Planet ISKCON

November 20. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
Prabhupada was the symbol of self-sacrifice. He was not overbearing, just pure. He had no desire to win respect for himself, he simply wanted people to recognize the supremacy of Krishna. This came out especially in Prabhupada’s writing. Walt Whitman said that everything one is will come out in one’s writing. If you are the kind of person who likes to have a servant stand behind you at the dinner table, that will come out in your writing. If you are cruel to your wife, that will come out in your writing. Even if you try to avoid those topics in your writing, still they find their way into your expressions. In Prabhupada’s case, we see every phrase saturated with his faithful desire to present Krishna’s message. His writing is not outstanding because he was a great Sanskrit scholar, or because he used polished prose. These things are also true, but his outstanding feature is his presentation of Krishna as He is. This is very unusual for commentators of Bhagavad-gita. Most Gita commentators cannot resist using the Gita to propound their own philosophy.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=2

ECO-Vrindaban Board Meeting Minutes 11/08/2015

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

Participating Directors: Anuttama, Chaitanya Mangala, Kripamaya, Madhava Gosh and Ranaka.

Participating Advisors: Jaya Krsna, Sri Tulasi Manjari, Radha-Krishna

Participating Managers: Mukunda, Nitaicandra

Recording secretary: Jamuna Jivani

1. Bahulaban Water Test Results

In May 2011 ECO-Vrindaban had a local water source tested at Bahulaban by an independent professional laboratory. This was done in anticipation of the Snyder gas well (that would soon be drilled on a neighboring property) and was meant to set a baseline for future testing.

In August 2015 ECO-V requested a second set of tests be performed by the same lab. The results were compared with those from 2011, which confirmed there has been no negative change in water quality.

ECO-V remains committed to monitoring water quality at Bahulaban (and other sources near possible future gas well sites) in order to inform people of any change in status.

To this end, in February 2014, ECO-V resolved:

“If requested by the legal owner of an affected property, ECO-Vrindaban shall ensure testing of any water supply within a thousand feet of well pads located on either ISKCON New Vrindaban or ECO-V managed properties, in accordance with a regimen prescribed by an industry expert.”

2. Mukunda’s Monthly Report

• Bahulaban Barn. The restoration of the exterior is nearly completed by Vyasasan prabhu. It is expected to be finished in November.
• Recycling Project. Mukunda contacted the County authorities connected with this. He plans to meet with them sometime in November.
• Guest Lodge Outdoor Water Filling Station. Other construction steps that need to happen prior to installation are in progress. With winter upon us, it may be spring before this station is installed.
• Soil Erosion Prevention Policy. Although an official policy has not been adopted yet, greater awareness of our earth moving responsibilities is manifesting. Recently, nice soil erosion prevention methods were used around the G7G, after the removal of the old pole barn.
• Village Council Steering Committee. The Steering Committee is working with Jaya Krsna prabhu to identify discussion topics for the upcoming Community Dialog, scheduled on December 5th, 2015.

3. Nitaicandra’s Monthly Report

• Oxen. Three of the oxen had to be banded due to the failure of their first castration. This will be resolved going forward by always including a veterinarian in the process.
• Bahulaban Barn. Parts of the setup are not fully secure for large animals; smaller boards have to be replaced with larger and stronger ones.
• Cows. The cows that summered at Bahulaban were moved to the Valley Barn for the winter. There are plans to send out a notice before the cows are moved back to Bahulaban in the spring to invite any who would like to participate in the walk.
• Flowers Gardens. Nitaicandra met with Vidya and Gosh to discuss how ECO-V could assist them in growing flowers next year. From that Nitaicandra opened up a new flower bed at their house for marigolds. This last season the temple garden had some sort of disease that affected the marigolds. Next year there will only be test plots of the large marigolds in temple garden and G7G.
• Deity Flowers. Nitaicandra met with Jaya Krsna and Abhinanda Prabhus to discuss flower types and quantities requested for next year. He will research the ability to grow the flower types desired.
• Apple Harvest. Nitaicandra finished sorting the locally grown organic apples; some of which were used as part of the feast served at the 50th Anniversary Celebration in Butler PA.
• Paw Paws. Nitaicandra checked on some local paw paw trees, researched pollination methods, and plans to pollinate the trees in the spring.
• ECO-V Facebook Page. He started regular Facebook updates with action photos from the field. This is getting a strong response and seems to be increasing online interest in our activities.

