Planet ISKCON

Sri Vrindavan Dham, March 15, 2016

Dear Devotees,

Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

We are heartily inviting all serious students to this year’s VIHE Bhakti-sastri course. The Bhakti-sastri course is a systematic study of Srila Prabhupada’s books. Srila Prabhupada wanted all of us to deeply study his books, so that we could become better preachers and teachers, and, very importantly, achieve a clear understanding and application of the beautiful science of devotional service. Shri Vrindavan Dham mercifully provides a unique environment to enhance one’s taste and appreciation for the treasures of the direct path of bhakti.

This year the English Bhakti-sastri course in Vrindavan is scheduled to take place from July 2, 2016 to Nov 3, 2016.

Requirements for the course: Good sadhana, brahminical tendencies, voluntary service, proficiency in English and a 2 recommendation/character sketch, one from your spiritual master and from a senior devotee who knows you well. Assessment criteria include attendance and personal conduct.

Assessment : Essays and closed book exams accompanied by exemplary conduct and sadhana.

Admissions close on : June 1, 2016.

Teachers:

Bhagavad Gita-

H.H. Bhakti Dhira Damodar Swami

H.G. Laxmimoni devi dasi

H.G. Sarvabhauma das

H.G. Kamal Lochan das

H.G. Praneshwar das

H.G. Adi Purush das

Nectar of Devotion-

H.G. Adi Purush das

Nectar of Instruction-

H.G. Aniruddha das

H.G. Anuradha devi dasi

Isopanishad-

H.G. Prashanta devi dasi

Deity Worship-

H.G. Mukunda Datta das.

Sanskrit Pronunciation-

To be announced

For more detailed information please contact:

E-mail: vihe.courses.admissions@pamho.net; Web site: http://vihe.org

Phone: +917060690226 (Damodarashtak das)

Please kindly post this information on your temple board and tell your friends. Thank you!

Your servants at the VIHE

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Sridhar Swami’s Samadhi Dedication.
Giriraj Swami: My dear brother Sridhar Swami Maharaja,
I feel so much separation today. What can I say? Now Mrs. Singhal, Srila Prabhupada’s beloved daughter and our affectionate mother, has also left us here. Somehow her departure has served to awaken my feelings of separation from you, from His Holiness Tamal Krishna Goswami, and ultimately from our Srila Prabhupada.

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The post Are the gopis separated from Krishna even in the spiritual world? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

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The post If even the gopis’ lost hope in separation from Krishna, what is the hope for us? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

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The post Why is the Bhagavatam’s tenth canto divided into chapters according to the location of pastimes? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

By Patita Pavana das

It was soon after Shrila Prabhupada departed for Vaikuntha—just about the time Hare Krishna Land was opened in early 1978—that a terrible riot erupted outside the front gate of the Juhu property. India is a volatile country and such riots often involving dozens of deaths are an all too common event there. The riot began when an illegal squatter on the property assaulted and verbally abused a hot-headed chokidar, or temple gatekeeper. In the ensuing brawl, the squatter met his end through a blow from another chokidar. With a man lying dead, a scuffle was now transformed into a riot wherein an incensed crowd converged around the property hurling rocks. Fortunately the riff-raff remained outside on the street, but the devotees had to take shelter for their lives. The riot did not involve even one single ISKCON devotee, neither Indian nor foreign—only local Indians participated in the melee. Nevertheless, six foreign devotees would be arrested and tried for murder in its aftermath. The senior devotee of those “Bombay Six” was Shridhar Swami, and the other accused devotees were thankful to have his stalwart example of surrender to Shrila Prabhupada and the holy name. Continue reading "In the Dungeon With Shridhar Swami
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Remembering Sridhar Swami (Album with 52 photos)
Dharmatma Das: He was a dear friend and wonderful inspiration. A true lover an...

By Giriraj Swami

His Holiness Sridhar Swami has given me a lifetime of work in service to Srila Prabhupada. Although jivo va maro va, to live or die is the same for a devotee—and certainly that was true of Maharaja—my own feelings are mixed. I think, “He has left so much service for me, given me so many instructions. So I must stay and execute his mission.” I think the same about Tamal Krishna Goswami. Even though part of me misses them terribly and wants to be with them, mainly I think, “They left me so many instructions. I have so much service to do for them here.” Of course, how long we have to do what they have asked—what they would want—all depends on Krishna. Therefore, whatever time we do have left we should use in the best possible way—in Krishna consciousness. Continue reading "Sridhar Swami and Mayapur
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The Syamantaka Jewel story from the Krishna book.
Kalakantha Prabhu: The Syamantaka jewel story shows how money can ruin good people. When there is an accumulation of wealth, it is difficult to resist the temptation to control it.
Comment by Dhrstadyumna Prabhu: Isn’t gold one of the places Kali is allowed to reside.
Response: Yes. Very good.
You can have bad habits or character flaws, but in Kali-yuga, you will be respected if you have money.
Q (by Amy): Money is such a part of life. Anything we can do if we have money to not be degraded by it?
A: Use it for sacrifice.
To read the entire article click here: https://goo.gl/ODC7Z9

Lecture by HH Chandramouli Swami at ISKCON Mayapur ON 2016-03-11

So after kirtan mela, so many wonderful verses on the holy name, we are back to the regular system of Srimad Bhagavatam consecutive this is 7^th canto chapter 2, “Hiranyakashipu the king of demons.”

SB:7.2.12

yatra yatra dvijā gāvo

vedā varṇāśrama-kriyāḥ

taṁ taṁ janapadaṁ yāta

sandīpayata vṛścata

Translation:

Immediately go wherever there is good protection for the cows and brāhmaṇas and wherever the Vedas are studied in terms of the varṇāśrama principles. Set fire to those places and cut from the roots the trees there, which are the source of life.

Purport:

The picture of a proper human civilization is indirectly described here. In a perfect human civilization there must be a class of men fully trained as perfect brāhmaṇas. Similarly, there must be kṣatriyas to rule the country very nicely according to the injunctions of the śāstras, and there must be vaiśyas who can protect the cows. The word gāvaḥ indicates that cows should be given protection. Because the Vedic civilization is lost, cows are not protected, but instead indiscriminately killed in slaughterhouses. Such are the acts of demons. Therefore this is a demoniac civilization. The varṇāśrama–dharma mentioned here is essential for human civilization. Unless there is a brāhmaṇa to guide, a kṣatriya to rule perfectly, and a perfect vaiśya to produce food and protect the cows, how will people live peacefully? It is impossible.

