Author Archives: ISKCON Scarborough

ISKCON Scarborough – HG Dravida das will be giving a class coming Sunday- 10th July 2016
→ ISKCON Scarborough

Hare Krishna!
Please accept our humble obeisances!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga!

We are pleased to announce that HG Dravida das will be visiting our temple to give a class coming Sunday.

H.G.Dravida prabhu is a disciple of His Divine Grace A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada.

Dravida Prabhu joined the International Society for Krishna Consciousness at the age of 25 in early 1973 at the temple in Brooklyn, New York. A child of the Sixties, he’d already been exploring yoga, Vedanta, meditation, and alternative lifestyles for some time. But once he read Srila Prabhupada’s “Teachings of Lord Caitanya,” he knew that bhakti-yoga was the path for him. The Brooklyn temple happened to be the location of the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, the publishing arm of ISKCON.

He has edited Back to Godhead magazine and other books published by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust for over 25 years. From 1983 to 1989 he was part of the team that produced the last six 1,000-page volumes of the magnum opus of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada: a commentated English translation of India’s jewel of Vedic wisdom, the 18,000-verse Srimad-Bhagavatam (Bhagavata Purana). He also helped produce the revised version of Srila Prabhupada’s nine-volume Caitanya-Caritamrita during 1995-96 and his Krishna book from 1994-95. In addition to his editing work, he teaches Bhakti Yoga classes at the San Diego ISKCON center. Throughout all this immersion in transcendental literature, Dravida dasa developed a love of the Sanskrit language, and especially the elaborate Sanskrit prosody of the Bhagavatam, portions of the Caitanya-caritamrita, and other bhakti literature. His devotion and expertise in chanting form a marvelous combination.

He currently resides at the New Govardhan temple in San Diego, offering regular Bhagavad Gita and Bhagavatam classes as well as leadership for the bhakta program there. His engaging multimedia presentations at Japa retreats and elsewhere are highlights of devotional gatherings.


ISKCON Scarborough
3500 McNicoll Avenue, Unit #3,
Scarborough,Ontario,
Canada,M1V4C7

Email Address:
iskconscarborough@hotmail.com

website:
www.iskconscarborough.com

ISKCON Scarborough – 64 round chanting day on Friday- 1st July 2016
→ ISKCON Scarborough

Hare Krishna!
Please accept our humble obeisances!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga!



We are pleased to announce that our 6th annual 64 round chanting day will take place on Friday- 1st July 2016 from 10 am to 7.30 pm. 
Scrumptious prasadam will be served throughout the day.


Every year over 50 devotees take part in chanting 64 rounds at ISKCON Scarborough that takes on CANADA DAY or the weekend of Canada day.


We invite you, your family and friends to ISKCON Scarborough on 1st July to take part in this auspicious event.


Weekend end programs at ISKCON Scarborough:

Friday- 1stJuly 2016- 10 am to 7.30 pm – 64 round chanting of Hare Krsna Maha Mantra

Saturday 2nd July 2016 –  Mangala Arti at 5 am

Sunday 3rdJuly 2016 –  Narayana Kavacha fire yagna- 11 am to 12.15 pm.


Further details about chanting the 64 rounds:

When we chant 64 rounds, we chant over 100,000 names of the Lord!


1 Hare Krsna Maha Mantra(HKMM) = 16 names of the Lord – consisting of 3 transcendental words of Hare, Rama and Krsna (“Hare” is internal energy of the Lord which is non-different from the Lord, “Krsna” means all attractive and “Rama” means reservoir of all pleasure).


1 round in a japa mala =108 Hare Krsna Maha Mantra= 1728 names of the Lord (16 names of the Lord in 1 HKMM X 108 times in a japa mala)


16 rounds = 27,648 names of the Lord(16 names of the Lord in 1 HKMM X 108 times in a japa mala X 16 rounds)


64 rounds = 110,592 names of the Lord(16 names of the Lord in 1 HKMM X 108 times in a japa mala X 64 rounds)



Why chant 64 rounds of Hare Krsna Maha Mantra?


Caitanya Bhagavat (by Sri Vrindavan das Thakur)- Antya Khanda- chapter 9 verses 116 to 125:


“As the devotees invited the Lord (Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu) to take His meal in their houses, the Lord took the opportunity to teach them all this topic.


When invited to take a meal, the Lord smiled and said, “First you should become a laksesvara [The word laksesvara is a combination of laksha (“hundred thousand”) and isvara (“master”). In common usage it would refer to someone who possessed a hundred thousand rupees.].


“I take meals only in the house of a laksesvara.” Hearing this, the brahmanas became worried.


The brahmanas offered prayers to the Lord, “O Gosaani, what to speak of a hundred thousand, none of us possess even a thousand.


“If You don’t accept meals from us, then let our entire household be burnt to ashes.”


The Lord replied, “Do you know who is a laksesvara? He is someone who daily chants a hundred thousand holy names.


“I call that a person a laksesvara. I take meals in only such a person’s house, not in the houses of others.”


Hearing this merciful statement of the Lord, the brahmanas gave up their anxiety and became joyful.


“O Lord, we will chant a hundred thousand names. Please therefore take Your meals in our houses. It is our good fortune that You are teaching us in this way.”

All the brahmanas then began to chant a hundred thousand names everyday so that they could offer food to Lord Caitanyacandra.


Importance of Chanting the Holy names of the Lord:

Srimad Bhagavatam: 6.3.31:


Śukadeva Gosvāmī continued: My dear King, the chanting of the holy name of the Lord is able to uproot even the reactions of the greatest sins. Therefore the chanting of the saṅkīrtana movement is the most auspicious activity in the entire universe. Please try to understand this so that others will take it seriously.



Caitanya Bhagavat Adi Khanda 16.94 – Namacarya Srila Haridas Thakur


“Even if my body is cut into pieces and I give up my life, I will never give up chanting the Lord’s holy name.”


Srimad Bhagavatam 11.5.32/Caitanya Caritamrta Adi Lila 3.52/ Caitanya Caritamrta Madya Lila 6.103/ Caitanya Caritamrta Madya Lila 11.100/ Caitanya Caritamrta Madya Lila 20.342/ Caitanya Caritamrta Antya Lila 20.10


In the age of Kali, intelligent persons perform congregational chanting to worship the incarnation of Godhead who constantly sings the names of Krishna. Although His complexion is not blackish, He is Krishna Himself. He is accompanied by His associates, servants, weapons and confidential companions.