4. ISKCON New Vrindaban and ECO-V On-Site Joint Board Meeting Weekend

The next on-site weekend will be December 4-6, 2015. Activities will begin after lunch Friday and conclude Sunday evening.

16.11.2015_H.G.Gadi Prabhu _SB

Purity is the Force

atmanam socati dinam
abandhum viklavasrubhih
stanav asicya vipine
susvaram praruroda sa

Translation:
Being now alone and a widow in that forest, the daughter of Vidarbha began to lament, incessantly shedding tears, which soaked her breasts, and crying very loudly.

Purport:
Figuratively the queen is supposed to be the disciple of the king; thus when the mortal body of the spiritual master expires, his disciples should cry exactly as the queen cries when the king leaves his body.

Giriraj Swami: That is certainly what happened when Srila Prabhupada left his body. Not only in Vrindavan but all over the world and here in New Dwaraka when the announcement was made.

However, the disciple and spiritual master are never separated because the spiritual master always keeps company with the disciple as long as the disciple follows strictly the instructions of the spiritual master. This is called the association of vani (words). Physical presence is called vapuh. As long as the spiritual master is physically present, the disciple should serve the physical body of the spiritual master, and when the spiritual master is no longer physically existing, the disciple should serve the instructions of the spiritual master.

—Srimad Bhagavatam 4.28.47

Srila Prabhupada’s Disappearance Festival

Written by Rukmini dd

The end of an era…

Amidst the cows in the goshala and the soft Vrindavan sand lies the samadhis of the sons and daughters of Srila Prabhupada whose lives are etched in dedicated service. On Tuesday, 10th November, we gathered there to place the ashes of HG Brahmananda Prabhu into samadhi. It is a challenge to do justice to this event in mere paragraphs. The colossal collection of saints present at this gathering was enough to give one goose bumps.

Indraduymna Swami called Brahmananda Prabhu his vartmapradakshaka guru (the first person who connected him to the path of devotion). He mentioned how Brahmananda Prabhu often cried when speaking about Srila Prabhupada and how this was reciprocal because Srila Prabhupada cried when he heard about Brahmandas preaching in Africa. Radhanath Swami explained how he was the first person in the Western world to dance in Lord Caitanyas kirtan. Besides these giants in the sankirtan mission, there those who where very close to Brahmananda Prabhu, his caretaker, his secretary from the 70’s and Navayogendra Swami who served with him in Africa.  Others mentioned that he was also the first temple president, the first to publish the Srila Prabhupada’s Gita by Macmillon, the first to give Prabhupada the Krsna book and the first to go into Africa and Brazil, when no one else wanted to go.

Brahmananda Prabhu’s brother, Gargamuni, mentioned how Srila Prabhupada said that his financial problems where solved when Brahmananda came. He gave his $400 pay check to Srila Prabhupada each month and asked him each day for the 25 cents he needed to take the bus to work. There were many loyal godbrothers and godsisters including Malati mataji, Laxmimoni Mataji and other Vrindavan veterans. Guru Kripa Prabhu mentioned a dream he had of Brahmananda Prabhu where he appeared in a lean, effulgent form and insinuated that Guru Kripa would really enjoy what Srila Prabhupada had in store fore them (in the after life). Burijana Prabhu called Brahmananda prabhu’s book, “Swamiji”, as the ultimate love story of one who gave their heart at young age and never wavered.

Kadamba Kanana Swami highlighted the innocent and unassuming nature of Brahmananda and his simple focus on what Srila Prabhupada wanted. He mentioned how once Brahmananda Prabhu was asked a question that sounded like, “For you it seems that Srila Prabhupada is God.” Brahmananda Prabhu responded by saying, “No. No. I made that mistake before. The guru is not God. He is as good as God. But  these days I begin to think that he is better than God because he came to New York and saved me.” And Brahmananda Prabhu began to cry. Maharaj added that Brahmananda Prabhu was also not just lost in those moments he shared with Prabhupada over forty years ago but was very aware of the preaching happening currently around the world and thus even at the very end, Brahmananda Prabhu still felt responsible for Prabhupada’s mission. When Tamal Krsna Swami passed away, Maharaj and Brahmananda Prabhu stood at the gates of Mayapur awaiting the arrival of his body. Brahmananda Prabhu commented that it was not the end of Tamal Krsna Maharaj but the end of an era. Similarly, Maharaj commented that this was also not the end of Brahmananda Prabhu but the end of an era. “Where would we ever find another Brahmananda?” he questioned.

