Hare Krishna! Congregational Development In ISKCON
Kripamoya Dasa: Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu took sannyasa simply to reach out to those who would only take His messages seriously if He did so. The Six Goswamis of Vrindavan were known as the greatest philosophers, and yet they took the time and trouble to extract the essence from all the dharma sastras in order to convey a simple message to ordinary people. The result was that common people were able to follow their simplified teachings, and loved them for giving them Krsna. It is perhaps interesting to note that even though the Six Goswamis were usually depicted wearing nothing but loincloths and discussing Krsna underneath the trees in Vrindavan’s forests, they nevertheless developed between themselves an organisation involving many devotees, all with their own specialised areas of responsibility.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18934
Calgary, Alberta Goodbye ‘Til Then I calculated that it has been about a 6,500 km distance travelled by our two buses in 12 days. That’s also a lot of miles. If it wasn’t for a three day break in Torontoand if the buses had kept rolling then you could call it an ultra marathon. Nevertheless, it’s been a long journey. A good one. No insomnia of a serious nature. That’s victory.
Here we are, in Calgary, poised for procession on hip 8th Avenue. The chanting begins after the usual smash of the coconuts to the ground by sponsors of the event.
8th Avenue is basically a pedestrian zone and it ends up in the park next to the Armoury. This would be the place for our cultural presentation. It was to be a parting performance. I would be staying in Calgary for an extra day while the two buses move on to the States and YellowstoneNational Park.
Once we reached the park after a good hard pull of the chariot, I sat through a great pantomime presented by the Edmonton players. Then after a meal I began scurrying about readying everyone for the bus segment of the stage program.
“Where’s Sita? She does the makeup. Where’s everyone? Where’s the cast? Have they got their costumes on yet? We don’t want to be late.” These are the mantras milling through my mind. It’s become a fairly regular thing to say it out loud or in the mind during this intensive week.
Before I bid my goodbyes to the bus crew, I felt a creeping pounding to the heart because I developed a bond with these young people. Be they in their late teens or early 20’s, I really do see saintliness in them. I feel we are really like a family.
As a service, devotional service, intuition told me to keep the mayor in friendly conversation. Initially I was told that Saskatoon’s mayor, Donald J. Atchison, would only be present for the opening ceremony of our mini Chariot Fest. Well, he was present for that but then he decided to walk with us in the procession as well.
Now, some colleagues might say that I was in maya (another phrase for sin) or offensive for not chanting along the way but I thought it was my duty to build relations with the gentleman before suggesting he do more than he’s already done.
Our conversation was pertinent though. I was telling him how I’ve been on the road, crammed on a bus so that opened the doors for him to talk about the hockey tournaments he was involved in and how he and the league would travel by bus. Behind the driver, there were 8 seats in the front. The balance of the coach line were bunks for sleeping, three tiered, and finally there was a toilet and a sink.
That sounded familiar.
I then asked him about the sport, hockey, itself and where it has gone in recent years. Like many who love the game, he expressed that it has become very commercial and has lost some integrity.
“How can you justify to a normal person a player in the league earning 6 to 7 million dollars a year?”
Like hockey, which had its humble beginnings, everything starts with a sincere intent but it can become corrupted in due course. I mentioned that even a spiritual community can have its beginnings with pure motives but somehow the integrity can become lost. “That is so for every endeavour.” The mayor smiled. “So it becomes necessary to refocus,” I continued.
Mayor Atchison walked with us for the length of the procession culminating at a park, South Saskatchewan River– a lovely spot. He offered kind words on the stage wishing all well. We appreciate his attendance.
Kasyapa Muni and his wife, Panchami, are the two real heroes of the event. Running in its second year, the Chariot Fest attracted over 1,000 happy folks.
The naan bread, that was assembled like a sandwich, went flying in the air. It was half-eaten when the bee stung. He bit right on my nose. Another one got Jay Radhe on the lip.
There was a whole colony of these guys. After the stinging session, we relocated from the grass where we enjoyed (half enjoyed) the naan. I spotted some plantain growing there, grabbed for its leaves and rubbed the juices on to the nose. I’m not sure how Jay Radhe addressed her problem. Somehow we ended up inflammation free.
When do we not get under attack by something? News came to me that a student of mine here in Reginahad a case of food poisoning and ended up in the hospital. And then an email message informed me that another student from the States was diagnosed with breast cancer. Interesting world. It is full of siege, conflict, and conquest.
While on a trek through Regina, I came upon a juncture where Regina GeneralHospitalis located. Could this be the hospital of the food poisoned patient? I’m sure he would appreciate a visit by his guru. Unfortunately, I could not remember his legal name and so how was I to find him? I did go inside the hospital, sat by the entrance and waited. Perhaps I would see him come out of his room for a break.
Well, that didn’t happen but one patient did come forward after having her smoke outside. “Oh, what are you doing?” she asked.
“Travelling with a group of youth. I’m a monk, a Hare Krishna monk.”
“I’ve only seen monks on TV. The robes give you away. Are they comfortable?” she asked. Since she was in a patient’s gown, I offered her a ‘get better soon’.
One thing is for sure, we are always under attack.
Diary of a Traveling Sadhaka, Vol. 11, No. 12 By Krishna-kripa das (June 2015, part two)
The North of England, London, Stonehenge, Oxford, and Paris (Sent from Siemyśl, Poland, on August 10, 2015)
Where I Went and What I Did
After the London Ratha-yatra on Tuesday and Wednesday, I traveled with the Sutapa Prabhu, devotees from Bhaktivedanta Manor and the Harinama Ruci world harinama party to different cities in the Manchester area and did harinama and book distribution.I went on my own trip on Thursday to do harinama with Joe, Geoffrey, and three others in Sheffield, and Friday I went on the usual afternoon harinama on Oxford Street in London. Saturday we went with Parasurama Prabhu to a demonstration in London protesting inappropriate government spending and did harinama there. That evening some of us went to Stonehenge to chant all night at the Solstice Festival there. Later Sunday morning I went to Oxford for their 8-hour summer kirtana, a new event for me. I spent half a day in Newcastle recovering partially from two sleepless nights, and went to Edinburgh to do harinama and their Tuesday evening program, returning to Newcastle for harinama and our Wednesday evening kirtana program.Thursday I chanted with Govardhana Devi Dasi, John, and Doug in Blackpool and then in Preston, where Tony joined us, and Friday I chanted with Govardhana and John in Southport and Liverpool. Friday night I returned to Newcastle for the eight-hour kirtana on Saturday. Saturday night I took the train to London and the bus to Paris for Sunday's very festive and enjoyable Ratha-yatra, followed by a stage show, and a very lively harinama. Finally, I chanted with the Harinama Ruci traveling harinama party in France for the last two days of June and enjoyed the association of Janananda Goswami in Paris.
I share a lecture quote from Srila Prabhupada, a couple quotes from Sanatana Goswami's Brhad-Bhagavatamrita, an excerpt fromBhaktivinoda Thakura's Sri Navadvipa Bhava-taranga, quotes from a book of and the online journal of Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami, notes from a recorded lecture by Tamal Krishna Goswami, and notes on lectures I heard by Janananda Goswami, Jagadatma Prabhu, Rasesvari dd, Murli Manohara Prabhu, and Sadbhuja Prabhu.
Thanks for Dvijapriya dd for many great pictures of the harinama at the End Austerity Now rally and one from Stonehenge. Thanks to Govardhan dd for her pictures of Blackpool and Preston. Thanks to Harinama Ruci for their pictures of the Paris Ratha-yatra. Thanks to Janardana Prabhu for his picture of the Leeds harinama.
