Hare Krishna! Thousands march in Chandigarh to celebrate…
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Hare Krishna! Thousands march in Chandigarh to celebrate ISKCON’s 50th anniversary
Thousands of residents marched together in the city of Chandigarh, capital of Punjab and Haryana, while loudly performing kirtan and chanting the Hare Krishna mantra to usher in the year long celebrations commemorating the 50th anniversary of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=19072

ISKCON Scarborough’s 3rd annual Jagannath Festival – Saturday – Aug 22nd 2015
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Hare Krishna!
Please accept our humble obeisances!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga!


ISKCON Scarborough's 3rd Annual Jagannath Cultural Festival is scheduled to take place on Saturday 22nd Aug 2015 at Milliken Park, Scarborough (McCowan & Steeles).


This grand event is free for everyone and includes a diverse assortment of activities like live contemporary musical performances, classical dance performances, drama, face painting, book stall containing cooks books and ancient Vedic texts, traditional clothing, children's activities, and overall family fun.


The highlight of the event is the distribution of free vegetarian feast throughout the program.


Brief program schedule is as follows:

Parade - 10 am to 11 am
Welcome address, VIP introduction and inauguration - 11 am to 12 noon
12 noon to 6 pm - Cultural activities

Please see attached flyer and park plan for further details

We warmly welcome you and your family to take part in the festivities on Saturday- Aug 22nd 2015


ISKCON Scarborough
3500 McNicoll Avenue, Unit #3,
Scarborough,Ontario,
Canada,M1V4C7

Email Address:

iskconscarborough@hotmail.com

website:

www.iskconscarborough.com

Kolkata 50th Celebrations
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ISKCON Kolkata celebrated 4 days of festivities commemorating Srila Prabhupada’s leaving August 15th 1965 on the Jaladuta for Boston, U.S.A.

On the first day functions were held in the Nethaji Indoor Stadium, which has a capacity of 15,000 seats.
Many devotees and guests attended as well as ISKCON luminaries, Jayapataka Maharaja, Radhanath Maharaja, Bhakti Caru Maharaja, Lokananath Maharaja and Bhakti Purusottama Maharaja.
The day was filled with numerous speeches, kirtan, dance and drama. Prasadam was served to thousands of enlivened participants.
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Travel Journal#11.13: Paris, The North of England, and London
→ Travel Adventures of a Krishna Monk


Diary of a Traveling Sadhaka, Vol. 11, No. 13
By Krishna-kripa das
(July 2015, part one)
Paris, The North of England, London
(Sent from Siemyśl, Poland, on August 15, 2015)

Where I Went and What I Did

As July began, I continued doing harinama in Paris, sometimes with Janananda Goswami. Despite threats by the Gatwick UK Border Force on May 5 that if I left the UK I could not get back it, I made it back from Paris on July 4 (Saturday). That afternoon I attended our harinama in York which precedes our monthly program there, and in the evening, I went to the last hour or so of a six-hour kirtana with Madhava Prabhu in Manchester. Then I returned to Newcastle for several days of harinama there and in the neighboring regions of North Shields and Byker, and for a day-trip to Edinburgh. Then on Friday I did harinama in Leeds and went to their weekly evening program. Saturday I chanted and did harinama and a program in Chester. Sunday I joined the Manchester devotees for their monthly harinama. One Monday and Tuesday I went to London to see my niece play in an international Ultimate Frisbee tournament in St. Albans, invited by my sister. On Tuesday and Wednesday, I went on harinama with the London devotees, and on Thursday I flew to Prague for their Ratha-yatra on Sunday.

I share insights from several lectures by Srila Prabhupada and a quote from one of his Srimad-Bhagavatam purports. I share an excerpt from the daily journal of Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami, and notes on lectures by a couple swamis, Janananda Goswami and Mahavishnu Swami, and Prabhupada disciple, Pitavasa Prabhu, from Paris. I include an excerpt from a essay in Back to Godhead magazine by Nagaraja Prabhu. I also havenotes on a lecture by Bhakti-sastri teacher, Radhika Nagara Prabhu, who visits Manchester in the summers. I share a interesting quote from my sister about a study revealing the U.S. lifestyle is detrimental to mental health.

I would like to thank Janananda Goswami, who kindly contributed for my travel expenses to Paris. Thanks to my sister Karen, for her contribution to my travel to St. Albans. Thanks to the Newcastle temple for their donation to my harinama program. Thanks also to Lucas and Malini of Edinburgh for their kind donations. Thanks to Janardana, John, John, and an nice Indian lady for their contributions in Leeds. Thanks to Gopijanavallabha Prabhu for bringing my sister and I prasadam from Bhaktivedanta Manor. Thanks to the people in Paris who gave me a few coins on harinama.

Thanks to Clive Holland for his picture of our Chester harinama.

Itinerary

August 9–19: Festival of India on Poland's Baltic Coast
August 20–23: Trutnov (Czech Woodstock)
August 24: Prague / London
August 25–26: Newcastle
August 27: Preston
August 28: Liverpool
August 29: Manchester
August 30: Leeds
August 31–September 1: Newcastle
September 2–3: Sheffield
September 4–7: Ireland
September 8: New York City
September ?: Boston
September ?: Albany
September ?–November 15: New York City Harinama
November 16–18: Washington, D.C., Harinama
November 19: Jacksonville
November 20–December 16: Krishna House, Gainesville
December 17: Jacksonville?
December 18–January 3: New York City Harinama

Paris Harinama

After the Harinama Ruci party left Paris, we continued to do harinama there. One day we planned to chant downtown, but when we got to the train station we found that because of people on the tracks, they could not guarantee that the trains would make it all the way to Paris. We chanted at the St. Brice train station for a while, and because it was rush hour, many people heard us. Then we chanted in the local village for a while on the way back to the temple.  

The next day I could find no one to go out with, so I played my little harmonium and chanted in downtown Paris myself. I did a sitting harinama in two different places, totaling three hours. People donated a total of only 31 Euro cents, and thus I could not distribute any books. It was very humbling. While walking to the place where I chanted I met people from Indian backgrounds who did not know there was a Hare Krishna temple in Paris, and who were very happy to receive invitations. That was the high point of the experience.  

The next day Janananda Goswami was able to join us on harinama. We went to the village of Sarcelles, a short bus ride from the temple. The place was largely populated by Muslims, and at least two devotees discouraged us from going there. We found the Muslims were very receptive and many watched happily and took pictures. One Indian vendor donated bottles of water to each devotee in our party. It was refreshing to be chanting with Janananda Goswami, who has such faith in the universality of the chant that he is willing to go everywhere, and it was wonderful to see how the people appreciated. It was a nice ending for my trip to Paris.

Attaining the UK

They took so long at UK immigration with their paperwork, because of my previous issues, that the bus driver had to send someone in looking for me. The UK officials really harassed that young man for coming in the wrong door and were unnecessarily abusive. The bus driver went on anyway, and a UK border official had to give me a ride to the bus, which had not yet boarded the ferry, having missed the previous one. I thanked the guy who came in to look for me and who had to take such abuse. He said he was used to it. I said my spiritual teacher likened the immigration people to barking dogs. He smiled, and said, “I like that.”

The UK Border people like to see travelers have proof of health insurance, enough money, and a ticket home.From now on, I will have to be very careful to make sure I have all these things.

