The principal challenge to the religious commitment of a new generation of Hindu Americans is the indifference to religion.

Hare Krishna! Where Technology Falls Short
“Do we have to give up technology and return to village life?” We don’t have to give up technology, but we do have to give up the illusion that technology can make us happy. If we are diseased, we don’t have to give up the painkiller, only the illusion that the painkiller can cure our disease. We have to adopt the cure of spirituality for attaining real happiness. And since technology pervades our modern world, we can use the Vedic principle of yukta-vairagya, devotional renunciation: Without being attached to material things for personal enjoyment, use them for the service of God.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=17640

In April and May 2015, Grihastha Vision Team  (GVT) members, Uttama dasi and Partha das spent 5 weeks in Brazil, offering seminars, workshops, retreats, individual couple education and mentor training in various cities across Brazil. The Brazilian centers are developing a devotee care initiative, and one of the many aspects is to try to assist members to have better marital relationships.     

When my children were small they pooled their resources one year to purchase for my birthday a fine looking tie pin in the shape of a golf bag and clubs. Actually I’ve never played golf in my life, and as far as ties go, since my schooldays when they were obligatory, I have made a point of avoiding them. Anyway, although the tiepin was of little use to me I was thrilled to receive it, as it was given with love. I still have it safely stored in my very small jewelry box, where it takes pride of place.

Even an insignificant gift given with love is surely greater than anything given without love. In the Krishna faith, which I follow, Krishna is of course God. He tells us that the only gift he wants is our love. There is a story about how, when he appeared 5000 years ago, he went on a diplomatic visit to see a great king. This particular monarch had no affection for Krishna or his followers, but nevertheless in an attempt to win Krishna’s favour he offered him the hospitality of a vast and beautiful palace filled with all kinds of luxuries. Knowing of the king’s antipathy toward him, Krishna refused the offer and went instead to the small cottage of one his devotees.

When he arrived he was received by the lady of the house who offered him a little fruit as refreshment. Overwhelmed with affection to see her beloved Lord, she carefully peeled him a banana; but, unable to take her eyes away from Krishna’s face, she absent-mindedly threw the banana in the bin and gave him the peel. Krishna in turn was looking affectionately at her and he simply accepted the peel and began to eat it without any sign of distaste.

As with me and my never used tiepin, Krishna accepted the love rather than the thing that was being offered. Love then is surely the greatest gift we can give or receive. And as the song goes, it’s the only thing that there’s just too little of.

Hare Krishna! Sri Adi Kesava Temple, Thiruvattar, Where Sri Caitanya Discovered Brahma-samhita
Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu visited this temple in 1510 AD during His South India tour. This is the temple where Lord discovered the 5th chapter of Sri Brahma-samhita. Brahma-samhita is said to contain 100 chapters. This scripture is so old and so sacred it was practically lost to the general population. But Lord Caitanya understood the supreme importance of this scripture and He found it in the Sri Adi Keshava temple at Thiruvattar.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=17635

“Welcoming A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada to San Francisco”
Sunday, January 29, 1967 marked the major spiritual event of the San Francisco hippy era, and Srila Prabhupada, who was ready to go anywhere to spread Krishna Consciousness, was there. The Grateful Dead, Moby Grape, Janis Joplin and Big Brother and the Holding Company, Jefferson Airplane, Quicksilver Messenger Service – all the new-wave San Francisco bands – had agreed to appear with Srila Prabhupada at the Avalon Ballroom’s Mantra-Rock Dance, proceeds from which would go to the local Hare Krishna temple.
Read the entire article here: http://goo.gl/7x3LfT

https://youtu.be/Z5uGEwPXSFE

The post SRS: Please watch this: appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

About how to chant better japa, meeting Krsna in the vani of the guru, whether bliss is produced from pineal gland and whether we should eat the cooking of non-devotee parents.

