‘Walking Monk’ heads across Iowa. Bhaktimarga Swami, known as…
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‘Walking Monk’ heads across Iowa.
Bhaktimarga Swami, known as “The Walking Monk,” says “the walk before” encourages him to keep walking, which got him started on his most recent walk, a walk across America.
Bhaktimarga Swami (formerly John Peter Vis) is a Hare Krishna monk who is walking across America to promote a healthier global lifestyle, a strong spiritual foundation and a simple meditative life.
“I’m also out here to integrate with people,” the 63-year-old Canadian said. “It’s kind of like a workout and a workin … to take time to process life.”
He is also walking to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the incorporation of the Hare Krisna movement.
On this particular day (Wednesday, July 20) he started just outside of Brooklyn on Highway 6 and was stopped just east of Grinnell.
Born in 1952 in Chatham, Ontario, Canada, Bhaktimarga Swami adopted the monastic lifestyle of the Hare Krisna order in 1973.
Traveling on foot is a common practice in various traditions, he said, and it’s an effective way to reach out and communicate the importance of morality and ethical priorities.
“You learn to take it all in,” Bhaktimarga Swami said. “The heat, the wind, the rain, the traffic, the cold, the black flies, the mosquitos, the public attention or none. With all of that you learn detachment from the externals and how to go within to be happy.”
Bhaktimarga Swami said that during his travels he has had a number of different experiences. He usually starts a walk very early each day – recently to beat the heat in Iowa he has started around 4 a.m. And with wearing an orange robe he has been mistaken for a number of different things in the dark, including an escaped convict.
That normally brings the police, but after a brief discussion, he continues on his way.
In Iowa, Bhaktimarga Swami had only good to say for the law enforcement community.
“The police have been terrific,” he said. “The cops are nice here in Iowa.”
This tour is made of three parts – he started last fall in Boston, went to Bulter, Penn., then into New York. The second leg started in Butler and brought him to Grinnell. He plans on stopping near Grand Island, Neb., before continuing on the third leg next summer.
This isn’t new to him, he has trekked across Canada four times, Ireland, Israel, Guyana, Trinidad, the Fiji Islands, Mauritius and other countries. He was featured in a National Film Board of Canda’s documentary titled “The Longest Road.”
He averages about 20 miles a day, he said.
“While I walk I also meditate,” Bhaktimarga said. “As a monk you have that obligation to yourself – take to the elements and toughen up inside.”
Source: http://goo.gl/AXuNMJ

A series of new ISKCON 50 Vyasa-puja posters, designed by Bhaktivaibhava Swami has been released
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Hare KrishnaBy Kamala Sundari devi dasi