York Harinama

My eight Newcastle friends did not come to York this month, so and our kirtana was not quite as lively. We were fortunate to have Smara Hari Prabhu, a Prabhupada disciple from Bhaktivedanta Manor, who came to speak at the monthly evening program, and Rupa Manjari, who I have chanted on harinama with in New York City, Gainesville, and London.


At one point an onlooker felt inspired to hold our mantra sign, which he did with great pleasure.

Harinama in North Shields

Prema Sankirtana, Radhe Shyama, and Madhuri Prabhus joined me to chant in North Shields and later Byker. It was Madhuri's first time in both places. In North Shields a number of people listened for a while, and a few gave donations and took books. In the beginning, it was a little austere because you could see our chanting party was completely different thing for so many of the people there, but after you chant for a while it does not bother you anymore.
 
We set up outside a mall, and there were always people coming and going.

One boy covered his ears, trying to avoid the holy name. This sometimes happens, but it was too late! The holy name already purified him before he could cover his ears, the rascal!

Harinama in Byker
In Byker, a region within Newcastle, we did a walking harinama for an hour. Radhe Shyam Prabhu played harmonium and sang, Prema Sankirtana Prabhu played drum, Madhuri Devi Dasi played karatalas, and I took pictures and videos.

Some people danced.
 



Some played with the drum.



One lady offered pranams.

The barbers were the best of all.

See how these two Byker barbers delighted in dancing to our Hare Krishna chanting (https://youtu.be/CE_u1Up61YU):


When we left, they invited us to come whenever we want for a free haircut.

When I posted this on Facebook, Anna Rozario commented, “Wow! You made a Muslim chant and dance! Amazing! The dance he was doing is a traditional Arab dance in Palestine and also Lebanon. It is preformed mainly on big occasions. All glories to Lord Gauranga!!”

A day on harinama is not complete without prasadam. Thanks to Madhuri and her friends for making great sweets.

Harinama in Edinburgh

I was happy we had three devotees singing this time, instead of just two. Malini and Rima joined me for half of the three hours. We found a good spot to chant, where we were protected from the rain that greeted us toward the end and which is not uncommon in Scotland.

Harinama in Newcastle

One day I chanted by myself, except for the walk up the hill back to the temple when Madhuri joined me. One young man with an Eastern European accent listened to the chanting for a while, and then later came by and gave a £5 donation. I offered him a book, and he took King of Knowledge as he had Bhagavad-gita.

On my last day singing in Newcastle for this trip, we had seven devotees at least for some of the time. These included (from left to right) Prema Sankirtana Prabhu, Radhe Shyama Prabhu, Satya Medha Gauranga Prabhu, Madhuri dd, Veera, and Priyanka.

Satya Medha Gauranga Prabhu, in suit and tie, used his hour lunch break from work to join us. Here is a video clip of him singing (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7u9a61qfjbo):


The young man to the left of the bicycle in the video listened to our harinamafor over half an hour. Seeing his interest, I explained how we Hare Krishnas promote unmotivated, uninterrupted service to God as the ultimate truth. I said the chant had the effect of awakening our dormant love, and he said he could see that. That was impressive to me. Because he seemed genuinely interested, I suggested he get a book and he gave £2.50 for Krishna Consciousness, the Topmost Yoga System. He listened a while longer and then offered £5 more to get all the rest of the books, so I gave him two more small books plus a small softbound Bhagavad-gita that someone had given me . We gave him an invitation to the temple, and I hope he comes by sometime.

Prema Sankirtana Prabhu later led a very lively kirtana (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGOnTzaLI9A):


I am greatly fortunate to have such nice friends to sing with in Newcastle.

Harinama in Leeds

Janardana Prabhu, now based in Leeds, chanted with me for an hour and a half or so, with John joining us midway. It was mostly sunny and the hottest weather I ever experienced in Leeds. One man, who could recall the Hare Krishna mantra from memory and who previously had a copy of Bhagavad-gita which he was separated from in the course of time, considered it providential that he met us, and purchased a new hardbound Gita for £10, promising to spend the evening reading it. He mentioned that it contained the truth. One African lady stood in front of us for a while, really delighting in moving with the music.

Chanting in Chester on Racing Day

There were many more people than usual in Chester because it was horse racing day. Seeing their attire, you would think an award were being given for the best outfit. Apparently the Chester races are famous for overindulgence in alcohol. Thus our audience was not of candidates likely to consciously take up bhakti-yoga, but degraded people of the age needing special mercy. Sakhya Prema Prabhu and his wife, and Barbara of Liverpool, joined Clive, Agi, and Mark, and Chand's family on harinama. We ended up chanting a full three hours.

Sakhya Prema Prabhu sang at the program in Chester, and I spoke. There were several new people there. One middle-aged lady thanked me for explaining everything so clearly that a new person could understand it. That made me feel victorious. There were not many people, but everyone had a good time, and many, perhaps even all, took books.

Harinama in Manchester

After the harinama the devotees do in Manchester on the second Sunday of the month for an hour and a half or two hours, I decided to stay out and complete my personal quota of three hours on harinama. I can see Krishna really reciprocated with my decision as in the first fifteen minutes a young man who was interested in kundalini yoga came by and bought Bhagavad-gita and The King of Knowledge. In the hour and fifteen minutes I was out, I distributed five books and collected £13.99 (almost $22), just by singing and talking to the people who came by. It was all Krishna's mercy.

International Ultimate Frisbee Tournament for 23 Years Old and Under

I am not a very sociable person, but I keep in touch with my closest relatives, my mother, my sister, Karen, and my niece, Fern. Karen suggested I watch Fern play in the Ultimate Frisbee tournament she was playing in as it was in UK during the time I would be there. While studying abroad in South Africa, Fern got involved in playing Ultimate Frisbee there and was a valuable enough person to make the South African team at the event along with Oliver, a South African boy, she met there. I was planning to fly to Prague from London for the Prague Ratha-yatra in mid-July anyway, so I came to London a little earlier so I could see the games. Turns out they played just 6 miles from Bhaktivedanta Manor. I hoped Fern or Karen would have enough free time to visit the Manor, at least for prasadam, but the schedule was very tight. 
 
I arranged for an old friend of mine from San Diego, Gopijanavallabha Prabhu (previously known as Jagannatha Krishna), who had since moved to near the Manor to bring some prasadam for my sister and I. 
 
It turns out that day there was not a vegetarian option at the event, and Karen, and another vegetarian fan she was friends with, were very happy to get the prasadam. 

The prasadamcame from the Manor gurukula, as it was before their regular lunch time.


It was interesting that Ultimate Frisbee is one of the least competitive sports in that they appreciate the best players on opposite team after the game is over. Oliver was appreciated by the Japanese team in this way.
 
Here are the Japanese and South African teams, who had just played, with the favored Japanese team winning, just barely in overtime. Oliver is the one holding the frisbee.

This is my niece Fern, in her Republic of South Africa Wild Dogs uniform. Apparently the team is named after a type of dog that achieves victory over its prey by running it to the point of exhaustion.

Over two days I saw the end of one game, a full game, and the beginning of another. In the first two games, South Africa was defeated by Japan anad Canada, teams who were expected to win, but they did score many goals against their opponents, showing their abilities. Fern and Oliver both made some nice plays. The most amazing for me is when they caught the Frisbee with outstretched arms and fell to the ground still clutching the Frisbee so the catch would still count. I do not think I could do that.

