Newly Appointed Professor Talks Scholarship’s Role in…
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Newly Appointed Professor Talks Scholarship’s Role in Vaishnavism.
Professor Ravi M. Gupta (Radhika Ramana Das) is the newly appointed Charles Redd Chair of Religious Studies, and Director of the Religious Studies Program at Utah State University.
It’s a prestigious position that brings to mind a gruff, silver-bearded elder. But Radhika Ramana flips that idea on its head. At a youthful 34, he’s got a beaming smile of pearly whites and a full head of black hair. He’s also disarmingly unpretentious despite his astonishing academic journey.
Homeschooled by his mother Aruddha Dasi at his home in Boise, Idaho, Radhika followed a highly unconventional curriculum based mostly on Srila Prabhupada’s Srimad-Bhagavatam, from which he learned reading, writing, comprehension, grammar, and critical thinking skills.
To read the entire article click here: http://goo.gl/mUA437

A Special Welcome! Indradyumna Swami: Last week In St….
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A Special Welcome!
Indradyumna Swami: Last week In St. Petersburg, Russia we held an initiation ceremony welcoming devotees into our Gaudiya Vaisnava Sampradaya, under the auspice of our beloved Srila Prabhupada. It was a joyous occasion which we celebrated with ecstatic chanting and dancing to the Lord’s holy names. All glories to the samkirtan movement of Lord Caitanya, presently flooding the great country of Russia with causeless mercy!
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/FjluhR

ISKCON-Delhi – Sri Narasimha Chaturdashi Maha Abhishek:…
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ISKCON-Delhi - Sri Narasimha Chaturdashi Maha Abhishek: 20-05-2016 (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s transcendental mission is to distribute love of Godhead to everyone. Anyone who accepts God as the Supreme can take to the process of chanting Hare Krishna and become a lover of God. (Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, 4.41 Purport)
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Motherhood
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Our Founder, Srila Prabhupada, said that the love a mother has for her child is the closest thing to pure love in this world. We will examine that love as it manifested in famous mothers in the Vedic tradition as well as how it still manifests today. From a Sunday lecture in ISKCON of DC

Newly Appointed Professor Talks Scholarship’s Role in Vaishnavism
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Professor Ravi M. Gupta (Radhika Ramana Das) is the newly appointed Charles Redd Chair of Religious Studies, and Director of the Religious Studies Program at Utah State University. It’s a prestigious position that brings to mind a gruff, silver-bearded elder. But Radhika Ramana flips that idea on its head. At a youthful 34, he’s got a beaming smile of pearly whites and a full head of black hair. He’s also disarmingly unpretentious despite his astonishing academic journey.

Prabhupada said, “If you don’t want to help, I will…
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Prabhupada said, “If you don’t want to help, I will help.”
Mahakratu: I cooked every day, but early one morning Shakti Mati, a fierce Punjabi lady and a renowned cook, invaded the kitchen and decided that she was cooking Prabhupada’s breakfast.
I said, “Okay, you can do it,” and I went to the morning program and class. Shakti Mati had a group of brahmacharinis with her, and together they cooked a huge feast.
Later, Niragadeva and I came to the kitchen with two big silver platters and loaded them with the different preparations.
We went into Srila Prabhupada’s room, and Prabhupada’s eyes got really big. I put one plate down in front of him, and he said, “You have cooked all this?”
I said, “Oh, no, Srila Prabhupada, not me.” He looked at Brahmananda and said, “Who has cooked this? Shakti Mati?” and they both started laughing.
Then Prabhupada gave everyone—Chayavana, Brahmananda, Niragadeva, and me—a handful of prasadam.
He said, “You take this, distribute the rest, and then come back, and I’ll tell you what I want for breakfast.” He actually wanted local fruits.
He said, “The fruits in Kenya are excellent,” and that’s what he wanted everyday. He also specifically said that he wanted me to make his breakfast. He said, “I want you to do it.”
Prabhupada got angry when he found out that I was doing all the cooking without any help.
Everybody else wanted to be in his classes and go on his morning walks, so I was alone in the kitchen cooking for the Deities, the devotees, and Srila Prabhupada as well. It was quite a strain.
One day we ran out of gas, and Prabhupada’s offering wasn’t getting cooked. Nothing was getting cooked. By that time I was completely stressed. It was too much for me.
Prabhupada told Harikesh to find out what I was doing. Harikesh told Prabhupada, “The kitchen has run out of gas,” and this and that.
Prabhupada said, “Why? Who is helping Mahakratu?” Harikesh explained that I was doing it all by myself. I had to arrange everything and cook as well.
Srila Prabhupada said to Harikesh, “You help cook. I didn’t realize that Mahakratu was under so much burden.”
Harikesh helped for a while but walked out when some matajis came into the kitchen.
When he went back to Prabhupada’s room, Prabhupada asked him, “Why aren’t you helping in the kitchen?”
Harikesh said, “There’s matajis in there. Mahakratu can manage.” Srila Prabhupada got up and said, “I’ll go and help him then. If you don’t want to help, I will help.” In this way Prabhupada was very merciful.
Some Gaudiya Math brahmacharis were cooking a big feast outside, and I was watching them.
Then, all of a sudden, Prabhupada walked up holding his cane, stood a little behind me, and looked also.
I didn’t realize he was there. I turned around, and there was Prabhupada. I offered my obeisances, and Prabhupada said,
“If you can learn to cook like this, you can win the whole world. These Gaudiya Math cooks are very expert.”
Then he walked off. He was strolling around by himself looking at the different preparations.
—Mahakratu

