Durban Ratha Yatra 2016
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Written by Nimai 

It was a scorching hot Friday (25 March) that marked the beginning of the 4-day Durban Ratha Yatra Festival 2016. I attended the festival for the first time and had been looking forward to it for a long time.

Kadamba Kanana Swami made a brief appearance at the festival on day one. When we arrived at the site where the three chariots stood, in the middle of the city, hundreds of people had gathered already and were eagerly awaiting the arrival of Their Lordships. Maharaj started kirtan and after some time, devotees began dancing wildly even though the procession was not yet underway. Shortly thereafter, Their Lordships arrived and were raised by a forklift onto the chariots.

Bhakti Caitanya Swami gave the opening speech from Lord Baladev’s chariot, announcing that it was the 21st annual Durban Ratha Yatra Festival! After an offering of aarti and coconuts, the procession began. At this stage, Kadamba Kanana Swami took leave of everyone and returned to the temple. There were other wonderful kirtan leaders, like Bhakti Marg Swami and Agnidev Prabhu, singing during the procession which lasted about three hours. On the way to the festival site everyone was in an ecstatic mood.

There were about twenty tents built up at the site, each one offering different means of spiritual entertainment e.g. prasadam, clothing, kirtan, books, etc. One tent supplied constant background music and the main stage featured many exciting performances such as: dances, yoga, spiritual lectures and of course a daily drama, which was one of the highlights. Bhakti Marg Swami had quickly trained up a group of devotees to perform in two plays that were featured over the four days.

The Bhakti Cloud tent was designed for young people and it featured some really good singers and talented poets. In front of the Food for Life tent, there seemed to be a never ending queue as free prasadam was distributed throughout the festival.

Kadamba Kanana Swami had three Question and Answer sessions scheduled over the weekend and each time the tent was packed as people were so eager to see and hear from him. On Saturday, Maharaj spoke about the true meaning of charity, explaining that we should give everything for Krsna and not only what we possess but we should give our LIVES as this is the greatest charity of all. Another topic he spoke on was goodness, passion and ignorance. Maharaj mentioned the tight rope of spiritual life and the safety net of goodness, which is an analogy that shows how the rules and regulations of goodness actually prevent us from falling down.

On Sunday evening, Maharaj led kirtan in the Jagannath Mandir tent and it became so ecstatic at one point that nobody was sitting down anymore but everybody was dancing. On the last day of the festival, a second chariot procession took place in the evening. Kadamba Kanana Swami made only a short appearance to pay obeisances to Lord Jagannath and speak to a few people before leaving the site again.

On Tuesday morning, many devotees who had travelled from all over South Africa started their journey back to their respective homes and Durban temple, which was a hub of activity for over a week, quietened down again.

Visit Flickr to see all the photos.

DBN_RY_2016 (75) DBN_RY_2016 (6) DBN_RY_2016 (14) DBN_RY_2016 (68) DBN_RY_2016 (39)

Amazing Harinam in Hong Kong, China Island (Album with photos)…
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Amazing Harinam in Hong Kong, China Island (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: All glories to the chanting of Hare Krishna mantra or Krishna sankirtana movement. All glories. All victory. How it is victory, all victory? If you chant this Hare Krishna mantra, then the dirty things which have accumulated in your heart due to material contamination will be cleared off. (Purport to Siksastakam).
Find them here: https://goo.gl/K5CjO1

Why is gratitude important in bhakti – how can we develop gratitude?
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Answer Podcast


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​If we feel closer to our nondevotee friends than our devotee friends, what should we do?
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We can realize the mind, but how can we realize the intelligence?
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Answer Podcast


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The Validity of Dandavata Parikrama
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By Hari Parshad Das

The term parikramā is a synonym for the term pradakṣiṇā.

Both terms are used synonymously.

For example, while performing parikramā of tulasī-devī, we call it a pradakṣiṇā — “tāni tāni praṇaśyanti pradakṣiṇaḥ pade pade”

Parikramā means — To completely (pari) travel around (krama).

