personal sastra study suggestions

Here are some ideas for personal sastra study. You may come up with your own. I like my study to be somewhat regular and systematic but also according to my personal interests. Whatever the method, the idea is to do something with the material besides simply reading. In other words, I like to read with pen and paper in hand with the purpose of becoming thoroughly familiar with Prabhupada's books. Here's some of the ways I've tried to do that:

CAPTURING HIGHLIGHTS
This involves recording the most interesting highlights that are personally meaningful to me. These notes may also include realizations jotted down in between regular reading time or after sastra classes. It's one of those "Aha!" moments when recall from what was read becomes comprehensible practically.

Prabhupada instructed: “Realization means you should write, every one of you, what is your realization...You write your realization, what you have realized about Krishna. That is required. It is not passive. Always you should be active. Whenever you find time, you write. Never mind, two lines, four lines, but you write your realization. Sravanam kirtanam, writing or offering prayers, glories. This is one of the function of the Vaisnava. You are hearing, but you have to write also. Then write means smaranam, remembering what you have heard from your spiritual master, from the scripture...Hear, write, remember, try to understand. Don't be dull, dull-headed. Very intelligent. Without being very intelligent, nobody can have full Krishna consciousness. It is for the most intelligent man. So that intelligence will come if you try to understand Krishna. We have got so many books. Always try to understand Krishna. Then you are liberated." - Brahma samhita lecture, 8/14/72

NOTE LABELING
Next, my notes and realizations may be labeled for congruences and further study. This involves at least two notebooks - one for recording (as described above), another for sorting what was recorded.

First, while each note is recorded in the recording notebook, I also add a suitable label (see suggestions below) in the left side margin next to it. The labels are different categories or subcategories of interests such as Devotional Service, Duty, Knowledge, Health, Worldviews. These came up when I looked for patterns regarding what was important to me in my own life.

After all my notes are labeled, these may be sorted and gathered together into the other notebook or sorting notebook. I divide this notebook by labeling each page at the top with categories of interest.

Next, I draw lines to divide each page of the sorting notebook into quarters. Each of these parts may be labeled with a sub category at the top.

Now, on a page with the correct category and subcategory label written, I write a precis for each note made in the original notebook that share a common label. At this point, we are gathering them together into the sorting notebook for further study, to see connections and so on.

Finally, after writing down a precis, I find it helpful to briefly record the notebook and page number containing the original note it came from. This is done by assigning a number on the cover of each recording notebook that I filled up with notes or realizations, along with also numbering each individual page within.

Thus, after writing down a precis under one of the categories and sub categories, the notebook and its page number may also be recorded next to it.

Now, here's an example of all the above. While studying Nectar of Devotion, suppose this caught my attention:

"If someone goes to Vrndavana, he will immediately feel separation from Krishna, who performed such nice activities when He was present there." -NOD 18

I entered this into my recording notebook on a page that said NOD NOTES on the top. In the left margin next to the note I labeled it "Holy Places" . To the right of the quote, I added its original source (NOD 18) or I could have simply written (18) if I preferred, since the top of the page already says which book, "NOD Notes".

Then one day, I may notice that i have written quite a few notes labeled "Holy Places" that are scattered throughout the notebook, so I may decide to gather them together for further study. So next, in my sorting notebook, I create a page labeled "Worship" at the top, and above one of its four divisions I label (or had labeled previously) "Holy Places" as a sub category. This particular precis may be written here and worded succinctly: "invokes feelings of separation." (1.23)" 1.23 means my first (recording) notebook, the twenty-third page.

Furthermore, i may wish to put a sub category label to its left or directly beneath it in parentheses. I decided to make the sub category read "Purpose" signifying a category of collected notes that explain the purpose or reason for holy places.

This could easily turn into a paragraph later on about the purposes of holy places, if you are a writer.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: The easier method for doing this is called "The Bullet Journal". Learn how on the web. Basically you number every note page and then make index pages to easily relocate notes of a certain category

SUGGESTED LABELS TO USE
To me, life may be divided into four main categories: Worship, Work, Study and Recreation as evidenced by an interesting quote I found about Alfred the Great: “His time was divided into three parts. One was given to business (work), one to refreshment by sleep and food (recreation), and the third to study and devotion (study and worship).” These are the main divisions I use with the exception of dividing study from my worship.

While labeling notes, therefore, you may wish to use these four main categories(or similar ones) and related sub categories. For example, "Worship" includes the nine processes of devotional service and various subcategories such as japa, krsna katha, ways to remember Krsna, do's and don'ts... "Work" includes varnasrama dharma and its sub categories such as duty, prescribed duties for the different castes and orders of life, duties for women... The main category of "Study" includes all typical school subjects and their sub categories. For example, science, along with its sub categories such as the human form of life, animals, plants, mother earth, the universe, nature study..."Recreation" broadly includes health for the body and mind and soul along with their subcategories of simple diet, cleanliness, the 26 qualities of a devotee... All these categories have their sub categories as well. For example, compassion is one of the qualities of a Vaisnava and a note in particular on this subject may be labeled such, but later sorted under the broad headings of Recreation/Spiritual Health and 26 Qualities.

TOPICAL STUDIES
Topical studies is when I wish to study a topic further by way of research rather than simply catching highlights. This may be easily be done on Prabhupada's folio CD, or it may branch off to other sources of information.

SORTING VERSES BY A TOPIC
For example, in a study of the Bhagavad gita, I once sorted all the verses directly spoken by Arjuna. In further analysis these verses involved:
His reaction from seeing the opposing army
His reasons not to fight the battle
His surrender to Lord Krishna for instruction
His questions put to Lord Krishna
His prayer to Lord Krishna.
etc

LOOKING FOR CONTINUITY
I also study, for example the Gita, to see how all the verses fit together in continuity. An excellent reference that has already been done in this regard is the Gita study guide by Bhurijana prabhu titled, "As They Surrender Unto Me", but I like to write my own as well. It forces me to pay closer attention and take the Gita deeper into my heart. I read Bhurijana prabhus excellent work for further insight and to see the things I missed in my own attempts.

Another help is to make lists of all the stories in Caitanya Caritamrta, Srimad Bhagavatam, etc. That way one can get a quicker grasp of the order of events, topics, etc.
CREATING A MAIN POINTS OUTLINE
To help with the above, I make an outline of main points by paraphrasing groups of related verses, looking for the flow or connections and relationships of the verses. For example:

Observing the Armies on the Battlefield of Kuruksetre:
1 Dhrtarastra asks Sanjaya about the situation on the battlefield.
2-6 Sanjaya informs him that Duryodhana approached his teacher Dronacarya after looking over the two armies.
7-11 Duryodhana describes his army to Dronacarya.
12-13 Duryodhana’s army, headed by Bhisma, sounds their conchshells.
14- 19 The Pandava army sounds their transcendental conchshells, shattering the hearts of the sons of Dhrtarastra
20-23 Arjuna asks Krsna to draw his chariot between the two armies to have a better look at the situation
24-26 The Lord complies and Arjuna views the opposing armies containing various relatives and friends.
27-45 Arjuna feels overwhelmed and loses his determination to fight, gives his reasons, and he questions Krishna about the sensibility of killing them. He describes the destruction of family tradition and the consequences.
46 Arjuna lays down his weapons in lamentation.

Do this for the entire text.

So, those are the things I've found that help me in my personal sastra study. I hope you will find something useful here and are ready for study!

Homemade Noodles in Tomato Sauce

INGREDIENTS:
Homemade noodles (made from 3 cups of atta or fine wheat flour. I've also used whole wheat.)
25 plum tomatoes (preferably blanched and peeled), finely chopped
1 1/2 t oregano
4 t basil
1/4- 1/2 t hing
1/2 t black pepper
1/4 c atta (opt)
2 T butter (opt)
2 T ghee
salt, as desired
paneer from 2 liters of milk
 ghee for deep frying

DIRECTIONS
1. Briefly chaunce the hing and black pepper in the ghee and add the chopped tomatoes. Stir in basil and oregano and sugar.
2. Bring to a boil, lower the heat and simmer until tomatoes are cooked and thickened. Remove from heat.
3. Cook the noodles in boiling water for 3 minutes until al dente. (Do not overload the pot. If necessary,cook in smaller batches to give room to cook).   Drain. Rinse and drain once more. Then add to the tomato sauce.
4. Either slice the paneer into small pieces and stir fry as pictured below, or Knead the paneer until smooth. Roll into small balls. Deep fry in ghee.

4. Add the cheese balls (or cubes) to the sauce and noodles.

VARIATIONS: a favorite is stir fried eggplant partially cooked and then added to the sauce to cook further. Also sauteed chopped cauliflower and or bell pepper goes well with this dish.

For Ekadasi, replace noodles with pan roasted spaghetti squash. Omit the hing.

HERE'S THE LINK TO ANOTHER PASTA DISH: With Stir Fried Veggies

That's Life

TOP PRIORITY
A young devotee wife at a supermarket looks for her husband’s favorite ginger ale. Unable to find the specific brand he likes, she asks a nearby store clerk for assistance. He suggests to her that the generic brand which is readily available on the shelf in front of her is just as good.

But the young lady insists it must be the specific brand name, because it is for someone else. The clerk in his turn swears to her that the other brand will do just as well.

At this point, she reveals to the clerk that the other person she is buying the drink for is her husband. But again he counters that that is all the more reason to try the other brand.

Not put off by the clerk's comments, the young woman asserts, “Maybe other women don’t care so much, but for me, my husband is top priority.”

After blinking thoughtfully a few moments, the clerk says to her, “Do you have a sister?”

ALL COVERED
A devotee mother sincerely compliments her married daughter for finally showing up at the temple not only wearing modest clothing, but also for covering her head.

Her daughter replies, “Oh, I’m just having a bad hair day.”

