Planet ISKCON

Sri Gopala Bhatta Goswami (the son of a Vyenkata Bhatta, a Sri Vaisnava brahmana) appeared in Sri Rangam, South India. Lord Caitanya once stayed four months in his home, and con­verted the family to Gaudiya Vaisnavism. A mere boy at this time, Gopala personally served the Lord.

Gopala Bhatta came to Vrndavana and became a dear friend of Sri Rupa and Sanatana Goswamis. He did bhajana in Vrndavana for forty-five years, mostly at Radha-kunda.

On pilgrimage he obtained twelve Salagrama silas. Later, the Damodara sila manifested Himself as the beautiful Radha Ramana Deity. Since 1542, Radha Ramana has been worshiped with pure devotion following precise sastric rituals.

 

 

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 27 March 2016, Durban, South Africa, Ratha Yatra Lecture)

Question: Does Krsna only favour pure devotees?

And everyone else, Krsna just lets them rot? [laughter] That sounds a bit extreme doesn’t it? Rather, I found that even long before coming to Krsna consciousness, Krsna was also in my life. It wasn’t that it just started from the day that I joined the Hare Krsna movement that suddenly Krsna became active. Krsna was there before and he was doing all kinds of things. 

I have told many stories about this. One story is that I had a dog by the name of Krsna. That was mercy. That was a blessing in my life. In the beginning of my Krsna consciousness journey, I had my difficult moments and I tried to leave several times. Once I had left the temple and I went to the movies. I went to this movie and then suddenly in the movie, there were devotees. [laughter] I mean give me a break! But something was wrong, the tilak was wrong, there was no leaf on the nose. I said, “But what is this? This is not real, this is imitation!” Next thing, those fake devotees went into a bar and then some girls sat on their laps and they said, “It is good to have a drink after a hard day’s work!” I was so angry at seeing that.

But meanwhile, it saved me. Even then I could see Krsna was there and Krsna somehow or other interfered in my attempt to turn away from him. Somehow, he made an arrangement that while I was trying to turn away from him, he was there again. So we should know that Krsna is there in the life of everyone.

He is doing two things. He is upadrsta, a witness, but he is also anumanta, the one who gives anumiti – permission. As anumanta Krsna sometimes gives permission and sometimes he does not but still, Krsna is there actively in the lives of everyone to an extent. But when it comes to a pure devotee then Krsna is very close and very intimate, just like how Prabhupada found that he was totally relying on Krsna and Krsna was there, helping him in every possible way. It happened like that!

Prabhupada used to say, “If I want to know what Krsna wants, I just ask him.” Prabhupada had that capacity to just ask Krsna. One professor was accusing Prabhupada of being dogmatic and Prabhupada said, “Why is he so dogmatically saying that Krsna is not God when he has not seen him?” So Prabhupada was seeing Krsna directly. He could relate to Krsna at every moment as he so desired. Krsna was so accessible. That is what happens with the pure devotee, this is on another level. Krsna sometimes interferes in the life of even conditioned souls. Krsna takes mercy on anyone and everyone.

Colombia is joining the ISKCON 50 celebrations, which are taking place all around the world. Among many other events scheduled between September 6th and 12th, devotees wil holdl a large-scale public festival and a kirtan workshop.

In the 21^st century more and more emphasis is being placed on the protection of animals, the reduction of violence towards animals, changes in the consumption of animals as food for humanity and the understanding that animals are sentient beings possessing feelings and emotions. In fact the rights of our animal brothers and sisters are being discussed and debated within society as never before. A new booklet is an offering written by Mukunda Goswami and Mandira Mani Dasi and an important contribution to this worldwide change of consciousness toward animals.

Devotees from across the UK and many of Srila Prabhupada’s direct disciples from around the world, gathered on the 16^th of July 2016, for a day dedicated to expressing gratitude to Prabhupada, for making the perilous journey to the west, and changing the lives of people for generations to come.

