I’m back home and dealing with an avalanche of emails. I’m also back into strolling some streets. The snow is melting, may this be the case with my karma also. While walking I am thinking of guru and the need to read his biography once again, this being 50 years since he came to the west for a pioneering of consciousness.
I met with brahmachari monks today. It involved a planning to build a more attractive and effective program for the future. I believe all young men could use a period of training and self discipline (anyone interested can inquire from me).
My reconnection with the community here means tons, as it does to all places I visit. In my absence I see there was little shake up during a five week visit to India. Some hiccups occurred, which happens even when I’m present, because after all, I am a citizen of the material world like anyone else.
Something that came to me from Vasudeva, friend and god-brother from France, some words from Albert Einstein, is for sharing:
“The most beautiful emotion we can experience is the Mysterious. It is the most fundamental emotion at the root of all true art and science. He who this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer wonder and stand wrapped in awe, is as good as dead, a snuffed out candle.”
Balaram, Mandala, and I left India for the friendly skies. Leaving India means you leave the land that knows. For instance, we went through customs where you get searched by an officer. Because of our attire and certain mannerisms, the security in India knows who you are and what you represent. They'll stamp your boarding pass and say, "Hare Krishna," with a smile and perhaps with a waggle of the head. In other words, they know who you are. They at times ask a question, devotionally related, of course. They may even ask for some prasad (sanctified food). How pious they are!
From Brussels, back to Toronto on Jet Airways, I took the opportunity to speak to a male flight attendant. "I've been a monk for 42 years," I said. He was astounded by that remark. I informed him of my affiliation with Krishna Consciousness. It appears that he knew less, because although from Delhi, he does substantial travelling. Perhaps he's not totally in tune with all that is "Vedic". A thought came to my mind which I shared with Mandala as we sat next to each other in the aircraft. "You know, the more you move in direction away from India, the more you enter territory that 'doesn't' know," meaning about Krishna and His message in the Gita. In one sense it's rather consoling to go to a place where they 'don't' know. That gives us an opportunity to tell.
I was asked to give the class from the Bhagavatam. I was happy to extract some details from the life of Ajamil (from Canto Six) wherein he abandons irresponsibly wife and family for an existence of rajas (passion) and tamas (ignorance). His story is tragic in a way but gradually transitions back to a track of wholesomeness.
Ajamil, like most of us, had a fairly stable situation. In his case his parents raised him in a sattvic (goodness) environment. Urges within, however, encouraged him to dabble in the lower modes as mentioned above. The story comes to a happy ending leaving us with hope. He took shelter of Narayana before passing. In the course of the entire day, after the class, we spent in drama preparation. I did manage to squeeze in a few minutes to read Jayadvaita Swami's book "Vanity Karma". I had to admire his description of the world as we know it, a description in one passage which far exceeds my grim outline of the world in the class this morning.
Allow me to share Jayadvaita's words: "Finally there are the miseries caused by other living beings : flies, rats, mosquitoes, viruses, poisonous plants, howling dogs, and worst of all our fellow human beings - in the words of Jonathan Swift : 'the most pernicious race of little odious vermin that nature ever suffered to crawl upon the face of the Earth.'"
He goes on:
"Oppressors with power : the fist, the whip, the blade, the gun; the fear, the threats, the curfews, and barbed wire, the boot in your face; the tanks, cruise missiles, and supersonic bombers; and when things are just quietly humming along, the governmental bleed-you-dry suction machine of tax." May the source be with you!
It felt like a war zone, really it did. With Holi festival upon us major attacks of coloured powder venture your way. Tourists and pilgrims come to Vraj (Vrindavan) to experience the full tilt of, in the minds of some, an exhilarating event. Some people consider it a nuisance because whether dry or wet application, your clothes, your skin, your house or car gets splattered with the stuff. I'm less inclined towards this type of partying. Tradition has it that Sri Krishna Himself, in sporting with colours centuries ago as a youth, He targeted His gopas and gopis (cowherd friends, both boys and girls). From one point of view the town gets literally coloured, especially with a gorgeous pink-to-violet tone. Looks kind of pretty. And it is a stress reliever. People are happy. It seems like good clean fun. At least I don't see any beer drinking related to it.
