May 14. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
Satsvarupa dasa Goswami: Worship the Moments Spent with Swamiji.
I worship the moments spent with Swamiji in his apartment. On one particularly quiet night, I was the only one with him. The front doorbell rang and I went down to see who it was. It was Donald, a pudgy, bespectacled young man from uptown. He was probably the only non-hippie coming to the storefront at that time. He was a junior executive with the Pepsi-Cola company and he usually dressed in shirt and tie. When I met him at the door, he asked if he could come up to see the Swami. I replied, “He’s alone tonight, so let me see if it is all right.” I went back upstairs and said, “It is someone who wants to see you.”
Prabhupada asked, “What is he like?” I told Prabhupada that Donald appeared very respectable; he was not a crazy person. When Prabhupada heard that, he gladly gave his permission and I went down to let Donald in. He came upstairs, took off his stylish raincoat, and went in to sit down with Swamiji in his room. I stayed in the other room where I had some typing to do. But I overheard Donald asking academic questions about the position of Lord Siva in relationship with Krishna. Donald later got initiated and was given the name Dvarakadhisa, but within a few years he had stopped coming to the temple.
Remembering and worshiping the minutes may be done by offerings of flowers, just as we do in arati. But I also have the feeling of shooting into the past like a sportsman hitting targets with a bow and arrow. The targets are waiting, all the minutes and hours of the past.
Inevitably, we turn toward memories that we’ve enjoyed many times. But that doesn’t make them less important or less worshipable. If we remember a favorite moment once again, it may bring out new lights.
To read the entire article click here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=8
Author Archives: Dandavats.com
May 14. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations. Satsvarupa…
ISKCON Mayapur Boat Festival (Album with photos) Srila…
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ISKCON Mayapur Boat Festival (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Let there be all victory for the chanting of the holy name …
ISKCON to Open First Ever Temple in Guyanese Capital.
Devotees…
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ISKCON to Open First Ever Temple in Guyanese Capital.
Devotees are set to open their first ever temple in Georgetown, the capital of Guyana, this July as an offering to Srila Prabhupada for the 50th anniversary of his ISKCON.
The temple, located in an extremely sought-after area, will receive its grand opening during a five-day festival beginning on July 13th, the day Prabhupada incorporated his society.
It’s set to be a pinnacle for ISKCON Guyana, which is already one of the most active ISKCON congregations in the world per capita.
“The country has a population of only 750,000 people, but we now have five temples and six annual Rathayatras,” says temple board chairman Prabhupada Deva Das.
To read the entire article click here: http://goo.gl/wbsUqQ
Mayapur Institute: Unfolding Srila Prabhupada’s biggest…
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Mayapur Institute: Unfolding Srila Prabhupada’s biggest vision on Education.
To fulfill this vision of Srila Prabhupada, Mayapur Institute (MI) was established in the year 2000. Since the launch of the Institute in 2000, over 2500 students of various religion, caste, creed and sex coming from various places like USA, UK, Russia, China, Australia, Africa, Europe, etc. have benefited from these programs.
Due to growth in student enrollment every year, the current classrooms and offices are inadequate. Hence, MI has embarked on setting up an exclusive campus at Mayapur.
The Project
Mayapur Institute Campus project, located behind the Gurukul and conceived from the fabulous architectural style of the ancient Dwaraka city is spread over 10 acres surrounded by the green space bursting with fields and forests. Situated on the banks of Ganga, it is ideal for those with a taste for walking through lovely natural areas. The entire campus and all the buildings will be fully vastu compliant with a general slope from SW to NE.
To read the entire article click here: http://goo.gl/6CYf0A
Harinama and book distribution in Tel Aviv, Israel (Album with…
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Harinama and book distribution in Tel Aviv, Israel (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Simply by chanting the holy name of Lo…
Lord Jesus: “By this everyone will know that you are my…
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Lord Jesus: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)
Srila Prabhupada: “Your love for me will be shown by how much you cooperate with each other after I am gone.”
“Our movement is based on love and trust, so if we do not co-operate, then how is that love and trust? 750116 – Letter to Krsnavesa
Pandava Sena Summer Youth Retreat 2016 in Germany. Join us in Goloka Dhama!
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Pandava Sena retreat 2016 in Germany.
