Monthly Archives: August 2013
Chitrakoot Conference
A grand conference of Saints took place over fifteen days from 16-31 October 1955, organised by Shri Maharaj Ji himself. The event was attended by approximately seventy two scholars and spiritual personalities from across India, including Mahamahopadhyay Giridhar Sharma (President of Kashi Vidvat Parishat) and Neel Meghacharya. Shri Maharaj Ji was the official welcoming committee, serving the Saintly scholars himself, even escorting them to their assigned rooms and fanning them. Who can serve anyone the way Shri Maharaj Ji served those Saints!
In his welcoming address Shri Maharaj Ji made a request to all the Saints to answer a few simple questions concerning the reconciliation of the apparent contradictory doctrines in Hindu scripture. None of the scholars present replied. In fact, all of them became annoyed and announced that Shri Maharaj Ji himself should speak, though his name was not listed as such. Hearing his name being called, Shri Maharaj Ji all of a sudden took the stage as a speaker. This was the first time he had spoken publically; no one had ever seen him speak before this. For the duration of the Conference, Shri Maharaj Ji addressed the gathering for three hours every day.
The knowledge Shri Maharaj Ji revealed to the assembly was unbelievable! He gave thousands of quotations from the Vedas, Gita, Bhagavatam and from many other scriptures. People were astonished and spellbound at his profound and complete mastery of all the scriptures. The devotees who knew him before were amazed, as prior to this they had only seen him singing the glories of Lord Krishna, playing the dholak and shedding tears.
When Mahamahopadhyay Giridhar Sharma and Neel Meghacharya returned to Kashi, they highly praised Shri Maharaj Ji, but the other scholars could not believe that someone so young could have such knowledge. In fact, they interpreted such talk as mere exaggeration and decided that they should test Shri Maharaj Ji.
Radha Madhav Dham, USA
Radha Madhav Dham is the largest Hindu temple and ashram complex in the United States. With the Gracious blessing of Shri Jagadguru Kripalu Ji Maharaj, Radha Madhav Dham was established as the main ashram of Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat in the West.
Radha Madhav Dham is situated on a picturesque 220-acre property in the Hill Country south of Austin, Texas. The rolling land, blanketed by wildflowers in the spring, and beautified by the meandering stream Kalindi, rises to the highest point in Hays County at the top of Barsana Hill. The temple and ashram buildings are surrounded by charming gardens, walking paths, fountains and ponds. The many peacocks add a flourish of iridescent color to the surroundings, and their calls echo across the fields as they announce themselves to all passers-by. The delightful landscape lends itself to leisurely walks and meditation in its serene holy places.
Designed as a representation of the holy land of Braj in India where Shri Radha Rani and Shri Krishna appeared about 5,000 years ago, all the important holy places of Braj like Govardhan, Radha Kund, Prem Sarovar, Shyam Kuti and Mor Kuti are represented in Radha Madhav Dham, where the natural stream, named Kalindi, represents the Yamuna river of Vrindaban. Anyone who visits Radha Madhav Dham experiences the same Divine serenity that was found in the ancient ashrams of the Saints of Vrindaban. It has become a place of pilgrimage for millions of devotees living in the western world.
Shri Raseshwari Radha Rani Temple
The centerpiece of Radha Madhav Dham is Shri Raseshwari Radha Rani Temple. This temple, with its magnificent architecture and exquisitely designed shrine with elegantly decorated Deities of Radha and Krishna, is the only temple in the world that represents the true nikunj darshan of Radha Krishna as described in the Radhikopnishad and the writings of the Great Masters of Vrindavan. Sitting in such a temple, while chanting the names of Radha Krishna during satsang, gives a thrill of bhakti that must be experienced.
Every year, over 50,000 people visit Radha Madhav Dham. We welcome them into our unique accommodations where overnight guests stay and take part in the delicious vegetarian meals. Many make use of our rental for family events and private functions. Many come back again and again to enjoy the devotional living experience that Radha Madhav Dham provides.
2013 Events: Retreat: Dallas, TX
Welcome to the weekend of spiritual rejuvenation and frolicking fun. Spiritual time for the whole family. Spend quality time nourishing the body, mind, and soul in the inspiring company of Swamiji.
When: 3 pm, Aug 23rd (Fri) to 1 pm, 25th (Sun)
Where: Hilton Garden Inn
785 SH 121 Bypass
Lewisville, TX 75067
Registration Fees
Registration Optional: Thursday night accommodation
Adult $225 $50 Double Occupancy
Children $100 $20
Late registration charge $25/person will be added during a week before the retreat.
Donation given for the retreat registration is non-refundable.
Hotel Accommodation:
Hotel room assigned per family [Minimum 2 adults registration required]
Double occupancy per room [for singles]
Private room available at additional $100
For further information, please contact
Madhupriya Sethia: 214-295-5463
Niranjan Marathe: 469-288-7534
or call 860-605-3685
Jhulan Leela / Hariyali Teej
Sunday, August 18, 2013
11:00 am to 12:30 pm and 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Each year in Braj, in the midst of the rainy season, when fields and jungle have turned shades of lush green and flowers are blossoming all around, the festival of Hariyali Teej (हरियाली तीज) is celebrated. During this time in the Temples of Vrindaban, swings are placed in the shrines of the Temples for the Deities to swing upon. This is called Jhulan Leela (झूलन लीला).
