It is the mind that has to be engaged in devotion to God, so one must practice and practice tirelessly to attach the mind in the Divine realm.
Final speech by Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj‘s last speech has been subtitled in English as per the request of the devotees. This is the final speech (subtitled) given by Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj in Bhakti Dham, Mangarh, called Man Karu Sumiran Radha Rani ke Charan (O my mind, always remember the lotus feet of Radha Rani). It was given 2 hours before his entering into Divine coma on November 11th 2013. In his final speech, Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj put forth the essence of all the scriptures and philosophies of the world:
It is the mind that has to be engaged in devotion to God, so one must practice and practice tirelessly to attach the mind in the Divine realm.
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The Personification of Divine Love and GraceSince eternity, divine personalities have descended on earth for the welfare of humans. Jagadguru Shree Kripalu ji Maharaj is one such divine personality, who is amongst the most unique and highly revered spiritual master. “Shree Maharajji”, as he is lovingly called by his devotees, was born on the auspicious night of Sharad Poornima in 1922, in the village Mangarh, near Allahabad in the eastern state of Uttar Pradesh, India. Childhood and youthJagadguru Shree Kripalu ji Maharaj spent his childhood just like any other, absorbed in playing games and frolicking with his young friends. He was well known to be very intelligent and would excel effortlessly in his studies. At the age of fourteen, he left his village and attended three Universities, in Kashi, Chitrakoot and Indore. He covered a whole series of courses in the space of just two-and-a-half years. Absorption in Divine BlissAt the young age of sixteen, Shree Kripalu ji Maharaj suddenly gave up his studies and entered the dense forests of Chitrakoot. There he spent his time absorbed in intense love for Radha Krishna. He would often lose all external consciousness, and go without eating and drinking for many days. For long intervals, he would remain in mahabhav, the highest stage of devotion that manifests in Radha Rani. The very same manifestation of mahabhav love was last seen in Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, about 500 years ago. He emerged from the forest after two years to begin his mission of revealing the glories of Radha Krishna devotion to the world. Kirtan movementShree Maharajji started to conduct ‘satsangs’ that brought about a revolution of Bhakti or devotion in the states of UP and Rajasthan in the 1940s and 50s. He would lead kirtans imbued with intense devotion, which would continue throughout the night. These kirtans, which he wrote himself, have been compared by scholars with those of Meerabai, Soordas, Tulsidas, and Ras Khan. Shree Maharajji’s divine kirtans have captured a special place for themselves in the hearts of sincere devotees across the globe. Scriptural DiscoursesAfter accepting the title of Jagadguru Kripaluji Maharaj traveled throughout the country for fourteen years. He would deliver month-long discourses in each city, in which he would unravel the mysteries of the scriptures before tens of thousands of people, who would throng the venue for a glimpse of this extraordinary scholar and Saint whose words left them spellbound. Shree Maharajji’s lectures tantalize the masses with humor, worldly examples, practical instructions and playful chastisement, much to the delight of the crowd. It was a unique experience as he made the deepest scriptural truths accessible to everyone in the simplest language. As a cut runs deep, his penetrative words have such divine power that even an atheist’s heart can melt when Shree Maharajji describes the merciful and gracious nature of God. Devotional literatureJagadguru Shree Kripalu ji Maharaj has written thousands of inspiring verses revealing the Divine pastimes of Radha Krishna. His style of writing is unique in the entire history of saints: First, he begins the chanting of a pada or kirtan, and as the kirtan progresses, he keeps adding lines to it, bringing it to a consummate close. In glorification of Shree Radha Krishna Devotion, he has named one of his principal creations as “Prem Ras Madira”, or “Divine Love Intoxicant”. A literal (verbatim) translation of the name of one of the greatest treasures of a devotee is a naïve and futile attempt. One is lost for words to describe the intensity and greatness of the pads and kirtans written by Shree Maharajji. It is only by singing the inebriating kirtans that we can get a glimpse of the unfathomable Divine love that pours out from the heart of a true devotee of Shree Radha Krishna. Worldwide missionIt is Shree Maharajji’s vision that every soul should get a chance to practice Bhakti or devotion in its simplest form, so that the soul may attain its true goal of God-realization. In order to help people around the world in their quest towards this goal, Shree Maharajji began training devotee preachers and sending them to different parts of the globe. He also created a formal organization and began the construction of huge ashrams, to provide facilities for devotees who wished to practically apply the teachings in their lives. This organization is today known as the Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat. Every soul seeking divine love & bhakti realizes the infinite grace of Shree Kripalu ji maharaj.
