Websites from the ISKCON Universe
Maha Harinam Stockholm 2015 (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Constant chanting of the holy name of the Lord after the ways of the great authorities is the doubtless and fearless way of success for all, including those who are free from all material desires, those who are desirous of all material enjoyment, and also those who are self-satisfied by dint of transcendental knowledge. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 2.1.11)
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Hare Krishna! NASN June 2015 – North American Sankirtan Newsletter
For the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada this report contains the following North American results of book distribution for the month of June. North American Totals, Monthly Temples, Monthly Weekend Warriors. Monthly Top 100 Individuals, Monthly Top 5, Cumulative Countries, Cumulative Temples, Cumulative Top 100 Individuals, Cumulative Top 5
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18525
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Hare Krishna! We Believe In The Ridiculous
For those who have faith in what Krishna is capable of, possess the greatest fortune. This fortune consisting of flying pigs, a tortoise with an itchy back, and a giant-stepping dwarf are giant leaps of faith, made normal. The fortune of faith helps us understand Krishna’s playful nature, even when He delineates Vedic thought. “Rise above the flowery words of the Vedas” He says. If all of these Avatara pastimes are fun, we can only imagine how fun Krishna must be. With Krishna around, it is alright to believe in the ridiculous, the unbelievable, the insane, the irrational and every other belief system that keeps us rooted here in misery and scepticism.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18522
Harinama in Moscow (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: In this age, hearing is more important than thinking, because one’s thinking may be disturbed by mental agitation, but if one concentrates on hearing, he will be forced to associate with the sound vibration of Krishna. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 3.24.35)
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Rathayatra at ISKCON New Govardhana - Sri Sri Radha Govardhanadhari, 19 July 2015 (Album with photos)
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ISKCON Hyderabad Rathayatra 2015 (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Those who are advanced and highly qualified and are interested in the essence of life know the good qualities of Kali-yuga. Such people worship the age of Kali because in this age, simply by chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, one can advance in spiritual knowledge and thus attain life’s goal. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 11.5.36)
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Rathayatra Festival in Riga, Latvia’s capital (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: In this age of Kali, intelligent persons perform congregational chanting in order to worship the incarnation of Godhead who constantly sings the name of Krishna. Although his complexion is not blackish, He is Krishna Himself. He is accompanied by His associates, servants, weapons and His confidential companions. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 11.5.32)
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Well known and beloved by all Srila Prabhupada’s disciple Candravali devi dasi, beginning days SF devotee, left her material body this morning in California. Please offer loving prayers on her behalf and for her grieving children She had delightful interactions with Srila Prabhupada in USA, Mexico & India. (She is on the right holding a baby in the photo)
Shayan Darshan Of Sri Sri Radha Gopinath;5th July 2015
Huge Harinama in Haifa, Israel (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: This Krishna consciousness movement insists that everyone take to this path by adopting the chanting of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra. The preachers of Krishna consciousness go from door to door to inform people how they can be relieved from the miserable conditions of material life. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 5.14.39 Purport)
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Hare Krishna! Bengal celebrates Rath Yatra
The streets reverberated with chants of “Hare Krishna” as thousands of devotees from across the world pulled the decked-up chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balaram and Subhadra during the annual “Rath Yatra” (chariot festival) celebrated here on Saturday. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee paid obeisance to Lord Jagannath at the start of the Rath Yatra at the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) temple on Albert Road. Banerjee flagged off the festival with a tug on the rope as believers sang and danced all the way to the rhythmic beats of cymbals and drums. “This year Nabakalebara Ratha Jatra is being celebrated. This is very special. Let us maintain communal harmony during festivals,” she said.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18513
Hare Krishna! New Talavana / New Orleans: 40th anniversary of Srila Prabhupada visit
Once on a hot Mississippi summer day, on a Friday afternoon, August 1st, 1975, the New Talavana farm received one of the most precious gifts of all, a visit by the pure devotee of Lord Krishna, His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada! After departing from Sankirtan Puri (New Orleans), Srila Prabhpada’s arrival was met with lively kirtan and Guru Puja, in the original farm house / temple. After Srimad Bhagavatam class and a question and answer session with his disciples, Prabhupada went to His simple farm house quarters, where later this relaxed picture was taken of the famous kitchen “cooking past time” .Before His departure for His flight the next morning out of New Orleans, Srila Prabhupada was escorted on a walking tour of the farm, during which many instructions were given about farming and cow protection.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18510
Hare Krishna! Chinese Books have Arrived
Responding to the enthusiastic (and we mean fervent) requests of sannyasis, temple presidents, and sankirtana parties throughout the Western world, we are ecstatic to announce that the first three beautiful Chinese titles have just arrived in our warehouse. Exquisitely produced, these long-awaited titles are now ready for immediate distribution to the millions of Chinese-speakers who are (a) residents of their own massive urban communities, (b) tourists visiting the world’s major cities, or © students in one of the colleges or universities in North America or elsewhere
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18507
My first gurus were my father and mother, who taught me how to think and feel.
