The Boston Brahmanas
The first written reference to Boston brahmanas was made by Oliver Wendell Holmes. In an essay published in 1860 Holmes wrote of the “brahmin cast of New England … the harmless and innocent, untitled aristocracy.
Perfect Health without Meat
To live a satisfying life in perfect health is possible, but one must have actual knowledge of the body and the soul and of the purpose of health. This knowledge is given in the Vedic literature. By turning to the Vedas, we can go beyond the confusion caused by shortsighted views of health and happiness.
Why are Atheists Successful in the World?
It is true that sometimes if a sincere devotee maintains some material attachment, Krishna will crush his material success so that he is left only with his attachment to Krishna. After all, material opulence in this world is temporary.
The History of a Great Boy Devotee Dhruva Maharaja
Dhruva’s stepmother said, “My dear boy, you cannot sit on the lap of your father. Although you are his son, you are disqualified because you have not taken birth in my womb.”
Meat-eating: the West’s Sacred Cow — Notes from the Editor
Americans tend to scorn India’s recent national ban on cow slaughter. We have difficulty appreciating the Hindus’ view that the cows are holy, and most Americans have little knowledge of how a rural economy like India’s is dependent on the life of the cow and her by-products.
On the Bowery — The Biography of a Pure Devotee
Most of the Bowery’s 7,600 homeless men slept in lodging houses that required them to vacate the rooms during the day. Having nowhere else to go and nothing else to do, they would loiter on the street—standing silently on the sidewalks, leaning against walls, or shuffling slowly along.
Language Reform Movement — Notes from the Editor
There is a movement afoot to correct the worldwide abuse of the English language. Reformers claim that our abuse of words is crucially linked with the moral decline of our society.
New York City, January- February 1966 – “It Will Not Be Possible to Assist You”
I am trying to open a temple here because Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura wanted it. I think that after the temple has started, some men, even from America, may be available.
Man: Just an Old Animal? — Notes from the Editor
According to some anthropologists, the human being is essentially an animal. “It is clear that we are an extremely old animal, perhaps three million years old, and we were evolved to live as hunter-gatherers,” says a Rutgers University anthropologist Lionel Tiger.
Plastic Surgery: Facing the Facts — Notes from the Editor
Time noted recently, “surgery offices were under siege by callers who had seen the results of a notable example of cosmetic surgery, evident in before-and-after pictures of the former First Lady in the Sunday newspapers.
Butler, Pennsylvania: The First Testing Ground
When Srila Prabhupadas bus arrived at the terminal, it was past midnight. Mr. Gopal Agarwal, his sponsor, was waiting with the familys Volkswagen bus to drive him to Butler, about an hour north.
Prabhupada in New York City — Enlightenment on Skid Row
Almost all of Prabhupada’s Bowery friends were musicians or friends of musicians. They were into music—music, drugs, women, and spiritual meditation.
Faith Healer, Heal Thyself — Notes from the Editor
In recent years thousands of religious figures have taken up faith healing. They use all kinds of approaches, but basically they claim that through their charismatic prayer and laying on of hands, God acts: He cures everything from cavities to brain tumors, releases sexual inhibitions, and even increases earning capacity.
Anthropomorphism — Notes from the Editor
“I would be delighted if there were life after death . . . but I am also a scientist . . .” Apparently he thinks that as a scientist, he has a right to demand that the Supreme Being come under his scrutiny. — Astronomer Carl Sagan’
Srila Prabhupada’s New Group of Followers
Robert Nelson and Srila Prabhupada made an odd combination. Srila Prabhupada was elderly and dignified and was a deep scholar of the Bhagavatam and the Sanskrit language, whereas Robert was artless in both Eastern and Western culture and inept in worldly ways.
Srila Prabhupada New York City, Winter 1966 – “I am Trying to Open a Temple”
Prabhupada was convinced if he could start a place where people could come and associate with a pure devotee, the genuine God conscious culture of India could begin in America. But because his plans depended on obtaining a building in Manhattan, his goal seemed unreachable.
More on Faith Healing — Notes from the Editor
I read with much dismay your reflections (“Healer, Heal Thyself”) in Vol. 13, No. 9. What gives you the right to criticize faith healers and charismatics? Most of them that I know have never killed anything in their life….
Dying Ignorant — Notes from the Editor
Old age means a bit more than having to cut out baseball and tennis. It means we’re going to die. So before we get too far along in years, we have to start a spiritual fitness program. We have to exert ourselves strenuously for self-realization.
The Appearance of Lord Caitanya
The incarnation for Kali-yuga is Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, who is also called Gauranga or Gaurasundara because of His golden hue. His complexion is golden, and His activities engage everyone in chanting Hare Krishna.
Gurukul: Spiritual Education
Gurukul students will be the best educated children in society. Not only will they have knowledge of math and English and history, but they’ll also know their relationship with God. They won’t need material things to keep them happy. They’ll be very strong.