Monthly Archives: May 2016

Perth Temple has been having regular Bhakti Vrksa programs for some years now and I usually participate on my visits there. It’s always enthusing to see fortunate souls who want to have kirtan, read and ask questions about verses from … Continue reading →

If you find yourself, as a parent, spending much time and effort coming up with various engagements and gadgets for your children, you should have seen our group of 30 students, ages 4 to 14, […]

Giriraj Swami read and spoke from Bhagavad-gita 2.41 during the Sunday Krishna Fest. “Keep in mind that when Srila Prabhupada was reading this verse in the Bhagavad-gita with the commentary, that was the moment that his firm resolution took place that. ‘Yes, now I must leave everything and follow the orders of my spiritual master and go to […]

Harinama in Yoga Vidya Musik Festival, Germany, in one of the biggest Yoga centers in Europe (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupa…

Perception of animals.
Question: What divides animals and humans in Hinduism? How are animals perceived in Hinduism? Are they treated differently?
Romapada Swami: First I would like to offer some background on the word “Hinduism”.
Srila Prabhupada, the founder-Acarya of ISKCON, explains, people from Afghanistan, Baluchistan, and Persia mispronounced the name of the river “Sindhu”, calling the river “the Hindu” and the people living in and beyond its valley “Hindus.” (Please refer to Science of Self Realization).
There is actually no such word as “Hindu” in the Vedic texts, nor in a Sanskrit dictionary.
According to the Vedic teachings all living entities are spiritual equals, i.e. eternal spiritual souls, fragmental parts of the Supreme Soul, some of which are occupying different bodies within this created realm. See Bhagavad-gītā 14.4 and 15.7. All life therefore has equal value and is entitled to protection under the law of material nature. Heads of State governments are duty-bound to provide this protection, according to the codes of the Vedic scriptures.
Drawing upon information revealed in the Vedic literature, Srila Prabhupada teaches that just as all human beings are embodied spirit-souls, equal in the eyes of the Lord, so too are animals. As such, he explains, the human being who kills an animal must be held morally and karmically responsible for that death under the laws of God and nature, just as one would be for causing the death of a human being. According to the Vedic instruction, he says, human society should protect the animals’ right to live and be protected.
Bhagavad-gita 5.18 “The humble sages, by virtue of true knowledge, see with equal vision a learned and gentle brahmaṇa, a cow, an elephant, a dog and a dog-eater (outcaste).”
What divides Animals and Humans:
Animals are largely controlled by natural instincts, arising from impulses born of the modes of nature. Due to the fact that their consciousness is less evolved than the soul occupying a human form of life, animals are not held responsible karmically for these actions; they do not incur any new karma.
Humans on the other hand have received their life form as a result of naturally occurring evolution of consciousness, including the ability of rational thinking, thus making choices of behavior beyond the level of animalistic impulse. With this facility of higher consciousness comes responsibility for their actions, thus resulting in Karma.
By design, human life is ultimately meant for reviving our lost relationship with God by following the instructions of God contained in religious books like the Bhagavad-Gita, Srimad-Bhagavatam, etc. Animals do not have the capacity or developed intelligence by which they can understand the process of self-realization and God realization (including understanding why are we suffering, who am “I”, what is the goal of my life, etc.).
These are some of the major differences between the animal and the human form of life.

By Sri Nandanandana dasa There have been some people who have declared that the worship of Deities or images or the murti in the temples is but a recent invention of Vedic culture. However, that is not an accurate point. It is true that according to th…

Job Advertisement – Principal of SMIS for Sri Mayapur International School. (Sridham Mayapur, West Bengal, India)
Starting from August 2016. Sri Mayapur International School (“SMIS”) is a popular and highly regarded Cambridge International Examinations-affiliated school, situated at the world headquarters of ISKCON in Sridham Mayapur.
With thousands of resident Indian and foreign-bodied devotees, a thriving community has developed at Mayapur. Further growth is imminent – ISKCON is building the world’s largest Vedic temple and plans have been approved to build a “Vedic City”.
Now in its third decade, SMIS has established itself as one of the leading Krishna Conscious schools in the world, and caters for children from Pre-school to Year 13. Examination results at IGCSE & A-Level and student numbers are rising each year.
The Board of Governors is seeking to appoint a Principal with an excellent track record and educational experience, fully committed to inclusive education in this spiritual environment. The position will be highly impactful and dynamic, as SMIS plans to undergo a transformational period of change – with new systems, processes and resources.
SMIS is an equal opportunities employer. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply immediately. The deadline is 24th May 2016. A detailed information pack, job & benefits description and application instructions are available by emailing careers@mayapurschool.com or on +91 3472 245 363 / www.mayapurschool.com

