Travel Journal#12.1: New York City Harinam, Atlanta, and North Florida
→ Travel Adventures of a Krishna Monk

Diary of a Traveling Sadhaka, Vol. 12, No. 1
By Krishna-kripa das
(January 2016, part one)
North Florida
(Sent from USF, Tampa, Florida, on, February 18, 2016)

The first four days of 2016, I continued chanting with the New York City Harinam party in the subway stations. The next day I chanted in Atlanta for almost two hours between my flight from LaGuardia and my Megabus to Gainesville. The next day I chanted at Krishna Lunch and with my Krishna House friends at the Farmers Market. The next two days I chanted at University of North Florida in Jacksonville, and I attended their Friday Krishna Club meeting. Then I went to Orlando at the request of Trivikrama Swami, who wanted me to keep the Hare Krishna presence on the University of Central Florida campus alive while he was in Eastern Europe for two weeks at the beginning of the spring semester. The first day in Orlando, a Saturday, I chantedin public for two hours with devotees in Winter Park. The following week I took a day off my daily UCF campus chanting to attend a meeting of Bhaktivedanta Institute devotees in Gainesville, and I chanted at Krishna Lunch in Gainesville instead. The next Saturday, three other Orlando devotees joined me chanting for two hours in front the Patel Brothers, a popular Indian store.

I share many insights from Srila Prabhupada’s books and lectures. I include a beautiful poem about the holy name by Bhaktivinoda Thakura called Sri Nama Mahatmya. I share an excerpt about the public chanting of the holy name from the daily journal of Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami. I include notes on interesting lectures by Amala Bhakti Swami. There are notes on a recorded lecture by Radhanath Swami. Many nice realizations from Madhava Prabhu from New Raman Reti, speaking in Gainesville and Deva Madhava Prabhu, who runs a Krishna House near Ann Arbor, speaking at the Harinam Ashram in New York City. I also include realizations from newer devotees in Gainesville and Jacksonville.

Itinerary

February 18–24: Gainesville area (and UNF and USF campuses)
February 25: New York City
February 26–28: Dublin, Ireland
March 1–3: Mumbai
March 5–10: Mayapur Kirtan Mela
March 12–21: Rishikesh Harinama
March 22–April 11: Vrindavan
April 13: Mumbai
April 14–: Dublin, Ireland
April 27: King’s Day, Amsterdam
April 28–29: Holland
April 30–May 1: Birmingham 24-hour kirtana
May 2–: The North of England and Scotland
July 12–16: Polish Woodstock
September 13–: New York City Harinam

New York City Harinam



As I mentioned in the previous journal we chanted in Bryant Park on New Years Eve. I forgot to include the above pictures Stella took of us there.


The Times Square subway station is one of the busiest in New York City, although perhaps the coldest of the ones we regularly perform in.



Not only did we chant there on New Years Eve, but on New Years Day as well (https://youtu.be/SJspozyyDjQ):


Grand Central subway station is one of the warmer ones but the weather was so cold that even the subway station was too cold for me. 

Still Deva Madhava Prabhu chanted a very fired-up kirtana getting the devotees dancing (https://youtu.be/7m91FGuzDik):


Nihal was among the best dancers.

Chanting in Atlanta

After my direct flight from Laguardia in New York to Atlanta, I chanted for almost two hours across the street from the Megabus stop in Atlanta, the Civic Center stop on the MARTA train. It was sunny, but windy and in the 40s (between 5 and 10 degrees C). One guy who passed by, stopped and sat cross-legged in front of me and listened for 5 or 10 minutes. That does not happen every day!

Krishna House Evening Kirtana

Ever since I moved into the temple on 55th Street in Manhattan back in 1979, I have loved the evening kirtana. After serving Krishna all day, it is wonderful to come back to the temple, and sing and dance for Him in the evening. Every time I return to Gainesville’s Krishna House, the evening kirtana is more ecstatic, and that makes me so happy. You can see some of the excitement in this video (https://youtu.be/LMLo-TfIV78):


Thanks to Vanna for her enthusiastic singing!

Farmers Market Harinama


Ecstatic Krishna House devotees chanted at the Gainesville Farmers Market the first Wednesday in January.

It was wonderful how many devotees came out.


One young couple donated some organic carrots, and accepted a Beyond Birth and Death book and my invitation to chant with us. They ended up chanting until we left an hour later, and there faces were smiling!

Audrey took this video you can see if you are her Facebook friend, or perhaps, mine:
https://www.facebook.com/audrey.hunsicker.77/videos/vb.100006459198285/1948113685413919/?type=2&theater

All glories to the congregational chanting of the holy name!

University of North Florida


One day I chanted my last 12 rounds in a study carrel on the topmost of the quiet floors in the University of North Florida library, looking at this picture of Radha and Krishna, and meditating on how They are nondifferent from Their names and that the mantra awakens love for Them. It was one of my better japa sessions recently. Certainly a lot better than chanting on the New York City subway!

Youssef Benbrahim led a great kirtana at Krishna Club on Friday night, with Richie on the harmonium. Madison, playing the karatalas, Tyrell, playing the drum, and Marie, on Tyrell’s right all came for the first time, having met us singing on the green in the afternoon. They all stayed to the end and had a great time. Laura Jayne and Amrita Keli danced. I love University of North Florida Krishna Club. Thanks to Amrita Keli and Lovelesh Chawla for maintaining this ecstatic program! (https://youtu.be/AkhVwRHuYJE):


Winter Park Harinama in Orlando


I was happy to learn that the one day a month when the devotees do harinama, public congregational chanting of the holy name of the Lord, in Orlando, was the day I arrived. Unfortunately, most of the congregation lives away from the temple, so Dorian and I could not get a ride, and we had to ride the bus for almost two hours to get to Winter Park, the site of the harinama.Although we arrived twenty minutes late, still we were the second and third person to arrive. I started singing the lead, and then Dorian. Later on Rasikananda Prabhu arrived, and also took a turn leading. He has lots of musical talent and some natural devotion from being raised in a Hare Krishna family. You can see a little of our joy in this video (https://youtu.be/TSk8nqJjuhI):



We had a small book table between the sidewalk and the park behind us.

Chanting at the University of Central Florida in Orlando

The University of Central Florida has the largest undergraduate enrollment of all the colleges in the United States (52,539 students). The Hare Krishna temple is just two miles from the campus, and they say a fifteen-minute walk from the college’s free shuttle bus.

When I was in Orlando I chanted there for three hours every day classes were in session. Often I had a book table in front of the student union. When I did not have that, I would chant in the free speech area behind the library with the books spread out on a cloth. 

I was so pleased that two devotees who are students joined me for some time almost every day, and they also helped set up the table and carry the books and instruments. 



They were Dorian (left), who I knew from when he attended the University of North Florida and later lived in Krishna House, and Naman (right), a Ph.D. in optics who is the president of our club on the UCF campus.  

Harinama at Patel Brothers in Orlando

I hoped to convince the leaders of the Winter Park harinama to come out again the next Saturday, but I was unsuccessful.


Sravan Ananda Prabhu saw my enthusiasm for more harinama, and he decided we could go to an Indian store named Patel Brothers and chant, collect donations and sell books. 



He came out, along with his wife, and Naman, and myself.


He was very happy we distributed some books and collected $60.


During the evening, a couple Indian girls delighted in playing the tambourine and even chanting while the rest of their families shopped. The manager of the store donated ingredients so I could make coconut burfi for the Orlando temple’s Sunday Feast.

To see pictures I took but did not include click on the link below:
https://picasaweb.google.com/103872792410945983719/TravelJournal121?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCOOUuJ7zs--y8AE&feat=directlink

Notes on a Bhaktivedanta Institute Meeting in Gainesville

Prishni Devi Dasi:

Janaki Ram Prabhu’s Hindu Theology and Biology elevates the Srimad-Bhagavatam to the level of the best literature that deals with the question of biology and religion.

Brahma Tirtha Prabhu:

A serious problem in our movement is that a lot of people know the philosophy but they do not know philosophy.

Janaki Ram Prabhu:

Pradyumna Prabhu is a real untapped resource in our movement having knowledge about practically everything.

Murli Gopala Prabhu:

In Quantum Mechanics the math works perfectly, but the interpretation runs into difficulties such as Schrödinger’s cat paradox.

When the system is observed and measurement is taken, only the one of the many possibilities happens, and the equations cannot tell you which one. Wigner and Von Neumann argue that the consciousness of observer is the cause of the collapse of the wave function and the selection of a single possibility. Multiple observers are hard to deal with in this interpretation.

