HG Daru Krsna Prabhu – Sunday feast class
Special gathering this Thursday, July 9th
→ Krishna Lounge
His Holiness Radhanath Swami is truly the master of spirit. Swami was born in Chicago and as a teenager migrated to India on the journey of a spiritual search to eventually become one of the greatest Indian spiritual leaders.
Currently Swami is on a tour of North America and will be our special guest this Thursday, July 9th.
The program will be as usual:
- 7:00 pm – lounge opens
- 7:30 pm – kirtan
- 8:00 pm – talk by HH Radhanath Swami followed by dinner/snacks
Since we are expecting large attendance, much larger than our lounge could possibly accommodate, the event will be held at the temple which is next door to the lounge.
Radhanath Swami & President Barack Obama
Radhanath Swami and Forest Whitaker
Radhanath Swami with B.K.S. Iyengar, the founder of Iyengar yoga
Radhanath Swami & Russell Brand
Radhanath Swami and Joe Walsh
Radhanath Swami speaks to 830 HSBC bankers
Radhanath Swami speaks at a media show in India
Why do you WANT to Chant Hare Krishna? (Japa Tips 3)
→ The Enquirer
Chanting Hare Krishna attentively is extremely easy, but wanting to chant Hare Krishna attentively is in fact very difficult.
As my tired heart protests the impending hour and something I will be sitting down with japa beads, I ask myself, “Why do you want to chant Hare Krishna?”
For me, the immediate answer is, “Because I want to establish a real relationship with Krishna.”
Then, I ask, “Why bother? You have and have had countless relationships, what do you need with another one – so abstract and difficult to achieve?”
Maybe I would reply with something about how incredibly cool, attractive, hypnotic, and breathtaking Krishna is – “All-Attractive.” But honestly, I think that is too abstract for times like this. And somehow I just don’t get the opportunity to really hear enough Krishna Kathā directly about Vṛndāvana Līlā for this to really blossom in my heart. That’s damn sad. Its a crime. But it is what is.
Yet I can talk about something else here, which is real and practical and immediate: I want to develop a relationship with Krishna because… Well, the reason boils down to Absolute intimacy.
Absolute intimacy and oneness is what all relationships hunger for and strive towards, yet it is impossible when the partners are two different beings. A relationship with Krishna is a relationship with the root of Paramātmā, a being who is not different from the ātmā (at least not in the same way that Sally is different from Joe). The ātmā is an āṁśa of Paramātmā, like sunlight is a portion of the sun. The absolute root of the self (ātmā) is the superself (paramātmā). Since Krishna and I are not fundamentally separate entities, absolute intimacy is a real possibility, not just a hypothetical ideal.
I want a relationship with Krishna because I want a relationship with my real self, my deepest self, the very root of who and what I am; I want a relationship with Krishna because I want a relationship with reality – not just apparent reality, temporary reality, fragments of reality – but the whole of reality, and the truth of reality.
By chanting Hare Krishna carefully I have tasted some of what I seek, some absolute intimacy with the root of everything. And it’s that taste, and the wanting for more of it, that addicts me to the sometimes tiresome effort of trying to chant Hare Krishna.
You seriously think a relationship with a concept like “Krishna” is more attractive and more intimate than a relationship with real people?
I’ve pursued this relationship with Krishna for a couple of decades now, and I’ve come to realize that it’s not just a concept or ideal. It is something with tangible taste, feeling, color, shape, etc. This is mystical, and pragmatists would therefore write it off as dreaming. But then, still, so what? We are all in various stages of dreaming. Even if its just a dream, a relationship with Krishna is the best dream I’ve heard of.
There is also something more practical and tangible that even pragmatists might appreciate. Over the years I have gradually realized that my relationship with Krishna generates a very tangible effect on my relationships with “real” people in the “real” world. By becoming more intimate with Paramātmā, I become more intimate, friendly and open with everyone. Indeed, through relationship to the superself, I can sometimes experience some hint of oneness and absolute intimacy with other selves as well, other ātmā, because they are rays from the same sun as I, leaves from the same root as I.
What does chanting have to do with establishing a relationship?
Firstly, because the mantra being chanted is what it is – a collection of names. Names invoke a person. By calling a name I call to a person. By relating to a name I relate to a person. By relating to “Hare Krishna” I relate to Rādhā Krishna.
How do you “relate” to the name?
I relate to it in absolute femininity: absolute receptivity and facility. I am consciousness, the name is the enjoyer of consciousness, the object of consciousness, the focal point of consciousness. I am the field, the name is the plow and farmer. I am the womb, the name is the seed and the seed-giver. I am the śakti the name is the śaktimān and śaktīśvarī. The name is the absolute male, śaktimān, always desiring enjoyment. I am absolute female, absolutely enjoyable – śaktī. And the goddess of femininity, śaktīśvarī, accompanies the name to direct my coordination with the symphany of bliss she conducts for śaktimān.
It is just japa. It is just the name, and my consciousness. But this is what it means to give my consciousness to the name, and hold none back for my selfish use. This is the realtionship formed by the simple, easy act of chanting a name with affectionate attention.
So, what’s the problem? Why is it “difficult to want to chant Hare Krishna”?
A women whose husband abuses her often stays with him simply because she is habituated and doesn’t know how to break that habit and achieve any other type of life for herself. I am used to loving my own ego. I am used to employing my consciousness to think about the things I want to prove, disprove, explain, accomplish, overcome, etc. It does not give me what I want, but I don’t really know how to do anything else. I’m not used to absolute femininity, absolute pure love, absolute intimacy. That’s why its difficult, and that’s why I need things like japa beads in the first place – to count and make strategy and try to measure progress.
