Moving In With Carl Yeargens
ISKCON 50 Meditations: April 26, 2016
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ISKCON 50 Meditations: April 26, 2016
Srila Jayapataka Swami’s Vyasa-puja, April 17, New Dwaraka, Los Angeles
Giriraj Swami
“I had not seen Jayapataka Swami in a preaching situation and did not know what to expect. He entered the packed Laguna Beach temple with the beautiful Panca-Tattva dieties and it felt as if the whole room was being flooded with sublime spiritual energy. The consciousness of everyone was being uplifted. In fact there is a saying that when the tide comes in all the boats rise. It was as if a tide of love for Srila Prabhupada and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu was coming out of Maharaja’s heart, filling the temple room, and elevating the consciousness of everyone in the temple.”
Krishna Sambandha at Corporación Cultural de Las Condes,…
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Krishna Sambandha at Corporación Cultural de Las Condes, 15-04-2016 (5 min video)
Concert at the auspicious day of Rama Navami.
Sri Bhakti Das: Sitar-Surbahar
Visvanath Cakravarti Thakur: Moorsing, Gatam, Mrdanga.
Yamuna Priya Radha: Voice, Harmonium
Paola Josefina Morales: Voice
Juan Elgueda: Pakhawaj, Tabla, Santoor, Hansa Veena
Ekatma Dasi: Tambura
Abhimanyu Das: Kartals.
Invited friends:
Denis Kolobov: Fiddle
Fernando Farias: Double bass
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/xewtwH
The Holy Name Retreat in Govardhan
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By Prem Sindhu Gauranga Das
The chanting of the Holy Names of Lord Krishna is the supreme panacea for the age of Kali. Those who chant attentively with a sincere feeling will carry the purity and the ability to influence and create a lasting change in their own lives as well as that of others in the misguided civilization of this dark age. Small wonder that devotees are constantly encouraged to participate in programmes like the Holy Name retreats to help them with their chanting and thus lead their lives closer to Krishna.
From 11th to 13th April, an enthusiastic and energetic group of 60 devotees arrived in the Holy Dhama of Govardhana for a Holy name retreat under the guidance of H.H. Bhakti Dhira Damodara Swami and H.G. Srivasa Prabhu from Africa. The devotees in attendance were from several countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Mauritius, Malaysia, Brazil and India.
They came to the shelter of Haridasavarya Govardhana, the greatest of the devotees of Lord Krishna, to receive spiritual impartations, to be touched by the Holy presence of H.H. Bhakti Dhira Damodara Swami and to get motivated for spreading the Holy names in their nations. The retreat offered the participants a dynamic mix of spiritual enlightenment and exciting spiritual visits to various holy places in Govardhana.
The first day of retreat began with a talk by H.H. Bhakti Dhira Damodara Swami. Maharaja taught the devotees the spiritual technology of chanting attentive japa. He emphasized that we should never chant japa alone. Before chanting, we should invite our Spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada, the Acharyas, the Six Goswamis and Srila Haridasa Thakura to help us in our japa. The session ended in the note that Harinama Prabhu is our only shelter and is like our armor without which we should never step out in the battlefield of material existence.
The next day started with an early morning chanting session. The morning program was followed by a wonderful discourse by Maharaja at Govinda Kunda, the site where Lord Krishna came to deliver milk to Srila Madhvendra Puri as he was chanting the pure names. Sitting in the shade of the Kadamba and Tamalatrees, full of chirping parrots, devotees heard from Maharaja that we cannot chant with feeling if we are comfortable with material life and to be able toimprove the quality of our chanting, we should trychantingsome extra rounds free from the pressure of completing them, after we have duly done our 16 rounds.
All through the retreat, a wonderful spread of delicious prasada was served by the loving and caring devotees of the ISKCON Govardhana ashrama. Devotees paid obeisances at the Pushpa Samadhi of H.H. Tamala Krishna Maharaja and thanked him for securing such a wonderful place for the devotee community in the close association of Shri Giriraja. Later in the afternoon the devotees from Africa performed tumultuous kirtans which made all devotees to dance joyfully. Thereafter, H.G. Srivasa prabhu beautifully spoke about an analogy from the seventh canto which says that the soul is like an arrow which is shot toward its target, Krishna, by the bow of the Holy names of the Lord. Prabhu also delineated some principles like, praying to the Panca-Tattva, pronouncing syllables clearly, seeking the association of sincere chanters, eliminating external disturbances and constantly reminding ourselves that we might leave this body at any moment.
