Planet ISKCON

Answer Podcast

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Answer Podcast

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Answer Podcast

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CC daily Podcast:

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Bhagavatam-daily Podcast:

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Talk at Mantra Lounge, Melbourne University
Podcast:

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Talk Outline:

Acronym SOUND: Satisfying, Omnipotent, Universal, Non-material, Direct

Satisfying:

Love expressed differently in different cultures eg handshake, hug, nose rub

Baby feels warmth of blanket on cold night though it may not know that the warmth comes from mother’s love

Warmth – security & strength – coming from mantra meditation is pointer to God’s love

Omnipotent:

Empowers us to break free from our mental shackles

Love brings out the best within us, lust brings out the worst within us

Mantra’s potency to bring out higher side is evidence that it manifest God’s love for us and our reciprocal love for him that brings out the best within us

Devotional chanting brings about resonance of our consciousness with infinite consciousness

Universal:

Eg. Festival of folk songs on the banks of the Volga – Bliss through chanting better than that of honeymoon, without even knowing what the mantra means

Mantra speaks in the universal language of love – links the human heart with the divine heart

Non-material:

Eg. Ordinary paper vs currency note

The infinite consciousness manifests to us through the sound of the mantras, so it’s much more than ordinary sound, even if spoken with the same tongue and throat

Direct:

Mantra is not just a path to the infinite – it is also the manifestation of the infinite.

Eg. Pauper who had never seen gold – gold was not in the treasury, but was also the component of the staircase to the treasury

All of them fled into the city and left the vast battlefield without warriors. The supreme human, Dhruva, wanted to chase his enemies into their city.

“Should we follow them?” Asked the chariot driver.

“No,” Dhruva explained, “who knows what plans those magicians might have laid. They must have set some trap.”

Soon there was a deep rumbling, like the sound of the ocean, and a dust storm closed in from all directions. The whole sky was instantly consumed in masses of black clouds, bristling with constant blinding lightning and terrifying thunder. A downpour of blood poured from those clouds, mixed with mucus, pus, stool, urine, and bone marrow. Severed trunks of human bodies then began to fall in front of Dhruva.

A mountainous craft materialized in the sky, shooting missiles everywhere: clubs, hammers, swords, maces, and a rain of shrapnel.

Snakes with lightning in their breath and fire in their vomit rushed towards him with ferocious eyes. Herds of enraged elephants, lions, and tigers stampeded towards him.

Tidal waves the came forth, flooding all the earth, with horrible noise, like the terrifying end of time.

Dhruva knew that all these countless horrifying visions where just demonic illusions cast by magicians to terrify the weak-hearted. He was undaunted.

Understanding that the demons had cast their very powerful magic on Dhruva, sages hurried to him to give him advice. “O Son of Uttānapāda,” they said, “The All-Attractive Divine who carries the Śārṇga-bow destroys the distress of his devotee and annihilates the devotee’s opponents. Dear, anyone who utters or even hears his medicinal name instantly and effortlessly crosses beyond the reach of death.”

Translation of Śrī Bhāgavatam 4.10.21 ~ 30 [end of chapter]

by Vraja Kishor dās

VrajaKishor.com

BBT Africa holds an annual conference, each year in a different part of Africa, as part of the BBT’s partnership with the African temples, members, and supporters of the Hare Krishna movement. The first conference was held in Durban, South Africa, in 2010. In the following years it was held in Johannesburg, Nairobi, Phoenix (Mauritius), and Accra. This year the conference returns to Durban.

The post Upcoming: BBT Africa conference for 2015 appeared first on Jayadvaita Swami.

Nirjala (no water) Ekadasi is also known as Pandava Bhima Ekadasi, or Pandava Nirjala Ekadasi. This name is derived from Bhima, the second and strongest of the five Pandava brothers.

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 03 April 2015, Durban, South Africa, Ratha Yatra Lecture: Sexuality and Spirituality)

Some people think, “What is it in that food? What do they put inside!? Is there some drug inside maybe?” No. The only thing that is inside, is blessings, the blessings of the Lord. But they are powerful. A life without the blessings of the Lord, where does that go? Where is it going? Try it, you go nowhere. Nowhere, no good! That is what happens.

So blessings are needed, blessings of the Lord. Many people in the past have understood that it is needed, blessings of the Lord and of the devotees of the Lord. So that is spiritual. Such blessings, you get when you render service. When you do something for the Supreme Lord without asking anything in return, that is how we get. So that is the nature of spirituality!

