Ananda's Blog

Beginning Steps to Authentic Love

Today, although I didn’t mean to—and it was the furthest thing from my mind and intention—I hurt the soft and tender heart of a very dear...

Chant and be Still

There is a great connection between stillness and listening. “Don’t move” we say when we hear some noise around the house in the middle...

Expectations

Have you heard it said these days that the secret to happiness is to lower your expectations? It makes sense, doesn’t it? We often put so...

Japa Heaven

Last week I heard the phrase ‘japa heaven’ and immediately added it to my list of inspirations for a better spiritual practice. Being in...

Fathers

This morning at the temple, a father had his 6 year old daughter lead the singing. I appreciated his fathering. He started her off on...

In the Storm

Driving along as the storm gathered I appreciated the dark clouds, the deepening greens, and the atmosphere of melancholy. Then the rain...

Another Body

My family and I were just visiting my mother, Edith, in Boca Raton, Florida to celebrate her 90th Birthday. As we honored her and...

Working with Habits

Habit can be terribly powerful. When people get caught in some bad habits such as smoking or drinking, they find quitting those habits...

Tips for Moms (and Dads)

What are some of the qualities of a devotee of Krishna? The Caitanya Caritamrita gives a list of 26. As parents, it a great list to work...

Love and Trust

The story of the brave child Prahlad and how he stood up to his abusive father, King Hiranyakashipu, is well-loved in the Bhakti canon....