Mastering Yoga of Cooking
→ The Toronto Hare Krishna Temple!

Join us for a three part cooking series and learn how to prepare quick and healthy meals with devotion. These cooking classes will be facilitated by our very own Shashank Prabhu who is a professional chef and has facilitated several cooking classes!

Dates: Friday June 19th, Friday, June 26th and Friday, July 10th 

Timings: 6:30pm - 8:30pm


Part 1: Cutting techniques, Appetizers, Sauces and Soups
Part 2: Entrees
Part 3: Baking

Class Size: 10 people 

Registration: $30 (Some basic equipment will be provided for everybody)

Last Day to Register: June 18th

Since space is limited, at this point we will only accept registrations from devotees who are able to attend all the three classes.

For more information please contact - sparkhi@yahoo.com


What does “Krishna” Mean?
→ The Enquirer

Nāma Kaumudī’s fundamental definition of the word krishna is, “The supreme spiritual substance.” This harkens to Gopāla-tāpanī Upaniṣad, which explains (in pūrva.1.1) that krish- means “existence.” and –ṇa means “carefree.” The word krishna therefore indicates an entity whose existence is effortless, self-establishing, causeless, without defects, and blissful. That entity is brahman, the supreme spiritual substance — consciousness itself in its pure, original, wholesome form.

But Nāma Kaumudī further specifies that krishna refers not merely to the latent potential state of brahman as a homogenous, effortless state of undifferentiated consciousness, it also and especially refers to the kinetic source of brahman: a specific carefree and effortlessly self-manifest, blissful and flawless person. “Krishna” the Nāma Kaumundī continues, “denotes the one whose complexion is as black as a tamāla tree.”

The word krishna indicates the color black because that color pulls in (krish-) all light (-na). Viṣṇu’s complexion is as black as a tamāla tree. Indeed, the Amara-kośa Sanskrit dictionary states, “Viṣṇu, Krishna, Vaikuṇṭha, and Nārāyaṇa are synonyms.” I will explain why.

Viṣṇu literally means “all-pervasive,” denoting the substance which is the essence of everything: consciousness itself. Viṣṇu and krishna are synonyms because they both indicate the effortlessly self-manifest all-pervading substance of reality, consciousness — especially in it’s kinetic, specific fountainhead as a blissful and flawless personality.

Vaikuṇṭha literally means “carefree,” again denoting consciousness, and especially the realm of unfettered consciousness and the fountainhead of consciousness. It is therefore synonymous with viṣṇu and krishna.

Nārāyaṇa literally means “the reservoir of personhood” and denotes the fountainhead of consciousness. Therefore it is another synonym.

Krishna denotes all manifestations of Bhagavān Viṣṇu — the carefree and effortlessly self-manifest personality who is the fountainhead of all-pervasive consciousness. But Nāma Kaumudī finishes its definition by stating that the word krishna specifically refers to someone who was “raised on Yaśodā’s breast.” So, although krishna refers to consciousness itself (brahman) and although it refers to Viṣṇu as the source of all consciousness (paramātmā) and the epitome of all personality (bhagavān), in the ultimate focus this word denotes a very specific form of Bhagavān: the one who is raised by the loving breast-milk of the queen of Vraja, Śrī Yaśodā Devī. Ultimately, the word krishna refers to the famous Gopa of Vṛndāvana whom the Bhāgavata Purāṇa lauds as the fountainhead of all Viṣṇus, who are themselves the fountainheads of all consciousness, which is the very substance of reality itself.

The most literal, basic meaning of krish- is simply, “pull.” Earlier I quoted Gopāla-tāpanī Upaniṣad stating that krish- means “existence.” It has this meaning because existence is the tangible coagulation of consciousness, a structure pulled into place by consciousness’ gravity. The primary trait of Krishna is that he “pulls,” like a magnet, like gravity.

What does he pull? He pulls upon -ṇa. Gopāla-tāpanī Upaniṣad said -ṇa means “carefree.” What is carefree? Pure consciousness. Therefore Monier’s Sanskrit dictionary states that native Sanskrit lexicographers also define -ṇa as knowledge, the power of knowledge, consciousness.

Krish-na: he who pulls on consciousness.

What does it mean to “pull on consciousness”? It means to attract, fascinate, delight, and enthrall. Krishna emits all consciousness, like a star emitting light, and then, like a black hole, he attracts, fascinates, and enthralls the emitted consciousness – forming a circuit, a loop.

Loops amplify. What does Krishna amplify? Carefree existence, bliss – which attains its thickest reality in the form of love, prema.

Krishna: the all-attractive amplifier of prema.