Padyavali- Srila Rupa Goswami:


O Supreme Personality of Godhead, when someone desires to chant Your holy name, sins tremble in fear, the glory of material illusion faints unconscious, Yamaraja’s scribe Citragupta becomes happy and gazes at the chanter’s toenails with awe and reverence, and Lord Brahma prepares madhu-parka to worship him. O Lord, what more can we say than this?


Srimad Bhagavatam 12.3.51:


My dear King, although Kali-yuga is an ocean of faults, there is still one good quality about this age: Simply by chanting the Hare Krsna Hama-mantra, one can become free from material bondage and be promoted to the transcendental kingdom


Padyavali- Srila Rupa Goswami:



May Krsna’s holy name, which is a reservoir of all transcendental happiness, the destruction of Kali-yuga’s sins, the most purifying of all purifying things, the saintly person’s food as he quickly traverses the path to the spiritual world, the pleasure-garden where the voices of the greatest saints, philosophers, and poets play, the life of the righteous, and the seed of the tree of religion, bring transcendental auspiciousness to you all.

ISKCON Scarborough
3500 McNicoll Avenue, Unit #3,
Scarborough,Ontario,
Canada,M1V4C7

Email Address:
iskconscarborough@hotmail.com

website:
www.iskconscarborough.com

ISKCON Scarborough – Grand Appearance day celebrations of Lord Narasimhadev – Friday – May 20th 2016‏
→ ISKCON Scarborough

Hare Krishna!
Please accept our humble obeisances!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga!

Narasimha Caturdasi is the celebration of the appearance day of Lord Narasimhadev, a direct incarnation of the Lord in His half-man, half-lion form. Lord Narasimhadev appeared in order to protect his dear most devotee, Prahlada Maharaja, whose demonic father, Hiranyakasipu was a powerful atheist and enemy of the Lord.

Lord Narasimhadev is Krishna Himself, appearing especially in this form to reciprocate with our desire to remove all the obstacles in our devotional service.

“Although very ferocious, the lioness is very kind to her cubs. Similarly, although very ferocious to non-devotees like Hiranyakasipu, Lord Narasimhadev is very, very gentle and kind to His devotees like Prahlada Maharaja.”- HG Pankajanghri prabhu

Srimad Bhagavatam 5.18.8: The Prayers Offered to the Lord by the Residents of Jambudvipa

“I offer my respectful obeisances unto Lord Narasimha deva, the source of all power. O my Lord who possesses nails and teeth just like thunderbolts, kindly vanquish our demon like desires for fruitive activity in this material world. Please appear in our hearts and drive away our ignorance so that by Your mercy we may become fearless in the struggle for existence in this material world”.

On the auspicious occasion of the appearance day of Lord Narasimhadev, there will be grand celebrations at ISKCON Scarborough starting at 6.30 pm coming Friday- May 20th 2016.

6.30 pm- Abishek on the deities of Lord Narasimhadev
7.00 pm- class on the divine appearance & pastimes of Lord Narasimhadev
8.00 pm – Arti & Kirtan
8.45 pm- 1 round group chanting of the Hare Krishna Maha mantra
9 pm – free vegetarian feast


Benedictions for hearing Lord Narasimhadev’s pastimes: Narada Muni to Maharaj Yudhisthir

Srimad Bhagavatam 7.10.46:

One who hears and chants this narration (Lord Narasimhadev’s pastimes) about the omnipotence of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Visnu, is certainly liberated from material bondage without fail.

Srimad Bhagavatam 7.10.47:

Anyone who with great attention hears this narration concerning the activities of Prahlada Maharaja, the killing of Hiranyakasipu, and the activities of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Narasimhadeva, surely reaches the spiritual world, where there is no anxiety.

We humbly welcome you, your family, friends and relatives to ISKCON Scarborough to take part in the celebrations and partake the unlimited blessings of Lord Narasimhadev

With best wishes from,

ISKCON Scarborough
3500 McNicoll Avenue, Unit #3,
Scarborough,Ontario,
Canada,M1V4C7

Email Address:
iskconscarborough@hotmail.com

website:
www.iskconscarborough.com

ISKCON Scarborough – Special Mother’s day program coming Sunday- 8th May 2016‏‏
→ ISKCON Scarborough

Hare Krishna!

Please accept our humble obeisances!

All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga!

On Sunday, a special Mother’s day program will take place at ISKCON Scarborough. On this day, we would like to take the opportunity to honour and thank all the Mother’s for their selfless, tireless and unconditional service.

The ecstatic kirtan during the arti will be sung by HG Ajamila das prabhu accompanied by Radha Murari group!

There will be a grand feast served at the end of the program.

We warmly invite all the devotees with their friends and family members to ISKCON Scarborough on Sunday 8th May 2016 at 10.30 am to thank the Mother’s for their love and support.

With best wishes from,

ISKCON Scarborough

3500 McNicoll Avenue, Unit #3,

Scarborough,Ontario,

Canada, M1V4C7

Email Address: 

iskconscarborough@hotmail.com

website:

www.iskconscarborough.com

ISKCON Scarborough – Rama Navami celebrations coming Friday – Special class by HG Rohinipriya das – 15th April 2016‏
→ ISKCON Scarborough

Hare Krishna!
Please accept our humble obeisances!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga!

The appearance day of Lord Ramacandra (also known as Rama Navami) falls on Friday 15th April 2016. Devotees of the Lord fast until sunset on this day.

We at ISKCON Scarborough will be celebrating Ram Navami in a grand manner coming Friday. Program starts at 6.45 pm sharp with Tulasi arti.

A special Ram Navami lecture will be given by HG Rohinipriya das prabhu.
A free vegetarian Ekadasi feast will be served after our program.

Rama Navami

Rama Navami is the appearance day of Lord Rama. Navami means nine, Lord Rama appeared on the ninth day of the bright half of the month of Chaitra. His name was Ramacandra, Prince of Ayodha.

Lord Ramacandra appeared in the Sun Dynasty, as the son of King Dasharatha, in the line of King Ikshvaku, the first ruler of Earth. Lord Rama was the darling of His father and mother, Queen Kaushalya, as well as the hero of all Ayodhya, the capital of what was then a single world kingdom.

Rama had all the admirable qualities of leadership, even from earliest youth. He possessed all physical strength, beauty, religious wisdom, fame for prowess with weapons, royal wealth, and complete renunciation.

