The Making of the Srila Prabhupada Art Gallery, Malaysia: Behind…
→ Dandavats.com



The Making of the Srila Prabhupada Art Gallery, Malaysia: Behind the Scenes HG Simheswara Das prabhu, the regional secretary of ISKCON Malaysia and chairman of the temple building project called all the BCC youths for a meeting. Unknown to us, he had already planned to give us a project to glorify Srila Prabhupada. His Grace wanted people to know about Prabhupada’s life and especially on His Divine Grace travels in Malaysia back in May 1971. Simheswara prabhu told us that we have to come up with a proposal to achieve this project. Although we have taken on projects larger than this, none came close to being as artistic as this project. We were taken aback that prabhu had faith on us to achieve this honourable project. Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20190

The Remote Areas
→ travelingmonk.com

As we go deeper into the remote areas of Mongolia with our preaching party we are treated to some of the most stunning nature on this planet. In all my travels I have never seen anything like it. And no less beautiful are the people who flock to our programs to hear the message of [...]

Prasad Distribution at the European Parliament 29th September 2015
→ simple thoughts

Share

Dear Maharajas/ Prabhus,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,

I wanted to share a nice story with you all about a wonderful project put on by Mukunda Prabhu at the European Parliament in Brussels. The movie gives the illusion that I am the doer but I am simply the cook, and Mukunda Prabhu is doing a great service by presenting our philosophy to the top brains of Europe. Enjoy the movie.

Your servant
Parasuram das

On Wednesday 29.9. 2015 Food for Life Global has co-organised a sustainable food event held on the Esplanade of the European Parliament in Brussels.

Here is the video from The Free Lunch.

We the undersigned want to challenge the current model of production and consumption and build on alternative ways that are good for the planet, animals and people. We support a truly sustainable system which focuses on nutritional quality, on preservation of soil and biodiversity, on protecting farmers’ livelihoods as well as animal welfare, on reducing waste and adulteration in the food supply and on true long term solutions rather than the false quick fixes of fertilizers, pesticides and GMOs.

The Free Lunch is a sustainable food event being organized by Compassion in World Farming, Humane Society International, Beyond GM & Food for Life Global and the Sustainable Food Systems Group.

The Free Lunch is being facilitated by the kind help of Elite Events, Dolma – Restaurant végétarien, Bakkerij Filip, the Gleaning Network Belgium and Feedback.

Here are some pictures:

image

image

image

image

We have distributed nearly 1500 meals on Esplanade at the European Parliament and to refugees in Maximilian Park in Brussels.

You may have heard that there is no such thing as a free lunch.

However, we are offering just that. Not only is this lunch free from meat, dairy, egg, sugar, additives, pesticides, and GMOs, it will free up waste by using surplus vegetables. Choosing seasonal, locally grown delicious plant-based meals frees up land, water and other resources, such as fossil fuels, used to produce animal products. Plant-based meals free biodiversity from the threats of industrial food production, and free animals from lifelong confinement and suffering. And, making regular plant-based meal choices can help free you from the increased risk of dietary related non-communicable diseases.

Break free with a free lunch!

Bringing Lord Chaitanya’s Sankirtan movement to the most…
→ Dandavats.com



Bringing Lord Chaitanya’s Sankirtan movement to the most remote areas of Mongolia (Album with photos)
Indradyumna Swami: As we go deeper into the remote areas of Mongolia with our preaching party we are treated to some of the most stunning nature on this planet. In all my travels I have never seen anything like it. And no less beautiful are the people who flock to our programs to hear the message of Bhagavad Gita and chant Hare Krsna. Sometimes I think about staying here for the rest of my life.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/pV5TLF

Wednesday, September 30th, 2015
→ The Walking Monk

Wednesday, September 30th, 2015
Montgomery, New York

"Don’t Jump, It’s Not Worth It!"

Rain permeated through the sky and through the previous night. It persisted through the morning. Off I went to a later than usual start at which time the drops did let up. Only then did I step out of the van. When I did so, five fawns spun out from the forest next to me. But guess who also emerged at that time? It was Tre’von, who slept overnight with Vivasvan and I and is now an official member of our team. He emerged from the van and, like a real trooper, took to the whole 20 miles of walking for the day.

We had a thrill walking on the bridge that suspended over the Hudson River. It took us exactly a half hour to walk it. That made it four revolutions on our meditation beads. We stopped somewhere at the middle of the bridge just to enjoy the view of the vista. When a motorist saw us while driving, he yelled out, “Don’t jump, it’s not worth it!” It gave us a good laugh. A construction worker on the bridge also noticed us. He was a big burly guy and upon seeing us he stopped his work and offered us a pranam ( a traditional palms together Vedic greeting).

