Planet ISKCON

Monday, September 7th, 2015
North York, Ontario




May the Source be with you!

Sunday, September 6^th, 2015
Toronto, Ontario












I have a concern that




I have a humble opinion




In my other pocket a feeling




I can say for certain




I have these mixed feelings




Yours was the first step

"One who thinks himself lower than the grass, who is more tolerant than a tree, and who does not expect personal honor but is always prepared to give all respect to others, can very easily always chant the holy name of the Lord."

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura says that this verse teaches one how to chant without offences by mentioning the four qualities necessary for non-stop chanting. In other words, by possessing these four devotional traits it will be much easier for one to always chant the holy name. The sastras prescribe constant chanting as the way to remove all offences.

From Illuminations on Nama Aparadha
by Mahanidhi Swami

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 23 September 2012, Durban, South Africa, Radhastami Lecture)

Krsna is the all attractive Supreme Personality of Godhead. Sri krsna-akarsani, devotional service can attract Krsna. Srimati Radharani is in the maha mantra, present in the word ‘Hare’. The word ‘Hare’ represents devotional service. Devotional service is of a very wonderful nature because as described in the Nectar of Devotion, devotional service is sri krsna-akarsani.

Krsna is known as Acyuta because Krsna never fails to notice any service rendered to him. In that way, service rendered by any devotee, anywhere in the three worlds, is always noticed by Krsna and Krsna reciprocates. Still, amongst all devotees, there is one devotee who is the topmost devotee and that devotee is Srimati Radharani!

The followers of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, who is really the originator of this Hare Krsna movement, are taught to understand that no one can please Krsna more than Srimati Radharani. Therefore, rather than to aspire to serve Krsna directly, we are aspiring to become the servant, of the servant, of the servant of Srimati Radharani – a hundred times, a thousand times, a hundred thousand times, a million times, gopi-bhartuh pada-kamalayor dasa-anu-dasa (Caitanya Caritamrta Madhya 13.80). It makes sense and this actually is the mood of Vrndavana.

Vrndavana is a place which is different from any mundane place in this world like where we appeared and where we are trying to perform our own pastimes. Everyone is busy trying to create their own pastimes but these pastimes which we are performing are pastimes for our pleasure. But Vrndavana is of a different nature. The entire existence of Vrndavana is only for one purpose which is to please Krsna and everything within Vrndavana is meant for that pleasure of Krsna, hrsikena hrsikesa-sevanam bhaktir ucyate (Caitanya Caritamrta Madhya 19.170).

In Vrndavana, pathways are made of transcendental gems and these gems are also devotees of the Lord. These gems are simply there to please Krsna. The bodies of water at the side of the pathway contain many beautiful birds and wonderful lotus flowers and so on, and all are there simply for the pleasure of Krsna. When Krsna places his lotus feet in the river Yamuna, the water plants in the Yamuna hold onto Krsna’s lotus feet and will not allow Krsna to move his feet out of the Yamuna again. The Yamuna then stops flowing and begins to show little whirlpools of ecstasy because Krsna’s lotus feet are in her waters. How could she flow and move past Krsna when his lotus feet are there!? There is no flowing! So in this way in Vrndavana, all the residents are absorbed in Krsna prema, prema-antaranga, deeply absorbed in such love of God.

“Then Srila Prabhupada said that he never complained, because his policy was, “Everything for Krsna; nothing for myself.” He mentioned how he had suffered in so many ways in the course of establishing the Krsna consciousness movement; he had struggled to get passage to America and then on the way suffered two heart attacks at sea, and even when he got to America he had suffered in so many ways—he had buzzing in his ears and his head. “I cannot even describe how much I suffered,” he said. “Nor do I want to.” But he had never complained.

“Everything for Krsna; nothing for myself.” That is why, as a service to Krsna, Srila Prabhupada was serving us—because his ultimate goal was to bring us back to our eternal relationship with Krsna and engage us in His service. Essentially, he was bathing us, feeding us, and dressing us—teaching us how to live as human beings so that ultimately he could bring us to the position where he could offer us for Krsna’s service.

He asked for only one thing—that we continue his mission.”

—Giriraj Swami

Akruranatha Dasa
Kanka Dasi
Jaggarini Dasi
Satyadeva Dasa
Mahaguna Dasi
Nrihari Dasa
Bhavatarini Dasi
Giriraj Swami
Srila Dasa
Vaisesika Dasa

Saturday, September 5^th, 2015
Toronto, Ontario

During our trip to Kharkhorin, the old capital of Mongolia, we visited the ancient Buddhist monastery of Erdene Zuu. After discussing spiritual matters with the monks there for sometime, they asked us to have kirtan. I believe it was one of the best kirtans Bada Haridas prabhu ever led. Before leaving we gave the head [...]

