Planet ISKCON

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We’re in a golden age of kirtan albums. The offerings are diverse: In May, Ananda Monet’s Inevitable Time told us the story of the Mahabharat in theatrical, epic style; and Madi’s Bhakti Without Borders stuck in our heads with its catchy pop sensibilities.  Now, Jahnavi Harrison’s Like A River to the Sea (July 24^th, Mantralogy) takes us on a journey.

Hare Krishna! Unveiling of Brass Srila Prabhupada Statue Jaladuta Journey to USA – Video
Unveiling of Brass Srila Prabhupada Statue Jaladuta Journey to USA in one end and other end Reaching Boston. Narration by Madan Mohan Das. This is gift from Ukraine devotees for Srila Prabhupada’s 50th Jaldutta Anniversary Journey to USA.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=19024

Hare Krishna! Bhaktivedanta Players Tour “The Mahabharat”
After 30 glorious years of performance, including almost 20 international tours, UK’s Bhaktivedanta Players marked their outstanding contribution to devotional art with a gala performance of The Mahabharata. This was a brand new production conceived and directed by Jaya Krishna das, and acted by a cast of more than 20. With the soundtrack arranged by actor and musician, Kishor Murti das, and new props and costumes, the stage was set for a riveting experience. A 730 strong audience flocked to the Kadwa Patidar Centre in Kenton, UK, for the premier. For over two hours the audience were led by Lord Krishna Himself, in the role of narrator, into an ancient world of warriors and mystic saints.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=19021

Shri Kiran Bedi Praising Srila Prabhupada’s Journey to USA. Kiran Bedi (born 9 June 1949) is an Indian politician, social activist, former tennis player and a retired police officer. Bedi joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1972, becoming its first woman officer. In 2003, Bedi became the first woman to be appointed the United Nations civilian police adviser. She resigned in 2007, to focus on social activism and writing. Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=19018

Hare Krishna! Praghosa Dasa, GBC Chairman’s Glorifying Srila Prabhupada’s Journey to USA
Praghosa Das is currently the chairman of ISKCON’s Governing Body Commission. He was the commission’s chairman in 2005. Praghosa presently serves as the editor in chief of the Dandavats.com Vaishnava news agency.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=19015

Srila Prabhupada’s birthplace in Kolkata visited by devotees today.

Hare Krishna! Tulsi Gabbard’s Message for Srila Prabhupada’s Journey to USA – video
Tulsi Gabbard (born April 12, 1981) is an American politician and member of the Democratic Party who has been the United States Representative for Hawaii’s second congressional district since 2013. She is also a Vice-Chair of the Democratic National Committee. Elected in 2012, she is the first American Samoan and the first Hindu member of the United States Congress, and, along with Tammy Duckworth, one of its first female combat veterans.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=19012

Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modiji Message for Srila Prabhupada’s Journey to USA (2 min video)
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/0qiiXA

Devoees visited today Mutty Lal seal school in Kolkata, where Srila Prabhupada studied when he was a small child.

Hare Krishna! Journey that gave ISCKON to the world completes 50 years
“ISKCON will unveil an intricately carved sculpture of Shrila Prabhupada measuring 2.05 metres made of brass with a granite pedestal at Kidderpor Dock, Kolkata from where he began his Journey to West 50 years ago. Since Bengal was the place from where he left, the main programme will be happening there.” The journey that gave the world International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISCKON) will be completing 50 years on Thursday. Celebrations will take place in all the major ISKCON temples in the city and 400 temples across the world.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=19008

The Boys Campus of Sri Mayapur International School after the flood (Album with photos)
The waters of the flood are gradually retiring, time to clean the debris.
See them here: https://goo.gl/VaKmPT

So I had an opportunity to do an update on palliative care given the recent controversies over the Liverpool care pathways and the changes in “ do not resuscitate” implementation; these changes are to reassure individuals and family that life limiting illness doesn’t mean your put onto a path that ultimately leads to death.

However the underpinning foundations of palliative and end of life care services remain the same and one of the area’s that we are told to be aware of in care planning is that of spirituality, but even this has changed.

Many years ago when I first covered this subject we talked preliminary about faith and how this can impact on the person’s perceptions and also to be mindful of both faith and cultural requirement’s; given that the surrounding area was mainly Christian and Jewish we looked closely at the needs of these two groups.

So I was interested to see how this area of health care has developed, shocked wouldn’t describe my feelings, spirituality no longer covers faith, it’s family, pets, TV; me and one other member of the group mentioned faith and belief, well this isn’t important unless they mention it came the reply.