On the more dark side I witnessed passion play out from our slowly moving car destined for Noida. Our doors were locked and it's good they were. Enough enthusiasts attempted entry while we were in motion, ready to hurl a good dose of powder. In the frenzy of it all a brawl was about to start nearby and I also saw a young woman, a tourist, get quite clobbered by the colour, much to her dismay.
My story in brief is that after breakfast at the home of Gopal and Avatari (friends), we went through the back stairs, scaled a fence and ran for what seemed our lives with kids well armed that we apparently dodged. That's why I say it was like a battlefield. With candor, I admit though that the rowdiness and prank-prone antics of parties in the west are far more aggressive. In general Asia has got some points ahead of the west when it comes to the spirit of a big party. My opinion!
(Kadamba Kanana Swami, September 2009, Durban, South Africa, Lecture)
When we chant Hare Krsna, we think, ‘I’m a great bhakti yogi! I mean, what can maya do to me!’ Meanwhile, Lord Caitanya is there, at every moment, blocking maya at every step of the way and protecting us. At every step of the way, we are being protected otherwise we would fall down, a hundred times or a thousand times a day! But, by Lord Caitanya’s personal intervention, a hundred times or a thousand times a day, we are saved! But we do not see it, so we pray to Lord Caitanya in gratitude for saving us.
On Wednesday, 1st April 2015, Minister of State of Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation Dr. Mahesh Sharma (who is also a MP from Gautam Budh Nagar, Nodia, UP, from BJP) visited the Noida ISKCON temple. The objective of the meeting was to seek the minister’s help in linking ISKCON’s spiritual tourism to India’s tourism map and recognising ISKCON’s participation in promoting Indian Vedic culture around the world.
Giriraj Swami read and spoke from Caitanya-caritamrta Madhya-lila 8.90.
“Even a devotee of the Personality of Godhead Narayana cannot actually understand the transcendental attractive features of Krsna. Indeed, a devotee of Krsna who is attached to the sublime attractive features of the Lord does not consider Narayana very important. When the gopis sometimes saw Krsna in the form of Narayana, they were not very much attracted to Him. The gopis never addressed Krsna as Rukmini-ramana. Krsna’s devotees in Vrndavana address Him as Radharamana, Nandanandana and Yasodanandana, but not as Vasudeva-nandana or Devaki-nandana. Although according to the material conception Narayana, Rukmini-ramana and Krsna are one and the same, in the spiritual world one cannot use the name Rukmini-ramana or Narayana in place of the name Krsna. If one does so out of a poor fund of knowledge, his mellow with the Lord becomes spiritually faulty and is called rasabhasa, an overlapping of transcendental mellows.—CC Madhya, 8.90 purport.
This is footage that we captured while in India 5K at both 50 FPS and 60FPS. All 4K content is available for commercial licensing upon request. Locations featured include: Agra, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Khichan, Jaipur, and Dehli.
Original Harmonist Magazines Restored in Eight-Volume Set
More than ninety years after the last issue of The Harmonist – the legendary academic magazine produced by ISKCON Founder Srila Prabhupada’s guru Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati – all its issues have been lovingly restored in a new eight-volume set dubbed “The Harmonist As It Is.” The Harmonist first appeared in Bengali under the name “Sajjana Toshani” in 1879, published by Bhaktisiddhanta’s father, the Vaishnava saint Srila Bhaktivinode Thakura. After Bhaktivinode passed away, his son Srila Bhaktisiddhanta began his preaching mission, the Shri Gaudiya Math, and established a printing press. In 1927, he launched an English version of Sajjana Toshani entitled The Harmonist. The magazine, which ran until he passed away in 1936, included new articles by Bhaktisiddhanta as well as Bhaktivinode Thakura’s original articles translated into English.