For pictures not included, click on the link below:
https://picasaweb.google.com/103872792410945983719/TravelJournal1113?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCJCCzp76lo6NrgE&feat=directlink 

Insights

Srila Prabhupada:

From a lecture on Srimad-Bhagavatam1.2.6 on October 5, 1975, in Mauritius:

Suprasidati means not just satisfied but completely satisfied. Atma means the body, the mind, the soul, and the Supersoul. So this verse explains that pure devotional service will completely satisfy the body, mind, soul, and Supersoul.

From a lecture in New York City on November 26, 1966, on Sri Caitanya-caritamrta,
Madhya-līlā 20.124:

If you learn how to obey the Personality of Godhead, Krishna, you will be happy.

“My relationship with the Supreme is eternal, but I have forgotten it. Now, that relationship is that He is the original father of everything and we are all sons. For so long we have been disobedient. Now we have to become obedient. That’s all. 'Obedience is the first law of discipline.' As soon as the people of this so-called advanced world become obedient to God, then there will be discipline and there will be peace.  There is no discipline now. They are not agreeable to follow any rules and regulations. Everyone is acting as if he is God. But everyone is a dog, thinking he can do anything, whatever he likes. There is no discipline.”     

“You are after peace and prosperity. What is the basis of peace? The basis of peace is love. Do you think that without loving anyone you can become peaceful? No. How it is possible? Therefore, if you love God, then you can love everyone. And if you don’t love God, then you cannot love anyone. ”

“The central point must be there.  So if you can love God, then you can love everything in relationship with God. You can love every man, you can love your country, you can love your society, you can love your friend. Everyone. That is the point.”

“If you follow the rules and regulations systematically, then all these qualities will develop. You’ll see it practically. And as soon as these qualities are there, then you actually become a lover of your country; you become a lover of your fellow man.  It is not expected that everyone will become like that. But if at least ten percent of the population become Krishna consciousness, then peace in the world is guaranteed.” 



From Srimad-Bhagavatam4.16.19, purport:

“We should remember that the embodiment of the conditioned soul is considered to be like a dress. One may dress in different ways, but a really learned man does not take dresses into consideration.”

From a lecture on Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.8.23 in Los Angeles on April 15, 1973:

In this material world, even if you become Krishna's mother you will suffer, what to speak of others.

“If I think, 'I am American. Why shall I take Krishna consciousness? It is Hindu God,' that is foolishness. . . . But if we purify the senses that 'I am spirit soul. The Supreme Spirit Soul is Krishna. I am part and parcel of Krishna; therefore it is my duty to serve Krishna,' then you become free immediately. Immediately. 

From a lecture on Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.8.24 in Mayapur on October 4, 1974:

As I soon as I think I am comfortably situated, I am in maya [illusion].

A Vaishnava is so tolerant that although he suffers himself, he does not want others to suffer.

We should expect always danger, but if we expect help from Krishna, He will save us.

Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami:

From “Poem for June 26” inViraha Bhavan:

“When I wrote Japa Reform NotebookI chanted
thirty-two rounds for three months.
With the increase in numerical
strength came quality and
reverence for the holy names.
I honestly told of my
struggles. Some ISKCON leaders
objected to the book and banned
it in their zones. They did not think
it was appropriate for a guru
to admit that he was challenged
by japa.They misunderstood me.
I was celebrating nama-bhajana 
despite the obstacles.”

“Today’s drawing shows four
devotees dancing and chanting
with upraised arms.
They are a mixed group
but in union by kirtana. 
Today harinama parties
are made up of devotees
of different races, sexes
nationalities, ages, and even attitudes.
But when they go
out in public and
perform congregational chanting
they form a tight
and cooperative team
to present harinama
to the conditioned souls.
Putting disagreements aside
they rise to the occasion
of preaching Lord Caitanya’s
mission. The bliss
they feel and the seriousness of their
purpose creates
a sublime harmony. This is not
insignificant cooperation but a deep
linking of like-minded souls.”

Janananda Goswami:

When Jayapataka Maharaja was learning Bengali, he was practicing by conversing with a farmer. He asked the farmer if he had ever been to Calcutta. The farmer replied that he had been to Calcutta once, but he would never go again. Jayapataka inquired why, and the farmer explained that in Calcutta he had seen a man holding hands with a woman, and therefore, he would never go to that sinful city again.

With sex attraction, the problem is not the woman or the man, but the problem is in one's own mind.

A sannyasiin Srngeri Matha told Bhakti Vikasa Swami, “If we had to preach in the places you do, I do not know if we would be able to do it.”

The danger with attraction to sense objects is that they distract one from devotional service to the Lord.

Full engagement in devotional service with no time to do anything else is the path of success – making our service, whatever it is, our life and soul.

I was wearing Western clothes and distributing Back to Godhead magazines in Newcastle. At one point I was looking in a electronics shop at the latest tape recorder. I did not have money, I was just looking. Then someone tapped me on the shoulder and said, “Maya,” and then disappeared. I never found out who it was.

Only the Lord's mercy can protect us from the temptations.

We need a teacher to inform us about which instructions of the scriptures to follow.

In 1977, Srila Prabhupada said we have enough temples in West, we need preaching centers.

Brahmanananda Prabhu told me in Vrindavan, when I visited him two months ago, Srila Prabhupada said to him when he was in Africa, “Do not invite the Indian people to the temple. They will come anyway.”

We did a survey about the Sunday feast in Newcastle. People liked the chanting, the class depended on who gave it, but the arati they could not relate to.

Devamrita Swami has a very successful program in Australia where they have centers  where they do not introduce have all kinds of aspects of temple worship that would be hard for new people to relate to.

In the beginning of the Hare Krishna movement, we would all chant japa for an hour and a half before the deities, and then they would spend 30 minutes dressing the deities.

In England, for at least six months, we were worshiping a basil plant, instead of a tulasi, by accident.

Young people are not so much into revolution these days, but rather they are looking for a lifestyle they feel comfortable with.

Paris is the biggest tourist city in the world, and many of tourists are young people.

A woman's eyes have the power to enter into a man's heart and capture him. The only hope is that we may be attracted to the beautiful eyes of Lord Krishna. Unknowingly, practically speaking, the living entity in the female body is meant to capture the living entities in the male body, by providing many varieties of sensual enjoyment.

In this age, it is very hard because the woman are dressed, or undressed as the case may be, to attract the men.

Consider the nature of the material body. You put a nice samosain it, and stool comes out.

It is the clever arrangement of maya that the material body seems attractive. 

The prostitute sent to tempt Haridas Thakura was called Lakha Hira because she was a very expensive prostitute, costing 100,000 rupees.

Sometimes people renounce the world and go to the holy dhama, but then they again become attached to sensual relationships there.

A seed may be there, but if you do not cultivate it, it will not grow. Similarly we may have a tendency for sensual enjoyment, but if we do not contemplate it, we will not become victimized by it.

If we find ourselves becoming captivated, we can pray to Krishna, chant his names, focus on Bhagavad-gita, etc.

Q (by a older brahmacari): What about older men getting married?
A: It is not recommended. It is not unusual, but it is not the end of the world. You may be criticized for it, but that criticism is good for your spiritual life. There are various reasons for it, such as weak association. Krishna allows it to happen as He is concerned that we do what we have to do to go back to Godhead, not that we look respectable from the material point of view.

Living in the temples is meant for those serious about spiritual life. Similarly the gurukula was originally meant for people who were 100% submissive to the education.