Rasaraja Prabhu interprets it in different way. He made the point that we are not here so matter can become actualized. Matter is a conduit is for one to exchange information with others. He argues that there is a universal observer and multiple observers.

Comment by Sthita-muni Prabhu: Rasaraja got published in Philosophy of Science and that means that among those people his ideas were worth considering.

Insights

Prabhupada:

From a lecture on The Nectar of Devotion,in Vrindavan, on November 4, 1972:

“Krodha, anger, is not good, but anger also can be utilized for Krishna’s service. Just like Hanuman, he became angry upon Ravana for the sake of Lord Ramacandra, and he set fire in the golden city of Ravana, Lanka. So that anger was utilized for Lord Ramacandra’s service. He never utilized anger for his personal sense gratification. In this way, everything can be dovetailed in the service of the Lord.”

“We can know also from the direction of the spiritual master how Krishna will be pleased.”

“You cannot avoid the miserable condition of this body. That is not possible. So we have to tolerate. There is no other excuse. But do not create another body. That is devotional service. . . . That is the aim of human life. . . . As soon as you get a material body, you are put into the miserable condition of material nature. So we should not create another body so that we shall be put into, under tribulation again. That is intelligence. So if we put ourself in the activities of devotional service, we save that risk. Not to create another body.”

From a lecture on Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.26.47, January 22, 1975, in Bombay:

There is spiritual sound, and therefore, there is spiritual sky. There cannot be sound without sky.

This sky is temporary, but the spiritual sky is eternal.

Omkara and Hare Krishna are sound vibrations from the spiritual sky.

If you chant material sound more and more, you will feel is disgusted, but if you chant spiritual sound you will feel transcendental bliss.

How to transfer to the spiritual world, the eternal world, is our only business in our human life.

You can be immediately in touch with Krishna by vibrating Hare Krishna.

“If you want water, if you chant only ‘water, water, water, water,’ you will not get water, because it is material sound. The water substance is different from the word water. Therefore, simply by chanting ‘water, water,’ you cannot quench your thirst.”

“But in the spiritual world, the name and the person or the substance is the same. There is no difference. Krishna and Krishna’s name is the same. There is no difference. Therefore, those who are chanting ‘Krishna, Krishna, Krishna,’ they are becoming more and more engladdened, enthusiastic to chant.”

“By chanting Hare Krishna vibration, the sound, you gradually become cleansed.”

“As soon as you begin chanting Hare Krishna maha-mantra,you gradually become self-realized, aham brahmasmi, simply by chanting. Aham brahmasmi [I am spirit], you can understand.”

“So ceto-darpaṇa-mārjanam (Sri Caitanya-caritamrita, Antya 20.12) means you’ll be freed from this ignorance that ‘I am something of this material world.’ This is wanted. So long we are not realized, self-realized, then we are no better than these cats and dogs, because they do not know that they are not the body.”

“If you are embarrassed with these four things, ahara-nidra-bhaya-maithunam ca [eating, sleeping, fearing and mating], then you are not making progress in spiritual life.”

“Some actress, some cinema artist, singing, and people are so fond of hearing that singing that the artist is paid fifteen thousand rupees for one song. There are many here in Bombay. So just see how much attraction we have got for the material sound vibration. Similarly, the same attachment, if we turn to hear about Hare Krishna maha-mantra, then we become liberated. The same sound. One is material; one is spiritual. So you practice to be attached by this spiritual sound vibration, then your life will be successful.”

“So this Krishna consciousness movement is meant for this purpose, that you have already attachment for sound. Now just transfer this attachment for spiritual sound. Then your life will be successful.”

“Don’t be very much happy when you are in [a] happy condition of life; neither you become mad in [a] miserable condition of life. Chant Hare Krishna and make your life [a] success. That is required. This is the propaganda of this Hare Krishna movement, or Krishna consciousness.”

From a lecture on Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.28.17 in Nairobi, Kenya, on Oct. 26, 1975:

“Just like the father wants to favor the son always. Father wants that ‘My son may become very fit, competent, to take all my favors.’ This is father’s wish. Every father, even in this material world, if father is very big man, great man, he wants that ‘My son also, let him become bigger than me.’ Is it not, practical?”

“[Krishna says:] ‘I am the seed-giving father of all living entities.’ It doesn't matter in different forms. He does not say that ‘I am the father only of the white, not of the black.’ He never says. He has no such distinction: white, black, European, American, or poor, rich, bird, beast, human being. No. He does not make any discrimination. He is always ready to bestow favor as the original father. That is God.”

“You have to give up this designation that ‘I am Hindu,’ ‘I am Muslim,’ ‘I am Christian,’ ‘I am African.’ No. No designation. Simply become pure Brahman. Then aham brahmasmi. That is called ahambrahmasmi, not that ‘I remain a Christian,’ ‘I remain a Hindu,’ ‘I remain black,’ ‘I am white,’ and ‘I am Brahman.’ No, not that. You have to give up your designation. That requires practice. And that practice means this param vijayate sri-krishna-sankirtanam [the supremely victorious congregational chanting of the holy name of Krishna].Simply by chanting, you’ll be purified.”

“When you think like that, that ‘I am eternal servant of Krishna,’ then all these dirty things will automatically vanish.”

“Why you are trying to preach Krishna consciousness all over the world? Because we have accepted this principle, that ‘I am Krishna’s servant. Krishna wants to deliver these rascals from this misconception of life, so let me do something for Krishna.’ This is Krishna consciousness.”

“Whole world is servant of somebody, but he declines to become servant of Krishna. This is the disease, material disease. He will remain servant of thousands and millions of establishment and person, but he will disagree. As soon as Krishna says that ‘You give up. You become My servant,’ ‘No, no. Why can I? Why shall I do it?’ This is materialist.”

From a lecture on Srimad-Bhagavatam 6.1.31 in Honolulu on May 30, 1976:

We learn from the Vedic literature, the soul resides in the heart of the body.

The Vedas say we have to see through the revealed literature as our senses are imperfect.

We cannot see the closest thing, the eyelid, nor can we see what is most far away. Neither can we see at night. Our vision is subjected to so many conditions.

We cannot create earth, water, fire, air, and ether, only Krishna can. Thus our body composed of these elements is Krishna’s creation.

The yogis think “God is sitting with me, let me see.” Thus they engage in meditation to see God.

The devotee knows that everything belongs to Krishna and thus it must be used for Krishna. That is Krishna consciousness.

Everything is a fact, not mithya, false, as the Mayavadis say.

The princesses imprisoned by Bhaumasura could not find husbands because they had been taken by another man and had lost their respectability, thus they feelingly appealed to Krishna, who kindly agreed to marry all of them. We can learn from this if we take shelter of Krishna, whatever our position in society, He will take care of us. Therefore, we should be eager to take shelter of Him.

From a class on Srimad-Bhagavatam 6.1.32 in San Francisco on July 17, 1975:

“Here you can understand that in the Vaikuntha planets, as the Lord Vishnu is four-handed, similarly, all the inhabitants there, they are also four-handed and equally dressed. Just like here, if your President Ford comes, he also dressed like a nice gentleman. And there are many others also, equally nicely dressed. You cannot distinguish who is president and who is ordinary man.”

“But the Vishnudutas [servants of the Supreme Lord] have come there because although he was sinful, although he was most impious, although he was a prostitute-hunter and cheater and so many good qualities, still, he has chanted the holy name of Narayana at the end of his life. . . . Whole life sinful—ante narayana-smritih [Srimad-Bhagavatam 2.1.6], but he has remembered Narayana at the end of his life.”

Bhaktivinoda Thakura:

From Sri Nama Mahatmya [The Glories of the Holy Name]:

Verse 1

What power does the Name
of Krishna possess?
My heart constantly burns
in the fire of worldly desires
just like a desert scorched
by the rays of the sun.
The holy name, entering the core
of my heart through
the holes of my ears
showers unparalleled nectar upon my soul

Verse 2

The holy name speaks from
within my heart,
moves onto the tip of my tongue
and constantly dances
on it in the form of transcendental sound. 
My throat becomes choked up
my body shivers again
and again and my feet cannot remain still.

Verse 3

Rivers of tears flow through my eyes;
perspiration completely soaks
my body. All my skin thrills with rapture,
my hairs stand on end
and my complexion turns pale
and discolored. My mind grows faint.
I begin to experience devastation
and my entire body is shattered in
a flood of ecstatic emotions.

Verse 4

While causing such an ecstatic disturbance,
the holy name showers
nectar on my heart
and drowns me in the ocean
of divine love of Godhead.
He does not allow me to understand anything
for He has made me truly mad
by having stolen away my mind and all my resources.

