Monday 28 April 2014

Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat at a Glance

Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat (JKP), previously known as Sadhna Bhawan Trust, was established in 1970 and runs under the divine guidance of Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj. JKP is a non-profit, charitable & spiritual organisation, and is dedicated towards increasing spiritual awareness, and is also actively involved in a range of charitable projects and activities, to serve mankind at large for us.

The entire world is amazed to see the extent to which Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat undertakes various spiritual and charitable activities. Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat has established ashrams, and has many affiliated centres all over the world, which are fully engaged in serving the public both spiritually and socially.

Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat has been working ceaselessly to spread the teachings of Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj and to make a firm and stable establishment of Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj's mission in the world through a set of objectives.

The aims and objectives of JKP are:


  • To teach and spread the true eternal knowledge of the Vedas in the simplest form, and to guide and inspire seekers to attain their true goal of God-realisation.
  • To organise spiritual camps and retreats that demonstrate practical devotion to spiritual aspirants.
  • To establish, operate and maintain charitable projects for deprived communities in rural villages in both educational and medical fields.
  • To conduct various philanthropic and humanitarian activities which are beneficial for the society.

Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat

Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat (JKP), previously known as Sadhna Bhawan Trust, was established in 1970 and runs under the divine guidance of Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj. JKP is a non-profit, charitable & spiritual organisation, and is dedicated towards increasing spiritual awareness, and is also actively involved in a range of charitable projects and activities, to serve mankind at large.

The entire world is amazed to see the extent to which JKP undertakes various spiritual and charitable activities. JKP has established ashrams has many affiliated centres all over the world, which are fully engaged in serving the public both spiritually and socially.

JKP has been working ceaselessly to spread the teachings of Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj and to make a firm and stable establishment of Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj's mission in the world through a set of objectives.

The aims and objectives of JKP are:


  • To teach and spread the true eternal knowledge of the Vedas in the simplest form, and to guide and inspire seekers to attain their true goal of God-realisation.
  • To organise spiritual camps and retreats that demonstrate practical devotion to spiritual aspirants.
  • To establish, operate and maintain charitable projects for deprived communities in rural villages in both educational and medical fields.
  • To conduct various philanthropic and humanitarian activities which are beneficial for the society.

Saturday 26 April 2014

Accomplishments


Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat (JKP) was founded in 1970, and since then it has continually expanded to cater for the spiritual needs and the social welfare of mankind at large. JKP is simultaneously involved in various charitable activities and spiritual programs. Since its foundation:

The aims and objectives of JKP are:


JKP has established four main ashrams;



All four ashrams are actively involved in various spiritual activities for the welfare of spiritual aspirants. Throughout the year, these ashrams conduct various philosophical discourses, devotional chanting, spiritual camps and retreats, and also organise celebrations on various festivals.

JKP coordinates various social, philanthropic and humanitarian activities to provide relief to the poor through free distribution programs, including distribution of hand-driven tri-cycles, clothing, blankets, food, etc.

JKP also raises funds to contribute in national relief programs which provide emergency aid to victims of natural disasters and tragedies.

JKP has established two 100% free multi-facility hospitals in rural villages in North India, equipped with modern technologies, where all medical treatments, hospital facilities and required medications are provided free of cost to each and every patient. In addition, free medical and health awareness camps are conducted regularly. JKP also distributes money, medicines & provides emergency medical services as and when required. JKP provides financial aid to the patients when required, along with providing free medicines and emergency medical services, as and when required.

JKP runs a 100% free secular educational Institution to enhance literacy and provide quality education to the deprived. The Institution has three levels – primary school, intermediate college and a university, where all students receive their education completely free, and also receive free uniforms and other school related requirements.

Friday 25 April 2014

The Final Journey of Jagadguru Kripaluji Maharaj




USA, November 19th, 2013 (Radha Madhav Dham): Dear Devotees and Supporters of Radha Madhav Dham, Radhey Radhey.The antim sanskar (last rite) of Jagadguru Shree KripaluJi Maharaj has concluded at Bhakti Dham, Mangarh in what can be described as one of the most devotional and peaceful ceremonies.

The day began with Arti in Bhakti Bhavan (satsang hall at Bhakti Dham). Amidst the sounds of Vedic hymns, conches and chants of the Radhey name, Shree Maharaj Ji was prepared for His last journey. Carrying Him on their shoulders, devotees performed parikrama of Bhakti Bhavan and placed Him on a chariot for a massive procession that was attended by tens of thousands of devotees. Performing parikrama of Bhakti Dham, the procession entered the courtyard of Bhakti Mandir. Shree Maharaj Ji was again carried by devotees as they performed parikrama of Bhakti Mandir and agonizingly brought Him to the pyre.

