Planet ISKCON

Invitation Downtown

“The Hare Krishna maha mantra is reverberating throughout Vrindavan Forest!  Do you heaarr?”

All of TKG Academy students and Vedic Kids Sunday School presented a beautiful drama on Sunday, March 20 for the Gaura Purnima Festival.

Why did we hear echos of “It was the best drama we have ever seen!”  With Srila Prabhupada’s transcendental voice booming throughout the temple, gorgeously decorated gopis, Sri Panca Tattva dancing to Hari Haraye Namah, cute demigods engaged in battle, and even a fearsome Nawab Hussein Shah, the audience was literally spell-bound.  The students depicted the journey of Sri Nam Prabhu, the sweet holy name, from the transcendental lips of Lord Caitanya, traveling through the hands of Sri Rupa & Sri Sanatan Goswami, and all the way to Tompkins Square Park, where Srila Prabhupada’s illuminating presence tormented blinded Kali and his minions: lust, anger, greed and false ego.

Take a look at the pictures!

Students are immersed.  The room is quiet.  Partnered groups speak in hushed whispers.  Math Journals in hand, they log all the problems they are mastering.   Move the clothespin to the next activity that needs practice.  Lay out a red mat.  Set up the animal objects.  Match fraction cards.  Practice borrowing in Subtraction.  Line up the big division hexagon.   Play the Roll-It Rounding Bingo Game.

In all these years of teaching and tutoring Math, I’ve never seen a child so excited about dividing 5,879,192 by 9.  I’ve rarely seen high-fives and total immersion.  I’ve definitely never seen students so motivated to master their Math objectives.

Individual Work.  Self-paced.  Self Corrected.  Hands-on.  Engaging.  Exciting!

Check out some of the Math Centers we’ve been working on this Spring in Middle Elementary.

Chef Mother Manjuali walks the Upper Elementary students through a step-by-step instruction and demonstration of making Masala Puris. They got to make, offer and eat them! Yum!

In their Cooking Classes this year, they’ve also learned to make Fettucini Alfredo, Puffed Cheese Balls,  Vegetables &  Gravy, Bread-Tomato Casserole and more. Lucky kids!

Photoset not found

 

The Sacred Sound Kirtan retreat was held at the beautiful New Govardhana farm in Murwillumbah during the Easter long weekend. It was a huge gathering with more than 500 people registered. The atmosphere was incredibly vibrant, thanks to the line-up of world class kirtaneers such as Madhava, Bada Hari and our own Sri Prahlada. Each festival day […]

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 15 January 2015, Soho Temple, England, Srimad Bhagavatam 10.77.33-37)

I was reading a verse where it says, “Not by any means nor by any weapon, can one take away the possessions of a devotee.” That was interesting because I do watch over my electronics and do not leave them lying around because things sort of move in different directions. But, the possessions of a devotee cannot be taken away by any means because the true possession of a devotee is Krsna and devotional service; and devotional service cannot be taken away! Devotional service is always there. It is something we can always do, a little service to Krsna and no one can take that away!

In South Africa, where I regularly visit, every year they celebrate a very large Ratha Yatra. Every year for the Ratha Yatra, the deputy mayor of Durban attends and he gives a speech and the speech is the same every year. He talks about the apartheid days where he was part of the forbidden political party and all the leaders of that party were jailed, so this man was also in jail. He was put into solitary confinement and he was allowed to have one book. He asked for a Bhagavad-gita, and he was given a Bhagavad-gita As It Is and for three years, he was locked up in jail with Prabhupada’s Bhagavad-gita.

You can understand that there was nothing else to read – no newspaper, no internet, nothing else to read – but Prabhupada’s Gita! That jail sentence, in one way, was a blessing because it changed his life… I mean, three years with just Prabhupada’s Bhagavad-gita. He can never forget it and therefore, every year he has to come to Ratha Yatra and tell that story. Although we have heard it a hundred times, it does not matter, every time the story has power… three years with just Prabhupada’s Bhagavad-gita! What an amazing blessing he got! In that way, we can never take away the possessions of a devotee; it is not possible because no matter what we do, devotional service remains.

Tuesday, March 8th, 2016                         
Mayapur, India

Monday, March 7th, 2016                                                 
Mayapur, India

Sunday, March 6th, 2016                                                   
Mayapur, India

A video by Vedic Way.