Children become disturbed if they are forced by the parents or the society to learn something that is not their nature. They should be given facility to learn according to their natural inclination.

Comment by a devotee: There is one Jayapataka Swami disciple who teaches music and his students live with him and help him out in different ways, cooking for him, cleaning, etc.
Response: That is the culture there. It is very natural.

Mahavishnu Swami:

In Radha-Londonisvara Mandir, all we are doing is serving a pure devotee [Srila Prabhupada] and therefore there is hope for our attaining spiritual perfection.

This is a festival movement. Everyone is attracted by a festival, especially the Chinese people in Scandinavia.

We seek the highest standard of living. That is to be found in the spiritual world. In this material world, we have the highest standard of dying.

Any place a thirsty cow drinks is not different from the Ganges River according to the scripture.

Tulasiis called puspa-sara, the essence of all flowers.

In a purport, Srila Prabhupada says the bhakti-lata-bija [the seed of the creeper of devotion] is the instructions of the spiritual master.

When have sung many songs, but when we chanted Hare Krishna we experienced something difference, some purification of the heart, some reciprocation from Krishna.

The original love of God has become love of money, love of nation, love of so many things.

Q: How do I love Krishna like you?
A: I could ask you the same question. Actually we want to love Krishna like Srila Prabhupada does, and we can do that by following his instructions.

Nagaraja Prabhu:

From “Village Talk” in Back to Godhead, Nov / Dec 2015, Vol. 49, No. 6:

“Life is too valuable to waste in succumbing to the allure of village talk packaged by masters at grabbing our attention.We don’t have to accept maya’s soul-killing propaganda in its current forms. By the mercy ofSrila Prabhupada and his predecessors, we canturn off the village talk of this world and turn on the village talk of Goloka Vrindavana, Lord Krishna’s eternal home.”

Pitavasa Prabhu:

In Srila Prabhupada's purports we see his compassion and his desire to help others.

To fight maya, we have to understand what maya it.

I was talking to someone who asserted Krishna is not God. I then asked him what is God. He repeated that Krishna is not God. I said OK, then could you tell me what is God. He did not have any answer other than to say that he was sure Krishna was not God.

We study the books not to just to become jnanis [intellectuals] but to realize Vishnu.

If there is some doubt about the knowledge, then we cannot act on the knowledge.

The saying “if we are not part of the solution, we are part of the problem” is true for us as devotees.

By our preaching we attract Krishna's mercy.

The name of Govinda is beyond pious activities. It is transcendental.

Abraham sacrificing his son, that which was most dear to him, at God's request, is pure bhakti yoga. Now they sacrifice sheep to commemorate this, but that is not God's desire. The Lord is not satisfied by this great sacrifice of sheep, but He was satisfied by Abraham's willingness to sacrifice what was most dear, his son.

Radhika Nagara Prabhu:

Srila Prabhupada explains that the ticket to back to Godhead is one's intense desire for it. The purpose of human life is cultivate this desire.

That relationship which is eternal and in which we are completely understood is our relationship with Krishna.

By reconnecting with God we fill the vacuum in our lives. 

The sister of the Queen of Spain engaged in corruption to accumulate more wealth because she was not satisfied by her situation.

They say life is tough and then you die. You spent your whole life chasing the end of the rainbow.

You do not have to give up your friends and family. Do things in Krishna consciousness with your friends and your family.

The trick of maya is to think that happiness is found in something other than devotional service to the Lord.

Our counseling is to assist us in our chanting of the whole name.

Narada Muni told Narayana, “You can liberate anyone you want. Why do you not take them back to Godhead?” Narayana said to Narada, “You go and find someone who wants to go back to Godhead.” Narada approached one person and offered to take him back to Godhead, and the man offered some excuse, “My children are not grown.” Narada came back later, and the man offered another excuse, “I must help take care of the grandchildren,” and it went on and on like that. Then Narada could understand what Narayana meant.

When I was a new devotee they engaged me in washing pots. The pots kept coming. I  was washing pots for three and a half hours, but I felt more blissful than I ever had been. I thought, “I am so blissful, and I am just doing the pots, what to speak of the singers and those who study the scripture!”

The second time I was distributing books, I was in Chorley (in The North of England), and it was at Christmas time and it was snowing. I am from Spain and there it is just the opposite. I had a donation bucket and every few minutes someone would give me a donation, and I would give them a book. Yet I was amazed by how blissful I was.

Q: I fall asleep while reading Bhagavad-gita. What can I do?
A: Stand up. Read it aloud at a good volume.

When the mind proposes sense gratification, just tell it, “Later, just as soon I finish this devotional service.”

Enjoyment is from relationships.

“My dear Arjuna, O winner of wealth, if you cannot fix your mind upon Me without deviation, then follow the regulative principles of bhakti-yoga.In this way develop a desire to attain Me.” (Bhagavad-gita 12.9)

Karen Beetle, counselor and mindfulness teacher:

From a conversation:

“One study shows that in the U.S. the most effective treatment for a major mental illness is to get the patient out of the U.S. to a less developed country. Neither meditation nor counseling is as effective as that.”

-----

Here is a favorite quote about the spiritual world and spiritual consciousness:

yatra naisarga-durvairah
sahasan nr-mrgadayah
mitranivajitavasa-
druta-rut-tarsakadikam

“Vrindavana is the transcendental abode of the Lord, where there is no hunger, anger or thirst. Though naturally inimical, both human beings and fierce animals live there together in transcendental friendship.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.13.60)

	


	





	

		
Sincerely Try To Improve 
 → Japa Group
	


	
	

		
"....practically we see that as we sincerely try to improve our chanting for the pleasure of Krishna, Krishna reciprocates and we feel our greatest pleasure which is devotional service to the Lord. So, you may continue with this method, it is very nice and approved by me."

Letter to Syamasundara
November 24, 1968	


	





	

		
Thousands Expected For Another Blissful Janmastami at New Vrindaban 
 → New Vrindaban
	


	
	

		
By Madhava Smullen


This year’s Janmastami festival at New Vrindaban, West Virginia on September 5th is expected to be packed with inspiring spiritual activities and sweet exchanges between residents and guests alike.


“Under the steady leadership of our community president Jaya Krishna Prabhu, the quality of the festival has been improving every year,” says one of the festival’s organizers Gaura Nataraj Das.


Around three thousand people, including ISKCON devotees from around the country, members of the Hindu community and some Western tourists are expected to attend. Meanwhile, the event will also be broadcast live internationally at Mayapur.tv.


The numbers demonstrate New Vrindaban's popularity as a holy place where people can celebrate Lord Krishna’s appearance day on the United States’ East Coast.


After all, it was often described by Srila Prabhupada as non-different from Vrindavana, India. And with its beautiful  Radha-Vrindabanchandra temple, cow protection program, and replicas of Govardhana Hill and Braja’s sacred lakes, it’s a place where one can truly celebrate Janmastami steeped in the mood of Krishna’s sacred village.


This year’s festival will begin with a stunning reveal of the altar at 8:00am that will send participants even deeper into this meditation. Dressed in a gorgeous new maroon and gold outfit imported from Vrindavana Dhama itself, Sri Sri Radha Vrindabanchandra will be nestled in a stunningly elaborate arrangement of flowers and foliage replicating the forest of Vrindavana.


Long-time community resident Varshana Swami will then immerse listeners in his trademark sweet stories of Krishna’s pastimes and deep philosophical realizations.


