Why the millennial craze for chanting is the new clubbing. As…
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Why the millennial craze for chanting is the new clubbing.
As Glastonbury comes to a close, festivals now are all about returning to their spiritual roots.
As you read this, Glastonbury-goers will be raising themselves from their tents, fuzzy from too many ciders after watching Adele last night. But forget the hangover bacon butty — the twenty-something hedonist crowd will be heading instead to the West Holts field to do some kirtan, call-and-response chanting based on ancient Indian texts, to clear their heads.
Friday night in London, and it’s a similar story. At the fortnightly candlelit kirtan at Mantra Lounge in Covent Garden, among the 100-strong crowd swaying rhythmically to the brass cymbals and chants of Radha Govinda, are blissed-out millennials, kicking off the weekend with…
Source: http://goo.gl/qkespC

Rathayatra in Poland (Album with photos) Srila Prabhupada: “As a…
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Rathayatra in Poland (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: “As a result of chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, one makes such great advancement in spiritual life that simultaneously his material existence terminates and he receives love of Godhead. The holy name of Krishna is so powerful that by chanting even one name, one very easily achieves these transcendental riches.” (Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, 8.28)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/qP9FLl

Our prayers to Krishna
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Hare KrishnaBy Giriraj dasa

People generally pray for material benefits: “O God, give us our daily bread. Give me nice position. Give me nice wife, nice following or this or victory,” so on, so on, so on, simply for material enjoyment. My Guru Mahäräja used to say that if we pray to God for all these nonsense things, it is just like a man goes to a king and the king says, “Whatever you want you can ask from me,” and if the man says, “Kindly give me a pinch of ashes.” It is like that. If we ask from God for some material benefit, it means that I am asking from a king a pinch of ashes. When king says that “You ask whatever you want,” he can say, “So give me half the kingdom.” That should be the prayer. And why a pinch of ash? Similarly, it is our foolishness. When we ask for bread, “O God, give us our daily bread,” that means I am asking. The bread is already there. Why for you? For everyone, for all living entities, the bread is already there given by God. Eko yo bahünäà vidadhäti kämän. The elephant is not going to the church for praying, “Give me food.” He is supplied in the jungle food. A tiger is supplied food. Even ant is supplied food within the hole. Who is going to supply food there? How they are eating? How they are living? How they are begetting children? The same thing is there. Ähära-nidrä-bhaya-maithuna—everything is there in the ant, in the elephant. Who is supplying their necessities? Continue reading "Our prayers to Krishna
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Lord Gauranga’s Mercy Flows in Yaddugudem Village. Yaddugudem…
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Lord Gauranga’s Mercy Flows in Yaddugudem Village.
Yaddugudem in Telugu has an interesting meaning. Yaddu implies bull and gudem is village, therefore the village of bull. Within two hours the devotees entered the village. One 61-years old Sri Ram temple appeared right at the entrance of the village. It also marked the center of all village activities! It was interesting to know that the villagers still followed the practice of assembling in the temple to sing the glories of Sri Ram in padyams every Ekadasi. The village could be considered as one of the cleanest that they had ever visited during their Yatra. It was also the greenest village. Their spiritual inclination was showing in everything – in their daily activities. Later the devotees also realized that the village was completely vegetarian, with a few stray cases of meat eating appearing in the newer generation. This was a pleasant surprise for the devotees, especially in the Telangana region. Jananivas prabhu compared it to Prahlad maharaj’s appearance in the clan of demons.
As the villagers realized the arrival of Yatra devotees, they gave a hearty welcome to all of them right at the entrance of their village, Sri Ram temple! They personally washed every devotee’s feet with water and welcomed them. After sweet exchanges, the program moved forward. Bhakta Paramdham had well coordinated every activity with necessary ground work. Haridas prabhu offered the bhoga to the deities of Sri Ram for distribution. Thereafter the Yatra team walked to a community hall, which was slated to be the venue of the program. As the devotees reached there, they could see eager faces of children, women and other villagers. One beautiful gomata was also there, waiting for the performance of her ceremonious worship.
To read the entire article click here: http://goo.gl/95zkfj

TOVP: The Progression of the Chatri Artisan Work Continues
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Hare KrishnaBy Ratna Devi Dasi

