Thursday, April 14th, 2016
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Thursday, April 14th, 2016
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Going Conscious

 Kasyap and I took to the trails in a North East suburb of Saskatoon.  The layout of the area was pleasant with well landscaped hills, land depressions, and creeks.  The problem is that it’s all designed for the automobile.  Too much distance to the market place makes it impractical.

Oh well.

After the trek, Kasyap and family took me to a new vegetarian café called the Karma Conscious Café.  The operators/owners are the Patawari brothers.  They asked that I lead a chant.  A drumming circle was arranged for backup.  Clients as well as friends and family got involved.  I was then asked to give a talk.  I picked up their promotion card and stood there before the crowded enthusiasts carefully analyzing the branding words as I spoke.

“ ‘Karma’ means ‘activity’.  You want to make sure that it’s positive activity.  Then there’s good response, good karma.  The food here is animal cruelty free, so that implies ‘good karma’ food.  Then the word ‘conscious’ implies to be sensitive.  Being that we are in human bodies, we have the opportunity to be sensitive to our essential needs.  In essence, we are all spirits.  We are not these bodies.  This is something that humans can comprehend.  A distinction between the machine and the mover.  As humans, it is within our capacity to understand the separation.  When we act on this basis then we demonstrate that we are alive and conscious.”

The words were well received.  I asked the group if someone could Google the word ‘café’.  That then would complete the definition of the term ‘Karma Conscious Café’.  I asked the attendees if this was the only vegetarian restaurant in town.  I also expressed to the owners if they would make the food prasadam, meaning offered.  Some of the items bear onions and garlic, so that would be out of the question.  Initially their baked goods had eggs, but I discouraged it and so they found a great egg replacer.

May the Source be with you!

6 km

Wednesday, April 13th, 2016
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Wednesday, April 13th, 2016
Toronto, Ontario

Tom and Sam

Tom came to visit from Windsor.  I’ve known him since the ‘70’s.  He and his wife, Betty, are retired school teachers.  Tom accepted his first teaching job way up in Northern Canada, in Spence Bay, with children in the Inuit community.  It’s quite remote up there, but he tells me he’s seen a lot.

Much less than Tom’s experience, I’ve also had a chance to interact with many indigenous people during my cross country walking.  They’ve always been nice to me and I suppose in part it’s because being a monk, I am distinctly different, and also part of a minority.

Tom came up by bus to do some personal research work, but it was also with a spiritual intent, otherwise he wouldn’t be participating in our morning spiritual program.   We both took to the streets in Rosedale to chant on our japa beads.   For a good hour I heard Tom put out his best effort toward attentive listening to the sound of something so sacred.

While Tom was gone doing his research we had a visit from Sam who lives in Brockville.  Sam came to me with his right hand in his meditation bead bag.  He was chanting in a serious tone.  We actually got to talking about the power of mantra meditation and how it becomes the chanter’s time to communicate with the Creator.

“To those of us who commit daily to 16 revolutions around the strand of 108 beads, it allows you 2 hours to communicate with the Big Chief-In-Charge.  And that’s not bad,” I explained to Sam.

May the Source be with you!

6 km

Tuesday, April 12th, 2016
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Tuesday, April 12th, 2016
Miami, Florida

Meeting Tom

Since my arrival here, walks were frequent enough.  Once, along the docks at Coconut Grove, and then taking shape as public chanting-- hobbling along Lincoln Road on Miami Beach.  However, this morning I constrained myself happily to pacing within the temple walls on Virginia Street.  It was on the plane back to Canada that became my public time, especially with Tom.  Tom is a rather large built man who is around sixty, who asked me, upon knowing I am his neighbouring passenger, “Are you a Buddhist monk?”

“No, I’m a Krishna monk.”

“Oh, Hare Krishna?”

“Yes!”

“I used to go to your temple on Sundays for the feast.”

“Really, on Avenue Road?”

“Yeah.”

“That was probably in the late 70’s?”

“Yeah, probably!  I was living on the streets at the time, and you guys helped me.”

“What are you doing now?” I asked him.

“I’ve got a business, a trucking business, a multi-million dollar business.”

“Great!”

