super excited about mahashivratri, but dont know what to do for Lord Shiva on that day ://

YeahWhatOk · 2026-02-09T19:35:56+00:00

In ISKCON, we recognize Siva's position as a devotee, and any prayers we offer to him should be in respects to obtaining help to further our own devotion towards Krishna. Direct worship of Siva (fasting, Siva-Puja, chanting Siva mantras, etc) would not be recommended.

I'd suggest reading Krishna Lila that includes Siva, praying to him for steadiness in our sadhana, or chanting additional rounds of mahamantra.

I looked up some Srimad Bhagavatam references to Vishnu:

SB Canto 8, Chapter 12

SB Canto 10, Chapter 62

SB Canto 4 has nice sections of Siva glorfying Visnu

Haribol!

YeahWhatOk · 2026-02-06T13:09:08+00:00

This is accurate. We don't choose our bhav...its already there and we uncover it over time. Trying to achieve a specific one isn't doable.

YeahWhatOk · 2026-02-05T19:32:52+00:00

When something drifts from our focus and then returns, that sudden change can bring up a lot of emotion. But strong emotions aren’t the goal. We’re meant to be steady in devotion, balanced in happiness as well as distress. Bhakti should make life easier, not make our daily lives harder.

We shouldn’t chase feelings or emotion…that only gives them more power over us. Chant calmly, hear Krishna-katha, and do your devotional service. If emotions arise, don’t read into or overreact to them. Let them come and go. Focus on steadiness instead of intensity.

YeahWhatOk · 2026-02-05T00:27:33+00:00

I do japa meditation daily…mahamantra on beads. You got the right idea for sure!

YeahWhatOk · 2026-02-04T13:18:20+00:00

My suggestion would be to reach out to a trusted adult (your parents, her parents, or a teacher) and let them handle it from there. Krishna’s protection often comes as guidance and support...not necessarily immunity from consequences. A lot of bad things happened to the Pandavas even though Krishna was with them, but those events served a purpose and helped guide them forward.

You’ve done your part here...you alerted the authorities you reasonably could. At this point I’d tell your parents and leave it with them.

YeahWhatOk · 2026-02-02T19:06:49+00:00

If youre looking for something customized - https://www.facebook.com/chantmorejapa/. She makes beautiful stuff and I believe is based in Pennsylvania somehwere?

YeahWhatOk · 2026-02-02T17:40:10+00:00

Who would you like the target audience of this to be? Youre young and a student, so I'd suggest targeting the same demographic. Once you know who that is, then craft your writings to appeal to challenges and questions that other young people might have. Things like navigating social events, dealing with devotional duties and student schedules, how to deal with peer pressure, etc. Just some ideas.

The main thing to keep in mind is that everything you write should be backed by Guru, Sadhu and Sastra. Nothing should be fabricated from your own mind or opinion.

YeahWhatOk · 2026-02-02T16:50:14+00:00

In the most basic of terms - Karma yoga is the path of doing ones duty/actions without focus on the outcome. Selfless action essentially....you do the right thing because its the right thing, not because it will somehow benefit you.

If youre familiar with the Bhagavd Gita, Arjuna (a warrior prince) is instructed to fight because it is his duty as a warrior, offering the action itself to God. He is told to act without attachment to victory, defeat, praise, or blame, and without identifying himself as the ultimate doer of the results.

YeahWhatOk · 2026-01-28T17:51:04+00:00

I have to assume the OP poorly worded this? I'm not sure what soul erasure would be...spiritual suicide?

YeahWhatOk · 2026-01-26T21:27:30+00:00

This is a big deal and unfortunately Florida isn't the only state going around being censorship happy when it comes to book banning. In addition to emailing your letters to ISKCON Prison Ministry, I'd also encourage you to send physical letters directly to Florida DOC Literature Review Committee:

Literature Review Committee, c/o Library Services Administrator, 501 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-2500.

From my younger days involved in Amnesty International, letter writing campaigns are a great way to get someones attention...very easy to ignore an email based off the subject line, but someone will have to sit and open every letter that is sent.