Chatris are elevated dome-shaped pavilions used as an element in Indian architecture. They are commonly used to depict the elements of dignity and honor in architecture. The word chatri means “canopy” or “umbrella.” The word chatri is also used to refer to the small pavilions that mark the corners and roof of entrance of a major building. They are widely used in palaces or in forts. They originated in Rajasthani architecture and were used as memorials for kings and royalty. These pavilions are purely decorative and announce the caliber and wealth of the owner. The TOVP is a physical expression of the Perfection of our Gaudiya Vaishnava Philosophy. Thus, chatris are the ideal structural symbols of spiritual opulence to decorate our rooftop. ISKCON is an international society with the focused intention of uniting all Peoples under one umbrella with one common cause. Hence, this creative fusion of various spiritual cultural elements is easily perceived in the architecture of our chatris. Continue reading "TOVP: The Progression of the Chatri Artisan Work Continues
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Lord Jagannath welcomed by Cultural Carnival and Ramadhan in Jogjakarta, Indonesia
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Hare KrishnaBy Hari Narayana Das

For distribution to the general public 1 tons of oranges arrived, sponsored by Dina Dharini mataji, which was offered to the Lord. Balinese and bharata natyam dances were performed by the devotee girls to open the ceremony. Speech was given by the leader of Malang Hindu Parisad, that he really appreciated the festival. Short class about the origin of ratha yatra was given by HH Kavicandra Swami Maharaj. A recorded lecture from HH Subhag Swami Maharaj covering Jagannatha’s pastimes, Prabhupada’s instructions and personal sadhana to remain fixed up in Krsna Consciousness was translated by Sachi Putra prabhu. Continue reading "Lord Jagannath welcomed by Cultural Carnival and Ramadhan in Jogjakarta, Indonesia
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Arnold Schwarzenegger and James Cameron Filming: “Less Meat, Less Heat”
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Chinese health officials are urging the nation’s 1.3 billion citizens to cut their meat consumption in half to prevent heart disease, diabetes and other diet-related illnesses. Director James Cameron and movie star/former governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger think that's a great idea, and are starring in a series of PSAs to spread the word in the U.S.

June 26. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations. Satsvarupa…
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June 26. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
Satsvarupa dasa Goswami: Signing In the Incorporation.
Prabhupada is lecturing.
Mr. Goldsmith, wearing slacks and a shirt and tie, sits on the floor near the door, listening earnestly to the lecture, despite the distracting noises from the neighbourhood. Prabhupada has been explaining how scholars mislead innocent people with nondevotional interpretations of the Bhagavad-gita, and now, in recognition of the attorney’s respectable presence, and as if to catch Mr. Goldsmith’s attention better, he introduces him into the subject of the talk.
I will give you a practical example of how things are misinterpreted. Just like our president, Mr. Goldsmith, he knows that expert lawyers, by interpretation, can do so many things. When I was in Calcutta, there was a rent tax passed by the government, and some expert lawyer changed the whole thing by his interpretation. The government had to re-enact a whole law because their purpose was foiled by the interpretation of this lawyer. So we are not out for foiling the purpose of Krishna, for which the Bhagavad-gita was spoken. But unauthorized persons are trying to foil the purpose of Krishna. Therefore, that is unauthorized.
All right, Mr. Goldsmith, you can ask anything.
Mr. Goldsmith stands, and to the surprise of the people gathered, he makes a short announcement asking for signers on an incorporation document for the Swami’s new religious movement.
Prabhupada: They are present here. You can take the addresses now.
Mr. Goldsmith: I can take them now, yes.
Prabhupada: Yes, you can. Bill, you can give your address. And Raphael, you can give yours. And Don … Roy … Mr. Greene.
As the meeting breaks up, those called on to sign as trustees come forward, standing around in the little storefront, waiting to leaf cursorily through the pages the lawyer has produced from his thin attaché, and to sign as he directs. Yet not a soul among them is committed to Krishna consciousness.
Mr. Goldsmith meets his quota of signers – a handful of sympathizers with enough reverence toward the Swami to want to help him. The first trustees, who will hold office for a year, “until the first annual meeting of the corporation,” are Michael Grant (who puts down his name and address without ever reading the document), Mike’s girlfriend, Jan, and James Greene. No one seriously intends to undertake any formal duties as trustee of the religious society, but they are happy to help the Swami by signing his fledging society into legal existence.
To read the entire article click here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=9