Inseparable from Rama was Lakshmana, His younger brother. Together, the two brothers appeared on Earth to vanquish the almost invincible King Ravana and his host of Rakshasa warriors.

Here is a letter Srila Prabhupada wrote in 1968 describing how one should celebrate Ram Navami:

“So far the Advent Day of Lord Ramacandra, it should be celebrated as Lord Caitanya’s Birthday was done. Fasting up to evening, and then take prasadam, and chant Hare Krishna whole day, and be engaged in reading and chanting off and on, chant for some time, then read for some time, then again have Kirtana and so on, throughout the day. If you have not got a Ramayana, then you can read Bhagavad-gita or Srimad-Bhagavatam that is all right”.

Biodata of HG Rohinipriya das prabhu:

HG Rohini Priya Das prabhu graduated as a doctor of Medicine from Mumbai university but decided to dedicate his life in the service of Lord Krishna.

Prabhu, is a senior Brahmachari at ISKCON’s Sri Radha Gopinath mandir at Chowpatty,Mumbai,India.

He is currently serving as the Vice President at ISKCON Chowpatty in Mumbai.

For the last 25 years he has not only been practising Krishna Consciousness but has been actively distributing the message of Bhagavad Gita to thousands of Engineering , Medical students and other professionals all over India.

He also travels widely to USA, UK, Singapore, Malaysia, Mauritius, Nepal and Canada and delivers various classes/ seminars on Krsna Consciousness.

We welcome you, your family and friends to ISKCON Scarborough coming Friday

ISKCON Scarborough
3500 McNicoll Avenue, Unit #3,
Scarborough,Ontario,
Canada,M1V4C7

Email Address:
iskconscarborough@hotmail.com

website:
www.iskconscarborough.com

ISKCON Scarborough – Appearance day celebration of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu- coming Friday
→ ISKCON Scarborough

Hare Krishna!
Please accept our humble obeisances!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga!

Gaura Purnima – the auspicious appearance day of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu will be celebrated in a grand manner coming Friday – March 25, 2016 at ISKCON Scarborough.

The actual appearance day falls on Tuesday – March 22, 2016- On this auspicious day, all devotees fast until moon rise. Grand celebrations will take place at ISKCON Toronto on Tuesday.

Gaura Purnima means “golden full moon” signifying that:

1) Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu appeared during a full moon, and
2) The Lord blesses everyone with the soothing, moon like rays of His sublime teachings.

Who is Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu:
Sri Caitanya is Krshna Himself appearing in the role of His own devotee.
He accepted the mood and golden complexion of Srimati Radharani, His consort and greatest worshipper.

Radha and Krsna became one to reveal the divine love of Goloka Vrindavan to the world.

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s most important biographers, such as Sri Vrindavan das Thakur (Caitanya Bhagavat), Sri Murari Gupta(Caitanya Charita Mahakavya), Sri Locana das Thakur(Caitanya Mangal) & Sri Krishnadas Kaviraj (Caitanya Caritamrta) confirm this.

If we are to understand Sri Krishna, we have to do so through Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. First the giver, then the gift.

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu was the most merciful and munificent incarnation of the Lord, whose mercy surpassed the bounds of mundane discrimination in the matter of caste, colour and creed.


CC Adi 14.1:

“Things that are very difficult to do become easy to execute if one somehow or other simply remembers Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. But if one does not remember Him, even easy things become very difficult. To this Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu I offer my respectful obeisances”.

The schedule for 25th March 2015 (Friday) is as follows: Please note it is holiday coming Friday due to Good Friday.

We welcome you, your family and friends to take part in the wonderful celebration coming Friday starting at 6.15 PM.

6.15 PM to 6.30 PM – Tulasi Arti
6.30 PM to 7 PM- Maha Abhishek (bathing ceremony of Sri Sri Gaura Nitai)
7 PM to 8 PM- Class on Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu
8 PM to 8.30 PM: Arati
8.30 PM to 8.45 PM – 1 round group chanting of Hare Krishna Maha mantra
8.45 PM – free vegetarian feast

ISKCON Scarborough
3500 McNicoll Avenue, Unit #3,
Scarborough,Ontario,
Canada,M1V4C7

Email Address:
iskconscarborough@hotmail.com

website:
www.iskconscarborough.com

ISKCON Scarborough – Special weekend programs
→ ISKCON Scarborough

Hare Krishna!
Please accept our humble obeisances!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga!

We are honoured to invite you and your family to celebrate two important events at ISKCON Scarborough:

Friday- 19th Feb 2016- Appearance day of Lord Varahadev (Varaha Dvadasi)
Sunday- 21st Feb 2016 – Appearance day celebrations of Lord Nithyananda Prabhu

Varaha Dvadasi:
Dvadasi is the twelfth day of the waning or waxing moon (dva, “two,” dasi, “tenth”). In the Vedic, lunar calendar, dvadasi follows Ekadasi, a day customarily set aside for exclusive focus on spiritual activity and fasting—at least from grains and beans.

Fasting for Ekadasi is considered incomplete unless one breaks fast at the proper time the following day, dvadasi.

Varahadeva is Krishna’s boar incarnation. He assumed the form of a boar to lift the drowning planet Earth from the Garbhodaka Ocean with His tusks. The demon Hiryanyaksha had thrown the planet Earth into this ocean, but the Lord stabbed the demon with His tusks and saved the Earth.

Program starts at 6.45 pm with Tulasi arti followed by a class on the appearance and pastimes of Lord Varahadev, followed by Arti and prasadam.

Lord Nityananda Prabhu’s Appearance Day:

The actual appearance day falls on Saturday 20th February- the day when we fast until noon.
Lord Nityananda Prabhu, whose name literally means, “eternally blissful”, appeared around 1474 AD in the village of Ekachakra, near Mayapur, West Bengal.

He is the eternal companion of Lord Caitanya and both are worshipped together as Lord Krishna and Lord Balaram. In the same way that Lord Balaram is considered the original spiritual master, so is Lord Nityananda.

Lord Caitanya is the most merciful incarnation of Lord Krishna, but Lord Nityananda, however, is even more merciful and compassionate than Lord Caitanya.

