Planet ISKCON

"Accepting things favorable to chanting and avoiding things unfavorable is the first item in saranagati, or surrender. Constant chanting means it must be done often and regularly. Srila Prabhupada had given us a minimum of sixteen rounds, but he said that we should do sixteen rounds on the beads and innumerable rounds off the beads."

From Bhajan Kutir #142
by Satsvarupa dasa Goswami

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

Question: How do we overcome challenges of associating with family members who make spiritual advancement difficult, e.g. mother, father, siblings, wife or husband, without dishonouring them?

I think that everyone has to live a life based on truth. If your life is not based on truth, not based on what you believe in, then you are in big trouble and then it is really time to make a change. So, once you have realized that Krsna consciousness is the truth then you have to make it clear to your family that you are a devotee and that you have certain principles, you have a certain way of life – no eating of meat, fish, eggs, etc. – so they should keep those things away as you cannot be part of that.

One has to be very clear and firm. In my life, my father expired before I came to Krsna consciousness but at a young age, at age seventeen, I had decided that I wanted spiritual life and I wanted to go to India. My father had other plans for me, he wanted me to go into the family business and take over from my grandfather, so he became very upset, VERY UPSET and in a thundering voice with all his might, he told me, “If you leave home, I won’t give you a cent!”

He said that very strongly and at that point I could have argued with him but I did not; I stayed completely calm and said to him, “That’s alright! I don’t need so much money and whatever money I need, I think I can get it with my energy because I have some higher goals in life!” When I father saw that I had remained completely calm and I was not shocked by his statement, then he lost control over me. And then, his anger transformed into fear and I won as he did not have any control over me. Then I walked away with my head held high, following my path and my father had to accept it because I stood up for what I believed in and stayed calm. There was more discussion but I was not doing it to cause grief to my family; a man has to live a life of the heart.

So tell your family members that you have to live a life of your heart and if it is different from what the family has been doing, what to do, but still they have to respect it. Sometimes, we cannot keep relationships with our family members, we do try, but those who are not willing to accept our way of life are not worth it. They may be from the same family but they are not our friends; such people are not our well-wishers.

Karmically speaking, we must understand that not everyone who is born in the same family is automatically a group of well-wishers and friends. By karma, not all friends end up in the same family – karma does not work like that! Just may be that nasty, problematic neighbour from your last life came as your brother in this life (audience laughter). It is also like that. Karma is not entirely about well-wishers coming together and helping each other. No, sometimes enemies come back within a family; someone may take birth to give trouble. Have you ever thought of that!? Karmically, it is possible and this is discussed in many Vedic texts. So think about that concept but I do not want you to start thinking of your whole family like that, “I have always thought that about uncle!” Anyway, you get the idea…

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The Best Community You’ve Never Heard Of!
New Goloka Dham, featuring Their Lordships Sri-Sri Radha-Golokananda
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18801

Hare Krishna! Did Indra help the construction of New Vrindavana’ s Govindaji Mandir?
Varsana Swami: A few days later, after the water had drained out of the footer, Bob and I went back up to Govindaji Hill and continued the footer exaction. To our surprise and delight, the rock broke out easily this time. I cannot say definitely that it was because of the lightning because standing water will also loosen layered rock. The excavation for the footer of Govindaji Mandir was completed in time so that the community was able to conduct two simultaneous installation ceremonies. There was a grand installation ceremony in Bahulaban for the cornerstone of Govindaji Mandir, the first of the seven temples that Srila Prabhupada had envisioned in New Vrindaban. There was another cornerstone ceremony for Srila Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18798

The goal of our educational system is to inspire our children to become devotees of Krsna, while living in this world like perfect, responsible ladies and gentlemen. We see such example in the life of Radhika Raman Prabhu, who, along with his younger brother, was homeschooled by his mother, Aruddha Mataji. Their story is a success story and thus we invited them to share it with us.