Mayapur Daily Darshan Narasimha Caturdasi 20 May 2016 (Album…
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Mayapur Daily Darshan Narasimha Caturdasi 20 May 2016 (Album with photos)
Narasimha-vesa. In the forest Apsaravana at the foot of Narasimha-tila lie two lakes, Puncari-kunda and the glorious Apsara-kunda. Here, by affectionately stroking young Prahlada Maharaja’s head, Narasimhadeva reassured him that he was now free from any further torment from his demoniac father Hiranyakashipu.
The Lord said to his devotee, “Dear child, stay in this forest, and with a purified heart, worship the pastimes of Radha and Krsna by chanting the Holy Name. Soon you will see them.”
(Nava-vraja-mahima, volume 3)
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Radha-Raman Appearance Day
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On May 9, 2009 abhisheka ceremony of Radha-Ramana took place in His temple. It was His appearance day. The Abhisheka lasted for three hours and started from bringing water from the Yamuna. According to the tradition, young pujaris, who are the sons of the chief Goswamis, went to the Yamuna. A video by Vrindavan Experience.

Should we pursue our career as per our education or as per our inspiration?
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​Prahlad Prayers 5 Those who cherish the spiritual can channel the material
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Narasimha Chaturdashi meditation on Srimad Bhagavatam 7.9.26

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Prahlad Prayers 4 Upward mobility can’t save us from mortality
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Narasimha Chaturdashi meditation on Srimad Bhagavatam 7.9.23

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Prahlad Prayers 3 Linking manisha with Hrshikesha makes us manisha
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Narasimha Chaturdashi meditation on Srimad Bhagavatam 7.9.12

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Prahlad Prayers 2 The damsel in distress redefines distress
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Narasimha Chaturdashi meditation on Srimad Bhagavatam 7.9.12

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Prahlad Prayers 1 Krishna’s glorification is for our purification, not our glorification
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Narasimha Chaturdashi meditation on Srimad Bhagavatam 7.9.12

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​Bhagavatam study 38 1.8.23-25 Material adversity makes spiritual opportunity a necessity
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May 20. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations. Satsvarupa…
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May 20. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
Satsvarupa dasa Goswami: Swamiji Gave Us Confidence.
There were many potentially awkward moments for Srila Prabhupada as he began conducting his movement in America in 1966. We rejoice now in recalling how he was so tolerant. While Prabhupada had some control over events within the storefront, it was more uncontrolled when we went to chant outside in Tompkins Square Park. When someone joined your kirtana by blowing loudly on a saxophone, it was not easy to tell him to go away. But Prabhupada always seemed to know best how to get through such situations.
Prabhupada’s chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra was a particularly effective way to smooth over awkward gaps between himself and the younger generation. He just recommended that people chant Hare Krishna “wherever you go, and whatever you do.”
Although Prabhupada was worlds apart from the young people in America, the younger generation accepted him as “cool”; he was hip in his own way. He was not a middle-class conformist, and he had not come to give us Boy Scout lessons. He was not a church minister giving sermons with a piety that we could not relate to.
To read the entire article click here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=8