Thanks to whoever put £20 in my money belt while I was sleeping in the van after Stonehenge. Thanks to Lucas and Malini of Edinburgh for their kind donations. Thanks to Alan Miles and the Liverpool Nama-Hatta for their kind donation to my travels. Thanks to Vishnujana Prabhu for contributing to my travel in Paris.
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
Harinama in Liverpool and Manchester
The first day, our party consisting of Sutapa Prabhu, devotees from the Manor, Sadbhuja Prabhu and another devotee from Germany, and the Harinama Ruci traveling world harinama party chanted at two cities in The North of England, Liverpool and Manchester, our base.
I was impressed that at least three devotees from the congregation joined our harinama in Liverpool.
Priya Sundari Devi made a nice lunch for our party which we ate in the Cardigan Centre, the venue for our weekly and monthly programs.
We planned to go to York, but we were delayed and decided it was more practical that Bradford be our second city. Apparently, Bradford has the highest percentage of Muslims of any English city. Gaura Karuna Prabhu was very happy as he was able to distribute many books to the Muslims. I even distributed three books in Bradford, though mostly not to the Muslims, and one book in Leeds. While dancing I would watch for persons who were obviously interested but who the several book distributors had somehow missed, being engaged with others.
While in Bradford, one older guy took pleasure in playing the flute with us.
Muslim kids were attracted and sometimes danced.
Harinama in Sheffield
While Sutapa Prabhu and his party chanted in Blackpool and Preston, I went to Sheffield to support my friend Joe, who had organized a harinama there. I was happy to see that we had six people chanting for a good part of the two hours we were there. Joe and Geoffrey who are the most regular attenders at our Sheffield programs chanted as did Jackie, who has come on and off for many years join us, as well as Nigel, who used to come regularly many years ago, and Chris, who is a new devotee of Hare Krishna chanting who came from the kirtana programs at the multi-faith Burngreave Ashram. I hope that Joe can make that a regular program and that people keep coming.
Harinama in London
I returned to central London where Harinama Ruci and Sadbhuja Prabhu did harinama for a couple days, the first day beginning on Oxford Street as usual and the second at a rally.
One guy really enjoyed swinging around with Harinamananda Prabhu, and his female associate enjoyed photographing it.
Mr. Britannia always delights in doing a little dance with the Hare Krishnas whenever they come by (https://youtu.be/mt2gfFC-ivk):
Shoppers in front of a Lush Cosmetics shop enjoyed listening and moving with the music as did at least one shop worker (https://youtu.be/TpA9BEh1l7I):
Once in front of the temple a couple danced with us.
They continued dancing in a circle with the other devotees.
Harinama at the End Austerity Now Rally in London
Parasurama Prabhu invited devotees to join him in chanting Hare Krishna at the End Austerity Now Rally in London which was protesting government spending cuts for humanitarian programs while military spending continues.
Parasurama Prabhu played the ukulele.
Gopinath played the bass.
Harinamananda Prabhu danced as usual.
Prabhupada disciples, Dharmatma Prabhu (in the white dhoti) and Dviyapriya Devi Dasi (in a sari), joined us and took many nice pictures.
In the beginning just a few individuals, like this young lady would dance.
I took a video when several protesters danced with us
There were many peace signs and signs with humanitarian slogans.
It reminded me of when I used to join my mother at demonstrations, including the climate change rally in New York City last September.
Rather than remaining with Parasurama Prabhu within the procession, we decided to chant alongside, so that all the protesters would hearing the chanting as they marched by.
Two guys enjoyed dancing with us and Erzsebet gave them garlands. Later they encountered us again, dancing with their garlands on.
Then we chanted down Oxford Street back to the temple.
The London Temple Open Day
While we were chanting at the rally, the devotees at the Soho Street had an Open Day, encouraging the public to visit. Guests would get a tour of the temple, hear a little philosophy, do some meditation, and get some spiritual food.
The devotees set up a kirtana party right on the sidewalk to attract attention.
A couple of devotee ladies chanted.
Later Sakhya Prema Prabhu joined.
One devotee passed out free lassi.
Chanting at the Stonehenge Summer Solstice Festival
Parasurama Prabhu brings enough food to serve 1,000 people and along with his Ratha-yatra cart each year to the Stonehenge Summer Solstice festival, attended by about 30,000 people. Other devotees join from Bhaktivedanta Manor and the Soho Street temple.
Mahavishnu Swami, who loves sharing the chanting the holy name with others, was the life of our party.
As usual when there is good weather, we had Ratha-yatra around 1:00 a.m.
Festival goers take pleasure pulling the cart.
They also dance with their friends.
Some play drums with us.
I recall talking to a student who lived in Sheffield but was going to college in Newcastle, and I told her about the programs we had in both places.
It was beautiful to see many people who really enjoyed the chanting and the dancing.
I asked one young lady who was really into ito the chanting and dancing if she had encountered Hare Krishna before. She said she had, and asked where. She replied, “Everywhere!”
I gave my prasadam garland to her as a reward for her enthusiasm.
This was the best sunrise in the six years I have attended the festival, as the horizon was very clear. Fifteen minutes afterwards the sky clouded up and that was the end of the sunshine for awhile.
I took eight useable video clips totaling about fourteen minutes which give you a feel for what it was like. The scene reminded me of videos of hippies dancing with the devotees in the early days. I alternate a couple scenes each of slow and fast chanting, then show the special moment when the sun rose, then some more chanting, then chanting as we walked back to the parking lot, and the end of the final kirtana. I hope you like it (https://youtu.be/Sro-ud1sd7E):
Chanting at the Oxford Summer Kirtan
I have wanted to participate in the Oxford Summer Kirtan, formerly the Oxford Six-Hour Kirtan, ever since it started three years ago, but I was always busy in The North of England.
This time the Oxford Summer Kirtan was the day of the solstice, and Oxford was on my way from Stonehenge to The North of England so it was possible for me to go.
I would like to thank Krishna Sharana Prabhu and Ali Krishna Devi Dasi for kindly allowing me to take a nap and prasadam at their place, to recover from the all-night Stonehenge experience enough to participate in 4½ hours of the 8-hour Oxford event.
When I got to the parking lot of the school where the event was held, hearing the loud melodious kirtana made me forget my fatigue, and the whole event was wonderful.
The kirtana singers were mostly local, and many were the children of devotees. It was not an event where they bring celebrated singers from other places but one where you encourage the local devotees to sing for Krishna.
I was happy that I was able to find a few guys who I was able to dance together with. That does not happen everywhere. Often the guys do not want to dance, or they want to dance independently or in a way that is too complicated for me to join and meditate on the kirtana at the same time.
It was great hearing Krishna Kshetra Swami sing, and it was nice to see Saunaka Rsi Prabhu again.
Harinama in Edinburgh
I was happy to have some people to chant with in Edinburgh for three and a half hours before their Tuesday program. In beginning one lady named Madri dd, who met Srila Prabhupada when he visited Edinburgh in 1972, joined our party. Although meeting Srila Prabhupada back then, she had only a year ago taken initiation from Janananda Goswami, because of having a guru from another group for many years. When walking with Prabhupada in 1972, she saw that Prabhupada had a walking stick that was nothing more than a tree branch, and she had her son get him a proper walking stick.
We always meet one or two people who are happy to hear of our programs when we chant in Edinburgh.
Chanting in Newcastle
I am hoping to establish a two-hour harinama on the streets of Newcastle before our two-hour Wednesday kirtana night in Newcastle, and this was our second successful attempt. Again for part of the time we had at least six devotees chanting on the streets, Caitanya Candrodaya Prabhu, Radhe Shyam Prabhu, Madhuri dd, Veera, and Priyanka.
I was impressed that Jake, who just graduated from secondary school and who had just been associating with devotees for no more than a year, knew how to play a sweet Hare Krishna tune on the harmonium and was not too shy to do it in public.
I hope my friends will be inspired to keep the new program going when I leave.
At the Wednesday two-hour kirtana program, Prema Sankirtana Prabhu led a tune that got everyone dancing (https://youtu.be/PukNG6wGuFI):
Chanting in Blackpool
I had never chanted in the Blackpool before, but Janananda Goswami likes us to go to places we do not usually go, and in England, Blackpool is a popular resort, especially in the summer.
Doug (in the center), who lives Preston and works in Blackpool, took a day off to chant with Govardhan Devi Dasi and John, her husband, and myself in both cities. You could tell people were less familiar with the devotees in Blackpool, but there were still favorable people. Govardhan was happy to sell a small Gitato a real spiritual seeker.
As at other tourist areas, in Blackpool there were horses and buggies to give tourists rides through the town.
Govardhan decided many people would hear the kirtana if we chanted on such a horse-drawn vehicle. The driver was excited. He had carried all kinds of people, including Ronald McDonald, but never a Hare Krishna monk. I found it difficult to distribute invitations riding on the horse cart, but I did give out one. I saw a young lady smiling as she saw our party. I showed her the flyer from the horse driven cart, and then I threw it in her direction. It landed on the road just a foot from the curb, and she walked over and picked it up.
Here you can see Govardhan and John, the driver of the horse cart, and the Blackpool Tower in the background.
Chanting in Preston
Tony (on the left), a key organizer in the Preston nama-hatta, joined us in Preston and passed out hundreds of invitations during the hour and a half we chanted there.
After chanting for 3½ hours with Govardhana, John, and Doug in Blackpool and Preston, I decided to chant alone for an hour and distribute books. One boy came by who bought The King of Knowledgefrom Sutapa Prabhu's party the previous week, and he bought two more books from me. I invited him to the evening program, but he said he had to work. Later that evening I was surprised to see him at the Preston evening program after all. His boss had too many workers report for duty, so he got the evening off. At the end of the evening, he took japabeads home with him. Krishna's mercy! That is the second time in a row someone has seen me chanting alone in Preston and come to the program as a result.
Tipped off to the existence of an anti-fracking protest nearby while I was chanting alone, I decided to go and invite the protesters to chant Hare Krishna. One of them said their rally was not religious. I explained that the Hare Krishna mantra raises people's consciousness to a level where they do not do stupid things that destroy the environment like fracking, and several of them chanted with me for five minutes.
Southport is the biggest city between Preston and Liverpool, and we do not know of anyone chanting Hare Krishna on its streets in recent years, if at all.
Someone said Hare Krishna to us, another greeted us with joined palms, and one Indian man walked with us and chanted for three minutes. One older lady with a scowl on her face, got a book, and began to smile as a result. We chanted through an indoor market, and no one complained. Altogether we spent an hour and a half chanting in Southport.
Chanting in Liverpool
Unfortunately, no one joined us in chanting in Liverpool, other than Barbara who came for ten minutes after shopping.
Once a Tesco manager asked us to relocate after we chanted outside his shop for about 45 minutes. As we were packing up, a Tesco employee told us he did not know why the manager was so disagreeable.
We met some nice people though, and John interested one lady in a small Gita.
As usual the Newcastle eight-hour kirtana was characterized by a great cooperative spirit among the devotees, enthusiastic chanting and preparation of varieties of tasty prasadam. One devotee even came three hours by train from London to take part.
It was so lively I thought of recording a little video of each of the singers, but I did not actually get around to do it until three hours had passed. Still these video clips will show you, at least in part, what it was like.
Dhananjaya Prabhu, who often plays the bass, also sang, and Bhakti Rasa and Prema Sankirtana Prabhus got into dancing (https://youtu.be/JK7GuU0Gm0A):
There were more singers, but I had to catch the train to London, so I could get a bus to Paris for the Ratha-yatra the next day, and I left two hours early.
Paris Ratha-yatra
In Paris I saw residents participate in our Ratha-yatra who were not officially Hare Krishna devotees, but who are regulars at the Ratha-yatra.
There were several young Paris women, some with painted faces and some with fancy clothing, who really delighted in dancing.
Mangalavati Devi Dasi would get them dancing together in a pattern.
One girl loved dancing the whole parade.
Then she danced at the stage show.
She told me that she had lived in India for a year. She happened to walk out of the door of a building at the start of the parade, and was delighted to see it.
There were also groups of Asian men who liked the chanting and dancing.
At one point we danced in lines of devotees facing each other, and we were all very happy (https://youtu.be/k620GnCtkko):
When we passed cafes, Lord Jagannath, His cart, and His singing and dancing devotees attracted people's minds (https://youtu.be/5EbE3xIsGyI):
Some people watched from the windows of the buildings we passed.
Janananda Goswami added a lot of life to the event as usual.
During the stage show, Jayadeva Prabhu led a very energizing kirtana, getting a lot of people into it (https://youtu.be/NQQiXKL_b7E):
At one point Harinamananda Prabhu did a stage drive and went crowd surfing.
My first Paris harinama was from Les Halles, the site of our stage show after the Ratha-yatra, with the Harinama Ruci world harinama party.
Mangalavati Devi Dasi invited three enthusiastic ladies who were having a great time dancing with her during the stage show to come along from the harinama and they did, for almost an hour.
They were so happy, afterward they gave their contact information to the devotees, so they could learn about other Hare Krishna opportunities.
After taking the train home from Paris to Sarcelles, we took the bus to save time after a tiring day, and we continued singing (https://youtu.be/byqHkFuKTHI):
We chanted around Paris for two more days with Harinama Ruci. Some people were happy to participate (https://youtu.be/wh31JQ737uM):
The first day, Parividha Prabhu chanted so nicely in the main train station, Gare Du Nord, there was always a crowd listening (https://youtu.be/jLbyXzmXv5I):
Special Pictures
I never saw such a colorful donation box as this one in Newcastle.
Cartoons can be a nonthreatening way to share spiritual wisdom.
Devotees are always thinking of innovative ways to share spiritual wisdom and spiritual practices. In the UK they have what they call MHK, an acronym for “Meditation the Hare Krishna Way.” It is an app for your smart phone to teach the chanting of the Hare Krishna as a meditation. They have at least two different colorful cards they distribute to promote it:
One looks like this on one side.
And like this on the other.
The second looks like this on one side.
And this on the other.
To see other pictures I did not include in this issue, click on the link below:
From a lecture on Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.8.21 in New York City on April 13, 1973:
“We chant every day. That sense gratification is ananda-cinmaya,in the spiritual world. Not this third-class anandawith these bodily senses. This is not ananda.This is an illusion. We are thinking that 'I'm enjoying,' but that is not ananda. This anandais not fact, because we cannot enjoy this material sense pleasure for long. Everyone has got experience. It is finished. But spiritual enjoyment does not finish. It increases. That is the difference.”
Sanatana Goswami:
From Brhad-Bhagavatamrita, Second Part, “The Glories of Goloka”:
“Though the capital of the opulent king of the cowherds shines forth in the region called Nandisvara, the Vrajavasis in tune with Krishna’s liking always think more highly of His pleasure pastimes in the groves and other places in the forests. O brahmana,the satisfaction and ecstasy one tastes from living in Goloka Vrndavana are beyond describing. To what can they be compared?”
“Because devotional service to the Supreme Lord is so wondrous those who truly know say that the residents of Vaikuntha taste a happiness much greater than that of mere liberated souls. And the happiness of souls who reside in places like Ayodhya and Dvaraka is said to be even greater because of certain various special tastes. But the happiness of the residents of Goloka far exceeds any other. It transcends reason so how can it give room for words? Only those who live in Goloka and always perceive that happiness know its true nature, because the Lord has such friendly feelings toward them.”