Pradakṣiṇā means — To walk around completely (pra) while keeping the deity to the right (dakṣiṇa)

The Hari-bhakti-vilāsa (8.393) specifies the method for performing Parikramā/Pradakṣiṇā of any deity of the Lord:

tataḥ pradakṣināṁ kuryād
bhaktyā bhagavato hareḥ
nāmāni kīrtayan śaktau
tāṁ ca sāṣṭāṅga-vandanām


Translation: Thus, one must perform Pradakṣiṇā of the Lord with devotion, while chanting his names. If one has the required strength, one should perform it with aṣṭāṅga-praṇāmas.

Commentary by Srila Sanatana Goswami: śaktau satyāñca tāṁ pradakṣiṇām aṣṭāṅgena vandanena praṇāmena sahitāṁ kuryāt

Translation of Commentary: If one has the required strength then the same pradakṣiṇā should be performed with aṣṭāṅga-praṇāmas.

Definition of Aṣṭāṅga-praṇāma (from Hari-bhakti-vilāsa 8.162):

dorbhyāṁ pādbhyāṁ ca jānubhyām
urasā śirasā dṛśā
manasā vacasā ceti
praṇāmo’ṣṭāṅga īritaḥ


Translation: The praṇāma which is performed using the (1) two hands, (2) the two legs, (3) two knees, (4) chest, (5) head, (6) eyes, (7) mind and (8) words is known as aṣṭāṅga-praṇāma.

Note of caution for ladies performing aṣṭāṅga-praṇāma (From the Skanda-purāṇa, Vāsudeva-māhātmya section, Chapter 29, Verse 27):

aṣṭāṅgaṁ vā ‘pi pañcāṅgaṁ
praṇāmaṁ puruṣas caret
pañcāṅgam eva nārī tu
nānyathā muni-sattama

Translation: The men may perform aṣṭāṅga or pañcāṅga praṇāmas (according to their capacity). However the women should perform pañcāṅga only and not otherwise.

Being non-judgmental about Govardhana-parikramā: Sometimes devotees think that barefoot parikramā of Govardhana is superior to wearing shoes, or that walking is superior to taking a vehicle. One should not consider one type of parikramā as superior to another. Srila Jiva Goswami says in the Gopāla-campū (Pūrva, 15):

nātrāpy aṅghri-krāmitāvaśyakatvaṁ
svacchandatvād yānam apy atra diṣṭam

Translation: It is not required that the parikramā should be performed by foot. One can also take a vehicle (and obtain the same result).

sādhu-caraṇa-rajo ‘bhilāṣī,

hari pārṣada dāsa.

PS: I have not gone into a detailed etymology of the terms because I wanted to avoid grammatical complexities. Those who are interested in knowing the etymological derivations, please contact me personally.

Walk Acros Detroit. Next month we will once again be lead…
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Walk Acros Detroit.
Next month we will once again be lead across the once of the most fascinating cities in the country - Detroit, MI. This year we are heading through the Del Ray neighborhood. As Jambavan Das leads us across the city to Belle Isle he shares fascinating historical information city, bringing into a completely new light. As the walk grows in numbers devotees have the opportunity to have undivided association and share amazing realizations they have gained throughout the day. If you are willing to step out of the day to day routine (leave behind your cell phone, camera and money) then we strongly encourage you to join us on this Walk Across Detroit! We will meet at the parking lot of La Casa De Mi Padre on the corner of Fort and Outer Drive Saturday May 16th 2016 at 8:00am sharp. For more information please contact Jambavan Das @ sixgoswamis@gmail.com

Sannyasa initiation for Ambarish prabhu (Bhakti Ratnakar…
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Sannyasa initiation for Ambarish prabhu (Bhakti Ratnakar Ambarish) (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: We are not afraid of maya because Krishna is there. Krishna says, “My devotee will never be vanquished by maya.” Maya cannot do anything if we become strong. And what is that strength? Chant Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare loudly. (Lecture on Bhagavad-gita, 3.6.10, Los Angeles 1968).
Find them here: https://goo.gl/aPWs1d

