Tuesday, September 29th, 2015
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Tuesday, September 29th, 2015
Beacon, New York

Meeting a Runner

Vivasvan and I took a picnic break near Sylvan Lake. A runner came up to us, "I saw you in Connecticut. I am curious about what you are all about." The runner identified himself cordially along with his profession, "I am a retired professor. My interest now is UFOs." He mentioned he was writing a book about the positive experiences people have when they encounter beings from other spheres.

I offered to say that our Vedic literatures are replete with information about other places and planets of evolved life. The person was really nice and seeking knowledge. "I have got this left brain that wants to know. I think scientifically - why are these beings coming to us? Apparently all people who contact them have a good experience. They transform and they become somewhat enlightened."

I suggested that perhaps we don't need to over-analyze the situation but instead come to the point of loving, giving, and serving. There is always a problem with avoiding this natural obligation. I remember saying to him that our constitutional position is to serve. We are spirits and we are prone to bhakti (love) unconditionally.

Vivasvan and I left our new-made friend with some smaller BBT books (not to burden him too much - he's running) and a strand of japa meditation beads. He was most grateful to have a copy of the book Beyond Birth & Death.

Adios.

I also met Jessica who was one of the people who offered a ride today. To Jessica I gave a, "Thanks but no thanks. I am walking." She told me of her friends who used to live in the Krishna Brooklyn Templeand how they all learned how to cook. Now, our evening was spent back in Farmington to hear my godbrother monk speak. Niranjan Swami, who is from Boston, spoke about bhakti (unconditional love). The prasadam (food) was bangin' good.

It was a great day. I spent the last 2 hours walking with Murali, a friend who lives in the area. It was a great pleasure to know that he spent the time to drive and look for me. Once found, he parked the car and we walked. I walked through Fishkill, Hopewell, Beekman, and New Milford.

 
May the Source be with you!

20 miles / 32 km

 

Name the Temple Cow Contest – Vote Here!
→ The Toronto Hare Krishna Temple!

Govardhana Farms, ISKCON Govinda’s Herd, and ISKCON Toronto are Proud to Present:
"Name the Temple Cow Contest"

One of the key elements of our philosophy as Hare Krishnas is the care, protection and worship of the cow.  Last year, during Janmastami celebrations, small wooden cows were sponsored by devotees and the temple indicated that part of the proceeds from the donations for those small cows were going to be put towards cow protection.

Now, a year later, we are excited to announce that the temple will be saving a cow which will be rescued from slaughter. This cow will then be brought to Govardhana Farms where she will be cared for until the end of her natural life, never to be slaughtered. Under the protection of the soon-to-be-charitable organization, ISKCON Govinda’s Herd (part of Govardhana Farms), this cow will have sufficient grazing grounds, shelter, food, medical care and lots of love.

However, there is one thing that she is missing and that is a name! We are therefore proud to launch the “Name the Temple Cow Contest”.

Up until November 8th, 2015, devotees will all have the opportunity to participate in the process of giving the temple cow her very special name.  The name of the cow will be revealed during the Sunday Feast on November 8, 2015.

How to Participate?
A ballot box will be placed at the ISKCON Toronto reception desk. Printed cards with five different name options will be provided. All you have to do is fill out the ballet by choosing one of the names as your favorite and placing it in the box.   You can also vote online by using the form at the bottom of this post!

When and Where will the Temple Cow’s Name be Revealed?
The grand festival will occur at the ISKCON Toronto temple during the November 8th Sunday feast from 6pm to 8:30pm.

Who can Participate?
Everyone!  Please note, the online votes below will be added to the votes submitted in person at the Temple Reception Desk.

Name the Temple Cow!

Monday, September 28th, 2015
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Monday, September 28th, 2015
Uniondale, New York

Everything's Going Nuts

With an early start and it being dark we could not see the thick branches jutting out from the trees. So, when backing up, our rear window bashed and broke into millions of pieces. Something had to be done to replace the vehicle's back which was also damaged.

The forecast called for rain, even for a storm, so Vivasvan got working on the damaged rear-end right away.

