“Which service is the best?”
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(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 08 July 2016, Villa Vrindavan, Italy, Sravanam Kirtanam Festival)

KKS_mayapur_20 Dec

kaler doṣa–nidhe rājann
asti hy eko mahān guṇaḥ
kīrtanād eva kṛṣṇasya
mukta–saṅgaḥ paraṁ vrajet (Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 12.3.51)

Kali yuga is an ocean of faults but there is ONE good quality of this age which is the chanting of holy name and it is accompanied by the mercy of Lord Caitanya. The importance of holy name can never be overestimated. We may sometimes ask, “Which service is the best?” and there are different answers.  All forms of pure devotional service are equally transcendental. But for conditioned the souls, it is difficult to get on the transcendental platform. The senses are merciless; they want more and more from us!

In Satya yuga the process of worship is by meditation on Supreme Lord but now in Kali yuga, we got no power to concentrate! In Treta yuga, the process is sacrifice but now that is too difficult and too much trouble. In the Dvapara yuga, the process is through deity worship but now the standard is lowered.  

So what is higher… kirtanam (chanting) or smaranam (remembering)? The answer is, in conditioned state it is KIRTANAM. Kirtanam is the higher service. In transcendental state, it does not matter. Radharani remembered Krsna and then automatically chanted! So we hear and chant about Krsna, and then we remember. The more we hear about Krsna, the more we begin to understand how he is all attractive and we engage in service. Krsna covers himself from the conditioned souls with the curtain of illusion; devotional service opens the curtain.

Sravanam (hearing), kirtanam, smaranam are the three principal processes in this age! Through these processes, we become transformed. But there is another dimension still. Whatever fruits of love of God one receives, if one distributes that, one will find that he has more than before! It is not just about absorbing ourselves but about GIVING the holy name.

I am not just playing the harmonium, I am playing the people – sharing the holy name and taking people along. This is the meditation; this is the ecstasy, “When will my hairs stand on end in ecstasy? Is there any hope?” Caitanya Mahaprabhu wants to flood the whole world in ecstasy. The holy name is mystical. On one hand we try to chant nicely and concentrate, etc. and on the other hand, the holy name is Krsna and we get his darshan simultaneously. 

We could be humble if we would be honest and admit that we are full of faults. If only we were humble, we could take shelter of Krsna. Kirtan is also for purification. We are different from a church. We cannot really repent; we are not that sorry actually. We say that it is just human to err and instead of repenting, we celebrate the glories of Krsna and have a happy festival.

Transcribed by Nimai

Aspects of the Absolute Truth
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Hare KrishnaBy Srila Jiva Gosvami

Though conceived of in various ways, ultimately the Absolute Truth is the Supreme Person who shares intimate loving exchanges with the best of His devotees. Here we present an excerpt from the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust edition of Srila Jiva Goswami’s Sri Tattva-sandarbha. Jiva Goswami was one of the famed Six Goswamis, leading contemporary followers of Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Sri Tattva-sandarbha is the first of six sandarbhas (treatises) explaining the philosophy of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, or devotion to Krishna in Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s line. The translator is Gopiparanadhana Dasa, whose commentary closely follows the early eighteenth-century commentary of Srila Baladeva Vidyabhusana. The book includes a supplement called Sarva-samvadini, mentioned in this excerpt. We begin here with the last of the opening mangalacarana, or “prayers for auspiciousness.” Continue reading "Aspects of the Absolute Truth
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Hare Krishna for a day
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Hare KrishnaBy Leanne Davis

She said I was welcome any time, whether next week or in a year. She even encouraged me to bring friends. I’m sure those vehemently against religion (which seems to be increasingly the norm these days) will see this as a cunning ploy to reel me in. But I can quite honestly say that I would happily return and enjoy all that the temple and the devotees have to offer without feeling any pressure to become a devotee myself. In the past, I have heard the derisory term ‘Happy Clappers’ used to describe Hare Krishnas but I now see this as a rather ironic affront. They do clap and they are indeed very happy but not because of any drugs, brainwashing or cult-like behaviour. From what I witnessed, Hare Krishnas simply relish in the unity of being together, believing in something that to me seems inherently pure. Of all faiths, this seems like one of the most joyous. And with the world being the way it is today, who doesn’t need a little more joy in their lives? Continue reading "Hare Krishna for a day
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Hare Krishna community celebrates 50 years as religious movement
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Hare KrishnaBy Samantha Turnbull

