QUINTESSENCE Q4 2008
In this issue, we focus on Knowledge, Education & Character.
What is knowledge? What is its purpose? And, how do we impart it?
In "On Education and Good Life", Srila Prabhupada, in a thought-provoking conversation with a Jesuit priest and a mother of a spiritual aspirant, explains that education is meant to prepare one for the journey beyond this life through molding of true character. For those considering alternatives to modern education, Bhurijana das, a long-time spiritual educator, presents Gurukula, the Vedic school, as an ideal place for a well-rounded education that includes spiritual and character development, academics and vocational training. In "What is education" Navina-Shyama das, a young administrator at Bhaktivedanta Academy, Florida, shares with us a refreshingly new and inspiring vision of education as a path to perfection.
Today, there is a growing tension between science and religion. Can these two systems of knowledge be reconciled? In a recent book, Radhika Ramana das (Dr. Ravi M. Gupta) highlights an outstanding example in Indian history - the remarkable contribution of the Chaitanya school, which accomplished a similar reconciliation . Ready for an exciting voyage? Swetha Ganeshan invites us on a fascinating journey to the hub of the Universe, Naimisharanya, a sacred place renowned for conferences on transcendental knowledge, specifically the quintessential Srimad Bhagavatam, and august assemblies of some of the greatest spiritual personalities that have ever lived.
QUINTESSENCE Q3 2008
In this issue, we focus on Economics, Environment and Spirituality.
There is growing recognition, bolstered by increasing scientific evidence, that our modern materialistic economics is inflicting irreversible harm on individuals, society and nature. Not surprisingly, calls for a radical change in economic thinking are fast emerging.
In "Formula for Natural Economics", Srila Prabhupada, in a conversation with historian Toynbee, presents an alternative vision for human progress with focus on spiritual well-being. How we live and thrive depends on who we are. In "Economics, environment and character", Dhaneshvara das helps us see the connection between personal character and our economic method, and argues, compellingly so, for a fundamental change in human consciousness.
Go Green is the buzzword today. But, 'save the environment' advocates must go beyond superficial measures and take a holistic approach to solving environmental issues, argues Aaron Keller in "Finding the Balance for World's Welfare." Are there working models of spiritual economics? Yes, say the members of Eco valley in Hungary . Founded on the principles of the Bhagavad-Gita, this growing eco-community is a superb model of a God-centered society in perfect harmony with nature and environment. Skeptics silenced! How can the environment be clean when our hearts and minds are polluted? Not possible, says Swetha Ganeshan, inviting us on a journey to two powerful therapeutic places: Gundica and Siddha-Bakul, where the seeds of a spiritual renaissance were sown.
QUINTESSENCE Q2 2008
In this issue, we focus on Mind, Mantra and Gunas.
Mind is our constant companion. And, whether we like it or not, it gives us trouble and drains our energy!
Mantra meditation (Japa and kirtana forms) is an increasingly popular holistic therapy for mental illness and spiritual upliftment. Does it matter what mantra one chants? In "Prescription for This Age of Distress", Srila Prabhupada explains the unique spiritual potency of the Hare Krishna Maha-mantra and how to receive it for best efficacy. Today, there is a growing concern about individual and collective psychological well-being. In "The Gunas and Human Behavior", Vasudev das lucidly explains how the three gunas, sattva, rajas and tamas influence our consciousness and psychology in profound ways, providing insights into subtle origins of human behavior and how we may cultivate our own.
Mental well-being is on the decline. In "Depression on College Campuses", Swetha Ganeshan highlights a very disturbing trend: rapid increase in depression and other varieties of mental illness in today's youth, and what can we do about it. There is no better way to nourish our body, mind and spirit than to create and be in an environment of pure, spiritual consciousness. Join us on a tour to the sacred abode of Tirupati, located in the beautiful hills of South India , and experience upliftment!
QUINTESSENCE Q1 2008
In this issue, we focus on Yoga, Love and Service.
Every one of us possesses the instinct to love and to receive love. In "Placing our love in Krishna", Srila Prabhupada reveals the secret of love - how to best utilize our loving propensity. Today, yoga is ubiquitous. However, do we really know the deeper purposes of yoga? In "Yoga: Serving with love", Radhikesh das highlights the common misconceptions and succinctly presents the conclusive teachings of the Bhagavad-Gita, the creme de la creme of all yoga texts.
In "The Highest Yoga", Navin Jani shares his appreciation of a beautifully rendered, newly-released translation of the Gita, "Bhagavad-Gita: the Beloved Lord's Secret Love Song", whose author brings out the innermost secrets of the text and the superlative position of bhakti-yoga. How do we gain access to divine love? It is possible only by the Lord's divine mercy. Join us on a tour to Navadvipa, the treasure house of love, where this supreme mercy, in its pristine form, is distributed to one and all without discrimination.
