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This is where we’re at with the concreting of the domes. Work had to stop due to the extreme heat, as some of the laborers were fainting up there… but now the weather is a little cooler, so we’re back into ‘full swing’.
Also the preparation work for the kalash on the main dome has been completed.
[See image gallery at tovp.org]
The post Dome and Kalash Work Update appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.
By Chandan Yatra Das 'Srila Ramananda Raya was an incarnation of the gopi Visakha. Since Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu was Lord Krishna Himself, there was naturally an awakening of love between Visakha and Krishna. Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu is the combination of Srimati Radharani and Krishna, and the gopi Visakha is a principal gopi assisting Srimati Radharani. Thus the natural love between Ramananda Raya and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu awakened and they embraced.' Continue reading "Sri Ramananda Raya and Rajahmundry Yatra
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By Satyaraja Dasa
In a classic reversal of roles, the Lord and His devotee discuss the highest spiritual truths.
Everyone likes to converse with loved ones. There is nothing quite as satisfying as sitting back and spending time with like-minded souls, sharing thoughts, ideas, and intimate feelings. In spiritual life, too, there is nothing quite like conversation – a back-and-forth that deepens one’s knowledge of transcendence and increases the possibility of spiritual loving exchanges.
Because dialogue is a fundamental form of communication and interaction, numerous texts from antiquity have used conversational structure as a literary device to convey deep truths. Religious works such as the Bible, Buddhist sutras, and Confucian texts partake of this method, and in philosophy Plato’s use of dialogue is particularly well known.
The Sanskrit tradition of the Vedas deemed the conversational format (known as samvada) most effective. One of its earliest examples appears in the Rg Veda, where Mitra and Varuna engage in an extended back and forth. Elsewhere in the Vedas, we find a pivotal conversation between Yajnavalkya and Maitreyi. Most Upanishads, in fact, are basically treatises involving the exchanges between spiritual teachers and their students, thus making prodigious use of conversational technique. The Mahabharata, too, contains numerous examples: Draupadi and Satyabhama, Yaksha and Yudhishthira, Krishna and Arjuna (Bhagavad-gita).
Ramananda Raya, a Super-Excellent Vaishnava
For Gaudiya Vaishnavas, or devotees of Lord Krishna in His form as Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the best samvada is a conversation between Chaitanya and Ramananda Raya, recorded in the seventeenth-century text Sri Chaitanya-charitamrita (Madhya, Chapter 8). Their conversation in Vidyanagar on the bank of the Godavari River (east coast of south-central India) details the highest and most confidential aspects of Gaudiya Vaishnava philosophy.
When Lord Krishna appeared as Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Krishna’s eternal associates accompanied Him. Born in Odisha, Ramananda was the eldest of five sons of Bhavananda Raya. In the Chaitanya-charitamrita (Madhya, 10.53), Lord Chaitanya tells Bhavananda Raya: “You are Pandu, and your wife is Kunti. Your five sons are the five Pandavas.”*
Bhavananda’s home was in Alalanath, also known as Brahmagiri, about twelve miles west of Jagannath Puri. The family was well-to-do and devout.
Ramananda is traditionally regarded as a disciple of Raghavendra Puri and a grand-disciple of Madhavendra Puri, an important predecessor of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Ramananda was a natural Vaishnava in heart and soul.
As Ramananda reached adulthood, he served as the governor of a district known Vidyanagar (around modern-day Rajahmundry) in South India, then part of the Odisha kingdom of Prataparudra Deva, who acceded to the throne in 1497, after his father, Purushottam Deva. Prataparudra’s empire spread from the banks of the Ganges to the southern borders of Karnataka, with his capital in Cuttack. Later, Ramananda served as one of his prominent ministers.
Ramananda Raya’s significance in the pastimes of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu begins soon after the Lord accepted the sannyasa order of life. It was then that Mahaprabhu arrived in Puri and met Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya, the king’s court pandit. Sarvabhauma was a prominent Mayavadi (impersonalist) philosopher who was soon swayed by Mahaprabhu’s charisma and teaching.
The Lord didn’t stay in Puri for long. He left for a tour of South India, to spread the holy name of Krishna to all. But just prior to His departure, Sarvabhauma gave Him paraphernalia for His journey and requested Him to visit Ramananda Raya at Vidyanagar. “Here, you will find a singularly super-excellent Vaishnava,” Sarvabhauma said.
After several adventures on His way south, Mahaprabhu finally arrived at the Godavari, making a beeline for Rajahmundry, the largest city on the river’s banks. It is directly across from an area called Kovvur, where Sri Ramananda often bathed. After enjoying the waters there Himself, at Gospada Ghat, Mahaprabhu sat and waited.
