Family Camp at Barsana Dham founded by Swami Prakashanand Saraswati

Click the above link for the latest pictures of fun and spiritual  discovery at Barsana Dham, founded by H.D. Swami Prakashanand Saraswati. For one week, during the Winter break 2010, over 200 youth and adults from around Texas came together and explored the devotional treasures of Barsana Dham, the headquarters of Jagadguru Kripalu
Parishat in the western world.

“The family camp was absolutely amazing! Every person could feel the  amazing grace! New years was so awesome too – all the kids got up and started to dance before midnight in front of the Shrine singing loudly Radhey Radhey. It was so beautiful.” – Pooja Sharma

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Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat (JKP) was founded by Jagadguru Shree  Kripaluji Maharaj, our beloved Shree Maharajji, the fifth prime Jagadguru in the last 5000 years.

Founded in 1990 by H. D. Swami Prakashanand Saraswati, Shree Swamiji,  Barsana Dham Temple and ashram serves as the national center of Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat in the United States and is one of the largest Hindu temple complexes in North America.

Retrieved from: www.Statesman.com/
(Pictures added by me)

Date: December 30, 2006

Want to decompress from the frazzle-dazzle holidays? Longing for a little peace this weekend? Barsana Dham, the stunning Hindu temple founded by Swami Prakashanand Saraswati, just off FM 1826, southwest of Austin, might have the cure for that post-holiday funk: a 24-hour New Year’s meditation focused on drawing closer to God.

The meditation, which is open to people of all faiths, begins at noon Sunday. For those who haven’t arranged to spend the night at the temple, the prayer hall will be open from noon to midnight and from 6 a.m. to noon on Monday.

I recently visited the temple and spent the afternoon with Prabhakari Devi, a monk and the vice president of Barsana Dham. Prabhakari Devi is a youthful woman (monks generally do not reveal their age) with sandy blond hair and a quiet demeanor. She began practicing Hinduism when she was 9 and studied Sanskrit in India as an adult. She dresses all in soft orange hues, the color worn by those in the monastic order. When she leaves the temple, she slips on a pair of Skechers running shoes.

I followed her around the temple grounds, a 250-acre spread populated by live oaks and peacocks and surrounded by rugged hills. Prabhakari Devi says the place bears a strong resemblance to its namesake, Barsana, a holy spot in northern India. And though the landscape is thoroughly Texas Hill Country, you can’t help but feel you’re in a faraway, almost paradisaical, land.

Devotees sitting with Swami Prakashanand Saraswati at Barsana Dham

This is something you can – and should – experience anytime. Barsana Dham invites visitors to explore the temple and grounds throughout the year during designated hours. It also hosts retreats, classes and family camps.

But this is the first year the temple has publicized its annual New Year’s meditation. And it could be a good chance to see the awe-inspiring structure and reap the benefits of meditation.

Bear in mind, this won’t be a beginner’s class. There’ll be no talking or instruction. But Prabhakari Devi says newcomers are welcome to join and should be able to follow along as people chant the three names of God: Hare, Ram and Krishna.

Not sure about chanting the three Sanskrit names of God? Worried that it’s inappropriate to participate if you’re not a Hindu? Prabhakari Devi offers this advice to folks considering the meditation: “They should come if they want to spend any part of the new year in a deep, personal connection with their God.”

Just hearing people singing God’s name over and over has an “enlivening effect,” Prabhakari Devi says.

The ethereal prayer hall features life-sized statues of Radha, a feminine representation of God, and inspiring Hindu scriptures about divine love. The light blue ceiling is painted with fluffy clouds.

I should disclose here that I’m not exactly a meditation master. I tried it once several years ago – in a yoga class at a YMCA in Cambridge, Mass. – and found it incredibly painful. The instructor, a severe, turban-topped woman, told us to sit on our knees, place our tongues on the roof of our mouths, raise our arms and direct our eyes to the bridge of our noses. I silently screamed for mercy until the class ended. And I have no idea what the purpose was.

Prabhakari Devi assured me that the New Year’s meditation requires only that people sit in a respectful position.

Shree Swamiji, founder of JKP Barsana Dham

In general, she says, people should be clear what they want to gain from meditation and then choose the appropriate meditation. This is not some feel-good exercise where you sit cross-legged in a cloud of incense and suddenly get all transcendental.

“There’s a science of the mind,” Prabhakari Devi says.

