Author Archives: Shyama-Mohini

Lord Nityananda’s Special Monthly Sankirtan Festival – This Saturday!
→ Toronto Sankirtan Adventures

This coming Saturday is our 2nd MSF (Monthly Sankirtan Festival) for 2013 and it’s a special one! You may ask why? well… because its theappearance day of the most merciful Lord Nitai!
 
Lord Nityananda who is none other than Lord Balaram. He appeared over 500 years ago to assist Lord Caitanya in flooding the hearts of many materialistic souls with the Love of Krishna! In the spirit of Lord Nityananda, we will reach out to everyone and anyone on the streets of Toronto and share with them this wonderful message of Krishna Consciousness!
 
It will be a day of festivities, beginning with mangal aarti and an ecstatic morning program, followed by MSF and a grand evening program. Please come for as long as you can. We look forward to celebrating this most glorious day with you!
 
Schedule:-
4:30 am – Mangal Aarti followed by complete morning program
7:30 am – Special Bhagavatam Class by Apurva Prabhu
9:30 am – Building the mood 
11:00am-2:00 pm – Sankirtan Festival
2:30 pm – Sharing Nectar Stories with Lunch Prasadam
 
In your service,
Toronto Sankirtan Organizing Team
 
O Lord Caitanya, kindly offer me shelter at Lord Nityananda’s Lotus feet. I am able to sing about the pastimes of Lord Caitanya because of my love for  Lord Nityananda. Lord Nityananda knows no other designation than being Lord Caitanya‘s servant. Only through serving Lord Nityananda is one eligible to become a devotee of Lord Caitanya. As by Lord Nityananda’s grace one can know Lord Caitanya in truth, similarly to fully comprehend the truth about devotional service one must receive the blessings of Lord Nityananda. Lord Nityananda is very dear to all the devotees. Everyone can receive from Lord Nityananda entry into the path of devotional service. But if someone disregards Lord Nityananda, Lord Caitanya condemns him to eternal suffering.
 

Caitanya Bhagavat

Lord Nityananda’s Special Monthly Sankirtan Festival – This Saturday!
→ Toronto Sankirtan Adventures

This coming Saturday is our 2nd MSF (Monthly Sankirtan Festival) for 2013 and it’s a special one! You may ask why? well… because its theappearance day of the most merciful Lord Nitai!
 
Lord Nityananda who is none other than Lord Balaram. He appeared over 500 years ago to assist Lord Caitanya in flooding the hearts of many materialistic souls with the Love of Krishna! In the spirit of Lord Nityananda, we will reach out to everyone and anyone on the streets of Toronto and share with them this wonderful message of Krishna Consciousness!
 
It will be a day of festivities, beginning with mangal aarti and an ecstatic morning program, followed by MSF and a grand evening program. Please come for as long as you can. We look forward to celebrating this most glorious day with you!
 
Schedule:-
4:30 am – Mangal Aarti followed by complete morning program
7:30 am – Special Bhagavatam Class by Apurva Prabhu
9:30 am – Building the mood 
11:00am-2:00 pm – Sankirtan Festival
2:30 pm – Sharing Nectar Stories with Lunch Prasadam
 
In your service,
Toronto Sankirtan Organizing Team
 
O Lord Caitanya, kindly offer me shelter at Lord Nityananda’s Lotus feet. I am able to sing about the pastimes of Lord Caitanya because of my love for  Lord Nityananda. Lord Nityananda knows no other designation than being Lord Caitanya‘s servant. Only through serving Lord Nityananda is one eligible to become a devotee of Lord Caitanya. As by Lord Nityananda’s grace one can know Lord Caitanya in truth, similarly to fully comprehend the truth about devotional service one must receive the blessings of Lord Nityananda. Lord Nityananda is very dear to all the devotees. Everyone can receive from Lord Nityananda entry into the path of devotional service. But if someone disregards Lord Nityananda, Lord Caitanya condemns him to eternal suffering.
 

