Pavitraropana Ekadasi

Today is Pavitraropana Ekadasi, the day where we offer a sacred cord or garland to the Lord.  This is an old vrata, mentioned in many Pancaratras and dharma-sastras. It is also described at length in the Hari-bhakti-vilasa (15.168-240, translated in “Dearest to Vishnu”, pp 118-134). The purpose of the vrata is to make up for [...]

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Caring for Tulasi Devi

This year I have been fortunate to grow healthy and strong Tulasi plants.  This is the first year we are in Dallas, so I wasn’t quite sure how the plants would hold up in the 100 degree heat.  But so far, they are doing great.  There is a huge difference growing Tulasi here in Dallas [...]

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Jahnava Mataji class

A senior disciple of Radhanath Swami, Jahnava mata, has been visiting Dallas for the last few weeks from Bombay. I hadn’t been able to attend any of the classes, but somehow Krishna arranged that I could go to the ladies class last Saturday. The class revolved around improving [...]

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Sayana Ekadasi

Today is Sayana Ekadasi
The saintly king Yudhishthira Maharaj said, “Oh Keshava, what is the name of that Ekadasi that occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Ashadha (June-July)? Who is the worshipable Deity for the auspicious day, and what is the process for observing this event?”
Lord Sri Krishna replied, “Oh caretaker of this [...]

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The need for spiritual role models

I just finished reading “Women of Wisdom” by Tsultrim Allione. A compilation of the life stories of six Tibetan female mystics. All of the stories were amazing, but actually what touched me most was the introduction written by the author talking about her life. This particular edition is one I picked up [...]

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