Planet ISKCON

Discouragement In Selling Books in India

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Gita verse-by-verse study Podcast

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Almonds are a great healthy addition to any diet. They contain monounsaturated fats, which are great for all kinds of things.

It is, however, essential that you soak almonds for at least 8 hours before eating them. See this chart of soaking times for all kinds of nuts and beans.

Nuts like almonds are naturally coated with enzyme inhibitors, which prevent the almonds sprouting and turning into almond trees until they get really wet. The almond is designed to only sprout when it is in the possible position to grow. Wet ground is such a position and the enzyme inhibitors delay the sprouting until they are washed off by the water in soaking wet ground. Crafty humans can wash off the enzyme inhibitors by simulate soaking wet ground and placing the almonds in a bowl of water.

Enzyme inhibitors also prevent the enzymes in the human digestion system from working. So, eating unsoaked almonds is really bad for digestion. At best you get lots of gas, at worst you get abdominal pains.

Soaking the almonds for 8 hours and throwing out the soaking water removes the enzyme inhibitors and makes the almonds safe to eat.

So, definitely soak your almonds.

After soaking you might wonder whether or not to peel off the almond skin. The answer is: no, don't peel the skin off.

The skin interacts with the vitamins in the almond and reduces bad (LDL) cholesterol, thereby reducing your risk of heart attack. see this journal article on the topic.

The almond skin also acts as a prebiotic, feeding the good bacteria in the gut, and thereby helping digestion.

(picture credit)

Almonds are a great healthy addition to any diet. They contain monounsaturated fats, which are great for all kinds of things.

It is, however, essential that you soak almonds for at least 8 hours before eating them. See this chart of soaking times for all kinds of nuts and beans.

Nuts like almonds are naturally coated with enzyme inhibitors, which prevent the almonds sprouting and turning into almond trees until they get really wet. The almond is designed to only sprout when it is in the possible position to grow. Wet ground is such a position and the enzyme inhibitors delay the sprouting until they are washed off by the water in soaking wet ground. Crafty humans can wash off the enzyme inhibitors by simulate soaking wet ground and placing the almonds in a bowl of water.

Enzyme inhibitors also prevent the enzymes in the human digestion system from working. So, eating unsoaked almonds is really bad for digestion. At best you get lots of gas, at worst you get abdominal pains.

Soaking the almonds for 8 hours and throwing out the soaking water removes the enzyme inhibitors and makes the almonds safe to eat.

So, definitely soak your almonds.

After soaking you might wonder whether or not to peel off the almond skin. The answer is: no, don't peel the skin off.

The skin interacts with the vitamins in the almond and reduces bad (LDL) cholesterol, thereby reducing your risk of heart attack. see this journal article on the topic.

The almond skin also acts as a prebiotic, feeding the good bacteria in the gut, and thereby helping digestion.

(picture credit)

The 3-day sankirtan marathon for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada culminated with a total of 4810 books being distributed.The scores were offered this morning at the Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple in Durban by HG Swarup Damodar Prabhu. Srila Prabhupada has been merciful towards us as the latest health update on Kadamba Kanana Swami is very positive.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the devotees around the world who participated. Read the following newsletter for all the details: KKS-Marathon-Newsletter

25^th February 2016, Mayapur, India

By Romapada Das

On the second day of the ISKCON Leadership Sanga, Praghosa Das, the GBC Chairman presented several quotes of how Srila Prabhupada’s appearance was predicted in many scriptures and spiritual masters. Titled, ‘The greatest story ever told’, his presentation pointed out the five steps Srila Prabhupada had taken to make his institution more effective:

1. Founding ISKCON

2. Accepting the honorific title ‘Prabhupada’

3. Establishing his role as the ‘Founder Acharya’

4. Creating the GBC

5. Setting up Mayapur as ISKCON’s world headquarters

Praghosa Das appealed to the delegates to become a part of the ISKCON 50-50 project which is an initiative to ask every ISKCON devotee to distribute 50 books in the year 2016.