On the next morning after another enlightening session by Maharaja, devotees headed toward the Uddhava Kunda. It is said that if someone performs sankirtana in this sacred place with love then Shri Uddhava, Krishna’s dear most friend in Dwarka appears there. Staying true to this prophecy, H.H. Bhakti Dhira Damodara maharaja led dancing kirtans for an hour and a half which he called as the “soul shake-down party”. He further explained that Harinama is the best spiritual technology for controlling envy and when we don’t serve Harinama properly, we become complicated devotees. Some more spiritual technologies like, repenting for our past misdeeds, crying for forgiveness, fasting on Ekadashi tithis, praying incessantly and chanting in the presence of advanced devotees like Tulasi Devi and Srila Prabhupada were explored. In the evening session, devotees shared very positive testimonies on the impact that the retreat had made in their lives.
The retreat wrapped up the next morning with all the devotees doing the Govardhana parikrama with the vow of chanting good japa, more japa.
In these few days, the participants made great new friends, forming lifelong friendships, and also ventured into some unforgettable experiences. They had opportunities to learn in depth about the all-attractive and all-merciful, Sri Nama Prabhu, the true most friend of all living entities. The devotees parted with the most rewarding, uplifting and life-changing moments that had transformational effects upon their chanting. Certainly, as they all expressed, the holy name retreat would remain a memorable event of their lives and they would return again, in the future, to retreat and make better their japa.
Mantra Band; Food For All
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Dear Assembled Devotees and Wellwisher’s,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Have you ever had the experience of desiring to spread this knowledge of the soul, far and wide but you did not have the funds?
Yeh! Me too.
Our congregation is made up of poor people, many are homeless people. So we turned to Rock and Roll, the Devil’s music, and gave that a try,and somehow it works. (I am not recommending anybody else to try this.)
Our band is called ‘Mantra’, it was set up to get more devotees into big festivals like Glastonbury.
Your servant
Parasuram Das
When something inspires us devotionally, how to know whether it is self-centered or Krishna-centered?
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Answer Podcast
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How can a visually challenged person practice bhakti?
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Answer Podcast
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Does consciousness necessitate the existence of personality?
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Answer Podcast
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When God is one, how can the one manifest as the divine couple?
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Answer Podcast
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How are jnana and karma uncovered in bhakti?
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Answer Podcast
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Bhaktivedanta Manor given planning permission
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By Steven Brown
Planners unanimously gave consent for a new community building at a Hindu temple.
The Hertsmere Borough Council’s planning committee officially granted planning permission for a new development on the grounds of Bhaktivedanta Manor, in Aldenham on Thursday.
The application is to build a two storey community building or a Haveli, as well as relocating the existing poly tunnels, greenhouses and playground.
Gauri das, managing director at the temple, said: “We are exceptionally pleased to receive planning permission to build our community facility at Bhaktivedanta Manor.
“Over many years of work including the development of a planning brief, a public consultation, and one and a half years awaiting a determination, we listened carefully and patiently to local residents concerns.
“In the end the concerns were all addressed and thus the decision unanimous. We are extremely grateful.”
The originally planning application was submitted in December 2014 and over the past 16 months a number of revised changes have been made to the application.
Cllr David Lambert, who represents Aldenham West, was originally opposed to the application following numerous complaints from the residents of Letchmore Heath.
However, during the planning meeting the officer Karen Humphries said the application has been accepted by the residents of Letchmore Heath.
Cllr Lambert said: “I am really pleased we have reached this point.
“It would not have been successful without the work gone in by the officers. It has been a long time coming.
“I commend the officer’s hard work.”
Other councillors agreed with Cllr Lambert including Cllr Seamus Quilty who asked the Manor to provide a master plan for the whole site and what they want to do in the future.