We were treated royally at the Nimai Bliss kitchen to a tasty vegetarian Gujarati meal. I was impressed with the food and with Jimmy, one of the patrons of the place. Who is Jimmy anyway? He’s a garage owner across the street from the restaurant. He calls himself the All-American Boy but has taken a fancy to Krishna Consciousness. It comes at a good period in his life. At age 75, he is just looking to a new track in life. He is reading the books of our guru, whom I am walking for.

Once again, my guru’s name is Srila Prabhupada and he came to America 50 years ago. He started an explosion in consciousness-raising. To me, a walk in his honor is very justified.

We walked Newburgh, Little Britain, Plain View, Rock Tavern and Montgomery.

 
May the Source be with you!

20 miles / 32 kilometres

 

Tuesday, September 29th, 2015
→ The Walking Monk

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

 

Monday, September 28th, 2015
→ The Walking Monk

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

Sunday, September 27th, 2015
→ The Walking Monk

Sunday, September 27th, 2015
New Preston, Connecticut

Mark Twain’s ‘Turf’

When I walked through Hartfordwith Tre’von, we went past the home of author Harriet Stowe who published the bestseller, ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin’. She was an abolitionist and wrote about the slave escapees in the 1800’s. I was born near Uncle Tom’s cabin so it struck my interest.

Also, to my amazement, situated next to her home was the house of writer and humorist Mark Twain (1835 - 1910). It is a real stately house. I can’t help but deliver some of his best quotes:

“Don’t let schooling interfere with your education.”

“If you tell the truth you don’t have to remember anything.”

“I don’t like to commit myself about Heaven and Hell. You see, I have friends in both places.”

“Giving up smoking is the easiest thing in the world. I know because I’ve done it thousands of times.”

“Don’t go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing, it was here first.”

“Whenever you find that you are on the side of the majority, it is time to reform.”

“All generalizations are false, including this one.”

“Go to Heaven for the climate, Hell for the company.”

“Anger is an acid that can do more harm than the vessel in which it is stored to anything on which it is poured.”

 
May the Source be with you!

18 miles/29 km

 

Saturday, September 26th, 2015
→ The Walking Monk

Saturday, September 26th, 2015
Burlington, Connecticut

Cultivation

It is almost alarming to see the intensity of traffic this early Saturday morning on secondary roads, not freeways. Who are these people? Where are they going at 6 AM and with such speed and intensity of purpose? On a Saturday? You can’t help asking these questions.

Karuna and I spent most of the journey, now west of Hartford, on Highway 4 through Farmington and then beyond Burlington. At one time, for about 2 miles, we encountered relief from the callous traffic by way of a trail frequented by runners, walkers, and cyclists. Thank God.

Occasionally, a motorist on the busy road honks his horn. You can tell when it’s a happy honk as distinct from a ‘watch it man’ type of warning. It’s rare to find nasty travelers as long as you walk responsibly. I still find it astounding to see the lack of ample space for alternative travelers like walkers. It appears that all is laid out to the advantage of the automobile.

What does compensate for the more or less little interaction with motorists is the time I spent with newcomer, Tre’von. I find him exceptional, devotionally a rare bird. I spent the evening with him after his work hours in what our guru used to call, ‘cultivation’. This is a word Srila Prabhupada used to use to describe someone’s preparation in devotion.

When I was a boy growing up in a farming district, the term cultivation was used to mean ploughing or turning the soil by way of machinery. I believe it’s an appropriate word as Tre’von is really having a turnover in life. My support person, Vivasvan, is also helping him learn the ways of bhakti, devotion. I can see Tre’von’s head spinning around in a most positive way. I explained to him, “Just look at it this way”, as cars are whipping by, “we are not these bodies but spirits. The body perishes. Our souls go on. We can get over our identity crisis by concentrating on the point, 'I am spirit'".

Tre’von liked that.

Regards to Madhava and Vishali for accommodation.

 
May the Source be with you!

20 miles / 32 kilometres

 

Media Release. We are very excited to invite the community on…
→ Dandavats.com



Media Release.
We are very excited to invite the community on Friday, October 2nd for a Musical Event with Bhaktimarga Swami
Bhaktimarga Swami, who has walked across Canada four times, plans to walk from Boston to Butler, Pennsylvania and then to New York City this autumn, as a sort of 60-day warm up drill. In 2016 he plans to walk from New York City to the west coast.
The Swami, 63, is walking to draw attention to the contributions of his own spiritual teacher, or guru, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada. Prabhupada arrived in the USA 50 years ago, on September 17, 1965.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20186

Hare Krishna! Prasad Distribution at the European Parliament…
→ Dandavats.com



Hare Krishna! Prasad Distribution at the European Parliament 29th September 2015
I wanted to share a nice story with you all about a wonderful project put on by Mukunda Prabhu at the European Parliament in Brussels. The movie gives the illusion that I am the doer but I am simply the cook, and Mukunda Prabhu is doing a great service by presenting our philosophy to the top brains of Europe. On Wednesday 29.9. 2015 Food for Life Global has co-organised a sustainable food event held on the Esplanade of the European Parliament in Brussels.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20181