I think this is also a big reason why śaktīśvarī Rādhā is everpresent in the mahāmantra. We need her guidance, we need a transmission of power-realization from her, so that we can understand this new way of living – where consciousness is purely devoted to its ultimate source.
– Vraja Kishor dās
Tagged: Bhakti-Yoga, Chanting, Hare Krishna, intimacy, Japa, Mahamantra, Relationship, spiritual femininity
Sunday, June 21st, 2015
→ The Walking Monk
Sunday, June 21st, 2015
St. John’s, Newfoundland
On The First Day Of Summer…
On the street called Penny Lane, you find the local Hindu temple, our first stop for the day. Brihat and I took to walking along the rails-to-trails path from Manuel’s River before we ventured off to the Hindu temple. There was an emphasis there on Father’s Day, and the children of the community offered presentations over the microphone for honouring dads. Some jokes were told. I particularly liked the phrase, “Even if you grow taller than your dad, you always look up to him.” The community responded very well to the kirtan, dance, and my talk, and at meal time at the Hindu temple, I found the potato curry scrumptious.
Our next stop was at Bowring Park where yoga practitioners laid out there mats for exercise at what’s called The Bungalow. Brihat and I met these fine folks, but sat on the grass by the wayside to catch up on chanting and emails. Indeed many people strolling pass by. Although today was International Yoga Day, I felt more comfortable saying to people, “Happy Fathers’ Day”. That brought nods and smiles. I can’t see that saying “Happy Yoga Day” works at this point in time.
Lastly, Brhat and I, along with host, Rashesvar, gathered with people at Miranda’s. To her credit, Sunday night has become a consistent night for kirtan for 13 years now, something that she and I started. Now the group at Miranda’s was phenomenal, especially for their singing and dancing. We took on a semblance of a tribal group, something like what you might find in the musical, Hair.
Yes, going down Penny Lane in the morning, and ending at the home with drummers and dancers singing a song, flashes you back to the 60’s. The only thing missing is the weed and the patchouli oil to cover it up, but as monks, it’s rather inappropriate to indulge. That’s the beauty of our guru, Srila Prabhupada, who taught us how to have fun without such accessories.
May the Source be with you!
5 km
St. John’s, Newfoundland
On The First Day Of Summer…
On the street called Penny Lane, you find the local Hindu temple, our first stop for the day. Brihat and I took to walking along the rails-to-trails path from Manuel’s River before we ventured off to the Hindu temple. There was an emphasis there on Father’s Day, and the children of the community offered presentations over the microphone for honouring dads. Some jokes were told. I particularly liked the phrase, “Even if you grow taller than your dad, you always look up to him.” The community responded very well to the kirtan, dance, and my talk, and at meal time at the Hindu temple, I found the potato curry scrumptious.
Our next stop was at Bowring Park where yoga practitioners laid out there mats for exercise at what’s called The Bungalow. Brihat and I met these fine folks, but sat on the grass by the wayside to catch up on chanting and emails. Indeed many people strolling pass by. Although today was International Yoga Day, I felt more comfortable saying to people, “Happy Fathers’ Day”. That brought nods and smiles. I can’t see that saying “Happy Yoga Day” works at this point in time.
Lastly, Brhat and I, along with host, Rashesvar, gathered with people at Miranda’s. To her credit, Sunday night has become a consistent night for kirtan for 13 years now, something that she and I started. Now the group at Miranda’s was phenomenal, especially for their singing and dancing. We took on a semblance of a tribal group, something like what you might find in the musical, Hair.
Yes, going down Penny Lane in the morning, and ending at the home with drummers and dancers singing a song, flashes you back to the 60’s. The only thing missing is the weed and the patchouli oil to cover it up, but as monks, it’s rather inappropriate to indulge. That’s the beauty of our guru, Srila Prabhupada, who taught us how to have fun without such accessories.
May the Source be with you!
5 km
Saturday, June 20th, 2015
→ The Walking Monk
Saturday, June 20th, 2015
Gander, Newfoundland
Great in Gander.
Gander, a modest town of about 10,000 people, really made its mark on the map when, at 9/11, 747 aircrafts from many parts of the world landed there. The substantial-sized runway was filled with planes as a safety measure when New York’s twin towers were demolished, along with occupants. All of tiny Gander’s hotels and motels were fully capacitated and practically every residents’ home was welcoming beleaguered passengers for refuge at a time when the world seemed to come to a standstill.
Gander became world-renowned for being ultra-hospitable and I had the good fortune, along with Rashesvar and Brhat, of being hosted in the town with its one and only but growing community of yogis. Christa was the facilitator of our two part program on our speaking about yoga-walking, bhakti-yoga and a demo and inclusive chant-and-dance kirtan. I was happy to also meet Matthew, a local who recently became certified as a yoga teacher. It’s not all that often that you find male mentors on this field. All I can say is, “Yeah, Guys, let’s step up!”
Julie from the CBC Radio came over for an interview. Questions were basic, but pertinent, “What’s the walking all about, and what’s a monk all about?”
To Julie and to listeners on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation I would like to say that the type of walking I do is self-reflective and introspective. A monk? To define that, “it is someone who voluntarily takes to discipline, simplicity and fun and one who inspires and gets inspired.”