Verse 5:

Such is the behavior of Him
in whom I have taken shelter.
I am not capable of describing all of this
the Holy Name is independent
and thus acts on its own sweet will.
In whatever way He becomes
happy that is also my
way of happiness.

Verse 6:

The Holy Name is the bud
of the flower of Divine Love
and is the very abode of the
astonishing mellows.
Such is the power He manifests
that when the Holy Name starts
to blossom a little further
that reveals its own divine form
and qualities. Thus my heart is abducted
and taken directly to Krishna.

Verse 7:

Blossoming fully the flower
of the Holy Name takes
me to Braja and reveals to me His own love-dalliance.
This Name gives to me my
own eternal spiritual body, keeps me right by Krishna’s side,
and completely destroys
everything related to this mortal frame of mine.

Verse 8:

The name of Krishna
is a transcendental touchstone, a mine of all devotional mellows
is eternally liberated
and the embodiment of pure rasa.
When all impediments in pure chanting
of the Holy Name are taken away
and destroyed then my happiness will know its true
awakening.

Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami:

From “Poem for January 16” in Vihara Bhavan:

“Harinama devotees
bring relief to people
with disturbed minds.
They have appeared at
scenes of recent disasters
or riots and spread
a calming influence.
The positive-mindedness
of the chanters offsets
the gloom and depression
present in intense situations.
God’s holy names have
the power to calm
agitated minds. Even in intense scenes
of material enjoyment,
at gatherings before
rock concerts or
sporting events, it
is good to share
harinama to bring
a level of sanity
and spiritual presence.”

Amala Bhakta Swami:

If we really desire something from the heart, Krishna will reciprocate by sending whatever is required.

Bhagavad-gita 2.66 is a very important verse because it talks about peace of mind, something universally sought, but rarely found.

Everything is connected with Krishna but not everyone is in consciousness of this connection.

Lord Krishna’s maya makes us think we are making things happen when in reality Krishna is behind the scenes making everything happen.

If we do not think of Krishna, we will not fall in love with Him.

Srila Prabhupada wrote the Krishna book because he wanted to make sure that we had the Tenth Canto of the Srimad-Bhagavatam in an authorized way, in a sober way, according to the line of spiritual teachers.

When you are ready for Lord Krishna’s rasa dance, you will be invited. You do not have to invite yourself. It is like in this world, if you crash a party you are not invited to, you will not be appreciated.

In Ratha-yatra, we are pulling Krishna back to Vrindavan.

We must desire to go back to Godhead, while at the same time being aware that we may not be yet qualified to go there.

By reading about Krishna’s pastimes, you will become attached to Him.

The spiritual sex of the Tenth Canto takes place in the heart region not the genital region. It is a completely different experience from the material experience.

I try to listen to Krishna book and Sri Caitanya-caritamrita every day to increase my attachment for Krishna.

Reading Krishna’s pastimes to the devotees in New Dvaraka for 23 years during meals helped me to develop whatever attachment I do have for Him.

When I die, I lose everything, so why should I envy those who have more than I do.

Freedom from sin is not the end, but it is just the beginning [love of God is the goal].

If we give the best to Krishna, He will give the best to us.

Q: How do deal with the gopis?
A: We try to understand they are the perfection of devotion. We aspire for such devotion. We pray for their mercy.

Rather than cause to distress to others, a humble devotee desires to tolerate distress himself. This is the example of Sanatana Goswami who tolerated the pain of the hot sand to avoid paining the brahmanas by possibly contaminating them.

Radhanath Swami:

From a recorded lecture:

It appears that the intimate talks between Krishna and the gopis are imitations of the romantic talks between boys and girls of this world, but actually just the opposite is true. The romantic relationships of this world are perverted intimations of the pristine pastimes of Lord Krishna and His pure devotees.

People say we assign human qualities to God to make Him appear more human, when in reality it is the opposite. We have different emotions because God Himself has emotions.

The impersonalist philosophers want us to annihilate our desires, but the devotees want to infinitely increase their desires to serve Krishna.

Madhava Prabhu [from New Raman Reti]:

The Ninth Canto has a lot of bewildering stories of how different people are allured by material distractions. The purpose of this to keep materially motivated people from reaching the Tenth Canto, the essence of Srimad-Bhagavatam.

Also in the Ninth Canto you see lists of names spanning millennia.

“To show causeless mercy to the devotees who would take birth in the future in this Age of Kali, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna, acted in such a way that simply by remembering Him one will be freed from all the lamentation and unhappiness of material existence.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 9.24.61)

This especially appropriate because there is a lot of suffering in the Ninth Canto.

“Simply by receiving the glories of the Lord through purified transcendental ears, the devotees of the Lord are immediately freed from strong material desires and engagement in fruitive activities.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 9.24.62)

At the end of the Ninth Canto, it is as if Sukadeva is asking King Pariksit, “What do you really want to hear about Urvasi or Krishna?”

The sands of Vrindavan are special because Krishna goes barefoot there.

It is described the different notes that Krishna plays have special effects:
1st  note: bewilders the Demigods and Anantasesa sways to the melody
2nd note: Yamuna flows backwards
3rdnote: Makes the moon stop in orbit
4thnote: Makes the cows run to Krishna. Krishna calls the cows on the 4th note.
5thnote: Attracts the gopis and makes them come running to Him.
6thnote: Melts stones and manifests the Autumn Season
7thnote: Manifests all seasons
8thnote: Exclusively for Srimati Radharani. The flute takes Her name and calls for Her directly.

Seeing Krishna steals our sight away from all other attractions.

“Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna, is the reservoir of all beauty. All beautiful things emanate from Him, and His personal form is so attractive that it steals the eyes away from all other objects, which then seem devoid of beauty in comparison to Him. When Lord Krishna was on the earth, He attracted the eyes of all people. When Krishna spoke, His words attracted the minds of all who remembered them. By seeing the footsteps of Lord Krishna, people became attracted to Him, and thus they wanted to offer their bodily activities to the Lord as His followers. In this way Krishna very easily spread His glories, which are sung throughout the world by the most sublime and essential Vedic verses. Lord Krishna considered that simply by hearing and chanting those glories, conditioned souls born in the future would cross beyond the darkness of ignorance. Being satisfied with this arrangement, He left for His desired destination.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam11.1.6–7)

Bhagavat Purana Prabhu:

If you sing from the diaphragm then you can sing louder and longer and not destroy your voice.

Deva Madhava Prabhu:

If you can take one soul back to Godhead, you are actually the best doctor. Otherwise the poor soul will take many births and suffer AIDS, cancer, heart disease, etc., in many lives.

Advaita Acarya is the incarnation of Maha-Vishnu and Sadashiva. He is a combination of multiple personalities like many persons in Lord Caitanya’s pastimes, including Lord Caitanya Himself.

Srila Prabhupada went to Shantipur to call out for Advaita Acarya’s mercy to distribute Krishna consciousness in the West, even as Advaita Acarya called out for Krishna to descend.

Lord Vishnu said he could not protect Durvasa from the Sudarsana cakra because that cakra was meant to protect His devotees.

In our college days, when we heard there was a party, our first question would be “Who is going to be there?” If our friends were not going to be there, it would not be worth going to. Krishna has a similar psychology. Krishna sends his associates to the material world before coming.

Sri Caitanya-caritamrita is the living manual for Vaishnava etiquette.

The practice that we are following is the process that Lord Caitanya taught to realize the highest truths about Himself.

Jayapataka Swami tells how Srila Prabhupada was paralyzed from the neck down from a stroke and yet was still preaching to the nurses and doctors in the hospital.

Jayapataka Swami says that amanina manadena, expecting not respect for oneself but willing to respect others, is the essence of all advice for self-improvement.

If we remember that all our abilities were given to us by others, then we can remain humble.

Lord Caitanya send His associates first so He would have others to serve with.

Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura says that sacrificing one life in the fire of the sacrifice of the congregational chanting of the holy name yields one two spiritual bodies, one in the Goloka Vrindavan and one in the Navadvipa section of the same.

On harinama we are not trying to sing beautifully or collect money, but we are trying to engage the people we encounter in a loving exchange. If we treat people as their external designations, we may sell some literature, as professional salesmen do, but that exchange will not change their hearts.

To think that Krishna does not want us to be with those devotees who are presently around us is to doubt His love for us.

It is not what they can do for you but what you can do for them that will help you advance.

Comment by me: In Bhagavad-gita 2.44, the word prasaktanam means “too much attached.” It is natural that we may have some attachment for sense enjoyment and material opulence, but when we are too much attached then we cannot attain samadhi, the perfection of yoga.

Natabara Gauranga Prabhu:

Chanting six hours a day increases vata, and if you do not have a program for balancing that, in the course of time, it will adversely affect your health.

