I am bringing this up to you to emphasis the importance of having a balanced mental/emotional life as a component of your spiritual practices, whether or not you live in a temple community or near to devotees of Krishna. As we don’t hesitate to go to the doctor or dentist, we should know when mental health professionals are required. In the Chowpatty, India Temple near Mumbai, they have a spiritual counselor system. I would see this as a big part of devotee care and the first line of defense against spiritual and emotional/psychological problems, provided the counselors know when to refer out—or in other words, when more is needed than a purely spiritual solution. We must be able to see the unique whole person and their requirements, and think long term. (part 2 continued from my 12/18/10 blog)

I am sure that many philosophers or thinkers have said something to the effect that although looking at the past is good if we extract from it life lessons that inform our present, the past is not a good place to live or be stuck in. Our present is the intersection between the past and future. There is no question that our past—in this life and in previous lives—has a tremendous influence on who we think we are. However, if we want a good future, including changing our past conditioning which is unhelpful for our spiritual progress, it can only be created in the present, or moment by moment. Understanding those influences which don’t serve our goals is an important part of creating change. (This is the 1st part of a two part series.)

Our spiritual master Shrila Prabhupada often spoke of going back to home, back to Godhead. It is one of the mottos of the Krishna consciousness movement. I have thought often over the last 2 months about the concept we generally have of our “home” in this world and the idea that the soul has an origin, a place or real home where he belongs eternally, which never has to be—or is wanted to be—left. Although people like change and seek fulfillment through variety, we also seek permanence, and lasting, loving relationships.

I
Soul within physical realms
planes within dimensions
levels within worlds
episodes within time
assignments within missions
travels within journeys.

Sitting in the living room
thinking of my 7 week visit
winding down while mountain gazing
the last legalities finalized
death certificate received
understanding the Will and adjusting.

Reducing life to its basic components as old age takes away what we have for years taken for granted.

There are different opinions regarding social issues or spiritual philosophy. Any perspective, side of an issue, or point can be carried to an extreme in relation to others.