“Our central challenge is to cooperate together to spread the Krishna consciousness movement,” he concluded.

Bhakticharu Swami delivered a talk on the importance of ISKCON as an institution that Prabhupada established to secure the movement for future generations. “Srila Prabhupada is not only the Founder Acharya of ISKCON, but also the Acharya for all devotees for all times,” he said. “Everyone in ISKCON has to serve as subservient servants of Prabhupada. That is why the institution he established is so important.”

Gopal Bhatta Das and Pancharatna Das made a presentation on a global exercise they were undertaking on consolidating the ISKCON brand. “We have created a brand with the accumulation of all the actions, words and interactions we have had all these years,” explained Gopal Bhatta Das. “We have had some positive branding and some challenging ones. But there is a lot of the world out there that does not know us.”

Gopala Bhatta Das explained that Prabhupada had been consistently thinking of branding ISKCON in many different ways. “While branding ISKCON, we should not forget the basic seven principles given by Prabhupada. They form our core branding element. For the global branding exercise, we will launch after we seek input from all of you today, we have to go back to our sources: the words of Prabhupada.”

After the plenary sessions, delegates rushed to attend the seminar sessions which were running in parallel in 12 different venues.

THINK 50! Act 50!

ISKCON Leadership Sanga in Mayapur 2016 (Album with photos)
Ramai Swami: This year’s ISKCON Leadership Sanga coincided with the 50th anniversary of Srila Prabhupada incorporating ISKCON in New York.
Over 1200 devotees travelled to Sridham Mayapur to attend 8 days of seminars, kirtan and transcendental association.
On the first day everyone was welcomed by the GBC Chairman, Praghosa das, and Gopal Bhatta das, chair of the GBC Strategic Planning Team outlined the schedule of activities for the week.
Find them here: http://goo.gl/2IYshD

Devotees in Mayapur (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: If one renders even a small amount of sincere devotional service, Krishna becomes obliged to elevate such person; and what to speak of one whose entire life and soul has been dedicated to Krishna’s service. Letter to Harer Nama, November 6, 1969.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/jHYYpL

Hare Krishna chanting around the WORLD (4 min video).
The most auspicious activity happening now on this planet!
The day will come, and the name of Lord Hari will be heard in every corner of the planet! The day will come, and the name of Lord Chaitanya will connect the continents of the earth! The day will come, and foreigners with fair skin will flood Puri, Mayapur and Vrindavan! One day by the grace of the great saint Prabhupada!
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/vDVmgT

Sri Dham Mayapur, West Bengal - Darshan: February 25th, 2016 (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Your description of past incidents may be forgotten. We are not concerned with past misunderstandings; we are concerned only with progressive service to Krsna. Letter to Govinda dasi, November 5, 1970.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/wxdgkR

Handymen are very handy! And Rick Baker is one such man. When we sent a message to the parents, asking for their assistance with keeping the deities’ washing cloths clean, Rick immediately volunteered. But Tarannum Mataji was faster and got that service already. We then suggested that Rick take care of the children’s cloths. Rick decided to take it to the next level. He went and purchased a couple of hygiene (touch-free) paper towel dispensers and installed them in the bathrooms too!

Quinn and Conor’s family have been helpful on many levels and often endow us with gifts. Just this past Holiday Season, their mother, Kat, sent boxes filled with paint, poster boards, construction paper and printing paper. She also donated a Chrome Book from her work.

We are very grateful for your help and contributions. Your family is such a blessing! Thank you.