No service is too small to go unnoticed by Lord Nityananda, and no sinner too bad not to qualify for his benedictions. Lord Nityananda gives the mercy to understand and approach Lord Caitanya, who in turn gives the mercy to approach Srimati Radharani, who blesses us with love of Krishna. So the worship of Lord Nityananda is most important to Gaudiya Vaishnavas seeking the mercy of Radha-Krishna.

Program on Sunday – Feb 21st 2016

10.15 am to 10.40 am – Tulasi puja & Guru Puja

10.40 am to 11.00 am -Grand abhishek performed on Gaura Nitai deities

11.00 am to 12 noon – Lord Nithyananda Prabhu’s Appearance Day Lecture and Nitai Pada Kamala Bhajan- by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada- Audio recording – transcriptions will be displayed on the projector screen

12 noon to 12.30 pm – Arti

12.45 pm to 1 pm – 1 round chanting of the Hare Krishna Maha mantra

1 pm – Free Vegetarian feast (Prasadam)

ISKCON Scarborough
3500 McNicoll Avenue, Unit #3,
Scarborough,Ontario,
Canada,M1V4C7

Email Address:
iskconscarborough@hotmail.com

website:
www.iskconscarborough.com

Email Address:

iskconscarborough@hotmail.com

website:

www.iskconscarborough.com

H.H.Bhaktimarga Swami Maharaj will be at ISKCON Scarborough coming Sunday!‏
→ ISKCON Scarborough

Hare Krishna!
Please accept our humble obeisances!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga!

H.H.Bhaktimarga Swami Maharaj will be joining us at ISKCON Scarborough coming Sunday- 7th Feb 2016

Program starts at 10.30 am with the Tulasi arti, Guru Puja followed by a class by Maharaj followed by Arti at 12 noon. Sumptuous prasadam (sanctified food) will be served at 12.30 pm.

More information on Maharaj:

Born in 1952 in Chatham, Ontario, Canada, Bhaktimarga Swami (formerly John Peter Vis) adopted the monastic lifestyle of the Hare Krishna order in 1973. Globally known for his “Canwalk” marathons, he achieved the remarkable feat of walking across the entire length of Canada from the west to east coast in 1996 which was detailed in the National Film Board of Canada’s documentary, “The Longest Road”. Bhaktimarga Swami repeated the feat again in 2003 (this time from east to west), and yet again a third time (west to east) in 2007.

The Walking Monk completed his FOURTH trek across Canada in the summer of 2014 (Canwalk 4) which began in the spring of 2012. With this “friend-raiser”, he is once again promoted pilgrimage and a more car-free, care-free lifestyle. In addition to Canada he has also walked across the countries of Ireland, Israel, Fiji Islands, Mauritius, Trinidad and Guyana.

In addition to marathon walking and administrative duties, Bhaktimarga Swami is an instructor of Bhakti Yoga (devotion to the Divine) and mantra meditation. He is also a playwright, producer and director of live avant garde “morality theatre”, whose captivating works based on tales from ancient India are performed regularly across the globe. In his productions, The Walking Monk regularly engages youth from the global communities he visits in this “enter-lightenment” designed to uplift the spirit.

A warm invitation goes out to you and your family to join us on this day to associate with this senior disciple of Srila Prabhupada.

ISKCON Scarborough
3500 McNicoll Avenue, Unit #3,
Scarborough,Ontario,
Canada,M1V4C7

Email Address:
iskconscarborough@hotmail.com

website:
www.iskconscarborough.com

ISKCON Scarborough- Upcoming seminar “Progress in Krishna Consciousness”
→ ISKCON Scarborough

Hare Krishna!
Please accept our humble obeisances!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga!

So we may have been in Krishna consciousness for a few days, few months, or several years, and we are trying to progress. But how to know where we are?

• Should I be a pure chanter of the Holy Name in x amount of time?
• What if one has no time or interest in hearing and chanting about Krishna, because of all the service?
• What does internal purity manifest as externally? Is chanting more important or is service more important?
• Performing devotional service, but what if we detect we are still full of envy, pride, lust etc.?
• What is our relationship with the devotees like?
• My temple authority tells me to do this, but I like to do that, so what is more important?
• Is there any hope for me?

Facilitator: HG Sriman Sankarshan das Adhikari prabhu
When: Saturday, 9th January 2016 from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM (EST)
Where: ISKCON Scarborough – 3500 McNicoll Drive. Unit #3. Toronto, Ontario , M1V4C7 , Canada
Cost: Free to attend
Prasadam: Sumptuous free Breakfast and lunch prasadam will be served

HG Sriman Sankarshan das Adhikari prabhu has conducted 4 fascinating seminars at ISKCON Scarborough in the past which had changed many devotee’s lives:
Nectar of Devotion – 2012
Present day Paramahamsa – 2013
Stop worrying- start living – 2014
Bhagavad Gita is for everyone – 2015

https://www.youtube.com/my_videos?o=U&sq=sankarshan+das

About HG Sankarshan das Adhikari prabhu:

His Grace Sriman Sankarshan Das Adhikari appeared in this world in St. Louis, Missouri, USA on 7 November 1947, the tenth day (Dasami) of the most holy month of Kartik according to the Vaisnava calendar. He first met his spiritual master, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, in 1971 and was initiated by him on 12 August of the same year.  Srila Prabhupada personally told this new young disciple that he was pleased with his sincerity and enthusiasm for spreading the Krishna consciousness movement. Sankarshan Das fully dedicated his life for serving the order of his spiritual master to become a guru and deliver the world. For the last 43 years he has uninterruptedly served his spiritual master’s movement, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), in various capacities.
In the year 2000, in recognition for his full dedication to Srila Prabhupada’s mission, ISKCON’s Governing Body Commission (GBC) gave him their blessings to initiate disciples. Since that time he has been regularly travelling and lecturing extensively all over the world for reviving the dormant Krishna consciousness in the hearts of all living beings. Well known for his Internet based training program, the Ultimate Self Realization Course, he has attracted over 16,000 subscribers from over 100 different countries who receive a daily inspirational message and personal answers to their questions regarding how to become perfect in Krishna consciousness. Those who are interested can join his course at: www.backtohome.com

We warmly welcome you to join us at ISKCON Scarborough on January 9th 2015 for this wonderful seminar.

ISKCON Scarborough
3500 McNicoll Avenue, Unit #3,
Scarborough,Ontario,
Canada,M1V4C7

Email Address:
iskconscarborough@hotmail.com
website:
www.iskconscarborough.com

ISKCON Scarborough – Gita Jayanti – The appearance day celebration of Srimad Bhagavad Gita- Monday December 21st 2015
→ ISKCON Scarborough

Hare Krishna!
Please accept our humble obeisances!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga!

