Animal Rights activists have caused a national uproar in New Zealand by using hidden cameras at dairy farms and slaughterhouses
→ SivaramaSwami.com

A tiny amount of what was collected was broadcast on nationwide TV on Sunday prime time–minus the most violent images of slaughter, because the newscast is viewed by children. http://bit.ly/1LHonGG

The post Animal Rights activists have caused a national uproar in New Zealand by using hidden cameras at dairy farms and slaughterhouses appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

Gaura Purnima 2017 Festival Schedule
→ Mayapur.com

We are happy to announce the festival schedule for next year’s Gaura Purnima Festival, please stay tuned for more updates, and opportunities to donate for the festival. 18 – 21 Feb Sravan Utsava 22 Feb Festival Flag Hosting Ceremony/Kirtan Mela Adhivas 23 to 27 Feb Kirtan Mela 27 Feb Parikrama Adhivas 28 Feb – 7 Mar  Nabadvipa […]

The post Gaura Purnima 2017 Festival Schedule appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Appeal from ISKCON Chennai
→ Dandavats






Flooded With a population of 4.6 million affected due to floods caused by heavy rainfall, the city of Chennai, capital of Tamil Nadu has been declared a National disaster zone by the Indian Government. With no power, food or water supply, life in Chennai has become close to impossible.

This is the first time in hundred years that Chennai is facing such heavy rainfall. The death toll is approximately 260 with more being discovered by the day. The Indian Army has been deployed to rescue people and supply necessities. The flood sure has caused financial loses. The Tamil Nadu Government has estimated the loses to be above 15,000 crore.

ISKCON Chennai has suffered immensely as well. Devotees have been shifted out of the temple with three devotees left in the temple campus to serve the presiding Radha Krishna deities. Temple vehicles, the Sankirtan shop, Govinda’s have incurred huge loses. Prayer is the need of the hour for the devotees and other people living at Chennai. More rain could make the situation even worse!

Jayapataka Swami, the GBC for Chennai has requested people to pray for Chennai and has been communicating with the leaders of ISKCON, Chennai. Devotees are also trying to provide food supply to more affected areas.

Temple president, Sumithra Krishna Das for ISKCON Chennai has appealed the following

Dear Devotees, well wishers & friends

Chennai has been declared as a national disaster zone and is witnessing it’s worst crisis in more than 100 years.

Part 1:

ISKCON Chennai is engaged in supplying daily meals to more 1500 flood displaced families sheltered in government schools. We want to expand that to more areas in Chennai and items like water, bedsheets etc. (For more details see the bottom of this message).

Our Food for Life bank account details are as follows:

Acc name ; ISKCON FOOD FOR LIFE
Acc no; 423010100035200
AXIS BANK
Branch ; NEELANGARAI/THIRUVANMIYUR
IFS code; UTIB0000423

Contact:
Mobile- Sukirti Madhavi DD: 9790710432 /Prassana Gopinath Das: 9840043330

Email: agd.iskcon@gmail.com

Part 2:

ISKCON Chennai TEMPLE has suffered heavy damages in the current flood situation.
Estimated losses to the temple are in the range of 25 million to 30 million rupees. (2.5 to 3 crores).

We request devotees to come forward & help for the same.

For your reference list of damages are listed down.

1. Temple structure repair and restoration
2. Water supply infrastructure including sump, pumps etc.
3. Electrical infrastructure including equipment
4. Temple premises cleaning and restoration
5. Brahmacari kitchen equipment
6. Kitchen store – all grains and grocery items completely spolied
6. Sannyasi ashram
5. Temple vehicles (fully submerged in flood water)
6. Temple gift shop and restaurant interiors are damaged.
7. Public Facilities – Bathroom & drinking facility.

Other damages are yet to be assessed.