Exalting the festivities of Srila Prabhupada’s Vyasa-puja would provide more opportunities for present and future generations of devotees to nurture and strengthen their individual relationship with His Divine Grace, and further secure the understanding of Srila Prabhupada’s pre-eminent position in our movement. By producing a Vyasa-puja pack, with its booklet, posters, postcards, banners, videos and more (www.founderacarya.com/vp), the Srila Prabhupada Position Committee aims to inspire and facilitate ISKCON temples and communities worldwide to enhance the celebration of Srila Prabhupada’s annual Vyasa-puja festivities for years to come and to encourage ongoing exchange among devotees. A series of new ISKCON 50 Vyasa-puja posters, designed by Bhaktivaibhava Swami has been released. “Please make good use of the help offered for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada”, Bhakti Charu Swami Continue reading "A series of new ISKCON 50 Vyasa-puja posters, designed by Bhaktivaibhava Swami has been released
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ISKCON Vraj Mandal Parikrama 2016 2015 was the 500th anniversary…
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ISKCON Vraj Mandal Parikrama 2016
2015 was the 500th anniversary year of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s visit to Vraj Mandal and 2016 being ISKCON’s 50th Anniversary Celebration. Come for Vraj Mandal Parikrama on this special occasion and immerse yourself in Krishna katha and kirtan by devotees from around the world.
There will be special facilities for international group. Visit www.vrajmandalparikrama.com for details on booking and facilities available. For more information contact us
VRAJ84@Pamho.net, Brajbhoomi.lok@pamho.net, shyamrupdas.lok@gmail.com.
Brajbhoomi Das :-+91- 9415113744
Istadev Das:- +91-9593648074
Shyamrupa Das:- +91-8087115554
Paramdham Das:-+1(301)906- 3598
Fees
A) Rs. 5000/- Bramhachari, Fulltime Devotees,Namhatt Devotees ( with recommendation letter )
B) Rs. 7000/- Regular Indian devotees
C) Rs.11000/- International Group
D) Rs.12000/- shuttle Group
E) Rs. 21000/- Special Group
Below is the schedule.
October 2016
16th:- Vrindavan Parikrama – Ishtagoshti
17th:- Vrindavan To Mathura
18th:- Mathura Parikrama
19th:- Mathura to Madhuban
20th:- Madhuban To Shantanu Kund
21st:- Shatanukund to Radhakund
22nd:- Radhakund – Goverdhan Parikrama
23rd:- Radhakund – Bahulaashtmi Radhakund
24th:- Radhakund to Deeg
25th:- Deeg to Badrinath
26th:- Badrinath Parikrama – Indira Ekadashi
27th:- Badrinath to Kamavan
28th:- Kamavan Interior Parikrama
29th:- Kamavan External Parikrama
30th:- Kamavan to Barsana – Deepavali
31st:- Barsana – Goverdhan Puja
November 2016
01st:- Barsana
02nd:- Barsana to Nandgaon
03rd:- Nandgaon to Kokilavan
04th:- Kokilavan – Prabhupada Disapp Day
05th:- Kokilvan to Sheshashyai
06th:- Sheshashyai to Shergarh
07th:- Shergarh to chirghat
08th:- Chirghat to Bhandirvan – Gopastami
09th:- Bhandirvan to Mansarovar
10th:- Mansarovar to Lohavan
11th:- Lohavan to Dauji – Utthan Ekadashi
12th:- Dauji to Brahmand Ghat
13th:- Bramhand Ghat to Raval
14th:- Raval to Mathura – Kartik Purnima

TARANG Festival (Album with photos) IYF C2C organised its first…
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TARANG Festival (Album with photos)
IYF C2C organised its first ever only Boys festival ‘TARANG’.
In an anticipation to have deep association of each other, IYF C2C organised its only boys festival Tarang. This festival saw a confluence of large number of new enthusiasts along with the experienced devotees. Not only was it a different experience for these new boys who were eagerly looking forward for some spiritual healing but also gave a new taste to the existent devotees.
IYF C2C was honored with the presence of HG Patri Prabhu from ISKCON Nepal, who is an ardent preacher and inspirer of Krishna consciousness. He shared with everyone the 'Password of Happiness’ through interactive seminars and served everyone with some food for thought. The festival was ornamented with an exceptional mime play which gave way to yet another series of take away questions for all. The festival finished with extremely stunning performance by our Rock band and some delicious prasadam.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/y4rQE3

Disha Festival 16 (Album with photos) It was a festival in the…
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Disha Festival 16 (Album with photos)
It was a festival in the true sense! Very many beautiful colours, dance performances, dramas, music, food and absolutely unlimited bliss. IYF C2C’s first only girls Festival- Disha'16 was a complete success because of the beautiful smiling faces its welcomed. Girls independent from the rest of the world but lovingly dependent on each other, put across a beautiful show. There were ecstatic kirtans, classical dance performances, a hilarious drama on the topic ‘Why do Bad things happen to good people’. A presentation on 'The password to happiness’ made many Young minds think. It was followed by a flash mob and a pantomime show called 'Me and my mind’. Lastly, the festival impressioned the audience with its rock show and a beautiful Vedic Fashion show where Young vaishnavis showcased beautiful traditional outfits.
The festival wrapped up with a huge gathering of girls at their favourite counter of 'Gol gappa’s’ along with other delicious items of prasadam.
All glories to the young Vaishnavis!
Find them here: https://goo.gl/5Bbs20

Should we study scripture deeply and slowly or rapidly to get an overview?
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Answer Podcast


Download by “right-click and save content”