School excursion: Boat tour in 1968
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KKS_1968Kadamba Kanana Swami: Recently, I received this photo. It was a school excursion. We went out for a day on a boat tour through the city of Amsterdam. I was 14 years old. Later on that day, we also went to the zoo. Recently via the internet, I got in touch with my biology teacher of those days, named Martin van Haagen. He posted this school photo. His message was entitled, “Fifty years ago.” That is a long time indeed. We are writing to each other at the moment and it’s a pleasant exchange. Martin hasn’t told me yet how old he is at the moment, but I would expect he is somewhere around 80. He was curious to know what had become of me and was surprised to find out that I had become a Swami. He thought that I was reserved and introvert in those days, and he thought that maybe I would have achieved something in sport. Well, there is no doubt that I was fit in those days and good at sports. I used to sail and play tennis and football, but then music took over and eventually spiritual life!

Wednesday, June 22nd, 2016
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Wednesday, June 22nd, 2016
Ottawa, Illinois

The Soul is Nomadic

We knew it would be a soaker today; so the weather report revealed.  Indeed, the rain came down quite evenly and consistently as Gopal drove me to the spot from where I left off the day before.

Was I prepared for the wetness?  Well, sort of!  I learned from my walk in Ireland that the dhoti (a monk’s lower garment) is prone to rip when you make a stride while the material is drenched.  It can be embarrassing.  I had little to worry about “being seen” on this Canal Trail, but I could not afford to have any torn clothing to worry about.

The solution?

I’ll go at it with merely my swimming trunks on, have sandals on my feet and an umbrella over my head.  The rain was warm.  Cold was not an issue.  I cautioned Gopal, “Don’t take any photos, please!”

He concurred-- and laughed.

There I roamed, down a leafy trail with trees on both sides, thunder and lightning occupying the skies.  Millions of fire-flies lit up the dark, early morning.  I then met with so-called civilization (humans) some hours later, upon entry of a small city called Ottawa.  The rain lulled. I changed back into my robes.  At Washington Park I met Rick Koshko from the local radio station.

He came equipped with umbrella and mic.  The rain poured like crazy, but he asked questions despite.  It was an in-depth interview.  He even caught me saying, “I’m an oddball.  I’m a monk for life.  Somewhere in a previous life I was married and had a family.”  I implied that I got desire (for family, sex) out of my system.

During the interview a representative from “The Times” popped over to get a photo for his story.  He wasn’t about to stay.  The rain came down like Noah had ever seen.

This evening I spoke to a group of Krishna devotees in Naperville.  The theme was “The soul is nomadic.”  It always moves. 

May the Source be with you!

14 miles

Thursday, June 23rd, 2016
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Thursday, June 23rd, 2016
Chicago, Illinois

Two Groups

This was a pre-planned trip, to back-track to Chicago in order to give an experience to two groups of youth.  After a sacred half-hour of song at the 4:30 AM mangal arati, young monks from the Lunt Avenue temple and I took to the streets, and then to the northern end of the water-front trail.  Joey, Jordan, Igor, Mitch and Marcel, all dressed in novice white dhotis and tops, accompanied Uttama and myself.

We walked.  We chanted.  They questioned.  I answered.

“I noticed you are very expressive in your speaking presentations.  How does this play into a humble devotional life?” asked one of the boys, meekly.

“I was once a very shy, insecure guy.  Still am, but I gained confidence through bhakti yoga, devotional service.  In any event, you should be who you are.  Be yourself.  Whether introvert or extrovert, maintain RESPECT.  You know the song?  (Implying Aretha Franklin’s song)”

My second batch of walkers was a group from a youth bus tour, originating from Florida.  Unfortunately we only covered a mile together.  It was a slow-but-sure stroll along the beach, and then up along the end of a pier.  They, like the first group, felt honoured to be part of a historic walk, one that goes from the east-coast to the west-coast.  Even though time allowed only one mile before my flight to Vancouver, Canada it was one mile with twenty youths that mean a lot to me.

“Try to absorb the power of the waves in the water, the smells in the air, as well as the temperature and feel of the wind.  What you perceive is the Krishna factor (God).”

So that, in brief, was my message to them.

