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Remember Krishna – the solution to all of life’s problems

remember krishna radha decorated with garland with fairylights poster

Please read on where I am sharing the most beautiful spiritual wisdom talk shared by my own spiritual teacher, who has given us all this gift of transcendental knowledge.

Take heart; Remembering Krishna makes it possible to have actual life.
When you remember Krishna big mountains seem like very small hills you can easily cross.
When you’re not remembering Krishna even small hills look too hard.
When you remember Krishna you have courage facing difficulties & challenges.
When you forget Krishna even the smallest obstacles seem insurmountable, you experience frustration, anxiety, depression.
When you remember Krishna you experience hope.
We forget Krishna & experience hopelessness.
When we remember Krishna we experience purposefulness.
When we forget Krishna we experience life is without any purpose.
When we remember Krishna we are surcharged with spiritual strength.
When we forget Krishna we become spiritually weak.
When we forget Krishna we are like a blind person, we cant see which way to go or where to aim.
When We remember Krishna we can see very clearly what path to follow.
When We remember Krishna our hearts fill with love, appreciation & gratitude.
When we forget Krishna we have hate, anger, feeling resentful, jealousy.
When we remember Krishna we experience tolerance, patience, forgiveness.
When we forget Krishna forgiveness is beyond our reach. We cannot forgive those who offend us.
Simply by remembering Krishna we have life – with forgetfulness of Krishna we have darkness & death.
We should always remember Krishna, and organise our life so that we always remember Krishna.
Chant japa – japa is the private practice of chanting names of Krishna solitarily.
If we neglect to spend time everyday chanting our japa, if we take lightly this instruction from our Spiritual master and don’t spend time alone with Krishna chanting japa then our remembrance of Krishna is weakened.
Some disciples think they are so busy that they don’t have time. They think that they cannot put aside an hour of the morning to chant the names of Krishna.
This is a big mistake. There is no meaning to ‘service’ without remembrance of Krishna.
If we neglect to follow the our vow of spending time with Krishna then we are undermining or rejecting the relationship with our spiritual master and Krishna.
when we neglect this basic central instruction to chant japa by ourselves with Krishna focused on hearing th enames, the form and pastimes of Krishna then we are neglecting the most wonderful opportunity that has been given by Krishna to come into contact with His representative and receive His holy names.
First make sure to remember Krishna by spending time every day chanting japa. Every opportunity here and there through the day we can do more japa.
Hearing the names of Krishna, putting on a cd of Krishna chanting, listening to the names of Krishna and hearing pastimes of Krishna, the names and forms of Krishna & chanting in congregational kirtan.
Organise your life so you are engaged in Krishna.
We eat and drink throughout the day – we can offer that to Krishna.
Remembering Krishna.
We offer obeisances to our Spiritual Master by thanking him for filling our hearts with transcendental knowledge – the truth of my identity that I am part and parcel of Krishna. He is my dear-most friend.
Remember Krishna means remembering our relationship with Krishna, not philosophically but in tasting love for Krishna, in remembering our loving relationship with Krishna.
Transcendental knowledge and love for Krishna are one and the same.
The realization of transcendental knowledge means loving Krishna.
My dear Krishna, you are the heart of my heart, the life of my life, let me take shelter of you. Just rest your heart and mind in Krishna – this is rememberance of Krishna.
This remembrance of Krishna saves us from the greatest dangers, the darkest night.
In all situations just remember Krishna, this is the solution to all of lifes problems.
Just remember Krishna means love Krishna.
Love Krishna and remember Krishna is one and the same. Please chant the names of Krishna

My notes from a lecture given by Jagad Guru Siddhaswarupananda Paramahamsa Prabhupad a bonafide disciple of a bonafide spirtual master coming in a long line of spiritual teachers, originating from God Himself.

Any errors are due to my own note-taking & poor memory, and I beg you will forgive me for them.
For more nectarian instruction visit www.wisdom.yoga
Follow instagram @scienceofidentity for regular spirtual wisdom love bursts on your insta feed!

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Choosing a Krishna Deity

Youthful krishna deity dressed sweetly in flowers from the forest playing his flute on a ornate pink background

I have long admired the Krishna deities which my friends and family have worshipped.

Krishna has so many different moods!

