Monthly Archives: July 2015

CC daily Podcast:
http://www.thespiritualscientist.com/audio/ccd%20classes/desiretree/2015%20classes/07-15%20classes/CC%20daily%20163%20-%20M%206.239%20-%20Awareness%20of%20our%20insignificance%20before%20Krishna%20animates%20our%20devotion.mp3
Download by “right-click and save content”

CC daily Podcast:
http://www.thespiritualscientist.com/audio/ccd%20classes/desiretree/2015%20classes/07-15%20classes/CC%20daily%20162%20-%20M%206.238%20-%20Share%20Krishna%20not%20out%20of%20not%20ego%20but%20love.mp3
Download by “right-click and save content”

CC daily Podcast:
http://www.thespiritualscientist.com/audio/ccd%20classes/desiretree/2015%20classes/07-15%20classes/CC%20daily%20161%20-%20M%206.237%20-%20Singular%20focus%20on%20Krishna%20reflects%20not%20fanaticism%20but%20intensity%20of%20devotion%20and%20compassion.mp3
Download by “right-click and save content”

Returning to the spiritual world
Kadamba Kanana Swami: Sarupa chants into Krsna’s ear and Krsna comes back to his senses, he embraces Sarup says, “Come! You take prasadam with me!” And they go to take prasadam in the house of Nanda Maharaj who is already waiting. Radharani has cooked all these delicious sweets and actually, it turns out that Sarupa is a family member. He is related to Srimati Radharani, in the family of Sridham. Sarupa is sitting next to Krsna, then some sweets are placed on Krsna’s plate and Krsna tastes them and makes a face; horrible! Everyone is shocked, what is this? Yasoda is looking at Radharani, “What did you do? What did you make here? Are you poisoning my child?” Krsna says, “These are inedible!” He takes the sweets and throws them on Sarupa’s plate and says, “Here, you taste them since it is your family that has produced them.” And Sarupa tastes the greatest nectar, he has not tasted such nectar ever, amazing! So in this way he returns back to Godhead; he is not just suddenly back. No, Krsna welcomes him back personally. It is a very personal thing, going back to Godhead. It is also very personal thing when we leave; it hurts Krsna very much. So like this, yes indeed, the relationship is very personal.
Read the entire article here: https://goo.gl/GFFQhw

Read more ›

Hare Krishna! The History Of Our Vaishnava Heritage
Bhakti Caru Swami: What Chaitanya Mahaprabhu gave is the highest. It is not a sentimental claim, but the verdict of the scriptures. Also, when we want to analyze it and verify it, then we get to see that this is the highest spiritual achievement. A part of it we discussed yesterday, that who is the greatest devotee, what is the highest form of devotion? Narada Muni is very systematically experiencing that. Sanatana Goswami is describing Narada Muni’s search for the greatest devotee. We are seeing the gradual elevation of one’s devotional profoundity. Today we will be discussing the second part of Brhad Bhagavatamrta. The second part of Brhad Bhagavatmrita is actually describing a devotee’s journey back to Godhead. The story begins with a cowherd boy named Gopakumara. Gopakumar is born in Govardhana in a family of Vaishyas, a cowherd family.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18437

Read more ›

Holy Name Meditation Podcast:

http://www.thespiritualscientist.com/audio/Japa%20Prayers/2015%20meditations/07-15%20meditations/Gita%2011.55%20-%20Absorption%20comes%20by%20harmonizing%20action%20and%20intention.mp3
Download by “right-click and save content”

Questions and answers. (English/Turkish)
The post Istanbul istagosti with devotees (Part 2) appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

The post The privileged role of being part of Gaurāṅga’s lila appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

Srila Prabhupada’s compassion.
Feelings of pity and sorrow are evoked when we see the sufferings of our fellow man. Our attempts to alleviate that distress by acts of charity are certainly regarded as noble acts of benevolence, and there have been many people who have made selfless sacrifices for the poor, infirm and marginalised. The world would definitely be a better place if more people were benevolent, concerned, kind, and empathetic – qualities collectively appreciated as compassion. Depending on one’s premise however, compassion can be understood in different ways. Srila Prabhupada enlightened us about our real identity – that “I am not this body, but a spirit soul”. On this level of insight, compassion has a much deeper significance. Srila Prabhupada taught and lived by this premise. He stated: Material compassion, lamentation and tears are all signs of ignorance of the real self. Compassion for the eternal soul is self-realisation… No one knows where compassion should be applied. Compassion for the dress of a drowning man is senseless. A man fallen in the ocean of nescience cannot be saved simply by rescuing his outward dress – the gross material body. As an enlightened soul, Srila Prabhupada felt pain at the distress of others and wanted to relieve their suffering. He explained that compassion for the material body alone does not provide a lasting solution. He saw the suffering of the living entity as a symptom of a deeper problem – the misidentification of the real person (the soul) with the temporary material body. As long as the spirit soul identified with this body, it would have to repeatedly endure birth after birth and the concomitant suffering typical of material existence.
Read the entire article here: http://goo.gl/cza5gI