Hare Krishna Festivals UK – Colchester Festival – 31st March…
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Hare Krishna Festivals UK - Colchester Festival - 31st March 2016 (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: O my Lord! Persons who chant the holy names of your Lordship are far, far advanced in spiritual life, even if born in families of dog-eaters. Such chanters have undoubtedly performed all kinds of austerities and sacrifices, bathed in all sacred places, and finished all scriptural studies. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 3.33.7)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/mVnj0N

Artha Forum organizes historical event in Singapore on 19 March 2016
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Topic: Earn with Integrity, Spend with Compassion

On 19th March, Artha Forum (a Not for Profit initiative dedicated to bringing relevance of Ancient Wisdom in Modern business) organized its 6th and largest ever event in Singapore at RELC International Hotel on the heels of successful event in January of this year. The event titled “Earn with Integrity, Spend with Compassion” was very well attended with over 400 attendees from all walks of life joining the event, which was partnered with TiE Singapore and IIMPACT. The attendees, many of whom have attended multiple Artha events in past, included entrepreneurs, industrialists, corporate leaders and professionals. World renowned spiritual teacher, author and motivational speaker His Holiness Radhanath Swami was invited to be the keynote speaker for the event. Esteem panelist Rajiv Vij – Life and Executive Coach, Author and Speaker; Srinivasan Venkita Padmanabhan – President & Global Head Finance at Olam Group, Madhabi Buch – Director at Agora Advisory and Sanjiv Aiyar – President of PAN IIM Alumni and a longtime supporter of Artha Forum shared the dais.

The panel discussion brought out very practical and important points. Answering the question on how to define “Earning with Integrity”, Venkat said that earning goes beyond just earning money. It includes the relationships that we build, the lives we meaningfully change and long term impact that we create. Rajiv brought out an important point that compassion is a very high order need and does not just mean empathy. Compassion in his own words “is not just the empathy in seeing the suffering and difficulty of someone else but what it brings within us. What arises out of it? The deep desire to do something about it”

Madhabi gave her practical perspective on giving to charity saying that “At different stages of our life we are in different gears and at that different stages of life we have different bandwidth in terms of money, emotion that we are willing and able to allocate to different roles that we perform. And while it will be really wonderful if underpinning principle of all that is compassion, but if on day to day basis – if it’s hard or difficult, I personally see very little harm in saying that at this stage of my life that part of compassion find its manifestation in just writing a cheque for charity“

Radhanath Swami started his keynote by mentioning a famous quote “If you want to feel rich, just count the things you have that money can’t buy.” Reflecting on the current state of the society he said that earlier people used to love people and use things to express it. But now people are loving things and using people to get them and keep them. He said that “Things can give some flickering pleasure to the body, senses and to the mind but the things can never give fulfillment to the heart” He recalled his discussion with Mother Teresa where she mentioned that the true hunger of today’s world is not the hunger of stomach but it’s the hunger of heart.

Making reference to a particular verse from Bhagvad Gita, which describes that true wisdom is to see everyone with equal vision, Radhanath Swami said “once we understand the sacredness of our own life, we can appreciate the sacredness of life of everyone, everywhere. And we understand the sacredness of environment, which is the divine gift, and that we are all responsible to share with one another”

Radhanath Swami cited the example of New York Yankees baseball Manager Joe Torre who lead one of the most successful baseball team and went on to become top five manager in the history of baseball in US. Having gone through a very difficult childhood filled of abuse and violence, after he retired Joe started working with ghettos school to give counselling, guidance and therapy to the children from abusive families. In his own words Joe said that the true happiness was not from the awards, money and fame that he has earned but rather the smile which he sees in the faces of these children.

Radhanath Swami narrated the story Easy Eddie who worked as a lawyer for Al Capone, an American gangster who attained fame during the Prohibition era. Easy Eddie had all the opulence and wealth but he realized that it had not brought any happiness to his son. Coming to the realization that he had failed to give his son true values – and all the wealth he had was stained with exploitation and murder, he decided to go against Al Capone. He was able to convict Al Capone for tax evasion – for which he paid a heavy price of being shot to death in his car. Inspired by Easy Eddie’s sacrifice, his son Butch O’ Hare went on to became the first naval recipient of the Medal of Honor in World War II who single-handedly attacked a formation of nine heavy Japanese bombers approaching his aircraft carrier and saved it and later on went on to give up his life fighting for his nation during the war.