Celebrate Appearance of Lord Narasimhadev with us – From 7:00pm to 9:00pm on May 20th,2016.
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tava kara-kamala-vare nakham adbhuta-srngam
dalita-hiranyakasipu-tanu-bhrngam
keshava dhrta-narahari-rupa jaya jagadisa hare

"O Keshava! O Lord of the universe! O Lord Hari, who have assumed the form of half-man, half-lion! All glories to You! Just as one can easily crush a wasp between one's fingernails, so in the same way the body of the wasp like demon Hiranyakashipu has been ripped apart by the wonderful pointed nails on Your beautiful lotus hands." - 

Program
  • 7:00 - 7:10 - Guru Aarti
  • 7:10 - 7:25 - Welcoming Deities 
  • 7:25 - 7:30 - Announcements
  • 7:30 - 7:55- Sunday School Presentation
  • 8:00 - 8:15 - Abhishek
  • 8:15 - 8:45 - Vedic Discourse
  • 8:50- 9:15 -  main Aarti
  • 9:15 Onwards - Prasadam.

    • "If by the grace of the Lord we get such opulences material wealth,fame power,education and beauty,it is our duty to consider that they are all gifts of the Lord and must be used for His service,not our sense enjoyment."[Krsna,chapter 81]

    LakshmiNarasimhadev Grand Feast...$3251
    Maha Arati....$151
    Flowers & Garlands.....$201
    Special Sringar.......$501

    For sponsorships/financing the event please contact Bhagavat Dasa(Email)

    Offerings for Narasimhadev 

    "If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit or water, I will accept it."(BG-9.26)
    You are invited to bring vegetarian offerings sweet or salty (no onion, garlic, eggs, vinegar)  for Lord Caitanya.[In brand new aluminium one or two serving sized container]
    1. Nothing store-bought. Must be fresh and homemade.
    2. No tasting or sampling. Lord must be the first one to taste your offerings.
    3. Contact:
      For further details please do contact Anandmayi Devi Dasi(Email)


    About Lord Narasimhadev(Fasting till Dusk)
    In the purport of 7.8.51 of Srimad-Bhagavatam, Srila Prabhupada writes, “The Supreme Personality of Godhead in His transcendental form of Lord Narasimhadeva is always ready to kill the demons who always create disturbances in the minds of honest devotees. To spread the Krishna consciousness movement, devotees have to face many dangers and impediments all over the world, but a faithful servant who preaches with great devotion to the Lord must know that Lord Narasimhadeva is always his protector.”
     
    Lord Narasimhadeva is therefore worshiped by the devotees as their Supreme Protector and they also pray that He vanquishes all obstacles they may face on the path of devotional service. So it is with much enthusiasm that the devotees come to together to worship the Lord on this day of His appearance in the material world.
    Special prayers are sung for Lord Narsimhadev throughout the day.And a complete fast is to be observed by the devotees till dusk to express their love and gratitude to the lotus feet of the lord.

    Prayers to Nrsimhadev
    → KKSBlog

    (Kadamba Kanana Swami, 02 May 2015, Simhachalam, Germany, Srimad Bhagavatam 5.18.8)

    Nrshimadev

    Lord Nrsimhadev is vigna vinasa – the destroyer of all the obstacles on the devotional path. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura has written these two books – the Navadvipa-Dhama-Mahatmya, which describes to us the parikrama of Sri Dham Mayapur and then he wrote the Navadvipa-Bhava-Taranga which is a book that visits the same places as in the Navadvipa-Dhama-Mahatmya but this time, Srila Bhaktivinoda is not describing the place and what the place is dedicated to, this time he describes the inner experience that he has at the place. Therefore, it is called Navadvipa-Bhava-Taranga. Taranga means waves or the waves of bhava that is experienced in Navadvipa, the different emotional states!

    So then he describes going to Nrsimha Pali also known as Nrsimha Tirtha, the place dedicated to Lord Nrsimhadev. Then Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura prays to Lord Nrsimhadev that he may take away all the obstacles on the devotional path so that he can become fully engaged in unalloyed devotional service to Radha and Krsna.

    So in that way, our primary reason for worshipping Lord Nrsimhadev is not protection. Or at least not protection from outside dangers, not protection from all kinds of Hiranyakasipu’s who are living next door or wherever they are. Okay, maybe to an extent but this is secondary.