We have two very auspicious events happening on the same day coming Monday- December 21st 2015.

– Advent of Srimad Bhagavad-Gita(Gita Jayanti)
– Moksada Ekadasi

One of the Vrata(vow) undertaken during Ekadasi is to read the Holy scriptures.

What can be more glorious on this Moksada Ekadasi than reading Bhagavad Gita on the very day that marks the 5152nd appearance day anniversary.

We at ISKCON Scarborough will be celebrating Gita Jayanti in a grand manner on Monday – December 21st 2015 by reading all the 700 English verses starting at 6.30 PM sharp!


Advent of Srimad Bhagavad-Gita(Gita Jayanti)

It was on this day 5152 years ago, that Sanjaya narrated to King Dhritarashtra the dialogue between Sri Krishna and Arjuna in the battlefield of Kurukshetra at the place now known as Jyotisha tirtha, and thus made the glorious teachings of the Lord available to the people of the world, for all time.

Srimad Bhagavad-Gita shows a way to rise above the world of duality and the pairs of opposites, and to acquire eternal bliss and immortality. It is a gospel of action. It teaches the rigid performance of one’s duty in society, and a life of active struggle, keeping the inner being untouched by outer surroundings, and renouncing the fruits of actions as offerings unto the Lord.

Srimad Bhagavad-Gita is a source of power and wisdom. It strengthens us when you are weak, and inspires us when you feel dejected and feeble. It teaches us how to resist unrighteousness and follow the path of virtue and righteousness.

The teachings of the Gita are broad, sublime and universal. They do not belong to any particular cult, sect, creed, age, place or country. They are meant for all. They are within the reach of all. The Gita has a message for the solace, peace, freedom, salvation and perfection of all human beings.

Anyone who gifts a Bhagavad-Gita to a deserving person on this day is bestowed profuse blessings by Lord Krsna

There will be a grand Ekadasi feast served after the whole recitation.

On the auspicious occasion, we welcome you, your family and friends to join us at ISKCON Scarborough to recite the entire Gita verses and to partake the unlimited blessing of Sri Sri Radha Gopi Vallabha

ISKCON Scarborough
3500 McNicoll Avenue, Unit #3,
Scarborough,Ontario,
Canada,M1V4C7

Email Address:
iskconscarborough@hotmail.com

website:
www.iskconscarborough.com

BHAKTI MELA EVENT – DECEMBER 28, 2015
→ ISKCON Scarborough

This holiday season, ISKCON Brampton invites you to a spiritual gathering that promises to invoke euphoric vibrations of your soul through Drama, Music and Dance.

Please join us for an intimate holiday event, consisting of a spellbinding theatrical production by His Holiness Bhaktimarga Swami, enchanting kirtan with internationally renowned kirtaneers Gauravani and Ananta Govinda prabhus & mesmerizing bharatanatyam by Komala Kumari; A wonderful way to spend the holidays. No need to leave your children behind…separate children’s activities to keep the younger attendees entertained too. A full vegetarian dinner and beverages will also be served.

Parking is free and public transit is right at the door step of the historic Lester B. Pearson Memorial Theatre in Brampton.

Dress in your best and walk the red carpet upon your arrival as you are greeted by our VIP’s and photographed for memorabilia. Interact with the theatrical performers during intermission while your taste buds are stimulated by the elegant vegetarian preparations from Govinda’s Restaurant in Toronto.

Celebrate throughout the night with International talent who will not only entertain you but give you their association.

Canada’s own Walking Monk will pull you along in his trails of theatrics as he conveys the many pastimes of Krishna.

All of this while the Children will have the opportunity to engage in some of the cultural elements of the holidays; while being entertained by the finest wizards of magic and illusion.

Don’t miss this opportunity to end your holidays on a spiritual high and journey that will kick start your resolutions into the New Year.

Limited premium and VIP seating available.

ISKCON Scarborough – His Grace Kratu Prabhu will be giving a special class on Friday – 27th Nov 2015
→ ISKCON Scarborough

Hare Krishna!Please accept our humble obeisances!All glories to Srila Prabhupada!All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga!His Grace Kratu Prabhu – a disciple of His Divine Grace A . C . Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada will be gracing us with his presenc…

ISKCON Scarborough – Govardhan puja and Srila Prabhupada Disappearance Day celebrations this weekend
→ ISKCON Scarborough

Hare Krishna!

Please accept our humble obeisances!

All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga!

Govardhan puja celebrations on Friday- 13th Nov 2015:

The devotees of ISKCON Scarborough will be celebrating Govardhana Puja coming Friday- 13th Nov 2015 starting from 6.30 pm.

On this auspicious day, 108 different varieties of Bhoga will be offered to the Supreme Personality of Godhead Lord Krsna in the form of Govardhana Hill.

Please note that the actual anniversary of Govardhan Puja falls on Thursday(12th Nov 2015).

We would like to remind the devotees to bring their offerings by 7 pm on Friday.

Devotees are requested to bring the offerings in 6″ foil cups and cooked bhoga, nuts, fruits, etc can be brought to the temple.

The story behind Govardhan Puja 

Govardhana Puja, Go-Puja and Annakuta are all connected with the story of Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill to protect the inhabitants of Vrindavan.

The day after Diwali is referred to as Annakuta, or Govardhan Puja. On this day the inhabitants of Vrindavan (Lord Krishna’s abode on Earth) would hold a harvest festival in honour of King Indra, the demigod who provided the rains essential for the harvest.

One day, however, Lord Krishna wanted to teach Indra a lesson. He convinced the inhabitants of Vrindavan to honour Govardhan Hill instead, whose fertile soil provided the grass upon which the cows and bulls grazed, and to honour the cows and bulls who provided milk and ploughed the lands. Outraged, Indra retaliated with terrifying thunderstorms. The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna, calmly lifted Govardhan Hill with the little finger of his left hand. For seven days and seven nights the Lord held up Govardhan Hill, providing a giant umbrella to shelter the inhabitants of Vrindavan from the torrential rain. Realizing the futility of his actions, King Indra bowed down before the Lord with folded hands and offered prayers of supplication. In this way, Lord Krishna demonstrated that He is Deva Deva, the lord of the demigods, and that any purpose for which demigods might be worshipped could easily be served by worshipping Him, the cause of all causes.

