Hare Krishna! Is the Ramayana relevant today?
One of the primary values that it conveys – selfless sacrifice – is especially relevant in our present times that are characterized by obsessive selfishness. Contemporary culture largely glamorizes the “me” paradigm, which impels people to seek their personal gratification without caring about its cost for others. When the same inconsiderate individualism causes us to neglect or manipulate the people around us – our family members, our neighbors and colleagues, then it boomerangs to wound our heart, afflicting it with emotional ruptures and gnawing loneliness. Thus, the “me” paradigm, despite its instinctive appeal to our ego, is disastrously myopic.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=12495

Hare Krishna! The incident of Lord Rama and the Dog
The following history from the Valmiki Ramaya is full of import for anyone who wants to be a guru, GBC, temple president or leader in ISKCON or any spiritual institution. “Sri Rama said to Laksmana who was seated there and who was characterized by auspicious marks, ‘O Long-armed Laksmana! Go out and call by turn those, who have come with some business’. Having listened to Sri Rama’s order, Laksmana endowed with auspicious marks, going to the palace-gate himself called those who had come with some request.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=8753

Hare Krishna! Lord Rama: Fact or Fiction
When it comes to the Ramayana and the history of Lord Rama, there have been numerous authors who have accepted the Ramayana as a history of ancient events. For example, the first Governor General of India, Sri Rajaji, wrote on the Ramayana and called it a history, as also did the English Indologist Sir William Jones. Various other western authors have made a study of the culture and history of the Ramayana, such as Philip Lutgendorf in his book Rama’s Story in Shiva’s City, California University; Joe Burkhalter Flueckiger and Laurie Sears in The Boundaries of Traditional Ramayana and Mahabharata Performances in South and Southeast Asia, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; W. L. Smith on Ramayan Traditions in Eastern India, University of Stockholm, and others.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=5060

Hare Krishna! How Could Sri Rama Do That To His Pregnant Wife?
How many devotees will answer the question of how Mother Sita was banished by Sri Rama to Valmiki’s hermitage? “Rama was righteous… He set an example for all…?” Or is there a deeper reason? Such an answer can take the ‘controversy’ out of it. We do not have a right to question any of the Lord’s decisions, but in light of today’s awareness of human rights and the importance of family unity in strengthening spiritual communities, our answer might echo what appears to be a heartless decision to banish a pregnant wife, based on a seemingly major reaction to minor piece of public opinion.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=11940

Hare Krishna! Rama-navami
By Giriraj Swami
The original Personality of Godhead is Krsna, and He manifests Himself in different forms. One such manifestation is Lord Ramacandra. When Krsna appeared in His original form He acted as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, whereas when He appeared as Rama He acted as the ideal king. In fact, the pastimes of Lord Rama display ideals in many ways.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=8314

HG Gurudas Prabhu – CCM 19.188-197 22.03.2015

Hari-sauri Prabhu shares his memories about the history of Iskcon Vrindavana (38 min video)
Watch it here: http://goo.gl/vuMptb

Bhagavatam-daily Podcast:

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The human heart has a natural need to adore and glorify illustrious persons greater than oneself. This tendency is seen today in the adulation, bordering on the absurd, offered to movie stars and sports stars.

Such adulation is the misdirection of the heart’s longing to delight in the glory of the other, an other whom it can love and admire and lose itself in.

When we assume that the other the human heart longs for is another person of this world, we end up sooner or later being disappointed and frustrated because no human being can live in the tower of expectation that the heart creates for its beloved to ascend and reside in. The only person who is eternally glorious, who is eternally all-attractive, who is eternally worthy of being the Lord of our heart, is the Supreme Lord.

The tradition of glorification attains its perfection when directed towards the Supreme Person. Since time immemorial, great saints across traditions all over the world have composed verses, hymns and songs in praise of the Lord. Within the Vedic wisdom-tradition, such compositions have been of various forms ranging from invocatory prayers recited before sacrifices to supplicatory prayers offered on completion of austerities. Such prayers provide philosophical exposition, reveal devotional emotion and offer glimpses into the character of the praying saint.

