Planet ISKCON

Sadhu Sanga Retreat, the 3rd and final day (8 min video)
Indradyumna Swami: The last day of the Sadhu Sanga Retreat was pure nectar because of endless kirtan and the association of so many wonderful devotees of the Lord. We can only pray that we’ll have the same opportunities again next year, as well as birth after birth.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/MM0ECS

Vraja Kathamrita in Detroit, Michigan (Album with photos)
Many devotees take part in nectarean Krishna katha with Deena Bandhu prabhu in the beautiful temple of Iskcon, Detroit.
See them here: https://goo.gl/1Z0CfO

Bhagavatam-daily Podcast:
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CC daily Podcast:
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Hare Krishna! Hope: The Bedrock of Spiritual Progress
Rupa Goswami describes this type of hope as asha-bandha (“bound by hope”): One thinks, “Because I’m trying my best to follow the routine principles of devotional service, some way or other I will be able to approach the Lord and will certainly receive His favor. Surely I will go back to Godhead, back home.” In the mood of asha-bandha a devotee feels, “I wasn’t born in a good family, I haven’t done good works, I have no knowledge of the Lord or love for Him, and no attraction for the processes of hearing about, chanting about, and remembering Him, which will develop that love. Yet still, I want to approach Him. And that very want upsets me because I am completely unfit to do so. In terms of justice, my case is hopeless; all I have are demerits. So, I seek my fortune in the Lord’s mercy.”
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=17569

Harinama in Austria (Album with photos)
The chanting of the holy name of Krishna expands the blissful ocean of transcendental life. It gives a cooling effect to everyone and enables one to taste full nectar at every step.
See them here: https://goo.gl/Jg8JL3

I was asked why I’m not writing as much and the output on my blog is no were near what it used to be, had my enthusiasm and love of Krishna Consciousness diminished? Or had I finally been completely fried out by ISKCON and ready to admit defeat jump ship to another more open and relaxed group of devotees?

An interesting set of questions don’t you think?

In reality I’ve had a lot of blog postings formed in my head indeed at the moment I’m reading a fantastic book on the Sri Siksastaka prays by HH Bhakti-Tirtha Swami; it’s opening up a lot of realisations; that along with observing my clients and how material energy leads us to suffering and defeat and ultimate frustration.

However at times I’ve had very negative responses especially from a few prominent long term practitioner’s of bhakti, some of whom I respect deeply. But their was for me personal frustration as on occasions they felt I was attacking Iskcon rather than making comments on observations, conversations and feelings of isolation and at worst rejection.

Responding to critical analysis of personal writings can be hard especially when you wonder why your thoughts have been misinterpreted or misunderstood; thoughts being clear and outcome of writing to question or open up a discussion or to highlight here is how some feel how do we deal with this group who feel this way.

It reminded me of a conversation with a university lecturer, they were trying to understand why I could verbalise things but when it came to written work this knowledge appeared to be missing. Why was I struggling with the basics of academia?

Trying to explain proved difficult, personally I disliked the whole academic set up for me nursing is more practical understanding of disease process and rational for treatment is needed; but deep down I couldn’t see how this would achieve my being the person they needed me to be at the side of the bed.

My enthusiasm for study was and remains distinctly lacking.

Plus I’ve struggled and continue to struggle with dislexia, b looks like d some words just don’t look right the page often merges into a big splodge and questions on exam questions just appear like what? I don’t understand.

So your simply labeled a bit thick, stupid, uninterested.

The university was very understanding I got extra time in exam’s, extra time for submitting assignments; but this did not go down well with my cohort who felt this extra time allowed me to cheat after all I had extra thinking or research time. Little realising that most of this was spent writing and rewriting and slumping in bed almost in tears at my inability to do this simple assignment.

Those who had worked with me for years on the ward, understood that this indeed effected my enthusiasm for nursing, nurses now needed degree’s otherwise we were simply unprofessional and no one in society would accept anyone unless they had a degree.

Why am I mentioning this?

Some time ago I sat with a beautiful devotee, their love of krishna always makes me feel inadequate if only I could feel this way?, they are extremely conscientious in their seva making sure it is done as perfectly as they can. I enjoy their company each time we speak I learn more about being humble and service.