TEMPLE ACCOUNT DETAILS:

Acc name ; ISKCON CONSTRUCTION
Acc no; 423010100026071
AXIS BANK
Branch ; NEELANGARAI/THIRUVANMIYUR
IFS code; UTIB0000423

Contact:
Mobile- Sukirti Madhavi DD: 9790710432 /Prassana Gopinath Das: 9840043330

Email: agd.iskcon@gmail.com

Written by,
Nanda Priya Nivedita dd

Last three photos courtesy BBC

Padayatra Odisha 2015 (Album with photos) Gunacuda Dasi:…
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Padayatra Odisha 2015 (Album with photos)
Gunacuda Dasi: Padayatra Odisha was started in 1992 by Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami and has continued every year during Kartik. Here are some photos from this year’s Padayatra in Nayagarh district. There were around 40 from Iskcon Bhubaneswar, local Nama Hattas, England, Ghana and New Zealand.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/mn55HL

Ter Kadamba (8 min video) Indradyumna Swami: After visiting…
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Ter Kadamba (8 min video)
Indradyumna Swami: After visiting Yavat, where Radharani lived for some time, we walked to Ter Kadamba, a sacred place where Rupa Goswami did bhajan 500 years ago. Mother Sitala spoke on the pastimes of Rupa Goswami and Bada Haridas prabhu led us in singing the glories of the Six Goswami’s. It was our final parikrama of Kartika, and one of the best as well.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/tTBggh

Waterfront Festival Mauritius. Here again we are glad to…
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Waterfront Festival Mauritius.
Here again we are glad to announce the coming of the 8th Annual Hare Krishna Waterfront Festival to be held on the 11th to 13th December 2015.
In context of the celebrations of the 40th Anniversary of ISKCON in Mauritius this year’s festivities are more promising with Snan Yatra, Deep Utsav and an open Air Youth Concert along with a Maha Aarti of New Manasi Ganga. Lots of Senior and Special Guests will also be present.

Special Attractions:
Kids Corner
Questions and Answers
Vegetarian Snacks
Drama Dance
Cooking Demos
Mantra Rock Music
Fireworks

Invited Guests
His Holiness Bhakti Chaitanya Swami
His Holiness Kadamb Kanana Swami
His Holiness Lokanath Swami
His Holiness Navayogebdra Swami
His Holiness Dhira Damodara Swami
His Holiness Bhakti Anugraha Janardhan Maharaja
His Grace Mahatma Prabhu

Be part of the festival and experience the everlasting bliss.
Should you be keen to know more??. Should you be interested in any kind of help in support of the festival??. Or you are just excited to be part of the feel free to contact us.

Contact Persons in Mauritius.
Vrsabhanu Das: 57918835
Sundara Lala Das: 57772747
Your may also find the event updates on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/729384607192313/

December 6. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily…
→ Dandavats



December 6. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
Satsvarupa dasa Goswami: When I hear people make mistakes while speaking about God, I try not to be puffed up. Just because we have received the best God conscious education from Srila Prabhupada, does not mean we should look down on others. Students at Harvard University or Oxford University may be better educated, but they spoil their treasure if they look down upon common people. Similarly, we do not want to be a snob in God consciousness, but appreciate what Srila Prabhupada has taught us.
I feel humbled sometimes when I see someone else’s faith in God. I also meet people who have more love for God than I do, even though they may not have received such a thorough education. I will never stop being grateful to Prabhupada, however, for giving me this education. In that sense, I am proud.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=3

Positive Thinking 10 – E of IDEA – Eternal love provides inexhaustible positivity
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Podcast


Download by “right-click and save content”

The post Positive Thinking 10 – E of IDEA – Eternal love provides inexhaustible positivity appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

The Sydney Opera House Event. Damodara Pandit dasa: The Sydney…
→ Dandavats



The Sydney Opera House Event.
Damodara Pandit dasa: The Sydney Opera Event is an A-List ISKCON 50th Anniversary global event. We anticipate that many VIPs (government officials, actors, musicians, and so on) will attend. It will also be streamed globally and a commemorative DVD and CD will be produced.
The purpose of this event is to expand the global appreciation of Srila Prabhupada and his ISKCON movement through a wonderful performance art event. We are looking at inviting ISKCON’S top performance artists to participate.
The evening will be a cultural gala evening, but all acts will fit into a narrative of the Hare Krishna Movement’s roots, inception, growth, achievements and future.
The event has the working title ‘Transcendental Journey: Krishna 50 years on’. The first draft of the storyboard has been completed by Deva Gaura Hari dasa and Damodara Pandit dasa. The story presents Srila Prabhupada’s departure from India and then backtracks to the movement’s source, including the Lord’s pastimes in Navadvipa, Jagannatha Puri and Vrindavana. Then the night will explore the Hare Krishna Movement, expanding in the west with scenes including 26 Second Avenue, Hippy Hill, women of bhakti and the second generation.
We believe it will be a fabulous night out. Get ready. Get excited!

