Tuesday, July 19th, 2016
→ The Walking Monk

Tuesday, July 19th, 2016
Deep River, Iowa

Walk More, Rush Less

Two papers in the local area, “The Journal Tribune” and “The Pioneer Republican,” carried the story with the above title, by Melinda Wichmann:

“We’re designed for walking but we’re not doing enough of it.”

That is the message Bhaktimarga Swami wants to share as he walks from New York, N.Y. to San Francisco, Calif.

“The Walking Monk,” as he is called, passed through Williamsburg, Tuesday morning, July 12, during his travels.  He left Iowa City before the sun rose that morning and walked along the IWV Road, arriving in Williamsburg about 10 a.m.

The purpose of his cross-country trek is two-fold: first, to encourage people to slow down the pace of their existence, to become more introspective, and to find their spirituality, and second, to celebrate the 50thanniversary of the Hare Krishna movement.

Bhaktimarga is breaking his journey into three parts.  Last year, he walked from New York to Butler, Pa.  This year, he resumed walking in Butler and hopes to complete the middle portion of his journey in mid-Nebraska by August.  He plans to reach San Francisco next year.

Long-distance walking is nothing new.  Canadian-born, he has walked across his home country, four times, as well as  Ireland, Israel and a number of other foreign countries.  He averages about 20 miles a day, logging mostly morning hours to beat the summer heat.  He believes walking enables people to find their spirituality, slow down and become a little more introspective, rather than rushing through the day in a frantic hurry.  No one walks anywhere anymore, he said, they all drive. “We are consumed by the automobile and as a species, it is making us very hard and cold.”  Walking provides a way to connect with one another as well as oneself.

“This part of the country already has a slower pace of life,” he said, by comparison with larger cities and urban areas.  When he told friends he was going to walk across the United States, their reaction was a little skewed, based on American television shows.

“But everyone has a gun there,” his friends told him.

“Clearly, that is not true,” he said.

“The reception has been great,” he says, with the people he passes offering friendly waves or stopping to talk to him.

He is enjoying his trek across the heartland, especially the spacious fields and pastures.

“You have an opulence of space here,” he said.

For more information, visit thewalkingmonk.org.

May the Source be with you!


20 miles

Monday, July 18th, 2016
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Monday, July 18th, 2016
Williamsburg, Iowa

1100 Kilometres

We did 1100 kilometres of driving to make it back to the spot where we left off last week.  My walking mission is met with many interruptions; happy ones, of course.  It was a six-day leave of absence from the trail.

Now on our way, before entering the States and in particular the state of Michigan, my driver, for the next four days of companionship, is Rajasuya from Brampton, Canada. Also with us are Mandala, an assistant to replace Uttamanada.  They are in for a treat.  I wanted to bring them down memory lane.  Off the major 401 Highway, we veered onto the Tecumseh Parkway.  This was the road I roamed to go back and forth to elementary school;  a humble, red-brick school house that enrolled rural kids, accommodating eight grades, and with only one teacher.

That’s a miracle in itself!

When you see this structure, boarded-up, and closed down since the sixties, it’s remarkable it is still standing.  The size leads you to believe that this 25 x 30 ft. place could not possibly hold the group of us.  Eight grades in one room!  One teacher!  Imagine that!

We thrived in this type of environment.  The older kids looked after the younger ones.  We lined up outside for drinking water from the pump.  We had little or practically no facility for sports.  Somehow we were happy in this minimalistic life-style.  I won’t forget the wooden desks with holes for the ink jars.  You used pencils in the younger grades.  The use of ink was for the older kids.  Yes, the simplicity was the thing.

May the Source be with you!

0 miles

Sunday, July 17th, 2016
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Sunday, July 17th, 2016
Toronto, Ontario

Some of What Happened

A couple flew in from Hawaii to attend the Chariot fest and I was given the honour to award them diksha(initiation) into the Vaishnavatradition.  Three couples also took second or brahminicalinitiation.  The new initiates are Guru das, an attorney, and his fantastic wife, Amala.

The ritual, which had quite the appeal for the public (as it was held outdoors on Centre Island), was colourful, and was positioned in front of the mystical temple under a marquis.

On the second day of the festival, like the first, I was scheduled to conduct an aerobics class to the sound of drum and mantra.  Held at the youth tent called the Bhakti Cloud, within no time, volunteers who wanted to loosen-up and shake-it-out filled the space.

