Monday, May 11th, 2015
Hawking Hills, Ohio
Where We Like To Be
Akhila, my dear friend from Salem, Ohio, and Eklavya, origin New York City and I spent the greater part of the day in a van to get to this little paradise. After what seemed like the long and winding road (the only Beatles song I never cared for), we finally made it to the area of Old Man’s Cave to settle into a cozy world class cabin. A creek runs in front of this rustic place nestled in a cool and green deciduous forest.
It was our full intention to hit trails, waterfalls, and cliffs, which are some of the features that the area is renowned for. But a heavy storm set into the state of Ohio, and surrounding areas, which restricted our chances for wonderland adventure. With high winds, rain, and high powered lightening, we were reminded of God’s greatness, and our meagerness – always a good message.
We spent the last hours of the day, preparing and eating a fine organic meal, with Eklavya juicing up Asparagus, celery and other greens; with Akhila toasting and I gathering dandelion leaves outside the cabin deck. Our dessert was not orally taken, but through the ears. I couldn’t help myself to reading aloud for the three of us segments of the book “Prabhupada” and of his early days in New York struggling along and alone, seemingly.
Actually, a monk is never alone, but conscious of the divinity all around him. That is what is good about being in the forest, feeling the presence of the sublime energy and the sublime energetic Krishna.
It will be in three years time that Eklavya will be ordained as a full fledged monk, known as sannyasa, and spending some time in the quiet forest prepares oneself. This place, Hawking Hills, is a good fit for him.
May the Source be with you!
1 km
Monday, May 11th, 2015
Sunday, May 10th, 2015
→ The Walking Monk
Sunday, May 10th, 2015
Moundsville, West Virginia
Since Friday evening, we had been practicing for the drama, “Blue Mystic”. I usually experience miracles through transcendental theatre projects such as this.
A young man, Shaun, 18, from Toronto that was going to play the ‘Mystic’, Himself, just returned from a trip to India and came back with a serious ear infection. The prospect of his playing the part fell through. So, as my Hindu friends would say, “When there is a puzzle or a peril, ‘What to do?’”.
Fortunately, I usually have in mind, some understudy or a backup person to depend on, just in case. I am always looking, hunting you might say, for fresh talent. On my last trip to Michigan, I met a young man named Jake, with a decent build and height. With long, but well groomed hair, and with a kind of a boyish face. He also told me that he has a martial arts background. I had determined from my first meeting him that he has a good nature and is direct able. In other words, he would be able to take directions quite well. He agreed for the part. And that is what I call a miracle. And I didn’t have to look too hard.
Today was the day for our performance at the Palace Lodge at the New Vrindavan community. Yadhunath and company from New York, had just completed their comedic and serious drama pieces which very much moved the audience. Then our troupe came on. Shortly thereafter, I announced my walk for September retracing the route our guru, Srila Prabhupada, took when he first arrived in America.
The lights went on. “Lights”, “Camera”, (yes, someone was filming unofficially), and “Action”. The actors did a near stellar performance (It’s never perfect, is it?). The implementation of storm and star effects was well executed and so was the ballet by Balaram. And there was a good fight at the end with the victor, Krishna, The Blue Mystic, inspiring and arousing the audience.
What I leaned – work hard, and for Krishna.
May the Source be with you!
5 km
Moundsville, West Virginia
Since Friday evening, we had been practicing for the drama, “Blue Mystic”. I usually experience miracles through transcendental theatre projects such as this.
A young man, Shaun, 18, from Toronto that was going to play the ‘Mystic’, Himself, just returned from a trip to India and came back with a serious ear infection. The prospect of his playing the part fell through. So, as my Hindu friends would say, “When there is a puzzle or a peril, ‘What to do?’”.
Fortunately, I usually have in mind, some understudy or a backup person to depend on, just in case. I am always looking, hunting you might say, for fresh talent. On my last trip to Michigan, I met a young man named Jake, with a decent build and height. With long, but well groomed hair, and with a kind of a boyish face. He also told me that he has a martial arts background. I had determined from my first meeting him that he has a good nature and is direct able. In other words, he would be able to take directions quite well. He agreed for the part. And that is what I call a miracle. And I didn’t have to look too hard.