When Ramananda passed by with his stately retinue, on seeing Mahaprabhu’s effulgent form he descended from his palanquin and offered obeisance, enthralled by the Lord’s magnificence. They greeted each other and embraced. Both felt the onset of divine emotions, experiencing the highest forms of transcendental love in each other’s company.
The Sacred Conversation
Mahaprabhu expressed a desire to hear about Krishna from Sri Ramananda’s pure lips, and so they agreed to spend time together. Normally, the devotee hears from the Lord, and not the other way around. But here, for the Lord’s pleasure, the situation was reversed. Krishnadasa Kaviraja Goswami relates in his Chaitanya-charitamrita (Madhya 8.1): “Gauranga [Chaitanya] is like the ocean of spiritual truths; He filled the cloud named Ramananda with the nectar of devotion to Himself. Ramananda then rained down that same nectar on the very ocean from which it had come, producing the jewels of transcendental knowledge.” In the Bhagavad-gita Arjuna hears from Lord Krishna, but here Krishna (Sri Chaitanya) hears from His devotee Arjuna (Ramananda Raya).
Mahaprabhu asked Ramananda Raya to explain the ultimate goal of life, using evidence from the scriptures. This he did, and the ensuing conversation might very well be the deepest theological discussion ever noted down for posterity.
Although Ramananda first proposed (as the ultimate goal) observance of the four social and four spiritual orders of life (varnashrama) and executing one’s duties in accordance with this principle, Mahaprabhu quickly rejected this proposal as superficial. Acknowledging this, Sri Ramananda gradually proposed other options, one after another, so that by the end of the conversation the reader sees the full gamut of Vedic knowledge and the numerous goals leading to the ultimate spiritual conclusion. The dialogue takes them from the idea of merely renouncing the fruits of one’s activities to rendering formal service to the Lord; from serving the Lord with devotion mixed with mundane action (karma-mishra-bhakti) to devotion mixed with knowledge (jnana-mishra-bhakti) to pure devotional service without any motivation or mundane desire (prema-bhakti).
Although, as a matter of course, Mahaprabhu agreed that pure devotional service (bhakti-yoga) constitutes entrance into the ultimate goal of life, He urged Ramananda to go further, for there are subtle nuances regarding this supreme truth. In response, Ramananda explained the basic elements of rasa-tattva, or loving attachment to Krishna in servitorship, friendship, parenthood, and romantic love. Even hearing this, however, Mahaprabhu wanted more: “Kindly proceed further and tell Me where it goes from there.”
Sri Ramananda then explained the love of the gopis, Krishna’s cowherd girlfriends, adding that the selfless mood of Srimati Radharani, the topmost gopi, remains super-excellent and unsurpassable. Living beings must aspire to serve Her and to reach for Her level of loving devotion, knowing they can attain only a facsimile of Her love. That aspiration is the ultimate goal of life.
Mahaprabhu was pleased, accepting this conclusion about life’s consummate stage of perfection. But He still wanted to hear more, and so Ramananda obliged Him by singing a song he had composed that sums up Sri Radha’s confidential mood of divine love (prema-vivarta-vilasa). At one point, Sri Chaitanya covered Ramananda’s mouth with His hand, confirming that Ramananda was now expressing the most intimate and confidential spiritual truths, the realization of which can come only through devotional practice. After this, Sri Ramananda elaborated a bit more on the intimate love of Sri Radha and Her gopi attendants.
Finally, Sri Chaitanya and Ramananda embraced, weeping in spiritual ecstasy. They concluded their talk and rested for the night.
Essential Questions
The next evening, Ramananda met Mahaprabhu again. The Lord embraced him with great love and, after comfortably seating him, began to ask questions.
Mahaprabhu: “What is the best education?”
Sri Ramananda: “Devotion to Krishna.”
Mahaprabhu: “What is the greatest activity for a living entity?”
Sri Ramananda: “To be the servant of Krishna.”
Mahaprabhu: “What is the supreme wealth?”
Sri Ramananda: “Love of Radha-Krishna.”
Mahaprabhu: “What is the greatest unhappiness?”
Sri Ramananda: “To not have the association of Krishna’s devotees.”
Mahaprabhu: “What is the highest liberation?”
Sri Ramananda: “Love for Krishna.”
Mahaprabhu: “What is the best song?”
Sri Ramananda: “A song describing the pastimes of Radha-Krishna.”
Mahaprabhu: “What is most auspicious for living entities?”
Sri Ramananda: “The association of a devotee of Krishna.”
Mahaprabhu: “What is the only thing we have to remember?”
Sri Ramananda: “Krishna’s name, qualities, and pastimes.”
Mahaprabhu: “What is the only thing to meditate upon?”