For my own record, I thought to document  the one hour talk which I gave at the Govardhan Farm tent.  The topic was “Spiritual Ecology and the Age of Machinery.”  As you might imagine, I underscored the culture of “Hands On” and expressed the superiority of manually working with soil and animals, over the use of machines.

We certainly need to have a hard look at what is favourable for mankind and the environment.  The future is in our hands, especially when we plan and act in the present for an improved world which is based on the balance of the physical and the spiritual.

A last point to raise on the outcome of the fest, is that it was record-breaking for spiritual book sales, devotional items, and food.  Also, there were splendid presentations made on the stage.

May the Source be with you!

2 km

Saturday July 16th 2016
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Saturday July 16th 2016
Toronto, Ontario

Happy Faces

While last week's Montreal Chariot Fest was drenched with the pouring of cats and dogs (strange saying), the event in Toronto enjoyed perfect weather today. I cannot make any remarks relating to Karmain this regard.  Who's to say who deserves what, right?  Whatever comes to you that is seemingly bad does not always need to be met with an "it's my karma" attitude.  The wind blows as it may.  Accept it and adjust your sails. 

What's important is how you cope with or handle a challenge.  That is the real test of the devotee. 

But what of the event today on Yonge St. and Centre Island, in Toronto? 

I saw happy faces with loud singing, and bodies moving at a good clip, southbound on Yonge St. for a 4 to 5 kilometre stretch to the Waterfront.  Three 50 foot chariots were hand-pulled by ropes, and onlookers viewed with awe, this unique, exotic, and ancient Festival.  It is a re-enactment of a ride that Lord Krishna once took millennia ago, and it is enlivening to those who get involved, and even those who choose to just watch.

Procession is part one of the program.  A carnival of sorts is part two, held on Centre Island in Lake Ontario.  The procession covers 5 kilometres.  The return is the same, so I managed to double the distance while taking time to reflect on the day's joy of devotion.  This pensive time was at the darkening hour--dusk.  "Yes, joy comes from within," I thought, as I was noticing the party-goings-on, on the street that I walked. 

May the Source be with you!

12 km

Friday, July 15th, 2016
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Friday, July 15th, 2016
Toronto, Ontario

Move and Not Move

The day constituted more of a sit-down than stand-up or walkabout one.

It was the normal 12 hour kirtan program preceding the next day's Chariot procession, which became a highlight for those of us living in the area and those who had come from far and wide.

As is usual, I had the Good Fortune to kick-start the chanting event by leading the chanting while all others responded. A half-hour time slot allows for little time to build a crescendo of sound and energy, which would inspire dancing.  We normally start slow and easy with the mantra and the support of mrdangadrum, harmonium, and kartals (hand symbols).

My body is habituated to a good walk each day, but today, at least in the morning, I was confined to the "lotus" sitting position.  It was only in the evening, when B.B. Govinda Swami took the lead, singing and gradually building up the tempo, that quite a number of us took to the flight of our feet and moved about in some devotional style of dance.

Yes it was sweet, this use of the voice and other body parts.  For me, I came to moving as if in a walk-dance, and so it fulfilled my passion for trekking and dancing. Indeed in my high school years at the dances, I used to show off a trifle with whatever skills I could conjure up.  If I was in my teens now, I'm not sure I could muster up and execute the dance steps of the contemporary approach. 

The event, the 12-hour kirtan was sublime.

May the Source be with you!

2 km

Thursday July 14th, 2016
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Thursday July 14th, 2016
Toronto, Ontario

Some Reflections

I got fairly busy--much to do with the weekend Fest, The Festival of Chariots, perhaps the largest in North America.  So little time for walking.  I did, however, compile some thoughts on the art:

#1) Walking through the countryside at normal speed allows you the time and space to absorb all that's around you.  It enhances appreciation for nature, people, and the Creator.

#2) Rain came down for hours and I was holding up the umbrella while trekking.  After some point, I gave up on the umbrella and just let the rain and wind do what they wanted. Instead of resisting, I chose to accept and free myself from those elements.  You can get to a point where you realize, "I'm not this body.  I'm actually a spirit--a spirit in motion."

#3) I enjoy walking and I enjoy the mantrameditation, but I will admit I'm not ecstatic about either at this point.  It's not a major stimulation or adrenaline rush, but I do see and feel the power they wield and how they wear away at the mind, which channels the ego.

#4) Regarding pain or fatigue: It's better to have a physical ache or pain with a peaceful mind, than have a pampered life style with an agitated mind.

#5) God created us with half of our body made of legs, so I believe in using them for Him.  I find there is no better or more personal way to meet people than with the low-tech, highly organic approach of using the legs.  The legs were made for walking, and the mouth for speaking about the absolute.  Perfect combination!