Julie also filmed me on the drum and with the Krishna mantra. Hmmm? Maybe it’s also intended for TV?
May the Source be with you!
9 km
Gander, Newfoundland
Great in Gander.
Gander, a modest town of about 10,000 people, really made its mark on the map when, at 9/11, 747 aircrafts from many parts of the world landed there. The substantial-sized runway was filled with planes as a safety measure when New York’s twin towers were demolished, along with occupants. All of tiny Gander’s hotels and motels were fully capacitated and practically every residents’ home was welcoming beleaguered passengers for refuge at a time when the world seemed to come to a standstill.
Gander became world-renowned for being ultra-hospitable and I had the good fortune, along with Rashesvar and Brhat, of being hosted in the town with its one and only but growing community of yogis. Christa was the facilitator of our two part program on our speaking about yoga-walking, bhakti-yoga and a demo and inclusive chant-and-dance kirtan. I was happy to also meet Matthew, a local who recently became certified as a yoga teacher. It’s not all that often that you find male mentors on this field. All I can say is, “Yeah, Guys, let’s step up!”
Julie from the CBC Radio came over for an interview. Questions were basic, but pertinent, “What’s the walking all about, and what’s a monk all about?”
To Julie and to listeners on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation I would like to say that the type of walking I do is self-reflective and introspective. A monk? To define that, “it is someone who voluntarily takes to discipline, simplicity and fun and one who inspires and gets inspired.”
Julie also filmed me on the drum and with the Krishna mantra. Hmmm? Maybe it’s also intended for TV?
May the Source be with you!
9 km
Friday, June 19, 2015
→ The Walking Monk
Friday, June 19, 2015
St. John’s, Newfoundland
Where’s That? Sometimes my American friends ask me, “Where’s that?” when I tell them I’m in Newfoundland.
“It’s near where the Titanic sank,” is my response. So they get it. It’s the perfect reference point. Here I am, in Newfoundland and its capital city, St. John’s. People here sound and look Irish. They are unmistakably the friendliest folks in the nation. Jan Peters is one of them. I’ve known her for twenty years. Loving and giving she is.
She picked up Brhat, my assistant monk, and I at the airport, took us to her
beautiful home and had all these ingredients ready for us to assemble one of my favourites – veggie wraps. We then moved on to the campus at Memorial U. to check out our lecture hall for the upcoming speaking engagement. A few extra posters informing students of the event were affixed to walls designated for this kind of program. “Tales from Trails” are highlighted along with mantra meditation. Oh yes, I met students there, some from Africa, India and China. It’s an international place for education.
Lasagna was waiting for us at Rashesvar’s place compliments of the chefs, Neil and Cathy, two doors down. Once again, I admire Newfoundlanders, I affectionately address as “Newfies” for your niceness.
The pace of life in Newfoundland is relatively relaxed. Air and water are clean. There are a lot of pros for being in Newfoundland, either as a resident or visitor.
The sun shone all day, giving pleasure until nightfall when rain partnered this night. I required sleep. My insomnia is at an ultimate high and I haven’t slept well for three days. The odd nap here and there doesn’t compensate.
Woe is me, being in this body has its accompanying turmoils. Bear in mind, our problems don’t have to be permanent.
May the Source be with you.
0 km
St. John’s, Newfoundland
Where’s That? Sometimes my American friends ask me, “Where’s that?” when I tell them I’m in Newfoundland.
“It’s near where the Titanic sank,” is my response. So they get it. It’s the perfect reference point. Here I am, in Newfoundland and its capital city, St. John’s. People here sound and look Irish. They are unmistakably the friendliest folks in the nation. Jan Peters is one of them. I’ve known her for twenty years. Loving and giving she is.
She picked up Brhat, my assistant monk, and I at the airport, took us to her
beautiful home and had all these ingredients ready for us to assemble one of my favourites – veggie wraps. We then moved on to the campus at Memorial U. to check out our lecture hall for the upcoming speaking engagement. A few extra posters informing students of the event were affixed to walls designated for this kind of program. “Tales from Trails” are highlighted along with mantra meditation. Oh yes, I met students there, some from Africa, India and China. It’s an international place for education.
Lasagna was waiting for us at Rashesvar’s place compliments of the chefs, Neil and Cathy, two doors down. Once again, I admire Newfoundlanders, I affectionately address as “Newfies” for your niceness.
The pace of life in Newfoundland is relatively relaxed. Air and water are clean. There are a lot of pros for being in Newfoundland, either as a resident or visitor.
The sun shone all day, giving pleasure until nightfall when rain partnered this night. I required sleep. My insomnia is at an ultimate high and I haven’t slept well for three days. The odd nap here and there doesn’t compensate.
Woe is me, being in this body has its accompanying turmoils. Bear in mind, our problems don’t have to be permanent.
May the Source be with you.
0 km
Thursday, June 18, 2015
→ The Walking Monk
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Toronto, Ontario
On Radio, Newfoundland
I had an interview with Colleen from Memorial University on their radio station. It was a promo for my coming to give talks in Newfoundland tomorrow. I understand that Colleen is a well-liked broadcaster and is good at songwriting and at singing.
Her questions and my answers regarding “Tales from Tails” were pre-recorded and involved everything about pilgrimage and included the events I’ll be conducting while in Newfoundland. I’ll paraphrase and shortcut for brevity’s sake.
Colleen: What makes a walk become a pilgrimage?
Me: When one walks for an intended transformation it is then a pilgrimage.