In this moment of extreme grief, it is natural for us to feel helpless and hopeless. We must, however, remind ourselves what an embodiment of inspiration Shree Maharaj Ji was and how He spent His entire life teaching, prodding and guiding souls to engage in selfless devotion to Radha Krishna. Following His inspiration, we must not forget to steadfastly continue our devotion and follow the path shown to us by Him.

As for the feeling of helplessness or hopelessness is concerned, though it is understandable, there should be no place for either in the devotees of Shree Maharaj Ji. Shree Maharaj Ji has said in His speeches that once a soul surrenders to a Guru and continues to maintain faith in Him, the Guru never leaves the soul. As long as we remain committed to the path of raganuga bhakti that has been shown to us by Shree Maharaj Ji and maintain our faith in Him, He was, is and will remain our Guru, our Divine Guide and our Divine Protector for not only this life but until we reach our goal of attaining Radha Krishna. He will continue to grace, guide and help us just as He did, and as we have experienced, when He was still on the earth yet not physically present with us.

In the days, months and years to come, we will work hard to spread Shree Maharaj Ji's teachings as far and wide as possible. With increasing determination, we will strive to inspire others the way we've been inspired ourselves. We will continue to maintain and expand the vast charitable activities initiated by Shree Maharaj Ji and carried out by Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat. Radha Madhav Dham will continue to celebrate all major Hindu festivals, organize devotional intensives, and family camps. We will continue to welcome thousands of visitors, regardless of their background, with a commitment and desire to inspire in them the spark of selfless devotion to Radha Krishna. Overall, we will spare efforts in sharing with others the immense devotional treasure Shree Maharaj Ji has endowed us.

Our winter family camp will be held from December 26 to 31 followed by 24 hour New Year nam sankirtan that will conclude on January 1. Our annual sadhana shivir (devotional intensive), as announced by Shree Maharaj Ji Himself during this year's intensive, will be held every year for two weeks in the summer. The 2014 Radha Madhav Dham sadhana shivir will be held from June 28 to July 12. I hope to see you at one of our events soon.

As we all learn to live and perform the invaluable seva of carrying out Shree Maharaj Ji's mission without His physical presence, I humbly seek your help and support for the activities of Radha Madhav Dham. 

Jai Shree Radhey. 
Chirag Patel, Ph.D. 
Managing Member Radha Madhav Dham 

Thursday 24 April 2014

"Memory on Repeat": Tribute to Jagadguru Kripalu Ji Maharaj




When a breeze flutters in leafy trees, you'll hear his whispers.
You won't understand the language, but won't care.
You'll just be happy
to know it's his voice
and will get lost in that.

When the first spring flower pops
his head up, and your heart is in dance,
you'll remember how your face broke out in a smile the first
time you saw him after being away for a while...
the funny gesture he made, a teasing glance, a pat or a hug.

When lightening strikes,
you'll remember the flash of his Divine smile.
When thunder rumbles,
you'll feel the vibrations of his deep voice.

If a stranger
should ever hand you an apple,
you'll catch your breath and look twice at the giver.

Every song
will have one line
you'll want to listen to on repeat.
It's not the words,
it's the memory you're trying to put on repeat.

Radhe-Radhe

Wednesday 23 April 2014

Projects Under Construction




Kirti Mandir - Radha Krishna Bhakti Yog Upasana Kendra - Barsana


The construction of Kirti Mandir is currently under progress in Barsana Dham, the birthplace of Shri Radha Rani. This temple will depict a monument of Radha Rani's Divine mother, Kirti Maiya, holding Shri Radha Rani in the form of a baby. Deities of the Astha Maha Sakhi (8 of Radha Rani's closest friends) will also be placed inside the temple. Once completed, this temple will be a unique and priceless treasure for all devotees of Radha Krishna.

Bhakti Bhawan (Meditation Hall) - Mangarh

Every year there is an increasing number of devotees who come to Mangarh to attend spiritual camps and major festivals to deepen their knowledge and experience the sweetness of devotion to God. To meet the growing enthusiasm, the original Satsang Hall was replaced by a larger hall in 1996. That growth in the number of devotees has continued, and now an even larger hall named Bhakti Bhawan by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu ji Maharaj, is currently under construction to cater for the unprecedented numbers of devotees who flock to Mangarh Dham. More than 10,000 devotees will be able to engage in devotional practice in this hall at a time.

100% Free Hospital - Vrindavan

Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat (JKP) currently runs two completely free hospitals in rural villages of Mangarh and Barsana in Uttar Pradesh. A third 100% free charitable hospital is currently under construction in Vrindavan. This hospital will also provide all medical facilities free to all patients, including free medicines.

Vrindavan, once a small village, is now a densely populated town due to its continually increasing population. This holy town, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, is a centre of worship for several devotees. It is also home for a large number of poverty-stricken individuals. A combination of spirituality, charity and poverty brings many underprivileged and disadvantaged people to Vrindavan every year in search of the Lord and freedom from the socio-economic and psychological pressures of society.

