Kartik - The holy month

Kartika - This month is Radha rani's month. She is the labhini shakti. She is the internal energy of Krishna and is the presider of bhakti and hence she is also known as bhakti devi.

Hence, it is her purrogative to give bhakti to a soul. she is the supreme mother and is very kind. When a devotee shows interest, she makes the facility and will help them come closer to Krishna. Our only hope is the mercy of Srimati Radharani so we can come closer to Sri Krishna. Our spiritual path can progress only by her mercy and as this is Radha rani's month - this is a very dear month of Krishna.

Hence, one should utilize this month to do lots of austerities. Intensity one's devotional service in this month. Whatever activities we are doing, put lot more focus in that - reading the SB, BG, Chanting and make the best prayer to Radha - the blessing of pure devotional service. Devotional service free from any tinge of material sense enjoyment and when you pray like that she will soon fulfill our desires.

Pasttimes of Krishna -

1. Sharada poornima - After performing the Govardhan puja (6th year of Krishna) - Krishna also rescued Nanda maharaj from the ropes of Varuna and he waited one long year for the night of Sharada poornima - The first night of Sharada poornima. This night is the most beautiful night in the lavana. (this year 29th). He chose this night to perform rasa leela with the gopis. Because Krishna desired like that, material energy started preparing for this night - moonlit night was so beautiful, weather was pleasant, sun was set - just wonderful setting and Krishna wanted to enjoy with the best of his devotees. 5 principle rasas - madhurya, vatsalya, dasya, sakhya and ____. Though the madhurya rasa is the highest, we can't understand with our lusty senses and we aren't capable to understand them. Hence read all the 9 cantos before reading the 10th canto.  Eternally this pastime is being performed.  When the Lord wanted to call the gopis, he played the 5th note on the bansi flute. That 5th note would stop everything and attracted the gopis - they knew he was calling them. They wanted to responsd to the call of Krishna.Actually Krishna is calling us every moment - so we can be with him back to Godhead. Gopis left what they were doing and they just left what they were doing they just ran to Krishna - some were serving food, some were serving food to their family, some wore their clothes upside down. Hence that is the topmost service to Sri Krishna. When it comes to surrender to krishna we should not hold back. With an honest heart - we will be able to reach Krishna. They didn't think about the society or anything - it wasn't a show - they just were so honest in reaching Krishna and to please Krishna. Krishna is calling us and if we go Krishna is going to be very pleased and our liffe will be successful.

ex - Lots of disciples went to Krishna and asked what is the best service - book distribution, pujari, make food etc - He said the biggest service is to unconditional love to Krishna, please Krishna .That platform of complete bliss that consciousness is Krishna consciousness when we are completely absorbed in Krishna 24*7. That consciousness was given to the Gopis. Vraja vadhus - follow the footsteps of the Gopis - nothing in return, they just served Krishna unconditionally. My dear Lord, whether you accept or reject me you will remain my worshipabale master.At least if we are conscious of chanting, reading, cooking, working in KC and it's for Krishna our life will be successful. Hence Krishna was very pleased with the gopis and hence he performed the rasa leela for the pleasure of gopis. On the spiritual platform - there was exchange of love. This was also spoken by hthe 6 goswamis. This is not something mundane. Hence on Sharad poornima he wanted to tell the world that nobody was even close to the devotion as the gopis. The wonderful mood of surrender should be the mood of Kartika.