Songs describing the swinging leelas of Radha Krishna are sung and devotees imagine they are actually there swinging their Divine Beloved on the jhulan (swing). Here at Radha Madhav Dham, we carry on the same tradition by decorating a swing with flowers and greenery for the Deities to swing upon. Everyone is invited to take a turn swinging the swing as we chant the incredibly sweet and loving jhulan leela pads of Jagadguru Shri Kripaluji Maharaj.
Bhagavad Gita for Everyday Living
Enlightening Talks, Yoga and Meditation by Swami Mukundananda
Where: Houston Durgabari Temple
13944 Schiller Rd
Houston, TX 77082
When: Aug 15th (Thu) to Aug 21st (Wed)
Day Yoga & Meditation Discourses
Thu & Fri 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Sat 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Sun 12:00 noon to 1:30 pm
Mon to Wed 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
FREE Admission, Donations Welcome.
I would like to volunteer
Registration Form
Leadership Service Series Workshop Content
Day 1 Session 1: Introduction to Leadership
This session begins with the foundation of all leadership, which is being prepared to follow as much as to lead. Good leaders connect and then lead and hence it is important to understand the team. All leadership involves love for the followers and the strength to lead. However, for leadership to succeed, love must precede and trump strength. The session includes an exercise to appreciate and develop these leadership qualities.
Day 1 Session 2: Discover your True Calling
Selecting a right career option is one of the most important choices the students would make. A framework which can help the students to think about this topic would cover discovering one’s true talents, identifying the parameters of success and finally, discover the true passion. We would do the interactive exercises to help the participants think about their inner talents and motivations.
Day 1 Session 3:Assess Your Spiritual Intelligence
The concept of IQ as the singular parameter for gauging one’s intelligence has been replaced by the modern theory of multiple intelligences. It states that humans possess a number of intelligences that develop relatively independent of each other. In this session participants will evaluate their spiritual intelligence through a specially prepared test. This will enable them to assess themselves on various aspects of wisdom, and identify the areas they need to work upon. The evaluation will be followed by individual presentations by the participants and discussions with the panelists.
Day 1 Session 4: How to Grow in Wisdom and Navigate Your Life with it
Good leaders do not merely possess sharp intellects and vast knowledge. They also have the wisdom to guide their lives, and the lives of others through the complex pathways of the world. Cultivating leadership is thus an important aspect of developing our leadership abilities. This module is designed to demystify the concept of wisdom. It will explain what wisdom is, in terms of four skill-sets: 1) Self-awareness skills, 2) Universal awareness skills, 3) Self-mastery skills, 4) Work and professional mastery skills. It will also reveal techniques for enhancing ones wisdom, through study of sacred books, contemplation, reflection, practice, meditation, chanting, and prayer.
Day 2 Session 1: Habits of effective leaders
We believe that leaders are not born but are made. In this session, we would cover time tested habits followed by the successful leaders to manage themselves and get the best out of the team. Some of these habits would include being proactive, effective time management, managing stress and art of effective listening. We would cover the stories from real life and do some interactive exercises so that each participant can go back with some practical steps to imbibe these habits into their day to day life.
Day 2 Session 2: Leadership Principles
Building on the foundation, 3 mathematical and universally understood principles will be explained with case studies, videos and interactive exercises. In particular we will address the academic and social issues young people face and the personal leadership needed to succeed.
Day 2 Session 3:A Case Study on the Leadership Style of Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi has been one of the most influential leaders in modern history. He not only motivated a nation to its freedom but also inspired leaders, who in turn changed the history of their country, such as Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr. In this session, students will read a write-up on the life of Gandhi; they will then divide themselves into teams, to discuss: 1) The admirable qualities and principles of Gandhi, 2) The specialty of his accomplishments and the manner in which he achieved them, 3) What made him the ideal leader amongst humans, and what we can learn from his leadership style. One representative from each team will present the conclusions of their group.
Day 2 Session 4: Servant Leadership
People and organizations adopt various leadership styles, such as autocratic leadership, charismatic leadership, participative leadership, etc. But the leaders who succeed most in nurturing followers and helping them grow to their maximum potential as humans are the servant leaders. For them, leadership is not about dominating or getting ahead of others, but rather about serving; it is not about “taking” from others, but about “giving.”. This module will build upon the case study in the previous session and inspire us to develop a leadership style based on the desire to serve.
Day2 Session 5: External Speakers
One or more external speakers will provide the personal example and inspiration our aspiring leaders need to get started on their individual journeys.
Leadership Service Series Workshop (upcoming events 12 to 13 Aug 2013)
In This Series Learn From The Real Leaders
- Discover your true calling and life purpose
- Build a blue print for your career
- Learn skills for navigating your blue print
- Learn the art of leadership from within
- Become inspired by leadership role models
Click Here for LSS Workshop Description
Workshop structure includes interactive group exercises, case studies, interaction with faculty and other leaders
| Where: | D/FW Hindu Temple Cultural Hall, 1605 N. Britain Road Irving, TX 75061 |
| When: | August 12th (Mon) to 13th (Tue), 2013 8:30 am to 5:30 pm |
| Faculty:: | Swami Mukundananda Atul Vohra Ketan Mehta |
| Contact: | 508-596-6841 |
Registration Fee:$99 per participant
For out of town students, JKYog will provide free accommodation in the hotel (double occupancy).
For information on overnight accommodation contact Pooja: 508-596-6841
Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj 