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!

0 km

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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Answer Podcast


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How do we see the joy of living in the present from the bhakti perspective?
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Answer Podcast


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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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Kids Hare Krishna camp Simhachalam 2016, Germany (Album with…
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Kids Hare Krishna camp Simhachalam 2016, Germany (Album with photos)
15th edition. Attended by a total of about 35 children with their parents or grandparents from across Europe (Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Hungary, Austria).
Urmila Devi Dasi: This festival this week is for children…. the temple, guest house, and grounds (in tents) are filled with families. I am so happy–beyond happy, thrilled really–to be at a Hare Krishna festival that is all about children and families. Children at mangala arotik, children in scripture classes (making some noise of course, but no one complains!), children getting a tour of the pujari room! This is *society.* The families that are here are friendly, helpful, and really feel like one large extended family having a reunion. It’s super…
And…. this temple complex is unique in the Hare Krishna Movement, as the Lord is worshiped here only in His Nrsimhadeva form. The atmosphere is more South Indian than Gaudiya (in my opinion) and a very mysterious and mystical and ancient kind of ambience. I frankly prefer Krishna as Krishna and at the same time Krishna in His Nrsimhadeva form is fun, scary, awesome, awe-inspiring, surprising, and scary (did I already say that?).
Find them here: https://goo.gl/3l194L

Krishna Ksetra Swami (Kenneth Valpey): Prof. (retired) Tom…
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Krishna Ksetra Swami (Kenneth Valpey): Prof. (retired) Tom Buford, who founded the Personalist Seminar 25+ years ago, graced us with his presence at yesterday morning’s session of the “Eleventh Biennial Personalist Seminar: Hindu Personalism and Schopenhauer,” here at Western Carolina University. My two presentations at this event went well: the first was a 45-minute introductory talk in preparation for my 1.5-hour talk the next morning, which I titled “The Bhakti Logos: Exploring Personalism in Hindu Theistic Devotionalism” (sorry, no written paper for this). This is a fine, small group of scholars (15 of us altogether, both professors and doctoral candidates in philosophy), discussing topics related to the two themes ‘from all angles of vision’ all day for four days.

TOVP Kalashes – One of a Kind
- TOVP.org

The TOVP Kalash is the only one of its kind in the world owing to its sheer size and magnitude. It is 23 meters (75 feet) tall and 19 meters (62 feet) wide, and sits atop a mammoth dome at a height of 84 meters (276 feet) from ground level. Being the topmost architectural feature of the temple dressed in resplendent gold, it will be visible from far and wide. Hence, considerable efforts have gone into its complex and intricate design as well as execution.

According to sacred architecture, the Kalash is the axis mundi; the connection between the spiritual and material worlds. Therefore, it is one of the most important parts of the temple. The dome tapers upwards towards the Kalash and blends in harmoniously with it. Following the laws governing proportional form in nature, the Golden Proportion rules the relationship of the Kalash to the dome and to the temple as a whole.

KALASH-2

The Kalash is designed as a stable hollow structure in Stainless Steel. Externally, different parts of the Kalash are adorned with beautiful lotus petal motifs. The ornate gold finish will be achieved by coating the Kalash with Titanium Nitride. It will be supported at the base by massive brackets that will be intricately moulded in the GRC factory.

One of the most phenomenal features of the Main Dome will be the more than 5 meter (16 feet) diameter Chakra that will sit on top of the Kalash. To design this arrangement it took attentive and intelligent strategic planning from the engineers. Also, many elements had to be engineered to support the lightning arrester, aviation light, and flag pole on the Kalash. The Kalash was engineered to withstand hurricane force winds that travel at 250 kilometers (155 miles) per hour. It was also engineered so that each level of the Kalash includes an ingenious outlet that will ensure proper drainage of rainwater from its heights. Jagadananda Das Prabhu, one of the TOVP engineers, has been collaborating with the Chakra manufactures in Moscow for the last few months to perfect the engineering.

KALASH-3

The TOVP Kalash has actual human access from inside. This has been made possible by a complex combination of ladders and support frameworks. These ladders lead up to a door that opens out into a terrace on the top of the temple. This is a feature that has never been attempted before. This was engineered with the aim of aiding service and maintenance of all the topmost features including the Chakra, lightning arrestor, aviation lights, and so forth. This feature will allow us to change the Flag on the Chakra every day.

Lastly, the bell speakers placed at the foot of the Kalash will further promote the profound impact of the temple through the medium of sound. This sound of ringing bells will resonate in the souls of everyone around, near and far, across the universe.

The post TOVP Kalashes – One of a Kind appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

Balarama’s Appearance Day – Aug 18, 2016
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Thursday, August 18, 2016 marks the auspicious appearance day (birthday) of Lord Balarama, Lord Krishna's older brother!

The Supreme Person appears in innumerable forms to enjoy transcendental relationships. Some of His expansions are tiny, dependent beings, like us, and some are complete and omnipotent beings like Himself.  Balarama, or Baladeva, is Krishna's primary all-powerful expansion.  Lord Balarama symbolizes strength and compassion.  During Krishna's pastimes on earth, Balarama was present as His elder brother. The Srimad-Bhagavatam describes Their amazing activities in the village of Vrindavan and the city of Dwaraka.

We invite you to take part in the celebrations at the Hare Krishna Temple on August 18th.  Festivities will kick off at 6pm with kirtan and will feature special celebrations all evening long.

Festival Schedule (subject to change):
6:00pm to 6:30pm - Kirtan (Arati)
6:30pm to 6:40pm - Welcome & Announcements
6:40pm to 7:30pm - Discourse by Laxmimoni Devi Dasi
7:30pm to 8:00pm - Nama-Yanja Kirtan
8:00pm to 8:30pm - Kirtan (Arati)
8:30pm to 9:30pm - Vegetarian Feast (Prasadam)

** UPDATED ** Big Birthday Bash – Krishna Janmastami – Aug 15, 2017
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On Tuesday, August 15, 2017, the Hare Krishna Temple will be celebrating the biggest birthday party of the year, Lord Krishna's appearance day - Sri Krishna Janmastami!

Main festivities will start at 6:00pm and go until midnight and will be filled with kirtan, bhajans, discourses and more! The highlight of the evening is the countdown to midnight! The momentum builds as the abhisheka (bathing ceremony) is performed and the Temple is filled with wonderful rocking kirtan, at the stroke of midnight, the Deity doors will open and their Lordships Sr Sri Radha Ksira-Chora Gopinatha will be revealed in a stunning flower outfit! It is truly a festival NOT to be missed!

Due to construction, we will not be able to provide the free parking located on Pears Avenue. We have found some nearby options for your convenience. There are a few parking lots that are about 10 minutes walking distance from the temple. The rates mentioned below are for the parking overnight, from 6pm - 6am.

55 Avenue Road (Whole Foods/Underground) - $7
251 Macpherson Ave - $3
1010 Yonge Street - $5
15 Price Street - $5

The following is the schedule for the festival (subject to change):

6:00pm - 6:30pm: Arati and Kirtan
6:30pm - 6:45pm: Welcome and Announcements
6:45pm - 7:30pm: Class by HG Mahabhagvat das
7:30pm - 8:00pm: Video Message from GBC Chair
8:00pm - 8:45pm: Arati and Kirtan
9:00pm - 10:00pm: Donor Abhishek
10:00pm - 10:40pm: Musical Presentation by HG Jahnavi Jivana devi dasi
10:40pm -11:00pm: Hare Krishna Movie Trailer Presentation
11:00pm - 12:00am: Maha Abhishek
12:00am - 12:30am: Midnight Arati with Special Flower Darshan!

Please join us with your whole family on this most auspicious occasion!




Vyasa Puja Celebrations – Friday, August 26, 2016
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The day after celebrations for one of our biggest festivals of the year, Krsna Janmastami, we will be celebrating one of the most important festivals for us as Hare Krishnas - Srila Prabhupada's Vyasa Puja starting at 11am on Friday, August 26, 2016.

The Vyasa Puja festival is always held the day after Janmastami and the festival honours the appearance of our spiritual master His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada - Founder Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.

The program will begin at 11:00am with an abhisheka of Srila Prabhupada (bathing ceremony of a small Deity of Srila Prabhupada) and will continue with the arati, flower offerings (pushpanjali) and the reading of pre-written offerings from devotees in our community. We will be once again encouraging everyone to write their own offering for the Toronto Vyasa Puja Book.  More details will be posted soon!

The schedule is as follows (subject to change):
11:00am - 11:45am: Abhisheka
11:45am - 12:00am: Offering
12:00pm - 12:30pm: Arati
12:30pm - 1:30pm: Reading of Offerings

Я мог бы делать это вечно
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Глава 9

Я заселился в тихую классную комнату школы, которая и на этот раз должна была стать базой нашего летнего фестивального тура. Стены были уставлены пробирками, микроскопами и разноцветными бутылками с растворами. Гуру Крипа дас, оглядев помещение, рассмеялся в голос.

– Гурудева, вы последние пятнадцать лет каждое лето на три месяца останавливаетесь в этом кабинете. Значит, вы прожили в этой лабораторной целых четыре года! Вы когда-нибудь замечали мозг обезьяны в сосуде с формальдегидом?

– Ну конечно, – отвечал я. – Но я старался не смотреть. Шрила Прабхупада как-то сказал, что проповедник иногда живет во дворце, а иногда в обычной хижине. А вот научной лаборатории он никогда не упоминал!

На следующее утро мы провели собрание с 250 преданными, которые присоединились к нам на летний тур. Было много новых лиц; большинство ветеранов прошлых лет в этом году не приехали: кто из-за работы, кто только что женился, кто по причине иных обязательств. Осматривая собравшихся, я вдруг понял, что оказался единственным из присутствующих преданных, кто был на первом польском туре двадцать шесть лет тому назад.

Я приветствовал преданных и в своей речи попросил их на следующие три месяца полностью предаться движению санкиртаны Господа Чайтаньи. Я объяснял, что тур – уникальный тип фестиваля в миссии Шрилы Прабухпады. Праздники в храмах предоставляют возможность насладиться киртанами, катхой и прасадом преданным, а наша фестивальная программа – специально для непреданных. Наша забота в том, чтобы создать фон, который дал бы им шанс пережить тот опыт киртана, лекции и прасада, которым наслаждаемся мы. Это означает пожертвовать собой ради команды – и в награду увидеть, что кто-то еще стал счастлив, впервые соприкоснувшись с сознанием Кришны.

– Наш фестиваль – часть движения санкиртаны, – подытожил я, – и потому он часть игр Господа Чайтаньи наших дней. Когда Господь оставил планету, Его миссия осталась не завершена. Он Сам предсказал, что святые имена Кришны однажды станут слышны в каждом городе и деревне мира. Так что смотрите, не будут случаться в наши дни чудеса прямо среди нас. Это поможет оставаться вдохновленными на протяжении всего нашего трехмесячного жертвоприношения.

– Вы имеете виду, посматривать, не станут наши гости ходить по воде? – спросил один преданный.

– Другие чудеса, – ответил я с улыбкой. – Просто наблюдайте за переменами в сердцах тех людей, что приходят на наш фестиваль. Вот где настоящее чудо. Получить реальный духовный опыт – очень необычная вещь в век Кали!

Преданным не пришлось ждать слишком долго, чтобы увидеть эти перемены в сердцах. На следующий день, лишь только группа харинамы, афишируя первый фестиваль, ступила на переполненный пляж, какой-то джентльмен принялся вдохновенно нас фотографировать. Само по себе то, что он фотографировал, не было необычным; необычно было то, что он не мог остановиться. Сорок пять минут он следовал за нами, делая снимок за снимком: ярко одетых матаджи, преданных, играющих на мридангах и преданных, синхронно танцующих. В конце концов я подошел к нему.

– Сэр, отчего так много фото? – спрашиваю.

– Моя дочь недавно начала практиковаться в вашей вере, – ответил он, продолжая щелкать. – Она пыталась мне объяснить. Я не очень-то понял ее выбор, и это ее весьма расстроило. Но когда я вас увидел – так много народу явно из разных стран и культур, счастливо поющих в унисон и танцующих всех вместе, – то понял, что с вашим движением уж точно всё должно быть в порядке. Вот, делаю снимки, отправлю ей в знак моего одобрения.

