Kalpa Vrksa

Mungir Raj Mandir

Vrinda Kunja

Contemplating Dance

Baba Arrives

At Gaudiya Math

Vrinda Kunja

All of the trees in Vrindavan are considered kalpa vriksa, or wish fulfilling trees. Therefore if one wishes to build a building they include the tree in the architecture by building around it and allowing it to continue to grow through the roof.   As for wishes fulfilled: I get to dance with a bunch of children during evening aroti; Kunja is taking mrdanga (Indian drum) lessons and is playing enthusiastically during kirtan; we are reading the Bhagavad Gita together, in an environment where it makes sense; Asraya does parikram (pilgrimage) of the temple on her unicycle, Mirabai spends a lot more time sitting on my lap, there is more time to cuddle in the evenings and…. my insomnia seems to be healed….!!!

There is a notable absence of anxiety in the association of saints, and this beautiful Mandir (temple) is run by an incredibly loving one, Srila Bhaktivedanta Sadhu Maharaj, who is a spiritual father to me. The general topic of discussion and inquiry is Prema Bhakti… how we can love and serve more as servants of the servants of Srimati Radharani, the Divine Goddess. In this little village of Vrindavan, Srimati Radharani is considered Supreme, even to Krishna, for without her grace, one cannot serve, or even understand Sri Krishna. For all the feminists in search of Asraya (Supreme Shelter) among the dominance of patriarchal World religions, Vrindavan is a theistic, heart-centered oasis.

Today is ekadasi, a fasting day, which begins the holy month of Kartik in Vrindavan. This month thousands of people will come to Vrindavan from all over the World to do pilgrimages.

Chaitanya has arrived and it is the second day the kids are with him. I have a little centering time on my own, during with I have mainly attended philosophy classes, cleaned and slept. I look forward to exploring different temples soon.

Wishing you all the very best!

Jai Sri Radhe!