ISKCON Pandava Sena, the dynamic youth organisation of the UK, will be visiting Goloka Dhama Temple in Germany this July, as part of its annual “Senagetaway” trip. The trip not only provides a spiritual break for many young members of ISKCON in the UK and abroad, but also allows us to expand our horizons and take the sentiment of service into the real world and apply it in our lives.
This is our request to any ISKCON youth that want to join us, whether in the UK, Europe or around the world! We believe this is a great opportunity to develop deep friendships with each other, dive deeper into spiritual practices, and empower each other in collectively serving in Srila Prabhupada’s movement!
Promo video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYMa1EEl_-s
The annual trip has been held in a plethora of locations such as Belgium, Spain, Italy and France in the past with a variety of themes such as the Mahabharata, and this year we plan to visit Germany with the theme of “Vrindavan” – How to manifest Vrindavan consciousness in our hearts. Not only will the trip be full of exciting activities such as a day out to Europe’s biggest theme park, but we’ll be absorbed in ecstatic kirtans, interactive seminars, Q&A sessions and service opportunities in store.
This year, we’re fortunate to have the most incredible guests! We’ll be joined by: HH Kadamba Kanana Swami, HH Sacinandana Swami and HG Gaur Gopal Prabhu – all experts at making Krishna Consciousness relevant to the next generation.
If you would like to find out more (or want to sign up straight away!), please visit out website at http://www.psena.com/senagetaway/journey-home/ and do not hesitate to contact us via email at senagetaway@gmail.com with any questions. More information about our wonderful location, Goloka Dhama, can be found on their website at http://www.goloka-dhama.de.
Your Servants,
ISKCON Pandava Sena.
Beautiful letter of “Thank you”.
Adikarta Das: This…
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Beautiful letter of “Thank you”.
Adikarta Das: This is a very nice letter from a young girl in Jacksonville, Florida. It shows the importance of book distribution, and the potency of Srila Prabhupada’s books. I am sending it to encourage the devotees to make book distribution a priority.
—–
Hello! My name is Savannah. You gave my boyfriend and I books at art walk–I was the girl with the short blonde hair and he was the one who told you that he was from Venezuela and ended up owing me five dollars.
I started reading the “Self Realization” book in school the next day, and instantly began highlighting. I’ve just started reading, but so much has clicked with me already. I am finishing my junior year in high school, and have always struggled with not fitting in with my family’s religion. They are all Christians, my parents incredibly disappointed that I’m not constantly involved in their church. The truth is, there is so much hypocrisy with how their faith has presented itself, that I’ve claimed to be an atheist every since the eighth grade. This is primarily due to their beliefs and judgements on other individuals. (Yes, sadly, they are voting for trump and I may or may not have multiple Bernie stickers on my car.) But I have longed for a sense of spirituality, feeling as if I am missing out on a lifestyle that is right for me and meets my beliefs and views. I have always been interested in different religions and known that one day I would like to help others, aspiring to get my Master’s in mental health counseling. I’ve also recently taken up yoga and meditation, finding those tools to work wonders for the mind. This book immediately hooked me through mentioning the use of meditation and yoga as techniques to clear the mind, as well as going on to doing things for others, and even proceeded to mention the hypocrisy in many other common religions today, primarily, Christianity. I have already related and fallen in love with so many statements made in this book, and am definitely planning on finishing it. I’m also going vegetarian!
I just wanted to say thank you, and let you know that you are doing a really great thing for America by spreading this positive energy. I feel like, this year especially, our country has become incredibly divided with hatred and judgements on other human beings. Religions have definitely become more of a brand name than a kind, loving belief system, and I’m so happy that has been admitted and changed. I’m glad I had the pleasure of meeting you, and can’t wait to finish reading. Thank you, I’m very happy I have found this book, as well as Krishna Consciousness. Have a blessed day!
Savannah 🙂
Sri Harinam Sankirtan Nectar: Sydney, 12-05-16 (Album with…
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Sri Harinam Sankirtan Nectar: Sydney, 12-05-16 (Album with photos)
It’s Thursday night and once again Sri Harinam came to the streets of the city of Sydney. Tonight we all experienced another very beautiful Harinam. Thanks to the 20 devotees who came along to make Harinam a regular event on Sydney’s streets.