Distinctive among the various prayers in the world’s theological legacy are the prayers comprised of the names of the Lord. The most celebrated among such prayers is the Vishnu Sahasra Naam, the thousand names of Lord Vishnu, recited daily by thousands of devout Vaishnavas the world over. Pregnant with multiple layers of meaning, it is a source of immense devotional nourishment and inspiration for devotees. The great saint Madhavacharya asserted that each of these thousand names had a thousand meanings, unraveling and relishing which can keep devotees absorbed in an ocean of nectar for a long, long time.

Among the many Sahasra Naams and Shata Naams that follow in the footsteps of the Vishnu Sahasra Naam, the Naam Ramayana is special in that it offers not just an endearing list of 108 names of Rama, but offers them in a sequence that correlates with the chronological unfolding of his pastimes. Tradition holds the recitation of these names as equivalent to a condensed recitation of the Ramayana, for al his principal pastimes are included among these nectar-filled names.

On the special occasion of Ramnavmi today, let's relish these names and seek the blessings of Lord Rama. You can find brief talks explaining these names in the Holy Name Meditations section here

Bala Kanda

1. shuddha brahma parAtpara rAm
2: kAlAtmaka paramEshvara rAm
3: shESa talpa sukha nidrita rAm
4: brahmAdyamara prArtitha
5: caNDa kiraNakula maNDana rAm
6: shrImad-dasharatha nandana rAm
7: kausalyA sukha vardhana rAm
8: vishvAmitra priyadhana rAm
9: ghOra tATakA ghAtaka rAm
10: mArIcAdi nipAtaka rAm
11: kaushikamakha samrakshak rAm
12: shrImadahlyOddhAraka rAm
13: gautama muni sampUjita rAm
14: sura muni vara gaNa samstuta rAm
15: nAvikadhAvita mrdupada rAm
16: mithilApura jana mOhaka rAm
17: vidEha mAnasa ranjaka rAm
18: tryambaka kArmuka bhanjaka rAm
19: sItArpita vara mAlika rAm
20: krtavaivAhika kautuka rAm
21: bhArgava darpa vinAshaka rAm
22: shrImad ayOdhyA pAlaka rAm

Ayodhya Kanda

23: agaNita guNagaNa bhUSita rAm
24: avanItanayA kAmita rAm
25: rAkA candra samAnana rAm
26: pitru vAkyA-shrta kAnana rAm
27: priya guha vinivEDita pada rAm
28: takSAlita nija mrdupada rAm
29: bharadvAja mukhAnandaka rAm
30: citrakUTAdri nikEtana rAm
31: dasharatha santata cintita rAm
32: kaikEyI tanayArthita rAm
33: viracita nija pitru karmaka rAm
34: bharatArpita nija pAduka rAm

Aranya Kanda
35: daNDakAvana jana pAvana rAm
36: duSTa virAdha vinAshana rAm
37: sharabhanga sutIkSaNa arcita rAm
38: agastyAnugraha vardhita rAm
39: grghrAdhipa samsEvita rAm
40: pancavaTI taTa sustita rAm
41: shUrpaNakhArthi vidhAyaka rAm
42: kharadUSaNa mukha sUdaka rAm
43: sItApriya hariNAnuga rAm
44: mArIcArtti krdAshuga rAm
45: vinaSTa sItAnvESaka rAm
46: grdhrAdhipa gati dAyaka rAm
47: shabarI datta phalAshana rAm
48: kabanda bAhucchEdana rAm

Kishkinda Kanda

49: hanumat-sEvita nijapada rAm
50: nata sugrIvAbhISTada rAm
51: garvita vAli samhAraka rAm
52: vAnara dUta prESaka rAm
53: hitakara lakSmaNa samyuta rAm