By Acintya Caitanya Dasa Jananivas Prabhu’s service was to bring frankincense to Srila Prabhupada’s room in the evening. He mentioned that usually after you fill a room with frankincense, you open the doors and windows so that the mosquitos go out with…

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Podcast

http://www.thespiritualscientist.com/audio/ccd%20classes/desiretree/2016%20classes/05-16%20classes/PRAY%20acronym%20-%20Revisiting%20our%20conceptions%20about%20praying.mp3
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Wheat Alternatives.
Kurma das: Sheila from New York writes:
“Can you suggest some flours that I can use instead of wheat, especially for the grain-fast on the sacred Ekadasi day?”
My reply: “Yes. Here’s my list of non-wheat flours, some you may not have encountered.”
Amaranth flour: Milled from the seeds of the amaranth plant, this flour boasts a higher percentage of protein than most other grains, and has more fibre than wheat and rice. It is also higher in the amino acid lysine, which some food scientists believe makes it a more complete protein than flour made from other grains. Amaranth flour can be used in cookies, crackers, baking mixes, and cereals.
Arrowroot flour: The root stalks of a tropical plant are the source of this flour, often used as a thickener for sauces and desserts; the finely powdered arrowroot turns completely clear when dissolved (giving gloss to sauces), and adds no starchy flavor. Because of its easy digestibility, it is also an used as an ingredient in cookies intended for infants and young children. I use it as a grain-free substitute to corn flour (cornstarch for all US readers).
Buckwheat flour: A common ingredient in pancake mixes, buckwheat flour is also used to make Japanese soba noodles. It is available in light, medium, and dark varieties (the dark flour boasts the strongest flavor), depending on the kind of buckwheat it is milled from. You can make your own buckwheat flour by processing whole white buckwheat groats in a blender or food processor.
Chestnut flour: This tan flour is made from chestnuts, the meaty, lowfat nuts that are often served as a vegetable. The flour is a little sweet and is traditionally used in Italian holiday desserts. Italian shops sell it.
Potato flour (potato starch): Steamed potatoes are dried and then ground to a powder to make this gluten-free flour, which is commonly used in baked goods for Jewish Passover (when wheat flour may not be used).
Quinoa flour: Higher in fat than wheat flour, quinoa flour makes baked goods more moist. You can make your own quinoa flour by processing whole quinoa in a blender; stop before the flour is too fine – it should be slightly coarse, like cornmeal.
Tapioca flour: Milled from the dried starch of the cassava root, this flour thickens when heated with water and is often used to give body to puddings, fruit pie fillings, and soups. It can also be used in baking.
Water-chestnut flour (water-chestnut powder): This Asian ingredient is a fine, powdery starch that is used to thicken sauces (it can be substituted for cornstarch) and to coat foods before frying to give them a delicate, crisp coating.
I am sure this is not a complete list. I also encountered flatbreads made from banana flour whilst in India. Last time I posted this information I received this letter from Gandhari dasi:
“I also have some more flours used by Gujarati Krishna Devotees.
1) Ragigara (or Ragigaro or rajgira/rajgeera) flour – Very small – is a very small tiny seeds like yellow mustard seeds but much smaller. The seeds can be used to make popcorn and these popped seeds are used to make khir with milk and sugar. The flour is used to make halavah which turns out to be a brown and sticker than regular halavah. The flour is used to make vada, parathas, puris, rotis and small pakoras with mashed potatoes using herbs, ground black pepper and salt added. (note from Kurma: this is amaranth, as described in my list above.)
2) Singado flour. Pakoras are made using ground peanuts and mashed potatoes, little baking power, salt and coriander leaves and ground black pepper. (note from Kurma: this is another name for Water Chestnut flour, as described above.)
3) Cassava grits and flour. (very starchy but sweet tasting roots). Boil the grits with 2 to 3 times the water. It turns into mashed potato consistency and any chopped vegetables can be added. These can also be used to make halavah and base for the Ekadasi Pizza. Boiled Cassava makes excellent subji with lots of fresh tomatoes. Boiled – sliced (one inch thick sticks) – Fried sticks sprinkled with black pepper and salt and a little lemon, make amazing chips that far surpass potato chips. Hope this helps. Gandhari Dasi”