Bhaktivinoda Thakura:
From Sri Navadvipa Bhava-taranga:
Text 38
Even though Lord Nrsimha is terrifying toward the sinful souls, He offers great auspiciousness unto the devotees of Lord Krishna headed by Prahlada Maharaja. When will He be pleased to speak words of compassion unto me, a worthless fool, and thereby make me fearless?
Text 39
He will say, "Dear child! Sit down freely and live happily here in Sri Gauranga Dhama. May you nicely worship the Divine Couple and may you develop loving attachment for Their holy names. By the mercy of My devotees, all obstacles are cast far away. With a purified heart, just perform the worship of Radha and Krishna, for such worship overflows with sweet nectar."
Text 40
Saying this, will that Lord delightedly place His own divine lotus feet upon my head? Suddenly I will experience sublime love for the Divine Couple Radha-Krishna and undergo the ecstatic transformations called sattvika. Falling on the ground, I will roll about by the door of Sri Nrsimha's temple.
Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami:
From Japa Transformations:
“Chanting is progressive. You become more expert, learned and happy with the practice. You just have to keep it up. Don’t fall back into old ways. It takes some effort, but it’s well worth it. You grow stronger, and your muscles stay stronger. You become more fit to chant Hare Krishna. It’s all a matter of consistency and stick-to-itiveness. To the sincere chanter goes the prize. Radha and Krishna begin to reciprocate, and you know They are there. Your faith builds.”
“The harinamadevotees come from different backgrounds and ethnic groups, but they have a solidarity of purpose. They live together harmoniously and are all followers of Srila Prabhupada and Sri Caitanya. They are spirit-souls dedicated to the yajnaof congregational chanting. When they go out in public, they perform as a tight unit, each playing their part in the group kirtana. Each is an individual but they work as a group effectively delivering the message of sankirtanato the conditioned souls. Their amicable teamwork is appreciated by Krishna, just as He praised the Pracetas for their friendly behavior with one another.”
“In my japareport I wrote that kirtanais prayer. The same thing Prabhupada said about the mantra in japa applies to kirtana.The harinama singers should pray, “O Radha O Krishna, please engage me in Your service.” And they should follow Prabhupada’s stark advice, “Just hear.” They should avoid the ten offenses and be particularly careful to be attentive to the names. The uninformed may think that harinama is an exhibitionistic show, but the experienced know it is a powerful internal meditation. Congregational chanting is superior to japabecause while japablesses the individual, loud kirtanablesses the many who hear it, even unaware.”
“Theharinama chanters lead a charmed life. They are charged with the heavy responsibility of going out every day rain or shine and singing for many hours in public. But they take it as pleasure to serve Mahaprabhu and Prabhupada in this way. They enjoy chanting the maha-mantrain different tunes and tasting the nectar of the names. They take it as their responsibility to expose to as many people the transcendental sound vibration knowing it can do immense good to the karmilisteners. If someone jeers at them, 'Get a job,' they smile, knowing they already have the supreme occupation.”
“Brahmananda was a resident of Vrndavana. When he was gravely ill, they decided to send him to the hospital. Brahmananda insisted he be carried in an air-conditioned ambulance. But while they were waiting for the ambulance Brahmananda passed away. His brother Gargamuni said that in 1967 when Brahmananda engineered Prabhupada’s escape from Beth Israel hospital, Prabhupada promised him that he would never have to die in a hospital. So the prophecy came true and he passed away in the auspicious sacred land of Vrndavana.”
Tamal Krishna Goswami:
From a lecture given on Nov. 29, 1978, in St. Louis, on Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.1.10:
The anxiety of the devotees to benefit the people in general spiritually is not the same as material anxiety.
Due to intoxication with different types of sense gratification and absorption in one's own suffering, people do not have time to consider the suffering of others.
Regulation makes the body strong. Srila Prabhupada drew so much strength from his very regulated life. All his personal servants can tell you.
Deity worship insures a regulated life. We have to get up for mangala-arati. We eat pure food at regulated times.
I used to come up at 4 a.m. to see Srila Prabhupada, and he would just be finishing his 16 rounds.
As we accept service from others, we become indebted, and our life span can become be reduced.
We were watching some drunks at the London airport, buying each other drinks, lighting each others' cigarettes, etc. This was their whole relationship – killing each other.
Janananda Goswami:
A beautiful young boy playing on his flute, enticing the girls and playing with the boys is not really what you think of when you think of God, so Lord Brahma had some doubts about Krishna's divinity.
By penance Lord Brahma attained his position.
The creation is not just to punish the fallen souls but to awaken their Krishna consciousness.
Just as in a drama, as you have really identify with your part to play it properly, so maya makes us really identify with body in this world to play our role.
Distress can be good if it inspires to take shelter of the pure devotees of the Lord.
The Supersoul does not just speak through the heart but through other living entities.
In the Brahma-vimohana-lila, one can say one thing Brahma wanted to accomplish is to make it clear that Krishna is Supreme and not himself or Lord Shiva.
The Supersoul guides the pure devotees from within. In Markine Bhagavata Dharmamakes that point.
In Markine Bhagavata Dharma is to me the mission statement of ISKCON. It also shows the complete humility.
Srila Prabhupada explained that qualification of the maha-bhagavata that he is always taking shelter of Krishna.
Penance is to follow the instructions of the pure devotees of the Lord.
Can we imagine what would have happened if Srila Prabhupada had not stepped off the Jaladuta.
Literally those who came later are living off of Srila Prabhupada's remanants. He created a preaching field.
If someone does become an instrument, Krishna can use him to do anything. It does not matter his other qualifications.
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The Paris Ratha-yatra was wonderful with so many people dancing, plenty of prasadam.
People are looking for bliss, whether by getting drunk in the pub or going to the football match, but the pleasure we find in Krishna consciousness is absolute.
It is wonderful in Paris, that they have a route in the center of the city for Ratha-yatra.
Comment by Nitai Gaurasundara Prabhu: There was one man in beginning of the parade who was complaining to everyone including, the police. He was saying that in this country we have the right to demonstrate but not to promote religion. I said we are demonstrating that we are happy people and he shut up.
We are here because Srila Prabhupada was willing to sit down with drug addicts and basically people who were crazy, to try to connect them to Krishna.
Jagadatma Prabhu:
We think of matter as being inert, but the material energy is not inert, she is bewildering.
One pilot asked Srila Prabhupada why evil exists. Srila Prabhupada explained that everything comes from God whether you consider it good or evil. Evil is like the back of God and good is the front of God. Now forget that. On the sun, is there any darkness? No, there is only light. In the same way, God is only good. If we face the sun we see only light, but when we turn away we see a shadow. Similarly when we turn away from God, we see evil, otherwise there is only goodness.
As the sun can never be covered by a cloud, which is created by its own energy, God can never be covered by His illusory potency. We, however, because we are small can have our vision of the sun easily be covered by a cloud, and similarly, we can be covered by Krishna's illusory energy.
Persons bewildered by the material energy always talk nonsense.
Examples of such nonsense talk: This is my body, and I can do whatever I like. This is mine, and if you come here, I will kill you. I am a Prabhupada disciple, and therefore, you have to respect me. I am very learned as I have been a devotee for thirty years.
They have nuclear weapons which they say act as a nuclear deterrent so there will not be war, but they have a war of terrorism, because of the terrorists that arise from the nuclear deterrent.
All this nonsensical talk arises because of a lack of Krishna consciousness.
Those who are Krishna consciousness are always respectful to others and do not demand respect for themselves.