Radha Kunda Seva: Alley to Three Goswami Samadhi (Album with…
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Radha Kunda Seva: Alley to Three Goswami Samadhi (Album with photos)
Every day, hundreds, if not, thousands of people go through this alley because it is part of the Goswamis’ parikrama path. Although it is a public, highly traversed area, it is also regularly dirtied with all kinds of trash and filth, and people even do bathroom business here. The idea is that we can restore the walls enough to paint decorative murals of the pastimes of Krishna, both beautifying the alley, and re-enforcing the fact that it is not a place to litter and make dirty. At its current level of sponsorship, it is being cleaned once a day.
Find them here: http://goo.gl/gTQKxV

New Releases from the Bhaktivedanta Archives
→ Dandavats

The Bhaktivedanta Archives is pleased to offer two new releases: the VedaBase™ 2015.1 update and the original unedited audio of Śrīla Prabhupāda for the year 1972.

The 2015.1 VedaBase™ includes:

1) Updated audio transcripts for the year 1972
2) 23 New Prabhupāda Letters
3) 34 New Secretary Letters
4) Many Moons – Reflections on Departed Vaiṣṇavas by Giriraj Swami
5) This is My Heart,
6) Concepts of Reality,
7) Spiritual Journalism by Patita Pāvana Dāsa & Abhaya Mudra Dāsi

Download link for the VedaBase™ 2015.1 update
(If you already own the “Folio Views” VedaBase™ software version 2003.1, this update is free.)

Download link for the VedaBase™ 2015.1 Mac

The 1972 Original Unedited Audio
(258 hours, 413 audio files, 14 Gb)

Download link for free individual audio files [coming soon]

Available Original Audio Sets Arranged by DATE: *

1977 (237 hours, 387 audio files, 10 Gb)
1976 (340 hours, 703 audio files, 17 Gb)
1975 (315 hours, 563 audio files, 14 Gb)
1974 (250 hours, 439 audio files, 11 Gb)
1973 (252 hours, 418 audio files, 11 Gb)
1972 (258 hours, 413 audio files, 14 Gb)

Total: (1652 hours, 2923 audio files, 77 Gb)
[All audio MP3 files are accompanied by individual PDF text files.]

Available Original Audio Set Arranged by SUBJECT: *

· Arrivals
· Bhagavad-gita Lectures
· Bhavans Journal Questionnaire
· Brahma-samhita
· Caitanya-caritamrta Lectures
· Chantings and Dictations
· Conversations
· Darshans
· Departures
· Initiations
· Interviews
· Lectures
· Meetings
· Miscellaneous
· Nectar of Devotion
· Observances
· Srimad Bhagavatam Lectures
· Walks

Total: (1652 hours, 2923 audio files, 77 Gb)
[All audio MP3 files are accompanied by individual PDF text files.]

Have the 1972 original audio mailed to you for $50, including shipping and handling worldwide on an USB Flash Drive. All published years arranged by Date or by Subject for $75. Contact: info@prabhupada.com or go directly to our PayPal donation page: http://prabhupada.com/Donations/Donations.html

Technical assistance is provided via email only, not by phone. When contacting us about a particular problem, try to be as specific as possible. For example: state your Operating System, computer type, etc. Include screenshots to help clarify your issue. We normally reply the same day.

Questions for the Windows Platform: ekanatha@prabhupada.com
Questions for Mac Platform: nitya@prabhupada.com

Thank you.

The Bhaktivedanta Archives staff,
Parama-rūpa Dāsa
Nitya-tṛptā Devī Dāsī
Kula-priya Devī Dāsī
Ekanātha Dāsa

iOS users: The VedaBase™ 2015.1 version update will be available from the App store for the iPad and iPhone soon.

* Disclaimer

While we at the Bhaktivedanta Archives make every endeavor to release an accurate rendering of Srila Prabhupada’s legacy, we also know that when dealing with numerous poorly recorded, unlabeled and miss-labeled audio recordings there are in fact major challenges.