We had a wonderful start to the evening and there were many adventures along the way. One lady told us she wanted us to to chant Hare Krishna in English. We said we are chanting in English and she stayed with us and made videos of the Harinam.
Then there was a young man who came along and he wanted to sing. He looked like he was African but when we let him have a turn he was singing a Hindi bhajan, glorifying Lord Rama. It was wild and crazy.
Tonight we sang and danced along George street and then back to Town Hall by the Event cinema.
Whilst we were chanting at an intersection two guys came along and started chanting with us. They stayed with us for the rest of the night. They really enjoyed the chanting and dancing and the end they asked where we were from because they really loved it and wanted more. You can see them in a couple of photos.
Thanks to Radha Vinod Prabhu who distributed two books.
And don’t forget, we are chanting and dancing in the street every Thursday in the City of Sydney. We meet at 6.30pm to 8pm at Town Hall.
Please join us whenever you can, we have so much fun and so does everyone else. See you next Thursday.
Sri Harinam Sankirtan ki jaya.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/QYr5A8
May 13. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
Satsvarupa…
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May 13. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
Satsvarupa dasa Goswami: Worshiping Memories of Swamiji.
In our own little way, we are worshiping the hours and minutes when we were with Srila Prabhupada. One way to worship sacred time is to ask it, “Please come forward so that we may praise you with words and tell the world what it was like. Kindly come forward and reveal yourself, minutes and hours in which I was with Prabhupada.”
Almost as soon as I began seeing Srila Prabhupada, I also began fondly remembering him and what he said. After attending his morning class at 26 Second Avenue, I would walk east one block to First Avenue and then walk north to the Fifth Street Welfare Office. Just before Fifth Street was a very big apartment building where I used to stand in the entranceway under a roof and “kill time” before going in to punch the clock. I remember standing there and reviewing some of the philosophy that Prabhupada had spoken. He had said that any activity, if coated with bhakti, becomes a type of yoga. When fruitive activities are coated with bhakti, they become karma-yoga. Philosophical speculation coated with bhakti becomes jñāna-yoga, and pure devotional service activities are bhakti-yoga. What a wonderful philosophy!
To read the entire article click here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=8
Graduation of Sri Paramahansa Goura (Album with…
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Graduation of Sri Paramahansa Goura (Album with photos)
Education.
Duca is a Sanskrit word that means suffering born of spiritual ignorance. Similarly Duca in Latin refers to decay, decayed, expires.
Plato defines ‘Educare’, education as the art of guiding and caring for the development of body, mind and Soul, to rid the later of the darkness of ignorance.
Graduation Etymologically means Grada or, go thru the stairs, now you can only go in two directions, up or down, unfortunately nowadays education focuses only on the matter and therefore we see that the degradation of spiritual values creates a civilization intended to materialism and therefore the exploitation of Mother Nature who in turn belongs to the Supreme Being, because is one of His energies.
The Bhaktivedanta Academy, established in 1984, is an educational institution based in Sri Mayapur Dham, India, which provides education for children, adults students on the principles of Vedic Gurukul system. Educational programs aim to complete a cultural reorientation students to produce a society in which individuals understand that their main occupation in life is to practice pure devotional service to the Personality of Godhead, unalloyed, with the goal of returning home, back to God.
Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita mentions some of the principles of true education.
Chapter 16, Verse 1-3
The Blessed Lord said: Fearlessness, purification of one’s existence, cultivation of spiritual knowledge, charity, self-control, performance of sacrifice, study of the Vedas, austerity and simplicity; nonviolence, truthfulness, freedom from anger; renunciation, tranquility, aversion to faultfinding, compassion and freedom from covetousness; gentleness, modesty and steady determination; vigor, forgiveness, fortitude, cleanliness, freedom from envy and the passion for honor-these transcendental qualities, O son of Bharata, belong to godly men endowed with divine nature.