Another point is that trees also should be given protection. During its lifetime, a tree should not be cut for industrial enterprises. In Kali–yuga, trees are indiscriminately and unnecessarily cut for industry, in particular for paper mills that manufacture a profuse quantity of paper for the publication of demoniac propaganda, nonsensical literature, huge quantities of newspapers and many other paper products. This is a sign of a demoniac civilization. The cutting of trees is prohibited unless necessary for the service of Lord Viṣṇu. Yajñārthāt karmaṇo’nyatra loko’yaṁ karma–bandhanaḥ: [Bg. 3.9]) “work done as a sacrifice for Lord Viṣṇu must be performed, otherwise work binds one to this material world.” But if the paper mills stop producing paper, one may argue, how can our ISKCON literature be published? The answer is that the paper mills should manufacture paper only for the publication of ISKCON literature because ISKCON literature is published for the service of Lord Viṣṇu. This literature clarifies our relationship with Lord Viṣṇu, and therefore the publication of ISKCON literature is the performance of yajña. Yajñārthāt karmaṇo ’nyatra loko ’yaṁ karma–bandhanaḥ [Bg. 3.9]). Yajña must be performed, as indicated by the superior authorities. The cutting of trees simply to manufacture paper for the publication of unwanted literature is the greatest sinful act

Lecture:

Srila Prabhupada writes in Srimad Bhagavatam 19^th chapter of the 1^st canto that human life comprises 3 aspects that are required to fulfil all the needs that are required materially and spiritually. He mentions brahmanical culture or that culture which gives direction to society, otherwise society has no direction and brahmanical culture is based on shastric evidence or shastric guidance. Brahmanical culture, which is foundation for the varnashram system. The system of the four orders and four spiritualists for material activities for varnas. He also mentions cow protection taking care of the cows, cows are the basis of agriculture and as Prabhupada mentions by taking care of cows they can feed the entire human civilisation and then the last thing he mentions is God consciousness.

So these three things brahmanical culture, cow protection and God consciousness make up human society or make up progressive human society where we see that today of course in our ISKCON society this is our focus to develop these 3 main aspects which are the foundation for the material stability, happiness, success and ultimately the process of spiritual progress which lead to the goal of life which is “prema pumartho mahan”. To engage in devotional service and to love the Supreme Personality of Godhead through that devotional service. Prabhupada makes this point in this particular purport that it is essential to establish varnashram systems, the four varnas and the four ashramas, but then Prabhupada when he first came in 1966 and for many years after until 1973 Prabhupada said, not possible. Society is too topsy-turvy, we should simply distribute transcendental knowledge and spread the glories of Hare Krishna mantra everywhere. Prabhupada began his movement with that focus of giving knowledge, transcendental knowledge and holy books and holy name. But then in 1974 Prabhupada changed his way of preaching not changed it, kept it but added something. He said now it is important we establish this varnashram. Varanshram is essential and devotees were asking but Prabhupada varnashram is material? But Prabhupada said No, but within our society in order to engage first to evaluate and engage devotees according to their nature train according to that nature, evaluate and then train and then engage them in devotional service. Which is varnashram but Prabhupada gives the qualification or consideration daivi varnashram, spiritual varnashram. So devotees questioned that Prabhupada changed and Prabhupada responded it’s not easy to chant Hare Krishna. If it was why so many devotees where falling down, why are they falling down in their devotional service? Now we have to establish this varashram college and educate according to evaluation and nature. When Naradha Muni saw little Dhruva Maharaj doing austerity and penances, such a 5 year old boy in the forest he started to come and preach. He started to say, “why are you taking such a revenge?” You know, it is not so important, you are just a young boy so go back and you can perform all these austerities later in life. Your attitude is not right you should develop brahmanical qualities humility, tolerance and forgiveness.” Dhruva Maharaj didn’t want to hear that. Prabhupada says the statements of Dhruva Maharaj indicate that unless the child is trained according to the tendency there is no possibility of developing a particular spirit and then Prabhupada goes on to say it’s a duty of the Spiritual Master or teacher to observe the psychological movement of particular boy and train him in his particular occupational duty. Dhruva Maharaj having been trained in Kshatriya spirit do not accept brahmanical philosophy.