Based on the above we apologize for any inaccuracies that may have resulted through our endeavors under these unique circumstances.

We sincerely encourage anyone to submit verifiable corrections.

We thank you for your support and understanding in this matter.

Bhaktivedanta Archives Staff

AM I IN “DENIAL” ABOUT MY CANCER? and THE VALUE OF TIME
→ Karnamrita's blog

Author: 
Karnamrita Das

 photo DSCN0234_zpswevqvzde.jpgApparently some friends of mine think I am in denial by my expressed attitude in regard to my diagnosis. Maybe! While it is true that I don’t yet know the level of severity of my cancer, I don’t consider myself Pollyanna by any means. It is 2AM now, and I have a doctors appointment at 8:30 to have a PET scan which may reveal the primary cancer(s). Some may not believe me but I am feeling elated my whole experience so far, and consider my diagnosis one of the best things that have ever happened to me. Admittedly this is strange, but that is how I feel. It just seems auspicious, like an answer to my daily intense prayers for spiritual advancement and a way to better connect to others.

I am serious about doing everything I can to get better, and my wife and I are doing extensive research about possible protocols which have shown themselves effective in treating cancer. I looked it up on the Internet and for those who have a secondary cancer like mine, it’s thought that their primary cancer is at least stage three. Even if it turns out to be stage 4 or the worst possible stage or type of cancer, is my only response sadness, worry, or depression? I have encouraged everyone to pray for me, but not just to get better, but that this may be for my highest good and the highest good of everyone. That sounds like a pretty good outcome, whatever it looks like from the material perspective. Death (of the body) is certainly not the worst thing that could happen!

read more

 Bhaktivedanta Gurukula & International School ranked No.13 in India By Education World
→ Dandavats

By Nirmala Krishna Das

Bhaktivedanta Gurukula & International School has been ranked 13th all over India in the “Boys Residential School” category and rated No.1 in Uttar Pradesh (UP) in the same category by the Education world, India school rankings 2015.

For the past seven years Education World has been publishing the annual Education World India School Rankings with C fore — the well-known Delhi-based market research and opinion polls agency. It rates and ranks over 800 of India’s most high-profile schools on 14 parameters — academic reputation, faculty competence, leadership quality, sports education, Safety & Hygiene, Co-Curricular Education etc.

The awards ceremony was held on September 26th 2015 at Vivanta Taj, New Delhi
We wish the staff of BGIS and students for this great success and continue in our service to provide value education to prepare fine citizens of the world, men of character & competence, who can lead and inspire others.

www.bgis.org

VIP function at New Delhi
→ Dandavats




By Vrajendranandan Das

Dear Maharajas and Prabhus

Please My Humble Obeisance All Glories To Srila Prabhupada.

Dr Hamid Ansari, the Honorable Vice President of India paid floral tributes to Dr Rajendra Prasad the First President of India on the occasion of his 131st Birth Anniversary at the Parliament Annexe New Delhi on 3rd December 2015. This function organized by the Rajendra Chintan Samiti and the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC). We were also a part of the function.

This was a really great opportunity for us (ISKCON) to meet and build relationships with the many important personalities present on the occasion. Dr Yoganand Shashtri Minister in the former Delhi Government, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal Chief Whip BJP and Member of Parliament, Shri Ramakant Goswami Minister in the former Delhi Government and many other VVIP guests from different walks of life graced the function. Shri R K Sharma and Vijay Shankar Chaturvedi Vice president Rajendra Chintan Samiti warmly welcomed the Honorable Vice President of India and all the other guests.

Progression Report on Finishing Work
- TOVP.org

In this recent time we have been concentrating on the interior and exterior finishing work on the TOVP. A lot of progress was made just in the past weeks.

GRC Workshop

Sadbhuja Prabhu congratulating Savya Sachi Prabhu on the opening of the GRC Workshop. All machinery, materials and devotees have moved to the new location, equipped with a gantry crane, office and big storage area, the GRC workshop is officially moving at full speed.
 
[See image gallery at tovp.org]

Sandstone

With no time to wait, the sandstone has arrived from Rajastan and already we have begun applying the Jali windows. This Pink Sandstone will frame the windows of the 2 base floors of the Planetarium and Nrshimha Dev wings.
 