Hare Krishna! Plaza of the Americas renovation makes room for Krishna
The Foundation has partnered with Krishna House to raise funds for the project, said the chaplain and manager of Krishna House, Carl Woodham. “We have such a long-standing relationship with the university,” he said. The renovation will also bring a designated area for Krishna Lunch to be served, Woodham said. The Foundation is also working with UF Libraries to seek support for a combined Plaza of the Americas and Library West entrance renovation, Orlando said. The renovation doesn’t have a start or end date yet, but the Foundation is working on the official timeline, Orlando said. The planning was finalized about a year and a half ago, and small modifications have been added since then.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=19809

Hare Krishna! The Perils Of Being Over-intelligent
‘Once bitten twice shy’ may be the general maxim. Does it mean we should suspect every devotee around us? Some discriminators say we are being naïve if we see only the good in devotees. Are we being naïve if we see only the good in others? Many of us are accustomed to the intellectual cynicism afforded by ‘free’ democratic societies. The news we read or hear, and judicious endings to court cases are often the work of investigative journalists or police work, who often test the limits of constitutional liberties such as the freedom of speech, expression, the rights to life, to privacy and so on, which favor a decent and dignified existence. When we come to Krsna consciousness, a cultural shock awaits us as we become exposed to the ancient way of obedience to authority, to guru, sadhu and Sastra.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=2181

Hare Krishna! Caring For Devotees: The Spiritual Counselor System
Radhanath Swami: A devotee has given his whole life to serve this mission, and then he becomes very sick. He needs help. He lays sick on the floor “I can’t do my service.” And we say, “You are in maya. You are not the body.” “Thank you. Philosophically it’s true: I am not this body and I am in maya, but I need your help to get out of maya and transcend this body. I need the love, support and care of a Vaisnava to take me through this.” As a service to all of you, I am offering a brief explanation of how we are attempting to serve the Vaisnavas at the Sri Sri Radha-Gopinatha Mandir, in Mumbai
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=1378

Hare Krishna! Have You Burnt The Ravana Within?
Many people think of a villain as a person who enjoys by exploiting and harming others. Though not wrong, this conception of evil is incomplete and naïve as it ignores a fundamental reality: our supremely responsible and loving father, God. Probably most of us never got spiritual education to realize that it is God who selflessly provides us our daily food. It is true that we have to work hard to earn our living, but our effort is secondary; its like the hard work of the birds searching for grains. Without God pre-providing the grains through nature, their search, no matter how painstaking, would be fruitless.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=1656

Indradyumna Swami: During our trip to Kharkhorin, the old capital of Mongolia, we visited the ancient Buddhist monastery of Erdene Zuu. After discussing spiritual matters with the monks there for sometime, they asked us to have kirtan. I believe it was one of the best kirtans Bada Haridas prabhu ever led. Before leaving we gave the head monk a copy of Bhagavad Gita. It was altogether an historic occasion. That evening we had wonderful program for 100 citizens of Kharkhorin in a local hall. After the lecture everyone chanted and danced in great happiness during the kirtan.
See the photos here: https://goo.gl/JcCjb5

Album: Janmastami Celebration in Sri Krishna Balarama Mandir, Bon Accueil, Mauritius (67 Photographs):
Photography Courtesy: Arjun Bhattacharyya
See them here: https://goo.gl/bNPLZ5

This is called a ‘kunti.’ This particular piece was given by the Chand Kazi to Lord Nityananda, as proof that the Chand Kazi authorized public chanting of the holy names within his district. Originally it was a symbol of the Kazi’s authority. The samkirtan party carried it everywhere.

 

Archana Mataji and her husband, Ananta Gopal Prabhu, joined Sri Sri Radha Kalachandji’s community several years back in order to have both their daughters, Brinda and Chakrika, attend school at TKG Academy.

For the second year in a row, Archana Mataji has accepted personal responsibility and ownership of TKG Academy’s Janmastami fundraising booth. During her recent summer visit to India, she has purchased many items to be sold at the booth, with the goal of benefiting the school. Along with her mother, Sarala Mataji, they set up the booth and spent most of their Janmastami evening personally manning it. Her enthusiasm to support the school and her initiatives are inspiring and very well appreciated.

 

Visnu Murti dasa is the Founder and the Chief Vani Officer (CVO) of Vanipedia? Akrura dasa is a Vaniservant and a Gita Coach. http://vanipedia.org Conversations between Visnu Murti dasa and Vani Seva recorded between 29 November and 15 December 2012 at the Vanipedia headquarters in Radhadesh, Belgium Vani Seva: What is Vanipedia? Visnu Murti dasa: Vanipedia is a humble but bold attempt to

In yet another remarkable innovative step forward, the TOVP engineering team has embarked on the development of a custom-made tool to be used for engraving designs into wood, metal and styrofoam for various elements of the temple; the 4 Axis CNC Router.

Being manufactured in China, this router is designed to serve the specific needs of the TOVP. It has been selected for its precise work and will be used for making mold patterns in wooden doors, windows, etc. The 3D design-based tool can not only carve patterns into wood, but it can also cut into aluminum and mill styrofoam which will be used for the ceiling, arches, screens and GRC molds.