When Srila Prabhupada was glorified, he said it was all by the mercy of his spiritual master. If he had any credit, it was because he was try to follow his spiritual master.
Parvati plays musical instruments and happily assists her husband, Lord Shiva, in singing, in the eternal abode of Kailasa, which is intermediate between the spiritual and material worlds.
Everything is coming from the body of Krishna.
Krishna has His own taste like we have our own likes and dislikes. He has a certain way he likes to dress.
The jnanis have difficulty explaining subjectivity.
Our likes and dislikes are based on the three modes of nature which we have acquired. The impersonalists theorize that when liberated from material nature we will have no likes and dislikes and be neutral and in a state of equilibrium.
The impersonalists consider that people imagine a god according to their tastes.
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura says about Krishna's body. “The concentrated all-time presence, uncovered knowledge and inebriating felicity have their beauty in Him. . . . It follows that the conception of the indistinguishable formless magnitude (Brahman) which is an indolent, lax, presentment of cognitive bliss, is merely a penumbra of intensely blended glow of the three concomitants, viz., the blissful, the substantive and the cognitive.” (Brahma-samhita 5.1, commentary)
There are gamers who hook themselves up to computer games so completely and get so absorbed they do not want to leave the game. They have developed a taste for it. Our situation in this world is similar because we get absorbed in these bodies of matter which are no more significant than lights flashing on a computer screen.
We have senses because Krishna has senses, but our senses are very limited compared Krishna's.
Because we are so strongly identifying with the material body to enjoy the pleasures of this world, we must suffer the material miseries of this world.
To achieve the spiritual world, you have to go beyond impersonal liberation. That is difficult because the impersonal liberation has an inebriating effect.
The beauty of Krishna is not material. We may be attracted to a beautiful woman but a horse would not be attracted by her, whereas a male horse would be very excited by a female horse while we would be indifferent. In the case of Krishna, however, all men, women, animals, birds, etc., are attracted by His beauty.
Rasesvari Dasi:
[To introduce new people to the Gita, she reads the titles of its 18 chapters.]
The Gita gives the blueprint for intelligent life.
Srila Prabhupada told us that simply by chanting, reading, associating with devotees, and taking prasadam we can become qualified to go back to the spiritual world.
To Srila Prabhupada, his books were the most important thing he could bring to the West.
Murli Manohara Prabhu:
Some say this politician is our enemy or this country is our enemy, but Krishna says our real enemies are lust, greed, and anger.
We observe the lust, greed, and anger within ourselves, and we must use our free will to control them.
Sadbhuja Prabhu:
A materialist would analyze that Sanatana Goswami was having midlife crisis when did began to question his identity.
Before they met Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu at Ramakeli, Sanatana and Rupa Goswamis had made replicas of the pastimes places of Krishna in Vrindavan, and thus they were already highly advanced spiritually.
Lord Caitanya indicated by repeatedly glancing at Sanatana Goswami's valuable blanket that he did not approve of it. This demonstrates that communication can be quite subtle, and the disciple must be alert to the indications of his guru (spiritual master) to advance.
Knowledge is very important in our modern civilization, but in Vedic civilization realization was considered more important. Sanatana Goswami knew theoretically that he was not his body and was a servant of Krishna. What he wanted from Lord Caitanya is know how to attain that realization.
In the early days of ISKCON, Prahladananda Swami as a new brahmacari hitchhiked to Miami wearing a dhoti with no money because he heard that devotees there needed more help. Somehow or other he found the devotees chanting in a park. Although they had little money, somehow they had cooked a stack of chapatis. They gave Prahladananda five chapatis.
Thirty million people died when in trying to implement their classless society in Russia, they sent the teachers to the fields and the farmers to the colleges, because the teachers did not do such a good job in the fields, and people did not have enough provisions. This shows what happens when we do not follow Krishna's varnasrama system, where people are engaged according to their qualities and activities.
Comment by Syamananda Prabhu: Yamuna says in her book, “The way you do anything is the way you do everything.”
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pātrāpātra-vicāra nāhi, nāhi sthānāsthāna
yei yāńhā pāya, tāńhā kare prema-dāna
“In distributing love of Godhead, Caitanya Mahāprabhu and His associates did not consider who was a fit candidate and who was not, nor where such distribution should or should not take place. They made no conditions. Wherever they got the opportunity, the members of the Pañca-tattva distributed love of Godhead.” (Śrī Caitanya-caritāmrita, Adi 7. 23)
The dictionary definition of a hero is “a person, typically a man, who is admired for their courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.” Also it isthe chief male character in a book, play, or film, who is typically identified with good qualities, and with whom the reader is expected to sympathize. As a storyteller, we are the heros of our stories and the graphic journey of the hero as illustrated above is where we place ourselves to tell a story. Over and over again, there is the full tale of our lives from which we know ourselves to be ordinary people that turn into extraoordinary people after telling our story and entering the Journey of Story telling.
Storytelling is a journey. It is a journey that happens in real time but when told it happens as fast as the mind with an almost omniscent view in hindsight.
Storytelling is powerful because it illustrates a point better than a set of facts. People will take care to listen about what you are saying because they can relate to characters in your story, the plot and the lessons to be learned. People will relate to your story and therefore your message.
There are 3,600 pipes to the glorious pipe organ set against the viewing wall of the WestminsterUnitedChurchin Winnipeg. The city’s orchestra plays here in the worship area of this fine acoustic wonder. Dan, the maintenance man, said of the organ that $250,000 was recently and decently sunk into its refurbishing. Dan is indeed proud of the space. He should be. The building is a beaut, with all the pews still intact as well as stained glass depictions for windows. A heavenly high ceiling contributes to the ambiance.
And get this, this is the venue where we performed. Hallelujah! Hare Krishna! Thanks to Vrinda Devi for arranging this place.
The show went on - bharat natyam dance, a skit called ‘Under the Influence’, a drama ‘Krishna Is’, and a kirtan of ecstasy. Thumbs up to Radha Vinod and Krishna Nanda of the UK for an excellent MC'ing job. All went smooth. And the true sign of success lay in the response. Yes, the audience got up to dance to the kirtan.
I felt I had touched several worlds today. When our buses pulled up to the YMCA for our morning showers, I perched on a park bench for a conference call regarding our mission in Cuba. I felt I was in Havana. I did meagre distance walking in Winnipegtoday but I was definitely there in its streets. The kirtan took me to another world. I was not in this world. I may be able to vouch for others who may have felt the same way.
Let’s say we received some ruchi, some taste of the spiritual world.
Oh yes, back in the boys’ bus again. After the show and after munching on samosas, we came back to the crammed quarters of a muggy bus. It’s a relief when our conveyance becomes mobile. It allows air to circulate inside while the windows are open. And that’s the way the world is, you hop from inconvenience to convenience and back again. There’s nothing you can do about it so you have to live with it and you might as well love it.
I decided to walk from our small temple on Victoria Avenue to the Marina Park where the Krishna Culture Festival of India was being staged. I thought I might meet people along the way and share information on the event. It would be like an invite.
Was I surprised to see and hear the reaction, “Yeah! I heard about it.” “I’m gonna be there!” “Wouldn’t miss it.” “I come every year.” “I came last year, but you ran out of food.” “Yeah, I’m going over there to volunteer some help.”
Once arriving at the location, I saw Maduha, the coordinator for the exhibits, set up the marquees and displays.
My bus companions were absent. I was told that all fifty of them were off for an Ultimate Frisbee game. The manager of the festival, Dr. Jani (Prem Kishor), was busy like anything preparing for the mini Ratha Yatra that would start the whole festival.
Three young boys, less than six years of age each, were playing on the grass. They had been chatting about me I could see. One of them came forward and asked an innocent question, “Are you God?”