The post Should we study scripture deeply and slowly or rapidly to get an overview? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Kadamba Kanana Swami: I have a cartoon. The first picture shows…
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Kadamba Kanana Swami: I have a cartoon. The first picture shows a child, you know, baby just born and the caption says, “Too young.” Next picture shows a couple in love, hand-in-hand, full moon behind them, “Too much in love.” Next picture shows a family, a few kids, you know, bags with groceries. He has got a phone, a computer, a drill and a screwdriver. I mean, they have six arms; they are, “Too busy.” Next picture, an old man; death, “Too old.” Last picture has cross on the grave, “Too late.”
So at every stage of life, we have an excuse. We always have an excuse. So, now you can say, “I always thought chanting Hare Krsna was very difficult and now I have the perfect excuse – children! So happy that I have children because I don’t have to chant Hare Krsna anymore. It is a relief, right, because now I have very good arguments not to chant.”
No, chanting must be done under any condition of life and no material difficulty can ever be accepted as a valid excuse for not chanting.
Yeah, you know, “Why didn’t you chant your rounds today?”
“I broke my leg.”
“That is not a valid excuse. You could have chanted in the hospital.”
“Yes, but I was unconscious.”
“Well, then you should have started chanting when you regained consciousness.”
So we do not accept any excuse when it comes to chanting. Sorry! That is the first point and that is how we have to deal with ourselves. You have to take charge of yourself with intelligence as if you are another person, looking at yourself then you see yourself coming with excuses.
RedAlarmClock“I’m too busy.”
“Sorry, that’s not an excuse.”
Make time. You manage to make time when you really like something… like for your favourite TV program. So yes, with our intelligence, we must take charge and make arrangements – make time to chant. And chant with a plan. Don’t just let chanting happen.
“I have to chant sixteen rounds. I’m really trying, I’m trying. But I’m so busy, I’m so busy. You can’t believe how busy I am, I just cannot do it. I just don’t have the time. I try and try, every day I try. Don’t have the time.”
Uh, uh. Get time management! You have a time management problem. Yes, you are chanting without a plan. How do you think you will get it done without a plan? You have to have a plan. You have to build chanting into your day. Say, “I’ll chant here, I’ll chant there, and I need so much time for sixteen rounds. So many rounds here, so many rounds there.” That is how it is done!
You know, I also have a plan to chant today because I just arrived in Australia. I am sort of still dizzy and disoriented and looking at like, “Where am I?” Seems to be Sydney and there are three programs today. Three programs. So, I have to chant some rounds on the drive back… I have to make sure that I don’t fall asleep and that the driver is not going to try to reveal his heart to me while driving. (laughter) So, make a plan for spiritual life and it will go well.

The Leadership Show | Porsche Pray Love | Interview with HH Bhakti Charu Swami and Roh Singh
Bhakti Charu Swami

HH Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaj had an interview with Roh Singh at Australia. Here is what he writes at his channel : “His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami, a devout monk for 40 years, is Coach of Leaders in Corporations and Governments, Incoming Chairman of ISKCON, (100 Countries, 650 plus schools, temples and wellness centres, feeding 1.2 […]

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The Power of the Holy Names Turns Gobhakshaka to Gorakshaka
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Hare KrishnaBy Acarya Dasa

On July 31st padayatra camped on the outskirts of the Manalmedu Village, 10 kilometers away from Karrur. There was an old age home nearby where many disabled, diseased and elderly people lived. We thought because they could not walk to come see us that we would go to them. So, we went there and had a wonderful kirtana and katha for the residents. When we were leaving the old age home we noticed a man very cruelly dragging a cow to his village. It was painful to watch and we understood by the manner in which he was treating her that he was going to kill her for sure. A few of us followed him as he entered his village. When he reached his house we saw a large pile of cow flesh. It was very evident that he was preparing to kill the cow that he had hauled to his home. We were both horrified and really scared when we saw that he had a big sharp instrument that he was going to use to cut the cow’s head. Continue reading "The Power of the Holy Names Turns Gobhakshaka to Gorakshaka
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“Ocean Of Mercy” Book Launch At ISKCON New Jersey By Bhakti Charu Swami
Bhakti Charu Swami

On 3rd August 2016, HH Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaj did his second book-launch in USA of “Ocean of Mercy” at ISKCON New Jersey as an offering to Srila Prabhupada on ISKCON’s 50th anniversary. Please watch the video of the event here:

The post “Ocean Of Mercy” Book Launch At ISKCON New Jersey By Bhakti Charu Swami appeared first on Bhakti Charu Swami.

Maha-Mantra Festival – July 28 to August 14
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A lone, broke and aged man once embarked on a cargo ship to an unknown land. He suffered three heart attacks but what kept the him going was a mission which was not even his own but his guru’s. A perfect beginning to the history in making. Decades later he is celebrated on CNN as one of the top 10 successful men who launched their careers after 50.