He asked, “Are you guys still doing the Sunday thing and doing the chanting ‘Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare….?”

“We sure are!  We can’t let it go.”

Tom and I hit it off real well.  And then the elderly lady sitting to the other side of me caught on to the conversation.  We chatted about pilgrimage and cracked some jokes amongst the three of us.  The flight was fast.  I made it home, only to meet another Tom.

May the Source be with you!

4 km

Monday, April 11th, 2016
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Monday, April 11th, 2016
Miami, Florida

Wind, Water, Sun

I’m often taken to surprise venues for a natural experience when I’m here.  Today I was whisked away by a group of devotees wanting to bond amongst each other and the water.

We were taken to Biscayne Beach for a sail on a catamaran.  Between the bunch of us we were divided by two sailing vessels, and that left me with Macul from our group, as well as two expert skippers (if I could use that term) by the names of Berthol, from Munich, and Graham, from West London.

Sailing we did, in what seemed like an endless bay.  It was good to meet the water, wind, and sun.  I had been hankering for that.  It was equally good to meet these two fellows who are both on their last sailing venture before tomorrow’s flight back to Europe.  Their art is all about catching a gust of wind, adjusting weight, and pulling pulleys to adjust the sails.  It has much to do about balance and flying with the wind.  Berthol and Graham showed us just how fine a science their maneuvering is.  They also had their sincere questions, “Do priests in your order get married?”  Answer, “Yes, but I vowed to stay single all my life, celibate even.”  Question, “Do your monks ever encounter a certain amount of stress?”  Answer, “Yes, in our line of work you absorb a considerable amount of negativity from people unloading their personal problems, but it’s like sailing, you tighten the ropes of the sails, balance it all, and avoid tipping over.  We chant and have downtime, like now.”

We ended up going quite a distance from the beach, near private and gorgeous homes worth millions. Berthol and Graham had their own realizations about money - it can’t buy you happiness.  After we returned to the beach the two guys wanted to make sure they got a photograph with Macul and myself in full regalia.  That was a very novel experience for them.

May the Source be with you!

6 km

Sunday, April 10th, 2016
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Sunday, April 10th, 2016
Miami, Florida

Where The Sun Does Shine

Miamiis a place where the sun shines, a lot.  Dolphins, manatees, and sharks frequent some of the waters by the beach areas.  Unfortunately I don’t seem to locate them in any of my strolls along the water way, the Atlantic Ocean.

Also in Miamiyou get the feeling that there’s lots of affluence here.  Money, however, doesn’t always bring happiness, and that’s seen in some of the wealthy motorists that go by.

I can verify the unsatisfied feeling by some of the Miami residents who come to visit our center.  Every time I make that visit to the temple here, I see people who look curious and are wanting to go deeper into looking at their lives.  That’s a good sign, of course.

It was my dear god-brother from the Gainesville area, Tamohara Prabhu, whom I teamed up with to eliver the Sunday Open House message from the Gita, Chapter 6.  Both he and I had shared in some good communication with some new-comers.  What’s interesting is that it’s the third time that Tamohara and I did a presentation together.  We seem to complement each other in our delivery; his being very sober, equipoised, and informative, while mine can be, as he put it once, more theatrical.   It takes all kinds to make up a community, doesn’t it?

What personally hurts me, however, is that I feel we could offer more to our guests, hospitality wise.  Perhaps the knowing feeling I have within is a healthy one, one that urges towards improvement. Whatever we do, I feel, is never adequate enough.

May the Source be with you!

0 km

Saturday, April 9th, 2016
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Saturday, April 9th, 2016
Maple, Ontario

I Was Dropped Off

I was dropped off by my driver, Yadu, at my request to get some walking in.  I completed a satsang, a session of chanting and talking at Yadu’s home.  He invited a whole group of people, friends and family from New York City, Albany, and locally, to hear something about higher consciousness.  It went well.  I spoke from the Gita, 6.9, about having that equal mind attitude towards everyone.  I also read a small portion on Krishna’s life, and informed everyone there of the Golden Year 50th anniversary of the mission started by our guru, Srila Prabhupada.

The feast served was great.