On Sunday, 17th July, London witnessed its 48th Rathayatra festival in the heart of Central London. Their Lordships, Lord Jagannath, Lady Subhadra and Lord Baladev from ISKCON-London were carried in three beautifully decorated wooden chariots. In celebration of ISKCON’s 50th anniversary the chariots also carried the “ISKCON 50” logo.

Gau Gram Yatra Hits 92 with Sachin Tendulkar.
Radhadyuti Devi Dasi: On the occasion of ISKCON 50th anniversary celebration, IDVM-India (ISKCON Daiva Varnasrama Ministry) launched Sri Govind Gau Gram Prachar Yatra to spread the Holy Name and glories of mother cow in the villages on the inspiration of H.H. RP Bhakti Raghava Swami Maharaj (IDVM-India minister). On the occasion the ministry plans to reach out atleast 108 villages and offer that endeavour at the lotus feet of Srila Prabhupada.
On 16thJuly, 2016, the Sri Govind Gau Gram Prachar Yatra devotees reached the small village of PuttamrajuKandrika (PR Kandrika), the 92nd village. It happens to be a sleepy village of about 110 houses, located almost 150 km north of Chennai. It has been lovingly adopted by the famous Indian Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar. The main occupation of the villagers is based on growing red chillies, lemon and paddy.
Sri Sachin Tendulkar was inspired to adopt this village after a long conversation with the joint collector, Rekha Rani whom he had met on a flight. He has already spent almost 40 million rupees towards the village development with the government adding an equal amount.
On the day when the Yatra devotees reached the village, they were very happily received by the village panchayat head, who welcomed devotees with tea and coffee which was ungrudgingly replaced by warm milk and jaggery upon devotees’ request.
The devotees proceeded for Nagar Sankirtan after the village head’s permission. The Holy Name reached all the 110 houses. Enthusiasm filled the whole village, with the Holy Name enchanting children and adults equally.
To read the entire article click here: http://goo.gl/swbvsH

The Polish Woodstock meant many things for different people. For Lord Krsna’s devotees it was a chance to share our good fortune through massive prasadam distribution, Ratha Yatra, good association and most important, the loud chanting of Krsna’s holy names along with our audience in the Mantra Yoga Tent.

The post And so another chapter closes appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

ISKCON-Delhi - Srila Gopal Bhatta Goswami Disappearance: 24-07-2016 (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Constant chanting of ...

ISKCON Rohini Delhi - Harinam Sankirtan at Budh Vihar, 24 July (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: In the Padma Purana, Krishna says, mad-bhakta yatra gayanti tatra tisthami narada: “O Narada, I am present wherever My devotees are chanting.” (Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Madhya-lila, 17.132 Purport)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/mvOvbT

Gadadhar Pandit and Aygul’s beautiful vaishnava wedding in New York, USA (Album with photos)
At the Bhakti Center in New York City, on Saturday July 23, 2016. Sweet, light, auspicious ceremony. Lots of devotees came.
They are part of the small original core that helped the Bhakti Center become what it is today. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the BC’s head priest Vasudeva, with assistance from Kaustubha. Wonderful Prasad cooked by Doyal Gauranga and crew.

By Mahatma das

Forgiving yourself is obviously an issue for you. Look at it this way: Krishna wants you to come back to Him, and if you don’t forgive yourself, you’re making that trip back to Him a more difficult – and thus slower – journey. Krishna is waiting for you to come back, so don’t make Him wait longer than necessary. Krishna forgives you, and if He forgives you, certainly you can forgive yourself. (If it’s good enough for Him, it’s good enough for you.) In addition, if you are thinking, “I am so low and so bad, I don’t deserve Krishna’s mercy,” when the mercy comes you won’t take it because, after all, you don’t deserve it. But mercy wouldn’t be mercy if you fully deserved it. You may not deserve it, but you need it. And Mahaprabhu shows His mercy to those who need it most. Let Him know how much you need it. It’s also possible that a lack of self-forgiveness stems from a kind of self-sabotaging, a self-hatred mechanism within. To me this equates to the idea of being envious of one’s self as taught in the Bhagavad-gita and Isopansisad. Why would we do anything to hurt ourselves unless we lack self-respect and self-love? If you love yourself, forgive yourself. Prabhupada said the highest service is to save yourself, but why would you try for that if you have little respect or love for yourself? Continue reading "You Can Do It!
→ Dandavats"