Even if you don’t understand the science part, this particular meditation may help you feel divine love – if that’s what you’re seeking. Prabhakari Devi says one of the basic tenets of Hinduism is the idea that “You can’t know God, but he can grace you.”

For more information, call 288-7180 or go to www.barsanadham.org.

AMERICAN-STATESMAN

Barsana Dham Diwali is this Saturday!

www.barsanadham.org/events/divali/divali-web.html
Barsana Dham Diwali Celebrations
Saturday, Oct 17th
5:00 pm Dinner prasad
6:00 pm Temple tour (in prayer hall)
7:00 pm Temple tour (in prayer hall)
7:30 pm Temple program – State Representatives & community leaders lighting the dias ceremony, kirtan, pravachan, arti
9:00 pm Grand fireworks display
9:30 pm Ras Garba – Live garba singers: Sur Sangam of Hurst, TX

Divali (दिवाली), also called Deepavali and Diwali, is the festival of lights. The spiritual significance of Divali is to enlighten your heart with the flame of Radha Krishn love and remove the darkness of worldliness. The word ‘deepavali’ literally means ‘rows of candles.’ Divali is celebrated about 20 days after Dashehra which falls in October-November. This festival commemorates Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya after completing His 14-year exile.

To celebrate the occasion, people light oil lamps in and around their house and set off firecrackers. People paint and clean their homes, buy new clothes and distribute sweets to their relatives and friends. That’s the social festival. The spiritual festival has a very deep meaning as you can read in Shree Swami Prakashanand Saraswati message below.

At Barsana Dham, we celebrate this joyous spiritual event by beginning with dinner prasad followed by chanting of Divali pads in the enlightened Temple. After a discourse that reveals the spiritual significance of Divali, we have darshan of the Deities in the main Shrine which is also specially decorated with lights. Following arti and homage to Radha and Krishn, we proceed outside for fireworks and raas garba (lively devotional dancing) with live music by Sur Sangam on the delightfully lit Maharas Mandal.

Also…
Rangoli contest for kids (in front of Temple)

Snack & Sweets booth: pani puri, samosa, chai, jalebi, barfi, pista roll, baklava
Youth class bake sale & popcorn booth
Driftwood Volunteer Fire Department demonstrations
Ras Garba lessons.

Founded in 1990 by H. D. Shree Swami Prakashanand Saraswati, the Barsana Dham Temple and ashram complex serves as the national center of Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat in the United States and is one of the largest Hindu temples in North America. Barsana Dham is active in a number of local and global charitable activities including housing rehabilitation work in Central Texas, flood relief efforts for India, and the ongoing support of charitable hospital in India

Barsana Dham
(SW of Austin on FM 1826, 7 miles from Hwy 290)
400 Barsana Rd.
Austin, TX 78737
(512)288-7180

Swami Prakashanand Saraswati

There is a longing for perfection that comes from deep within every soul. No amount of material or psychic gratification can ever console our spiritual heart because our inner self can only be fulfilled by Divine love. To purify the heart and experience the omnipresent vibrations of Divine love simply bring your mind to your heart and feel centered there.

Be aware of the Divine presence near you as you listen to the beautiful chants of Swami Prakashanand Saraswati. Once you begin this natural process your mind will gradually become calm, peaceful, and contented. True awareness of the Divine makes life worth living, because it appears as a sweetness that can be tasted in every step of life. Even a few minutes of sincere practice can fill your heart with the Divine love that you seek. Contentment, peace and happiness will replace the feeling of dissatisfaction in your life. The awareness of your Divine relationship and experience of Divine love within your soul will gradually heighten. Sincere remembrance of the Divine names through meditation and chanting opens your heart to experience the Bliss of Divine love.

A Few Good Questions
Swami Prakashanand Saraswati often speaks of opening the heart to receive Divine love. Is the soul located in or near the heart?

When Shree Swamiji talks of the heart it is not the physical heart that is being referred to. There is a devotional space inside you that is unlike the material space. It is located near the heart in the center of your chest. Your soul lives in that space, and God also resides in that space. Mind has two places of existence; the brain area and the heart area. When you bring your mind to the heart area, your mind is closer to your soul and to God. You experience loving emotions in your heart, not your brain. So in our meditation (bhakti) we enrich our devotional, emotional feelings for God in our heart, not our brain.

How does a person find a true Spiritual Master?