And then Yadu dropped me off, as he had the last time I paid a visit to his home.  There, at the starting point, Eglinton, near Bathurst, I had some time to myself.  I walked by Lorne Green’s former residence.  No, not the Ponderosa, but an old apartment where he stayed in the 40’s.

It’s a Jewish neighbourhood and I passed by at least 2 of the synagogues.  I noticed that there’s usually some billboards up in front of these places of worship promoting pro-Israel issues.   Apparently, the communities are fundraising through the avenue of walking and running projects.

Bomb shelters are one of the motivations behind the walking and running project.  That’s for Israel, of course.  Maybe one day, Canada may find it essential to have bomb shelters.  I don’t like the thought of it, but as we see it, with current affairs, things such as bomb shelters may become a reality one day.

Unless we come to terms with genuine spirituality, I don’t believe the peace-and-love formula will come through.  Still, the simpleton that I am, I believe that if everyone took a wholesome walk for an hour and a half each day, it would go a long way to calming the nerves in all of us.

May the Source be with you!

6 km

Independence with a purpose
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(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 24 April 2014, Radhadesh, Belgium, Caitanya Caritamrta Lecture)

DSC_0078Focus of purpose is what I was thinking about and that is what I would like you to think about. What is your purpose? I am not going to carry people and sort of micromanage their life. Of course, if you want to ask about material life, how to deal with it, I will try to answer. But whatever advice I give about material things, it is not necessarily absolute. When I give advice about scripture, Krsna’s or Prabhupad’s teachings, that is absolute. But for questions like, ‘Should I stay in this country? Should I stay in this ashram? Should I do this service or should I do that service?’

Then, ‘You told me to do this and it all went wrong!’

Yes, that could happen (laughter). I am telling you. If I give any material advice, it may all go wrong because, the material energy is a crocodile and I cannot control it either; it bites me also from time to time. It does! As much as you do, I also get beaten around by the material energy. Okay, when you are sixty-one years old, you surely got a few tricks up your sleeve and surely, I would be willing to share it with you…

To some people, I would say, ‘Why don’t you do this?’ But most of the time, people do not do what I say anyway! (laughter) That is my experience, you know. Most of the time when I tell them, ‘Why don’t you do this?’

‘Errr, well, I can’t!’

‘Ok, then what do you want to do?’

‘Well, this and that… Is that ok?’

‘Yes, it is ok…’

Most of the time, it becomes like that, that is the reality – most of us have strong desires of our own. In the beginning of spiritual life, we can do it. We can be strict and dedicate ourselves to following the process, authorities, the mission and so on. Some can do it for a whole life. But many, on the way, will find a desire to fill it in a more individual way and it is okay with me. Give individual shape to your life but with that you are responsible for the purity. As we create more space for an individual way of life, more responsibility is there. Someone in the ashram can be told, ‘Okay, time to get up, time to go out, time to eat…’  Ashram life means someone telling you what you should do with your time.

If we need more space – have all the space you want but, everything has a price tag attached to it. The more we interact with the material energy, the more that material energy will take over our consciousness. I am talking about the mind; the mind will start worrying about it when having to deal with it.

On the other hand, if you are in the renounced position, then you have to make sure that you are happy. When a renunciate is not happy in his renunciation, then he is in total danger. Because, what is there otherwise? In grhasta ashram, there is some material enjoyment but for the renunciate, there is not much. You can eat but how much can you eat?

So in conclusion, I think it is very important to have a focus, to have an idea what we are going to do and to not just let it happen.

​While acting in our worldly relationships, how can we avoid attachment and stay surrendered to Krishna?
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​As devotees, how do we choose among our various material roles?
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​Rama disregarded Ayodhya citizens when going to exile himself, but not when exiling Sita – Why?
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​Can women study scripture when their body is in an unclean state?
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​What is intelligence – do women and lower castes have it less?
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Why does ISKCON practice double standards by allowing donors, not others, to do deity abhisheka on festivals?
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Update From The Padayatra Ministry Coordinator
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By Gaurangi Dasi

April 12, 2016 : I’m still in Mayapur, contacting devotees who are doing padayatra right now, preparing one, or seriously thinking about it.