After more kirtans and spiritual discussion throughout the morning, there will be a sudarshan maha yajna fire ceremony for the auspiciousness of all at 3:00pm.


“Just as Lord Krishna’s sudarshana discus cuts everything, we’ll pray to the Lord to please cut away all the obstacles in our spiritual lives,” says Gaura Nataraj. 


Next, everyone will make their way to the goshala, or cow barn, which will be beautifully decorated with flowers and festoons.


“Everyone will get the chance to worship Lord Krishna’s cows, whose horns and bodies will also be decorated for the occasion,” says Gaura Nataraj. “Then everyone will also get to pass below the stomach of the cow, which is considered very auspicious. It will be lots of fun!”


After that, it’s a special treat for the kids, with professional storyteller Sankirtan Das donning a ceremonial princely garb and telling the story of Krishna’s birth in his riveting style. Props, such as the basket in which Vasudeva carried the Lord across the Yamuna, will add to the experience.


After a stomping 7:00pm kirtan and Nrsimha arati, devotees and guests will get the chance to bathe the Lord, a sweet and intimate service.


“As we meditate on all the the fruit juices, milk, honey, and yoghurt cleaning the body of the Lord, our hearts will be cleansed,” says Gaura Nataraj. “It’s a highlight for many.”


Next, hundreds of dishes lovingly prepared at home and brought in by community members – subjis, rices, fried treats, chutneys, cakes, sweets, fruit, pies – will be piled onto the altar and offered to Lord Krishna.


Meanwhile, New Vrindaban residents will perform a drama telling the story of Krishna’s birth, Gujarati dancer Reshma Bharti will perform a traditional Bharat Natyam piece, and the children of Gopal’s Garden preschool will make a special appearance all dressed up as Radha, Krishna and the gopis of Vrindavana. 


Throughout all these activities, of course, the momentum will be building towards the grand finale: the epic Janmastami midnight arati. As the rest of the temple room is plunged into darkness, the curtains will open to reveal a glowing altar, completely covered in a lavish bounty of green branches and flowers of every kind and color imaginable.


“In the morning, the pujaris decorate as much as they can with the one-and-a-half hours they have,” Gaura Nataraj says. “But after that, community residents pack into the prasadam hall to make flower arrangements all day, and the pujaris keep adding more and more to the altar. This year, our head pujari Abhinanda Prabhu is making a concerted effort to use up all our locally-grown New Vrindaban flowers. It will look like Radha Krishna are hiding in a beautiful grove of Vrindavana. People will be awestruck.”


As devotees and guests gaze on in amazement, the moving evening melody of “Samsara Dhava” will wash over them, gradually building into the most ecstatic kirtan of the day.


“Last year, men, women, children, young, old, all were dancing so enthusiastically,” says Gaura Nataraj. “My own daughter was only one-and-a-half years old at the time, and she was jumping too. People wait the whole day, participate in all the activities, and when the time comes to really express their love for Krishna by chanting His name and dancing, everyone does so with so much love and affection and great relish. The devotees love to express themselves!”


Gaura Nataraj is so carried away by the memory of this experience, that he forgets to mention the feast.


“Oh, yes, then at 1:30am, after fasting all day, we’ll have an Ekadasi feast for all our devotees and guests,” he says. It will be huge. There will be kichari, halava, pakoras, two or three types of subjis, soups, sweets, cakes, everything!”


For those who aren’t able to attend the Janmastami day festivities, another Janmastami festival will be held two weeks prior, on Saturday August 22nd. The celebrations will be mostly the same, with the midnight arati replaced by a 10:00pm Swan Boat festival in which small Deities of Radha Vrindabanchandra will ride across the waters of New Vrindaban’s Kusum Sarovara.


All in all, Janmastami 2015 at New Vrindaban is expected to have a profound impact on the thousands that participate in it.


“This festival nourishes relationships between residents and guests, and its sheer beauty and grandeur deepens their faith and inspires them to become more serious in their spiritual practices,” Gaura Nataraja says.


 


	


	





	

		
Skype Talk with Devotees in South Africa, August 1, Carpinteria 
Giriraj Swami
	


	
	

		
Srila-Prabhupada-speaks-to-Brahmananda-on-Juhu-Beach-BombayBrahmananda prabhu said that his only qualification was that whatever Prabhupada asked him to do he would say yes. Even if he couldn’t do it he would say yes. So, Srila Prabhupada agreed that he should leave Africa and go ahead with the project in Juhu beach. About one month later Brahmananda prabhu left Africa and went to the Mayapur festival in India. He met Prabhupada there who said. ‘What are you doing here?’ Brahmananda prabhu replied,’ I have come to the festival to chant and dance and take prasadam.’ Prabhupada said, ‘No festival for you! You are supposed to be in Bombay.'”


Skype call to South Africa

	


	







	

		
Tuesday, August 11th, 2015 
 → The Walking Monk
	


	
	

		
Tuesday, August 11th, 2015
Toronto,  Ontario

Nights Are Perfect
 
Nights are perfect with moderate temperatures. A welcoming breeze heightens the pleasure even more. I was in this Rosedaleneighbourhood before. The stately homes were not yet fully built when I first tread here. It was called "the last of Rosedaleresidences", meaning all land in this prestigious area was already consumed by developers. No sod was laid.

Now I came back twenty years later. The homes are completed. The assorted trees are yet to exceed the height of the homes. Within the next five years - oh yes - they will.

It's marvellous to observe man's and nature's doings. The change is entertaining. There's awesomeness to it all.

At 7:30 AM and later at 6:30 PM in one corner of our temple ashram discussions were held. The morning session was conducted by our humble self. We spoke from CantoNine of the Bhagavatam, about the struggle between Nimi and Vasistha and their cursing and counter-cursing. It was an exchange between guru and disciples. In other words, it was not a situation of peaceful communication but of misunderstanding with ego as its foundation. It's not what you would expect from teacher and student relations, yet, this is the way of the world. It gets messy and very removed from exchanges of pleasantries at times.

In our same peaceful corner of the temple ashram, twelve hours later, my former Mother Superior, Laxmimoni, who has come to town, delivered a message about happiness and how our modern world has embraced gadgets and equated that to joyful relations. "Virtual reality" she said a few times. In this world we take it all to be real when in fact it is not. It is temporary and it offers a pretense of satisfaction.

 
May the Source be with you! 

5 km

 
	


	







	

		
Monday, August 10th, 2015 
 → The Walking Monk
	


	
	

		
Monday, August 10th, 2015 
Toronto,  Ontario

Fresh Rain / Clear Mind

There had been a fresh rain that cleared the air and made what's green greener. It was evening. It was quiet. A chubby raccoon clutched onto the base of a tree. I got close. He began to climb, holding onto the bark with his human-like hands moving up to hoist the 'chub' of his body. His feet were also grasped onto the bark. I meant fear for him, otherwise he wouldn't go anywhere.

My only fear is traffic when I am walking about. Even responsible motorists are to be feared because of their speed.

I had graced my torso with my Terry Fox t-shirt. He's an inspiration. He would be 57 by now, with his birthday just having passed by in July. People will remember him for his heroic run on one real leg, the other artificial. People remember him as a youth - a mature one.

There's been much travel for me this summer. I can now express with some sigh of relief that I will remain in one place for a few days. It's a matter of getting caught up on things or obligations which are tough to fulfill while in motion.

