~by Denise Mihalek “Holy people like you, Swami, are the problem with the world.” said a powerful Indian politician to my teacher, Radhanath Swami, in the Mumbai airport. “You’re not doing anything but asking people to pray and chant. What about the pollution, the poverty, the wars, the problems of the world?” Radhanath Swami answered […]
~Presented by Rukmini Walker This talk was given at Bhaktivedanta Manor on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 on living with gratitude, and giving with compassion. To listen to the audio recording, please click here or on the arrow below.
~Presented by Rukmini Walker This is a recording of a temple lecture I gave at New Vraja Dhama in Hungary on Sunday, June 2, 2019. The class was given on a verse from Caitanya Caritamrita Madhya Lila (CC versus 62-63) on the topic of how when something is dear to Krishna it becomes more worshipable than Krishna […]
-by Rukmini Walker “This universe, O Supreme One! Is a most weird abode!” (Bhaktivinode Thakur, in Saranagati) In this world, everything seems to be different from the way it appears. Reality seems to be the opposite of what I see. It seems that the more I chase pleasure, the more I feel pain. The more […]
–By Kristi Nelson “You do not need to know precisely what is happening, or exactly where it is all going. What you need is to recognize the possibilities and challenges offered by the present moment, and to embrace them with courage, faith, and hope.” ~ Thomas Merton I used to put myself to sleep by […]
-by Barbara Crooker This week, the news of the world is bleak, another war grinding on, and all these friends down with cancer, or worse, a little something long term that they won’t die of for twenty or thirty miserable years— And here I live in a house of weathered brick, where a man with […]
-presented by Jahnavi Harrison Musician Jahnavi Harrison interweaves music, prose and poetry in a celebration of the women who choose to dedicate their lives entirely to God. Click here to listen in to this inspiring BBC Radio session. She explains that she has always been fascinated what it is that drives a woman to leave […]
-by Ananda Vrindavan Devi Dasi Listening is at the heart of bhakti At the heart of life. It’s the last To go, did you know? And here’s what I have found In my new way of being That life has become alive again And new meaning arrived for Service and humility Words I did with […]
By Susan Weiser Mason and George Mason Here in Damariscotta Mills, the alewives have returned, the star magnolias are in full bloom, and a delicate halo of yellowish green is emerging in the hardwood canopy. The arrival of Spring brings a welcome and magnificent surge of energy that speaks confidently of renewal. And not a moment too […]
-By Sacinandana Swami Every day I make a list, either written or in my mind, which has helped me to move forward in times of struggle. When I don’t feel inspired, looking at this list has made a great difference. I hope my little inventory of what’s important helps you to make your own list […]
Photograph by Tatiana Kiseleva
Urban Devi is a community of women who gather to explore and excavate their identities as urban women living the spiritual life. An urban devi is in the world, but not of the world. She acts in the world to uplift, and shift the consciousness of those around her to a higher place of Bhakti, or love in action.