Read more ›

Several books are coming up for production in Lal Productions by its in-house author, Sivarama Swami, and one thing we realise we don’t have, and never have had, actually, is a proofreader. We’re not sure why we don’t have one, because let’s face it, anyone can proofread. Right? Right. Ask anyone, and they’ll tell you: […]

The post Proofreader for Lal Publications appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

Putin says he’d prefer start yoga with spiritual practices.
At a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, the Russian president promised to try to practice yoga to the best of his abilities. “Yoga is something I’ve never done so far but it can’t help being attractive. I’ll see what my condition permits me to do proceeding from the level of my physical fitness,” Putin said. “When you look at real yogis, it seems no one can attain this kind of perfection and the thought stops you.”.
Read the entire article here: http://goo.gl/RuZNCT

Read more ›

Hare Krishna Festival in the Baltic sea. On The Shore Of The Ocean Of Love (Album with photos)
Indradyumna Swami: “O friend of the world! O Ocean of love! The populace has become full of deceit and bereft of knowledge. O my master! Kindly give them shelter at Your lotus feet, for the holy name, uplifter of the fallen, has become manifest from You.” [ Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya, Susloka Satakam, verse 21 ]
See them here: https://goo.gl/s3l8bN

Read more ›

Harinama in New York (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: In any condition, a man can live in a small cottage, plant a tulasi tree, water it in the morning, offer it prayers, and continuously chant the Hare Krishna maha-mantra. Thus one can make vigor… Read more ›

The post Daily Darshan – July 14th, 2015 appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Hare Krishna! Sri Ksetra Puri Parikrama 2015
We are happy to invite devotees from around the world to perform the most auspicious Sri Ksetra Parikrama. This year the parikrama day falls on 11th November. On this day, devotees will circumambulate the en… Read more ›

Hare Krishna! Gudur Rathayatra 2015
Gudur is a town in the Nellore District of Andhra Pradesh, located around 140 kilometers North of one of India’s largest cities, Chennai, on National Highway 5. It is well known for large natural deposits of the mineral “mica” in and around the town. The town is also important due to the Railway station, a very large junction station connecting Chennai to Vijayawada, and from there to North, West, and Eastern India. Nellore district is also famous for the local varieties of rice that have been grown there for millenia. Gudur is just 40 kilometers South of Nellore, the district headquarters, where ISKCON sannyasi Sukhadev Swami has established a temple of Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladev and Subhadradevi, as well as a large ashram. Sukhadev Swami, originally from Andhra Pradesh, was a practicing medical doctor in the United States. He became frustrated with his material circumstances, returned to India and joined ISKCON at Bombay back during 1983-84.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18431

Read more ›

15.06.15 Carpaty. How to get the right to see Vishnudutas

Hare Krishna! The history of the Balaram Mrdangas – Part II
Manu priya continued to produce the Balaram mrdanga’s until March 1, 1992. On that day he finished making eight large and four small mrdangas. I was cooking the Sunday feast for the LA temple that day, I still do. After cooking I would usually bring some prasadam over to Manu’s apartment and take with a couple devotee friends and my wife Isanah dd. This time Manu was not there, I asked our friend and neighbor Jiva Carana dasa if he knew where Manu was, he said that Manu asked him to go to the store with him but Jiva was busy so he didn’t go. I came back an hour later and Manu was still not there. I went to look for him in case his car broke down or something. I went to the closest grocery store and saw his car parked by the door. As I was walking to the door of the store I saw his crutches in the passenger seat. I went over to the car and Manu priya was slumped over and his body cold, He was gone. He had made drums for the world wide devotee community until his last breath.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18428