May the Source be with you!

10 miles

Tuesday, June 21st, 2016
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Tuesday, June 21st, 2016
Seneca, Illinois

'Walking Monk' Makes Stop During Journey Across America

I walked the I&M Canal Trail, and came upon a narrow river to cross.  I fell, slid and landed by the river.  No scrapes or scratches.  I got muddied-up.  My cell was displaced for hours and so was I, displaced from my support person.  Call it a piece of adventure perhaps. 

Mike Mallory put out an article in 'The Herald News.' 

JOLIET – Bhaktimarga Swami sat calmly Monday morning as he rested in the grass of Joliet’s West Park with a water bottle at his side.

Known as the “Walking Monk,” Swami covers about 20 miles a day with only a pair of sandals separating his feet from the ground. He’s in the middle of the second leg of his journey from New York City to San Francisco.

“I started walking in Joliet today,” Swami said. “I found out the Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail is here. That’s a piece of paradise. You see a heron every few minutes.”

Swami hopes to promote a “greener,” healthier lifestyle in America – one that emphasizes strong morals and ethics. Through outreach efforts along his path, he spreads his message.

“My purpose is to make the statement that we need to simplify life,” Swami said. “In many ways this walk reaffirms what we should be doing. Our bodies were made for walking. The question is, are we doing enough of it?”

He began this portion of the trip in May in Pennsylvania and plans to finish in early August in Nebraska. Next year, he will make his way to California.

Swami has walked across Canada four times, and isn’t opposed to battling heat waves and severe weather all summer if it accomplishes his goal. He said it helps develop a sense of austerity.

“Being exposed [to the elements] is part of it,” Swami said. “Every day it’s a new plan. If it’s going to be very hot, I might get on the road at 2 or 3 a.m., or walk in the evening if I have to.”

Swami, 63, also is walking to honor the contributions of his own spiritual teacher, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, who arrived 50 years ago in America. At 70 years old, Prabhupada moved from India on the order of his teacher to promote God consciousness, or devotional bhakti yoga, to the English-speaking world.

When not walking, Swami flies to other continents to teach and spread the message. He is an instructor in bhakti, mantra meditation and interactive dance. He’s also scripted and directed dozens of performances based on sacred Hindu texts.

Next, he will travel along the Lake Michigan shoreline with others to a temple in Evanston before heading west to the Great Plains.

A caption of a photo reads: 'Bhaktimarga Swami a Canadian-born Hare Krishna monk stopped Monday in Joliet on his walk from New York City to San Francisco to promote a strong spiritual foundation.

May the Source be with you!

20 miles

Monday, June 20th, 2016
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Monday, June 20th, 2016
Jolist, Illinois

I got Wet

It seemed a big decision in the beginning.  Should I or shouldn't I?

I had been walking along a piece of paradise for the first stretch with Uttama, along the Illinois and Michigan Canal State Trail (I&M Trail) and loving it.  We were shielded from the sun.  Trees were lined along the trail.  The Great Blue Heron was ever present.  You never see them in a flock, but every so many meters you can spot a single one in solitude.  It would be perched on old drift wood in the canal.  An egert, also, like a lone yogi, would be there contemplating-- on fish.

The canal boasts a rich history.  Dug mostly by Irish settlers, it became a major system of water locks (15 to be exact) that moved boats of cargo such as grain, lumber, coal, limestone, and even people.  Maybe thirty boats a day would ply through, a distance just shy of 70 miles, tethered and towed by a team of mules; until the steamboat was introduced in 1870.

Now the canal has transformed to mainly a still-watered swamp dynamic, teaming with energy of a different kind.  The bull frogs leap and plop into the waters as you walk along.  It’s their defense.

The beautiful aspect of the trail can be explained as a piece of peace - no traffic - only runners, walkers, and cyclists.  And we came upon it like an accident.

Now the question was, should I cool down by taking a dip in the Illinois River next to me?  It looks a lot more inviting than the canal water.  Yes, I will.  And I did.

May the Source be with you!

21 miles



Sunday, June 19th, 2016
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Sunday, June 19th, 2016
Chicago, Illinois

Retreat Complete

Our retreat was complete in West Virginia, culminating with a crescendo at the final kirtanled by our dear friend Agnidev.  Of course there were the endearing farewells and goodbyes from all organizers and amigos of all kinds, as well as thank-you to God.

