Planet ISKCON

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Atul Krishna Prabhu at ISKCON Mayapur on 2015-12-16, Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 06.17.39-41

My Prabhupada

By Madhava Smullen

Two new apartment buildings, consisting of three apartments each, are being erected next to New Vrindaban’s community garden and are expected to be ready to rent by spring 2016.

According to ISKCON New Vrindaban president Jaya Krsna Das, they will fulfill an immediate need for more accommodation especially during the peak summer season.

But the additional accommodation is also essential in helping along New Vrindaban’s current phase of growth — many devotees are now returning to the community or moving for the first time with their families.

“If somebody moves to New Vrindaban,” Jaya Krsna says, “They need a place to stay while they work on buying land and building their own house.”

The apartments aren’t just cheap temporary accommodation; ISKCON New Vrindaban is aiming for the highest construction quality within its budget.

Each of the two buildings will include a one-bedroom studio apartment in the basement, a two-bedroom on the first floor, and a three-bedroom on the second floor. They’ll acccommodate single people, smaller and larger families respectively. And they’ll each come with comparatively-sized, temperature-controlled storage spaces located in the basement.

Outside of Apartment

The buildings are being constructed by PennKraft, a Western Pennsylvania company that prefabricates modular homes at its factory and then assembles them onsite. Quality is the same as with an onsite home, with the advantage that factory construction conserves materials and is thus more environmentally-friendly. It’s also faster, more efficient, and protected from the elements.

The foundations will be made with Superior Walls, a precast concrete system with insulated wall panels often used in green home construction. This will save energy, keep out the cold and make for an overall stronger structure.

“We’ll also use hardy board siding, which is very durable,” says construction manager Gopisa Das. “Then, in between the units, we’re using Roxul, a mineral wool that serves as both an insulator and a sound deadener.”

Meanwhile the buildings will each have insulated exterior doors to provide the best thermal barrier possible, a 50-year metal roof, and high-quality energy efficient windows that will keep the heat and cool in.

Apartment layout

Inside, each apartment will have its own individual electric heating and cooling system, which is the rental standard and a safer option than gas.

The interior doors will be solid core oak with red oak trim, the floors a very durable solid vinyl plank, and the kitchen cabinets solid maple. Each apartment will have LED lights, which consume up to 90% less power than regular incandescent bulbs, and its own individually-controlled heating system.

Care is being put into selecting the fixtures and appliances, too.

“We’re using Schlage locks and American Standard faucets, which you only see in commercial kitchens and last virtually forever,” says Gopisa. “For appliances, we’re installing the same fridge I have at home, a Samsung side-by-side stainless steel refrigerator with the freezer underneath and very high efficiency, along with matching Samsung electric stoves.”

Outside the buildings, there will be parking for residents. And to fit in with the New Vrindaban mood and lend a uniform look to the entire masterplan, the buildings’ entrances will feature ornate columns and the same Jagannath chakra that adorns the roof of Sri Sri Radha Vrindabanchandra’s temple.

Despite the first-class construction, rent will range from only $550 to $850 depending on the size of the apartment, with water, waste water, and road maintenance included. “We’re aware of the concerns about pricing, and we wanted to make sure the accommodation was affordable to the devotees,” says Jaya Krsna.

Outside driveways

The apartments will be constructed using a loan from Eco-Vrindaban. The plan is for both the interest and principal to go into an endowment fund for the long term care of cows in New Vrindaban.

The new apartments are the beginning of a thirty-year plan that includes thirty apartments in total, plus twenty townhouses and ten new cabins.

These additional buildings, as well a new access road connecting directly with the public road, will be constructed over the next thirty years as the need for them arises.

“This is the first time since the milk barn was erected near the temple in the 1990s that ISKCON New Vrindaban is constructing a new building,” says Jaya Krsna. “So it’s really a big step for our community as it moves into a new phase.”

Three things, according to Jaya Krsna, are needed for a community to grow: a school, jobs and accommodation.

“We have the Gopal’s Garden Homeschool Co-Op,” he says. “We have a number of very nice services to do for the temple, several devotee-run companies offering jobs, and a planned retreat center that will create additional jobs for devotees.

“Now we need more accommodation where devotees can live. Facilitating younger devotees with families moving to New Vrindaban in this way is an important step in our succession plan, and in the rejuvenation of the community itself.”