Colleen: What is the value of a pilgrimage?
Me: It is down-time, time to reflect, to be introspective, to plan for the future, reminisce on some past experiences and to be very much in the moment.
Colleen: In this age of technology you feel there’s a need?
Me: Absolutely! We are dealing with weapons of mass distraction. Let us re-explore the power of the human body, which is a temple for the atma, the soul. I’ve never liked cars and the damage they’ve done to the world. The human body can do so much.
Colleen: You mentioned in your blog about challenges with the knees.
Me: I’m 62, going on 63. Naturally there is some wear-down. I’ve settled for doing 35 km a day whereas my past average doing the marathons was 42 km a day.
Colleen: You’re going to be speaking? And walking?
Me: Yes! Gander is on for Saturday at a yoga studio; Sunday, a talk at the
Hindu temple then ‘Tales from Trails” at the Education Building Room 2018A Monday evening. Tuesday we’ll conduct a walk around Quidi Vidi Lake. All are welcome.
May the Source be with you!
7 km
Toronto, Ontario
On Radio, Newfoundland
I had an interview with Colleen from Memorial University on their radio station. It was a promo for my coming to give talks in Newfoundland tomorrow. I understand that Colleen is a well-liked broadcaster and is good at songwriting and at singing.
Her questions and my answers regarding “Tales from Tails” were pre-recorded and involved everything about pilgrimage and included the events I’ll be conducting while in Newfoundland. I’ll paraphrase and shortcut for brevity’s sake.
Colleen: What makes a walk become a pilgrimage?
Me: When one walks for an intended transformation it is then a pilgrimage.
Colleen: What is the value of a pilgrimage?
Me: It is down-time, time to reflect, to be introspective, to plan for the future, reminisce on some past experiences and to be very much in the moment.
Colleen: In this age of technology you feel there’s a need?
Me: Absolutely! We are dealing with weapons of mass distraction. Let us re-explore the power of the human body, which is a temple for the atma, the soul. I’ve never liked cars and the damage they’ve done to the world. The human body can do so much.
Colleen: You mentioned in your blog about challenges with the knees.
Me: I’m 62, going on 63. Naturally there is some wear-down. I’ve settled for doing 35 km a day whereas my past average doing the marathons was 42 km a day.
Colleen: You’re going to be speaking? And walking?
Me: Yes! Gander is on for Saturday at a yoga studio; Sunday, a talk at the
Hindu temple then ‘Tales from Trails” at the Education Building Room 2018A Monday evening. Tuesday we’ll conduct a walk around Quidi Vidi Lake. All are welcome.
May the Source be with you!
7 km
HG Sridhar Shyam Prabhu / CC Madhya 9.122-
→ Kalachandji's Audio Archive
HG Nityananda Chandra Prabhu – K.I.N.G. @ The Darshan Room
→ Kalachandji's Audio Archive
Do The Simple Things
→ Japa Group
From Nectar of Srila Prabhupada
by Srutakirti dasa
Bhaktivedanta Players Mahabharata performance (Album with 260 HR…
→ Dandavats.com
Bhaktivedanta Players Mahabharata performance (Album with 260 HR photos)
To commemorate their 30th Anniversary, Bhaktivedanta Manor’s
Bhaktivedanta Players drama group put on an extravagant two-hour Mahabharata play.
Touring three external venues around London they put on four shows,performing to nearly 2,000 people. Tickets were sold out and they received a standing ovation on the opening night.
See them here: http://goo.gl/KHsgux
On This Date in 1969
Giriraj Swami
On this date in 1969, Srila Prabhupada initiated me—probably the best thing that has ever happened to me. He accepted me as his disciple and chanted on my beads in Los Angeles, while I was in Boston. And he sent me the following instructive letter. —GS
My dear Giriraj,
Please accept my blessings. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated July 2, 1969, sent along with your beads. I have chanted on them, and your initiated name is Giriraj. Giriraj is the name of Goverdhan Hill, on which Krishna used to tend His cows. In Vrindaban Goverdhan Hill is worshiped as a representation of Krishna. Sometimes devotees take stone from Goverdhan Hill and keep it at home as a representation of Krishna, and they worship in this way.
I am very glad to understand that you have relished at least some of the transcendental bliss of Krishna consciousness. It is a great fortune for you. Living entities are roaming within the universes in different species of life and in different planetary systems, enjoying or suffering the reaction of pious or impious activities. But they have no information how to get out of this entanglement of repetition of birth and death. Due to the darkness of ignorance, most living entities have no idea about the values of life. Therefore, one who understands the importance of Krishna consciousness must be a very fortunate soul. So I marked it in your person when I was in Boston, and I prayed to Krishna that this good soul may be aware of the importance of Krishna consciousness.
With my blessings, I am sending herewith your beads, duly chanted upon by me. You should avoid the ten offenses as far as possible, and follow the four regulative principles, as Satsvarupa will instruct you. I know your good godbrother Satsvarupa will always help you in this connection.
Regarding your $2,000, which you promised to send me within three weeks, I beg to thank you for this.* Actually, a brahmachary should contribute whatever he has got to Krishna, through the spiritual master. The spiritual master does not accept anything for his personal use, but he employs everything for Krishna’s service. Therefore the spiritual master is accepted in the renounced order of life. So far as householders are concerned, they may contribute at least half of their income to Krishna. Then life is sublime. After all, everything belongs to Krishna, and the sooner we return whatever we have got to Krishna, the better it is. That is our normal life. Regarding your stocks, you can keep them for yourself for the time being, and if need be I may ask you to deliver them in the future. Your engagements there are nice, so continue to follow rigidly.
