Websites from the ISKCON Universe
Amazing attitude of great devotees for always asking for trouble to come. Mostly we prayer for no trouble, our problem to be solved, our enemy to be killed, and to get rich.
vipadaḥ santu tāḥ śaśvat tatra tatra jagad-guro bhavato darśanaṁ yat syād apunar bhava-darśanam
I wish that all those calamities would happen again and again so that we could see You again and again, for seeing You means that we will no longer see repeated births and deaths.
http://www.vedabase.com/en/sb/1/8/25
My answer: what he makes of the opportunity he has.
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Vedic, vaishnava marriage ceremonies in Iskcon Budapest (Album with photos)
Triyuga Das és Viola Simon Vrajaloka devi dasi
Bh. Rátkai Gergő( Bhaktivedanta Könyvtár) és Bhn. Adrienn ( HoLi Hai /Hópihe)
See them here: https://goo.gl/dMylYg
Under the Kadamba tree with Kadamba Kanana Swami (Album with photos)
Devotees from ISKCON New Govardhana - Sri Sri Radha Govardhanadhari, Australia have bhajans and Krishna katha in the park.
See them here: https://goo.gl/7yAttB
At a recent Harinama in Moscow, as we were chanting, we met this lovely Mataji from MATHURA, India! She blessed all of us and left a donation for Lord Jagannath, Who came out of the columns of the devotees and Himself approached the Mataji, which stood at 20 meters away from us, so she got His darshan. :-)
This week we discussed disgust. Or should I say we were discussing the phenomena of being disgusted. It seems that we all get disgusted by something – at least sometime. Some of us are disgusted by Brussels sprouts; for others it’s Marmite that brings on the feeling of nausea.
Disgust means: ‘A strong distaste; nausea; loathing, a repugnance caused by something offensive; a strong aversion.’
That’s a pretty intense emotion, and for a good reason. Disgust protects us from eating the wrong things, such as food that is stale, putrid, or poisonous. Or it protects us from walking into harmful situations. Its a good emotion in the long-term, too, helping us to decide moral choices that will lead to beneficial conditions for ourselves and those that depend on us. So let’s not knock disgust. Being disgusted can be good for you.
The teachings of the Vedas have it that there are two movements of the mind: sankalpa and vikalpa. The first, sankalpa, means to make a willed, mental determination to have something, to enjoy something, to be someone. It means to want something very strongly because you think it will make you happy.
Vikalpa, on the other hand, means to reject something, to move away from something, to break a relationship or affiliation with someone. It means to understand that something is no longer to your liking, that it won’t make you happy.
Sankalpa allows you to begin a chain of events, a chain of actions, that will ultimately bring about the state of happiness you imagine. Vikalpa makes you take action to prevent something happening, or to begin a chain of actions that will separate you from longterm sadness, unhappiness or pain.
Both sankalpa and vikalpa begin with an imagination of a future state closely followed by strong remembrance of a past event when there were feelings of happiness or pain. We remember the taste of ice-cream on a hot day last summer – and move towards the ice-cream van today; we remember the sickening turbulence of a previous plane flight – and become filled with the anxiety of apprehension as we board the stationary plane.
Every soul that’s got stuck in a material body – from a single-celled microbe up to a complex human being – is coming up with sankalpa and vikalpa every minute. Its the movement of the flickering mind that propels us to eat, to protect, to move out of harm’s way.
But there’s always a chance that we might become confused. We might forget, for instance, that drinking too much alcohol on a Saturday night gave us pain and nausea on the Sunday morning. The memory of past pleasure dominates the memories of past pains and we drink too much yet again – and repeatedly suffer. This is called maya. This happens again and again until we realise, through much painful experience, that material pleasure always results in trouble of some kind. That’s when the next level may arise within us. It’s called nirvinna, or disgust. Not nirvana. That’s a different word. Look at the spelling.
Strong Aversion
Nirvana means being liberated and nirvinna means being disgusted. Being disgusted makes us permanently reject something. If something disgusts us, even something we were previously fond of, we avoid it.