“No! I’m a monk, I’m the servant of God.”
“Oh, okay,” answered the young boy who got distracted and then ran off with his friends to explore and see what the park and the day had in store for them.
The festival went well. My guess is that 8,000 people came. The mayor came. Bruce, who heads up the Green Party in the area, also made his appearance. There were others.
As usual, a good number of people who came with their fold out lawn chairs sat for hours to watch the show until the time to line up for the free food. A formula for warming up people to Krishna Consciousness is effectively working, food, cultural shows, and kirtan. All have a magical effect on people.
“Know that all beautiful, glorious, and mighty creations spring from but a spark of My splendour.” Bhagavad Gita 10.41
It was from the above Gita verse that I lead a discussion with the 50 or so youths and bus drivers on the youth bus tour. They were seated next to our annually visited SerpentRiverunder towering pine trees. It was an appropriate verse that invokes appreciation for all that’s natural. Chapter 10, in fact, is saturated with imagery of the unindustrialized world. Entitled “Opulence of the Absolute”, a string of 42 verses inspire the out-of-doors experience.
After the discussion, Manorama, our youth bus coordinator, showed himself to be quite the herbalist. For one of the three walks that I undertook today, he lead the group down the trail helping everyone to identify hazelnuts, St. John’s Wort, Saskatoon berries, Blueberries, Yarrow, jewel weed, raspberries, ferns and horsetail – a whole community of plants. It was quite astounding what contribution each plant makes with each of their various properties. I could see that the group really enjoyed the physical and brain-stretching exercise.
The termination point on the trail was an old iron train bridge spanning over the river. My independent nature pulled me in a different direction. Instead of taking the return trail I decided to take the river itself. I decided I’ll swim it and against the current which was rather slow. I decided at certain periods that I would also walk it as the water is shallow in places and that I would even crawl it by clutching on to the rocks underneath me when swimming and walking became tedious. After some time the mission was accomplished. To put a little Vedic touch to the endeavour, I plucked out one of those long stemmed water lilies and turned it around my neck as a garland. My estimation of distance was just under two kilometres. It is believed by local Ojibwe people that a serpent actually resides at the end of this winding and twisting river.
On a yearly basis our buses stop here at the park, which has cascaded waters flowing at both ends of its perimeter, to give a chance for everyone to chill and then to prepare for a week of intense programs.
On one other adventure, Pariksit, a 20 year old from India, and I ambled along near a quarry and as we were about to embark on a trail a local Ojibwe machine operator cautioned us, “Not a good idea. Too many fast trucks going by here.” He implied that it’s dangerous. Indeed, the industrialized world, which you could say he represented, IS dangerous. In the long run, so is the world of nature. Therefore, our business as humans is to work our way to get out of this dangerous world all together.
“Gauranga is decorated with infinite qualities. He is the protector and deliverer of even the denizens of heaven. Having destroyed the guilt of the fourteen worlds, He exhibits a bodily luster similar to Sri Radhika. He is the ācārya of the special type of musical rāga named Gandhara. He defeats the gait of a huge [...]
“Know that all beautiful, glorious, and mighty creations spring from but a spark of My splendour.” Bhagavad Gita 10.41
It was from the above Gita verse that I lead a discussion with the 50 or so youths and bus drivers on the youth bus tour. They were seated next to our annually visited SerpentRiverunder towering pine trees. It was an appropriate verse that invokes appreciation for all that’s natural. Chapter 10, in fact, is saturated with imagery of the unindustrialized world. Entitled “Opulence of the Absolute”, a string of 42 verses inspire the out-of-doors experience.
After the discussion, Manorama, our youth bus coordinator, showed himself to be quite the herbalist. For one of the three walks that I undertook today, he lead the group down the trail helping everyone to identify hazelnuts, St. John’s Wort, Saskatoon berries, Blueberries, Yarrow, jewel weed, raspberries, ferns and horsetail – a whole community of plants. It was quite astounding what contribution each plant makes with each of their various properties. I could see that the group really enjoyed the physical and brain-stretching exercise.
The termination point on the trail was an old iron train bridge spanning over the river. My independent nature pulled me in a different direction. Instead of taking the return trail I decided to take the river itself. I decided I’ll swim it and against the current which was rather slow. I decided at certain periods that I would also walk it as the water is shallow in places and that I would even crawl it by clutching on to the rocks underneath me when swimming and walking became tedious. After some time the mission was accomplished. To put a little Vedic touch to the endeavour, I plucked out one of those long stemmed water lilies and turned it around my neck as a garland. My estimation of distance was just under two kilometres. It is believed by local Ojibwe people that a serpent actually resides at the end of this winding and twisting river.
On a yearly basis our buses stop here at the park, which has cascaded waters flowing at both ends of its perimeter, to give a chance for everyone to chill and then to prepare for a week of intense programs.
On one other adventure, Pariksit, a 20 year old from India, and I ambled along near a quarry and as we were about to embark on a trail a local Ojibwe machine operator cautioned us, “Not a good idea. Too many fast trucks going by here.” He implied that it’s dangerous. Indeed, the industrialized world, which you could say he represented, IS dangerous. In the long run, so is the world of nature. Therefore, our business as humans is to work our way to get out of this dangerous world all together.
I don’t think it would be an error to say that CentreIsland, situated in TorontoHarbour, is probably the picnic capital of the country. People pack lunches or ingredients for assembling food, as in a traditional sandwich, or perhaps they get behind some kind of barbecue preparation. There’s the iconic type of Canadian family that’s present on the island but there are many more newer immigrants that come prepared with perhaps halaled, koshered, prasadamed or blessed food dishes. All kinds of races and ages of people come to the island. They gravitate to what is like a heavenly planet.
For day two of our festival on the island there was no shortage of fun. At the same time, the spiritual content presented at the festival held its own as well. The question that arises in the mind of some people in regards to spirituality and joy being separate universes was something I momentarily pondered. Should spirituality be merely a rigid practice?
In the evening at wrap up time, myself, along with Bhaktivinode Swami, Agnideva (a soon to be swami) and three local monks, took the journey from the ferry dock on the mainland to the ashram via a van cab. The driver hailed from Pakistan. I took the front seat and after a handshake with the gentleman I began a conversation. He definitely wanted to go ‘spiritual’ with the talk.
“Why did God create human beings?” he probed. I offered him my answer from a Vedic perspective. In short I expressed,
“For enjoyment,” and also went on to explain that it is an opportunity towards enlightenment.
“There are multiple ways to answer the question,” I said. The cab driver, however, only wanted to accept one answer.
“God created man to worship Him.” From his response and attitude I detected some exclusivity. I went on to stretch my point,
“You may say ‘worship’ but I would give it another word, ‘love’ or ‘bhakti’. 1) God can’t demand, but suggest. 2) God demonstrates love in reciprocation.”
We arrived at our destination. We shook hands once again. My lingering thought on the matter was that when spirituality is too rigid, is not a joyful output and is not a two-way situation then I’m out.
Further on, I reflected on the kirtans that I enjoyed on the island and also the swim with Agnideva. I reflected on the inseparable, beautiful and spiritual human exchanges I had with people on the island today. I felt complete.
So, yes, John Tory stopped by. We spoke a bit before his entrance on to the stage. Of course, I slipped into our conversation the multiple walks I’ve done across various countries along with Canada, four times. He was curious to know how and when I got into monkism.
I told him of the natural proclivity I had towards spirituality and that my becoming a monk had something to do with the Beatles’ music after they spent time in India. The mayor was then called to the stage, then myself. Keshava, the overall captain of the festival on CentreIsland, suggested I say something first, so I spoke.