By Kesava Krsna Dasa

Some of our pujaris insist that only white flour and white sugar should be used in bhoga offerings for our Lordships, while many of us, being health conscious, will avoid eating such adulterated or suspicious foods. Should we feel a guilty conscience if we eat healthily, but the Lord does not? “Regarding purchasing things in the market, these items are considered as purified when we pay the price for them. That is the general instruction. But when we know something is adulterated, we should avoid it. But unknowingly if something is purchased, that is not our fault. Things which are suspicious, however, should be avoided.” Is it wrong to use proper brown flour? Otherwise, how can the Lord have white chapatis, or white rotis…? We will no doubt feel offended if our same personal fastidiousness for choices of food and the ingredients thereof are not met, but we must also know and anticipate how the Lord must feel, as a Person. “Since it is offensive to offer anything to Krsna that He will not accept, one should be extremely cautious not to offer (or eat) anything questionable.” Are we to assume that the Lord will happily accept the “questionable” bleach and aluminium that taints our offerings of love? Is this something that is irrelevant, compared with the ‘bigger picture’ of daily temple functionality? Or is it impractical to ideally conform, and in any case, the Lord is merciful? Can we follow Sri Prahlada’s example of having his poisoned food purified? Continue reading "What We Eat, And What Our Lordships “Eat”
→ Dandavats"

By Bhakti Raghava Swami

A few years ago, while pursuing my postgraduate studies at USM in Penang, I happen to glance over the front page of the local newspaper to read the following headlines in large capital letters: WANTED: LEADERS. Srila Prabhupada: “Ordinarily, the spiritual master, husband, father, mother or superior relative accepts worship from an inferior relative, but here Rshabhadeva forbids this. First the father, spiritual master or husband must be able to release the dependent from repeated birth and death. If he cannot do this, he plunges himself into the ocean of reproachment for his unlawful activities. Everyone should be very responsible and take charge of his dependents just as a spiritual master takes charge of his disciple or a father takes charge of his son. All these responsibilities cannot be discharged honestly unless one can save the dependent from repeated birth and death.” Continue reading "Leadership Crisis
→ Dandavats"

O my lord, great philanthropic souls travel on the earth on behalf of the Supreme Personality of Godhead to show compassion to the fallen souls who are averse to the sense of subordination to the Lord.

Read More...

A visit to Krishna Valley in Hungary July 2016 (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: If one chants the holy name of God-Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare-eventually he will see Krishna’s form, realize Krishna’s qualities, and remember Krishna’s pastimes. That is the effect of the pure chanting of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra. (A Second Chance, 16)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/c20wli

Photos from yesterday’s Edinburgh (Scotland’s capital) Rathayatra (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: In the Age of Kali, there is no religious principle except chanting Krishna’s name. It has been ascertained from all the scriptures that Krishna’s holy name is the essence of all mantras. (Renunciation Through Wisdom, 5.1 Purport)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/6ZlOeV

The post Daily Darshan: July 7th, 2016 appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Gita verse-by-verse podcast

Download by “right-click and save content”

The post Gita 10.29 See the prominent powers in the Vedic cosmos as manifestations of the supreme power appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Chuck and Bruce

ISKCON celebrates the Rathayatra festival in London.
The International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) was founded in New York by A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada in 1966, and celebrates its 50th anniversary this year with 52 nationwide events in the UK. Last week in a gesture of appreciation to the City of London for making the Hare Krishna community feel so welcome, 5,000 anniversary cupcakes were handed out at London’s five major railway stations. The chocolate cupcakes made by Govinda were purely vegetarian, with no eggs and the milk of protected cows, in line with ISKCON’s commitment to Ahimsa.
To read the entire article click here: http://goo.gl/e1hwl7

