Planet ISKCON

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 –

1. how to increase the milk productivity of Indian cows,

2. making provision for feed, fodder and ancillary requirements for Indian cows, and

3. 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.

The post Daily Darshan: May 25th, 2016 appeared first on Mayapur.com.

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Answer Podcast

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Answer Podcast

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[Talk at Bhaktivedanta Hospital]

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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

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)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/X0Z04V

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)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/ZYhSkB

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.
To read the entire article click here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=8

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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)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/d07x0v

7 km

6 miles

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Friendly Fire!
Sutapa Das: With genuine spiritual advancement comes the capacity and capability to have friendly relationships with one and all. Equipped with spiritual vision that penetrates beyond externals, one remains undisturbed by annoying idiosyncrasies, ideological differences, unpredictable personalities, and sticky character traits. We’re able to see something deeper, see the spirit, the underlying sincerity. We can see the heart. At this stage, we have no enemies, even if others view us as such. Indeed, the Bhagavad-gita explains that such friendly persons are spontaneously engaged in beneficial acts towards all living beings (sarva bhuta hite ratha). We could do with a few more people like that in the world.
Lofty, utopian and unattainable? Admittedly, although we desire these friendly connections with everyone around us, it just doesn’t seem to work out in real life. Fighting and friction seem an integral part of social intercourse. Why can’t everyone be friends with everyone else? Is the fact that we don’t get on with everyone a sign of our spiritual deficiencies? What could be the reason for people not liking us?
Our Problem – often, breakdown of friendships are due to underlying selfishness within us. When people smell agendas, duplicity and exploitation, to a greater or lesser degree, they run a mile. Lesson: examine yourself and avoid blaming others.
Their Problem – other times, people project their own struggles onto us and thus prevent a meaningful connection. Deep rooted issues of insecurity, envy and pride, naturally distance them from others. Lesson: be patient and don’t take it personally.
No Problem – sometimes, two people fall out simply because of misunderstanding and miscommunication. Random unsavory incidents can block what would otherwise be a healthy friendship. Lesson: don’t take things too seriously and learn to forget.
Natural Problem – since we are all unique individual characters, it is impersonalistic and utopian to expect that everyone will perfectly gel. Even pure souls have their differences, though it doesn’t block their appreciation of each other. Lesson: celebrate diversity and find atleast something to appreciate.
So, at the risk of sounding cheesy and cliched, lets make more friendly connections. Its a short life after all. As Abraham Lincoln said, “the best way to destroy an enemy is to make him a friend.”
Read more: https://goo.gl/VhfU7C

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Preaching program in Kalachandji’s Hare Krishna Temple, Dallas (Album with photos)
Last night we were blessed to have taken the association of HH Jayapataka Swami. Such and amazingly surrendered devotee of Krishna and Srila Prabhupada. All glories to his service! All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Find them here: https://goo.gl/w8wEHg

Karatalas: Weapons of mass inspiration!
The Sanskrit word “kara” means hand and “tala” - a rhythmic pattern. Literally, karatalas - a hand tool to maintain the rhythm. However, this instrument is considered to be a divine instrument. Cymbals sound can be compared with the bell ringing - so big is its cleansing effect. This clears the sound and the one who plays the kartalas, and those who hear it said that God himself death Yamaraja and his servants yamadutas can not go to the one who plays the kartalas.
Patron Saint of cymbals is the gopi Sudevi. She needed to pray to learn to play this wonderful instrument. Before start playing them, favorably pronounced this pranama mantra:
“I will defeat death, I will defeat Yamaraja, and I happily will win over all his servants (yamadutas). Hearing the sound of cymbals from afar neither death, nor any of his servants of Yamaraja, certainly will get close to someone who engages in kirtan. ”
Prabhupada stressed that for the devotees there is no need to learn any oter musical instruments to lead kirtan. Lord Chaitanya gave us the easiest method, and all you need for chanting.
“I think that we have no need to use different musical talents to spread Krishna Consciousness. It is better that people strictly follow the path of Lord Caitanya and His sankirtana devotees. We use mrdanga and karatalas, and that’s enough. We are not musicians. We are Krishna bhaktas. Therefore, we are not interested about all these different musical talents. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is God Himself. If He believed that it would be better to spread the Krishna Consciousness in an other way, He would have done it. No, our process - it’s just play on mrdanga and kartalas, travel and chant Hare Krishna and ask everyone to chant Hare Krsna and just preach the philosophy of "Srimad Bhagavatam”. We do not need to try to add anything to this simple method.“
Srila Prabhupada, letter to Jagadisha, 28.12.1974
(Translated automatically from Russian) http://goo.gl/hDrJFH

The post Daily Darshan: May 24th, 2016 appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Beautiful Festival “The culture of India in Russia 2016” in Moscow (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Anyone who carries Krishna within himself, constantly, can go anywhere and turn the place into a sacred pilgrimage. Letter to Rupanuga, July 3, 1968.
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A few improvements to Krishna Lounge: new curtains and painted kitchen.

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Mayapur Institute: 23 students from different parts of the world successfully completed their Teachers Training Course-1 and receiving the certificates (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: As God is good, we are also good. But due to our material association, we have become bad. So if we revive our old position, Krishna consciousness, then automatically we shall become all-good. Calcutta, June 30, 1973.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/RDrVtY

Travel Adventures of a Krishna Monk.
Diary of a Traveling Sadhaka, by Krishna-kripa das.
Srila Prabhupada from a class on Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.8.24 in Mayapur on October 4, 1974: Danger we must meet so we learn that this material world is a miserable place. Do not take this material existence as comfortable at any moment. As soon as you think you are comfortable in the material world, you are spiritually fallen. We are always in danger, and therefore, we should always think of the lotus feet of Krishna. That is the lesson to be learned from the Pandavas.
To read the entire article click here: http://goo.gl/FpHIi9

By Krishna-kripa Das

Lokanath Swami, Candramauli Swami, Sacinandana Swami, Agnideva Prabhu and Vaiyasaki Prabhu share their realizations during the Birmingham 24-Hour kirtana, carefully collected by Krishna-kripa Prabhu. Gopal Guru Goswami:. With the first Krishna, we call on Krishna to attract us. Then we call on Radha to attract us by Her sweetness. With the “Hare Hare” we beg to be engaged in service. The last “Rama Rama” means “please let me be fixed in your name, form, qualities, and pastimes.” The last “Hare Hare” means “please consider me as your own and deal with me as part of your pastimes.” Continue reading "Five kirtaniyas talk about the Holy Name
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By Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura

“Worship of Krishna without Radha is not worship but pride. It is another unauthorized philosophy nourished by the concept of an impotent God. Krishna is alone the enjoyer; all others are to be enjoyed. The origin of all the enjoyed, or the asrayas (abodes of love) is Sri Radhika. To serve God under the subordination of His servant is the core of Vaishnava philosophy. Other philosophies devoid of subordination to the original shelter, or asraya, are simply covered atheism or some kind of pseudo philosophy.” “Speaking hari-katha is real rest – it removes all fatigue. Any endeavor other than kirtana, performed even for a moment, is averse to God. Exalted personalities and their followers always engage in glorifying topics about Hari in all respects. They have no other duty. Sri Caitanyadeva also instructed us, kirtaniyah sada harih: always chant the glories of Hari. The symptom of liberated persons is that they only chant the glories of Hari at all times with body, mind, and speech.” Continue reading "Amazing insights from Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura’s conversations and discourses
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