Sundara Kanda

54: kapivara santata samsmrta rAm
55: tadgati vighna dhvamsaka rAm
56: sItA prANA tAraka rAm
57: duSTa dashAnana dUSita rAm
58: shiSTa hanumad-bhUSita rAm
59: sItA vEdita kAkAvana rAm
60: krta cUDAmaNi darshana rAm
61: kapivara vacanAshvAsita rAm

Yuddha Kanda

62: rAvaNa nidhana prasthita rAm
63: vAnara sainya samAvrta rAm
64: shOSita sharidhIshArthita rAm
65: vibhISaNA bhaya dAyaka rAm
66: parvata sEtu nibandhaka rAm
67: kumbhakarNa shirash-chEdaka rAm
68: rAkSasa sangha vimardaka rAm
69: ahimahi rAvaNa cAraNa rAm
70: samhrta dashamukha rAvaNa rAm
71: vidhibhava mukhasura samstuta rAm

72: khasthita dasharatha vIkSita rAm
73: sItA darshana mOdita rAm
74: abhiSakta vibhISaNa nata rAm
75: puSpakayAnA rOhita rAm
76: bharadvAjAbhiniSEvaNa rAm
77: bharata prANa priyakara rAm
78: sAkEtapuri bhUSaNa rAm
79: sakala svIya samAnata rAm
80: ratnalasat-pIThAsthita rAm
81: paTTAbhiSEkAlankrta rAm
82: pArthiva kula sammAnita rAm
83: vibhISanAprita rangaka rAm
84: isha kulAnugraha kara rAm
85: sakala jIva sam rakSaka rAm
86: samasta lOkAdhAraka rAm

Uttara Kanda

87: Agata munigaNa samstuta rAm
88: vishrta dasha kaNThOdbhava rAm
89: sItA lingana nirvrta rAm
90: nIti surakSita janapada rAm
91: vipina tyAjita janakaja rAm
92: kArita lavaNAsura vadha rAm
93: svargata shambuka samstuta rAm
94: svatanaya kushalava nandita rAm
95: ashvamEdha krtu dIkSita rAm
96: kAlAvEdita surapada rAm
97: ayOdhyaka jana muktida rAm
98: vidhi mukha vibudhAnanda rAm
99: tEjOmaya nija rUpaka rAm
100: samsrti bandha vimOcaka rAm
101: dharma sthApana tatpara rAm
102: bhakti parAyaNa muktita rAm
103: sarva carAcara pAlaka rAm
104: sarva bhavAmaya vAraka rAm
105: vaikuNThAlaya samsthita rAm
106: nityAnanda padasthita rAm
107: rAma rAma jaya rAjA rAm
108: rAma rAma jaya sItA rAm

Bālakāṇḍa:
O Rāma, Who is the pure Brahman, superior to the (most) superior! O Rāma, Who is the supreme Lord, forming the nature of Kāla! O Rāma, Who is sleeping peacefully on the bed of Śeṣa (serpent)! O Rāma, Who is worshipped (or desired) by the Devas like Brahmā!
O Rāma, Who is the adornment of the lineage of the Sun! O Rāma, Who is the son and delight of the prosperous Daśaratha! O Rāma, Who increased the pleasure of Kauśalyā! O Rāma, Who is the wealth dear to Sage Viśvāmitra!
O Rāma, Who is the slayer of the dreadful Tāṭakā! O Rāma, Who made Mārīca and others fall down [far away]! O Rāma, Who is the protector of yajñas of Sage Kauśika (Viśvāmitra)! O Rāma, Who is the redeemer of the fortunate Ahalya!
O Rāma, Who was greatly honoured by Ṛṣi Gautama! O Rāma, Who is extoled together by the multitude of Deva and best sages! O Rāma, Who entranced the people of Mithilā city! O Rāma, Who pleased the mind of King Janaka!
O Rāma, Who broke the bow of the three-eyed Śiva! O Rāma, Who was offered the Varamālā by Sītā! O Rāma, Who completed the solemn ceremony of marriage! O Rāma, Who destroyed the arrogance of Paraśurāma! O Rāma, Who is the guardian (protector) of Ayodhyā with Sīta!