We were purified by the dust of Vrindavan, by the presence of vaishnavas of exalted caliber, by simply hearing of Brahmananda Prabhu’s deep qualities; his impenetrable devotion to Srila Prabhupada , his incredible contribution and his soft heart.

It was a day to etch into eternal memory lest we forget the shoulders of the giants upon whom we stand.

By Sukanti Radha Dasi

The TOVP International Team arrived today in London Heathrow airport.

HG Jananivas Prabhu, HG Radhajivan Prabhu, HG Brajavilas Prabhu together with the Paduka and Sitari. They were received by Sukanti Radha dasi and Bhaktin Denia. Since they were received by 2 mataji’s. The garlands were placed on the chairs at Heathrow airport for them to garland each other, much to the attraction of the visitors at the airport. The International team and the Padukas and Sitari were then taken to the beautiful residence of HG Shailesh Govindia Prabhu who has the most stunning altar. HG Jananivas Prabhu spent hours gazing at the deities.

Devotees from Moscow, Russia, provide warm clothes to the residents of Vrindavan (Album with photos)
Today is the first day of the distribution of warm things that we’ve collected in the framework of the project “brajcare”. We gave them out at the parikrama road around Govardhana. A Full report will be at the end of the visit, until then just a few photos. We explained them (as far as our language was allowing), what is this new kind of things, which was sent to them from Russia.
We’ll do better tomorrow. Yes, winter here will come in a month, approximately, therefore, the locals with great joy take things, realizing that very soon they will need them.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/UiP26J

A York University Student in Toronto, Canada, interviews the devotees (16 min video)
Back in September, the temple was contacted by an enthusiastic student from York University named Gurpreet for the purpose of a school project. Gurpreet is a fourth year at York University and was working on a project about Hare Krishna culture and influence on modern day society. Gurpreet asked if an interview could be arranged with someone from our temple.
Read the entire article here: http://goo.gl/RFO0jh

GOVINDA! (4 min video)
Beautiful song GOVINDA written and sung by Nirantara Prabhu (ACBSP).
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/CSlD1R

Sastra Dana, Sweden.
Here is our Shastra Dana report for October 2015.
We have been distributiing the following books:
170 Vediska texter
2 Bhagavad gita
3 Krishna books
1 Mnstares ledning
Total 176 books
We would like to thank the following devotees:
Ella & Sune HellstrAm, Sten Bergil, Gilbert Rylander, Tomas Nilsson, Mikael Forian, Robert dkerman, Cathryn Claesson, Astasiddhdd, Smita Krishna Swami, Aja das & Pancavati dd, Yogindra das, Nama Rupa dd, Magnus HedstrAm, Bh. Jarmo, Bahulashva das, Sri Jayadeva das, samt till alla dem som Anskar attvara anonyma.

A replica of the Vrindavan forest manifested at Govardhan Ecovillage! (12 min video)
Govardhan Ecovillage is a model farm community and retreat center highlighting the importance of spiritual ecology: the need for us to live in harmony with ourselves, nature and the sacred. Located 108km north of Mumbai at the foothills of the Sahyadri mountains.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/94jtgs

What a shame! Its been 1.5 years since my last post :( what in the world is going on you ask? Just caught up with life and distractions. But i do have so much to say and show. Let me plan my writing going forward. I think I can be consistent again. 

[Originally published on Dec 9th, 2009]
Some complain
about getting along
with others
who cause them
many problems—
ah, if they
could only be alone
they could experience
some peace and quite—
but really we are all
relational creatures
as is all existence,
conscious or inert
if we really study
the universe:

