Websites from the ISKCON Universe
Sannyasa Candidate Training Program.
His Holiness Krishna Kshetra Maharaja, as part of the ISKCON Ministry for Sannyasa, is developing a training program for sannyasa candidates. The seminar will be offered for the first time after the GBC Meetings in Mayapur in 2017. All sannyasa candidates are requested to plan to be in Mayapura at that time.
Jayapataka Swami visits Delhi temple after his recovery (Album with photos)
Today, 23rd of June, H.H. Jayapataka Swami, ISKCON Congregational Development Minister has finally been discharged after been hospitalized in Delhi for month and a half. He will stay some more days in the Delhi area for routine checkups, and then it will be decided where he would travel. Jayapataka Maharaja was very grateful for all the support and prayers he received from devotees around the world. He personally thanked the medical staff who attended him for all this time.
During these weeks, from his hospital bed, Maharaja has encouraged many to take up the chanting of the Hare Krishna and distributed several books to patients, relatives, doctors, nurses and other hospital staff.
The most regular and positive “parameter”, apart from his breathing, blood pressure, temperature and other physical signs monitored during this crisis, was his constant emphasis on devotees all over ISKCON celebrating the most auspicious Purusottama Month. Currently by the thousands, devotees are reporting a drastic increase in their preaching by encouraging newcomers to perform devotional service. Now many temples at night are celebrating -as in Kartika- the offering of ghee lamps to Krishna and singing authorized bhajans. This is added to the increase of devotional practices (attending aratiks, chanting, reading, offerings, preaching, etc) that devotees are performing.
Just as Srila Prabhupada said, “preaching gives me life”, Jayapataka Swami is practically a medical miracle of determination and endurance for the sake of continuing his preaching mission on behalf of Srila Prabhupada and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
His personal staff, office and servants convey their gratitude for all the support received during these difficult times. Finally, we all know that is Krishna who is determining that this exemplary preacher remains in this world to continue his service of taking Krishna Consciousness to every possible place.
See them here: https://goo.gl/DoZN1v
(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 27 May 2015, Sydney, Australia, Srimad Bhagavatam 7.10.23)
Trivikrama Maharaj tells the story of when Prabhupada said, “My spiritual master made in into a diamond!” A diamond, as we know, is completely transparent – light comes through a diamond and reflects in every direction. When Prabhupada said that his spiritual master made him into a diamond, it means that his spiritual master made him completely transparent to Krsna’s instructions, to Krsna upadeśa.
The sankirtan devotees from Germany went to meet Srila Prabhupada; it was the last time that Srila Prabhupada came to Europe. He was not well at all and he was staying at the Bhaktivedanta Manor. He was carried in a palanquin and was wearing dark sunglasses. He was very skinny and weak and was in his room. The whole Manor was quiet. Everyone was tiptoeing because no one wanted to disturb Prabhupada, in case he needed to rest.
Then the German sankirtan devotees came in. They were the top book distributors at the time, number one in the world! They came in and made so much noise and all the devotees went, “Sshhh, Prabhupada is resting!” They wanted to see Srila Prabhupada but the devotees said, “Nobody is going to see Srila Prabhupada as he is not well. He doesn’t see anybody.”
But they said, “No, no… He will see us because we are sankirtan devotees.” They insisted and so someone went to ask Srila Prabhupada and he immediately said, “Oh yes, sankirtan devotees, let them in.” One of those devotees, Manidhar, has told the story many times and I have heard it many times. He said that when they entered the room, they saw Prabhupada sitting there and seeing Prabhupada sitting was like looking over the walls of Vaikunta into the spiritual world. They saw Prabhupada sitting there and emanating this incredible transcendental consciousness and they were just shocked.
Anyway, all the sankirtan devotees went in and Srila Prabhupada asked, “So, are you distributing my books?”
“Yes, yes, yes, Srila Prabhupada, we are distributing your books!”
Prabhupada said, “Okay, are you reading my books?”
They did not expect that kind of question! So they did not know what to say to that. Prabhupada again asked, “Are you reading my books? What is the most important verse in my books?”