Hare Krishna! The Curse that gave Srimad Bhagavatam to the world
NBS # 13 Features: 1) Birth and Divine Qualities Of Maharaja Parikshit Srimad Bhagavatam 2) Uddhava Instructs Maharaja Parikshit Srimad Bhagavatam-Mahatmya 3) Maharaja Parikshit Establishes Kaliyuga At Five Places Sri Subodhini 4) Message Of The Curse Mahabharata 5) Did Maharaja Parikshit Go To The Banks Of Yamuna Instead Of Ganga? His Divine Grace A .C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada 6) Maharaja Parikshit Attains The Supreme Abode
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=17623

In a move that could change  ISKCON’s community development, social life and outreach if other centers follow suit, ISKCON of Portland, Oregon has shifted its Sunday Feast from its traditional late afternoon time and added a whole raft of activities to cater to families.

So this is a follow-up on my last blog posting on “should who gives class alter our feelings and effect us differently? (A Thought) the comments area was wonderfully used to ask the follow on question and the person has kindly allowed me to get again post my reply here.

The question ” why is it then we are advised to listen to the classes of the maharaja we like to see if we would like to aspire for them?”

I could sum it up quickly; if you are attracted to someone don’t you first want to know as much about them as you can; listening to their class should inspire and move you in such a way that your fired up and enthusiastic in increasing seva, reading and chanting and associating with devotees more and more.

If we don’t listen or feel less inclined or inspired would this carry you through when the guru maharaja is not physically present, although as we know our guru maharaja even if they leave the body we identify with remains in their words and instruction’s.

It reminded me once of a long conversation I had with HH Mahavishnu Swami and he was describing himself as the default guru, their is only me that goes to this country so if you want initiation then well. He recalled how so many were initiated by his own guru maharaja and shortly after he left his body people left, he’s normal happy smile faded to a pained expression “if only they would come back and fulfil his request to go home this lifetime” compassion so deep. Despite much difficulty he remains fixed on one simple aim to continue to carry out the instructions of his guru maharaja.

To take initiation is one of the deepest and life changing relationships and for many we are fortunate to have a varied choice, each unique the same way as we ourselves are unique and naturally we find certain people and personalities easier than other’s.

Guru shouldn’t be a fashion accessories, or a rubber stamp yes man for all our nonsense ideas. We shouldn’t feel pressured to go for a big name popular guru because all our friends are his disciple’s.

We should listen very carefully, does the words sink so deep that they penetrate and effect us not just for the moment but continue day after day minute after minute. In their presence or in their absence, or do we play big devotee whilst they are around visiting and them the second their out of sight again nonsense?

I am reminded of my guru maharaja instruction he gave personally to me, who is responsible for fulfilling his request? Me.

But I’m low in intelligence and not very expert so how do I carry out his instructions?

My relationship with the devotee’s who inspire and help, listen advise and encourage, remind and give me strength were I lack. My god brothers/sisters amaze me each and every day at their own resolve in carrying out our guru maharaja instructions.

And sometimes I’m fortunate to listen to new classes they recorded and posted online, thus my connection and love increases; and how do I show this? Service in absence.

Listening Intently to our guru maharaja words is a must, it must be attentive and sincere.

Thus we become firmly grounded in Krishna Conscious

And as we see with those who took to heart the words of their own guru maharaja HDG Srila Prabhupada no matter what happens they remain as focused and inspired, taking shelter of his words and his books.

And what is my guru maharaja instructions read and listen with attentiveness Srila Prabhupada word’s you will see all my advice and desire in these.

But yes their is that special unexplainable tingle upon hearing my own guru maharaja voice,and the compassion he has shown me.

But our relationship starts with attentive listening, so if were inclined towards a certain maharaja listen carefully to their words and talk, discuss them.

And on a final note: if your temple does a guru disciple course go on it, theirs no exam, no interrogation but many useful points that will make sure when you choose and take initiation it becomes so ingrained deep in the heart it remains steadfast growing even in the absence.

As always I hope this helps

So down load those classes and listen very carefully

And on a personal note listen to Srila Prabhupada classes especially if its on the same sloke or point it will reinforce your appreciation not only for your guru maharaja but for iskcon and its Acharia Srila Prabhupada.

Hare Krishna

In the Hertfordshire countryside just north of London, 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. 

On May 10th  2015, ISKCON-guru Jayapataka Swami was hospitalized in India due to severe difficulty breathing. As of May 28th, he is still in critical condition. He had to be placed on a ventilator due to his ongoing difficulty breathing.  It was identified that Jayapataka Swami has pneumonia. All relevant tests and medications had been administered to check this problem. Nevertheless, his body is not responding as it is expected.

The website will be the hub for all communications, resources and news about the 50^th anniversary which will be celebrated in 75 countries across 600 cities from August 2015 to December 2016. “The website is an important resource for our worldwide celebrations,” explained Romapada das, the International Coordinator for the 50^th Anniversary.

A video of the 2014 Ratha Yatra in Prague.

The three biggest fears in life: exams, public speaking and death. Of them, the final is probably the most acute. As that fateful hour approaches, everything we worked so hard for is snatched away, throwing our entire sense of identity and purpose into question.