Caitanya Bhagavat

Celebrate Krishna’s Eternal Song
→ Toronto Sankirtan Adventures

By H.G. Vaisesika Prabhu
This year, Gita Jayanti, the anniversary of Lord Sri Krishna’s speaking the Bhagavad-Gita to Sri Arjuna, falls on Sunday, December 23rd.
For those whose lives have been forever improved by meeting Lord Krishna personally in the pages of the Gita, Gita Jayanti is not only a day of celebration but also a chance to express their gratitude. And the best way to do so is to share the Gita with others. Krishna Himself says, “There is no servant in this world more dear to Me than he, nor will there ever be one more dear.” (Bg. 18.69)
The Gita teaches the essence of spiritual knowledge, purely and succinctly, in a way that anyone – in any situation of life – can practically apply its instruction and wisdom. And since Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, resides within the heart of every living being, He is always there to help the reader understand the Gita’s profound message.
Many people in the world are innocent; and when they hear the message of the Gita from a devotee, they at once embrace it and attain perfection.
Krishna says, “Again there are those who, although not conversant in spiritual knowledge, begin to worship the Supreme Person upon hearing about Him from others. Because of their tendency to hear from authorities, they also transcend the path of birth and death.” (Bg. 13.26)
More than ever before, people need the common sense and elegance of the Gita. Why? The modern media daily brings us foul rumors, incendiary disputes, and scenes of massacre. And a popular scientist has proclaimed, “The human race is just chemical scum on a moderate sized planet . . .” (Stephen Hawking, interview 1994).
It seems that the public demands these things—at least some studies suggest that they do. And news anchors across the world have come to count on the fact that people have developed an insatiable appetite for calumny and the gory details of tragic events.
As people disclose the acrimony and conflict that trouble their hearts in tens of millions of daily blogs, YouTube clips, Facebook postings, and interviews in the 24-hour news cycle, the resultant din is a toxic outpouring of malignant sound that flows into the ears of the innocent masses, leading the world’s population into anxiety, despair, and mental illness.
The delicate human ear requires Krishna’s soothing voice in the Gita to clarify the heart and fortify the intellect.
Even five thousand years after Lord Krishna’s departure from this world, “the Bhagavad-gita can be consulted in all critical times, not only for solace from all kinds of mental agonies, but also for the way out of great entanglements which may embarrass one in some critical hour.” (SB 1.15.27, purport)
Lord Caitanya exalts the Gita to Srila Sanatana Gosvami: “Kåñëa is so merciful that simply by aiming His instructions at Arjuna, He has given protection to the whole world.” (Cc Madhya 22.56)
The Gita issues from the beautiful lotus mouth of Lord Sri Krishna, our best friend and eternal benefactor. And as that message passes through the pen of Krsna’s empowered representative, Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the Bhagavad-gita “As It Is” becomes all the more relishable.
As Gita Jayanti approaches, please read the Gita, remember the Gita, give the Gita.
Humbly in service,
Vaisesika Dasa

Celebrate Krishna’s Eternal Song
→ Toronto Sankirtan Adventures

By H.G. Vaisesika Prabhu
This year, Gita Jayanti, the anniversary of Lord Sri Krishna’s speaking the Bhagavad-Gita to Sri Arjuna, falls on Sunday, December 23rd.
For those whose lives have been forever improved by meeting Lord Krishna personally in the pages of the Gita, Gita Jayanti is not only a day of celebration but also a chance to express their gratitude. And the best way to do so is to share the Gita with others. Krishna Himself says, “There is no servant in this world more dear to Me than he, nor will there ever be one more dear.” (Bg. 18.69)
The Gita teaches the essence of spiritual knowledge, purely and succinctly, in a way that anyone – in any situation of life – can practically apply its instruction and wisdom. And since Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, resides within the heart of every living being, He is always there to help the reader understand the Gita’s profound message.
Many people in the world are innocent; and when they hear the message of the Gita from a devotee, they at once embrace it and attain perfection.
Krishna says, “Again there are those who, although not conversant in spiritual knowledge, begin to worship the Supreme Person upon hearing about Him from others. Because of their tendency to hear from authorities, they also transcend the path of birth and death.” (Bg. 13.26)
More than ever before, people need the common sense and elegance of the Gita. Why? The modern media daily brings us foul rumors, incendiary disputes, and scenes of massacre. And a popular scientist has proclaimed, “The human race is just chemical scum on a moderate sized planet . . .” (Stephen Hawking, interview 1994).
It seems that the public demands these things—at least some studies suggest that they do. And news anchors across the world have come to count on the fact that people have developed an insatiable appetite for calumny and the gory details of tragic events.
As people disclose the acrimony and conflict that trouble their hearts in tens of millions of daily blogs, YouTube clips, Facebook postings, and interviews in the 24-hour news cycle, the resultant din is a toxic outpouring of malignant sound that flows into the ears of the innocent masses, leading the world’s population into anxiety, despair, and mental illness.
The delicate human ear requires Krishna’s soothing voice in the Gita to clarify the heart and fortify the intellect.
Even five thousand years after Lord Krishna’s departure from this world, “the Bhagavad-gita can be consulted in all critical times, not only for solace from all kinds of mental agonies, but also for the way out of great entanglements which may embarrass one in some critical hour.” (SB 1.15.27, purport)
Lord Caitanya exalts the Gita to Srila Sanatana Gosvami: “Kåñëa is so merciful that simply by aiming His instructions at Arjuna, He has given protection to the whole world.” (Cc Madhya 22.56)
The Gita issues from the beautiful lotus mouth of Lord Sri Krishna, our best friend and eternal benefactor. And as that message passes through the pen of Krsna’s empowered representative, Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the Bhagavad-gita “As It Is” becomes all the more relishable.
As Gita Jayanti approaches, please read the Gita, remember the Gita, give the Gita.
Humbly in service,
Vaisesika Dasa