Today was the day for our performance at the Palace Lodge at the New Vrindavan community. Yadhunath and company from New York, had just completed their comedic and serious drama pieces which very much moved the audience. Then our troupe came on. Shortly thereafter, I announced my walk for September retracing the route our guru, Srila Prabhupada, took when he first arrived in America.
The lights went on. “Lights”, “Camera”, (yes, someone was filming unofficially), and “Action”. The actors did a near stellar performance (It’s never perfect, is it?). The implementation of storm and star effects was well executed and so was the ballet by Balaram. And there was a good fight at the end with the victor, Krishna, The Blue Mystic, inspiring and arousing the audience.
What I leaned – work hard, and for Krishna.
May the Source be with you!
5 km
Wednesday May 6th, 2015
→ The Walking Monk
Wednesday May 6th, 2015
Etobicoke, Ontario
Are We Man Enough To Take It?
After the crack of dawn I went by foot from Kipling to Rexdale heading west, then along Derry Rd. which seems to be a path to eternity. This takes me along Pearson Airport and finally to a crossroads where my host for the evening, Nimai, picks me up for the balance of the journey to the dental clinic to meet my appointment. I was going for a cleaning.
The dental assistant gave me an assessment that was pretty good as to my own personal maintenance of teeth. I even felt good having heard her compliments. But you know, there’s another level of diagnosis. When my dentist came to look into my mouth he was sterner in his assessment, which I guess was great for subduing the ego.
“Your brushing is still too aggressive.” And that he said with a truthful tone.
“Oh Krishna!” I thought. “Just when I thought I was doing rather well with regular brushing and flossing.” The photos taken of my inside reveal some increased recession of gums. You can’t argue with the camera unless there are some special effects being employed here. The dental assistant then gave me the advice (which has been done before) that I use my left hand for brushing as it will be executed with more caution. Good advice should always be taken as it is based on experience.
Now for life’s direction, the good suggestions, recommendations, whatever, are out there. It comes in form of what guru has to say. There’s also guru within, sometimes referred to as paramatma. We also have sastra, directions given in the form of ancient wisdom in textual format.
Our guru, Srila Prabhupada, has given us the mandate to avoid the consumption of meat, intoxicants, gambling and casual sex. All this is to provide protection from the influence of allurements which coax us to darker alleys of life.
Good advice is worth millions. You can’t put a price tag on it, to be factual. Generally it comes our way in its multiple forms, but are we man enough to take it? Bad and old habits die hard. May death be the sentence on such habits.
May the Source be with you!
14 km
Etobicoke, Ontario
Are We Man Enough To Take It?
After the crack of dawn I went by foot from Kipling to Rexdale heading west, then along Derry Rd. which seems to be a path to eternity. This takes me along Pearson Airport and finally to a crossroads where my host for the evening, Nimai, picks me up for the balance of the journey to the dental clinic to meet my appointment. I was going for a cleaning.
The dental assistant gave me an assessment that was pretty good as to my own personal maintenance of teeth. I even felt good having heard her compliments. But you know, there’s another level of diagnosis. When my dentist came to look into my mouth he was sterner in his assessment, which I guess was great for subduing the ego.
“Your brushing is still too aggressive.” And that he said with a truthful tone.
“Oh Krishna!” I thought. “Just when I thought I was doing rather well with regular brushing and flossing.” The photos taken of my inside reveal some increased recession of gums. You can’t argue with the camera unless there are some special effects being employed here. The dental assistant then gave me the advice (which has been done before) that I use my left hand for brushing as it will be executed with more caution. Good advice should always be taken as it is based on experience.
Now for life’s direction, the good suggestions, recommendations, whatever, are out there. It comes in form of what guru has to say. There’s also guru within, sometimes referred to as paramatma. We also have sastra, directions given in the form of ancient wisdom in textual format.