My father, perhaps despairing of my dreams of the East and of becoming an artist, urged me to try for officer selection for the British Army, enticing me with stories of travel, adventure, and a decent salary to boot. To my surprise I passed the entrance exams, and before I knew it I was attending a Sixth Form boarding school for potential officers, located in a wonderful old English stately home. My mind kept returning to those initial strong impressions I had when I first read about the Hare Krishna movement. I clearly remember daydreaming many times that one day I would hear devotees chanting and dancing down the long tree-lined driveway to the college, calling me to join them. Part of me really wished it would happen; part of me was frightened that it might oh, the imagination of youth! Continue reading "What Hare Krishna Means to Me
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Glorification of the Lord in different languages and traditions (6 min video)
Praise God - praise God in different traditions. The saints and spiritual teachers of any tradition envisioned something in common that unites all religions. When the Lord reveals Himself to the sincere seeker, then all the apparent contradictions subside as the veil of illusion, claiming the One Truth of love and compassion. Therefore whatever ways you are using to approach God, to pray in your language and tradition - just continue. In this way there is no loss.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/FOqzSk

In Israel naturally we have some interaction with Jewish religious people, or so called followers of their faith. It’s amazing how they are convinced that by killing the cow they elevate their existence. And asks questions.

The post Murari Caitanya Dasa writes appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

On the second day of the ISKCON Leadership Sanga, Praghosha Das, the GBC Chairman presented several quotes of how Srila Prabhupada’s appearance was predicted in many scriptures and by several spiritual masters. Titled, ‘The greatest story ever told’, his presentation pointed out the five steps Srila Prabhupada had taken to make his institution more effective.

By Romapada Das

The grand annual Mayapur festival began today with the inaugural session of the ISKCON Leadership Sangha (ILS 2016) with 1,200 delegates attending 87 seminars spread over 12 venues at ISKCON Mayapur. ILS 2016 features a spectacular 50th Anniversary Expo highlighting the achievements of ISKCON, and stalls from various international projects such as Vanipedia, ISKCON Congregation services, TOVP, Varnashrama Museum of the Sacred Art, Govardhan Eco Village and several others.

Speaking at the plenary session on the inaugural day, GBC Chairman, Praghosh Das said, “This year, ILS has been hosted in partnership with our 50th Anniversary Committee and the TOVP. The 50th anniversary is a very important milestone in the history of ISKCON. At the inaugural event in Kolkata, more than 20,000 people had attended a spectacular show of a kind never witnessed before in our history. Srila Prabhupada’s ISKCON is the most important movement in the world. People are suffering in this material world, and ISKCON can remove the root cause of suffering to take all of us back to Goddhead.”

Over 60 presenters will present 87 seminars over the next eight days covering subjects such as devotee care, community outreach, online preaching, marketing, communications, introspection, strategic planning, the position of Srila Prabhupada, sustainable Vaishnava communities, temple development and administration, team building, arts and education.

Gopal Bhatta Das, who oversees the ILS on behalf of the GBC Strategic Planning Committee said, “The mood of the leaders who are assembled here today is ‘simply wonderful’. The vision of the ILS is to allow leaders to share their service with their peers and with the members of the GBC – an opportunity for association, vision, inspiration, and education in the holy dhama of Mayapur.”

“Coming to the ILS was one of the best decisions I made this year,” revealed Visnu Nam Das, Vice President of ISKCON Ahmedabad, a first-time delegate at the ILS. “The amount of learning and association I’ll get over the next eight days is mind-boggling. I feel overwhelmed by the mood of everyone in the holy dham and grateful for the opportunity to be here.”

Delegates heard a presentation by Vaisesika Das on his new book, ‘Our family business’ launched by the BBT. The book discusses the importance of book distribution as the corner-stone for preaching the Krishna consciousness movement.

Later, Pancharatna Das and Gopal Bhatta Das led an interactive session to discuss the vision of ISKCON. Participants broke into smaller groups to discuss where they wanted to see ISKCON in the future, and wrote an individual statement of vision, which they pasted on a wall.