Amrita Keli Devi Dasi:

From a University of North Florida Krishna Club meeting:

Along with chanting, we are advised to associate with devotees. We are not meant to practice spiritual life alone.

Laura:

From a University of North Florida Krishna Club meeting:

I find my spiritual practice has really helped me in relationships with people. I analyze how I react and try to understand it.  I do not know how I could do marriage if I was not Krishna conscious.

Abhimanyu Prabhu:

Aham brahmasmi [I am spirit] is just half it. The rest of it is jivera svarupa haya krishnera dasa [I am by constitution a servant of Krishna].

Seeing the happiness of the people engaged in devotional service inspired me to take it seriously.

It is a science of self-realization, so if you practice it you will get some experience of it.

My father [Dhira Govinda Prabhu] said regarding his mantra study, “I am sure I am going to be punished terribly for creating a bogus mantra, but it was for science.”

-----

What is the value of all this public chanting of Hare Krishna?
People advance spiritually, even without their knowledge!

ajnanad athava jnanad
uttamasloka-nama yat
sankirtitam agham pumso
dahed edho yathanalah

yathagadam viryatamam
upayuktam yadricchaya
ajanato ’py atma-gunam
kuryan mantro ’py udahrtah

“Fire will act, regardless of whether handled by an innocent child or by someone well aware of its power. For example, if a field of straw or dry grass is set afire, either by an elderly man who knows the power of fire or by a child who does not, the grass will be burned to ashes. Similarly, one may or may not know the power of chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, but if one chants the holy name he will become free from all sinful reactions.


“If a person unaware of the effective potency of a certain medicine takes that medicine or is forced to take it, it will act even without his knowledge because its potency does not depend on the patient’s understanding. Similarly, even though one does not know the value of chanting the holy name of the Lord, if one chants knowingly or unknowingly, the chanting will be very effective.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 6.2.18–19)

Gita 09.27 – Bhakti accommodates seekers at multiple levels
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Gita verse-by-verse study Podcast


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Harinama, my reply to a question
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The other week as I was visiting a group of secondary school student’s as always making sure their was plenty of time for questions; one was a simple question, what two verses of your holy scriptures would you think have the greatest impact on society?

It was a question that took me back, most are superficial questions but this was had a beautiful deepness in it; which two verses for me summed up Krishna Consciousness.

My first verse was this:

harer nama harer nama
harer namaiva kevalam
kalau nasty eva nasty eva
nasty eva gatir anyatha
[Cc. Adi 17.21]

“‘In this age of quarrel and hypocrisy, the only means of deliverance is the chanting of the holy names of the Lord. There is no other way. There is no other way. There is no other way.'”

Ref. Madhya 6.242

The second was the Mahamantra:

The Mahamantra was given to Narada by Brahma. Other mantras made by ordinary men are not authorized by the Sastras, so they have only proportionate effect as much as they are authorized or unauthorized. Highest benefit is from the Mahamantra, or Hare Krishna Mantra, because this is said by authorities. You know these things, you are becoming strong yourself by chanting this mantra, so actually it is so. Compare what you were before to what you have become, now challenge any other mantra to produce such effect. You know it, now try to realize it yourself and convince others, that is Krishna Consciousness. Yes, the more one surrenders, the more he is enabled by the Spiritual Master to succeed.

Ref. Letter to: Madhavananda — Tokyo 25 April, 1972

I was sat discussing this during my recent visit to The Manor pondering on my thoughts that in many ways we have missed the power of simple Harinama; each group I visit there is one thing that they like the most and is strongly associated with the devotees.

The street chanting of the Holy Names, many are fascinated by the Rathayatra, indeed we consistently hearing stories of devotees who were first attracted by the harinama party and many in the early days simply followed them to the temple.

The wonderful thing is that not only is this harinama one of the most powerful ways to attract people to Krishna Consciousness but that they can then learn all about Sri Krishna through his books; and one of the first and easiest ways to get into devotional service is by chanting the holy names. From this the kripa of bhakti grows and one can develop the knowledge and find a service one finds attractive, but we should never forget or stop this harinama after all it’s the prescribed prescription for relieving the spirit soul from material entanglement in this age of kali.

And not forgetting we are after all Sri Caitanya Sankirtan Movement, and our Founder Acharia Srila Prabhupad started the whole of ISKCON by simply sitting in a park chanting Hare Krishna, and that the disciples did Harinama along side book distribution; indeed have you noticed how many will take a book when they see the harinama party?
So I remain inspired by harinama and the chanting of the holy names, this simplicity has attracted so many to the devotees, I love rathayatra no matter what the size people are just amazed as they watch Lord Jaganatha how perfect is that?

I’m inspired when hearing about devotees looking at doing more harinama and rathayatra’s travelling from city to town and village, indeed one of our amazing young bhakta’s is raising funds to do just that.

Go Fund Me, Rathayatra Cart

And as I sat discussing my insights on answering this question, one recalled how Srila Prabhupad said that this Krishna Consciousness is so simple we may miss it, and for me the simplicity is found in the power of the holy names, this alone attracts the spirit soul.

It also reminded me I need to get out more doing just this simple harinama along with a little prasadam and book distribution, in this age there is truly no other way.

Lord Varaha’s Appearance Day – Feb 19, 2016
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Tomorrow marks the Appearance of Lord Varahadeva - Lord Krishna's boar incarnation.  Fasting for the occasion takes place today.  Below are some excerpts from a write up about this special day from the wonderful devotees at krishna.com:

Lord Varaha is Krishna appearing in the extraordinary form of a gigantic boar—gigantic enough to carry the Earth on His tusks. Sound amazing? It is. And why should the activities of the Supreme Personality of Godhead be anything less than supremely amazing?

But exactly how, and why, would God Himself make His appearance as such an extraordinarily humongous swine? What was the idea? Here's how that particular story begins—a few verses from Srimad-Bhagavatam, Third Canto, chapter 13:

"Brahmā thought: While I have been engaged in the process of creation, the earth has been inundated by a deluge and has gone down into the depths of the ocean. What can we do who are engaged in this matter of creation? It is best to let the Almighty Lord direct us.

O sinless Vidura, all of a sudden, while Brahmā was engaged in thinking, a small form of a boar came out of his nostril. The measurement of the creature was not more than the upper portion of a thumb.

O descendant of Bharata, while Brahmā was observing Him, that boar became situated in the sky in a wonderful manifestation as gigantic as a great elephant.

Struck with wonder at observing the wonderful boarlike form in the sky, Brahmā, with great brāhmanas like Marīci, as well as the Kumāras and Manu, began to argue in various ways.

Is this some extraordinary entity come in the pretense of a boar? It is very wonderful that He has come from my nose. . ."

Here's a capsule summary of Lord Varaha's pastimes on Earth, from “Water, a Meditation” by Urmila devi dasi:

“In Vedic cosmology, planets are conscious persons. The planet Earth once fell into the universal water when demonic persons disturbed her orbit by drilling for oil and upsetting her balance. Celestial beings, called devas, who control the universe in service to Krishna, wanted Earth to be rescued.

Responding to their desire, the Lord came to save her. He assumed the form of a splendid, gigantic boar (Varaha), dove to the bottom of the universal ocean, picked up Earth, and gently carried her on His tusks to the water’s surface. As He did so, a great demon challenged them.

Lord Varaha then carefully placed fearful Earth on the water and gave her the ability to float. A fight between the Lord and the demon ensued within the great ocean. After defeating the demon, Lord Varaha returned to the spiritual sky."