For the first time they appeared a little despondent the sparkle was lost in their eye what had happened?

They explained simply this I couldn’t manage the course I was doing my mark is poor and I’m failing I’ve let everyone down especially krishna. The reality was for me this devotee purely by example made me enthusiastic in taking up more fully the process of bhakti, example being more than empirical knowledge.

For me to know a little but to act on this with full heart and soul is better than having great knowledge and doing little little with it or worse just discussing and not acting on it.

I’ve seen since the introduction of degrees in nursing that some individuals would have been the most ideal nurse, through compassion and practical understanding are able to convey and convert this to a bed side manor that benefits the patient intensely. But they leave due to the burden of academia and I sigh seeing another fantastic bedside nurse leave.

I myself am now struggling under the pressure of spiritual academia, my worthiness as a devotee hangs on form’s, and exams and later on soon course’s; the worst thing that could happen for individuals like me. My perception of self as a devotee now appears to be one of big failure my mind says give up they don’t want you only those who can do courses and exam’s.

I sit here wondering how do I personally remain enthusiastic as doors appears to be being slammed in my face? How do I remain enthusiastic about reading despite its difficulty because I just want to learn more in my own time slowly steadily without external time pressures and anxieties? How do I impart this enthusiasm to others and encourage them to do more no matter how much knowledge or how little knowledge?

Now I feel incomplete incompetent simply because I know my weakness will mean courses with exams will mean deep failure my dislexia will trip me up and become my undoing.

But the mind always wants us to feel a failure irrelevant especially in spiritual life our biggest battle in bhakti is not with others but the mind.

And I’m reminded of the wonderful devotee conclusion as they lamented their own sense of failure whilst doing the course, I guess its not meant to be so best just do what I’m good at for Krishna.

And maybe that’s what’s it all about we may not succeed in different area’s but if we do our best with what we have we should be satisfied with that, even of others may see us a failures. Just continue in service and growing in bhakti.

So doors have closed, opportunities lost, committees will assign me as a failure and reject my request which will allow me to fulfil my desire but if I love my Guru Maharaja the devotee’s and Sri Krishna I shall continue regardless.

And maybe by example rather than words will inspire other’s.

Hare Krishna! Manchester (UK) Ratha Yatra Festival
Following the return of the Chariot to Cathedral Gardens a wonderful stage show commenced where the attendees had the opportunity to experience a live Kirtan and stage show full of sound and dance. There were stalls providing face painting and henna. Stalls selling books and all forms of spiritual paraphernalia. Unique hot food stalls offering tasty samosa’s and other traditional delicacies and of course a wonderful free Prasadam feast for all.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=17566

Someone sent me this question:  I just finished the 3rd canto of the bhagavatam. Why does it say women/family life are maya? I want to find the girl who is right for me, as you did. But I also want to avoid maya. I don’t understand. If you could answer that’d be awesome.

My reply:

I think you’re talking about this section of Bhāgavatam (3.31.33~42), where Kapila informs his mother that husbands are like hunters setting traps, and so on.

When I was studying that section of Bhāgavatam my Sanskrit and Philosophy teacher reviewed my notes on it and said something like, “Yes, but if someone reads only this they will think that the solution is to give everything up – but this is not the solution Kapila will present.”

If you just focus on the section you are probably focusing on, you will get the wrong idea about how to get out of māyā. Kapila’s solution to getting out of māyā is just after this section, at the end of chapter 31. Here it is. Please read it carefully, slowly, a few times. It is subtle, and it is different than what a lot of people out there will tell you, so read it patiently and with faith that it is Śrīmad Bhāgavatam and the words of Kapila Deva.

To help a little, I’ll try to explain a little. Kapila says that we cannot run away from māyā, but we can learn to interact with māyā in a way that promotes enlightenment rather than illusion.

Here is the really relevant section:

Warmly, Kapila explained, “Mother, if you keep your inner thought focused on your true destination as a living being, then you will be able to move about this world of hunter’s songs and death traps without becoming allured and ensnared by the negativity of it all.”