Guess Whose Coming to Town?
→ Toronto Sankirtan Adventures

The much awaited weekend is here, the icing on the “Marathon Cake” – His Grace Vaisesika Prabhu and Her Grace Nirakula Mataji arrive on Thursday! An exciting extended weekend has been arranged for your transcendental pleasure and inspiration!
 
If you’ve been to any of these events before, you surely need no convincing; and if you have not, then you really don’t know what you’re missing! Check out the detailed schedule below, and mark off the dates! Make the most of this amazing weekend, come and drown into the ocean of bliss…as much as you can!



Detailed Schedule

Special 4-part Srimad Bhagavatam Classes (Fri Dec 14th to Mon Dec 17th, 7:30 to 9:00 am): “Books are the Basis – Meeting Krishna Through Srila Prabhupada’s Books”
“By regular attendance in classes on the Bhāgavatam and by rendering of service to the pure devotee, all that is troublesome to the heart is almost completely destroyed, and loving service unto the Personality of Godhead, who is praised with transcendental songs, is established as an irrevocable fact.” Srimad Bhagavatam 1.2.18
Come to inspire and be inspired, learn how to do “Sastra-deity worship”, develop strong personal sadhana through reading and distributing Srila Prabhupada’s Books
Friday Evening Seminar (Dec 14th, 6:30 – 9:00 pm) on Top 6 Techniques to Fast Track your Krishna Conscious ‘Career’
Where do you see your Krishna Consciousness in 5, 10…25 years? What did that senior devotee do right? How to maintain and grow your KC with increasing responsibilities in life (family/job/health)? Come to find out answers to these questions from the ancient yoga texts!
Saturday Street Sankirtan Festival (Dec 15th, Noon – 4:00pm)
A rare chance to head out with Vaisesika Prabhu and share this beautiful gift of Krishna Consciousness with people of Toronto! Highlight is the sharing of the nectar stories with everyone over sumptuous lunch prasadam in the temple!
Saturday Bhajan Night (Dec 15th, 7:00 – 9:00 pm) – Bhajans with Sankirtan Stories led by Vaisesika Prabhu
The all-famous Bhajan Night interspersed with Sankirtan Stories. Come…get a glimpse of the spiritual world!
Sunday Feast Lecture & Kirtan (Dec 16th, 6:30 – 9:00pm) 
Not to be missed!

Guess Whose Coming to Town?
→ Toronto Sankirtan Adventures

The much awaited weekend is here, the icing on the “Marathon Cake” – His Grace Vaisesika Prabhu and Her Grace Nirakula Mataji arrive on Thursday! An exciting extended weekend has been arranged for your transcendental pleasure and inspiration!
 
If you’ve been to any of these events before, you surely need no convincing; and if you have not, then you really don’t know what you’re missing! Check out the detailed schedule below, and mark off the dates! Make the most of this amazing weekend, come and drown into the ocean of bliss…as much as you can!