The event ended with thoughtful and intriguing lineup of questions which were posted in real-time during the sessions via newly launched mobile site. Both Radhanath Swami and panelists fielded the questions and gave very practical responses on how to take back topic of the event to one’s day to day life.

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Artha Forum holds third Bangalore event on ‘Conscious Entrepreneurship’
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By Parampara Vani Das

Artha Forum (the non-profit initiative for bringing ancient wisdom to modern business) held its third event in Bangalore on Friday 18th March 2016 at the Taj Vivanta Hotel, M.G. Road. The event was attended by over 100 invited guests, including many members of the event partner, the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce – Karnataka Chapter.

The keynote speaker was His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami, a Gaudiya Vaishnava sannyasi and renowned Vedic scholar and spiritual master.

The evening’s proceedings began with an introduction by Sanjiv Maheshwari, Co-Founder and Director, Artha Forum. Sanjiv spoke about the increasing inequality in the world today, and the necessity for creating awareness amongst entrepreneurs to do business in a more socially and spiritually responsible way. Sanjiv further mentioned that Vedic philosophy, which is a guide to humanity for purposeful living, instructs that one should earn with integrity and spend with compassion. Sanjiv added that Artha Forum has held dozens of events at key global locations, and the impact is being seen in entrepreneurs and corporate leaders successfully incorporating this philosophy into their business practices.

The panel discussion included Madan Padaki, Co-Founder and CEO, Head Held High; Sanjay Dhawan, Partner, PwC; Srinivasan PV, former Senior Vice President, Corporate Taxation, Wipro; and Vishal Gupta, Managing Director, Bessemer Venture Partners. The panel was moderated by Artha Forum’s Bangalore coordinator Sanjay Sharma, Director – Asia Operations, Microsoft. Mr Padaki explained that a business enterprise with good consciousness or intent is generally successful, whereas one whose only agenda is to make money will eventually fail. Mr Dhawan explained that the soul of a business is not profit but rather purpose and every entrepreneur and employee should consider how to bridge the gap between the haves and have-nots and how to society can be improved. Mr Srinivasan explained that conscious entrepreneurship must exert responsible capital, instil responsible consumerism and spread spiritual thoughts. Mr Gupta explained that most high quality businesses start with an intent to solve a particular problem or social issue, and a conscious entrepreneur will continue to take care of all stakeholders; the real challenge for businesses is not about whether their intent is proper but rather about how to spend money responsibly.

Then followed the keynote speech by His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami. Maharaj gave an intriguing explanation of the Vedic injunction for entrepreneurship and business, explaining that entrepreneurs should work for the benefit of others, and focus on deriving happiness and satisfaction – then money will naturally follow. Vedic wisdom offers specific instructions on how to achieve that by gradually elevating one’s consciousness through the stages of philosophy until one reaches the perfection of yoga: bhakti, or developing a loving relationship with the Supreme. Maharaj further explained that by adjusting one’s consciousness in this way one will achieve superior results in material life – if we act properly, we get the right results.

A lively questions and answers session witnessed Maharaj and the panellists respond to challenging questions on the topic.

The speakers were each presented with gifts of The Journey Home, the intriguing autobiography of His Holiness Radhanath Swami (the inspiration behind Artha Forum, and spiritual god-brother of His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami) and stunning Odissi-style paintings of Radha-Krishna and the Gopis on silk scrolls.

Finally, Mahatma Das, Brajamohan Das and Atma Krishna, who are professional executive coaches and also Artha Forum volunteers, introduced their seminar on enlightened leadership and entrepreneurship. The seminar will help business leaders and employees to do business in a more conscious way and provide practical tools and strategies to dramatically improve performance.