Read more ›

The San Diego Krishna temple was even cooler than the one in Los Angeles. The inside was decorated and decked out, completely over-the-top – but the thing I really liked were the people. It was the headquarters for the Hare Krishna magazine, Back to Godhead. I loved chief editor – Jayādvaita Swāmī. We got along […]

On Wednesday, July 8th, in Alachua, Florida, New Raman Reti Dhama, the same temple from where the North American TOVP Tour started, a celebration was held to welcome back the Padukas and Sitari, as well as Jananivas prabhu and the TOVP Team, and to also bid them a farewell back to Sri Mayapur Dhama. Amidst

The post The Padukas and Sitari’s Farewell Celebration appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

I am translating from Śrī Tattva Sandarbha 27: In these Six Essays (Ṣaḍ-Sandarbha) we will ascertain the supreme objective of life primarily by scrutinizing the statements of Śrī Bhāgavatam in due consideration of the context in which those statements are made. Statements must be understood in context, not as isolated quotes one found on the internet […]

I found this very nice video outlining and giving the essence of Sacinandana Swami’s Japa Retreats.Email subscribers please click the big blue link above to see the video.

Sunday, June 28th, 2015Brampton, OntarioA Bit of a SceneThe weather report is that the globe is facing an incredible heat wave, all except for parts of central Canada so it seems.  Hard to believe that the predicted high for today in southern O…

Saturday, June 27th, 2015Halifax, Nova ScotiaOn the WaterfrontMukunda and I took to the Beachville Lakeside Trail.  For me – a new discovery.  We trekked only 5 kilometres but I loved it.  Apparently the trail swings north to Yarmouth,…

Thursday, June 25th, 2015
Halifax/Fredericton

Phase to Phase

Sundari’s mom passed away a month ago and so she invited a small group of family and friends for a small memorial service.  She and her dad, with origins from Trinidad, and the Hindu family had a clear idea what they wanted from Brhat and I, “Speaking about the soul’s journey and please do some kirtan”.

The circle of family and friends, we discovered, are from everywhere – the U.S., Bosnia, India, a few more places and even Halifax.  Quoting from the Gita, I had selected a verse from Chapter 2 beginning with dehino ‘smin yatha dehe.  “We are embodied first as a baby, then child, then youth, adult, elderly and finally a new form shapes as a baby again.  “The lesson being that the soul perpetuates despite bodily change and therefore emotions need not be extreme.”

It is apparent that a grieving time is necessary.  I could see that Sundari was happy at this state to have perhaps a closure to the event in the form of a message and a kirtan.

Kirtan also threw a group into a joyous state when after a four-hours-plus drive to Fredericton, Wade, Brhat and I made it to Mazerolle’s Gallery for a “Tales from Trails” happening.  Kirtan is new, if not fresh, for these attendees.  It’s not every day that you get to sing ancient mantras and physically move to the pulsating beat of a drum. 

Just across the street at city hall locals were clad in lime-coloured T-shirts in anticipation for raising awareness on the dreaded Lyme disease which is prevalent enough in North America. Good for them! I like to think that kirtan raises awareness towards the disease of me-consciousness and how we must get beyond bodily identification.  I am spirit that moves from one phase to the next hoping to one day get set free based on clean consciousness. 

May the Source be with you!

9 km

Montreal Ratha Yatra Kirtana 2015 (2 min video)
With Bhaktimarga Swami.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/qCPDKH Read more ›

Scandinavian Bhakti Sangam 2015 (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: “Compared to the ocean of transcendental bliss that one tastes by chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, the pleasure derived from impersonal Brahman realization is like the shallow water in canal.” (Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, 7.97)
See them here: https://goo.gl/hpeZNw

Read more ›

CC daily Podcast

http://www.thespiritualscientist.com/audio/ccd%20classes/desiretree/2015%20classes/07-15%20classes/CC%20daily%20160%20-%20M%206.236%20-%20Minimization%20or%20rejection%20of%20devotion%20represents%20the%20ultimate%20pride.mp3
Download by “right-click and save content”

CC daily Podcast

http://www.thespiritualscientist.com/audio/ccd%20classes/desiretree/2015%20classes/07-15%20classes/CC%20daily%20159%20-%20M%206.235%20-%20Deathstyle%20represents%20the%20death%20of%20the%20intelligence%20at%20the%20hands%20of%20style.mp3
Download by “right-click and save content”