We know that, looking at a deity of Krishna it doesn’t matter from what His form is created. Be it carved wood, formed clay, poured metal or crafted marble – Krishna is so captivating and beautiful that it is His form and transcendental loveliness which prevails. The way in which He captures His dear devotees and accepts their worship is always different. In His adornments, the decorations He wears and the look in His eyes – dreamy, naughty, reassuring, loving, mirthful, reassuring – it’s all there when you begin a relationship with Krishna in His deity form!

But it’s kinda hard to commit to a purchase of a Krishna statue, before you begin worshiping Him.

krishna syamasundar deity with red garland, peacock feather black syamasundar marble deity formAfter so much wonder and bliss and attraction to so very many different deities, I am personally dithering and have been for years – dark Krishna or light Krishna? Because really… it doesn’t matter, it’s just KRISHNA I want!

White marble krishna deity radha kauai deity dressed beautiful garments from remember krishna silk dhoti and garments
Radha’s Krishna deity

But even so, I’ve been looking and looking at deities, thinking, I would really like Krishna to look after here, to make Him garlands and clothes and rest my eyes on Him as I chant japa and sing to my Lords.. or like I used to, have Him with me as I work ready to bedazzle my eyes and capture my heart.

deity on my work desk with little photo frames Krishna deity while I work looking lovingly at me
Krishna used to be with me like this, standing at my desk with me all day long. It was so nice! He has gone now, as He was just on a long term babysitting.

It’s this ever-going-around circle in my head. This morning I looked at the deity of Krishna I have recently painted – a black soapstone Krishna, who was imperfectly carved, but now, He is just so CHARMING! And if He were mine I know that I wouldn’t change Him for any other! He has this very JOYFUL and HAPPY look (which is just so perfect for the bubbly devotee who will be taking Him home) and it was such a delightful flash of perception. Krishna is Krishna. He will inhabit a deity form and the color texture quality etc are all immaterial because… it’s Krishna! He is above the material considerations and will sneak in and steal our hearts.

So – do I know whether I want a black marble Krishna or a white marble Krishna now? Yes. Black or white (light blue I should say) either way I am happy.

Krishna deity in white marble with flute, peacock feather and effulgence

Now its all about looking for Krishna at the right age. What’s the right age? Any age of Krishna! I’m kind of joking, but I do think that Krishna makes His own arrangements that He comes to you just as He should.

Look at youthful and blushing Krsna here: Youthful krishna deity dressed sweetly in flowers from the forest playing his flute on a ornate pink background

The mistake I don’t want to make again:

When I ordered my own dear Nitai Gaura deities, I had ordered the exact same deities that my sister has. (My sisters deities are SO SO SWEET!) Her Gaura Nitai deities have these meek and mild faces, so far removed from looking at the world, but focused on Krishna, and this dainty posture, arms raised high.. Oh I just LOVE them!

So I placed an order, with the same supplier, for these deities. But then, to my consternation, the supplier sent back a picture of the deities they were sending. I wailed and woe’d! It was absolutely NOT a set from the same mold. They were different in a zillion ways. I tried again –  I emailed back and said – “NO! These are NOT the deities I want.” And I resent the picture of my sister’s Lords, pointing out the differences. OK – next I got a pic back (of the same deities) with painted base to mimic the bases on my sister deities, and painted faces… Oh, so not the point!… So I gave up, and said ok, well, if that’s what you are sending me what can I do.

And then. They arrived.

Nitai Gaur deities sita's lords raised arms chanting and dancing deities beautifully dressed and decorated with flowers and wigs

The minute I cracked open the box (they arrived in this massive crate! So well packed and stored, and it was obvious this Immense TREASURE had arrived on my doorstep! So the minute I opened the box and before I had even untied them and lifted them out, I had lost my heart. I cried out of happiness and wonder. Krishna had chosen how to come to me and They were perfect. I have to laugh about it now, that I thought I knew best.

Krishna knows how you want to relate to Him. He knows your heart.

My deities have this amazing welcoming presence. They have wide open hearts and arms open welcoming and lifted up as they dance. They have very curved dancing hips and one foot is lifted off the ground – They are dancing all the time, and I dress Them in clothes that won’t get in the way of Their transcendental dancing. Their eyes are big and lustrous, They have beautiful smiles that are at once grave and happy, and to see them is to see how They invite us into the spiritual world.

