How to deal with relatives who hurt us by their ego and negativity?
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Philosophy seems abstract – how can we undestand that Krishna tangibly helps us?
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Meditation On Radhastami
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On this auspicious day of Radhastami I long to be in Vraja, celebrating the Queen of Vrindavan’s appearance with all the beloved Vrajavasis. Instead, I find myself on the remote steppes of Mongolia, sharing the message of Lord Caitanya with the people of this isolated country. Despite the many austerities involved in traveling and preaching [...]

Spreading Krsna Consciousness is the Best Welfare Activity, September 19, Boston
Giriraj Swami

09.20.15_BostonGiriraj Swami read and spoke from Srimad-Bhagavatam 8.7.44.

“One should endeavor for that which is never obtained by wandering up and down the universe as a result of the reactions of karma. What is that? One should endeavor to become Krsna conscious. If one tries to spread Krsna consciousness all over the world, he should be understood to be performing the best welfare activity. The Lord is automatically very pleased with him. If the Lord is pleased with him, what is left for him to achieve? If one has been recognized by the Lord, even if he does not ask the Lord for anything, the Lord, who is within everyone, supplies him whatever he wants. This is also confirmed in Bhagavad-gita (tesam nityabhiyuktanam yoga-ksemamvahamy aham). Again, as stated here, tapyante loka-tapena sadhavah prayaso janah. The best welfare activity is raising people to the platform of Krsna consciousness, since the conditioned souls are suffering only for want of Krsna consciousness. The Lord Himself also comes to mitigate the suffering of humanity.”

—Srimad-Bhagavatam 8.7.44 purport

Srimad-Bhagavatam 8.7.44, Boston

Thursday, September 10th, 2015
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Thursday, September 10th, 2015
Toronto, Ontario

In My Private Reading

In my private reading today some powerful points of information appeared so much compressed in one particular purport from the Gita, 3.42. I feel compelled to share this information.

"The senses are different outlets for the activities of lust. Lust is reserved within the body, but it is given vent through the senses. Therefore, the senses are superior to the body as a whole. These outlets are not in use when there is superior consciousness, or Krishna consciousness. In Krishna consciousness the soul makes direct connection with the Supreme; therefore the hierarchy of bodily functions, as described here, ultimately ends in the Supreme Soul. Bodily action means the functions of the senses, and stopping the senses means stopping all bodily actions. But since the mind is active, then even though the body may be silent and at rest, the mind will act - as it does during dreaming. Above the mind is the determination of the intelligence and above the intelligence is the soul proper. If, therefore the soul is directly engaged with the Supreme, naturally all other subordinates, namely the intelligence, mind, and senses, will be automatically engaged. In the Katha Upanishad there is a similar passage, in which it is said that the objects of sense gratification are superior to the senses, and mind is superior to the sense objects. If, therefore, the mind is directly engaged in the service of the Lord constantly, then there is no chance that the senses will become engaged in other ways."

The above is a beautiful explanation of the technicalities of the self.

One last remark is to mention the passing of a dear friend and monk, Sankirtan from Europe. He was taken by cancer but led a glorious devotional life. On this last birth anniversary of Krishna, September 5th 2015 - he left his body. Please pray.


May the Source be with you! 

5 km


Appreciating Radharani’s position and devotion – Radhashtami class
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Lecture at New Ramana Rati, Alachua, Florida
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Introducing Krishna consciousness into the heart of Mongolia (6…
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Introducing Krishna consciousness into the heart of Mongolia (6 min video)
Indradyumna Swami: Mongolia’s vast steppe is home to one of the world’s last surviving nomadic cultures. Situated between China and Russia, the Mongolian steppe remains mostly intact, and its nomadic way of life has been largely unchanged for generations. Some herding customs alive today pre-date the era of Genghis Khan. Slowly, however, the steppe’s landscape is changing, as more and more of its nomadic population move to urban areas in search of education, employment, and modern conveniences. On our 8-hour drive to Erdenet for our first public program in the city, we passed many nomadic people herding their cows, horses and sheep.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/fqKRMn

Hare Krishna! Iskcon devotees from Thailand visit the Indian…
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Hare Krishna! Iskcon devotees from Thailand visit the Indian Ambassador to Thailand
By Srila Prabhupada’s mercy, on the 50th Anniversary of his reaching the western lands, devotees from ISKCON Bangkok paid a visit to the Indian Ambassador to Thailand, Mr Harsh Vardhan Shringla. Upon reaching the office, the devotees were warmly welcomed with a sweet, “Hare Krishna”, by the Ambassador himself. The Ambassador was very happy to see the Bhagvad Gita translated into Thai and the Thai devotees who were present there. A Damodar doll, some books by Srila Prabhupada(translated into thai), and an English Bhagvad Gita was presented to him.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=19976