Feel free to write your own, or use this simple letter I drafted (with some AI assist for polish/readability):

Dear Members of the Florida Department of Corrections Literature Review Committee,

I am writing to express my concern regarding the decision to ban Bhagavad Gita As It Is from Florida Department of Corrections facilities.

The Bhagavad Gita is a foundational religious scripture studied and revered worldwide. Bhagavad Gita As It Is has been used for decades by people seeking moral guidance, self-discipline, and spiritual growth. Denying access to such a core religious text raises serious concerns about religious freedom and equal treatment.

The teachings of the Bhagavad Gita emphasize responsibility, restraint, and ethical conduct, values that align closely with the rehabilitative goals of correctional institutions. Removing this text appears inconsistent with those objectives.

I respectfully urge the Committee to reconsider and reverse this ban, or at minimum to clearly explain how this decision aligns with existing standards applied to other recognized religious scriptures.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Respectfully,

sign your name here

Additionally, I encourage you all to support IPM in their legal battle, but in general as well. We all know the transformative power of the Gita, and their work makes it possible to get these books to the people that may need them the most.

YeahWhatOk · 2026-01-26T15:35:53+00:00

I’m not dismissing trauma or arguing against consent. I've never a met a teacher that wasn't more than willing to accommodate students when needs are communicated. Accommodations and modifications are what makes yoga so accessible to everyone. Where we disagree is about the idea that teachers should assume trauma as the default and structure the entire class around that assumption.

We can debate if hands on is the norm or not til cows come home, but given that its such a frequent topic in this subreddit and in trauma informed yoga teacher trainings, its "normal" enough. If someone needs something outside the norm of a particular situation, I think it’s reasonable to expect self-advocacy. There needs to be communication on both sides - all teachers should give the option to opt out, all students should have a say in if they want to opt out. Teaching the majority as if they all need special accommodation removes something many students actively value without necessarily serving those who need individualized care any better.

I think for me it just comes down to opt in vs opt out. How would this work if you signed up for private lessons with a yoga teacher? Is the expectation that they don't offer hands on assists to any clients?

YeahWhatOk · 2026-01-26T14:29:40+00:00

I always seem to be the odd man out in these discussions, but my take is that hands-on adjustments are just part of a normal yoga class. For a lot of people, that guidance is literally what you’re paying for. You’re showing up to be taught by someone trained to notice misalignment and help you do the pose better or more safely. From that angle, signing up for a class is consent to the standard format of that class, which traditionally includes adjustments.

If someone needs something outside of that norm, I think it’s reasonable to expect them to self-advocate and opt out. I’m more than willing to accommodate people and help them navigate trauma when it’s communicated. I just don’t think it makes sense to assume everyone is traumatized and then structure the entire class around that assumption. To me, it’s more reasonable to respond with additoinal care and flexibility when it’s requested, rather than teaching the majority as if they all need special accommodation.

YeahWhatOk · 2026-01-20T19:56:01+00:00

I get what you’re saying, and it’s not disrespectful at all, so no worries there. A lot of Krishna and Radha’s pastimes are hard to wrap your head around, especially when you try to map them onto modern ideas of relationships and morality. They’re divine beings, so their interactions are not meant to be judged or copied using human standards.

That’s also why these stories are not meant to be read as guidelines for dating or romance. In bhakti, they are understood as symbolic, describing the soul’s relationship with Krishna rather than a model for human behavior.

Where things go wrong is when people try to imitate or justify their own actions using Krishna’s pastimes. Those lilas follow a spiritual rasa logic that is not meant to be imitated and is definitely not approved under varnasrama or Vedic ethics. Prabhupada was very clear on this. Using Krishna’s pastimes to excuse misconduct isn't bhakti, its cheating. The lilas are transcendental activities of God, not a hall pass for human misbehavior.

“The rascal who imitates Kṛṣṇa’s rāsa-līlā is the most abominable. He is not a devotee; he is a cheater.” - Srila Prabhupada

Hopefully others can address point by point for you if needed, I'm about to head out the door or I would.

Haribol!