Their seminar was inspiring and gave us a sense of recommitting ourselves to the standards established by Srila Prabhupada. The home environment, saturated with spiritual practices, while minimizing other distractions, is so essential and beneficial for attaining our desired goal. They urged us to forgo the excessive use of electronics and instead, invest our time studying the Srimad Bhagavatam with our children. They spoke about the importance of including children in outreach; in presenting Krsna consciousness and sharing it with others.

The seminar they presented in the temple room was followed the next day by additional Questions and Answers session for the benefit of our parents, as part of our Orientation Meeting. One parent wrote: “I wanted to thank you for the visit of Radhika Raman Prabhu and his mother. Amazing advice, association, etc. Great start to the new year.”

To listen to the recording of the seminar:  https://soundcloud.com/premasindhu/sets/the-art-of-krishna-conscious

A Letter from Tribhuvanatha Prabhu
Padmapani das: After more than 20 years, I’ve decided to make the following letter available to devotees.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18795

Varnashram - the Foundation to Deepen our Chanting
In former times the Varnashram system was practised with so many detailed rules and regulations, many of them being connected to all kinds of karma kanda rituals. In our modern days it is certainly impossible to re-introduce this kind of understanding of Varnashram, and there is also no need for it. Nevertheless, the basic principles of Varnashram can be extracted and will always be very relevant for any civilized human society. These principles are simply part of Krsna’s system in order to create stability and harmony in this world, and to support our spiritual practice.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18792

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Flood in Mayapur 2015 (Album with photos)
See them here: https://goo.gl/4wMioG

Floods now in Mayapur, West Bengal, India.
The water is up to your chest everywhere now and deeper in many areas. The Ganges has now reached the altar of Sri Pancha Tattva! Let us all pray that She is satisfied now and that She will not progress any further!

Mayapur Hera Panchami Drama in Bengali held at the Gundicha Temple (17 min video)
2015 Hera Panchami Drama in Bengali language held at the Gundicha Temple located inside the Sri Pancha Tattwa Temple in Mayapur. A very pleasing drama to watch even if you don’t speak Bengali. A major event, held in the courtyard of the temple, is what makes the Hera Panchami Festival in Puri pretty famous. The event is held on the arrival of the chariot of Goddess Laxmi. Once the chariot arrives a little damage is caused to the chariot of Lord Jagannath to signify Goddess Laxmi’s anger on the lord for leaving her alone in the temple. This event is watched with great fun and excitement by the devotees. After the event, the Goddess Lakshmi is brought back to her temple via Hera Gouri Sahi. Video capture, editing and uploading to You Tube by Pandava dasa
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/zq0lX5

Hare Krishna! Jagannath Ratha Yatra 2015 at Bhaktapur, Nepal
A Historical Jagannath Ratha yatra done for the first time in the history of Nepal. Ratha Yatra was done from Sallaghari to Suryavinayak Since The massive earthquake has collapsed town making Rathayatra route difficult. So this time Ratha Yatra Was observed outside the main area. Then Their Lordships were carried on palanquins along with Srila Prabhupada to the historical temple of Lord Jagannath, Baladev and Shubhadra maiya. But Who can stop the causeless mercy of Lord Jagannath? Here, He came to the narrow streets with His brother Baladev and Shubhadra maiya despite the streets covered by rubble. Jaya Jagannath! It was very blissful. Lord Jagannath blessing each and everyone.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18789

27.07.2015 H.G.Lavanga Latika Mataji_BG-16.16

Holy Name Tour in Croatia (Album with photos)
For the next two weeks this blissful crew will be touring the coast of
Croatia , spreading the nectar of the Holy names
See them here: https://goo.gl/leSDlB

Hare Krishna! Care for Cows
Care for Cows, Vrindavan Staff: You may be concerned with the future of Care for Cows after the passing of Kurma Rupa Prabhu but please rest assured that his great work will continue on for many years to come as per his wishes. Go-Seva ki jaya! Before leaving this mortal world, Kurma Rupa requested his right-hand man and long time go-sadana manager, Keshi Nisudana, knowing his keen sense of propriety and judgement, along with his selfless dedication and management skills, to continue to lead his team in maintaining all the beloved cows. As you all well know, the Care for Cow’s ground-staff cannot do this alone. You, our kind-hearted sponsors, are an invaluable part of the Care for Cow’s team. Only with your continued support can we provide all the inhabitants of Care for Cows, now and in the future, with the nourishment, shelter, medicine, and love which they so greatly appreciate and sorely need.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18786