Our guru, Srila Prabhupada, has given us the mandate to avoid the consumption of meat, intoxicants, gambling and casual sex. All this is to provide protection from the influence of allurements which coax us to darker alleys of life.
Good advice is worth millions. You can’t put a price tag on it, to be factual. Generally it comes our way in its multiple forms, but are we man enough to take it? Bad and old habits die hard. May death be the sentence on such habits.
May the Source be with you!
14 km
Become the Servant of the Servant, May 20, Prabhupada Village, Sandy Ridge, North Carolina
Giriraj Swami
Giriraj Swami read and spoke from Srimad-Bhagavatam 2.4.18.
“We see that everyone has the potential to engage in devotional service to Lord Krishna. So, we want to encourage them, and those that are already engaged we also want to encourage them. Once there was a temple where there was some conflict among the devotees. They asked Srila Prabhupada what to do. Srila Prabhupada said that if everyone was to think that ‘I am the servant of the servant of the servants of Krishna’, then there will be no more conflict.Gopi bharatu pada kamalayor dasa dasanudas. Sometimes he said that the devotees should engage in common activities like sankirtan.”
Devotees perform Harinama in a gipsy community and spread the…
→ Dandavats.com
Devotees perform Harinama in a gipsy community and spread the enthusiasm of the chanting and dancing (Album with photos)
See them here: https://goo.gl/5xqMR3
Gems
→ Seed of Devotion
For the Kirtan Connection course that I teach, we have a private blog where students write a post every week and comment on their fellow students' posts. This week our topic was kirtan etiquette and pride. I just finished commenting on every post.
I feel like I've just emerged from a washing machine. I feel cleansed inside and out, as if I have received instructions from my spiritual master on the art of leading and participating in kirtan. I am humbled by the innate wisdom of each and every student.
In this course, we have a woman who received spiritual initiation in 1979 and is now returning to the Krishna conscious movement.
A spunky thirteen-year-old and a powerful thirty-two-year-old gurukuli.
A professional modern dancer who has visited the Bhakti Center only once before, and participated in kirtan possibly four times.
A lady who is dedicated to Krishna Consciousness and is a registered member of a Native American tribe. She comes down from Boston every week and shares her beautiful culture with us.
Two sincere and inspired yoginis - one who teaches and practices at The Bhakti Center and the other one who has traveled to India with Raghunath.
A soft-hearted woman dedicated to truth and serving Krishna.
I am in awe by the beauty of each student, so grateful to be serving each one. I believe that they are probably teaching me way more about kirtan than I will ever teach them. Thank you, Srila Prabhupad, for granting me the association of these beautiful people.
I feel like I've just emerged from a washing machine. I feel cleansed inside and out, as if I have received instructions from my spiritual master on the art of leading and participating in kirtan. I am humbled by the innate wisdom of each and every student.
In this course, we have a woman who received spiritual initiation in 1979 and is now returning to the Krishna conscious movement.
A spunky thirteen-year-old and a powerful thirty-two-year-old gurukuli.
A professional modern dancer who has visited the Bhakti Center only once before, and participated in kirtan possibly four times.
A lady who is dedicated to Krishna Consciousness and is a registered member of a Native American tribe. She comes down from Boston every week and shares her beautiful culture with us.
Two sincere and inspired yoginis - one who teaches and practices at The Bhakti Center and the other one who has traveled to India with Raghunath.
A soft-hearted woman dedicated to truth and serving Krishna.
I am in awe by the beauty of each student, so grateful to be serving each one. I believe that they are probably teaching me way more about kirtan than I will ever teach them. Thank you, Srila Prabhupad, for granting me the association of these beautiful people.