My impression at the end of the course was that as a society we are less accepting that this body we are in is limited in time, we will have to die this is the law of nature; and that the importance of faith and acknowledgement of a creator god (krishna) is a sign of weakness rather than a sign of inelegance and strength.

It did however make me return to a discussion I had with a group of health care professional devotees some years ago; the devotee population us ageing, the disciples who served Srila Prabhupada so nicely are getting to that stage were they need to be cared for in such a loving way.

Is it time to look at a small retirement village, residential and nursing provisions, so that both the spiritual and physical body can be cared for in the best way.

After all the original hospitals were actually a part of the monasteries, the monks and nuns would care for the individual taking sanctuary. Society understood that life would end and so it was both body and soul that was cared for, redemption would be sought so that when your time has come to leave you return to Sri Krishn’s loving arms.

After all do I want to enter into a care system who’s main aim is to reinforce the delusion that I am this body?

Hare Krishna! Devotees from 106 countries practice yoga to mark ISKCON 50th anniversary
Devotees from 106 countries practised bhakti yoga together at the Kshudiram Anushilan Kendra here, creating a record for “Most Nationalities in a yoga lesson” with the Guinness World Records, while another 105 devotees sang Bengali choir to set the record, ISKCON vice-president V N Das claimed. “Inspired by the fact that in June India created a world record in New Delhi for most number of people participating in a yoga lesson, we today decided to make yoga more popular around the world by creating another record for the Guinness World Records. And today we are happy to say that we have successfully done it,” Das told PTI. The three-day celebrations, which started here today would be observed across the globe along with the ‘Journey to West’ of its founder Acharya A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Shrila Prabhupada.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=19005

Hare Krishna! Iskcon celebration held
ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness), an organisation engaged in spreading the message of love and camaraderie in the society today celebrated the golden jubilee of its founder A. C. Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada’s journey to the USA where he set up the organisation. Among the dignitaries who were present include West Bengal Bengal governor Keshrinath Tripathy, Retired IPS officer Kiran Bedi, to name a few. While eminent danseuse Dona Ganguly and her troupe performed a dance programme, there was also a yoga session, in which representatives from over 109 countries took part.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=19002

As we stepped onto the beach for harinam yesterday a gentleman approached me and said, “We’re all so happy to see you.” In my mind I offered his words to Srila Prabhupada and prayed that I could continue with this service for many lifetimes to come.

Interested In Seeing A Sample Of The Works Of Director/playwright The Walking Monk, Bhaktimarga Swami? (9 min video)
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/PYpXE2

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His Holiness Bhaktimarg Swami :

Over forty years ago it was a youthful quest for life that lead Chatham, Ontario born Bhaktimarga Swami, (formerly John Peter Vis), to adopt an Eastern order of monastic life that landed him in the Hare Krishna movement. Since that time, as a celibate monk, Swami has evolved as an instructor of bhakti-yoga and mantra meditation. His presentation on this subject of life, based on the popular Hindu text, “Bhagavad-gita” is lively, candid and informative.

With a background in fine arts, Swami also developed a passion for the performing arts. Even in the course of his duties as a monk, he expands his portfolio and manages to take an active role in theatrical productions from epics of ancient Indian origin. Casting, scripting, and directing morality theater takes him annually to venues from North America to India and Africa.

Finally, Bhaktimarga Swami achieved a remarkable feat in 1996 when he went the way of a pilgrim and walked on foot cross country from west to east and then back for a return journey from Cape Spear, Newfoundland to Vancouver Island in 2003, going full circle. He likes to share of his unique experiences and fond memories on the road after trekking 16,000 kms. Swami is a consistent feature in “The Longest Road”, a recent National Film Board documentary detailing the history of the people who shaped or were shaped by the Trans Canada Highway, the world’s longest continuous maintained road.

ON GOING EVERY SUNDAY

To register,contact us
Email:sundayschool108@gmail.com
Call:647.893.9363

The Sunday School provides fun filled strategies through the medium of music, drama, debates, quizzes and games that present Vedic Culture to children. However the syllabus is also designed to simultaneously teach them to always remember Krishna and never forget Him.
The Sunday School follows the curriculum provided by the Bhaktivedanta College of Education and Culture (BCEC).