And then Pritu said, “Yāre dekha, tāre kaha ‘kṛṣṇa’-upadeśa,” (Caitanya Caritamrta Madhya 7.128). Whomever you meet, instruct them about Krsna and in this way, become a spiritual master and deliver the entire country. And then Prabhupada asked, “What does it mean?”
It means so many things. It means that it is Krsna’s desire to deliver every living being, dharmam tu saksad bhagavat-pranitam (Srimad Bhagavatam 6.3.19). Krsna is the original spiritual master. Krsna is the origin of all transcendental knowledge. Krsna is full of love for all living beings and cares for every single one of them and wants to see them go back to Godhead. A devotee who is a diamond, who is transparent, he becomes the via media and through him, so many will be delivered. This is most pleasing to the Lord. That is what he desires!
Hare Krishna! Iskcon UK Launch 50Th Anniversary Celebrations
A celebration to mark the launch of a year of events and festivities to commemorate 50 years of the Hare Krishna movement worldwide was hosted on Saturday 20th June by ISKCON UK. It marks the start of a year of celebrations to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the incorporation of ISKCON, founded by His Divine Grace AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada in 1966. HG Praghosa Das, GBC, said: “It is a great privilege to be launching ISKCON 50 in the UK. With this early event we want to inspire everyones hearts and prepare there minds for the great year of celebrations ahead.”
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18077
You described Universities as being impure places. Could you explain why you consider Universities to be ‘harmful’ places? From my perspective we need to attend such institutions to get a suitable job so it depends on your consciousness.
The post Shivali Fulchand writes: appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.
America Plans Grand Start to 50th Anniversary!
The global celebrations for ISKCON’s 50th anniversary will be flagged off by mega-events in India and America that will track Srila Prabhupada’s epic journey on the Jaladuta from Kolkata to Boston in 1965. On August 13th, the day that Prabhupada boarded the Jalduta, devotees have planned a VIP event at Khidirpur Dock, where several Government ministers, politicians, businessmen, civil servants and celebrities are expected to attend.
Read the entire article here: http://goo.gl/D2EfF1
In the Hertfordshire countryside just north of London, UK, Bhaktivedanta Manor, complete with its farmlands, beautiful gardens and temple is a real sanctuary for the soul. Open all year round to visitors and students of ancient wisdom, the temple offers a great experience with tours of the shrine, gardens and compassionate farm.
Where do your thoughts and actions gravitate towards when you are alone? What is your natural level of spiritual absorption behind closed doors? Good questions to assess our spiritual whereabouts, since our weaknesses are often exposed when nobody else is watching.
The much-awaited festival of chariots finally, after one year of absence, glided through the streets of the capital city of Kenya, Nairobi, with all glamour and grandeur. Hundreds of wanainchi (members of the public) came out on the streets to watch this colorful festival and the grand cart carrying the Lord of the Universe.
Why I Tithe. Anna Angell: The Krishna Consciousness movement has done so much for me, that it is a pleasure and an honor to tithe and thereby serve in some small way.
Krishna Sambandha and Ustad Murli Manohar in Chile organized a concert in Chile for Jayapataka Swami Maharaja´s fast recovering.
Iskcon Moscow: Release of bhakti school course awards and most “mature” group course BS (Album with photos)
See them here: https://goo.gl/U6a82e
The School is affiliated with ISKCON’s Bhaktivedanta College in Radhadesh, Belgium. Administrators of that College began working with Alfred Ford (Ambarisa Das) back in 2009, after the 2008 financial crisis showed that there was a need for a different approach to business management.
