Optimism is NOT magical thinking.


2012

We now have two srotas for Dana-keli-kaumudi class every evening at 7.30. This is the third time I have started, but that first verse just keeps on giving.

[Did not last.]


2011

This Vrindavan water is so corroding. Things rust so quickly it is like you can see it rusting in front of your eyes. Even stainless steel is speckled brown in a matter of days. Even with wiping. Incredible.


2011


[Optimism is equated with faith: the faith that life does have meaning. Magical thinking is the belief that specific results will be forthcoming from some unrelated activity.]


2011

One of those days where little is getting accomplished.


2011 Chandravali, the compliant 

ṣoḍaśyās tvam uḍor vimuñca sahasā nāmāpi vāmāśaye
tasyā durvinayair muner api manaḥ śāntātmanaḥ kupyati |
dhig goṣṭhendra-sute samasta-guṇināṁ maulau vrajābhyarcite
pādānte patite’pi naiva kurute bhrū-kṣepam apy atra yā ||

This is Chandravali: Stop trying to persuade me to be meaner to Krishna! And don’t even mention the name of that other gopi, what to speak of comparing her to the full moon with all its sixteen phases. Her wicked behavior would drive even a tranquil-hearted monk to anger. Fie on her! The prince of Gokula, the most virtuous of the virtuous, who is worshiped by all the people of Vraja, falls down at her feet, and yet she won’t even give him the time of day! (UN 9.49)

And this is Radha:

yā madhyastha-padena saṅkulatarā śuddhā prakṛtyā jaḍā
vaidagdhī-nalinī-nimīlana-paṭur doṣāntarollāsinī
āśāyāḥ sphuraṇaṁ harer janayituṁ yuktātra candrāvalī
sāpi syād iti locayan sakhi janaḥ kaḥ soḍhum īṣṭe kṣitau

Chandravali has an ambiguous attitude; she tries to cover all bases; her approach to love is simple-minded; I think she is naturally dumb. She makes the lotus of expertise in pleasing a man wither up and die, and what is more, she delights in these flaws. And yet, somehow she thinks she can bring life to Krishna’s hopes! O Sakhi, is there anyone in this world who could bear such a thing? (UN 9.48)



Comments

Masterpieces at the Jaipur Court said…

Dear J.D.,

An interesting read: “A brief account of the Yogabhāskara (attributed to Kavīndrācārya Sarasvatī), a haṭhayoga manual from a Vaiṣṇava bhakti tradition which was thought to be lost until a manuscript of it was found in Jaipur in 2019:”

https://www.academia.edu/73383217/Mallinson_2022_Yogabhaskara_Jaipur_Palace

Kind regards,
M.N.
Monday, 04 July, 2022
Anonymous said…

Even though the Yogabhāskara was erroneously attributed to Kavīndrācārya Sarasvatī (being a personal copy, having Sarasvatī’s name written on the first folio), it was in fact a revelation from the earlier teachings of the divine sage Nārada.
Monday, 04 July, 2022
Anonymous said…

Consultant Director of Research: Dr Giles Tillotson
The ‘Pothikhana’ Archives and Library
Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum
The City Palace, Jaipur-302002, India

Please write either to the Consultant Director of Research, Publications & Exhibitions ( dir.research@royaljaipur.in ) or to the Consultant Director of Library & Archives ( dir.archives@royaljaipur.in ) with the details of your request.

Telephone: + 91-141-4088888
Office Hours: 10:00 am to 5:30 pm IST, Monday to Saturday

Research Web Page: https://royaljaipur.in/index.php/explore/city-palace/#research

The City Palace Opening hours:

Monday-Sunday
09:30 - 05:30 (ticket window open till 5 pm)

MSMSII Museum is only shut on one day of the year, on the day of Dhulandi (second day of the festival of Holi).

E-Mail: information@royaljaipur.in
Website: https://www.royaljaipur.in/
Monday, 11 July, 2022
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