Taking hope, she would ask, “How should I do that? How should I keep my inner thought focused on my true destination as a spirit soul?”

“By seeing the world in the right way!” Kapila said. “Not by running away from the world, but by seeing it correctly. Not by running away from a beautiful wife, handsome husband or loving child, but by seeing them all correctly.”

“What is the ‘correct’ way to see them?” She would ask.

“Look upon the world, but look upon it through the eyes of wisdom,” he explained. “Put your wisdom into practice! That is the proper way to deal with this potentially horrible world, and transform it into a truly positive experience. If you put your wisdom into practice you will become empowered with natural and effortless detachment from the world. This will enable you to interact with the physical, sensual realm in a disciplined, controlled way.”

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. We are not supposed to discard love and relationships we are supposed to discard selfish desires, and gradually learn how to relate with our friends, spouse, family, etc. in a way that is service-oriented, generous, unselfish, giving, LOVING in the real sense of the word.

All religious strictures, disciplines, etc. are meant to facilitate this way of interacting with the world, and it is the subject of the first six chapters of Bhagavad Gītā, and is known as karma-yoga.

If you have very, very strong bhakti-realization as a result of extensive bhakti-yoga in previous lifetimes, you will not need karma-yoga. Even still you may adopt it out of convenience or convention, or to set a good example for the rest of us, who do need karma-yoga as a stepping stone to jñāna-yoga, both of which support and are subsumed within real and sincere practice of bhakti-yoga. Even if you practice karma-yoga, you will practice karma-miśra-bhakti-yoga, not karma-yoga literally. Karma-miśra-bhakti is bhakti in which karma-yoga forms an initial support. So you will advance by cultivating strong bhakti. This will enable your selflessness in worldly relationships. In all cases, the most important practice is to read Bhāgavatam carefully under realized guidance, and to chant nāma-japa with significant effort on true focus, and to take shelter of nāma-kīrtan.

Destiny will send you a good romantic companion. Learn how to relate to her without selfishness, for her service. As you get the hang of that, it will be very easy to sincerely and deeply inter-relate in the service of the divine. Thus hearing Bhāgavatam, and doing nāma-japa/kīrtan will be the way forward as well as the goal. Do not worry too much about anything else, “should I this? Should I not that? Should I feel X or Y?” These are distractions from the main practice, the essence. Nām and Bhāgavatam.

That’s my practical advice, as a result of what I’ve learned and experienced. I hope it serves you well.

The post Daily Darshan – May 26th, 2015 appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Love or lust by Shyam Gopal Das, February 13th 2015

Answer Podcast:

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From Promila Mataji:

I've understood the following points about KY and JnY. However, i am still not clear why Jnana Yoga is considered superior to Karma Yoga in hierarchy (Yoga ladder) when Karma Yoga and Jnana Yoga are actually complementary?

1. Karma Yoga (action in devotion) is superior to Jnana Yoga (renunciation of action due to adaption of knowledge) because KY is easier compared to JnY.

2. In the yoga ladder or hierarchy, JnY is superior and yet in practice KY is superior.

3. Karmas performed without transcendental knowledge are materialistic in nature. So it's transcendental knowledge that imparts the spiritual qualities to Karmas.

4. Without the application of knowledge (TK, not dry philosophical knowledge), knowledge makes one Mithyacharana, as Krishna warns Arjuna.

Considering these points, it seems more appropriate to call them complementary yogas rather than one being superior in hierarchy and the other though superior in hierarchy, is inferior in practice.

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From Promila Mataji:
It's said in Srimad Bhagavatam that those who take to bhakti in their current lives have already performed karma, jnana, dhayana etc in their past lives. In this case, our concentration levels should be really high. However, we find ourselves roaming around during japa not only physically but mentally too. We can neither sit at one place for the entire japa cycle, nor can we concentrate on each syllable which Srila Prabhupada has recommended.
Please could you enlighten us to resolve the apparent contradiction between what is said in the scripture and how we are in this "reality"?

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Just letting you know we’ll be closed Sunday 31st and Monday 1st June, we hope you enjoy the long weekend!