Chapter 13, Verse 8-12
Humility, pridelessness, nonviolence, tolerance, simplicity, approaching a bona fide spiritual master, cleanliness, steadiness and self-control; renunciation of the objects of sense gratification, absence of false ego, the perception of the evil of birth, death, old age and disease; nonattachment to children, wife, home and the rest, and even-mindedness amid pleasant and unpleasant events; constant and unalloyed devotion to Me, resorting to solitary places, detachment from the general mass of people; accepting the importance of self-realization, and philosophical search for the Absolute Truth-all these I thus declare to be knowledge, and what is contrary to these is ignorance.
Sri Paramahansa Goura entered Gurukula when I was 6 years old, along with Srinam Vanamali who was 8, they help each other to practice and absorb the lessons of the life of the Ashram. Today Sri Gaura graduated after completing all stages in his life as a Brahmacari, celibate student and receive the blessings of his teachers to continue in the path with purity and devotion. Manorupa and I we were always humbly proud of his determination to stay and complete his training in Gurukula.
Please extend your blessings to this exemplary young man, in this way the teachings he has received can be transmitted to subsequent generations of seekers of truth.
Om Tat Sat.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/b6g4aa
ISKCON50 London Mellows.
Dates: Saturday 9th July & Sunday…
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ISKCON50 London Mellows.
Dates: Saturday 9th July & Sunday 10 July
We are excited to announce this exclusive ISKCON50 kirtan event in celebration of the 50th anniversary of ISKCON. Join us over the weekend as we chant 50 musical melodies for the pleasure of Their Lordships and Srila Prabhupada. More details will be available on our website nearer the time.
The event will be recorded live by Radha-Krishna Records and we hope to offer an album at Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara’s 47th Anniversary event.
Read more: http://goo.gl/w6lK8Q
Offering an E card!
As you all are aware that in July 2016,…
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Offering an E card!
As you all are aware that in July 2016, ISKCON will complete 50 years of its existence. Being a golden Jubilee year, devotees from all across the globe will come together to present “Golden Jubilee Card” to His Divine Grace Shri A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
Yes, there is an e-card designed where devotees can submit their offering to Srila Prabhupada on the occasion of Golden Jubilee. Offering submission is available till 31st May 2016. Once you submit the offerings, an email will be sent to you for verification. Devotees are requested to kindly verify their email. It’s only after verification that your offerings will be finally submitted to Srila Prabhupada and will be counted.
Your offering will be confidential. Our technical team is also instructed not to read the offering column. Your personal details will be confidential and will not be displayed.
By submitting our offering to Srila Prabhupada for Golden Jubilee we will not only send our heartfelt message to him but we will also break the World Record in the category of “highest number of devotees submitting e-card offering”.
Devotees are requested to submit their offerings only once. Double entry by a devotee will not be accepted, it will be counted as violating rules.
So let’s get started. Kindly go to the exclusive website http://www.offeringstosp.com and submit your offering immediately.
This website can be accessed from your Computer / Laptop and even Smart Phone.
Let’s get going!
Child Krishna meets baby Radharani for the first time.
The…
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Child Krishna meets baby Radharani for the first time.
The Divine Appearance of Srimati Radharani.
The Puranas relate a story concerning the divine appearance of Shrimati Radharani as follows. One day, Vrishabhanu Maharaja, who was living at Ravel at that time, went to the bank of Yamuna at around noon to take a midday bath.
As he approached the bank of the Yamuna, he saw a golden lotus flower floating on the water and shining brightly like a thousand suns. Vrishabhanu immediately waded into the river and when he came near to the golden lotus flower, he beheld the most beautiful and radiant form of baby girl lying within the petals of the lotus.
At that same moment, Lord Brahma suddenly appeared in the sky and speaking in a grave voice, informed Vrishabhanu that in his previous life, Vrishabhanu and his wife Kirtida had performed great austerities in order to get the consort of Lord Vishnu as their daughter.
Lord Brahma told Vrishabhanu that this girl was the origin of the goddess Lakshmi and that he should take great care of Her. Lord Brahma then placed the baby girl in the arms of Vrishabhanu who became overjoyed, and after taking permission from Lord Brahma, returned to his home.
Seeing the beautiful baby girl shining like millions of autumnal moons, mother Kirtida was overcome with joy and immediately arranged for all kinds of religious rites to be performed and donated thousands of cows to the brahmanas.
At that time baby Radhika was placed in a gem-studded cradle and gently rocked back and forth by all the little girls of the village. Day by day Her luster increased just like the digits of the moon.