Hare Krishna! Remembering Lila Shakti Devi Dasi
Bhakti Madhurya Govinda Goswami: Another great soul has left this world to join Srila Prabhupada in nitya lila, that is my God sister, Lila Shakti Devi Dasi. In “modern ISKCON” she is known hardly at all by “newer devotees”. However, there was a time in the history of ISKCON decades ago when she was world famous as one of the world’s top distributors of Srila Prabhupada’s books. I knew her very well in her “hey-days”, or “golden years” of fame as a book distributor, for we were both living in Los Angeles, California, USA in those days. She was a Los Angeles book distributor, helping to make world history when Srila Prabhupada was so pleased by the hundreds of thousands or more books being sold, especially by the Los Angeles temple.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18071
Religions for Peace is the world's largest and most representative multi-religious coalition dedicated to advancing common action among the world religious communities for peace. Religions for Peace works to transform violent conflict, advance human development, promote just and harmonious societies, and protect the earth. The global Religions for Peace network comprises a World Council of senior religious leaders from all regions of the world; six regional inter-religious bodies and more than ninety national ones; and the Global Women of Faith Network and Global Interfaith Youth Network.
The Competition is Not Between One Religion and another!
Question: Nowadays different religions, especially those with extreme values, are aggressively penetrating into different parts of the world. Do you feel threatened? Do you consider them your competitors?
Radhanath Swami: I don’t see that it is religion that is causing the hatred, discrimination, and terrorism. It is just a very infatuated ego working in the name of religion, in the name of nationalism, etc.
Hitler and his people, they were like terrorists murdering millions and millions of innocent people, which wasn’t in the name of religion. That was in the name of a political agenda, and look at how much harm they did. And people have done the same kind of harm in the name of religion too. It is just that we superimpose our own arrogance, insecurity, envy and greed in the name of nationalism, politics, religion, or whatever it may be.
So the competition is not between one religion and another religion. The competition is between the good dog and the bad dog that is barking in our hearts, and in their hearts. For some people it is the barking of bad dog that is ruling over and controlling their decisions in life, and causing them to influence others. So the real competition is between light and dark, good and evil, truth and ignorance, in whatever form it takes.
Read the entire article here: http://goo.gl/wibBxm
Hare Krishna! Back to School: Three New Lessons for the New Goloka Community
While NCGS certainly provides students with the academic instruction and subjects they need to progress and become functional adults, our main mission is to teach them about Krishna and to love kirtan! This is what any devotee school should do, first and foremost. It really does take a village to raise a child (especially Vaishnava children). It became evident during the school year that although we have many well-wishers and supporters, a larger hands-on collective is needed. The vision of this community school is that it is the community’s school. Everyone is welcome to participate, and their input is valuable.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18068
The post Daily Darshan – June 25th, 2015 appeared first on Mayapur.com.
HG Uttama Sloka Dasa – SB 10.85.6 – 17.06.2015
We have a new beautiful photo of the TOVP which were taken from Ganges right across Prabhupada Ghat.
The post New View of TOVP From Ganges appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.
Quite often, the small country towns get the biggest turnouts to their parades. The Lismore Lantern Festival has been celebrated every year going back decades.
(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 24 May 2015, Sydney, Australia, Sunday Feast Lecture, Bhagavad-gita 7.20)
The demigods can actually give us what the senses want. It is possible but we should know that all these fruits are temporary! It will be taken away. We will lose it anyway. Whatever we get, whatever we gain, we will lose it. It will be destroyed by time. Ask an old man. It all gets taken away by time. Time takes everything away. Like some men are old but they have beautiful hair and then you wonder, “Is it real or is it false?”
There was a film I saw. This couple had come back from a party. A Hollywood type of couple; they were like really good looking. He was athletic and she had gorgeous blonde hair and all the right measurements in the right places. When they came home, they took their shoes off and it turned out that he had false plateaus inside the shoes and immediately he became two inches shorter. Then as he took off his jacket with the false shoulder fillings, she let out the air of the balloons. He let his belly strap go, they both pulled their wigs off and in the end, there were these two old people, sitting in bed and their teeth smiling at you from a glass of water (laughter). It was a really good movie, very impressive. So all of us, to an extent, are playing that game. You know, a little aftershave, somehow or other, make it look good. Why do you think everyone is jogging like that? Why do you think? Why are people jogging?
They want to look good. Yes, but look good for what? They want to look good when they take their clothes off. That is why they want to look good. That is why they run around the block, to be fit for sex life; that message we get also from Bhagavatam. The centre of the entire world is sex life and everything else is a backdrop for sex life. Believe it or not but that is actually the root of everything.