Hare Krishna! New Vrindaban Radhastami Celebration Filled With…
→ Dandavats.com



Hare Krishna! New Vrindaban Radhastami Celebration Filled With Love
“Everyone was given the chance to offer Her a stick of incense, a ghee lamp, and a flower,” says ISKCON New Vrindaban president Jaya Krsna Das. “They then each wrote a special vow or prayer to Srimati Radharani, which were all collected and offered in a basket at Her lotus feet. Finally everyone got to take a balloon with a heart- shaped label at the end of its string, each marked with a different one of Radharani’s 1008 names, and place it on the altar.” The festival also included ecstatic kirtans led by Shyamala Kishori from North Carolina and Shyamasundar Das from Pittsburgh.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20178

Hare Krishna! Krsna’s calling at New Vraja Dhama, Iskcon…
→ Dandavats.com



Hare Krishna! Krsna’s calling at New Vraja Dhama, Iskcon Hungary.
Devotees often say that Radhastami is the most important festival at New Vraja Dhama. Although the verdict shall be taken according to one’s individual preference, i humbly agree with the premise, for She is known as Vrindavanesvari and the mood on Her day at New Vraja Dhama is always additionally surcharged by some mysteriously special substance. “She is not a woman”, Jayapataka Maharaja said recently in Mayapur, “She is the pleasure potency of the Lord. If you can please Radharani, and She tells Krsna that there is this devotee who is nice, then He will be very happy to give His mercy”. At New Vraja Dhama, Janmastami could be taken as the central annual event, Govardhan-puja can be described as the most opulent worship, Gaura Purnima can be taken as the most munificent and most merciful day, but in this community Radhastami is surely the most important festival and celebration.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20175

Greater than you can imagine!
→ KKSBlog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 26 August 2015, Stockholm, Sweden, Jhulan Yatra Lecture)

pancatattva1
Krsna consciousness is for idealists. Perfection is possible. It is not necessary to settle for less than your dream because what you can get on the spiritual platform is greater than your dream. In the material world, you know how it is – you dream and then you get a little less. Always a little less! You know what I mean!
But in spiritual life, you dream of something and then what you get is greater than you can imagine! Dhruva Maharaj is the proof. “I was praying for broken pieces of glass and I received diamonds! I approached you, my Lord, for a kingdom greater than my father’s but you gave me your personal darshan and exceeded all my desires. It was more than I could imagine!” said Dhruva Maharaj.
So in this way, the spiritual reality exceeds our dreams. That is what spiritual life is meant to be – a life based on eagerness, where we are alive at every moment! It is exciting! It is promising! We are making a breakthrough! And when we are alive then miracles start to happen! People start to respond to us. Suddenly doors will open. That is how it goes when we are alive.

Hare Krishna! Srila Prabhupada’s Treasures in…
→ Dandavats.com



Hare Krishna! Srila Prabhupada’s Treasures in Vrindavan
Daivisakti Devi Dasi: Srila Prabhupada’s Home at the Sri Sri Krishna-Balarama Temple in Vrindavan is the first residence built exclusively for him by his disciples. He stayed in his home whenever he came to Vrindavan from 1972 to 1977. He also chose to enter the divine lila of Sri Sri Krishna-Balarama at his home on November 14, 1977. Since then, his rooms have been converted into an inspiring museum where visitors can appreciate Prabhupada’s presence through his personal belongings, sitting places, library, daily letters, classes and lectures. His private garden is an oasis of peace. His private upstairs rooms offer a glimpse into Prabhupada’s personal life of devotion. Thousands of devotees and pilgrims visit Prabhupada’s House on a weekly basis, and each person receives a handful of prasadam after being blessed with his darshan.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20172

Only the Best Marble for the TOVP
- TOVP.org

TOVP Managing Director, Sadbhuja das, is on the road again on a mission in Europe to see and purchase some of the world’s most unique marble, the best of the best.

The red marble, named Rouge de Saint-Pons, is found in Southern France in the city of Saint Pons de Thormieres at the Marble de France mines. Pictured in the first two photos is this beautiful red marble in its raw, block form. Once cut and polished it will have the lustrous red shade shown in photos 3 and 4.

Pictured in photo 5 is the unique and fascinating blue marble from Italy that will be used for the finishing work on the altars. This is considered a very prestigious and rare marble due to its dark blue and wavy patterns.

In photo 6 we can see Sadbhuja standing next to some samples of Italy’s fine marble sculptures of historic personalities.

[See image gallery at tovp.org]

The post Only the Best Marble for the TOVP appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

How do we balance serving according to our nature with asssiting our guru’s mission?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Answer Podcast:


Download by “right-click and save content”

The post How do we balance serving according to our nature with asssiting our guru’s mission? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.