Gopal, Uttama, and I were set for a drive to Chicago, to re-convene our US walk.  The time passed by quickly.  My legs had a much needed rest.  But now the heart is craving to be out there on the road again.  Feet are eager too.

Hmmmm!  That phrase, "On the Road Again."  It is constantly a principle of my life.  It brings to mind a song by the group 'Canned Heat.'  Willie Nelson popularized the term with his lyrics, but I prefer the blues group 'Canned Heat,' with their song-- released in 1968.  Oh well!  We chanted 'Hare Krishna.'

After the eight hour drive and Gopal's masterful cognizance of routes-- evading those where you pay a ridiculously large number of road tolls near Chicago-- we made it to Chicago’s Iskcon Centre on Lunt Avenue.  It was a fairly relaxed sleep for me.  The other two were confronted with congested, humid, stuffiness during the night.

It's mid-June.  Summer solstice is around the corner.  The moon was strong and it will be a 'hot one' as one person expressed about the coming day.  It’s all God's mercy.

May the Source be with you!

2 miles


Saturday, June 18th, 2016
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Saturday, June 18th, 2016
Moundsville, West Virginia

Up We Go

I did a two mile walk at the beautiful grounds in New Vrindavan and then I was tempted.  I was offered a free ride on a hot-air balloon, one of the fun features at the weekend retreat.  Some words on this experience came to mind, and then to paper.

Up we go
In a hot air balloon
I feel big and tall
Down there, they are small
To be above it all
Closer to the sun
Closer to the One
The mist is all about
Hanging in the air
Will someone cut the rope?
We'll view a greater scope
Be carried by the wind
And land who knows where?
Fuel will run dry
It might make us cry
One thing that's for sure
We'll not reach the dham
Where life is eternal
And nothing's nocturnal
We'll come back down
Right where we began
The ego's like a balloon
If not, a real buffoon
It's full of hot air
And if we really care
It really should descend
Before you reach your end.

May the Source be with you!

2 miles

Friday, June 17th, 2016
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Friday, June 17th, 2016
Beverley, Ohio

In Beverley, On A Hill

We have left the road and hung walking shoes for the weekend.  Our small crew of three comprised of Gopal, Uttama, and I.  We were off to a promised, eventful alumnus of sorts.  Young followers of bhakti-yoga, a second-generation, are converging at a retreat in the hills of West Virginia.  I don't have to walk there to be part of it.  Gopal is driving, and on the way we opted for a slight detour to see his mum.

I mildly chastised Gopal for not coming to visit her at least once a month.  Just because you are on a spiritual program doesn't mean you can't be grateful.  Of course everyone is busy, but let us all put attention to prioritizing.  Parents are important, especially if there is cultural congeniality.  What then prevents us from being personal?

Gopal's mum is a gem.  She took this gutted house and put her elbow-grease into it.  She did the walls, ceilings, and floors.  She led us to her garden.  Wow!  If there is anything that makes a person more down-to-earth, it is developing your garden - a fast-growing hobby in America.  Her name is Dayna, a lovable personality.

By mid-day we had arrived at New Vrindavan, the retreat place.  Reconnecting with people, advising, taking advice – all of these activities consumed my day.  To my sadness, I could not even put in a mile.

May the Source be with you!

0 miles

Thursday, June 16th, 2016
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Thursday, June 16th, 2016
Columbus, Ohio

Three Night Review

The last three evenings have been memorable.  On Tuesday Gopal and I were invited to ‘Krishna House’ located in Chicago, at IIT, where today students of mostly Indian origin crammed into a modest apartment to hear a story from the epic 'Mahabharat.'  I also detailed some of the pilgrimage experiences.  A question then arose.

"Why are you walking across America?"

"To make America great again!" (I stole that line).

On Wednesday there was an engagement in a home in Calumet City.  Some Mexican fellows came to listen to the basics of eastern thought.  One of them, Donovan, asked, "What is the purpose of life?"

"To learn and to love!"  (An explanation was then given).

Finally, last night we drove to Columbus, to the ISKCON Centre situated near Ohio State University.  There, an eager group that routinely come together on Thursday nights lent their ears to the words of Saint Prahlad.  I was reciting his famous verse, "kaumara acaret..."

