can impart to us the theoretical knowledge of Vedas and Vedic scriptures. Furthermore, he must have attained darshan of God; he must possess the treasury of divine-love-bliss. If he has a chec...