Sri Ramananda: “The lotus feet of Radha-Krishna.”
Mahaprabhu: “Where is the best place to live?”
Sri Ramananda: “Wherever Krishna displays His transcendental pastimes.”
Mahaprabhu: “What is the best thing to be heard?”
Sri Ramananda: “Descriptions of Radha-Krishna’s loving pastimes.”
Mahaprabhu: “What is the only thing to be glorified?”
Sri Ramananda: “The name of Radha-Krishna.”
In this way, Mahaprabhu would ask questions and Sri Ramananda would answer, sometimes in terse, one-sentence responses, sometimes in a detailed way. Over the centuries, the Vaishnava acharyas have elaborated Ramananda’s teachings to make explicit what is mostly implicit in the Chaitanya-charitamrita. Their books constitute a storehouse of literature on love of God.
Mahaprabhu as God
When their talks were nearly complete, Mahaprabhu revealed His divine nature as Radha and Krishna, both mystically appearing in the person of Sri Chaitanya. Seeing this form, Ramananda could not contain himself and fell unconscious. Regaining his senses after some time, he offered spontaneous hymns in praise of the Lord. Mahaprabhu then requested him to keep confidential the truths of His mysterious identity and appearance. He asked Ramananda to transfer to Jagannath Puri, saying that the two of them could remain there together and happily pass their time discussing Krishna. Without delay, Ramananda made Puri his headquarters, continuing to serve under King Prataparudra. He became close friends with Svarupa Damodara Goswami, Mahaprabhu’s private secretary, and spent his time composing plays for the pleasure of Lord Jagannatha.
The Ideal Guru-Disciple Exchange
There is much to be gleaned from Ramananda Samvada, as this conversation is now known, not least the essential exchange between an ideal guru and his disciple. As Srila Prabhupada writes in his book In Search of the Ultimate Goal of Life:
The method of approach and the manner of humility exhibited by Lord Chaitanya to Ramananda is the ideal for approaching a bona fide tattva-darshi, or a master of transcendental knowledge. . . . In the Bhagavad-gita, it is recommended that one approach the spiritual master for supramundane knowledge under the protection of service and surrender accompanied by relevant inquiries. Lord Chaitanya, as the ideal teacher and practical demonstrator of the teachings of the Bhagavad-gita, teaches us by His approach to Ramananda Raya. He shows that a person desirous of knowing the transcendental science must not be proud of his material acquisitions of education and wealth, which are very insignificant to the transcendentally situated spiritual master from whom we should be very keen to understand the science of devotion.
If somebody approaches the bona fide spiritual master with the vanity of mundane pride in respect to his heredity, wealth, education, or personal beauty and without the necessary qualifications of surrender, service, and relevant inquiry, surely such a person will be honored outwardly by the spiritual master, but the spiritual master will decline to bestow transcendental knowledge upon the student who by his attitude of mundane vanity is rendered unqualified. Such a proud student is actually a shudra and he has no access to spiritual knowledge for want of the necessary qualifications mentioned above. Thus the shudra student, instead of availing himself to the mercy of the spiritual master, goes to hell as a result of his mundane vanity.
Ramananda Raya was born in the family of a shudra and was also a grihastha in terms of the system of varnashrama-dharma. Lord Chaitanya appeared in the family of a highly cultured brahmana of Navadvipa and was in the topmost rank of the sannyasa ashrama. Therefore, in terms of the varnashrama system, Ramananda Raya was in the lowest status while Lord Chaitanya was in the highest status; yet, because Ramananda was a master in the art of transcendental knowledge, Lord Chaitanya approached him as one should approach a guru. He did so for the benefit of us all.
Today, the art of conversation is not what it used to be. People focus on their computers and cell phones more than on real interpersonal exchange. Technology distracts them from in-depth involvement with others, leading to crude forms of shorthand and impersonal kinds of communication: Many are more inclined to watching a conversation than engaging in one. Spiritual dialogue, too, is having a difficult time of it. The conversation between Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Ramananda Raya brings us back to a time when interpersonal exchange was more prominent, evoking a simpler way of life that stresses the importance of taking one’s time and evolving spiritually.
Of course, no conversation can match the interaction between Mahaprabhu and Ramananda Raya. And reading their conversation makes you part of it, allowing you to enter a dialogue with the Lord.
*According to the Gaudiya tradition, Ramananda Raya is also an incarnation of the gopi Vishakha, one of Radharani’s closest companions, as well as the gopi Arjuniya.