Ayodhyākāṇḍa
O Rāma, Who is adorned by collection of innumerable virtues! O Rāma, Who is loved by the daughter of earth (Sīta)! O Rāma, Whose face is (pleasant) like the moon in the night ! O Rāma, Who was exiled in forest by the words (order) of father!
O Rāma, Whose feet (arrival) were announced by the dear Guha! O Rāma, Whose gentle feet were washed by him (Guha)! O Rāma, Who gave pleasure to sages led by Bharadvāja! O Rāma, Who made the Citrakūṭa hill his home!
O Rāma, Who was constantly thought of by Daśaratha! O Rāma, Who was entrusted by Bharata, the sone of Kaikeyī! O Rāma, Who performed His father’s Pitṛkarma!3 O Rāma, Who offered his Padukā (wooden slippers) to Bharata!

Araṇyakāṇḍa:
O Rāma, Who sanctified the beings of Daṇḍaka forest! O Rāma, Who destroyed the wicked Virādha! O Rāma, Who was worshipped by Sage Śarabhaṅga and Sage Sutīkṣṇa! O Rāma, Who was gladdened by the favours of Sage Agastya!
O Rāma, Who was served by the king of vultures (Jatāyū)! O Rāma, Who stayed at the Pañcavaṭī banks! O Rāma, Who arranged the loss of Śūrpaṇakhā! O Rāma, Who destroyed the (armies) led by Khara and Dūṣaṇa![2]
O Rāma, Who followed the dear Sītā wanted! O Rāma, Who swiftly completed the destruction of Mārīca! O Rāma, Who searched for the missing Sītā! O Rāma, Who gave liberation to Jaṭāyū, the king of vultures! O Rāma, Who ate the fruits offered by Śabarī! O Rāma, Who severed the arms of Kabandha!
Kiṣkindhākāṇḍam: O Rāma, Whose feet were served by Hanumān! O Rāma, Who granted the genuflecting Sugrīva his wish! O Rāma, Who killed the haughty Vāli! O Rāma, Who sent out the monkeys as messengers! O Rāma, Who stayed with the favourable Lakṣmaṇa!

Sundarakāṇḍa:
O Rāma, Who was constantly remembered by Hanumān, the best among monkeys! O Rāma, Who destroyed the obstructions in his way! O Rāma, Who sustained the life of Sītā! O Rāma, Who was calumniated by the rogue ten-headed Rāvaṇa!
O Rāma, Who was praised by the wise Hanumān! O Rāma, Who was presented by Sītā as (Her) protector from the crow! O Rāma, Who was shown the cūḍāmaṇi of Sītā (by Hanumān)! O Rāma, Who was comforted by the words of Hanumān, the best Monkey!

Yuddhakāṇḍa:
O Rāma, Who departed to kill Rāvaṇa! O Rāma, Who was surrounded by the armies of monkeys! O Rāma, Who was worshipped by the dried-up Ocean! O Rāma, Who gave assurance of protection to Vibhīṣaṇa!
O Rāma, Who got the bridge of rocks constructed! O Rāma, Who beheaded Kumbhakarṇa! O Rāma, Who crushed the hordes of demons! O Rāma, Who was taken away (to Pātāla) by Ahirāvaṇa and Mahirāvaṇa!
O Rāma, Who cut off the ten heads of Rāvaṇa! O Rāma, Who was together extolled by demi-gods led by Brahmā and Śiva! O Rāma, Who was seen by Daśaratha situated in heaven! O Rāma, Who was delighted by the sight of Sītā!
O Rāma, Who was praised by the anointed Vibhīṣaṇa! O Rāma, Who climbed on to the Puṣpaka Vimāna! O Rāma, Who honoured the likes of Sage Bharadvāja! O Rāma, Who as dear as life to Bharata!
O Rāma, Who was the ornament of the city of Ayodhyā! O Rāma, Who was bowed upon by all His people (subjects)! O Rāma, Who sat on the throne resplendent with precious stones! O Rāma, Who was adorned by the royal anointment with a crown!
O Rāma, Who was respected by the families of kings! O Rāma, Who was offered the red colour by Vibhīṣaṇa! O Rāma, Who conferred favours on the families of monkeys! O Rāma, Who is the protector of all living beings! O Rāma, Who is the saviour of all worlds!