Its always advisable to those who are looking for a Spiritual Master to turn directly to God for help. God is kind. He can help you find someone to lead you to Him. Worship God, in any form you choose as your Divine Beloved and cry for His Grace. If any person is truly and wholeheartedly desiring guidance from God, situations are created in such a way that he will find a true Master. Because he is already in God consciousness, he will be able to recognize his Master to some extent. This is the procedure of finding a true Master and following the path to God.

Does longing for God happen naturally, or can we do anything to increase it?

Longing develops on its own, but you have to provide the facility for its development Eagerly yearning for His Grace inspires and fosters longing in a devotee’s heart. When a plant is small it needs protection, water, light and nourishment so that it can grow tall and strong on its own. Similarly, the seed of Divine love in a devotee’s heart needs to be protected and nurtured by the dedication of the devotee; then longing ows on its own.

Swami Prakashanand Saraswati is the foremost disciple of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj (Shree Maharajji).

After spending 20 years in isolation in the loving remembrance of Shree Raseshwari Radha Rani in the woodlands of Braj, Shree Swamiji according to the wishes of his supremely Gracious Spiritual Master began teaching the path of Raganuga Bhakti.

His writings and discourses are the deeper manifestation of his beloved Master’s boundless Grace that enlightens a devotee with the true knowledge of the devotional path and brings him closer to Radha Krishn.

Recognized as a highly respected Spiritual Master, Shree Swami Prakashanand Saraswati has spent his life in loving devotion to God. After completing his formal education, in 1950 he took sanyas, and entered the renounced order of life. After this, he spent many years in Divine seclusion in holy pilgrimage places of India.

The Grace of Shree Maharajji brought Swami Prakashanand Saraswati to the western world. For the benefit of those seeking genuine spiritual guidance and knowledge, he expanded Shree Maharajji’s mission of revitalizing raganuga bhakti in the world, and established ashrams and centers in India, New Zealand and the US.

Thousands of souls have been Graced and guided by Shree Swamiji on the path of loving to devotion to God. His teachings, lectures and writings have made Shree Maharajji’s teachings accessible to those living in the west, and reveal the deepest aspects of the Divine science of raganuga bhakti.

Swami Prakashanand Saraswati

The history of our planet is the history of war and peace; the rise and fall of empires; of poverty and prosperity; sorrow and happiness. The Vedas are prime and authoritative scriptures of Hindu religion. They explain, “Sansaratiti sansaraha, gachatiti jagat… Everything in the material world is in a state of flux, unstable and impermanent.” They further describe that the material manifestation is cyclically created and destroyed. Cosmic energy (maya), of which the manifest world is composed, has three qualities: positive, selfish and negative (sattva-raj-tam). These qualities pervade every aspect of the physical and subtle aspects of the material phenomena. They also influence human thinking and perception because the mind and intellect of a human being are comprised of material energy.

Swami Prakashanand Saraswati

There is a deeply devotional aspect of Hindu faith. This has been beautifully expressed in the tradition of great masters who reveal vivid descriptions of the kindness, beauty and love of God in heart touching devotional songs and chants. These melodious compositions become a source of meditation and remembrance for evolving and enriching our personal relationship with God. At Barsana Dham that tradition is vibrantly alive. Sunday services in the Temple resound with lively chanting of songs and chants in praise of Radha Krishn, the supreme form of Divine love. The participants are Americans of Indian origin from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Houston and surrounding areas, international and out of state visitors, and Texans of a variety of ethnic origins and ages reflecting not only the diversity of Austin but the fact that the chants and philosophy have a universal appeal. Barsana Dham is a place of peace, harmony and devotion to God and anyone who comes with an open heart and mind is welcome at the Temple.

In these turbulent and troubled times universal Hindu philosophy offers solace for the soul and a definitive vision of the path to God in this and every era.

Traditional Fair at the Ashram of Swami Prakashanannd Saraswati

The traditional annual Indian Mela (Fair) at Barsana Dham, the US Ashram of Swami Prakashanand Saraswati,  is set for Saturday, April 25th, from 12 noon to 5:00 PM. This year’s event will feature Elephant rides, traditional food and snacks, shopping bazaar, live Indian dance and music performances.

Organizers say attendees will feel like they are in a real Indian fair in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Fair goers can have their hands decorated with elaborate mehndi patterns, purchase unique clothing, jewelry, artwork, and try their luck at the dunk tank. There will be favorite Indian delicacies like samosas, lassi, rasgula, bhel puri and more. Games prizes, inflatable rides, petting zoo, pony rides, trackless train, roving balloon artist Nate the Great and clown extraordinaire Bonzo Crunch will be there.