read more

Click above to see the complete gallery

By Parsada dasi

Our camera does not do justice to capture the mood of excitement, joy and climax of this amazing festival. The opulence and grandeur is befitting the Lord of the Universe with His brother Lord Balarama and sister Subhadra Devi. The procession took us back 5,000 years ago when Krishna and Balarama entered the city of Mathura. And it is after 20 years Their Lordships, again happily distribute mercy to the people of Mathura by the expert arrangement of ISKCON Vrindavan’s Namahatta Department headed by HG Radha Shyamsundar Das and Temple President HG Pancha Gauda Das.
Mathura is considered to be the silver capital of India and organizers left no stone unturned when it came to top class arrangement for the devotees and guests. Devotees were transported to Mathura from our Krishna Balaram Mandir in Vrindavan and a grand welcoming ceremony for Their Lordships took place amidst a roaring kirtan in Kedarnath Dham. The entrance was decorated with fresh flower garlands and the most incredible rangoli decorations we had ever seen, thereafter devotees had breakfast. Members of our management welcomed sadus and dignitaries. His Holiness Navayogendra Swami and His Grace Deena Bandhu prabhu gave classes. In a side park of the hosting site, the chariot of Lord Jagannath was being decorated with beautiful garlands of roses, jasmine and marigold and colorful rangoli. Chappan Bhog and arti was offered to Their Lordships. The atmosphere was surcharged with an electrifying energy. Lord Jagannath was ready to ascend His chariot.

As Their Lordships were carried to the chariot, devotees and local Mathura vasi’s offered obeisances and rushed to touch Them. Amidst the blowing of conch shells and a roaring kirtan led by our temple president Pancha Guada Prabhu, Their Lordships were comfortably seated on Their thrones.

Thousands grabbed the ropes and pulled Lord Jagannath slowly on the main street of Mathura, which was beautifully decorated with rangoli, police flanked both sides of the chariot and the procession was led by another smaller beautifully decorated chariot of the Yamuna Foundation, a big brass band, horses and a camel, all gorgeously decorated. The Lord was on His way to shower mercy on all. Three groups of kirtaneers pelted out the Holy Names. Shopkeepers and residents showered Lord Jagannath and the devotees with rose petals and came forward with offerings of garlands, sweets, fruits and luxmi, throughout the procession. Every five to ten minutes Lord Jagannath stops to receive the worship and offerings of His people in Mathura. It was truly a very touching sight.

We noticed the entire path of the procession decorated with rangoli, which lasted 4 kilometers, these artists had the entire Mathura glorifying their artistic talent. Dignitaries walked the procession with our ISKCON leadership, His Holiness Gopal Krishna Goswami, His Holiness Lokanath Goswam, HH Subhag Swami, HH Navayogendra Swami, HG Deena Bandhu Prabhu and a host of sanyassis and senior devotees. The kirtan led by HH Lokanath Swami had Mathura in ecstasy. Devotees and guests wore a jute cap boasting “Jai Jagannath and “ Yamuna Foundation,” highlighting the plight of our Yamuna River.

Organizers arranged fruit juices, bottled water, fruits, sweets and savories to be distributed to everyone, this led up to the end of the procession in Jubli Park Vikas bazaar, where Lord Jagannath will rest and enjoy the evening program arranged for His pleasure by His loving devotees. His resting house was opulently decorated with cream and gold cloth.
Dignitaries addressed the guests and hailed the festival and ISKCON’s activities world-wide. His Holiness Gopal Goswami thanked the people of Mathura and the organizers.
Their Lordships were treated to chappan bhog and arati. The ISKCON Vrindavan congregation devotees did a drama on Mother Yasoda binding Gopal and the devotees from Noida a sweet pastime of Lord Caitanya. Beautiful bhajans brought the most incredible Ratha Yatra festival in the most holy birthplace of Lord Krishna to a close. Guests and devotees were treated to a royal feast organized by the Yamuna Foundation.

HG Radha Shyamsundar Prabhu said, “We are enthralled at the warm and loving reception of the Mathura vasi’s, we never expected such a welcome. Lord Krishna is very very pleased. We hope to make Ratha Yatra an annual event in Mathura. We would like to thank our dignitaries without whom this festival would not be done on such a grand scale: Srimati Manisha Gupta (Chairperson Mathura Municipality), Mr Ravikant Garg (Ex-State Minister U.P.) Mr S.K. Sharma (Member State Executive BJP), Mr Mukesh Gautam (Chairman Vrindavan), Mr Pradeep Bansal (Yamuna Mission), Mr Rajendra Bansal (Yamuna Mission), Mr Mohit Mukut Wala (Vrindavan), Mr Sandeep Arora (Giriraj Group), His Grace Radha Kinkar Das, Mr Trilokinath Bansal (Real Estate), Mr Deepak Goyal (Saraswati Hospital), Mr Manohar Lal Goyal (Shorawala), Mr Amit Gautam, Mr Ashwini K Bindas, Mr Paras Jain.
The photo’s here are of the morning session, evening session will be uploaded soon.