“These statements will be collected and analysed, as a precursor to an ongoing project for drafting the vision statement of ISKCON,’ said Pancharatna Das. “Every organization needs a strong vision statement that will reveal future aspirations at the core of our existence. Even Lord Chaitanya revealed his mission statement when he said that His name would be preached in every town and village on this planet. The ILS has offered an opportune moment for us to seek the views of our leaders that will help in drafting our mission statement during the 50th anniversary.”

Every evening, ILS delegates will have an opportunity to collect for enlivening kirtan sessions in a specially erected tent, which will also see the launch of the ISKCON 50 movie.

“The real purpose at the ILS is to facilitate devotees in experiencing and imbibing the creative and profound wisdom that devotional practitioners bring from their different fields. Each of the seminars will leave our delegates energised with introspective realisations that our presenters bring to the Sanga,” concluded Gopal Bhatta Das.

Invitation for Sri Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama 2016.
Dear Gaura bhaktas,
With great pleasure we invite all of you to participate in Sri Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama 2016.
ISKCON’s Golden Jubilee year promises to be very special for the pleasure of our Founder Acharya His Divine Grace A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. He wanted all of us to follow in the footsteps of the previous acharyas, and make Mayapur, Sri Navadvipa Dhama very famous around the world.
Last year, Parikrama was an ecstatic experience for so many devotees from many different countries:
“I don’t think I can describe fully about this program. I’m too happy and excited that I had participated. I felt very much changed up..” Bala Bhadra Krsna das (Malaysya)
“Gets more ecstatic each year… I really appreciated the Caitanya Caritamrta Katha. Only one problem with Parikrama- it’s too short!” Prabhupada Priya dd (USA)
Divided into 6 different groups, 8500 devotees performed Sri Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama for a chance to be close to Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, the ocean of mercy.
In 2016, fulfilling the devotee’s desire we increased Parikrama’s duration in one day. Instead of 6 nights and 7 days, we will have 7 nights and 8 full days of bliss! Hari bol!
Ecstatic kirtan, enlivening Katha and delicious prasada, is surely an inspiration to any sincere soul desiring to continue further on the path of devotion!
HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj said, “This not like you do Parikrama once or twice, you should do Parikrama every year!”
By the association of great souls like HH Jayapataka Swami , HH Lokanatha Swami, HH Bhakti Caitanya Swami, HH Gopal Krsna Goswami, HH Kavicandra Swami, HH Sacinandana Swami, HH BVV Narasimha Swami, HH Bhakti Dhira Damodara Swami and HH Bhakti Purusottama Swami, and HG Rajendranandana prabhu who join Parikrama every year, all our desires will be fulfilled.
As written by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur in the Navadvipa Mahatmya, performing Sri Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama is the way to get free from material bondage. And with every step in the dhama, a person gets the same benefit as if he would have performed an Aswamedha Yajna.
So, please let us serve you with our best. And note the Parikrama dates in your diary!
Highlights 2016
ISKCON 50th anniversary
Sri Mayapur dhama is waiting for 50 thousand devotees from more than 60 countries. The association of so many devotees gives us a unique experience in devotional life!
Sadhu Sanga
Great opportunity to have close and personal association with many ISKCON gurus, sannyasis and senior devotees.
Kirtan
The most ecstatic Kirtan lead by different devotees from all over the world!
Evening Cultural programs
Beautiful and insightful drama, recitation, dance presentation and much more!
Navadvipa Dhama’s divine nature
Seeing and touching the most beautiful place in the whole creation with sacred rivers, lakes, birds, trees and village life, give us a glimpse into the eternity of Sri Navadvipa Dhama
Gauranga lila
An opportunity to learn the confidential meaning of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s pastimes, from the most learned devotees.
Prasada
HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj said, that even the vegetables of Sri Navadvipa Dhama are surcharged with Krsna Prema, what more can be said!
Sri Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama dates:
Adivas day (Opening ceremony at Yoga Pita): 10th of March
Registration: from 8th to 10th of March
Parikrama starts: 11th of March
Parikrama finishes: 18th of March
For on line registration and information: www.navadvipaparikrama.com
For Contact: register.parikrama@gmail.com
Parikrama Chairman
HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj
HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj
Parikrama Coordinator
HH Bhakti Purusottama Swami Maharaj
bps@pamho.net
Parikrama Manager
HG Sankarshan Nitai das
snd@pamho.net
Parikrama Secretary
HG Sundar Govinda das
sgd108@pamho.net
International Group Leader
HG Krsna Vijay das
kvd@pamho.net
Marketing Coordinator
Nitya Kishora dasi
nityakishora@gmail.com
Please find us here:
http://www.navadvipaparikrama.com/
https://www.facebook.com/NavadvipaMandalaParikrama/
https://twitter.com/NavadvipaP
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrpi5XEZKW05aCaMNo8aqWQ
Sri Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama 2016 promotioal video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKJmmCV7v1U