Uttarakāṇḍa:
O Rāma, Who was together praised by the group of visiting sages! O Rāma, Who heard the (story of) birth and rise of Rāvaṇa! O Rāma, Who was pleased by the embrace of Sītā! O Rāma, Who protected the subjects with prudence!
O Rāma, Who abandoned Sītā, the progeny of Janaka, to the forest! O Rāma, Who arranged for the death of Lavaṇāsura! O Rāma, Who was worshipped by heaven-entered Śambūka! O Rāma, Who was delighted by his sons Kuśa and Lava!
O Rāma, Who was initiated into the Aśvamedha Yajña (sacrifice)! O Rāma, Who was communicated the time of His (return to) state of Viṣṇu! O Rāma, Who provided Mokṣa to the people of Ayodhyā! O Rāma, Who gave bliss to demi-gods led by Brahmā!
O Rāma, Whose form is full of brilliance! O Rāma, Who is the liberator from the bondage of transmigration (birth and death)! O Rāma, (ever) eager to establish Dharma (righteousness)! O Rāma, Who is the provider of Mokśa to those with Bhakti as the ultimate resort!
O Rāma, Who is the nourisher of all animate and inanimate! O Rāma, Who is the remover of all diseases of (this) world! O Rāma, Who settled in his abode of Vaikuṇṭha! O Rāma, situated in the state of eternal bliss (Nityānanda)!

Gita Verse-by-verse Podcast:
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The day before Nyepi or “Silent Day” many devotees from Bali joined devotees from Lombok, another island in Indonesia, to have Rathayatra in a local hindu parade.

"So to have a long term habit change - in other words we want to change our bad habit, once and for all, so that from this day forward we are always chanting with attention and never being distracted (or whatever behavior we want to change) and never slip back into the wrong chanting or the wrong behavior, wrong habit."

From Process Of Improving Habits
by Mahanidhi Swami

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 18 May 2012, Melbourne, Australia, Lecture)

I used to live in Vrindavan a long time ago. In the rural areas, the medical facilities were sometimes worse than the disease. I was in hospital at one time and the doctors were fighting over me. One said it was malaria and the other said it was typhoid!

So fine, I thought it was malaria. I had to buy my own medicine so I was sent someone to buy me some malaria medicine and the typhoid doctor said to me, ‘You will die!’

Somehow, I survived it and I got out of that hospital. We used to have a book in our temple which was called Where there is no doctor. It was a very good book and very popular and everyone was reading it, me too. When I was reading it, I thought, ‘Yes, I have that. Yes, I have typhoid. Yes, I have malaria as well, and I have the whooping cough also!’

Every page you read, and then you would think, ‘Yes I have that. I have these symptoms too!’

That was a super interesting book and you can find it on the Internet but it does not really replace the doctor, I can tell you that. Better go to a good specialist and let him figure it out and in the same way, if you want to understand Bhagavad-gita then you have to get it from a realized soul! Therefore, next to the Gita there must also be a guru or guru parampara – gurus from different levels as teachers. There must be teachers. Doctoring alone, then good luck, since you may cut-off your leg and think it is a good idea!