May the Source be with you!

0 km

Wednesday, July 13th, 2016
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Wednesday, July 13th, 2016
Detroit/Brampton

What the Gazette Said

In yesterday's "Iowa Gazette" under the "Faith and Values" section, we have an article.

"Canadian monk walks across U.S. to spread the message of simple living" by Madison Arnold:

On Monday morning, a driver called the police after spotting Bhaktimarga Swami, dressed in his traditional orange garments, as he walked along the highway.  The man thought the monk was an escaped convict.

And more than once, people, spotting him coming from a distance, mistake him at first for an orange traffic cone, Bhaktimarga said.

Bhaktimarga Swami, a monk from Ontario, Canada, is walking from New York City to San Francisco, mostly along the Lincoln Highway, in an effort to encourage people to embrace a lifestyle of "simple living and high thinking."  He stopped Monday in Iowa City.

"I'm trying to say, ‘You know, folks, let's slow-down a little bit.  Let's take a little time to connect with the world around us,’ the Swami said.  ‘My message is universal.  It's non-denominational and, it's trying to encourage people to realize their inner potential.’”

Walking out in the open is a very public way to deliver this message and as he believes cars are a sign of consumer culture, he wants to reject that mentality.   Swami said spiritual, long walks are a tradition dating back to the origins of Buddhism and beyond.  He also has completed walks across Ireland and Israel, and four across Canada.  His goal is to travel about 20 miles per day and he usually camps at night, unless a temple or resident offers him a place to stay indoors.  People generally interact with him, especially after they learn what he's doing, Bhaktimarga said.  The Swami said he expects to walk another month before taking a break and finishing the final leg of his walk next year.

May the Source be with you!

9 km

OK, Really, What are the Vedas?
→ The Enquirer

The Veda is the beginningless information self-manifest by reality itself. It was to the first entity, Brahmā, that Viṣṇu first revealed full access to it. Brahmā then verbalized it to his initial children. Those children, especially the Seven Sages (Sāpta Ṛṣi) codified his words into specific mantra, thus creating the original Yajur Veda.

Over time, the meaning of these mantra became garbled and confusing, even to Brahmā.

Vyāsa repairs this by editing. His edit creates four divisions pertaining to four aspects of sacrifice, and a fifth division for the important contextual information underlying the sacrifices. These divisions are elaborated upon  over a long span of time by scholars under Vyāsa’s instruction and guidance. (Vyāsa is superhuman, although even without this, his influence and representatives could have overseen the further development of the five divisions.)

The elaboration resulted in enormous volumes of Vedic text nearly impossible for a single human to study in a single lifetime. Also, the elaboration resulted in many diverse viewpoints, difficult to reconcile. Seeing this as a shortcoming, Vyāsa set out to harmonize all the diversity, while also shrinking the enormity of the Veda into a single book of mystical codes: the Brahma-sūtra.

Upon completion, he found the codes to be too mysterious, so he set out to illustrate them using vivid and colorful stories related to Krishna and great historical personalities. This resulted in the epic Mahābhārata.

Upon completion he remained dissatisfied, for the ultimate esoteric essence of the Veda was not yet perfectly clear, even when reconciled and condensed into the Brahma-sūtra and illustrated by the Mahābhārata. Vyāsa then took the foremost Purāṇa, named Bhāgavata, and revised it in light of Brahma-sūtra and Mahābhārata. Thus he created Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, the ultimate fruit of the Vedic tree, and became fully satisfied that he had restored, and perhaps even improved, the original exposition of the Veda.

This is the answer to one of the homework questions in the second session of an online course called, “The Role of Sacred Text in Gauḍīya Bhakti.”

– Vraja Kishor

www.vrajakishor.com


Tagged: Sastra, shastra, Veda, Vedas, Vedic, Vedic Scripture

Gopal Bhatta Goswami
→ Ramai Swami

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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.

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Merciful to all
→ KKSBlog

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

Question: Does Krsna only favour pure devotees?

Srila-Prabhupada-on-morning-walk-in-Vrindavan

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.

Do We Care? – Australia’s First Home for Cow Protection
→ ISKCON News

In the 21st 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.

Jagannath Brings in a Splash of Spiritual Culture to London on ISKCON 50th
→ ISKCON News

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…
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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

From The Heart – Polish Woodstock
→ ISKCON News

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.

Gadadhar Pandit and Aygul’s beautiful vaishnava wedding in…
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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.

