Sunday feast class at ISKCON, Chowpatty

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Serving Swamiji in His Presence

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 03 July 2016, Czech Summer Camp, Srimad Bhagavatam 3.2.5)

Krsna does not derive any happiness from the material energy. He enjoys only his inner, eternal spiritual energy. However, the material energy can be connected to Krsna. By engaging the material energy in the service of Krsna it becomes transcendental because the ‘fruit’ becomes transcendental.

Of course, the material world is temporary and anything in the material world is temporary. The material energy is real but all variety of form is temporary. There is no lasting relationship, no relationship with the material world is real and thus everything we get will eventually disappear! There are six transformations of the material energy – things grow, flourish, give by-products, dwindle, seize to exist…

Maya works on living being by making us see things separate from Krsna. If we do not see a connection to Krsna in anything, this is maya. Hari-sambandha-vastunaḥ, connection to Krsna with all things is our business, to engage whatever and whomever we meet in Krsna consciousness, otherwise we remain unfulfilled.

Devotees look at the material energy and look for opportunities to serve Krsna. There are lots of opportunities! There is no more time to be captured by maya. If we think different places, other than Krsna, will give us happiness then we are in illusion. Sannyasa is the best position because there is minimum entanglement with material energy and maximum use of the material energy for Krsna!

Transcribed by Nimai

By Madhava Smullen

Devotees from the East Coast of the U.S. and beyond are warmly invited to attend the first ever Rathayatra festival in the city of Wheeling near New Vrindaban, West Virginia on Saturday July 16^th.

Previously, since 1973, New Vrindaban residents held their own local, rural Rathayatra, a sweet and bonding tradition with a certain rustic charm.

“Lord Jagannath had several different carts in the early years,” recalls Rupa Ramesvari Dasi. “One year, He had a stage coach like you see in cowboy movies; another He rode Radha-Vrindabanchandra’s teakwood chariot; and for a long time, He had a simple trolley car.”

Then in the early 2000s, Malati Devi, one of the organizers of San Francisco’s 1967 Rathayatra – the first outside India – commissioned a proper traditional chariot to be built. Along with a small cart for the children, and American-style prasadam, the festival grew in popularity as a kind of spiritual family picnic.

Lord Jagannath Baladeva and Subhadra on chariot with pujaris Jayasri dasi and Vani dasi.

But of course, the Lord of the Universe is for everyone, and when Srila Prabhupada transplanted Rathayatra to the Western World in the 1960s, he focused on cities to reach the most people possible.

“So we thought the 50^th anniversary of his ISKCON would be a wonderful opportunity to reach out to our neighbors, particularly the people of Wheeling,” says organizer Vrindavan Das. “For years, we’ve been a bit isolated, and there’s been a gap between the people of Wheeling and New Vrindaban. We want to bridge that gap, share what we have with them, and educate them about our culture and beliefs.”

Wheeling authorities and the Wheeling-Ohio County CVB (Convention and Visitors Bureau) agreed, excited about adding a “Festival of India” to their already-existing roster of Greek, Lebanese, and Italian festivals.

“We are looking forward to July 16^th’s Festival of India as the latest addition to Wheeling Heritage Port’s summer schedule of events,” says CVB marketing assistant Michael Biela. “This inspirational festival will bring the wonders and enchantments of New Vrindaban and the Palace of Gold to downtown Wheeling for a unique experience that the entire family can enjoy!”

Ratha Yatra 2015 in New Vrindaban

Some three thousand people are expected for the event, including about 500 devotees from many locations such as New Vrindaban, Pittsburgh, Columbus, Cleveland, and New York City.

Beginning at noon, the two-and-a-half-hour Rathayatra parade will make its way from Water Street at the WesBanco Arena through the main streets of busy downtown Wheeling and back.

It’s bound to be quite an eye-catching sight for locals, most of whom will never have seen anything like it before. New Vrindaban’s five-foot tall Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra Deities will beam out from Their hand-carved chariot, its vibrant red and yellow canopy topped with a gold spire rising thirty feet into the air. Srila Prabhupada’s murti will also be on board, with a huge banner above him showing his photo and proclaiming “ISKCON: 1966 – 2016, the Joy of Devotion” and “Celebrating 50 Golden Years” in sparkling golden letters.