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(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 20 October 2015, Chowpatty, India, Srimad Bhagavatam 10.69.41)

Only in Vrndavana is Krsna fully manifesting his pure transcendental nature which is based only on loving exchange and nothing else. It is not based on any sense of duty. Krsna is only purchased by pure and unalloyed love. To follow a sense of duty is the lower platform of devotional service. Vaidhi-bhakti – it is the platform where one is still materially conditioned and then one takes shelter of rules and regulations.

The higher manifestation of devotional service is devotional service based on pure love, when are contemplating, when we are hearing about these unique qualities of the residents of Vrndavana and we see how much they desire to please Krsna! Everything is done to please Krsna. This awakening in us of some desire to also please Krsna is a big change because for our whole life, we have simply been trying to please ourselves! Everything we ever did was to please ourselves. So to come to that state of pleasing Krsna, is the spirit of loving devotional service.

In the beginning, we serve according to rules and regulations and then gradually, attachment to serving Krsna will develop. In this way, serving Krsna according to rules and regulations transforms as attachment to Krsna develops. To develop attachment to serving Krsna is our aim, mayy āsakta-manāḥ pārtha yogaṁ yuñjan mad-āśrayaḥ asaṁśayaṁ samagraṁ māṁ yathā jñāsyasi tac chṛṇu (Bhagavad-gita 7.1).

Sometimes, we see devotees who do not find a service. They try this one. They try that one but they just cannot seem to get absorbed in any service; nothing captures them. This is a misfortune. Whenever we are given service, we should take that service and wholeheartedly with dedication try to develop that service as nicely as possible by making some special effort. It is not just, “Okay, this is my service.” No, “I’ll try and do it especially nice.” This is the point where attachment will develop.

But if one simply mechanically engages in prescribed duty then the service may stay dry. So this eagerness to do service especially nicely is what will make the difference in our lives. That is where attachment to Krsna and to that service begins to develop, where one starts to feel, “This is my service. It is mine!”

Giriraj Swami read and spoke from Srimad-Bhagavatam 9.10.9-11 during the morning program.

“We were new to Krishna consciousness and we were new to India at the Ardha Kumbha Mela in 1971. A man came to our camp saying that he chants Hare Krishna and follows the regulative principles and we were very impressed to meet him. He also said that he had seen Krishna. We went to Srila Prabhupada and explained what the man had said and Srila Prabhupada was appreciating him. But, when he heard that the man had said that he had seen Krishna, then he said, ‘He may be a pretender because in our mood we don’t say that we have seen Krishna. We are in the mood of separation, that, ‘Where is Krishna?’ We are searching for Krishna; he radhe vraja-devike ca lalite he nanda-suno kutah. And that mood is very purifying.”

SB 9.10.9-11, Houston

The Harinama Ruci devotees are back in Australia traveling to different cities to perform their wonderful kirtans.

On Christmas day in Sydney they went with other devotees in the area to famous Bondi Beach where thousands of holiday makers celebrated by joining the kirtan on the beach.

The opening salvo of the preface for The Nectar of Instruction begins thus: “The Krsna consciousness movement is conducted under the supervision of Srila Rupa Goswami.” What does it mean to have this role? How actively involved is Srila Rupa Goswami in our everyday lives? Is he literally supervising all of us? Before understanding this supervisory function, we need to know who Srila Rupa Goswami is in relation to ourselves, our spiritual masters, and the previous acaryas going back to the time of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Each of the acaryas were unlimitedly powerful, being pure nitya-siddhas, capable of delivering the entire world, but preached in tune with Lord Chaitanya’s wishes to lesser or greater degrees. The special significance of Srila Rupa Goswami was that not only was he a direct disciple of Lord Chaitanya, and the leader of the six Goswamis of Vrndavana, but the leader of all the acaryas and followers of Srila Prabhupada - present and future. In (Krsna Book ch.86) Srila Prabhupada writes, “The actions of the Krsna consciousness movement are directed by the previous acaryas, headed by Srila Rupa Goswami….” Continue reading "Srila Rupa Goswami – our supervisor
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It is not from any deliberate opposition to the ordained clergy that these observations are made. The original purpose of the established churches of the world may not be always objectionable. But no stable religious arrangement for instructing the masses has yet been successful. The supreme Lord Shree Krishna Chaitanya in pursuance of the teaching of the scriptures enjoins all absence of conventionalism for the teachers of the eternal religion. It does not follow that the mechanical adoption of the unconventional life by any person will make him a fit teacher of religion. Regulation is necessary for controlling the inherent worldliness of conditioned souls. But no mechanical regulation has any value even for such a purpose. The bonafide teacher of the religion is neither any product nor the favorer of any mechanical system. In his hands no system has likewise the chance of degenerating into a lifeless arrangement. The mere pursuit of fixed doctrines and fixed liturgies cannot hold a person to the true spirit of doctrine or liturgy. Continue reading "Love and Trust or Bureaucracy and Centralization?
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The following is an excerpt of the book: Yamuna Devi – Life of Unalloyed Devotion