During the 8 day 2016 ISKCON Leadership Sanga, we had a padayatra booth and held 3 padayatra seminars, which provided new contacts and padayatra organizers. In the display area, there were 2 giant displays of Padayatra worldwide. (See attached photos).

The 2016 Padayatra Newsletter is very attractive and innovative. Lokanath Swami liked it so much that he was thinking of printing an extra 1000 copies. Most were distributed here is Mayapur during the ILS (ISKCON Leadership Sanga) and the festival. It is not feasible to mail one to every temple, but I tried to make sure that most temples got one, provided I met representatives from that country. In any case you can download this issue, and previous ones, from the padayatra website (padayatra.com). Besides padayatra news, how to 50ize your padayatra and many special stories, there are also articles about the art of walking and teh best shoes to wear, the different kinds of walks you can do (Every temple can easily do a week-end padayatra), photos of dozens of carts and palenquins, a padayatra survey for the public, a padayatra poster for children to color, and articles about ecology and respecting the environnement. All very practical and down to earth information !

The count down till December 31st, 2016

The Padayatra Worldwide Ministry has pledged to organise at least 50 padayatras from Gaura Purnima 2014 to the end of 2016. To this day 27 padayatras have been done, 14 are planned and 9 remain to be organized. Please look at the attached detailed list. We are counting on all of you to help us reach the goal, which should be very easy with a week-end padayatra and combining World Holy Name Week with padayatra. You can even organise a One Day Padayatra, as they are doing in Detroit.

Opportunity to get useful feedback while doing the padayatra survey

As you’ll see in the 2016 Padayatra newsletter, the Czech devotees had very positive responses while doing the padayatra survey. Feedback and introspection are always beneficial, collectively and individually. So, don’t miss this opportunity to do this survery, whether or not you organize a padayatra (you can do this survey on harinama) : read the guidelines, translate the survey, and adapt it if necessary, make photocopies, approach the public, and get plenty of favorable contacts as a bonus.

Lokanath Swami and I are now finalizing the Padayatra Stories book, which will be printed by the end of July 2016. Please pray that we can reach our goal. I’m sure you’ll all be inspired to read this book, which is the continuation of the Caitanya –caritamrita. Maybe you’ll even contribute your own stories for future similar books. All devotees love stories, especially when they involve Sri Sri Gaura Nitai and Srila Prabhupada, who are very much active in these padayatras.

The Padayatra Ministry is eager to hear from all of you

We will be glad to post your schedules, contacts, posters, articles, photos, films, etc on the Padayatra Website, and to print your adventures on the 2017 Padayatra Newsletter. The more devotees worldwide hear about your walk, the more they’ll want to help and participate. That’s why we need your schedules, contacts and itinerary NOW. Only 9 more months till the end of the year. Remember that you can have more than one padayatra in your country, unless it’s a regular annual walk.

Best wishes for a joyful, fun and dynamic year 2016 in the service of Srila Prabhupada and Sri Sri Gaura Nitai !

In the « 50 padayatras » section of this website you ‘ll find the following :

– How to celebrate ISKCON 50the anniversary with padayatra

– Updated list of 50 padayatras

– Choose your padayatra (with guidelines for the Extended Week-end Padayatra)

– Basic padayatra report

– Article guideline

– Photo guideline

– Media sheet

– How to use the survey ?

– Padayatra Survey

​How can Krishna’s loving nature be reconciled with the sufferings of hell?
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His Grace Govinda Sevaka Prabhu Passed Away
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By Satyananda Krishna Das

Hare Krishna,

All Glories To Srila Prabhupada.

On 23rd March 2016 while the whole world was celebrating the most auspicious event in our calendar year Sri Gaura Purnima, one of the pioneer devotee of ISKCON Malaysia and a senior disciple of HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj, His Grace Govinda Sevaka Das passed away from this world surrounded by Srila Prabupada’s Kirtan and devotee’s Japa at 10.02 am at the age of 72.

