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Answer Podcast

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The post Did Karna conquer the world, but Arjuna couldn’t? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Answer Podcast

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The post ​Why did Arjuna kill Karna unfairly? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Harinama in Bologna, Italy (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: As far as possible, therefore, the devotees in the Krishna con...

“The Walking Monk”: Swami Embarks on Transnational Walk Across the USA to Commemorate 50th Anniversary of the Hare Krishna Tradition.
Urvashi Verma: Chicago, Il: Bhaktimarga Swami, a 63 year old Canadian born monk has embarked on a transnational walk of 3,000 miles across the United States from New York City to San Francisco to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the coming of the Hare Krishna Tradition to the West and to promote a more green style of living in America.
Swami who has arrived in Chicago, Il on June 11 has traversed open plains, highways, and landmarks. For the general public, Bhaktimarga Swami is best known as “the walking monk”. To share his message of peace and gratitude he has already crossed Canada four times covering over 17,000 miles on foot.
The Swami is walking to draw attention to the contributions of his own spiritual teacher, or guru, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada. Prabhupada arrived in the USA 50 years ago, on September 17, 1965. He came practically penniless from India at the age of 70 on the order of his teacher to promote God consciousness, or devotional bhakti-yoga, to the English-speaking world.
“In the broader sense I’m walking to honor all our teachers,” Swami says. “Our teachers open the doors to the world for us, and to other worlds as well. I hope to remind us all how grateful we should be to those who give us knowledge, especially knowledge about our inner potential, ” he says.
Each day Swami, donned in monastic orange garb and his favorite crocs he walks 20 miles each day along path chartered by his companion assistant Gopala and returns to the same spot where he left the next day to complete another 20 miles.
Source: http://goo.gl/0f4xMy

The post Conversation with Adi-guru on spontaneous devotion appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

50 HOURS OF KIRTAN IN HONOR OF 50-YEARS ISKCON
Simhachalam, Germany, Aug.11 - Aug.14, 2016.
We are very happy to invite you again to this kirtan event in Germany. In the mood of Srila Prabhupada, we are trying to organize a kirtan to change the vibration on this planet, and in that way strengthen our own devotion. The whole festival will be centered on singing the Maha-mantra. Throughout the day we will have different kirtan parties performing and bringing you to a deep personal experience in the chanting. There will be a nice, spacious temple room, and areas where devotees can discuss their experiences, meet the gurus and enjoy the atmosphere of the festival. We did our all to invite the best kirtan leaders to celebrate this festival with us. All of them are well known for their unique kirtan style. The whole 50 hours, they will lift us up to the transcendental platform.
Those who have already confirmed their participation:
HH Sacinandana Swami, HH Bhakti Vaibhava Swami, HH Kadamba Kanana Swami, HG Prithu Prabhu, HG Vayasaki Prabhu, HG Aditi Dukha Prabhu, HG Dina Sharana Mataji, HG Sarvatma Prabhu
Please check our website regularly for additional information. Thank you for considering attending this 6th Kirtan Mela festival in Germany. We hope you will join us in a happy mood this summer in Simhachalam. Please register as soon as possible on our website http://www.kirtan-mela-germany.de/index.php/en/ (see “Registration” option), the number of participants is limited.

Iskcon Salem Rathayatra 2016 (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: The Hare Krishna movement is present in every millennium of Lord Brahma’s life, and the holy name is chanted in all the higher planetary systems, including Brahmaloka and Candraloka, not to speak of Gandharvaloka and Apsaroloka. The sankirtana movement that was started in this world five hundred years ago by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is therefore not a new movement. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 2.7.15 Purport)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/x88Jqc