"Start spiritual life as early as you can," is his message, "before you become entangled."

We are lost but we can be found.  So begin the search and make life worth living.  Someone had also asked when I took to the life of a monk.

"Twenty-three years ago.  I have no regrets."

May the Source be with you!

0 miles


Wednesday, June 15th, 2016
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Wednesday, June 15th, 2016
East Chicago, Illinois

To the Windy City

Cottonwood fluffs move in space.  I try to catch one as it's heading towards me.  I find them hard to grasp.  A light gust maneuvers it in another direction.

Why do I do it?

I suppose I'm testing my flexibility.  You walk a straight line and keep to that 'straight and narrow' trajectory in order to make steady progress, but it's also good to break that pattern and relieve yourself from the robotic movement.  You just have to make sure you don't step into traffic.

One thing I did run into was some drama.  While walking in East Chicago-- residential territory-- two police officers pulled up to the call of emergency.  By the time I reached the apartment building, where police had gathered, a woman in tight and provocative attire shouted, "He touched me!" while pointing to the accused.  The accuser shrugged his shoulders.

I wasn't going to stay around.  I kept trekking.  She continued on in accusing with raised voice.  The drama wore on.  Her voice grew faint as I stepped on.

Ahhh!  Another milestone!  I came upon the state of Illinois.  It dawned on me.  Uttama, who was by my side for a stretch, and I had the joint companionship of Lake Michigan to our right.  The sun is bright but the waters are cooling - offering a breeze.  Ticks and biting flies disturb our rest on the grass.  I braved the lake, pristine and cool.  The swim was on my list of needs.

May the Source be with you!

8 miles


Tuesday, June 14th, 2016
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Tuesday, June 14th, 2016
Gary, Indiana

Down A Mulberry Trail

When I see a ripened mulberry tree, which is frequent enough, I do what my siblings and I did throught our orchard summer days.  I pluck at the fruit.  Some of the sweetened morsels stain my kurta(shirt).  Add that to the swirling formations of body-salt coming through from the sweat, and you come up with the copy of a cheap tie-dye job.  Despite all, I manage to, or try to, look neat and fresh on the job.  It’s always the reputation of your guru that’s at stake.  Never act or dress like a slob.

Incidentally, when I left the mulberry tree and beach, residential territory behind, I came closer to Gary, Indiana’s neighbourhoods.  I found it easy to befriend people.  One area, which was particularly socially-challenged, expressed its disposition like this:

I stepped over to a man, who was sitting in front of a barber shop.  We shook hands and I told him I’m walking to San Francisco.  Jim was his name.  I told Jim that this “hood” has a lot of people who walk.

“Hey, man,” says Jim, “when you’re on an overdose you won’t be driving a car.”

“Yeah, I know what you mean.”  It hearkened a sad laughter.

I also came upon a police officer, a woman, who was parked at a boarded-up, old gas station, which was adjacent to an abandoned shop, at the intersection where a stop light is no longer functional.  I wanted to let her know what I’m doing and why I’m here.  I stood right by her squad car with her in it, forever.  She ignored me and kept at her computer.  I left.  I asked myself, “Is everything dysfunctional?”

May the Source be with you!

20 miles



Monday, June 13th, 2016
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Monday, June 13th, 2016
Dunes at Lake Michigan, Indiana

Walk, Don’t Run!

There were an array of trails I did sojourn-- on the lakeshore of Michigan City, along dunes of some magnitude, then along the Calumet Trail, populated by puddles, and finally a stretch alongside Highway 12.

However, ZIP! Off we go to South Bend, back to Notre Dame University to meet Father Jim Bracke.  Our discussion was both light and grave.  I asked him about Martin Luther, the defected priest.

“That the Ecumenical Council II addressed this and admitted mistakes were made.”

I also asked him about the letter of the law, or going literal on scriptures but not on the spirit.  He confirmed that the spirit was more important.

I was also happy to hear that a men’s movement, of sorts, had arisen among the Catholics, concerning men taking more responsibility.

He had seen our style of beads (japa) before.  I was not there to preach, of course.  What was our team to tell him?  We were there to share, and in that light we offered him a copy of “Bhagavad-Gita As It Is.”