Srila Prabhupada Disappearance Day celebrations on Sunday – 15th Nov 2015:

The devotees of ISKCON Scarborough will be celebrating the disappearance day of Srila Prabhupada on Sunday 15th Nov 2015 starting at 10.30 am.

HG Krsna das Kaviraj prabhu (ACBSP)will be giving a special class on this day.

ISKCON devotees glorify their eternal saviour Srila Prabhupada on His Disappearance Day. Srila Prabhupada was sent by the Lord to fulfil Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s prediction-

 Caitanya Bhagavat : Antya-khanda 4.126:

prthivi-paryanta yata ache desa-grama

sarvatra sancara haibeka mora nama

“In every town and village of the world, the chanting of My name will be heard.

Srila Prabhupada made a perfect appearance, led a perfect life and had a perfect departure. Srila Prabhupada lives forever through his books. This legacy will always provide the devotees with Lord Chaitanya katha and teach everyone to chant the Maha Mantra.

Please join us to celebrate the Disappearance day of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.

We warmly welcome you and your family to ISKCON Scarborough to take part in the weekend programs.

ISKCON Scarborough
3500 McNicoll Avenue, Unit #3,
Scarborough,Ontario,
Canada,M1V4C7

Email Address:

iskconscarborough@hotmail.com

website:

www.iskconscarborough.com

ISKCON Scarborough – The Holy month of Kartik begins tomorrow!
→ ISKCON Scarborough

Hare Krishna!
Please accept our humble obeisances!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga!

Srimati Radharani is the personification of the holy month of Karttika, which precedes Lord Krishna’s month, Margasirsa

According to Bhagavad Gita 10.35:
Lord Krsna instructs Arjuna “Of months I am Margasirsa [November-December]”

The holy month of Kartik(Karttika) begins tomorrow – 28th Oct 2015 (Wednesday) and ends on 25th Nov 2015(Wednesday).
Gaudiya Vaishnavas consider Smt Radharani to be the presiding Deity for the month of Karttika, which, significantly, is also called Damodara. Srila Rupa Goswami, in his Sri Utkalika-vallari, proclaims Radharani as Kartik-devi, the goddess of Kartik.

First is Radha, then Krishna. Therefore, we say “Radha-Krishna”, “Radha-Shyam” or “Sita-Rama”.
Krishna’s sakti always comes first, and is always glorified as the dearest to Krishna.
We approach Krishna through Radha, who also represents the greatest devotee of Krishna.
In the Adi-Purana it is said: “My dear Partha [Arjuna], one who claims to be my devotee is not so. Only a person who claims to be the devotee of my devotee is actually my devotee.”
So during this month we can more easily obtain the favour of Smt Radharani.

If Smt Radharani recommends us to Krishna, we can be sure he will take notice.

Srila Prabhupda- Sept 18,1969, London: Radharani is Hari-priya, very dear to Krishna. So if we approach Krishna through the mercy of Radharani, then it becomes very easy. If Radharani recommends that, “This devotee is very nice,” then Krishna immediately accepts, however foolish I may be. Because Radharani recommends it, Krishna accepts. Therefore, in Vrndavana you’ll find all the devotees chanting Radharani’s name more than Krishna’s. Wherever you’ll go, you’ll find the devotees are addressing one another, “Jaya Radhe.” They are glorifying Radharani. They’re more interested in worshipping Her. This is because, however fallen I may be, if somehow or other I can please Radharani, then it is very easy for me to understand Krishna.

Whatever one does for Krishna–at any time, at any place, under any circumstance–is to one’s eternal benefit:

According to Bhagavad Gita 2.40:

In this endeavour there is no loss or diminution, and a little advancement on this path can protect one from the most dangerous type of fear.

Such is the benefit of devotional service in general.

Sale of the year:

However, during the month of Damodar, or Karttika rewards for service to Krishna are greater than at any other time of year.

Glories of offering a lamp in Kartika

In the skanda Purana, Lord Brahma and Sage Narada, converse that “the month of Kartika is very dear to Lord Krsna”.

• When one offers a lamp during the month of Karttika, his sins of many thousands and millions of births perish in half an eye blink.

• Even if there are no mantras, no pious deeds, and no purity, everything becomes perfect when a person offers a lamp during the month of Kartika.

• A person who during the month of Karttika offers a lamp to Lord Keshava has already performed all yajnas (sacrifice for the pleasure of the Lord) and bathing in all the Holy rivers.

• The ancestors say “when someone in our family pleases Lord Keshava by offering Him a lamp during the month of Karttika, then by the mercy of the Lord who holds the Sudarshan-Chakra in His hand, we will all attain liberation.

• To one who either at home or in a temple offers a lamp during the month of Kartika, Lord Vasudeva gives a great result.

• No sins exist anywhere in the three worlds that will not be purified by offering a lamp to Lord Keshava during Karttika.

• A person who offers a lamp to Lord Damodara during Karttika attains the eternal spiritual world where there is no suffering.

As quoted in the Sri Hari Bhakti Vilasa,”In the month of Kartika one should wprship Lord Damodara and daily recites the prayer known as Damodarastaka, which has been spoken by Sage Satyavratra and which attracts Lord Damodara. (Sri Hari Bhakti Vilasa 2.16.198)”

Observing the Kartika vrata or Urja vrata as it also called, is glorified in the Vedic scriptures.

1. Japa – Chanting the holy names of Krishna 2. Worship of Krishna by offering ghee lamps, flowers, incense, Bhoga, etc. 3. Practice brahmacharya (celibacy) 4. Worship of Tulasi devi 5. Give in charity 6. Perform austerities 7. Read the scriptures 8. Associate with the devotees

We warmly welcome you and your family to ISKCON Scarborough on Fridays (6.45 pm) and Sunday(10.30 am) to offer ghee lamp to Lord Damodar during the month of Damodar

ISKCON Scarborough – Special programs this weekend!
→ ISKCON Scarborough

Hare Krishna!
Please accept our humble obeisances!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga!

Radhastami celebrations coming Friday 25th Sep 2015 starting at 6.45 pm.
Srimati Radharani is the eternal consort of Lord Krishna.
This year the appearance day anniversary was on 21st September 2015(Monday).
This special day is known as Radhashtami.
At ISKCON Scarborough, we will be celebrating Radhastami coming Friday 25th Sep 2015 starting at 6.45 pm.