Worshipping Lord Chaitanya and Lord Nityananda deities is so nice; we develop the mood of service. If I’m lazy out of bed or lazy to cook dinner I remember that I haven’t woken up my Lords or offered them food, actually it keeps me more regulated! And I worry about them, while I am cooking, if they will like it and try and keep the mood of cooking it nice. Mostly I’m super lazy, so it helps to have this little prompting!

When my parents took care of my Nitai Gaura while I was away for a week, years ago, here’s my Lords with their Lords:

nitai gaur deities in two sizes, small gaura nitai large nitai gaur deities both beautiful

My parents  darling Lord Chaitanya and Lord Nityananda deities, but they love to come and visit my Lords and offer worship with kirtan.

If you think you might like to order the same set (haha!) you can contact me to get the name of the supplier!

Read my blog about different types of deity forms that may work for your family -:How to choose a Krishna murti for Family Life

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Easiest dhoti in the world for Krishna deity

Following on from my first HOW TO MAKE A DHOTI FOR KRISHNA post, I have put together a very simple guide, with some ideas and explanations about the reasons for pleating, and how and where to pleat.

This really is the worlds easiest dhoti… or maybe I should say, realistic dhoti, after all there are some dhoti which are just a sarong and that is probably easier style.

It’s also extra fun because I have temporarily in my custody this beautiful Krishna deity I painted! Isn’t He lovely? Syamasundar Krishna in all joyous happy beauty. (If you are painting deities then please check out my tips on painting deity forms)

As long as you know how to sew and hem a simple rectangle, then this DIY tutorial is all you need to get started on making your own clothes for Krsna! If you have your deity standing in front of you then you can easily work out the length you need to cut.

I love it if I have Krsna in front of me it makes sewing for Him SO much easier! In general I would allow 1/2 of waist width for the front pleats, 3cm extra for the back pleat, and then 1.5 times waist width for the length to pass between Krishna legs and fold into the back of his dhoti at the back.

Always sew on your braid before you do your final stitches to secure the ends and add your press studs!

If anything in this tutorial is unclear, please refer to my step-by-step tutorial which is detailed with images! Here’s that link again 

There’s a whole catalogue of Krishna videos on my YouTube channel which you may or may not follow – not everything makes it’s way to my blog, we’ve diversified across social media platforms, hah! Please subscribe and follow me on YouTube & Facebook! I promise to keep it Krishna conscious! I don’t promise not to totally obsess over art, Krishna, deities, and more 🙂

 

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Why Krishna art

Krishna doll from Remember Krishna shop online doll blue boy

 

I remember practicing to draw that beautiful blue treasure of our hearts when I was just a little tyke!
In fact I remember the first drawings of some of the most incredible artists of this age (Yep I’m looking at you, Devaki & Yogananda!)

Because we all dote on Krishna we can look fondly on the blue or yellow or green scribble and encourage further attempts.

The thing I find the most encouraging is that, Krishna’s sweetness can be evident even in a sketchy scribble where the arms maybe not exactly proportionate or even correct, but we can see tilak or some effulgence and we have this little piece of remembrance.

While I personally am only a mediocre artist, and am always learning more, it is a great delight to draw and practice on Krishna.

little syamasundar doll with his finger in his mouth krsna peacock feather and dhoti Thankfully many people have enjoyed my Krishna art and of course I am thrilled to be able to sell my Krishna dolls.

When I was little our parents encouraged us to create by giving us stories of Krishna, nursery rhymes which had lyrics about Him, and always coloring in activities with Krishna and His transcendental companions.  If you remove tv and computer games as a distraction then there’s a lot more time to develop an interest! Interestingly – and this is not at all the point of my post but a fascinating side note – Bill Gates, the genius behind Microsoft computers, does not even allow his kids to own or have devices – citing developing creativity and interests as his parenting reasoning.

So, the beauty of capturing Krishna in art is such that, while we do so we can absorb ourselves in thinking about Him (what does He look like? How does He stand/ what does He wear, what have I heard about Him that I can incorporate into this artwork?).

The beauty for the audience is they also get to enjoy remembering Krishna by gazing upon the Krsna artwork – however inexpertly created. A win win situation!

deity paint in oils for metal murti krsna formsWhile I work on painting my Krishna dolls, I find it is conducive to listen to a lecture, so my ears are occupied in hearing while my hands are busy. This can be nice, but other great times are when family is gathered or friends are visiting – like someone who knits, always on your lap!