Он пожал мне руку и, когда мы двинулись дальше, помахал вслед.

Несколькими минутами позже одна женщина дальше по пляжу, вскочив со своего полотенца, подошла ко мне.

– Добро пожаловать, добро пожаловать, – сказала она. – Очень рады вас видеть! Как всегда, если вы появились в городе, значит, лето наконец-то пришло!

К вечеру люди хлынули на нашу фестивальную площадку. Я смотрел, зачарованный: даже спустя двадцать шесть лет это зрелище все еще изумляло меня.

Я всё смотрел: пока одни пришедшие рассаживались, чтобы насладиться непрерывным представлением на сцене, другие ходили между рестораном, магазинчиками, прилавками с книгами, палатками с классами по йоге, с росписью на лицах и разными другими развлечениями.

«Вот они, самые драгоценные моменты моей жизни», – думал я, начиная свой привычный обход площадки фестиваля. Гуру Крипа и Матхуранатх держались по краям. «Столько усилий и планов надо объединить ради всего этого, но когда я вижу сотни и тысячи людей, наслаждающихся сознанием Кришны, то чувствую, что совершенно доволен».

Прогуливаясь, я заметил по периметру территории женщину за двадцать, на лице ее было уныние, а в руках – большая корзина цветов.

– Что случилось? – спрашиваю.

– Девять часов пытаюсь продать розы, – говорит она. – Проголодалась, устала, а продала только две. Босс меня убьет. И пока я тут такая расстроенная, на вашем фестивале все отлично проводят время. Я бы зашла, да не могу. Я очень завишу от этой работы и не могу позволить себе не продать эти цветы.

– Сколько они стоят? – спрашиваю.

– Каждая по две злотых, – отвечает она.

– Я с вами заключу сделку, – говорю. – Я покупаю всю корзину, если вы обещаете зайти на фестиваль и остаться до самого конца.

Повисла долгая пауза. Она изумленно смотрела на меня широко открытыми глазами.

– В самом деле? – произнесла она наконец. – Вы не шутите?

– Вовсе нет, – ответил я. – Я попрошу кого-нибудь отвести вас в палатку моды, вы сможете подобрать сари на вечер. Потом можете разрисовать лицо красивыми цветочками, пойти в ресторан и бесплатно поесть. А потом просто садитесь в первый ряд и смотрите представление.

На ее глаза навернулись слезы, пока я доставал 100 злотых и забирал цветы. Я передал их Матхуранатху:

– Пуджари днем искали хорошие цветы для Божеств. Можем передать розы им.

Одна из преданных повела девушку-цветочницу к палаткам. Гуру Крипа повернулся ко мне.

– Гурудева, – говорит, – фестиваль-то бесплатный, а вы только что заплатили, чтобы эта девушка зашла. Необычно.

– На санскрите есть такая пословица, – сказал я. – Пхалена паричийате. Означает: судят по плодам. Посмотрим, что она будет делать в конце фестиваля.

Я продолжил прогулку по фестивальной площадке. На сцене вовсю шла новая театральная постановка «Вриндаван», аудитория была захвачена игрой тридцати двух актеров. Все шестнадцать тентов вокруг территории фестиваля были полны людьми, впитывающими разные аспекты Ведической культуры. В палатке с книгами гости просматривали книги Шрилы Прабхупады и задавали вопросы преданным за прилавком. Одна пожилая женщина около кассы завершала свою покупку Бхагавад-гиты.

– Замечательная книга, – говорю я ей.

– О да, я знаю, – отвечает она. – Я уже несколько раз читала это издание. Каждый год прихожу на ваш фестиваль и приобретаю четыре-пять копий.

– Зачем? – спрашиваю я.

– Что ж, мне 85, и многие мои друзья стали уходить, – говорит она. – Когда это случается, я даю Бхагавад-гиту их родственникам, чтобы те понимали, что такое смерть на самом деле, что душа перерождается.

«Вот и маленькое чудо, – сказал я сам себе. – Старушка никогда не жила в храме и формально не обучалась сознанию Кришны, а делится с другими мудростью Бхагавад-гиты Шрилы Прабхупады!»