HG came in contact with one of Srila Prabhupada’s disciple HG Gopal Prabhu and started practising Krishna Consciousness while associating with Srila Prabhupada’s early soldiers in Malaysia. His Grace started his preaching during his younger days from 1960’s where he formed his own troop of Sankirtan Devotees and conducted congregational chanting frequently in nearby premises.HG got the opportunity to met Srila Prabhupada during Srila Prabhupada’s visit to Malaysia in the year of. By the force of his family HG got married with Leeleswary Devi Dasi (Leelawathy) and while maintaining his family life he lost contact with devotees due to career relocation. He came in contact with HG RamCharan Prabhu and he begin his preaching activities again and in the year of 1981 he organized the first Rathayatra in Malaysia at Sitiawan,Perak.And during his tenure in Sitiawan many large programs was organized successfully and many leading ISKCON Sanyasis visited the tiny town through his arrangements. In 1986 he became the victim of Mycenae Gravis disease which hospitalized him for a year.HG gradually recovered and continued his preaching activities as his capacity permits. In 1996 he left Sitiawan and came back to his home town Kulim and continued spreading the Krishna consciousness.

HG’s health condition deteriorated from early 2016 which gradually became worse until the last moment. The last word he mentioned while he was conscious was “NarasimhaDev” and he was in Intensive Care Unit for the following 48 hours before gradually leaving the body on Sri Gaura Purnima Day. During his time he has conducted many Yajna’s, Samskaras, Deity Installations, Established Preaching Centre’s, Organized Preaching activities, Organized Ratha Yatra’s, and many more. One of the highlights of his life is that he had made many successful devotees during his lifetime. In 2015 at the age of 71 he climbed the thirumala hill (Around 3500 steps) by foot and had a wonderful darshan of Lord Balaji.

Through our grief and separation right now from a wonderful Vaishnava , let us all take solace hoping that HG will be placed in Nitya Seva of the lord under the guidance of Srila Prabhupada.

“He reasons ill who tells that Vaishnavas die
When thou art living still in sound.
The Vaishnavas die to live and living try
To spread a holy life around!

(Bhaktivinod Thakur)

Satyananda Krishna Das (BVVNM)

Crimean Hare Krishna Festival 2016 at Simferopol, Ukraine (Album…
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Crimean Hare Krishna Festival 2016 at Simferopol, Ukraine (Album with 130 photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Intelligent men decide to solve all problems by adopting the devotional service of chanting the holy name of the Lord, who is situated in everyone’s heart and who is a mine of all auspicious qualities. Such persons are not within Yamaraj’s jurisdiction for punishment. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 6.3.26 Purport)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/j2TweA

Gundica Marjana, on a large scale . . .
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By Ajita dasa

A series of earth works have recently been completed at New Govardhana. By this venture the main lake, ‘Manasi Ganga’, has been cleaned and land reclaimed behind the Retreat Centre and the old dairy.

Manasi Ganga was excavated in the early 80’s during Ramai Swami’s management. The lake was then used for various water sports and festivals. It gradually became infested by a highly invasive lily called Nymphanea Mexicana. One characteristic of this lily is the strong smell emanating from the roots, resembling sewerage. Added to this, a large amount of Ecoli bacteria was also present at times.

Though the water quality remained safe throughout the decade, the time had come to undertake the huge task of emptying out the 60 million litres and scooping out the sludge. This task was time sensitive, requiring immediate attention just before the rainy season.

To siphon the water 60 metres of 150 millimetre pipes were installed. Priming such a voluminous pipe was a challenge. On the third attempt the outflow reached three million litres per day.

Unfortunately a storm ripped the pipe system before the end of the pumping. Unable to re-prime the system, a 1.5 ton pump was used with the farm excavator and placed near the edge of the remaining water.

Another week of pumping, racing against the five natural springs, and transferring a few hundred eels to another lake, was quite an experience.
Finally a 25 tonne excavator and two large mining trucks were hired to scoop out a two metre thick layer of sludge, analysed by the Gold Coast laboratories as a composition of sulphur and iron, hence the smell.

After two weeks of excavation 25,000 tonnes of unwanted materials were excavated. This is now being used for various fills and to re-establish pasture for cows to graze upon.

The lake has since refilled mostly with its own springs and stands now at three quarters full of its full capacity of 100 million litres, with an eight metre depth near the island. The water, though looking somewhat murky, is very clean and pleasant for swimming. It will take about one year to settle.