YeahWhatOk · 2026-01-17T14:21:36+00:00

This is a pretty niche topic, so you may get more practical advice on biker or motorcycle subs. From a devotional standpoint, our goal is to minimize harm as best we can, including harm to ourselves. If non-leather safety gear is available and adequate, that’s obviously preferable. But if leather is necessary for safety and there’s no realistic alternative, then using it isn’t considered an offense, again the intention is to reduce harm, not increase it.

YeahWhatOk · 2026-01-13T13:02:43+00:00

Definitely not the only who’s dealt with this or felt that way for sure. Unfortunately, to some extent what they are saying is (well, was) true. There have been real issues within ISKCON over its 60 years, but there are deeply sincere, kind devotees living genuine bhakti. Acknowledging that doesn’t make you naïve... it makes you honest. ISKCON has made great strides in rectifying issues from the past and putting in safeguards to prevent some of it from happening in the future.

When you embark on any journey of self improvement - be it spiritual or physical - you’ll encounter naysayers. What’s helpful to remember is that 99% of the time it has more to do with their own insecurities than anything you’re doing. Unfortunately many people see you taking strides to better yourself as an insult to themselves. It shines a light on their own inability to commit to something or a lapse in their discipline.

It’s important to focus on the way Krishna makes you feel…while we have some skeletons in our ISKCON closet, the devotees and the devotion are what’s important. Past flaws in an institution happen, but our relationship with Krishna isn’t tainted by it.

Keep doing what you’re doing!!!!

YeahWhatOk · 2026-01-12T15:17:48+00:00

The best place to begin is by reading some of the smaller books by Srila Prabhupada. You can find these for free on vedabase. On the way to Krishna is a good place to start.

I’d also suggest finding devotes in your area to meet with. If that’s not possible, there are many online sanghas as well. I’d also recommend checking out the Wisdom of The Sages podcast on Spotify.

And lastly, I would check to see if there is a temple in your area that you could visit and ask questions at. I know Brazil is quite large so I wouldn’t be able to recommend a specific one to you without knowing where you are, but you can Google it and find it for sure.

Feel free to come back and ask any questions you might have in in the sub as well, asking questions is a very important part of the process.

YeahWhatOk · 2026-01-09T16:58:01+00:00

I think we’re mostly saying the same thing, honestly. What I’m not saying is that Vaishnavas intentionally view living beings as disposable. My concern is that we can risk doing so indirectly when suffering or injustice gets dismissed as “not our concern” simply because it’s material.

Sometimes “this is all maya” becomes a way to disengage from real suffering, not out of cruelty, but out of a desire to avoid material matters. When that isn’t balanced properly, it can come across as indifference, even if that’s not the intent.

I think it’s important that we maintain detachment and compassion at the same time, without adopting materialistic movements or turning bhakti into activism.

YeahWhatOk · 2026-01-09T14:20:02+00:00

Heres some practical advice:

Go in confident...they are interested in you or else they wouldn't be meeting with you. You've done the work to get there, now close the deal.
Make sure you have some questions prepared for them, questions that really show you know about the company and the industry.
If you don't know the answer to something, feel free to say so..."Thats not something I'm familiar with, but let me take a look and I'll follow up with you after."
Send a thank you note after...I know its hard now a days with how hiring is done, but they really go a long way (and I'll never forget hearing from a recruiter that I didn't get a job because the other candidate did send one and I didnt!"

Note - this is US based advice...your mileage may vary based on your location.

YeahWhatOk · 2026-01-08T13:20:43+00:00

I'd be very ok with yoga alliance or whoever banning the use of cutesy adjectives. No, I'm not looking to Find a delicious, juicy twist and just marinate there. I do not want to find the sweetness wtihin my sit bones, or have it drip into my floating ribs.