My first Gauḍīya-Vaiṣṇava-bhakti-yoga guru was Prabhupāda, Śrīla A.C. Bhaktivedānta Swāmī, via his books – especially the Śrī Īśopaniṣad and Bhagavad-Gītā As It Is.
My first personal mentor was Ray Cappo (now Raghunātha dāsa). He did a good job, considering that he was all of only six months or so more “self-realized” than me! With his help, I decided to visit ISKCON temples and there met my next group of personal mentors. Quite soon, though, I realized that a lot of them were blending Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇavism with their own western secular and religious samskaras and upbringing – so I began narrowing down who among them I truly considered to be my guru.
Soon Raghunātha introduced me to Śrī Dhanurdhara Swāmī, and I immediately considered him to be the ideal guru for me. He initiated me with the various Gauḍīya-Vaiṣṇava mantras, took me under his wing (essentially, I lived with him for four or five years), personally taught me the Nectar of Devotion sentence by sentence, connecting it to the Bhakti Rasāmṛta Sindhu verse by verse, and also tutored me verse by verse, section by section, theme by theme in Bhagavad-Gītā. He exposed me to real, Vṛndāvana bhakti and gave me an undeniable thirst for Vraja-prema, and he remains my constant well-wisher and guide to this day.
My wife, Śyāma-Sakhi, is also my guru. Without scholarship or pretense she teaches me how to apply the principles of bhakti to daily life, and how to be a human being. She steers me away from the dangerous rocks and whirlpools as we cross the ocean of nescience.
I also consider Srī Satyanārāyaṇa dās Bābājī my guru. He is always there to answer almost any question, no matter how detailed or complex, with exact and confident reference to the śāstra as revealed by Śrī Jīva Goswāmī. In particular he is directly guiding my study of Śrī Jīva’s Ṣaḍ-Sandarbha.
Vraja Kishor dās
By the discussion that arose from my previous posts on this topic (Traditional vs. Modern Approach and the followup) I came to realize that I was in error to depict the dynamic as if it was a problem limited to ISKCON and Gauḍīya Maṭha. I realize now that many, many gurus outside those institutions also have thousands of disciples. My apologies there for assuming the dynamic to be relatively limited to ISKCON and the Gaḍīya Maṭh.
Also there were many gurus in the old days who had thousands of disciples (though I think it is still correct to say that it was much less frequent). So, it would have been better not to present the issue as “Gauḍīya Maṭh vs. others” or “Traditional vs. Modern” but simply as “many disciples vs few disciples.” Had I done that, I think the point I was trying to communicate would have been clearer and easier to grasp (the point is: it’s easier to take care of a few disciples, and in the long run the knowledge being transmitted transmits to more people).
Also, to make the original posts much more clear – some clarification needed to be made between “official” guru and “functioning” guru (sometimes the way we use the word dīkṣa-guru and śikṣa-guru refers to this difference). Often one person can go around and inspire thousands, thus becoming the guru of thousands in some official or theoretical way, but my main point is that there needs to be a low student-to-teacher ratio between the disciple and the person doing the real day to day help with their study and practice. Everyone accepts the concept that low student-to-teacher ratio is much more effective than a high ratio.