    Primarily, we are trying to overcome the demoniac tendencies in ourselves and Lord Nrsimhadev as vigna vinasa, purifies us from this contamination and takes away all the obstacles. Sarva vigna vinasa, all the obstacles on the devotional path are being removed and that is our prayer, that is Prahlad’s prayer also which is very nice.

    Monday, May 16th, 2016
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    Monday, May 16th, 2016
    Burton, Ohio

    Horses and More

    The sights of the morning were horses and buggies-- of course horse-drawn in some cases.  Indeed, this is Amish country and I'm loving it.  The men were repairing a barn roof.  The women doing the laundry.  That I could not see but I did view one lady putting out the family wash for drying on the clothes line.  This is the first day for all day sun in a while.

    Anne, the reporter from 'Maple Leaf' newspaper, had mentioned to me that the Amish kids are the only ones that play in the yard.  There's an implication here that most other kids are locked indoors, by choice, addicted to devices.

    "I believe you're right, Anne."

    I was a curiosity for them.  The darlings say to me, "Hello!" to which I would say, "How are you?"

    "I'm fine," they say as they tilt their head in shyness.  Our encounter always ends up with the wave of a hand.  I end up feeling as though I've stepped back into a more innocent era.  This is old school lifestyle they're living through - and I like being part of it - though it's so temporal.

    The chief of police from Burton, Richard Smigelski, came out to see if I'm doing alright.  Chris McClellan, who builds earth homes for people (UncleMud.com!), also stopped to talk.  This is interesting what he does.  I really wanted to spend more time with him but I had to move on.

    Come to think of it a song about rambling on came to mind - a song by Patrick Sky called 'Many a Mile' from the sixties.  It's a heart-puller and I used to sing it out loud in the valleys during my hitch-hiking days before becoming a monk.

    Yes it was a step into the past.  Thank you Atmarama and Manjula for hosting us.

    May the Source be with you!

    20 km / 12 miles

    Sunday, May 15th, 2016
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    Sunday, May 15th, 2016
    Southington, Ohio

    All's Well

    Brian was saying that he was keeping up with the Krishna's at all the DEAD concerts (the Grateful Dead rock band).  "We would be there singing and dancing with the Krishnas.  But then Garcia passed away and we got into family and responsibilities."

    We had an astounding gathering (not exactly like the Dead concerts) but a group of 20 people had come to Brian's Love Boutique and Yoga Studio, in Newcastle, for hearing from our 'Tales from Trails' and kirtan.

    What a marvelous mature group they were!  This occurred after a 17 mile jaunt today when I weathered some rain, sun, hail, sun, and wind - one after the other.  It was Gopal who encountered more interaction from people.

    "Hey, you're parked on my grass!  That's my grass!  And you, don't start spinnin' your tires there!"

    Gopal was aghast at the outburst of misrepresenting appropriate ownership.  After-all everything belongs to God.

    Another fellow became disturbed for Gopal's pulling over the vehicle too far into his driveway and waiting for me to reach there.  When he explained to the complainer that he was the support person for a monk walking across America, for America, he just calmed right down and offered a great place by a pond for parking at.

    All's well that ends well.

    May the Source be with you!

    27 km / 17 miles 

    Saturday, May 14th, 2016
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    Saturday, May 14th, 2016
    Warren, Ohio

    Full of Rain, Full of Fun

    Gene was like a cross between the sunshine and the actor Burl Ives.  Warm, euphoric, giving, and fairly large-framed.  He read the article that came out in 'The Vindicator' entitled, "Walking Monk Makes a Stop in the City," by Bruce Watson.

    Gene owns and runs a car dealership.  From across the street he saw me through the rain as I walked closer towards his sales yard.  He beckoned me to come over.  He offered a donation.  Kindness?  Yes, he was oozing with it.  He even offered the shirt on his back - literally!  It was a t-shirt with his company's name on it.  While beaming the whole time I was in his shop, and me having a chance to dry off - Gene kept up with his helpfulness.  He told of a friend settled in a town from Ontario.  Then he began sharing friends' contact details with Gopal (my assistant) and I.  He just wouldn't stop - he called Don Perkins from Wawa Ontario and handed me the phone to talk to him.  We were set for a sit-down and a salad - later in the afternoon.  I had to politely sneak out to continue on trekking on the Millcreek Metro Park's bike trail.  There I entered paradise for two hours before merging in with regular shoppers' traffic on this Saturday afternoon. 