The carts for the Ratha-yatra of Lord Jagganath are getting ready in Puri, Orissa, all by hand (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Chant Hare Krishna as many times as possible and be liberated. Thank you very much. Vrindavana, November 14, 1976.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/THXq4y
Girgaum dump now a butterfly garden, thanks to devotees
Mumbai, May 23 – A temple in south Mumbai has created a butterfly garden out of a former garbage dump in Girgaum. After creating the green haven in the middle of a congested area, the temple has taken its green project further by nurturing the garden with compost created from puja wastes.
While much of Mumbai assumes that it is the municipal corporation’s responsibility to collect and dispose of their waste, the Sri Sri Radha Gopinath Mandir at Girgaum, part of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), has been recycling 40kg of flower waste a day into manure that is used at the butterfly garden.
Gita verse-by-verse podcast
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Swamiji’s Genius
May 26. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
Satsvarupa dasa Goswami: Swamiji’s Genius.
It was a sign of Swamiji’s genius to bring together simple instruments that everyone could play. Just as in a kindergarten music class not a single instrument requires one to be a musician – there are blocks, triangles, cymbals, a drum, clackers – so was Swamiji’s genius to bring together all those instruments and hand them out to the children to play. The only instruction was, “one-two-three, one-two-three.”
The naked light, the back bars on the window behind the Swami. Some girls from the Lower East Side coming in with motivations other than to participate in Hare Krishna. New brahmacaris, protective of our celibacy … guys with big, bushy beards reminding us of what we used to be.
Each in our own small space, a box within a box. In a small room with a lot of people, we have to manoeuvre while dancing and moving around. There’s room for everyone. Shoes in the back, smelly. Back to Godhead with many concentric circles on the cover – stencilled, mimeographed copies. A hand-cranked mimeograph machine in one corner. Gargamuni with long hair parted in the middle, looking wistful with his double strand of red japa beads wrapped around his neck. And Swamiji in the center of it all, his pointy white shoes at the door where he left them when he came in.
To read the entire article click here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=8
(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 20 March 2016, Durban, South Africa, Lecture at Sunday Program)
Bhagavad-gita makes it very clear – we should not waste our time in trying to control the material energy and make it more and more favourable for our stay in the material world. Rather, we should understand that our stay in the material world is temporary and therefore, whatever use we make of the material energy, let it be minimized and let us keep it simple so that we have ample opportunity to focus on the real roots of our existence, focus on Krsna – the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
So one must cut this tree of samsara (of material existence), this asvattham, this banyan tree that offers us no tomorrow, with the weapon of detachment. Detachment is necessary in this world. Of course, detachment is not easily developed. The Vedic model is given of phalgu vairagya. If you go to the state of Bihar, you can visit Gaya, and there is the Phalguna River. I visited there. It is just a dry river bed but that is not all there is to it because if you dig a little, about thirty centimetres below, you will find water. It is an underground river. So phalgu vairagya is depicting the underground desires which remain when we are trying to be detached, when we are trying to turn away from the material world but still, we must persevere to become free of them.
Prahlada Maharaja instructs his classmates.
Giriraj Swami read and spoke from Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.6.1 during the Sunday Love Fest.
“Prahlada Maharaja said: One who is sufficiently intelligent should use the human form of body from the very beginning of life—in other words, from the tender age of childhood—to practice the activities of devotional service, giving up all other engagements. The human body is most rarely achieved, and although temporary like other bodies, it is meaningful because in human life one can perform devotional service. Even a slight amount of sincere devotional service can give one complete perfection. (SB 7.6.1)
“In this verse and purport Prahlada Maharaja and Srila Prabhupada give a complete program for human life and a complete program for human society. Unfortunately, at the present moment, most of the people are under the influence of the modes of passion and ignorance with hardly a touch of the mode of goodness. In other words people are living almost like animals. Dharmena hina pasubhih samanah—without dharma or without following religious principles, people are just like animals (Hitopadesa). This has created a very serious situation and consequently people are suffering terribly. They themselves are suffering and they cause others to suffer.”
Gunagrahi Swami’s health update.
Dear friends and well wishers,
It’s been a while since our last update. So many changes have occurred over the past few months. Everything was happening so fast daily, so it became difficult to report up-to-date events and progress.
Gunagrahi Prabhu left Bangalore several months ago and was moved to the Bhaktivedanta Hospital in Mira Road/Mumbai. During his treatment in Bangalore the herbs and physical purification had a profound impact on his emotions, sleep and general mental health. Everyone involved in his care, as well as himself, felt he needed to be under the direct care of a hospital and medical professionals. For that reason we moved him to the Bhaktivedanta Hospital in Mumbai.
Shortly after his arrival to the hospital the doctors were able to stabilize his physical and mental condition. Several devotees traveled with him and continued to care for him during the transition. While in the hospital he received his first lupron/hormone shot. This treatment is supposed to reduce pain, shrink the size of the tumor and swelling and extend his life.