This year, the teachers of Barsana Dham will present interactive sessions: “Hinduism, Myth vs. Fact”, “Introduction to Chanting Meditation” and give a walking tour of Barsana Dham. Cultural music and dance will be performed on the outdoor stage ending with a Sarod and Tabla concert.

Everyone is welcome to attend the Mela at Barsana Dham, located at 400 Barsana Rd. on FM 1826 (Camp Ben McCullough Rd.). Admission is $5.00 per car. For more information, visit the Barsana Dham Web site at www.barsanadham.org or call (512) 288-7180.

JKP Barsana Dham was  founded by Swami Prakashanand Saraswati. Just as the Holi of Barsana India is renowned for its spectacular style of colored play, Holi at Barsana Dham is becoming renowned in the US for its devotional and joyous celebration of this playful festival.

Beginning in the afternoon with the chanting of Holi pads and rasiya songs revealed by Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj that describe the Holi leelas of Radha Krishn, the enthusiasm begins to build. Then a speech on the real meaning of Holi by Swami Prakashanand Saraswati inspires all in attendance to ponder who they really came to play Holi with—Radha Krishn. Chanting of the Holi leelas further adds to the feelings of mutual forgiveness, acceptance and Divine love that mark this occasion.

After a prasad dinner and traditional sweets are served to the thousands of guests, a bell is rung to signal the beginning of Holi play on the Maharas Mandal. Gulal (pink powder) is provided which people throw on each other as they dance and sing, until a cloud of red dust fills the air, and all have turned the color of love. It must be experienced to be understood.

Barsana Dham Youth Camp

Swami Nikhilanand, student of Swami Prakashanand Saraswati

Swami Nikhilanand left behind his Western beliefs and chose to adopt Hinduism as a young man. He travelled to India and studied in the ashrams of Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj,

learning Hindi, Sanskrit, and the essence of the prime Bhartiya Scriptures (Upnishads, Darshan

Shastras, Gita, Bhagwatam). When the time came, his Guruji gave him the order of sanyas.

Since then, Swami Nikhilanand has lectured throughout the U.S., inspiring audiences with his clear and practical representation of our Hindu dharm.

Swami  Nikhilanand has emerged as an elequont and dynamic teacher of Sanatan Dharm and has created a wave of spiritual activity in New York. With the gracious blessings of Swami Prakashanand Saraswati, Swami Nikhilanand conducts inspirational workshops and courses in New York every day. Living the Gita in New York is  his latest series of workshops in which he explains the philosophy of the Gita on a chapter by chapter basis.

Please contact Barsana Dham on 512-288-7180 for up to date information on all his courses and of the nation-wide activities of the preachers of Swami Prakashanand Saraswati.

Read More about Swami Prakashanand Saraswati here.

Student of Swami Prakashanand Saraswati with HSC

According to a report, Barsana Dham, an ashram established by H.D. Swami Prakashanand Saraswati hosted a HSC Camp in 2004. One participant recalls:

The festive mood flowed into the night while a band played for the student and the residents of Barsana Dham participated in a night of garba and raas underneath the stars. It was a moment pure of Indian nostalgia.

Read the full report at this website.

Swami Prakashanand Saraswati

Austin-American Statesman Staff have put together a slideshow of Swami Prakashanand Saraswati and Barsana Dham:

Barsana Dham Slideshow

We at prakashanand0saraswati.wordpress.com are also pleased to announce that the yearly Barsana Dham Intensive has commenced this week. This year, the Intensive will be held at Marsha Didi’s residence. Devotees have spent the last week preparing for the Barsana Dham Intensive by decorating, arranging and beautifying the centre for the arrival of their spiritual teacher, Swami Prakashanand Saraswati.

The devotional ambiance at the Barsana Dham centre is particularly striking this year, and while I am unable to attend, I have been told that it has been one of the most successful Intensive programs to date.

The Barsana Dham Intensive is held every year during the Sept/Oct period. This annual intensive is personally conducted by His Divinity Swami Prakashanand Saraswati and is a rare opportunity for the devotees to improve, develop and conceive the consciousness of Radha Krishn love. During the intensive Swami Prakashanand Saraswati reveals the internal Love and Bliss of the Divine Vrindaban, and relates the greatness of the satsang, association and the Divine Graciousness of Bhakti-yog-rasavatar, Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj. In his discourses, Swami Prakashanand Saraswati also explains the devotional secrets and the loving leelas of Radha Krishn revealed by Shree Maharajji. Devotees also have the opportunity to open their heart, ask Swami Prakashanand Saraswati any devotional questions, and receive clarity on the path.

