DETERMINATION by Krishna Priya Dasi

This poem is from my poetry book, 'Lotus Lyrics'…

It is based upon Chapter 18, verses 33-35 of the Bhagavad Gita As It Is by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, which explains how our determination to do something falls under different modes of nature: goodness, passion, and ignorance.

When I was writing this poem at the New Goloka Temple in North Carolina, I was thinking that the best example of determination that I know of is Srila Prabhupada himself!

A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

At the age of seventy, even after having had two heart attacks en route from India to the U.S, Srila Prabhupada single-handedly started preaching the mission of Krishna Consciousness in the west. And after he had established several centers, he traveled all over the world for 12 more years, continuing to spread Krsna consciousness.

The message of Bhagavad Gita and the example of Srila Prabhupada’s life are extraordinary and have been life changing to me.

I believe that both can help everyone’s life to flow in the right direction through proper determination and steadfastness and by concentrating one's mind, actions, and sensory activities on the Supreme.

According to The Gita, this is the highest goal of life: when one is engaged in Krishna conscious activities. And once one’s mind becomes controlled through determination, then the mind becomes one's best friend. That’s when the destination of happiness for which we all are looking is reached. This knowledge from the Gita inspired my poem.

Lotus Flower Photography by Bahman Farzad

Determination

Determination in goodness is well-sustained,

Steadfast, unbreakable, and non-deviated.

It controls the mind, the life and the senses

And life's fortune is then elevated.

Determination in passion holds

Deep desire for the fruitful reward.

Economy and sense gratification arise

In one's consciousness and self-regard.

One's determination in ignorance does not surpass

Dreaming, fearfulness, and lamentation.

Moroseness and illusion make their way

Through unintelligent mental speculation.

Photography by Lisa Saraswati Cawley

Krishna Priya Dasi is a disciple of His Holiness Lokanath Swami, in the bhakti-yoga tradition under His Divine GraceA.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. She was born in Rajasthan, India and was raised in Jaipur. Although she encountered major structural and bone problems from the beginning of her life she was trained in traditional Rajasthani painting and one of her paintings ‘Rasa-Lila’, appears on the front cover of Graham Schweig’s book, Dance of Divine Love. She is also a talented henna body artist, and is the author and illustrator of a poetry book titled: “Lotus Lyrics”, based on Bhagavad-gita As It Is by His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada. Her first cookbook “The Art of Indian Sweets” has been well praised, so she is currently working on several more. She can be via e-mail krsnapriyad96@gmail.com or at her website here, or facebook here.

~If you are interested in seeing your poetry appear in this blog, or submitting a poem by a woman that has inspired you, please click here for submission guidelines. I greatly look forward to hearing from you!~

IMAGINE A WOMAN by Patricia Lynn Reilly

This poem invites you to look upon yourself with loving kindness… Gazing at your own true reflection, you will discover that everything you have longed for “out there” is already within you! I invite you to love your creativity fiercely. Faithfully plant seeds, allowing under-the-ground dormant seasons, nurturing your creative garden with love and gratitude. In the fullness of time, the green growing things thrust forth from the ground. It's a faithful, trustworthy process. AND it takes time and patience. Blessed is the fruit of your creative womb! I invite you to trust your vision of the world and express it. With wonder and delight, paint a picture, create a dance, write a book, and make up a song. To give expression to your creative impulses is as natural as your breathing. Create in your own language, imagery, and movement. Follow no script. Do not be limited by the customary way things have been expressed. Your creative intuition is original. Ga...

IN THE STILLNESS OF THE NIGHT by Ginny Brannan

Just take a moment to pause... When life becomes rote, and frustration grows from being immersed in the same routine—different day, sometimes we need to remind ourselves that peace is still there—within our grasp— if we just take a moment to pause and enjoy the stillness and beauty around us. In the Stillness of the Night by Ginny Brannan Late winter’s eve and all is still the lawn lies bathed in silver light— gray shadows race across the yard and climb atop the windowsill to draw my gaze upon the sight. I stare out to the moonlit night, across the deck and wooded path fresh–painted by new fallen snow. The scene infuses with delight; this gift inside storm’s aftermath. Half–buried now, the old birdbath lies shadowed deep in indigo— it waits on promise of the spring when arctic chill has finally passed and snow gives way to new green grass. With gratitude, I hedge to go; tranquility allays my soul… I turn ...

STILL I RISE by Maya Angelou

Six years ago, I had the privilege of listening to Maya Angelou speak live on the value of poetry at the University of Florida. I share these reflections with you again today, in honor of her birthday. I was relieved to get one of the last seats available for this rare event, having arrived at five for Maya Angelou ’s free speech at eight. The historically long line began with people settled into beach chairs in winter coats busying themselves on tablets, or eating sandwiches for dinner. As helicopters hovered above and newscasters below, I felt the excitement of realizing that thousands of people were gathering together to hear an eighty four year old black woman recite her poetry! Maya Angelou speaking at University of Florida on Feb. 27, 2013 When the curtain rose -after an overflow of hundreds were sent away- we lucky ones on the inside greeted Maya with a standing ovation, as she smiled sweetly, beginning her talk using metaphors from nature. Maya asked...

Journey of the Heart

Search This Blog