You may inform Satsvarupa that I have sent the Krsna tape #13, so he may transcribe it and send me a copy. I will be sending further tapes henceforward, because my Nectar of Devotion is now finished and I shall concentrate on the Krsna tapes.
I hope this will meet you in very good health.
Your ever well-wisher,
A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
*You can directly transfer this amount to my a/c No. 12410 with the Equitable Savings & Loan Association, Fairfax, Los Angeles, California.
Hare Krishna! Program on mind control based on Bhagavad Gita by…
→ Dandavats.com
Hare Krishna! Program on mind control based on Bhagavad Gita by ISKCON Ahmedabad
Srimad Bhagavad Gita is not just a sacred book for all but a book giving lessons on various topics like : – How to control your mind – How to control your senses – How to connect to God – How to know “whom am I “ and many more such questions. Srimad Bhagavat Gita is not only popular in people generally but is now catching up in corporate organizations too. Manager are interested to know what lessons Bhagavad Gita has to solve their managerial problems.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18277
Rightly Said (Album with photos)
Indradyumna Swami: A great…
→ Dandavats.com
Rightly Said (Album with photos)
Indradyumna Swami: A great flood of mercy inundated the town of Rewal, Poland yesterday as our samkirtan party descended in all its glory upon the town’s beaches. Chanting and dancing in great ecstasy we distributed thousands of invitations to our festival that evening. Upon receiving an invitation one gentleman smiled and rightly said, “By the appearance of it all, it seems the festival has already begun!”
See them here: https://goo.gl/4xnWXG
Harinama at Byron Bay – 05 July 2015 (Album with 65…
→ Dandavats.com
Harinama at Byron Bay - 05 July 2015 (Album with 65 photos)
ISKCON New Govardhana - Sri Sri Radha Govardhanadhari
See them here: https://goo.gl/V9CGLD
The land of eternal festivals of love
→ SivaramaSwami.com
The post The land of eternal festivals of love appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.
50th Anniversary of Srila Prabhupada’s Arrival in America…
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50th Anniversary of Srila Prabhupada’s Arrival in America (Album with photos)
50 years on and Srila Prabhupada is still spreading his divine mercy far and wide. A gathering of approximately 500 people at the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Hall yesterday to commemorate the occasion was a huge success. 280 children from Tamil Schools in the Klang Valley took part in the Mahabharat Quiz while guests were treated to multimedia presentations on Srila Prabhupada. Sumptuous vegetarian delights were served. Special Abhisekh ceremony for Srila Prabhupada and Katha on Srila Prabhupada by his disciples are highlights for today’s session. Be there to experience the joy.
See them here: https://goo.gl/5CKJtT
TOVP Daily Tour Diary Day 96: Philadelphia Temple Bhumi Puja
- TOVP.org
On Saturday, June 20th, we left Delaware after breakfast at the home of Krishna Mohan and Amala Sundari prabhus for the nearby Philadelphia Temple (where we had previously visited in March) for the Bhumi puja yajna of the new temple on the property.
By the grace of Lord Nityananda, only three weeks after we had visited for the TOVP fundraising presentation, they raised almost $900,000, enough to complete their entire project! The Padukas and Sitari were served with attention, and Radha Jivana and Jananivas prabhus spoke. From there we left for Baltimore, Maryland a few hours away.
All glories to Lord Nityananda Rama. All glories to the devotees of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
The post TOVP Daily Tour Diary Day 96: Philadelphia Temple Bhumi Puja appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.
Hare Krishna! Sri Lanka – One month preaching tour report
A team…
→ Dandavats.com
Hare Krishna! Sri Lanka – One month preaching tour report
A team of 15 devotees from ISKCON Batticaloa and guests from abroad voyaged from the east coast of Sri Lanka till the capital city of Colombo covering all major cities and towns of the island bringing Vaikuntha atmosphere at each location. We mainly targeted youths in schools and colleges by performing drama, distributing books, holding harinama sankirtana, distributing prasadam and follow-up. Every school program had an attendance of 500 to 900 students.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18270
TOVP Daily Tour Diary Day 95: ISKCON Delaware TOVP Presentation
- TOVP.org
On Friday, June 19th, after arriving at the home of Temple President Krishna Kirtan and his wife Shyamala and their children Gauranga and Vasudeva, we made our way over to the temple of this small but dedicated and growing community of devotees for the TOVP presentation.
During arati the Padukas and Sitari received Their abhisheka and puspanjali from the hands of all the devotees. Our presentation took place outside in a grassy area on the temple grounds and was attended by about 60 devotees and congregation members. Radha Jivana and Jananivas prabhus spoke to the attentive audience and when the fundraising was over we received almost $130,000 from this wonderful devotee community. Prasadam was then served to all the Vaishnavas.
All glories to Lord Nityananda Rama. All glories to the devotees of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
The post TOVP Daily Tour Diary Day 95: ISKCON Delaware TOVP Presentation appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.
TOVP Daily Tour Diary Days 93-94: New York Rathayatra and TOVP Presentation
- TOVP.org
New York Rathayatra
New York is considered the most important city in the world. Therefore, it’s not surprising that it was the first city where Srila Prabhupada preached and established his first center. It was also in New York that he incorporated ISKCON, that the first Harinama samkirtana went out, that Back to Godhead magazine started, that the BBT (originally ISKCON Press) was established, and much, much more. Sri Sri Radha Govinda, the presiding Deities, were installed in 1972.