Pictured is the Router and some examples of what it can produce. Now under production, it will be ready for shipping to Mayapur in 2-3 weeks.

Router defined:
A machine tool that mills out the surface of metal or wood
(Tools) any of various tools or machines for hollowing out, cutting grooves, etc.
A power tool with a shaped cutter; used in carpentry for cutting grooves

[See image gallery at tovp.org]

The post Custom Routing Tool Now Being Manufactured for TOVP appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

See the related video here.

The post The moral of Syama-bihari’s encounter with the owls appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

Varnasrama series from Turkey.

The post “I can’t get no satisfaction.” appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

Written by Nicole

Kadamba Kanana Swami arrived in Johannesburg on 08 September. After a day of rest, he joined the Krsna Balaram Youth Group in Randburg for their weekly bhajan night. It was a crisp Spring evening with an outdoor setup but Maharaj’s kirtan was sure to warm everyone up very quickly. Every now and then, in between changing tunes, Maharaj spoke a few profound words about the holy name. It is well worth a listen to! See below for the recording. After the kirtan, Maharaj braved the chilly weather to speak to many of the devotees who attended the program.

The next day, Maharaj took lunch at the house of his disciples, Tirumala and Satyarani. Later on, he gave an evening class at Lenasia temple. He chose Bhagavad-gita 7.7 and spoke about the frustrations experienced by identifying with the material existence. Maharaj also spoke deeply about pride and gave the analogy of the mouse and the tiger. He explained becoming a mouse again – punar müsiko bhava. Even those who have heard this analogy before, took away more from it this time as Maharaj expounded with vigour and enthusiasm.

On 10 September, Maharaja left Johannesburg for a week-long trip to Durban. He will return to Johannesburg on 19 September to attend the upcoming Soweto Ratha Yatra.

Visit Flickr to see more photos

 

Audio

KKS_JHB_09Sept2015_YouthGroup_Bhajan_and_Lecture

KKS_JHB_10Sept2015_EveningProgram_LenasiaTemple_JayaRadhaMadhava

KKS_JHB_10Sept2015_EveningProgram_LenasiaTemple_BG_7.7

 

2015-09-13 Sunday’s initiation ceremony with Sivarama Swami of Bn. Zeyneb, now Devayani d.d. 14 photos.
See them here: https://goo.gl/0mIzlr

High-resolution photos from the 2015 Brighton Ratha Yatra, UK by professional photographer bhakta David Crick.
See them here: http://goo.gl/22vRpI

Kadamba Kanana Swami: Even if we are limping on the spiritual path, even if we are jumping on one leg, still we have to continue on the spiritual path, even if it is on crutches, carry on and then one can be glorious. Just like our Bhakti Raghava Swami, somehow he lost his leg and since then he walks on crutches but of all the swamis, he is the one who went on foot to Tirupati, India, for darshan. He went up the mountain with his crutches. I went with a car and met him as he came up on his crutches.
Read the entire article here: https://goo.gl/7svdyd

University Veggie Club at Newcastle, Australia
Ramai Swami : Abhaya Carana and the devotees from the Bhakti Tree in Newcastle regularly have preaching programs every week.
On Wednesday there’s a yoga night and on Friday a kirtan night.
Three days a week they cater to the Vegetarian Club at Hunter Valley University where each day a couple of hundred students taste wonderful prasadam.
Read more: http://goo.gl/Vw7odM

Initiation ceremony in Poland with Krishna Kshetra Swami (Album with photos)
See them here: https://goo.gl/o8WTbT

The post Daily Darshan – September 15th, 2015 appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Refugees Find Comfort in Free FFLG Meals Throughout Europe
Food for Life Global (FFLG) and its European affiliates continue to distribute free plant-based meals to refugees in over ten European countries. Over 10,000 meals have been served so far. As millions of refugees escape ghastly conditions in their home countries, more organizations and activists are coming forward to assist refugees find a safe and home and food and FFLG is among them.
Read the entire article here: http://goo.gl/miqjIS

Harinama and preaching in Bestival 2015 - Isle of Wight, UK (Album with photos)
See them here: https://goo.gl/c2f13n

Radha-Krsna Darshana (Album with photos)
It’s a humble attempt to serve devotees by posting Radha-Krsna Deities Images of ISKCON Temple all around the world, on the occasion of Radhastami. Wishing you all a wonderful meditation on the divine form of Their Lordships!
See them here: https://goo.gl/xxMzc4

HG Parividha Dasa – CCM 20.166-173 – 30.08.2015

HG Gopaswami Das has completed the procedure for commencing the service of diksa-guru in ISKCON. He is based in France.

Amal Bhakta Prabhu is receiving sannyasa initiation from Radhanatha Maharaja in New Dvaraka, Los Angeles on Sept. 16