THE PEARL OF YOUTH
A pretty young woman driving with her elderly mother runs out of gas. Her mother walks into a nearby gas station for help. The clerk tells the mother, "We'll get with you in just a minute, Mam" and everyone appears busy.

Soon afterward, the daughter steps into the gas station, wondering what's going on while she makes the same request. Immediately, four men come hurrying out of the place to assist the lovely young woman, and they quickly push her car to the nearest gas pump.

Humor aside, Canakya Pandita wrote: “Oh, old woman, why do you look down?”

“Because I am searching for the pearl of my youth.”

A MORNING PRAYER
 

ASK A STUPID QUESTION...
Husband (to wife who made a mistake): How could you be so stupid?
Wife: I guess God made me stupid so you could have a life partner.

EQUIPOISED
Wife (helping her husband in his duties): Honey, I need a break. I'm not feeling so well.
Husband: My dear wife, please remember that one should be equipoised in happiness and distress, heat and cold, honor and dishonor...
WIFE: That is true, my dear, but simply by relating to you as your wife, I believe I already get plenty of practice!

POLY AMOROUS
Women 1: I could never share my husband. Could you stand having a co-wife?
Woman 2: I already do. Happily my husband has spent many a night with her... We call her "TV".

PUJARI ROOM HUMOR

Q: What do you call a prostitute who is sincerely devoted to God?

A: Sacred trash

Questions and Answers

The following parampara answers were given by Bhakti vikasa Swami, a disciple of Srila Prabhupada and initiating guru for Iskcon.:

QUESTION: How can I be submissive to my husband if he' s unqualified to lead me?

BVKS: Well, why does sastra say that women should be submissive? Anyone can say my husband's unqualified and on that basis not be submissive. It's an easy way to kind of get around. If there's any serious problem then you should . . . like I'm saying, young grhasthas need guidance from older grhasthas. But that basic principle should be there. Now, if your husband's having spiritual difficulties or whatever . . . In many cases the wife is stronger; then she should, instead of thinking, "Oh, my husband's unqualified, let me kick him out or kick him in the face," or whatever, then she should by sweetness try to bring him around to the proper standard--not by fighting with him. If he has a problem, you have to try to help him; but then you should see how you can help him. If you dictate to him, he won't accept it. You have to, like Prabhupada was saying: The man has that psychology, he wants to feel superior. So by service, submission, then he feels very pleased, and then he can take your advice if given in a sweet way. Or even if you don't say, he may feel so ashamed that he'll behave properly. Or otherwise you just may have to tolerate.

Prabhupada's father was a pure devotee, and his daughter, Prabhupada's sister, who was initiated by Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura--Prabhupada's father married her to a meat-eater. So she wasn't able to change him. But she served him, and went on with her Krsna consciousness on the side. But if you just say, "Well, my husband's unqualified, this, that," then you just get divorce, which is worse than having no husband. If you have a husband, then he's supposed to bring some income and provide for the family and all these things. And if you don't have that, then you're just out on the street.

I know that by saying this it may not be very popular, but whatever I am saying, this is what I heard from Prabhupada--what Prabhupada is saying and what I've practically observed. The training is different in the modern age. There's the idea of social equality on all levels. But Prabhupada was very strong on this point: that although men and women are both spiritual souls and have equal opportunity for spiritual advancement, socially they have different roles. Prabhupada said that if you want to be equal, then why don't you arrange it that one time the wife has the baby and next time the husband has the baby. But it's not possible. By nature's arrangement, the woman has to be dependent on the husband, because she has to hold the baby, she has to feed the baby. So she requires a husband; she has to be dependent on him.

And in the modern age they have this idea: They stick the kids in some kindergarten, and the wife goes off to work. And then they provide for them in that way. But then the children don't get looked after properly. The children need attention from their mothers, especially young children. They need to have food cooked by their mothers, not just some taken out of the freezer and put in the microwave. They need constant attention. And women also, by their nature, they are inclined to bring up children. You see young girls, they play with dolls, isn't it? Because that propensity is there from the beginning. So what is prescribed in the Vedic culture, it's not something artificial. They say it's simply made for artificial dominance of brahmana cast over lower cast, and artificial dominance of men over women. But it's the system given by Krsna for the benefit of everybody. That's why we see that women in Vedic culture, they can be learned, they can do so many things, but their principal role is as wife and mother. I always recommend to devotees that before they get married, they spend a little time in India--not just hang out in a snack bar in Vrindavan, but live with the people, see how they live. It's a good education.

QUESTION: How to learn to see the husband as an authority when all these years we were equal?

BVKS: So, once Prabhupada was describing some things about the traditional roles of women and all these things. (A woman disciple) said: "Prabhupada, I wasn't brought up like that; I was brought up in a different culture."

So Prabhupada didn't force her, but he said: "Still, if there's something good in this culture, then why not try to adopt it?"

So Prabhupada never tried to force this on people, because he knew it's never going to happen by force. But at the same time, he described these principles and he wanted his devotees to move towards this for their own benefit. We have a lot of problems in our society with divorce and remarriage and all these things. So there are scientific principles by which man and wife can live together, of which the underlying principle is that the wife should take a submissive role in relation to the husband.


HH Bhaktivikasa Swami ki jaya!

A Bhoga Shopping Checklist

Having essential ingredients on hand makes cooking easier. The following is a sample of a ready-to-use checklist to adapt or personalize and then print. Afterwards, you can glance over it to see what is needed or about to run out of just before your next shopping trip.

BHOGA
NUTS AND SEEDS: walnuts, almonds, cashews, pistachios, peanuts, pecans, sunflower, sesame, poppy...

DAHL: chick peas, chickpea flour (besan), pinto beans, cannellini beans, black beans, channa, toor, green split peas, whole mung, split urad dahl...

DRIED FRUITS- raisins, dates, figs, apricot, mango...

GRAINS- long grain rice (basmati), short grain rice (moori or sushi), whole wheat berries (kamut), rye berries, popcorn, farina (sooji), oat groats...

DAIRY- milk, yogurt, cream, cream cheese, sour cream, cheese...

VEGGIES: lettuce, alfalfa sprouts, spinach, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, mustard greens, collard greens, cucumbers, avocado, celery, beet root, carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, taro root, turnips, white radishes, cauliflower, okra, fresh corn, zucchini, bittermelon, plantain, jackfruit, pumpkin, spaghetti squash, yellow squash, green beans, fresh peas, Chinese pea pods...

FRUITS- banana, grapes, pears, apples, oranges, tangerines, pomegranate, grapefruit, kiwi fruit, strawberries, cherries, blueberries, raspberries, cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon, plums, peaches, mango, papaya, guava, lichee, lilikoi, pineapple, ..

SWEETENERS: honey, turbinado, molasses, gur

SEASONINGS:
ginger root
cumin
black peppercorns, mustard seeds, asafoetida,
turmeric, fenugreek, curry leaves
coriander seeds, fresh coriander leaves
cardamom pods, anise, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, cloves, fennel
lemon, tamarind pods
Italian seasoning, dill weed, paprika
saffron, vanilla beans, fresh coconut
salt

BAKING SUPPLIES- baking powder, arrowroot...

ETC- tapioca, herbal teas, citric acid, rock salt (for ice cream), olive oil, olives...

OTHER NECESSITIES
DEVOTIONAL: tilak, incense...

CLEANING SUPPLIES- laundry soap, dish soap, baking soda, vinegar, stainless scouring pads ...

TOILETRIES AND MEDICINE: bath soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss, razors, band aids, antibiotic ointment, Sudarshan Ghanvati, massage oil...

SCHOOL AND OFFICE: lined paper, typing paper, pens...

HOUSEHOLD: light bulbs, candles, matches...

SEWING SUPPLIES: needles, thread, yarn...

PHONE NUMBERS OF FAVORITE STORES:
(list here)

More Cooking Basics

For purer, less factory produced foods to offer to Krishna, making your own ingredients for a recipe from scratch may seem daunting at first, but gets easier with practice. Here's a few samples of what I've been learning, plus chauncing spices:

HOMEMADE NOODLES
First, chapati dough is rolled out as usual, but as thin as possible.
Then each is sliced into noodle strips (long or square) which are set aside.
(With a little experience, several layers of rolled out dough can be stacked on top of each other before cutting. This makes going a lot quicker. And click here for making longer noodles)

Boiling all the noodles comes next, putting them in a big pot of boiling salted water for 3-4 minutes or al dente.

Then they are drained, rinsed and drained again.

After you discover the joy of homemade noodle making, you may want to invest in a noodle making machine, especially if you want to cut large quantities for feasts and you like them to be extra long or uniformly shaped. It's a real timesaver. Here is one that does an excellent job and is inexpensive but sturdy.
It's called the "Al Dente Pasta Machine", made by "VillaWare". LATER NOTE: Not as sturdy as I thought. I'm back to cutting my own at home. Save any machines for temple feasts.

HOMEMADE PEANUT BUTTER
Preheat you oven at 350 degrees for ten minutes. Bake organic peanuts about 10 min. Then pour the peanuts into a bowl and mix them around. Pour them back onto the baking pan and back into the oven for another 3-5 minutes or until they are lightly browned. Cool a little before grinding. A Champion electric food grinder gives best results.

 
You can add a little sugar and salt as desired before offering.

HOMEMADE JAM
2 parts pureed strawberries or peaches or raspberries
1 part sugar (or to taste)
1 pinch baking soda (for acidic fruit)
arrowroot (opt)
Boil on low until thick or add arrowroot for a quicker result that uses less fruit and is less expensive.
Stir jam into plain yogurt or spread onto breads.

PURPLE GRAPE JAM
Puree deseeded grapes and measure how many cups you have. Put an almost equal amount of sugar and cook until it thickens. Do not overcook or it will harden!

