Author Archives: Dandavats.com

Los Angeles Prabhupada Festival Harinama 5-27-2017 (8 min…
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Los Angeles Prabhupada Festival Harinama 5-27-2017 (8 min video)
Srila Prabhupada: “Although Kali-yuga is full of faults, there is still one good quality about this age. It is that simply by chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, one can become free from material bondage and be promoted to the transcendental kingdom.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 12.3.51 Purport)
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/Kzy32n

Monk passes through Lexington in cross-country trek to San…
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Monk passes through Lexington in cross-country trek to San Francisco.
LEXINGTON — Late Wednesday morning, an orange-clad monk walked through Lexington on 13th Street as part of a cross country journey destined for San Francisco.
Bhaktimarga Swami, a Hare Krishna monk, is known as the walking monk.
Swami said his walk across the country started last summer on the East Coast, but was delayed in August. He recently picked up where the walk left off, at Seward, Neb.
So far, he has walked for five-and-a-half months. Swami said he hopes to reach his destination, San Francisco, in the middle of September. He will take another delay to drive children to an event due to a prior engagement, which will delay his arrival in California.

“I want to stay as close to the Lincoln Highway as I can. It’s America’s original highway,” he said.

The purpose of his walk across the United States is to promote walking and an active lifestyle with social interactions, Swami said.

“People are very bound to automobiles. We have become slaves to automobiles. Our bodies are made for walking. Your whole physical mental well-being can be enhanced by walking a stretch every day,” he said.

Swami is no stranger to cross country walks. He has previously walked across Canada four times, and walked across Ireland, Israel and other island countries. This is his first walk across the U.S.A., Swami said.

He lives in Toronto, Canada.

The vast diversity of land types makes walking across the United States a different and memorable experience, Swami said.

In Iowa, he said he did a lot of bike trail, while in Illinois he walked along a canal system through most of the state.

Compared to walking, where someone is connected to the environment and able to converse freely with others, riding in a car is an enclosed place where one is “in your own world,” Swami said.

“In a span of 24 hours, every human being is a social animal, we need interaction,” he said.

As he walks, Swami said he carries a long chain of 108 beads, known as a japa. As he touches the meditation beads he often recites a mantra, which is “really about expressing gratitude to the creator.”

Holding the japa is a way for someone to keep their mind peaceful, Swami said.

Common conditions many suffer from, such as depression and stress, could be alleviated by walking, which allows the walker time to exhale, process things and provide oxygen to the brain, Swami said.

Health conditions such as heart disease and sedentary lifestyles could also be combated by more physical movement, such as walking, he said.

“If everyone could just put in one hour of a brisk walk every day, they’ll be okay. It helps the heart accept the elements (nature) as they are,” Swami said.
To read the entire article click here: https://goo.gl/mWAfRG

ISKCON LAGOS prasadam distribution. (Album with photos) Srila…
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ISKCON LAGOS prasadam distribution. (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: If Krishna does not supply you this light, sunlight, you will die. But he does not charge anything. But because you are human being, you should try to repay: “Oh, Krishna is giving us so much facilities. Let me render some service unto him.” This is Krishna Consciousness. This is to acknowledge, “Oh God, You are so kind. You are giving so many things. So I have collected this fruit. It is Your fruit, I know. Still, please accept.” Columbus, May 9, 1969.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/FZLEBz

On Tour In Eastern Europe “Destination Hungary” (7…
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On Tour In Eastern Europe “Destination Hungary” (7 min video)
Indradyumna Swami: The Hungarian yatra is a model for Krsna conscious throughout the world with a beautiful temple in the capital Budapest, centers throughout the county and farming community, New Vraja Dhama, in the south.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/RAIbgS

Festival Alert!! Iskcon Chicago Rathayatra – Saturday, June 17 @…
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Festival Alert!! Iskcon Chicago Rathayatra – Saturday, June 17 @ 1 pm.
Srila Prabhupada: “..to take part in the Rathayātrā festival means to associate with Kṛṣṇa directly. So in this way, if we associate with Kṛṣṇa’s name, Kṛṣṇa’s pastimes, Kṛṣṇa’s qualities, Kṛṣṇa’s form, then, gradually, we transcend this material existence.”
– Srila Prabhupada Ratha Yatra lecture, London, 1972

Students visit Moscow’s Iskcon temple (Album with…
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Students visit Moscow’s Iskcon temple (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: It is the duty of the mahatmas to chant the Hare Krishna mantra and try to spread it all over the world to the best of their ability. Unfortunately, society is in such an uncivilized state that there are so-called mahatmas who are prepared to kill cows and children and stop the Hare Krishna movement. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 10.2.37 Purport).
Find them here: https://goo.gl/KOS4AG

Pandharpur Yatra 2017 by Iskcon Vapi devotees (Album with…
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Pandharpur Yatra 2017 by Iskcon Vapi devotees (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: The mango fruit is different from the name of the mango. One cannot taste the mango fruit simply by chanting, “Mango, mango, mango.” But the devotee who knows that there is no difference between the name and form of the Lord chants Hare Krishna and realizes that he is always in Krishna’s company. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 10.2.36 Purport).
Find them here: https://goo.gl/H37YYF

