By Satyanarayana Dasa: The purpose of Yoga is to quell the mind of all disturbing thoughts, and this is not possible without self-discipline. Thus, without self-discipline, success in yoga is phantasmagoria. Yoga has often been wrongly construed as a collection of Asanas or postures, but it is really a system of self-discipline. Asanas and pranayamas (breathing exercises)
Question: I am confused about Jiva Goswami’s view of raganuga bhakti. It seems somewhat different from that of Rupa Goswami and Visvanatha Cakravartipad. In... Read More
By Satyanarayana Dasa: It is often thought that life in Vedic society was very austere, full of rules and rituals, with no value placed on entertainment. It may seem like drudgery, when seen through the eyes of modern society. This is, however, far from true. On the contrary, the ancient Indian civilization, molded under the Vedic principles, placed great importance on entertainment and happiness.
Question: Can you name references in sastra to sakama [action based on the desire for sense enjoyment] Answer: The reference for sakama karma, usually... Read More
By Satyanarayana Dasa: There’s an expression “the child is father to the man.” It simply means that, since a child grows to be a man or woman, what is inside a child's mind will be inside the adult’s mind.To make a good “father” out of a child, however, the man must give the child a proper education. Otherwise, the child will remain uncultured and may become a source of trouble for society.
Question: There seem to be many interpolated passages in the 10th skandha of Bhagavat Purana. In other parts of the purana, there are numerous lone verses here and there, but the 10th skandha has whole passages and chapters of interpolated text and some commentars mention that.
By Satyanarayana Dasa: Terrorism is the systematic use of terror, especially, as a means of coercion. It has always existed in society. From the ancient scriptures of India, we know how evil forces such as Raakshasas (demoniac kings) frightened the devotees of Lord Vishnu (the second in the Hindu Trinity). In the epic Ramyana, demon king Ravana wanted to get even with Lord Rama, so he kidnapped Rama’s wife Sita and tormented her. Similarly, according to Shrimad Bhagavata Purana, Kamsa wanted to kill Lord Krishna.