Five thousand years ago, when Lord Krishna came to this planet to perform His pastimes, Srimati Radharani also appeared.

The following is adapted from a lecture by His Holiness Varshana Swami:

“On a half-moon night in the month of Bhadra, King Vrishabhanu came to the Jamuna to bathe and found himself engulfed in a golden aura, the golden aura of pure love. It was emanating from a lotus, which had a baby girl standing on its whorl. When the king returned to the palace with the baby, Queen Kirtida was delighted. She was also shocked that the girl was blind.

 “Lord Krishna’s mother, Yashoda, heard that her best friend Kirtida had a baby, so she came to visit along with her husband and her son. Krishna crawled up to the cradle and pulled Himself up and looked in. At that moment, Srimati Radharani’s eyes fluttered and opened wide and blossomed like lotuses. It seems that she did not want to see anything of this world, only the form of Sri Krishna. Everyone was delighted.

“Srimati Radharani is the mother of the universe, the spiritual mother of all souls. And the concept of mother is the most sacred symbol—that of purity, selflessness, caring, sharing, nurturing, and love.

That is why our sacred mantra is the holy names. It is the holy names in the vocative. Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare / Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

“‘Hare’ means ‘Radhe.’ It is a plaintive, desperate cry for the mother. ‘Radhe! Please wake us up from this nightmare of mortal life! Remind us of the father we have forgotten and take us home!’”

In the Krishna consciousness movement, devotees carefully worship Srimati Radharani as the bestower of devotional service to Krishna, by attentively chanting her name in the maha-mantra, by worshiping her deity form, and by following the instructions of the most merciful Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who is the combined form of Radha and Krishna.

“(Therefore) Radha is parama-devata, the supreme goddess, and She is worshipable for everyone. She is the protectress of all, and She is the mother of the entire universe.” — Caitanya Caritamrita, Adi 4.89

Lord Vamanadeva’s appearance day celebrations on Sunday – 27th Sep 2015:

The appearance day falls on Friday but we at ISKCON Scarborough we will be celebrating the appearance day in a grand manner coming Sunday

 Lord Vamanadeva is Lord Krishna’s avatar (incarnation) as a dwarf brahmana during a period of intense conflict between the appointed directors of the universe (devas, or “demigods”) and asuras (“demons”). The Srimad-Bhagavatam tells how the asuras had violently assumed control and sent the demigods into hiding. As a trick to return the demigods their administrative posts, Vamanadeva begged three paces of land in charity from the leader of the asuras, Bali Maharaja. When Bali granted His request, Lord Vamana assumed such a gigantic form that with two steps He covered the earth and then the entire universe. For the third step, Bali Maharaja was then pleased to receive the Lord’s lotus foot on his head.

We welcome you and your family to ISKCON Scarborough coming Friday/Sunday to take part in the glorious celebrations.

ISKCON Scarborough
3500 McNicoll Avenue, Unit #3,
Scarborough,Ontario,
Canada,M1V4C7

Email Address:
iskconscarborough@hotmail.com

website:
www.iskconscarborough.com

Upcoming seminar on "Building Strong Krishna Conscious Families" at ISKCON Brampton
→ ISKCON Scarborough

Here are further details on the upcoming Seminar
————————————————————————————————————————–

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis,
Please accept my humble obeisance.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

As many of you have been requesting lately, we are pleased to announce that ISKCON Brampton will be hosting a seminar on “Building Strong Krishna Conscious Families”. This seminar is designed to help you take your relationship to a higher level. This is a 3-days seminar, please mark your calendar for the following dates:

Friday October 16th, 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Saturday October 17th, 9:30am – 4:30pm
Sunday October 18th, 2:00pm – 5:00pm

This seminar will be facilitated by members of the Grihasta Vision Team – His Grace Partha Das and Her Grace Uttama Dasi (disciples of Srila Prabhupada). They have been successfully conducting such retreats and seminars for many years all around the world.

The seminar will cover:

Strengthening the Bonds that Free us -It deals with many aspects of grhastha life.
Communication and overcoming challenges
Exercises for couples
Parenting lessons

Please help spread the word about this seminar so that many devotees can take advantage of it. We encourage couples to attend, however, everyone is welcome, even if the spouse cannot attend or if not yet married. Devotees can indicate their availability for the course by filling up a preliminary registration form here.

We welcome donations to help cover for the costs of the seminar.

HAPPY MARRIAGES. HAPPY FAMILIES. STRONG ISKCON.

Your menial servant,
Prema Gaurangi Devi dasi

“We require so many householders to set the example for others—how in Krsna Consciousness we can live peacefully and sanely, even in married life.”

—Srila Prabhupada, letter, 12/9/68

ISKCON Scarborough – Srimati Radharani’s Appearance day celebrations- Friday- 25th Sep 2015
→ ISKCON Scarborough

Srimati Radharani is the eternal consort of Lord Krishna.

This year the appearance day anniversary falls on 21st September 2015(Monday).
All Devotees fast until noon on this auspicious day
This special day is known as Radhashtami.

At ISKCON Scarborough, we will be celebrating Radhastami coming Friday 25th Sep 2015 starting at 6.45 pm.

We welcome you and your family to ISKCON Scarborough coming Friday to take part in the glorious celebrations.

Five thousand years ago, when Lord Krishna came to this planet to perform His pastimes, Srimati Radharani also appeared.

The following is adapted from a lecture by His Holiness Varshana Swami:
“On a half-moon night in the month of Bhadra, King Vrishabhanu came to the Jamuna to bathe and found himself engulfed in a golden aura, the golden aura of pure love. It was emanating from a lotus, which had a baby girl standing on its whorl. When the king returned to the palace with the baby, Queen Kirtida was delighted. She was also shocked that the girl was blind.
“Lord Krishna’s mother, Yashoda, heard that her best friend Kirtida had a baby, so she came to visit along with her husband and her son. Krishna crawled up to the cradle and pulled Himself up and looked in. At that moment, Srimati Radharani’s eyes fluttered and opened wide and blossomed like lotuses. It seems that she did not want to see anything of this world, only the form of Sri Krishna. Everyone was delighted.
“Srimati Radharani is the mother of the universe, the spiritual mother of all souls. And the concept of mother is the most sacred symbol—that of purity, selflessness, caring, sharing, nurturing, and love.