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"It is possible to ask whether there is still concealed behind the statistical universe of perception a ‘true’ universe in which the law of causality would be valid. But such speculation seems to us to be without value and meaningless, for physics must confine itself to the description of the relationship between perceptions" -About the intuitive content of quantum mechanics and kinematics, Journal of Physics, Heisenberg 1927, pg 197

The above quote in my opinion is the bedrock of modern science. Einstein, however, disagreed with this. Einstein believed that science describes the objective universe independent of our observation. But Neils Bohr and Heisenberg were of the opinion that the universe exists as we 'observe' it and not in its 'true' sense. In other words, Bohr opined that science simply describes how matter is observed to behave and not the constitutional nature of matter itself implying that science is limited to our perception of the universe and does not describe the 'true' universe. The quote above captures this idea.

When scientists, therefore, pose questions and quantify evidence within the confines of observed behavior of the universe, then the laws of nature as defined by science is merely in fact laws of 'observed' nature and not 'true' nature. Quite often the boundaries between these two exclusive ideas have been purposefully amalgamated.

What is the nature of the universe in its existential true objective state is not explicable within the boundaries of observed science. We have to look for answers elsewhere!

 Hare Krishna

It's my personal realisation recently that association of devotees is one of the most important aspects of spiritual life.
Srila Prabhupada has mentioned many many times that we should do everything in the association of devotees...this can be in person or if you are not able to reach a temple, you can take advantage of all the wonderful broadcasts on the internet.

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 01 June 2015, New Govardhana, Australia, Caitanya Caritamrta Antya Lila 20.12)

ceto-darpaṇa-mārjanaṁ bhava-mahā-dāvāgni-nirvāpaṇaṁ
śreyaḥ-kairava-candrikā-vitaraṇaṁ vidyā-vadhū-jīvanam
ānandāmbudhi-vardhanaṁ prati-padaṁ pūrṇāmṛtāsvādanaṁ
sarvātma-snapanaṁ paraṁ vijayate śrī-kṛṣṇa-saṅkīrtanam

“Let there be all victory for the chanting of the holy name of Lord Kṛṣṇa, which can cleanse the mirror of the heart and stop the miseries of the blazing fire of material existence. That chanting is the waxing moon that spreads the white lotus of good fortune for all living entities.” (Śikṣāṣṭakam 1)

What is the benediction moon? Here it says that chanting is the waxing moon. And what is the white lotus of good fortune? śreyaḥ-kairava-candrikā-vitaraṇaṁ vidyā-vadhū-jīvanam

It is said that there is a type of lotus, a white lotus which is different from other lotuses. This lotus opens in the night with the moonshine and not by the sun, during the day, like other lotuses. It represents the good fortune that is created by chanting in the darkness of kaliyuga. That is the benediction moon.

That chanting is the waxing moon that spreads the white lotus of good fortune for all living entities. It is the life and soul of all education. The chanting of the holy name of Kṛṣṇa expands the blissful ocean of transcendental life. It gives a cooling effect to everyone and enables one to taste full nectar at every step.

So may that victory happen in the world. May that victory happen in all the universes that exist within the entire world. May that victory happen on this planet. May that victory happen on this continent. May that victory happen here in New Govardhana. May that victory happen in your lives, and finally, may that victory happen in my heart!

The holy name! May that victory be there so that we finally come to the stage where we are tasting full nectar at every step.

Performing service within the Temple in Mayapur today…

Flood has been on everyone’s mind for awhile now, as we experienced record amount of rain throughout July. But most of us thought it’s too early, previous times it was at the end of September back in 2007 and 2000.

It is a grand Mayapur ‘tradition’ that every 7-8 years Ganga Devi is coming to visit Sri Sri Radha Madhava and Ashta Sakhis, Sri Panca-Tattva and Sri Prahlad Nrsimhadev. So it’s official, Ganga Devi is in the temple room now getting a divine darshan.