Prabhupada’s disciple, Brahmananda, was saying that in university he had to write an essay and in the essay, he wrote that people are driven by a spiritual desire. Then he said, “And my professor did not like that essay.” To Prabhupada he said, “Because my professor was saying everything in this world is driven by sex desire.” Brahmananda was saying, “This professor was such a materialist.” And Prabhupada said, “Your professor was right!”
That is actually the case. When we take to Krsna consciousness, we realize that all these temporary things may offer some pleasures, but it will never be the most important thing in life. The only thing that is really important is Krsna.
Hare Krishna! Iskcon Alachua: New Community Social Services Network
The social services network will engage everyone as volunteers and recipients of service without consideration of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, and ability. Those who volunteer to help others are not obliged to help everybody or every time they are called. All services are given lovingly. Those who receive help will volunteer to help others when they are able. This social services program is simply a networking system and all who participate do so voluntarily with no guarantees or warranties or insurance for those who serve or those who receive services.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18065
Giriraj Swami read from Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.10.20 and spoke about His Holiness Tamal Krishna Goswami.
“One evening on the balcony of the Calcutta temple, Tamal Krishna Goswami opened up to me about many things that were confidential–especially to a new devotee like me. Amongst other things he said that the secret for success in spiritual life is to serve and please the spiritual master. Now, up until then I had been reading and hearing and I knew about chanting and doing service and so many items of bhakti. But, they were just items on a list. There was no single focus. So, when I heard what Tamal Krishna Goswami said, it actually gave me focus for all the different items of devotional service. And the focus was to please the spiritual master which became the organizing principle for my life.”
Hare Krishna! Brahmananda Katha
In the early days of ISKCON back at 26 2nd Avenue, Brahmananda Prabhu was all-pervasive. Whenever I would stop in at the Matchless Gifts, he was always parked Buddha-like on the rug chanting on his big red beads. He spoke rarely: he controlled the atmosphere simply by his glance which could be intimidating. Once when a guest inquired, he happily explained his name, “One who only likes only transcendental bliss.” I never forgot his presence and later when I wrote to Shrila Prabhupada from New Mexico that I wanted to re-join the NY devotees, His Divine Grace wrote back, “Yes, go to New York. Brahmananda will take care of you.”
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18062
BY SIMHESWARA DASA
SEBERANG JAYA - Srila Prabhupada visited Malaysia in 1971. Srila Prabhupada came with a mission to officially honor his pledge to receive a plot of land for a Sri Sri Radha Krishna temple building project in Kuala Lumpur. Unfortunately, this gift of land did not materialize, as the conditions which came with the gift were not favorable with ISKCON management principles. Nevertheless, Srila Prabhupada continued with vigorous preaching programmes over four major towns from Central to North Malaysia within the remaining 5 days he was here.
In Kuala Lumpur the Puan Uma Sambanthan, the wife of a federal minister who was the head of the Indian Congress Party requested for a darshan with His Divine Grace (HDG). At one point during darshan, she begged Srila Prabhupada for his mercy. Srila Prabhupada immediately summoned his secretary to get his briefcase. Opening his briefcase, HDG took out a paper sketch of a temple and said “I want a temple like this”. Puan Uma did not commit and nothing happened after this meeting. Days passed and Srila Prabhupada left Malaysia for Australia.He had already set his lotus feet and planted the seeds of devotional service in Malaysia. We just needed to cultivate these seeds, realize the fruits and eventually fulfill his instructions. His instruction “I want a temple like this” remained to be fulfilled.
In 1980 ISKCON was officially a registered organisation. By 2001 ISKCON Malaysia had purchased a land of 10 acres bordering Kuala Lumpur and a 17,000 sq. ft. land and building in the city. Around the country, the society also operated about 24 preaching centres, some were purchased and some on rental. By this time ISKCON had already been established wherever Srila Prabhupada had set feet and these preaching centers were operating in their own properties except for the centers in Penang. It is hard to predict how the mercy of the spiritual master works. Finally, in Gaura Purnima 2001, the unfailing mercy of Srila Prabhupada was showered on the Penang state. Kalesa Dasa who was serving at the heart of the town planning office of the Penang Development Corporation, highlighted to ISKCON leaders the availability of an acre of land amidst a religious enclave at the new Seberang Jaya township. ISKCON wasted no time and grabbed the opportunity with the proper formalities, and eventually secured this God given land. More of Srila Prabhupada’s mercy on the Malaysian yatra will be spoken at the temple opening on 29 August. So, please be here during this time.