HOW TO CHAUNCE
Chauncing is done rather quickly to prevent burning, so it is essential to assemble all ingredients needed beforehand.

Heat ghee fairly hot. Things like ginger, cumin seeds and mustard seeds and chilis are added first. Ginger and mustard can cook quite a while, unless the ghee had been heated up very hot beforehand. Cooking in the ghee the ginger will brown and the mustard seeds start popping. You can tilt the pan when the seeds start popping so they don't fly all over the place.

Next would come asafetida- cook it until you can smell it- and then all other spices that may burn quickly or need to be cooked not too long such as fenugreek seeds, coriander powder, turmeric powder, ground black pepper, cayenne powder, cinnamon powder, etc. Fenugreek seeds can be cooked longer, but only if you want a more bitter flavor. Thus they can be cooked awhile first before adding the others. On the other hand, turmeric is often added to the subji or dahl in the early stages of cooking rather than chauncing it. There's then a less chance of burning it. Precooked items such as roasted cumin and garam masala are not chaunced either, but added separately.

GROUND ROASTED CUMIN
After heating a small pan, the cumin seeds can be added, turning the pan back and forth to toast them until they pop and a smell comes out and they brown.

Or you can stir the seeds around with a spoon. Immediately transferring the cumin to a cool pan when lightly browned will stop the browning process. It's good to grind them with a grinding stone or a mortar and pestle at this point. Very fresh.

Notes from Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, first the prominent constitution one is born with is taken into consideration. Then the nature of the present ailment is noted. Then a suitable remedy can be decided. Here are some examples of three different constitutions with different types of cough and suggested treatments.

THE VATA TYPE
Keeps busy. Can hardly sit still. Talkative.
Often has dry chapped lips and a wiry framed body
THE VATA COUGH
Dry, spasmodic and without much mucous
SUGGESTED REMEDY TO CALM VATA DOSHA
In this case, rest is most beneficial. This may require some support from others.
Demulcent foods and herbs (flax seeds, slippery elm, or licorice) to balance the dryness and bring relief from the coughing which in turn allows a deeper rest.
Also mildly laxative foods.  The diet should be moist, warming, and easy to digest. Lots of ginger, lemon and honey. Sweet, sour and salty tastes

THE PITTA TYPE
A fiery or pitta nature. May be super efficient in business
THE PITTA COUGH
Cough is accompanied by a fever and greenish-yellow mucous, indicating infection and excess heat in the blood.
SUGGESTED REMEDIES:
Bitter foods such as burdock and kale soup. Bitters are cooling and aid liver function.
Spices that promote digestion but are cooling such as cumin, coriander, and fennel.
Turmeric, which is an antibiotic, anti-inflammatory liver tonic.
Echinacea is also an antibiotic herb and acts as a diaphoretic (increases perspiration).
Cool cloths placed on the forehead.
A foot massage with a cooling oil such as coconut oil.

THE KAPHA TYPE
Usually a warm and embracing personality, but becomes very lethargic when ill.
THE KAPHA COUGH
a deep cough with purulent, white mucous. May settle into the lungs turning into pneumonia
SUGGESTED REMEDIES
Stimulating and drying foods and herbs (ginger, elecampane, sage)
Herbs that increase circulation (ginger, clove, cayenne).
Hot towels with eucalyptus or camphor oil placed over the chest area
Some massage to break up mucous and get it moving out of the body.
Spicy foods!
Yoga asanas that stretch the ribs to open the chest.

Thus Ayurveda can be tailored according to individual constitution. At the same time there are principles that can apply to every type such as balancing the qualities that are predominant in the season. For example:

THE WINTER SEASON
Brings shorter days, less light.
A good time to retreat and rest more.
Many animals go into hibernation.
Many plants and trees go dormant.
SUGGESTIONS TO STAY BALANCED
Build up immunity with tonic foods and herbs.
Lots of warm, filling soups.
Winter vegetables (beets, carrots, yams, winter squash.... )
Whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds,
Seasonal fruits
High quality oils to massage with
Warming herbs and spices (Ginger, cinnamon, cloves, cayenne... rosemary, basil, mustard seeds...)
Brew a pot of ginger tea by grating fresh ginger into spring or filtered water and simmer, add juice of a lemon, some honey and drink throughout the day
Some warm water and turmeric to is soothing to gargle with at the first sign of a sore throat too.
Syrups or extracts of hawthorn berry and elderberry
Vitamin C from the citrus that comes into season! .
Keep sinus passages open with the use of a neti pot.
Oil the nasal passages with a little sesame oil on your finger, or by using herbal nasya drops
Make sure you get enough exercise to promote sound sleep.
Treat yourself to a massage followed by long hot baths with herbs or essential oils, light candles and incense

This is just a small intro to Ayurveda. So much more information may be found online. Just by following a few simple suggestions, one can immediately feel the good effects of this ancient wisdom given by Lord Krishna!

More on Home Nursing and Health

DURING AN ILLNESS

1. The attitude should be that sickness is purification.
2. A regular medical opinion should be gotten when in doubt, but then use natural remedies afterwards whenever possible.
3. Homey comforts such as a peaceful resting place, good ventilation, clean sheets and bedding, a simple diet and plenty of fluids usually help to make short work of the course of illness.
4. Visiting and keeping the patient in good spirits also speeds recovery.


5. Natural healing takes time, waiting for the body to get back to normal without unnecessary drugs or other forms of covering up the symptoms. The tendency in the modern age is a quick fix. The stress and strain of the present day workplace gives little time for a healthy recovery.
6. After an illness be sure to wash all bedding, air out the room and it's been suggested to change toothbrushes to prevent reinfection.

GOOD REFERENCE BOOKS
Two good references are, “The Doctor’s Book of Home Remedies” and “The Doctor’s Book of Home Remedies for Children”.
Another favorite has been: 'How to Raise a Healthy Child in Spite of Your Doctor" by Dr. Robert S. Mendelsohn

ALLOPATHIC VS NATUROPATHIC
NOTE The best remedies assist natural healing allowing the body/nature do its work without interference. Modern medicines that simply mask symptoms may be relocating the disease elsewhere in the body to create havoc later on.
WARNING - For more serious ailments, home and herbal remedies can do more harm than good if wrongly prescribed. The best thing is to have the care and supervision of a doctor. An allopathic can also help to recognize the problem or provide emergency treatment, while naturopahic doctors treat problems holistically .

HERBS, SPICES AND MEDICINAL FOODS
Neem and goldenseal act as natural antibiotics. For infection (usually indicating a pitta imbalance), take one to two doses of bitter herb morning and evening as a natural antibiotic (manmade antibiotics are also said to be very bitter if actually tasted). Improvement should be seen in two-three days.
In India, there are ready-made neem tablets called "Sudarshan Ghanvati". In the U.S., goldenseal is also good.
Peppermint is great for nausea.
Licorice is good for cough.
Turmeric detoxifies the liver.
Chamomile tea is relaxing and aids rest during illness,
Do not cook herbs in metal because it alters flavor and flavor or taste is an important reason why something ingested acts in the body as it does. Boil in non leaded ceramic and serve in a mug.
Honey helps calm cough, soothe sore throats and bring warmth to colds
Do not use honey with a fever.
Tamarind in general has chemical in it that breaks down fat.
Cinnamon has been studied to help prevent diabetes. Use generously in sweet foods.
The Internet is a good source for learning more about various herbs and spices, but keep in mind that different constitutions need varying remedies.

And remember: “Krishna is the healing herb.” (Bg 9.16)

AYURVEDA
When there's illness, it's helpful to know what dosha is disturbed and how to bring back balance.
Sweet, bitter and astringent tastes decrease pitta
Hot, bitter, astringent tastes decrease kapha
Sour, sweet, salty tastes decrease vata
In other words, look for herbs and foods and treatments that restore balance. There's more help available online such as this webpage.

TRAVEL IN INDIA- Here's a few tips from seasoned travelers:
1. Do not drink the local water. I did a few times with no problem and would brush my teeth with it, but using bottled or purified water is less risky.  Do not drink the water in any restaurant unless you are sure its safe. True story.  Also I have heard, but never had the opportunity to test it out personally, that water collected from Ganga and allowed to sit at least 17 days is fit for daily consumption.
2. Do not eat anything that cannot be peeled or cooked. For example, raw salad. True story again. If you want raw tomatoes though, you can blanch them first and then take the peel off. Or steam certain vegetables first, then cool them and make raita.
3. Strain fresh milk through a cloth first to remove impurities. Bring to a boil three times to pasteurize.
4. Best not to eat prepared foodstuffs from vendors on the street unless freshly cooked and piping hot.
6. Best is to mostly do your own cooking.

I myself, did not get sick for the first seven months of living there, by following these rules. It was only when I broke a rule by eating a raw salad offered by a host did illness set in.

END MYOPIA

Suffering from lens induced myopia? Check out endmyopia.org

Japa Tips

Here are reminders to help with chanting japa. The number one rule would be to -rain or shine, somehow or other, whether giving birth or seriously ill or more busy than humanly possible- always finish your rounds. Make it your "harinama habit", and then, some time down the road, you will be able to look back and will see, by Krishna's grace, the holy name as an old friend and most dear. Sri Nama has been and will remain your life companion through thick and thin and, as time continues to relentlessly march onward, your only shelter.

EARLY MORNING CHANTING
Before sunrise is the best time to chant. There's nothing obliging to do or think about and we feel more conscious, refreshed, awake and therefore, better able to chant. And by getting up same time every day no matter what, for the sake of japa, one will eventually become a "morning person" and have great energy during this time.

JAPA WARMUP
A great way to prepare for each day's session of japa is mangala artik. By offering our respects and feelingly praying to the spiritual masters and Krishna, we may enter deeply into an internal remembrance.