Each day intensive participants join a ‘Transpersonal Unity’ class which is a course for complete relaxation of the mind soul and physical body. Designed by Swami Prakashanand Saraswati, ‘Transpersonal Unity’ is an entirely new approach that immediately shows its positive effect. The course includes a short speech on physical and mental wellbeing, breathing exercises, gentle hath yog postures, and an integral relaxation method through chanting.

Celebrations are organized on each weekend of the intensive which gives devotees the opportunity to express their feelings of love and dedication for Radha Krishn and Shree Maharajji in cultural programs of devotional songs and dances. During the intensive the video of Shree Maharajji’s life history is also shown, which makes the devotees feel the presence of Shree Maharajji in Barsana Dham.

Most importantly, the annual intensive is a time for devotees to participate in morning and evening devotions and chanting programs in the presence of Swami Prakashanand Saraswati. This is an invaluable Divine gift that helps the devotees to deepen their experience of Radha Krishn love.

Relief Collection Box at Barsana Dham

Bihar relief campaign by Barsana Dham

Moved by the plight of millions in recent Bihar floods, and to provide immediate humanitarian aid to the flood-hit people, JKP Foundation at Barsana Dham, Austin, TX has begun the “Bihar Relief Campaign.”

Ike Evacuees at Barsana Dham

Barsana Dham, the US ashram of Swami Prakashanand Saraswati, has opened its doors to victims of the recent flooding in Texas. Close to 200 evacuees spent the weekend at Barsana Dham, where devotees provided accomodation, games, and spiritual activities to their guests.

“I don’t know what heaven looks like,” evacuee Kamla Joshi at said. “But this is heaven to me. It’s very relaxing.”

The Joshi’s are just five of the 200 evacuees who have spent the weekend at the Barsana Dham Temple.

Barsana Dham leaders said most of the evacuees have been people of the Hindu faith and of Indian descent but says that Barsana Dham is opening its doors to anyone who needs shelter during the hurricane aftermath.

http://barsana-dham-la.blogspot.com

Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj presents Rs. 2 crore check to BJP President Rajanth Singh for Bihar relief effort.

http://www.barsanadham.org/2008-Bihar_Relief_Campaign.html

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release Contact: Janeshwari Devi
JKP, Barsana Dham
400 Barsana Rd.
Austin, TX 78737
(512) 288-7180

Bihar Relief Campaign Undertaken by Barsana Dham, the US Ashram of Swami Prakashanand Saraswati
September 5, 2008, Austin, TX - JKP Foundation at Barsana Dham, Austin, TX has begun the “Bihar Relief Campaign” to further the relief efforts in India of Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat. Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj recently presented BJP President, Rajnath Singh with a check for Rs 2 crore ($448,000) to help those affected by the severe flooding that is devastating the northeastern Indian state of Bihar. Barsana Dham has an immediate fundraising goal of $150,000.

The urgent need for aid of all types continues to grow as many of the relief camps are already strained to the limit with more and more people streaming in by the hour. Though difficult to predict at this stage, the number could grow to 20 million in the days and weeks ahead as the full extent of the disaster is assessed by relief organizations.

The need for monetary aid represents a humanitarian opportunity to help for those who enjoy the abundance of modern life in America. Now is the time for each one of us to extend our support to those in Bihar who need it the most.

JKP, Barsana Dham, a non-profit, religious, educational and charitable organization established in Austin, TX by H.D. Swami Prakashanand Saraswati, regularly undertakes philanthropic causes for the benefit of the disadvantaged in India. Visit the website to contribute to this cause:
www.BarsanaDham.org .

For information on how you can expand this effort call Barsana Dham at (512) 288-7180 x307. Donations are fully tax deductible. 100% of funds collected will be sent to India to assist the people of Bihar.

http://swami-prakashanand-saraswati.blogspot.com/2008/09/for-immediate-release-jkp-barsana-dham.html

Information on how to donate to the JKP Foundation is available here:
http://www.barsanadham.org/2008-Bihar_Relief_Campaign.html

http://shree-kripaluji-maharaj.blogspot.com/2008/09/shree-kripaluji-maharaj-donates-2-crore.html

For information on how you can give a contribution to the National relief fund: http://pmindia.nic.in/relief.htm

(Above: Radha Rani Rath Yatra at JKP Barsana Dham)

JKP Barsana Dham is preparing a series of special Radha Ashtmi programs to be conducted at the San Jose and Fresno centres of JKP Barsana Dham.