The Chariot Fests of the northern hemisphere are slowly winding down, except for a few. Miamiinforms me that they are anticipating one for November. The space of time before us makes way for other-to-come events like the Balaram Fest and Janmasthami, Krishna's Birth. There is some relief-time but no lax-time. Festivals keep percolating on the calendar for a bhakti yogi. Bhakti yogis stay alive on the basis of festivities meant for the soul. Just some breaks in between help a bit. Clear the way! Clear the mind!

 
May the Source be with you! 

6 km

 
	


	







	

		
Real Independence! (4 min video)
What is the deeper significance… 
 → Dandavats.com
	


	
	

		

Real Independence! (4 min video)

What is the deeper significance of the word ‘Independence’? How should we practically imply this word so that it can factually transform our lives? To know how to uncover the veil of ignorance and dispel the darkness of illusion, do watch this enlightening video by H.G. Mathura Vasi Mataji. 

Watch it here: https://goo.gl/1vA76y
	


	





	

		
Hare Krishna! Facts and Figures of the “Festival of India” in… 
 → Dandavats.com
	


	
	

		

Hare Krishna! Facts and Figures of the “Festival of India” in Poland

Indradyumna Swami: Today is our 40th harinam of the summer. With two weeks still to go, we have distributed 280,000 invitations to our 35 festivals. Not including the great Woodstock Festival, more than 150,000 people have attended our events. Throughout the summer several thousand books have been sold and prasadam has been distributed like a river flowing to the sea. Srila Prabhupada, we are your servants awaiting your next instructions! 

Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=19065
	


	











	

		
Dear Devotees! Here are the next lot of pictures up for sale on eBid. One week only. And thank you for your valuable support. 
 → SivaramaSwami.com
	


	
	

		


A3-001 Lalita Devi instructs Narada Muni to bathe in Kusuma-sarovara  300 euros


A3-018 The fruit produce of New Vraja-dhama  50 euros


A3-089  Vyasa dictates the Bhagavatam to Sri Ganesa   200 euros


A3-104  Krsna and the cowherd boys bathe in Govinda-kunda  150 euros


A3-105  Govardhana-lal riding in His bullock cart 150 euros


A3-115   Krsna entices Radha into Kokilavana with His cuckoo call  250 euros


A3-121  Lord Balarama is the master of  agriculture in Krsna Valley   150 euros


A3-122  Kaliya-Krsna  350 euros


A4-001  Krsna’s sweetness attracts bumblebees  400 euros


A4-003  Srila Prabhupada’s memorial by the Yamuna in Krsna Valley  200 euros


A4-015  Vrndavana is the place of peace  150 euros


A4-068  The naughty butter thief   300 euros


A4-075   Lovely Sri Radha  300 euros


A4-098  The chipmunks of Krsna Valley  75 euros


A4-103  Krsna’s turban and flute lost in the rasa dance 100 euros


A4-119  Radha-Syama’s raja-bhoga offering  75 euros


A4-218  Caitanya Mahaprabhu  150 euros


A5-003  Madhu-kunda–famed for its many lotuses 100 euros


O-A4-001  Sri Gopala  350 euros


O-A4-004  Gopala takes milk to Madhavendra Puri 150 euros


The post Dear Devotees! Here are the next lot of pictures up for sale on eBid. One week only. And thank you for your valuable support. appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

	


	







	

		
His Grace Sananda Kumar Prabhu leaves his body
Just the day… 
 → Dandavats.com
	


	
	

		

His Grace Sananda Kumar Prabhu leaves his body

Just the day before he departed, His Holiness Navayogendra Swami visited him and recently other very senior vaisnavas such as His Holiness Gopal Krishna Maharaja, HH Bhaktiragava Swami, Sarvabhauma prabhu, Her Grace Racitambara prabhu and others visited him.

Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=19048
	


	





	

		
Krishna Balarama Ratha Yatra and Sri Balarama Purnima
The… 
 → Dandavats.com
	


	
	

		

Krishna Balarama Ratha Yatra and Sri Balarama Purnima

The devotees of Queens invite all to come and celebrate our 7th annual Rath Yatra parade. It begins at 12 noon from the corner of Liberty Avenue and 123rd Street, and will continue all the way to our Mandir at 111-14 101 Avenue at 3:00 pm, followed by the festival’s stage show until 7:00 pm. There will be hours of melodious kirtan as well as a delicious vegetarian feast! Plus a full afternoon packed with dances, bhajans, devotional talks and fun for the entire family.

Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=19045
	


	





	

		
Hare Krishna! ISKCON UK’s First National Convention (next… 
 → Dandavats.com
	


	
	

		

Hare Krishna! ISKCON UK’s First National Convention (next Saturday)

Dear Devotees, Friends and Supporters, in celebration of the glorious 50th Anniversary of ISKCON, we are holding the first ever UK National Convention. This will be a free one day event on Saturday the 22nd August 2015 and the main theme will be glorification of Srila Prabhupada. The venue will be Granby Street ISKCON Leicester. We see this as a great opportunity to bring devotees together in a mood of unity, cooperation, trust and positive communication with each other.

Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=17593
	


	





	

		
Hare Krishna! Shri N.D Desai (Srinathji Prabhu) Glorifying Srila… 
 → Dandavats.com
	


	
	

		

Hare Krishna! Shri N.D Desai (Srinathji Prabhu) Glorifying Srila Prabhupada’s Journey to USA  (5 min video)

Srila Prabhupada came to our house in 1971,in March. He came with young people. All westerners. My parents were both Vaishnavas but I was a Mayavadi. Srila Prabhupada, he pointed out to one of his disciples. This young man was looking bright and Srila Prabhupada said to my father, “This boy wants to become Indian, please help him get an Indian citizenship”. My father was a member of Parliament back then. And then Srila Prabhupada said, “He is a personal associate of Lord Chaitanya, he will learn Bengali and preach to ten thousand of people in Bengali”. Why would he do that I thought? I knew Maharprabhu, how could this young boy be an associate of Mahaprabhu? And then I argued with Srila Prabhupada about that for four years. Until one day I agreed. Now we see that same gentleman who was twenty back then is now in front of us, that gentleman is none other than Jayapataka Swami. He learnt Bengali and has thousands of Bengali Disciples. 

Watch it here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=19037
	


	







	

		
The Power of Intention, Being Present, and Prayer 
 → Karnamrita.das's blog
	


	
	

		

    

            

                      

              Author: 

                    Karnamrita Das        

        




Wedding ceremony photo Wedding fire ceremony_zpslfjkbhnr.jpg

[The following was a talk I prepared to give, but didn’t, at a recent wedding. It is a summary of what came to me during my early morning chanting and prayer, and was a profound experience. It reminded me about the power of intention, being present, and prayer.] My wife and I have been entrusted to be the hosts or master of ceremonies of this wedding. We are more comfortable being facilitators, as we often are in workshops, rather than “masters.” I also thought that we are like midwifes helping a mother give birth, in this case through the wedding ceremony, with the marriage like the new born baby. We want this infant-marriage to mature and live a long, productive, happy life with deep spiritual practice! Perhaps our priest, is more in that role, or we all share it together.


After meditating on the deeper meaning of our role, I came to the conclusion that my wife and my real function is to “hold the energy of this ceremony,” if you are familiar with this expression. I am a firm believer in the importance of setting intentions for each day, and every endeavor we make, so I would like to suggest to you that we share this intention of holding the energy of the wedding by offering our prayers and blessings. Thus, in addition to being a witness of this joyous celebration, please also make an intention to be a participant, by praying and giving your blessings throughout the ceremony, to help with the best possible outcome.

