The Bhakti Mindset by Aruna

Themed on the Bhagavad Gita verse 9.14, this episode reflects on the sublime qualities of the mahatmas or the great souls who are constantly engaged in serving Lord Krishna with love and devotion. Along with beautiful prayers from Srimad Bhagavatam and a song by Sri Narottam Das Thakur, let us look at various examples of exalted souls who can inspire us on our path of bhakti.

This episode takes us through a beautiful lila (pastime) from Canto 10 of Srimad Bhagavatam, where Lord Brahma steals the calves and cowherd boys and tries to show his mystic power, only to be bewildered himself! Inspired by a beautiful verse from Srimad Bhagavatam 10.13.45, let us meditate on some of the wonderful features and qualities of Lord Sri Krishna and simply revel in His pastimes and glory...as we bow down to His superior power...

Inspired by many beautiful verses from Srimad Bhagavatam, Bhagavad Gita and Chaitanya Charitamrita, this episode explores the topic of 'Desire'. Let us see how we can focus and set a goal for our spiritual life, dovetail and harmonise our desires with that of Lord Krishna, qualify ourselves and ultimately go back home - Back to Godhead! Along with songs by Vaishnava acharyas, may we be inspired to offer our love and devotion to the sweet Lord Krishna in the temple of our heart...

In canto 11 of Srimad Bhagavatam, Lord Krishna speaks to his dear friend Uddhava, giving the essence of all his teachings. Drawing inspiration from the verse SB 11.14.20, this episode features a narration of the Damodar Lila, where little Krishna is won over by the pure love of mother Yashoda. This episode is a special offering during the auspicious month of Kartik, which is a very special time to increase one's devotional service and spiritual practice.

In Canto 10 of Srimad Bhagavatam, there is a beautiful description, where the demigods headed by Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva offer their prayers to welcome Lord Krishna in the womb of mother Devaki, just before the Lord appears on this earth. Inspired by the verse SB 10.2.25, let us meditate on the supremacy of Lord Krishna and on the wonderful qualities of great personalities such as Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva and Narad Muni who bowed down to the Lord and chanted His glories. This episode is a gift for Sri Sri Radha Gopinath (Their Lordships of ISKCON Sydney temple) and all the devotees for the auspicious day of Sri Krishna Janmashtami!!

This episode takes us through the path of taking shelter and ultimately surrendering to the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna. Drawing inspiration from Bhagavad Gita verse 18.66 let us see what unfolds from the pages of Srimad Bhagavatam. Along with some inspiring songs by Vaishnava acharyas, this episode aims to allure one's mind and heart to the lotus feet of Sri Krishna

This episode looks at the topic of the three stages of realising the Absolute Truth - as Brahman, Paramatma and Bhagavan. How does one transcend the three modes of material nature and start practising devotional service? Let us draw inspiration from verse 14.27 from Bhagavad Gita along with some beautiful verses from Srimad Bhagavatam.

Lord Brahma is a Guna avatar of the Supreme Personality of Godhead Shri Krishna, who was engaged in the work of creation. In the 3rd canto of Srimad Bhagavatam, there is a beautiful description when Lord Brahma is born from the navel of Lord Vishnu. And before Lord Brahma begins his work of creation of the material world, he offers beautiful prayers in the mood of surrender, to receive guidance from the Supreme Lord. This episode looks at one of those inspiring verses which is found in Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 3 Chapter 9, Text 24.

Kapiladeva is an incarnation of Lord Krishna and He gave very deep philosophical instructions to His mother. The philosophy He expounded is called “Sankya”. Mother Devahūti was well aware that she was before her spiritual master and Lord Brahmā (the chief engineer of the universe) had also informed her that her son was a powerful incarnation. In today’s episode, Aruna takes us through one particular verse (Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 3, Chapter 25, Verse 19) which goes as follows: “Perfection in self-realization cannot be attained by any kind of yogī unless he engages in devotional service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, for that is the only auspicious path.”

Elephant King Gajendra, is remembered for his extraordinary surrender to God. The great difficulty he faced in life and his eventual spiritual success are recorded and sung in India’s ancient historical texts (Puranas) for millions of years. His prayers when he was caught in a life and death situation is heart touching. It is said that regular recitation of this pastime, especially early in the morning, gives the reader & the listener a great spiritual merit. This pastime shows one that the Supreme and all-compassionate Lord will protect His devotees when they are in trouble when they take complete shelter of Him.