 A SANCTIFIED SPOT
It helps to chant in the association of devotees, especially next toTulsi Maharani and or Srila Prabhupada. Also before one's altar at home or a picture of Panca tattva or the spiritual master has been recommended. But sometimes one's home is just too full of distractions, so chanting at the temple if possible is really helpful. Sanctified means the lower modes of nature are absent.

HELPS FOR KEEPING ALERT
These include:

• Sufficient lighting.
• Sitting properly- A straight back helps focus the mind. (SB 3.28.8)
• Breathing through the abdomen- Breath normally but deeply, through the nostrils as usual, and slowly exhale while chanting until all breath is expelled. With practice this becomes very natural and automatic. There should be no strain. 
• Sitting very still - The birds and animals of Vrndavana would hold very still intently listening to the sound of Krishna's flute.
• Clear enunciation- That means moving your mouth and chanting distinctly each syllable.“Sometimes one mechanically produces a hissing sound instead of chanting with the proper pronunciation with the help of the lips and tongue. Chanting is very simple, but one must practice it seriously”--Adi 17.32
• Fingering your japa beads- Employing the sense of touch increases alertness and paying attention to when a round is done. 
• Consciously relaxing- This also brings the mind back from wandering.
• Listening to Srila Prabhupada chant- There is a recording available to hear the highest standard of chanting.
• Praying to Sri Nama prabhu. Everything in the spiritual world is a person, and Krishna's holy name is non different than Him.

THREE STAGES IN CHANTING: Name Aparadha, Nama Abhasa and Suddha Nam
NAMA APARADHA, the offensive stage. We all start here. There are ten offenses to avoid in the matter of chanting Hare Krishna (see list in Adi 8.16). It is very important to understand them clearly (it may take years), what to avoid and what to work on or what the positive action is for each prohibition.

A whole other post was made for this one: Avoiding the First Offense

Bhaktivinoda Thakura called the tenth offense, inattention, the "gateway" to all other offenses. It includes indifference and distraction. Here are some of the most common pitfalls in this regard to guard against:

JABBER JAPA
To avoid the problem of talking during japa, the best thing to do is chant in a place where the only business is japa, such as at the temple during the morning program amongst fellow chanters. Similar to peer pressure. Otherwise, it is tempting to speak while at home in a more casual mood. If there is not such opportunity, make a decision to get through at least one round entirely without stoppage. If you can do that, you usually find the strength to continue, one full uninterrupted round at a time. Another thing some devotees do, if the problem is really bad, is to do a round over if they must stop before completing it.

MULTI TASK JAPA
Often when chanting japa at home, there arises the urge to accomplish tasks while simultaneously chanting. Inside one's home there are a multitude of duties beckoning. Other times distractions are more subtle. I may even be thinking, "I have something important to do that involves my service." But it's better to just surrender for the designated japa time to Krsna and let Him remind you later what is really important. Or thinking, "Instead of sitting here chanting, I must give Krsna consciousness to others." But this is also maya's trick. How can you give to others what you don't have yourself? Even if one thinks about saving the whole world it doesn't matter because Krsna already has countless devotees trying to do that. Even ordinary living beings are working on that. All He wants is our complete devoted attention and surrender to His will to await His dictation within, not maya's.

We may think it so expedient to chant while doing other things or thinking about other things, but actually we’ll get more done in the long run, and with better quality we'll feel good about it, too. Simply chanting while chanting, therefore, is best. Utsaha means chanting wholeheartedly with great enthusiasm.

COURTESY JAPA: This is when we do japa just to get it over with- we took a vow, so we think we must do it at least as a courtesy- and move on to "better" or "more important" things. Ugh! There's nothing more important than chanting Hare Krishna, people! And

"There is no stronger obstruction to one’s self-interest than thinking other subject matters to be more pleasing than one’s self-realization." -SB 4.22.32

SO HOW TO CURB INATTENTION?

Chanting is our yajna. That means sacrificing everything for attentive japa time, putting everything else aside. It is the yajna for this age. Therefore, before beginning japa each day, it helps to say to oneself, "Just for now, while chanting my 16 rounds, I am giving myself permission to forget about all other things. It's time to put the iron in the fire, to simply associate with Krishna in the form of His holy name." As one devotee put it, "Simply hear the holy name". Don't worry about this, that... or even all the mechanical methods and suggestions for how to chant... Just. Hear.

"Just as the celestial waters of the Ganges flow unobstructed into the ocean, so when My devotees simply hear of Me, their minds come to Me, who reside in the hearts of all." -Adi 4.205

"So this material existence means because he is insane, he is thinking there are so many problems, 'The tiger is there. He is attacking me. This, that, so many enemies, friends...,' creating so many things. But they are all false. But he is attacked by that false hallucination. That’s all. This is mäyä. Everyone is thinking, 'Oh, there are so many problems I have to solve. I have to make this, that, this, so many.' But he has no problem. He has no problem. His only problem is how to accept Krishna. That’s all. And Krishna is so kind. He says, ‘Yes, you accept Me. Simply chant Krishna. I am yours. That’s all.'"--SP room conversation

CHANTING PURIFIES CHANTING
The best way to deal with inattention is to keep chanting: “If you simply hear and chant, then you will be purified. One who is chanting and one who is hearing, both of them will be purified. And gradually, as soon as one is purified, he becomes pious. If you argue that 'Somebody is hearing for so many years,' so then there is question of offense. Offense, ten kinds of offense, you know... So even one is in offense, still, if he continues hearing and chanting, he will be purified. It is so nice thing.” --SB 6.1.15 lecture

"In his commentary on Srimad Bhagavatam, Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura quotes a verse from Padma Purana stating that even if in the beginning one chants the Hare Krsna mantra with offense, one can become free from such offenses by repeated chanting. By the immense purificatory power of the holy name, constant chanting frees one from offenses to the holy name and gradually elevates one to the transcendental platform of pure chanting, by which one can attain pure love of God.” -- Sri Namamrta

NAMA ABHASA the clearing stage or alertness and for avoiding offenses to the holy name.
"The namabhasa stage (the unclarified name or chanting with offenses) is not to be underestimated, for it avails many positive benefits to the jiva and increases his piety. Verily, namabhasa is one of the jiva's greatest virtues. It offers him more good fortune than religiosity, vows, yoga, sacrifices and so on, put together. Now by chanting all his sins are absolved; he is thus liberated from the effects of Kali-yuga. Instead Kali becomes a well-wishing servitor of the jiva providing security and equanimity. The miseries inflicted by demons ghosts, hobgoblins, evil spirits and malefic planetary influences are easily averted. Even if a jiva is destined for the hellish planets he attains liberation; all his prarabdha-karma (sinful reactions of previous lives' activities that are taking effect now) is counteracted. Namabhasa is greater than the result of studying all the Vedas, of visiting every pilgrimage place or of performing every possible altruistic and pious work.

"The four goals offered in the Vedas-religiosity, wealth sense enjoyment and liberation-are all available from namabhasa chanting. It is endowed with unimaginable power that can reclaim any living entity. It bestows unlimited joy and elevates even the derelicts to a very exalted stage of realization. Namabhasa offers eternal residence in the spiritual abode of Vaikuntha, especially in Kali-yuga; this is stated in the scriptures.” - Srila Bhaktivinod Thakura, Harinama Cintamani

Srila Bhaktivinoda's statements are very encouraging, but one must be diligent not to become inattentive (10th offense) and commit the 7th offense of continuing to commit offenses while thinking the holy name will counteract them.

SUDDHA NAMA, pure chanting of the name, has the greatest efficacy upon the hearers and causes others to chant or awaken to Krsna conscious.

"Sound is the origin of all objects of material possession and that by sound one can also dissolve this material existence." SB 3.26.32

MORE HELPS:
KEEPING JAPA BEADS PROTECTED AND RESPECTED
Cover your beads with a bead bag. Do not put them on the floor. Do not take them into a bathroom. Keep the bead bag very clean. Do not touch japa beads with dirty hands. If you accidentally make offense, touch your japa beads to your head.

KEEPING TRANSCENDENTAL ASSOCIATION
Chanting is repeating what is heard. So chanting develops from hearing about the thoughts and activities of the Lord's intimate associates. By transcendental association we imbibe their loving mood for serving Krishna and the desire to surrender fully at His lotus feet and glorify His holy name. And Srila Prabhupada's association is available also, by reading and hearing from his purports and so on to enthuse us.

"He is not morose. He is jolly. That is the nature of God. Änandamayo 'bhyäsät. This is the sütra, in the Brahma-sütra, that 'God is änandamaya, always jolly, always cheerful.' So you can become also cheerful when you go back to home, back to Godhead...

"Therefore how we can go there? The first thing is we must hear... Just try to hear what is God, what is His kingdom, how He acts, how He is cheerful. These things are to be heard. Sravanam. Then as soon as you are convinced, 'Oh, God is so nice,' then you will be eager to demonstrate or to broadcast this news to the whole world. This is kirtanam. This is kirtanam."

CHANTING THE PANCA TATTVA MANTRA before every round of chanting Hare Krishna. Some devotees do this only one time, before chanting.

RECITING SIKSASTAKAM Lord Chaitanya left eight valuable prayers illustrating the stages of chanting. Regarding the third sloka, Lord Chaitanya said, "Raising my hands, I declare, 'Everyone please hear me! String this verse on the thread of the holy name and wear it on your neck for continuous remembrance..