Power of Prayer photo power of prayer_zpshocrgbpz.jpg

We are actually an intentional community, though a temporary one, of shared purpose, consisting of our combined energy. To do this requires we are all as present as possible, or we could say that we must practice mindfulness, using this as a way to focus our mind on prayer and giving blessings. I like to ask myself at different times: Am I fully present? So I ask you to ask this question to yourself during the ceremony, and if you feel you are not present, to regroup, and pray to be present. You can also try what I going to share next. 


read more
	


	









	

		
Why Do This? 
 → Japa Group
	


	
	

		
When you are repeating 16 words the same way everyday for 2 hours, the mind may present a doubt - "Why do this? You could be doing so many other things!"
The mind is a powerful force...make it your friend by using your intelligence to guide it towards the Lord.	


	





	

		
“I Did Not Come Empty-Handed”: Srila Prabhupada’s Historic Voyage 
Giriraj Swami
	


	
	

		
Yesterday, AugPrabhupada beside Guru Maharaja photo at Radha-Ramodaraust 13, 2015, marked fifty years since Srila Prabhupada embarked on his momentous, historic voyage from India, Calcutta, to America, Boston and then New York. Although he came by himself, he did not come “empty-handed.” As he explained in his rooms at the Radha-Damodara temple in Vrindavan in Karttika 1972:


“It was in Vrindaban that I first began writing, not for name and fame, but because my Guru Maharaj told me, ‘Spread the gospel of Krishna in the English language.’ Although he gave that instruction in 1935, I hesitated, not knowing how to go about it or how to write. Then, twenty years later, my Guru Maharaj began appearing in my dreams, telling me to give up householder life and go to Vrindaban. After several of these dreams, I knew that the time had come. My children were grown, and I could leave my wife in their care. So, I came here, and eventually, by Krishna’s arrangement, stayed at this most sanctified place, Radha Damodar. It was here that I began writing. I thought, ‘It may be published, or it may not be published—that does not matter. I will write for purification, that’s all.’


“Actually, it was my Guru Maharaj speaking through me. But I was not very expert at writing, as he was. Oh, he was a most erudite man, most refined and expert, a gentleman, a Vaikuntha man. Because I had never written before, there were so many grammatical discrepancies, yet I had to write. The subject matter was so important, so urgent. So I wrote those first three volumes of Srimad-Bhagavatam, the First Canto. All of our philosophy, everything you need to know, is in those first three volumes. By Krishna’s grace, I managed to collect money to get them printed, and I took them with me on the boat to New York. I didn’t go to America empty-handed. I went with the complete philosophy of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, written in these rooms, inspired by the Goswamis. That’s what is pushing this Krishna consciousness movement.” (Quoted from Vrindavan Days by Hayagriva Dasa)


Srila Prabhupada’s journey began before he boarded the boat. It began with his writing his books—the complete philosophy of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu—and they continue to sustain us, individually and collectively, even now.


Srila Prabhupada ki jaya!


Yours in service to Srila Prabhupada,

Giriraj Swami

	


	







	

		
Hare Krishna! TOVP e-Newsletter: July – September 2015
The North… 
 → Dandavats.com
	


	
	

		

Hare Krishna! TOVP e-Newsletter: July – September 2015

The North American 108 Day TOVP Tour with Lord Nityananda’s Padukas and Nrsinghadeva’s Sitari, accompanied by Jananivas prabhu, Radha Jivana prabhu, Vraja Vilas prabhu and Sunanda prabhu came to an end on July 5th. Click the links included to read the Daily Diary and see the results, temple by temple. ALL USA, GRAND TOTAL: 13,623,871 – Canada, GRAND TOTAL 2,684,410

Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=19028
	


	





	

		
Monday, August 10th, 2015 
 → The Walking Monk
	


	
	

		  
Monday, August 10th, 2015 
Toronto,  Ontario
  
Fresh Rain / Clear Mind

There had been a fresh rain that cleared the air and made what's green greener. It was evening. It was quiet. A chubby raccoon clutched onto the base of a tree. I got close. He began to climb, holding onto the bark with his human-like hands moving up to hoist the 'chub' of his body. His feet were also grasped onto the bark. I meant fear for him, otherwise he wouldn't go anywhere.

My only fear is traffic when I am walking about. Even responsible motorists are to be feared because of their speed.

I had graced my torso with my Terry Fox t-shirt. He's an inspiration. He would be 57 by now, with his birthday just having passed by in July. People will remember him for his heroic run on one real leg, the other artificial. People remember him as a youth - a mature one.

There's been much travel for me this summer. I can now express with some sigh of relief that I will remain in one place for a few days. It's a matter of getting caught up on things or obligations which are tough to fulfill while in motion.

The Chariot Fests of the northern hemisphere are slowly winding down, except for a few. Miamiinforms me that they are anticipating one for November. The space of time before us makes way for other-to-come events like the Balaram Fest and Janmasthami, Krishna's Birth. There is some relief-time but no lax-time. Festivals keep perculating on the calendar for a bhakti yogi. Bhakti yogis stay alive on the basis of festivities meant for the soul. Just some breaks in between help a bit. Clear the way! Clear the mind!

 
May the Source be with you! 
  
6 km

 
	


	





	

		
Sunday, August 9th, 2015 
 → The Walking Monk
	


	
	

		  
Sunday, August 9th, 2015 
Vancouver,  British Columbia
  
Get Started
  
It can't get much smoother, operation-wise, when it came to the stage. I became the MC once again at the Chariot Fest at Stanley Park. Artists, whether they be singers, musicians, dancers, or actors, came punctually. It could not have been better.

The procession portion of the event has its usual glitches with sound volume or lack of it which happens when the vocalist gets beyond the range of the speaker situated on the chariot in motion. There is always the accidental jabbing of elbows or incidental people stepping on your shoes. All that stuff can be forgiven. The procession itself is an act of service and of joy.

In fact, when you think about it, service in a devotional context is usually destined to derive joy. You approve every action in a detached mode and are neutrally disposed. Devotional action (bhakti) is incomparable to mundane functioning.

If we make reference to the Bhagavad-gita in the sections on "action", we will appreciate the superiority of devotional actions over all other endeavours.

Chapter 12 is particularly clear for establishing devotion and those actions which are affiliated to the pure path. This segment of the Gita offers concessions for those who stagger on the path of purity. It presents options and offers hope to those who find the bar is too high to reach and therefore such candidates can begin the process on a comfortable level.

This is the compassion of God. There are different gradations of people based on varying realizations so you will find that not all folks will jump into the pool of selflessness. At the same time it's good to get something in motion.

 
May the Source be with you! 
  
8 km

 
	


	





	

		
Saturday, August 8th, 2015 
 → The Walking Monk
	


	
	

		  
Saturday, August 8th, 2015 
Vancouver,  British Columbia
  
 Yogendra Came

Yogendra came up with his family from Calgary as weekend pilgrims. On our early morning walk he told me of the Native Studies he'll be taking next month. I brought to his attention the lyrics of a song by Buffy Sainte-Marie, a native of the Cree Nation from Saskatchewan. I mentioned to Yogendra that I was listening to this kind of music just before enlisting myself as a monk. The name of the song is "My Country 'Tis of Thy People You're Dying." It's remarkable to listen to.

