Planet ISKCON

Professional, HR photos from the Rathayatra festival in Prague, capital of the Czech Republic.
See them here: http://goo.gl/eipBkU

Hare Krishna! Surfing or Suffering?
Sometimes when sitting on the beach blanket in New Jersey, Srila Prabhupada would look out at the waves while chanting japa. He was very beautiful and serene, always absorbed in Krishna, yet also carefully scrutinizing the world around him. On some days there were big waves and surfer boys would be out, swimming and surfing in the waves. Srila Prabhupada watched with great interest as they mounted their boards and slid down the faces of the waves. He asked us: “What is this?” Gaurasundara and I replied that this is a sport called “surfing” … Srila Prabhupada watched intently for some time, then began to chuckle. He said: “You call it surfing; I call it suffering. They are simply wasting their valuable human form of life by jumping in the ocean waves. They have no idea what will happen next. If they become so much fond of remaining on the ocean, then Krishna is very kind: he will satisfy their desire and give them bodies of fishes so that they can enjoy jumping in the ocean more and more, but that will be greater suffering . So I call them sufferers, not surfers.”
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18555

Hare Krishna! Tears of Sorrow, Tears of Gratitude: Seeing Krishna’s Hand in the Tragic Deaths of Devotees
The name of this all-consuming disaster is the relentless approach of death: A hundred percent of the people reading this article will be wiped out a hundred years from today. Despite this hundred-percent casualty rate, most of us don’t feel that life is like a disaster movie. One reason is that the movie of life unfolds in slow motion, allowing us to forget the direction of its motion if we want to. And we fervently want to. Why? Because the reality of death is inconvenient and unpleasant for us. It ruins our hopes for success and glory in the material realm. So we want to forget it. And forget we do.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18551

The post Daily Darshan – July 21st, 2015 appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Badrinarayana Dasa Goswami’s presentation about ISKCON Worldwide - 7-20-15, Los Angeles (31 min video)
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/pPMLrT

Lecture on Gopkumar from BrihatBhagvatAmrita – Sydney – 28Jan2015

A new beautiful animated view of the TOVP (2 min video)
The TOVP will undoubtedly become one of the wonders of the world in beauty, architecture, design, and sheer size. This beautiful animated view of the TOVP provides a window into that reality.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/3tmwBP

Hare Krishna! Receiving Lord Jagannatha’s mercy in Kuala Lumpur
Every year Sri Jagannatha Mandir celebrates its Ratha Yatra on the same day as that of Jagannatha Puri. The Presiding deities Sri Sri Jagannatha Baladeva Subhadra Devi and Sudarshana go on a chariot ride giving mercy to all the residents near the temple and ends the procession in MCA hall which is located in a Chinese predominant area.This year, ratha yatra was attended by more than 1000 devotees and well-wishers who joined forces in making the festival a huge success. Devotees were fortunate to have the association of HH Bhakti Vrajendranandana Swami who graced the festival.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18546

Initiation ceremony in Iskcon San Diego (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: A pure devotee cannot forget the Supreme Lord for a moment, and similarly the Supreme Lord cannot forget His pure devotee for a moment. This is the great blessing of the Krishna conscious process of chanting the maha-mantra. (Bhagavad-gita 9.14 Purport)
See them here: https://goo.gl/SBPtQ4

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I used to go to LA’s FOLK (“Friends of Lord Krishna”) dinners on Wednesdays in the building right next to the temple. One night, a black devotee walked up the stairs to give the lecture while we ate, seated on the floor in front of our low tables. He looked incredibly cool with imposing muscles under his smooth and jet black skin contrasting so dramatically against saffron Krishna robes. I felt like I was going to hear someone from the Bad Brains talk to me about Krishna!

Sure enough he preached with charisma, confidence, and absolute conviction and I almost felt like I was at the Vedic equivalent of a Christian revival. At a certain point he turned the blast of his fire and brimstone upon the topic of abortion. In a booming, bass voice, he declared, “Anyone who aborts the unborn child in the womb will go to hell and never again see the light of day!”

Whoa, what? Yeah, OK, Abortion is nasty, but what’s this Christian shit about eternal hell doing in a Hare Krishna temple?

I raised my hand. He called on me.

“What about reincarnation?” I asked. “Won’t they eventually be reincarnated and leave hell?”

“In Bhagavad Gītā,” he rallied, “Krishna declares that he throws the demoniac into hellish births life after life. They will be reincarnated in hell, and never again see the light of day.”

I just wasn’t buying it. This guy was importing his biblical past and imposing it on Bhagavad Gītā. It wasn’t “Bhagavad Gītā, As It Is,” it was Bhagavad Gītā Through the Eyes of a Baptist.