GUNDAIPALEM Concludes the Fourth Phase of Yatra. Among the few…
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GUNDAIPALEM Concludes the Fourth Phase of Yatra.
Among the few villages located at the confluence of a river and ocean is Gundaipalem. The village is constantly resounded by ocean roars and influenced by eight types of breezes from different directions. Beautiful Gundlakamma river flowing from west to east is resplendent due to sun rays from east in the morning and from west in the evening. These are some of the distinct features of this remote village. Though fishing is their main profession, agriculture was also practiced a decade or so ago. Agriculture has mostly been replaced with aqua culture due to which the lands have become saline and unfit for agriculture. The ground water is also polluted due to this. In spite of the degraded soil there are a few farmers determinedly engaged in agriculture from many years. Since last eight years, with the efforts of IDVM volunteers, the number of cows and bulls has increased in the village and also the practice of traditional agriculture has been introduced. There is an old temple of Lord Shiva and another for Lord Sri Rama. Remarkably, the deities of Sita Rama Lakshmana as a single stone block were found in a fishing net some fifty years ago. IDVM has also helped set up a small mud and straw Krishna temple eight years ago along with a Bhaktivedanta library. Surprisingly the temple survived two major floods in this area. There are ten devotee-families who have stopped their fishing profession and have sought alternative occupations. Under the auspices of HH Bhakti Raghava swami, who visits this village at least once almost every year, IDVM started the first Shikshalaya center, an educational program for children as a pre-runner for gurukula in this village. Three students qualified from shikshalaya program and are now getting trained in a gurukula in Chirala. This program is continuing under the supervision of HG Vraj Vrindavan prabhu, an active local devotee. Six Varnashrama camps were also conducted wherein people from city got an experience of an ideal village life. This village is also known for SiddaVaidya–a traditional treatment system coming from Dravidian culture. Legend says that Siddha is one of the oldest medical systems having deep knowledge of all types of diseases. Sixty years ago there was a Sidda maestro by name of Butchaiah, who was known in the whole district for his ability to diagnose diseases simply by seeing into the patient’s eyes.Due to lack of purity and interest in the younger generations this system has totally been wiped out, except for two very old persons practicing this system for one or two skin related ailments. Local devotees welcomed the preaching team with kirtan and subsequently they were served Idly and dosa prasadam as breakfast. Later local villagers arranged a boat ride in the river which went up to the confluence of the river and ocean then further into the ocean. Devotees from Hyderabad comprising of Ramsharan prabhu, Sripati Prabhu,Toshan Krishna prabhu and Haridas prabhu had their first experience of the continuous tides in the ocean. The boat was stationed and everyone swam in the ocean experiencing floating in the void, free of gravity. After returning from the ocean a full course meal with eight to ten traditional preparations was served. The evening program started with a procession consisting of spirited villagers. The nagarsankirtan went through all the main streets of the village. The program was arranged in a big open ground besides the newly built Sri Rama temple. People eagerly assembled at the venue and heard with rapt attention to the lectures of Sripati prabhu, Haridas prabhu and Ramsharan prabhu. Power point presentations and videos were also displayed. A reverential gopuja and pradakshina was conducted with more than one hundred people participating in it. The program followed with the pledge for protecting mother cow, arati and profuse distribution of prasadam. Villagers, who were otherwise not serious about ISKCON activities, also showed up in the program and gave a positive feedback.

Character or Capability?
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 In the material world people are remembered for what they do – their ground-breaking achievements, their high ranking positions of responsibility, and their impactful influence on others. In spiritual circles, however, people are remembered for who they are.

Reincarnation 3 – Five intuitive contemplations for self-discovery
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Crossing the Border of Impersonalism
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By Abhaya Mudra Dasi

The meanings of personalism and impersonalism may seem clear when the subject is discussed in theory, but in practice these two understandings of eternal existence seem to intertwine and confound the inexperienced spiritual practitioner. The answer lies in how we approach the Supreme Absolute Truth. While espousing the cause of a personal Godhead, neophytes are often seen to behave in a way that reveals longstanding impersonal roots. To understand the highest concept of personalism, let us see how Shrila Prabhupada describes the relationship of Krishna’s foremost devotees, the gopis of Vrindavana, to the Supreme Lord. And then let us consider how these compare with the relationships between materialistic women and men. Understanding this comparison is essential for realizing the difference between the ultimate reality of personalism and the utterly materialistic falsehood of impersonalism. Continue reading "Crossing the Border of Impersonalism
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ISKCON Scarborough – Special weekend programs
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Hare Krishna!
Please accept our humble obeisances!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga!

We are honoured to invite you and your family to celebrate two important events at ISKCON Scarborough:

Friday- 19th Feb 2016- Appearance day of Lord Varahadev (Varaha Dvadasi)
Sunday- 21st Feb 2016 - Appearance day celebrations of Lord Nithyananda Prabhu


Varaha Dvadasi:
Dvadasi is the twelfth day of the waning or waxing moon (dva, "two," dasi, "tenth"). In the Vedic, lunar calendar, dvadasi follows Ekadasi, a day customarily set aside for exclusive focus on spiritual activity and fasting—at least from grains and beans.

Fasting for Ekadasi is considered incomplete unless one breaks fast at the proper time the following day, dvadasi.

Varahadeva is Krishna's boar incarnation. He assumed the form of a boar to lift the drowning planet Earth from the Garbhodaka Ocean with His tusks. The demon Hiryanyaksha had thrown the planet Earth into this ocean, but the Lord stabbed the demon with His tusks and saved the Earth.

Program starts at 6.45 pm with Tulasi arti followed by a class on the appearance and pastimes of Lord Varahadev, followed by Arti and prasadam.



Lord Nityananda Prabhu's Appearance Day:

The actual appearance day falls on Saturday 20th February- the day when we fast until noon.
Lord Nityananda Prabhu, whose name literally means, “eternally blissful”, appeared around 1474 AD in the village of Ekachakra, near Mayapur, West Bengal.

He is the eternal companion of Lord Caitanya and both are worshipped together as Lord Krishna and Lord Balaram. In the same way that Lord Balaram is considered the original spiritual master, so is Lord Nityananda.

Lord Caitanya is the most merciful incarnation of Lord Krishna, but Lord Nityananda, however, is even more merciful and compassionate than Lord Caitanya.

No service is too small to go unnoticed by Lord Nityananda, and no sinner too bad not to qualify for his benedictions. Lord Nityananda gives the mercy to understand and approach Lord Caitanya, who in turn gives the mercy to approach Srimati Radharani, who blesses us with love of Krishna. So the worship of Lord Nityananda is most important to Gaudiya Vaishnavas seeking the mercy of Radha-Krishna.


Program on Sunday - Feb 21st 2016

10.15 am to 10.40 am - Tulasi puja & Guru Puja

10.40 am to 11.00 am -Grand abhishek performed on Gaura Nitai deities

11.00 am to 12 noon - Lord Nithyananda Prabhu's Appearance Day Lecture and Nitai Pada Kamala Bhajan- by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada- Audio recording - transcriptions will be displayed on the projector screen

12 noon to 12.30 pm - Arti

12.45 pm to 1 pm - 1 round chanting of the Hare Krishna Maha mantra

1 pm - Free Vegetarian feast (Prasadam)

ISKCON Scarborough
3500 McNicoll Avenue, Unit #3,
Scarborough,Ontario,
Canada,M1V4C7

Email Address:
iskconscarborough@hotmail.com

website:
www.iskconscarborough.com




Email Address:

iskconscarborough@hotmail.com







website:

www.iskconscarborough.com

New documentary short “Hare Krishna: 50 Years of Service and…
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New documentary short “Hare Krishna: 50 Years of Service and Joy”
Some incredible facts about ISKCON’s achievements over the years. For instance, there are 650 temples in over 100 countries; nine million worshippers visit ISKCON centers every year; and over the past 50 years, ISKCON devotees have distributed over 500 million of Prabhupada’s books.
For viewers from the general public, “50 Years of Service and Joy” is likely to provide a picture of ISKCON’s valuable contribution to society at large, and an understanding of why it’s relevant to them. And for devotees, it will provide a sense that they’re not alone but part of a huge, diverse family; and that the service they’re doing is deeply valuable.
ISKCON temples and institutions can get a HD download link for the film by writing to Krishna-lila at editor@iskcon.org, and providing information on their intended screening date, venue, and audience.
To read the entire article click here: http://goo.gl/CbdXRd

Special Canadian 50th Anniversary Festival
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By Gokulananda das

Prabhus and Matajis – Dandavats. I hope you are well. On behalf of our ISKCON MONTREAL Community, we would like to offer you and your temple’s entire community this invitation to please come join us for our special 50th anniversary of ISKCON Canadian GRAND FESTIVAL -to be held here in Montreal from Sept.2 to 5 -2016. We are also hoping to attract many of our movement’s empowered preachers to come and contribute according to each one’s special area of expertise.
(please see more details below).
Montreal, January 31st- 2016

It has now become a tradition here at our Montreal temple – for close to 10 years now – to have a yearly festival in honor of Srila Prabhupada, usually held during the first weekend of Sept. For this very popular festival we have hosted many stalwart followers of Srila Prabhupada such as Guru Das, Srutikirti, Yadubhara and Vishaka, Yogeswara, Puskar, Ranjit etc.
And – for the 50th anniversary of Srila Prabhupada’s founding of our ISKCON society – we are also planning an even bigger celebration for 2016. So your presence would be greatly appreciated to share with our whole community your very unique devotional expertise, thus enhancing our sharing of Srila Prabhupada’s glorious legacy.
Also this historic event will focus on Srila Prabhupada’s prolonged stay here in Montreal for the entire summer of 1968. And we have already received confirmations to also take part from some of the pioneers of both the San Francisco and London temples – such as Shyamsundar, Guru das and Malati, Significantly they had also received special training from Srila Prabhupada during their visit here in August 1968, which memories they will surely share with us. So please consider joining us for this very significant and memorable event. Upon receiving your consent, we would be happy to pursue this arrangement to cover all your travel costs etc.