And Prabhupada started the movement by emphasising the culture, brahmanical culture, training devotees to engage in devotional service, following the regulative principles, chanting the holy name, learning the scripture and developing the qualities that are conductive to the mode of goodness that is brahmanical qualities. But then he want us to develop that system where accordingly a devotee could be understood and engaged. Prabhupada said that when one is engaged accord to their nature, they are enthusiastic and will perform tremendous service and never be discouraged by difficulties. Sometimes we see that in our society the devotees are not properly engaged. It’s a question that comes up quite often like that we see because of that evaluation that brings about the understanding how to engage, it is not that service is not so important. Krishna doesn’t need our service but we want the devotees to become Krishna Conscious so what, how to train them first evaluate and train devotees according to their nature and then engage them in devotional service. So Prabhupada in 1974 gave a morning walk conversation in Vrindavan which was one of the longest morning walks he gave over an hour. He spoke about the importance of developing this varnashram system but he called it Daivi varnashram, Daivi Varnashram and then Prabhupada spoke and said first we need to establish brahmanical culture within our society, the leaders should cultivate the mood and qualities of Brahmin and then train other devotees accordingly. First evaluation, and then training accordingly. Then, Prabhupada said Brahmins have to learn all the different activities of all the different varnas like taking care of cows, taking care of agriculture, performing deity worship is of course brahmanical culture, organisation management and protection. And he is speaking to some of the leaders that time and the question came back to Prabhupada, does that mean the brahmins have to learn all the varnas, the different occupation? No, Prabhupada said as a group you should all know or begin a program of training and help devotees become fixed in their Krishna Consciousness according to nature like that. Dhruva Maharaj he is the prime example where Naradha Muni is speaking about qualities of a brahmin but Dhruva Maharaj doesn’t want to hear it. He wants that kind of advice that will help him fulfil of course he wanted material desires, he wanted to fulfil material desires. He wanted revenge, of course it’s a material desire sometimes it’s seen as sinful. But ultimately he approached the Supreme Personality of Godhead for that, because of that he ultimately got purified from that desire and ultimately he became the pure devotee of the lord. So this Varnashram system, Prabhupada began the movement holy books, holy name and then after that he established deity worship very elaborate and very precise types deity worship and open temples all around the world. Our ISKCON society is one of the most, we might say popular spiritual movements that worship Radha and Krishna all around the world. Practically in every country of the world there is very nice deity worship this is the glory of ISKCON and Prabhupada wanted that. Then he wanted to train and first bring in through preaching many many persons and give them a chance to engage in devotional service and teach them, may be engage them in developing those qualities. So he established the whole system of initiation. Towards the end of 1977 there is actually a beautiful and very interesting room conversation of Prabhupada with Hari Sauri prabhu and Satswarupa das maharaj where Prabhupada really really emphasising the importance of Varnashram system. And he says that on our farms we can establish this and this if we and do this the whole human society will change. Prabhupada said I have finished 50% sometimes people say 70% but Prabhupada actually said 50% of my movement I wasn’t able to finish. So Prabhupada wanted this varnashram, Daivi varnashram daivi not just material Varnashram. What we see is the caste system, which is the corrupted form of varnashram, but actual varnashram. So he wanted these actual varnashram education institutions to bring about this culture brahmanas Kshatriyas and Vaishyas, of course sudhras will be their assistance or develop trade and crafts but Kshatriyas are so important for our ISKCON society. Having a person trained in that particular service, for protection for organisation, I think it was 1976 Prabhupada was in New Vrindavan and there was an evening darshan it was outside in one devotee’s lawn and many devotees came to hear Prabhupada. And there was one young lady there, devotee and it was as in June and June is kind of like in America it could be little cool. And is like this (imitating with hand movement) she was cold. Prabhupada sees this & Prabhupada says to her, you are cold? And she says Oh! No, No Prabhupada. But he turns to the temple president and said, “They won’t say anything but it’s your duty to get what they need”. Prabhupada was emphasising it’s up to the leaders to make sure devotees have what they need to engage in devotional service and take care of their needs in order to practice devotional service. He says is not that devotees have to come forward, but leaders have to evaluate and observe how the devotees are doing and what do they need in order to practice devotional service. Prabhupada showed that by his own example. There are many many other examples also and so for leadership organisation is 3 things. Protection, if we get attached then Kshatriyas come out & fight. We have to fight sometimes to protect our society therefore if we are unnecessarily or even attacked therefore devotees have to have some type of training in protection and Kshatriya also means expert in organisation how to organise things in such a way and of course welfare. Welfare means the protection aspect would come into the welfare aspect. What is welfare aspect? Here Hiranyakashipu wants to destroy brahmanical culture and he says cut down all he trees, burn the hermitage and kill the cows. So it is essential the 5 aspects that are mentioned in the shastras are given complete protection. Cows are mentioned here brahmins, women, children all persons. A society that does not do that is considered not to be a human society , very strong but Prabhupada is giving the understanding what is the both material foundation for the welfare of society which allows persons to practice Krishna Consciousness without any unnecessary difficulty. This I where varnashram system comes in, it provides education training and we say resources for the entire culture of Krishna Consciousness worldwide. So this is what this particular verse is saying that Hiranyakashipu knows that by destroying brahmanical culture, by causing havoc to that foundation, which is essence of spiritual culture then everything else will fall. People will become as he says unhappy and give up everything. Prabhupada goes on to say is very interesting he gives a long very long evaluation or explanation on the importance of trees how importance trees is we find in the vedic literature importance of tree. As we they give ambience to the earth, they provide food they provide shelter, they provide a balance within nature and the tree is seen as most tolerant so much importance is given on trees there Prabhupada says that in today’s society what do they do with the trees? They cut down for non-sensual literature, for sinful types of propaganda. The question comes that in the purport Prabhupada uses a little rhetorical, “what if we see stop cutting all trees, what about the literatures in Krishna Consciousness? How come we publicise the literature?” Prabhupada says that for the glorification of Lord and propagation of spiritual principle this can be done. I heard just to give a comparison and analogy on this particular point. I heard an interesting discussion with Prabhupada. Prabhupada was talking with one interviewer and they were talking about today’s pollution in the society. And then the subject comes up that how the automobiles are so pollutant that its destroying the ozone and its causing intoxication, people are becoming sick because of this and so much congestion. And Prabhupada says, yes because it is all being used for sense gratification but if we use the cars to drive in order to preach Krishna Consciousness, there will be no pollution. So I was thinking, can’t figure that one out? But Prabhupada has this spiritual insight it is in line with the principle that anything used in devotional service is only beneficial, it is only beneficial. So Prabhupada makes that point here and he goes off to say that in relationship to the trees, very strong and the very last point, the publication or manufacturing paper for the unwanted literature he doesn’t say great but greatest sinful activity. How much sinfulness is being propagated simply in name of these civilization just to satisfy people’s sense gratification? The compassion of a vaishanava doesn’t want to see others unhappy when other living entity gets exploited simply for selfish interest of few people. So this particular verse and purport is very fundamental in understanding the foundation of our society and in our propagation of our society it is to develop those qualities which are foundation to brahmanical culture and preach Krishna Consciousness everywhere. It is interesting in 7^th canto of Srimad Bhagavatam, 11^th chapter, verse 8 through 12, Naradha Muni speaks about what are the qualities and characteristics required for developing varnashram dharma. In Srimad Bhagavatam there is at least 4 chapters on different varnas and different ashrams. In 11^th canto Krishna speaks at least 2 chapters on Varanshram. This particular verse it explains there are 30 qualities that are foundational for the human society. Outside of these 30 qualities there is no question of human society. 21 are characteristic of qualities such as charity, non-violence, mercifulness, bathing twice a day distributing prasadam, food to both animals and human beings and it goes on there is many others. It is mentioned that there are 9 limbs or angas of devotional service. So this particular verse spoken by Naradha Muni is what the focus in developing varashram is. Unless those qualities develop, people cannot come to the stage of brahmanical activities. To have a thread of Brahmin, thread doesn’t make one a brahmin. I’m a Brahmin as I have a Brahmin thread! Brahmin means qualities, what are the qualities of a brahmin?