Fifty years ago, a 70-year-old monk travelled from India to the United States in the hope of starting a spiritual revolution. His name was Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and on July 13, 1966 he incorporated the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), formalising what is widely known as the Hare Krishna movement. ISKCON now runs 602 temples, 54 schools and 65 farming communities across the globe. This month, the New Govardhana Hare Krishna community at Eungella, near Murwillumbah in northern New South Wales, hosted about 1,000 visitors to mark the 50th anniversary of ISKCON. New Govardhana president Ajita Dasa said the milestone proved the Hare Krishnas belonged to a serious religious institution. “It means the establishment has gone through what most religious organisations have gone through,” he said. “We’ve had teething problems, we’ve dealt with it, and the fact ISKCON is still around helping people means it’s here to stay.” ISKCON belongs to the Vedic or Hindu culture with its philosophies based on the Sanskrit texts the Bhagavad-gita, Bhagavat Purana and Srimad Bhagavatam. Devotees practice bhakti yoga and worship Lord Krishna. Continue reading "Hare Krishna community celebrates 50 years as religious movement
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​Why did the Pandavas tolerate poisoning and arson, but not Draupadi’s dishonoring?
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Ratha-yatra in Prague, Czech Republic, the heart of Europe (Album…
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Ratha-yatra in Prague, Czech Republic, the heart of Europe (Album with photos)
“And A Child Shall Lead Them” Isaiah 11-6.
Nine-year-old Vamsi Gopal das led the post-Rathayatra Harinam. With his sweet Kirtan and smile he led for over a half hour. The streets of Prague were packed and he charmed them all…..
Find them here: https://goo.gl/zmCXUP

TOVP: Corian for TOVP Coffer Ceilings (Album with photos)…
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TOVP: Corian for TOVP Coffer Ceilings (Album with photos)
Sadbhuja Das: The TOVP Design team is considering using a material called corian for the coffer ceilings in the domes. It is cost efficient and light. Its primary use is for counter tops, bench top surfaces, and kitchen sinks. It comes in unlimited colors, so we could chose any color that we like. Our coffer ceilings would be made of a thin layer of corian and would be very light weight. Corian is excellent because it has great longevity, so it could last for a very long time.
The TOVP Design team has created a small sample to test the corian. The demo was made on the TOVP’s personal CNC (Computer Numerical Control) carving machine. This model is not a coffer ceiling, but rather is an example of how the corian may be used with the lighting. Thus, this sample is not what will be built in the TOVP. The model has three patterns of different textured carvings. One of the patterns is a very endearing and well detailed image of Srila Prabhupada.
The corian demo is very attractive when the light is turned on. All the patterns and images light up very nicely. This is the same technique that we can use to light up the domes from behind. We are pleased with the model and are optimistic about pursuing the coffer ceiling construction.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/a9AiD8

Special month of activities at ISKCON-London to celebrate 50th Anniversary of ISKCON’s Incorporation
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Hare KrishnaBy ISKCON-London Communications Secretary

July is a very special month in our ISKCON 50th Anniversary Year. On 13th July, 50 years ago the International Society of Krishna Consciousness was established. ISKCON-London launched its 50th Anniversary celebrations in August last year, with a festival celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Srila Prabhupada's departure from India to the West. Now, in this special month, ISKCON's incorporation month, a number of wonderful events have been planned. What better way to kick-off the celebrations than with the chanting of the holy names? The events commenced with London Mellows kirtan weekend on 9th and 10th July. Kirtaneers from across the UK community came together to make a special offering of 24 hours of kirtan for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada. It was recorded live by Radha Krishna Records, ISKCON-London’s record label, and we will be producing a 50th Anniversary album which will be released later this year. On the actual incorporation day, 13th July, there will be an all-day festival at the Temple. This will be a glorious day of celebration and Their Lordships will be offered new outfits in honour of the occasion, there will be special themed classes, kirtan, maha harinama, and prasadam feast. ISKCON-London will join Bhaktivedanta Manor on a joint initiative themed “Day of Gratitude” to distribute 5000 cupcakes to commuters at key locations in central London. Continue reading "Special month of activities at ISKCON-London to celebrate 50th Anniversary of ISKCON’s Incorporation
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​Why did Duryodhana put the clause of incognito stay in the Pandavas’ exile?
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Did Draupadi dishonor Duryodhana, thereby causing him to dishonor her?
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Bhagavatam study 58 1.11.32-39 Krishna seemed attached but remained detached
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Srila Prabhupada Drama by “Something Spiritual”
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On the eve of Saturday 2nd July in the outskirts of London, a cast and crew of 65 young people who are part of an upcoming performing arts group known as "Something Spiritual", came together to put on a spectacular production depicting the life and struggles of Srila Prabhupada. It was a night that captured hearts, moved people to tears and transformed the lives of many.