Devotees pulling Lord Jagannath’s chariot in New Vrindaban 2015

Below, hundreds of devotees will be pulling the cart with thick ropes, dancing and chanting in ecstasy, and waving bright, multi-colored flags and balloons in the air. And to refresh the crowd, they’ll be distributing prasadam watermelon, milk sweets and drinks.

Following the parade, there’ll be a cultural spectacular from 3pm to 6pm at the amphitheater in Heritage Port Park, a beautiful space with the magnificent Ohio River as its backdrop.

Lokah Bhakti, a regular favorite at New Vrindaban’s Festival of Colors, will bring his unique brand of energy and Bhakti dance music, along with mantra rock by local New Vrindaban devotee bands. A “color throw” of dyed powders every hour will add to the live music experience and tie in with Festival of Colors, the event for which New Vrindaban is best known locally.

Meanwhile there will also be Bharat Natyam dance by Mansee Singh from Columbus, Bhangra Dance by the Carnegie Mellon University Bhangra Group, and bhajans and kirtan by kirtaniyas from New Vrindaban and Queens, New York.

Adding extra depth will be dramatic storytelling about Lord Jagannath’s appearance by award-winner Sankirtan Das. Sankirtan, who speaks at various universities, has been described by audience members as narrating “with such vivid enthusiasm that one can ‘see’ the scenes as if they were staged.”

Wheeling Mayor Andy Mackenzie will also attend and give a speech. Other VIPs, such as the county commissioner and CVB directors, have been invited and are yet to confirm.

Lokah Bhakti, yoga instructor and entertainer, on stage at Festival of Colors 2015 in New Vrindaban.

Creating a lively festival vibe, there will also be a number of activity tents hosting a “mantra meditation” japa chanting experience; yoga classes by Lokah Bhakti and New Vrindaban’s own Ananga Manjari; face-painting, music, clowns and yoga for the kids; and a Gita Walk where people will take steps while reciting verses on the soul, reincarnation and devotion.

Finally, for the palate there will be food booths selling Indian, Italian and Mexican prasadam cuisine from New Vrindaban’s Govinda’s Restaurant, as well as smoothies and drinks. And as with most of ISKCON’s spiritual public festivals, there will also be a charitable aspect, with about one and-a-half-thousand free plates of rice, dahl, subji and halava to be distributed.

“It’s going to be a great day of good clean family-friendly fun,” says Vrindavan. “We look forward to developing friendships with the people of Wheeling, and sharing our culture with them.”

Overlooking some of the farm’s most picturesque countryside, eight new cabins provide comfortable accommodation consisting of a double bed, two single beds, a small kitchenette and en-suite bathroom. Two meals a day are also included in the price – breakfast and dinner. In addition, there are nine rooms available for visitors in the current Guesthouse Retreat located on the hill facing the temple. These are of various sizes, and are suitable for singles, couples and family groups. Other features of the guesthouse include a charming communal living room with space for yoga or meditation and shady verandas with spectacular views. If you have a special yoga event you want to host, it is available for hire. Continue reading "The Many Facets of New Govardhana
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How do we maintain self-confidence, yet feel ourselves a fool before our spiritual master? How can we be confident and simultaneously feel unqualified to serve Krishna? Aren’t self-confident people somewhat proud or arrogant? We are ordinary people engaged in an extraordinary process, a process that will make us extraordinary. Thus, our confidence lies not in ourselves, but in the power of the process of bhakti. With Krishna’s divine power and intelligence guiding us, we know we will succeed. In the Caitanya Caritamrita, a brahmana from Avantidesa confidently states, “I willcross over the ocean of nescience.” Why is he so confident? He believes he is assured of success because those who have already traveled the bhakti path have succeeded. His confidence is, “I am walking the same path, so I will also succeed.” I can feel lowly, even useless, yet still be confident that Krishna can use me to do wonderful service. It’s even possible, by the grace of the guru, that a disciple can do more than his spiritual master, even though feeling totally unqualified to serve (actually, he does so much because of feeling unqualified to serve). Externally, Prabhupada achieved more than his guru. Yet, he always gave credit to his spiritual master. Continue reading "The Apparent Paradox: Self-confidence and Humility
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HH Bhakti Charu Swami recently gave a profound seminar on “Krishna’s pastimes outside Vrindavan” at Sri Sri Rukmini Dwarkadhish Temple, New Dwarka, Los Angeles from 27th June to 30th June 2016. (Playlist with all the 8 videos)
Watch them here: http://goo.gl/crTuHo

The post A review of today’s news headlines appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