His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada or simply Prabhupada, in a span of five decades, has inspired thousands and established hundreds of temples globally. Amongst his biggest contributions are the English translation of Srimad Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam and over 60 other titles that are now translated in over 80 languages.

This year ISKCON centres all over the world will commemorate the arrival of Srila Prabhupada to the West from July 28th - August 14th. In Toronto, we will have an 18 day festival with a mix of a variety of events- seminars, Harinamas, readings and more. Also known as the 'World Holy Name Week', this really is a festival of gratitude and appreciation for what Prabhupada has given us via the medium of learning and sharing the (Holy) word! Be engaged in the following variety of ways.

Weekday Events:

  • Daily 15 min readings from Srila Prabhupada’s Lilamrta 
    • Time: 9:00pm - 9:15pm
    • A lifetime spent in preparation to build a house the world could live in. Who is this 70 year old remarkable man who continues to change lives in this universe and beyond, way after he moved on to the eternal realm in 1977? Sound ethereal yet? Let's discover his unbelievable journey with 15min of daily readings and celebrate the man himself.                                              To participate, call: (416)-800-4317; conference code: 8440353#
  • Thursday, Jul 28: Inaugural Kirtan
    • Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
    • The festivities kickstarted with the right mood of welcoming the Holy names. It was a sweet evening and the Deities looked stunning in pink!
  • Tuesday Sanga with Laxmimoni Dasi, 
    • August 2, 2016
    • Key Elements of Vaisnava Etiquette
  • Wednesday, August 3 and 10: Weekly Kirtan
    • Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
    • The attempt of these kirtans will be to focus and meditate by diving deeper into the resonance of the Holy name in congregation. 
Weekend Events:

  • Saturday, Jul 30: Monthly Sankirtan Festival
    • Time: 11am - 2pm
    • Join us for the monthly sankirtan festival, this month in honour of Srila Prabhupada's entrance to the Western world. We will continue to celebrate with more kirtan, prasad and smiles - this time with the residents of Toronto. Location TBD.
  • Wednesday, Aug 3 and 10: Seminar: How to Study Srila Prabhupada’s Books
    • Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm
    • So there is "reading a book", and then there is "studying with scrutiny". A gulf of difference between the two. We might have read some of Prabhupada’s books and thought them to be philosophically appealing; how about reading them in a light that would turn and transform your life? It is possible. It has happened and continues to happen. Come find out how.
  • Sunday, Aug 7: 32+ Rounds Japathon
    • Time: 4:30 am onwards
    • Kirtan is a collective prayer while japa or chanting on beads is a personal one-on-one. Here is a chance to connect deeper with the Holy name by chanting 32+ rounds with the support and association of others!
  • Saturday, Aug 13: Maha-Harinam 
    • Time: starting 4pm from temple
    • We will head out to the Old City Hall, as we've done so in the past, and bring these positive vibrations to those in Downtown Toronto. There will be singing, dancing, jumping and lots of smiling.
When Prabhupada came to the West, among the few sparse items that he brought with himself was a book of his translated Bhagavatam. As a part of the ISKCON50 celebrations, embrace yourself with the 50+ Bhagavatam Challenge! All one needs to do is pledge to distribute one set by August 14th!

18 days of mindfully embracing the Holy names! See you there! For further information, please feel free to contact- Hladini Gopika Devi dasi: 647-989-1806 or email: toronto.sankirtan@gmail.com.


Excuses, Excuses
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(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 09 March 2014, Sydney, Australia, Srimad Bhagavatam 6.6.11)

cartoon_strip_final_high res

I have a cartoon. The first picture shows a child, you know, baby just born and the caption says, “Too young.” Next picture shows a couple in love, hand-in-hand, full moon behind them, “Too much in love.” Next picture shows a family, a few kids, you know, bags with groceries. He has got a phone, a computer, a drill and a screwdriver. I mean, they have six arms; they are, “Too busy.” Next picture, an old man; death, “Too old.” Last picture has cross on the grave, “Too late.”

So at every stage of life, we have an excuse. We always have an excuse. So, now you can say, “I always thought chanting Hare Krsna was very difficult and now I have the perfect excuse – children! So happy that I have children because I don’t have to chant Hare Krsna anymore. It is a relief, right, because now I have very good arguments not to chant.”