Ratha Yatra Parramatta 2017 (Album with photos) Prince Alfred…
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Ratha Yatra Parramatta 2017 (Album with photos)
Prince Alfred Square to Centenary Square Parramatta, Sydney, Australia
Srila Prabhupada: “O Lord,” the demigods say, “the impersonalists, who are non-devotees, cannot understand that Your name is identical with Your form.” Since the Lord is absolute, there is no difference between His name and His actual form. In the material world, there is a difference between form and name. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 10.2.36 Purport).
Find them here: https://goo.gl/7Qh1yi

Her Grace Gandharvika Dasi has left this world. Gandharvika…
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Her Grace Gandharvika Dasi has left this world. Gandharvika Dasi, previous Iskcon San Diego Temple president has left her body. She left quickly, with family and friends, while listening to Srila Prabhupada chant, with Lord Nrsimhadeva’s dhoti (from Mayapura) touching her head, and with Ganga jal and Tulasi in her mouth… on her way back to Sri Sri Radha Giridhari’s Lotus Feet.
Please send prayers for Gandharvika, her husband, her young son, mother, father, siblings, other family members, and friends. Gandharvika is loved by so many and has deeply touched so many hearts. Her ability to selflessly give is not of this world. She will be missed, but her transcendental legend will live on.
Radha Dasi just shared her realization with me, “Gandharvika did three lifetimes of service in one lifetime.”
Thank you, Gandharvika, for your beautiful life, an example for us to treasure and remember. She is free now from this condition and in the hands of Srila Prabhupada and Lord Krishna.
All glories to Gandharvika devi dasi!“

Radhanatha Swami’s book shown on the Nasdaq Tower which is…
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Radhanatha Swami’s book shown on the Nasdaq Tower which is an icon of New York City’s Times Square and the largest stationary video screen in the world, standing seven stories tall.
It is approximately 10,000 square feet and consists of nearly 19 million light emitting diodes. An estimated 1.5 million consumers view the site on a daily basis. Generally, it’s space is rented by Nasdaq-listed companies as a unique and unprecedented platform for promotion. On May 8th, 2017 The Nasdaq Tower featured Radhanath Swami’s New York Times Bestselling book, The Journey Within.
The promotion accompanied by Radhanath Swami’s appearance on Nasdaq Reads an ongoing book series featuring talks with the authors of books about innovation, entrepreneurialism. The Interview was conducted by motivational and lifestyle vlogger Jay Shetty. The live feed of the interview was viewed by 184,00 people on Facebook. You can see the interview here: https://goo.gl/z7Nsnm

250 devotees, yogis, seekers and kirtan enthusiasts in New…
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250 devotees, yogis, seekers and kirtan enthusiasts in New York’s Bhakti Center (video)
On May 4th, 2017 Radhanath Swami joined a group of over 250 devotees, yogis, seekers and kirtan enthusiasts for an evening of devotional song, leading the group as part of The Bhakti Center’s regular Thursday Night Kirtan in New York City. Word’s fail to capture the essence of the evenings joy, but you can watch the video below to get a better idea.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/n8Zg6i

New Vrindaban Celebrates 10th Anniversary of 24 Hour Kirtan!…
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New Vrindaban Celebrates 10th Anniversary of 24 Hour Kirtan!
Vrindavan das: The 10th annual 24-Hour Kirtan at New Vrindaban, West Virginia, USA, will be held on June 17thand 18th, 2017, featuring an amazing group of kirtaneers from all over the world. The organizers cordially invite all devotees to join in the continuous congregational chanting of Hare Krishna Maha-Mantra, which is a unique opportunity to become absorbed in the holy name.
Every year, several hundred devotees from all over North America come together to chant the holy names of the Lord in the divine serenity of New Vrindaban Dham, which is “non-different from Vrindavan”. The presence of Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Vrindaban Chandra inspires an atmosphere of pure devotion instilling contentment and spiritual awakening in the hearts of all. This Harinama sankirtan, chanting and dancing in the association of devotees, joyfully brings us closer to Krishna and each other.
The festival will begin on Friday evening (June 16th) with kirtan for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada at his Palace from 7pm to 9pm. On Saturday morning, there will be a special Bhagavatam class on the glories of chanting the holy names. The official 24 hour kirtan will start on Saturday at 11am and continue until Sunday 11am.
Some of ISKCON’s most renowned kirtaneers will be leading Kirtan throughout the weekend. Varsana Swami’s heart-touching meditative kirtan will certainly help participants to delve deep into the eternal yearning of the heart for loving connection. Agnidev’s mesmerizing, sweet Bengali melodies will immediately connect people with Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Ajamil’s traditional “folk style” kirtan has always energized the crowd into a dancing frenzy. Amala Kirtan’s devotional melodies create an aura of transcendental bliss. Other kirtaneers — Gaur Mani, Srivani, along with the youth from New Vrindaban and Gita Nagari will also be singing their hearts out.
This year, a special addition to the festival incorporates free adult yoga sessions on Saturday and Sunday mornings from 6am to 7:15am at the new Yoga Shala, on the banks of the beautiful Swan Lake. Festival attendees will have opportunity to learn and practice yoga asanas and mudras from New Vrindaban’s expert yoga teacher to refresh their mind, body and soul. Three yoga sessions for kids will be held at 9am, 11am and 1pm on Saturday.
Sumptuous prasadam will be served on Saturday for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with surprise snacks throughout the night as well as Sunday breakfast, and an early Sunday Feast at 12:30 pm.
“We look forward to offering you an amazing weekend filled with uplifting association in a transcendental atmosphere. Our children’s program is designed to keep your kids safe and happily engaged. Please take full advantage of this wonderful opportunity to chant Hare Krishna in the Holy Dham in the association of devotees” — says Jaya Krsna das, Temple President of ISKCON New Vrindaban.