After almost one month in the hospital the doctors and devotee caretakers felt he was stable and self sufficient enough to be moved to a private room in the Iskcon Chowpatty temple. There he is receiving first class devotee care and association, attending temple programs, and able to dive deeply into hearing and chanting.
Recently he received his second shot if lupron, which is allowing him to walk again and experience minimal physical pain.
He feels extremely grateful and humbled by the many encouraging and loving emails from devotees all over the world.
We would like to recognize a few devotees who have been very committed and dedicated to helping him during part, and even some the entire process. They have sacrificed their time, finances and even health in order to assure he has been taken care of. It has given all of us a deep appreciation for unconditional loving vaisnava relationships.
Those devotees are Hansadutta and Savitri Prabhus, Brihat Mrdanga Prabhu, Ekavira Prabhu, Mahatma Prabhu, Virabahu Prabhu, Ekanatha Gaura Prabhu, Akshaya and Giri Govardhana Prabhus, Yudhisthira Prabhu, Pavamana Prabhu, and especially a very special recognition for His Holiness Jayadwaita Maharaja who has not left his side since Bangalore. A special thank you to the hospital and all of it’s wonderful staff. His Holiness Radhannatha Swami for helping arrange the personal care given by the Chowpatty temple.
Of course, all of this would not have been possible without the generous donations and support received from well wishers. It really has been amazing and moving to see everyone come together to help take care of this special soul. If I have left anyone out, please forgive me and please let us know.
Your servants,
Mahahari das and Gandharvika devi dasi
The utsava Radha Madhva displayed the pastime of killing of the demon aghasura. A huge ferocious snake Aghasura had its mouth open in front of Madhava. The big body of the demon snake coiled around small Radha Madhava. Sri Madhva and Srimati Radharani looked dazzling in their new garments. Madhava with cascading curls circling his […]
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Annual European ISKCON Communications Seminar
A team of devotees from Bhaktivedanta Manor and ISKCON-London attended the annual European ISKCON Communications Seminars, this year in Villa Vrindavan Temple in Italy. Devotees from across Europe attended.
What is Kirtan? Kirtan is the chanting of the holy names of God in the form of the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra. To read more about Kirtan, visit http://www.gauravani.com/download/kirtan
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| Date & Times: | |
| Friday 27th May | 7.00pm to Midnight |
| Saturday / Sunday | 7.00AM to Midnight |
| Monday | 7.00AM to 6.00PM |
| *Mangala Arati 4.30am |
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| Venue: ISKCON South London, 42 Enmore Road, South Norwood, SE25 5NG |
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| Prasadam times | |
| Breakfast Prasadam | 8.00AM to 10.00AM |
| Lunch Prasadam | 1.00PM to 3.00PM |
| Dinner Prasadam | 7.00PM to 9.00PM |
Parking: We are located in a residential area
| Accommodation: | |
| We have a small ashram reserved for special guests | |
| Croydon Hotel – Double En Suite Room from £65
112 Lower Addiscombe Road (6mins by car, 30min walk or 15mins bus 312) |
Travellodge – Crystal Palace – Double Room – £41
Yeoman House, (8min car , 17min bus 35min walk) |
| Contact Details | |
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KRISHNA PREMA DAS 07702 183 600 krsnaprema89@gmail.com |
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ANANTA VIJAY DAS 07500 955 526 astley.sinclair@gmail.com |
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NABHINANDAN DAS 07545 318 772 nnd.kds@gmail.com |
The post Bhakta Zoli’s video of this year’s Hungarian book distributors’ parikrama appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.
Ratha Yatra kids craft activity.
Sangeeta Rasa DD: Ratha Yatra time is coming. I prepared some devotional kids craft activity for Ratha Yatra time.
Find them here in high resolution: https://goo.gl/2K2N9y
https://goo.gl/PPuUy6
https://goo.gl/umWQkw
https://goo.gl/7jZ4Qr
https://goo.gl/kTKFD8
By Gunaavatara das
Prabhupada wanted every temple should have farm and goshala around 50 km a way. Srila Prabhupada personaly has started some of this farm like New Vrindavan, etc. We all understand that all disire of pure devotees it will happen because it is non diferent than Krishna disire.
The 12 years of OM Sri Surabhi Campaign is bring us to the higher mood of Srila Prabhupada plan for the above mission. Surabhi Campaign since last year been continues to promote of the Glories of the Cows and traying to incourage the devotee to be more involve in Cow Protection.
Resently by Krishna mercy and Prabhupada mercy we have a chance to visit Hong Kong and conduct some various program related to the Campaign, and few other program. We had four seminars in diferent scedule time, one is about ISKCON four movement and Surabhi Campaign, Best Practice ISKCON where Maharaja introduce about the farm project all around the world, and on the other day we also have peace inter faith dialoge.