“We are happy to have a mayor we like in our grand city.” There was a big round of applause. “I realized that although I am a world traveller I do indeed have a home and that’s Toronto. I’ve been a Torontonian for 42 years. Great city!” And then I expressed to the audience, “Torontois such a great place of acceptance. “
Then John Tory spoke. He picked up on the theme. “A place where people care,” he said. He gave his word to visit our temple on Avenue Road. We will graciously take him up on that.
The Ratha Yatra, Festival of Chariots, draws all kinds of digs (dignitaries) and our guru would not be shy to say that cosmic gods are present at every big sacred event.
It was a great day but it ended up slightly weird with the sun’s leaving to honour the night. I met a fellow who I bumped into years ago while walking through a neighbourhood in Rosedale. He claims that he’s liberated and he spoke very possessively along these lines. “You don’t need a middle man. You already know everything.” Now, I was not in a position to argue with him. I was with a family and their children. But my argument with him would be, “If no middle man is necessary then there’s no need for you to say anything at all if liberation comes naturally.”
Lord Krishna’s Grand Birthday Celebrations will be taking place on Saturday, September 5th, 2015! Stay tuned for a more information on the festivities! There are many ways you can participate, see our sponsorship opportunities below:
Maha Abhishek: $451
A rare opportunity to personally bathe Sri Sri Radha Krishna with auspicious liquids (water from seven holy rivers as well as panchamrita - a mixture of ghee, yogurt, milk, honey and sugar). Sponsors will get to take home their decorative Kalasha (pot) and puja thali (worship plate).
Feast Sponsorship:
Gold $1500 Silver $1000 Bronze $750
Festival Flowers: Gold: $1500 Silver $1000
Festival Deity Garlands: $750
Deity Dress: $1500 each altar; all thee altars: $4500
Platinum Festival Sponsorship: $10008 (complete festival)
Hare Krishna! Ancient Egypt – The Ratha Yatra And Mount Meru
According to Egyptian texts this universe is produced from the primordial waters at the beginning of creation. From these waters a mound is produced and from this mound a lotus flower travels up to the top of this universe upon which Ra, the great sun God appears. Now this of course is the same account we find in the Vedas, a lotus appears from the navel of Lord Visnu residing upon the causal ocean and upon this lotus Lord Brahma appears and proceeds to create this universe. The mound which appears, according to Egyptian sacred texts, is none other than Mount Meru, the Vedic abode of the Gods. According to Egyptian cosmology, the pyramids we see in Egypt represent this mound which sprang from the primal waters.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18926
Nityam Bhagavata-sevaya (NBS#18): For this auspicious month, we will be covering the next couple of issues on the Glories of Sri Sri Krishna Balarama.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18921
Paris Ratha Yatra 2015 (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: By the grace of the Lord, if a devotee, at the time of death, can simply chant Hare Krishna, he immediately surpasses the great ocean of the material sky and enters into the spiritual sky. He never has to come back for repetition of birth and death. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 4.10.30 Purport)
See them here: https://goo.gl/OUbsMN
Hare Krishna! Radhakunda Seva: July 2015 Photos and Updates
The Radhakunda Seva team: What a busy month this was! Purusottama Adika Masa (the very auspicious extra lunar month which comes once every three years) brought unprecedented crowds. Even at midday under the scorching sun, there was no diminishing of the throngs of pilgrims doing parikrama around Govardhana and Radha Kunda. And then to top off the joyous madness, the month ended with Guru Purnima, Govardhan’s biggest parikrama day of the year. With your support, we were able to distribute thousands of bowls of prasada to hungry pilgrims in the days leading up to Guru Purnima, and especially on Guru Purnima day. On that day, we distributed 100kgs of sweet Bhoondi prasadam which was hugely popular amongst the crowds. We are happy to report that we finally received a shipment of the high quality acrylic latex paint we had been trying to obtain for months. Painting of the walls at Sakhi Kunda is well underway and we plan to paint other areas as well. We are hopeful that this type of paint will stand the test of time, inclement weather, and salty plaster.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18896
Yet the supreme father has no other father. Every one of the living entities of all grades, up to Brahmā, the original creature of the universe, is begotten by a father, but He, the Lord, has no father. When He descends to the material plane, out of His causeless mercy He accepts one of His great devotees as His father to keep pace with the rules of the material world. But since He is the Lord, He is always independent in choosing who will become His father.
tvaṁ naḥ surāṇām asi sānvayānāṁ
kūṭa-stha ādyaḥ puruṣaḥ purāṇaḥ
tvaṁ deva śaktyāṁ guṇa-karma-yonau
retas tv ajāyāṁ kavim ādadhe ’jaḥ
You are the original personal founder of all the demigods and the orders of different gradations, yet You are the oldest and are unchanged. O Lord, You have no source or superior. You have impregnated the external energy with the semen of the total living entities, yet You are unborn. Srimad Bhagavatam 3.5.50 http://www.vedabase.com/en/sb/3/5/50
But those who always worship Me with exclusive devotion, meditating on My transcendental form – to them I carry what they lack, and I preserve what they have. Bhagavad-gita 9.22-http://www.vedabase.com/en/bg/9/22
The keyword in this verse is Exclusive Devotion, not sometime worship this, worship that, enjoy material senses then back to devotion. The promise that given by Krishna in this verse is for the one that always worship me in exclusive devotion.
the next thing is Meditating on Krishna transcendental form, thats why Krishna so kindly appear in his form as the deity. When we are worshiping the deity, dressing the deity and make offering to the deity we will automatically think about transcendental form of Krishna.
In the previous verse it is said that if we worship the demigods the can go to heavenly planet, but after the time runs out he will fall down again. Its just like you have a vacation when you have money you can have fun but after the money runs out you can't anything.
Then Guru Maharaja describe about how devotees not attracted about heavenly planet, the analogies about how life in heavenly planet. Guru maharaja continued that devotees only goal is only Krishna and then explaining on how to achieve Krishna mercy.
Message from Guru Maharaja:
We should read this Bhagavadgita carefully, memories some its verses, keep them in our mind and gradually really trust Krishna. He's not gonna cheat us. He is really gonna give us what his promises, if we give him what he is asking for. Its two way deal!
Please hear more from the audio or download it. Hare Krishna!
Question: Can you explain why we fast from grains on ekadasi? No one has ever been able to explain it to me logically. I mean, for most devotees the fact that srila prabhupada and Lord caitanya recommend it is enough for them. But that’s a faith-based reason, I’m looking for a logic-based explanation.
It does make sense to have a special day every two weeks for extra hearing and chanting, but most devotees don’t hear and chant more on ekadasi. They are just really into the whole ‘no grains’ thing.
I also know the whole “papa purusha” thing [grains becoming “sinful” on ekadasi] but I’m suspicious about that. It may have been introduced around a campfire sometime in history. Srila prabhupada certainly doesn’t mention papa purusha in any of his books.
It seems a bit bizarre to me how much people are into it when none of them can explain it. So can you logically explain why we should fast from grains on ekadasi?
My Reply:
Ekadasi is a fasting day. It’s not a day for “no grains,” its a day for “no eating.”
Fasting is very extreme, however, and few people can actually do it – so there is a gradient of reducing consumption – parts of which can still be considered, liberally, “fasting.” For example, you can drink water and still consider it a fast. You can also eat fruits. Like this, the spectrum gradually expands from absolute fast towards normal daily diet. The line gets drawn at the real staples of a daily meal: grains and legumes. Beyond that line it’s just too far of a stretch to call it a fast anymore.
What’s the purpose of not eating?
One thing is, its just healthy. If you have a regular schedule where you reduce your intake by “fasting” you will be much healthier.