Detailed Schedule

Special 4-part Srimad Bhagavatam Classes (Fri Dec 14th to Mon Dec 17th, 7:30 to 9:00 am): “Books are the Basis – Meeting Krishna Through Srila Prabhupada’s Books”
“By regular attendance in classes on the Bhāgavatam and by rendering of service to the pure devotee, all that is troublesome to the heart is almost completely destroyed, and loving service unto the Personality of Godhead, who is praised with transcendental songs, is established as an irrevocable fact.” Srimad Bhagavatam 1.2.18
Come to inspire and be inspired, learn how to do “Sastra-deity worship”, develop strong personal sadhana through reading and distributing Srila Prabhupada’s Books
Friday Evening Seminar (Dec 14th, 6:30 – 9:00 pm) on Top 6 Techniques to Fast Track your Krishna Conscious ‘Career’
Where do you see your Krishna Consciousness in 5, 10…25 years? What did that senior devotee do right? How to maintain and grow your KC with increasing responsibilities in life (family/job/health)? Come to find out answers to these questions from the ancient yoga texts!
Saturday Street Sankirtan Festival (Dec 15th, Noon – 4:00pm)
A rare chance to head out with Vaisesika Prabhu and share this beautiful gift of Krishna Consciousness with people of Toronto! Highlight is the sharing of the nectar stories with everyone over sumptuous lunch prasadam in the temple!
Saturday Bhajan Night (Dec 15th, 7:00 – 9:00 pm) – Bhajans with Sankirtan Stories led by Vaisesika Prabhu
The all-famous Bhajan Night interspersed with Sankirtan Stories. Come…get a glimpse of the spiritual world!
Sunday Feast Lecture & Kirtan (Dec 16th, 6:30 – 9:00pm) 
Not to be missed!

Another Ecstatic Weekend
→ Toronto Sankirtan Adventures

Submitted by:- Minakshi Devi Dasi

We went on another two outings this past weekend during Prabhupada Marathon.
This past Friday November 23rdth we were at the Woodbine Banquet Hall for the HAONA Event and then on Sunday we were at Vaishno DeviTemple in Oakville.
The Friday event was fairly small with less than 300 people and many people that had already met us at other banquet hall events in the past few weeks.
One lady entered the foyer of the banquet hall and immediately came over, very pleased and joyful.  She began hugging me and telling me that she is on the board of directors of many community organizations and would love to have us come out to their events as well.  She happens to be a doctor with many connections that we can take advantage of to distribute more and more of Srila Prabhupada’s books.
A while later another I approached a woman who did listen with interest and looked at the Bhagavad Gita and then the Krishna book – she asked me which one she should take – I explained her that one is what Krishna spoke and one is about Krishna – she said that she has been thinking about the Lord for a few days and was thinking about getting some books but did not know where to go and here we are!  She took both books.
There was a huge extended family with sister-in-laws, husbands etc.  Radhapriya spoke to one, Vicky another, Jessica another and me the other.  Each of them was very interested and happily took a selection of Hidden Glory of India, Srimad Bhagavatam Condensed, Illustrated Bhagavatam Stories and more. 
Over 80 books were distributed at this event.
On Sunday we went to Oakville where we had kirtan and as well as a lecture by Subhavilasa Prabhu.  The congregation was very happy. They do not get to hear philosophy on a regular basis so this was refreshing and insightful for them.
One lady spoke to Ashalata devi dasi for a long time and just could not stop her enthusiasm for the chanting, the lecture, the books, etc. She took a Bhagavad Gita and a small book and exchanged her contact information.
I approached a teenager and showed him the Krishna book – he really liked it and showed it to his father.  His father made him promise that he would read the entire book and then agreed to take it. Another lady decided to take 2 Bhagavad Gitas as holiday gifts for her 20 and 21 year old sons.
A small girl of about 6 saw the kids books and desperately wanted it.  The mother was being very reluctant.  Finally Mother Ashalata told her that if your daughter wanted to buy a candy from the store you would buy it so why not buy this that the girl really wants and is more valuable.  She took 3 kids books.
There are so many more stories, so much nectar, but so little space….By the mercy of Srila Prabhupada over 80 books were distributed here as well. 

For the weekend, over 160 Books were distributed and about $800 collected.  Jaya Srila Prabhupada!

