Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Krishna Fest July 25,2009
Johnny Gregory of Healthful Living Organic farm was kind enough to
loan us his flatbed trailer to be used as a stage. It was supposed to
be on site the day before. He had spent days putting a rubber deck on
it and was running late.
By noon , I was beginning to think of options for a stage , I got a
call , he was on his way. He showed up just two hours before the first
event .
The yoga session had about ten participants stretching away their
troubles.Nitya Tripta is a very competent teacher.I suggested we might
offer this activity every Sunday .All the yogis and yoginis present
agreed enthusiastically.
Meanwhile people started appearing , the gift shop tent was filling
with items and shoppers. Guests were milling around asking questions ,
looking at the scenery and the books, but where were the singers for
the first kirtan? The night before , while sitting around a small fire
with torches burning I heard Gopika sing a beautiful kirtan. I
assigned her to sing for the first arotik ceremony.
She magically appeared just in time for me to set up a microphone for
her. Gradually as more people filled the temple room , the enthusiasm
built. Soon we were all dancing. I was surprised to see how many were
dancing , I was surprised to see how I was dancing. It was effortless,
the drummers were so skilled that it would have been difficult to hold
still , and no one seemed in the mood to try.
I then announced Charu's presentation, "Who Is Krishna?" , then handed
him the microphone and ran off to see how things were going in the
kitchen.
Sanjay and his family along with his friend Manish were busy rolling
and cooking puris. Whenever Sanjay comes here to relax from his
routine in Charlotte, he usually ends up spending most of his time in
the kitchen. I wanted him to catch a bit of Charu's presentation and
had to forcefully pry him from his task to get him into the temple
room.
The talk was very informative and I got feedback from many of our
visitors that it was a high point of the festival for them.
You can hear a recording and see the slide presentatiion that went
along with it by visiting utahkrishnas.com
At 6:15 it was time for the next arotik and kirtan. By this time our
crowd had swelled even more. Nama Rasa , one of the boys in the youth
group, headed up this kirtan. This group has been here for four days.
I had seen and heard them singing kirtans long into the night. Their
enthusiasm is very contagious. This particular kirtan though excelled
anything I had witnessed so far.The floor may as well have been a
trampoline, or the effects of gravity temporarily suspended. Perhaps
the previous lecture had given more focus to the crowd, it was a very
special time and it showed on everyone's faces.
Partha Sarathi gave the next talk, again I had to run to the kitchen
as the dinner was the next event. Sanjay and family were still at work
there , enjoying themselves in their service to Krishna. The dancers
were also getting ready on the flat bed trailer stage. Things looked
alright . I did a sweep around the crowd outside informing, "The
soldier from Iraq is speaking now, I think you said you didn't want to
miss him." Appreciative of the notice, many more pushed themselves into the temple
to hear him.
I caught a little of his talk, a very little, something about an
armored personnel carrier blowing up and flying some distance , things
that easily held the audience's attention. The main message I got
from him during his visit here over the week is to be fearless in
helping others. Some may not appreciate what you do for them, but it's
your duty to try to help.If something is going to stop you from doing
good, don't let it be your own fear.
I interrupted to announce that dinner was ready and if anyone wants
they could stay and hear more, then ran off to make sure things were
actually ready.
The kid's area was looking fun, by this time they had dismantled the
cardboard box structures that Subal had erected for them to play in.
Kids were now sliding down the hill on large pieces of
cardboard.Thanks to Sauri mowing the hillside a few days ago, there
was a good supply of dry hay to slide on. Whole families slid together
on boxes that once held water heaters. That in itself was pretty good
entertainment . A crowd gathered to watch and laugh at the fun.
My most flattering comment came from 9 year old Jayananda,"I like
Mitrasena's ideas"
The boxes were my idea.Boxes had always been fun for me and for my kids.
"Most people just suggest coloring books for kids" , said Jayananda's
mom appreciatively.
Another participant ,5 year old Mr.Thathireddy commented , "Super awesome!"
The dinner was appreciated by all , thanks to Sarva Drik and his wife
Sudevi for organizing it all.There was a substantial line waiting , we
estimated the crowd to be about 300 people.