    I passed by Mini Food Mart, near Warren, when the owners of the place came out magically to greet me.  It was a couple from Nepal, Laksmi Narayan & Brnda, who have that strong tie and connection to Krishna Consciousness.  Laksmi had been trained in India in the gurukula, the school for learning bhakti-yoga.  Along with Gopal and myself, Laksmi Narayan insisted on a kirtan right in his convenience store while customers were coming in.  Every-time a customer would come in, Laksmi would temporarily stop playing harmonium while I continued on a dolak drum and Gopal on the karatalas (hand cymbals).  Laksmi was reliving his boyhood-past in Vrndavan, India.  He also relayed to us that his father was the person who translated the teachings of our guru, Srila Prabhupada, in the Nepalese language.

    While our day was full of fun, it was also full of rain.  It is part of a lesson in learning detachment from this world.  I was reminded of both death and life.  Of course, the plants seem happy with the natural shower.  It was road-kill, mostly muskrats, that told me of life's futility - apart from walking by the memorial of McKinley, one of the U.S. presidents, who was assassinated way back when.

    I want to thank Das and Vrsni of Pittsburg, who were fine hosts for us for the last few days.

    May the Source be with you!

    17 km / 10.5 miles

    Friday, May 13th, 2016
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    Friday, May 13th, 2016
    Youngstown, Ohio

    Along the Mahoning River

    I had put in several hours on foot on a great trail.  Naturally I became thirsty and made my way to a convenience store for juice, on the outskirts of Youngstown.  The place was dark; tiles were cracked on the floor.  Chicken was being cooked at one end of the shop.

    I was selecting a drink - an energy drink - with sugar as a nominal ingredient.  A fellow walks in as loud as can be and addresses his friend.

    "Hey thanks for hookin' me up with that chick the other night."

    "No problem!"

    I found the place and parlance interesting.  The word 'monk' is expressed over and over again by pedestrians.  One motorist today asked, "Are you a monk?"  It ranks as the number one question on these travels.

    In Lowellville, a couple of elderly women gave me directions.  "You're a monk going to San Francisco?"

    "Yes, here's a mantra (I had on my card) and this is the song the Beatles would sing."

    "Really?!  Can we give you some water or juice?"

    I looked joyfully down no two Macintosh apples.

    "Please pray for us," they said.

    "I will."

    The bike trail that led to Youngstown was under-used by humans, but is frequented by frogs, rabbits, and muskrats.  The birds were also plentiful - blue ones, red ones, orange, yellow, and black ones, too.  The month of May is an a-MAY-zing time because of this.  Two birds were battling over a butterfly.  In the scuffle the butterfly got away.

    A major bridge into the city was closed but not for me.  I was not going to detour.  I took advantage of a monk's garb to transcend the conventional closure.  I was just tired and couldn't go the extra mile.

    May the Source be with you!

    19 km / 12 miles

    Thursday, May 12th, 2016
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    Thursday, May 12th, 2016
    New Castle, Pennsylvania
      
    After the Article
      
    The elderly man drove oh-so-slow on the country road and with pleasant weather he had his window down.  He went even slower as he approached me.  He turned his head and said, "Thank you!"  I simply guessed at the reason for the abrupt comment as he then sped along.  This man had read the daily paper and the article on the front page with picture captioned, "Hare Krishna Walking Monk visits the area," by reporter Nancy Lowry.  It happened more than once-- when I blocked out one hour for phone calls while walking-- that motorists stopped to congratulate and offer water.

    Throughout the day hand-waves, handshakes, and voice gestures of well-being came my way.  An officer also stopped.  He was the only motorist who wasn't up on the news.  So he asked, "Are you looking for something?"

    "No!  I'm just trekking and on my way to San Francisco."  With that he bulged his eyes and shook his head in a comic disbelief.  It was priceless.

    When I finally got into the city of New Castle, where there was also overwhelming response, one man, another senior person, whose name is Evangelist Green Leaf, came over to my side of the street.  The 69-year-old was open and friendly and wanted me to have Jesus in me.  He out-stretched his right hand and welcomed the Saviour into my heart.  I'm sure we were a spectacle, because we actually sat there over the ordeal and were absorbed in discussion - he with his bright green top and me in saffron-orange.