“In Bhagavad Gītā, Chapter Eight,” I challenged, “Krishna says that heaven and hell are not permanent places. We go there temporarily and then get reborn again on earth after our rewards or punishments are done. So, how can you say that a person could go to hell and never get back out?”

This made him really mad. Here was a sassy little 19 year old kid, a guest at the Wednesday night FOLK dinner, trying to out-quote him and one-up his authority! I don’t remember what he said next, but it was loud, and I shut up.

– Excerpt from
Train-wrecks and Transcendence:
A Collision of Hardcore and Hare Krishna

by Vraja Kishor dās
VrajaKishor.com

Tagged: abortion, hell, ISKCON, Reincarnation

When we are sick and not getting better we may imagine going to some kind of medical professional who is knowledgeable, compassionate, and knows something about our medical history—even about us personally. Today this seems more of a fantasy we cling to, or hope to encounter if we have a lot of money to spend for the best care available.

Some months ago I visited a clinic in the next county, as this was recently given to me by my new medical insurance. During and after this experience, I had firsthand experience of is wrong with the American medical system. Let me recount:

Walking through the door to the desk, a sign informs me that I need to sign in. After doing so, I look up at the busy workers behind the counter, hoping someone will notice me. The minutes tic off and I wonder if I am invisible. Closest to me are two ladies busily engaged, one on the phone, and another on the computer. Behind them are 3 other women busy with conversation, and behind them are 2 other ladies with their back toward me, busy with data entry. No one notices me. After about 8 minutes I am checked in and told to take my seat and wait for my name to be called.

In the building directory two doctors and nine nurses are listed with various titles. In the front office I counted nine office staff and there must be more inside. I wonder what the payroll is for all these employees.

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"The Supreme Lord has infused His transcendental name with all of His potencies and offered it to humanity. One who has sufficient faith in Lord Krsna's name is eligible to chant, and only one who chants the name is properly executing the prescribed duties of the human being. He is called an adhikari or possessor of the holy name."

From Harinama-cintamani
by Bhaktivinoda Thakura

We pray to Lord Jagannatha,

hara tvam samsaram druta-taram asaram sura-pate
hara tvam papanam vitatim aparam yadava-pate
aho dine ‘nathe nihita-carano niscitam idam
jagannathah svami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me

“O Lord of the demigods, please quickly remove this useless material existence I am undergoing. O Lord of the Yadus, please destroy this vast, shoreless ocean of sins. Ah, this is certain: Lord Jagannatha bestows His lotus feet upon those who feel themselves fallen and have no shelter in this world but Him. May that Jagannatha Svami be the object of my vision.” (Sri Jagannathastaka, 8)

Jaya Jagannatha!

—Giriraj Swami

Recording the “Govindam” Prayers In January, George Harrison arranged studio time to record the long-anticipated Govindam prayers. The recording was to take place at Trident Studios. During the same period, promotional events were still being conducted for the “Hare Krishna Mantra” single, and Yamuna was fully engaged in her Deity service and seeing to the spiritual and material needs of the resident devotees. Perhaps the episode of the “Govindam” recording reveals more than anything the level of commitment and Krishna Conscious dedication of Yamuna devi.
It is an extraordinary story—one which she eloquently expressed in an interview a few years before passing on:
Yamuna: As an aspiring devotee for almost forty years now, I have never identified with any occupation. Though I sang on three released records with Apple in the late 1960s—the “Hare Krishna Mantra” single, the “Govindam” single and the LP that came after it—and although I penned three cookbooks in the late 80’s and early 90’s, I feel I am neither a singer nor an author. These were merely activities I fell into in the course of exploring the culture and practice of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, which is what my life is really all about.
The devotees in London recognized her focus and dedication. She herself reflected on those days as ones in which her feet never touched the ground. She loved serving the gorgeous Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara Deities, and she loved her other variegated services in the temple. To her they were all equally important as long as they propelled her forward in her Krishna Consciousness—and especially in her service to Srila Prabhupada.
Yamuna Devi: A Life of Unalloyed Devotion: Part 1: Preparing an Offering of Love. Unalloyed Inc. Kindle Edition.

Saturday, July 4^th, 2015
Ashcroft, BC

Suddenly, Fire!

Of all days for this to happen.  More than the usual number of planes were in the air.  They were dropping water bombs and chemicals.  A forest fire had started on the north end entrance to Venables Valley, the location where I was staying and also the place where the annual countryside Chariot Festival was to take place at noon today.  This fire dynamic, sourced from Mother Nature (or Father Jagannatha), turned everything upside down.