"Now that your big eyes have finally opened 
Now that you're wondering how must they feel 
Meaning them that you've chased across America's movie screens 
Now that you're wondering "how can it be real?"
That the ones you've called colourful, noble and proud
In your school propaganda
They starve in their splendour?
You've asked for my comment I simply will render

My country 'tis of thy people you're dying.

Now that the longhouses breed superstition
You force us to send our toddlers away
To your schools where they're taught to despise their traditions.
Forbid them their languages, then further say
That American history really began
When Columbus set sail out of Europe, then stress
That the nation of leeches that conquered this land
Are the biggest and bravest and boldest and best.
And yet where in your history books is the tale
Of the genocide basic to this country's birth,
Of the preachers who lied, how the Bill of Rights failed,
How a nation of patriots returned to their earth?
And where will it tell of the Liberty Bell
As it rang with a thud on a tinsel of mud
And of brave Uncle Sam in Alaskathis year?

My country 'tis of thy people you're dying

Hear how the bargain was made for the West:
With her shivering children in zero degrees,
Blankets for your land, so the treaties attest,
Oh well, blankets for land is a bargain indeed,
And the blankets were those Uncle Sam had collected
From smallpox-diseased dying soldiers that day.
And the tribes were wiped out and the history books censored,
A hundred years of your statesmen have felt it's better this way.
And yet a few of the conquered have somehow survived,
Their blood runs the redder though genes have paled.
From the Grand Canyon's caverns to craven sad hills
The wounded, the losers, the robbed sing their tale.
From Los Angeles Countyto upstate New York
The white nation fattens while others grow lean;
Oh the tricked and evicted they know what I mean.

My country 'tis of thy people you're dying.

The past it just crumbled, the future just threatens;
Our life blood shut up in your chemical tanks.
And now here you come, bill of sale in your hands
And surprise in your eyes that we're lacking in thanks
For the blessings of civilization you've brought us,
The lessons you've taught us, the ruin you've wrought us 
Oh see what our trust in America's brought us.

My country 'tis of thy people you're dying.

Now that the pride of the sires receives charity,
Now that we're harmless and safe behind laws,
Now that my life's to be known as your heritage,
Now that even the graves have been robbed,
Now that our own chosen way is a novelty 
Hands on our hearts we salute you your victory,
Choke on your blue white and scarlet hypocrisy
Pitying the blindness that you've never seen
That the eagles of war whose wings lent you glory
They were never no more than carrion crows,
Pushed the wrens from their nest, stole their eggs, changed their story;
The mockingbird sings it, it's all that he knows.
"Ah what can I do?" say a powerless few
With a lump in your throat and a tear in your eye
Can't you see that their poverty's profiting you.

My country 'tis of thy people you're dying."

This stuff written and sung by Ms Ste-Marie should be thought about. 

 
May the Source be with you! 

5 km

 
	


	





	

		
Friday, August 7th, 2015 
 → The Walking Monk
	


	
	

		    
Friday, August 7th, 2015
Burnaby,  British Columbia 
  
Finish It Up

Here's an excerpt which I read at 5 a.m. at "ISKCON of Western Canada" to a group of eager bhaktas, devotees. It's taken from the book "The Perfection of Yoga" by our guru, Srila Prabhupada. 

"By virtue of the divine consciousness of his previous life, he automatically becomes attracted to the yogic principles - even without seeking them." (Bg. 6.44). In the material world we have experience that we do not carry our assests from one life to another. I may have millions of dollars in the bank, but as soon as my body is finished it is also finished. At death, the bank balance does not go with me; it remains in the bank to be enjoyed by somebody else. This is not the case with spiritual culture. Even if one enacts a very small amount on the spiritual platform, he takes that with him to his next life, and he picks up again from that point.

When one picks up this knowledge that was interrupted, he should know that he should now finish the balance and complete the yogic process. One should not take the chance of finishing up the process in another birth but should resolve to finish it in this life. We should be determined in this way. "Somehow or other in my last life I did not finish my spiritual cultivation. Now Krishna has given me another opportunity, so let me finish it up in this life." 
 
This is a message, bold and beautiful. It's precious! 
  
 
May the Source be with you! 

6 km

 

 

 
	


	





	

		
Thursday, August 6th, 2015 
 → The Walking Monk
	


	
	

		  
Thursday, August 6th, 2015
Burnaby, British   Columbia 

The Kid In You 

It was a real pleasant surprise when someone pointed out to Toshan and I the tucked away, hidden trail to the river. I've been coming to this suburb of Vancouver for years for regular visits. On each visit I avoid the Fraser Riveron my walks because there is just too many big highways, roadways, and industrial parks obstructing the way before you get to the riverside. 

Toshan is my good friend who accompanied me during the discovery of this walkway. When we were both in our younger years we had travelled as brahmacari monks throughout Ontario, much like the Mormons when they are on their two year mission. We went through a host of adventures together, including getting stuck in a fire on the third floor of a hotel! You can say we go way back. I stayed on in the celibate role and took sannyasa. He has been married twice since those early days and has also established himself in a career with the national forces. (I say this because sometimes people wonder what happens to those who play the monk's role for a while). 

There isn't a name to the trail that we could see. (Lack of signage I guess). Clearly there is one lane and in some stretches a paved way. It's like the best kept secret. It follows a creek for a distance and is also edged by black-berry bushes in spots. It's secluded and it also runs along the backside of a few warehouses. It's just under 2 km long. 

This new passge-way made my heart leap for joy. I always wanted access to the Fraser without hindrance. Well, the truth is that one obstruction is Marine Way. Other than that we are scott-free. You know, sometimes doing these walks in the exploratory mode brings out the kid in you. 

Most important is that here I have a new venue for japa meditation. Others can benefit as well. I'll point out the location gladly. 

 
May the Source be with you! 
  
6 km

 
	


	





	

		
Wednesday, August 5th, 2015 
 → The Walking Monk
	


	
	

		  
Wednesday, August 5th, 2015 
Toronto,  Ontario 
  
What We're Missing 

The thing that people really miss out on is the daily opportunity to sing and dance. Just switching on the radio to hear your favourite station while in traffic or being wired up to listen to your chosen genre of sound may pacify or please but it cannot substitute for your own participation - your own use of voice and body. 

This became so clear to me when our group of seven (sounds like the impressionist artists) devotees of Krishnamade our way westbound and back on Bloor   St. And we were observing the response of people; yeah, they wanna get involved. As we momentarily pass by an eating place, the sound of our kirtan, drums and voice, carries inside. It turns heads and it works facial muscles - exploding smiles. It causes arms to fling in the air and sometimes the whole body gets up and going. I'm sometimes reminded of the old song "Dancing in the Street" by Martha and the Mardellas.

At Christie Pitts Parkwe took to the grass near the hoola-hoopers. A guitarist came over to play. It looked like it made his day and on our return journey back to the ashram, one local woman came our way to stride along with us. When we got near her building, she insisted we choose the other side of the street in order for her to remain with us for as long as possible. We paraded right to her doorstep. Now, our neighbourhood is quite upper-class. It's rare for our neighbours to show such spontaneity. 

This is my point, that the buzz that folks need in life on a regular basis, even on a Wednesday evening, can do so much to raise the quality of life. Credit goes to the sound. Not just any but a sound imported from another world. That's why we chant mantras. It does more than excite the ears and the body. It targets the soul.

 
May the Source be with you! 
  
6 km