    I thank Nancy for the positive article that made the residents of the area aware that Hare Krishnas have been around now for 50 years and it all started more-or-less in Pennsylvania in 1965, when its founder, Prabhupada, came to present a new way of thinking and being.

    May the Source be with you!

    20 miles / 32 km




    Wednesday, May 11th, 2016
    → The Walking Monk

    Wednesday, May 11th, 2016
    Butler, Pennsylvania

    Back At It

    "Where yah goin'?" asked the worker from his van, which was parked next to the road as I passed by.

    "I'm going west, to San Francisco, on foot."

    "Is it for a religious purpose?"

    "Actually I'm encouraging pilgrimage, which refers to walking meditatively - you have God on your mind."

    "I believe in that," stated the curious fellow on his work break.

    Then, two young mechanics (brothers) - Mark and Junior, were on their way to work when they were puzzled to see a robed man on the side of the road.  As Mark rolled down his window in the passenger seat, Junior, the driver, came to a full stop.

    "Are you really a monk?" asked Mark.

    "Yes!"

    The two men hurriedly came out of their vehicle to see and talk with me on this first day in reconvening my USA walk.  The conversation went slightly crazy as the two were arguing over who the better fix-it-man was between them.  They generally held their own courtesy and shook hands with me at least eight times each.  One of them even asked for pardon when he almost breathed out the whole word, "sh_ _." After the multitude of handshakes they even ended up doing pranams(folded palms) when, at least in the beginning, they admittedly expressed never having a 'God experience.'

    A state police car also pulled over and I told him I'm on my way to San Francisco.  He had nothing but kind words to say like "you are really dedicated to what you are doing."  He was not familiar with the term "Krishna."

    "Christian?"

    "No!  Krishna!  You know - roots from India.  The Beatles used to sing this song?!"  With that I handed him a mantra card.  As I did he noticed my orange watch band and got a super charge from that.  He also admitted receiving one call - a concern about someone who might be a convict escapee in an orange jumpsuit.

    Before nightfall my support person, Gopal, and I were hosted by Das and Vrsni of Pittsburgh.  There I gave a talk and a mantra about the glories of walking and the beauty of chanting.

    May the Source be with you!

    15 miles / 24 km


    Tuesday, May 10 th , 2016
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    Tuesday, May 10 th , 2016
    Moundsville, West Virginia

    A Trail for the Future

    On the previous day, at review time, I had suggested that the community construct a first class walking trail. Such a trail would be an incentive for introspective trekkers. You could go around armed with japa beads for meditation. You could do it solo or with a group. The trail would be inspirational and take you through valleys and highlands with switchbacks in between. You would be able to admire variant trees and vegetation along rocky slopes as well as the wetlands and creeks. The trail would stimulate adventure and also connect you to sacred spots, such as the major temple, the Palace of Gold, and the upcoming Radha Gopinatha temple. Various loops would comprise this trail, and would measure 2, 4, and 8 miles in length.

    It was just a wish, and I believe it would be an attraction. The suggestion was well received.

    Today I walked along McCreary’s Ridge Road. It simply reminded me with its treacherous nature, its speedy traffic, windy disposition, and no shoulder, that a japa walking trail would be well justified. I was looking at a possible route that could be as far distant from the road as could be.

    I’m sure I’m not the first person to dream up such a trail, but I thought “Let’s get the suggestion out there, perhaps one day, such a route could materialize.”

    A word of caution for anyone on a trail, this is the month of May, the ticks are in abundance. Even without me hitting the woodsy trail, I managed to have one cling on to me without my knowing. That’s another reason why it’s imperative to bathe at least two times a day if you can. One reason is to wash off, forever, any of those pesky little things that could cause Lime Disease.

    May the Source be with you!

    5 km

    Monday, May 9 th , 2-16
    → The Walking Monk

    Monday, May 9 th , 2016
    Moundsville, West Virginia

    Start a Project Today

    The president overseeing the spiritual retreat grounds here in New Vrindavan is Jaya Krishna, who hails from Switzerland. He announced to the attendees that today is akshaya dristi, which according to the Vedic calendar is a good day to start a project. Jaya Krishna himself had planned it was the day he was moving his family into a new apartment. I guess he took advantage of the auspicious time.