More importantly, fasting clears your mind and gives you some mental and emotional self-discipline. Self-discipline of this sort is particularly important for meditation, so regular fasting is a very important part of yoga. It helps us develop the mental discipline to say “no” to our habitual desires and impulses, which is essential when trying to deliberately focus the mind in meditation (in the case of bhakti-yoga the meditation is upon Hari-nama, rūpa, guṇa and līlā).
PS – As for why the 11th day [ekadasi is the 11th phase of the waxing and waning moon] and not the 4th or the 9th or any other – I’m not quite sure at all. Astrologically the 11th is typically described as a day that’s not very good for doing most important things. Maybe that makes it an opportune day for fasting? Symbolically 11 is a number associated with Śiva. But there’s another point that comes out when one studies the technical details about astrology: it seems its actually the 12th that’s the really blessed day (12 being a number associated with Viṣṇu), and the 11th seems like a preparation for it.
PPS – here is an earlier blog post I made with more details substantiating the points I made here, with reference to Hari Bhakti Vilas.
“Those who know reality say it is non-dual knowledge.”
— 1.2.11
Reality is the most valuable thing any person can attain. Therefore it certainly should be the highest form of happiness, and not diminish or come to an end.
Those who understand reality describe it as “non-dual knowledge” – advaya-jñāna. Here, the word “knowledge” (jñāna) denotes sentience, consciousness — the basis of knowledge. Śuka describes this consciousness as “non-dual” (advaya), indicating that nothing in existence is separate from it.
Thus, Bhāgavatam describes reality as the consciousness that is the essence of all things. Everyone and everything that exists is a manifestation of this self-manifest consciousness, and all of them are fully dependent upon it.
“Non-dual reality is pure consciousness fixed exclusively upon its supreme objective. This Bhāgavatam clarifies the essence of all Vedānta by describing the characteristics of this supreme objective.”
— 12.13.12
“Reality is Brahman: infinite consciousness.”
— Taittirīya (2.1.1)
“Hear about it and you hear about everything. Know it, and you know all that is to be known.”
— Chāndogya (6.1.3)
“Only that reality, consciousness, existed in the beginning, thinking, ‘I will manifest as living beings each with their own names and forms, for I should be many.’”
— Chāndogya (6.2.1 – 3)
Plurality in Non-Duality
In his trance, Badarāyaṇa saw plurality in non-dual consciousness, for he saw two distinct types of conscious beings: (1) The supreme conscious being, and (2) individual conscious beings. We will thoroughly examine the relationship between the supreme and the individual later on, in the third essay, named Paramātmā Sandarbha. In summary, the individual is a distinctly perfect quantum of consciousness manifest from a fragmental ray of the amazing potencies of the supreme consciousness.
The supreme object/objective of individual consciousness is the supreme consciousness at its root. Thus supreme consciousness is therefore the essence of Vedānta and the primary subject of Śrī Bhāgavatam.
“Non-dual reality is pure consciousness fixed exclusively upon its supreme objective. This Bhāgavatam clarifies the essence of all Vedānta by describing the characteristics of this supreme objective.”
— 12.13.12
Here, the word “exclusively” does not mean without separate existence. It means purely. “Purity” means to be without anything extraneous, to be without ulterior motive. Thus the word hints that individual consciousness can attain the supreme objective most efficaciously by virtue of pure devotion. We will discuss this at much greater length in the sixth essay, Prīti Sandarbha.
Unity in Non-Duality
In non-duality, unity and plurality coexist. The Upanishads sometimes stress the unity of the individual and supreme consciousness, and at other times they stress their distinct plurality. The individual and the supreme are one unified reality, for they are the same in substance: consciousness. Yet within this unity a distinction manifests plurality: individual consciousness is the emanation, and supreme consciousness is the emanator.
Here is an example where the Upanishads stress the unity between the individual and the supreme:
“You are that.”
— Chandogya 6.8.7
In this statement, “you” refers to the individual consciousness, and “that” refers to the supreme consciousness. By highlighting the similarity between the individual and the supreme, the Upanishads convey important, factual information that we, just like the supreme, are eternal and full of sentience.
Another important reason for stressing the sameness of the individual and the supreme is to tell us that we can begin to understand the supreme by understanding ourselves. Since our own individual consciousness is a ray from the supreme consciousness, we can get an initial grasp of the supreme by understanding ourselves.
“Understanding one grants understanding of the other.”
— Vedānta Sūtra (1.3.20)
Imagine a person who has stayed shut within his house since birth and cannot go out into the sun. If he wants to know what the sun is, we could point to a minute ray of sunlight falling through a crack in his shutters and say, “this is it.” By comprehending that fragment of light, he would begin to get an accurate idea about the great amalgamation of light that is the sun itself.
Śrī Bhāgavatam also clearly states the essential similarities between the individual and the supreme consciousness:
“The conscious-self does is never born, and it does not die, or grow, or decay. It merely experiences all these conditions. It is the ever-present, constant, unfading substance of cognition itself.”
—11.3.38a
“Conscious-self” means the pure living being.
It “is never born” because it has always existed. Since it is never born, it is not subject to the conditions following on the heels of birth: growth, decay, and death. These conditions occur only in the physical body. The conscious-self “merely experiences” them, without being directly affected.
Who is the conscious-self, the observer distinct from everything it observes? The conscious-self is pure sentience, “the substance of cognition itself.”
Where does it exist? Everywhere, “it is ever-present.” The consciousness of the individual self completely pervades whatever field it projects into.
There is unity between the individual and the supreme because the essence of both is pure consciousness itself. Therefore both the individual and the supreme possess the qualities of consciousness: begininglessness, changelessness, and pervasiveness.
An excerpt from Basic Truths: An English Rendition of Śrī Jīva Goswāmī’s Tattva-Sandarbha
(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 11 May 2015, Brisbane, Australia Srimad Bhagavatam 1.3.42)
The different acharyas are spiritual masters who may place emphasis on different things. But still, all are sitting at Srila Prabhupada’s feet. He is the founder acharya, Prabhupada – the master at whose feet all others sit, therefore we should take it that Prabhupada’s books are the main substance in our lives.
So many books are out there nowadays. Everyone has written books. Many of the books are very revealing and extend our understanding. Still, I have a comparison which is that the Bhagavad-gita, the Nectar of Devotion, the Srimad Bhagavatam and the Caitanya-Caritamrta are our four main books which are like rice, dhal, sabji and chapatti; and these other books are like chutney.
So, you know, some chutney is nice. We want some chutney and we read something new, something with a different taste that is interesting. But basically, our staple diet is rice, dhal, sabji and chapatti. If you eat only chutney, you are not going to be very healthy!
So, our main source of knowledge lies in Prabhupada’s books and in there, we absorb deeply. And these other books are extensions of Prabhupada’s books, they give us like a further insight into Prabhupada’s books!
After a two-day break upon returning from the Woodstock Festival we’re back on the Baltic Sea coast for one more month of harinam and festival programs. It seems like it never ends … and I pray it never will.
Hare Krishna! ISKCON UK August newsletter
By ISKCON UK Communications
Temples across the UK are gearing up for the official 50th anniversary of ISKCON, with events to mark Srila Prabhupada’s departure from India to the West to spread Krishna Consciousness – ISKCON Leicester will host the very first UK national convention to celebrate the 50th anniversary; ISKCON London will be holding three one-day festivals to commemorate Srila Prahupada’s departure from India, his arrival in Boston and New York; ISKCON Birmingham will hold a special 8hr kirtan programme; Bhaktivedanta Manor will host a series of special classes every Sunday with a special guest speaker sharing Srila Prabhupada Memories, and ISKCON Coventry will release a special CD to commemorate this milestone celebration.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18892