No, chanting must be done under any condition of life and no material difficulty can ever be accepted as a valid excuse for not chanting.

Yeah, you know, “Why didn’t you chant your rounds today?”
“I broke my leg.”
“That is not a valid excuse. You could have chanted in the hospital.”
“Yes, but I was unconscious.”
“Well, then you should have started chanting when you regained consciousness.”

So we do not accept any excuse when it comes to chanting. Sorry! That is the first point and that is how we have to deal with ourselves. You have to take charge of yourself with intelligence as if you are another person, looking at yourself then you see yourself coming with excuses.

RedAlarmClock“I’m too busy.”
“Sorry, that’s not an excuse.”

Make time. You manage to make time when you really something… like for your favourite TV program. So yes, with our intelligence, we must take charge and make arrangements – make time to chant. And chant with a plan. Don’t just let chanting happen.

“I have to chant sixteen rounds. I’m really trying, I’m trying. But I’m so busy, I’m so busy. You can’t believe how busy I am, I just cannot do it. I just don’t have the time. I try and try, every day I try. Don’t have the time.”

Uh, uh. Get time management! You have a time management problem. Yes, you are chanting without a plan. How do you think you will get it done without a plan? You have to have a plan. You have to build chanting into your day. Say, “I’ll chant here, I’ll chant there, and I need so much time for sixteen rounds. So many rounds here, so many rounds there.” That is how it is done!

You know, I also have a plan to chant today because I just arrived in Australia. I am sort of still dizzy and disoriented and looking at like, “Where am I?” Seems to be Sydney and there are three programs today. Three programs. So, I have to chant some rounds on the drive back… I have to make sure that I don’t fall asleep and that the driver is not going to try to reveal his heart to me while driving. (laughter) So, make a plan for spiritual life and it will go well.

ISKCON Nepal celebrates 33rd Rath Yatra on the occasion of ISKCON’s Golden Jubilee
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Hare KrishnaBy The Himalayan Times

The chariot procession was organised by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness Nepal to mark the golden jubilee of its establishment. Devotees made a beeline in the street as the chariot procession of Jagannath, Baladev and Subhadra started from Kamaladi and passed through Ghantaghar, Bhadrakali, New Road, Keshar Mahal, Durbar Marg and Putalisadak before ending at Brikutimandap. Continue reading "ISKCON Nepal celebrates 33rd Rath Yatra on the occasion of ISKCON’s Golden Jubilee
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Time Line of Lord Krishna Supported by Science
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By Sri Nandanandana dasa

As devotees and followers of the Vedic path, we already accept the premise that Lord Krishna appeared 5,000 years ago and spoke the Bhagavad-gita in the Mahabharata war. But it is always nice when scholars, other researchers and science can add support to what we already propose. So let’s take a look at this. One aspect that can show us the early nature of Vedic society, and with a little more reliability, is highlighting the time when Lord Krishna was present. This is another point that has generated many opinions, but is now much clearer than ever with more recent research and findings. Astrophysicist Dr. Narahari Achar, a physicist from the University of Memphis, clearly showed with astronomical analysis that the Mahabharata war took place in 3067 BCE. Examining the Mahabharata, books 3, 5, and 18, his sky map software showed that all these descriptions converge in the year 3067. Achar also acknowledged that some 30 years earlier, in 1969, S. Raghavan had arrived at the same date. In determining the date of the Mahabharata war at Kurukshetra, astronomical references in the epic can be used, of which there are more than one hundred and fifty. Most of these that pertain to the war, though there are many scattered throughout the texts, is in the Udyoga and Bhisma Parvas. Those in the Bhisma Parva are especially systematic and are also in accordance with the astrological omens described in the Atharva Veda and its Parishishtas, referring mostly to comets. When these are put together with the retrograde motion of Mars before reaching Jyestha, this leads to the unique date of 3067 BCE for the date of the war, which was previously proposed by Professor Raghavan. 1 Continue reading "Time Line of Lord Krishna Supported by Science
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Monday, July 25th, 2016
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Monday, July 25th, 2016
Mitchellville, Iowa

Hawks and Their Direction

It is said that the hawk is known for its powers of focus and observation.  And when a hawk is spotted, either in flight or perched, it is a sign that some initiative should be taken up.