It was 11:00 AM when my hosts Harold, his good wife and a friend, Vyasapad, were told by police that any non-residents in the valley must leave immediately.  This red alarm got us thinking, “Two out of the four of us are in that category.  We’ve got to evacuate.”  Furthermore, Harold raised a concern in his mind that this wasn’t the first time people have had to evacuate.  In 2004, residents, which were about 100, had to honor a one week mandatory absence from the valley by authorities.

We were also informed that the bus from Vancouver destined for the festival was not allowed to enter the valley due to the spreading flames, while winds were unfavourably headed in the direction of everyone’s homes.  This was getting exciting.   Harold started to secure his essentials, packing his Krishna deities.  I recommended, “Why not get your legal documents and money together?”  And Vyasapad added, “How about some basic food to take with you?”

Harold was totally on board.  We gathered what we could to get in his car, what the car could accommodate.  We arrived at the festival site, hoping that the fire was under control.  There were mixed reactions about the police order from the residents but it wasn’t safe to stay.  The police then rolled in at the site.  Officer Phillips persisted, “Guests must leave.”

I asked him to announce that at our pavilion, so he did.  Managers of the valley from the Saranagati Village arranged then to send all the prasadam, food, to Legacy Park in the nearby town, Ashcroft.  It was a very wise decision.  That did the trick.  Everyone, including residents, converged at the park where the bus passengers were waiting.  The party went on in full force while fire fighters did what they could to contain the flames.  Harold set up his Krishna deities on the grass.  I addressed the crowd, “What does Jagannatha (our Father of the Universe) want?  Does he want a festival in a town and not in a secluded Valley?  Let’s explore the idea for the future.”


May the Source be with you!

6 km





 

Saturday, July 4^th, 2015
Ashcroft, BC

Suddenly, Fire!

Of all days for this to happen.  More than the usual number of planes were in the air.  They were dropping water bombs and chemicals.  A forest fire had started on the north end entrance to Venables Valley, the location where I was staying and also the place where the annual countryside Chariot Festival was to take place at noon today.  This fire dynamic, sourced from Mother Nature (or Father Jagannatha), turned everything upside down.

It was 11:00 AM when my hosts Harold, his good wife and a friend, Vyasapad, were told by police that any non-residents in the valley must leave immediately.  This red alarm got us thinking, “Two out of the four of us are in that category.  We’ve got to evacuate.”  Furthermore, Harold raised a concern in his mind that this wasn’t the first time people have had to evacuate.  In 2004, residents, which were about 100, had to honor a one week mandatory absence from the valley by authorities.  


We were also informed that the bus from Vancouver destined for the festival was not allowed to enter the valley due to the spreading flames, while winds were unfavourably headed in the direction of everyone’s homes.  This was getting exciting.   Harold started to secure his essentials, packing his Krishna deities.  I recommended, “Why not get your legal documents and money together?”  And Vyasapad added, “How about some basic food to take with you?”

Harold was totally on board.  We gathered what we could to get in his car, what the car could accommodate.  We arrived at the festival site, hoping that the fire was under control.  There were mixed reactions about the police order from the residents but it wasn’t safe to stay.  The police then rolled in at the site.  Officer Phillips persisted, “Guests must leave.” 

I asked him to announce that at our pavilion, so he did.  Managers of the valley from the Saranagati Village arranged then to send all the prasadam, food, to Legacy Park in the nearby town, Ashcroft.  It was a very wise decision.  That did the trick.  Everyone, including residents, converged at the park where the bus passengers were waiting.  The party went on in full force while fire fighters did what they could to contain the flames.  Harold set up his Krishna deities on the grass.  I addressed the crowd, “What does Jagannatha (our Father of the Universe) want?  Does he want a festival in a town and not in a secluded Valley?  Let’s explore the idea for the future.”


May the Source be with you!

6 km





 

“O Lord of the demigods, please quickly remove this useless material existence I am undergoing. O Lord of the Yadus, please destroy this vast, shoreless ocean of sins. Ah, this is certain: Lord Jagannatha bestows His lotus feet upon those who feel themselves fallen and have no shelter in this world but Him. May that [...]

“In this dark age of Kali-yuga, sincere devotees of the Supreme Lord should leave aside all other means for liberation and take full shelter of the Holy Names. This is their real responsibility and duty. There is unlimited bliss in chanting the different names of Krishna: Hari, Kesava, Govinda, Vasudeva and Jaganmaya. For one who [...]

From London, Kadamba Kanana Swami travelled to Czech to participate in the Summer Camp (01-06 July). Thereafter, he travelled to Serbia to attend the Fruska Goranga Camp. Here are details of his visit. 

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Written by Dahani dd

The Fruska Goranga Summer Camp started on 03 July, with devotees and Gurus arriving from different places. This year, an extremely large number of bees, bumblebees, dragonflies, mosquitos and horseflies appeared – it seemed like they all knew that an unlimited pot of nectar was hidden there. And so it was!