Hare Krishna! Research Team Forms at Chippiwada Temple Due to…
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Hare Krishna! Research Team Forms at Chippiwada Temple
Due to the recent passing away of His Grace Brahmananda dasa, in July 2015 I ventured to Sri Vrindavan dhama. Prior to his passing, Brahmananda and I had planned to write an article together for Back to Godhead magazine about Srila Prabhupada translating SrimadBhagavatam in the small Chippiwada temple in Old Delhi in the 1960s. At the time of our discussion, neither Brahmananda nor I had the resources to pursue the necessary research for the article, so now I decided to complete this task on behalf of Brahmananda and myself. During my few days visiting the temple, a small research team of local devotees quickly and unexpectedly formed, driven by everyone’s intense interest in Prabhupada’s presence at the temple in the 1960s.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=19973

Hare Krishna! New Zealand: Dignitaries praise Srila…
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Hare Krishna! New Zealand: Dignitaries praise Srila Prabhupada
ISKCON Auckland, New Zealand: Dignitaries from the US consulate, Human right commission, National MP, Labour MP, and NZ Police took time out to spend the day at the Hare Krsna temple as part of the 50th anniversary of Srila Prabhupada. They all spoke very nicely appreciating ISKCON contribution to society, garland Srila Prabhupada, preformed the bathing ceremony of Srila Prabhupada and enjoyed a wonderful feast. After the program at the temple and spending time with the devotees they had nothing but high praise.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=19970

What does the Gita say about attachment, detachment and rupture in relationships?
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How can we go beyond suppressing desire to becoming free from even the urge?
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How to sustain our bhakti when we have to live in materialistic association
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Understanding the Marshmallow test from the three modes’ perspective
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Talk to University of Florida students, Gainesville
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When bhakti is meant to be adjusted according to time-place-circumstances why does ISKCON insist on a global standard?
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Why do great devotees die due to painful dieases or terrible accidents?
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Akbar built temples and Aurangzeb destroyed temples – why the difference?
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Jacksonville Beach Ratha Yatra Skies darkened, thunder rolled,…
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Jacksonville Beach Ratha Yatra
Skies darkened, thunder rolled, and lightning flashed. As devotees made their way to Jacksonville Beach for the annual Ratha Yatra parade they worried the procession would be hampered by bad weather. As they drove closer to their destination, however, the ominous clouds miraculously scattered, and little by little the sun appeared shining brilliantly in honor of the special day.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=19965

Hare Krishna! Sri Radha – The Giver Of Never Enough “You (Sri…
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Hare Krishna! Sri Radha – The Giver Of Never Enough
“You (Sri Krishna) are the playful king of Goloka and She is Your playful companion. When You are the king of Vaikuntha, She, the daughter of Vrsabhanu, is Goddess Lakshmi. When in this world You are Ramachandra, She is Janaka’s daughter Sita. When You are Lord Hari, She is Kamala. When You are Yajna-avatar, She is Sri Dakshina, the best of wives. When You are Nrsimha, She is Rama. When You are Nara’s friend Narayana Rsi, She becomes Goddess Santi and follows You like a shadow. When You are Brahman, She is Prakrti. When You are Time, the wise know She is Pradhana. When You are the Mahat-tattva, from which the universes have sprouted, Radha is the potency Maya, filled with the three modes. When You become the four things in the heart [heart, mind, intelligence, and false ego], She becomes the power of understanding something from a hint. When You become the universal form, which includes everything, She becomes the earth”.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=19959

Radhasthami Katha 2015 (by Vraja Kishor)!
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It starts with a brief explanation of Cc Adi.1.5, rādhā-kṛṣṇa-praṇaya vikṛti – explaining that Rādhā and Krishna are two facets of a singular reality, not just two people who happened to fall in love. Then Vraja addresses the following wonderful questions:

Is it ok to want a relationship with Krishna that isn’t centered on Rādhārānī and madhurya rasa / gopi bhava?

If Rādhārānī is so compassionate, why is it so hard to attain Vraja-prema?
What is advaya-jñāna? How does it relate to Krishna?
In the philosophy of oneness and difference, we almost always hear about the difference between us and god. When should we start to consider the oneness?
The more you make advancement, do the challenges of Māyā become more difficult?
Our Ashrama doesn’t want us to glorify Rādhā too openly…
The symbiotic relationship between the subject of consciousness (Krishna) and the object of consciousness (Rādhā)
How can there be separation between Rādhā and Krishna if they are one entity?
What is our relationship to Rādhārānī? Are we expansions of Rādhārānī? How does this affect our approach to Krishna?

Tagged: madhurya rasa, Radha, Radharani, Radhasthami

Radhasthami Katha 2015 (by Vraja Kishor)!
→ The Enquirer

It starts with a brief explanation of Cc Adi.1.5, rādhā-kṛṣṇa-praṇaya vikṛti – explaining that Rādhā and Krishna are two facets of a singular reality, not just two people who happened to fall in love. Then Vraja addresses the following wonderful questions:

Is it ok to want a relationship with Krishna that isn’t centered on Rādhārānī and madhurya rasa / gopi bhava?