The dancers Gaurangi Priya and Parijata from Hillsboro began their
dance performance with puspanjali, an offering of flower petals. When
I stepped back into the crowd,they appeared to be floating above the
audience ,dancing on treetops like a scene from the "Crouching
Tigers.." movie .With a backdrop of space and the Blue Ridge Mountains
in the distance,it was spectacular. The weather , though a little hot
, wasn't extreme, the clouds scattered around the clear sky offered
shade and beauty to the event.
Then my next door neighbor Krishnaya took her turn. She performed to a
song sung by Jagjit and Chitra Singh , Madhava Madana Murari. She
brought cheers from the audience throughout her performance.
The three girls brought a lot of beauty , color and culture to the
event, but like many things that ladies work so hard on , it was over
too soon and time for the next event.
Jayadvaita Swami spoke on Sustainable Happiness
He spoke about how some pleasures are just not sustainable. .At 9 PM
I had to interrupt to announce that the CANDLE LIT KIRTAN would be
held outside.
9PM
As the crowd exited the temple I heard a few gasp and exclaim how
beautiful everything was.A crescent moon poked out from behind a few
scattered clouds in the darkened sky. The trailer stage now had a row
of candles and tiki torches dramatically illuminating a youthful
group sweetly singing an alluring melody of the Hare Krishna Mantra
while girls danced in the moonlight.The whole scene looked exotic and
mysterious.
I told Johnny , who had loaned us the trailer, this may well be your
trailer's "finest hour"
Everything was going fine and I thought this might be a good time to
try and eat lunch , something I had forgotten to do all day. Maharha
had saved me a generous sized plate , even though I had entirely
forgotten that it was her birthday that day.That was inexcusable and I
am atoning for my sin by presenting this to all of you so you now know
my wretched condition.
While eating , I had many conversations , One person said goodbye ,
she was going home now. An hour later she returned perspiring, " I was
dancing with the girls , it was so much fun"
The beautiful scene continued for hours as guests gradually pulled
themselves away. It was difficult for them to leave I could see , as I
said good bye several times to the same people.Talking, dancing or
just listening , watching the moon or the candles, I didn't want to be
anywhere else.You can't really plan things to work out this well. You
can only try. It will never be exactly the same festival. We can only
try to make them better.
I'll see you at the next festival if not sooner.
Your friend,
Mitra
Here is some feed back from one of our guests-
I really enjoyed the Krishna Festival. It was really great to have
spiritual community with all. It is always a joy to come to the
temple. The Kirtans at this festival was very uplifting and raised my
consciousness. They were the highlight of the experience. I enjoyed
all of the speakers who gave me food for thought on several levels.
Thanks for your efforts to raise the consciousness of the planet.
Eric
loan us his flatbed trailer to be used as a stage. It was supposed to
be on site the day before. He had spent days putting a rubber deck on
it and was running late.
By noon , I was beginning to think of options for a stage , I got a
call , he was on his way. He showed up just two hours before the first
event .
The yoga session had about ten participants stretching away their
troubles.Nitya Tripta is a very competent teacher.I suggested we might
offer this activity every Sunday .All the yogis and yoginis present
agreed enthusiastically.
Meanwhile people started appearing , the gift shop tent was filling
with items and shoppers. Guests were milling around asking questions ,
looking at the scenery and the books, but where were the singers for
the first kirtan? The night before , while sitting around a small fire
with torches burning I heard Gopika sing a beautiful kirtan. I
assigned her to sing for the first arotik ceremony.
She magically appeared just in time for me to set up a microphone for
her. Gradually as more people filled the temple room , the enthusiasm
built. Soon we were all dancing. I was surprised to see how many were
dancing , I was surprised to see how I was dancing. It was effortless,
the drummers were so skilled that it would have been difficult to hold
still , and no one seemed in the mood to try.
I then announced Charu's presentation, "Who Is Krishna?" , then handed
him the microphone and ran off to see how things were going in the
kitchen.
Sanjay and his family along with his friend Manish were busy rolling
and cooking puris. Whenever Sanjay comes here to relax from his
routine in Charlotte, he usually ends up spending most of his time in
the kitchen. I wanted him to catch a bit of Charu's presentation and
had to forcefully pry him from his task to get him into the temple
room.