Within a short while it was observed that the baby girl made no noise and had not yet opened Her eyes. Vrishabhanu and his wife feared that their baby girl was perhaps blind from birth and also dumb.
At that time, Srila Narada Muni visited the home of Vrishabhanu and informed him that regardless of the girl’s apparent blindness, they should continue with the birth celebrations.
Vrishabhanu therefore made elaborate arrangements for a lavish birth celebration and sent out invitations to all the residents of Ravala and Gokula and especially to his dear friend Nanda Maharaja and his family.
On the appointed day, the guests had assembled and the birth celebrations were going on in great jubilation. Nanda Maharaja and Yashoda Mayi had arrived with Rohini and also brought their small children Krishna and Balarama.
Kirtida met with Yashoda and told her that she was very happy to have such a beautiful daughter, but was feeling rather distraught because her child was both dumb and blind.
Krishna had just passed His first birthday and was happily crawling around the courtyard on His hands and knees. Arriving at the cot in which Radhika was lying, Krishna held on to the sides and managed to lift himself up, He then peered into the cot where His gaze fell upon the beautiful moon-like face of baby Radhika.
As soon as baby Radhika smelt the exotic fragrance of Krishna’s transcendental body, She immediately opened Her eyes for the very first time, and looked directly at Krishna, who was the first person that She had ever seen.
As Krishna gazed lovingly at baby Radhika, He began smiling ecstatically. Radhika then suddenly began to cry and for the very first time she made a sound. Vrishabhanu and Kirtida, along with all the assembled Vrajavasis, were overjoyed to find out that their beloved daughter Radhika, was not blind nor dumb after all.
In the Radha-rasa-sudha-nidhi it says. “So powerful is the glancing of Her eyes, that the flute slips from Krishna’s hands, His peacock crown starts to slip, and His yellow shawl becomes displaced as He swoons and falls to the ground. Alas, will I ever get the chance to serve with love and devotion such a person as Radharani.”
Mayapur Daily Darshan May 12 2016 Candana-yatra Day Four (Album…
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Mayapur Daily Darshan May 12 2016 Candana-yatra Day Four (Album with photos)
Vana Bihari – Frolicking in the forest.
The cows take the lead, directed by Krsna’s flute song, kicking their hind legs in the air, shaking their necks, repeatedly lowing as they turn their heads to glance lovingly at the divine brothers. The cowherd boys play flutes, blow horns, and sing about Krsna’s many victories over the demons as they dance, twirl sticks and show off to their elders in many clever ways. Sometimes the gopas make a single line, each boy holding the dhoti of the boy in front of him, forming a giant colourful serpent that slowly snakes its way into the forest and out of sight.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/A5C5Vn
Akshaya Tritiya parikrama (Album with photos) Deena Bandhu Das:…
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Akshaya Tritiya parikrama (Album with photos)
Deena Bandhu Das: On Akshaya Tritiya, all the Saptadevalaya (Seven Goswami Templ…
May 12. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
Satsvarupa…
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May 12. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
Satsvarupa dasa Goswami: ’66 Kaleidoscope.
A kaleidoscope is a tube-shaped optical instrument that you rotate to produce symmetrical designs by means of mirrors that constantly change patterns made by bits of colored glass. Memories of being with Prabhupada sometimes appear like that. This seems to especially happen when you travel a lot, because you tend to shake up your identity and your consciousness. It is different than when staying in the same place and following the same routine.
But a kaleidoscope is abstract. When you look into it, you do not see a meadow and cows; you see all the fragments of light, diamonds, and swirls and chips and sparks. When you shake it up again, hold it to the light and look in – there is another beautiful combination of fragmented colors. Similarly, I tend to get a jumble of images when I shake my “1966 kaleidoscope.”
A little flash of the movie, Happiness at Second Avenue – Prabhupada playing the drum there … the artificial colors of that film. You see yourself also with shaved head. Everyone looks young, but not so pretty or handsome. It is realism, or maybe the nature of the film that makes you look a little funny. There you are, and there is Swamiji playing the drum, reaching forward to get his karatalas.