The tale of how one boy decided to bathe in the morning.
Yulia Shevchenko: I wrote that really to highlight the theme of cleanliness, in an accessible form explaining it to children. I had an idea to try to compose small Vaishnava tales on the theme of cleanliness to inspire young Vaishnava bathe, brush their teeth and wash their hair.
The basic idea in this case is that our body is the Lord’s temple and we should try to keep it clean, because in our hearts is the Lord who resides, always loving us, taking care of us and helping us.
One day before going to bed we started to compose such a fairy tale which I now share with you.
To read the entire article click here: https://goo.gl/Bbjc7I

The post Daily Darshan July 3rd, 2016 appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Live longer and healthier with the advices of Bir Krishna das Goswami and Dr. Radharadhya (21 min video)
Srila Prabhupada: We should always remember that our body is not for sense gratification; it is for Krishna’s service only. And to render very good sound service to Krishna we should not neglect the upkeep of the body. Letter to Rayarama, February 9,1969.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/IrxsCD

ISKCON holds Iftar gathering.
To celebrate the over 400-year-old amity between the Hindu and Muslim communities in West Bengal’s Nabadwip, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Mayapur on Wednesday organised an Iftar party with elected Muslim panchayat members as its guests inside the temple premises.
The event upholds the legacy of brotherhood between the two communities, the seeds of which were sown in the 16th century by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and his relationship with the then magistrate, Chand Kazi, through his sankirtan (congregational chanting) movement.
At the Geeta Bhavan premises of the temple in Mayapur in Bengal’s Nadia district, elected panchayat members of the Muslim community of Mayapur Bamanpukur Panchayat participated in the ‘Iftar Samabesh’ along with presidents and secretaries of several mosques and one madrasa, said HG Jagadhatri Prabhu, public relations coordinator of the temple.
“Just like last year, in 2016 Jagannath Rath Yatra and Eid have fallen on the same day. So the ‘Iftar Samabesh’ is aimed at sending a strong message to the universe about peace, harmony, love and trust among communities,” said Prabhu.
Source: http://goo.gl/vRBhD4

The Hare Krishna devotees go to the Glastonbury Festival, UK 2016 (12 min video)
It was indeed a very wet one this year but the...

Little Drops Of Nectar (Album with photos)
Indradyumna Swami: Despite it being a very rainy afternoon the second day of our fe...

People are all originally situated on the platform of Krsna consciousness in their eternal personal relationship of love of Krsna. But due to forgetfulness people become familiar with the material world or maya. To enhance the spirit of devotional service, Srila Prabhupada traveled around the world distributing nectar and spreading the glories of the Lord. He also introduced the ways of performing devotional service to the Lord. Rendering devotional service to Sri Krishna can be done in many ways. One of the activities is by celebrating festivals to remember the Lord’s pastimes. Desiring to serve the Lord in multifarious and special ways devotees in Medan organized the 3^rd third ratha yatra festival and also opening of the new Jaganntha Mandir. “All activities, words, everything should be offered as service to the Deities, and this offering with remembering will gradually increase as you practice it." (SPL to Prajapati dasa, 16th May, 1976) Continue reading "Ratha Yatra and Jagannath Temple Opening, Medan, Indonesia
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July 3. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
Satsvarupa dasa Goswami: A Letter to Swamiji.
The best way to be with Prabhupada on 26 Second Avenue is to go back in memory, in feelings, in body and mind – go and be with him. I can go to his room as I used to, alone, and write him a letter:
Dear Swamiji,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to your lotus feet. It seems a long time since I’ve seen you. It’s nice to be here in your room, and to work in your storefront with the devotees. I am doing my service, but sometimes it’s hard to think of you. This probably is because Maya doesn’t want me to surrender. I would like to express some things to you that are on my mind, to help me get free of maya. Probably, if I would read the Bhagavad-gita properly, then I wouldn’t be in maya.
To read the entire article click here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=10

A Letter to Swamiji

Monday September 12 – Sunday September 18 Srila Prabhupada Memorial Festival 2016 & 71st Vyasa Puja of His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami. ISKCON Ujjain is delighted to invite you to for ‘Srila Prabhupada Memorial Festival and 71st Vyasa Puja of His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami’ from 12th to 18th September 2016. 17th September is the […]

The post ISKCON Ujjain Srila Prabhupada Memorial Festival & 71st Vyasa Puja of H.H. Bhakti Charu Swami appeared first on Bhakti Charu Swami.