Another mechanical issue is my knees. They don't seem to care for the initial steps taken in the morning with the up-and-down nature of the Appalachian trail. Eventually though, the machinery (my body) takes to it fine.

Trees are shedding their fruit. What I mean to say is that nuts are falling all over the place - walnuts and acorns especially. The squirrels are in glee. You hear the sound of a thud when a nut hits the pavement but only after several snap sounds which arise from contacting twigs and leaves during its descent. I am lucky to not be struck by one of these guys yet.

We have crossed another border at Bull Bridge. We are now in New York State. It's funny but I guess each state has its own personality. Suddenly, I felt an increased openness in the people of New York whereas in Massachusettsand Connecticutpeople were somewhat reserved. Finally we're in a place where we get noticed. This is a good thing of course. In fact, when some people see me, the way they express themselves is as if they're going nuts. They stop and talk and they find that the walk is awesome. Even the police came by after receiving a report of a guy in orange sleeping on the side of the road. The one officer said, "You know, prisoners are in orange jump-suits and sometimes they escape."

On a more serious note, I spoke to a friend (a rather well-known athlete) on my cell and being familiar with our guru, Srila Prabhupada, I asked him, "Now it has been 50 years since our guru came to the West...what kind of assessment, reflection, or vision do you feel we should have?"

"Appreciate and never think that because I am a devotee (spiritualist) that all things should be happening for me. Do not feel entitled. Be grateful."


May the Source be with you!

20 miles/ 32 km

Hare Krishna! Red and Blue Marble for the TOVP A new expedition…
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Hare Krishna! Red and Blue Marble for the TOVP
A new expedition to purchase the best of best for Srila Prabhupada’s vision has commenced. Sadbhuja Prabhu is travelling from trough Europe to see the most unique marbles. This red marble, named Rouge de Saint-Pons, is found in Southern France, Saint Pons de Thormieres in Marble de France’s mines. We then have the Bolivian blue marble, stocked in Italy, that will be used in the finishing work on the altars. See the included photos
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20160

Dr. Graham M. Schweig on Prabhupada’s Historic…
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Dr. Graham M. Schweig on Prabhupada’s Historic Achievements
As we hear from the ancient voice of the Upanishads cry out: tamaso mā jyotir gamaya! “From darkness, lead us to light!” (Bṛhadāranyaka 1.3.28). Swami Prabhupāda has brought more light into this world, a world in which we still find too much darkness. Let us celebrate on this day how Swami Prabhupāda raised greater awareness to the monumental teachings of the Bhagavad Gītā. Let us honor on this day how Swami Prabhupāda selflessly traveled the world to the hearts of so many. Let us recognize the accomplishments of one of India’s greatest exponents of Sanātana Dharma, the eternal teachings of what is good and right in the world that is in harmony with the divine. We owe a great debt to Swami Prabhupāda for raising the consciousness of countless millions to a much greater consciousness, ultimately to Krishna consciousness, and how he has moved the minds and hearts to a greater awareness of all the blessings we have in life and to a greater sensitivity to all living beings everywhere. And finally let me say how I offer my respects to such a man who represents so much the rising of India’s spirit in its exultation of all that is loving in the universe and of all the blessings showered down up us! Thank you, Swami Prabhupāda! Thank you very much. Namaste.“
Read the entire article here: http://goo.gl/uIvD6J

The Cowgirls’ Song of Separation (Gopi Gita)
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These famous prayers were sung by the Gopis when Krishna suddenly disappeared from their company and they were searching for Him everywhere. This is one of the finest poetry ever composed. Srimad Bhagavatam is ‘Grantharaja’, the king of all the scriptures and this poetry is one of its crest jewels. (Music and video by Dr. Sahadeva Dasa)