“'Hear from Me the symptoms of how one should chant the Hare Krishna mahä-mantra to awaken very easily one’s dormant love for Krishna. One who thinks himself lower than the grass, who is more tolerant than a tree, and who does not expect personal honor but is always prepared to give all respect to others can very easily always chant the holy name of the Lord.’ These are the symptoms of one who chants the Hare Krishna mahä-mantra. Although he is very exalted, he thinks himself lower than the grass on the ground, and like a tree, he tolerates everything in two ways. When a tree is cut down, it does not protest, and even when drying up, it does not ask anyone for water. The tree delivers its fruits, flowers and whatever else it possesses to anyone and everyone. It tolerates scorching heat and torrents of rain, yet it still gives shelter to others. Although a Vaisnava is the most exalted person, he is prideless and gives all respect to everyone, knowing everyone to be the resting place of Krishna. If one chants the holy name of Lord Krishna in this manner, he will certainly awaken his dormant love for Krishna’s lotus feet.” -Anty 20.21-28

"A Vaisnava is always tolerant and submissive like trees and grass. He tolerates insults offered by others, for he is simply interested in chanting the holy name of the Lord without being disturbed." -Antya 3.207

MORE ON HUMILITY
"My Lord, Your Lordship can easily be approached, but only by those who are materially exhausted. One who is on the path of [material] progress, trying to improve himself with respectable parentage, great opulence, high education and bodily beauty, cannot approach You with sincere feeling." -SB 1.8.26

"Actually the Lord’s holy name has such powerful potency. But there is a quality to such utterances also. It depends on the quality of feeling. A helpless man can feelingly utter the holy name of the Lord, whereas a man who utters the same holy name in great material satisfaction cannot be so sincere. A materially puffed up person may utter the holy name of the Lord occasionally, but he is incapable of uttering the name in quality." SB 1.8.26p

"Pingalä was a prostitute who said, 'To hope against hope produces only misery. Utter hopelessness is the greatest happiness.' Remembering this statement, Sri Caitanya Mahäprabhu became ecstatic." --Antya 17.54p

"When one is fully qualified with all these transcendental attributes and his consciousness is thus completely purified, he is immediately attracted simply by hearing My name or hearing of My transcendental quality." -SB 3.29.19

"The Hare Krishna mantra is a prayer for protection and deliverance, a prayer to the Lord for His divine presence and for the opportunity to serve Him. Chanting is compared to the helpless cry of a child for its mother. It is a prayer from the core of the repentant heart. It is chanted, therefore, in humility. "- Srila Prabhupada

DETERMINATION

We can tell when we are spacing out. Our chanting will change, slow down or cease, and posture slumps. Or we start doing other things... But we can show Krsna we care by bringing the mind back no matter how many times it may wander or how pathetic our chanting may be.  We just need to tune into the Krishna channel, but we don’t have to freak out when this is difficult. Krishna sees our struggle and blesses us. With patience, the holy name gradually works everything out and taste develops. We become aware of passing thoughts as a detached viewer instead of becoming caught up in them.

IT'S A TUG OF WAR WITH MAYA
If we keep chanting faithfully, sooner or later we get tired of poor chanting. It becomes a choice- good japa or maya. Of course, we want good japa, so it will be maya that has to go. In this way the heart becomes more and more free and cleansed, finding out what is holding us back and letting it go in order to chant nicely for Krishna's pleasure. In this way the holy name wins out. It is the devotion the Lord is looking for, the dedication. He gives the intelligence. (Bg 10.10)

Once a disciple asked, “How is it possible, Prabhupada, for a man whose mind is clouded to constantly chant Hare Krsna? A man who is always thinking thoughts about family, friends, country and nation?”
Srila Prabhupada replied, “Yes, think of but at the same time chant. Two things will go on and this chanting of Hare Krsna will conquer. As maya is forcing you to drag you from Krsna consciousness, you also force maya by chanting Hare Krsna. There is a fight. And maya will go away."

 So no matter what happens, we just need to keep chanting, steadily choosing japa over maya. Never quit, never quit, never never never quit!

SERVING SRI NAMA PRABHU

By chanting and glorifying Krishna's holy names, we are surrendering ourselves, sacrificing everything for serving the holy name. More ways to serve Sri Nama include assisting the Vaisnavas in varieties of ways for the spreading of the holy name.

If other reasons are absent, we should chant simply because the Lord wants us to and it is guru's order.

ALWAYS CHANTING

Srila Prabhupada has instructed us to always chant. This is easy if we understand the many forms chanting may take. We may constantly chant whether it's our japa, chanting mentally, singing in kirtana, on harinama, during an exchange of Krishna katha, by serving the Vaisnavas who distribute the holy name, by writing about Krishna...always and everywhere. Prabhuada chants "Krishna...Krishna...Krishna" on every page of his books .

We can especially try to increase our chanting on holy days such as Ekadasi.

Advancing devotees are always chanting. Bhaktivinoda said that except for the name, there is nothing left to be had in all the fourteen worlds. Thus, the holy name is always on their lips or constantly reverberating within their hearts. Even in dreams.

MAKING THE EXPERIMENT!
So what will happen if we chant attentively everyday and give up offenses? We can make the experiment to find out! We can chant, chant, chant every day. Otherwise, how will we ever know? Curiosity should be there to see every day- what will happen next?

WHAT IS STOPPING US? STOP IT!
The order of Srila Prabhupada is to “Chant”. We should never say, “Can’t”. Don't let maya stop us from chanting or make excuses

We must never neglect our chanting. Also chanting in all conditions helps us prepare for the time of death ,so we may chant then, too. Just as we never neglect brushing our teeth, how much more we should never neglect our spiritual health. So, always remember to:

"Hear, chant, and remember; love, serve, and surrender."
-Mahanidhi Swami, The Art of Chanting

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Three Birds

More About Cooking

There's lots to learn when it comes to food preparation and planning; this post will touch lightly on a few more considerations and suggestions:

USING WHAT'S AVAILABLE
Instead of menu planning and then shopping, try shopping and then menu planning. For example, when you get to the grocery store and you see something on sale such as mangoes that are in season and therefore available more cheaply, plan menus for the week that include a couple of mango preparations. Until more experienced, it may be helpful to keep a list titled "What to do with...". And for those who don't like grocery shopping, you may prefer to creatively and happily use whatever husband brings home every week! Just open the fridge each evening and jot down tomorrow's menu plan. In other words, plan day to day instead of for the week. With a kitchen well stocked with the basics like flour, sugar, ghee, various dahls and nuts, this should be easy.

MENU SUGGESTIONS
For those days one feels uninspired, it helps to keep a list of preparations to choose from under various categories such as "Rice Dishes", "Breads", "Soups", "Subjis", "Italian Dishes", "Take-out Sandwiches", "Ekadasi", "Fillers", etc. as well as favorite preps for "Breakfast", "Lunch" and "Dinner". These choices can be varied according to the produce available. For example, when the mangoes are on sale rather than apples, the suggestion for "apple crisp" under the heading "Desserts" may still be utilized by using mangoes instead.

SHOPPING TIPS
Use a master bhoga checklist and before going shopping, write down any staples that need to be restocked such as rice, flour, spices, salt, baking powder...

It is handy to have the list written in an orderly fashion, according to where you would find each kind of item in a store, such as dairy products, spices, produce, bulk items and baking supplies.

FOOD SELECTION
With practice and any advice that comes along, choosing first rate produce gets easier. For example, cantaloupes have a sweet aroma around the navel when they are ripened. It should be rather firm with no overly soft spots. Choose coconuts that have a light color, no cracks or mold whatsoever and feel heavy with juice. Avocados are doomed to be squeezed by every passerby in the market, so get them unripe to ripen at home.

FOOD TRANSPORT
Bhoga becomes purified when it is purchased, but it should be transported home thereafter in bags or covered somehow to avoid onlookers thinking about relishing it before it can be offered to Krishna. In other words, Krishna must be the first to enjoy it.

FOOD STORAGE
Proper food storage keeps foods fresh longer. For example:

• Keep spices, dry goods and milk out of light because it destroys vitamins. 
• Keep dry goods sealed in airtight containers to avoid bugs.
• Untie greens like fresh coriander and spinach and then wrap in an absorbent cloth to keep in the refrigerator. Green beans last longer this way, too (unless garden fresh and never refrigerated before) 
• Keep milk very cool, slightly above the freezing point. A smaller refrigerator just for storing dairy products is recommended. 
• Some foods, such as potatoes and sweet potatoes, do well stored in a burlap bag with a zipper on it, such as found in Indian grocers to store rice. If there is no zipper, it can be hung on a wall to not attract any pests into the kitchen.
• Hard, unripe avocados can be stored in a paper bag or drawer and check them every day for the next two to three days. As soon as the feel soft when lightly touched, refrigerate them until ready to use. 
• Tomatoes and mangoes quickly ripen on a sunny windowsill.
• An extra large, empty camping cooler makes good storage for large bags of grain when not in used for camping. Or container buckets with tight fitting lids.