On Saturday, June 13th, the 40th annual Rathayatra went rolling down 5th Avenue, the most well-known street in the world. And Lord Nityananda’s Padukas and Lord Nrsimhadeva’s Sitari were there also, traveling on Lord Balarama’s cart. Forty New York city blocks away, at the other end of the procession ast the Festival of India site in Washington Square Park, we had set up a tent for darshan of the Padukas and Sitari and to hand out TOVP information. Thousands of devotees from all around the world attend this Rathayatra and when Lord Jagannath, Lord Balarama and Lady Subhadra finally arrived at the festival site our tent was flooded with devotees offering flower petals to the Padukas and receiving the Sitari on their heads from the hand of Jananivas prabhu. We handed out almost 2000 packets of TOVP information by the end of the festival.
TOVP Presentation
The Sunday program at the New York temple on the day after Rathayatra is a famous event, packed with devotees. Kirtans by well-known kirtan leaders, dramas, dances, and a world-class prasadam feast are the attractive features of this festival. The TOVP presentation was also scheduled for this evening. About 500 devotees were present and the program began with the Padukas and Sitari receiving Their abhisheka during a kirtan by Agnideva prabhu. Ramabhadra prabhu, the Temple President, then introduced the TOVP Team. Amabrisa and Svaha prabhus were also present, and along with Radha Jivana and Jananivas prabhus they all inspired the devotees with the importance of the TOVP project. The fundraising finished with $315,000 in pledges and, after a drama and Bharatnatyam performance, a wonderful feast was served.
All glories to Lord Nityananda Rama. All glories to the devotees of Lord Caitanya.
The post TOVP Daily Tour Diary Days 93-94: New York Rathayatra and TOVP Presentation appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.
TOVP Daily Tour Diary Days 86 – 92: Visit to New Panihati Dhama: Atlanta, Georgia
- TOVP.org
We departed from Toronto, Canada and arrived in Atlanta, Georgia on Friday, June 5th for the weekend of the Rathayatra and Panihati Festival. The Atlanta Yatra is also one of the original temples opened during Srila Prabhupada’s physical presence, and he visited a number of times, exhibiting various pastimes, including going into a deep trance of devotional love for several minutes before the main Deities, Gaur Nitai.
We initially intended on doing the TOVP presentation on Sunday, but felt the time was not appropriate for a focused TOVP program. We rescheduled for August 15th, although Jananivas prabhu and the Padukas and Sitari will not be present. The following descriptions and photos are from our 7 day stay in which we also visited the homes of many local devotees:
Friday, June 5
Arrival in Atlanta, New Panihati Dhama, the home of Sri Sri Gaura Nitai, Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra and Sri Sri Radha Madan Mohan. We stayed at the temple during the entire stay. Jananivas gave morning Bhagavatam classes during this time.
Saturday, June 6
Atlanta Rathayatra
Sunday, June 7
Abhisheka of the Padukas and the Panihati Festival
Monday, June 8
Breakfast at the home of Lakshman Ram prabhu and family
Lunch at the home of Vrshabhanu and Shyam Bihari prabhus
Dinner at the home of Gita prabhu and family
Tuesday, June 9
Breakfast at the home of Adi Gadadhar prabhu and family
Lunch at the home of Ramachandra prabhu and family
Evening program at the temple with Jananivas prabhu
Wednesday, June 10
Breakfast at the home of Temple President, Vedasara prabhu and family
Lunch at the home of Saci Prana Gaura Hari prabhu and family
Thursday, June 11
Stopover at Govinda’s Café for lunch before departing for New York
All glories to Lord Nityananda Rama. All glories to the devotees of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
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TOVP Daily Tour Diary Days 82-85 – Four Days in the Toronto Area
- TOVP.org
We spent the following four days in Toronto visiting different devotees’ homes and other nearby temples and devotee communities:
Monday, June 1
Brunch at the home of Shasank and Satyabhama prabhus in Toronto
Travel to Muskoka for a TOVP presentation to 50 devotees and Indian congregation members organized by Jaya Gopal
and Vyasacarya prabhus: $34,000 pledged
Night spent in Muskoka
Tuesday, June 2
Return to Toronto for lunch at the home of Rupa and Sanatan prabhus
Evening sanga with Jananivas at the Toronto temple
Wednesday, June 3
Morning program at the Bhakti Lounge in Toronto
Trip to Niagara Falls
Evening program at the home of Jagannatha Misra prabhu in Burlington
Thursday, June 4
Visits to these devotee homes:
Vidya Nidhi Krishna prabhu and family
Vicky prabhu and family
Tushti Mohan prabhu and family
Keshava prabhu and family
Minakshi mataji and family
The day ended with the final TOVP program at the Scarborough, Canada temple. The temple devotees, though a small group without a temple of their own yet, and lead by Ananda Gauranga prabhu, pledged an astounding $215,000, bringing the total Greater Toronto Area visit pledges up to $1.4 million!
All glories to Lord Nityananda Rama. All glories to all the devotees of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
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TOVP Daily Tour Diary Day 81 – TOVP Presentations at ISKCON Brampton and ISKCON Toronto
- TOVP.org
ISKCON Brampton is a suburb in the Toronto area that has a small temple and congregation of devotees. On Sunday, May 31st we made our way there for a special mid-day Sunday Feast TOVP program which was also attended by His Holiness Bhaktimarg Swami who had come especially for the TOVP presentations in Brampton and Toronto that day.