[See image gallery at tovp.org]

Art work

Indra, the king of Suwarga Loka and the Demigods, bows down to the fierce form of Lord Nrshimha Dev. This murti will appear in the left wing of the temple, over-looking the Nrshimha Dev altar. In this pastime, as described in the Srimad Bhagavatam 7th canto, other demigods will be present offering their respects to the Lord. Led by Bhaskara Prabhu, the art team is creating the 7 feet (2.1 M) tall murtis in Ganga mud and straw. Once a model is created, the casting progress will commence to make the murtis. Next they will be colourfully painted.
 
[See image gallery at tovp.org]

Blue Marble

Bolivian blue marble is a very prestigious marble, only an expert can select a good batch. Sadbhuja Prabhu had to travel to Bolivia to pick the best quality marble. This splendid blue marble will be used for the altars of Sri Sri Radha Madhava, Panchatattva and Guru Parampara. This is our last purchase of the Blue Marble from Bolivia.
 
[See image gallery at tovp.org]

The post Progression Report on Finishing Work appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

TOVP e-Newsletter: December 2015
→ Dandavats

TOVP e-Newsletter #6

December 2015

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Message from Radha Jivana, International Fundraising Director:
To establish Sridhama Mayapur, the audharya dhama, as the World Headquarters of the Hare Krishna Movement and bring it to the forefront and attention of the entire world, as well as to show our love and gratitude to Srila Prabhupada for this most rare benediction and gift he has given us in the form …

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News/Announcements

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The Beginning of a New Era
A new phase in the temple construction has begun and some very important events have taken place. After a lot of work and research, the production of the GRC has finally started in our temporary workshop …
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United Kingdom Tour
The ToVP International team will be touring the UK from the 18th to the 30th of November 2015. Lord Nityananda foresaw the manifestation of a glorious temple in Mayapur …
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TOVP Campaign Making Wonderful Progress
Results are coming in from the TOVP tour that carried His Grace Jananivas Prabhu & Lord Nityananda’s holy paduka all over North America for four months earlier this year …
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Construction

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New Materials
Teak wood is a naturally grown wood from Myanmar (previously Burma). This wood is known for its superb stability, good strength, easy workability, resistance to bugs …
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TOVP Plumbing System Underway
While in and of itself plumbing is not a glorious activity, when used in the Lord’s service it becomes a glorious detail to the TOVP project and an essential and important …
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GRC Workshop Construction
GRC is an abbreviation for glass fiber-reinforced concrete, the strongest and most environmentally retardant concrete in the world …
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Art, Architecture and Design

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The Making of the Acharyas
The making of the acharya murtis is a procedure that requires several step. Step 1: First, a clay model of the acharya is made based on shastric descriptions …
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Art Department in Action
The amazing murtis pictured here are mockups of the 8 demigods that will overlook Lord Nrsimhadeva’s altar, offering prayers as described in Srimad Bhagavatam …
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Srila Prabhupada’s Vyasasana Drawing
The drawings for the construction of Srila Prabhupada’s Vyasasana have been completed and we can now get an idea of the grandeur and size of our Founder-Acharya’s seat.
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Inspiration

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Planetarium Chandelier Video
The Temple of the Vedic Planetarium is named as such because within its main dome it will house a 3-dimensional, moving model of the universe according to the Vedic scriptures …
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Leaders Speak Out

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His Holiness Bhakti Caitanya Swami
Maharaja stresses that the TOVP Project is not only one of the most wonderful projects of all time, but will be ISKCON’s most significant offering to the world in Kali Yuga …
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His Grace Mahatma prabhu
Mahatma prabhu talks about the importance of Mayapur and the TOVP, answering questions about its effect on the world, its place in ISKCON, etc.
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Fundraising

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Jananivas Prabhu Speaks About the North American Tour
HG Jananivas Das describes his experiences during the TOVP North American fundraising tour. Please watch and feel inspired to donate for the wonderful project …
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Bhaktin Sakshi Donates Her Scholarship
Bhaktin Sakshi from Delhi, India decides that the scholarship money she received from her college would best be spent on “higher education” by helping to build the TOVP to fulfill …
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$1.5 Raised at H.H. Bhakti Caru Swami’s Vyasapuja
The devotees in Surat, India celebrated 50th Anniversary of Srila Prabhupada’s arrival in USA, along with the Vyasapuja of HH Bhakti Charu Maharaj. However the main theme of this convention …
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History