Krsna_deity_painted_diy
Adorable but shiny

I also ask Krishna for His blessings and assistance before I try and represent Him – most especially before I attempt to paint deities of the Lord, I pay my obeisances and ask Krishna for His help to guide my hand – I need it because I am not very expert, but who can accurately portray the beauty of Krishna without His assistance?

Remembering Krishna’s name, qualities, beauty and pastimes I have some very very favorite and inspiring quotes to share with you to assist you in your own creativity painting Krishna.

Sri Krsna’s complexion is as enchanting as an emerald, a tamala tree, or a group of beautiful dark clouds. He is an ocean of nectarean handsomeness.

He wears yellow garments and a garland of forest flowers. He is decorated with various jewels and He is a great reservoir of the nectar of many transcendental pastimes.

His handsome crown is decorated with many different flowers. His handsome forehead is splendidly decorated with tilaka markings and curling locks of hair.

The playful movements of His raised, dark eyebrows enchant the hearts of the gopis.

The tip of His nose is as handsome as the beak of Garuda, the king of birds.

His charming ears and cheeks are decorated with earrings made of various jewels.

He speaks many charming jokes.

 

Decorated with a necklace of pearls, the beauty of His neck enchants the residents of the three planetary systems. Decorated with a necklace of pearls and with the Kaustubha gem, which shines like lightning, Krsna’s handsome chest longs to enjoy the company of the beautiful gopis.

Decorated with bracelets and armlets, Krsna’s arms hang down to His knees.

 

Krsna’s knees are very splendid, charming and handsome.

His charming lotus feet are decorated with jeweled ankle-bells.

Krsna’s feet have the luster of roses, and they are decorated with various auspicious markings, such as the markings of the disc, half-moon, octagon, triangle, barleycorn, sky, parasol, waterpot, conchshell, cow’s footprint, svastika, rod for controlling elephants, lotus flower, bow and jambu fruit.

His reddish toes are decorated with the row of full moons that are His toenails.

Although we have sometimes compared Krsna’s handsomeness to various things, nothing can actually be equal to it.

 

 

 

 

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Cleaning metal deities of Krishna, Gaur Nitai, or other deity

Although by no means an expert, it’s been my pleasure and challenge to be given deities to paint. The first step before painting your deity is cleaning the deities.

As I have spent copious amounts of time researching and adore talking about all aspects of deity care please read on for my guide to cleaning your Lordships.

This advice encompasses metal vigraha forms.

This is a nice way to polish up your installed deities, and doesn’t leave nasty residue or make them experience an unpleasant odour or process. It can be like another beautiful form of worship.

I usually clean my Lords at the sink, first cleaning the sink! then laying down cloth and having plenty of cotton wool or cloths at hand, as well as a pitcher to pour over them for rinsing.

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR DEITIES:
Cleaning deities is best done with the following methods.

Fresh Lemon juice

Gopi chandan (tilak)

Polishing cloth( paper towels, cotton cloth, or cotton balls)

Soft cloth to dry

Or

Fresh lemon juice

Tamarind paste

Polishing cloth( paper towels, cotton cloth, or cotton balls)

Soft cloth to dry

Notes on which one to use, and benefit:

I find that tilak paste is superior in removal of dark tarnish, but you may need to spend longer removing the paste from the deity form and occasionally use a soft new toothbrush to remove white from crevices.  It’s still superior to using any commercial brasso or other tarnish remover brands.

Tamarind paste leaves zero residue and is perfect for gently polishing.

I tend to use whatever I have at hand.

Important notes;

As you polish the deities you should keep away from eyes inlaid with conch. These can have soft black gum paste filling the iris/pupil socket which will be removed by vigorous cleaning. Should you have an emergency and need to repair such a loss, I have successfully used a wood putty to fill both a missing iris AND a missing conch eye. You never know the state of some deity forms – they can come to your care with numerous little challenges.

Applying paste;

Combine to a frothy smooth paste and apply using a soft cotton cloth or cotton wool balls or pads.

As you polish the deity forms any tarnish will transfer to the cloth as black marks.

You can wash the deity form under warm running water to clean, or stand the deity form of the Lord and pour water over murti to remove polishing paste.

Gently dry.

Admire.

Now you are ready to paint your Lords – please see here for some advice on painting metal deities of Nitai Gaur, or Krishna, and Radha.