Read the entire article here: http://goo.gl/BmrnZY
Hare Krishna! GREAT FESTIVAL: 50th Anniversary of Srila Prabhupada boarding Jaladuta
Dear devotees, on 13th of August there will be a great festival in Kolkata, celebrating *Srila Prabhupada boarding Jaladuta and leaving for preaching in western countries.* This festival will be held at Netaji indoor stadium with capacity of 15 000 people and will be well attended by many newspapers, TV stations and celebrities, which gives us big opportunity for preaching. Devotees from Kolkata, who organize the event, are applying for Guinness book of record for biggest multinational gathering. Since in our Mayapur community is many nationalities present, devotees from Kolkata requested our participation, at least one person from a different nation.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=16617
Hare Krishna! Lord Ram appearance celebrations in Nanda Gram Temple, Nigeria
The celebrations of Ram appearance in Nigeria Nanda Gram temple this year was unique and filled with tension. Reasons was that the celebrations fell same day with the country general elections, as Nigerians went out to vote their new president. many devotees and guests also used the opportunity to take shelter in the temple for fear of post election violence. Despite the tension, the activity went smoothly as planed. Devotees started by chanting bhajans, followed by abhisek, fire sacrifice, children performances and prasadam for everyone. it was a memorable day
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=16614
Ramanavami - Harinama & Mantra Music Kirtan in Vienna, Austria(Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: In the Padma Purana, Krishna says, mad-bhakta yatra gayanti tatra tisthami narada: “O Narada, I am present wherever My devotees are chanting.” (Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Madhya-lila, 17.132 Purport)
See them here: http://goo.gl/0ADwqa
The process of meditation should begin from the lotus feet of the Lord and progress to His smiling face. The meditation should be concentrated upon the lotus feet, then the calves, then the thighs, and in this way higher and higher. The more the mind becomes fixed upon the different parts of the limbs, one after another, the more the intelligence becomes purified.
About His Grace Jayananda Dasa Jayananda dasa serves as the North American Minister of the ISKCON Deity Worship Ministry, under the authority and direction of the GBC. He is personally trained in Sridham Mayapur by Jananivasa prabhu, ISKCON's senior-most pujari with over 40 years of service to Sri-Sri Radha Madhava and who received personal instruction in deity worship from Srila Prabhupada and was instructed by him to train other pujaris. Jayananda prabhu spends four months a year in Mayapur facilitating the annual pujari training course at Mayapur Academy, of which he is also a management member. Additionally, he performs many additional functions for ISKCON Deity Worship Ministry worldwide as the primary assistant of ISKCON's Deity Worship Minister, Nrsimha Kavaca Prabhu. While in the USA, he is based in the Mid-Atlantic area and travels among ISKCON temples to serve pujaris and leadership by offering training, guidance, and support. .
Every fortnight, we observe Ekadasi, a day of prayer and meditation. On this day we fast (or simplify our meals and abstain from grains and beans), and spend extra time reading the scriptures and chanting the auspicious Hare Krishna mantra.
English audio glorification of all Ekadasis is availablehere
Nectar of Instruction Course
Starting first Saturday(4th) of April 2015,9am-12pm For more details contact:His grace Vaishnava Dasa via email-vaishnavadas@me.com or call at- 905.790.9972
Originally written in Sanskrit by Srila Rupa Goswami, the greatest spiritual genius of medieval India. Now translated and explained by Srila Prabhupada, "The Nectar of Instruction" is the key to enlightenment for all seekers on the path of spiritual perfection.
The Sunday School provides fun filled strategies through the medium of music, drama, debates, quizzes and games that present Vedic Culture to children. However the syllabus is also designed to simultaneously teach them to always remember Krishna and never forget Him. The Sunday School follows the curriculum provided by the Bhaktivedanta College of Education and Culture (BCEC).
Gift Shop
Our boutique is stocked with an excellent range of products, perfect for gifts or as souvenirs of your visit. It offers textiles, jewellery, incense, devotional articles, musical instruments, books, and CDs inspired by Indian culture.We're open on all Sundays and celebrations marked in our annual calendar.
Please note that ISKCON Brampton is a nut free environment in order to support those with allergies. Your cooperation is appreciated.
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare Chant and Be happy
Extreme weather in Vrindavana (Album with photos)
Writing this I am hearing the ambulance alarms going around the goshala parikrama road. The cars on the parikrama got partially crushed, the trees ripped off.. The cows and bulls scared, running hayway on the goshala ground….
See them here: http://goo.gl/XBrmFP
More than ninety years after the last issue of The Harmonist – the legendary academic magazine produced by ISKCON Founder Srila Prabhupada’s guru Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati – all its issues have been lovingly restored in a new eight-volume set dubbed “The Harmonist As It Is.”