My morning and afternoon were punctuated with the presence of a hawk.  He was, of course, buzzing about, more interested in prey than my prayer.  I enjoyed his camaraderie.  We were moving along somewhat in the same sphere for a while, with him in the air and myself on the ground.

Initiative?  New projects?  Well, maybe!

A film-maker I met last fall in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania had a project in mind, one that would involve some hiking on the Appalachian Trail.  The participants would be leaders of religious denominations.  I have been invited to represent Krishna Consciousness.  The trek would begin at the start of May.  I just received an e-mail. 

My dilemma is that my last leg of the cross-US walk would already be in session.  I’ll be 64.  I don’t know that my knees would take too kindly to the endeavour, although I would truly relish trekking and camping with a priest, a rabbi, a Buddhist monk and a mullah.

So, I question the timeline and whether I can physically take up the challenge, especially if it involves backpacking. Let’s dwell on it.

The hawk of the morning brought good vibes.  Motorists were waving.  One group of people stopped to load Mandala and I with a pile of sweet corn.  The hawk of the afternoon seemed to lead us to a shady bike-path, a relief from the strong sun.

May the Source be with you!

20 miles

Sunday, July 24th, 2016
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Sunday, July 24th, 2016
Des Moines, Iowa

Conversation in Flight

I sat next to Mike on the plane back to the States and we got to talking.  He works with the mining industry.  We spoke about that and I could see that now, at 55, he’s feeling good about his years of work with his company, his being a loyal husband and father, and that it’s something worth reflecting on.  He seemed content about life’s pursuits.

What about his spiritual side?  He asked me about my Krishna consciousness and my vocation as a monk. Admittedly, it’s a different approach to life from his, and I suppose you could say I spoke with a similar kind of pride about my years in the monastic order, as he expressed with a wholesome pride about his career.

“Have you ever wondered,” I asked him, “where all this leads to, all this living, all this working hard, and for what?  Do we live just to survive?”

I wasn’t sure if he had some belief in God, a higher power or what?  He did say that he’s spent hours of conversation with his wife on the topic of destiny, or the aspect of wonderment over the aim and puzzle of existence itself.

He was curious about my belief and so I began speaking about our sacred text, the “Bhagavad-gita,” the “Song of the Divine,” and how Lord Krishna spoke to His warrior friend, Arjuna, about picking up his low spirit and remaining firm to the sense of duty on two levels—to the body, and secondly to the self (the soul).

To Mike I explained about these two obligations and that the balance is highly important in our life as a Krishna devotee.

May the Source be with you!

0 km

Saturday, July 23rd, 2016
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Saturday, July 23rd, 2016
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Good Thing

The real good thing about keeping a dog is that he/she forces the master to go for that stroll.  I witnessed this dynamic when staying with my host in Saskatoon.  A three-month-old husky pup, fairly new-acquired, needs that walk through the neighbourhood, to go for an ultimate exploration (checking out just about everything) and going for that workout.

Now this pup, Akela by name, is the cutest thing, with one green eye and one blue.  He rarely barks, but does more howling, as is expected from a canine who’s a wolf-derivative.

In any event, this young pup participated, by leash, at the chanting procession--at least the start of the program--for the Festival of India.

Akela and I get along, but it was another guest who I’ve been bonding with or, shall I say, developing a friendship with.  It’s Mayor Don Atchison who has come to the Festival of India for the second year in a row.

We share a lot of the same interests.  He’s a marathoner, can easily take on a four mile jaunt per hour, and he’s quite excited about the coming completion of the Trans-Canada Trail, a walker’s paradise path.  It will penetrate right though the parameters of the city of Saskatoon—his city.

Next year Canada will be 150 years old and the finishing touches to this trail is the obvious timeline.  This becomes tempting for me.  Shall I, if not next year, on in the future, tackle this most glorious walking challenge?

May the Source be with you!

4 km

Friday, July 22nd, 2016
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Friday, July 22nd, 2016
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

“Walking Monk” Heads Across Iowa

A late-night flight brought me to Saskatoon to attend yet another Chariot Fest.  Forwarded to me was an article by Dann Hayes for “The Des Moines Register.”

Bhaktimarga Swami, known as “The Walking Monk,” says “the walk before” encourages him to keep walking, which got him started on his most recent walk, a walk across America.