Подошло мое время подниматься на сцену и давать лекцию.

– Сколько уже таких лекций я провел? – спросил я Гуру Крипу.

– По меньшей мере, 108, – ответил он.

– Скорее, по меньшей мере 1008, если не два раза по столько, – ответил я.

Взяв Гиту, я взошел на сцену, вышел вперед, сбоку была моя переводчица Мандакини даси. Юношей я стеснялся выступать на публике, но давая лекции по сознанию Кришны, страха я никогда не испытывал. Причина проста: совершенная, безупречная философия. Для того, кто ее изучает и живет по ней, эта философия так привлекательна, потому что дает логическое объяснение духовной жизни и позитивную альтернативу для решения всех проблем – путем возвращения в духовный мир.

По окончании лекции я спустился по ступеням вниз; там небольшая группа людей с Бхагавад-гитами в руках ждали, чтобы я их подписал.

Первой подошла шестнадцатилетняя девушка, сказав, что это ее восьмой летний фестиваль.

– С самого первого мне очень понравилась ваша еда. Театральные постановки мне тоже нравятся. Я посмотрела всё, что вы показывали; больше всего мне нравится про Господа Раму. А сегодня слушала вашу лекцию, и до меня дошло, что настало время начать изучать вашу философию, так что я побежала в книжную палатку и купила Бхагавад-гиту.

Она смутилась и опустила взгляд.

– Простите, что у меня заняло восемь лет, чтобы придти к этому.

– Тут не в чем извиняться, – ответил я. – Процесс именно так и работает.

Подошли следующие две девушки с Бхагавад-гитами.

– Это для наших родителей, – сказала одна. – У нас в семье сейчас трудные времена. Послушав лекцию, мы поняли, что ваша философия решает множество проблем, так что надеемся, мудрость этой книги выведет нашу семью к более счастливым временам.

– Уверен, что выведет, – сказал я.

Когда я подписал с десяток Бхагавад-гит, подбежали двое мальчишек.

– А когда вы будете выступать? – спрашивает один, еле отдышавшись.

– Так я уже выступал, – говорю, – около часа тому назад.

– Ну вот! – говорит он, поворачиваясь ко второму. – Ты ел свой десерт слишком медленно. Я же говорил тебе, что опоздаем!

– А вам сколько лет, мальчики? – спрашиваю.

– Мне двенадцать, – говорит тот, что повыше, – а брату десять.

– И вы пришли послушать мою лекцию?

– Да! – говорит старший. – Мы уже три года приходим на ваш фестиваль, и наша любимая часть – ваша лекция. Столько знаний!

– Ага, – говорит младший. – Как вы всегда говорите: «Из 8 400 000 видов жизни человеческая форма – самая важная».

Я удивленно покачал головой.

– Да, я так и говорю.

– На каждой лекции, – говорит старший, и оба они смеются.

– Но всегда бывает и что-то новенькое, над чем можно подумать, – говорит младший. – Мы очень вам признательны.

– А почему бы нам не пойти и не поговорить в ресторанчике? – предложил я. – Раз уж вы, парни, пропустили лекцию, можете выбрать поесть все, что захотите.

У них глаза засветились:

– Идея супер!

Направляясь с ребятами к ресторану, я восхищался тому, насколько движение Шрилы Прабхупады притягательно для людей всех возрастов. «Даже для самых юных философов» – думал я.

У книжной палатки я заметил вовсю улыбающуюся девушку-цветочницу, она выходила с одной из книг Шрилы Прабхупады в руках.

– А вот и результат! – произношу я вслух.

– Что вы сказали? – спрашивает младший брат.

Я одариваю его огромной улыбкой.

– Я сказал, что мог бы делать это вечно!
****************************
анека джанма крита мадж джато`ндхау
сиддхим курушва прабху гаура чандра
самудж джвалам те пада падма севам
кароми нитьям хари киртанам ча

Луна златая, мой господин! Господь мой, о Гаура-чандра.
Я жизнь за жизнью погружался в пучину смерти и рождений.
Если даруешь мне непрестанное служение лотосам стоп Твоих
Сияющих – тогда я вечно стану петь во славу Шри Хари.