If Rādhārānī is so compassionate, why is it so hard to attain Vraja-prema?
What is advaya-jñāna? How does it relate to Krishna?
In the philosophy of oneness and difference, we almost always hear about the difference between us and god. When should we start to consider the oneness?
The more you make advancement, do the challenges of Māyā become more difficult?
Our Ashrama doesn’t want us to glorify Rādhā too openly…
The symbiotic relationship between the subject of consciousness (Krishna) and the object of consciousness (Rādhā)
How can there be separation between Rādhā and Krishna if they are one entity?
What is our relationship to Rādhārānī? Are we expansions of Rādhārānī? How does this affect our approach to Krishna?

Tagged: madhurya rasa, Radha, Radharani, Radhasthami

ISKCON Scarborough – Srimati Radharani’s Appearance day celebrations- Friday- 25th Sep 2015
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Srimati Radharani is the eternal consort of Lord Krishna.

This year the appearance day anniversary falls on 21st September 2015(Monday).
All Devotees fast until noon on this auspicious day
This special day is known as Radhashtami.

At ISKCON Scarborough, we will be celebrating Radhastami coming Friday 25th Sep 2015 starting at 6.45 pm.

We welcome you and your family to ISKCON Scarborough coming Friday to take part in the glorious celebrations.

Five thousand years ago, when Lord Krishna came to this planet to perform His pastimes, Srimati Radharani also appeared.

The following is adapted from a lecture by His Holiness Varshana Swami:
“On a half-moon night in the month of Bhadra, King Vrishabhanu came to the Jamuna to bathe and found himself engulfed in a golden aura, the golden aura of pure love. It was emanating from a lotus, which had a baby girl standing on its whorl. When the king returned to the palace with the baby, Queen Kirtida was delighted. She was also shocked that the girl was blind.
“Lord Krishna’s mother, Yashoda, heard that her best friend Kirtida had a baby, so she came to visit along with her husband and her son. Krishna crawled up to the cradle and pulled Himself up and looked in. At that moment, Srimati Radharani’s eyes fluttered and opened wide and blossomed like lotuses. It seems that she did not want to see anything of this world, only the form of Sri Krishna. Everyone was delighted.
“Srimati Radharani is the mother of the universe, the spiritual mother of all souls. And the concept of mother is the most sacred symbol—that of purity, selflessness, caring, sharing, nurturing, and love.

That is why our sacred mantra is the holy names. It is the holy names in the vocative. Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare / Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

“‘Hare’ means ‘Radhe.’ It is a plaintive, desperate cry for the mother. ‘Radhe! Please wake us up from this nightmare of mortal life! Remind us of the father we have forgotten and take us home!’”

In the Krishna consciousness movement, devotees carefully worship Srimati Radharani as the bestower of devotional service to Krishna, by attentively chanting her name in the maha-mantra, by worshiping her deity form, and by following the instructions of the most merciful Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who is the combined form of Radha and Krishna.

“(Therefore) Radha is parama-devata, the supreme goddess, and She is worshipable for everyone. She is the protectress of all, and She is the mother of the entire universe.” — Caitanya Caritamrita, Adi 4.89

Jaladuta Re-enactment
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imageimage

On the second day the Auckland temple celebrated Srila Prabhupada’s arrival in America with the devotees going on a boat in the harbour.

This was a reenactment of Srila Prabhupada traveling on the Jaladuta to America.
A small deity of Prabhupada was taken on board and throughout the morning the devotees had kirtan, speeches and wonderful prasadam.
imageimage

It’s Our Sacred Time
→ Japa Group

One should lead one’s life in such a way that the mind is unagitated for chanting. It’s a whole art of living. A chanter is a person who has a peaceful mind and can go deep, savoring the mahamantra during his japa session. If we’re worried or disturbed by different agitations, we’re not with Radha and Krishna. Chanting is out of this world. You have to go there and leave the concerns of the material world, at least when we chant. It is our sacred time.

From Bhajan #228
by Satsvarupa dasa Goswami

Hare Krishna! The Cowgirls’ Song of Separation (9 min video) On…
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Hare Krishna! The Cowgirls’ Song of Separation (9 min video)
On the auspicious occasion of Radhastami, we are pleased to release a video rendition of Gopi Gita from Srimad Bhagavatam. These verses are found in the 31st Chapter of the 10th canto of Srimad Bhagavatam. 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.
Watch it here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=19954

Hare Krishna! A wonderful story by His Holiness Radhanatha…
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Hare Krishna! A wonderful story by His Holiness Radhanatha Swami
In 1971 I was a devotee of Lord Siva, I was traveling from the area Pashupatinatha to Amarnatha for a pilgrimage in month of August. Very crowded third class train, didn’t sit down for about 40 hours. Finally the train stopped and I wanted to somehow or other to move, so I crawled over people’s heads, somehow I pulled myself out of the window, because I had these attachments. The train started moving and I tried to get back in and it was so very crowded, no window to fit a human being inside. So the train left and I was in this unknown place. I asked a sadhu on the railway platform – where is this. He said this is Mathura, today is Janmastami! So he took me to Janmasthaana where I spent the whole day.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=2388