Bhaktimarga Swami (formerly John Peter Vis) is a Hare Krishna monk who is walking across America to promote a healthier global lifestyle, a strong spiritual foundation and a simple meditative life.

“I’m also out here to integrate with people,” the 63-year-old Canadian said.  “It’s kind of like a workout and a work-in…to take time to process life.”

He is also walking to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the incorporation of the Hare Krishna movement.

On this particular day (Wednesday, July 20) he started just outside of Brooklyn on Highway 6 and was stopped just east of Grinnell.

Born in 1952 in Chatham, Ontario, Canada, Bhaktimarga Swami adopted the monastic lifestyle of the Hare Krishna order in 1973.

Traveling on foot is a common practice in various traditions, he said, and it’s an effective way to reach out and communicate the importance of morality and ethical priorities.

“You learn to take it all in,” Bhaktimarga Swami said.  “The heat, the wind, the rain, the traffic, the cold, the black flies, the mosquitos, the public attention or none.  With all of that you learn detachment from the externals and how to go within to be happy.”

Bhaktimarga Swami said that during his travels he has had a number of different experiences.  He usually starts a walk very early each day – recently to beat the heat in Iowa he has started around 4 a.m.  And with wearing an orange robe he has been mistaken for a number of different things in the dark, including an escaped convict.

That normally brings the police, but after a brief discussion, he continues on his way.

In Iowa, Bhaktimarga Swami had only good to say for the law enforcement community.

“The police have been terrific,” he said.  “The cops are nice here in Iowa.”

This tour is made of three parts – he started last fall in Boston, went to Butler, Penn., then into New York.  The second leg started in Butler and brought him to Grinnell.  He plans on stopping near Grand Island, Neb., before continuing on the third leg next summer.

This isn’t new to him, he has trekked across Canada four times, Ireland, Israel, Guyana, Trinidad, the Fiji Islands, Mauritius and other countries.  He was featured in a National Film Board of Canada’s documentary titled “The Longest Road.”

He averages about 20 miles a day, he said.

“While I walk I also meditate,” Bhaktimarga said.  “As a monk you have that obligation to yourself – take to the elements and toughen up inside.”

Thank you Dann Hayes.

May the Source be with you!

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Interesting improvements for Iskcon Alachua. The Temple…
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Interesting improvements for Iskcon Alachua.
The Temple President: Even during one of the hottest summers we’ve seen here, a lot of work got done at the Temple this summer, and almost all of it was by volunteer labor.
Pavilion: You must have noticed by now that the ceiling of the pavilion has been painted white. Not only does it brighten the place up, but it is protection against deterioration of the roof subsurface. This is painstaking work, not only is it very, very high, requiring intense neck bending, but there’s a lot of stop and start for all the cutting in that has to be done. But Kirtan Scott (son of Rucira devi dasi and Adikarta das) has handled the entire job single handedly, and expertly. We will be grateful to him for this huge labor of love for years to come !
Cabanas: The old deteriorating cabanas at the back of the property got some desperately needed rehab, and are now nice living spaces for the WWOOFERS (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) who stay with us throughout the year providing valuable labor on the farm.
Patio Remodel: The first phase of the brick patio remodel was completed. A Tulasi greenhouse once stood here but for the past several years only the old walls remained. Now the area has been cleared and the roof has been installed over the existing columns. In fact, a couple of columns were added to make the whole structure more secure. It’s a beautiful shaded spot for vendor tables, and no more pop up tents required. The design was the brainchild and hard work of Jambu das, who just came by New Raman Reti for a little visit. Or that’s what he thought anyway. Before he knew it, he had agreed to “put a little roof over the columns,” and we have a super engineered structure that will serve the community for generations to come. Stay tuned for new brickwork and comfortable tables and chairs.
New Landscaping: The old landscaping at our front entrance gates had done its duty. It was plumb tuckered out. Maitreya das got his jeep and a rope and yanked the juniper bushes out, a serious task as they are very strongly rooted. Jitari das designed new plantings, and got busy laying the ground work, prepping the soil, fertilizing, laying down cardboard to keep the weeds down, then the plastic layer, and putting in the new plants and fresh mulch. The irrigation system got an upgrade at the same time. He was ably assisted by Bhakta Dave, and by Parasurama das and the three WWOOFERS visiting us now. Special thanks to Advaita Acharya das and Sarad Bihari devi dasi for making a generous contribution towards all the materials.
Workers
Sakshigopal das and family live in one of the oldest mobile homes on the property. And it is Grand Central Station over there; every Sunday he opens the doors for all and any of our Indian congregation to come over, have bhajan, see their beautiful Panca Tattva and Gaura Nitai altar, and take Prasadam. The house needed some TLC, and we gave it some. Fresh paint throughout thanks to Manusrestha das, some new flooring and some basic repairs are a start and feel like a breath of fresh air for everyone who visits now.
Kitchen Floor, Temple Floor and Veranda: Our Big Kitchen floors take a tremendous amount of wear and tear and hadn’t been touched up in six years. Manusrestha das, assisted by Mahabuddhi das, Prabhupada Pran das and Jivanath das, moved everything out, rolled out new paint mixed with a non-slip material and it’s made a world of difference in there. The veranda all around the Temple building was freshly painted once again by Ras Prakash das. Taking on this service is his pride and joy, and it really shows. He polished the Temple room marble floors while he was at it! Hours and hours of work. A real labor of love.
Ongoing Maintenance: I don’t want to forget the maintenance that goes on every week of the year including the hot summer months: the beautiful flower gardens around the property thanks to Madhuryalilananda devi dasi, our prolific organic vegetable gardens thanks to Janmeyjaya das and Shanka das, the ever expanding and productive Eco Teaching Farm led by Akuti devi dasi, Srimati Tulsi Devi’s garden always impeccable and in the best of health thanks to the constant nurturing and attention of Madhuri Gopi devi dasi, and our Serenity Gardens created and maintained and continuously made more perfect by Maitreya das. Thanks to the devotees who take on the constant summertime mowing, Mahananda das and Maitreya das, and to all our farm devotees especially who carry on so many services for our community.