Hare Krishna! A visit to Gokul Dhama, Belgaum
Growth of technology is like growth of cancer cells. These cells destroy the body on which they themselves are feeding, leading to their own destruction ultimately. Technology is growing, trying to exploit and destroy mother earth but that would ultimately lead to destruction of the technology users themselves. Technology can be utilized but as moderately as possible. Prabhupada says that just like the human body temperature is 98 degree Fahrenheit normally. If it shoots too high or too low it may be fatal. It should be maintained moderately.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=16611
Navadwipa Mandala (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: If one chants the holy name of God-Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare-eventually he will see Krishna’s form, realize Krishna’s qualities, and remember Krishna’s pastimes. That is the effect of the pure chanting of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra. (A Second Chance, 16)
See them here: http://goo.gl/lL1ejp
Padmanabha Balakrsna Acharya is the Governor of Assam, Nagalnd and Tripura. He has come to Mayapur during his visit to West Bengal.
Padmanabha Acharya has been very fortunate to be able to serve Prabhupada by welcoming Him in is his home for 40 days, during the opening of the Iskcon Temple in Mumbai.
He is very please with the service put into the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium and by seeing Prabhupada’s vision manifesting.
Hare Krishna! Kirtan Mela Mauritius
You are all invited to attend the first ISKCON Kirtan Mela to be held in Mauritius from Friday the 10th to Sunday the 12th of April. An adhivas ceremony will be performed on Thursday the 9th of April from 7pm to 9pm. If you cannot join us in Mauritius please do log on to mayapur.tv for the live stream. The kirtan mela will begin each day at 10 am and end at 10 pm local Mauritius time. Mauritius time is 3 hours ahead of London.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=16604
Hare Krishna! Governor Padmanabha Acharya visits the TOVP
Padmanabha Balakrsna Acharya is the governor of Assam, Nagalnd and Tripura. He has come to Mayapur during his visit to West Bengal. Padmanabha Acharya has been very fortunate to be able to serve Prabhupada by welcoming Him in is his house for 40 days, during the opening of the Iskcon temple in Mumbai. He is very please with the service put into the Temple of the Vedic planetarium and by seeing Prabhupada’s vision manifesting.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=16607
Hare Krishna! A Special Recipient of Srila Prabhupada’s Mercy
Mr. Sethi replied, “No. Why should we stop?” Mr. Mhatre threatened, “Well, you can build it up, but I will come in the night with fifty gundas [hooligans] and break it down.” And Mr. Sethi turned to his son, who was by his side, and said, “Brij Mohan, bring my revolver and my rifle.” Then Mr. Sethi said to Mhatre, “Don’t bring fifty gundas. Bring a hundred. Bring two hundred. I have two hundred and fifty cartridges.” He was that staunch. Then he and his son—he with rifle in hand, his son with revolver—stayed up all night, in the pouring rain, to complete and protect the project. And no one came to disturb the work.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=9828
World Biggest HOLI in USA by ISKCON UTAH (3 min video).100,000 people celebrated HOLI @ Radhe Krishna Temple, Spanish Fork, UTAH, USA
Watch it here: http://goo.gl/wRvwF9
Srila Prabhupada Memorial Festival & 70th Vyasa Puja of His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami 16-19 September 2015, Surat Dear Devotees, Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. We hope that you are happily situated in Krishna consciousness. We are delighted to invite you to the ‘Srila Prabhupada Memorial Festival and 70th Vyasa(...)
26th of March 2015, saw the inauguration of ISKCON Mayapur’s second annual tribal convention called, ‘The festival of Gau, Ganga, Gita’. This three day convention hosted 600 members from 10 different tribal groups belonging to six Indian states. Some of the tribes that participated were Chakma (Tripura), Chenchus( Orissa), Khasis (Assam), Kuki (Manipur), Mikirs […]
Hare Krishna! The Religion Beyond All Religions
By His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
As far as Vedic religion is concerned, it is not for the Hindus; it is for all living entities. That is the first thing to be understood. Vedic religion is called sanatana-dharma, “the eternal occupation of the living entity.” The living entity is sanatana [eternal]. God is sanatana, and there is sanatana-dharma. sanatana-dharma is meant for all living entities, not just the so- called Hindus. Hinduism, this ‘ism’, that ‘ism’—these are all misconceptions.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=16599
About His Grace Jayananda Dasa
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