The Age of Stupid is a documentary-film set in 2055, a time distinguished by derelict buildings, burning plains, and poverty-stricken, war-ravaged people.Why had people ignored the signs when they “could have saved themselves”?

Vrindavan - Varsana parikram (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: There is competition of loving Krishna even in the party of Srimati Radharani. It is a kind of rasa to compete in loving affection centering around Krishna. Letter to Brahmananda, November 18, 1967.
See them here: https://goo.gl/RpT0NM

The Age of Stupid is a 90-minute film about climate change, set in the future. Oscar-nominated Pete Postlethwaite (In The Name of the Father, Brassed Off) stars as a man living alone in the devasted world of 2055, looking back at archival footage from 2007 and asking: why didn't we stop climate change when we had the chance?

English translation of the lyrics is in the video. The original Benglali is by Krsnadas Kaviraja (from Caitanya Caritamrta Antya.14.43-51), on behalf of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu who Krsnadas says composed and sang this song to his confidential friends Ramananda Raya and Svarupa Damodara.

Love and relationships in this world are not the source of bondage. Selfish desire is the source of bondage, and selfish desire hijacks our love and relationships.

Music and video by Farmer Derek Klingenberg. 

Hare Krishna! Please pray for HH Jayapataka Maharaja’s health currently in a critical situation
The GBC: Dear Devotees around the world, Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. As you may know HH Jayapataka Maharaja’s health is not so good, indeed we have to unfortunately inform you that he is currently in a critical situation. He is in the ICU of the ILBS hospital in New Delhi. Our simple request to all of you is to kindly pray to Srila Prabhupada and Lord Krishna for Maharaja’s well being.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=17620

Happy Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi! (8 min video)
Nirjala ekadashi is considered as the most austere and hence, most sacred of ekadashis. Nirjala means without water and thus, Nirjala Ekadashi means complete fasting. One who observes this by strictly abstaining from not only beans and grains, but from all foods, even water, becomes free of all sinful reactions.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/yw74hc

The latest issue of Sri Krishna-kathamrita Bindu e-magazine was just released. This issue includes: * BE CONVERSANT WITH OUR PHILOSOPHY – Some collected instructions of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. * SRIDHAR SWAMI’S SPIRITUAL MASTER – From a lecture by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Prabhupada. * THE FIRST ATTRACTION — PART 17 – The final installment of a series of fresh translations done especially for Bindu from Srila Jiva Goswami’s Gopala Campuh, speaking about how Radha and Krishna first met. * Nama-tattva: NOTHING COMPARABLE TO KRISHNA’S NAME – A first time translation for this issue of Bindu from the Bhagavan-nama-mahatmya-samgraha. It can be downloaded here: https://archive.org/details/bindu351 All back issues of Bindu are available for free download. Go to: http://www.gopaljiu.org/bindu For a free subscription to Sri Krishna Kathamrita Bindu write to: minimag@gopaljiu.org or go to www.gopaljiu.org
Read the entire article here: https://goo.gl/1EFEx3

CC daily Podcast:

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Bhagavatam-daily Podcast:

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New Ekacakra, Harinama in Slovakia, (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: These four principles: Always think of Krishna, become Krishna’s devotee, worship Krishna and offer your respect, obeisances to Krishna. That’s all. This is Krishna consciousness. Hyderabad, November 17, 1972.
See them here: https://goo.gl/vGqCsM

And Zoltai Lujza asks where the Dandaka sages were in the intervening 2,000,000 years before they appeared as gopis in Krsna’s lila.

The post Back home again appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

Jayapataka Swami’s Health Update 28/05/15
Dear Devotees and well-wishers,
Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Jayapataka Maharaja’s health is relatively critical at this stage. He had to be placed on a ventilator due to his ongoing difficulty breathing. He is in the ICU Ward and the doctors are working to stabilize his condition.
Read the entire article here: http://goo.gl/eqTpdl

Chanting Hare Krishna in a Ramanuja temple (4 min video)
We had gone for a trip to Kumbakonam. We entered this temple and when we came out the priest requested us to lead Kirtan. They had been having kirtan praying to Lord for rain. We had a small kirtan there and all the people there happily participated. Sri Vaishnava priests there also joined us in Kirtan and at the end they also chanted “Ramanuja Ramajuja” which touched everybody’s heart.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/z2Ntrr

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The post After operation appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

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The post Before operation appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

Los Angeles Prabhupada Festival 2015 (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Philosophy is the highest, but even higher than philosophy is the practice of philosophy. So if you simply remain pure, your preaching will have effect. Letter to Brihaspati, November 15, 1971.
See them here: https://goo.gl/2iaaib

The post Daily Darshan – May 28th, 2015 appeared first on Mayapur.com.