The post Goloka-dhama, Daksina, Shiva Alella, Bagi Emese – ask questions appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

Harinama in Auckland, New Zealand (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu recommended five items of devotional service, namely to serve the devotees of the Lord, to chant Hare Krishna, to hear Srimad-Bhagavatam, to worship the Deity of the Lord and to live in a place of pilgramage. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 3.19.38 Purport)
See them here: https://goo.gl/vxzgnL

Hare Krishna! Intelligence and Example
His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada: That is the difference between a devata, or godly person, and an asura, or atheist. Because the asura thinks he will live forever, he prepares big, big plans for material comforts. That is asuric civilization. On one will be allowed to stay here. In the Bhagavad-gita (8.15) Lord Krishna says: the material world is miserable and temporary. It is the place for suffering so that we can understand our position as souls subordinate to God. But fools do not consider the suffering. They make plans for more suffering. This is a foolish civilization.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=17632

On Thursday, May 24th we left Phoenix on a flight to Chicago. We planned to drive to our first stop in Bloomington before going to the Chicago temple that evening, but changed our mind and stayed overnight in Chicago due to a late arrival time. The next morning, Friday, May 25th we paid a visit to the Chicago temple before driving to Bloomington and were greeted by kirtan from an ecstatic group of devotees. After some prasadam we made our way to Bloomington, Illinois.

We arrived in Bloomington at the home of Shankararanya prabhu and his family for prasadam. Later we went to the newly constructed temple he and the small congregation of devotees there have built to set up our displays to prepare for the TOVP presentation that evening. The temple filled with almost 75 devotees for kirtan during which the Padukas were offered flowers. Radha Jivan and Jananivas prabhus then spoke about the TOVP project in great earnest followed by a plea for pledges. In a short time over $50,000 in pledges were made. Kirtan started and devotees received the Sitari on their heads, after which prasadam was served.

The post TOVP Tour Diary Days 64 & 65: Departure from Phoenix, Arizona and Arrival in Chicago, Illinois appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

Vedic Wedding in Vrindavan (18 min video)
If you ever wonder what a true Vedic wedding ceremony look like, check this one out. Conducted in the holy town of Vrindavan by acknowledged priests in accordance to an ancient Vedic tradition this marriage ceremony establishes the ties for two Western people.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/uPL9RC

Hare Krishna! 7 acres and 2.5 houses for sale on Krishna Road, North Carolina
Mitra Das: My wife Maharha and I are downsizing. Our boys are grown, we don’t need such a large acreage and buildings.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=17629

While in and of itself plumbing is not a glorious activity, when used in the Lord’s service it becomes a glorious detail to the TOVP project and an essential and important element in its all-around long-term preservation.

Piping work on the temple started last June, 2014 under the guidance of Gammon Construction. Recently, plumbing work started on the domes. This is to insure that, due to the impending approach of the rainy season, all excess water can be removed to prevent any damage to the temple structure. Using HPDE (High Density Polyethylene), a material with a high density-to-strength ration, this will be accomplished in a short time. On the temple floor workers are also closing/sealing piping within layers of brick.

This important foundational work, as well as all the work on the temple structure, is being done with longevity in mind so the TOVP lasts for thousands of years with as little major maintenance as possible.

The piping work started last year June for the temple, last month it begun on the 3 domes. The Gammon is doing all the installation. Polyethylene (PE) is the material used for the pipes, with a high strength-to-density ratio HDPE = High Density Polyethylene also on the temple floor, the workers are closing/sealing the pipes with brick work. The work is done so that all the excess water can be removed without damaging the temple structure, now that the concreting work started on the domes and rainy season is approaching , this work is very important to prevent water damage at any level.

The post TOVP Plumbing System Underway appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

The post Daily Darshan – May 29th, 2015 appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Let’s review the essential principles about Ekādaśī, from the Twelfth and Thirteenth Chapter of Hari Bhakti Vilāsa.

What does “Fasting” mean?

“Fasting” means not eating. At the very least, do not eat as much as you usually do. (HBV 12.6,91).

The best fast means not eating or drinking [or sleeping] at all from one sunrise till the next. Any and all ekādaśīs can and should ideally be followed in this manner. But, there are certain things one can eat or drink that do not really reduce the efficacy of the fast:

• Water
• Fruit
• Roots (root vegetables like Potatoes? I think so)
• Milk
• Ghee
• Medicine / herbs (leafy vegetables like spinach? I don’t think so)

There are also situations in which one can eat other things without reducing the efficacy of the fast. This condition occurs when one receives a direct order to eat from a brahmana or guru. (HBV 12.100)

Eating anything else reduces the potency of one’s ekādaśī vow. Again, at the least one should reduce ones eating.

Full “fasting” also means fasting from sleep. (HBV 13.86, 87,171, 182, 190, 198, 219-220). While remaining awake at night, one should study Śrīmad Bhāgavatam and the Purāṇas (HBV 13.131, 530)

Who Should Do It?