Hare Krishna!

The post Remembrances of our Sridhara Swami appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

Remembering Srila Prabhupada in India, 1977.
Padmapani das: Although Srila Prabhupada’s health was not strong, he traveled to Allahabad in January of 1977 to preach at the Maha Kumbha Mela festival. Over ten million people were expected to attend the grand spiritual event. At the auspicious astrological time, the pilgrims would bathe in the triveni, the holy confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and Sarsavati rivers. That Srila Prabhupada had chosen to attend this festival in the city where he had lived for many years was an especially significant historical and spiritual event. It was a great benediction to be there.
Read More...

Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh), Nov. 18 (ANI): President Pranab Mukherjee, who attended the celebrations of the 500th year of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s advent in Vrindavan today, said that the great saint was one of the greatest exponents of the Bhakti movement.

The celebrations were organised by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Brij Vrindavan Arrival 500thAnniversary Mahotsav, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu preached love, equality, humanity and harmony. He urged the people to adopt this message of the great saint and recharge the society.

President Mukherjee said Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was one of the greatest saints of the Bhakti movement.

“He was responsible for the popularity of Vaishnavism in Bengal through his Kirtans, which were unparalleled in lyricism and beauty. Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu preached and spread loving devotional service and congregational chanting through personal demonstration. He propagated the cult of devotion by personally practicing it,” he said.

The President said living with diversity and finding unity in diversity has been practised in India over centuries.

“Many people wonder how it is possible for India to accommodate so much diversity within one system of administration, one Constitution and one legal jurisprudence,” he said.

The President said the answer lies in our civilisational values.

“India’s unity has been possible because of our cultural and civilisational values. We have inherited these over centuries and have nurtured it. It is now a part of our life,” he added.

President Mukherjee said Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s teachings continue to have great relevance in the contemporary world.

——-
Hema Malini, the local MP, was the most unabashedly devotional in her remarks. She began with “Radhe Radhe!” She also started her talk with a verse from Chaitanya Chandramrita. She was the only speaker other than the hosts to recite a Sanskrit verse:

ānanda-līlā-maya-vigrahāya
hemābha-divya-cchavi-sundarāya
tasmai mahā-prema-rasa-pradāya
caitanya-candrāya namo namas te

I offer my obeisances unto Sri Chaitanya Chandra, whose body is the embodiment of an ecstatic pastime, whose beauty is divinely beautiful, a picture of golden light, and who is the giver of the highest taste of supreme love of God. (Caitanya-candramrtam)

Hema remarked that Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s visit had set into motion the growth and development of Vrindavan-Mathura and that she was committed to the advance of the people of the district, especially in preserving and spreading the cultural contributions of the region. She also remarked that she has a special feeling for Radha Raman since Gopal Bhatta heralded from Srirangam, where she herself was born.

The TOVP International Team arrived today in London Heathrow airport.

HG Jananivas Prabhu, HG Radhajivan Prabhu, HG Brajavilas Prabhu together with the Paduka and Sitari. They were received by Sukanti Radha dasi and Bhaktin Denia. Since they were received by 2 mataji’s. The garlands were placed on the chairs at Heathrow airport for them to garland each other, much to the attraction of the visitors at the airport. The International team and the Padukas and Sitari were then taken to the beautiful residence of HG Shailesh Govindia Prabhu who has the most stunning altar. HG Jananivas Prabhu spent hours gazing at the deities.

[See image gallery at tovp.org]

The post The TOVP International Team arrives in London appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

TKG Academy: Illustrations of Creation (Album with photos)
(TKG in TKG Academy stands for His Holiness Tamal Krishna Goswami.)
TKG Academy is the first Gurukula school established in the Western world by His Divine Grace AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna consciousness.
“I’m a little Vaisnava, come and play with me.
When you come to my CLASS, this is what you’ll see!”
While studying the process of creation, based on an article by H.G. Urmila Devi, Upper Elementary students created illustrations of their understanding and impressions on the subject.
Find them here: http://goo.gl/vus7AC

By Simheswara Dasa

In Malaysia during the Damodara month devotees at all ISKCON centers serve extraordinarily to meet the public and introduce the Damodara ghee lamp offerings. In this way thousands are given the opportunity to offer ghee lamps to Lord Damodara.