Kadamba Kanana Swami arrived at the camp on 06 July at around 7 pm. Devotees warmly greeted him and Danavir Swami, who came in just minutes before him. As he got out of the car, Kadamba Kanana Swami heard that there was a special reunion going on in the Temple room, and he decided go straight there, without taking any rest or break!

That evening, devotees were celebrating the twenty-five year reunion of the Gauranga Bhajan Band. So Kadamba Kanana Swami joined Sacinandana Swami, Krishna Ksetra Swami and Bhaktivaibhava Swami for a special concert. They spoke about preaching in the East-European countries in those days, especially in Russia, and performed wonderful full-on mantra rock dance. A video of it will be posted soon.

The next morning (07 July), Kadamba Kanana Swami gave the Bhagavatam class and spent the day talking with many devotees at the camp. In the evening, he took part in five hours of bhajan.

The following day was marked by the Ratha Yatra festival which started at 7 pm, in the city-centre of Novi Sad. Due to the extreme heat, around forty-two degrees Celsius, devotees decided to start the procession a bit later. Thanks to the more than two-hundred devotees who attended, the festival went on until 10 pm. Before the Ratha Yatra, at around noon, Kadamba Kanana Swami gave a special lecture on Caitanya Caritamrta.

The day after the Ratha Yatra, Maharaj again gave Bhagavatam class in the morning and later on, a disciple meeting. During the day, he was still in a very merciful mood, spontaneously talking with devotees. They would sometimes gather around him and make a small group on the grass, listening to his preaching stories, memories and realizations. While we were listening to bhajans flowing from the temple room, Maharaj was getting ready to perform his own tune and he did later that day. Devotees danced and sang with him wholeheartedly.

The following morning (10 July), about 5.30 am, Maharaj ended his visit to the camp. We said goodbye to him as he had to leave early in order to catch a flight to Italy and travel to Villa Vrindavan for the kirtan festival.

This summer camp was so full of nectar that these days, we still buzz about it just like bees, wondering if it all really happened. Thank you, Maharaj!

Visit flickr to see more photos. Recordings will be posted shortly.

 

Hare Krishna! Muslim farmer builds Krishna temple
In contrast with communal flare-ups in several towns in western UP, a 45-year-old Muslim farmer in Kanpur Dehat’s Murra village has come out as a perfect example of communal harmony. Observing Ramzan religiously, the man has constructed a temple dedicated to Radha-Krishna which is attracting people in droves. The villagers said that the construction of the temple by Raees Mohammad was an example of Hindu-Muslim brotherhood. Raees has also arranged a priest and personally participates in the prayers at the temple.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18542

Scandinavia Rathayatra Tour (Album with photos)
Hare Krishna Festivals UK: We put on hall programme festivals and rathayatras around the UK. We just did a Rathayatra tour in Scandinavia; Denmark, Norway and Sweden. We travelled for two weeks, putting on nine Rathayatra festivals.
See the photos here: https://goo.gl/2WEiSQ

Hare Krishna! Sri Jagannatha Ratha Yatra @ISKCON Netrakona, Bangladesh
At around 4pm the Lord officially mounted his chariot and the festival was on its way. Decorated with an abundance of flowers and its effulgent golden yellow dome shining brightly all devotees were in great ecstasy upon seeing the Lord. Vedic hymns were chanted, conchshells blown, camphor lamps on coconuts were offered and were smashed on the ground, all these just to create an auspicious atmosphere. Maharaj also in great enthusiasm climbed up onto the chariot to overlook the festivities. Two kirtan parties sang for the pleasure of the Lord constantly for the entire four hours. Locals belonging to other faiths looked upon the Lord with great awe and reverence and were delighted when the Lords mercy in the form of sweet Bangladeshi bananas was distributed to them.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18539

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Ratha Yatra Festival in Prague, Czech Republic (Album with photos)
Lord Jagannatha is an ocean of mercy and as beautifull as a row of blackish rain clouds. He is the storehouse of bliss for laksmi and Sarsavati, and his face resemble a spotless full-blow lotus the best of demigods and sages worship him and Upanisad sing his glories. May that Jagannatha Svami be the object of my vision.
See them here: https://goo.gl/XzY1mW

Vaishnava Wedding at Radhadesh Castle (Belgium) (4 min HD video)
Lalita Sakhi Devi dasi & Krsna Lila das
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/UnT29g

The post Daily Darshan – July 20th, 2015 appeared first on Mayapur.com.

30 beautiful photos of Srila Prabhupada’s transcendental cooking session.
See them here: https://goo.gl/12jn55

Snana Yatra 2015 at New Dwaraka, Los Angeles (Album with photos)
See them here: https://goo.gl/Nzzybz