Stoked Govindas Surfers Paradise has won best buffet on the Gold Coast. Unheard of for Vegan restaurants to win…
Here are some reviews:
Junglechick: This place is just incredible. I got the all-you-can-eat just so I could try everything and go back for my favourites! The kofta balls are sooooo good. The staff were wonderful and it’s got a great atmosphere. I’d 100% recommend it!!
Rico: I used to visit the previous Govindas in the Paradise Centre when they were vegetarian. They had excellent vegan food then, but for a long time it wasn’t always plentiful, until the owner started to see the light.
Since they went vegan last year, Hallelujah! - things are much brighter.
Take your pick from their buffet, which includes a separate salad bar. Hot dishes change, but go from vegetable curries and creamy potato bake to the staple kofta balls.
Eating in - that’s what i always do when i’m here - you can get a plate of food for $10 or an unlimited plate - that is, with all the refills you want - for $15. Incredible value!
Sadly, this is the only vegan place in glittering Surfers Paradise. But it’s definitely not a case of “Well, go there because there’s no other choice.”
The food is fresh, the staff are usually friendly, and the cost is low. Really, it’s a fantastic deal in Paradise!
EmmaBarr: The food in this restaurant is absolutely amazing and so delicious. Even my meat eating boyfriend loved it and was happy to go back numerous times. There is such good variety in the buffet and it is all delicious and unbelievably good value for money. I couldn’t recommend this place enough for vegans.
Kiwi Wannabe: Being both a vegan and a food lover, this place was a culinary paradise. At $12.90 for an all you can eat buffet, you can’t go wrong. I thought places like this only existed in my dreams ;-) Half of our group were meat eaters and they loved it too.
Terrific array of hot and cold options as well as desserts in case you have room left. The staff were friendly and you could tell they really enjoy what they do. It’s just too bad we were visiting otherwise we’d come here all the time!
ChelseaHollins: I’m a pretty slim female and I think I continue to amaze staff/friends at how many times I can go back and refill my plate. It is just so good, it’s really hard to leave. Very cheap, the tofu salad is just amazing and I usually find salads boring.
Potato bake/Kofas/Pasta bake= yum! There’s not one thing there I wouldn’t happily fill my plate with. Their ginger juices are really amazing and have made my sore throats disappear in the matter of an hour.
Only bad thing about this place is they offer non-vegan lasso drinks (based on yogurt). Would be really great if they did this vegan, not just because I would buy it, but because I restrain from supporting non-veganism is anyway possible. But other than that it is just.. wow.
Read more reviews here: https://goo.gl/lzATOx
and here: https://goo.gl/p3mFUY
Their Facabook page: https://www.facebook.com/GovindasSurfersParadise/

The post Ratha Yatra 2016 appeared first on Mayapur.com.

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

Rathayatra in Novi Sad, Serbia (Album with photos)
A wonderful surprise. A large-ish city with *lots* of people on a Wednesday night…. evidently there is a huge music festival there which starts tomorrow. So much fun!
Find them here: https://goo.gl/7jD8i5

On 6th July, on 3 beautiful chariots Sri Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra Devi were ready to leave Rajapur, and come to Mayapur. At 2pm the Lords were ready on the chariots and accepted Maha-arati and offerings form the devotees and special guests. In Baladeva’s Chariot Srila Prabhupada was also seated and in Subhadra Devi’s chariot […]

The post Lord Jagannath Has Arrived! appeared first on Mayapur.com.

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Ratha Yatra in Copenhagen 2016 (Album with photos)
Thank you so much to everybody who participated, helped out and volunteered...

July 7. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
Satsvarupa dasa Goswami: Preserving Uniqueness: NYC’s Prabhupada Museum.
Prabhupada’s appearance is important for all people in the world. Therefore, his museum is important. New York City is the right place for it.
When I was in Assisi, I saw many tour groups. We overheard one of the monks describing the paintings of Giotto depicting the life of Saint Francis: “This picture showed that in the 13th century, the Church was somewhat corrupt, but Francis came to give it new life … “Similarly, ISKCON devotees can guide visitors throughout Prabhupada’s museum. Although we do not have art masterpieces like those by Giotto, the humble Prabhupada artefacts evoke the appearance of the pure devotee. It is one of the functions of a Prabhupadanuga to explain the history of Prabhupada and his movement.
Everything is there, right down to the handprints on the page, preserved under museum glass. Although you cannot see the pure devotee unless you have a spiritual eye, you get the general idea when you visit the museum. No one can walk out of there and say, “I don’t think Prabhupada existed,” or, “Prabhupada probably came here as a rich man with patronage.” No one can make up such speculations, because the history of his poverty and aloneness is here.
There is a museum for Elvis Presley which has his motorcycle in a glass case, but preserving the artefacts of an ordinary man does not make him glorious. People cry when they remember Elvis, but how does that help them achieve the purpose of a human life? In the Prabhupada museum, the same techniques are used, but with a different effect.
Take for example, this picture of Krishna and Yasoda, painted in 1966 under Prabhupada’s direction. It is crude, and yet I can worship Krishna by looking at the picture. Here is a picture of Lord Caitanya dancing in sankirtana. It is the painting that Prabhupada put in the window of his first temple. He mentioned it in his lectures. It produces a kind of trance.
You look at the documents – memos signed by Prabhupada, photos from that time. His spoon, eyeglasses and dictaphone are placed in a case with an official label under it. Prabhupada wore these clothes. That canvas sign with the Hare Krishna mantra written on it was done under Prabhupada’s direction. We brought it onto the streets when we performed harinama. Here in Prabhupada’s handwriting is the list of rules and regulations for initiated devotees.
Here is Prabhupada using his dictaphone. Here is Prabhupada patting a devotee on the head. The museum tells us the story of Prabhupada’s kindness in coming here. (Vaisnavas say the only reason that one should ever leave Vrindavana is to preach. Prabhupada preached. All his activities were a sacrifice for preaching, and that is what is pictured in the museum.
To read the entire article click here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=10

Preserving Uniqueness: NYC’s Prabhupada Museum

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 22 April 2016, Radhadesh, Srimad Bhagavatam 7.8.14-16)

It is said sometimes that anger is the younger brother of lust. First, there is our desire to control. We want a world according to our desires and if people interfere with that then we become angry!