Harinama in Russia (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Our relationship with Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is …

Written by Nandan Srimad Bhagavatam 7.8.19-24 The temple deities were stunning as always. It never fails to astonish me how the pujaris can dress the deities so beautifully every day! It is like there is never an off-day, the deities are on form, every day, day after day. And this is not just in Radhadesh, […]

Vrindavan Institute for Higher Education newsletter.
The VIHE in Vrindavan was established to fulfill Srila Prabhupada’s desire for an educational institute in Vrindavana. The VIHE in the holy Dhama provides an ideal facility and atmosphere for you to improve your sadhana, develop your devotional qualities, engage in serious study, associate with senior devotees, and receive training in practical skills relevant to management and preaching.
The VIHE also aims to preserve and disseminate standards Srila Prabhupada set for acting in Krishna consciousness and to deepen devotee’s understanding, realization and appreciation of Srila Prabhupada’s teachings and movement. Thus, the Krishna conscious culture and values that Srila Prabhupada gave us can be passed on to successive generations. All courses are well researched and taught by senior devotees who have a deep understanding of the subject.
Please find the VIHE newsletter, fresh and new: Three secrets by HH Sacinandana Swami, HG Bhurijana Prabhu on the new Govardhan Retreat Center, testimonials from the alumni and well-wishers, announcements and more:
https://goo.gl/bwiyu7

Deities installation ceremony in Ukraine (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: We have to work sincerely, and because Krishna is in everyone’s heart, there will be no difficulty to have the necessary facilities. Letter to Satsvarupa, September 14, 1969.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/lOyx7j

By Visakha devi dasi

The mayor of St. Augustine, Nancy Shaver, was delighted to attend. She said, “The Festival of Chariots is a moment of joyful peace for me, I am invited to attend many programs but this festival gives me inner peace.” She was given Kurma’s cook book & she said “I will definitely try using the recipes.” She inaugurated the event by breaking a fresh coconut before the Rathayatra cart, and the procession began. Seven mridungas accompanied the lead kirtan singer, as Adikarta das played a harmonium and a newcomer played a base drum. The hari- nam party, flanked on both sides by the thick ropes of the Rathayatra cart that was being pulled by many hands, walked through St. Augustine’s main streets as Lord Jagannatha and His divine family members watched with wide-open eyes.

May 11. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
Satsvarupa dasa Goswami: Keeping a One-Two-Three Kirtana Beat.
People came to the storefront seeking consciousness expansion, which they had been getting on LSD, and Srila Prabhupada promised that they would find it without drugs, by chanting. Prabhupada taught the rhythm, one-two-three, one-two-three. When he gave some of the hippies the karatalas, they wanted to play their own beats. But Prabhupada stopped them and said, “No! Keep this beat: one-two-three.” Although we did not accept him in the beginning as our spiritual master, he insisted that we keep this beat, and so we agreed. He asserted his authority on the beat of the mantras; if you wanted to stay in the storefront and participate, you had to do it his way or confront him. But aside from the one-two-three beat, Prabhupada was very lenient and allowed all kinds of musical instruments to be played. Even piano innards were brought inside and strummed.
The people in the storefront would leave after the kirtana. Maybe only half would stay for the lecture. On a good night there might be many people, and after the kirtana half would leave.
To read the entire article click here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=8

Keeping a One-Two-Three Kirtana Beat

Giriraj Swami read and spoke from Sri Caitanya-caritamrta Madhya-lila 12. 187 – 198 “The philosophy of monism is an adjustment of the Buddhist philosophy of voidism. In a mock fight with Sri Advaita Acarya, Sri Nityananda Prabhu was refuting this type of monistic philosophy. Vaisnavas certainly accept Lord Sri Krsna as the ultimate “one,” and that […]

Gita verse-by-verse podcast

http://www.thespiritualscientist.com/audio/ccd%20classes/Lecture%20series/Gita%20verse-by-verse/Gita%2010.10%20-%20Krishna%20gives%20us%20the%20intelligence%20to%20attain%20him.mp3
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20 August 2016
H.H. Mukunda Goswami is visiting Sydney to attend a world-class show celebrating ISKCON’s 50th anniversary entitled “Transcendental Journey: Krishna 50 Years On” is set to play at the iconic Sydney O…

