How to Get Out of the Clutches of Maya

The Sanskrit word maya means that which is not. In other words, it is illusion. For example, if a servant of a king thinks that he is the king, that is illusion. Generally, it is the illusion of all human beings that they are the lords of all they survey.

Three Ways to Cook Potato Subji

Three Ways to Cook Potato Subji

This month, I’d like to discuss three-basic ways of cooking vegetables. As you become thoroughly conversant with these three basic methods and as you observe how each method affects the ingredients you will learn how to vary the final taste, texture, and appearance of the dish.

Karma-yoga—Perfection through Action, Part 3

Karma-yoga—Perfection through Action, Part 3

As Chapter Three opens, it is clear that Arjuna has not understood that the path of knowledge and the path of devotional service are ultimately the same because the goal is the same, but also he has not understood the difference between action with fruitive results and inaction, or action without fruitive results.

Why Hare Krishnas Distribute Books

Why Hare Krishnas Distribute Books

Have you ever met a Hare Krsna devotee in an airport, a parking lot, or on the street distributing books and collecting donations? Many people wonder why we do this. I’ve been distributing books for over six years, and I’d like to tell you something about the origin of book distribution.

The Intelligence to Love Krsna

Krsna consciousness is meant for the most intelligent persons. Although it is available for everyone, those who are not intelligent will not be interested in this transcendental movement, but will continue to engage in illusory happiness on the material platform.

Contents of the Gita Summarized, Part 2

Seeing Arjuna full of compassion and very sorrowful, his eyes brimming with tears, Madhusudana, Krsna, spoke the following words: My dear Arjuna, how have these impurities come upon you? They are not at all befitting a man who knows the progressive values of life.

The Transcendental Sound Vibration

As sound is the cause of this material world, it is also its destruction. That same sound which destroys this cosmic manifestation elevates one to the spiritual sky, which is conspicuous by the absence of the qualities of the material sky.

Liberation at Last

Recently I spoke to an acquaintance who is practicing “meditation” and I asked him the goal of his practice. The answer was, “Liberation. To merge with the one.”

Cooking with the Spices of Life

Cooking with the Spices of Life

Paste masala refers to spices and herbs that have been ground to a moist, smooth consistency. When slowly simmered, paste masalas impart a full-bodied flavor that is distinctive yet subtle—an ideal spicing for dry bean dishes, dals, gravies, and moist vegetables.

The Great Chant

The Great Chant

O my Lord! when shall my eyes be decorated with tears of love, flowing constantly while I chant Your Holy Name? When will my words be choked up when uttering the Holy Name?