The talk was very informative and I got feedback from many of our
visitors that it was a high point of the festival for them.
You can hear a recording and see the slide presentatiion that went
along with it by visiting utahkrishnas.com
At 6:15 it was time for the next arotik and kirtan. By this time our
crowd had swelled even more. Nama Rasa , one of the boys in the youth
group, headed up this kirtan. This group has been here for four days.
I had seen and heard them singing kirtans long into the night. Their
enthusiasm is very contagious. This particular kirtan though excelled
anything I had witnessed so far.The floor may as well have been a
trampoline, or the effects of gravity temporarily suspended. Perhaps
the previous lecture had given more focus to the crowd, it was a very
special time and it showed on everyone's faces.
Partha Sarathi gave the next talk, again I had to run to the kitchen
as the dinner was the next event. Sanjay and family were still at work
there , enjoying themselves in their service to Krishna. The dancers
were also getting ready on the flat bed trailer stage. Things looked
alright . I did a sweep around the crowd outside informing, "The
soldier from Iraq is speaking now, I think you said you didn't want to
miss him." Appreciative of the notice, many more pushed themselves into the temple
to hear him.
I caught a little of his talk, a very little, something about an
armored personnel carrier blowing up and flying some distance , things
that easily held the audience's attention. The main message I got
from him during his visit here over the week is to be fearless in
helping others. Some may not appreciate what you do for them, but it's
your duty to try to help.If something is going to stop you from doing
good, don't let it be your own fear.
I interrupted to announce that dinner was ready and if anyone wants
they could stay and hear more, then ran off to make sure things were
actually ready.
The kid's area was looking fun, by this time they had dismantled the
cardboard box structures that Subal had erected for them to play in.
Kids were now sliding down the hill on large pieces of
cardboard.Thanks to Sauri mowing the hillside a few days ago, there
was a good supply of dry hay to slide on. Whole families slid together
on boxes that once held water heaters. That in itself was pretty good
entertainment . A crowd gathered to watch and laugh at the fun.
My most flattering comment came from 9 year old Jayananda,"I like
Mitrasena's ideas"
The boxes were my idea.Boxes had always been fun for me and for my kids.
"Most people just suggest coloring books for kids" , said Jayananda's
mom appreciatively.
Another participant ,5 year old Mr.Thathireddy commented , "Super awesome!"
The dinner was appreciated by all , thanks to Sarva Drik and his wife
Sudevi for organizing it all.There was a substantial line waiting , we
estimated the crowd to be about 300 people.
The dancers Gaurangi Priya and Parijata from Hillsboro began their
dance performance with puspanjali, an offering of flower petals. When
I stepped back into the crowd,they appeared to be floating above the
audience ,dancing on treetops like a scene from the "Crouching
Tigers.." movie .With a backdrop of space and the Blue Ridge Mountains
in the distance,it was spectacular. The weather , though a little hot
, wasn't extreme, the clouds scattered around the clear sky offered
shade and beauty to the event.
Then my next door neighbor Krishnaya took her turn. She performed to a
song sung by Jagjit and Chitra Singh , Madhava Madana Murari. She
brought cheers from the audience throughout her performance.
The three girls brought a lot of beauty , color and culture to the
event, but like many things that ladies work so hard on , it was over
too soon and time for the next event.
Jayadvaita Swami spoke on Sustainable Happiness
He spoke about how some pleasures are just not sustainable. .At 9 PM
I had to interrupt to announce that the CANDLE LIT KIRTAN would be
held outside.
9PM
As the crowd exited the temple I heard a few gasp and exclaim how
beautiful everything was.A crescent moon poked out from behind a few
scattered clouds in the darkened sky. The trailer stage now had a row
of candles and tiki torches dramatically illuminating a youthful
group sweetly singing an alluring melody of the Hare Krishna Mantra
while girls danced in the moonlight.The whole scene looked exotic and
mysterious.
I told Johnny , who had loaned us the trailer, this may well be your
trailer's "finest hour"
Everything was going fine and I thought this might be a good time to
try and eat lunch , something I had forgotten to do all day. Maharha
had saved me a generous sized plate , even though I had entirely
forgotten that it was her birthday that day.That was inexcusable and I
am atoning for my sin by presenting this to all of you so you now know
my wretched condition.