Temple president Sruti Dharma Das said: “Thank you to our local councillors and Hertsmere Planners, who worked hard to balance the needs of the temple and the local community.
“There could be no win lose decision here, it had to be a win win. We now have permission granted on the Queen’s 90th birthday.”
The application received an unanimous decision to allow the application to go through.
Does worshiping different forms of God for different purposes not limit God?
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TOVP updates: New, modern equipment, finally installed. (Album…
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TOVP updates: New, modern equipment, finally installed. (Album with photos)
Sadbhuja Das: Exciting news…Our new “State-of-the-Art Machinery” has arrived!!
This 5-AXIS, CNC router worktable measures 2m x 4m, with a rotary indexing head at one end that will do 900mm x 1.2mm designs.
It will be used mainly for pattern making for GRC, as well as for the decorative ceilings, and woodcarving for the doors and frames.
It has been specifically made for us.
With this State-of-the-Art machine, we’ve replaced the Chinese stepper motors with Italian ones.
We’ve also replaced the Chinese cutter head with a superior Italian one, which makes it better in all respects.
It is a major purchase for the finishing work!
Find them here: https://goo.gl/SF5Nq7
Varahadeva – Bhakti theology goes far beyond zoomorphism
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Sunday feast class at ISKCON, Chowpatty
Podcast
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Second Sannyasa Ministry newsletter.
Prahladananda Swami: I am…
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Second Sannyasa Ministry newsletter.
Prahladananda Swami: I am happy to introduce the second Sannyasa Ministry newsletter. In this newsletter there is an article by Kripamoya prabhu about Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura’s revival of the sannyasa ashrama in our disciplic succession. You will also find some words of appreciation for Gaura Krishna dasa Goswami, a relatively new sannyasi who unexpectedly departed from this world last year. In this newsletter you read about the visit to Nigeria with Bhakti Ananda Tirtha Swami, who went there last year as a sannyasa candidate. Of the many sannyasa candidates, I’d like to especially express my appreciation to five of them who were accepted to take sannyasa this year.
Your servant,
Prahladananda Swami Minister of Sannyasa Services.
To download the pdf document click here: http://dandavats.com/wp-content/uploads5/2016_April_June2.pdf
Boat Festival at Govardhan Ecovillage (Album with photos)
Srila…
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Boat Festival at Govardhan Ecovillage (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: In the Adi Purana Krishna tells Arjuna: “Anyone who is engaged in chanting My transcendental name must be considered to be always associating with Me. And I may tell you frankly that for such a devotee I become easily purchased.” (Nectar of Devotion, 12)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/34zyGy
Daily Darshan: April 25th, 2016
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Harinama at Burleigh Heads – 24 April 2016 (Album with photos)…
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Harinama at Burleigh Heads - 24 April 2016 (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: “In Dvapara-yuga one could satisfy Krishna or Visnu only by worshiping Him gorgeously according to the pancaratriki system, but in the Age of Kali one can satisfy and worship the Supreme Personality of Godhead Hari simply by chanting the holy name.” (Narayana-samhita)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/7v6Dxd
A slew of questions – some answered, some referred
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From Csikó Gergely, Isvara Krsna Dasa, Balarama, Movva vhp, Gopala-raya Dasa and István és Arundhati.
The post A slew of questions – some answered, some referred appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.
3rd Anniversary of the appearance day of Sri Sri Radha Vrindaban…
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3rd Anniversary of the appearance day of Sri Sri Radha Vrindaban Behari and Sri Sri Radha Ban Behari @ Govardhan Ecovillage (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: “The essence of all Vedic knowledge—comprehending the three kinds of Vedic activity, the Vedic hymns, and the processes for satisfying the demigods—is included in the eight syllables Hare Krishna Hare Krishna. This is the reality of all Vedanta. The chanting of the holy name is the only means to cross the ocean of nescience.” (Narada-pancharatra)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/w4UuHE
The “Bhakti Women Shakti” Project: Share Your Wisdom
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By Navakishori Devi Dasi
The Bhakti Women Team embarked on the project “ Bhakti Women Shakti: Portraits of Strength and Wisdom” during the Sadhu Sanga and Gita Nagari Retreats ( May 2015).