New issue of Bindu.
K Bindu #372 includes: Why Quarrel, plus a continuation of crucial points for advancing in bhakti from Vallabhacarya. The latest issue of Sri Krishna-kathamrita Bindu e-magazine was just released. This issue includes: * Why Quarrel? – His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada explains why people in different religions argue. * Why Quarrel? – Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami Maharaja speaks about why devotees in Mahaprabhu’s movement sometimes quarrel. * WISDOM, PATIENCE AND SURRENDER Part Three – A first time translation done especially for this issue of Bindu of some writings of Srila Vallabhacharya regarding three crucial points for making advancement on the path of devotion. * Committing Sins for Attaining Vrindavan – A fresh translation done for this issue of a verse by Srila Prabhodananda Saraswati Thakur. It can be downloaded here: https://archive.org/details/bindu372

Saturday, March 5th, 2016                                                                                
Mayapur, India

The Gita says that all living beings are God’s eternal parts, and who are foolishly trying to enjoy this temporary world of pain. When I finally realise this truth and go back to God I'm sure I will laugh at my own foolishness. And, I believe, will have actually reached my destination.

Friday, March 4th, 2016                                                       
Mayapur, India

 
I had met Jaya Vijay at a festival in the Berkley area some years ago and had marvelled at his working efforts.  He was a padayatra (Pilgrim) leader for 10 years from 1986 to 1996.  He is indeed inspiring. I wanted to include him in this blog about the purifying nature of walking.  An article appeared in the recent issue of Padayatra: Worldwide:
 
     “When you watch a Padayatra India slideshow everything seems rosy, but in fact it
      was very difficult.  Walking the highways in Indiais no place for a lady or gentleman.
      Some of the truck drivers are very rough – sometimes they go off the road or hit the
      oxen.  We got malaria and dysentery.  When the devotees get ill, it’s difficult to
      recover and keep moving at the same time.  They have to stay on the tractor. They
      don’t have a private room.  Maybe once or twice a month we might get a private
      room.  Usually we stayed in open schools, where there was no privacy at all.  People
      watched you when you took your bath or passed stool. Sadhu means “open book” – it
      is another definition of a sadhu – there is nothing to hide.  You have to learn to sit
      down on your mat and be in your own mental world and do your own thing. 
      Sometimes it’s hard to do it because you’re tired and you have people looking at you,
      laughing at you, joking about you.  It’s a place to learn tolerance; it is not a joke.  I
      have seen many devotees blow it or hit each other, not out of contempt but because
      they’d just had enough.  I have seen lots of sannyasis go crazy with the kids.  It is very
      difficult.  Some devotees got injured.  There were broken wrists and ankles, one
      devotee was hit by a truck, and another from Finlanddied when he fell under the
      tractor in South India.  Sometimes we present the rosy side of padayatra, but to pick
      the roses there are many thorns, and sometimes you get pricked.  It’s not a piece of
      cake.  In the long run it’s very purifying – the most purifying program in our whole
      ISKCON society.”


May the Source be with you!

From Beijing to Belgium, from Bulgaria to Buenos Aires, from Canada to Karnataka, from Nairobi to Naperville, from Istanbul to England, From Delhi to Gaborone, to Slovenia, to Switzerland, to Ecuador, to Romania, Poland, etc., four dozen leaders assembled in the Govardhan Ecovillage outside of Mumbai, learning for thirteen days at the GBC College for Leadership Development how to serve as Zonal Supervisors.

The Krishna Institute (KI) launches its service to the Vaishnava Community on May 21, 2016, at ISKCON of Alachua with Sacinandana Swami and Madhava Dasa facilitating the two-day interactive Dharma Workshop: Discover Your Mission in Life.  Recognizing the significant contribution the KI will make to Srila Prabhupada’s mission in the USA, the International Coordinating Committee for ISKCON’s 50^th Anniversary Celebrations has scheduled KI’s inauguration as a National Event.

Thursday, March 3rd, 2016                                                      
Mayapur, India

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2016                                   
Mayapur, India

              
Right off the bat the day started off in a most interesting way.








7 Km

As its name suggests, the festival, held in celebration of ISKCON’s 50^th anniversary, will be to express gratitude for Srila Prabhupada and all ISKCON devotees. It will also aim to educate youth about Srila Prabhupada’s contribution to society and inform them about ISKCON’s current activities.

Part 1: I wrote about the topic last night, and this morning during my reading and chanting, I gained insight and some clarity. One point is that within a problem is always the solution, if we don’t try too hard. Sometimes we have to let the answer come in its own time and take the time to be quiet, calm, relaxed, and wait with positive expectancy.