Vraja Kishor dās

VrajaKishor.com


Tagged: Krishna, Sanskrit

His Grace Brahmananda Prabhu’s Memorial, June 13, New Dwaraka, LA
Giriraj Swami

Prabhupada_Brahmananda“The first time Srila Prabhupada came to Boston Brahmananda prabhu was there. As he saw Srila Prabhupada come through the front door he started to cry like a baby. It was so touching — he had a large body but such a soft heart and so much affection for Srila Prabhupada — throughout. Especially in the last years, any contact or interaction I had with him caused a tremendous boost in my loving feelings for Srila Prabhupada. It was amazing, I would email him questions about the history and he would email back and it would give me such a boost in Prabhupada consciousness which would last for days.”

Brahmananda Prabhu’s Memorial

A round-up of the Australian tour, May 2015
→ KKSBlog

aus_may2015 (1)Written by Michael

Travelling around with Maharaja was incredible! Being able to observe what it means to live as a travelling, Krishna conscious guru is something like the process of learning how to cook. All the principles of cooking can be found frozen in time within the writings of a book. But by learning how to cook from a chef, not only do you see those principles being applied in real life, but you also capture insights into some of the subtle details of the science too, especially in dealing with others.

In whatever activity Maharaja performs, he is not only very present in that activity but he is very attentive also – in dealing with people he is present; during kirtan he is present; in addressing devotees and those who have never heard of Krishna consciousness he is present and well-tuned into their needs. I had a running line of glorifications about him following me anywhere he graced! One being, “His explanations are so clear and easy to understand.”

KKS_and_MichaelHere are some final lessons and highlights of Maharaja’s journey between Sydney and New Govardhan, Murwillumbah:

The first being that whenever we are following the leader of a kirtan, we don’t merely follow the melody played, we follow their mood too! That means we try to respond back with a similar volume, with a similar tempo and with as much love for the Supreme Beloved as possible.

During a brief conversation in the car, Maharaja mentioned a point that pleases him. To see in his disciples and well-wishers, he said, “That’s what I like to see, surrender but with intelligence,” and shortly elaborated on it by saying, “Reading is important. Especially when you go out into the world and get confronted with materialistic people then you need to take some transcendental energy with you, which is in Prabhupada’s books.”

What I understood from that – there really is a link between engaging in the reading of Prabhupada’s books (which Maharaja does on a daily basis) and increasing our faith in Krishna more. We want to give our intelligence to Krishna rather than give up our intelligence!

Throughout our stay at New Govardhan farm, which is sort of like a dham outside the dham, Maharaja gave morning (and some evening) Caitanya Caritamrta classes as a way for us all to  preview the treasures that lie within the dealings of Mahaprabhu and his followers and to help us realise that practically no person would be here practising Krishna consciousness without the mercy of Mahaprabhu.

On that somewhat punchy note, though HH Kadamba Kanana Swami left for Europe and later he is off to America, he left me with something invaluable – the desire to explore the wonderful lessons threaded throughout the pastimes of Lord Caitanya and His beloved associates, given in Caitanya Caritamrta.

aus_may2015 (4) aus_may2015 (2) aus_may2015 (10) aus_may2015 (9) aus_may2015 (7) aus_may2015 (6) aus_may2015 (5) aus_may2015 (3)

 

Rabbi Sacks speaks on his new book
→ The Vaishnava Voice

The former Chief Rabbi, Lord Jonathan Sacks, launched his new book yesterday. I have not seen it yet, but judging by his other books, and by the important points he makes in this interview with Andrew Marr, it will be a valuable contribution.

In the interview, shown on British television yesterday, the question is raised as to why younger people are tending towards religiosity and losing their adherence to secularism. From the Vaishnava point of view, that is like asking why a fish, washed up on dry land, pines for the sea; or why, in the words of the Bible’s/Torah’s Psalm 42, does the deer thirst for water.

The natural place for the soul is to be in connection with the supreme soul, the source of all spiritual vitality.

Faced with the insanities and vanities of the world, it is surprising that so many more don’t choose God over anything else. The difficulty today is that, with the entire world enslaved to various forms of relativism manifesting as secularism, people are being drawn to more strident declarations of religious view, more extreme forms of religious practise and association. Mixed with a lack of transcendence, the result is not peaceful co-existence but religiously-labelled tribalism, an even more dangerous combination.

Only when we can see, as the Bhagavad-gita says, with the ‘equal vision of a pandit,’ regarding all as belonging to a common source, and equal because we see the soul within and not the exterior race, creed or tribe, only then can we even begin to talk with one another peacefully.


A Mountain Retreat
→ travelingmonk.com

Two thousand devotees in Ukraine are enjoying a week long festival of kirtan and seminars in the tiny hamlet of Slavske, in the Carpathian mountains. Staying in log cabins and other rustic buildings, they are basking in the first warm days of summer and in the association of a number of ISKCON leaders including Trivikrama [...]