Vraja Kishor dās
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nilaachala nivaasaya nityaaya paramaatmane
balbhadra subhadraabhyaam jagannaathaya te namah
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American TV Station “FOX” interviews the devotees about the Rathayatra Festival (4 min video)
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/Hcrd4q
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Rath Yatra: Surge in demand of chariots in Kolkata brings cheers to shop owners
A surge in the demand of the chariots with the commencement of Rath Yatra festival has brought cheers to the makeshift shop owners in Kolkata. Featuring Battery operated lights, shimmery colours and sleek design, the raths have been catching fancy of the shoppers. “Last year, we observed a decline in the interest among children when it came to buying raths. But this year, there has been a steep rise in the sale. I sold 80 chariots last year, but this year despite the price being three times higher, I have already sold 40 chariots,” announces Panchu Gopal Das, a shopkeeper at Jadu Babu Bazaar.
Read the entire article here: http://goo.gl/YIsLi0
Hare Krishna! West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated ISKCON’s 44th Rath Yatra
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated ISKCON’s 44th Rath Yatra from its temple on Albert Road. The colourful chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balaram and Subhadra, pulled by thousands of devotees from India and abroad, moved through the major city roads amid the joyous chants of ‘Jai Jagannath’ and ‘Hare Krishna’. The chariots moved through various roads of the city and reach the Brigade Parade Ground (Maidan) where it will remain till July 25. City Mayor Sovan Chatterjee, Trinamool MP and popular film actor Dev besides actress Koel Mallick, singer Indranil Sen were also present among others. The chariots would return to the ISKCON temple on July 26 on the day of “Ultarathayatra” (return journey).
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18504
PM Modi extends greetings on Lord Jagannath’s 138th Rath Yatra
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended his greetings on the occasion of Lord Jagannath’s 138th Rath Yatra.
“Wishing everyone on the auspicious occasion of the Rath Yatra. Jai Jagannath,” the Prime Minister tweeted.
Lord Jagannath’s chariot left the temple today morning and will return late evening after covering 14 km.
Hare Krishna! Millennium’s first Nabakalebar Rath Yatra held at Puri
Lakhs descended on the pilgrim town of Puri io catch a glimpse of the presiding deities of the 12th century shrine of Sri Jagannath. Amid tight security, the century’s first Nabakalebar Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath was held here on Saturday with fanfare, religious fervour, enthusiasm and a spirit of camaraderie. Lakhs of devotees from across the country and abroad descended on the pilgrim town of Puri in Odisha to witness commencement of the nine-day journey of the new idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra to Gundicha Temple and back to their abode. Devotees from all walks of life have been making a beeline to the town since Friday for the world famous annual festival of chariots to catch a glimpse of the presiding deities of the 12th century shrine of Sri Jagannath.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18500
Pishima (Srila Prabhupada’s sister), would “smuggle” mustard oil into the temple kitchen to cook for her beloved brother.
When Srila Prabhupada stayed in Bengal, his sister would sometimes come to the temple and cook for him. This was a mixed blessing. It was known by many that Srila Prabhupada’s sister, Pishima, would smuggle mustard oil into the temple kitchen under her sari to use in her cooking for her beloved brother.
Like Srila Prabhupada, Pishima had a way of listening to what we had to say and then doing whatever she wanted. Srila Prabhupada ate whatever she cooked and occasionally would complain afterwards saying, “Her cooking has made me ill.”
Read the entire article here: https://goo.gl/3AY7YS
Harinama Sankirtana in ISKCON Auckland New Zealand (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Vedic evidence is called sabda-brahma. The real essence of sabda-brahma is the chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra. By vibrating this transcendental sound, the meaning of everything, both material and spiritual, is revealed. This Hare Krishna is non-different from the Personality of Godhead. (Srimad Bhagavatam, 4.24.40 Purport)
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I chant my 16 rounds and I understand the concept of reincarnation to a certain extent. I have a genetic condition from my father. I am looking for answers to why ME. I think I’m a good honest soul in this birth. Kindly please assist me as I am very lost.
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Bhagavad Gita Competition in Mayapur.
For the sake of preaching in local area, Mayapur Local Preaching (MLP) conducted a Bhagavad-Gita competition among the people of Krishnanagar, Dhubulia and Dharmada. They were asked to read Bhagavad Gita and then answer 100 questions. Those who secured more than 80% marks were invited for the final round examination in Mayapur.