Swami Mukundananda is a renowned spiritual teacher from India, and is the senior disciple of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj. He is the founder of the Yogic system called “Jagadguru Kripaluji Yog”, widely known as JKYog. Swamiji is a unique sanyasi (in the renounced order of life), who has a distinguished technical and management educational background that complements his profound spiritual knowledge. Academic and Professional Accomplishments of Swami Mukundananda Swami Mukundananda finished his B.Tech. from the world-renowned Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi. He then completed his MBA from the equally revered Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Kolkata. After that, he worked for some time with one of India’s topmost industrial houses. However, distinguished material education and a promising corporate career did not quench his thirst for knowing the Absolute Truth. His penchant for a deeper understanding of the nature of divine love and bhakti (devotion) would drown his mind in spiritual thoughts for long periods. Soon, the longing for God was so strong that he renounced his career and travelled throughout India as a sanyasi. Swami Mukundananda at the Lotus Feet of his Spiritual Master During these travels, he associate closely with many elevated saints of India, read the writings of the great Acharyas of the past, and lived in many famous holy places. Ultimately his search took him to the lotus feet of his Spiritual Master, Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj (who is lovingly called “Maharajji” by his devotees). He was overawed by the unfathomable scriptural knowledge and ocean of Divine love that he saw manifest in his Spiritual Master. About this first meeting, Maharajji later remarked, “He recognized me as one would recognize his mother.” Under the guidance of Shree Maharajji, he practiced intense sadhana while residing at the ashram. He also extensively studied the Vedic scriptures, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Bhagavatam and the Indian and Western systems of philosophy. He also perfected the principle meditation technique called “Roopydhyan”, as revealed and taught by Shree Kripaluji Maharaj. Upon completion of his studies, his Guru entrusted him with the key task of propagating the ancient knowledge of the Eternal Truth the world over. Swami Mukundananda was first introduced to yogasans and Hatha Yog meditational techniques in childhood, and he continued its practice while growing up. As he transitioned to Bhakti Yog, he changed his meditational techniques, but continued with his daily practice of yogasans. Seeing his interest in Yog, Kripaluji Maharaj asked him to teach a holistic system of Yog, to correct the anomaly in the Western world, where Yoga was being taught as a mere physical science. On his Spiritual Master’s instructions, Swamiji visited reputed Yoga Universities all over India, studying their yogic techniques. He then incorporated the best practices of Hatha Yog, and amalgamated it with Bhakti Yog, to formulate the system of “Jagadguru Kripaluji Yog.” Worldwide Mission For the last quarter of a century, Shree Swamiji has been traveling far and wide, awakening hundreds of thousands of seekers. Wherever Swamji goes, he attracts huge audiences. Hearing the profound secrets of the Vedas from him is a rare privilege, for he is able to explain the ancient esoteric knowledge with rigourous scientific logic, in the modern context. Using perfect logic, and a simple-yet-scientific approach, Swamiji offers new ways of understanding and applying the knowledge of the scriptures in our daily lives. The hallmark of his lectures is the ease with which he dispels various myths and misnomers associated with the various paths of God-realization, and his ability to penetrate even the toughest minds and convince them with depth of understanding and scriptural veracity. Swamiji has been teaching Yoga & Meditation for over 15 years and personally practising it for over 40 years. He is a renouned expert on Meditation techniques and has presented them to a worldwide audience in the last many years at various forums. He is also the author of many books and articles on Yoga, Meditation and Pranayam. Inspiring Discourses
Swamiji’s lectures cover the teachings of the Vedas, Upanishads, Shreemad Bhagwatam, Puranas, Bhagavad Geeta, Ramayan, and other Eastern scriptures and Western philosophies. Like the true Disciple of a true Master, Swamiji masterfully quotes from the scriptures of all the great religions, to satisfy even the most discerning of knowledge-seekers. He also reveals the simple and straightforward path to God-realization that can be practiced by anyone. Although Swami Mukundananda started preaching in India two decades ago, he now preaches both in India and abroad. He has inspired innumerable devotees in Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong, where his visit is always anxiously awaited. Since 2008, on the instruction of Shree Maharajji, Swamiji has increasingly begun spending more time in USA, where his educational background and command over the English language make his programs particularly charming to the intelligentsia, professionals, and academicians. Shri RadhaKrishnabhyan NamahHOLI SADHANA SHIVIR
From 2nd March to 17 March, 2014 at Bhakti Dham, Mangarh ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Festivals during Sadhana Shivir 16th March - mahaprabhu Jayanti 17th March - Holi ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sadhana Shivir rules will remain the same as previous years. www.jkp.org | www.facebook.com/JKPIndia | www.youtube.com/JKPIndia contact: +91 967048400, +91 9670485000, +91 9919441222, +91 9919601015 The last rites program (Pushpa Visarjan) of Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj continued at Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu on January 16th, Someshwar Ghat, Nasik, Maharashtra on January 18th and Gomti Ghat, Dwarka, Gujarat on January 20th 2014. Check out JKP Official facebook for full size pictures.
Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj's sacred ashes were immersed at these holy places amid Vedic rituals and congregational chanting of the Holy Names of God by devotees and family of Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj. In addition, senior disciple of Shree Maharaj Ji, Swami Mukundananda, delivered a Sadhana Shivir at Sri Rameshwaram Dham. Please check out the commemorative newsletter of Shree Kripalu Kunj Ashram, Houston, for a description of Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj's ascension by Sushree Braj Banchary Didi. Albany Hindu Temple, New York, proudly presents:
The Essence of the Gita: Chapters 13 - 18. Discourse & Kirtan by Swami Nikhilanand of JKP Radha Madhav Dham. Location & Time: February 2 - 8, 2014 Sun, Feb 2nd: 1.30 - 2.30pm in the Temple Mon & Tues, Feb 3rd & 4th: 6.30 - 7.30pm in the Cultural Center Wed & Thurs, Feb 5th & 6th: 6.30 - 7.30pm in the Temple Fri, Feb 7th: 6.30 - 7.30pm in the Cultural Center Sat, Feb 8th: 6.30 - 7.30pm in the Temple Address: Albany Hindu Temple, 450 Albany Shaker Road Loudonville, New York 12110 Phone: 518-459-7272 www.AlbanyHinduTemple.org Questions/Assistance: Prashant Kaushik MD (701) 202-7217 “As a flush to sizzle out the sinful earth As droplets of water to a thirsty sailor As a shower to the very desert As guideline & pathway to hopeless travelers As a drop of love to harsh hearts GURU landed as the angel of lord! Happy Jagadguru Diwas ” - Poem by Aaprisha Sharma from Nepal In cities in India and around the world, the celebrations for Jagadguru Diwas 2014 and Makar Sankranti 2014 are huge. On this day, thousands of devotees take a holy dip in the Ganges and other holy streams. People offer thousands of their colorful oblations to the Sun in the form of beautiful kites. The act stands as a metaphor for reaching to their beloved God. In the ashrams of Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat, we mark this occasion in a joyous and colorful way; even more-so because it is the day when Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj, our Guru, was ordained as "Jagadguru" in 1957. On Sunday, beautiful kites filled the skyline of Radha Madhav Dham USA and Radha Govind Dham New York and devotees of Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj offered their respects to the lotus feet of Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj. In other news, Swami Nikhilanand Ji, senior preacher of Radha Krishna and sanyasi disciple of Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj delivered a profound series of lectures on the significance of the life of Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj. The 6-part series was delivered to devotees at Radha Madhav Dham. All speeches are available for viewing at Radha Madhav Dham's youtube channel www.youtube.com/RadhaMadhavDham or Swami Ji's blog. On December 29th, America commemorated Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj, with flower offerings and shobha yatra at Radha Madhav Dham, Austin. Thousands of spiritual seekers who have been inspired by Shree Maharajji joined the special functions.
Bhakti in the age of Instagram Bhakti in the age of Social Media: Several new social media channels have been launched to connect devotees and promote the path of Radha Krishna devotion in America. Most significantly, Radha Madhav Dham, which is the official center of Radha Krishna devotion in the west, has gone virtual with the introduction of Radha Madhav Dham Official facebook page and Radha Madhav Dham Official twitter page. Radha Govind Dham New York has just launched on instagram, one of the most popular apps today, in addition to facebook and other social media. The instagram page contains regular inspirations by art extraordinaire, Bina. Instagram id is RGDNY. We would like all our readers to get active in Radha Madhav Dham and Radha Govind Dham New York social media. Download the app for instagram and get more inspired and connected with devotion. New Year Kirtan at Radha Madhav Dham Devotees of Shree Maharajji in America gathered at Radha Madhav Dham for 24 hour kirtan. Here is a clip of the climax of the long kirtan session for New Year 2014, where devotees expressed their love for Shree Maharajji and Radha Krishna through chanting and dancing. |