Youth Corner

Tirupati was beautiful, with roads lined by flowering trees arching over them, monkeys playfully fighting or looking to steal the next banana from a distracted devotee, and the sound of “Govinda, Govinda!” ringing through the air every few seconds. Last summer, my family and I visited Tirupati—not for the first time, but the only time I’m old enough to remember. I vividly recall being exhausted after hiking up the Srivari Mettu, a staircase that spans 2.1 kilometers in length

In the fields of Vrindavan, cows grazed and the river flowed quietly, Krishna wandered one day with a smile on his face. He wore bright clothes, a peacock feather in his hair, and his heart full of playful light. He stopped by the riverbank and noticed many tall bamboo stalks reaching up into the sky. But one particular bamboo was different. It bent down. The other sticks seemed proud and tall, but this one seemed patient. Krishna smiled, chose it, and made it into his flute.

Purpose of Varnashrama Dharma Life often brings moments of confusion when we struggle to understand our purpose or actions. The concept of varṇāśrama-dharma provides clarity through its structure of four varṇa(social divisions) and four āśrama(stages of life). The four varṇas are based on an individual's natural inclinations and contributions to society. The Brahmins represent knowledge and wisdom, related to the head of a body where intellect resides. The Kshatriyas are the

During the war with Ravana, his son Indrajit shot Lakshmana with a powerful weapon. The attack was so strong that Lakshmana fell unconscious. Lord Rama and the entire army were filled with sorrow and anxiety. The royal physician, Sushena, examined Lakshmana and said that only one thing could save him—the Sanjeevani herb. This rare and magical plant grew far away on Mount Dronagiri also known as Gandhmadan Parvat in the Himalayas, and it had to be brought back before sunrise. 

Compassion is the ability to recognize when others are in pain or despair, and help them. Compassion is to relieve others from their misery. Compassion is useful and can be used to help root strong friendships or any types of connections.  Compassion is understanding others feelings and is to show empathy towards them. Here's an example.  Srila Prabhupada showed compassion to others by giving them knowledge of The Supreme Personality of Godhead. Even though he was old and in

SFO Ratha Yatra Ratha Jatra is a beautiful festival that celebrates Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra’s annual journey from the Jagannath Temple in Puri to the Gundicha Temple. Since not everyone gets to see the deities inside the temple, the Lord comes out once a year to give darshan to all living and non-living beings, including demons or ghosts. This year, with the Lord’s blessings, it felt as though Lord Jagannath Himself came to our place and chose ou

Srila Prabhupada doing kirtan The 1960s have begun. The Vietnam War is in full swing. The Civil Rights movement is roaring across America. Thousands of Americans seek an escape from the violence and prejudice. Echoing through their minds is the common thought: "We don't want to be a part of this any longer."  Thus, the hippie movement was born. These hippies rejected American life, choosing instead to live a life embodying the values of love and happiness. Hippies were often

Guruvayur Temple, Kerala (India) The beautiful, shimmery sun seeped its way into my bedroom. It was really early in the morning when my mom woke me up. She told me we were going to Lord Krishna Temple, Guruvayur. Also, it was my fifth birthday! I was so excited to go. My mom took me to the bathroom and gave me a nice warm shower. After the shower, my mom got me a pretty dress. It was a dazzling golden dress with pretty jewels. After we got ready, my dad said that it was time

Maharaja Prthu , the Ideal King Mercy is often understood as simply showing kindness or leniency to someone who has done wrong. However, its deeper meaning is “compassion or forgiveness shown to someone who is within one’s power to punish or harm.” Let's break this up into parts and maneuver examples of how mercy is manifested in the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. The first example comes from the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Fourth Canto, Chapter 16, Text 7. It describes King Prithu as exceptional

The dictionary definition of faith is complete trust or confidence in someone or something. Faith is an important part of people’s lives, especially when it comes to religion. In simple terms, faith means believing in something that you cannot see or prove. For many, this belief is in a higher power, like God. Faith helps people feel connected to something bigger than themselves and gives them hope and guidance. In Christianity, faith means believing in Jesus Christ and trust

Dear God,  I thank You for the abundant blessings You have showered upon me in this life. You have graciously blessed me with a loving family, a comfortable home, and the gift of good education. I recognize that many are not as fortunate, and I am deeply thankful for Your mercy. O Supreme Creator of the universe, I humbly bow down before You, surrendering to Your divine will. Please guide me to always serve You with devotion and love.

Though it contains 700 verses, the Bhagavad Gita can be summarized into 4 verses, known as the Chatur Sloki. Found in Chapter 10, Vibhuti Yoga or the Opulence of the Absolute, the four verses are 10.8-11. They show that everything emanates from Krishna and that he is the source of the spiritual and material worlds. The ones who engage in his devotional service and worship him with a true and peaceful mind are capable of reaching his celestial abode, Goloka.