By Lokanath Swami

From its inception twenty years ago World Holy Name Day has grown into World Holy Name Week. This year we commemorate and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the inauguration of ISKCON by Srila Prabhupad with a two week long World Holy Name Festival which commences on 28 July through to 14 August. Srila Prabhupad gave this yuga dharma to the world and the WHN Festival honours and commemorates this. We have much to celebrate about and are looking for the biggest participation the World Holy Name Festival has seen to date. This is a humble appeal to all in the ISKCON family - man, woman and child - to come forward, participate and celebrate the World Holy Name Festival with vigour. Continue reading "World Holy Name Festival – 28 July to 14 August 2016
→ Dandavats"

2016 Ratha Yatra @ ISKCON Denver (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: If the surface of the globe is overflooded with the cha...

By Gautam Saha

Those uninitiated into the spiritual knowledge of the Srimad Bhagavad – Gita might consider Arjuna as a very gifted and talented warrior (like Bruce Lee or Dara Singh or an Indiana Jones of ancient times), who ‘killed’ so many enemies on the battlefield. But in reality, Arjuna was fighting for a cause beyond his own personal needs or wants. In fact he came into the battlefield very reluctantly and initially refused to pick up his weapons. His eventual entry into the battle was an act of yoga, which went beyond consideration of his own feelings or likings. To say that he was a warrior merely ‘fighting’ in the battlefield would be superfluous. He was a true yogi who was convinced by what Lord Krishna had stated in (18.7 to 9): “Prescribed duties should never be renounced. If by illusion, one gives up his prescribed duties, such renunciation is said to be in the mode of ignorance ( tamas guna ). Anyone who gives up prescribed duties as troublesome, or out of fear, is said to be in the mode of passion ( raja guna ). Such action never leads to the elevation of renunciation. But he who performs his prescribed duty only because it ought to be done, and renounces all attachment to the fruit - his renunciation is of the nature of goodness ( sattva-guna ), O Arjuna.” Continue reading "The Sublimation Of Work
→ Dandavats"

World Holy Name Week 2016! (7 min video)
Srila Prabhupada’s greatest desire was to spread the chanting of the Holy Names all over the world. To fulfill this desire, Governing Body Commission (GBC) of ISKCON established World Holy Name Day to commemorate Srila Prabhupada Arrival anniversary to the west, during Srila Prabupada’s Centennial in 1996. World Holy Name Day, along with many other Centennial programs was a tremendous success. In 1996.
HH Bhakti Tirtha Swami Maharaja was in charge of World Holy Name Day. With his sad departure from this world, the perpetuation of World Holy Name Day, has come to HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj in 2006. Below is the GBC resolution:
That World Holy Name Day is made an annual program for all ISKCON centers. The observance of World Holy Name Day is to be held in connection with the anniversary observances of Srila Prabhupada’s arrival in the USA Sept. 17, 1965 – (GBC resolution 2006)
On seeing the tremendous success and potential of this event, in 2008 GBC has resolved ‘World Holy Name Day’ into ‘World Holy Name Week’ and to celebrate this event for an extended period of time. The period starts on the appearance day of Srila Bhaktivinod Thakura and also includes the disappearance day of Srila Namacarya Haridas Thakura, Sri Visvarupa Mahotsava, Acceptance of sannyasa by Srila Prabhupada and ends on the Vedic calendar date for Srila Prabhupada, the greatest ambassador of the holy names, arrival in Boston.
Many temples and communities arrange special nama-yajnas throughout the entire period. Some arrange whenever possible. The intention is that the performance of sankirtan in its many forms, including japa, all over the world. We encourage all people of all faiths to participate to create auspiciousness over the whole planet.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/Ft9jKl