Pathana, paathana, yajana, dana and pratigraha

To know shastras to teach the shastras to worship the deity and to help others engage them in deity worship to give in charity and receive charitable gifts. These are the 6 qualities of the brahmins. But then in both Srimad Bhagavatam and in Bhagavad Gita what are the characters and qualities? So the process of developing varnashram is for both education and developing these qualities which are foundation to the execution of devotional service. If we are still attached to the activities that we perform we are still on the level of rajas, the mode of passion is attachment to the results of activities for the sake of enjoyment that is below the activities of devotional service. Therefore coming to the mode of goodness means coming to the stepping stone which is the foundation for engaging properly in devotional service or developing those qualities. We can’t really chant the holy name of the God effectively and purified unless one is culturing those qualities in the mode of goodness simultaneously, simultaneously practicing the process of Bhakti yoga. That is why varnashram is important because it helps to engage a person in devotional service and cultivate both education and qualities necessary in devotional service. So this is a big topic I know we are discussing this throughout our society. But it is actually a stage where our movement will become successful in bringing Krishna Consciousness around the world. Chant the holy names of the Lord distributing prasadam everywhere teach people the importance of Krishna Consciousness and also simultaneously give them a chance to engage them in devotional service. Ok, so this is I think I’m supposed to stop at quarter to nine but I think I can take question if there is one or two, anyone?

HH Chandramouli Swami: Yes.

Devotee: If we try to push varnashram system where it is like it becomes disrespectful. Sometimes then like it is kind of pushing.

Chandramouli swami: So you mean forcing you say?

Devotee: Yes, of the two parts, God consciousness and varanshram, if we have God consciousness then automatically there will be varnashram, because Krishna Consciousness is all successful. If there is varnashram and no God consciousness then still we lost it so this goes against….

HH Chandramouli Swami: We are not going to set up material varnashram it is Daivi varnashram that means devotional service is the fundamental activity of those engage at the same time to engage persons according to the first evaluate and then engage according to that. I already mentioned that Prabhupada was asked why we shall do that using your same argument. Prabhupada said it is not so easy. Why are devotees falling down? Now we have to establish varnashram , why are they falling down? So and then of course in 1977 Prabhupada laid out the whole plan but it is not material varnashram and we are not going to society to teach that we are going to do that in our own society. Once we do that in our society then as an example for the rest of the society but Krishna consciousness is the activity of a devotee hearing and chanting the glories of the Lord are the fundamental process of bhakti yoga. That is foremost and fundamental but devotees are hearing and chanting the glories of the lord but at the same time without proper training and education it is hard to stay fixed in the process of hearing and chanting because we spend lot of our time doing our activities. When Prabhupada started the movement he was using whoever come forward engaging them properly He said just do this service and then you will develop the talent, the ability then Krishna will empower you. But after a while Prabhupada changed, you can follow the history in 1974 he really laid out the whole plan for training and education. So it is not material varnashram its spiritual varnashram we are devotees we are not,

“gopi-bhartuh pada-kamalayor dasa-dasanu-dasah” – (Cc, Madhya 13.8, Padyavali 74)

Caitanya Mahaprabhu says we are not kshatriya, Vaishya, sudhra brahmachari, vanaprasta and sanyas these are all external all four of them are external our actual activity and the activity based on identity is are spiritual part and parcel of Krishna and we engage in devotional service but unless we actually educate and engage people accordingly we will see we have in our society called revolving door policy people come they stay for a year two years three years after four or five years where have they gone? Not properly engaged not giving the chance for the education and training that they need. So we don’t force it but it actually become fundamental to one’s spiritual progress.

Question: Shouldn’t we be giving this facility to others and ourselves be like what siksashtakam says like the only necessity for chanting are the like respect, tolerance and humility but not anything else should be our goal for ourselves and varnashram for others?

HH Chandramouli Swami: Yes cultivate those qualities but if you are not engaged in devotional service then we can’t cultivate those qualities they are not separate they are part of your activities whatever you do. You can say I’m going to sit and chant Hare Krishna in a humble state of mind but rest of the day some … no it doesn’t work it has to be twenty four hours process of cultivation of those qualities that are conducive to approach Krishna’s holy name.

HH Chandramouli Swami: Any ladies any questions from the ladies. Matajis you can pass the microphone over?

Devotee: My experience is that our natures are so strong that if we don’t use them in the service of Krishan we are going to have to use them think you were saying if we are going to use them in the mode of passion may be even worse may be if we are not trained in them to utilise them in the mode of goodness. I don’t see this as an option because that is why as we see people are falling down as people have to utilise their nature?

HH Chandramouli Swami: Yes, I think the example is Dhruva Maharaj. Our natures are “chatur varana …” our natures are like that, Krishna created like that. It is covered. That’s why Prabhupada says spiritual master and leaders should evaluate and that’s part of responsibility towards disciples and followers, to evaluate. This person is working under my care how best to engage them where they make progress in devotional service. Yes you are right you are 100% right. Your nature will follow you (laughing..) it can gradually change through education evaluation and Krishna consciousness.

Question: Maharaj, theoretically it is wonderful but practically speaking see the temple needs this one and that one. There is no consideration we got to fill up the hole and make somebody a pujari even if they are not qualified already. So its organisational needs they are always specially in temple where there is hardly anybody there is no personal consideration of what is good for the devotee?

HH Chandramouli Swami: There was a paper written many many years ago by one devotee named Subananda. We put temples before the devotees but if we want to be successful of course we are now moving forward with devotee care system which is somewhat the aspect of varnashram. It is actually the Kshatriya part taking care or giving the chance for the devotee to fulfil their needs so that they can be happily engaged in devotional service. Devotees first, the quality of our society is the quality of devotees in the society not our temples or how much money we have or how much land we purchase. It is the devotees who make up Krishna consciousness, these are other things that are simply given by Krishna by the efforts of those who perform devotional service so that we can spread Krishna consciousness but it is all about devotees , thank you

Mother Mahalaxmi: Hare Krishna, Maharaj. This lady was mentioning that you said our nature always follows us then how do we transform this nature, shallow nature not our real nature?

HH Chandramouli Swami: We have when we speak about things that are favourable to devotional service then you can talk about your nature, things that are unfavourable you don’t want to cultivate things or activity in our consciousness that is conducive to the passion or ignorance. So you engage in devotional service in a regulated way as you do that you purify both the activity and your consciousness both becomes purified because anything you do in devotional service burns up activity like that if it is done in proper consciousness. Proper conscious means as a service to lord service to the vaishnavas like that. But everyone is good by nature it is just that when we come in contact with the material energy that’s all. That is for example the people who have the fighting spirit, that Kshatriya spirit if it is not trained or guided and engaged in devotional service they all come out in a another way. (Laughter) Yes, I’ve seen it they come out in an ugly way. So ya so that is the business of our society to help establish evaluation system which is the basis of varnashram college and then training accordingly like that.

Any more questions? Yes

I thing we have little time how much time I have left? 15 more mins?