Of course, a philosopher might say that if you feel nirvinna it might help you on the way to nirvana. Certainly being disgusted with the false, temporary happiness provided by material pleasure will make you stop trying to enjoy it and as a result you’ll become detached from the material world. That will help you change the way you look at the world and what you want from it. You’ll change the parameters of your sankalpa, and move towards a type of happiness that will be more permanent.
But just being disgusted at the world may not take you further in spiritual life. In and of itself, disgust is just one facet of our response to repeated disappointment in material life. And just being free from desires for material enjoyment doesn’t bring you closer to being reunited with Krishna.
In His conversation with Uddhava, known as the Uddhava-gita, in the 11th Canto of the Srimad Bhagavatam, Lord Krishna says as follows:
“My dear Uddhava, because I desire that human beings may achieve perfection, I have presented three paths of advancement – the path of knowledge, the path of work and the path of devotion. Besides these three there is absolutely no other means of elevation.”
“Jnana-yoga is recommended for those who are disgusted with material life. Those who are not disgusted with material life, having many desires yet to fulfil, should seek perfection through the path of karma-yoga.”
“If somehow or other by good fortune one develops faith in hearing and chanting my glories, such a person, being neither very disgusted with nor attached to material life, should achieve perfection through the path of loving devotion to me.”
Srimad Bhagavatam 11.20 6-8.
So whatever our condition, whether we are fully disgusted with material life, or whether we have many desires left to fulfil, we can choose bhakti and move closer to the joy of Krishna consciousness.
Iskcon Russia: Photos from the amazing holiday at Bhaktivedanta Ashram. Brahmotsava Sri Sri Gaura Nitai. 20 years! (Album with photos)
See them here: https://goo.gl/ISFddF
Harinama in Sokolniki Park, Moscow (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: One who chants the Hare Krishna mantra develops bhava, ecstasy, which is the point at which revelation begins. It is the preliminary stage in developing one’s original love for God. (Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, 7.83 Purport)
See them here: https://goo.gl/Wj8C4S
For those who care for Cows!
You all may be aware that the Govt of Maharashtra has recently banned cow slaughter and beef intake in any form. The move has raised many controversies and doubts among the society. The High Court of Maharashtra has demanded an explanation as to how cow is special. They seek that other animals also to be brought under the cover, if the cow has to be. Kindly find the two URLs as reference points for the controversy besides many more:
http://ibnlive.in.com/news/why-ban-only-slaughter-of-cows- bulls-what-about-o ther-animals-hc-to-maharashtra-government/538295-3-237.html
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/why-ban-only-on-slaughter-of-cows-a nd-bulls
-hc-asks-maharashtra-govt/article1-1334455.aspx
Srila Prabhupada never encouraged anybody be emotional or sentimental in their following of dharma. Therefore, ISKCON followers are best placed to answer these kind of doubts and questions raised by High Court. We have been demanding this kind of bill since long, now that it has been implemented it is the duty of our every member to support it in different ways it needs to be. I urge the intellectuals and cow lovers of our society to take the opportunity to protect mother cow & bull - dharma personified.
The write up needs to address the following issues: 1. The unique position of cow in human society (or how it is different from other animals)
2. Does the state government have the right to define what its people eat or the latter is an individual’s right to privacy and private choices?
3. Material and spiritual benefits of cow protection.
Those who have contacts with the media are welcome to post it directly or you can simply sign up on the following link to join in the discussion forum to discuss further on such a topic. Stay connected with us as we explore further means to make our voice audible: http://goo.gl/Jj3SFK
Hare Krishna! Remembering Gauri
Despite the agonizing pain of the body and the emotional trauma of leaving the world we hold so dear, the devotee who remains fixed in concentration upon the lotus feet of the Lord achieves the highest perfection of returning to the spiritual world. How Gauri drew closer and closer to Krsna in the final stage of her life is wonderful evidence of the efficacy of the process of devotional service. Here some of the devotees share their memories of Srila Prabhupada’s dear book distributor, Gauri-devi dasi.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=17675
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Hare Krishna! Prabhupada Festival 2015 in Los Angeles: A transcendental experience!