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CC daily Podcast:
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CC daily Podcast:
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CC daily Podcast:
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When Nārada told the king that his son was returning, the kind could not believe it. “How can a bad person like me get such good fortune?” He thought it was like hearing that someone was coming back from death.

But how could he not believe Nārada, the sage of gods? So, he became overwhelmed with eager joy. In great delight he gave an extremely valuable pearl necklace to Nārada.

He rushed out to meet his son, on his best gold-decorated chariot, yoked to his finest horses, surrounded by the wise, the elders, the ministers, and family. Conches and drums resounded, along with flutes and mantras, as the procession left the city.

The king had lovingly escorted Dhruva’s mother Sunīti into her own palanquin, and she escorted her co-wife Surci and her son Uttama to sit by her side. The queens were beautifully ornamented in golden jewelry.

Seeing his son coming towards them from a nearby grove, the king quickly got off his chariot and ran towards the boy, overwhelmed with love. He embraced the child in his arms for a long time, sighing with a thrilled heart. He noticed that the boy was very different, for all fetters of impurity had been vanquished when he touched Viṣṇu’s feet. The king kept his nose in Dhruva’s hair, while a shower of cold tears from his eyes bathed his son. The king’s most cherished desire had been fulfilled.

Dhruva respected his father’s feet and received his flood of benedictions and questions.

Then he bowed his head to his two mothers. He retained no hatred for Sunīti, because he was the best of the civilized, spiritual people. Sunīti fainted, while Suruci picked up the little boy at her feet and embraced him. Her voice was choked with tears as she stammered a blessing, “Jīva” (trying to say ciran jīva, “live long”). Although she had embarrassingly lost her hold on the king as a result of this boy, still she couldn’t help express her affectionate respects to Dhruva. Water automatically flows downward, and it is just as natural and automatic to feel respect and friendship towards anyone who is respected and befriended by All-Attractive Hari.

When the brothers, Uttama and Dhruva, saw one another, they became overwhelmed with love, and embraced one another over and over again as they shed downpours of tears with hairs standing on end.

When Sunīti embraced her child, her boy who was far dearer to her than breath, the touch of his body freed her at last from all her worries. The mother of that hero bathed him in the auspicious water of her tears and the milk that flowed from her breasts.

All the people joyfully told the queen, “Thanks to destiny, you have regained the boy you lost for such a long time. He will destroy all our suffering and protect the earthly kingdom! You are certainly a devotee of the All-Attractive, who protects his devotees from all misfortune. By your meditation on him, you prevented your son from dying. This is an amazingly accomplishment.”

As the people expressed their joyful praises, the King placed Dhruva with his brother atop an elephant, and they all returned to the city amidst delightful celebration.

Śrīmad Bhāgavata 4.9.37 ~ 53

Translated by Vraja Kishor dās

see: VrajaKishor.com

Hare Krishna! WSN April 2015 – World Sankirtan Newsletter
Practically every month, we see Los Angeles in the No. 1 position in the USA. But April was a special month. The LA devotees did 18,404 book points and were the No. 1 temple in the world. And Santiago (Chile) also did huge, with 15,312 book points — a 345% increase — and Santiago is a small temple. I don’t know what came over the devotees, maybe some type of book distribution ecstasy. When Krsna was in Mathura, he met with Sudama, a garland maker. Krsna was looking for him, though usually it is described the other way around: a devotee looks for Krsna
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=17563

Hare Krishna! Seven stages of purification and transcendental elevation
Radhanath Swami: Sometimes impersonalists chant the holy name of Krishna. Sometimes people who are too much aspiring for material enjoyment approach the holy name. But Krishna doesn’t properly reveal himself to people who don’t have the proper devotion. So we must be very sincere. It is so simple. Lord Nityananda Prabhu and Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu have induced us in this way … Chant the holy name of Krishna … Worship Krishna … Hear about Krishna and give this message to others. Krishna is your mother, Krishna is your father. Krishna is your true wealth and your very life and soul.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=1872