You might have heard it or already seen messages on various Facebook groups or even on Dandavats. Kadamba Kanana Swami was diagnosed with rectal cancer and is currently treated for this in Durban, South Africa. The latest update (Health Update #4) was just published.

“Wednesday 25th of Feb there was a second operation. The results came in today on thursday and the conclusion was that the surrounding tissues is tumor free. The doctors are advising oral chemotherapy. Maharaja is feeling nausiated and has low blood pressure. If his situation improves he might be dismissed on friday.”

More news will follow in the next few days.

If you missed related news items then look below for a list:

• Health newsletter (join here: kkscontacts.com/register-contact/)
• KKSBlog facebook page

Krishna steals the minds of everyone, yet Radha steals even His mind by Her divine expertise. Thus She is known as Haraa. When the residents of Gokula were crying due to fear of the forest fire, Krishna immediately swallowed it and gave His devotees great joy. In this way, He is known as Rama. In order to please Sri Radha, Krishna manifested the most wonderful lake (Syama-kunda) in Vrndavana. He then called all the holy rivers to fill it. He is thus known as Krishna. While engaged in nama-sankirtana one should chant with deep feeling, full faith, firm determination, and the realization that Radha-Syamasundara are personally present in the maha-manlra with all of their transcendental beauty, qualities, and pastimes. Such performance of nama-sankirtana will surely bring the desired result of Krishna-prema Continue reading "Meaning of the Mahamantra
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It was July 1972. For one of the first events in his Hare Krishna Festivals UK program, organizer Tribhuvanath Das – then in his early twenties – had Srila Prabhupada himself as the VIP guest. Speaking to 500 people packed into Glasgow’s Woodside Hall in Scotland, Prabhupada delivered an incisive non-sectarian lecture. All bonafide religions, he said, teach us how to love and serve God, no matter what name they call Him by.

In the urban jungle, survival of the fittest is the name of the game. Our happiness is often founded upon the exploitation, mistreatment and detriment of others. If we are winning, it usually means someone else is losing.

Adivas day (Opening ceremony at Yoga Pita):  10^th of March. Registration: from 8^th to 10^th of March, Parikrama starts: 11^th of March, finishes: 18^th of March. For online registration and information: www.navadvipaparikrama.com. For Contact:  register.parikrama@gmail.com 

February 25. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
Satsvarupa dasa Goswami: Prabhupada’s Compassion.
Prabhupada felt great compassion, the compassion of Lord Caitanya. He was saturated in it. We sometimes say Lord Caitanya manifested audarya (compassion) in Mayapur, and in Vrindavana we see the madhurya, or the relish of sweetness between Krishna and His associates. Prabhupada definitely revealed both. He was particularly strong in his desire to spread the glories of the Lord. As we read the descriptions of people who experience internal meditation on Krishna’s pastimes and the different qualities they have, we see that Prabhupada is never lacking in devotion to Krishna in any of those ways.
Prabhupada followed his spiritual master, who followed Gaurakisora dasa Babaji. These teachers worked to eradicate all pretention. They were extremely humble and completely devoted to Radha-Krishna. Their intense meditation should always be appreciated. Prabhupada manifested such internal-deep states in his activities. He was so selfless to come to America and engage in the kind of preaching he did. And the extraordinary thing about Prabhupada’s apparent outwardness, is that it all came from the inside, from his devotion. He didn’t do anything for his personal sense gratification, but only pushed on with his preaching. Prabhupada’s thoughts (as expressed through his writing) often reflect his intolerance for the ignorance that existed in the world. He wanted to save people.
To read the entire article click here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=5