The Prabhupada Festival has emerged as one of the largest and most cherished festivals held at New Dwarka, drawing a diverse group of followers, newcomers and interested persons with a desire to learn about, glorify, and remember His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Among the many unique attributes of this festival is the dedicated team of second-generation devotees working together under the guidance and direction of senior Prabhupada disciples in order to plan and organize this two-day festival. Next year, the Prabhupada Festival will host a very special event to celebrate its 25th year.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=17672
The post Daily Darshan – June 1st, 2015 appeared first on Mayapur.com.
24hours kirtan – Goverdhan dhari Prabhu
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Srimad Bhagavatam class on 3.10.18-22 at ISKCON, Melbourne
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When the bowman Dhruva heard the sage’s advice, he purified himself with drops of water and invoked the Nārāyaṇa Arrow upon his bow. As soon as it appeared that weapon dispelled all the magic cast by the mysterious foe, just as the dawn of knowledge dispels the illusion of suffering. That arrow was pure gold, and its feathers were those of a great swan. When it leapt from the bow it became a multitude of arrows piercing the enemy ranks with terrible noise, like flocks of peacocks flying into a forest.
Persecuted by the razor-sharp arrows falling everywhere, those gods became enraged and charged towards the bowman with their weapons held high – like serpents raising their hoods to attack Garuḍa. But as they rushed towards him the arrows pierced their arms, legs, necks and guts, delivering them to the paramount locus, beyond the realm of the sun, which the celibates attain.
Manu was very sorry when he came to see his grandson in his amazing chariot killing the offenseless mysterious gods. He approached Uttānapāda’s son with many sages, to give him good advice.
“Enough, child!” Manu said. “Excessive anger is the gate to darkness. It is awful that you have killed these gods, who did no wrong. My dear, your reprehensible deeds speak ill of our whole dynasty. You are killing the sub-divinities who have done nothing to you! One of them offended us by killing your brother. Out of affection’s grief you’ve killed so many of them, just because they are somehow related to your brother’s killer. Sādhus who are devoted to Hṛṣīkeśa never behave like this! This hatred for others is the way of animalistic men who embrace their external body as the true self.
“You worshipped Hari to the extreme, because he is the supreme foundation of everything, the true soul of all beings, and the true essence of all things. And you hope to always remember Hari and his beloveds. So why are you doing such abominable things? Should we think that this behavior is the result of your great vows?
“The All-Attractive soul-of-all is very pleased by forgiveness, compassion, and friendship given equally to all creatures. Pleased by such people, the All-Attractive liberates them from their enthrallment with an externally qualified concept of existence, and grants them uninterrupted spiritual bliss.”
Translation of Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 4.11.1 ~ 14
by Vraja Kishor dās
(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 22 December 2014, Cape Town, South Africa, Disciple Meeting)
Comment: You were saying how the altar is actually the spiritual world. However, I experience how personal worship of the deity can become mechanical, like a routine ten minute puja.
It can be but if every day, you try to do something special then it does not become mechanical. That is the trick. See, if you just do the standard way every day, then it becomes mechanical but if you go a little bit beyond and try to do something extra – that is what keeps the freshness. We should get on the platform of trying to do something extraordinary and that is the way to get out of any mechanical relationship, not only with the deity but also any other relationship.
In a marriage as well, it becomes mechanical after a while, ‘Here is your brekky!’ and then, one day you go out of your way and prepare a special breakfast and he goes like, ‘Whoa! What’s that!? Mmmmm! May I have more of that, please!’ Then there is some magic and it comes from making a special endeavor. That is the nature of relationships and deity worship is all about relationship – to do something special for our deity. It is then that the relationship comes to life.
We have to be careful also because the deity may go away. What if Krsna comes in your dreams and says that he now wants to go away somewhere else? Therefore we must be very careful not to become mechanical.