It is a living project with over forty short videos of wisdom from women who have been practicing Bhakti.
While we have presented the example of women from scriptures like Gandhari, Rukmini Devi, Sita, Kunti Devi, Devahuti, Vindhyawalli and others through our website we felt it was imperative to also present the wisdom of contemporary women living out Bhakti in their lives. Personal stories of wisdom and strength can be very inspiring to others in similar situations.
Portraits of Strength and Wisdom
It has been a great learning journey for our team as we did those video interviews. It was very special to see how all the women we interviewed were so unique and so inspiring in how they expressed Bhakti through their lives. Some of the women we interviewed were practitioners of Bhakti for over 40 years of their life and are direct disciples of Srila Prabhupada. It was wonderful to get their perspectives on different aspects of Bhakti and on Bhakti infused femininity.
Some others we interviewed had grown up in a Bhakti filled atmosphere and were now living out lives full of Bhakti through their motherhood, wifehood and through their professions as nurses, research scientists, teachers, school directors among others. These women also shared how they were influenced by the powerful Bhakti of their mothers as they raised them.
Some others were new to Bhakti but it was very powerful to capture how they held on to the principles through various challenges in their life be it during their pregnancy or marriage or illness in the family.
It was beautiful to see how each heart was so uniquely seeking Krishna’s shelter and deeply attempting to offer themselves in service at His Lotus Feet even when they felt that they were far from a finished picture of devotee-hood or womanhood.
We invite you to view these videos on our website through this link. You can go through the different pages through the page navigation bar at the bottom of each page. We pray that men and women from all ages and seasons of life will find these interviews helpful in their journey in Bhakti.
A Living Project
We invite similar contributions of videos, audios or articles that women from around the world would like to share. We are happy to receive your contributions to serve the wider ISKCON community. Also if you would like to interview other women from your community and share the depth of their inspiring Bhakti with others please send us an email at contact@bhaktiwomen.org. Personal stories of wisdom and strength are always very inspiring.
Gratitude
We are sincerely grateful encouragement of HG Harivilas Prabhu(ACBSP) for this project. We are also grateful to the management at ISKCON Seattle that sponsored, supported and encouraged this project. We are grateful for the encouragement we received from HG Kaisori Prabhu and HG Visakha Prabhu (ACBSP). We are also very grateful to the following women who were so open to sharing their wisdom and their stories of strength during difficulty.
Ananga Sakhi Dasi
Aruddha Devi Dasi
Campak Lata Dasi
Gopi Gita Dasi
Gopisvari Devi Dasi
Krishna Nandini Das (ACBSP)
Krishna Bhava Dasi (ACBSP) and her daughter Krishna Priya Dasi
Madhurya Lila Dasi
Mangal Gopi Dasi
Mohini Sundari Dasi
Radha Padavi Devi Dasi
Sudha Venkat
Syama Kumari Dasi
Visakha Dasi( ACBSP)
We look forward to receiving contributions for the “Bhakti Women Shakti: Portraits of Strength and Wisdom” Project from many more women on contact@bhaktiwomen.org
—————-
Hand Sewing Tutorial
Bhakti Women recently concluded a 10 session course on “Basics of Hand Sewing” for girls through its Blossom Girls Program.We taught them a total of about 8 stitches and then encouraged them to create a design by using the stitches learned.
Please find the link to the 8 videos that were used to train them. We hope other communities can use the instructional videos for similar training programs.
The girls were really excited to learn these skills and they are now excited about using these in the service of The Lordships.
Devotees can renounce renunciation!
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By Giriraj Das One hears so much about renunciation in our movement and many times as grihasthas (householders) we become confused as to what is actual renunciation for us and how can we practically apply it in our daily life. I searched on this topic and found some gems which I am sharing below. We should be aware that as long as we remain attached to material enjoyment we will not be able to remain properly fixed in the process of bhakti yoga. As householders our goal should be progressive renunciation of material enjoyment and not the dry renunciation from family life as practiced by jnanis or yogis, that is not our path. It was Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya, a great disciple of Lord Caitanya, who said that Caitanya Mahaprabhu descended to teach detachment from whatever does not foster devotional service to Krishna. Continue reading "Devotees can renounce renunciation!