Thus we hopefully await your positive reply. Thank you – Hare Krishna!
– your eager servant, Gokulananda das -on behalf of the ISKCON Montreal Community. gokul1008@yahoo.com cell: 438-876-1008.

The GRAND ALL- CANADA FESTIVAL – to honor SRILA PRABHUPADA and the 50th Anniversary of ISKCON – will be held here in Montreal on the Labor Day weekend of Friday Sept. 2nd to Monday Sept.5th. – 2016

Friday Sept.2nd – an evening gathering at the temple to inaugurate the festival, with our special guests of honor: Shyamsundar, Guru das, Malati etc. (these three have already confirmed).

Sat. Sept.3rd – a special all day BHAKTIVEDANTA EXPO – a grand event for the general public – celebrating Srila Prabhupada’s miraculous life as a world teacher, with an attractive FoodFair, and multiple workshops – all to showcase ISKCON ‘ s amazing diversity and variegated contributions to mankind’s betterment. During this Bhaktivedanta Expo, there could be workshops (and accompanying booths) of these various Portfolios (or whichever other themes they wish to share):
1. Sacred Land of India by HH Indradyumna Swami
2. Varnashrama Dharma & Cow Protection by HH Bhakti Raghava Swami
3. Eco Village by HH Sivarama Swami
4. Sacred Texts & Philosophy by HH Bhakti Caru Swami
5. Perfect Questions Perfect Answers by HH Gopal Krishna Goswami
6. Forbidden Archeology by HG Drutakarma Prabhu (Michael Cremo)
7. Chant & Be Happy by HH Sacinandan Swami
8. ISKCON & Beatles by HG Guru Das Prabhu & Shyamsundar Prabhu
9. New Vrindavan Community by HG Malati DD
10. Drama by HH Bhakti Marg Swami
11. Temple of Vedic Planetarium by Indresh Prabhu

For this special event we will also invite many VIPs – including our newly-elected prime-minister Justin Trudeau , plus a couple of the local Members of Parliament, and the Mayor of Montreal. We are hopeful to get their confirmation soon – to be announced as soon as we know more.

Sunday Sept.4th – A special elaborate evening program at the temple, starting with a Kirtan Fest 4 – 6 p.m., followed by a special Maha-abhisek, then culminating with the remembrances – from 6 to 8 p.m. – by our guests of honor (including Shivaram Swami), centered on Srila Prabhupada’s miraculous achievements and his major impact on the course of history etc.

Monday Sept. 5th – A maha-harinam in downtown Montreal – of 3-4 harinam parties all converging on the exact place of residence of Srila Prabhupada during his prolonged stay in the summer of 1968. We are attempting to also have a special commemorative plaque inaugurated at this historic place.

p.s. Accommodations for visiting devotees will be in the homes of our members, plus at one of our members’ quality hotel in downtown Montreal.

Reincarnation 2 – Europes incredible delusion – we have only one life
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Karma and the Mentally Ill
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By Romapada Swami

Queation: My father is now deceased, but was a diagnosed paranoid schizophrenic. He was placed in a mental hospital for years. My brother is also paranoid schizophrenic and is on strong medication. I grew up observing the actions of the mentally ill.

As such I look very carefully at the reasoning given. I am a retired police officer and have come in contact with many people who are mentally ill.

Now to the question, If a mentally ill person believes his delusion and acts according to it (harming or killing), does the mentally ill person acquire karma?

Answer: Karma is not an easy topic to understand as it is convoluted and complicated. It spans many lifetimes and even sages cannot fully comprehend them. In any case, every human being, apart from the pure devotees of Lord Krishna, is always creating karma as well as enjoying or suffering his or her past reactions.

First, I will offer a response to your question above which leans in the direction “No, such challenged persons are not held fully responsible for their wrongdoings.”

Karma is only created in the human form of life. But it is said that karma does not act on a child or on grown-up persons with child-like or animal-like intelligence. For example: according to Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 1 Chapter 13 verse 1, Srila Prabhupada describes an interesting story of Manduka Muni who was wrongly sentenced to be impaled for an action he did not commit. The story is narrated as follows.

Once upon a time the state police caught some thieves who had concealed themselves in the hermitage of Manduka Muni. The police constables wrongly arrested all the thieves and Manduka Muni along with them. The King’s court specifically sentenced the muni to death penalty by being pierced with a lance. When he was just about to be pierced, the news reached the king that the condemned man was not a criminal but a great sage. The king at once stopped the death penalty enactment. The king personally begged the muni’s pardon for the mistake of his men.

The saint at once went to Yamaraja, who prescribes the destiny of the living beings. Yamaraja, being questioned by the muni, replied that the muni in his childhood pierced an ant with a sharpened straw, and for that reason he was put into difficulty. According to Mahabharata, the muni explains to Yamaraja that according to scriptures, actions committed by young children should not be considered to be sinful though they may seem so. This is also supported by Madhvacarya.

This is an interesting point to consider. It is said that from the time when a child is born his/her karma is actually taken up by the parents or guardians until the age of fourteen since they are considered incapable of distinguishing good from bad. In any case there are situations where according to scriptures a person may be excused for a sin. In SB 11.21.16, Krishna explains to Uddhava, “Sometimes piety becomes sin, and sometimes what is ordinarily sin becomes piety on the strength of Vedic injunctions. Such special rules in effect eradicate the clear distinction between piety and sin.”

Therefore, we may conclude that when an adult is behaving like a child or an animal due to a challenged condition of embodiment due to his past karma, he does not actually acquire the same full karma as an adult who is normal and has the capacity to know what is right or wrong.

On the other hand, consider the case of a child or baby touching a burning piece of wood. The burning wood is not going to say, ‘Since you are a child I will not burn you!’ Rather, there is a reaction or karma. In this case the reaction is immediate!

Similarly the karma for incapacitated people doing sin unknowingly will be minimal but there is karma.

Generally such individuals are to be taken care by the parents or guardians so that they do no harm themselves or others, unconsciously or unknowingly.

According to Srila Prabhupada, the king or the administrative leader/s of the state or country takes 1/6 of the karma of his/their subjects. This includes both good and bad karma. Similarly the guardians or persons who are meant to protect and take care of such challenged individuals take the majority of the karma and the person committing the sin get a smaller portion of the karma.

Krishna further tells Uddhava, “The same activities that would degrade an elevated person do not cause falldown for those who are already fallen. Indeed, one who is lying on the ground cannot possibly fall further. The material association that is dictated by one’s own nature is considered a good quality.”

For example: Although intimate association with women is most abominable for a renounced sannyasi, the same association is pious for a householder, who by Vedic injunction is authorized to approach his wife at the suitable time for procreation, having performed the prescribed purificatory practices prior to attempting to conceive a child. Similarly, a brahmana who drinks liquor is considered to be committing a most abominable act, whereas a sudra, a low-class man, who can moderate his drinking is considered to be exercising self- controlled. Piety and sin on the material level are thus relative considerations. Piety and sin therefore depend upon particular circumstances and are at times difficult to distinguish.

As you can see, the rules governing karma change according to place and circumstances. Even if one takes the time to study material piety and sin he/she will ultimately experience frustration due to the relativity and variability of the subject matter. Best is to be Krishna conscious and rely upon the Lord to protect us. For people who are mentally challenged, the best course of action anyone can do is to protect them and if they are devotees, they can let such people hear the holy names of Krishna and give them sanctified or blessed food, or prasadam. Doing so will both relieve them of their past karma and present karma – again this depends on the potency of the person giving them either the holy name or prasadam.