Happy Ramanavami 2015

When? Sunday,March 29 2015,11am-2.30pm Where? 6 George Street South Brampton, Ontario L6Y 1P3, Canada Park underground(free) @ City Hall Phone:416-648-3312 New! Listen Click here to listen to previous class recordings on our blog Make a Donation

Bhagavad Gita 10.31 pavanah pavatām asmi rāmah śastra-bhrtām aham jhasānām makaraś cāsmi srotasām asmi jāhnavī Translation Of purifiers I am the wind, of the wielders of weapons I am Rāma, of fishes I am the shark, and of flowing rivers I am the Ganges.    Special Extended Program: 11:00 - 11:15  Tulsi Aarti 11:15 - 11:30   Guru Aarti 11:30 - 11:55  Aarti 11:55 - 12:00  Narasinga Prayer 12:00 - 12:45 Glories of Lord Ramachandra - HG Shrinath Prabhu 12:45 - 1:10     Pushpanjali  1:10 - 1:30      Lord Ramachandra Maha Aarti  1:30 - 2:00     Sunday School Graduation   2.00pm       Lord Ramachandra Grand feast   "So far as your working engagement is concerned, certainly you are not a karmi. Any person whose constant occupation is Krishna Consciousness, he is not a karmi ; he is a devotee in all circumstances. You should accept the best source of monetary income and use it for Krishna. That is better than sannyasa. Stick to your job and use it for Krishna Consciousness. You are not a karmi."(Srila Prabhupada) Details: *Ramanavami Grand Feast- $251 *Ramanavami Exquisite Sringar- $501 *Ramanavami Maha Arati- $108 and more. *For sponsorships/financing the event do contact Amogha lila Dasa in person or  alokearora@hotmail.com   About Lord Ramacandra “Lord Rama is the chief of the house of Raghu and the saviour of the fallen souls; all respects and praise to mother Sita and Lord Ramacandra.”   The word Rama literally means one who is divinely blissful, gives joy to others and in whom sages rejoice. The name of Lord Rama is the greatest purifier of the heart. It not only wipes away all one’s sins but it wipes away the sinful tendencies as well. Lord Shiva tells His consort Parvati: “This Ram Naam is equal to the Lord’s one thousand names or repetition of the mantra a thousand times.” The Ramayana’s perennial relevance lies in its power to inspire us to broaden our consciousness from “me” to “we” and to momentously expand the definition of “we” from the human-human paradigm to the human-divine. The kingdom of God, or Rama-rajya, is impossible without the awakening of God consciousness in the mass mind of the people of the world. Ramanavami is therefore a spiritual reminder of the noble ideals for which Lord Rama stood. Devotees celebrate this day by fasting till sunset, singing and chanting His holy names, pastimes and glories.     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

Naam Ramayana Podcast

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CC daily Podcast

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Ramnavmi Evening Cultural Entertainment Day 1&2 at Krishna-Balaram Mandir (Album 125 photos)
See them here: http://goo.gl/6vOE8K

Verse 4.37: As a blazing fire turns firewood to ashes, O Arjuna, so does the fire of knowledge burn to ashes all reactions to material activities.

Motivation. It's the hidden catalyst behind everything we do. Whether we acknowledge those reasons or turn a blind eye to them, the fact remains, we are motivated beings.

Those motivations lead us to act which naturally bring some type of result; that is essentially what karma is all about.

This verse, however, indicates that there is a missing component to the karma equation. That component is intention.

The difference between motivation and intention is a subtle, but an important one. Whereas motivations deals with the reason or willingness to do something, intention reflects a specific purpose or attitude in performing an action.

It is the intention behind our actions that deems whether any karma is associated with it. An action in and of itself is neither good or bad. It is neutral. It is our intention that colours it.

Today's verse highlights the power of intention.

It also encourages us to do the inner work that is necessary. This begins by taking a good look at our motivations. Although we can try to change our intention without looking into our motivations, it can, sometimes be premature. Looking into the reasons why we do things, forces to face what we are looking for, whether it be validation, power, security, love, etc.

Personally, it is something I struggle with on a daily basis since it can be extremely confronting and disheartening. It's much more convenient to turn a blind eye to our motivations.