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ECO-Vrindaban Board Meeting Minutes 03/20/2016
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ECO-Vrindaban Board Meeting Minutes 03/20/2016
Mission Statement: ECO-Vrindaban promotes simple living, cow protection, engaging oxen, local agriculture, and above all, loving Krishna, as envisioned by Srila Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of ISKCON New Vrindaban.
Participating Directors: Anuttama, Bhima, Chaitanya Mangala, Kripamaya, Ranaka and Sri Tulasi Manjari.
Participating Advisors: Jaya Krsna, Radha-Krishna, Vraja
Participating Managers: Mukunda, Nitaicandra
Recording Secretary: Jamuna Jivani
1. Exploring ECO-V’s Future Role
Kripamaya raised some general questions regarding the future role of ECO-V in the continued evolution of the New Vrindaban village. After an initial discussion, the Board members concluded it would be best to discuss these broad range of topics in person and to include more people in the discussion.
2. ECO-V Brochure
Kripamaya expressed an interest in reviving the ECO-V brochure project in time for the 2016 festival season. Some Board members felt that the project should wait until the organization has put more substantial work into its current projects before doing so. Also, to reduce potential confusion with pilgrims to New Vrindaban, INV previously requested ECO-V to hold off promoting itself with a separate brochure. As an interim step, Jaya Krsna proposed including information about ECO-V in a new INV brochure that would highlight some of ECO-V’s activities. Meeting participants appreciated his suggestion and requested Jaya Krsna to move forward with this.
3. New Vrindaban Folklorist
Kripamaya, Radha-Krishna, Jaya Krsna and Chaitanya Mangala formed an ECO-V sub-committee to begin exploring options for this project and will present recommendations when ready.
4. Mukunda’s Monthly Report
Mukunda is currently in Florida finishing up a construction project this week and plans on being back in New Vrindaban by the end of March.
5. Nitaicandra’s Monthly Report
Nitaicandra reported on the previous month’s projects:
- Recently arrived back in New Vrindaban.
- Purchased approximately 20,000 heirloom seeds and 1,200 lbs of seed potatoes.
- No fruit trees will be planted this year in anticipation of the 17 year cicadas.
- Two calves were born.
- Moved tractor implements to Nandagram.
- Vidya hired Kacey to run the Teaching Garden & grow flowers.
6. ISKCON Ministry Grant Request
The ISKCON GBC Minister for Agriculture and Cow Protection, Kalakantha dasa, requested funding for the four upcoming continental farm conferences held in 2016 by the ISKCON Global Ministry and the Sustainable Vaisnava Communities Committee.
WHEREAS: The ECO-V Board wishes to support and encourage self-sufficiency and cow protection throughout ISKCON.
RESOLVED: The Board approves a grant up to $4,620 as follows:
1. $3,000 for the Minister’s travel expenses to participate in the four conferences, and,
2. $1,620 to sponsor the $108 registration fee for 15 attendees at the North American ISKCON Farm Conference to be held at Gita Nagari in August 2016.
For regular updates, visit the ECO-V Facebook page.
GLORIES OF VAISAKH MONTH – A Message from HH Jayapataka Swami
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The month of Vaisakh started on 23rd of April 2016 and will last till 22nd May 2016. Krishna says that of all months, Kartik is the best, but some of the Puranas say that better than Kartik is Magha and better than Magha is Vaisakh. In any case, Vaisakh is a special month to do […]
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Sweet Kirtan in Kazakhstan (Album with photos)
Indradyumna…
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Sweet Kirtan in Kazakhstan (Album with photos)
Indradyumna Swami: We are spending a week with BB Govinda Maharaja at his Sri Vrindavan Dhama community just outside of Almaty, Kazakhstan. Springtime has revealed the natural beauty of the property and Maharaja’s sweet kirtans bring out the spiritual beauty of the Kazakhstan devotees!