Another Ecstatic Weekend
→ Toronto Sankirtan Adventures

Submitted by:- Minakshi Devi Dasi

We went on another two outings this past weekend during Prabhupada Marathon.
This past Friday November 23rdth we were at the Woodbine Banquet Hall for the HAONA Event and then on Sunday we were at Vaishno DeviTemple in Oakville.
The Friday event was fairly small with less than 300 people and many people that had already met us at other banquet hall events in the past few weeks.
One lady entered the foyer of the banquet hall and immediately came over, very pleased and joyful.  She began hugging me and telling me that she is on the board of directors of many community organizations and would love to have us come out to their events as well.  She happens to be a doctor with many connections that we can take advantage of to distribute more and more of Srila Prabhupada’s books.
A while later another I approached a woman who did listen with interest and looked at the Bhagavad Gita and then the Krishna book – she asked me which one she should take – I explained her that one is what Krishna spoke and one is about Krishna – she said that she has been thinking about the Lord for a few days and was thinking about getting some books but did not know where to go and here we are!  She took both books.
There was a huge extended family with sister-in-laws, husbands etc.  Radhapriya spoke to one, Vicky another, Jessica another and me the other.  Each of them was very interested and happily took a selection of Hidden Glory of India, Srimad Bhagavatam Condensed, Illustrated Bhagavatam Stories and more. 
Over 80 books were distributed at this event.
On Sunday we went to Oakville where we had kirtan and as well as a lecture by Subhavilasa Prabhu.  The congregation was very happy. They do not get to hear philosophy on a regular basis so this was refreshing and insightful for them.
One lady spoke to Ashalata devi dasi for a long time and just could not stop her enthusiasm for the chanting, the lecture, the books, etc. She took a Bhagavad Gita and a small book and exchanged her contact information.
I approached a teenager and showed him the Krishna book – he really liked it and showed it to his father.  His father made him promise that he would read the entire book and then agreed to take it. Another lady decided to take 2 Bhagavad Gitas as holiday gifts for her 20 and 21 year old sons.
A small girl of about 6 saw the kids books and desperately wanted it.  The mother was being very reluctant.  Finally Mother Ashalata told her that if your daughter wanted to buy a candy from the store you would buy it so why not buy this that the girl really wants and is more valuable.  She took 3 kids books.
There are so many more stories, so much nectar, but so little space….By the mercy of Srila Prabhupada over 80 books were distributed here as well. 

For the weekend, over 160 Books were distributed and about $800 collected.  Jaya Srila Prabhupada!

Non-Stop Sankirtan
→ Toronto Sankirtan Adventures

By Minakshi Devi Dasi

This past Sunday November 18th we had the opportunity to do two events in one day – the daytime was Vishnu Mandir in Richmond Hill and the evening was a Diwali Event at Versailles Banquet Hall.  So the Sankirtan day began at about 9 am and continued until about 12 midnight!  The sankirtan warriors for this day were myself, my daughter Radhapriya, Mayur Prabhu, Vicky Prabhu and Jessica Mataji.

Our first stop was at the Vishnu Mandir where they were holding their regular Sunday program plus their Diwali Celebration. We were able to setup a table in their lobby and even as we were unpacking the boxes, people were coming by with interest.

One girl looked at the Krishna Book and Bhagavad Gita and after being explained about both books wanted them.  Her mother was a little reluctant – will you really read them and so on – the girl was adamant and the mother purchased both books much to the delight of the girl who held on to them tightly.  There were actually a few kids who loved the Krishna Book and thus had the parent take them.

Adjacent to our table was another table where a young white lady was promoting a not for profit endeavor.  She looked bored so I went to her and spoke about spiritual yoga and showed her 3 of our smaller books including Spiritual Yoga, Consciousness – The Missing Link and Topmost Yoga System.  I told her to just look them over as she sits at her table.

A little while later I followed up with her and she was very excited – she said her husband grew up a Christian but as a teenager gave it up because he was not getting answers and both of them have taken a step back – these books look like exactly what they have been searching for.  She ended up taking 5 books.

We finished at Vishnu Mandir having distributed 120 books.

On we went to the Banquet Hall with a short stopover at Vicky Prabhu’s house for some rest and rejuvenation. 

Here our book distribution started very slowly but we did not give up.  Eventually, by the mercy of Srila Prabhupada things picked up.

One lady that took a Bhagavad Gita happened to be a Crown Prosecutor that is involved in murder trials – she said “I need something spiritual to help me.”

A professor from Nairobi that we met at an event a few weeks ago happened to be at this event and was excited to see us again.  Another fellow who saw us at another event invited us to come out to an event this Friday that is hosted by an organization that he is the Chairman of.   When I took his name and number and gave him my name – he said I already know you – I know you and your family from the temple since you were a little girl.

We distributed books to all bodies – white, brown and black, to government officials and to Sikhs – many took Bhagavad Gitas.  We distributed a total of 100 books at the Banquet Hall.

Although it was a long day, we were having such a Sankirtan rush and experiencing much nectar!

Final results for Sunday’s efforts – over 220 Books and over $1100 Laxmi Collected.  Jaya Srila Prabhupada!

Non-Stop Sankirtan
→ Toronto Sankirtan Adventures

By Minakshi Devi Dasi

This past Sunday November 18th we had the opportunity to do two events in one day – the daytime was Vishnu Mandir in Richmond Hill and the evening was a Diwali Event at Versailles Banquet Hall.  So the Sankirtan day began at about 9 am and continued until about 12 midnight!  The sankirtan warriors for this day were myself, my daughter Radhapriya, Mayur Prabhu, Vicky Prabhu and Jessica Mataji.

