Monthly Archives: January 2015

Hearing the Spiritual Master Within the Heart, January 18, New Vedic Cultural Center, Kondwa, Pune
Giriraj Swami

—————————– Giriraj Swami read and spoke from the concluding words from the Caitanya-caritamrta at the Sri Sri Radha Vrindavanchandra temple. “To get the strength to spread Krishna consciousness we should also follow the regulative principles. And that was repeated again and again by Srila Prabhupada. To have the spiritual strength to preach you have to rise early, attend […]

Freedom?
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It seems that maybe a significant number of people who would like to consider themselves aspirants for Krishna-bhakti don’t recognize that the desire to be free from responsibilities is mukti-spṛhā in plain English. Mukti-spṛhā means the desire to be a mukta. A mukta is a person who has mokṣa. Mokṣa means liberating the consciousness from all bonds and limitations. The full definition of mukti is … Continue reading Freedom?

The shelter of an ashram
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(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 22 December 2014, Cape Town, South Africa, Srimad Bhagavatam 9.19.19) Srila Prabhupada explains, in terms of going to the forest, that the best of all forests is Vrindavan. But in Vrindavan, one must purely pursue Krsna consciousness and one must not go there for engaging in lusty desires. In other words, one […]

ISKCON Youth Program, January 17, ISKCON Camp, Pune
Giriraj Swami

———————————– “The essence is to surrender to Srila Prabhupada and Sri Sri Gaura Nitai and dedicate your lives to their service. There will be details and there will be difficulties — there are always difficulties. But, as Srila prabhupada said. ‘Spiritual life is difficult but material life is impossible.’ It is difficult in some ways but […]

Preaching program in 26 Second Ave Matchless Gifts the Seed of…
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Preaching program in 26 Second Ave Matchless Gifts the Seed of Hare Krishna Movement in the West (Album 12 photos)
Srila Prabhupada: “There may be discrepancies in pronouncing the mantras and observing the regulative principles, and, moreover, there may be discrepancies in regard to time, place, person and paraphernalia. But when your Lordship’s holy name is chanted, everything becomes faultless.” (Srimad Bhagavatam, 8.23.16).
See them here: http://goo.gl/oiYJVH

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Preaching in San Diego (Album 7 photos) Srila Prabhupada:…
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Preaching in San Diego (Album 7 photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Although Sukracarya was a strict brahmana addicted to ritualistic activities, he also admitted, nischidram anusankirtanam tava: “My Lord, constant chanting of the holy name of Your Lordship makes everything perfect.” (Srimad Bhagavatam, 8.23.16 Purport).
See them here: http://goo.gl/gamrCR

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Dear Devotees, Please accept my humble obeisances. All…
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Dear Devotees,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila
Prabhupada.
We are happy to announce the first event this year in Vrndavana Dhama in honor of the 50th anniversary of Srila Prabhupada’s historic journey on the Jaladutta to start this wonderful ISKCON mission, AND in honor of the 40th anniversary of the historic Opening of the Krishna Balarama Mandir.
On Vasant Pancami, 24, January 2015 we will inaugaurate a fantastic
presentation of the Changing Bodies Diorama upstairs in Srila Prabhupada’s Samadhi Museum. We will also post new nameplates and descriptions of Parampara for our 4 parampara Deities upstairs.
Ceremonies will begin at 10 a.m. with guest speakers, kirtan and Prasad
distribution. Pictures will be sent out later on the Samadhi site of the
Vrndavan temple web.
Hope this meets you all well and in jolly spirits.
Your servant on behalf of the Samadhi,
Parvati devi dasi

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Good Old Days
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I couldn’t imagine winter in India would be colder than London. I was wrong. The misty chill of a Vrindavana morning penetrates your bones to the core. The stone floors and absence of heating systems mean there is no respite – inside is usually colder than outside! Nevertheless, the devotional fervour and busyness of Vrindavana never diminishes. Pilgrims stream in every day, each with a spiritual goal in mind: most visit for personal inspiration, others come to engage in some austerity and rigorous vow, while the elderly usually come to live out their final days in preparation for death. We’ve come for the first, we’re involuntarily doing the second, and he third… well, that’s not in the plan for the time being at least…

Every day I do my early morning chanting in the courtyard of our temple. It was a 3.00am start today. Although it’s early for my standards, every day I’m blessed with the company of the same elderly faces, who, tightly wrapped up in multiple shawls and scarfs, wholeheartedly prostrate themselves, circumambulate the temple, offer prayers and settle into rapt meditation. This is their life. Their dedication is unwavering, steady as a rock, seemingly oblivious to all obstacles which come their way. Despite their ailing health, the severe lack of material conveniences, and the seasonal climatic attacks, they are determined to end their days in complete spiritual absorption, diligently preparing for their imminent journey to the next world. After a lifetime of jobs, family, responsibilities and social interaction, they live as lone mendicants in this holy land, probably with a vow to never leave. They have realised this is the business end of life – this is where it’s make or break. After all, the Bhagavad-gita confirms that the consciousness with which we leave this world determines our next destination.

It prompted me to reflect on how our spirituality should intensify with each passing year. We have to build momentum, increase the urgency, and eagerly look for more and more opportunities to genuinely go deeper. Gradually, all the empty promises of the world that steal our attention should pale into insignificance, allowing us to focus on the essence of life. An elderly lady told me yesterday – “the good old days are not of the past, I’m experiencing them now, and I’m sure there are more to come!” A nice play on words, with a great meaning behind them. Though so many material limitations invariably arrive with age, the spiritually enthused soul is free to move in the skies of devotion. The later years of ones spirituality can open unlimited doors of experience and opportunity. I’m witnessing the living proof, and its giving me great hope.

Just Remain Alive in Krishna Consciousness, January 18, Pune
Giriraj Swami

——————————————————————————- Giriraj Swami read and spoke from Srimad-Bhagavtam 10.14.8. “The idea is that just as a legitimate son has to do nothing but stay alive in order to inherit his father’s property, similarly all a devotee has to do is remain alive in Krishna consciousness and he will inherit the kingdom of God. What does […]