Hare Krishna! Branding the 50th Anniversary Mukunda Goswami: The…
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Hare Krishna! Branding the 50th Anniversary
Mukunda Goswami: The concept of ‘branding’ can be used by putting ISKCON’s 50th Anniversary logo on every ISKCON website, temple notice, temple poster, temple advertising and in many other places. Placing ISKCON’s 50 th Anniversary logo everywhere is important propaganda. The official logo can appear on ISKCON notices, memos, concession cards, vouchers, announcements, statements, letterheads, websites, position papers, news releases, communiqués of all description, bulletin boards, signs, briefings, manuals, fact sheets, handouts, flyers, minutes of meetings, notices, directories, reports – and the list goes on. On occasion, this may cost something, but many applications, like websites, are free.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20157

Freedom of Speech
→ ISKCON News

We live in an overcommunicated world. The prevailing culture insists we reply to all text messages within 10 minutes, be mindful of the mountain of emails building up in our inbox, and religiously return random ‘missed calls’ on our phones.

Preaching in the Legendary City Of Genghis Khan (7 min…
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Preaching in the Legendary City Of Genghis Khan (7 min video)
Indradyumna Swami: Yesterday in our travels here in Mongolia we visited two cities; one of them Chinggis, the legendary birthplace of Genghis Khan, founder of the Mongol Empire. As we entered the city and asked for directions, one of the citizens reminded us of Genghis Khan’s famous statement, “One Mongolian is worth a hundred foreigners.” Despite the warning, we found the people of Chinggis to be as open to Krsna consciousness as anywhere else in the country. Soon after harinama we had a hall full of people listening attentively to the philosophy of Bhagavad Gita and dancing in ecstasy during kirtan. Such is the causeless mercy of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/bPxGzt

Life’s lessons
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(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 10 September 2015, Lenasia, Evening Lecture, Bhagavad-gita 7.7)

SSRR_Durban

Besides the holy name and transcendental knowledge, there is one more factor in our life which is life itself. Life, is also is our teacher because Krsna is merciful to all living beings. It is said that the uttama-adhikari (topmost devotee) is seeing that everyone is perfectly situated because Krsna is taking care of everybody. Nobody is neglected by Krsna. Krsna makes arrangements for everyone’s purification. So there is no difficulty, no problem. “Everything is fine,” says the uttama-adhikari. Krsna is taking care of everyone and that is true. Therefore, through life itself, Krsna is making arrangements for our purification also.

So, I was reading a story which I will share with you and in this story, life is compared to a house. It says that Krsna is entering into that house and is renovating the house. Now, we knew it had to be done. We knew there were things in our life which needed fixing. So Krsna is fixing these things – the illicit activities, the inappropriate elements, meat, fish, eggs, gambling, intoxication, lust, greed, anger, envy, madness, illusion – all these things, they have to go and Krsna is taking them out of the house. So, we are not surprised. In this way, Krsna has been renovating our house and it all seemed to make sense.

But as of late, as of late, what is he doing!? He is breaking the whole house! No, really. I mean he is doing all kinds of things! He is turning everything upside down! He breaking our whole life! What on earth is he doing!? Krsna, you know, we thought he was going to fix our house and make it like a pleasant little cottage but this is not a fact. Actually, he is adding a wing here and a wing there. He is building a palace! And he is planning to live in it himself! This is what is going on. So in this way, the purification is not only going on by reading Bhagavad-gita and not only going on by chanting Hare Krsna but it is also going on by life itself.

Renowned Audiobook Narrator Amala-bhakta Das Takes Sannyasa at 83
→ ISKCON News

Born in New York City, Amala-bhakta Swami worked in motion pictures in California before beginning a search for the true purpose of life. Moving back to New York in 1957, he studied and then began teaching ashtanga yoga, establishing his own yoga center and amassing a following of 400 disciples. In 1976 he moved to Los Angeles to join the ISKCON temple there and receive initiation from Srila Prabhupada.