While eating , I had many conversations , One person said goodbye ,
she was going home now. An hour later she returned perspiring, " I was
dancing with the girls , it was so much fun"
The beautiful scene continued for hours as guests gradually pulled
themselves away. It was difficult for them to leave I could see , as I
said good bye several times to the same people.Talking, dancing or
just listening , watching the moon or the candles, I didn't want to be
anywhere else.You can't really plan things to work out this well. You
can only try. It will never be exactly the same festival. We can only
try to make them better.
I'll see you at the next festival if not sooner.
Your friend,
Mitra
Here is some feed back from one of our guests-
I really enjoyed the Krishna Festival. It was really great to have
spiritual community with all. It is always a joy to come to the
temple. The Kirtans at this festival was very uplifting and raised my
consciousness. They were the highlight of the experience. I enjoyed
all of the speakers who gave me food for thought on several levels.
Thanks for your efforts to raise the consciousness of the planet.
Eric
Friday, July 17, 2009
Krishna Fest Schedule
SATURDAY, JULY 25
4:00 - YOGA CLASS
This will be held outdoors. Bring a mat and wear loose, comfortable clothing. This will also be a chance to mingle, try on a sari, shop and listen to the music.
- There will be outdoor activities throughout the evening.
- There will be an area for conversing with some of our guests who are experts on diverse topics. Some of them are:
- Kirby Wilkens - rainwater harvesting, solar power, year-round gardening
- Harvey Harmon – development of a sustainable, intentional community 20 minutes south of Greensboro
- Mathura - cob (mud and straw) walled house, organic goat dairy and organic vegetable farming
5:00 - AROTIK CEREMONY
To be held in the temple. A traditional ceremony accompanied by kirtan (musical chanting). Depending on the mood of the crowd, this can include group dancing and can be quite an ecstatic experience.
http://www.krishna.com/en/node/724 (for an explanation of arotik)
5:30 - PRESENTATION - WHO IS KRISHNA?
Charu will introduce us in a very personal way to the central personality of this event. Visiting us from Utah, Charu operates a Hare Krishna radio station and organizes Krishna festivals that gather over 10,000 guests. He is well-acquainted with his subject matter.
6:15- AROTIK CEREMONY
6:45 - US ARMY MONK FROM IRAQ
He began his spiritual quest while stationed in Afghanistan in 2001 and was given the name Partha Sarathi by his spiritual teacher. He will make a brief presentation and then open for questions.
7:00 - DINNER-Famous Hare Krishna cooking suggested donation of $5-10
7:30 - DANCE PERFORMANCE
8:00 - PRESENTATION - SUSTAINABLE HAPPINESS
Jayadvaita Swami will explain how this is possible
8:45 - CANDLE LIGHT KIRTAN - PRAY FOR WORLD PEACE AND A
SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
More and more scientific studies are validating the extraordinary power of prayer which brings about positive changes in very difficult situations. Be one of the angelic, prayerful singing voices to bring about change on a macro level. This will be the most memorable part of the evening. We will start in a slow, meditative, melodic chant of:
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
As the kirtan gently builds in momentum, some will want to stand and dance.
SUNDAY, JULY 26
1:00 - Arotik and kirtan
2:00 - Presentation by Jayadvaita Swami and Charu (topic to be announced)
3:00 - Lunch
4:00 - Tour of the Village
Thursday, July 9, 2009
UPDATE TO KRISHNA FEST !
There will be an out door yoga class starting at 4 PM at the festival grounds Saturday July 25. Bring a mat and wear appropriate loose, comfortable clothes . There will be no charge for this.
We have a few different instructors to choose from . I'll announce who it is when we settle on one of them.
Mitra
We have a few different instructors to choose from . I'll announce who it is when we settle on one of them.
Mitra
KRISHNA FEST ! July 25 and 26
Saturday July 25 5 PM to 9:30
and Sunday from 1 to 4 PM
at the Hare Krishna Temple
1283 Prabhupada rd
Sandy Ridge NC 27046
(directions below)
- meet the Swami who walked across Canada TWICE!