Devotee: HK , I was just remembering one episode regarding this one and I don’t remember the name. One person used to steal Prabhupada’s watch and he became devotee . He asked Prabhupada, you and me are the only people who are awake in the night what shall I do?

HH Chandramouli Swami: Chandachraya his names was…no he was somebody else. He was from Bombay yes please go ahead.

Devotee: So he used to be awake in the night. He asked what I should do. You and me are the only two people awake in the night. So what should I do? I have the habit of stealing so I can’t sleep in the night. So Srila Prabhupada said there are dogs which are barking in the night and I’m translating and they are disturbing me so you ask them to shut so he gave him a chance, this is how you advance.

HH Chandramouli Swami: So Prabhupada gave him a chance to use his tendency in Krishna Consciousness like that. Ok so there is more question. Somebody tell me what to do here, I need some guidance here (laughter)

Devotee: Hare Krishna, we are reading instructions from Bhakti Vinod Thakur, clear instruction until we are alleviated to the spontaneous loving service, or Bhava we must follow varnashram accepting as the holy name as shelter & living and practising Vaidi bhakti strictly under varnashram system otherwise vaidy bhakti cannot be practised properly

HH Chandramouli Swami: That’s in chaitnaya skishamrtia, Bhakti Vinod Thakur, speaks a lot of about foundation of varnashram there. If a person for example if a person needs to find a partner in life and they are also devotee engaged in devotional service then that becomes a concern where one cannot practise devotional service enthusiastically with their mind fixed because that need needs to be taken care or fulfilled. That’s where varnashram system come in , to help support the material needs which are basis of giving persons a foot hole, a nice foot hole to get in devotional service. This is a long subject we can talk about it for ever. But read this verse from the 7^th canto chapter 11 verses 8-12 , 30 items which make up the foundation of varnashram systems spoken by Naradha Muni. Thank you Very much.

ECO-Vrindaban Board Meeting Minutes 01/10/2016

Mission Statement: ECO-Vrindaban promotes simple living, cow protection, engaging oxen, local agriculture, and above all, loving Krishna, as envisioned by Srila Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of ISKCON New Vrindaban.

Participating Directors: Anuttama, Bhima, Chaitanya Mangala, Kripamaya and Ranaka

Participating Advisors: Sri Tulasi Manjari

Participating Managers: Mukunda, Nitaicandra

Recording secretary: Jamuna Jivani

1. 2015 Finalized Operating Budget Approval

WHEREAS: The ECO-V Board wishes to review ECO-V’s income and expenses for the previous year.

RESOLVED: The Board approves a finalized operating budget of $245K for 2015.

2. 2016 Operating Budget Approval

WHEREAS: The ECO-V Board wishes to set projections of ECO-V’s income and expenses for the upcoming year.

RESOLVED: The Board approves an operating budget of $350K for 2016.

3. ISKCON Escondido Barn Grant Funding

WHEREAS: The ECO-V Board wishes to support self-sufficiency within the greater ISKCON North America communities.

RESOLVED: The ECO-V Board approves the ISKCON Escondido farm a matching grant up to $11K towards the purchase of a barn to use in the development of their cow protection and local agriculture programs.

4. Mukunda’s Monthly Report

Mukunda is currently in Florida for a winter construction job. This past month’s projects:

• Requested walls of the Temple goshala to be insulated.
• Ray is putting the finishing touches on the conference room.
• The Prabhupada House has been turned over to INV.

5. Nitaicandra’s Monthly Report

• Oxen have been moved to Nandagram; they are being trained by Caitanya Bhagavat on a daily basis.
• Nandi the ox has a recurring infection, which is healing but he has not been able to work.
• He helped develop the ECO-V 2016 Operating Budget.
• The tractor and equipment have been moved to the Valley barn.
• A number of the staff members for the vegetable garden program have been selected.
• He will begin purchasing seeds and plants for next season.
• Nitaicandra is in California preparing to move his belongings, tools, and oxen to New Vrindaban.

6. Madhava Gosh Prabhu’s Passing

Madhava Gosh Das passed away peacefully in his home on January 2nd, after an outpouring of care and support from the community throughout his last few days. A memorial was held for him at New Vrindaban on January 4th, and his body was cremated. An obituary was released in the Brijabasi Spirit, and an article on his life will be released this week.

WHEREAS: The ECO-V Board wishes to recognize one of its Directors and long-time New Vrindaban community member, Madhava Gosh Das.

RESOLVED: The Board approves an official statement in his honor (see below).

With great appreciation, along with a deep sense of loss, the ECO-Vrindaban members hereby acknowledge Madhava Gosh Prabhu for his significant contributions to the development of New Vrindaban over several decades.

We particularly appreciate his heartfelt commitment to Srila Prabhupada’s vision for simple living, including the tree planting program and cow care endowment he worked tirelessly to implement.

Since his passing on January 2nd, 2016, Madhava Gosh has been greatly missed. Our prayers, affection and gratitude go out his wife Vidya Dasi? five children, Manjari, Madhu, Vraja, Marken & Tulasi; three grandchildren, Mary, Gracie & Sydney; and his many friends & well-wishers.

7. Budget for Appreciation Gifts

WHEREAS: The ECO-V Board wishes to offer a token of appreciation to the INV and ECO-V staff and volunteers during the Spring 2016 meetings.

RESOLVED: The Board approves up to $1,500 as a budget for plaques and t-shirts to distribute during the April meeting weekend.

8. Spring 2016 Onsite Meeting Dates

Possible weekends in March and April for the next onsite meeting were discussed. Chaitanya Mangala will check with INV for additional dates to accommodate everyone’s schedule.

Morning SB class 13july 2015 vrindavan English

namo maha-vadanyaya

krishna-prema-pradaya te

krishnaya krishna-chaitanya-

namne gaura-tvishe namah

O most munificent incarnation! You are Krishna Himself appearing as Sri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. You have assumed the golden color of Srimati Radharani, and You are widely distributing pure love of Krishna. We offer our respectful obeisances unto You.
All glories to Sri Krishna Chaitanya, the unlimited ocean of mercy .

It is not possible to bring any eloquent words under the command to delineate even the fraction of Glories of Lord Chaitanya mercy which is following incessantly and making available for us to drink the nectarine water of transcendental sweetness with unprecedented intensity.

In this present dark age of Kali where the discordant, disharmony dissension, discontentment are rampantly prevalent among common mass of people ,selfish, self indulgent, deceit and infidelity is way of folly and futility lifestyle ,there is an ocean of faults in action which incurs irredeemable reaction ,people are excessively and exceedingly engrossed in ameliorating material condition of life neglecting their spiritual elevation and enrichment and Maya is ruling unchallenged and unthreatened.