2016-02-22 Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 07.01.47-48 by HG Kripamoya Prabhu at ISKCON Mayapur

The ambitious project will include a 800-capacity temple hall for Radha-Golokananda, a guest house and accommodation for devotees, a prasadam hall, a conference hall, exhibition areas, an auditorium and a five-star restaurant. It will blend traditional domes with modern western features. Arriving sooner is the Bhakti Preschool, for which the building has already been constructed at ISKCON Phoenix.

Prabhupada’s Compassion

QUESTION: When we read something, we intellectually process it, and we understand it – but still we can’t act on it. Why not?

It takes time. First you get the food on a plate. Then you chew it. Then swallow. Then it digests. And eventually you get the nourishment and energy.

Similarly, first you hear knowledge – this is the “food” on the “plate.” Then you intellectually process it – this is the “chewing.” Once it is processed you can practice trying to apply it to life – this is the “digestion.” The more you digest it by trying to apply it in the real world, the more the theoretical knowledge your intellect chewed can become an actual part of the “energy and nutrition” that motivates and informs your actions.

Don’t expect that simply by hearing something your life will change. Don’t expect that simply by understanding something intellectually, it changes your life. These things – hearing and understanding – are important steps on the way to changing your life. Yet they have to be applied by sādhana, which is the practice of trying to apply them in the real world. Then, by that practice of application what you heard and comprehended becomes fully a part of who you are, and you can live it as a tangible reality.

Vraja Kishor das

www.vrajakishor.com

Tagged: intellect, Intelligence, Knowledge, Realization

This year’s ISKCON Leadership Sanga coincided with the 50th anniversary of Srila Prabhupada incorporating ISKCON in New York.

Over 1200 devotees travelled to Sridham Mayapur to attend 8 days of seminars, kirtan and transcendental association.

On the first day everyone was welcomed by the GBC Chairman, Praghosa das, and Gopal Bhatta das, chair of the GBC Strategic Planning Team outlined the schedule of activities for the week.

Gita verse-by-verse study Podcast

Download by “right-click and save content”

The post Gita 09.32 – Bhakti brings universality to spirituality appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

While learning about animals, Lower Elementary students engaged in classifying animals based on their characteristics.

First, they learned to identify and divide them into Vertebrates and Invertebrates. Then they further categorized the Vertebrates into Mammals / Fish / Amphibians / Birds / and Reptiles.

The students also worked on finding the different habitats of various animals,  such as rain forest, jungle, ocean and desert.

We’re slowly coming to an end with our 3-day Kadamba Kanana Swami Worldwide Sankirtan Marathon. Wednesday is still young in the western hemisphere and later during the night results are expected from Canada, Mexico and the US.

Europe and Africa started submitting their offerings as of now. The numbers are just great. Earlier today, Australia again kept their standards high for the third day in the row, thus expressing their love for Kadamba Kanana Swami and desire to please Srila Prabhupada.

ISKCON inaugurated a new temple at the birthplace of Lord Nityananda, Ekachakra Dham. The temple is built in traditional Bengali style, painted saffron – a lovely sight in the midst of a rural area. ISKCON GBC Jayapataka Swami remarked that this was a humble offering to Srila Prabhupada and Lord Nityananda for the occasion of the auspicious year of ISKCON 50th.