[Сарвабхаума Бхаттачарйа, Сушлока-шатакам, текст 99]

Karmic entanglement
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(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 04 February 2016, Bhaktivedanta Manor, United Kingdom, Srimad Bhagavatam 10.2.21)

SP_airport

Family affection is dictated by the modes of material nature. It is just amazing, as soon as the child comes out of the womb something changes. One father held his new born child and said, “I do not know why I am ready to completely dedicate myself to this person who I do not even know?”

It is a fact that we do not ‘know’ our family members. If we would actually look at them objectively, they are not always favourable. Sometimes it is said that an enemy from a past life takes birth as your son, just to harass you, to give you a hard time or to make you suffer…

Summer Camp – August 15 – 19
→ The Toronto Hare Krishna Temple!

We had a wonderful Festival of India this month but the summer fun isn't over yet - join us for the annual Summer Kids Camp, which is happening this year from August 15th - 19th.

You can register for any number of days! As always we have lots of fun activities planned out with sumptuous prasadam (vegetarian meansl) for all the children.

The registration is $25 per day. You can pre-register your child by emailing us at kids@torontokrishna.com or by clicking here for the registration form or sign up below.

Details:

Dates: Monday, August 15 - Friday, August 19

Timings: 9:00am - 5:00pm every day

Fees: $25 for each day

Last day to register is August 10. Please sign up as soon as possible!




Gita 10.38 – Punishment may not stop wrong desiring, but it can stop wrong doing
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Gita verse-by-verse podcast


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The post Gita 10.38 – Punishment may not stop wrong desiring, but it can stop wrong doing appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

The Conch – Newsletter of the New Govardhana Community, August…
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The Conch - Newsletter of the New Govardhana Community, August 2016.
Janmastami. By Carsani devi dasi. With Janmastami just around the corner, now is the perfect time for each of us to reflect upon the meaning of this holy day, celebrating the transcendental appearance of Lord Krishna 5000 years ago in Sri Vrindavan Dham/Mathura. Of course, Krishna does not take birth, as we do, in this material world. In the same way that His body is purely spiritual, so too is His appearance. It is out of the Lord’s deep compassion for the living entities entangled in material existence that He chooses to appear in His beautiful threefold bending form – the enchanting son of Mother Yasoda and beloved friend of the cowherd boys and girls of Vraja.
View it here: https://indd.adobe.com/view/publications/6cca6980-2f1d-42a6-986f-e8dc6d375583/1/publication-web-resources/pdf/August_2016_Page_by_Page.pdf

Scandinavian Bhakti Sangam Festival (2016) (Album with photos)…
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Scandinavian Bhakti Sangam Festival (2016) (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: A devotee always thinks of the Lord continuously. While chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, the words Krishna and Hare immediately remind him of all the Lord’s activities. Since his entire life is engaged in the service of the Lord, a devotee cannot forget the Lord at any time. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 5.1.6 Purport)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/uAYpqt

The Gift of You
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The Gift of You
Ananda Vrindavana Devi Dasi: As we approach Janmastami, Krishna’s birthday, we’ll be thinking of what to give. It’s a birthday celebration after all and everyone’s invited. The guest list is unlimited and when it’s a birthday we think of expressing our love with a gift.

To serve
→ Servant of the Servant

In our current experience so far, to serve others is not very glorious position. In fact people like to be served but not serve others or people serve only if there is some sort of return. So generally speaking, to serve is not popular or done with some motive. So when pure devotees pray to the Lord for service, it is not very appealing to the common man.

Therefore very few people actually pray like this – “oh my Lord, please engage me in your service as the servant of your servant!”. However, to serve the Lord or His devotees is not the same as serving people of this world. In fact serving the Lord or His devotees is higher than the position of Lord Brahma or Siva who are the masters of this universe. Service to Bhagavan Sri Krishna is the pinnacle of all austerity, charity, prayer and religions principles. It is the highest position a soul can achieve in his or her journey towards God.

Let me always desire only one thing “oh my Lord, let me always be engaged, if you so desire,in your service as the servant of your servants”, for there is nothing greater than this!

Hare Krishna