​Gita 10.39 – God is the one without whose existence no existence is possible
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Gita verse-by-verse podcast


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Monks left homeless by explosion move into former bank
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Hare KrishnaBy Tom Mack

A long project to create a new home for a group of Hare Krishna monks driven out of their former temple by an explosion has finally come to an end. The Iskcon Temple in North Evington burned down after an explosion in the building's kitchen nearly six years ago. They have now moved into the former HSBC bank. Two community members, who had become wealthy since moving to Leicester from East Africa in the early 70s, decided they wanted to give something back and bought the building for Iskcon. Iskcon president Pradip Gajjar said: "The Lord blessed them and the city looked after and sheltered them. "They said that if we thought this was the right place for us they would, between them, buy it for us. "It is a beautiful building, architecturally stunning, that carries a lot of heritage." Continue reading "Monks left homeless by explosion move into former bank
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​Can we use self-help books that give techniques that help us in our bhakti?
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How do we see the joy of living in the present from the bhakti perspective?
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The Universal Gospel Choir – Hare Krishna Eshgh Allah (9 min…
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The Universal Gospel Choir - Hare Krishna Eshgh Allah (9 min video)
“Hare Krishna Hare Rama” is the ‘Mahamantra’ ('great mantra’) of the Hindu faith. Here it is joined with the Islamic (& Sufi) sacred phrase of “Eshgh Allah Mabood Allah” ('God is Love, God is the Beloved’). Add in a chorus from an 80’s anthem song and the result is a song dedicated to love, harmony & respect between religions.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/6127BG

Fire in Radha Raman’s kitchen hasn’t gone out in 450 years…
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Fire in Radha Raman’s kitchen hasn’t gone out in 450 years (Album with photos)
Sri Vrindavan Dham has a lot of traditions related to Radha and Krishna, the temples and ashrams, through which they bless their devotees.
One of these amazing traditions is the “eternal” fire in Shri Radha Raman Lal Ji’s kitchen, which hasn’t gone out in 450 years. Sewayats use kande (cakes made from dried cow dung) only to bring the fire to the surface for cooking purpose. No match box is used in the entire temple premises.
450 years ago Gopal Bhatt Goswami, who revealed Radha Raman Lal to the world, ignited this fire using his Vedic mantras. While chanting the mantras, he rubbed wooden sticks together to bring forth the flame, which he took to the kitchen and kept it burning for the entire time he was alive.
Raman’s kitchen on the 450 years old fire.

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