Devamrita Swami author of ‘Hiding in unnatural happiness’ will be back speaking this Wednesday night 6th of July 2016. He is an extraordinary speaker whose words can reshape vision and consciousness in the most exciting and dynamic ways. 6pm start with the most delicious dinner afterwards. $8 includes talk and dinner.

The post Talk by International Speaker on 6 July 6pm appeared first on The Loft Yoga Lounge Auckland.

Bhaktivedanta Manor temple president Srutidharma das attended the Somme commemoration yesterday at Thiepval, France. (Sruti, Chief R...

Sri Jagannath is the Lord of the Universe. His Kitchen is considered as the largest and the biggest Kitchen in the world. It is situated south-east direction of the outer compound of Srimandir. The length of the Kitchen is 150 feet, breadth is 100 feet and height is about 20 feet. It consists of 32 rooms with 250 earthen ovens within these. Around 600cooks(Suaras) and 400 assistants serve here everyday for preparing Lord's food. These are three types of hearths in the Kitchen of Srimandir such as Anna Chuli, Ahia Chuli and Pitha Chuli. The dimension of hearths where rice is prepared are 4' x 2.5' x 2'. The rectangular space created between two rice hearths is called Ahia. All types of Dal and Curry items are cooked in Ahia Chuli. There are only ten numbers of Pitha Chuli in the temple Kitchen which are made of cement. The fire of this Kitchen is Known as Vaishnava Agni, because it is the fire in the Kitchen of Lord Jagannath and used to serve Vishnu Himself. It is never put out. It is believe that Mahalaxmi cooks in the Kitchen Herself; all are felt to be her servants. As she is not attentive to the cooking on the days when Lord Jagannath is said to be sick before Rath Yatra, the food is less tasty. During Rath Yatra when Lord Jagannath is in Sri Gundicha Temple. She is said to have no zeal to cook and so the food is tasteless. Continue reading "The Kitchen of Lord Jagannath, Biggest in the World
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We love to picnic, barbecue, celebrate birthdays and entertain guests. We may hesitate on what fast-foods are on offer. Here is some “Party-pooping” information, which should enhance our parties even more. So “let’s party,” as they say. Technology has enabled soya to transform into burgers, sausages, prawns, chicken breasts, steaks and more. Do we have the time to make the bread rolls to go with them? Not a problem, we can always get a few dozen from the local bakery. In this era of instant fast-foods, it is tempting to “save time,” or to “cut corners,” and tuck in to some ready-made foods, and hope that Krishna accepts it all. The problem is, the more convenient the foods are, and the more they are infused with ignorance. Ouch! We often hear elders say, “The generation of today have become lazy. Hardly anyone makes chapatis or rotis anymore. They’re spoilt.” Is this true? Perhaps today’s generation do not have the time that housewives had years ago. “With time on their hands they could stay at home and make full meals and breads.” Confronting the pressures of our fast-paced social and working environments, it is quite common to get into the habit of buying convenient foods. They save time. But do they save our spiritual health? This “party-pooping” information is actually Sattvic knowledge. As sobering as it appears to be, it rewards happiness and contentment. Continue reading "Inconvenient Foods: The Happy Facts
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Balaram asks about the hladini and samvit potencies and Dmitry about why we play harmoniums.

The post Vraja Kumara asks how a woman, Madhava devi, became an intimate associate of Caitanya Mahaprabhu appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

