IQ, EQ, SQ

Hare Krishna

(Albert Einstein had an I.Q. of 160)

IQ (Intelligence Quotient) tests are famous for assessing our logical, mathematical and linguistic skills. We all wish we were in that top bracket of Mensa elite who have an IQ in excess of 140 – unfortunately only 0.5% of the population make it! One who has developed intelligence has a great capacity to receive information, process it and analyse it. They are able to think in an abstract way, and also learn significant lessons from experience. However, research has shown that intelligence is not sufficient. The most intelligent people are not always the most successful and happy people in the world. Interestingly, they aren’t necessarily the people that change the world either (although some of them have).
Psychologists and neuroscientists are increasingly talking about the need for Emotional Quotient (EQ). According to them, EQ is a basic requirement for successful utilization of IQ. Those with high EQ’s are able to effectively handle their own emotions, and simultaneously interact and relate with others successfully. Animals and humans have a tendency to act irrationally when certain emotions arise in their consciousness. In times of stress, anger and anxiety, intelligence is difficult to access. Thus, EQ deals with the human side of life and how we effectively function in the environments surrounding us.
To some extent computers have the power of IQ. One could argue that animals have the power of IQ and EQ. So what sets humans apart? This is where the notion of SQ comes in – Spiritual Quotient. IQ and EQ help us in our present situations, but SQ is all about transformation. The spiritualist has the power to question on a deeper level – who am I, what are my needs, what goals should I be pursuing, and what will really make me happy. They may seem like simple questions, but if we analyse ourselves, how many times are we busily engaged in pursuing things without really questioning whether they are necessary, fulfilling and really adding value? Our lives are often centered around asking the question ‘how’, but SQ is all about asking the question ‘why’.

By Sutapa Das for sutapamonk.blogspot.com on 15 Jun 2012

Chant Hare Krsna in all Situations.

"The name of Lord Govinda should always be chanted in all situations, such as while waking up, before sleeping, while getting ready to go somewhere, and while going there, and even when one is embarrassed due to hiccups, hunger, stumbling, falling down, etc. In fact, one should chant loudly at all times and in all places the name of Lord Krishna, who is also known as Chakrayudha, wielder of the disc. In such chanting there is no consideration of cleanliness, for the Lord is the ultimate purifier."

Translated from the Vaisnava-kantha-bharaniya-nama-mahatmya, Sarasvati Bhavan, text No. 72, edited by Mangal Deva Shastri, printed at Eureka Printing Works, Benares City, 1937.

Quoted in Sri Krishna Kathamrita Bindu, Issue 278 June 15 2012.

Steady Krsna consciousness

Hare Krishna!

"A devotee is thoughtful and through intelligent contemplation avoids  becoming distracted from his spiritual advancement. By intelligence he is freed from doubts about Lord Krsna and confronts all problems in life with steady Krsna consciousness."


Srimad Bhagavatam, 11.11.29-32 purport
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Bhaktivinoda Thakur My Austere Vow

Bhaktivinoda Thakur

My Austere Vow

My austere vow is constant devotion to the lotus feet of Sri Hari. In order to execute that vow, I have accepted the following qualities by my own endeavor:
a. I practice great humility in my dealings with everyone.
b. I try to keep simplicity and purity prominent in all of my practical arrangements.
c. I maintain extreme tolerance in all types of favorable or unfavorable circumstances.
d. I offer all respect unto others, regardless of who they are.
e. I feel genuine compassion for all living entities and act accordingly .

Rules and Regulations

Rules and Regulations

Most people are afraid to take to Krishna Consciousness in their youth because they are afraid that this process will curb their freedom and regulate their life.They want to live a free life of fun and enjoyment of senses.The freedom of a conditioned soul is compared to the freedom of football. What is football free for? Free to be kicked. Similarly, the so called freedom of a conditioned soul only has him kicked like a football by maya,the material energy.The rules and regulations which one follows on the path of Krishna Consciousness are like the string of a kite. The string of kite appears to be limiting the movement of the kite. Actually, it is because of the string that the kite is flying in a certain direction. If the string is cut, the kite will simply fall down. Similarly the rules and regulations, which one is expected to follow in this human form of life, are like the kite's string that helps us fly higher and higher, towards the spiritual sky. Otherwise, without these rules and regulations and discipline, one will simply fall down and be miserable.Therefore to impose rules and regulations on oneself, to be disciplined and self controlled, to have a direction in our life is very important.

-- HH Radhanath Swami

This routine program is the backbone of our Movement

Hare Krishna Devotee

 "This routine program is the backbone of our Movement, and we stand solid on such program such as chanting, speaking, arati, reading scriptures, prasadam, like that. These things are sufficient for us. Any sane man will be attracted to such program. And if we perform everything nicely and always seize every opportunity to preach about Krishna, that is our formula for success. Of course management must be there, but if preaching work is strong, management will automatically be strong. So in all cases, become a very good preacher, and this will please me very much."

-- Srila Prabhupada, Letter 08/12/1971

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare / Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

The Consciousness of a Lion...

Another fitting illustration is seen in the contrast between the mentality of a dog and that of a lion. If one throws a dog a bone, the dog will always run after the bone. If one throws a bone to a lion, however, the lion, lifting his head and licking his lips, will turn to check out who it was that threw the bone, considering the thrower to be a tastier prospect, a tastier entity than the thrown! It is better to have the consciousness of a lion than to have the consciousness of a dog. In other words, instead of becoming primarily concerned with or entangled by the external phenomenon itself, it is better to pursue the tastier entity, the higher taste, by looking to see who has placed the external phenomenon before us. And who will we see? We will see that supremely prankish cowherd boy, Vrajendranandana Shyama, who, by His inscrutable desire, has expanded innumerable cosmic arenas in which He may directly and indirectly enact His various sportive lilas. That is Krishna consciousness.

T h e H e a r t o f  T r a n s c e n d e n t a l B o o k D i s t r i b u t i o n, p24  (HG Aindra Prabhu)