One very inspiring program that we visited one local goshala where they have 150 cows, bulls, and calves, the owner is one chinese leady who love cows very much. So we become to relise actualy there is cow protection movement been going on not to far from our temple, same is in Cambodia, Thailand, and many other places, because although those people may not yet be devotees, but due to their natural love that inspire them to protect the cow. As how all living atities naturly is to love Krishna and by daily seeing the Krishna form, name and pastime we will review our pure love to Him. It similar naturaly we will develope love to cow if we live with them and be friend to them.
Both Brahmana and cow are Krishna’s very dear friend. And without them sociaty is in the danger condition. We may seen how nowdays people in general are unhappy. The life is so compicated, people are always in worry, because no guidance of bonafide brahmana, and actualy we can not having brahmana if we dont have cows, thats way prabhupada wanted us to open goshala. Prabhupada said now we need cow, we need milk for the devotees. Maharaja said if we not care cow, how Krishna will care about us. This is known as 50 persen of Prabhupada mission that un phinish yet, and Prabhupada gave his instruction at the end of His Lila in this word about Varnasrama dharma wich mean related to Cow Protection and Farm Comunities.
Whe greatly tanks to this chinese leady although she not join the Hare Krishna Movement yet but she already protecting 150 cows and bull, and in Cambodia there are one person who did similar, also in Thailand and Kalimantan, Indonesia. So this thingwe should learn from them.
Please visit our website www.srisurabhi.org for more information related to the campaign.
Thanks
Your servant
Gunaavatara das
When spring comes we always get excited like most of the people. But reason our excitement is about trip to New Vraja Dham, Hungary. Every year we take Turkish devotees twice to New Vraja Dham festivals. With total of 10 devotees we went to New Vraja Dham for Nrsimha Caturdasi and HH Sivarama Swami Maharaja’s Vyasa Puja Festival. Festivals are always wonderful to be a part and always meant to do more sravanam, kirtanam and smaranam. Our devotees took part in kitchen services and chanted and danced in front of Sri Sri Radha Shyama for hours. Actually, the most important part of the festival for us was the initiation ceremony that took place on Nrsimha Caturdasi day. Our 3 devotees Bhakta Nezih, Bhakta Kaan and Bhaktin Gultekin took harinam initiation from HH Sivarama Maharaja and committed their lives in the service of Guru and Gauranga. Their new names are Nanda Kumar das, Krishna Candra das and Gaura Prema devi dasi. Nanda Kumar Prabhu and Krishna Candra Prabhu are brothers by birth and they are the youngest initiated members of our congregation. It is very encouraging to see development of our Turkish Congregation. Iskcon Turkey is expanding. Slowly but surely! It gives more strength and inspiration to do more & more services.
Your servant, Nrsimha Krsna das
By SriRamaDasa
“The human society should recognize the importance of the cow and the bull and thus give all protection to these important animals, following in the footsteps of Mahārāja Parīkṣit. For protecting the cows and brahminical culture, the Lord, who is very kind to the cow and the brāhmaṇas (go-brāhmaṇa-hitāya), will be pleased with us and will bestow upon us real peace.”
— SB 1.17.9, Purport; Srila Prabhupada
On 16 May 2016, the city of New Delhi hosted an unprecedented event at the prestigious Vigyan Bhavan. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries have organized a first-of-its-kind day-long national conference on ‘Gaushalas’ (cowsheds). Three technical sessions were held to discuss the following issues –
how to increase the milk productivity of Indian cows,
making provision for feed, fodder and ancillary requirements for Indian cows, and
management of cows in the post-productive phase.
The Indian Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is working on modalities to bring in a new law to combat illegal cow transport and slaughtering. Ministers Prakash Javadekar and Radha Mohan Singh (Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare) called for restrictions on killings saying even in old age cows can be financially viable. He also said that “cow hostels and sanctuaries are being established across the country, and five new veterinary colleges have been set up to take care of old and ailing cows.”
The Om Sri Surabhi Campaign (2015 – 2027) under the ISKCON Ministry for Cow Protection (India) and ISKCON Daiva Varnasrama Ministry (IDVM-India), ties in well with these developments. A team comprised of Sri Rama Dasa, Gour Gopal Dasa, Rajaram Dasa, and Avadhut Chandra Dasa attended this conference to make relationships with like-minded experts working on cow protection to pursue the expertise for setting up healthy gaushalas and spiritual communities centered on cow protection, while pursuing governmental projects such as the Rashtriya Gokul Mission. The Om Sri Surabhi Campaign leaders are working with these experts to assist devotees in cow protection through increasing their understanding of the schemes and projects available with the Government of India. Through further initiatives in this direction, we continue marching towards Srila Prabhupada’s vision for cow protection to offer viable examples of cultural and spiritual living to modern India and the world, in general.