Everyone – many Vrata’s are forbidden to different types of people, but Ekādaśī is open for everyone to follow, even non-vaiṣṇavas. (HBV 12.15,16, 74, 78). Furthermore, no one needs anyone’s permission to follow ekādaśī, everyone can do it freely. (HBV 12.74 commentary)

The old, young, and infirm do not have to observe it strictly. “Young” means under eight years old. “Old” means over eighty years old. (HBV 12.75) “Infirm” means diseased, or with extremely high metabolism. These people who are exempt should observe ekādaśī less strictly, by fasting until sundown. (HBV 12.93)

When to Do It?

Fast the from the 11th (ekādaśī) sunrise to the 12th (dvādaśī) sunrise, then eat. Don’t eat a feast, eat a simple, small breakfast with gravity and calm. Hari is pleased by those who take this trouble. (HBV 12.5, 13.18).

No inauspicious astrological consideration makes ekādaśī unfit (bad weekday, edge of a timespan, waning moon, etc). The only exception here is that the ekādaśī must not be even slightly mixed with the previous lunar day (10th, daśamī). The 10th must not stretch at all past the sunrise of the 11th (ekādaśī) – in fact it shouldn’t come close to sunrise at all, some say it should not even endure past midnight. When this happens, ekādaśī must be postponed till the 12th and broken on the 13th. (HBV 12.198-409)

Since its very difficult to do all these astrological calculations, one should trust the decision of the most senior and learned Vaiṣṇava in one’s sanga. (HBS 12.410-411)

What’s The Result?

Firstly, the simple result of regular fasting is that your health improves. Ekadaśī is said to be the “best medicine” (HBV 12.110) – and many statements about “removing sin” can just as accurately be translated as “removing pain and suffering from the body.”

Each ekādaśī has its own special result, but the result in general is that if you observe ekādaśī, you express affection to Hari, and this pleases him. If you don’t observe it, you show disinterest to Hari, which is not good for the soul. This will usually be expressed with dramatic and illustrative language such as “If you fast on Ekādaśī you go to Vaikuṇṭha. If you don’t you go to Hell.” The meaning is that ekādaśī fasting increases ones devotion and dedication to Hari, which leads to liberation (mokṣa/vaikuṇṭha). Not fasting on Ekādaśī does just the opposite, it increases ones neglect of Hari, which does nothing to stop the selfish deeds that absorb on in karmas that bring hellish suffering. (HBV 111-197)

Special Ekādaśīs

Every ekādaśī has its own special twist, usually its own special benediction. But there are a few ekādaśī that are particularly important to observe strictly.

• śayana
• parṣva
• uttana

These ekādaśīs mark the days in the year when Hari lies down to rest (śayana), turns over in his sleep (parṣva) and wakes up (uttana). If we want to be serious about bhakti-yoga we should observe these three ekādaśī with much more strictness than usual. The best, by far, is if we can do absolute, complete fasts on these three days (“nirjāla ekādaśī” without sleeping).  If we consider ourselves serious devotees, we thrill Hari by following these three ekādaśīs strictly, and severely disappoint him by not doing so. (HBV 12.101-103)

There is also an ekādaśī named “nirjāla ekādaśī” which is particularly good for absolute, complete fast. Sometimes it is called “Pāṇḍava Nirjāla Ekādaśī” because Bhīṣma highly recommended this ekādaśī to Pāṇḍava Bhīma. This ekādaśī comes in the hottest part of India’s summer (making it particularly difficult to follow without drinking). HBV 15.20-22 says that anyone who strictly avoids water from this sunrise to the next sunrise achieves the all the results of doing absolute fasts on every ekādaśī of the year. Things like bathing and acaman do not break the fast. HBV 15.23-25 state that the means of breaking this particular fast is also essential: one has to give charity to brahmanas early the next morning, at sunrise. The charity should be water and gold (which means money), and then one should feed the brahmanas and break the fast by eating from what remains.

If one is serious to follow this ekādaśī, he or she should consult Hari Bhakti Vilasa, Chapter Fifteen, texts 35 – 44 for exact mantras, rituals, and rules. If you are going to go through the trouble to observe this, you might as well go all the way and do it exactly right.

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Talk at Mantra Lounge, Melbourne University
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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.