In this deplorable and disgraceful condition ,the Ganges of Lord Chaitanya’s mercy is only rescue and resort and make this abominable and abhorrent age worship-able ,transforms inauspicious to auspicious, joyless to joyful ,unfortunate to fortunate and launching frontal attack on the headquarter of Maya.

That is the reason Vedic scripture glorifies the Lord as most munificent incarnation .In other incarnation Lord demanded surrender first to deliver the fallen soul but Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu freely distributed process for delivering the fallen soul from clutches of Maya without any condition and discrimination.

Lord Chaitanya introduced,induced ,infused the Sankirtana yajna the joyfully chanting and dancing of Holy name of Lord without any requirement of understanding Vedic scripture, undergoing sever austerities of meditation,expensive fire sacrifice and complicated temple worship.

Simply by chanting the Holy Name of Lord Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
one can immediately transcend the contaminating influence of this dark age and experience the higher taste and discard the lower taste which shackles us in the miserable material Prison house perpetually.

Lord Chaitanya Mercy is a special privilege in this age which empowered and inspired us to triumphantly march out from prison house of material existence on the path of Sankirtana which leads to highest spiritual planet Goloka Vrindavan.

Your Servant
Visvambhar Dasa

By Nitya Kishor Dasi

Maha Vishnu Swami joined the Parikrama Party on the 4th day. He is the ‘kirtan man’ .The devotees love him. He doesn’t stop kirtan for anything. Despite of the walking, so much energy is coming from the kirtan. The mrdangas vibrating very far in the fields attracting the mind of the villagers that come with their cameras to film the devotees. HH Bhakti Dhira Damodara Maharaj also led kirtan for the delight of the participants. Everybody loves Maharaj’s ecstatic kirtans.

Apart from the Maharajas Kirtan, many other different kirtanyas around the world from Russia, America, Europe and India are leading the kirtan in different times for the divine pleasure of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura. He said “…When will that day come when the fair-skinned foreigners will come to Sri Mayapur-dhama and join with the Bengali Vaisnavas to chant, Jaya Sacinandana, Jaya Sacinandana. When will that day be? “In Navadvipa Parikrama you can clearly see this prediction coming to reality, and see it happening during Parikrama increases our faith more and more. Making a complete change in our destiny, because of that the same Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur said “…anyone who performs Sri Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama becomes free from material bondage”. By increasing our faith in the process, in the words of the acharyas the clutches of material existence will be destroyed.

From Mahisura, the muslim village, the devotees walk to the beautiful Campahatti, literally means the ‘market of champa (jasmine) flower’. Many pastimes are related to this place so we had HH Bhakti Purusottama Swami, Rajendranandana prabhu, Bhakti Vijna Vinas Narasimha Swami speaking about the glories of Campahatti. That includes the pastimes of Jayadeva Goswami (he was living there!). Jayadeva Goswami, the author of Gita Govinda saw the Supreme Personality of Godhead in Campahatti, nobody can image how auspicious is this place! The brother of Gadadhara pandita, Dwija Vaninath installed the beautiful deities of Gaura Gadadhara in Campahatti. A beautiful temple of Gaudiya mata is there. The students of the Bhaktivedanta National School performed two dances. We had 3 plays put on the stage by our drama director in Parikrama HG Pancharatna prabhu.

After breakfast the party moved to Vidyanagar, the birth place of Sarvabhauma Battacharya and his brother Vidyavacaspaty. Srila Sananata Goswami was leaving in Noihatti before going to Ramakeli and he was one of the most brilliant students of Sarvabhauma Battacharya when he was living in Vidyanagar. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu was in his place many times when he was a student. Because of so much penance a very rare tree was grew and it is still there. Every year there is an ecstatic kirtan with everybody rolling in the dust of Vidyanagar. This is the tradition since the time that HH Jayapataka Swami very happily was walking, dancing and playing his famous huge kartals during the Parikrama; everyone misses those days.

Not far from Vidyanagar is Maganpur where ISKCON has his own land full of mango trees and very peaceful atmosphere. The devotees loved that land. When we come to this camp we feel such relief, because we are camping at Srila Prabhupada’s property it’s like coming to our grandfather’s house. That’s the feeling.

Tonight the class will be giving by HG Rajendranandana prabhu, the theme of his class is “Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is giving the highest to the lowest”.

We have around 1500 participants in the international party this year. We have people from around 50 different countries and this is our offering for ISKCON’s 50 anniversary celebration.

Hare Krsna!

March 15. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
Satsvarupa dasa Goswami: Honoring Prabhupada’s Relationship With Us
Each of Srila Prabhupada’s disciples has chosen to love him. It is a commitment that I will always honor, and I have sealed that commitment at my initiation. We have a contract of love now. Although my love for Srila Prabhupada may not yet be free of any material tinge, he is patient. And Prabhupada himself has placed conditions of his love on his disciples. He expects them to follow him. Although he will still love a disobedient disciple, his love will not reach a disciple who rebels or disobeys his order, and who blasphemes guru and Krishna. The relationship between guru and disciple is meant to be based on honor.
I have heard people say that this “condition” Prabhupada places on his love for us is not much different than the conditions some of our parents placed on us to win their love. Many people have been hurt by parents who sold their love for high grades in school, or conformity to family rules, etc. There was no chance for people who grew up in these families to develop themselves as individuals, or to feel self-worth despite their failings to meet their parents’ standards. They grew up only with conditions and have no experience of real love. Is Prabhupada’s love for us like that? Is it a lesser kind of love because he places on it the condition of our obedience?
To read the entire article click here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=6

Honoring Prabhupada’s Relationship With Us

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, Srimad Bhagavatam 4.28.55)

The living being is by nature pleasure seeking and this is so deeply intrinsic to his nature that once he starts seeking for pleasure, he cannot give up. Once the living being becomes misdirected, that drive for pleasure is so strong that he just does not give up, he keeps on looking because the material energy is a reflection of the spiritual energy which is endless so there are endless varieties. So the living being thinks, “Well, maybe one of these days, it will work.”

This is how maya captures the living being, feeding on that fundamental nature of the soul which is that the soul is pleasure seeking. So one has to cut this drive with intelligence, one cannot wait until the point where one is tired of it! That was Rajneesh, later also known as Osho, who had the philosophy, “You just indulge in sense gratification to a point where you become sick of it!” But you never really get sick of it, just sick of it for a few days but then you try again.

