This short story will help illustrate some of the fundamental differences between the psychology of men and women

A week after our daughter Sita was born, my wife Laxmi and I were completely exhausted. Each night Sita kept waking us. Laxmi had been torn in the delivery and was taking painkillers. She could barely walk. After five days of staying home to help I went back to the temple. She seemed to be getting better.

While I was away she ran out of pain pills. Instead of calling me at the temple, she asked one of my brothers, who was visiting, to purchase more. My brother, however, did not return with the pills. Consequently, she spent the whole day in pain, taking care of a new-born.

I had no idea that her day had been so awful. When I returned home she was very upset. I misinterpreted the cause of her distress and thought she was blaming me.

She said, “I’ve been in pain all day I ran out of pills. I’ve...more

1. Inspiration for the Grihastha Ashram

The third canto of Srimad Bhagavatam gives us an inspiring example of successful grihastha life:

Emperor Svayambhuva Manu enjoyed life with his wife and subjects and fulfilled his desires without being disturbed by unwanted principles contrary to the process of religion. Every day he used to listen to the pastimes of the lord with a loving heart.

SB. 3 Ch 22 text 33

Purport (excerpts):

There is no restriction against living with a wife and children, but life should be so conducted that one may not go against the principles of religion, economic development, regulated sense enjoyment and ultimately liberation from material existence.

The Vedic principles are designed in such a way that the conditioned souls who have come to this material existence may be guided in fulfilling their material desires and at the same time be liberated and go back to Godhead, back home.

It is understood that emperor Svayambhuva Manu enjoyed his house hold life by following these principles.

BG.18th chapter Conclusion - The Perfection of Renunciation

Arjuna asks Krishna to clearly explain renunciation and sannyasa.

The Lord gives his absolute opinion that renunciation is of three kinds - goodness, passion, ignorance.

Srila Prabhupada directly states that even sannyasis should encourage the marriage ceremony which is meant...more

Vivaha-samskara

Talks by Indradyumna Swami and Giriraj Swami
Piyush and Lalita-devi dasi’s wedding ceremony
June 3, 2006
Carpinteria, CA

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“Give More Than You Take” by Indradyumna Swami

Samskaras are Vedic purificatory ceremonies for advancing in spiritual life. One of them is vivaha-samskara, the wedding rite.

Before I begin, I would like to thank the Supreme Lord for providing such a beautiful day, by His grace, a warm and sunny day. I don’t know what would have happened if it had rained. We didn’t actually have an alternative plan, so we depended on Krsna. I would also like to thank Giriraj Maharaja’s staff, especially Mother Kunti, who worked so hard for many weeks to prepare this marriage ceremony. There are quite a number of devotees on the staff, and they have done a wonderful job.

When, several weeks ago, I was invited to speak at this auspicious function, I was considering what I would talk about, what I would say. I am a monk in the renounced order, so marriage is not my best subject, but Krsna helped me. Yoga-ksemam vahamy aham. It says for His devotee, He protects whatever they have and He provides whatever they require. So I was thinking, “What will...more

Physically, psychologically and spiritually we will go through many changes in the natural course of our lives and our marital relationship may need to adapt accordingly. Yet some basic, vital qualities are present throughout all healthy marriages. Let’s look at seven of them in relation to our potential spouse and ourselves.

Balanced: If you have been to a circus you may have seen a tightrope walker constantly adjusting his long pole to keep it horizontal. Without these readjustments, the performer may lose his balance and fall. Similarly, by avoiding extreme views or behaviors that will throw us off our chosen life path, we can remain mentally, physically and spiritually balanced. And we can choose to marry a similarly balanced person.

Respectful:  Respect is crucial to any relationship. A person who respects others will not neglect to respect you, while one who is harsh and critical will, sooner or later, most likely exhibit that same behavior toward you.

A good listener: more