Historic Reception Festival of Lord Nityananda,Narasimhadev & Mayapur devotees,May 31st,11am-2pm
→ ISKCON Brampton
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Kirtan with Hladini Kirtan Band at your home
Pandava Nirjala
Nectar of Instruction Course
Sunday School
Gift ShopHare Krishna! Serving Krishna by Serving Tulasi
Srila Jiva…
→ Dandavats.com
Hare Krishna! Serving Krishna by Serving Tulasi
Srila Jiva Gosvami, arguably one of the greatest spiritual scholars in the history of religion, said that one does not really accept God unless one accepts his inconceivable nature. In other words, if we try to limit God in some way, then in effect we have eliminated his true nature. In the same way, how the Lord’s internal potency for performing pastimes in this world expands as the pure devotee Tulasi, an eternal consort of Krishna, is also inconceivable. Devotees simply accept her and worship her with joy in their hearts. And if she blesses them by growing luxuriously, as she has in Vancouver, that, Srila Prabhupada wrote, is evidence of their sincere devotion.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=17651
Vaishnava weddings in Moscow, Russia (Album with photos)
Srila…
→ Dandavats.com
Vaishnava weddings in Moscow, Russia (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: By chanting the Hare Krishna mantra without offenses, one increases his love for Krishna. As stated by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, preme pum-artho mahan: one’s main concern should be to increase one’s attachment to the Supreme Personality of Godhead and to increase one’s love for Him. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 6.3.24 Purport)
See them here: https://goo.gl/5A6Ko8
Ganga puja celebrations
→ Mayapur.com
30 May, 2015 On 28th evening, devotees at ISKCON Mayapur celebrated Ganga puja festival. Also known as Ganga Dussehra, the day marks the descent of mother Ganges to earth. Hundreds of devotees gathered at Prabhupada Ghat to worship Mother Ganges and take bath in Her holy waters. The program started off with melodious kirtan. Then to the […]
The post Ganga puja celebrations appeared first on Mayapur.com.
Hare Krishna! Family ties
Srila Prabhupada explains that we are…
→ Dandavats.com
Hare Krishna! Family ties
Srila Prabhupada explains that we are indebted in so many ways. We are indebted if we take milk from the cow. We are indebted to other living beings, demigods, family, parents and to everyone who has made a sacrifice for us. We are indebted to our teachers for whatever knowledge we have taken from them. Like this, we are indebted, indebted, indebted! Therefore, we have a duty to repay. It is a karmic duty and not just a moral duty! If we do not repay that duty then there are reactions.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=17650
Is Rahu responsible for the phases of the moon, what is a spiritual body and where in sastra is there information about sikhas?
→ SivaramaSwami.com
These and other questions by Manab Mitra, Bhakta László, Lalita-sakhi, Marcus Perez, Mahatma Vidura, Lando Linda and Czakó Misi.
The post Is Rahu responsible for the phases of the moon, what is a spiritual body and where in sastra is there information about sikhas? appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.
Radha Damodara today
→ SivaramaSwami.com
The post Radha Damodara today appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.
Deena Bandhu prabhu gets a new friend from Boise!
Deena Bandhu:…
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Deena Bandhu prabhu gets a new friend from Boise!
Deena Bandhu: We met a nice girl in the park who owned this sweet cockatiel. First the bird gave me kisses, then went after my sikha!
See more pics here: https://goo.gl/PZ25RU
BOAT FESTIVAL In Kolkata, India, 24.05.2015 (Album with…
→ Dandavats.com
BOAT FESTIVAL In Kolkata, India, 24.05.2015 (Album with photos)
Program organised by Well Wisher Forum, ISKCON Kolkata, Their Lordships Sri Sri Banka Nitai Gaura Ray and Sri Sri Radha Govinda dev graced the occassion alongwith many other
See them here: https://goo.gl/GWsbF5
Maha Harinama in Moscow, Russia (Album with photos)
Srila…
→ Dandavats.com
Maha Harinama in Moscow, Russia (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Intelligent men decide to solve all problems by adopting the devotional service of chanting the holy name of the Lord, who is situated in everyone’s heart and who is a mine of all auspicious qualities. Such persons are not within Yamaraj’s jurisdiction for punishment. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 6.3.26 Purport)
See them here: https://goo.gl/v9fZFt
Shabbat Harinam in Tel-aviv (Album with photos)
Srila…
→ Dandavats.com
Shabbat Harinam in Tel-aviv (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: By chanting the Hare Krishna mantra without offenses, one increases his love for Krishna. As stated by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, preme pum-artho mahan: one’s main concern should be to increase one’s attachment to the Supreme Personality of Godhead and to increase one’s love for Him. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 6.3.24 Purport)
See them here: https://goo.gl/Ub5erI
Radha Damodara
→ SivaramaSwami.com
The post Radha Damodara appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.