Srila Prabhupada left behind us other instructions and spoke of his desires for the Malaysia Yatra. Srila Prabhupada expressed one such desire in a letter to HH Giriraj Swami on 13 July 1972
“…So best thing is to open centers in Malaysia and Singapore, recruit as many Chinese speaking devotees, translate our books into Malaysia and Singapore languages, then with a party go to China later on”.
Incidentally about 150 Chinese devotees are scheduled to attend the temple opening.
His Divine Grace also said that nature had made Malaysia famous for her Malaya Candan trees or Malayan Sandalwood. But during the colonial rule, the British made Malaysia famous for rubber plantations. The resins from these two trees have exact opposing odors. The Malaya Candan tree is king of fragrance and the other, is guessable. One is very, very expensive and the other very, very cheap. Yet, the British preferred rubber, notably for so-called economic development. In the Caitanya Caritamrta, there is mention about the resin of the Malaya Candan which is used to anoint Krishna. This tree is also nature’s gift to Malaysia. And it is said that amongst all species the Malaysian Aguruspecies or the Malakansis is best. Srila Prabhupada also mentioned that the Vedic culture was once prevalent in Malaysia.
Malaysian history is certainly related to the Mahabharata, Ramayana and the history of Bharata Bumi. No wonder the many ISKCON devotees who visited Malaysia said that Malaysia is the “Hidden jewel”. You just need to make it to the temple opening to know more about Malaysia, the “Hidden Jewel” of Krishna consciousness. The “Hidden Jewel”, these histories, Srila Prabhupada’s instructions and desires for Malaysia preaching will also be explained and exhibited at our Srila Prabhupada gallery. The gallery is to be an innovation by the temple youths.
The Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple of Devotion and Understanding is scheduled to open on Balaram Purnima, August 29 this year. The address is Plot 10, LorongJelawat 4, Bandar Seberang Jaya, 13700 Prai, Penang.
The Co-Zonal Secretaries of ISKCON Malaysia HH Jayapataka Swami and HH Bhanu Swami and the President of ISKCON Malaysia HH Bhakti Vrajendranandana Swami will preside over the installation ceremony. HH Bhakti Vigna Vinash Narasimha Swami, HH Janananda Goswami Swami, HH Ramai Swami, HH Bhakti Madhurya Govinda Swami, HH Bhakti Vinoda Swami, HH Bhakti Nityananda Swami, HH Bhakti Purushotama Swami and HG Deena Bandhu prabhu have also confirmed attendance. The Mayapur Gurukul priests together with Mayapur Chandras from ISKCON world headquarters at Sridham Mayapur will perform the fire sacrifices, installation ceremonies and kirtan respectively.
On the 30th of August will be a National Abhiseka for Srila Prabhupada to warm up towards the 50th anniversary celebration of ISKCON in July 2016. There will be an prelude ceremony for the ISKCON 50th anniversary celebration followed by the opening of the Srila Prabhupada gallery.
While a detailed programme schedule will be posted later, please be informed of the main schedule for now. You can start making plans and book your accommodations with the hotels we have mentioned below.
Programme
Saturday, 28th August, JhulanYatra:
8.00a.m. - 10.00 a.m. Vastu Homa
7.00 p.m. Adivas ceremony
Sunday, 29th August, Balaram Purnima and Jhulan Yatra:
7.30 a.m.- 11.30 a.m. Nyasa Homas
Sri Sri Radha Krishna Abhiseka
Kumbha Abhiseka
Prana Pratistha of Sri Sri Radha Krishna.