July 11. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations. Satsvarupa…
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July 11. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
Satsvarupa dasa Goswami: Swamiji Puts on Tilak.
After his bath he would come into the front room, where his assembled followers would sit around him. He would sit on a mat facing his picture of the Panca-tattva, and after putting a few drops of water in his left palm from a small metal spoon and bowl, he would rub a lump of Vrindavana clay in the water, making a wet paste. He would then apply the clay markings of Vaisnava tilaka, dipping into the yellowish paste in his left hand with the ring finger of his right. He would scrape wet clay from his palm, and while looking into a small mirror which he held deftly between the thumb and pinkie of his left hand, he would mark a vertical clay strip up his forehead and then trim the clay into two parallel lines by placing the little finger of his right hand between his eyebrows and running it upward past the hairline, clearing a path in the still-moist clay. Then he marked eleven other places on his body, while the boys sat observing, sometimes asking questions or sometimes speaking their own understandings of Krishna consciousness.
Prabhupada: My Guru Maharaja used to put on tilaka without a mirror.
Devotee: Did it come out neat?
Prabhupada: Neat or not neat, that does not matter. Yes, it was also neat.
Prabhupada would then silently recite the Gayatri mantra. Holding his brahmin’s sacred thread and looping it around his right thumb, he would sit erect, silently moving his lips. His bare shoulders and arms were quite thin as was his chest, but he had a round slightly protruding belly. His complexion was as satiny smooth as a young boy’s, except for his face, which bore signs of age. The movements of his hands were methodical, aristocratic, yet delicate.
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Beyond repression
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(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 04 February 2016, Bhaktivedanta Manor, United Kingdom, Srimad Bhagavatam 10.2.21)

DBN_RY_2016 (7)

Our process is not repression, it is not just simply abstinence – to give up illicit activities and let the pushing of the senses rage within. This is not possible for us. NO! We must engage in devotional service and then devotional service begins to absorb us. There will be no time for sense gratification and after a while, there will be much taste for devotional service!

Agnideva Prabhu is here. I am really happy that he is. He was in Radhadesh also and they were so insistent that he would sing that song that Srila Prabhupada wrote; the song with the long name that I can never remember, where Prabhupada was expressing his desire to be with Krsna again. Everyone wanted Agnideva Prabhu to sing that song and they had printed song sheets that were so small that it was just unreadable and he did not have his reading glasses.

Then instead of singing, he began to speak. Actually, I was happy that he spoke, it was meant to be a kirtan event but he spoke. I liked it because he spoke of something that he had been a part of. He spoke of the history of how certain bhajans came into our movement, how they were translated, how they were being sung and how the melodies came about. He gave us history and that was a gift. It was something unique which he was a part of, and it was something that he could share. I was very appreciative of that, and things like that which are very interesting will naturally be attractive. Then you can forget the senses – at times like that you do not have to worry about the senses. At times like that your attention is there and you are absorbed.

In this way, we look for the next opportunity to get absorbed, ‘Is there anything special going on?’ Devotees have a radar, they are always looking everywhere. You have to develop these antennae, these radars for ‘special juice’. Wherever it is, find it and somehow or other get to it! In this mood, we will find that these material issues – the senses, desires and needs – they are not so much in the forefront.

I Don’t Know My Name – Grace VanderWaal
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The first question in spiritual life is “Who am I?” I took this “Finding my Identity” theme from a song that is currently popular and made a music video for it that includes some subtle (or not so subtle lol) Krishna consciousness. Let me know what you think of it in the comments. Please give it […]

The post I Don’t Know My Name – Grace VanderWaal appeared first on Successful Vaisnavas - Personal Development for Hare Krishnas.

Hera Pancami
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On the 5th day of Lord Jagannath’s stay in Gundica Temple, the festival of Hera Pancami is observed. Lord Jagannatha takes permission from His eternal consort Lakshmi Devi to go to Gundica and return in 2-3 days. But, Sri Jagannath Deva doesn’t return to Sri Mandir in 3 days. On the 5th day Lakshmi Devi […]

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Balancing The Roles Of The Gbc And The Disciple In Guru Selection
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By the Sastric Advisory Council

Members participating in the authorship of this paper: Drutakarma Dasa, Gopiparanadhana Dasa, Purnacandra Goswami, and Urmila Devi Dasi “The rules and regulation are that nobody should accept blindly any guru, and nobody should blindly accept any disciple. They must behave, one another, at least for one year so that the prospective disciple can also understand, ‘Whether I can accept this person as my guru.’ And the prospective guru also can understand, ‘Whether this person can become my disciple.’ This is the instruction by Sanatana Gosvami in his Hari-bhakti-vilasa.” Continue reading "Balancing The Roles Of The Gbc And The Disciple In Guru Selection
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Experiences and realizations of devotees who give people Krsna…
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Experiences and realizations of devotees who give people Krsna consciousness by giving them books by Srila Prabhupada and his followers.
Death Wish Stopped
Once I was distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books in a small city in Belgium, and I met a woman who listened very emotionally as I showed her a book. She told me she didn’t need the book, because she had just bought some pills in the pharmacy (she showed them to me) and was on her way home to take them all at once and end her life.