After an abhisheka of the Padukas and Sitari, puspanjali and kirtan, Bhaktimarg Swami, Radha Jivan and Jananivas all spoke and inspired the devotees with the greatness and importance of the TOVP project. Pledges started coming in and in the end $243,000 was pledged. Prasadam was then served.
From Brampton we went to the Toronto temple, one of the original temples opened during Srila Prabhupada’s physical presence. He very much liked this large, old church building and would often comment in a joking manner how ISKCON was buying old churches throughout North America because the Christians could no longer attract people to them. Srila Prabhupada called the temple New Remuna Dhama on account of naming the presiding Deities Sri Sri Radha Ksira-Chora Gopinath after the same Deities in India who are fond of receiving an offering of Ksira daily. He instructed the devotees to do the same.
The temple was almost filled to capacity with 3-400 devotees eagerly awaiting to hear from the TOVP team which now consisted of His Holiness Bhaktimarg Swami, Ambarisa, Jananivas, Radha Jivana and Svaha prabhus. Every devotee became inspired by the presentation and the pledges soon started to roll in. By the program’s end $930,000 had been pledged. A puspanjali ceremony took place, Jananivas placed the Sitari on everyone’s head, and the program came to a close with a wonderful feast.
All glories to Lord Nityananda Rama. All glories to the devotees of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
The post TOVP Daily Tour Diary Day 81 – TOVP Presentations at ISKCON Brampton and ISKCON Toronto appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.
TOVP Daily Tour Diary Day 80 – Arrival in Toronto, Canada
- TOVP.org
We had to take an extremely early flight on Saturday morning, May 30th, from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to get to Toronto, Canada. We were picked up by Subha Vilas prabhu (his wife’s name is Ashalata), a disciple of Srila Prabhupada and father of one of the TOVP Canada Team, Indresh prabhu, in whose home we were staying for two nights. As a young child he had the extreme good fortune of sitting in Srila Prabhupada’s lap and offering his piggy bank of coins to him.
That evening Indresh and his wife Kishori (their children are named Brinda, Gopika and Hari) hosted a pre-TOVP program in the very large temple room of their new mansion-like home. The Padukas and Sitari received an abhisheka and puspanjali during kirtan as the room filled with more than 200 devotees. Ambarisa and Svaha had also joined us for the next two days and he, Radha Jivana, Jananivas and Svaha spoke about the TOVP project. It was not meant to be a fundraiser as the local temple in Toronto was scheduled for the next day. A feast was served and devotees left inspired for the next day’s presentation.
All glories to Lord Nityananda Rama. All glories to the devotees of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
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Restart!
Kadamba Kanana Swami: There was one devotee who had…
→ Dandavats.com
Restart!
Kadamba Kanana Swami: There was one devotee who had sort of given up spiritual standards for a while and I was thinking of what to say to such a person without saying that you MUST chant Hare Krsna. Of course, that fell on deaf ears. Their answer was that they had no taste and could not do it. So I was thinking for days and finally I said, ‘You know, you have only two possibilities with your life. To either be a happy devotee or to be an unhappy devotee! It’s too late, you’re a devotee. Even if you don’t chant, you are still a devotee. But if you don’t chant, you will be a unhappy devotee. So better chant then you can become a happy devotee.’
Read the entire article here: https://goo.gl/NvQddJ
Ratha-Yatra 2015 Budapest (Album with 61 photos)
Srila…
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Ratha-Yatra 2015 Budapest (Album with 61 photos)
Srila Prabhupada: If one somehow or other chats the holy name of the Lord (Hare Krishna) when he meets with an accident and dies, he will be saved from hellish life after death. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 6.2.15 Purport)
See them here: https://goo.gl/Omtxyo
Independance Day Harinam in Jacksonville, Fl (Album with 40…
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Independance Day Harinam in Jacksonville, Fl (Album with 40 photos)
Vanavihari Madhava Das: Ecstatic Harinam at Jacksonville, Fl beach. Many wonderful devotees did Harinam and so many people danced on Hare Krishna Mahamantra. While chanting, Krishna blessed us with heavy rain which refreshed us and we Chanted more enthusiastically. More and more people joined us then in this Rain Dancing Harinam! Harinam & Prasadam was organized and sponsored by His Grace Godrum Prabhu ji and Her Grace Vishnu Priya Mata ji.
See them here: https://goo.gl/nHhFOF
Restart
→ KKSBlog
(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 03 February 2013, Prague, Czech Republic, Srimad Bhagavatam 4.19.4)
There was one devotee who had sort of given up spiritual standards for a while and I was thinking of what to say to such a person without saying that you MUST chant Hare Krsna. Of course, that fell on deaf ears. Their answer was that they had no taste and could not do it. So I was thinking for days and finally I said, ‘You know, you have only two possibilities with your life. To either be a happy devotee or to be an unhappy devotee! It’s too late, you’re a devotee. Even if you don’t chant, you are still a devotee. But if you don’t chant, you will be a unhappy devotee. So better chant then you can become a happy devotee.’ And I left it at that with food for thought.
We should have full faith that all good will come, sarva-karma kṛta haya, (Śrī Caitanya Caritāmṛta Madhya-Lila 22.62), that all good will come from this chanting and from devotional service. So all we need to do is again and again turn to devotional service and to chanting the holy name. This chanting does not require anything else! It can be done anywhere, even in inauspicious places one can chant, no money is required. Even if you have lost your voice, you can whisper!