Bhakti Charu Maharaja
→ SivaramaSwami.com
The post Bhakti Charu Maharaja appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.
Sadhu Sanga Retreat’s success beyond description! (Album…
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Sadhu Sanga Retreat’s success beyond description! (Album with photos)
Indradyumna Swami: 1.600 devotees enjoyed many hours of kirtan at the Sadhu Sanga Retreat in North Carolina over Memorial Day weekend. Words cannot begin to express the deep joy and satisfaction everyone experienced. Perhaps the following photos of Damodar-rati das can help to convey the spirit of that historic event.
See them here: https://goo.gl/CUxhOU
Gita Nagari Baru Yatra, Indonesia (Album with photos)
Srila…
→ Dandavats.com
Gita Nagari Baru Yatra, Indonesia (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: In the sastras it is said that if a person only once chants the holy name and completely surrenders unto the lotus feet of the Lord, the Lord immediately considers him His ward and is always inclined to give him protection. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 6.2.49 Purport)
See them here: https://goo.gl/S2UeAV
Hare Krishna! Miraculous Meetings!
We had an amazing sankirtan…
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Hare Krishna! Miraculous Meetings!
We had an amazing sankirtan experience last week. While traveling we met a man who got a ‘Chant and Be Happy,’ read it, became convinced, and started chanting – all by himself. Never been to a temple, never met a devotee. He just made up his own beads from reading and now chants everyday. Gives us great faith in power of Srila Prabhupada’s book. The full article and video interview can be found here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=17645
TOVP Tour Diary Day 66: Chicago TOVP Presentation
- TOVP.org
On Saturday, May 16th we left Bloomington, Illinois for the Chicago temple. However, along the way we paid a surprise visit to His Holiness Radhanath Swami who was staying nearby.
Arriving at the temple, we set up our TOVP presentation banners and prepared for the Sunday program. The Chicago temple is a very large building and houses the presiding Deities of Sri Sri Radha Kishor Kishori, Sri Sri Gaur Nitai, and Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra. The congregation of devotees is very large and we expected a good crowd.
Devotees started arriving for the evening arati and darshan of the Padukas and Sitari, after which the Temple President, Nityananda Pran prabhu, introduced the TOVP Team. Radha Jivan and Jananivas spoke again about the importance of Mayapur Dhama and building the TOVP. Pledges began to come in and by the program’s end close to $300,000 was pledged. After a puspa abhisheka to the Padukas and Sitari prasadam was served.
The post TOVP Tour Diary Day 66: Chicago TOVP Presentation appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.
Daily Darshan – May 30th, 2015
→ Mayapur.com
The post Daily Darshan – May 30th, 2015 appeared first on Mayapur.com.
Miraculous Meetings
→ Tattva - See inside out
We’re back on the road, traveling the country for the next four months. Every town has its flavour, and every day is unique. It’s quite a task to stop someone in their tracks, cut through the myriad of thoughts, penetrate the bubble of their life and begin a dialogue about deeper subject matter. Some people naturally tune in to the concept of ancient wisdom, while others are sceptical, uninterested and otherwise-engaged. Either way we always have a laugh, a smile and learn something from each other!
Every day we experience a small miracle. Last week, on our way to Torquay, the driver lost his bearings and we accidently parked up in Paignton, a small neighbouring town. As we got onto the high street, we realised we were in the wrong place! I rushed to the car park to fetch the van while the rest of the team waited on the street corner. One of our budding monks, Nikhil, was convinced we had come there for a reason (he was the driver who brought us to the wrong place!). In his two-minute ‘window of opportunity’ he decided to approach the first pedestrian and explain what we were doing.