For example, leaves fall in autumn when they are ready. The bulbs flower in the late winter when it is their time. The baby in the womb is born when it’s ready. Every one of us has their own process of becoming, acting or just being.

Part of a successful life is just finding one’s natural direction, and being able to accept what is now, not thinking we can force outcomes by our will. We still endeavor, but in our own way. For me, “my way,” is gentle determination after having decided on a goal.

I’m not an official warrior, and yet, I find the energy and fixed purpose of the warrior attractive, perhaps because in the past I was such a timid, tepid, tentative, indifferent person. This nature has appeared to be a problem to be struggled against, but now it seems to hold the key to accomplishing my life’s work!

I am attracted to the hero’s quest to obtain the sacred object or save the world, or superheroes that continually save the day. How can I use this inspiration according to my nature? What about your nature--how can you use this to help your spiritual life?

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By Madhavendu das

Srimati Radhika's kunda is as precious to Krishna as Sri Radhika Herself, and, above all gopis, Sri Radha is Krishna's most beloved. Her divine Kunda is described by great sages as similarly dear to Krishna. Once Srila Prabhupada gave assent and guidelines how to take bath in the Radha Kunda: with utmost reverence and respect. While devotees were taking bath, a number of them begun to sport, splash and behave frivolously. Seeing this, Srila Prabhupada became furious and banned his disciples from bathing in Radha Kunda. We can understand Srila Prabhupada's anger had to do with the neophyte attitude of an enjoying spirit, offensive to Srimati Radharani. The conclusion is that we should adopt the serious, mature, reverential mood desired by the acaryas and visit Radha Kunda for our eternal, spiritual benefit. Continue reading "The genuine approach for Radha Kunda Bath
→ Dandavats"

By Damodara Dasa

Sir Isaac Newton once made a remarkable model of the solar system. Thanks to a clever hand-cranking mechanism, all of the tiny spinning globes orbited a small "sun." On entering Newton's study, one of his colleagues, a materialist, couldn't help noticing the model. He was flabbergasted. "Dr. Newton," the man stared, "who made this wonderful contraption? The planets move with utter precision, you know. Why, it's ingenious. Who made it?" "No one," Newton replied. "One day last week it simply appeared here." "Really, Dr. Newton, I think you've kept me in suspense quite long enough. Now kindly tell me: who made this solar system?" "My dear Doctor," Newton said, "if you'll pardon my saying so, you're a fool. Just one look at this solar system and you demand to know who made it. But every evening you're looking at the real solar system. Why don't you ask who made that?" Continue reading "The Transcendental Trend in Science
→ Dandavats"

It isn’t always easy to see the funny side of things. Often I find it happens in retrospect. Recently I set off for a trip to that fabled land of chocolate and respected home of the European Union, Belgium. After loading up my trusty Satnav with the appropriate maps, I struck out by road. All went well until I approached my destination and it became apparent that the old satnav was struggling. It had taken me far out into the snow swept wilds of the Ardennes and as I peered about in alarm it suddenly announced, ‘you have reached your destination’. Plainly this was not the case as there was no sign of human habitation anywhere. I was hopelessly lost and indeed bogged down in the snow. I sarcastically rebuked the Satnav lady, who kept insisting that I had arrived, but that didn’t help much. Only after some intense prayer and the fortuitous arrival of a helpful party in a four wheel drive did I eventually escape from my predicament.

 

Looking back now I can laugh, but at the time it was far from funny. Life is often like that. It’s far easier to laugh after the event, or indeed if the event does not involve you at all. So much comedy works on this principle. I’m sure getting swiped around the head with a carelessly held ladder would be anything but funny, but when it’s Laurel and Hardy I burst out laughing every time.

 

Krishna scriptures tell us that our very life in this world, no matter how hard it may be now, will one day be laughable to us when we realise it was an illusion that had nothing to do with our true self. The Bhagavad Gita says that all living beings are God’s eternal parts who belong with him, and who are foolishly trying to enjoy this temporary world of pain. When I finally realise this truth and go back to God I am sure I will laugh at my own foolishness. And, I believe, will have actually reached my destination.