November 30
H.H. Mukunda Goswami has been released from the rehabilitation facility and is now back at his residence on the Murwillumbah farm. 
For current status check the twitter feed:  https://twitter.com/Mukunda_Goswami

…

Dear Devotees,
Dandavats. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
It is with great pleasure that we can offer another oral histor…

By Arjun Bhattacharyya

This festival was dedicated to ISKCON’s 50th anniversary. There were special presentations covering various topics i.e. ISKCON 50 year ago, ISKCON’s future in North America and a special presentation on Srila Prahbupada’s new biography by Yogesvara Prabhu. An inaugural kirtan was held on Thursday evening. Three consecutive days of: sadhu-sanga, tumultuous world-class kirtans, ecstatic chanting & dancing, sumptuous prasadam, transcendental entertainment,engaging presentations & so much more! (150 photos)

By Bhaktivedanta Manor

Dairy Queen Honoured The Manor honoured Lalita Sakhi dasi, who is moving on after three years of innovation in her role of managing the Dairy. Under Lalita’s stewardship, the milk produced by the cows that graze on the Manor fields was transformed into rich butter, yoghurt and ghee. These items form the core ingredients in the famously delicious savouries, main meals and sweets made by the Manor’s deity department. Lalita also pioneered the production of palatable condiments, such as jams and chutneys, made from fresh ingredients grown on the fields surrounding the Manor.

Gaura-Nitai Installation in Prabhupada Village, North Carolina, USA!!! (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Krishna is living everywhere, that is the vision of the higher devotees. Actually He’s living, but still because we are in the lower condition, we should know that here is Krishna in the temple. Krishna is everywhere, but for us, because we have no such vision to see Krishna anywhere and everywhere, therefore we should come here in the temple and see Krishna. “Here is Krishna. Krishna has kindly appeared here in a manner in which I can see Him. That is Krishna’s mercy.” That is temple. Los Angeles, April 29, 1973.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/Iwj0sv

News from Iskcon Russia.
Vijaya Dasa: As I travel around Russia giving sankirtan classes, I inevitably ask how many have joined by receiving a book.
In other countries when I ask this, about three-fourths of the devotees in the room raise their hands, but in Russia usually only one-fourth.
Then I ask, “How many of you have joined because of the preaching of Audarya Dham Prabhu?” usually about three-fourths raise their hands, and this takes place wherever I go in Russia.
This devotee is such an amazing preacher. He’s a doctor, so he attracts people by his knowledge on healthy living. Then he focuses on what real health is: spiritual life. He has over 500,000 people on his mailing list, and he sends out information about Krsna consciousness. He may well be the best devotee at making devotees in ISKCON.
——–
While I was in Omsk, Aditya Varna Prabhu, a devotee who is also a science professor at a medical college, told me how he joined. He received a book from a devotee and visited the temple, and after a few visits he decided that Krsna consciousness was for him.
What’s interesting is what took place after he joined.
His aunt was visiting Spain, and there she met devotees, got books, and also gradually became a devotee. When she went back to Omsk she found out where the temple was and visited. She was surprised to find her nephew at the temple. He was also surprised to see his aunt at the temple. And it gets more interesting.
Krsna Dasa took initiation from Caitanya Caran Prabhu, a widely accepted guru in Russia who is a disciple of Jayapataka Swami. Krsna Dasa’s aunt is a disciple of Jayapataka Swami. So again in his spiritual life Krsna Dasa is her nephew.
Now I’m in Almaty Kazakstan. An hour ago I attended an initiation ceremony in which Caitanya Caran Prabhu initiated 24 devotees into the Vaisnava tradition. By Krsna’s mercy things are going on quite well in these former Communist countries.
Your servant,
Vijaya Dasa

The BBC-channel, Russian edition, shows the Harinama of the local devotees, dedicated to the victory of second world war (1 min video)
Srila Prabhupada: The Lord’s holy name is called sravana-mangala. This means that one receives everything auspicious simply by hearing the holy name. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 2.7.15 Purport)
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/KvppQf