Dinatarini Devi Dasi: Yamuna and I had spoken about the devotees of the Chowpatty RadhaGopinatha Temple so often over the years that in a sense our young friends felt they knew them already. Yet, nothing can prepare one for the actual experience of being in the company of Radhanath Swami and the sincere and dedicated devotees there. We traveled by train, with the addition of Amala Harinama and Nadia to our group, and were received with such warmth and enthusiasm in Mumbai that it was both heartwarming and overwhelming. Because of her natural humility, Yamuna did not like to be distinguished or set apart from others, and she often commented that as much as she appreciated and respected the Chowpatty devotees, it was also difficult to be there because of how much they served and honored her. Of course, they follow the example of Radhanath Swami, who regularly welcomes guests and Prabhupada disciples to the temple with lengthy encomiums. Yamuna could not exalt that quality of Radhanath Swami enough—that he exemplified the importance of respecting Vaishnavas and taught his followers by his example. Yet, when she was the object of that respect, she was uncomfortable with it. Though always reluctant to speak, Yamuna could not refuse a request of Radhanath Swami, and she eloquently expressed our appreciation to the assembled devotees.

Yamuna: It has been two years and eight months since being here with you in Radha-Gopinatha Mandir. And I can say that every day since I left, I have appreciated your company very deeply. And Radhanath Swami is so dear in our ashram. We live in a very tiny corner of Prabhupada’s legacy, called Saranagati, British Columbia. And I always say that it is one of the most inhospitable places for pilgrims to visit; we are a full, 100% no-facility zone. It is the antithesis of what this glorious place is. But nonetheless, we feel deeply connected to you on another level that doesn’t have anything to do with facility.

I don’t know how many times we have shown the film The Simple Temple to pilgrims that come into our ashram. Last year we had only a thousand who came for various kirtans and programs, and a good number of those saw that film, and we glorify you so much by our words, and are inspired by you so much. So on this pilgrimage to India, we have so much gratitude that we were able to come here again. And as Bhakti-tirtha Maharaja said, we come here for the juice, to get the juice to spread this juice more in other places in the world. And that is in the form of each and every one of you, in terms of sanga.

The love that we have for the brah­macharis is just immense. When I am outside the temple and I see the brahmachari laundry blowing in the wind, it looks like jewels to me, in the crown of Chowpatty. And the grihasthas here are like none in the world. And in the center of it all, under Srila Prabhupada’s powerful presence, is Radhanath Swami. Everything here is Radhanath Swami’s energy, his potency, his purity, and that is unique on the whole planet.

So because of our affection for him, he asked us to speak. Of course, I immediately said no, and gave many reasons why I wouldn’t. But I have attended the last three classes here, and when you have a chance to listen to this kind of Krishna Consciousness, something has to change. All of the fear I have of public speaking has to take second place to honoring Radhanath’s Swami’s request. And the fact is that I don’t speak in public. Even when I was with Srila Prabhupada, I begged him not to ask me to speak…??. So Dinatarini prabhu and I, when we were thinking about what would be appropriate to share with you, we thought of mercy. Mercy is the embodiment of this temple. This is a place of mercy.

During the visit, Radhanath Swami kindly accompanied our group to the Bhaktivedanta Hospital—something Yamuna had wanted them all to experience. As expected, the youth were awe-inspired at seeing the murti of Srila Prabhupada, hearing his lectures and bhajans over the intercom, and seeing the genuine care and service mood of the Vaishnava doctors and staff. At the time, Jayapataka Swami was recovering at the hospital, and we were invited to a kirtan and luncheon with him. It was a memorable experience.

https://youtu.be/0C-UqNqsd04

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Bhagavat Katha in Pune by HH Lokanath Swami (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: My dear boys and girls, you are working so hard for broadcasting the glories of Lord Krishna’s lotus feet and thus my Guru Maharaja will be so pleased upon you. Certainly my Guru Maharaja will bestow His blessings thousand times more than me and that is my satisfaction. All Glories to the assembled devotees. Letter of April 15, 1973.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/EiNu9j