FOOD COMBINATIONS- an Internet search reveals that everyone and his brother have conflicting opinions on food combining and everyone has different bodily constitutions deciding what they can handle or not. One may never have problems eating whatever, including cold milk, nuts and other foods people seem to be allergic to, but for curiosity's sake, here's a few things found that may be worth testing:

• Milk is best taken alone or with sweet tasting (madhura rasa) foods. And it's an ambrosial best taken before bedtime. Other forms of milk, such as yogurt or paneer can be used in a meal with sour or salty foods or foods containing salt. Not everyone agrees on this, but I remember accidentally including salt in a sweet bread and eating it with milk poured over it. I distinctly noticed a very fine but physical change in the milk because I'd not take any foods with added salt along with milk for a long time, as an experiment. The experience makes me at least cautious. Otherwise, I was a long time eater of milk with my lunchtime prasada or poured over cereals containing salt, but fairly comfortable without the salt today. Some say to avoid Serving Milk With Salty Preparations , while others insist this rule means simply do not mix salt directly into fresh milk,  like how most hard cheeses are made today (and why i no longer buy them but use only paneer for offerings.
• Avoid combining milk and fermented milk products such as yogurt.
• Milk should be boiled first and taken hot with a sweetener and preferably sweet spices added too, to aid digestion. Makes a nice before bedtime snack. Can add things like nuts, dates, honey, coconut, unsalted oatmeal or rice... too. Do not take bananas and milk together. Bananas are actually sour and sour is not a good idea with fresh milk.
• Banana, mango, papaya or dried fruits can be eaten with a meal containing vegetables. Otherwise fruits and vegetables should be taken separately. 
• Eat fruits first and wait 30 minutes before eating other foods. 
• "Citrus in the morning acts like gold, at noon it acts like silver and in the evening it acts like lead."
• "Sweeter fruits are good for the afternoon and or evening."
• "Eat melons alone or leave them alone!"
• Avoid serving heating foods at night such as tomato or chilies or sour yogurt. Also heavy foods such as paneer, chick peas or peanut butter or sugary desserts which are more difficult to digest, are bad for brahmacarya or can cause much dreaming. 
• An ideal meal plan is a moderate breakfast, a little more at lunch, and taking before dark some fruits and then some milk a little before bedtime or other light foods. This is because digestion is best at noon, so biggest meal then. Breakfast helps you get to that point and also because last meal of the day is light. Younger folks may need a little something like unsalted cooked cereals or breads with their milk. Subji and puri is also a classic. Milk can be before bed,
• Do not eat yogurt at night or without other foods. Or every day.

SATTVIC RECIPE SUBSTITUTES

Often successfully (but not in all cases):

• Lemon can replace vinegar.
• Yogurt, buttermilk, sour cream or arrowroot can replace eggs.
• Yogurt can replace buttermilk in baking. Dilute a little if extra thick. 
• Hing can be used instead of garlic and or onions.
• Carob can be used instead of chocolate
• Grind sugar finely in a spice grinder for powdered sugar. 
• Add a little molasses to sugar for brown sugar
• Use paneer to replace chicken or turkey
• Use jackfruit, gluten, pinto beans, lentils or chickpeas to replace darker meats
• Use urad dahl vadas to replace fish

To use this sattvic recipe conversion theory:
Find a recipe online that is decent and look at the ingredients and how it was all put together.
Think about any possibilities using sattvic ingredients only.

For example, the idea for urad dahl vadas in spicy yogurt sauce rather than the fish soup or other horrors that pop up when randomly viewing online for ideas may arise.  Any recipe might be used this way, as a springboard for better ideas, skipping anything undesirable

Looking at recipes, it may be noted that meat eaters go over the top to increase very rajasic and tamasic flavors for stimulating themselves, and how, overall, the same most basic preparations are being made in seemingly unlimited varieties of ingredient combinations- pies, salads, soups, sauces, casseroles, etc. but with fancier names like "salsa", "tetrazinni",  "bistro" and "satay". Simply chewing the chewed. So the idea here is to get to the essence and make it pure for Krishna's satisfaction.

An easier ingredient to convert would be chicken by using paneer. For example, the recipe called "Chicken Breasts with Tomatoes and Olives". Just the title sparks an idea what to serve with chunks of paneer, stir- fried in ghee and hing: olives and chopped tomatoes. Also some salt and pepper and vah!

Again, for the sake of example, the found recipe might also call for crumbled feta and vinegar. Some lemon juice might be added although tomato seems good enough, but the feta is unnecessary because  there's already paneer to use.

So hopefully this made sense. One can use almost any recipe (when stuck with wondering what to make, and often just a photo or title will do) as a model to invoke better ones or just to figure out what to make.

COOKING QUANTITY

For quantity cooking, one suggestion is to estimate how much one person could eat. For example- one potato per person, 2 T butter per potato, 2 dashes of black pepper per potato, 2 T of sour cream...Then multiply (with the exception of pungent flavorings such as chilies which do not need to be multiplied much but should go according to taste). Also take into consideration how many other preps will be served. If many other preps, 1/2 potato per person may be fine.
After calculating, add a little extra to allow guests taking seconds, such as another potato or two
Keep in mind that many vegetables tend to shrink when cooked, especially after salt is added.
Another way to calculate is multiplying your usual amount. Say you use 1/2 cup dahl for 2-3 people regularly, then you will want to double the amount if there will be double the amount of guests.
It all can be very tricky though. Expect this to never come out the way planned and be prepared, therefore, with extra rice and other fillers just in case.

OUTDOOR COOKING
A very useful way to expand cooking ability is to know how to prepare foodstuffs while camping and traveling. This is too lengthy to get into here, but worth mentioning.

Japa Challenges

Lord Caitanya says there are no hard and fast rules for chanting, yet trying these tips taken from Hari Bhakti Vilasa, you may discover better attention and a desire to improve:

WHERE TO CHANT
Chant japa in a transcendental place or near the Deity of Lord Sri Visnu (Krsna).

TONGUE CONTROL
eat small amount of sweets or steaming hot deep fried preparations, and avoid any food which agitates the senses.

"Those who claim themselves to be devotees should eat their meal in the afternoon, consisting of vegetables and different kinds of fruits, roots and grains."

PROPERLY CHANTING ON BEADS
"One who chants on the beads properly, I (the Supreme Personality of Godhead) think of this intelligent person for thousands of years."

JAPA BEADS
The beads which have 108 seeds (beads) are said to be of he topmost quality.
Beads made out of Tulasi wood seeds is said to be fulfilling all kinds of desires in every activity or function.
The mala which is made out of Tulasi wood seeds is said to be certainly rewarding liberation.

CHANTING JAPA
Keeping the beads on the middle of one's ring finger,
One should chant loud enough to hear oneself.
One should not keep beads on the pointing finger and chant japa. Chanting japa with the pointing finger has been rejected.
One by one, pulling the beads inwards and chanting japa is recommended. One should not jump over the head of japa beads.
Otherwise he will not get the results of his chanting.

MORE RULES
One should not touch his beads with the left hand
nor make them fall from the hand.

CHANTING JAPA BECOMES FRUITLESS IF
somebody chants in an impure condition,
with dirty hands,
without a seat,
in a nude condition,
with a covered head,
while talking prajalpa.
Therefore one should chant japa carefully.

Furthermore, one does not receive the perfection of chanting if he chants while:
lying down,
talking,
walking,
standing
on a path
sleeping or thinking about some object,
hungry,
while stretching the body,
while having hiccups,
while mentally disturbed
without counting how much he has chanted

DO NOT CHANT JAPA
while on a path,
in impure places such a crematoriam or in dark areas
wearing shoes,
climbing on a carrier,
spreading two legs,
sitting on an impure asana,

While chanting one should not let one's leg climb another leg and arm climb upon another arm.
While chanting, one should not shake his neck or head, and not to show one's teeth to others.
If one chants japa while keeping his japa beads outside of his bead bag, then his japa is forcibly stolen by semi-demigods, demons, ghosts, perfected living entities from Siddhaloka and Vidyadharas, the dancers in the heavenly planets.
Therefore one should not keep his beads outside of his bead bag.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU BLEW IT:
If somehow, due to certain circumstances, somebody breaks the stated rules to chanting, then he should chant a Visnu mantra or remember the imperishable Personality of Godhead, Sri Visnu.
(Editor's note: In our case, Prabhupada has given us the Panca tattva mantra and also says to just keep on chanting.)

REGULAR CHANTING
If one chants japa regularly to please the Supreme Lord, then the Supreme Lord, being pleased, will increase one's spiritual advancement and give one the eternal liberation.

Srila Sanatana Gosvami says in his Digdarsini-tika that eternal liberation means achieving the eternal abode of the Supreme Lord, Vaikuntha dhama.

Srila Sanatana Gosvami also says that according to one's capacity, one should regularly chant a fixed number of rounds each day. "One should not chant less or more japa day after day". When the fixed number of rounds is completed one should finish chanting japa and engage in other service.

Giving Up the First Offense

Updated 7/30/14

"One should mentally honor the devotee who chants the holy name of Lord Kṛṣṇa, one should offer humble obeisances to the devotee who has undergone spiritual initiation [dīkṣā] and is engaged in worshiping the Deity, and one should associate with and faithfully serve that Pure devotee who is advanced in undeviated devotional service and whose heart is completely devoid of the propensity to criticize others." -Nectar of Instruction 5

Sadhu ninda", also known as the "mad elephant offense" because it tramples the bhakti creeper, is especially important to understand clearly. What does it mean? Is any criticism vilification? What's the difference between correction and criticizing? Does it apply to any devotee? Some things to consider:

DEVOTEES ARE NOT ORDINARY
The Lord's punishment of an erring but sincere devotee is not ordinary but instructive for all. Thus it is offensive to deride a devotee who has fallen down or made some mistake. In that case, a serious devotee avoids persons who frequently indulge in fault finding.

Tamala Krsna: I've always been confused as to... It says here that a pure devotee like Haridasa Thakura would not fall victim to Mayadevi's temptations, but even Lord Brahma, Lord Siva, might fall victim. I always thought that they were pure devotees of the Lord.