Czech, March 2015: Recordings
→ KKSBlog

CZ_Feb2015 (8)

Kadamba Kanana Swami visited the Czech Republic from 12-16 March 2015. You may read all about his stay by clicking here. Below are recordings which were captured by Antardvip and Klara.

You may listen online by hitting the ‘play’ button or to download, right-click on a title and ‘save target as’.

 

Audio

KKS_CZ_13 March 2015_Lecture_CC_Adi_9.48

KKS_CZ_13 March 2015_Lecture_SB_5.5.25

KKS_CZ_14 March 2015_Kirtan_Harinam_Mandir

KKS_CZ_15 March 2015_Kirtan

KKS_CZ_15 March 2015_Lecture_BG

KKS_CZ_15 March 2015_Lecture_SB_5.5.27

KKS_DE_16 March 2015_Kirtan_Leipzig

 

Videos

CZ – Arrival in Prague (12 March 2015). View on YouTube.

CZ – Mangal Aarti (13 March 2015). View on YouTube.

CZ – Srimad Bhagavatam 5.5.25 (13 March 2015). View on YouTube.

CZ – Caitanya Caritamrta Adi 9.48 (13 March 2015). View on YouTube.

CZ – Mangal Aarti (14 March 2015). View on YouTube.

CZ – Srimad Bhagavatam 5.5.26 (14 March 2015). View on YouTube.

CZ – Public Lecture (14 March 2015). View on YouTube.

CZ – Kirtan (14 March 2015). View on YouTube.

CZ – Mangal Aarti (15 March 2015). View on YouTube.

CZ – Srimad Bhagavatam 5.5.27 (15 March 2015). View on YouTube.

CZ – Evening Kirtan (15 March 2015). View on YouTube.

CZ – Evening Lecture (15 March 2015). View on YouTube.

DE – Evening Kirtan (16 March 2015). View on YouTube.

DE – Evening Lecture (16 March 2015). View on YouTube.

 

 

 

 

Loving And Serving Krishna’s Cows In Braja (Album with…
→ Dandavats.com



Loving And Serving Krishna’s Cows In Braja (Album with photos)
Carol from Italy very lovingly serving our MVT cow, Sarawati, every morning she bathes her, brushes her, polish her hooves and horns, make ladus for her. She also painted her house with beautiful lotuses, creepers. She is a professional yoga teacher who has given up everything to live in Vrindavan.
See them here: https://goo.gl/qgJWuD

Service opportunities for August Gunacuda Dasi: Hare Krishna! We…
→ Dandavats.com



Service opportunities for August
Gunacuda Dasi: Hare Krishna! We have the following Teaching services available for August 2015 at Sri Mayapur International School.
1)Boys’ Sports teacher- this can be part time or combined with the Middle School boys’ (11 to 14 year olds) Sastra teacher post.
2) Computer Science teacher. This is for Middle school ,IGCSE and AS Level (High School)
3) High School English teacher -this is mainly teaching boys at IGCSE level.
Read more: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=17908

Purusottama Month is Coming! You might already be aware of…
→ Dandavats.com



Purusottama Month is Coming!
You might already be aware of Purusottama month and its occurrence this year. To put it briefly, when the full moon occurs twice in a month, i.e. in less than 29 solar days, then the month is divided into 2 and a leap month is added. This leap month is known as Adika mas or Purusottama month and it occurs about every 3 years. It is very dear to Lord Krishna and it is very good time to engage in full devotional service. This year, we are fortunate to have the Purusottama month starting on 17th June and ending on 16th July.
Read the entire article here: http://goo.gl/qsIsFK

Observing Purushottama Adhika Masa
→ ISKCON Malaysia

BY SIMHESWARA DASA

KUALA LUMPUR - Every year devotees get the opportunity to increase spiritual credits by taking part in the Kartik/Damodara Month Vrata. This year there is another special month for everyone to take advantage of and to earn 1000 times more spiritual benefits than the Kartik Month. And this month, the Purushotam Adhika Masa which begins on June 17 and ends July 16 (for Malaysia) happens only once every three years. For family members it will be the best time to take advantage and organize at least one day/night programme in your homes and hear from the Bhagavad Gita. All that needs to be done is to call our ISKCON centres (03-7980 7355 HQ) and arrange your home programme, invite your friends and relatives and join the bhajans, kirtan, Krishna katha and distribute Krishna prasadam to all.

  • A simple programme as this will bring many fold spiritual benefits to the host and all who participate.
  • What the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna says about this month and what many other great personalities say?
  • How to observe the Vrata?
  • How to break the Vrata after one month's observance?
  • What are the glories of Purushottama Masa?