But it is not that people just interfere because you have to see Krsna behind it. So devotees accept, “Alright, so Krsna did not want this for me. Krsna has another plan for me. This is not destined to be.” One has to accept being an instrument of Krsna!

This is difficult. I know it is difficult. Tell me all about it. I find it very difficult also. But, when everything goes wrong, and you are sort of standing on shaky legs then we say, “Okay Krsna, I’m yours!” This is sort of how it is.

In Full Swing (7 min video)
Our summer festival tour on the Baltic Sea coast in Poland is in full swing. Three hundred devotees...

The process took 3-4 months including script writing and reviewing, soundtrack making, casting, promoting, rehearsing, organising, and many of the team members had sleepless nights just so that they could deliver an offering of real value as a tribute. Something Spiritual began at the end of 2015 with a goal of bringing together people who have amazing talents and engaging them in the service of something bigger than themselves - in the service of Krishna. So far, they have put on 4 small plays, launched a music album, and have reached a milestone with this production. There were many senior members and devotees of ISKCON and Bhaktivedanta Manor who were present to give their blessings at the show. HG Jananivas Prabhu said that "the play just got better and better." HH Bhakti Rasamrita Swami said "I have seen many dramas before, and I have also seen many dramas about Srila Prabhupada. But this was probably the best drama I have seen on Prabhupada so far." Continue reading "“Something Spiritual” – Srila Prabhupada Production
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Iskcon Los Angeles - New Dvaraka - Initiation ceremony 2016 (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: The chanting of the holy nam...

Giriraj Swami read and spoke from Sri Caitanya Bhagavata on the occasion of Gundica Marjana and the disappearance of Sri Gadadhara Pandita and Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura.

“After taking darshan of Lord Jagannatha with great bliss, Lord Nityananda went to see Gadadhara Pandit at Tota Gopintha temple. Gadadhara and Nityananda loved each other very much. There, seeing the three-fold bending form of Gopinath, Lord Nityananda cried incessant tears of joy. Hearing of Nitai’s arrival Gadadhara Pandit stopped reciting Srimad-Bhagavatam and immediately ran to greet the Lord.” (Sri Caitanya Bhagavata Antya 6)

“This is another feature of Gadadhara Pandit—he is very learned and he loved to recite Srimad-Bhagavatam. Lord Caitanya would hear him recite Srimad-Bhagavatam and heard the pastimes of Dhruva Maharaja and Prahlada Maharaja hundreds of times.” — Giriraj Swami

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Kirtan lead by Sarvatma dasa
Je Anilo Prema Dvana lead by Sarvama dasa
Talk by Giriraj Swami
Nrsimha Prayers lead by Giriraj Swami

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45th Sri Jagannath Rathyatra,ISKCON Kolkata (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Simply by chanting the holy name of Lord Kr...

Rath Yatra festival begins in Puri.
Bhubaneswar: The annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath and his siblings began on Wednesday amidst a congregation of lakhs of devotees in Puri.
Lakhs of people have converged to have a glimpse of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra on the Bada Danda (Grand Road). They will travel to Gundicha temple on three giant wooden chariots to be pulled by the devotees.
A multi-layered security system has been put in place to keep a strict vigil on the movement of people and traffic management as the district administration expects around 10 lakh devotees during the nine-day annual chariot festival, said Director General of Police K. B. Singh.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday wished the nation on the occasion of the Rath Yatra.
“On the occasion of Rath Yatra, my warmest greetings to you all. May Lord Jagannath continue to shower his blessings on everyone,” Modi tweeted.
“May the blessings of Lord Jagannath lead to development of villages, well-being of poor and farmers and take India to new heights of progress,” he added.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also greeted the people of Odisha on the occasion of the Rath Yatra.
“Heartfelt greetings on this joyous and most auspicious occasion of #RathaJatra. Jai Jagannath!,” Patnaik tweeted.
The Rath Yatra is an annual celebration, marking the journey of the deities from the 12th century Jagannath Temple in the chariots to the temple of Devi Gundicha, their aunt.
The celebration ends nine days later with Bahuda Yatra or return journey to their temple, which will take place on July 14.
The rituals relating to the festival started early on Wednesday morning. The Pahandi of the deities began around 10 a.m. and was completed by 2 p.m.
After the deities are placed on their respective chariots, Puri King Gajapati Dibyasingh Deb will perform Chhera Panhara on the chariots.
After the departure of Gajapati, the chariot pulling would begin, said Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) chief Suresh Mohapatra.
Live coverage: http://odishatv.in/otv-live-tv/