Now on my way to a massage appointment in Chicago, a woman at an intersection where I had crossed stopped her car and asked,

“Hey, honey, do me a favour.  Give me $2.50”

I could not share, because I hadn’t anything on me.

“You see, I’m a monk. I have nothing on me!”

“Really?”  She drove off.

Now Tony, who’s 62, did a good massage.  Once in a while he comes around to the Hare Krishna Temple to wash pots. When clients ask him about the best work-out, he shares a few things as follows:

1)    Walk, don’t run!
2)    Clean the house!
3)    Do some gardening!
4)    Eat veggies and greens

He was elated to work on my cross-country body.

“Ankle bones are perfect. That’s rare!”

And lastly, he remarked, “Your bones are dense, strong. That’s because you’re walking.”

May the Source be with you!

14 miles

Saturday, June 11th, 2016
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Saturday, June 11th, 2016
Elm Valley Road, Michigan

Sketches by Sitting Bull

It was a long haul, back-tracking to Ohio, Toledo to be specific, by mode of van transportation.  It was worth it, as we had a pre-arranged speaking engagement at a healing centre called “Ananya-Kai,”

People were transfixed, if not transported to the world of sacred walking, as I detailed my personal “Tales to Trails.”  There were a number of people who were already affiliated with the technique and tradition of kirtan, which was a component to my presentation.  These were also firm believers in past-life experiences, including a mother who was convinced her young boy was a victim of the Titanic.

Who knows?  Such things are possible!

As I said, it was a long drive there and back, but worth every minute of it.  The trip, however, cut into today’s walking, which amounted to a mere two hours.  We were off to nearby Niles (population 12,000) to see Debra Haight, of the town’s newspaper.  The interview was a few minutes shy of two hours, perhaps a record, and mutually we were enjoying every minute of that query and answer session.  She was very good at digging up background information.

Speaking of the past, in Nile you can stop by their quaint museum.  We heard that some original sketches are permanently on display by Chief Sitting Bull, and we found them awesome.  One of them I will feature on the walking monk instagram.

As written by Ernie LaPointe, about the grand warrior, “Sitting Bull: Tatanka Iyotake was a special person who cared for his people.  He suffered for them in the Sun Dance, fought for their survival, and gave everything he had for them.”

May the Source be with you!

5 miles

Sunday, June 12th, 2016
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Sunday, June 12th, 2016
Michigan City, Indiana

Hunted

Catching our initial glimpse of Lake Michigan, one of those grandiose great lakes, put an acceleration in our step speed.  Uttama and I had trekked through the last of serene-form country before entering into this-- a world of cottages and their big draw-- the lake itself.

Going west was our route.  Once we came upon the lake, it was our determination to follow the shoreline as much as possible.  Who wouldn’t?

When navigation was switched over, between Uttama and Gopal, it was Gopal who became my walking companion.  One cyclist told us, “You’ve got the lake’s wind on your back.”  And so it was, a rather breezy, dynamic, and a not-too-hot amigo, in the form of wind, giving us blessings.

Now, before that experience, Gopal and I were puttering around, searching for a safe passage way to a more favourable trail.  While dodging the poison ivy, I noticed a poisonous copperhead snake we were about to accidentally step on.  It was a baby snake, and was conveniently camouflaged by its natural colourings.  Because he was small in size we didn’t take him too seriously, but he did expand his hood in defense, resembling a small cobra.

Personally, I found the whole affair exhausting, so I was pleased to find a “poison ivy free” path to a nicely shaded bike trail that seemed to stretch on for miles-- because it did.

May the Source be with you!

18 miles

Spiritual Amnesia
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Hare KrishnaBy Satyaraja Dasa

Prabhupada often compared it to being cured of amnesia. In the conventional treatment of the disease, one is given a daily regimen of gradual exposure to his or her former life. Hopefully, through a sustained effort, the patient gradually remembers and becomes cured. This is called anamnesis -- the reversal of amnesia. Similarly, through a daily regimen, known as sadhana, one becomes relieved of their spiritual forgetfulness and gradually remembers their life in the spiritual world with Krishna. The amazing thing, though, is that Krishna often helps us get there in spite of ourselves. As Prabhupada says, "If you take one step toward Krishna, he'll take a thousand toward you." I've seen that in my own life, and while I'm hardly cured of my spiritual amnesia, I do see hopeful signs for the future, and I remember the numerous ways in which Krishna helped me. Continue reading "Spiritual Amnesia
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Two Energies Choices
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Hare KrishnaBy Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami

LORD KRSNA HAS TWO ENERGIES, material and spiritual, but they can be used interchangeably if one knows how. Just as the same electricity can be used to heat or cool a building, so Krsna's energies can be used for different purposes according to the living entity's desire. That doesn't mean that the living entity can control Krsna's energies, only that he can use them. When a conditioned soul wishes to exploit the material nature, he contacts the material energy. When he no longer wishes to dominate or enjoy the material energy and instead uses it in Krsna's service, he contacts the spiritual energy. The living entity is called the "marginal potency" of God-he can go either way. The Bhagavad-gita (9.13) states: "Being marginal potency, as soon as the living entity is freed from the control of material nature he is put under the guidance of the spiritual nature." There are only two choices. Continue reading "Two Energies Choices
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The Progression of the Chatri Artisan Work Continues
- TOVP.org

Chatris are elevated dome-shaped pavilions used as an element in Indian architecture. They are commonly used to depict the elements of dignity and honor in architecture. The word chatri means “canopy” or “umbrella.” The word chatri is also used to refer to the small pavilions that mark the corners and roof of entrance of a major building. They are widely used in palaces or in forts. They originated in Rajasthani architecture and were used as memorials for kings and royalty. These pavilions are purely decorative and announce the caliber and wealth of the owner.

The TOVP is a physical expression of the Perfection of our Gaudiya Vaishnava Philosophy. Thus, chatris are the ideal structural symbols of spiritual opulence to decorate our rooftop. ISKCON is an international society with the focused intention of uniting all Peoples under one umbrella with one common cause. Hence, this creative fusion of various spiritual cultural elements is easily perceived in the architecture of our chatris.

In the early stages of construction, the chatris appeared like a top hat of a fairy giving a mood of innocence and wonder. Now as the decorative details are progressing, the chatris are developing their aristocratic features. In this stage of their construction the outer wall marble is being applied, the pillars are being installed, and the roof tiles are being laid down. A gracious round of applause for all the dedicated workers who literally climb to the heights to offer their craftsmanship to the Divine!

In the glistening rays of the Indian sun and with the spectacular rooftop view of the lush green Bengali vegetation, a visit to the chatris gives one a taste of the spiritual world. The pearly effulgence of the white marble , the simple elegance of the pillars, and the calming oceanic nature of the baby blue roof tiles create a sensation being somewhere between Greece and Utopia on the way to Goloka Vrndavana. It truly is a transcendental experience.

All of the of the appropriate electrical engineering will be installed in the chatris, yet is unknown exactly what they will be used for. It is tentatively planned for the chatris to be used for our scriptural study class of the Srimad Bhagavatam. There are 8 chatris, and thus each one could be used for Bhagavatam class in a different language. Yet, as the TOVP is an all auspicious and always evolving project nothing is set in stone. The TOVP belongs to the will of God, so anything and everything is possible. The chatris teach us to appreciate the beauty and the opulence of the Absolute and to simply always “go with the flow”!

[See image gallery at tovp.org]

The post The Progression of the Chatri Artisan Work Continues appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

Free-will and Bhagavad-gita
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Hare KrishnaBy Romapada Swami

The Supreme Personality of Godhead, the Absolute Truth is fully independent, svarat and the living entities being parts and parcels of the Lord, have minute independence/free will. Minute free will is an inherent quality of the soul and it can never be taken away from a living entity at any time (in the material or spiritual world). We choose (due to our minute free will), and there are outcomes for our choices but these outcomes cannot be independently determined or created. All endeavors, following a free will choice which we make, are fully dependent in their outcome upon the Will or Sanction of the Supreme. Karmana daiva netrena - under sanction of Superior authority [SB 3.31.1]. We have our desires and our free will, but they are supervised by the Supreme, according to natural laws. Thus, our freedom to 'create our destiny' is VERY restricted! We really have not so much control, ultimately. Within our restricted freedom, we can choose if we are going to act according to God's laws or not. That is within our control. But ultimately Krishna is the supreme controller, the actual and ultimate doer. Continue reading "Free-will and Bhagavad-gita
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