Poverty in Vrindavan does not just mean hunger, lack of shelter, not being able to read or not having an income, but it is also being sick and not being able to afford even the most basic medical facilities.

Identifying the lack of medical facilities and proper health care services for the poverty-stricken and deprived communities of Vrindavan, JKP is constructing a 100% free charitable hospital. The 100-bedded hospital will be equipped with modern medical equipments and will be a multi-facility hospital which will provide free medical treatments, including Allopathic, Homoeopathic, Naturopathic, Physiotherapy and Ayurveda.

Construction is underway, but its continued progress is dependent on the contributions of supporters around the world.

Sadhna Bhawan (Meditation Hall) - Vrindavan


Shri Vrindavan Dham is where Lord Krishna descended on earth, and had many Divine and loveable pastimes. Through Shri Maharaj Ji's inspiration, JKP is constructing a massive Sadhna Bhawan in the Divine land of Vrindavan. Hall will be constructed next to Prem Mandir, and will be of a similar structure to Bhakti Bhawan at Bhakti Dham, Mangarh. Shri Maharaj Ji laid the foundation stone of Sadhna Bhawan on 28th February 2011.

Monday 21 April 2014

Final Speech by Shree Maharaj Ji

Final lecture of Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj has been subtitled to English



Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharajs last speech has been subtitled in English as per the request of the devotees. This is the final speech (subtitled) given by Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj in Bhakti Dham, Mangarh, called Man Karu Sumiran Radha Rani ke Charan (O my mind, always remember the lotus feet of Radha Rani). It was given 2 hours before his entering into Divine coma on November 11th 2013. In his final speech, Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj put forth the essence of all the scriptures and philosophies of the world:

It is the mind that has to be engaged in devotion to God, so one must practice and practice tirelessly to attach the mind in the Divine realm.

Saturday 19 April 2014

Message from our Presidents



Human beings of the current age (time) do not heed to the welfare of their own souls. They are becoming more and more restless since they consider themselves to be the physical body and thus, are running after the material world just in order to obtain transient happiness.

In such a materialistic world, Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj is paving the path to peace by binding everyone with the thread of universal brotherhood, through His message of Divine love to the entire world. At the same time, He has paved the path for both physical and spiritual welfare of the individual souls by establishing a large organisation like Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat.

The organisation has been rendering social services through various social activities performed at a regular basis. The organisation is endeavoring various praiseworthy works in the fields of medicine, education, and for the welfare of women and upliftment of society at large with greatness.

Several constructions are being carried out under the auspices of the organisation; a huge sadhna (meditation) hall in Mangarh, a charitable hospital, as well as another grand sadhna hall in Vrindavan, and Kirti Mandir in Barsana. All the construction work are not only going to be beneficial in the future, but also has been providing employment to thousands of local laborers.

We extend our best wishes to the organisation for its ongoing progress in providing various social services. We wish Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat a golden future and seek blessings at the lotus feet of Radha Krishna.

Friday 18 April 2014

Shree Maharajji has brought his visible pastimes to an end

With profound grief we inform all devotees that Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj, who was the fifth original Jagadguru in the last 5000 years, brought his visible pastimes on the earth to a close and left for the Divine Abode of Shree Radha Krishna, on 15th November 2013.

Shree Maharajji, as he was lovingly called by his devotees all over the world, was the embodiment of Divine love. He revealed his Divine ecstacies in many thousands of kirtans, bhajans, and padas that he composed. He was also the veritable personification of the sacred knowledge of the Vedic scriptures, and his illuminating discourses were eagerly heard by crores of spiritual seekers and around the world. 


The establisher of divine monuments like Prem Mandir, Vrindavan, and Bhakti Mandir, Mangarh, Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj was an ocean of compassion, and he tirelessly worked for the spiritual upliftment of all humankind. His grace showered upon all fortunate souls who came in touch with him, irrespective of caste, creed, religion, country. The vast mission he established has hundreds of branches in many states of India and nations of the world. His charitable activities include establishment of numerous free hospitals, schools, colleges, and service projecs for the poor and needy.


His mortal remains will be placed at Bhakti Bhawan, Shree Bhakti Dham, Mangarh for the antim darshan by devotees and spiritual sadhaks from 8 am to 7 pm.

Let us always remember his divine message:

Shyama Shyam Nama Rupa Leela Guna Dhama,
Gao Rake Roop Dhyan Yukta Aathon Yama
This is the sovereign remedy for attaining God-realization in this age.