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THE Srimad-Bhagavatam (3.29.11-12) states, "The manifestation of unadulterated devotional service is exhibited when one's mind is at once attracted to hearing the transcendental name and qualities of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is residing in everyone's heart. Just as the water of the Ganges flows naturally down towards the ocean, such devotional ecstasy, uninterrupted by any material condition, flows towards the Supreme Lord." In his purport, Srila Prabhupada writes, "No material condition can stop the flow of the devotional service of a pure devotee." Continue reading "Facing Our Reality, Living With Our Ideals
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The Sannyasa Ministry offers the following opportunities to support Srila Prabhupada's mission in the training and selection of candidates for sannyasa.
The following services are open:
1. Secretary
2. Assistant Secretary
Please find the job description and requirements posted below. If you cannot fulfill all the duties listed, it is possible that you could be part of a team where the responsibilities are shared.
If you are interested please write and email to Bhakti Prabhava Swami, who will send you an application form.
Hoping this meets you in the best of health.
On behalf of the Sannyasa Ministry,
Prahladananda Swami
Minister of Sannyasa Services
SECRETARY FOR THE MINISTRY OF SANNYASA
Responsible for:
1) The communication with sannyasa applicants, sannyasa candidates, senior devotees and the members of the Sannyasa Committee and the TASC (Team for Assessment of Sannyasa Candidates)
2) The coordination of the functioning of various committees (mission committee, newsletter committee, budget committee, etc.); reports to the Ministry and the TASC
3) Coordination with assistant secretaries and regional representatives
4) Screening and processing applications for sannyasa
5) Organising and facilitating conference calls with the TASC and committees
6) Website maintenance
7) Updating files/database
8) Attending meetings during the GBC AGM
9) Taking minutes during conference calls
Skills/Experience:
A good command of the English language
Knowledge of, and practical experience with Microsoft Word, Excel
Proficient in email communication
Experience in website management (in particular Wordpress)
ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR THE MINISTRY OF SANNYASA
Responsible for:
1) The communication with sannyasa candidates
2) Collection of data from sannyasa candidates (preaching itineraries/travel records/ contacts of visited ISKCON centres)
3) Sending requests for evaluation of sannyasa candidates to senior devotees, recommending GBCs, mentors, proposed sannyasa gurus, etc.
4) Collecting feedback reports and prepare them for discussion with the TASC (Team for Assessment of Sannyasa Candidates) members during weekly conference calls.
5) Sending reminders to Sannyasa Candidates with regard to their duties.
6) Performing various administrative tasks in assistance of the TASC
Skills/Experience:
A good command of the English language
Knowledge of, and practical experience with Microsoft Word, Excel
Experience with Internet communications

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The post ​Why do some people get facilities for bhakti practice and some don’t? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Dear TOVP Donors and Well-Wishers,

Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

dadati pratigrhnati
guhyam akhyati prcchati
bhunkte bhojayate caiva
sad-vidham priti-laksanam

Offering gifts and accepting gifts, revealing one’s mind in confidence and inquiring confidentially, accepting prasada and offering prasada – these are the six symptoms of love shared by devotees.

Nectar of Instruction, Text 4

Our policy at the TOVP fundraising department has always been based on these instructions from Rupa Goswami’s Upadesamrta. Asking for your hard-earned money is a sensitive task no matter how worthy the purpose, but as we ask from our hearts with love, so you are also giving from yours in the same way. We also do our best to reciprocate with appropriate gifts and offerings. We try to be as forthright and honest in revealing our plans, finances and construction updates, as you are to us when inquiring about various matters. Just as many of you fed us sumptuously during our tours around the world, we are mailing maha-prasadam to many of our donors and if we ever have the opportunity, we will certainly feed you with prasadam in Mayapur.

In order to further the above purposes, and with Ambarisa prabhu’s full approval and inspiration, we have formed a TOVP communications team at our Mayapur office, staffed by several initiated and dedicated devotees. In order to reach devotees in different countries throughout the world, they will be actively making calls around the clock. In the years to come they will serve many functions in improving our service both to you and to the TOVP, such as:

1. Inspiring devotees around the world about this project
2. Providing you with construction updates
3. Helping you arrange your donations
4. Informing you of special events related to the TOVP
5. Maintaining and updating our donor database
6. Raising awareness and answering general questions about the TOVP

In this way we will feel like a worldwide team, all working together for a common purpose in the construction of the TOVP. As Srila Prabhupada said, “Your love for me will be shown by how well you cooperate together.” This effort will be an offering of service to him in this spirit, and we pray that everyone involved will receive his blessings. We hope you will look forward to hearing from us as much as we look forward to speaking to you. This loving reciprocation will enhance our Krishna consciousness and forward march back to Godhead.

If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact me at the email address below.