The evening’s programme ended with a delicious vegetarian banquet dinner, and each attendee departed with a gift of the Bhagavad Gita As It Is.

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Faith is essential in daily life, science – and spiritual life
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Bhakti Vriksha program at Perth

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Beware of the temptation to punish 1- Ashwattama pastime analysis
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Evening program at ISKCON, Perth

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Spiritual leader shares passion with locals (2 min…
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Spiritual leader shares passion with locals (2 min video)
“A high-ranking leader within the Hare Krishna movement is visiting Dunedin.
He’s travelling the globe to celebrate 50 years since the spiritual practice was introduced to the western world.
And he’s sharing his own unique journey from marine to monk.”
Indradyumna Swami: An interview with Dunedin TV, in New Zealand that was seen by 150,000 viewers. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to Sri Krsna Sankirtan!
Watch it here: http://goo.gl/eRdNsq

Harinama in Barnau, Russia (Album with photos) Srila Prabhupada:…
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Harinama in Barnau, Russia (Album with photos) Srila Prabhupada: “One should chant the holy name of the Lord in a humble state of mind, thinking oneself lower than the straw in the street; one should be more tolerant than a tree, devoid of all sense of false prestige and ready to offer all respect to others. In such a state of mind, one can chant the holy name of the Lord constantly. (Sri Caitanya-caritamrita, Adi-lila, 17.31) Find them here: https://goo.gl/nqEVb9

Harinama in Barnau, Russia (Album with photos) Srila Prabhupada:…
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Harinama in Barnau, Russia (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: “One should chant the holy name of the Lord in a humble state of mind, thinking oneself lower than the straw in the street; one should be more tolerant than a tree, devoid of all sense of false prestige and ready to offer all respect to others. In such a state of mind, one can chant the holy name of the Lord constantly. (Sri Caitanya-caritamrita, Adi-lila, 17.31)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/nqEVb9

Kirtan Forever (4 min video)Indradyumna Swami: Sacred Sounds…
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Kirtan Forever (4 min video)
Indradyumna Swami: Sacred Sounds festival last week at New Govardhan, Australia.
Srila Prabhupada: “In this age of quarrel and hypocrisy the only means of deliverance is the chanting of the holy name of the Lord. There is no other way. There is no other way. There is no other way.” (Brhan-naradiya Purana)
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/qPn3gI

April 2. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations. Satsvarupa…
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April 2. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
Satsvarupa dasa Goswami: Bill Epstein.
Harvey Cohen and Bill Epstein were friends. Harvey was a freelance artist and Bill worked at The Paradox. After Harvey had been to Prabhupada’s place at Dr. Mishra’s yoga studio a few times, he came by The Paradox and began to describe all about the new Swami to Bill and other friends.
Bill: I was working at The Paradox one night and Harvey came to me and said, “I went to visit Mishra and there’s a new Swami there, and he’s really fantastic!” Well I was involved in macrobiotics and Buddhism, so at first, I couldn’t care less. But Harvey was a winning and warm personality and he seemed interested in this. He said, ‘Why don’t you come uptown? I would like you to see this.’
So I went to one of the lectures on 72nd Street. I walked in there and I could feel a certain presence from the Swami. He had a certain very concentrated, intense appearance. He looked pale and kind of weak. I guess he had just come here and had been through a lot of things. He was sitting there chanting on his beads, which he carried in a little bead bag. One of Dr. Mishra’s students was talking and he finally got around to introducing the Swami. He said, “We are the moons to the Swami’s sun.” He introduced him in that way. The Swami got up and talked. I didn’t know what to think about it. At that time, the only steps I had taken in regard to Indian teachings were with Ramakrishna, and this was the first time, to my knowledge, that bhakti religion had come to America.
To read the entire article click here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=7

Vrindavan Magic, Part 1 of 4
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The sun rose on the eastern horizon. My taxi wound onward and onward through tiny villages of thatched huts and hand-painted advertisements towards the holy land of Vrindavan.

Five years.

Five years had spun by since I had last come to Vrindavan. My heart ached with prayers to see past the pollution and noise and Westernization to experience the essence of Vrindavan. The real Vrindavan. The sacred Vrindavan.