Our first stop was at the Vishnu Mandir where they were holding their regular Sunday program plus their Diwali Celebration. We were able to setup a table in their lobby and even as we were unpacking the boxes, people were coming by with interest.

One girl looked at the Krishna Book and Bhagavad Gita and after being explained about both books wanted them.  Her mother was a little reluctant – will you really read them and so on – the girl was adamant and the mother purchased both books much to the delight of the girl who held on to them tightly.  There were actually a few kids who loved the Krishna Book and thus had the parent take them.

Adjacent to our table was another table where a young white lady was promoting a not for profit endeavor.  She looked bored so I went to her and spoke about spiritual yoga and showed her 3 of our smaller books including Spiritual Yoga, Consciousness – The Missing Link and Topmost Yoga System.  I told her to just look them over as she sits at her table.

A little while later I followed up with her and she was very excited – she said her husband grew up a Christian but as a teenager gave it up because he was not getting answers and both of them have taken a step back – these books look like exactly what they have been searching for.  She ended up taking 5 books.

We finished at Vishnu Mandir having distributed 120 books.

On we went to the Banquet Hall with a short stopover at Vicky Prabhu’s house for some rest and rejuvenation. 

Here our book distribution started very slowly but we did not give up.  Eventually, by the mercy of Srila Prabhupada things picked up.

One lady that took a Bhagavad Gita happened to be a Crown Prosecutor that is involved in murder trials – she said “I need something spiritual to help me.”

A professor from Nairobi that we met at an event a few weeks ago happened to be at this event and was excited to see us again.  Another fellow who saw us at another event invited us to come out to an event this Friday that is hosted by an organization that he is the Chairman of.   When I took his name and number and gave him my name – he said I already know you – I know you and your family from the temple since you were a little girl.

We distributed books to all bodies – white, brown and black, to government officials and to Sikhs – many took Bhagavad Gitas.  We distributed a total of 100 books at the Banquet Hall.

Although it was a long day, we were having such a Sankirtan rush and experiencing much nectar!

Final results for Sunday’s efforts – over 220 Books and over $1100 Laxmi Collected.  Jaya Srila Prabhupada!

Glorious Gerrard Street Sankirtan
→ Toronto Sankirtan Adventures

Submitted by:- Minakshi dd
Our weekend of Ecstatic Book Distribution continued on Sunday November 11th where we did Sankirtan on 

Gerrard Street

.  By the mercy of Srila Prabhupada, we were able to get permission to setup a table in front of one of the clothing retailers.

As we were setting up we noticed a puja store adjacent to the clothing store and predicted trouble! 
About 20 minutes later the owner of the puja store came out and was asking “who gave you permission, you can’t be here” and proceeded to admonish the clothing store owner about it.  With Krishna’s mercy the clothing store owner said – yes, what is wrong? – he did indeed give permission – they are the Hare Krishnas – leave them alone.  So our angry puja store owner just stomped away.
Later on in the evening, Subhavilasa Prabhu came by and decided to go into the puja store and speak to the man – it turned out that Subhavilasa Prabhu knows this man’s brother for years.  The brother assisted the temple back in the 70’s. Subhavilasa Prabhu was able to not only soften the owner up but he ended up taking 9 books!
There were many stories from this event and I will relate a few quickly:
Jessica Mataji was speaking to a family and they purchase a couple of books and took a temple card.  They ended up coming to the temple that very same evening, spoke to Indresh Prabhu and took sweet boxes and more books – so instant reaction!
I approached a young couple and said Happy Diwali and showed them the Bhagavad Gita. They said that just two minutes ago as they were walking down the street they were thinking of getting something spiritual – they each took a Bhagavad Gita – just see how Krishna knows people’s hearts.
Ashalata Devi Dasi came by later in the evening and immediately began pumping out Krishna Books and Bhagavad Gitas both Hindi and English – one man, an Ismaili, listened to her about the Krishna book and said this looks interesting – I WILL read it and quickly took out his wallet to pay.
Final results for Sunday’s efforts – 150 Books, $502 Laxmi Collected, countless nectar, and many thanks to all who helped – Jaya Srila Prabhupada!

Glorious Gerrard Street Sankirtan
→ Toronto Sankirtan Adventures

Submitted by:- Minakshi dd
Our weekend of Ecstatic Book Distribution continued on Sunday November 11th where we did Sankirtan on 

Gerrard Street

.  By the mercy of Srila Prabhupada, we were able to get permission to setup a table in front of one of the clothing retailers.