For further information, please write to us at info@srisurabhi.org or visit www.srisurabhi.org and www.iskconvarnasrama.com.
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Answer Podcast
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Answer Podcast
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The post Do non-devotees have no good qualities? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.
[Talk at Bhaktivedanta Hospital]
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The post Shikshashtakam 3 – Humility and tolerance empower us to focus on our purpose appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.
Harinam Sankirtan in Hong Kong (Album with photos)
H.H. RP Bhakti Raghava Swami has been visiting Hong Kong since May 17th with two brahmacaris from Indonesia, Kishora Krishna Das prabhu and Gunaavatara Das prabhu. Kishora Krishna Das prabhu is a leader of Gau Raksya Indonesia (GAURI), an organization for cow protection, and Gunaavatara Das prabhu is a brahmacari who is staying in Cambodia for preaching program since 7 years ago. His Holiness is continuing his preaching program, especially for Om Sri Surabhi Campaign, the campaign for cow protection.
GBC of Hong Kong have arranged programs for Maharaja. The programs were conducted at Sri-Sri Gaura Nitai Temple in Hong Kong and other places around the temple. Besides giving a few classes about cow protection and varnasrama, Maharaja also gave a seminar on the public program about Vegetarianism vs Veganism. He also attended Sri Nrsmha Caturdasi Festival in the temple.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/Ucq2TX
At present, the rainwater pipes are being put in place for the TOVP. These are the main drainage pipes, which will collect rainwater from the roof of the main temple.
They will all be underground, underneath the utility floor. All water will run out to major outside areas, like gardens etc. This gives you an idea of the size of the pipes.
[See image gallery at tovp.org]
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Harinam In Macapa-Amazonia with Bhakti Narasimha Swami (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Kali-kale nama-rupe krsna-avatara (Cc. Adi 17.22): In this age, Krishna has appeared in the Hare Krishna maha-mantra. The Krishna Consciousness movement is spreading like wildfire all over the world, and it will go on doing so. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 10.2.20 Purport)
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TOVP updates. (Album with photos)
Sadbhuja Das: At present, the rainwater pipes are being put in place for the TOVP.
These are the main drainage pipes, which will collect rainwater from the roof of the main temple.
They will all be underground, underneath the utility floor.
All water will run out to major outside areas , like gardens etc.
This gives you an idea of the size of the pipes.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/ENFcu6
ISKCON Nairobi - Muslim And Christian Students Get The Mercy (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: The performance of sankirtana-yajna is a special concession for human society to save people from being affected by known or unknown sinful activities. We are surrounded by unlimited sins, and therefore it is compulsory that one take to Krishna consciousness and chant the Hare Krishna maha-mantra. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 9.16.23 Purport)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/photos/GxDXUiYhDB8iwUVDA
Iskcon Auckland New Zealand: Rathayatra day! (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: The Hare Krishna chant is called the maha-mantra, the great, exalted mantra above all other Vedic mantras, because simply chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra brings so many beneficial effects. (Srimad Bhagavatam, 9.1.17 Purport)
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May 25. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
Satsvarupa dasa Goswami: 26 Second Avenue Kaleidoscope.
All glories to that 1966 kirtana which is still going on and is available any time. I think that those kirtanas were very special because of the degree of reciprocation and attention and focus. Back and forward he chants and we hear. We chant and he hears. The holy name is merciful. Pay attention and hear. It is a transcendental sound vibration. Try it, there is no tax.
Swami pounds the drum. He sings in almost relentless delivery, again and again giving the mantra as if he could go on forever, except the time and place don’t allow. We sing back to him. He is patient and convinced. “Just hear.” He knows we will take to it if we can only hear it. He has no doubt. The heart of everything is right there even now, even in the beginning, even in 1966 – the books, Gaudiya Vaisnavism, India, the sacred Yamuna, Radha-Krishna Deities, Sanskrit … Everything is here, present in the sound vibration of the holy name and in his own presence.
Remembering early times in New York is nice because it gives us an idea of what Krishna consciousness always is and what it should be today – the excitement and ecstasy to get together and chant. When the rhythm starts to build, the many karatalas sound like waves. It’s a crashing surf of happy emotions.
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Gita verse-by-verse podcast
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The post Gita 10.14 – Accept Krishna’s position and message the way Arjuna accept it appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.
26 Second Avenue Kaleidoscope
Every year the devotee leaders from around New Zealand come to Auckland for the annual general meeting. This is held in one of the classrooms at the Hare Krsna School at New Varshana.