    I was also called into a meeting where a few of us began thoughts which were actually preparations for next year’s Festival of Inspiration, brain storming, or brahmin storming, you might call it. Seeing that Sunday night marked the end of the Festival of Inspiration for 2016, we ended up deliberating or assessing the program that was completed. And so the project for next year is already underway merely by talking about it.

    Lastly, I had been rather up-in- the-air about my walking project since my anticipated support person from Florida just didn’t show up. I had mentioned to the Palace of Gold coordinator about my dilemma, and with a keen interest to help, he made a few phone calls, and voila! A new arrangement was in the making. With further assistance of Jaya Krishna, I was introduced to a 32 year old Gopal, who has that outgoing nature. He’s smart and enthusiastic.

    “Here’s your new man, and we will provide you with the use of our van,” said Jaya Krishna.

    “Bless you, Prabhus (guys).”

    I would have Gopal’s assistance for the next 10 days along with the vehicle. At least it’s a good start, and today was the day to pull plans together. We would leave for our destination to begin the first day’s walk  – a walk that would take me across America.

    May the Source be with you!

    0 km

    Sunday, May 8 th , 2016
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    Sunday, May 8 th , 2016
    Moundsville, West Virginia

    Walking with the Spirit

    There was not sufficient time to trek down to the creek this morning. I asked some locals as to the creek’s name, but I met with the answer, “Just a creek.”

    “Okay!”

    This morning’s walking allotment of time was shifted to drama practice. The performance went very well; quite appreciated by all. The lodge was the venue for our performance of “KrishnaIs…” The crowd became wet with tears. It was the two scenes of Krishna’s interaction with His gopi friends and His communication with schoolmate, Sudhama, which struck hearts.

    With the lapse of time in the day I found I could contemplate for the missing chance to trek a bit. Headed towards Moundsville via the local McCreary’s Ridge Road, I was lucky to meet Ananda Vidya, who enjoys the service of milking the community’s six cows. The local teens had gathered in Ananda’s home. One of them came out to greet me. I invited him for a trek.

    “You don’t mind walking with a monk, do you?” I asked.

    “No.”

    “Bring the rest.” So they came. We had a great trek. It ended up being more of an herbal walk, I would identify plants and explain their medicinal properties. The group was quite surprised at the discovery of the green opulence in their neighbourhood. As everyone knows, when you are an adolescent, you may lack appreciation for your surroundings. As expressed by one young woman I met in BC sometime back, about her hometown, “This place sucks.” I was getting the feeling that that’s what these young folks were thinking about their place of habitat. By the time we finished having a candid look at the horticultural quality of the hills of West Virginia, the appreciation for the place went up a few notches for them.

    Walking in the spirit of wonder, adventure and gratitude, is like a walk through the spiritual world.

    May the Source be with you!

    6 km

    Saturday, May 7 th , 2016
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    Saturday, May 7 th , 2016
    Moundsville, West Virginia

    Point to Consider

    I don’t take shorthand – probably should, but I can remember points that are delivered at a conference when strong and good messages filter through my fingers and the pen. I highly revere one of the speakers at the retreat here for his candid and thoughtful presentation. He quoted our guru, Srila Prabhupada, as saying, “Do not be upset with the instrument of your karma.”

    In some order I will present to you additional remarks that I was able to capture with my own concocted shorthand. The messages are as follows, some of them being thoughts, and some are stats:

    THOUGHTS

    1. “Appreciation should be our driving force.”

    2. “Service is the heart of everything.” – Sharpe

    3. “Service is not a chore.” – Mother Theresa

    4. “Find yourself in service to others.” – Gandhi

    5. “There are two births – the day we were born and the day we learned why we were born.”

    6. “If you are not challenged, you can’t change.”

    7. “Are you a contributor or a consumer?”

    8. “Humility is the solid foundation of all qualities.”

    9. “The body is a PC – a pleasure centre and a pain centre.”

    FACTS

    10. “There are 108 stitches on a baseball.” (108 being an auspicious Vedic numerical figure.)

    11. There is one suicide every 40 seconds globally.

    12. 1200 teenagers attempt suicide every day.

    Reasons for This Teenage Tragedy

    1. Not having a spiritual foundation.

    2. Very materialistic lifestyle.

    May the Source be with you!