She also visited TOVP construction site to see the latest construction progress and we hope She is very happy by our humble efforts to please Lord Caitanya and Srila Prabhupada. If She would follow her regular schedule, next visit will be in 2022, the year of Grand Opening of the TOVP.

Below we have pictures taken yesterday and today of the TOVP surrounding area and some shots of inside the Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya Temple. Be amazed!

[See image gallery at tovp.org]

The post Divine Darshan for Ganga Devi (Flood in Mayapur 2015) appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

Hare Krishna! Prabhupada is jumping!
Madhudvisa dasa: This is another precedent: “We can jump, we can dance, we can play the mridanga, and now we can also lead kirtan, because here, this lady is doing it. Prabhupada asked her to do it.” Everybody was in total euphoria. Shyama Devi led the most melodious kirtan. It went on and on. Srila Prabhupada was dancing, and she was dancing, and it built up and was the most fantastic experience that all the devotees could have had. Before the dust even settled from the kirtan, a devotee was on a phone saying, “Prabhupada is jumping!” “What do you mean he is jumping?” “You don’t have to do the swami step anymore. Prabhupada is jumping up and down. Kirtan was going on. Prabhupada was jumping up and down.” And Brahmananda said, “Well, how do you do it? How do you jump?” “You just jump up and down. Just be ecstatic. Put your hands up in the air, and just jump as high as you can.” Brahmananda told Boston, Boston called Montreal, and in a matter of hours the whole country was jumping. Kirtan has never been the same since.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18783

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Oxford University digitizes old paintings of Vedic Deities
University of Oxford has posted digital versions of 110 Kalighat paintings of Vedic deities and others from 19th-century Calcutta on its new online portal “Digital.Bodleian”.
Digitized Kalighat paintings from 19th century Calcutta, created as inexpensive souvenirs for Hindu pilgrims visiting the famous temple of Kali; These paintings were acquired by Sir Monier Monier-Williams for the Indian Institute Library and Museum at Oxford as a result of his third fund-raising trip to India in the winter of 1883-1884. During this trip, he secured the help of various regional authorities in obtaining local art and craft works and sending them to Oxford.
View them here: http://goo.gl/HrP0qC

Hare Krishna! Mayapur Flood Day – 2
Over night the Ganga has risen quite a lot. Many areas cannot be reached without a boat now. Water level is increasing every hour, in front of Gada building the water is around 4.5 feet, and in the Mayapur temple hall the water is around the waist line. Bengali news channels are informing that in the districts of Nadia and 24 Parganas the flood level is expected to increase dramatically, as some small up stream barrages broke due to heavy water load and to expect this water to make its way here. The weather report says due to the depression which moved from Bangladesh to West bengal, we should expect very heavy rain for next 48 hours. Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal chief minister, said that the flood situation in the state is out of control. A huge big thanks to MayapurTV for continuing to broadcast mangal arati during the immense challenges arising from the flood. Devotees attended the arati standing in knee deep Ganga water.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18777

Why so many Religions if God is One? Radhanath Swami Answers
Radhanath Swami: God appears in many varieties of wonderful ways just according to the need. So when some people say they do not understand why there are many different religions in this world, they are right. Actually, there is only one religion. Religion means obedience to the law of God for the purpose of developing our love for God. It is called Sanatana Dharma. Sanatana Dharma is the essential truth that underlies all religions. Sanatana Dharma means that we all are part of God and our natural function is to serve him with love.
Read the entire article here: http://goo.gl/xHMS66

Ganga enters Iskcon Mayapur properties, 25cm higher than yesterday, according to reports from local devotees (15 min video)
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/mXtJ9F

11th Annual Jacksonville Beach Festival of Chariots and Ratha Yatra Parade
All are warmly invited to attend this joyous, colorful festival, free of charge. Take advantage of a rare chance to experience the vibrancy of India, right here in Florida.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18772

25.07.2015 H.G.Mukunda Datta Prabhu_SB-5.26.26