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Old and New Mayapur
In the photo on the left you can see how ISKCON Mayapur looked in 1979. A big field of vegetables in front of the main gate was all that was there at that time. Now you can see the beautiful Temple …
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Mayapur Book Download

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The TOVP Team has published a book by the above name with selected excerpts about the spiritual power of this holiest of sacred places and the manifestation of the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

E-book version can be downloaded by clicking the button below.

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TOVP – Cinematic Aerial Footage, Mayapur Sep 2015

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The most cinematic aerial footage of TOVP shot by Prananatha Das (Paul Tuffery) in September of 2015 in Mayapur, India.

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Media Gallery

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Photo and Video Archives

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December 5. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations. Srila…
→ Dandavats



December 5. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
Srila Prabhupada on Immortality: Srila Prabhupada spoke of immortality. He said people do not know how to become immortal, and this is the greatest blindness in Western civilization. They think they can attain lasting goals within the temporary material world, but that is impossible. Prabhupada said it was the mission of Lord Caitanya and Lord Krishna to teach immortality. If we can know why Krishna comes into the world, as taught by Lord Caitanya, we will become immortal (janmakarma ca me divyam). Immortality is inconceivable to us. It is not a topic that we have already mastered. It is the basis of everything. Although we may grasp it academically, what do we know of eternality? Who is thoroughly convinced that he is spirit soul? How nourishing it was, therefore, to hear this from Srila Prabhupada.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=3

Sannyasa: The Final Vow (Documentary)
→ ISKCON News

A short documentary about the significance of taking Sannyas Vow in Vaishnava Tradition explained by the prominent spiritual leaders of ISKCON. The documentary focuses on the inner journey of HH Krishna Kshetra Swami when he decides to take Sannyasa Initiation which will be his final vow. The movie is dedicated to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Srila Prabhupada the Founder-acarya of ISKCON. Copyrights reserved. 2015

Varnāśrama is NATURAL, folks.
→ The Enquirer

The point Prabhupada made in the purport to 4.2.31 is that Varṇāśrama is natural. It happens automatically whether you recognize it or not. The system is already in place, we “implement” it by being sensitive to it.

For example, the Bhagavatam describes that the four ashramas are followed in different ways by the four varnas. Each varna takes brahmacarya in a different context and to a different extent, for example. We should “impliment Varnāśrama dharma” by realizing this! Not by expected everyone to do everything the same way.

An intellectual philosopher can be encouraged to certain lifestyles, but it is disastrous to encourage a manual laborer in the same way.

Varṇāśrama is not about imposing rules and structures on society, it’s about understanding what naturally exists in society and learning how to relate to it accordingly. Essentially, its about not treating everyone as if they were the same as everyone else, learning to be sensitive to individuality.

A person with brahminical leaning doesn’t really need to be told “you have brahminical leaning” unless their leaning isn’t all that strong in the first place. A person with brahminical leaning will already involve themselves in education, writing, science, and religion. So “implementing varṇāśrama” is not really about imposing a division of labor. It’s about recognizing the divisions of labor that arise naturally, and treating individuals accordingly.

Varṇāśrama already has potency to purify human consciousness. We don’t have to “pin a tail on a donkey” by tacking on a “Supreme Personality of Godhead” footnote for each varṇa – the Supreme Personality of Godhead is already in there, naturally. Pṛthu explains in Canto 4 chapter 21 that selfless, responsible duty to family and society is ITSELF purifying and spiritual and leads directly to serving Viṣṇu.

Brahmins, for example, serve Viṣṇu by by doing their service to family and society – teaching, studying, performing rituals, etc. It’s NATURALLY service to Viṣṇu to perform your social duties responsibly. Bhakti-yoga is even better, far better than Varṇāśrama, but remember we are talking about a social system for the masses, not just for people who want to be Krishna-bhaktas. So Varṇāśrama doesn’t have to be artificially forced to mimic Karma-miśra bhakti. The whole point of Varṇāśrama is to help the people who are not yet past the threshold for bhakti-yoga.

