The cover of the Nov/Dec issue of BTG says “Come to Mayapur.” In a reply to one of the letters to the editor (pp 4&5). the editors write: “Visiting holy places instead of Hari kirtana or instead of preaching would be inauspicious. Nonetheless, pilgrimage can be an inspiring part of a balanced devotional life pleasing to our previous spiritual masters and to Krsna, and so to share it with others who may benefit by it is a good thing.”

Here’s an interesting excerpt from a purport in the 3rd Canto, Chapter 32, Text 22: “There are two kinds of religious activities: one for material advancement and the other for spiritual advancement. By taking shelter under the lotus feet of Krsna, one is endowed with both kinds of prosperity, material and spiritual. Why then should one go to any demigod?”

Like it or not, argues journalist Thomas Friedman, the era of globalization is upon us. Somewhat naively, Friedman, as well as leading Cambridge economist Amartya Sen (author of “Development as Freedom”), think that there IS a way forward. In their opinion, globalization can be beneficial if its perpetrators make serious attempts to preserve local cultures, religions and customs.

Long before the term came to be used in corporate circles, Srila Prabhupada wrote of empowerment in Caitanya Caritamrita: “‘Krsna-sakti vina nahe tara pravartana: One cannot spread the holy name of Krsna without being specifically empowered by Lord Krsna.’ A devotee who receives this power from the Lord must be considered very fortunate. The Krsna consciousness movement is spreading to enlighten people about their real position, their original relationship with Krsna. One requires Krsna’s special power in order to be able to do this.” (CC Madhya, 19.114/purport).

“Variety is the mother of enjoyment” is what Srila Prabhupada commonly said, quoting Benjamin Disraeli, the famous British Prime Minister (1804-1881). “Variety’s the very spice of life”, is attributed to the British poet, William Cowper (1731-1800), who Srila Prabhupada often acknowledged as saying “Man made the city; God made the country.”

Modern science tells us that atmosphere-less outer space is so foreign and strange an environment that within seconds a body in space, in our solar system, would freeze on one side and bake on the other. It was said that the astronauts who landed on the moon wore suits that would withstand such extreme temperatures in the atmosphere-less environment of the moon. Yet may depictions of Narada Muni show him freely travelling in space, wearing only a dhoti and wooden sandals.

(The following article was posted in the “Meditations” column of the Hindustan Times, one of India’s largest English language daily newspapers, on 26 April 2004.) LIKE IT or not, we’re controlled by governments, money, politics and intellectuals — mostly scientists — of our time. But a far more pervasive, irresistible and, at times, subtle force governs us: the entertainment industry. ‘Good Clean Fun’ is how Walt Disneyites might characterise it. Theme parks, cute animation, live comedy, movie stars’ lives, and television form part of the mix. This captures the minds and bodies of people of all ages, determining thought and action. The industry has created millions of zombified spectators checking out movies, sports, weather patterns, and minute-by-minute movements of Bollywood celebrities. Billions digest the constant music that feeds our voracious noiseaphilia, holding boredom at bay. Shopping malls, fast food and fashion are also part of the piped-in fIlet of philistine vulgarity. In the rush to inhale such products, the spiritual side of life has been shunted aside, eclipsed. TV and fIlms portray religion as old-fashioned and irrevalent. Themes are processed to make us feel good, rather than think. Transcendental pleasure, on the other hand is within reach, and those fortunate enough to grasp it, are continuously content — internally. Sustained happiness is available with an attitude of prayer, surrender and what the Gita calls sukham, sometimes translated as ‘boundless transcendental happiness’. If we wrench our heads from the TV, we might appreciate our own unique dramas or just be happy being who and where we are. (The writer is emeritus member of the ISKCON governing body commission)

‘Lord Jagannatha’s abode, Purusottama-ksetra, is protected by the shade of an indestructible banyan tree. Even when earth, sky, and heaven are destroyed, Jagannatha Puri remains untouched,’ so writes Sanatana Goswami.

Does Karma affect devotees? Are we free of karma, or suffering the residual effects, like an unplugged fan still turning but getting no power to continue. I suggest that anyone who is interested read SB 10.14.8 and a particularly brilliant purport by Srila Prabhupada’s successors. The well-known verse goes like this: “My dear Lord, one who earnestly waits for You to bestow Your causeless mercy upon him, all the while patiently suffering the reactions of his past misdeeds and offering You respectful obeisances with his heart, words and body, is surely eligible for liberation, for it has become his rightful claim.”

“The wonderful variegated internal spiritual potency of Sri Krsna is called sabla (shabala).” Sri Manah-siksa, Verse 3, by Bhaktivinoda Thakura.