Somehow or other, time is running out, life is very short so we must take advantage because through this chanting, if we are sincere, we can go back to Godhead in this lifetime. Even if we made some mistakes in the past, if we correct ourselves and again take up devotional service then we are immediately properly situated. Immediately, we are again eligible to return back to Godhead. So we must be very optimistic, we must be very convinced that success will be there. All we have to do is chant Hare Krsna and serve the sankirtan movement!
Pankajanghri das S.B.6.9.46-47 – June 15th 2015
→ Gouranga TV - The Hare Krishna video collection
Pankajanghri das S.B.6.9.46-47 – June 15th 2015
ECO-Vrindaban Board Meeting Minutes 06/14/2015
→ New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit
ECO-Vrindaban Board Meeting Minutes 06/14/2015
Mission Statement: ECO-Vrindaban promotes Simple Living, Cow Protection, Engaging Oxen, Local Agriculture, and above all, Loving Krishna, as envisioned by Srila Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of ISKCON New Vrindaban.
Participating Board Members: Anuttama, Bhima, Chaitanya Mangala, Kripamaya, Madhava Gosh (partial attendance), and Ranaka.
Participating Advisors: Sri Tulasi Manjari, Radha-Krishna
Participating Managers: Mukunda
Recording secretary: Jamuna Jivani
1. Manager’s Report
Mukunda gave a summary of the projects he has been overseeing his first month in his new role as an ECO-V co-manager:
– Training Oxen: Mukunda and the Ox-Training crew are presently studying various locations around the Bahulaban barn with the intent to prepare an area suitable for the next training phase of the oxen (learning to pull plowing implements for growing food).
– Teaching Garden: The shed is being repurposed as a storehouse for use over the next few months.
– Palace Rose Garden: With the help of Paul Zimmerman, an organic rose garden consultant, Mukunda is working with the Rose Garden crew to create a comprehensive month-by-month Rose Garden Care Manual.
– Prabhupada House: The final touches are being done to make it suitable for Mukunda and his family.
– Bahulaban Barn Renovation: Vyasasana prabhu is doing the work in between his other projects. The second floor wall on the road side has recently been restored, and new studs, sheathing, house wrap and insulated windows have been installed. The ECO-V Board requests that Vyasasan prabhu finish closing in the exterior of the barn by the end of September, 2015 (well ahead of the next winter season).
2. Ray’s Recovery
Ranaka reports that Ray is mostly recovered and has been back on the job part-time the past two weeks.
3. Palace Rose Garden Additional Funds Request
Jaya Krsna requested additional funding for another visit from Paul Zimmerman.
WHEREAS: The ECO-V Board wishes to support ISKCON New Vrindaban’s efforts in sustainable gardening.
RESOLVED: The Board authorizes an additional $2K for the Rose Garden project.
4. Eco-Village at New Vrindaban
Mukunda and Vraja-Dhama will be meeting weekly to research possible locations for a future eco-village site. Mukunda suggests that a hydrogeologist is needed to make a recommendation based on the possible locations.
5. Prabhupada’s Palace Renovation Matching Grant
Of the $425K allotted, $281K remains available. Some ECO-V Board Members have questions connected with the renovations and will ask them at the next joint board meeting.
Auspicious Beginning
→ travelingmonk.com
This year we began our 28th annual summer festival tour in the town of Dzwirzyno, Poland on the Baltic Sea coast. It began auspiciously with numerous people approaching the harinam party thanking us for bringing the festival to the town again. The festival crowd was big, as always, and they thoroughly enjoyed our new stage [...]
HG Caitanya Lila Prabhu / SB 10.85.15
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Gita 13.23 – Contemplate Krishnas proximity to bring intensity to devotion
→ The Spiritual Scientist
Holy Name Meditation Podcast
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Gita 06.07 – To attain peace, focus on conquering the inner enemy, not dealing with outer enemies
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Holy Name Meditation Podcast
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Focus on the universality of suffering, not its variety
→ The Spiritual Scientist
Talk Podcast
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How do the sages’ austerities produce fire?
→ The Spiritual Scientist
Answer Podcast
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Why is Dattatreya described so briefly in the Bhagavatam – what is the significance?
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Answer Podcast
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That Is Our Service
→ Japa Group
Radhanath Swami: It is better to think of service than of sense gratification, no doubt. But when you do service, you should be thinking of service. When you do chanting, you should be thinking of chanting. You should understand that our service during the chanting of the Holy Name is to completely engross our mind in the sound of the Holy Name. That is our service at that time.
Hare Krishna! TOVP Tour Daily Diary: Day 77-79, New Vrindaban…
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Hare Krishna! TOVP Tour Daily Diary: Day 77-79, New Vrindaban and Gita Nagari
We arrived in Gita Nagari from New Vrindaban on Friday, May 29th, Pandava Nirjala Ekadasi, only for a few hours to make a presentation at the weekend retreat there with Radhanath Maharaja and Giriraja Swami, attended by 300+ devotees from across the country. There was no time for an abhisheka or puspanjali for the Padukas and Sitari, and after setting up our banners and table, Radhanath Maharaja spoke about the TOVP, glorifying the project and requested devotees to give their financial assistance. Radha Jivan and Jananivas prabhus then spoke, further inspiring everyone. Devotees enthusiastically responded and the total pledges came to an amazing $765,000. All glories to Sri Sri Radha Damodar.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18267