The festivities will commence at the San Jose center (view map) on Sat., September 6th with chantings & bhajans of Radha Rani, followed by discourse, videos and arti. Following day, in Fresno (view map), there will be a devotional dance performance, live chanting and speech. A marvelously decorated jhula (swing) will be available for Radha Rani.

For information about the Fresno celebration call 559-325-2413, or call 408-826-8215 regarding the San Jose celebration; or visit http://www.jkpsanjose.org/

If you would like information about Radha Radha Ashtmi celebrations at your local JKP centre, see contact information at http://www.jkp.org/intl_programs/index.html

It seems unbelievable that God appeared in a village in India. If you try to intellectualize this, your mind will fail. It will never be able to comprehend it. He has great compassion for all the souls, so He appeared to help the souls. He appeared among us. And what did He do? He did everything to help us.    

http://swami-prakashanand-saraswati.blogspot.com/2008/08/jkp-barsana-dhams-joyous-celebration-of.html

http://swami-prakashanand-saraswati.blogspot.com/2008/08/barsana-dham-important-announcement-aug.html

Sushree Diwakari Devi (Divakari Didi), a student of Swami Prakashanand Saraswati

After extensive study of the deepest aspects of Divine Love, Sanskrit scriptures, and devotional music in India, Diwakari Deviji received Vaishnav sanyas in the raganuga tradition of Vrindavan, India. Since  then, she has lectured extensively throughout the U.S. and Canada. Her speech touches the heart and her chanting of the Divine name enters deep in the hearts of the listeners, inspiring them with deep devotional love for Radha Krishn.

View event description here: http://diwakari-devi.blogspot.com/2008/08/sushree-diwakari-devis-september.html

More about Diwakari Devi: http://two.xthost.info/diwakari/devi/diwakari_devi.html

http://swami-prakashanand-saraswati.blogspot.com/2008/08/glimpses-of-swami-prakashanand.html

Last year’s Barsana Dham Janmashtmi discourse by Swami Prakashanand Saraswati:

Krishn Janmashtmi is a very auspicious night for those who really desire for God realization. It is the day when the supreme Divine power appeared on this earth.

It seems unbelievable that the creator of almighty God appeared in a province, in a village in India. If you try to intellectualize this, your mind will fail. It will never be able to comprehend it. He has great compassion for all the souls, so He appeared to help the souls. He appeared among us. And what did He do? He did everything to help us.

In Divine love, the Gopis loved Krishn any way they liked. Mother Yashoda loved baby Krishn. His playmates played with Him in the way they liked. Krishn never showed He was superior to them. He showed equality. Always He was thinking, “How can I give more and more love?” In this way, Krishn revealed the beauty, charm, and intensity of Divine love on this earth, as long as Krishn lived in Braj. There are a few instances…

Once Krishn was playing outside. He came running and rushed to His mother because He was hungry. But Mother Yashoda was going to do some housework. Krishn said, “Mum, Mum, I want curd, butter.” Mother said, “No, I’m working. Go out and play. Come after half an hour.” This was the scene. Young Krishn is pulling His mother’s sari, and trying to see into her eyes. Children know if they look into their mother’s eyes, mother will do what they want. They know her weakness. Mother also knows her weak part. Krishn is trying to look in His mother’s eyes and Yashoda is trying to avoid looking in Krishn’s eyes. With one hand, Yashoda is trying to keep Krishn away from her sari, and says while looking the other way, “Go and play! I’ll give you curd afterwards.”

There were some Gopis (maidens of Braj) there. The Gopis couldn’t say anything because after all, the mother of Krishn has more authority, and she was liked as the queen of Braj. But the Gopis were thinking, “If mother could do her work afterwards and take Krishn in her lap now, it would be better.” But, Mother Yashoda didn’t want it that way.