NBS#31 Sweet Pastimes of Lord Nityananda. On the upcoming…
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NBS#31 Sweet Pastimes of Lord Nityananda.
On the upcoming auspicious occasion of Nityananda Trayodasi, this issue presents the sweet pastimes of most merciful Sri Nityananda Prabhu.
The Teachings of Lord Kapila shall be continued in the next issue.
We pray that this issue brings some pleasure to the devotees of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
NBS # 31 Features:-
1) Why do we worship Sri Sri Gaur Nitai?
His Divine Grace A .C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
2) Srivasa, Sachimata and Lord Nityananda
Srila Vrindavan Das Thakura
3) Brahmana and Lord Nityananda
Srila Narhari Chakravarti Thakura
4) Prayers at the Lotus feet of Lord Nityananda
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura
5) Akrodha Paramananda
Supreme Bliss and Freedom from Anger
Sri Locana Das Thakura
This issue can be viewed here:
Scribd: https://www.scribd.com/doc/299621546/NBS-31

Yatra to Inamanamellur. On the banks of Gundlakamma river,…
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Yatra to Inamanamellur.
On the banks of Gundlakamma river, amidst Guava fruit orchards and blessed by Lord ChennaKeshava is the well-known Inamanamellur village. The village was once well known for its rich Sri Vaishnava traditions; therefore the name of the village has Tamil origin. But presently these traditions are followed more so as obligations. The younger generation is totally apathetic to these traditions. Though situated on the banks of a river the villagers are more focused on agribusiness like tobacco and aquaculture,instead of developing agriculture. Paddy is also a prominent crop. Somehow from over a century guava is grown in abundance in addition to other fruits. As seen in most of the opulent villages the younger generation has settled down in towns and cities, while the large houses in villages are mostly inhabited by elderly people. Village has a mix of traditional houses and concrete structures with all modern amenities.
After the pleasant experience in Gollapalem village in the morning hours of January 14, 2016, the Yatra team arrived in Inamanamellur village to witness a contrastive atmosphere. The youth in Gollapalem village had participated very actively in the program, but here we found the youth in a totally different mood. They were gearing up for a volley ball match that was to commence from 5pm and expected to continue till midnight as a part of sankranthi celebrations. Choosing the right spot for the program was a hard task despite the village being big, the people from one street do not usually visit other streets due to caste constraints and political reasons. Finally after lot of consultations with the locals, we decided to hold the program in the main street near the pedestal where Hanumanji’s 20 feet murthi is installed. Inspite of repeated announcements and having performed harinaam in main streets of the village, people did not turn up even until evening 7.30 pm. We decided to play a few videos and only then people started coming and in no time a decent crowd of over 60 people assembled. The program started by Sripathi prabhu introducing Bhagavad-gita and Krishna consciousness. Later Haridas prabhu spoke about the Holy Name and Ramsharan prabhu about the glories of mother cow. Video on Gau-vaibhavam was also screened. After the pledge to protect mother cow, arathi was performed and prasadam was generously distributed. As we were concluding the program, the village temple utsavamurtis were brought in procession as a part of festival celebrations. Devotees felt that the village temple deities came to bless the Sri Govind Gau Gram Prachar Yatra as a grand finale of the program.

February 18. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily…
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February 18. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
Satsvarupa dasa Goswami: Prabhupada Revealed the Topmost Bhakti.
Some devotees are starting to inquire more about how to be part of the intimate pastimes of Radha and Krishna. Some say Prabhupada taught only vaidi-bhakti. They claim they have to go elsewhere to get the higher teachings about the rasas. But it is not true. Everything is there in Prabhupada’s books. Prabhupada is on the highest platform. He is very advanced in his love for Krishna, and he has a very intimate relationship with Krishna in Vrindavana. We should never mistake that. The one important message is to stay faithful to Prabhupada. By faith in guru, we get Krishna. Not otherwise.
We should never think that Prabhupada didn’t teach the topmost understanding. We should always know that only when he allows us, can we enter the dhama and our eternal relationship with Radha-Krishna. Radha and Krishna and Their associates are mysterious, transcendental persons beyond this material existence. They will allow us to come to Them when we are qualified by sincerity and purity. We cannot simply pick up a book on internal Krishna consciousness and expect to be allowed to enter. You have to please your guru, the representative of Radha-Krishna. By his grace, you can make progress.
The real substance is service to Prabhupada. His service does include the higher topics, but like anything in Krishna consciousness, inquiry into these topics is a gradual process. We have to be careful not to hear from anyone who tells us Prabhupada was deficient, or incomplete in his teachings. In fact, it would be better not to know anything than to hear from someone who teaches us that Prabhupada didn’t give us what we need. Better to continue as he wanted us to, chanting Hare Krishna and praying to Radha and Krishna in the temple. We can always please Them with our wholehearted efforts.
To read the entire article click here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=5

New Short Film Shows ISKCON’s Global Contribution
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A new documentary short, “Hare Krishna: 50 Years of Service and Joy,” is now available for screening at ISKCON temples and institutions everywhere. Released for ISKCON’s 50th anniversary, it showcases the society’s many impressive contributions to the world. The twenty-minute film was created by a professional documentary filmmaker crew, who traveled around the globe to shoot the footage and interview devotees.

Kirtan with Madhava
→ Welcome to the official site of ISKCON Perth

Kirtan with Madhava

Returning to WA!
Join us in March for some exciting kirtan events with special guests Bhanu Swami and  Madhava.

The Culture of Kirtan
Three Evenings exploring the ancient tradition of kirtan. 
Kalamunda Hare Krishna Temple
Wed Thurs Fri   March 9-11
5.30-8.30pm

Kirtan with Madhava
Inspirational kirtan with Madhava!   Free Event!    All Welcome!
Bendat Community Centre
Wembley
Sunday March 13
4.30- 8.30pm

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Gita 09.26 – Krishna is hungry for the reciprocation of affection
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Gita verse-by-verse study Podcast


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Nitai-pada-kamala
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(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 03 February 2013, Prague, Czech Republic, Caitanya-Caritamrta Adi-Lila 1.2)

It is said that the lotus feet of Lord Nityananda are more cooling than millions of moons and the shadow of those lotus feet can cool down the entire universe. So, this idea that the universe needs to be cooled down, we also find in the Srimad Bhagavatam when Prahlad Maharaj says in the fifth canto: svasty astu viśvasya khalaḥ prasīdatāṁ, (Srimad Bhagavatam 5.18.9).

lotus feet nitya nandaPrahlad Maharaj was praying that there may be auspiciousness in the entire universe and that all the envious personalities in the entire universe may cool down – all those who are overcome by lust and see others simply as utensils to satisfy that lust; those who look upon the bodies of others without thinking of their well being, not caring for the soul that is inside but just care to satisfy their own lust through the bodies of others.

So, we are looking at auspiciousness. This sankirtan yajna is sometimes described as ‘jagan mangalam amhasam’ (Srimad Bhagavtam. 6.3.2), it makes the entire universe auspicious. This cooling effect of taking shelter of the lotus feet of Lord Nityananda is indeed exciting! Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura speaks about the blazing forest fire of material existence and how all living beings are afflicted by the blazing forest fire, ‘saṁsāra dāvānala-līḍha-loka’ (Guruvastakam). People are afflicted by this dāvānala, this blazing forest fire! Narottama Dasa Thakura says, ‘dibā-niśi hiyā jvale,’ day and night, it is burning. So in this way, we see that the metaphor of the burning condition comes up many times of how this whole world is burning in this fire of lust, greed and anger, and also how it is burning within our heart!

What can be said, it is very powerful! Sometimes even sincere people who want to be devotees, they also feel affected by the heat of the blazing forest fire. It is said in the Bhagavad-gita that sometimes a boat is swept away by the wind. Arjuna raises the question that sometimes a man acts against his will just like a boat being swept away by the wind. So here, we are looking at the key to strength; the key towards cooling down, towards not being affected by this material agitation is by taking shelter at the lotus feet of Lord Nityananda.

nitāi-pada-kamala, koṭi-candra-suśītala
je chāyāy jagata juray (Narottama Dasa Thakura)
 
How does one take shelter of the lotus feet!? That is an interesting question. It is said that one should pray to those who have taken shelter of the lotus feet of Lord Nityananda then one will also get the shelter of the lotus feet. So, one can pray to the dust at the lotus feet of Nityananda because that has always taken shelter at the feet of Lord Nityananda.

nityanandaBut how to get the dust of the lotus feet of Lord Nityananda? For an ordinary soul it is not so simple; it is not so easy. There are two places where this dust can be found, one place is the feet itself but how to get to the feet of Lord Nityananda? The other place where the dust can be found is in the footsteps of Lord Nityananda. After all one’s dust is in one’s footsteps. So, we take shelter of the footsteps of Lord Nityananda. Lord Nityananda is the first servant of Lord Caitanya.

First of all, Lord Nityananda is assisting the Supreme Personality of Godhead in his mission, advaitam acyutam anadim ananta-rupam, (Śrī Brahma-saṁhitā, Verse 33). Krsna expands himself into unlimited forms. He expands himself in unlimited forms out of his causeless mercy and to experience pleasure. So Krsna is taking that form of Lord Nityananda to give pleasure to his original form, Lord Caitanya!

