Under A Sacred Tree I Prayed

I recently started chanting one more round every day – which brings me to a grand, glittering total of 3. Not so impressive considering I have been told about the benefits of chanting since my first day at the Bhaktivedanta Manor Nursery – some eighteen years ago now. I’ve had a funny relationship with [...]

Sushi Poems (Little Bites)

Sometimes I write little poems while I walk down the street, or when I’m stuck in traffic in the car…sometimes they’re haikus (5-7-5 syllables) and sometimes not.
What a threat you pose
hanging over the soap dish
translucent spider
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Evening Piano Lesson
ticking
again she says
getting darker
chirping birds
3 scales to go.
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I love how when you
shake a peanut a little
it rattles [...]

Bengali Shadow Sounds

Recently for my creative writing class, we had to compose a piece of prose or poetry using ‘found words’. We were told to go through magazines, newspapers etc., cut out words that we liked, and try to make something of them. After two hours of painstaking cutting, I faced a good few [...]

After almost 14 years…

I’m finally on my way to Vrindavan! This year during Kartik (October/November) I will be attending the first BBT Art Seminar. I am SO EXCITED!

On A Rainy Day – Musical Roots and Spiritual Fruits

I had an interesting conversation this morning, with my grandma – who turned 74 today. She’s been visiting with my Auntie over the weekend, and I have found myself reflecting on family connections. Through time, place, and circumstance, lifestyle choices can vary so much, yet still there is a link which is undeniable.
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Praying for Protection

The first day of May this year marked Nrsimha Caturdasi, the anniversary of the appearance of the half man, half lion form of the Lord, who incarnated to protect his devotee. This day is naturally a reminder to pray more to this form of the Lord, to protect us as we try to become better [...]

Good Morning May!

So. It’s May. I have never been as awed by the changing of the seasons as I have this year. Every fortnight or so seems to bring a new wave of growth – flowers, bursting seedpods. These past weeks have brought the beautiful pink and red hawthorns, the azaleas, purple wisteria and lemon yellow [...]

How I spent my Thursday evening.

Almost four hours later – yes I wish I was more in practice – would’ve been quicker. Still, I was pleased with the end result considering I haven’t done mehndi for many months now and I had never done a bride before. For more photos…

Madhu Vrata

 
When oh when will it be me?When will I desire to seeThose feet, the treasure of every heartWhen oh when will I play a part?I could be just a little leafAnd silently watch that butter thiefOr a speck of dust, on temple groundAt the feet of the Vaisnava true nectar is foundWhen will my heart [...]

Glorious Spring!

First the crocuses appear. Little shoots, pushing their way high above the sparse winter grass. They hide their colours until the last moment, suddenly bursting open to reveal purple and saffron. Then come the snowdrops and celandine, and the hyacinths, slowly opening their many buds. Lamb’s tails gently swing on the hazel trees and new [...]