At this time, Sage Narad arrived. When he saw this scene he couldn’t believe his eyes or ears. “What am I seeing? O, Yashoda, the Vedas state that God is supreme, and a devotee is humble. A devotee always wants to reach God, but here I am seeing the reverse! Who is greater? Who is smaller? I can’t decide. I know Krishn is the supreme form of God and Yashoda is a Divine personality, yet the supreme God is trying to go into the lap of Mother Yashoda, a Saint. Things have become reversed! I never heard of such a meditation or devotion or worship in the Vedas which can make the supreme form of God as humble, as loving, as devoted as I am seeing now in Braj.” He said a few prayers, kept on looking at that beautiful scene of surrender where the supreme form of God surrenders to a Divine personality.

There are hundreds and thousands of Krishn leelas. All the actions of Krishn are done out of His Grace, done with only one ambition – to help the living beings. Such actions are called leelas. In all the leelas of Krishn, from His appearance to His disappearance, He only showed His love. How humble, loving and devoted He was to all the Brajwasis, to a Gwalbal or friend, or to His mother, or to a Gopi. Whoever was in Braj, He tried to give maximum love. He was trying to serve the Brajwasis.

What did the Brajwasis do? Nothing. They just loved Krishn whole-heartedly, nothing else. Neither Gopis, nor Gwalbals, nor Mother Yashoda, nor Nandbaba (his father), not a person in Braj did any kind of meditation, austerity, devotional rituals, nothing. They only did one thing, surrendered their heart, soul and mind for Krishn. They accepted Krishn as their Divine beloved, that’s all.

Bolo Kanhaiya ki, Jai!
Barsana Dham ki, Jai!
Shree Kripaluji Maharaj ki, Jai!
Jai Shree Radhey!

Here are some pictures from last year’s Janmashtmi Celebration at Barsana Dham with Swami Prakashanand Saraswati.

A Krishn leela performance at JKP Barsana Dham

Guests relaxing outside at Swami Prakashanand Saraswati's Ashram

Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj, the supreme spiritual master of Swami Prakashanand Saraswati

Shree Raseshwari (Radha Rani) Temple, in Austin, Texas, is one of three temples in the world dedicated to the absolute supreme form of Divine love, Shree Radha Rani, the All Loving, All Beautiful form of God. The other two Temples are in India.

Barsana Dham is the result of the Divine dream of Shree Swami Prakashanand Saraswati, the foremost disciple of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj, who has physically returned to Earth the authentic greatness and Divineness of the ancient ashrams of the great Masters of India.

The Divine Saints taught the path to God Realization, through the secrets described in the eternal scriptures of the Vedas, The Gita and The Bhag-watam, and enlightened the souls that came to them.

Today, Swami Prakashanand Saraswati offers the same path of divine love consciousness to the modern world, through his teachings, writings and his Ashram. For the benefit of those seeking genuine Spiritual guidance he founded the International Society of Divine Love, with Centers throughout the world. After spending more than 18 years in loving devotion to Radha Rani in the deep woodlands of Braj, India, Swami Prakashanand Saraswati was Divinely guided to bring this eternal knowledge to souls in the West, sincerely seeking God’s love.

Barsana Dham Ashram encompasses 200 acres of beautiful wooded land in the hill country outside of Austin, Texas. There are beautiful parklike settings, wildflowers and beautiful trees, where visitors can stroll and enjoy. Other places are ideal for peaceful outdoor meditation and worship.

The Temple is a center of love and devotion, a center of dedication, discipline, peace and harmony. God’s love (Divine love) is desired by all the religions of the world. People of the world need this Love so much. Thousands who have visited, experience its peaceful and devotional atmosphere. Remarked one such guest, “This place is spectacular, I can really feel God’s presence.”

The Ashram community enjoys a remarkable rapport with the people of Austin. Just recently 2000 people attended a fun-filled open house and authentic Indian fair. There were booths selling food, clothes, games to play, and even rides for the children.

On the second day of opening ceremonies, October 8th, 1995, the honorable Bruce Todd, Mayor of Austin, personally proclaimed his thanks to the community of Barsana Dham for adding so much to the city of Austin. The Governor of Texas and many other prominent figures echoed similar sentiments. Barsana Dham has become a place of pilgrimage for thousands who seek a much deeper understanding and experience of the sweetness and infinite bliss of God’s love. In the words of a member of the Ashram community, “The temple doors are open to anyone who loves God.”

Shree Raseshwari (Rad-ha Rani) Temple has become a landmark of pure Bhakti (devotion) for people from around the world. Radha’s Grace is permanently established in Barsana Dham for everyone in the world’s benefit. “It has changed my life, totally; I count the days when I can return.”