But turning a blind eye handicaps us. When we see the reason why we do things, we become aware of not only ourselves but why we behave in certain ways with certain people. From there, we can start to tangibly work on transforming our intentions.

Every week now, we are challenging ourselves to practically apply the Gita in our lives. This week's challenge is to take five minutes out of your day to reflect on one action you took and ask yourself why you acted the way you did. Feel free to leave your observations in the comments below!

Ramnavmi Festival Day-2 at Krishna-Balaram Mandir (Album 63 photos)
See them here: http://goo.gl/jT10Zr

Puri Tour by Mayapur Local Preaching
For the pleasure of their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Madhav, Pancatattva, Sri Nrisimha Dev, Sri Jagannath Baladev Subhadra Maharani and Srila Prabhupada, Mayapur Local Preaching (MLP) went to Sri Jagannath Puri for a six day tour from 10th to 15th March. 70 Bhakti Vriksha members went for the trip and by the mercy of Their Lordships, all devotees have returned back fine. Devotees went by the Howrah Puri Express on 10th night and reached Puri on 11th morning. The program inauguration took place at the garden of Tota Gopinath temple around 11 am with glorification of Lord ‘Sri Tota Gopinath’ by H.G.Mathuresh Prabhu. They visited following pastime places of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu followed by Harinam Sankirtan: ‘Sat-asan’ places, Siddha Bakul, Gambhira, Srila Sarba Bhouma Bhattacarya Griha, Sheta Ganga, Sheta Madhav, Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Thakur’s Birth Place,Sri Jagannath Ballava uddyan, Gundica Temple, Sri Nrisimha Mandir, Sri Indraduymna Sarovar, Lord Nilmadhav at Kontila village, Lingaraj Temple at Bhubaneswar, Bindu Sarovar, Ananta Basudev, Sakshi Gopal Mandir, Allalnath and Sri Jagannath Temple both inside and outside. Devotees brought a self-cooking arrangement from Mayapur and they were happy to honor delicious prasadam three times a day. Other than these programs, there was also a provision for samudra snnan (bathing in the ocean) as recommended by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. H.G. Ananda Bardhan Prabhu led the party as Tirtha Guru and talked about the pastimes of the Lord at different pilgrimages. The participants were very happy with the tour and some of them even cried out in ecstasy. Overall, the tour has completed successfully under the guidance and co-ordination of H.G. Mathuresh Prabhu.
Read the entire article here: http://goo.gl/4tAF3k

Hare Krishna! Top Preachers and Centers in the World, 2015
On the 3rd of March 2015, the ISKCON Congregational Development Ministry gave awards to devotees from all around the globe, who have done an outstanding service in the area of congregational preaching. In the award ceremony, there were three types of awards given: Award, Merit and Recognition.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=16449

Hare Krishna! Residential Veda Course
Sutapa das: The residential Veda Course is designed for those wishing to gain a foundational understanding of bhakti-yoga. Over a period of three months, the following modules are covered: Theology and Philosophy, Devotional Practice and Vaishnava Culture. You will experience the early-morning devotional programme, practical temple services and the variety of festivals that make Bhaktivedanta Manor famous. Living in a spiritual community will help you to deepen your knowledge, strengthen your faith and build friendships that will last a lifetime.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=16445

Hare Krishna! TOVP Tour Daily Diary: Day 5 to Day 12
$230,000 Raised in New Goloka Dhama, $200,000 Pledged from Denver Temple, $250,000 pledged by Mr. and Mrs. Vora’s friends and many more victories from the traveling TOVP team’s tour in North American Temples and Communities. Also Jananivas Prabhu’s 71st Birthday Celebrated and Deity Seva Seminars given.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=16437

Hare Krishna! GBC College – First Residential Session Completed
“It’s been a life-changing experience to attend these GBC College sessions,” said Gauranga Simha Prabhu, Co-director for ISKCON Mayapur. “This training has motivated me in such a way that I want to rededicate myself to serving the movement of Srila Prabhupada with more seriousness and vigor.” After the initial three days of association with the HH Radhanath Maharaja, HH Giriraj Maharaja and HH Bhakti Charu Maharaja, the participants (figuratively) rolled up their sleeves and explored the nuts and bolts of effective communication in the “Conscious Leadership” course by Brajmohan Prabhu.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=16432