A ghat was built to allow swimmers to walk down the steps to bathe. Once full, the waters will reach the third step of the stairways.
Behind the stairs, the foundation for the temple of Manasi Ganga has been completed. It will hold a small but beautiful temple to honour the sacred place where pilgrims commence their walk around Govardhana Hill.

A couple of weeks later the same 25 tonne excavator accompanied by an 8 tonne bulldozer ripped through the jungle behind the school ridge and the old dairy. Some 30 acres of land were cleared in which to plant useful trees, such as tallowood, yellow stringy, iron bark and gum. Here they can grow unimpeded by the invasive camphor laurel, box and paper bark.

The land is now grassed up with fresh growth opening up large areas of pastures for the cows and bullocks, who seem to enjoy munching and discovering the new grounds which were previously inaccessible.

We are now regularly burning huge piles of timber that burn for days. On the upper side of the cleared land we have started another Cavendish banana plantation with 200 small plants already in and 800 more to go.

The total cost for the earth works was $63,000.

Gold Coast, Australia, Multi-Faith Community Dinner
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Lalita Mace and Radha dasi with Gold Coast Inspector Owen Hortz


Krishna Bhakti and Vrinda Gleeson with Inspectors Hortz and Hanlon


Krishna Bhakti and Vrinda Gleeson with the heads of the QLD police commission and Jim Bellos, the organizer.

By Radharani Priya devi dasi Gold Coast Bhakti Centre

Local ISKCON devotees attended the second annual “Gold Coast Multi-Faith Community Dinner”. The event was hosted by the Queensland Police force at St Anna’s Greek Orthodox Church on the Gold Coast.

It was an evening to ‘share a meal and build a community.’ About 200 guests attended, including dignitaries from Queensland’s police force – local Superintendents, Inspectors, Officers, Police Chaplains, as well as the leaders and representatives of all faith groups here on the Gold Coast. Some of the faiths included Bahai, Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu, Jew, Hare Krishna, multiple Christian denominations and many more.

Representatives and Professors from both Griffith and Bond Universities attended “Natya Shakti” Oddisi dancers from New Govardhana, Krishna Bhakti and Vrinda Gleeson, performed as part of the evening’s entertainment. The ladies were warmly welcomed and very much appreciated by all.

As an offering to Srila Prabhupada on ISKCON’s 50th year anniversary, our prayer is that we continue to keep sharing Krishna Consciousness with others through dance, arts and culture. This leaves a very positive and favourable impression.

All glories to Lord Nityananda for showering His blessing on His appearance day.


Iskcon Pakistan: Hare Krishna All Glories to Guru and…
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Iskcon Pakistan: Hare Krishna
All Glories to Guru and Gauranga.
I am Lakshmi Bai student of BBA.
I am in Krishna Bhakti since 2 years. Before joining Krishna Bhakti I was very confused person because there were no one who can guide me But after joining Krishna Bhakti my life has been changed, I started getting knowledge of Sanatana Dharam according to Shastras Most importantly I know myself that who I am and what are my duties,what are the four principles. Within 2years of Krsna Bhakti I get enough authentic knowledge, I read Bhagvat Geeta daily and go for Bhagvatm puran classes on every Sunday. On early stage of Krishna Bhakti I was alone but now watching me my siblings have started to do Japaa and go with me for kirtan and Bhagvat Geeta classes. At start it was very difficult for me because Iwas only one from my family on this path,My relatives ask for everything what are you doing you are doing wrong but Krishna give me strength and my Bhakti so that today I’m on this stage and managing my study + home + spritual life.I also would like to thanks my father who never restrict me for Krishna bhakti and he always encourged me. Although at our home we never offer Prashadam but now with Krishna’s mercy we offer Prashadam daily. I do Japaa strictly and get afraid that if I don’t do I’ll be punished. I have no words to express my feelings that how much happy and satisfied I’m after joining Krishna Bhakti.
Thank you