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Visit to an ancient Siva Temple (Album with photos)
Indradyumna Swami: The other day myself and Badahari prabhu visited an ancient Siva temple in Koteswara, Karnataka. The temple was very clean and well organized. The brahmana priests were friendly and curious at to how we, as westerners, had adopted Vedic culture. We felt very much at home there and spent several hours observing how nicely the various deities were worshipped.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/snEBfi

Preaching program at Budapest, Hungary. Swan Ball (Ball Vedic freshmen) 2015 (Album with 203 HR photos)
Our students this year also made a lot of colorful program of performing competition. Bhajana, classical and modern dance, yoga, movement theater and prose performed by all. The stage program, however, is nothing without the enthusiastic audience, and everyone was welcomed in the kirtan.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/t9jI1v

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Tribal preaching to remote places of India (Album with 258 photos) Bhakti Purusottama Swami and his team of devotees travel to far away lands, 15 KM distance by walk, to reach tribal population and bring Lord Chaitanya’s movement to them also!
Amazing photos! Find them here: https://goo.gl/wHjYAU

Preaching program with Danavir Goswami (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: By performing congregational chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra, one can destroy the sinful condition of material existence, purify the unclean heart and awaken all varieties of devotional service. (Sri-Caitanya-caritamrta, Antya-lila, 20.13)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/ItCuNf

Bondi Beach Harinama Party, Sydney Australia (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Let there be all victory for the chanting of the holy name of Lord Krishna, which can cleanse the mirror of the heart and stop the miseries of the blazing fire of material existence. (Sri-Caitanya-caritamrta, Antya-lila, 20.12)
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Gita daily article with literary ornaments

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Sacinandan Swami S.B.5.19-24 – Dec 18th 2015

December 26. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
Why Meditate on Prabhupada?
My reply to this is that cultivation of memories of Prabhupada and continuing our attachment to him is connected to learning the knowledge and carrying out the mission. Many of us accept this knowledge and believe in it only because he said so. For some of us, our “bottom line” of faith and realization is “Prabhupada says.” “Prabhupada says that Krishna is God. Prabhupada says that Bhagavad-gita is the best scripture, so read it.” Of course everything doesn’t just end with a dogmatic “Prabhupada says.” Once you actually hear about Krishna from him and read Bhagavad-gita As It Is, you get realization. But it rests on that foundation, that Prabhupada said so. Thus the Siksastakum verse declares, “The sankirtana movement is the life of all knowledge.” Because of him, the knowledge of Bhagavad-gita becomes alive. It was Sanskrit, or mythology, or academic study, but now it comes alive. So it is essential for all the devotees in the Krishna consciousness movement to receive the knowledge through Prabhupada in parampara. Therefore, why should they not want to relish hearing about him, and become attached to him as a person, and understand better how he was a teacher?
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=3

There has been a lot of excitement in Mayapur about the different types of marble to be used for the TOVP. Over the last few years we have been purchasing and importing marble from all around the word – Bolivia, Vietnam, France, etc. – and now we finally have some marble work ready to show you!

In the photos you will see we have begun the cladding of the stair cases in white marble. This marble comes from Rajasthan, and will be used over the 10 levels of stairs in all 8 staircases surrounding the temple rooms. Each level will be decorated with artistic relief work illustrating different pastimes of the Lord.

[See image gallery at tovp.org]

More to come…

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Why Meditate on Prabhupada?

Guillotine over my Head:
In my current daily reflection, I feel the guillotine over my head, and so this changes everything. I know it may sound ominous, but it is really a marvelous meditation. In other words if we had to sink or swim spiritually according to our present consciousness, how would we fare? My excuses or attachments just have no meaning...but, but, but....forget that, just what is. Who am I really, and what is my true self-interest? What is my absorption--and does it carry any spiritual currency? What is important, and what and who do I really care about? What moves me to get out of bed and live my day and breathe and see and interact with others? Material agendas seem pale. And naturally, as many teach, the NOW has supreme importance, even as I reflect on my past and how I have come to my current position. Everything is about my spiritual potential and praying my heart out to be who I must--for me and my gurus and Gauranga--but also so I can give the most and help others. "Shoulds" don't matter, only what is, and what I aspire for in my heart of hearts.

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