That is why our sacred mantra is the holy names. It is the holy names in the vocative. Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare / Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

“‘Hare’ means ‘Radhe.’ It is a plaintive, desperate cry for the mother. ‘Radhe! Please wake us up from this nightmare of mortal life! Remind us of the father we have forgotten and take us home!’”

In the Krishna consciousness movement, devotees carefully worship Srimati Radharani as the bestower of devotional service to Krishna, by attentively chanting her name in the maha-mantra, by worshiping her deity form, and by following the instructions of the most merciful Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who is the combined form of Radha and Krishna.

“(Therefore) Radha is parama-devata, the supreme goddess, and She is worshipable for everyone. She is the protectress of all, and She is the mother of the entire universe.” — Caitanya Caritamrita, Adi 4.89

ISKCON Scarborough – Special Krsna Janmastami and Srila Prabhupada’s appearance day celebrations – Coming Sunday!
→ ISKCON Scarborough

Hare Krishna!
Please accept our humble obeisances!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga!

Schedule for Sunday 
10.00 am – Grand abhishek on the deities of Sri Radha Krsna
10.30 am – Tulasi Arti
10.45 am – Guru Puja
11 am – Special class
12 noon – Arti
12.30 pm – 1 round of group chanting of Maha Mantra

Grand feast will be served after the program
Please note that Janmastami actually falls on Saturday – 5th Sep 2015. Devotees fast until midnight on Saturday
On 6th Sep 2015 – Srila Prabhupada’s appearance day, Devotees fast until noon

Sri Krsna Janmastami
The auspicious day of the appearance of Lord Krishna is celebrated all over the world as Sri Krishna Janmastami. It is celebrated on the eighth day of the Krishna Paksha (waning moon) of the month of Shraavan. Krishna, who is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, appeared in Mathura as son of Vasudeva and Devaki.

In Bhagavad Gita 4.8, Lord Krsna teaches the reason for his descend:

paritranaya sadhunam

vinasaya ca duskrtam

dharma-samsthapanarthaya

sambhavami yuge yuge

“To deliver the pious and to annihilate the miscreants, as well as to re-establish the principles of religion, I Myself appear, millennium after millennium”.

In Bhagavad Gita 4.9, Lord krsna teaches us how to get out of this wheel of misery

janma karma ca me divyam

evam yo vetti tattvatah

tyaktva deham punar janma

naiti mam eti so ‘rjuna

“One who knows the transcendental nature of My appearance and activities does not, upon leaving the body, take his birth again in this material world, but attains My eternal abode, O Arjuna”.

The Appearance day of Srila Prabhupada 
Vyasa-puja means “worship of Vyasa,” Vyasa being the compiler of the Vedic scriptures and thus the original spiritual master.

Devotees honour Srila Prabhupada – our Param Guru on the spiritual master’s appearance day (a respectful term for “birthday”) because he authentically transmits the teachings of Vyasa.
Although ISKCON has many spiritual masters, or acaryas, Srila Prabhupada, the founder-Acharya, holds a permanent position of special esteem. So just as when he was physically present (1965 through 1977), each year devotees gather on his appearance day to praise him and recall his glories.

We invite you, your family and your friends to join us for the grand celebrations coming Sunday at 10 am at ISKCON Scarborough.

ISKCON Scarborough
3500 McNicoll Avenue, Unit #3,
Scarborough,Ontario,
Canada,M1V4C7

Email Address:
iskconscarborough@hotmail.com

website:
www.iskconscarborough.com

ISKCON Scarborough – Appearance day celebrations of Lord Balaram – special class by H.H.Nava Yogendra Swami on Saturday 29th Aug 2015‏
→ ISKCON Scarborough

Hare Krishna!

Please accept our humble obeisances!

All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga!

ISKCON Scarborough will be celebrating the Appearance day of Lord Balaram in a grand manner on Saturday 29th Aug 2015.

Program starts at 7 pm with a special class on Lord Balaram by H.H.Nava Yogendra Swami

There will be a grand feast served at the end of our special program

We welcome you, your family and friends to this auspicious event coming Sunday at ISKCON Scarborough

Who is Lord Balarama?

The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna, is the fountainhead of all incarnations. Lord Balarama is His second body. They are both one and the same identity. They differ only in form. Balarama is the first bodily expansion of Krishna, and He assists in Lord Krishna’s transcendental pastimes. He is the source of the entire spiritual world and is the Adi-guru, the original spiritual master.

Descent of Lord Balarama

Whenever Krishna appears in the material world, He is accompanied by His associates and paraphernalia. Five thousand years ago when Krishna descended into the material world, He was first preceded by Baladeva.

When Baladeva appeared as the seventh child in the womb of Devaki, she could understand that this was a divine child and this made her all the more concerned about His safety. Even Kamsa could sense His potency and he became fearful, thinking he may have been tricked by the prophecy that he will be slain only by the eight child of Devaki. At this time Krishna instructed Yogamaya, His internal potency, to transfer the unborn child from the womb of Devaki to that of Rohini, one of the other wives of Vasudeva, who was hiding from Kamsa in the house of Nanda Maharaja in Gokul.

In this way Balarama was born in Gokul under the protection of Nanda Maharaja.

Garga Muni the venerable kulaguru (family priest) of the Yadu dynasty revealed “ This child, the son of Rohiṇī, will give all happiness to His relatives and friends by His transcendental qualities. Therefore He will be known as Rāma. And because He will manifest extraordinary bodily strength, He will also be known as Bala. Moreover, because He unites two families — Vasudeva’s family and the family of Nanda Mahārāja — He will be known as Saṅkarṣaṇa”.


Brief Biodata of H.H.Nava Yogendra Swami
His Holiness Nava Yogendra Swami is a disciple of ISKCON Founder-Acarya His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and is known for his fearless preaching of Krishna consciousness and powerful bhajans.
He received 1st and 2nd initiation in 1974 in Vrindavana,India and got the name Nava Yogendra Das from Srila Prabhupada.
In 1975 at the age of 29 he received Sanyas in Mayapura, West-Bengal, India and got the name Nava Yogendra Swami from Srila Prabhupada.

With best wishes from,

ISKCON Scarborough
3500 McNicoll Avenue, Unit #3, Scarborough,Ontario,
Canada,M1V4C7
Phone: 647-955-0415

Email Address:
iskconscarborough@hotmail.com

website:
http://www.iskconscarborough.com