As we were setting up we noticed a puja store adjacent to the clothing store and predicted trouble! 
About 20 minutes later the owner of the puja store came out and was asking “who gave you permission, you can’t be here” and proceeded to admonish the clothing store owner about it.  With Krishna’s mercy the clothing store owner said – yes, what is wrong? – he did indeed give permission – they are the Hare Krishnas – leave them alone.  So our angry puja store owner just stomped away.
Later on in the evening, Subhavilasa Prabhu came by and decided to go into the puja store and speak to the man – it turned out that Subhavilasa Prabhu knows this man’s brother for years.  The brother assisted the temple back in the 70’s. Subhavilasa Prabhu was able to not only soften the owner up but he ended up taking 9 books!
There were many stories from this event and I will relate a few quickly:
Jessica Mataji was speaking to a family and they purchase a couple of books and took a temple card.  They ended up coming to the temple that very same evening, spoke to Indresh Prabhu and took sweet boxes and more books – so instant reaction!
I approached a young couple and said Happy Diwali and showed them the Bhagavad Gita. They said that just two minutes ago as they were walking down the street they were thinking of getting something spiritual – they each took a Bhagavad Gita – just see how Krishna knows people’s hearts.
Ashalata Devi Dasi came by later in the evening and immediately began pumping out Krishna Books and Bhagavad Gitas both Hindi and English – one man, an Ismaili, listened to her about the Krishna book and said this looks interesting – I WILL read it and quickly took out his wallet to pay.
Final results for Sunday’s efforts – 150 Books, $502 Laxmi Collected, countless nectar, and many thanks to all who helped – Jaya Srila Prabhupada!

Ecstatic Weekend of Book Distribution – Diwali Event
→ Toronto Sankirtan Adventures

Submitted by Minakshi dd

This weekend we had the opportunity to do Sankirtan not only on Saturday but also on Sunday. So two days of Sankirtan in the service of Srila Prabhupada!
This is a recap of Saturday’s event:
We went to a Banquet Hall in Mississauga where they were holding a Diwali Celebration.  We were able to secure a table in the lobby and immediately put up a huge poster of Srila Prabupada along with a variety of books. 
Beside us was a vendor selling saris – the name of her store happened to be “Maya” so we were joking among ourselves – “Do you want Krishna or Maya?” Of course we saw that people (especially the women) were all hovering around the sari table – Maya! 
Not only that, inside the hall, the music was blaring, the lights were pulsing, people were drinking and eating meat. But the Sankirtan devotees – Vicky Prabhu, Mayur Prabhu, Jessica Mataji, myself and my daughter Radhapriya stayed in the lobby and kept preaching and distributing books.  Our thoughts were on how Lord Chaitanya and Lord Nityananda dealt with Jagai and Madhai. We are insignificant compared to this example. 
Final results for Saturday’s efforts – 116 Books including several Bhagavad Gitas and Krishna Books and $534 Laxmi Collected – Jaya Srila Prabhupada!

Ecstatic Weekend of Book Distribution – Diwali Event
→ Toronto Sankirtan Adventures

Submitted by Minakshi dd

This weekend we had the opportunity to do Sankirtan not only on Saturday but also on Sunday. So two days of Sankirtan in the service of Srila Prabhupada!
This is a recap of Saturday’s event:
We went to a Banquet Hall in Mississauga where they were holding a Diwali Celebration.  We were able to secure a table in the lobby and immediately put up a huge poster of Srila Prabupada along with a variety of books. 
Beside us was a vendor selling saris – the name of her store happened to be “Maya” so we were joking among ourselves – “Do you want Krishna or Maya?” Of course we saw that people (especially the women) were all hovering around the sari table – Maya! 
Not only that, inside the hall, the music was blaring, the lights were pulsing, people were drinking and eating meat. But the Sankirtan devotees – Vicky Prabhu, Mayur Prabhu, Jessica Mataji, myself and my daughter Radhapriya stayed in the lobby and kept preaching and distributing books.  Our thoughts were on how Lord Chaitanya and Lord Nityananda dealt with Jagai and Madhai. We are insignificant compared to this example. 
Final results for Saturday’s efforts – 116 Books including several Bhagavad Gitas and Krishna Books and $534 Laxmi Collected – Jaya Srila Prabhupada!