Kripalu Gurudev

Our Guruvar, JAGADGURU SHRI KRIPALU JI MAHARAJ is grace and kindness personified; grace is all around him, both inside and out. This is how he truly is. The word 'kripalu' itself means "one who showers grace and kindness all around." One may come to him with good or bad intentions - he will impart his grace on all regardless. It seems that his whole existence is made only of grace. Every moment of his life, whether he is sleeping or awake, he is bestowing his grace on all living beings. The day we truly accept him one hundred percent as 'kripalu', the embodiment of grace, we will attain our ultimate goal.

As humble as he is great, Shri Maharaj Ji continues to make himself available to all sincere spiritual aspirants, irrespective of culture, age or spiritual persuasion. Every seeker is amazed to see how approachable he is, and enjoys the special privilege of individual attention from him. The combination of his tall, regal stature and childlike personality creates an indefinable attraction that draws all to him, be they young or old; man or woman. It is very easy to become a recipient because there is no giver like Shri Maharaj Ji. True to his name, Kripalu, he is the very embodiment of grace.

JKP Charitable Activities

The spiritual work undertaken by Shri Maharaj Ji is certainly his greatest contribution to society. However, his philosophy concentrates on creating a balance in life by taking care of the body as well as nurturing the soul. Recognising the need to take care of the physical body, Shri Maharaj Ji inspires devotees to engage in various humanitarian activities. Thus, under the divine guidance of Shri Maharaj Ji, Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat (JKP) has been established.

Charitable institutions that serve the poor and needy are fully operational. Hospitals built by JKP in various towns and villages are maintained by devotees and provide free healthcare services to all.

When Shri Maharaj Ji visits one such institution his mere presence acts as a panacea, bringing both joy on the faces and serenity in the hearts of, all those being served. As he walks through the corridors, greeting all as he passes by, he will pause for a moment and go into one of the rooms where some patients are resting. Placing a caring hand on the shoulder of one, he will enquire into their medical condition; ask another how he is feeling and whether he needs anything more to be comfortable, all the while casting his soothing, beatific smile on all. After his visit, the spirits of all those in recovery is boosted beyond words.

Shri Maharaj Ji has ensured, through the work of JKP, that much needed assistance is given to those people in our community who are physically disadvantaged, be it due to disability or simply the natural process of aging. Much needed day-to-day necessities are distributed on mass to some of our country’s poorest – blankets, dining utensils, food, medicine, financial aid etc. – little things that make a big difference by making life a little easier in some of the poorer parts of India. In times of tragedy, JKP is a generous donor of financial assistance for society.

In responding to the needs of young people to have access to quality education in rural areas, JKP has established educational institutions, where socially disadvantaged families can send their children, free of cost.

Since 1968, when the first satsang hall was built in the small rural village of Mangarh, the birthplace of Shri Maharaj Ji, satsang halls have been established throughout India, providing venues for sincere spiritual aspirants to retreat from their worldly commitments and focus their minds on the sweet loving remembrance of Shri Radha Krishna, twenty-four hours a day. Today these ashrams have expanded to cater for the growing number of people coming to learn about and practice bhakti yoga, under the supreme guidance of Shri Maharaj Ji, from around the world with divine flame.

Friday 11 April 2014

Devotional Activities

Sadhna Shivir

Sadhna Shivir is a devotional camp in which the devotees disconnect themselves from their regular material world and isolate themselves to practice absorbing their mind in God, and to perform selfless service to God and Guru. Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat organises devotional camps at various places for varied durations, including the annual month-long sadhna program held during October-November and the spring sadhna program held in March. The devotees follow the guidelines provided by Shri Maharaj Ji while engaging in devotional practice. Shri Maharaj Ji also gives lectures, explanations, etc, to address various aspects of devotion during these camps.


Public Speeches

From time to time, Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj delivers public speeches, where thousands of people gather to listen to His divine teachings. He simplifies even the most perplexing instructions from the scriptures with great ease and clarity, and discloses guidelines to the general public on how to attain their ultimate goal of human life. Not only are these speeches beneficial for the general public, but they also help deepen the wisdom and knowledge of a devotee which in turn promotes devotion in their hearts.

Festivals 

Jagadguru Shri Kripaluji Mahara explains that the only purpose of celebrating all the social and religious festivals and occasions is to renounce the mind from the material world, while engaging in devotion to Radha Krishna. At times, Shri Maharaj Ji reveals the origin of festivals and at other times He reveals a new devotional aspect, making every festival and celebration an opportunity to integrate devotion in our lives and progress in the path of God Realisation.

Selfless Service

In addition to engaging in devotional and spiritual practices, Shri Maharaj Ji teaches and encourages devotees to perform physical and monetary service. Majority of people who have dedicated their life to Radha Krishna devotion engage themselves in seva (voluntary service) at the four JKP ashrams. These include doctors, nurses and other hospital staffs who render their services free at Jagadguru Kripalu Chikitsalaya, as well various office people who volunteer their time and serve in various ways in the ashrams with greatness.