For the past few years we have also introduced the Anna Dana and Sastra Dana program at schools and colleges. Through this program we gain entrance into these institutions and engage thousands of students in devotional activities such as hearing scriptural discourses, chanting the Maha Mantra, offering ghee lamps to Lord Damodara and not forgetting the most important of all, that each student is handed one of Srila Prabhupada’s books, the Bhagavad Gita and other literatures according to age categories.

Since the Deepavali festival of lights also falls in this month it becomes easier to introduce the Damodara programme to our fellow Malaysians not only the Hindus. It is only with the help of kind and generous prasadam meal and book sponsors are we able to defray the expenses incurred for these student programs. And it is only due to dedicated and good working team of resident and congregation members are we able to successfully carry out these programs at affordable costs. We were also gifted with a new food for life truck from the Berjaya Group of Companies in this Damodara month.

For this year in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur alone we have targeted 10,000 school children by holding programs in about 15 National Type Tamil schools and a few colleges. The Bhaktivedanta Books Malaysia and the ISKCON Malaysia Food for Life Society are jointly carrying out this supreme benevolent program of offering 1 free book and 1 free Krishna prasadam meal each to 10,000 students this year. Similar programs are also held in the other parts of the country such as in the state of Melaka, Negeri Sembilan and in Penang. With just a week into the Damodara month we have already distributed more than 4000 books and served close to 10,000 Krishna prasadam meals.

PHOTOS : https://www.facebook.com/sastradanaannadana/posts/870557476373504

The post Daily Darshan : November 19th, 2015 appeared first on Mayapur.com.

The post Daily Darshan : November 18th, 2015 appeared first on Mayapur.com.

November 19. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
Sharing Prabhupada Stories with Devotees. Although a story may not be filled with so many personal exchanges where the storyteller can “dialogue” between himself and Prabhupada, and he can’t notice that his body was shivering and his hairs standing on end – still, the story has its own authentic sound. If it is told by someone who is serving within Prabhupada’s movement, who speaks his own appreciation, and who depends on the aural tradition or recorded biographical information, then we should be confident to hear and repeat such stories. Whoever shares a story like this can make as potent a presentation as the presentation of someone who happened to be there personally. The main thing is to tell authentic stories with well-placed details and to speak your own feelings from your actual position. Basically, telling stories of Prabhupada means expressing our appreciation and helping to improve Prabhupada meditation.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=2

The Forest Of Talavan

Sharing Prabhupada Stories with Devotees

No ISKCON devotees or congregation members were hurt during the terrorist attacks on Paris on Friday November 13^th, in which 129 people were killed at six locations throughout the French capital. Yet some congregation members living close to the Bataclan concert hall, where 80 people died, were shaken when they overheard the violence.

“My uncle poured his heart out to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Prabhupada was just listening with great sympathy. I think in the whole conversation, which lasted about twenty minutes, Srila Prabhupada only spoke a few sentences—he was just listening. And even that had such a tremendous effect on my uncle that as he was leaving the room he said. ‘I have never met anyone like him. I must get a picture of him.'”

Srila Prabhupada’s Disappearance Celebration — Evening Talk

Written by Rukmini dd

Kirtan amongst the sages in Vrindavan

Like the forest of Naimisaranya adorned with sages, Vrindavan, in the soft radiance of Kartik, blossoms with an impressive bouquet of saints of international hue. They stoke the yajna of glorifying Krsna and the steady throng of pilgrims flow into its flames like rivers of ghee. Everything is all-auspicious.

At the center of the sacrifice is Sri Sri Krsna Balarama Mandir and on 5th November, Kadamba Kanana Swami sat amongst the sages and spoke from the sacred Bhagavatam (6.2.27). The theme was the life of Ajamila and in the purport, Srila Prabhupada elaborated on the benefits of atonement. Maharaj put things in perspective with the befitting analogy of “walking the tight rope”. The devotee who attempts pure devotional service begins to walk the thin, high rope of bhakti – the path of transcendence. However, the intelligent practitioner will ensure that there is a safety net below. The safety net is the weave of the mode of goodness that will prevent one from crashing to the ground, should he slip on the path. Maharaj mentioned that atonement is one of the principles that form that safety net. To regret our mistakes is healthy, yet it is not our goal nor focus. We try to remain on the tight rope of bhakti, with our eyes focused on the goal, never flinching, for that is the only way one can walk the tight rope! Watch a video of the lecture by clicking here.