- kirtan (yoga of singing)
- sample exotic snacks from India
- a full meal served after 7pm (suggested donation $5-10)
- traditional music and dance from India
- country village setting with cows and rivers
- wear a sari for the evening - available on loan
- browse the gift shop
- fun outdoor activities for kids
- meet the monk who began his spiritual quest as a young sergeant
in Iraq and learn the principles of meditation he taught that can help anyone in the most stressful situations
There will be activities all day , the main events will be on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon.
You are invited to come early if you want to help with the set up or meet some of the visiting speakers in a quiet setting. Some guests plan to camp here for the weekend.
-A gift shop will be set up with clothes , art, jewelery , instruments spices ,
Kid's activity area
-Face painting
If you like , you can bring flowers from your garden and come early
to help decorate the temple.
You can also bring produce from your garden to offer for the
festival.( This would be best brought earlier in the day)
Some may like to bring offerings of bags of flour , rice , dry beans , and spices for the temple kitchen.
One of the attractive features of this event is the influx of the youth
group visiting here for the week. We estimate about 40 kids, ages 15
through 30 . These are all very talented kids , most of whom had grown
up as Hare Krishnas. They are very skilled musicians and dancers with
saintly qualities and all the fresh excitement that youth offers. Your
kids will be inspired by them.
We have quite a line up of speakers . I'd like to introduce you to them.
JAYADVAITA SWAMI
-I've watched him address crowds of New Yorkers who would pause from their frantic pace in the streets of Manhattan to ponder his words. One of the audience interrupted him to address the crowd " I like what this man is saying.No one talks about these things anywhere else I've been."
This was at our "Question and Answer Booth " set up in Washington Square Park one year.
We will have a similar venue in place so you can also put your questions to the Swamis. Bring a list of them. This is where he shows his merit, he can think on his feet and always has a brilliant answer to any question.
BHAKTI MARG SWAMI
- has walked across Canada TWICE ! He has done this as a meditation.You'll get a chance to ask him what he has gained from this.He is also well known for organizing dramas.Some of you may have seen the presentation of the Maha Bharat he organized last year.
CHARU
-has developed the temple and radio station in Utah.He organizes several large festivals there every year. Some festivals gathering over TEN THOUSAND guests.When you hear him speak you'll get some idea how he's able to gather such a crowd..
Take a look at his web site www.utahkrishnas.com
PARTHA SARATHI
has been stationed in Iraq as a sergeant in the army . His ability to keep his cool while under fire was appreciated there. He would teach the principals of yoga to the other soldiers.Many found it very helpful for their stressful situation.He was discharged earlier this year and continues to help people by explaining how to keep calm in difficult times.
Directions from Greensboro;
220 North to exit at 704 West to Madison
follow the signs for 704 as it winds through Madison
continue on 704 11 more miles until you reach a stop sign.
Turn RIGHT to continue on 704 1 1/2 miles
turn LEFT onto Delta Church rd. , go 5 miles ( it will become
Sheppard Mill rd.)
turn RIGHT onto Moir Farm rd. go 1/2 mile
turn RIGHT onto Prabhupada rd.
1/4 mile on the left
Directions from Winston Salem;
52 North to Germanton rd which is also called 8 North
follow the signs for 8 North to Danbury ( about 20 minutes from 52 )
As soon as you see the sign welcoming you into Danbury turn RIGHT
onto Sheppard Mill rd.
Follow Sheppard Mill rd for 4 1/2 miles
turn LEFT onto Moir Farm rd.
turn RIGHT onto Prabhupada rd
1/4 mile on the left
and Sunday from 1 to 4 PM
at the Hare Krishna Temple
1283 Prabhupada rd
Sandy Ridge NC 27046
(directions below)
KRISHNA FEST! FREE ADMISSION AND PARKING! RAIN OR SHINE
A RICH, CULTURAL EXPERIENCE CELEBRATING THE PERSONALITY AND CULTURE OF KRISHNA
- meet the Swami who walked across Canada TWICE!
- kirtan (yoga of singing)
- sample exotic snacks from India
- a full meal served after 7pm (suggested donation $5-10)
- traditional music and dance from India
- country village setting with cows and rivers
- wear a sari for the evening - available on loan
- browse the gift shop
- fun outdoor activities for kids
- meet the monk who began his spiritual quest as a young sergeant
in Iraq and learn the principles of meditation he taught that can help anyone in the most stressful situations
There will be activities all day , the main events will be on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon.