Rathayatra in Rome, Italy (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: “The essence of all Vedic knowledge—comprehending the three kinds of Vedic activity, the Vedic hymns, and the processes for satisfying the demigods—is included in the eight syllables Hare Krishna Hare Krishna. This is the reality of all Vedanta. The chanting of the holy name is the only means to cross the ocean of nescience.” (Narada-pancharatra)
See them here: https://goo.gl/evrJgV
Hare Krishna! Sannyasa initiation of HG Lilasukha Dasa at ISKCON Leicester
His Grace Lilasukha Dasa received sannyasa initiation this morning (31st May 2015) from his own spiritual master His Holiness Bhakti Caru Swami Maharaja. His sannyasa name is His Holiness Bhakti Prabhava Swami. Four other sannyasis were also witness to the momentous occasionÑHH Prahladananda Swami, HH Dhirasanta Swami, HH Dayananda Swami and HH Bhakti Prem Swami. The ceremony took place at ISKCON Leicester, and the event was presided over by Sri Sri Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra, Sri Sri Panca Tattva and Srila Prabhupada. Senior devotees and leaders from around the country also attended the initiation.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=17667
Hare Krishna! Kirtana-Yoga and the Maha-mantra
The word kirtana means “praise” or “glory” and is the name given to glorification of God in song, especially in call-and-response style. There are different categories of kirtana. For example, nama-kirtana refers to singing God’s sacred names, lila-kirtana celebrates the transcendental activities of God and His associates, sankirtana is group singing, and nagara-sankirtana is public chanting in the streets. There are numerous variations of these. Closely related is bhajana, or prayerful song. Devotees generally stand or dance while performing kirtana, and they sit to conduct bhajana. In addition, bhajana is generally more subdued than kirtana.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=17664
Brisbane Ratha Yatra 2015 (Album with photos)
Following the success of the festival from last year, Lord Jaganatha, Baladev and Lady Subhadra have grace us again riding atop the fabulous Rath cart!
See them here: https://goo.gl/yp60t6
Panihati & Snana-Yatra - 31 May 2015 (Album with photos)
ISKCON New Govardhana - Sri Sri Radha Govardhanadhari
Hare Krishna Farm Community in Australia
See them here: https://goo.gl/KfwFb4
Hare Krishna! Out of the Woman Comes the Man, Spends the Rest of His Life Getting Back When he Can
The chanting of the holy name is initially undertaken on the basis of duty, vows and jnana etc., but until it happens on the basis of taste, with our hearts sufficiently purified to the point that the chanting of the holy name is something that is more or less spontaneous, then the possibility, if not probability of fall down will always be with us. Hence until we reach these higher levels of taste and realisation we need the assistance of a proper social structure in the form of the varnasrama system. Being situated properly in the varnasrama system will greatly protect us from our lower natures. This protection comes directly to women and indirectly to men via the culture of protection and respect of the fair sex.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=2232
On Sunday, May 17th, the TOVP North American Tour arrived in New Orleans, Louisiana to visit the ISKCON temple, fondly named mini-Mayapur by His Holiness Jayapataka Swami because of its congregation of Bengali devotees, many from Sridhama Mayapur. We were greeted by a rousing kirtan and brought to the temple room where the Lord’s Padukas and Sitari received an elaborate abhisheka.
Later in the evening the TOVP presentation was made to a packed temple room full of devotees who drive taxis for a living to maintain their families and support the temple. This was evidenced by the fact that at least 15-20 taxis were parked right outside the temple. Radha Jivana prabhu gave a heartwarming and emotional presentation, and Jananivas prabhu, endeared by all the local devotees as their siksha guru, spoke about Mayapur and the importance of serving this great project.
After the presentation devotees were requested by Radha Jivana to offer their pledges and, one by one, devotees began to sponsor Silver Gratitude Coins for $11,000. There was no end to the pledges. They simply kept coming in until the number of pledged Silver Coins reached 40, more than at any temple previously visited! Along with some Radha Madhava, Pancha Tattva, and Nrsimha Bricks, and Square Foot pledges, the total pledges reached an astounding $460,000 that evening. The ecstatic group of devotees then broke into a half-hour long kirtan, after which prasadam was served.
The post TOVP Daily Tour Day 67 – Vaisnava Taxi Drivers in New Orleans Pledge Half-a-Million Dollars to the TOVP appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.
Hare Krishna! Finding Shelter in True Identity
“One who has taken his birth as a human being in the land of India should make his life successful and work for the benefit of all other people.” (Sri Chaitanya-caritamrita, Adi-lila 9.41) Even though I wasn’t born in India, I’d like to take Lord Chaitanya’s instruction to heart. I’m an Indian-American in touch with Srila Prabhupada’s philosophy, so I feel well equipped with both cultures.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=17659