Hare Krishna! Gaura Purnima on Oxford Street
Oxford Street is one of the most busiest streets in the world for tourists and shoppers. And Gaura Purnima is the most important day of the year so it only makes sense to have a Rathayatra festival down this street at peak time. Srila Prabhupada visited Soho street with a view to buying a temple, he was sick, lying down in the car, he asked Jaya Tirtha Prabhu one question, ” how far are we from Oxford street?” Just about 20 yards, “buy it”.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=16429

Hare Krishna! Report from the celebrations of the 40th anniversary of Sri Krishna Balarama Mandir
This morning after an amazing Srimad Bhagavatam class by Her Grace Daivi Shakti Mataji (above), one of the earliest pioneers of our Krishna Balaram temple, the devotees visited the Radha Vamsi Gopal Temple, where Srila Prabhupada stayed before moving to Radha Damodar. Secluded, serene and sweet is the only words to describe Radha Vamsi Gopal temple. Deena Bandhu Prabhu gave a wonderful description and the devotees visited Srila Prabhupada’s room 3 floors up.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=16426

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Gunarnava prabhu (first temple president) and Surabhi prabhu (the devotee architect who designed and builded the Krishna Balaram Mandir) share nectarean memories about the beginings of Iskcon Vrindavana. (55 min video, but there are two more following)
Watch it here: http://goo.gl/JgBtT8

Even after all this criticism, the mountain-dwelling Śiva remained quiet and did not retaliate. Angry Dakṣa, on the other hand, ritually sprinkled himself with drops of water in preparation for pronouncing a curse: “Whenever sacrifice is offered to the gods, Indra and his followers will receive portions but Bhava shall not – for he is a god unfit to be counted amongst the gods!”

The leaders of the assembly had tried to stop Dakṣa from pronouncing this curse, but this only made him more angry, and he stormed off for home.

Śiva was not angry, but his great devotee Nandīśvara became red-eyed and blinded by rage. He pronounced a terrible curse upon Dakṣa and all the Brāhmaṇas who did not protest Dakṣa’s behavior: “You who are so superficial and external that you bear hatred towards Śiva – a Blessed Being who hates no one – will become fools, completely ignorant of philosophical truth! You will make a mockery of righteousness, while actually being completely addicted to mundane pleasures common to any ordinary household. Without any true realization, your comprehension of the Veda will be limited to rituals that promise materialistic, selfish gains. Dakṣa is already such a fool! His intellect is external, and mistakes the body for the self. Not knowing his true self-interest, he is like an animal interested only in reproducing with women. Therefore, he should look like an animal! Let him soon have the head of a goat!

“He has the learning and intellect of an ignorant fool, dull and obsessed with selfish deeds. Therefore he shall suffer again and again in this world of birth and death! And those who tolerated his insults of Gentle Śiva will suffer the same fate! Anyone who bears hatred towards the Destroyer shall become a bewildered fool intoxicated by the honey-fragrance of the Veda’s enchanting promises of material power and pleasure. You foolish so-called Brāhmaṇas will eat anything and everything just to nourish your fat bellies, and you will pursue so-called learning, austerity, and vows just to earn money to lavish upon your body and senses. May you all wander in this world like beggars!”

[Bhāgavatam 4.2.17 ~ 26]

Vraja Kishor dās

www.VrajaKishor.com

PS – Nandīśvara is a synonym for Nandikeśa, who the Purāṇic Encyclopedia defines as: “Chief of the Bhūta-gaṇa of Shiva” saying that he once took the form of a monkey and cursed Rāvaṇa.

Tagged: Brahmins, Curses, Nandikesha, Nandishwara, Shiva