We edged closer and closer to Vrindavan and I folded my palms to sing and to pray. Tears came to my eyes. I wanted the real Vrindavan and yet I struggled with the possibility of what I was going to see. I would be in there for only three days, conducting both business and pilgrimage. Three days to get it all done, three days to get to the essence.

My second morning, I woke up scribbling shopping lists in my mind. By the time I walked over to the temple of Krishna Balaram for morning services, my mind was SWIMMING with stuff to get done in Loi Bazaar. I was eager to sit down and do a full inventory of all cash outflows on this trip, and my mind raced with plans.

While in the temple, I thought, "I know I have only chanted two rounds of japa meditation, but let me just spend an hour or two on this accounting first. Then my mind will be more at ease and I'll be able to be more focused in japa."

When I came back to my room, I felt: No.

Krishna is first. Krishna is priority. I must put Him first.

I decided to chant a minimum of eight rounds, sitting down, in my room, before doing anything else.

I realized that of course my mind is going to wander. I came back, came back to the sound. Every time I came back, there was this feeling of "whuuuumph" like my mind had been flying around and suddenly I was pulled down to land, whuuuuumph, back on the holy name. I could hear that whuuuuumph.

Shopping lists dissolved. My burning desire for that lovely scarf faded. 

I had thought that I had had important business to accomplish and to chant japa was a secondary chore. In those moments of listening to the sound of the holy name, I realized that chanting attentive japa actually empowers me to accomplish ten times what I thought I could ever accomplish.

Thus eight rounds became ten, ten became twelve.

In this simple effort of mine to chant the holy name and SHOW my sincerity, I believe that Krishna reciprocated tenfold and He gave me darshan - or divine vision - of Sri Vrindavan Dham.
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Srivasa Thakur Appearance
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Srivasa Thakura is a close associate of Caitanya Mahaprabhu and a member of the Panca Tattva. He is understood as tatastha-shakti, a marginal energy of Krsna. Devotees who are headed by Srivasa Thakura are described as ‘parts’ of transcendental body of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.

They all participated in His transcendental pastimes and helped to spread Krsna consciousness, sankirtana-yajna. On the other hand, Srivasa is also Narada – an eternal transcendental associate of Lord Krsna.

Srivasa was studying Srimad-Bhagavatam with Advaita Acarya, who was at that time in Navadvipa. They worshiped Krsna, who as an answer to their prayers, appeared as Caitanya Mahaprabhu

The home of Srivasa, Srivas-angam, was a place where Sri Caitanya perform sankirtana-yajna, congregational chanting of Krsna’s Holy Names.

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Sunday Love Feast – 11:00am to 2:00pm – Vedic Discourse by His Grace Radha Govinda Hari Dasa
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RAM NAVMI CELEBRATION - April 15th,2016  **Detailed program will follow shortly**

Love Feast Programs: 
11:00am - 11:15am     Tulsi Puja
11:15am - 11:30am     Guru Puja
11:30am - 11:55am     Aarti  & Kirtan
11:55am - 12:00pm     Sri Nrsingadeva Prayers
12:00pm -  1:00pm      Vedic discourse 
 1:00pm -   1:30pm      Closing Kirtan 
 1:30pm -   2:00pm      Sanctified Free Vegetarian Feast

Japathon-Congregational Mantra Meditation

Next meeting on April 9 ,2016(5.30am-9.30am) at ISKCON Brampton

The chanting is a spiritual call for the Lord and His Energy to give protection to the conditioned soul.japa, when performed with focus and attention, can subdue the agitating effects of one’s mind and senses. The senses, of which the mind is also one, are constantly being stimulated by the external world  - by gross and subtle matter.
If you have not chanted before, and would like to participate in this program, we will be very happy to show how you can do this.
All welcome. We’ll loan you a set of Beads!




Monthly sankirtan Festival(MSF)

“One who has life can preach, and one who preaches gets life.”(Previous Acaryas)

Every member of ISKCON should have the opportunity to make advancement in Krishna consciousness by preaching.We encourage everyone to come out and participate and make Srila Prabhupada happy.