Find them here: https://goo.gl/tcVFya
April 24. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
Satsvarupa…
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April 24. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
Satsvarupa dasa Goswami: David Allen Goes Crazy on LSD,
At first David and the Swami lived together peacefully in the large hall, the Swami working concentratedly on his side of the partition and David ranging throughout the large open space. David, however, continued taking marijuana, LSD and amphetamines. Prabhupada had no choice but to tolerate it. Several times he told David that drugs and hallucinogens would not help him in his spiritual life, but David would look distracted. He was becoming estranged from the Swami.
But Prabhupada had a plan to use the loft as a temple – to transform it into New York’s first temple of Radha-Krishna – and he wanted David’s cooperation. Although the neighborhood was one of the most miserable in the world, Prabhupada talked of bringing deities from Jaipur or Vrindavana and starting temple worship, even on the Bowery. He thought David might help. After all, they were roommates, so there could be no question of David’s not cooperating, but he would have to give up his bad habits.
Prabhupada was trying to help David, but David was too disturbed. He was headed for disaster and so were Prabhupada’s plans for the loft. Sometimes, even when not under the influence of a drug, David would pace around the loft. Other times, he appeared to be deep in thought. One day, on a dose of LSD, he went completely crazy. As Carl Yeargens put it, “He just flipped out and the Swami had to deal with a crazy man.” Things had been leading to this – “he was a crazy kid who always took too much” – but the real madness happened suddenly.
To read the entire article click here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=7
ISKCON 50 Meditations: April 25, 2016
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David Allen Goes Crazy on LSD
The Journey Within
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Many spiritual seekers have come across and have been inspired by the international best seller ‘The Journey Home’ by the American renowned spiritual leader and social activist Radhanath Swami. The Journey home is an auto-biographical account of a his nineteen year self who embarked on an quest to India. This book was so popular that […]
Thursday, April 21st, 2016
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Thursday, April 21st, 2016
Winnipeg , Manitoba
Purple Gaze
The colour purple suddenly flashed into people’s faces. Popular musician, Prince, passed away and, as far as I know, his fans affiliate him with that hue. I confess that I’m fairly ignorant of the pop star for two reasons. Number one, he’s after my time. I joined the renounced order at age 20 in 1973. As far as I know, Prince was unknown at the time. Secondly, as a monk you just don’t go and pursue that genre of music or stage performance.
Bless his soul, though.
It was just interesting, and likely not a coincidence, that one of our guests at a home program tonight was all in purple. It was not intentional for this person whom I met once before, goes by the name of Purpley Pauline. She regularly dons herself in this colour-- that’s just her. At the home of Visvambara and Mahasundari, a small group of us were discussing the story of Prince Dhruva, which is really a story about determination. Purpley Paulina was really enjoying it.
I can see that Paulina is a determined person with her shades of purple, including her hair, hat, and lipstick. She was very consistent in this. I just didn’t peer in detail at the rest. I could appreciate her listening skills, her willingness to sing along with us, and her relishing the simple pasta that we had on hand as our meal.
When chanting with Purpley Paulina, I did not bother to ask her about her preference of colour. We stuck to the issue of Krishna Consciousness, and the need to paint our life with the various colours of the rainbow, the full spectrum of the various ways to serve the self (the soul) to service in Krishna .
May the Source be with you!
5 km
Wednesday, April 20th, 2016
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Wednesday, April 20th, 2016
Winnipeg , Manitoba
From My Window
From my window at Woolsley Street Assiniboine River Ganges River in India
The river, Assiniboine , also has borne significance to the indigenous First Nations peoples and Europeans. It was once a highway for canoes. It was also a source of water for wildlife and humans. It was a travel route for trade, and also a place for battle in some circumstances. It is a natural wonder.
At the Assiniboine Park
I had mentioned earlier on to Visvambar, my host, “Why not open a window? Bring in some prana (force of energy) into your apartment. Invite the outdoors to your indoors.”
May the Source be with you!