About Bathing Festival/Snana Yatra

Snana-yatra is an important pastime of Lord Jagannatha at our temple.On this day, Jagannatha, Baladeva, and Subhadra allow Themselves to be bathed by all following the original tradition of worship at Jagannatha Puri.This bathing goes on for a few hours in the midst of kirtaniyas glorifying Their Lordships and the chanting of the maha-mantra. Lord Jagannatha’s prasada is also offered to all visitors.Due to the sacred bath,colours painted on the images fade out. The Daitas repaint the images with new colours and on the 16th day the Deities appear in their new forms after colouration become ready for the public view. The festival of the first appearance of the Lord Jagannatha to his devotees is called 'Netrotsava' (festival for the eyes) or 'Nava Yauvanotsava' (festival of the ever new youth).
There is a general belief that the devotee washes away all his sins if he gets a vision of the Lord on this day.

By ISKCON-London Communications

“It was a truly glorious day. You could really see that Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara – the Lords of London – and the first installed Deities in ISKCON, personally installed by Srila Prabhupada himself – wanted to spread the glories of Their dear devotee, Srila Prabhupada, to the wider London community. Not only did we have excellent attendance from the community and a full day programme at the Temple to celebrate ISKCON’s 50th, but we had the BBC interviewing devotees and filming footage at various points throughout the day. We also worked with Bhaktivedanta Manor to hold a Gratitude Day where we distributed 5000 cupcakes to the public in key locations around London to raise awareness of the Hare Krishna movement and to thank Londoners for accepting us as part of the community. Continue reading "ISKCON-London celebrates 50th Anniversary of ISKCON’s Incorporation with pomp and grandeur
→ Dandavats"

Vasudeva Datta Prabhu explains various ways of Book Distribution (video)
HG Vasudeva Datta prabhu mentions about the innovative...

Scenes from Krsna dasa Maharaja’s Tirobhava ceremony and cremation in Vrindavan (2016-07-22) (Album with 148 photos)
Srila Prabhupada: If Krishna, if God wants to kill somebody, oh, nobody can protect him. And if God wants to protect him, oh, nobody can kill him. San Francisco, January 21, 1967
Find them here: https://goo.gl/wYjaKm

The post Daily Darshan: July 23rd, 2016 appeared first on Mayapur.com.

By Ananta das

Krsna’s Village of Peace has been an integral part of the Polish Woodstock Festival since it’s inception 22 years ago. This year was no exception as 550 devotees came together from around the world to create a veritable spiritual dhama in the midst of the 800,000 young people who attended the 3 day event on the Polish border, just 2 hours drive from Berlin. Utilizing kitchen facilities in 3 nearby schools, as well as two giant pots onsite, devotees distributed 100,320 full plates of delicious prasadam. They also distributed over 1,000 of Srila Prabhupada books and entertained people with a 5 hour stage show each afternoon in the main tent in Krsna’s Village Of Peace. One of the more popular scenes in the village was the Mantra Yoga Tent where prominent ISKCON kirtnaeers like Bada Haridas, Madhava dasa, Sacinandana Swami, Indradyumna Swami, Mahatma dasa, Sri Prahlad and Acyuta Gopi dasi held kirtan 12 hours a day. The tent was packed with guests day and night. Devotees also held Ratha Yatra, with a massive chariot, through the throngs of people on 4 separate occasions. All in all, it was truly a great yajna. Continue reading "Krsna’s Village of Peace highly successful this year!
→ Dandavats"

The post Evening meeting with Krsna dasa Maharaja’s disciples appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

TOVP welcomes the newest addition to our construction team. On Wednesday July 20, 2016 the TOVP’s new red suspended platform arrived on site. The hoist is manufactured by Jaypee and is from Kolkata.

The model is the JSP1000 and it can lift up to 1 tonne (1,000 kilograms) and can climb up to 100 meters. The lift moves at 8.3 meters per minute. It is made of steel and its platform dimensions are 7.5 meters long, 0.7 meters wide, and 1.4 meters high.
It has a unique system for safe working at great heights. Some of the features of the lift are that it has an anti- tilting Safety lock for rope breakage, an electrical control system, and an advanced suspension mechanism.