By Sadaputa Dasa

“Probability is the most important concept in modern science, especially as nobody has the slightest idea what it means. —Bertrand Russell Throughout human history, philosophers and seekers of knowledge have sought to discover a single fundamental cause underlying all the phenomena of the universe, Since the rise of Western science in the late Renaissance, many scientists have also felt impelled to seek this ultimate goal, and they have approached it from their own characteristic perspective. Western science is based on the assumption that the universe can be understood mechanistically—that is, in terms of numbers and mathematical formulas—and Western scientists have therefore searched for an ultimate, unified mathematical description of nature. Continue reading "Chance and the Unity of Nature
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The post Srila Prabhupada quotes Tagore: “One who does wrong and suffers wrong, he is wrong.” appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

NBS#34 Devahuti attains Vaikuntha.
Dear Devotees, Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga! With Devahuti attaining Vaikuntha, we conclude the third canto with this issue. We thank our readers for their overwhelming response to the previous issues covering the appearance, life and teachings of Lord Kapila. The next issues will commence with topics from Fourth Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam. We pray that this issue brings some pleasure to the devotees of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. NBS # 34 Features: 1) Further Instructions To Mother Devahuti Lord Kapila 2) Devahuti attains the Supreme Perfection Sri Maitreya Rishi 3) Devahuti attains Kapila Vaikuntha His Divine Grace A .C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada 4) The Glories of Vaikuntha Loka Srila Sanatana Goswami 5) Spiritual World Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura 6) How Can We Go Back to Godhead? Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarawati Thakura This issue can be viewed through these links: ISSUU: http://issuu.com/nbsmag/docs/nbs_34 Scribd: https://www.scribd.com/doc/306877905/NBS-34

Pilgrimage to India and Bhakti Shastri (Sabbatical Course)
For those who are proficient in their understanding of Krishna Consciousness, the 6 month sabbatical course is an ideal opportunity to explore it further.
The first half of the Sabbatical takes place in India, where we discover the roots of the Vedic culture. There are seminars, practical workshops and training courses at ISKCON Chowpatty, a world-famous flagship centre of training and education. Living amongst 150 resident monks is certainly enlivening! There are also pilgrimages to holy places like Vrindavana, Mayapur and Jagannatha Puri. These unique trips offer us a glimpse into the spiritual world.
The second half of the course is based at Bhaktivedanta Manor focusing around completion of the Bhakti Shastri degree. Quality time is spent in studying the Nectar of Devotion, Nectar of Instruction, Sri Isopanisad and Bhagavad-gita. You will also gain an exposure to the variety of outreach activities at the Manor, and learn practical skills like public speaking, team leadership and project management.
To read the entire article click here: http://goo.gl/Qs2lFE

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His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaj gave an amazing seminar on “When difficulties become an impetus to advance” on 3rd April 2016 at Sri Sri Radha Nila Madhava Temple, Seattle. Please find more videos of Maharaj’s visit to Seattle here

The post When difficulties become an impetus to advance – seminar at ISKCON Seattle appeared first on Bhakti Charu Swami.

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Please find below recordings of lectures and kirtans from the Durban Ratha Yatra Festival. 

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KKS_DBN_25March2016_RY_MorningClass

KKS_DBN_26March2016_RY_Intro-bhajan-1

KKS_DBN_26March2016_RY_Lecture_The-true-meaning-of-charity

KKS_DBN_26March2016_RY_Intro-bhajan-2

KKS_DBN_26March2016_RY_Lecture_Goodness-Passion-Ignorance

KKS_DBN_27March2016_RY_Intro-bhajan-1

KKS_DBN_27March2016_RY_Lecture_The-Lords-plan-vs-our-plan

KKS_DBN_27March2016_RY_Kirtan-at-Jagannatha-tent

Veda Course.
The residential Veda Course is designed for those wishing to gain a foundational understanding of bhakti-yoga. Over a period of three months, the following modules are covered: Theology and Philosophy, Devotional Practice and Vaishnava Culture.
You will experience the early-morning devotional programme, practical temple services and the variety of festivals that make Bhaktivedanta Manor famous. Living in a spiritual community will help you to deepen your knowledge, strengthen your faith and build friendships that will last a lifetime.
To read the entire article click here: http://goo.gl/D52EDw

His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaj arrived in New York on 31st March 2016. After receiving a warm welcome from the local devotees, Maharaj left for Seattle. Maharaj will be staying at Sri Sri Radha Nilamadhava Temple, Seattle till 6th April. HG Sesa Prabhu is also accompanying Maharaj. Following is the sunday feast class given by […]

The post Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaj at ISKCON Seattle appeared first on Bhakti Charu Swami.