The next day, we were all aboard for a parikrama, with Maharaj stationed behind the bus driver. The first stop was Yavat, where Srimati Radharani resided after her marriage. Maharaj shared the pastime of Krsna disguising himself as a celestial maiden who sang with incomparable sweetness. Then we were off to Kokilavana where Krsna imitated the sound of the cuckoos singing in the forests with such beauty and precision that the gopis were immediately attracted. Maharaj described these as the stolen moments of Radha and Krsna. But how could we, with eyes made of flesh and brains of dull matter, imbibe these high pastimes? Instead, Maharaj took the hint from Krsna’s singing that the only way was through the shelter of kirtan. And our parikrama became a wave of kirtan of different moods and mellows in different places, including the bus. As Maharaj led  the worship through sound, our voices rose in service to the holy name. We eventually gathered at Prema-sarovara, a place where Radha and Krsna’s tears of separation, although in each others presence, combined to form a lake. And we sat and chanted in sweet kirtan. Like the sastra says, the best way to see Vrindavan is to hear. Suddenly our intimate kirtan was hijacked by a group of pilgrims who were touched by the sonorous flow of mercy and joined in – each with their own unique dance moves. After a spontaneous harinam, circumambulating the lake of pure love, we left its shores – but the kirtan came with us.

And it continued on Sunday, 8th November, at the grand sankirtan festival on the land where a new gurukula facility is in the making. In truth, we were in the middle of nowhere with barren land as far as I could see. Yet such is India; all you need is a pandal, eager ears and saintly souls, and it is a party. We arrived to welcoming kirtan by little yellow gurukuli boys who led us to the breakfast spot and served us with heart warming sincerity. And then the eight hour kirtan mela took over with Sacinandan Swami and Madhava Prabhu. Maharaj arrived to up-the-tempo just before lunch. The evening played host do kirtan giants such as Lokanatha Swami amongst others.

And the holy name remains the lens through which one may get a glimpse of Vrindavan!

Kartik Navadwip Mandal Parikram 2015 (Album with photos)
“He who lives in Navadvipa-dhama is very fortunate, for he achieves attraction for Krishna. He who happens to go there becomes freed from all offenses. What one attains by travelling to all the holy places is attained just by remembering Navadvipa. In this way the scriptures sing. He who sees Navadvipa-dhama gets ecstatic love of Krishna birth after birth. Even one who goes to Navadvipa desiring to gain material comforts through pious activities will not take another birth. The sastras say that one who walks around Navadvipa attains the fruit of millions of asvamedha-yajnas at every step. And one who lives in Navadvipa and chants mantras obtains the sound of Caitanya as his mantra and easily gets free from maya. What yogis obtain after ten years at other tirthas is obtained in three nights at Navadvipa.”
Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur at Sri Navadvipa Mahatmya page 3
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Sunday, November 15^th, 2015
Toronto, Ontario

Crying


There was a general sense of happiness in the atmosphere today.  The great weather made a major contribution.  Many walkers hit the trail, as I did, along Balfour Park, The Brickworks, and beyond.
However, a touch of sadness naturally grasps the heart for those of us who remember the passing of our teacher, Srila Prabhupada.  It has been 38 years of this anniversary event.  I chose to read a passage from his biography to a gathering of devotees before I took to walking.  The letter was addressed to him from one of his spiritual daughters.  The contents of the letter are as follows:

Dear Srila Prabhupada,
This shawl is made of the wool from our own sheep.  It is spun and woven here at Gita Nagari.  It is the first piece we have made.  While I was working on it, I would always think of you, of how I was supposedly making you a gift.  But, actually, you were giving me the gift of engagement in devotional service.  Srila Prabhupada, I always pray to Lord Narasimhadeva to protect you and allow you to stay with us and finish your books.  But, I think today the rain falling from the sky is actually the tears of the demigods, crying at the prospect of your departure.  I am also crying.  Even Krishna cried at the passing of grandfather Bhisma, so I have a right to cry.  I cannot be so philosophical to say that you are always present in your books and teachings, though I know these things are true.  I will miss you so much, Srila Prabhupada, if you go.  I beg that I will always remain your menial servant and devotee.
Your humble disciple,
Satyabhama Dasi

May the Source be with you!
7 km