The hoist is making work easier, lighter, and simpler. Also, it is reducing our cost on scaffolding and helping us complete our work with more efficiency. The hoist is being maintained by a dynamic and simple support system from the roof. It is not bolted to the ground, but rather it is anchored by two levers that each have counterweights that weigh a 1/2 tonne (counter weight system). This makes it very mobile and easy to move to operate at different locations of the TOVP.

A big round of applause for TOVP Team members Prema Avatar Gauranga Das and Parvata Muni Das for seeking and manifesting this savvy and intelligent alternative in construction. As we work at the great heights of the TOVP with our new equipment, we commit to raising the standards. This allows the TOVP to always evolve and adapt the most advanced technology systems possible for the advancement of our construction and the opening the TOVP.

[See image gallery at tovp.org]

The post Rising to the Top with TOVP’s New Hoist appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

RAGHURAJPUR: Where Art is the language & canvas is the mouthpiece (Album with photos)
Can you imagine a place where every household is involved in creating only exquisite arts and crafts ??
Be it oldest member of the family or the youngest, even housewives create something, paint all along with love and much patience.
In the heritage crafts village of Raghurajpur in Puri, Orissa every household is an artist’s studio and has a story to tell.. Inhabited by artists producing sheer poetry on pieces of clothes, palm leaves, stone carvings, the place has nurtured an age old tradition.
Creativity, in the village, flows in abundance and skills manifest into an emotional realisation of art.. The village looks like a living museum of paintings.
PS: Yes, there exist a village in 2016, where art rules the hearts even in this age of crude materialism.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/tJ3r0m

Preaching program in Smila, Cherkasy Oblast, Ukraine (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: The easiest way to control the mind, as suggested by Lord Caitanya, is chanting “Hare Krishna,” the great mantra for deliverance, in all humility. Bhagavad-Gita, 6.34 Purport.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/IW75ph

TOVP: Raising the Standards from the Heights (Album with photos)
Sadbhuja Das: TOVP welcomes the newest addition to our construction team. On Wednesday July 20, 2016 the TOVP’s new red suspended platform arrived on site. The hoist is manufactured by Jaypee and is from Kolkata.
The model is the JSP1000 and it can lift up to 1 tonne (1,000 kilograms) and can climb up to 100 meters. The lift moves at 8.3 meters per minute. It is made of steel and its platform dimensions are 7.5 meters long, 0.7 meters wide, and 1.4 meters high.
It has a unique system for safe working at great heights. Some of the features of the lift are that it has an anti- tilting Safety lock for rope breakage, an electrical control system, and an advanced suspension mechanism.
The hoist is making work easier, lighter, and simpler. Also, it is reducing our cost on scaffolding and helping us complete our work with more efficiency. The hoist is being maintained by a dynamic and simple support system from the roof. It is not bolted to the ground, but rather it is anchored by two levers that each have counterweights that weigh a ½ ton (counter weight system). This makes it very mobile and easy to move to operate at different locations of the TOVP.
A big round of applause for TOVP Team members Prema Avatar Gauranga Das and Parvata Muni Das for seeking and manifesting this savvy and intelligent alternative in construction. As we work at the great heights of the TOVP with our new equipment, we commit to raising the standards. This allows the TOVP to always evolve and adapt the most advanced technology systems possible for the advancement of our construction and the opening the TOVP.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/LhB5zg

From The Heart! (6 min video)
Indradyumna Swami: Woodstock meant many things for different people. For Lord Krsna’s devotees it was a chance to share our good fortune through massive prasadam distribution, Ratha Yatra, good association and most important, the loud chanting of Krsna’s holy names along with our audience in the Mantra Yoga Tent.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/BFMsks

Gita verse-by-verse podcast

Download by “right-click and save content”

The post ​Gita 10.28 The life that emerges from love manifests the divine appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.