Holy Name Meditation Podcast:
http://www.thespiritualscientist.com/audio/Japa%20Prayers/2015%20meditations/07-15%20meditations/Treasure%20the%20intelligence%20that%20enables%20us%20to%20value%20the%20treasure%20of%20devotion.mp3 Download by “right-click and save content”

Hare Krishna! Lord Nityananda’s Padukas Return Home
After four months of fund raising for TOVP in America, HG Jananivasa prabhu returned home to Mayapur with the padukas of Lord Nityananda on 12th July. Hundreds of jubilant devotees flocked at Temple’s main gate for receiving them. It was truly a grand reception with multifarious items like garlands, rangolis, flowers and many ghee lamp plates accompanied by kirtana. First all the assembled devotees visited Srila Prabhupada’s Samadhi. At the Samadhi gate, they received a second welcome with flowers, ghee lamp plates and rangolis. HG Jananivasa prabhu placed Lord Nityananda’s padukas on Srila Prabhupada’s head. He also garlanded Srila Prabhupada and offered Him a ghee lamp.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18423

Read more ›

The post Jananivas Prabhu Returns Gallery appeared first on Mayapur.com.

After four months of fund raising for TOVP in America, HG Jananivasa prabhu returned home to Mayapur with the padukas of Lord Nityananda on 12th July. Hundreds of jubilant devotees flocked at Temple’s main gate for receiving them. It was truly a grand reception with multifarious items like garlands, rangolis, flowers and many ghee lamp

The post Lord Nityananda’s Padukas Return Home appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

Dublin Rath Yatra 2015
The Rathayatra date for this year has been finalised. Lord Jagannath’s Rathayatra (Festival of Chariots) will happen on Saturday, 29th August 2015, in Dublin. By Lord’s grace, the day coincides with the appearance of Lord Balarama. You all are kindly invited to participate in this great festival in Dublin. We would appreciate if you could help us in spreading the word around, and if you could mention the date on your websites and in the temple.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18420

Read more ›

Thursday, June 25th, 2015
Halifax/Fredericton

Phase to Phase

Sundari’s mom passed away a month ago and so she invited a small group of family and friends for a
small memorial service.  She and her dad, with origins from Trinidad, and the Hindu family had a clear idea what they wanted from Brihat and I, “Speaking about the soul’s journey and please do some kirtan”.

The circle of family and friends, we discovered, are from everywhere – the U.S., Bosnia, India, a few
more places and even Halifax.  Quoting from the Gita, I had selected a verse from Chapter 2 beginning with dehino ‘smin yatha dehe.  “We are embodied first as a baby, then child, then youth, adult, elderly and finally a new form shapes as a baby again.  “The lesson being that the soul perpetuates despite bodily change and therefore emotions need not be extreme.”

It is apparent that a grieving time is necessary.  I could see that Sundari was happy at this state to have perhaps a closure to the event in the form of a message and a kirtan.

Kirtan also threw a group into a joyous state when after a four-hours-plus drive to Fredericton, Wade,
Brihat and I made it to Mazerolle’s Gallery for a “Tales from Trails” happening.  Kirtan is new, if not
fresh, for these attendees.  It’s not every day that you get to sing ancient mantras and physically move
to the pulsating beat of a drum. 

Just across the street at city hall locals were clad in lime-coloured T-shirts in anticipation for raising
awareness on the dreaded Lyme disease which is prevalent enough in North America.  Good for them! I like to think that kirtan raises awareness towards the disease of me-consciousness and how we must get beyond bodily identification.  I am spirit that moves from one phase to the next hoping to one day get set free based on clean consciousness. 

May the Source be with you!

9 km

The latest Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter, including community news for the last two months. It will take about 10 seconds seconds to load. (to view higher quality photos, you can download the file) Main articles include: -BBC’s National Yoga Day at the Manor -London Ratha Yatra -Nepal Earthquake fund-raising Appeal -Krishna Culture Showcase.
Read the entire article here: http://goo.gl/VfC4U8

Read more ›

Reception of Nityananda’s Padukas at Sri Dham Mayapur, West Bengal (Album with 110 photos)
Beautiful Mayapur devotees receive Lord Nityananda’s Padukas, along with HG Jananivas Prabhu and HG Vraja Vilas Prabhu..
See them here: https://goo.gl/21JICz

Read more ›

Gaura-Nitai about an example where Prabhupada makes a “mistake” and Barnaby about the Hathi-vesa pastime of Jagannatha.

The post Hari-vallabha asks about how thoughts of Krsna are spiritual appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.