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St. Augustine Festival of Chariots April 9.
11th Annual Festival of the Chariots
and Ratha Yatra Parade
Saint Augustine, FL Saturday, April 9, 2016
MEDIA RELEASE
Contacts: Bhadra das at 352 316-4560 or Bhadradas@gmail.com,
WHAT: An Indian multi-cultural parade and festival will be celebrated with entertainment for the whole family. There will be live music, theatre, classical dance, books, and lots of free delicious vegetarian food. The Ratha Yatra Parade is the oldest known parade in the world.
WHEN: Saturday, April 9, 2016. Mayor Nancy Shaver inaugurates the procession at 10:15 AM. The Parade begins at 10:30 AM. at the Plaza and returns there by noon. At 1 PM there will be an hour long procession down St. George Street without the Chariot. Then at 2 PM cultural program begins. The free food will be served out all day from 11 AM onwards. The festival continues until 3 PM
WHERE: The Plaza de la Constitucion at St. George Street and Cathedral Place.
WHO: All are welcome. Free admission. Wholesome fun for the entire family.
SPECIAL: VERY VISUAL event with colorful traditional costumes and flower decorations. Photography is permitted.
If you’ve ever dreamt of visiting colorful, exotic India, we have a treat for you. Get a taste of India without leaving Florida.. Saturday, April 9, 2016. The 11thAnnual Festival of the Chariots & Ratha Yatra Parade, an Indian multi-cultural extravaganza, will take place at the main plaza in St. Augustine from 10:30 AM to 3 PM. This year St. Augustine Mayor, Nancy Shaver, will inaugurate the procession at 10:15 AM
There will be lots of family-friendly activities and entertainment: live music, a play, classical Indian dance, books. But the big draw is the delicious vegetarian food. There will be a sumptuous feast served free of charge to all, starting at 11 AM.
The procession route is about 2 miles long and can be easily walked by all age groups. It begins at 10:30 AM at the Plaza and returns to the same location. The parade will move in a leisurely fashion, stopping here and there along the route, giving way to song and dance. The procession’s unique feature is a huge chariot with a blue, red and yellow canopy decorated with swans, lotus flowers, flags, Hanuman and a brass chakra on top. This chariot has two very thick ropes attached to it that are over one hundred feet long. These ropes are pulled by the parade-goers, propelling the chariot along the parade route. Riding on the Chariot are the beautiful Deities of Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra, decorated with stunning silk outfits & real flowers. It’s a vision from another world. Accompanying the procession is lively Indian music and dancing, backed by double-headed mrdanga drums & karatala hand cymbals. It’s an ecstatic, exciting event.
The festival is sponsored by ISKCON Alachua, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness whose Founder/Acharya, His Divine Grace AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, came to America from India 50 years ago and introduced the timeless tradition of the Festival of the Chariot (called Ratha Yatra in India). Since the 60’s this festival has been held yearly in over 50 major cities in the United States, Canada, and all over the world. Eight Ratha Yatras are held yearly in the state of Florida: Clearwater, Jacksonville Beach, Tallahassee, UCF Orlando, Tampa, UF Gainesville, Daytona Beach & St. Augustine.
All are warmly invited to attend this joyous, colorful festival, free of charge. Take advantage of a rare chance to experience the vibrancy of India, right here in Florida. Questions? Call: Bhadra das at 352 316-4560 or Bhadradas@gmail.com.
Please check out our website and our facebook page:
http://festivalofchariots.org
http://facebook.com/rathayatras

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The Real Gift.
Nandini Mataji: At Borivali Station, I was distributing books. Taking a break, I sat on the bench. Nearby I saw an educated young man standing. So I went and showed her the books. While talking to him, I smelled that he was little drunk. He happened to be working for a big company Mahindra & Mahindra tractors. He was a young man of only 24. He opened up showing his distress. No one listens to anyone. Everyone is selfish. He went on and on venting out his distress. Finally, I told him the glories of reading this book and that it has the solution for all problems.
The man gathered courage and took the Gita and promised that he will surely try. However, I gave him by mistake a hindi Bhagavad Gita instead of Marathi Bhagavad Gita. I also gave him our Temple card and number. After few days. He met me again at Borivali station. He looked more peaceful. He came and told that by mistake he had taken the Hindi book instead of Marathi. But nonetheless, he read few pages. And really he felt very good. Since that day, he said he hasn’t taken any drink. He said he had promised his girlfriend and also his family member that he won’t drink in future. Just by taking that book and reading few pages I felt so good. He thanked me and left. He said that this is real gift‐ to give this message of Gita instead of gifting pens and water bottle.