5 km
Tuesday, April 19th, 2016
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Tuesday, April 19th, 2016
Winnipeg , Manitoba
A Will and a Prayer
I had just arrived in Winnipeg
“I believe in the power of prayer. Can you say a prayer for my 34 year old son undergoing surgery today?” he asked, although I’m a total stranger. I asked the man for his son’s name and his condition in order to make that personal appeal to Krishna to honour the patient for his ultimate welfare.
Daruka, being my support person on 1 ½ times across Canada Assiniboine River that runs through the city of Winnipeg
Will spontaneously blurted out in amazement, “This is meant to be!” Free spirit that he is, he was standing there shirtless and revealing an array of tattoos, including an ‘OM ’ insignia on his torso. He expressed, “We are all one.” I didn’t disagree with the ecstatic young man, but I ventured to say, “Sri Chaitanya was a great teacher, who explained, ‘All is one and different’.” I also expressed that in Sanskrit, and he tried to follow me with the proper pronunciation, and he did so with 95% success. We chatted on. We then parted, but before doing so, we exchanged hugs, and Billie the parrot offered a bow of his head.
Will carried on the path and left us with saying, “Where there’s a Will, there’s a will.”
May the Source to be with you!
10 km
Monday, April 18th, 2016
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Monday, April 18th, 2016
Regina , Saskatchewan
The Park is the Best
Vijay and I had a fairly solid program together at the temple on Retallick Street
We both also took to the road, the Trans-Canada Highway
Incidentally, we sat on the grass in a circle fashion. We were not loud-- not ‘in your face’, so to speak-- but light in volume and somewhat sweet in flavour with voices and instruments. This type of an approach is an attractive set up. We positioned ourselves near the playground where families gathered and children do what they do so well. It didn’t take long before people gravitated to our circle, one-by-one, to join in. I believe that the attraction is in the sound, the formation, and the components to that circle. We were non-threatening and we provided a safe corner in the park where we did sit and chant. We stopped singing after a short while and then had an exchange with people. At least two people accepted copies of the Bhagavad Gita. To Matt, who received a copy, I said, “Here’s an ancient voice that we can all relate to. Enjoy it.”
May the Source be with you!
5 km
Sydney Temple West
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The Sydney West Temple project has steadily been gathering momentum over the last few years.
It will include a temple hall, restaurant, 40 -50 accommodation, function and office rooms and nicely landscaped gardens.
To help raise funds for the project, the devotees organise 4 dinners a year where they give an update to everyone and ask for donations.
I attended the last one with Bir Krsna Maharaja as a special guest.
Sunday, April 17th, 2016
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Sunday, April 17th, 2016
Saskatoon/Regina
Saskatoon/Regina
Third Day on Ram
Above me, periodically, a single bird, a couple, or a flock, would fly overhead – geese, hawks, ducks, a pink gull. Wait a minute! A pink gull? Yes! The sun had just about risen and that magic colour that emanates from it reflected on the gull’s white down.
I had swirled around to the streets at Willow Grove neighbourhood. I practically got lost. My bearings misplaced in the process of walking. Maybe I was looking at the birds too much. It was great, though, I tallied 10 km. I tagged on another kilometre when Kasyap went to fill up on gas on the way to Regina Regina US – New York City to San Francisco
This evening I had read a section from the Ramayan to a Sunday gathering in Regina
One person listening to the reading asked a question, “Why were Ram and Sita separated a second time?”
“Because the first one worked.” (Laughter).
What I explained to the gentleman was that the absence of a loved one intensifies the love. I then asked him a personal question, “Are you single or married?”
“Married.”
“Is your wife with us here today?”
“No, she’s in India
“Do you miss her?”
“Very much!” (Laughter).
“You get the point, then?”
“Yes!”
May the Source be with you!
12 km
Saturday, April 16th, 2016
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Saturday, April 16th, 2016
Saskatoon , Saskatchewan
Second Day on Ram
Tarun and I took worn paths along the South Saskatchewan River . Pelicans, geese, ducks, and seagulls gravitated to the water while we stuck to the land. Tarun became like a tour guide for me.