This year, along with other matters, there was a strategic planning session facilitated by Nitya Priya Devi Dasi. The main topic was was how to implement ideas to spread Krsna Consciousness in a combined way throughout New Zealand.
From a Russian jail.
I worked as a senior flight attendant with a good salary and roamed freely around the world. I had a beautiful pregnant woman and everything seemed complete, but in my heart I felt a terrible emptiness.
The world had no attraction, as nothing made me happy. I started to smoke marijuana and take drugs. The grass and drugs made me feel better for a while, but finally began to make me feel worse. With all my strength I tried to abandon drugs, but I could not. The grass held me in her arms, and I did not have the strength to leave her.
One morning I got up and began to pray: “O Lord, in my life, nothing brings me joy, though you have given me everything I wanted. I am very unhappy. As a child I was happy! Please let me feel that way again and again!”
In my head I listened to a clear thought: “It will not be easy.”
I prayed earnestly and understood that I will have to pay quite a price.
Two months later the friend who supplied me drugs was seized by the police on the street, and to save himself, he told the police where I lived. Police found drugs in my house, and my “friend” was released on bail, after which he fled to another country and the whole case crashed down on me.
Suddenly I found myself in jail. The investigators denounced me, and I could not prove I was only taking drugs. Although an expensive lawyer was employed, I got a ten-year sentence for what I’d not done.
Now I know that this was a plan of Krishna’s, but then I did not understand it. Because Maya would not let me go, this was how Krishna cut my attachments.
In prison, Krishna began to send me the books of Srila Prabhupada.
Another detainee gave me the Bhagavad-gita and said: “This is the most valuable book for you.”
I read a few pages, but understood nothing and instead began to read gospels in the Bible. I read a lot about Christianity, but felt frustrated, as I had many unanswered questions. I had the feeling that something was hidden from people seeking God.
After six months in prison my condition was horrible. My relatives accused me. I felt bad. But Krishna took care of me and created a new situation.
Among the many books in the library I chose the Science of Self Realization.
I devoured the book. I reached the end and wanted more of these books, and knowing that I was in jail, I was very upset.
But Krishna continued manifesting through the librarian. She brought new books. Among them was Srila Prabhupada’s biography. I jumped for joy. For the first time I felt happy in jail! Reading it, I totally fell in love with Krishna and my dear Srila Prabhupada with all my heart and soul.
And this was not the end. All-attractive Krishna didn’t stop there,
knowing that I wanted to know more and more about Him. He sent a prisoner who had the First Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam. I could not believe my eyes.
After three days, the new prisoner was moved to another cell but let me keep the book. At that moment I understood that I hold in my hands the very same Krishna I had been reading about. I studied the book very carefully, taking detailed notes. I did not understand it all, but tried to assimilate every last word, stretching out in time the pleasure of reading, knowing that I had no more books of Srila Prabhupada.
I tried to get more books. I asked my mother, the only person who helped me, to please get me more books about Krishna. But she refused, because she was a sworn Christian. Later, I felt the presence of Krishna, and a week after that my mom agreed! I ordered five books. Amazingly Krishna convinced my mother. I knew that to change her mind was practically impossible.
I started to tell her with all my heart about the inspiration of Krishna, quoting Srila Prabhupada. She listened with interest.
Krishna gave me this knowledge, and I began to search on the internet for a guru. I grew to love Krishna with all my heart.
Reading about Him and His devotees and companions, I did not feel that I am in prison, because I constantly thought about him, and thus He did not leave my head.
I feel immense pleasure when I speak to other people about Krishna. Echoing japa, I smile.
I started to feel disgusted with the meat I ate.
Sometimes remembering where I am, I feel worried because I don’t know what awaits me in the future. Krishna took away everything. But then I think about Him again, and I become happy.
Now some questions torture me that I have no answer for. Why did they give me so many years, if even only one year was enough so that I never forget Krishna.
* * *
Bhakti Vijnana Goswami answered:
My dear friend, Krishna not in vain gave you ten years in prison, because if you got freedom now, you would lose everything. When you truly accept Krishna in your heart, his name can delete all other samskaras and free you from all material desires. This depends on only one condition: understanding that in this world nothing else can save me. Not money, wealth, wife, home,
doctors … nothing. Srila Prabhupada says that this condition is true humility. We are looking for protection, but only Krishna can protect us. If we love Krishna, He will come to us! Here we see how Krishna came to you in the form of the wonderful books by and about Srila Prabhupada!”
Book distribution in a small village of Czech Republic (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: One should invite people, chant Hare Krishna, and then distribute prasadam. This yajna will satisfy all the demigods, and thus there will be peace and prosperity in the world. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 4.6.53 Purport)
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