Advaita Acarya Appearance
→ Ramai Swami

imagesUnknown

On the seventh day of the bright fortnight of the month of Magh, the great ocean of ecstasy swelled to its limits, being forcibly attracted by the moon of Advaita.

He appeared from the womb of Sri Nabhadevi as the moon appears in the autumn sky. His father, Sri Kuvera, Pandit floated in that ocean of joy.

The foremost of all the Vaisnavas who reside at Navadwip is Sri Advaita Acarya, whose virtuous presence has made all the worlds blessed. He is the most preeminent preceptor in all fields including knowledge, renunciation and devotion.

In explaining Krsna-bhakti he is like unto Lord Shankara himself, and whatever scriptures that exist within the three worlds he explains in the light of Krsna-bhakti.

Advaita-Acharya-245x300Unknown-1

Saturday, February 13th, 2016
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Saturday, February 13th, 2016
Montreal, Quebec

Underground Sound

The pace back and forth inside Govinda’s restaurant with chairs and tables to the side was very well warranted.  For two reasons I felt it so.  Number one is that my good friends, Parama, Mathieu, and the chief/chef of the place, Shankar did the same- pacing up and down while chanting meditatively.  I rarely see them and, hence, felt that precious moments are hard to come by.  I couldn’t see myself going out for a trek alone.

The number two reason was that it was extremely frigid outside.  Skies were clear.  The sun shone.  The cold spell is on at -40 degrees Celsius including the wind factor.

Before leaving this Ottawaregion we took some snap shots of the Parliament Buildings outdoors.  The buildings are handsome, but the weather-- too cold.

It was smart that the devotees in Montreal planned for us to have an all-out kirtan session in the heated underground Metro, the city’s transit system.  Indeed it was warm- too warm.  About twenty of us made it to the depths of heat at the Snowdon station.  For the passersby we provided a perky sound, one that some might like to sprint to.  Ultimately the sound is meant to be a serenade to Krishna.

Ah, yes, if only we could truly be in love with God!

May the Source be with you!

4 km

Friday, February 12th, 2016
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Friday, February 12th, 2016
Nepean, Ontario

In the Freezer

“Winter’s finally set in,” said the dog sitters who took that break for her squatting puppy.  Of course she was speaking to me, although you’ll catch a lot of pet owners to have long conversations with their animals.

Another dog walker braved the powers of winter along this same trail.  Unaffected in spirit, he broke into a smile and noting the wind’s direction he remarked, “It’s great to have the wind on your back, isn’t it?”

I concurred.

I had this dire need to be out in the thick of the cold dynamic, being cooped up inside for some hours.  “Do not be intimidated,” is my motto.  The forces of weather can be fierce.  The beauty of it is that you can take it in a very spiritual way.  It can make the man meek.

As today’s sun fell, so did additional snow.  It did deter some people from coming to the evening’s sanga held in the home of Surendra. Those who turned up were happy for the occasion because this evening we were destined to have fun.

I read from the story of Arjuna’s kidnapping Subhadra.  This would make a stupendous drama.  When I read it I realized I have to be sensitive to some of the audience as these tales are new to their ears and the stories details may fly over their heads. For example, a question may arise such as “How can one approve of kidnapping?”  In actuality Subhadra, the princess, was totally consensual to the relationship with Arjuna, while some family members couldn’t agree- at least in the beginning.

The pastimes of Krishna and His friends require some clarification like most any subject matter. That then should serve to end confusion.

May the Source be with you!

5 km

Thursday, February 11th, 2016
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Thursday, February 11th, 2016
Nepean, Ontario

Some Rail, Some Trail

Via Rail has these new trains and I was a fortunate passenger to board one of them, destined for Fallowfield, one stop before Ottawa, the nation’s capital city.  Surendra, my host, was there to meet me at the station after a super comfortable ride.

At his home I was treated by him and his good spouse, Sushma, to a great meal featuring bindi (okra).  Their young daughter, Yashira, had gone to school to watch the student’s performance of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.”

I was committed to at least an hour’s walk which I accomplished, always, by the mercy of guru and Krishna.  It felt like minus 15 Celsius but we Canadians are used to that at this time of year, eh!

Such conditions can be very conducive for concentration on the maha-mantra.  The trail and the night were of an ultimate quiet, all but for one pedestrian near Longfield station.  There were no other people.  I may have said this before, that prescribing to chanting in an indoor environment can be a temptation to talk about whatever.

Today’s most enthusing moment arose from a reading and discussion from the Bhagavatam 2.1.6. It sets the goal for us all.

“The highest perfection of human life, achieved wither by complete knowledge of matter and spirit, by practice of mystic powers, or by perfect discharge of occupational duty, is to remember the Personality of Godhead.

The objective in life is to meditate on the Absolute.  How you achieve this is through the system of being a jnani, or yogi, or karmi but “the finishing touch” as put by author, Srila Prabhupada, is to make contact with strong devotional person.

May the Source be with you!

6 km

Wednesday, February 10th, 2016
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Wednesday, February 10th, 2016
Toronto, Ontario

A Source of Happiness

I did considerable soft-pounding on the snowy forest-trail.  The images before me were leafless trees that reveal more bark than anything outside of their height and width.  Millions of footprints, both human and canine, are hard to distinguish unless close-up.  You see, it is all one soft and wonderful white surface before you.  It is something that bears its own beauty.

I had gone solo on the late afternoon period.  It allowed for some low-volume chanting and brisk walking.  I couldn’t say that I missed traffic as I relished the time in the ravine.  And I can admit that spotting that low blue spruce bush struck my fancy.  Clumps of the white stuff clung to its needled branches.  Only browned brittle leaves fallen from deciduous trees remained trapped in an interspersed.  It’s actually gorgeous.

For some people a two hour foot-journey in the nippy cold would be an austerity.  For me, I thrive on this kind of thing.  It’s voluntary and not even sacrifice.

So for as sacrifice is concerned I like something I read from the Gita today which should
possibly ring as truth to the ears of many.  Bhagavad-gita 4:31 “O best of the Kuru Dynasty, without sacrifice one can never live happily on this planet or in this life: what then of the next?” Happiness is something we all chose to have.  It doesn’t always come naturally.  You do have to make some endeavour.

May the Source be with you!

7 km

Tuesday, February 9th, 2016
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Tuesday, February 9th, 2016
Toronto, Ontario

No Thanks, I’m…

Anne Lise, who co-ordinates chanting sessions for Bhakti Lounge, had offered to stop by with Uber Taxi to give Uttama and I a lift to the venue.  The venue was at 569 Spadina Ave.with Toronto U., at the Multi-Faith Centre.

“Anne Lise,” I said, “thank you for the offer but I really need to walk every day.  “This is my opportunity.”  So Uttama, with mrdunga drum strapped around him with care, and I took to the halk-hour trek there and back.  Common mantra for the past has been, “No thanks, I’m walking!”

Now if I may correct myself, if maya, the personification of illusion, was to be a true vixen with me I would use the mantra, “No thanks, I’m chanting.”  I would not blurt it out but mentally I would refuse to indulge in things perceived as adharmic, unprincipled.

The turn-out for the event was small.  Chris and Elizabeth showed up, and so did Kathamrta as well as Anne Lise. With Uttama and I, that makes six.  Together we did chant and together, in a circle we did dance.  That was clearly the direction we were going in.  We were making what you could say sattvic body movements, all motivated by the chant.

We got our work-out in.  We were a six-pack.

May the Source be with you!

5 km

Tuesday, February 9th, 2016
→ The Walking Monk

Tuesday, February 9th, 2016
Toronto, Ontario

No Thanks, I’m…

Anne Lise, who co-ordinates chanting sessions for Bhakti Lounge, had offered to stop by with Uber Taxi to give Uttama and I a lift to the venue.  The venue was at 569 Spadina Ave.with Toronto U., at the Multi-Faith Centre.

“Anne Lise,” I said, “thank you for the offer but I really need to walk every day.  “This is my opportunity.”  So Uttama, with mrdunga drum strapped around him with care, and I took to the halk-hour trek there and back.  Common mantra for the past has been, “No thanks, I’m walking!”

Now if I may correct myself, if maya, the personification of illusion, was to be a true vixen with me I would use the mantra, “No thanks, I’m chanting.”  I would not blurt it out but mentally I would refuse to indulge in things perceived as adharmic, unprincipled.

The turn-out for the event was small.  Chris and Elizabeth showed up, and so did Kathamrta as well as Anne Lise. With Uttama and I, that makes six.  Together we did chant and together, in a circle we did dance.  That was clearly the direction we were going in.  We were making what you could say sattvic body movements, all motivated by the chant.

We got our work-out in.  We were a six-pack.

May the Source be with you!

5 km