“Here’s where they have outdoor summer Shakespeare… Here is this sculpture garden… And here’s what I call the Rail Bridge
He wanted to know why Ram would impose on himself, agony through the separation of Sita and vice versa. Answer:
“Separation (not to be mistaken for ‘we’re getting separated’). Intensify the lover and beloved’s relationship.”
Tarun and I walked to the Karma Conscious Café. The owners wanted some chanting to happen inside the café, so I obliged. Great session it was.
A second gathering of people came to the home of Kasyap and Panchami to honour Ram-Nauvami this evening. There were a good number of kids, so I asked them to sit in front of me as I read a portion of the Ramayan. The approach was more like storytelling with some charades put in the mix. This appeared to engage them thoroughly.
Laura, Cory, Darren, and Karen-Anne, also showed up simply because I invited them from the café, since they seemed curious and spontaneous. To the sound of the ukulele, guitar, and drum, everyone had dance-stepped to the rhythm of the beat.
Ram must have been pleased.
May the Source be with you!
8 km
Friday, April 15th, 2016
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Friday, April 15th, 2016
Saskatoon , Saskatchewan
A Support Man Emerged
This was a milestone of a day. Not only because the calendar marks it as Ram-Nauvami, the birthday of Ram, but good news came my way. I had been struggling to find a support person to execute a planned cross-US walk to honour the 50th anniversary of Iskcon. My former trusted Daruka, of Winnipeg
I would have preferred an American citizen with an American license and an American vehicle. After all, the plan is to trek through America
About a week ago I received an email from an Abhimanyu Arjuna from Florida
This was a major breakthrough.
Tonight students from India , the US , Brazil , and Canada
“Fine,” I said, “just try experimenting with chanting in all sincerity, and you can test the results. This can be directly perceived.” It all became a light argument in the beginning, but he actually toned down and appreciated that application of wisdom tested in time has so much credibility.
May the Source be with you!
6 km
President Obama on Hanuman Jayanti.
A statuette of Lord Hanuman…
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President Obama on Hanuman Jayanti.
A statuette of Lord Hanuman is among few items that US President Barack Obama always carries in his pocket and seeks inspiration from whenever he feels tired or discouraged.
President disclosed this on a YouTube interview which the White House scheduled as a way to reach younger audiences as it promotes Obama’s final State of the Union address on Tuesday.
Read more: http://goo.gl/rA7t8u
I Don’t Get No Respect
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By Karnamrita dasa RESPECT: esteem for or a sense of the worth or excellence of a person, a personal quality or ability, or something considered as a manifestation of a personal quality or ability: I have great respect for her judgment. / deference to a right, privilege, privileged position, or someone or something considered to have certain rights or privileges; proper acceptance or courtesy; acknowledgment: respect for a suspect's right to counsel; to show respect for the flag; respect for the elderly./ the condition of being esteemed or honored: to be held in respect. I think respect is really a way of life—a consciousness of the sacredness of all life and in fact everything that exists as it relates to God. In how I see the word, it is what Krishna consciousness is all about. We are learning to respect and honor God—Radha Krishna, Gaura-Nityananda and all their expansions and devotees—great teachers or gurus, devotees in general, but in fact all living beings and everything that exists. Although honor is not given as a synonym for respect, to me it could be. Given synonyms are deference and reverence.. Continue reading "I Don’t Get No Respect
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Ramayana Drama 2016 by ISKCON Malaysia (Album with photos)…
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Ramayana Drama 2016 by ISKCON Malaysia (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: If with the arrow of chanting the holy name of the Lord one pierces Lord Vishnu’s lotus feet, by dint of performing this heroic activity of devotional service on receives the benefit of returning home, back to Godhead. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 7.15.42 Purport)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/nt0IQk
Hare Krishna Festivals UK: ISKCON 50 Conference – Bath Spa…
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Hare Krishna Festivals UK: ISKCON 50 Conference - Bath Spa University - April 2016 (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: When the living entity understands the target of his life, he takes the arrow of his purified life, and with the help of the bow – the transcendental chanting of pranava, or the Hare Krishna mantra – he throws himself toward the Supreme Personality of Godhead. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 7.15.42 Purport)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/vb58di