Hare Krishna! The President of India meets the GCL Competition 2015 winner
Gita Champions League (GCL) is a Bhagavad Gita contest organized by ISKCON Chowpatty for the last four years. This year 2015, the winner of the contest was Ms. Maryam Asif Siddiqui, aged 12 from Mira Road, Mumbai, Maharashtra. Included are the pictures of The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee’s meeting with Ms. Maryam Asif Siddiqui along with her parents at Rashtrapati Bhavan on May 22, 2015
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=17558

Building a successful marriage
Last year, the percentage of marriages ending in divorce was over 40%. Many are shocked by this statistic, and indeed, the reality can be ugly. But it is definitely avoidable, often with the help of some simple advice and practical adjustments. Married for over 30 years, and with three children, Kripamoya das brings together some ancient and modern wisdom in this interactive and insightful seminar.
Read the entire article here: http://goo.gl/EsQTSJ

Hare Krishna! The Road Ahead
I think of Lord Krishna’s answer to Brahma prayers: “O Brahma, whatever appears to be of any value, if it is without relation to Me, has no reality. Know it as My illusory energy, that reflection which appears to be in darkness.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 2.9.34) What is the relationship of all these things to the Lord, I wonder? Do these people at all believe in His omnipotence? Everything I see is the illusory energy of the Lord.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=17555

Hare Krishna! Radhanath Swami Addresses the MIT India Conference
On May 2, 2015 the graduate students of MIT University in Cambridge, Massachusetts hosted one of the largest India conferences in the US. The MIT India conference, in its 11th year, has established itself as an important forum for leaders in industry, academia, and policy to discuss current issues and future innovations in the context of India, in the region and abroad. Radhanath Swami was invited as a distinguished speaker to participate in MIT India conference.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=17551

The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust Far East • Middle East Division
The FAR EAST • MIDDLE EAST division of the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust publishes Srila Prabhupada’s books and other BBT titles in fourteen languages of the Pacific Rim and Middle East for distribution in those regions of the world.
As a new Western preaching initiative, BBT FEME is also developing titles specifically for distribution in the Western world to foreign language speakers living within large ethnic communities, as well as to the many foreign students studying in Western colleges and universities.
Read more: http://goo.gl/wvL8cC

Hare Krishna! Kanai Natashala: Where Sri Chaitanya’s Ecstasy Awakened
Sacinandana Swami: This little-known holy place played a major role in the inauguration of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s sankirtana movement.
The devotees suggested to Chaitanya Mahaprabhu that He lead them in kirtana, and this is what He did. He started the sankirtana movement, which gave expression to His motto: “Where is Krishna? Where is Krishna?” In Sri Chaitanya-charitamrita (Antya-lila 17.60–61), this mood of Sri Chaitanya is revealed: “Alas! Where is Krishna, the treasure of My life? Where is the lotus-eyed one? Alas! Where is the divine ocean of all transcendental qualities? Alas! Where is the beautiful blackish youth dressed in yellow garments? Alas! Where is the hero of the rasa dance with the milkmaids? Where shall I go? Where can I find You? Please tell me. I shall go there.”
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=17545

The second day of the Sadhu Sanga Retreat in North Carolina (7 min video)
Indradyumna Swami: On the second day of the Sadhu Sanga Retreat in North Carolina an amazing lineup of kirtaneers took us all to new heights of bliss while chanting the holy names. Radhanath Swami’s morning class touched the hearts of everyone and prasadam throughout the day was simply the best.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/iu6yix

(English/Russian)

The post Questions and Answers appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

Prabhupada Festival in New Dwatka, Iskcon Los Angeles (Album with photos)
See them here: https://goo.gl/FKkgHE

Harinam in Tel Aviv - Friday 05/2015 (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: We have seen many philosophical speculators. They simply talk in the meetings and that’s all. And if we examine their private character it is less than ordinary. A person may be a nice speaker but will that help you in your spiritual realization? On the other hand, if you chant Hare Krishna, it will give you immediate results. (Lecture 1968, Los Angeles)
See them here: https://goo.gl/zonbf3

A nice 19 min. video of the Maha Harinama at Venice Beach, Los Angeles, on Saturday. Biggest Harinama of the year, part of the annual Srila Prabhupada Festival!
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/Ohqyqx