You Can Do It!
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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!
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What We Eat, And What Our Lordships “Eat”
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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”
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Leadership Crisis
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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
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A visit to Krishna Valley in Hungary July 2016 (Album with…
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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…
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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

Gita 10.29 See the prominent powers in the Vedic cosmos as manifestations of the supreme power
→ The Spiritual Scientist

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.

ISKCON celebrates the Rathayatra festival in London. The…
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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

World Holy Name Festival – 28 July to 14 August 2016
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Hare KrishnaBy 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
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The Sublimation Of Work
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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
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World Holy Name Week 2016! (7 min video) Srila Prabhupada’s…
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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

Special Sun Love Feast- July 24,2016 -11am-2pm -Bathing Festival of Lord Jagannatha.
→ ISKCON Brampton



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.







11.00- 11.15      Tulsi Puja
11.15 - 11.30     Guru Puja                                        
11:30 –11:55     Aarti & Kirtan                                    
11.55 - 12.00    Sri Nrsingadeva Prayers               
12.00 -12:45    Vedic discourse
12:45 - 1:30    Bathing Festival of Lord Jagannatha
  1.30 -  2.00     Sanctified Free Vegetarian Feast

Monthly sankirtan Festival(MSF)

“One who has life can preach, and one who preaches gets life.”(Previous Acaryas)

Every member of ISKCON should have the opportunity to make advancement in Krishna consciousness by preaching.We encourage everyone to come out and participate and make Srila Prabhupada happy.

Please contact:
Rasaraj Dasa-rajrushika@yahoo.com/ 647.887.5736(Mississauga and Brampton regions)
Narahari Dev Dasa- naraharidev@gmail.com (Etobicoke
 region)


COMING UP AHEAD


Fasting For Kamika Ekadasi
Fasting.....................on Fri Jul 29,2016
Breakfast.................on  Sat Jul 30,2016 b/w 6.05am-10.57am

Every fortnight, we observe Ekadasi, a day of prayer and meditation. On this day we fast (or simplify our meals and abstain from grains and beans), and spend extra time reading the scriptures and chanting the auspicious Hare Krishna mantra.By constantly ‘exercising’ our minds through regular japa we can train our senses to push the threshold of contentment.
English audio glorification of all Ekadasis is available here 
  Japathon-Congregational Mantra Meditation
Next meeting on Aug 13 ,2016(5.30am-9.30am) at ISKCON Brampton

The chanting is a spiritual call for the Lord and His Energy to give protection to the conditioned soul.japa, when performed with focus and attention, can subdue the agitating effects of one’s mind and senses. The senses, of which the mind is also one, are constantly being stimulated by the external world  - by gross and subtle matter.
If you have not chanted before, and would like to participate in this program, we will be very happy to show how you can do this.
All welcome. We’ll loan you a set of Beads!

IB Vaishnavi Sanga
Please join us for the upcoming workshop and dance practice in July 10(2-4pm) & 24(2-4pm)

The Vaisnavi Sanga hosted by ISKCON Brampton is a special opportunity for ladies to come together for a spiritual getaway in peaceful, intimate surroundings. It is the perfect occasion for an evening filled with amazing association, spiritually surcharged program, and Krishna conscious discussions. It is a place where we will be able to learn from each other and have a safe forum to express our doubts and open our hearts.

Festival Of India-Brampton
July 30,2016(11pm-5pm) at Chinguacousy Park,Brampton.

Key Features include: Free Vegetarian Feast,Parade,Music & dance,Kids Activities,Drama,Boutique,Heena,Face Painting and more.It's a free public event for the entire family.Join us with your loved ones to have some really fun time.
 

ONGOING EVERY SUNDAY


Sunday School

To register,contact us
Email:sundayschool108@gmail.com
Call:647.893.9363

The Sunday School provides fun filled strategies through the medium of music, drama, debates, quizzes and games that present Vedic Culture to children. However the syllabus is also designed to simultaneously teach them to always remember Krishna and never forget Him. School
The Sunday School follows the curriculum provided by the Bhaktivedanta College of Education and Culture (BCEC).


Gift Shop

Our boutique is stocked with an excellent range of products, perfect for gifts or as souvenirs of your visit. It offers textiles, jewellery, incense, devotional articles, musical instruments, books, and CDs inspired by Indian culture.We're open on all Sundays and celebrations marked in our annual calendar.

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Chant and Be happy

ISKCON-London celebrates 50th Anniversary of ISKCON’s Incorporation with pomp and grandeur
→ Dandavats

Hare KrishnaBy 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"