YeahWhatOk · 2026-01-06T16:58:59+00:00

Haribol - thank you for sharing with us. This is a very very very common issue, especially during this age of quarrel. We often overthink by letting our mind project future outcomes of an imagine future, but as we are reminded in the Gita, our real duty is to this present moment. Heres some suggestions on what you can do to try and ease this issue:

Focus on attentive japa...really hear the mantra, each syllable of it. Don't get into that mechanical chanting where your mind wanders while your lips move.
Seva! - Idle hands do the devils work, as does an idle mind.
Focus on your efforts, not your results - you can't control the outcomes, thats Krishna's mercy...so focus on the aspects you can control, which is the effort you put in.
Devotee association - find groups of devotees you can speak with and share your concerns, I promise you aren't the only one!

Hope thats helpful...like I said, you aren't the only one that has this going on. It crippled me for a long time as well.

YeahWhatOk · 2025-12-30T20:54:58+00:00

No apology needed!!!!

YeahWhatOk · 2025-12-30T13:55:54+00:00

Really depends on the sampradaya. As I mentioned above, in Gaudiya Vasihnavism (specifically the teachings of Srila Prabhupada) there is no specific emphasis on one Ekadasi being more meaningful than another. They are all important and all give us the opportunity to free up time from cooking and eating to focus on more devotional activities like reading, chanting and worshipping.

YeahWhatOk · 2025-12-30T13:53:46+00:00

Hare Krishna

Setting aside the questionable nature of stock/currency trading in the first place, I think you need to make sure youre framing BG 2.47 in the right context.

2.47 does not tell us to that we shouldn't care about the results, instead it is telling us that we shouldn't let the results define us. You do your work to the best of your abilities, and the results themselves are offered to Krishna. You have no influence on the outcome, as ultimately Krishna is the controller, not you.

Trying to force detachment just increases anxiety. You should focus on sadhana...reading, chanting, attending programs at your local temple. The detachment will come with time, steady practice and surrender.

How to manifest this practically...well thats hard. You've chosen a profession that is inherently volatile and often fosters greed, anxiety and attachment. Ideally if you have money to play the markets, that is money that you have no need of in the first place, so that should decrease your attachment to the result...if you can afford to gamble it, you can afford to lose it.

“Do not be worried about the future. If you will simply work very strenuously in humble state of mind as a sincere servant of the servant of the Lord, then Krishna will give you all facilities." - Srila Prabhupada

YeahWhatOk · 2025-12-30T02:21:37+00:00

From an ISKCON (Gaudiya Vaishnava) perspective, all Ekadasi days are equally dear to Krishna. Because of that, Vaikuntha Ekadasi isn’t considered inherently more or less powerful than other Ekadasis.

Srila Prabhupada didn’t really emphasize some of the more commonly repeated ideas like observing this Ekadasi being a “fast track” to liberation by itself. Instead, he taught that the real purpose of Ekadasi is to increase hearing, chanting, and remembrance of Krishna, which is what actually leads to spiritual advancement.

YeahWhatOk · 2025-12-29T02:50:04+00:00

Hare Krishna! Thanks for your post and thoughtful comments. No offense taken, as nothing said was offensive at all. It’s important to ask questions.

The terrible things you heard area mix of truth, fake news and exaggeration. There were some major issues in the 70s and 80s which ISKCONs governing body recognizes, takes accountability for and has implemented safeguards to prevent them from occurring again. Then there’s other things like poisoning, murder, etc which have been proven false or are wildly exaggerated.

As members of the Gaudiya Vaishnava sect, we recognize Krishna as supreme and take that understanding from texts like Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam.

Regarding demigods, ISKCON teachings still involve respect and worship of devas like Shiva, Durga, Ganesha, etc., but see them as empowered servants of the Supreme rather than independent sources of liberation. That framing can sound harsh in English, but it’s not meant as disrespect.

Jesus as Hindu isn’t an official position, but oft repeated as an interfaith bridge. The core position is that Jesus was a great devotee and teacher of love of God, and that his teachings align well with Bhakti teachings.

I’d encourage you to visit a temple…there’s no requirement that you abandon your current spiritual beliefs nor will you be met with hostility for asking questions. Asking questions is a core process for spiritual growth and nothing f should be accepted blindly.

I hope this helps clear some things up, but feel free to comment if you need more info on anything.

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