HOW TO OBSERVE THE PURUSOTTAMA MASA VRATA

1. Attending mangalarati without missing, chanting before mangalarati.

2. Chant Hare Krsna Mahamantra extra rounds for entire month: 24, 32, 64, 108.

3. Maximum Benefits by Observing Vrata in Vrndavana, Mayapur or any ISKCON temple.

4. Offering daily a ghee lamp,flowers and tulasi leaves to Radha-Krsna Deities.

5. Daily parikrama to Tulasi Devi and mandira parikrama (4 times).

6. Daily read Srimad Bhagavatam Tenth Canto cp. 14 Brahma stuti.

7. Daily chanting astakas and bajans( like Jagannathastakam and vaisnavacharya bhajans).

8.Fast till noon and eat only fruits or just vegetables without any beans or grains. (like ekadasi for one month!) once a day if you can. Or just eat mahaprasadam. Take a vow according to your capacity to follow.

9. Take a vow to avoid mundane topics.

10. Be careful not to blaspheme any devotees, brahmanas, saints, cows, sastras or especially anyone observing the Purusottama Month Vrata.

HOW TO BREAK THE PURUSOTTAMA VRATA AFTER ONE MONTH?

1. Offer pushpanjali and dandavats to deities and vaisnavas.

2. Give charity to brahmanas to best of your ability. **Best charity to give Srimad Bhagavatam to qualified Vaisnava devotee brahmana. This charity will deliverall forefathers to Goloka dhama and the association of Lord Purusottam!***Other recommended gifts: new clothes, pairs of new shoes

3. Feed brahmanas with prasadam

BENEFITS OF OBSERVING PURUSOTTAMA VRATA

1. All the holy places in the world come to reside in the body.

2. One who observes Purusottama Month with faith and devotion will go back home, BTG to serve Radha-Govinda eternally in Goloka Vrndavana at the end of his life!

These are the recommended vratas described in Padma Purana Purusottama Masa Mahatyam.

Glories of Purusottama month (from Padma and Skanda Puranas)

Lord Sri Krishna:

"Purusottama month has all the power I have to bless its observer.

One who follows Purusottama vrata will destroy all his past sinful reactions.

Without performing Purusottama vrata, one cannot perform pure devotional service.

The value of Purusottama month is far more valuable than all other types of austerities and religious activities mentioned in the Vedas.

Anyone who observes Purusottama vrata will return to my abode, Goloka, at the end of his life".

Durvasa Muni:

"Just by bathing in a holy river during Purusottama month, one becomes sinless. The glory of all other months is not equal to one-sixteenth of the glory of the Purusottama month. By bathing in a holy place, giving charity and chanting the Holy Name Krsna during Purusottama month, all miseries are destroyed; one attains all kinds of perfection and fulfills all his desires

Valmiki Muni:

"By observing Purusottama vrata, one attains more benefit than performing one hundred horse sacrifices. All holy places live within the body of a Purusottama month vrati. Anyone who faithfully performs Purusottama vrata will go to Goloka Vrndavana".

Narada Muni:

"Purusottama month is the best of all months, vratas and austerities. Just by faithfully hearing the glories of Purusottama month, one attains krsna-bhakti and immediately nullifies his sinful reactions. One who performs Purusottama vrata properly will attain unlimited sukrti and go to the spiritual world.

Naimisaranya Sages:

"Merciful Purusottama month acts like a desire tree to fulfill a devotee's desire".

“Sacred Herb” in Vedic Ceremonies
→ The Enquirer

Cakṣuṣa’s wife Ākūti gave him a son named [Cāksuṣa] Manu. This illustrates that humanity (manu) has desire (ākūti) in their eyes (cakṣu). They covet everything they see.

Manu’s Empress, Naḍvalā delivered Manu twelve sons, representing twelve facets of the ceremonies that fulfill humanity’s desires like a flowing river (naḍvalā).

She named her first son after the result of these ceremonies: Puru (many blessings). She named the rest of her children after the ceremonial aspects crucial for bringing about these blessings.

Her second and third sons she named Kutsa and Trita. Kutsa (sacred herb) is mixed with Trita (water) to prepare the most important part of Vedic ceremonies: the sacred beverage soma. Soma is offered to the gods in expensive goblets, along with great wealth. Thus her fourth child was named Dyumna (wealth).

The conduct of a religious ceremony cannot be shallow or facetious. The empress therefore named her next three sons after the three qualities essential to the performers of religious ceremonies: Satyavān (truthful), Ṛta (lawful), Vrata (dedicated).

She named her next two children after the all important beginning and endings of the ceremonies: Agniṣṭoma (praises for the invocation of fire) and Atīrātra (concluding dedication). Both of these must be done with great care and intellect, so she named her next child Pradyumna (intelligence).

She named her final two children after the most basic, fundamental elements of the ceremony, the birch wood (Śibi) and kindling (Ulmuka).

— Translation of Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 4.13.15-16

By Vraja Kishor dās [VrajaKishor.com]


Tagged: sacred herb, soma, vedic ceremony, vedic ritual