Prabhupada:....We should take this instruction, that is Lord Brahma, Lord Siva becomes victim of maya sometimes, what to speak of us? Therefore we shall be very, very careful. There is chance of falldown even in the status of Brahma and Siva, what to speak of ordinary persons. Therefore we should be very strongly inclined to Krsna consciousness like Haridasa Thakura. Then we shall be able very easily to overcome the allurement of maya. That is to be understood. Not that "Brahma showed that, what is called, 'weakness'. He is weak or he is less. No. That is for our instruction." Bg 2.62-72 lecture, LA

“The material contamination is so strong that even a yogi fully engaged in the service of the Lord sometimes becomes ensnared; but Krishna consciousness is so strong that such an occasional falldown is at once rectified. Therefore the process of devotional service is always a success. No one should deride a devotee for some accidental falldown from the ideal path ..such occasional falldowns will be stopped in due course, as soon as a devotee is completely situated in Krishna consciousness.” Bg 9.30 purport

“One who does good, My friend, is never overcome by evil.” Bg 6.40

“He quickly becomes righteous and attains lasting peace. O son of Kunti, declare it boldly that My devotee never perishes.”Bg 9.31

“My dear King of the demons, in the millennium of Sväyambhuva Manu, the Prajäpati known as Marici begot six sons, all demigods, in the womb of his wife, Ürsä. Once upon a time, Lord Brahmä became captivated by the beauty of his daughter and was following her, impelled by sex desire. At that time, these six demigods looked at the action of Lord Brahmä with abhorrence. This criticism of Brahma’s action by the demigods constituted a great offense on their part, and for this reason they were condemned to take birth as the sons of the demon Hiranyakasipu." -KB 85

"If someone relates to me the faults of one of the moving or non-moving residents of Vrndavana, then how is his action different from cutting me with hundreds of sharpened swords, arrows and other weapons? The residents of Vrndavana are all as dear to the Personality of Godhead as His own life." - Sri Vrndavana-mahimamrta, Sataka 1.13 by Prabhodananda Sarasvati Thakura.

VERY RARE
Out of the unlimited number of living entities in all existence, all Vaisnavas are rare great souls.

SB 2.3.2-7 purport states:  Śukadeva Gosvāmī said that out of the 8,400,000 species of living entities, the human form of life is rare and valuable, and out of those rare human beings those who are conscious of the material problems are rarer still, and the still more rare persons are those who are conscious of the value of the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, which contains the messages of the Lord and His pure devotees.

Bhagavad gita 7.19 also states, "After many births and deaths, he who is actually in knowledge surrenders unto Me, knowing Me to be the cause of all causes and all that is. Such a great soul is very rare." And Bg 7.3 also says that ut of many thousands among men hardly one knows Krsna in truth.

And Lord Kapila also stated:

"Living entities are superior to inanimate objects, O blessed mother, and among them, living entities who display life symptoms are better. Animals with developed consciousness are better than them, and better still are those who have developed sense perception.

"Among the living entities who have developed sense perception, those who have developed the sense of taste are better than those who have developed only the sense of touch. Better than them are those who have developed the sense of smell, and better still are those who have developed the sense of hearing.

"Better than those living entities who can perceive sound are those who can distinguish between one form and another. Better than them are those who have developed upper and lower sets of teeth, and better still are those who have many legs. Better than them are the quadrupeds, and better still are the human beings.

"Among human beings, the society which is divided according to quality and work is best, and in that society, the intelligent men, who are designated as brähmanas, are best. Among the brähmanas, one who has studied the Vedas is the best, and among the brähmanas who have studied the Vedas, one who knows the actual purport of Veda is the best.

"Better than the brähmana who knows the purpose of the Vedas is he who can dissipate all doubts, and better than him is one who strictly follows the brahminical principles. Better than him is one who is liberated from all material contamination, and better than him is a pure devotee, who executes devotional service without expectation of reward.

"Therefore I do not find a greater person than he who has no interest outside of Mine and who therefore engages and dedicates all his activities and all his life—everything—unto Me without cessation.

"Such a perfect devotee offers respects to every living entity because he is under the firm conviction that the Supreme Personality of Godhead has entered the body of every living entity as the Supersoul, or controller." -SB 3.29.28-33

PERFECTLY IMPERFECT
It is said that by following the bhakti yoga process, devotees are in the shower getting clean although dirt may still be seen such as bad habits, material designations, etc. Although there are apparent imperfections, one is perfectly situated by remaining on the path towards perfection.

Even if someone cannot follow the regulative principles then Lord Krsna says in the Bhagavad- gita, “Work for Me”. And that work we should greatly appreciate. Even if one approaches Krsna materially motivated, as in the case of Dhruva Maharaja, he eventually becomes purified.

Furthermore, an atheist or mayavadi may sometimes appear more “peaceful” or "friendly" than a struggling or neophyte devotee, but consider that devotees sacrifice so many things to follow the guru's order and to please the Lord. Prabhupada wrote in the following letter (4/30/73):

"Kindly forgive my beloved disciples for any unkindness or indiscretion on their part. After all, to give up one's life completely for serving the Lord is not an easy thing, and mäyä, or the illusory, material energy, tries especially hard to again entrap those who have left her service to become devotees. Therefore, in order to withstand the attack of mäyä and remain strong under all conditions of temptation, young or inexperienced devotees in the neophyte stage of devotional service will sometimes adopt an attitude against those things or persons which may possibly be harmful or threatening to their tender devotional creepers."

Also, we cannot always know a devotee's sincerity by their external situation. A person may make mistakes or appear materialistic, but internally is repentant and always hoping to eventually increase in his devotional service.

THE SPIRITUAL PLATFORM
Maya creates differences. Chanting Hare Krishna is the best remedy for this. On the spiritual platform all temporary designations, and bodily distinctions are forgotten. A happy, loving, contented devotee absorbed in chanting and serving the holy name can attract others to Krishna simply by personal example, allowing others the freedom to change themselves.

Envy, on the other hand, is a separatist. Thus, until it is given up, one cannot stay in the association of devotees. A devotee feels compassion and respect for others instead of envy and anger.

CORRECTING ONLY IF IT IS OUR DUTY
We should be careful not to criticize and correct our superiors. Better to approach the offending persons authority, if necessary. On the other hand, it is the duty of father, mother, teacher, guru to correct their dependents, such as children, students, junior devotees... In other words, sometimes pointing out faults in a loving way is necessary for their benefit, and then it is best done if the relationship is strong.

A WORD OF WARNING
Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur described that criticism is not Vaisnava aparadha when there is proper motive. Proper motive is of three types:

"If the intention in analyzing someone’s sins is to ensure that he attains his ultimate welfare, then such reflection is auspicious.
If the motive behind reflecting on someone’s sins is to benefit the whole world, then this is to be counted as an auspicious act.
If such reflection is undertaken for one’s own spiritual welfare, then it too, is auspicious. There is no fault in such reflection."

Yet, reasons for not criticizing others are many. First of all, it is difficult to ascertain one's real motive due to impure intelligence. There may be subtle desire for attention or to show off, Or to pass the blame onto someone else vs taking responsibility for sinful reactions. When in doubt; don't. There is also difficulty in understanding the position of a devotee. Jada Bharata was certainly undetectable, and Gadadhara Pandita also exhibited a pastime concerning his initial misjudgement in his mind of Pundarika Vidhyanidhi .

And to criticize a superior, even if you think you are right, is risky. A couple examples are Daksha and the sons of Lord Brahman. Daksa thought he was not criticizing Lord Shiva due to envy, but actually he was. And although Lord Shiva played a subordinate role, he is far superior.

The sons of Brahma pointed out the fault of their father, Lord Brahma, but later became demons.

"Respectable superiors...are always worshipable." (Bg 2.4p)

"Even if they attack, they should not be counterattacked."  (Bg 2.4p)

"It is general etiquette that superiors are not to be offered even a verbal fight."  (Bg 2.4p)

"Even if they are sometimes harsh in behavior, they should not be harshly treated." (Bg 2.4p).

Better to leave the correction to the proper persons or, if no other recourse, to the Lord Himself.

Meanwhile, becoming more tolerant than a tree, an advancing devotee sees chastisement is mercy, disturbances are mercy...

RESPECTING ELDERS An unforgettable video brought up yet another reason to offer respect to seniors or elders even when they are in error. It was a scene about a young woman correcting her visiting aunt at the dining room table. The aunt was obviously ignorant in her remarks, and the girl took the liberty to point this out in front of others while rolling her eyes and other unkind gestures of exasperation with the aunt's remarks. Since she was the heroine of the series, her irreverence for elders apparently is an accepted part of boldly challenging inaccuracies for the sake of truth according to today's social standards

What the maker of the video forgot was- good manners. It doesn't matter if the aunt was wrong. She is an older woman. She is also a guest. And the proper person could have taken her aside later to explain to her her misunderstanding, if need be, rather than have her embarrassed publicly by her niece. Or the young lady could have thought of a way to respectfully question her elder. Done correctly, the speaker should not feel challenged or embarrassed.

FURTHER CONSIDERATIONS
All that said, it must be further noted that only when Arjuna was ordered by Krsna did he attack his worshipable superiors such as Bhisma and Dronacarya.

The Lord's will is inconceivable and devotional understanding is very confidential. For example, Bhisma was on the enemy side but is still a pure devotee of the Lord. Another consideration is that Ramacandra Puri is actually Jatila, Radharani's mother-in-law(!) Also neophyte devotees may have many weaknesses, but are still able to bring people to read Prabhupada's books and to associate with advanced devotees.

There are three kinds of devotees described in NOI 5-6. The kanistha adhikari, or neophyte has wavering faith and lack of sastric knowledge. Offer obeisances to in one's mind The madhyama adhikari has firm faith and has taken initiation and makes distinctions in order to preach. Offer obeisances to. The uttama adhikari is on the highest platform and is equipoised. He must come down to madyama platform in order to preach. (Adi 7.51p) Offer obeisances to and serve (NOI 5p). In any case, every living being should be treated with respect. The uttama adhikari sees even the non devotee as serving Krishna more than himself, even if only indirectly.

A WASTE OF TIME Besides all the above, unnecessarily finding fault, gossiping about others etc is simply a waste of precious time which can be better spent chanting Hare Krsna, perhaps chanting 64 rounds instead.