Please contact:
Rasaraj Dasa-rajrushika@yahoo.com/ 647.887.5736(Mississauga and Brampton regions)
Narahari Dev Dasa- naraharidev@gmail.com (Etobicoke
 region)

Hladini Kirtan Band at your Home Programs
Hladini is a local kirtan group consisting of spiritually inclined musical enthusiasts with a vision to encourage the sankirtana movement, congregational chanting of the holy name of God, as revealed in the teachings of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
Over the last couple of years, the group has successfully engaged spiritually minded people in mantra meditation and Vedic chants. Hladini would be glad to bring auspicious vibrations to your next home program, yoga studio or traditional ceremonies.
Please contact Amogha Lila Das at hladini_kirtan_group@googlegroups.com


COMING UP AHEAD


Fasting For Papamocani Ekadasi

Fasting.....................on Sun Apr 3rd,2016
Breakfast.................on Mon Apr 4th,2016 b/w 6.53am-11.11am

Every fortnight, we observe Ekadasi, a day of prayer and meditation. On this day we fast (or simplify our meals and abstain from grains and beans), and spend extra time reading the scriptures and chanting the auspicious Hare Krishna mantra.By constantly ‘exercising’ our minds through regular japa we can train our senses to push the threshold of contentment.
English audio glorification of all Ekadasis is available here 
Rama Navami(Fasting till Sunset)
Celebration of the auspicious appearance of Lord Ramacandra on Friday, April 15(7 pm)

**Detailed program will follow shortly**

Lecture by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada 27th March 1969. The Appearance day of Lord Rama - Ramanavami, Hawaii, USA.
ONGOING EVERY SUNDAY


Sunday School

To register,contact us
Email:sundayschool108@gmail.com
Call:647.893.9363

The Sunday School provides fun filled strategies through the medium of music, drama, debates, quizzes and games that present Vedic Culture to children. However the syllabus is also designed to simultaneously teach them to always remember Krishna and never forget Him. School
The Sunday School follows the curriculum provided by the Bhaktivedanta College of Education and Culture (BCEC).


Gift Shop

Our boutique is stocked with an excellent range of products, perfect for gifts or as souvenirs of your visit. It offers textiles, jewellery, incense, devotional articles, musical instruments, books, and CDs inspired by Indian culture.We're open on all Sundays and celebrations marked in our annual calendar.

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Chant and Be happy


The Flag of Devotion
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By Keshava Murari das

Arjuna and Krishna preparing for battle “The emblem of Hanuman on the flag of Arjuna is another sign of victory because Hanuman cooperated with Lord Rama in the battle between Rama and Ravana, and Lord Rama emerged victorious. Now both Rama and Hanuman were present on the chariot of Arjuna to help him. Lord Krishna is Rama Himself, and wherever Lord Rama is, His eternal servitor Hanuman and His eternal consort Sita, the goddess of fortune, are present. Therefore, Arjuna had no cause to fear any enemies whatsoever.” (Shrila Prabhupada, BG 1.20 Purport) We find that in our material endeavors, we often invoke the name or memory of someone as a way of bringing good luck. Athletes often carry good luck charms given to them by legendary figures in their sport. They also remember the accomplishments of previous great athletes prior to having to perform. Politicians will often invoke the names of great leaders from the past when making an important speech. Continue reading "The Flag of Devotion
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Thoughts on April Fools’ Day
Giriraj Swami

Srila Prabhupada Guru-puja JuhuApril Fools’ Day is celebrated yearly on April 1, and today I thought of Srila Prabhupada’s instruction that we remain fools before the spiritual master, as stated in a room conversation in Bombay, August 16, 1976.