The final round was organized on 21st June at Srila Prabhupada Puspa Samadhi Auditorium hall. The ceremony started at 11 am with mangalacaran, Harinam and Bhajan Kirtan. At 11:30 am, H.G. Bhakta Janapriya Prabhu gave an introductory lecture for 20 minutes. Then the examination started and continued for 30 minutes.
Read the entire article and see more photos here: http://goo.gl/417T0m
Harinama in a melting Tel Aviv, Israel (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Lord Krishna stresses the importance of remembering Him. One‘s memory of Krishna is revived by chanting the maha-mantra, Hare Krishna. By this practice of chanting and hearing the sound vibration of the Supreme Lord, one’s ear, tongue and mind are engaged. This mystic meditation is very easy to practice, and it helps one attain the Supreme Lord. (Bhagavad-Gita 8.8 Purport)
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What is it like to prepare for a huge Rathayatra festival? (Album with photos)
Sri Jagannatha Mandir, ISKCON Malaysia
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Arrival, 30 June
So it looks like we are still not out of the woods yet with regards to Maharaj’s toothache (following on from Maharaj’s last visit to the UK). Thus Maharaj had to make this whistle stop visit to the UK to get further dental treatment. It really was a short visit, after being in the USA for two weeks, preaching in New Vrindavana, New York and Gita Nagari. After this short visit, Maharaj headed off for the annual summer camp retreat outside Prague in the Czech Republic. The British devotees saw this trip as an extra dosage of mercy as after this visit, Maharaj will not be back until January.
Despite the tooth pains, Maharaj was in quite a relaxed mood. Just after lunch, I went to collect Maharaj from Krishna Kirtan’s house and drop him off at Edgware station, along with a couple of his disciples, so they could do harinam and the evening class at the Soho temple in North London. In the car, we spoke about the famous music festival Glastonbury, what a great preaching opportunity it was (I was there last week) and how it would be great for Maharaj to go there especially because the young British crowd that attends the festival would definitely take to Maharaj’s down-to-earth style and his funky off-the-wall kirtans. The devotees who go to Glastonbury every year would definitely be up for it. Maharaj just laughed and then said, ‘Wow! I’m sure the devotees would be up for it but the question is, would I be up for it?’ By this time the car had pulled up outside Edgeware station, onwards to Soho…
In the evening around 7pm, Maharaj had come back from Soho and was reminiscing about his early days. He mentioned his pastimes in Amsterdam with that famous Jai Nectar Bliss devotee. Once when they were doing sankirtan together, it was freezing cold and Maharaj had no gloves on. It was exceedingly austere, to say the least, and all the other devotee could say was, ‘Jai, nectar and bliss.’ Maharaj became incredibly irritated, ended up saying a few harsh words to this devotee and decided to storm-off, having had enough of the Hare Krsnas.
Funnily enough, before going off, Maharaj demanded to receive the mantra for offering food from that devotee. Initially, he refused but then Maharaj threatened him by saying that if he refused, then he would get half the reaction for taking unoffered food so naturally the devotee relented. After going off in a huff, Maharaj decided to go to his girlfriend’s place, so he got on the train and soon started experiencing some pain in his legs. He pulled up his trousers and saw all these nasty boils on his legs! Realizing that not much was going to happen at his girlfriend’s place, he went to the cinema instead. This is where Krsna’s hand really came into play. Near the end of the movie, there was a scene with some Hare Krsnas (obviously fake ones) who were just chatting away in a bar and then they sat down and had a few beers. When Maharaj saw this, he became so angry at the portrayal and that is when it clicked; he realized he could not just do this Krsna consciousness half-heartedly, like those fake devotees on screen, but he really had to commit himself fully to it.
Then finally what hit the nail on the head for Maharaj to return to the Amsterdam temple was hearing how Mahavirya Prabhu, a black-bodied devotee from the Amsterdam temple and a great friend of Maharaj, had threatened to fast until Maharaj came back to the temple or he would die. This is what really moved Maharaj, the love and affection that Mahavirya Prabhu had expressed for him just completely blew him away; a classic example of a true loving exchange between two great vaishnavas… It was a long day, and after this short but tender reminiscence, Maharaj decided to retire for the night.