When you look into the kaleidoscope, you see a lot of memory reels. You can look at them if you want. It is not an actual memory but a memory can that contains facsimile messages. It is something like that TV film, Happiness on Second Avenue, but this is your own film …
Here is a reel of going into Swamiji’s worship room. You go in there, sit down, and Swamiji sits down. He puts on his tilaka and you put on your tilaka … Say it tenderly and lovingly, even if it is “just words.” The scriptures are also words. Vaisnavas do not say that words are inadequate. Even if they cannot completely capture something, words do a service. So have a respect for them. Have a respect for the words in the memories of Prabhupada. And accept what you see in the kaleidoscope.
The floor of the storefront … Prabhupada playing the drum … I am being lifted out of the tragedy I was in. I am wearing an aquamarine shirt, which I later cut up and made into a beadbag. With him we could sit on the floor with our shirts of the past, our minds becoming cleansed by the cosmic sounds he described as “transcendental sound vibration,” delivering the mind from all that Lower East Side stuff and all the hurt of our previous lives …
To read the entire article click here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=8
Harinama in Yoga Vidya Musik Festival, Germany, in one of the…
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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…
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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.
Job Advertisement – Principal of SMIS for Sri Mayapur…
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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
Wheat Alternatives.
Kurma das: Sheila from New York…
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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…
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Harinama in Russia (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Our relationship with Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is …
Vrindavan Institute for Higher Education newsletter.
The VIHE in…
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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…
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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
May 11. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
Satsvarupa…
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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
Memories Part 62: Another oral history for the pleasure of His Divine Grace!
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Dear Devotees,
Dandavats. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
It is with great pleasure that we can offer another oral histor…
Gaura-Nitai Installation in Prabhupada Village, North Carolina,…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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
The Beautiful Life of Jayananda Thakur (32 min video)
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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…
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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…
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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
Visvambhara Das (UK): Jackie Chan received a Bhagavad-gita today…
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Visvambhara Das (UK): Jackie Chan received a Bhagavad-gita today on a motorway car park.
Srila Prabhupada: This life of materia…
Wonderful Sunday program with Madhava prabhu in Nava Nandagram…
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Wonderful Sunday program with Madhava prabhu in Nava Nandagram in Nové Sady, a village and municipality in Vyškov District in the South Moravian Region of the Czech Republic (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: There is no limit to perfection—we may go on improving more and more, and still there is no limit to how much we may please Krishna, just like for the materialist there is no limit to how much Maya can kick us! Letter to Balavanta, December 22, 1971.
Iskcon of Silicon Valley: Harinaam at Palo Alto (Album with…
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Iskcon of Silicon Valley: Harinaam at Palo Alto (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: This Krishna consciousness movement is fo…
Sri Harinama Sankirtan in Campbelltown City, Sydney (Album with…
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Sri Harinama Sankirtan in Campbelltown City, Sydney (Album with photos)
Saturday Harinama Sankirtan Nectar 07-05-16
Devote…
Kirtan London presented kirtan at the ‘Amazing…
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Kirtan London presented kirtan at the ‘Amazing Grace’ multi-faith concert at Union Chapel in Islington, London, England today. It was a beautiful evening and hundreds of voices joined in chanting the Hare Krishna mantra with us.
Srila Prabhupada: The secret of surrendering to Krishna is that such surrendered devotee sees that everything is part of Krishna’s plan. Whatever is meant to be I am doing. Let me do it with my full attention to every detail. Let me become absorbed in such service, never mind what it is. Let all other considerations be forgotten and only my desire to do the thing best for Krishna’s alone pleasure is my motive. Letter to Jayapataka, December 19, 1972.
Festival of the Chariots – 07 May 2016 (Album with photos)…
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Festival of the Chariots – 07 May 2016 (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Every one of us is searching after some mellow, s…
Hare Krishna Festivals UK: Norwich Festival – 5th May 2016…
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Hare Krishna Festivals UK: Norwich Festival – 5th May 2016 (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: “Haraye namah krsna yadavaya namah, gopala govinda rama sri-mudhusudana. This is another way of chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra. The meaning is as follows: “I offer my respectful obeisances unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna. He is the descendant of the Yadu family. Let me offer my respectful obeisances unto Gopala, Govinda, Rama and Sri Madhusudana.” (Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Madhya-lila, 25.64 Purport)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/4pDI2b