Visit Barsana Dham and you will find yourself in a different world. A world of Spiritual peacefulness that will excite your heart with devotional affinity to meet your Beloved God in this very lifetime.

Yoga Retreat at JKP Barsana Dham

Immerse yourself in a fun, relaxing weekend of yoga and ashram living with yoga enthusiasts from across Texas at JKP Barsana Dham, the ashram founded by H.D. Swami Prakashanand Saraswati. Discover a community of like-minded students and teachers who wish to strengthen their connection with one another and share ideas, information and inspiration from all styles and schools of yoga. Join us in celebrating the rich diversity of yoga in our state as we lay the foundations for creating a strong and vibrant yoga community throughout Texas and across the globe.

The retreat is held at JKP Barsana Dham, a beautiful ashram and retreat facility located in the Austin Hill Country. The retreat features teachers from all across Texas who represent many distinct styles of Yoga. Classes are suitable for all levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced / teacher / aspiring teachers. Classes begin Friday afternoon, and continue through Sunday afternoon.

In addition to classes, you will enjoy quality vegetarian food, discussions, friendships, beauty, massages, kindred spirits, hiking, laughter, music, healing, and peacocks.

We have a great line up of returning presenters from last year. We are also bringing in some new teachers that we are very exited to be able to introduce to you.

As with the previous Seven Texas Yoga Retreats, our focus remains on building community. We hope you will see this as an opportunity not only to study with great yoga teachers from a variety of traditions, but also as an opportunity to make new connections and friendships, and strengthen and renew old ones.

If you know of other yoga enthusiasts that might resonate with our vision… “creating….” please consider inviting them to join you on this retreat. It is through individual relationships that community is built and as we increase and improve the quality of our individual relationships, we strengthen and improve the quality of the yoga community as a whole. See article in Rare Magazine about Texas Yoga and LYP!

Interested in Yoga Teacher Training?

We hold the Living Yoga Program intensive several times a year.

* Jul 25-Aug 3, 2008 (Foundations Intensive)
* Nov 5-6, 2008 (Yoga Anatomy)
* Nov 7-12, 2008 (Track 2 – Deepening Intensive)
* Jan 23-Feb 1, 2009 (Foundations Intensive)
* Jul 24-Aug 2, 2009 (Foundations Intensive)
* Nov 4-5, 2009 (Yoga Anatomy)
* Nov 6-11, 2009 (Track 2 – Deepening Intensive)
Find our more about our Living Yoga Teacher Training Program.

Devotees of Swami Prakashanand Saraswati

August 16 & 17
7:30 to 9:00 pm Saturday & Sunday
11 am – 12:45 pm Sunday
JKP Barsana Dham will celebrate Jhulan Leela in the presence of His Divinity Swami Prakashanand Saraswati, with songs describing the swinging leelas of Radha Krishn. Devotees take a turn swinging their Divine Beloveds on the jhula  while enjoying the sweet and loving jhulan leela songs of Jagadguru Kripaluji Maharaj.

http://www.encyclopediaofauthentichinduism.org/articles/69_the_recognition_of.htm

H.D. Swami Prakashanand Saraswati (right)

A sanyasi teacher of JKP Barsana Dham founded by H.D. Swami Prakashanand Saraswati, will be conducting a series of interesting and enlightening lectures throughtout this summer in L.A.

Starting on August 23rd in the Just Breath Yoga Centre, the sanyasi teacher will give a class on “Opening the heart through Divine Love Meditation”. Other topics include “The Cycle of Life, Birth and Death” and “How Spirituality can Sustain you through difficult times”.

Introduced to the spiritual teachings of India as a young man, the sanyasi teacher desired to devote his life in service to God. Under the guidance of his Spiritual Master, Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj, he studied the deepest aspects of the Sanskrit scriptures, devotional music and the philosophy of Divine love.

After intensive study and devotion in India and the US, he received the renounced order of sanyas in the raganuga tradition of Vrindaban, India. A full-time sanyasi teacher, he has taught throughout the United States under the guidence of Swami Prakashanand Saraswati.

http://my.opera.com/Swami-Prakashanand-Saraswati/blog/

Founded by Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj, a respected and renowned Spiritual Master from India and the fifth original Jagadguru of the last 5,000 years, JKP Barsana Dham’s aim is to reveal the original knowledge of the eternal scriptures (Upnishads, Gita, Bhagwatam etc.), and the path of raganuga bhakti to interested souls around the world.