Gift Shop

Our boutique is stocked with an excellent range of products, perfect for gifts or as souvenirs of your visit. It offers textiles, jewellery, incense, devotional articles, musical instruments, books, and CDs inspired by Indian culture.We're open on all Sundays and celebrations marked in our annual calendar.
 

Please note that ISKCON Brampton is a peanut free environment in order to support those with allergies. Your cooperation is appreciated.

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Chant and Be happy

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 06 April 2015, Durban, South Africa, Ratha Yatra Lecture: The secret of spiritual advancement)

I do a puja every day to my sila from Govardhan. Taking Govardhan silas, or the sacred stones of Govardhan, is not a cheap thing and if everybody takes a stone of Govardhan then one day, I wonder what will be left in Vrindavan so I am in two minds about it but Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu gave a Govardhan sila to Raghunatha Das Goswami who was a renunciant, so our claim is first.

When it comes to Govardhan worship, our claim as renunciants is first, not that everybody and his aunty must have Govardhan because when you are a householder, you can have deities. We have Govardhan because we are on the road, we are moving, we do not have a house and we do not have a big altar so we have a small sila because we can move that way. For householders, it is deity worship and you can dress them nicely.

Anyway, I have my Govardhan sila and it is very nice because I am living with Krsna and he is tolerating me. I am staying in the same room as Krsna; that is something. I am sorry for Krsna but what to do, he tolerates me and I am his servant. I awaken the Lord in the morning and later, I offer him a bath, I offer him scented oil, I offer him decorations with dots on his face, I offer him sandalwood and tulasi leaves, then I put him on a silver throne and I will make arrangements to decorate his altar in various ways. Then I will offer him arati and various paraphernalia and finally, I will offer him bhoga – different preparations; and I do this every day and that is a sacred element in my life and nothing can change that!

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Visit our darshan page to see more photos of Giriraja.

Please share your realisations with other devotees from around the world...simply send me an introduction email and I will be happy to make you a member:

rasa108 ::_::{.at.}::_:: gmail dot com

ys

Rasa Rasika dasa

Today 50 years ago, a great personality boarded the ship with perhaps three people sending him off. Today, in Kolkata, it was reported 20,000 visitors commemorated his journey, thousands more all around the world. Many have spoken, written and sang about Prabhuapda's legacy in this world. I am one of the fortunate souls to have been personally benefited from Prabhupada's journey.

I would be hard pressed to imagine my life without Srila Prabhupada. Practically, he has been like a father to me guiding me through his books. I have gotten guidance and inspiration numerous times by simply reading his books, it is as if he speaks to me directly! It is very special to my heart - the way he appeals to his readers. I felt and always feel a close and personal connection with Prabhupada when I turn the pages of his books. Indeed, he lives through his books!

On this momentous occasion, with whatever humility and gratitude at my disposal, I offer my prostrated obeisances unto the glorious master who traversed the world to share love of God - the final purpose of human life - freely to one and all!

Jai Srila Prabhupada!

Hare Krishna

Today has been a wonderful day to contemplate my personal part in this International society for Krishna Consciousness and I returned to a thought from some time ago, what if?
What if Srila Prabhupada didn’t take the instructions of his spiritual master seriously? Deciding he is too old or too busy or even may be it’s the responsibility of the other disciples to bring this knowledge of Krishna Consciousness to the West?
What if Srila Prabhupad’s own disciples didn’t take his instructions seriously? What if my own guru maharajah decided he is too busy theirs more important things to do with his time, after all theirs other disciples can do this.
What if his own disciples decided it wasn’t important to follow our guru maharajah instructions? And what is that instruction? To help distribute Srila Prabhupadas, to spread the knowledge of Krishna Consciousness, to enthuse those we need to take up a life of bhakti.
If they had all passed the book, deciding it’s not their responsibility were would I be?
Lost in the gutter of material suffering, listening to a mind that would send me in a whirlpool of nonsensical ploys to try to enjoy and make the most of life never knowing of it’s true aim.
But Srila Prabhupada took the instruction’s seriously and came to the west, translated scriptures in a way that those from the west could read and understand, showed practically how the practice of bhakti makes life easier and sense in a nonsensical world. His personal touch inspired and touched the hearts of all he met.
And that included my own guru maharaja, who read the books and took so nicely to the simple process Srila Prabhupada set out for his disciples; this came his lifetime work. And his disciples followed and distributed Srila Prabhupad’s books and innovated ways to capture those who are sincerely looking for a way out of material suffering.
That person was me.
So the question arises as we remember the love Srila Prabhupada showed is are we reciprocating that love, am I reciprocating that love? Am I helping in the mission in spreading Krishna Consciousness, to give this jewel to others?
By being the best devotee I can and showing the love Srila Prabhupada showed us by following the instruction of guru and distributing books, distributing prasadam and helping other in making steady and sustained progress in their own efforts in bhakti.
That has been my pondering today.

After 30 glorious years of performance, including almost 20 international tours, UK's Bhaktivedanta Players marked their outstanding contribution to devotional art with a gala performance of The Mahabharata. This was a brand new production conceived and directed by Jaya Krishna das, and acted by a cast of more than 20.

Vancouver, British Columbia



May the Source be with you!

8 km

Vancouver, British Columbia
 
Yogendra Came



 

Madrid/Toronto

Spain Wrap Up

It was a blessing to once again move through the windy, swervy streets of Madrid in the morning. Now I could actually see much more. What a plus it is to have pedestrian cobblestone streets without the botheration of machines whizzing by every few seconds. I consider it a second blessing for receiving a gift, a pair of sandals, that have the perfect fit. This is something I didn't ask for but something I needed. The former pair of shoes, I now leave behind, was also a gift. Not to be ungrateful but the purchase of footwear to the right size is critical, otherwise the shoes have a negative effect on your physiological self. It's a special pleasure to be on the right trail with the right fitting gear.

At one square that we came to, vehicles restricted, one of our boys wanted to sit and question me on his ashram status. Okay! So he opened up and wanted some advice on whether it was wise to go the full-on brahmacari (monk) way or wait it out. He had been living with a woman some time back.

"Am I ready?" he asked.

Such a question is personal and individual, of course. I generally encourage every young male, or female, to tread the waters of celibacy but more important is bhakti, devotion. Celibacy is a good experience and it prepares one for responsibility on the next level, should one choose to partner-up with someone. I also would like to add a message which I recall I read on a billboard when I walked through Manitobacountry three summers ago. The line, a message for teens especially, was, "Save Sex For Marriage." To me it's an old school value but one that works when applied.

During my flight back to CanadaI had some quality time reading "Love, Medicine and Music, the flip-side of the Sixties - Sex, Drugs, and Rock and Roll" by Roger Siegel aka Gurudas. I'm lovin' it. Yes, life in the 60s before our guru (Srila Prabhupada) came was very experimental.



5 km

Madrid, Spain

Being in Madrid

Tenerife, Spain

Preparation: Parade

To prepare for any event, for any endeavour, practitioners of bhakti-yoga engage in some sadhana. Essential to seeing that sadhana is done, they look to the earlier morning hours to connect to the Divine What this entails is some mantra meditation, some reflection on guru and God, and some contemplation of words of wisdom.

Our small group of bhaktas (devotees) achieved these sadhana components at the beach for the last full day of our stay in Tenerife. The big event for tonight was the Chariot Fest and the sadhana exists for being psychological prepared. The public would come. And they did, including the mayor and other staff members of the city council at Playa de las Americas.

Tenerife, Spain







 

Dublin, Ireland

Industrial Walk
 
My morning walk entailed a brief stroll through an industrial park near the hotel where I slept. To stay at Carltonwas compliments of Air Canadadue to their delayed flight.






May the Source be with you!
 

The Ten Point Campaign: how we can play our part in making the world a better place.
All the members of the Krishna devotee community are deeply committed to helping you in any way possible. We want you to enjoy Krishna consciousness and make new friends. So here are some suggestions we think you’ll find helpful.
Read them all here: https://goo.gl/yYD3Lv

Gaurangi devi & The Romford nama hatta choir, performed at Srila Prabhupada's centennial year celebration in Sri Dhama Mayapur in 1996.

Presentation of the awards by the Guinness Book of Records for yoga and choir.

The sculpture of Srila Prabhupada’s Jaladuta voyage that was gifted to the city of Kolkata.

By the time Srila Prabhupada passed away, there were more than 100 branches of his ISKCON in all the major cities of the world. That was in 1977, only 12 years after he first sat under a tree in a park in New York City, alone.

The wonderful Hare Krisha Sankirtana preaching tour finds great success in Poland! (Album with photos)
Indradyumna Swami: As we stepped onto the beach for harinam yesterday a gentleman approached me and said, “We’re all so happy to see you.” In my mind I offered his words to Srila Prabhupada and prayed that I could continue with this service for many lifetimes to come.
See them here: https://goo.gl/4E1nXX