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...

Hindus observe sacred occasions by festive observances. All festivals in Hinduism are predominantly spiritual in character and significance. Many festivals are seasonal. Some celebrate harvest and descension of God. Some are dedicated to important events in Hindu Ithihasa Purana (Historical Facts). Every festival is a unique opportunity for everyone to remember the Divine glories of our beloved Lord and their leelas (Divine past times). As Hindu’s we are graced with multiple festival dates to remember Him and to celebrate their Divine glories.   The following major festivals are celebrated in all the ashrams of Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj. 1 st January, 2014 – Bakthi Diwas / New Year Celebration 14 th January 2014 - Makar Sankranti / Jagadguru Divas Makar Sankranti signifies the beginning of the harvest season. It’s celebrated not only all over India but other South East Asian Countries as well. Jagadguru Divas commemorates Jagadguru Shri Kripalu ...

Jagadguru shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj explains Hare Ram kirtan Hare Ram Hare Ram Ram Ram Hare Hare  Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare  You see, this 'Hare Ram' sankirtan is described in the Vedas. Other sankirtans have been composed and revealed by Saints and some have been written by ordinary worldly people. These days, people make kirtans based on tunes from film songs and in all-night chanting events they create a huge storm of devotional entertainment. That's not what kirtan is all about. This 'Hare Ram Hare Ram' is a mantra of an Upnishad. There is an Upnishad called 'Kalisantarnopnishad'. This (Hare Ram) Ved mantra has been revealed for the souls of kaliyug. All the Ved mantras in the Upnishads have particular and very distinct vocalics and rules. However, in this (Hare Ram mantra), there is no formality or protocol. The Vedas have given this freedom. You could be in the most unpleasant environment and in the most unfavorable si...

The Daily Prayer or Dainik Prathana is done daily by devotees at all our Ashrams, satsang centres  and homes. Composed and written by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj for the benefit of all aspiring devotees to use in their daily sadhana bakthi . ÅI gurve nm:         ÅI gurve nm:         ÅI gurve nm: s=ri[ gurave namah> s=ri[ gurave namah> s=ri[ gurave namah> I bow at my Gurudev’s lotus feet again and again. AacayR³ ma³ ivjanIyaNnavmNyet kihRict\ | n mTyRbu¥\ya ¤ sUyet svRdevmyo guá: || a[ca[ryam ma[m vija[ni[ya[n na[vamanyeta karhicit na martya buddhya[ su[yeta sarvadeva mayo guruh> “Know the Guru to be Myself (God).  Never think unfavorably about Him.  Do not use your material mind to comprehend the Guru’s divine actions, for all forms of God dwell within Him.” he prm ip/ytm pUÂRtm puáqoÐm ÅIkÀQÂ ! tum se ivmuû hon...

Understanding God means removing our ego   Chaitanya Dev Gaurang Mahaprabhu says that a person becomes a Saint when the Divine love of Krishna appears in his heart. Until then, even the celestial gods of intelligence like Saraswati and Brihaspati cannot understand a Saint’s words, actions, and behaviour. Even great yogis and munis cannot understand a Saint. Only God and other Saints can understand a Saint. Why? Sometime Saints act just as we act in the world. Sometimes they may appear very formal and sometimes they may act in an anti-social way. Sometimes they may seem as if they have one screw loose, sometimes two, three, and sometimes all four screws loose. Sometime a Saint cries, sings, laughs, jumps, or does anything else. Occasionally his condition may appear to be like of a crazy person. Sometime he may seem normal. He lives in an ever-changing state. Depending upon his Divine bhav (state of Divine love absorption), he acts accordingly. From inside he loves you,...

Guru Poornima coincides with the full moon day of the Hindu Lunar calendar month of Ashadh, which usually falls during the month of July every year. On this particular day, Guru Kripa (Grace) is far more active than on any other day of the year. The primary mission of the Guru is to spread spirituality. So on this day, when one undertakes an activity towards the spread of spirituality, one is graced by the Guru a thousand times more. Participation in the Guru Poornima celebration also helps to generate spiritual emotion in the seeker. This auspicious day presents seekers with the unparalleled opportunity to pay their gratitude to the Guru. In truth, the seeker grows spiritually by participating wholeheartedly in festivities through the sacrifice of his body, mind and wealth for the Guru’s mission of spreading spirituality. This is the full moon night when devotees all over the world pay special honour to the Guru. "Gum Rauteeti Guruh”. This Vedic mantra states that the one, who is...