6 p.m.- 9.30 p.m. Balaram Purnima talk
Jhulan Yatra
Prabhupada Katha
Monday, 30th August, Srila Prabhupada leaves to America:
10.00 a.m. National Abhiseka Ceremony for Srila Prabhupada
Initiating the mood for ISKCON 50th anniversary celebrations
Official opening of Srila Prabhupada Gallery.
Note: There will also be the opening of another temple at Ipoh, of about 1 hour 30 minutes drive south of Penang on 31 August. Our Co-Zonal Secretaries of ISKCON Malaysia will also be attending.
a. Tips on Travel
Those on a tight budget will have to look out for Air Asia and Malindo Air. Both these airlines offer competitive prices.
b. Tips on Accommodation
As for accommodation we have spoken to hotels around our temple and appended below are the relevant information.
1. Light Hotel. (20 minutes’ walk from temple).
Contact Mr Frank Lau (Phone 6-04-382 1111 | Fax : 604 399 9333 www.thelighthotelpg.com)
Room rates are from US65 to US70 per night.
Code reference is “ISKCON Temple Building Fund” to get these rates.
2. Sunway Hotel (10 minutes’ walk from temple)
Room rates are from US63 to US76 per night.
Please download form from link below to make your booking.
http://docs.zoho.com/file/68u9x9524d78e1794420a9737121754f02e80
3. Pearl View Hotel (15 minutes’ drive from temple)
Room rates are from US35 to US50 per night.
Please contact Corrine (6-04 – 398 9888) (ext: 8613).
Code reference is Hare Krishna Temple to get these rates.
In addition we have also organised shuttle services from temple to hotels for your convenience.
The post This is my garden in Krsna Valley appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.
Hare Krishna! An Illustrious Teaching Career Honored – Sukhada Devi Dasi Retires
After an illustrious and pioneering teaching career which began in 1970, Sukhada devi dasi is now retiring from active teaching. Instrumental in starting what is currently known as the Bhaktivedanta Academy, as well as the Alachua Learning Center charter school, we would like to honor her contribution to the lives of many children as well as her creation of innovative curriculums. She will remain with the schools in a mentoring capacity. Sukhada prabhu knew her whole life that teaching was her calling. As the oldest of four children, she remembers always wanting to “play school” where she would be teacher to her younger siblings.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18055
The post Scenes from the NVD Varnasram seminar appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.
PADAYATRA. Klaipeda-Palanga, 2015 (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: The holy name of the Lord and the Lord are nondifferent; therefore when a devotee chants Hare Krishna, Krishna and His internal potency are dancing on the tongue of the devotee. Bhagavad-Gita 12.8 Purport.
See them here: https://goo.gl/xFL9wu
Hare Krishna! Position yourself to succeed!
Kadamba Kanana Swami: There is story of one sannyasi who was very dear to Srila Prabhupada and very dedicated. He preached so nicely but unfortunately, he found his ashram quite difficult. Of course, he was a young man at the time and when one is a young man then the sannyasa ashram is definitely much more difficult. For him it was too much so one day, he sent his danda back to Srila Prabhupada in the mail, thereby declaring his giving up of sannyasa ashram. Srila Prabhupada became very emotional about it because he liked this sannyasi very much.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18052
Purushothama month School program 24 June 2015 -Sri Jagannatha Mandir, ISKCON Malaysia HQ (Album with photos)
Purushothama month preaching program was held in SJK (T) San Peng, Kuala Lumpur. 145 students and 7 teachers participated in the program. HG Siva Caitanya Prabhu did kirtan and the students enthusiastically followed the kirtan. Everyone was given an opportunity to offer ghee lamp to Sri Radha Madhava and prasadam was distributed to all. A copy of English and Tamil Bhagavada Gita was given to the School library.
See them here: https://goo.gl/d36S51
Harinama in Milan Italy June 20 (Album with 26 photos)
Srila Prabhupada: The devotee can constantly think of the object of worship, the Supreme Lord, in any of His features—Narayana, Krishna, Rama, etc. – by chanting Hare Krishna. This practice will purify him, and at the end of his life, due to his constant chanting, he will be transferred to the kingdom of God. Bhagavad-Gita 8.8 Purport.
See them here: https://goo.gl/lvnaSY