Vraja Kishor das
www.vrajakishor.com


Tagged: Varnashrama, Varnasrama

Dīkṣā Guru vs. Śikṣā Guru
→ The Enquirer

Question: Is this true, the diksa guru should be your most inspiring, enlightening siksa guru?

I wouldn’t say “should be.” I would say “could be.”

Saying “should be” hangs on to a conception that still belittles the true importance of Śikṣa guru. It’s saying something like, “The best śikṣā guru is promoted to a higher level, a real guru, a dīkṣā guru.”

I don’t see it like that. The śikṣā gurus are the “real” gurus, just like the dīkṣā-guru.

Question: But the idea is that one should ideally not accept diksa from a guru unless that guru’s siksha is prominent in their life, isn’t it?

Not necessarily.

The dīkṣā guru doesn’t have to give significant śikṣā. The dīkṣā guru simply has to accept a disciple into a family of spiritual practitioners and authorize the disciple to represent that family (by wearing its marks, for example, and bearing it’s last-names) and engage in its practices (particularly, it’s mantras).

So, what is important in a dīkṣā guru is (a) that they truly represent the values of the spiritual family, and (b) are accepted universally by that family as being authorized to accept new members.

Vraja Kishor das

www.vrajakishor.com


Tagged: diksha guru, Guru, shiksha guru, siksa guru

Drops of Water Wear the Stone
Giriraj Swami

Back to Godhead - Volume 01, Number 63 - 1974In a conversation in Toronto in June 1976, a guest asked Srila Prabhupada about his translation, and Prabhupada replied, “It can be finished, but I have to look after this management. That is the difficulty.”

“I write in the night,” he explained. “I go to bed at half past ten, and I get up at half past twelve. Then I finish my chanting, if there is any balance, and then I begin dictating. And in the morning they take it and type it. So this Dictaphone is always with me, wherever I go, so my writing books is not stopped. Maybe [only a] few pages, but something is there daily. Little drops of water wear the stone. So in that way we have translated so many books. About fifty-four books are already published, besides the small booklets. Bhagavatam—about twenty-two volumes.”

Reading Srila Prabhupada’s words recently, I was struck by how hard Srila Prabhupada endeavored to give us his books, and I felt that we should reciprocate by studying them, distributing them, and discussing them, and also by writing—following his instructions and example, following in his footsteps.

—Giriraj Swami

Sunday Love Feast – Vedic Discourse by His Grace Uttam Anand Prabhu – December 6th,2015
→ ISKCON Brampton

About HG Uttam Anand Prabhu : 
His Grace Uttam Anand prabhu is a disciple of His Holiness Jayapataka Swami. Prabhu is in-house brahmachari at Toronto temple and  always eager to preach any part of the GTA.  Apart from his  services to Toronto Temple, he spends his time conducting educational and training courses.







11.00 - 11.15      Tulsi Puja                                           
11.15 - 11.30     Guru Puja                                        
11:30 - 11:55     Aarti & Kirtan                                    
11.55 - 12.00    Sri Nrsingadeva Prayers                
12.00 -  1:00    Vedic discourse
  1:00  - 1:30     Closing Kirtan
  1.30 -  2.00     Sanctified Free Vegetarian Feast

COMING UP AHEAD

Fasting For Utpanna Ekadasi

Fasting.....................on Sun Dec 6,2015
Breakfast................. on Mon Dec 7,2015 b/w 7.37am-10.38am


Every fortnight, we observe Ekadasi, a day of prayer and meditation. On this day we fast (or simplify our meals and abstain from grains and beans), and spend extra time reading the scriptures and chanting the auspicious Hare Krishna mantra.
English audio glorification of all Ekadasis is available here 


A Spiritual Extravaganza for your entire family Coming to Town on Dec 28.

Seating is limited!!

Please book your tickets with Nimai Nitai Pr(nikhil.pinki@gmail.com or 647.868.4675) or Amoghalila Pr(alokearora@hotmail.com or 647.521.4283) as soon as possible.