Your servant,

Braja Vilas das
Global Fundraising Director
*protected email*

The post Keeping in Touch. Expanding Our Outreach appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

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During the Bangladesh ISIS attack on a café frequently visited by foreigners, which is in the headlines of the world media, an ISKCON devotee was attacked in the district of Satkhira, 300 km from Dhaka, on the border of India. A devotee Bhavasindhu Dasa Adhikari had just finished his bath at the local center and was preparing for the Mangal Aarti at 4:15 am when the temple was stormed by three individuals bearing sharp weapons like machetes

Please Give me Something more!
Shastra Krit Dasa: Yesterday in Parammatta Sydney one gentle westernised Indian lady came to me while i was on book distribution and said “I want to buy a set of Srimad Bhagavatam.” I almost fell on the ground in shock. I couldn’t believe someone wants a set while I’m struggling to sell even one book.
Then I asked how she knew about the Srimad Bhagavatam. She said I gave her the book “Science of Self-Realization” last month. She read it cover to cover and she loved it. Believe it or not she was a born again Christian before reading the SSR. Now she is a vegetarian, chanting Hare Krishna, came to our Parramatta Saturday feast and took her set of SB (against the will of her still born again Christian husband). She even changed her son’s name from Joshua to Arjuna.
Srila Prabhupada ki jaya!

Radhanatha Swami's new book "The Journey Within" has been listed as a New York Times best seller on the "Religion, Spirituality and Faith" list. 

Preaching program in Israel (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: The Hare Krishna mantra is specifically mentioned in many Upanisads, such as the Kali-santarana Upanishad, where it is said: “After searching through al the Vedic literature, one cannot find a method of religion more sublime for this age than the chanting of Hare Krishna.” (Sri-Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, 3.40 Purport)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/LkpKrA

6 TIPS FOR GIVING A CLASS
A friend recently wrote me who is giving Bhagavatam class for the first time asking me for some tips. It’s a very, very big subject, there are volumes of books and courses devoted to this topic.
After some consideration I wrote him the following 6 points that I feel are essential. There are many, many other things to consider, but I think these will be helpful for anyone who has to give class.
=============
1) PREPARE: Please, please, please prepare ahead of time, take notes if necessary. Some devotees like to use scraps of paper to remind them of essential points. Often times when I’m going to give a class I’ll read the verse a few days ahead of time and immediately note down any ideas that come to me. Over the following days I read it a few times and often think about it, noting down any ideas I may have. It’s true that Srila Prabhupada wanted devotees to be able to speak spontaneously. That will come easier after much study and practice. In the mean time it is good (both for yourself and for the listeners) for you to prepare.
2) HAVE A MESSAGE: Read the verse and purport ahead of time and see what it says to *you*. Say something that is relevant and helpful for the listeners. The most important element of speech (and writing) is that you have a message. Best is if it is something so important to you that it is burning in your heart. When you have a clear message that is important to you, people will be interested to hear.
3) MAKE A STRUCTURED PRESENTATION: When you are preparing, make a structure, with an introduction that will catch their attention, then develop the subject in a systematic way until you get to your conclusion.
4) RELAX AND RESPECT YOUR LISTENERS: Relax and talk to your friends as if you were having a discussion. Even if you are terrified, *fake* that you are calm (after a few minutes you may convince yourself that everything is okay). There is nothing worse than someone who is stiff and speaking “at” the listeners. Be honest. Be yourself. You are with friends. Don’t treat your listeners like children, treat them as thoughtful mature devotees, and don’t speak to them the same way you do the non-devotees (again these are your FRIENDS). You can even beg them for their blessings (highly recommended) and explain that this is the first time you have done this. Ask them for their tolerance and help, but don’t whine and appear weak and useless. If you appear too nervous (even if you are) they may feel subtly annoyed and think, “If he is so nervous and has nothing to say, then why is he taking our time.” RESPECT THEM.
5) QUOTE SASTRA AND ACARYAS: Very important: Repeat what you have heard from your Guru Maharaja, sastra, and the previous acaryas in your own words. They will bless you if you do, and the listeners will be pleased. You are representing Srila Prabhupada and the movement of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. We should speak in a way that will be a good reflection on them.
6) DON’T THINK IT BELONGS TO YOU: It’s not your message. It belongs to guru, Krishna and our previous acaryas, we are just humble instruments. Giving class, like offering aratika is a service. I often give an example in this regard: Imagine a pujari doing the aratika for Sri Sri Radha Madhava in ISKCON Mayapur on Gaura Purnima day. If the pujari opens the kirtans, looks at the thousands of devotees gathered there and thinks, “They all came to see me!” Then that pujari is a rascal. He is doing a humble service on behalf of his guru and the assembled Vaishnavas. Similarly, giving class is a service to Hari, Guru, and the Vaishnavas. It is not for our mundane fame and false prestige.
Ys
Madhavananda das GGS

National Geographic has created a new documentary movie about Lord Jagannath. It will be shown July the 4th.
Here is the 1 min....