SEPARATING IDEAS FROM PEOPLE
In Caitanya Bhagavata (below) a devotee is warned not to take sides between fighting devotees. This should include reading inflammatory literature that may be philosophically correct but worded in such a manner as to create political agitation and antagonize ignorant persons. Even so, it is not wrong to discuss the philosophical misconceptions propagated. Krishna das Kaviraja wrote: "A sincere student should not neglect the discussion of such conclusions, considering them controversial, for such discussions strengthen the mind. Thus one's mind becomes attached to Krsna." CC Adi 2.117  It's also been said that we should "learn to separate ideas from people. If you cannot do so, then you will never be able to criticize any idea due to an irrational fear of criticizing the people who thought of them." In other words discuss philosophical misconceptions rather than the people who promote them.

And we can try to understand the other persons' point of view, even if we don't agree with it. Bg 10.32p  Everyone has their truth. Problems arise when everyone thinks their truth is the only truth or the greatest truth when indeed there is a much broader picture that includes them all. That is genuine Krsna consciousness. It is a matter of spiritual maturity.

AVOIDING POLITICS
Actually, no one is a friend and no one is an enemy (SB 7) If one begins to feel that way about devotees, such vision should be a red flag to avoid politics altogether, especially what is going on on the Internet. In this case, ignorance is bliss for this is one of maya's biggest distractions and killer of motivation. Most persons indulge in it as a form of subtle sex, due to a desire for attention, to be heard or to show off. Or they have an axe to grind. By remaining neutral we may focus on what really matters, our spiritual advancement.

Furthermore, hearing from many different opinions of others, especially other Vaisnava groups, can create mental confusion or doubts which impair the otherwise simple process of bhakti. So much time wasted that could be better spent reading uplifting material. We can keep it simple, by saving philosophical discussions for Srimad Bhagavatam or Bhagavad gita class or trusted devotees. For unless there is something we can do about a problem with other devotees not thinking the same way we do, or it is our job to correct any deviations within our Hare Krishna movement, it is better to do something positive rather than wasting time bashing what we hate. Otherwise, we indirectly give the opposition strength by weakening our own position because of distraction. Besides, our happiness does not depend upon what others are doing. Bhakti is independent. One must be the change he wishes to see in the world, and when one minds his own business, he finds he has plenty of business to do!

UNDERSTANDING THE ROOT CAUSE OF ENVY AND FAULTFINDING
Material dissatisfaction is due to material desire, a desire to be happy in the material world. We hanker for that, or we lament our inability, for there is no lasting happiness, distress must always follow, due to the flickering nature of matter. Better to take responsibility for the reactions meted out due to our past activities, rather than pointing fingers and looking for excuses to hang on to our material desires via material adjustments.  SB 10.14.8 also says, "My dear Lord, any person who is constantly awaiting Your causeless mercy to be bestowed upon him, and who goes on suffering the resultant actions of his past misdeeds, offering You respectful obeisances from the core of his heart, is surely eligible to become liberated, for it has become his rightful claim."

TAKING THE HUMBLE POSITION
Taking the humble position includes looking for one's own faults rather than dwelling on those of others.  This very much satisfies the Lord. He surely protects surrendered souls. One way to do this is by regularly, continuously hearing from sastra. Hearing the sastric standards of pure devotees in various situations is very humbling.

OFFER ALL RESPECTS TO OTHERS
Siksastaka verse 4 says, "One should chant the holy name of the Lord in a humble state of mind, thinking oneself lower than the straw in the street, more tolerant than a tree, and ready to offer all respects to others." Agains, the serious devotee will therefore be cautious in dealings with other devotees by:

1. Taking the humble position, even if right. Look for any fault on your own part. Examine yourself.

2. Avoiding familiarity that breeds contempt,

3. Avoiding close association with chronic faultfinders, politicians, complainers, and the like

4.  Avoiding hearing and or speaking the faults of others. Vaco vegam (NOI 1)

All these things become natural by continuously engaging in nama sankirtana and praying with the sincere desire to overcome offenses.

THE EXAMPLE OF YUDHISTIRA
The character of Yudhistira Maharaja is especially inspiring. When asked to go out and find someone inferior to himself, he could find no one. When wondering where his aunt Gandhari and Uncle Dhrtarastra went when they turned up missing, he assumed they had finally taken his offenses seriously and drowned themselves in the Ganges. He apparently forgot all the past atrocious behavior of their sons, permitted by Dhrtarastra.

MORE SUGGESTED SASTRA FOR MEDITATION
The example of Ragunatha Dasa Goswami
Gopal Cakravarti and Haridasa Thakura
Ramacandra Puri finds fault with his guru, Lord Caitanya, and the Vaisnavas
Amogha finds fault with Lord Caitanya
Mayavadis find fault with Lord Caitanya

HOW TO RECTIFY the first offense. Feeling guilty? Pray to Krsna to understand this offense ("It is crucial to deliberate upon the meaning of vaisnava-ninda according to the sastras.") and if there is an offense that has been committed . Also pray to the Lord to find the means to rectify one's heart, and to make the arrangement to meet the offended and pacify them by wholeheartedly paying obeisances and serving them. Also to try to understand devotees you do not agree with. Understanding does not mean you must agree.

MORE SUGGESTIONS
Take time to observe the good qualities of the devotees you know, any special kindness they show toward you or others, their good qualities and especially the services they do. Also how they deal with the tests they face. It helps to write these down. This little exercise will increase our awareness of how indebted we should feel to have the association of the Lord's devotees always.


IF YOUR AIM IS LOVE OF GOD, JUST BEWARE OF APARADHA

An excerpt from Caitanya Bhagavata by Srila Vrindavan Das Thakur. Reading such material and those similar is also very helpful for preventing and/or overcoming aparadha:

* "The Vaisnava devotees of the Lord are eternally pure and realized souls. Sometimes there are differences of opinion amongst them, which might appear like an argument, but in fact, it is an amazing relationship between devotees. Foolish rascals who do not understand this exchange, praise one Vaisnava and denounce the other. Such a mentality will lead to destruction of faith and knowledge." (M 5)

* "Any person who sides with a Vaisnava against another Vaisnava and criticizes him is destined to be destroyed." (MI 3:160)

* "If Vaisnavas are offended even by an assembly of renunciates, sannyasis, such an assembly is more irreligious than a group of drunkards. For the drunkards there is still a chance of salvation, but for those who are critical of Vaisnavas there is no hope for liberation." (MI 3:41-43)

* "Lord Chaitanya absorbed the sin of Jagai and Madhai into His own body. He then said, "Begin kirtana, then this black shroud of sin will lift from My body and enter the bodies of those who criticize the devotees of the Lord." (MI 3:302-303)

* "One never advances in spiritual life by finding faults in other Vaisnavas, in fact only sinful reactions are increased, so give up all your faultfindings." (MI 3:313)

* "To criticize and find faults in pure devotees of the Lord is the most grievous offense against the holy name. O holy name! How can you bear the criticism against your pure devotees through whom your glories have been propagated? (You can never tolerate criticism against those who have dedicated their lives in propagating the holy name of the lord.) Such offenders are annihilated." (M 13:393)

* "Therefore the conclusion is that having devotion is the foremost of all rules, regulations and rituals. Rules and regulations are meant to be subservient and secondary to devotional service; those who are dissatisfied with this arrangement fall down from the path of self-realization." (M 16:143-144)

* "Those devotees who are narrow-minded and bigoted start fighting over petty matters, this is a serious deviation from the path of spiritual realization, and so a really knowledgeable devotee will refrain from taking sides in such disputes." (M 17:109-110)

* "The offense or criticizing the Lord or His devotees even once steals a man's proper intelligence." (M 19)

* "Lord Gaurasundara has advented specifically to deliver all the fallen souls with the exception of those who find fault in Vaisnava devotees of the Lord." (M 19)

* "The Vedas clearly describe that if one hears criticism of a Vaisnava devotee of the Lord then he loses all of his accumulated piety and is cast into abominable conditions of life birth after birth." (M 20)

* "Everything, from the highest to the lowest living entity, is a manifestation of Lord Krishna's energy, hence Krishna cannot tolerate violence or offenses perpetrated against anyone. And if anyone offenselessly chants Krishna's name then Krishna will certainly very soon liberate him from material bondage. A person may be well versed in all the four Vedas, but if he still maintains an offensive attitude towards the Vaisnavas, then he is eternally doomed to the worst kind of hell." (M 20)

* "Whosoever makes any differences between Me, My pure devotees, and Srimad-Bhagavatam are forever lost." (M 21)

* "The spiritual master cannot even protect his own disciple against the wrath of the Lord if his disciple commits Vaisnava-aparadha. In fact the guru of such a disciple is hardpressed to protect himself from the effects of the aparadha. If the guru is in a very elevated stage of devotion, then he can protect himself alone, but if he is not so elevated, then he along with disciple sinks down into hell." (M 22)

* "The true followers of Lord Nityananda are free from fault-finding, they engage their full time in blissfully glorifying Lord Caitanya. They are always careful to avoid the pitfalls in devotional service." (M 22)

* "Some persons, trying to compare Vaisnavas, calling one a bigger Vaisnava then the other, commit a grave blunder for which they will soon suffer." (M 22)

* "At times one may see a certain elevated devotee quarreling with other devotees; this is all transcendental and happening by the desire of Lord Krishna. No one should side with any party, because they are all most elevated Vaisnavas, to do so would certainly result in Vaisnava-aparadha." (M 23)

* "One can become a true Vaisnava by serving Lord Krishna and by not finding faults in others." (M 23)

* "One who worships Krishna's lotus feet seeing all Vaisnavas to be dear to the Lord will indeed cross over this ocean of material nescience." (M 24)

* "If one does not pay heed to Lord Caitanya's warning and teachings on Vaisnava-aparadha, then he will remain completely ignorant about the offenses and thus suffer terrible consequences."