To book accommodation, please visit at www.palacelodge.com, or you call at 304-843-1600 ext. 111. For more information, please visit at www.24hourkirtan.net.

Invitation for Festival of Fiji 2017. We would like to invite…
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Invitation for Festival of Fiji 2017.
We would like to invite everyone for the upcoming Festival of Fiji 2017 from 30/09 to 08/10.
HH Tamal Krishna Goswami Maharaja started this back in the 80’s and 90’s when he brought international devotees from various temples around the world to Fiji and did a wonderful Harinam Sankirtan Festival inspiring locals and international devotees. Later on, his disciples decided to continue this service, of preaching in Fiji for the pleasure of Sri Sri Guru and Gauranga. It will be an enjoyable experience if you are able to attend this festival and be a part of this Harinam Sankirtan preaching event. Since 2008 this festival has been carried out on an immensely large scale and has continued to do so every two years. Many devotees have been very supportive of this event and have made sure to attend every time it occurs.

The highlights for the festival this year include, two Sannyasi’s coming, international kirtan teams from Aus and NZ, Harinam in every town and village, bus tours with devotees around the Fiji Island, camping, wonderful prasadam and an extra special event for this year includes a hired day in a Island, only for our devotees for kirtan and Fiji style picnic and prasadam.

We request devotees to please register through our website www.festivaloffiji.com.

So far confirmed numbers are as follows:
20+ from New Zealand
20+ from Australia
Still awaiting numbers from USA.
Usually we have 60-80 international devotees and 300-600 local devotees attending.

This is ISKCON’s biggest international Harinam festival happening in South Pacific so please don’t miss it !!!!

Bhaja Govinda dasa
on behalf of Festival of Fiji 2017 team

“Inspire Sunday” event in the Manor (Album with…
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“Inspire Sunday” event in the Manor (Album with photos)
Bhaktivedanta Manor: Pictures from the second ‘Inspire Sundays’ event with HG Chaitanya Charan Das. The thought provoking class led so many devotees to ask intellectual, insightful and interesting questions and Chaitanya Charan Das answered them expertly.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/QP1YQa

Indian culture festival in Prague (Album with photos) Srila…
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Indian culture festival in Prague (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s transcendental mission is to distribute love of Godhead to everyone. Anyone who accepts God as the Supreme can take to the process of chanting Hare Krishna and become a lover of God. (Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, 4.41 Purport)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/i1wFlo

Preaching program in Murmansk, a city in northwestern Russia…
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Preaching program in Murmansk, a city in northwestern Russia with Bhakti Caitanya Swami (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: So in this way Raghunatha dasa Gosvami, one of the six Gosvamis, very important devotee, he used to live. He used to eat every alternate day, not daily. One day starving, and the next day, a little butter. But he was observing his regulative principles, taking thrice daily bath and offering dandavat, what is called? Counting, numerical. Just like we count twenty-five rounds minimum, so Raghunatha dasa Gosvami was also chanting by counting. Similarly, he was offering dandavat. You offer dandavat, the same way. That is also counting. Sankhya-purvaka-nama-gana-natibhih. Sankhya-purvaka, keeping a strength, a numerical strength, just like we are advised at least sixteen rounds. So these things were going on. Not that because he was taking little butter alternate day, he lost his strength. No. The strength was all right. So the fasting means if you don’t feel weak, then you fast. Not that you imitate Raghunatha dasa Gosvami. That is not possible in the beginning. But it is possible if you practice, if you practice. Nidrahara-viharakadi-vijitau catyanta-dinau ca yau sankhya-purvaka-nama-gana-natibhih kalavasani-krtau. So everything is possible. But that is advanced spiritual life. It is no use imitating a higher authority >>> Ref. VedaBase => Srimad-Bhagavatam 6.1.22 – Chicago, July 6, 1975
Find them here: https://goo.gl/vecGYI