    5 km

    Friday, May 6 th , 2016
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    Friday, May 6 th , 2016
    Moundsville, West Virginia

    When I arrived at this country retreat, a good 600 km from Toronto, I was asked one usual question, “Did you walk here?”

    To which I reply, “I wish.”

    In truth, I piled into a van with other, what I consider, pilgrims, and made the not so long ride through great countryside. I would think that anyone who makes the endeavour to leave the concrete machine for a little green-time and space is headed for a healing. Here, in New Vrindavan, West Virginia, the healing also has much to do with hearing.

    As shastra (scripture) states, “The sacred place has a primary purpose for being a place to learn – to hear.”

    To hear about what?

    About the Absolute.

    Here you can admire the Appalachian world of mountains, trees, and other greenery. And, oh yes, there are those albino deer around here. They are completely white. This is the property site of New Vrindavan, which is an animal cruelty free zone. Deer love it here.

    So do the pilgrims who came from Detroit, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and even Canada, like us.

    Our group was comprised of four vanloads of the members of our troupe – set for a performance of the drama, “Krishna Is”. We are set for a weekend of practice and fun for our unique presentation to honour Mothers’s Day.

    May the Source be with you!

    0 km

    Thursday, May 5 th , 2016
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    Thursday, May 5 th , 2016
    Toronto, Ontario

    Hint of Happiness

    I took a delicious walk after which both Jonathan and I enjoyed some nutritious compressed juices.

    Yummy!

    I also set my eyes on a new book by a friend, Mohan Asthakala, AKA, Hari Mohan. It’s entitled, “The Yoga Zapper.” May I share an excerpt of this excellent read, about the hint of happiness through personal transformation for some American tourists in India?

    The casualties littered the road side; huge lorries lay flipped over at depressingly
    regular intervals along with broken cars and an occasional dead goat.

    At night the traffic became even more hair raising making no concession to darkness,
    navigated by fatalistic drivers with no fear of death. The trucks, with 6 or 8 headlights
    blazing, their sides painted with fierce female divinities carrying swords and axes,
    careened down dusty, country roads at break-neck speed. But the next morning, away
    from the large metropolis, came scenes of great beauty; hills garlanded with
    shimmering green rice fields, snow-capped mountains reflecting in their blue waters.
    In the evenings, they rested in tiny villages where small wiry men of the hills returned
    home from fields, their lives following the timeless, primordial cycle of seasons, rains,
    and crops. Stopping in these hamlets, we sensed the simplicity of the inhabitants
    lives. Despite the poverty of their possessions, they showed little anxiety. Genuine
    warmth filled the evenings; villagers shared songs and what little food they had
    unhesitatingly. ‘What does it take to be like them’, he wondered, ‘What makes them
    happy with what they have?’

    May the Source be with you!

    5 km

    Prayers to Lord Narasimhadeva
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    Hare KrishnaBy Sri Nandanandana Das

    Powerful mantras for protection to the Lord's half-lion incarnation and His weapons. These are for protection from such things as malevolent spirits and material desires, as well as increased devotion and a peaceful world. Also contains the Nrisimha Kavacha. Prayers to the Lord’s Weapons. To the Chakra. To the Club. To the Conchshell. Ugra-Nrisimha Dhyana Continue reading "Prayers to Lord Narasimhadeva
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    The Pleasure Principle
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    Hare KrishnaBy Uddhava Dasa

    All conscious activity, whether in the course of duty or in defiance of duty depending upon the individual temperament is regulated by what Freud called the "pleasure principle." Few will argue the fact that whatever action a living entity does, he does to produce a certain amount of pleasure in his life. With this in mind, we would like to consider what the highest form of pleasure the ultimate state of conscious existence may be. From the teachings of Lord Krishna in The Bhagavad Gita As It Is, we learn that the relationship we have with Nature is maintained through the five senses of seeing, tasting, touching, smelling and hearing. This relationship is kept under control by the mind and intelligence, and it is kept in perpetual motion by desires for pleasure. This means that if one has a desire, say for a particular type of food, by his intelligence he can decide how to obtain that food, and through the mind one then sets his senses in motion to get the wanted morsel: the ears to hear of where it maybe, the nose to smell it, the eyes to see it, and the fingers to bring it to the mouth where the tongue can taste it. Doing this, one is satisfied for some time and finds himself in a state known as pleasure. Continue reading "The Pleasure Principle
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