Govinda Valley Retreat at New South Wales, Australia. Ambika…
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Govinda Valley Retreat at New South Wales, Australia.
Ambika devi dasi: With a beautiful, tranquil setting, fantastic prasadam and great programs, twenty one local senior women felt blessed to spend time reconnecting and relaxing at Govinda Valley Retreat Centre. This retreat reunited Vaisnavis who served in ISKCON in the 70’s. Locals who attended included Mandakini, Rasarani, Krsna Premi, Surabhi, Ambika, Jaleyu and Visalini.
An ice-breaking session by Mandakini on arrival was great fun. Daily yoga sessions with Radha Kund kept us well stretched, a delicious picnic at nearby waterfalls was enjoyed by all and healing sessions were found to be very powerful. Mandakini outdid herself in a Saturday night skit, causing side-splitting laughter. Rasarani became Queen of the Whiteboard, amusing all with the daily schedules peppered with stick figure drawings. All kirtans and classes were led and relished by the women. The highlight for many was Lord Nityananda’s Appearance Day, when we had each woman remembering Srila Prabhupada. There will be a wider retreat for women who have served in ISKCON on Radhastami weekend. Atmarama dasa is the generous sponsor of the retreats.

Bhagavatam highlights devotion through recollection in separation
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Bhagavatam class at ISKCON, Nasik

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Transcendental Journey: 50 Years of the Hare Krishna…
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Transcendental Journey: 50 Years of the Hare Krishna Movement.
Many devotees have been asking about the special ISKCON 50th Anniversary event to be held at the Sydney Opera House. Planning and rehearsal for the event is moving ahead. Here is some basic information.
Have any great suggestions? Know of any talented devotee artists? Please let us know. If you would like to make an earlybird discount group booking, contact our team. Your servant, Damodara Pandit dasa E. yakdas@hotmail.com M. 0415 190 313 FB. www.facebook.com/transcendentaljourney

​What chemistry is needed for having intimate Vaishnava relationships?
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​Why do we give more importance to our material relationships than our devotee relationships?
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​To minimize their material entanglement, should devotees try to give their children the cheapest education?
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​​​​How does Bhaktisiddhanta S statement about institution being evil apply to ISKCON?
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​How does destiny affect our life’s ups and downs – how is it affected by our spiritual practice?
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Harinama at Broadbeach (Gold Coast, in Queensland, Australia) -…
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Harinama at Broadbeach (Gold Coast, in Queensland, Australia) - 17 April 2016 (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: As far as possible, therefore, the devotees in the Krishna consciousness movement gather to chant the holy name of Krishna in public so that both the chanters and the listeners may benefit. (Sri-Caitanya-Caritamrta, Antya-lila 1.101)
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Harinama in Barnaul, Russia 4/17/16 (Album with photos)Srila…
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Harinama in Barnaul, Russia 4/17/16 (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: The Hare Krishna movement is present in every millennium of Lord Brahma’s life, and the holy name is chanted in all the higher planetary systems, including Brahmaloka and Candraloka, not to speak of Gandharvaloka and Apsaroloka. The sankirtana movement that was started in this world five hundred years ago by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is therefore not a new movement. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 2.7.15 Purport)
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Initiation ceremony for 150 devotees during the auspicious day…
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Initiation ceremony for 150 devotees during the auspicious day of Ekadasi, 17 April 2016, at ISKCON Mira Road (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: The Hare Krishna movement is also an incarnation of Krishna in the form of the holy name. Every one of us who is actually afraid of the asuric rulers and politicians must welcome this incarnation of Krishna. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 10.3.21 Purport)
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Why is There Suffering?
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Hare KrishnaBy Sri Nandanandana dasa

It is natural that at some point in our lives we ask, "Why is there suffering?" Or "Why am I not happy?" "Why can't we simply go on with life and not undergo so many trials and tribulations? Why can't God make a universe or world where there is no suffering?" Well, my answer to that is He already has, but we are simply in the wrong one. Let me explain it a little more fully. First of all, we are all spiritual beings within material bodies. Most people at least understand that much. But that is also where the trouble begins. As soon as you are enclosed in a material body and interact with the material energy, you are going to experience various aspects of worldly existence which may not be the most pleasant. According to your interpretation of the experience, based on the dictates of the senses and mind, some of these incidents may be appealing and some will be less than desirable, or even appear to be troublesome to the extreme. Continue reading "Why is There Suffering?
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