Door to door book distribution in New Papatoetoe, New Zealand, brought me to the home of an elderly Indian fellow who was all too enthusiastic to see me. After presenting the books he quickly ran into another room and came back with 51 dollars cash and explained that this money was in the pocket of his brother’s pants when he passed away some time ago. He was waiting for an opportunity to give it Krishna, so he eagerly gave it to me in exchange for some books. His friend, who was present during the conversation, was so moved by the exchange that she donated another 20 dollars, allowing them to take two Srimad Bhagavatams, two Bhagavad Gitas, two Isopanisads, one Searching for Vedic India, etc… even after I had left their home, she came back down the street with more money to buy some small books for her friends.

Ratha-yatra Cart Construction (Album with photos)
Here are over a hundred photos of Jagannatha-Baladeva-Subhadra’s cart construction in Puri which takes over a month every year. Everything is handmade, an amazing tradition.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/ah0H1o

ISKCON’s 50th Anniversary Committee has released an important resource for the year long celebrations of temples around the world: colourful and informative exhibition panels that showcase ISKCON’s achievements in the last 50 years and can be printed and displayed by temples locally. The ISKCON 50 Expo consists of 16 panels which measure 2.5 feet by 4 feet, and can be downloaded in print quality from the ISKCON 50 website. The panels describe the legacy of the Hare Krishna movement, Srila Prabhupada’s journey to America, the expansion and explosion of the Hare Krishna movement worldwide, and the multifarious achievements of ISKCON in areas such as book distribution, temples, prasadam distribution, festivals, farm communities, academia and community work. Continue reading "ISKCON 50 Expo: exhibition panels released for your local 50th anniversary celebrations
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Prabhupada – Departing for the West Production Stills (Album with photos)
A true story that began 50 years ago, when a great scholar set out across the ocean on a mission, carrying nothing but a timeless message, which was to be the greatest change for humanity. He inspired an entire generation and against all odds, formed an unstoppable revolution.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/VTML3y

Music and video by Janaki Mohan Das.

Highlights from Something Spiritual's first show, Prabhupada – Departing for the West at Harrow Arts Centre, London.

The post Daily Darshan: July 6th, 2016 appeared first on Mayapur.com.

The lotus feet of Lord Nityananda are a shelter where one will get the soothing moonlight not only of one,but of millions of moons. If the world wants to have real peace, it should take shelter of Lord Nityananda.Unless one takes shelter under the shade of the lotus feet of Lord Nityananda, Lord Nityananda,is none other than Lord Balaram, who advents in this age of Kali, as the most merciful incarnation (Dayara avadhi) to assist His elder brother Sri Krishna in His pastimes. Sri Krishna, however sacrifices His original blackish hue, and accepts the devotional mood and golden complexion of Sri Radha, to perform and relish the most amazing and beautiful pastimes as Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (Gouranga). Continue reading "Doyal (Merciful) Nitai
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July 1st marked the 149th anniversary of the founding of the world's second largest country; Canada. Towns and villages across the nation celebrated its birthday with fireworks, parades and a host of other joyful events. The city of Vancouver's celebration was extra special as our ISKCON Hare Krishna temple was invited to participate in this year's Canada Day parade. An estimated 300,000 people lining the route, and millions more on main stream news coverage were benefited with the vibration of the holy names, seeing ecstatic devotees dancing and being made aware that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of ISKCON and the Hare Krishna movement. Our participation was an offering to Srila Prabhupada on this special occasion. Wearing red & white saris, dhotis and kurtas, colours of the Canadian flag, the crowds smiled and waved at the enthusiastic dancing devotees who followed our main float. Continue reading "ISKCON Vancouver Participates in July 1st Canada Day Parade
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The Legend of Jagannath documentary on National Geographic channel (43 min video)
About an hour-long documentary titled “The Legend Of Jagannath” aired on National Geographic channel on July 4. It took a behind-the-scenes look at the Indian religious festival of Rath Yatra.
Actor Rajeev Khandelwal is host of the documentary, which showcased the colour and ceremonies associated with Rath Yatra, a festival in Odisha which involves moving deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Sudarshana on wooden chariots.
Watch it here: http://goo.gl/oYjkC9