As he turned to a random passer-by, the man stopped almost instantaneously. “We are the monks, traveling the country and teaching people about meditation and spirituality” Nikhil said. With a sparkle in his eye and a look of disbelief the man replied: “Amazing! I’ve been looking for you guys!” He went on to explain how he had received one of our books, read it cover to cover, and begun practicing mantra meditation… all by himself. He has never had any contact with a Hare Krishna community, temple, or practicing devotee. He simply read the book, became convinced and proceeded to string his own beads. Now he carries those beads with him everywhere he goes, quietly whispering the Hare Krishna mantra to himself.
So there was indeed a reason why we stopped in Paignton that day. A miraculous meeting, likely orchestrated by providence. Here’s a short interview with James, without doubt a very special soul:
Sadhu Sanga Retreat 2015 HG Prahlad Prabhu
→ Gouranga TV - The Hare Krishna video collection
Sadhu Sanga Retreat 2015 HG Prahlad Prabhu
Aerial View of Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple Prai, Penang
→ ISKCON Malaysia Videos
Sri Sri Radha Krsna Temple of Devotion & Understanding Prai, Penang.
How can we continue in bhakti when our faith in devotees is shaken?
→ The Spiritual Scientist
Answer Podcast:
Download by “right-click and save content”
How can we avoid pride while doing service?
→ The Spiritual Scientist
Answer Podcast:
Download by “right-click and save content”
We feel more eager to read news than scripture – what to do?
→ The Spiritual Scientist
Answer Podcast:
Download by “right-click and save content”
How can we strengthen our faith in Krishna amidst difficulties?
→ The Spiritual Scientist
Answer Podcast:
Download by “right-click and save content”
Obstacles on the spiritual path at the level of intelligence, mind and faith
→ The Spiritual Scientist
Evening program at ISKCON, Melbourne on Bhagavad-gita 5.17
Lecture Podcast:
Download by “right-click and save content”
Why do both Krishna and Lord Chaitanya appear in Vaivasvata Manu’s period?
→ The Spiritual Scientist
Answer Podcast:
Download by “right-click and save content”
Do those who live in Vrindavan live on the lap of Krishna?
→ The Spiritual Scientist
Answer Podcast:
Download by “right-click and save content”
Chapter Sixteen of Bhagavad Gita – Harbin China
→ Nitaiprasada
Advaita Acarya Apperience Day – China
→ Nitaiprasada
About the position of Advaita Acarya and how Advaita Acarya prayer Lord Caitanya came to this world to save all the Living entities by Sankirtan Movement (Congreation Chanting of The Lord Holy Name)
HG Prema Caru Prabhu / SB 10.84.17
→ Kalachandji's Audio Archive
Conceptual, conversational and chronological background of the Bhagavatam’s creation narrative
→ The Spiritual Scientist
Srimad Bhagavatam class on 3.10.16-17 at ISKCON, Melbourne
Lecture Podcast:
Download by “right-click and save content”
The Quest for Power over Things and Others
→ Karnamrita's blog
(this blog is recorded on the full page: quick time player needed)
[Originally published on November 26th, 2012 and reposted here]
Superior soul energy lives within
animating matter’s lower vibration
being naturally unfulfilled in a body
driven to search for fulfillment.
Oblivious to its real nature
looking without instead of within
trying to be somebody special
in a fool’s make-believe paradise.
Covered by illusion’s dictates
trying to be pleasured
repeating the hackneyed routine
avoiding pain by numbing.
Achieve Success with the Help of Devotees, May 17, The Bhakti House, Charlottesville, Virginia
Giriraj Swami
“The wisdom of the devotee is that he bows down to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. If one can do that it is special mercy. That is achieved through reception of the dust of the lotus feet of the Lord’s pure devotee. Generally that means to follow the instructions of the devotee. One cannot fully understand the science of transcendence unless one is a follower of a pure devotee. That is why the sacred texts themselves say that one cannot achieve success by simply studying books. Therefore it is said that one should study with the help of a devotee.”
Srimad-Bhagavatam 2.3.23, The Bhakti House
Kirtan, The Bhakti House