You are invited to come early if you want to help with the set up or meet some of the visiting speakers in a quiet setting. Some guests plan to camp here for the weekend.
-A gift shop will be set up with clothes , art, jewelery , instruments spices ,
Kid's activity area
-Face painting
If you like , you can bring flowers from your garden and come early
to help decorate the temple.
You can also bring produce from your garden to offer for the
festival.( This would be best brought earlier in the day)
Some may like to bring offerings of bags of flour , rice , dry beans , and spices for the temple kitchen.
One of the attractive features of this event is the influx of the youth
group visiting here for the week. We estimate about 40 kids, ages 15
through 30 . These are all very talented kids , most of whom had grown
up as Hare Krishnas. They are very skilled musicians and dancers with
saintly qualities and all the fresh excitement that youth offers. Your
kids will be inspired by them.
We have quite a line up of speakers . I'd like to introduce you to them.
JAYADVAITA SWAMI
-I've watched him address crowds of New Yorkers who would pause from their frantic pace in the streets of Manhattan to ponder his words. One of the audience interrupted him to address the crowd " I like what this man is saying.No one talks about these things anywhere else I've been."
This was at our "Question and Answer Booth " set up in Washington Square Park one year.
We will have a similar venue in place so you can also put your questions to the Swamis. Bring a list of them. This is where he shows his merit, he can think on his feet and always has a brilliant answer to any question.
BHAKTI MARG SWAMI
- has walked across Canada TWICE ! He has done this as a meditation.You'll get a chance to ask him what he has gained from this.He is also well known for organizing dramas.Some of you may have seen the presentation of the Maha Bharat he organized last year.
CHARU
-has developed the temple and radio station in Utah.He organizes several large festivals there every year. Some festivals gathering over TEN THOUSAND guests.When you hear him speak you'll get some idea how he's able to gather such a crowd..
Take a look at his web site www.utahkrishnas.com
PARTHA SARATHI
has been stationed in Iraq as a sergeant in the army . His ability to keep his cool while under fire was appreciated there. He would teach the principals of yoga to the other soldiers.Many found it very helpful for their stressful situation.He was discharged earlier this year and continues to help people by explaining how to keep calm in difficult times.
Directions from Greensboro;
220 North to exit at 704 West to Madison
follow the signs for 704 as it winds through Madison
continue on 704 11 more miles until you reach a stop sign.
Turn RIGHT to continue on 704 1 1/2 miles
turn LEFT onto Delta Church rd. , go 5 miles ( it will become
Sheppard Mill rd.)
turn RIGHT onto Moir Farm rd. go 1/2 mile
turn RIGHT onto Prabhupada rd.
1/4 mile on the left
Directions from Winston Salem;
52 North to Germanton rd which is also called 8 North
follow the signs for 8 North to Danbury ( about 20 minutes from 52 )
As soon as you see the sign welcoming you into Danbury turn RIGHT
onto Sheppard Mill rd.
Follow Sheppard Mill rd for 4 1/2 miles
turn LEFT onto Moir Farm rd.
turn RIGHT onto Prabhupada rd
1/4 mile on the left
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
SUSTAINABLE RELATIONSHIP SEMINAR FEBRUARY 21,2009
What makes a relationship a source of happiness?
What makes a relationship endure during hardship and stress?
What makes a relationship a vehicle for emotional and spiritual growth?
We will look at 7 well researched principles that give answers to these questions and look at how these principles can be used in your relationship to create a sustainable, loving bond with your partner.
When: Post Valentine day weekend—Saturday, February 21, 2009
Schedule:
11:00-12:30pm –session 1
12:30-2:00—lunch and fun
2:00-3:30—session 2
Facilitators—Archana and Karnamrta (Anne and Chris Cox)
Archana and Karnamrta have been doing marriage counseling and marriage education for the past 20 years. Archana is a licensed clinical social worker in the state of North Carolina and is currently working in private practice.
Everyone is welcome-
Suggested donation: $40 per couple, $20 individual--includes a delicious lunch
Proceeds will go toward the building fund for the Temple
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