A devotee asked, “Even nitya-siddha has guru . . . Even the liberated soul, nitya-siddha?” And Srila Prabhupada replied, “Liberated soul never says that ‘I am liberated.’ As soon as he says ‘liberated,’ he’s a rascal. A liberated soul will never say that ‘I am liberated.’ That is liberation. Caitanya Mahaprabhu, He is God—guru more murkha dekhi’ karila sasan [Cc Adi 7.71]: ‘My Guru Maharaja saw Me fool number one, and he has chastised Me.’ He’s God. This is the example. If one remains always a servant, everlastingly, of guru, then he is liberated. And as soon as he thinks that he is liberated, he’s a rascal. That is the teaching of Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Guru more murkha dekhi’. Caitanya Mahaprabhu is murkha? Why He’s posing Himself that murkha, ‘I am fool number one’? That means that is liberation. You must be ready always to be chastised by guru. Then he’s liberated. And as soon as he thinks that ‘I am beyond this chastisement. I am liberated,’ he’s a rascal. Why Caitanya Mahaprabhu says guru more murkha dekhi’ karila sasan? This is sahajiya-vada, thinking, “Oh, I have become liberated. I don’t require any direction of my guru. I’m liberated.” Then he’s rascal. . . . So better remain a foolish person perpetually to be directed by Guru Maharaja. That is perfection.”

I pray to be directed by Srila Prabhupada eternally, as his everlastingly humble servant, or servants’ servants’ servant.

Hare Krishna.

Your humble servant,
Giriraj Swami

Sankirtan Orientation Seminar 101 (SOS 101) by ISKCON of Silicon Valley
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Srila Prabhupada’s mission was to write and distribute transcendental books far and wide so that it can change people’s lives. He has quoted that even 1% become devotees, it will change the entire world. As we are celebrating the 50th Anniversary of ISKCON, here is an opportunity to learn the art of distributing his books through a dynamic and hands on seminar. After a successful and inspiring seminar last year, on the request of devotees, we present the Sankirtan Orientation Seminar 101 (SOS 101) once again for your pleasure. SOS 101 will help you acquire the tools of trade by learning the nuances of book distribution, basic laws, codes of conduct and success stories along with hands on sessions in a fun filled environment. You’ll learn tips and strategies to successfully distribute Srila Prabhupada’s books to anyone and everyone. Join us for this enlivening course and boost your self-confidence!

Title of the Seminar:

SANKIRTAN ORIENTATION SEMINAR (SOS 101)

Benefits:

· Master the art of book distribution

· Boost your self-confidence

· Feel happy and successful

· Stay motivated

· Strengthen your spiritual life

Focus Audience:

· Devotees from North America/Canada

· Anyone interested in book distribution and would like to enhance their skills

Venue:

ISKCON of Silicon Valley, Mountain View, CA

Iskconsiliconvalley.com

When: April 29 – May 1 2016

Seminar Schedule:

Friday, April 29

· Evening

o Presentation: “Gita on its own Merit” [7 pm – 9 pm]

o Hands-on Session

Saturday, April 30

· Morning

o Presentation: “Get Sets and Go” [8:30 am – 10:30 am]

o Hands-on Session

· Afternoon

o Field Trips [12 pm – 4 pm]

v Sets distribution – door to door

v Kids Sankirtan

v Street Sankirtan

v Feedback/coaching on the field

· Evening [7pm – 9pm]

o Session – “Sharing our Sankirtan Realizations”

v Improvements/Feedback

v What worked?

o Kirtana and Vaisnava Songs

Sunday, May 1

· Morning

o Presentation – “Corporate Sankirtan” [8:30 am – 9 am]

o Presentation – “Kids Sankirtan” [8:30 am – 9 am]

o Presentation – “Motel Gita” [9 am – 9:30 am]

· Late Morning / Afternoon [11 am – 3pm]

o Field Trips

v Kids Sankirtan and Motel Gita

v Feedback/coaching on the field

· Sunday Feast

o Presentation – “Books are the Basis”

REGISTRATION:

Register by filling out this form: http://goo.gl/forms/M2J8B4f7pj

Contact: teamisv@gmail.com or call 510-516-1925. Registration is free. However, if you would like to make donations, we would gladly accept them.

Accommodation:

Team ISV can host up to 20 individuals registered on first come first serve basis. Prasadam will be provided during the seminar.