Sankirtan At Garba – Leaving No Stone Un-turned
→ Toronto Sankirtan Adventures

Submitted by:- Minakshi devi dasi



On Saturday October 13th we had the opportunity to do book distribution at the Ontario Soccer Centre where there was a Garba Event. Imagine on the one hand loud pulsing live music with hundreds of people dancing with dandiya sticks and on the other hand Srila Prabhupada’s books trying to deliver these souls.  The sankirtan warriors included Mayur Prabhu, Vijay Patel Prabhu, Radhapriya and myself.
A quick incident: I had approached a couple of older men and started speaking to them and showing them the Krishna Book in Gujarati; they came closer to the table and we continued to speak.  In the meantime, another man came closer and said there is no need for these books – ‘everything is in your mind – you control your happiness’. Despite this, I showed them a paragraph about suffering and happiness and they ignored the interrupting man and purchased 2 Krishna Books and 1 small Gujarati book!
A lot of people said ‘we already have these books’ or ‘we already know about Krishna’.  Others had been drinking and we could clearly smell it on them. Anyhow we all persevered and by the end of the night we distributed over 60 books including many Krishna Books and Kid’s books and collected over $400.  Thank you to all the devotees who helped in this service! Jaya Srila Prabhupada!

Sankirtan At Garba – Leaving No Stone Un-turned
→ Toronto Sankirtan Adventures

Submitted by:- Minakshi devi dasi



On Saturday October 13th we had the opportunity to do book distribution at the Ontario Soccer Centre where there was a Garba Event. Imagine on the one hand loud pulsing live music with hundreds of people dancing with dandiya sticks and on the other hand Srila Prabhupada’s books trying to deliver these souls.  The sankirtan warriors included Mayur Prabhu, Vijay Patel Prabhu, Radhapriya and myself.
A quick incident: I had approached a couple of older men and started speaking to them and showing them the Krishna Book in Gujarati; they came closer to the table and we continued to speak.  In the meantime, another man came closer and said there is no need for these books – ‘everything is in your mind – you control your happiness’. Despite this, I showed them a paragraph about suffering and happiness and they ignored the interrupting man and purchased 2 Krishna Books and 1 small Gujarati book!
A lot of people said ‘we already have these books’ or ‘we already know about Krishna’.  Others had been drinking and we could clearly smell it on them. Anyhow we all persevered and by the end of the night we distributed over 60 books including many Krishna Books and Kid’s books and collected over $400.  Thank you to all the devotees who helped in this service! Jaya Srila Prabhupada!

Sankirtan Nectar from Toronto
→ Toronto Sankirtan Adventures

One of the most enthusiastic sankirtan devotees in Toronto,  Bhakta Mayur, goes almost every day on sankirtan – whether there is a big festival with a team of 20 devotees, or by himself, his determination to share Srila Prabhupada’s books is unshakeable.

Here is an excerpt from a compilation of some amazing sankirtan nectar, which was recently shared on the international book distribution portal.

We also met one boy who was I think about twenty years of age, and Jessica started a conversation near Rosedale garden. The guy said “I tried yoga but it is really hard to get it, and kinda’ boring”, and Jessica handed him a book and said “It’s OK you can just read the rear cover of this book”. Srila Prabhupada writes about the perfection of yoga, how we are not this body and that we are pure servants of Lord Krishna, and how what we really must do is realize this by chanting Hare Krishna. So then she said “let’s chant”, and the young boy and his girlfriend joined us in chanting the Mahamantra. Jessica showed him her beads and she explained what is Krishna consciousness, what the effect of the Mahamantra is in in our daily lives. Really amazing.

Sankirtan Nectar from Toronto
→ Toronto Sankirtan Adventures

One of the most enthusiastic sankirtan devotees in Toronto,  Bhakta Mayur, goes almost every day on sankirtan – whether there is a big festival with a team of 20 devotees, or by himself, his determination to share Srila Prabhupada’s books is unshakeable.

Here is an excerpt from a compilation of some amazing sankirtan nectar, which was recently shared on the international book distribution portal.

We also met one boy who was I think about twenty years of age, and Jessica started a conversation near Rosedale garden. The guy said “I tried yoga but it is really hard to get it, and kinda’ boring”, and Jessica handed him a book and said “It’s OK you can just read the rear cover of this book”. Srila Prabhupada writes about the perfection of yoga, how we are not this body and that we are pure servants of Lord Krishna, and how what we really must do is realize this by chanting Hare Krishna. So then she said “let’s chant”, and the young boy and his girlfriend joined us in chanting the Mahamantra. Jessica showed him her beads and she explained what is Krishna consciousness, what the effect of the Mahamantra is in in our daily lives. Really amazing.