Srila Prabhupada said that if Osho’s philosophy would be true then the pigs would be the biggest yogis! We have this idea that we will stop when we are exhausted with material things. We will never become exhausted but at one point, on the strength of knowledge, we have to say, “This doesn’t make sense, this is not intelligent. I’m going to stop.” You have to cut material desires and it will be a little painful. This initial cutting has to be done otherwise we will not take to spiritual life!

 

Yesterday we performed the sannyasa initiation for Uttama Sloka das, who became Bhakti Rasayana Sagara Maharaja. The ceremony was held here in Sridham Mayapura in the association of many wonderful devotees. May Srila Prabhupada and Lord Caitanya bless Maharaja to be successful in his preaching all over the world!

The March issue of the “Conch”, the Newsletter of the Hare Krishna Farm community of Australia is now online.
Special Edition: Children in Iskcon.
EDITORIAL ADVISOR – H.H. Mukunda Goswami
GRAPHIC DESIGN & LAYOUT – Urvasi devi dasi
PHOTOGRAPHY - Urvasi devi dasi and Trevor Gore
EDITORIAL BOARD
Damodara Pandit dasa
Govardhana Seva dasa
Krishna Rupa devi dasi (ACBSP)
Mandakini devi dasi
You can download it here: http://goo.gl/c7sOzY

New Govardhana Community’s Special 50th Anniversary Projects.
Many New Govardhana devotees (Australia) have begun planning special 50th projects. Please support these proposed projects and also create your own special 50th Anniversary event.
For more info: http://www.krishnafarm.net/

A Krsna conscious person will never blaspheme any person, any religious leader, who is trying to spread Krsna consciousness or God consciousness!
Srila Prabhupada: A Krsna conscious person will never blaspheme any person, any religious leader, who is trying to spread Krsna consciousness or God consciousness. In any country, in any religion, anyone who has tried to spread God consciousness to the people, they are all respectable persons. Those who are atheists, those who do not believe in God or those who personally declare that “I am God,” we have nothing to do with such persons. But anyone in any country who accepts God as the Supreme, Krsna as the Supreme, krsnas tu bhagavan svayam (SB 1.3.28), such persons are respectable persons and we should offer our always respect to them. We have… Unnecessarily we do not want to criticize anyone. But when there is necessity, because we are preacher, it may be sometimes you’ll be faced with opposite elements, so we have to criticize in that respect. Generally we don’t praise or eulogize somebody or criticize somebody. That is not our business. Our business is Krsna consciousness, God consciousness, always thinking that we are eternal servant of Krsna.
And sruti-sastra-nindanam. No scriptures of the world shall be decried. Any scripture which is preaching about God consciousness, that is bona fide. It may be in some scriptures information of God is not fully explained, but if the idea, target, is God, that is a scripture. So generally sruti-sastra means Vedas, the books of knowledge. So one should not go beyond the books of knowledge, just like we are studying Bhagavad-gita. So sruti-sastra-nindanam. Nobody should criticize or malinterpret the statement in the scripture.
(Initiation of Satyabhama Dasi and Gayatri Initiation of Devotees Going to London – Montreal, July 26, 1968)

The post Questions after introduction to kirtana-mela appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

By Kesava Krsna Dasa

Many devotees, who were previously active in preaching when living full time in the temples, feel that now – living outside and earning a living – those “good old days” remain just distant topics of nostalgia. Will those days ever return, they wonder? How many new generation devotees understand these things?

There is a general tendency for senior devotees who feel somewhat inactive to hark back to those days of jovial communal efforts, volunteered austerities, shared risks, exciting ventures, brotherly and sisterly camaraderie, and that famous “taste” derived from being dependent on Krishna. This is usually the case for Srila Prabhupada disciples, and those who joined in the late 1970’s and early 80’s.

One could argue that much of Iskcon’s frontline preaching is done by younger devotees and the relatively few active full time Srila Prabhupada disciples, whereas the majority – both senior and junior – attend temple functions to hear and associate. Of these, the experienced devotees will have noticed the differences today compared with “olden” day methods of presenting Krishna conscious culture.

“Oh there used to be so many exotic Iskcon preps at Sunday feasts…we don’t see them any more. We used to have those rip roaring kirtans…ah those life shaking ice cold bucket baths…Krishna Book and hot milk before going to bed…those were the days my friend…I think the present generation has it easy for them nowadays.” Are all these observations valid in light of the dramatic changes in Iskcon’s social dynamics, then and now?

Then the questions will arise; what is to stop us from depending on Krishna now? What is preventing us from reliving that “taste” that lingers in the annals of the mind?

During Srila Prabhupada’s time his disciples would marvel at his treasure trove of vaisnava qualities and his cultural demeanour. His trickling drinking water into his mouth without touching lips to the cup was a sensation for some. His ability to make someone feel special, and his every word and deed had a profound effect on many followers, yet they were all different aspects of preaching. These incidents were taken as God-given signs or messages of providence by the sincere. He meant something for everyone. He is a preacher after all.

While thinking back on times gone by, a feeling of being inactive in preaching, and bemoaning the lack of opportunities thereof may persist. “I think I have some experience to pass on to the largely younger devotee community, but they are now managing affairs in the temple…many of them are qualified as professionals in corporate dealings…I might be seen as a backward old-fashioned revivalist to these spiritual technocrats.”

If there are senior devotees like this around – and who are non combative and in tune to Iskcon’s needs – they should be invited to participate as mentors and advisors. It should make an interesting blend of young and “old.” Care should be taken that the seniors having gone through the “good old days” not be highly opinionated, whereas the younger devotees should not write off the older devotees as “old school.” But the “good old days” could be reinvented as it were. The problem is what the youngsters experience today will be the “good old days” of tomorrow.

The fact is, just as every action and word of Srila Prabhupada meant something in a preaching sense to his disciples, the actions and deeds of our senior devotees are similarly scrutinized by younger devotees who seek worthy role models for their Krishna conscious careers. Simply put, a negative action or use of words by a senior devotee equals bad preaching. If Iskcon is a preaching mission then every feature of Iskcon life is in preaching mode.

Many senior devotees are perhaps unaware how they are observed in the presence of younger devotees. Just as Arjuna asks Krishna how an elevated soul walks, sits and so on, the external behaviour of senior devotees do affect sometimes impressionable devotees and sincere younger devotees alike. Along with experience comes the burden of responsibility of assuring our nephews, cousins and nieces that we have been trained properly.