Hare Krishna! Another Dimension – Ukraine Television…
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Hare Krishna! Another Dimension – Ukraine Television Interview
Another Dimension – Ukraine Television Interview with Bhakti-Chaitanya Swami. The process of systematically cultivating transcendental consciousness by offering loving service to the Supreme Living Entity upon Whom all is resting and depending. Bhakti yoga and the chanting of Hare Krishna.
Watch it here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20153

A Christian meditation: Acknowledge your blessings I dreamt that…
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A Christian meditation: Acknowledge your blessings
I dreamt that I went to Heaven and an angel was showing me around. We walked side-by-side inside a large workroom filled with angels.
My angel guide stopped in front of the first section and said, ‘This is the Receiving Section. Here, all petitions to God said in prayer are received.’ I looked around in this area, and it was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions written on voluminous paper sheets and scraps from people all over the world.
Then we moved on down a long corridor until we reached the second section. The angel then said to me, 'This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings the people asked for are processed and delivered to the living persons who asked for them.’
I noticed again how busy it was there. There were many angels working hard at that station, since so many blessings had been requested and were being packaged for delivery.
Finally at the farthest end of the long corridor we stopped at the Door of a very small station to my great surprise, only one angel was seated there, idly doing nothing. 'This is the Acknowledgment Section,’ my angel friend quietly admitted to me. He seemed embarrassed 'How is it that there is no work going on here?’ I asked.
'So sad,’ the angel sighed. 'After people receive the blessings that they asked for, very few send back acknowledgments.’
'How does one acknowledge the blessings?’ I asked.
'Simple,’ the angel answered. Just say, 'O Lord! Let me be grateful to You for all Your blessings upon me.’ (Or chant “Hareee Krishna”!)

Where Should We Chant?
→ Japa Group

When and where should we chant? During the Brahma Muhurta hour is ideal and in a peaceful non-distractive environment.
The main thing is not to allow ourselves to get distracted by anything around us, so choose a good place away from your normal activites (computer, cell phone etc.).

How can we differentiate between Krishna and Maya in subtle situations?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Answer Podcast:


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How does the existence of the finite point to the existence of the infinite?
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Answer Podcast:


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QA tradition brings intellectual vibrancy to bhakti
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Srimad Bhagavatam class at Denver

Lecture Podcast:


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Manage the mind through introspection and meditation
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Talk at University of Colorado

Lecture Podcast:


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How to realize the true nature of religion?
→ Servant of the Servant

Dharma or religion is of two types (1) material and (2) spiritual . Normally, when people talk about religion or god, it is the material version. That sort of religion is primarily practiced for selfish reasons. Men have unlimited desires so the reasons to practice religion selfishly is also unlimited. By and large these desires are to promote one's own family, social, economic and political status. In short, material opulence and selfish desires impel one to practice some sort of religion. However, we see in today's day and age, even that sort of religious adherence is declining because people find alternate avenues to satisfy their passions. As a result, all places of worship today is either closed or functioning as a cultural relic.

Srila Prabhupada very astutely captures this idea in his book Teachings of Lord Chaitanya.

Thus driven by sense gratificatory consciousness, men perform religious rituals and pious activities with the aim of acquiring some material gain. But if such material gain is obtainable in another way, this so-called religion is neglected. This can be seen in modern human civilization. Since the economic desires of the people appear to be fulfilled in another way, no one is interested in religion now. The churches, mosques and temples are practically vacant, for people are more interested in factories, shops and cinemas than in the religious places erected by their forefathers. This definitely proves that religious rituals are generally performed for the sake of economic development, which is needed for sense gratification. And when one is baffled in his attempt to attain sense gratification, he takes to the cause of salvation in order to become one with the supreme whole. All these activities arise with the same aim in view – sense gratification. - Ch 23 Teachings of Lord Chaitanya

Unless we address our material desires for this world in a sober and balanced manner, it would be very difficult to have any meaningful realization of the true nature of religion or dharma.