In honour of ISKCON Brampton's 10 year anniversary, please join us for an intimate holiday event, consisting of a spellbinding theatrical production by HH Bhaktimarga Swami, enchanting kirtan with internationally renowned kirtaneers Gauravani and Ananta Govinda prabhus & mesmerizing bharatanatyam by Komala Kumari . A wonderful way to spend the holiday Monday! No need to leave your children behind...separate children's activities to keep the younger attendees entertained too. A light vegetarian dinner and beverages will be served. 


ONGOING EVERY SUNDAY

Sunday School

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

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


Gift Shop

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

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





Everyone should read!
→ KKSBlog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 16 April 2014, Durban, South Africa, Srimad Bhagavatam 1.7.34)

kks_euOne should not display anger in front of the deities; one should not cry in front of the deities or bring his mundane sorrow. When one cries tears of ecstasy – that is another matter. Caitanya Mahaprabhu used to cry litres of tears in front of Lord Jagannatha but we should not bring our mundane sorrows to Krsna; we should not do that; it is not our business to do that. That is according to pāñcarātrikī – rules which purify our behaviour. It means that one has to learn to act according to dharma. This is a very big step; a big commitment. It is about commitment and it is about desire. It can be done, when we desire. It can be done when we say, “Let me just desire to change.” It is due to ignorance that we do not desire. It is due to ignorance that we still chase after foolish desires; that we still chase after material enjoyment and sense gratification. That is due to ignorance. Therefore we need to cultivate transcendental knowledge and thoroughly read. Everyone should read! Sometimes, someone comes to me and says, “Ah, I never used to read.”  It doesn’t matter, now read.

Remember, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu glorifying that brahmana who was illiterate and who could not read but he received the order of his spiritual master and he would sit there everyday, faithfully reading the book, although he couldn’t read a letter! People would laugh but Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu saw that he was crying and he asked him, “Why you are crying?” He said, “I am crying because when I see this drawing, this painting of Krsna, being the chariot driver or Arjuna, his devotee, the Supreme Lord becoming the chariot driver of his devotee. The Lord as the servant of his devotee, that makes me cry!” Lord Caitanya said, “You are the greatest expert of the Gita.”  

Bhakti Tree preaching
→ Ramai Swami

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Along with catering for the Veggie Club at the university, there are programs every Friday and Wednesday evening at the Bhakti Tree in Newcastle.

Friday is especially popular, with people from the local area attending kirtan, talk and prasadam.

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Positive Thinking 9 – D of IDEA – Divinity underlies the universes order
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Podcast


Download by “right-click and save content”

The post Positive Thinking 9 – D of IDEA – Divinity underlies the universes order appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Kurma Dasa: An Absolute Beauty! Janelle from Nambour asked…
→ Dandavats



Kurma Dasa: An Absolute Beauty!
Janelle from Nambour asked about a good Christmas fruit cake. Here is an absolute beauty, published in my very first cookbook ‘Great Vegetarian Dishes’. It was originally given to me by Hari Bhakti Dasi who got it from her mother. Try it - you won’t be disappointed.
This traditional fruitcake is ideal for weddings, birthdays, or any special occasion requiring a luscious, rich cake. It can be kept for several weeks after baking.
Read the entire article here: http://goo.gl/7F7jfd

Timings of the Four Yugas: The Shastric Evidence
→ Dandavats

Hare KrishnaBy Sri Nandanandana dasa

When describing the length of the yugas or ages, and which yuga we are in and how far along we are in it, there is sometimes confusion about how to calculate them. Some people think we are already in the next Satya-yuga, known as the Golden Age. The problem is when the yugas are figured only according to the years in earth’s time, in which case any calculations will never be accurate. They are described in the Vedic literature according to the celestial years, or years of the devas, not according to the time we experience here on earth. This is where we have to make adjustments. Nonetheless, there are specific references in the Vedic texts which make it clear how to calculate them. For starters, the Mahabharata (Shanti Parva, 231.12-20) explains it in detail: “The rishis, measuring time, have given particular names to particular portions [of time]. Five and ten winks of the eye make what is called a Kastha. Thirty Kasthas make what is called a Kala. Thirty Kalas, with the tenth part of a Kala, make a Muhurta. Thirty Muhurtas make one day and night.. Continue reading "Timings of the Four Yugas: The Shastric Evidence
→ Dandavats"