Preaching does not only mean giving classes, lectures, seminars, or speaking to someone holding a book on sankirtana. Everything from our personal conduct to how we cook, serve the deities, serve the devotees, serve the guests and newcomers, setting an example to our children, caring, nurturing and the rest, are all various levels of preaching. And there are two ways of doing so, negative or positive.

Yet at present there are many experienced devotees who are inactive. There is one good reason why those “days of old” seem not to feature nowadays. During those days when everyone lived in the temple, and the general mood was – to use the colloquial term “Fired Up” – almost everyone at some stage or other voluntarily shifted out of their normal comfort zones to, well, depend on Krishna. This sense of detachment had a way of inducing the experience of “taste” and pleasure from this dependence.

Within the shelter or comfort zones of our homes and workplaces our dependence may not be as intense. So when apathy develops so does the desire not to preach. “One whose happiness is within, who is active and rejoices within, and whose aim is inward is actually the perfect mystic…” (BG 5.24) Our outer actions will reflect our inner thoughts. Of course, there are many exemplary devotees living at home who set internal challenges for themselves; they are seriously preaching to themselves to progress in Krishna consciousness.

Even if due to circumstances we cannot preach, we still have our bodies, mind and words/thoughts. A sincere devotee will use the intelligence to tell the mind – manah siksha – of the need to always improve oneself continually. By good conduct and politeness one can indirectly endear people and indirectly give them pious sukrti to advance in Krishna consciousness. There are many ways to preach.

We often read or hear the word – lobha – or greed used. Someone really sincere will never be able to rest comfortably in any comfort zone, always feeling inadequate and incomplete without reaching the towering level of Bhava and beyond, or at least having cognizance to this degree: “For one who sees Me everywhere and sees everything in Me, I am never lost, nor is he ever lost to Me.” (BG 6.30) On this level every situation imaginable is a preaching message from the Lord to be serious.

This whole material world is a preaching tool to remind us constantly about the miseries and sufferings it causes, therefore the demigods in charge of universal affairs are preaching there part too. There is an absolute preaching quality in Lord Krishna’s description of birth, death, disease and old age, and His Time factor preaches that all good things must come to an end, including our comfort zones.

By becoming mentors or advisors, or organisers, or any background service within Iskcon, it is all preaching nonetheless. To think again about our recommitment and voluntarily coming forward to assist, will, in the higher sense mean that we will be helping to reunite all lost souls back into the divine company of Sri Sri Radha and Krishna.

Your servant Kesava Krsna Dasa

The post Daily Darshan: March 14th, 2016 appeared first on Mayapur.com.

By Nitya Kishora devi dasi

Before sunrise the International Party moved slowly from Svarupa Ganj (Godrumadvipa) to Hamsa Vahana (Madhyadvipa) . Lord Shiva appeared in this place just to hear Gauranga Lila, so this is very auspicious island. From there we went to the manifestation of Kuruksetra in Navadvipa dhama where the devotees heard about the glorious of the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam from HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj.

Delicious breakfast was serving in Pancaveni, under Gauranga setu as we go every year. Panchaveni means the confluence of the five sacred rivers: Ganga, Sarasvati, Yamuna, Alakananda and Godavari rivers. The current in this part of the island is very strong, so the devotees just pour water in their heads and pay obeisances.

From there the party went to our new camp this year, Mahisura. It is situated in a beautiful muslim village area. It was amazing to see all these vaishnavas from different part of the world given the Holy Name to the curious hundreds of Muslim families on the way. Believe or not our Mayapur sankirtan devotees distributed for free 300 Bhagavad Gitas to these village people. The devotees were happy to give spiritual knowledge and the holy name in the Muslim area and they were happy to see the international party. Nonetheless Parikrama management call security force and dozens of Army soldier were there to protect the party just in case.

The names “Nitai Gauranga” was vibrating all around during Sandhya Arati time in the camp. After blissful kirtan, performed in the very land of Lord Caitanya, the pilgrims devotees were ready to listen Gauranga Katha from HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj.

HH Lokanath Swami Maharaja was giving class about how Lord Caitanya was making the animals in the Jarikhand forest love each other despite of the ‘deadly’ difference (the tiger and the deer for example). He said “…the tiger woke up by Lord Caitanya Himself and he was confused ‘..somebody is waking me up..’ then it started to walk side by side with the deer and both of them forgot about their natural enmity, forgetting their false ego … and by seeing it, as described in the Sri Caitanya Caritamrta “Seeing the tigers and deer following Him, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu immediately remembered the land of Vrindavan. He then began to recite a verse describing the transcendental quality of Vrindavana.” Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu said “Vrindavana is the transcendental abode of the Lord. There is no hunger, anger or thirst there. Though naturally inimical, both human beings and fierce animals live together there in transcendental friendship.”

In this way Maharaj was describing the nectar of the eternal pastimes of Lord Caitanya, he continued to say how he met Rupa Goswami in Prayaga and his travel to Benares.

Some years ago the devotees wrote in their feeback reasearch that they want more activities in the camp at evening time, so we created the evening class that has a duration of minimum 1 hour. During Parikrama we have sannyasis and senior devotees every evening speaking about different topics related to Lord Caitanya with the aim of enlivenend those which doing little bit more austerity stayed in the camp. By staying in the camp they get a chance to go deeper in Gauranga lila. By hearing and remembering these pastimes your love for Lord Caitanya will increase more and more.

By Caitanya Caran das

These mental viruses infect us when we let ourselves become overwhelmed by excessive material desires for either the gross pleasures like smoking and drinking or the subtle gratifications of the ego. When we forget our spiritual identity and glory as beloved children of the Supreme Lord, we start thinking of such unnecessary material desires as necessary, resulting in a variety of negative emotions. All negative emotions are just permutations and combinations of six primal negative drives, namely lust, anger, greed, envy, pride and illusion. In Sanskrit, these are called as anarthas. An means not and artha means value or meaning. So anartha refers to that which is valueless and meaningless. Continue reading "Give Yourself A Break Before You Break Down
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Bhakti Rasayana Sagara Maharaja’s sannyasa initiation (Album with photos)
Indradyumna Swami: Yesterday we performed the sannyasa initiation for Uttama Sloka das, who became Bhakti Rasayana Sagara Maharaja. The ceremony was held here in Sridham Mayapura in the association of many wonderful devotees. May Srila Prabhupada and Lord Caitanya bless Maharaja to be successful in his preaching all over the world!
Find them here: https://goo.gl/uljMyC

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