Hare Krishna

Hare Krishna! Do We Complain Too Much? While performing our…
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Hare Krishna! Do We Complain Too Much?
While performing our services according to ability and inclination, mistakes will be expected. The tendency to highlight those as faults can be habitual, which has the effect of being caught up in a cobweb. If we persist in complaining about faults, thinking we are still advancing in spiritual life, without any ill effects to our health or well-being, will solidify to become steel cables. The fact that the mind is attracted to flying towards the sores of others’ mistakes is evident the Lord is displeased. Such behavior is really a selfish activity. How so? More often than not, if we are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but due to our own estimation of it, and we have the power to revoke it by becoming more Krsna conscious.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=2018

Medical Practitioners Meet and Retreat At Gita Nagari Yoga Farm …
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Medical Practitioners Meet and Retreat At Gita Nagari Yoga Farm
More than 50 ISKCON medical practitioners—doctors, nurses, medical technicians, Ayurveda experts and other healthcare professionals—gathered at the Gita Nagari Yoga Farm in rural Pennsylvania on September 25-27 for a three-day event, the “North American ISKCON Medical Professionals Retreat.” The event was organized by four doctors, Lila Manjari dasi, a Psychiatrist from Columbus, Ohio; Premvilas das, a physician of Internal Medicine and his wife Lalita dasi, a physician in Family Practice and Palliative Care, both from Columbus; and Acyuta Gauranga das, a Vascular Surgeon from Detroit, Michigan.
Read the entire article here: http://goo.gl/OWo8dN

FATAL FAT Chaitanya Charan Das: Obesity and all other…
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FATAL FAT
Chaitanya Charan Das: Obesity and all other indulgence-induced problems originate from the presumption that material enjoyment is the only enjoyment available to us – and so we must have it, whatever the cost. But the Vedic scriptures – and indeed all the great spiritual texts – inform us that this presumption is a misconception. We are intrinsically spiritual beings. Our deepest fulfillment comes from having a satisfying relationship with God. The unlimited inner happiness thereof is our birthright, but being spiritually uninformed, we are searching in vain for that infinite happiness in the realm of finite matter. Most people assume that they can’t enjoy life because they don’t have enough money. But obesity statistics show that, even if they get all the money in the world to eat whatever they like as much as they like, still they will not be able to enjoy unlimitedly because their body limits their capacity to enjoy – inescapably.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=2202

The spiritual world
→ KKSBlog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 19 September 2015, Midrand, Johannesburg, Lecture)

kks_RY

When one corner of the spiritual world becomes covered by a cloud of illusory energy then Krsna cannot be seen, nāhaḿ prakāśaḥ sarvasya, yoga-māyā-samāvṛtaḥ, mūḍho ’yaḿ nābhijānāti, loko mām ajam avyayam (Bhagavad-gita 7.25), Krsna becomes covered by his yogamaya energy.

āvṛtaḿ jñānam etena, jñānino nitya-vairiṇā, kāma-rūpeṇa kaunteya, duṣpūreṇānalena ca (Bhagavad-gita 3.39), Krsna becomes covered when lust is burning in the heart. In this way, the living being resides in this covered portion of the spiritual world. Somehow, due to the illusory energy, living beings are thinking that they are in the material world but Srila Prabhupada pointed out that we are actually in the spiritual world right now. There is nothing separating us from the spiritual world other than our own illusion.

It is not that after a lot of hard work in devotional service, after chanting many, many rounds and after being a very good devotee then may be/possibly/theoretically speaking it could happen that at the end of this life, one might actually go back to Godhead… and it is a long, long journey. No, it is instantaneous.

It is not a physical journey, it is a journey of becoming aware of that other dimension and once that other dimension is there, we are there – it is not like a long drive to the spiritual world…

 

Kirtan Fest Brazil One of the most expected events of ISKCON…
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Kirtan Fest Brazil
One of the most expected events of ISKCON Brazil provides us with a great deal of enthusiasm and makes sure that there is no other way except get the shelter of Maha Mantra Hare Krishna. This year, KIRTAN FEST will give even more emphasis to the chanting of the holy names with lectures conducted by Purushtraya Swami, Yamunacarya Goswami, Lokasaksi Prabhu and Setukara Prabhu who dedicated their lives to this sublime process. The kirtans will be even more inspiring with the participation of large Brazilian kirtanyas, besides the presence of Amala Kirtan Das and Krishna Gour Das. The prasadam will be prepared by the best-known chefs of ISKCON Brasil and their famous dishes. Children will have a special space: KIRTAN FEST KIDS, with activities. All this will take place in New Gokula, Radha Gokulananda’s house.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20135