Kumbha Mela’s Akshaya Tritiya Shahi Snan with HH Lokanatha Swami (Album with photos)
Deena Bandhu Das: KUMBHA MELA IS HARINAM HEAVEN! History was made 12 years ago in Ujjain when we managed to get HH Lokanatha Swami to be a Sri Mahant and we got our authorized place in the Royal Procession! Let Vittalrukmini take you on the Harinam procession through pics in this Kumbha Mela’s Akshaya Tritiya Shahi Snan with HH Lokanatha Swami and all the devotees!
Find them here: https://goo.gl/fcl5P3

We were on an airplane from Mexico City to Caracas and Prabhupada started taking his puffed rice, puffed rice and peanuts. He ate for about 10 minutes or so, and then he just looked and said, “OK.” So I moved the puffed rice over and I gave half to Par…

By Giriraj Swami On this particular morning I was caring for a woman named Jane Kohr, who had been with us for almost a week. She was a kind and polite person, and I enjoyed the time I spent with her. Around 8 a.m. on August 6, I entered her room and f…

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Gita verse-by-verse podcast

http://www.thespiritualscientist.com/audio/ccd%20classes/Lecture%20series/Gita%20verse-by-verse/Gita%2010.09%20-%20Devotion%20means%20to%20center%20our%20emotion,%20action%20and%20discussion%20on%20Krishna.mp3
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The post Daily Darshan: May 10th, 2016 appeared first on Mayapur.com.

This film is about the first saint of ISKCON Sriman Jayananda Thakur who was a disciple of Srila Prabhupada.Read More…(This post has been viewed 1510 times so far)

Atlas Obscura: New York, Hare Krishna Tree.
One of the few remaining American elm trees in New York’s Tompkins Square Park was the birthplace of a new religion.
For a hundred years this elegant American elm at the center of Tompkins Square Park was just a tree. Then, in 1966, the Hare Krishna mantra was chanted under its sprawling canopy for the first time, and it became the birthplace of a religion.
To Hare Krishnas this tree is a sacred site. For everyone else it would be easy to stroll by the old elm in Manhattan’s East Village and have no idea it’s a religious landmark. It’s a handsome tree — American elms are quite rare now, known for their wide-stretching canopies — but otherwise inconspicuous. But if you happened to wander by on October 9, 1966, you would have heard the “Hare Krishna” mantra chanted publicly for the first time outside of India, marking the birth of the spiritual movement in the West.
To read the entire article click here: http://goo.gl/XHDefw

May 10. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
Satsvarupa dasa Goswami: Swamiji Defeats Mayavadi Annihilation.
We were in Swamiji’s room discussing an article that appeared in the New York Times. Brahmananda brought it into Swamiji, and I was also present. The Times writer was discussing Hinduism, and he used the phrase, “The frightening goal of annihilation.” When Prabhupada heard this, he said this was misinformation. Then he began to dictate a letter, which Brahmananda wrote down, to be sent to the New York Times.
The Times writer thought that the goal of Hinduism was an impersonal experience of merging into the void of Brahman. It was frightening for him to think that one would lose one’s individuality. Swamiji quoted from the Bhagavad-gita 2.11, “Never was there a time when I did not exist, nor you nor all these kings, nor in the future shall we ever cease to exist.” He asserted that the goal of “Hinduism” was not impersonalism but Krishna consciousness.
I was hearing it for the first time and I was impressed. I did not exactly know what the New York Times reporter meant, or what Prabhupada was saying, but it began to dawn on me. I agreed with the Times writer that merging was a frightening idea. You would practice some meditation and it would be very dangerous, because all of a sudden you would lose yourself. The Hindu philosophy was therefore very dangerous, because if it was followed, it could lead to everyone’s annihilation!
But Swamiji said that the impersonal merging was a misrepresentation of Hindu philosophy. I was surprised to learn that a respectable writer for the New York Times had given misinformation about Hinduism. The true information was right there in the Bhagavad-gita: we do not get annihilated; we are eternal.
To read the entire article click here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=8

Swamiji Defeats Mayavadi Annihilation

Giriraj Swami read and spoke from Srimad-Bhagavatam 11.3.49. “Vasudeva sarvam iti can be read that Vasudeva is everything and everywhere. But, the more precise understanding is that Krishna is the origin of everything and therefore He is manifested there. He as the origin is worshipable. Therefore there is a distinction between worshipping the energy (sakti) and […]