Websites from the ISKCON Universe
Nyepi Day, or, “Silent Day” is a holiday in Bali where all activities, whether business, school, travel or pleasure come to a complete standstill.
Once, the creators of the cosmos assembled with all the greatest sages, immortals, scholar-led schools of philosophers, and fire gods. When Satī’s father, Dakṣa, entered the assembly, the sages saw that he was as brilliant and luminous as the sun, making the entire assembly shine without darkness. Even the fire gods were deeply impressed by his effulgent luster, and everyone in the assembly stood up respectfully from their seats; everyone except the Creator, Brahmā and the Destroyer, Śiva.
Being so nicely welcomed by the leaders of the assembly, the blessed, attractive Dakṣa paid his respects to Unborn Brahma, the guru of all. On Brahmā’s request, he then took a seat. But as he was sitting down he noticed that the gentle but dirty Śiva was already seated, never having stood up to respect Dakṣa. Dakṣa could not tolerate this, he glared directly at Śiva as if he was trying to burn him, and began to speak harshly.
[Bhāgavatam 4.2.4~8]
Vraja Kishor das – www.vrajakishor.com
(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 16 January 2015, United Kingdom, Lecture at Matchless Gifts)
What do we really need? In the Bhagavad-gita, the quality of simplicity is glorified. If one can be simple, then one has all wealth. A person who is not simple has a hellish life. When you are simple, what do you need!? And then it is easy… no headache, no anxiety. But when you have a lot of needs, then you have no peace and no rest.
So I pursued that simplicity, simplicity on the banks of the Ganga or in the Himalayas and other places. That was actually when I realized that simplicity is the key to freedom. If we can be simple, then we are free.
Then, what are we going to do with the freedom? That was the next question. Now what?
Then the mantras came, and that filled the emptiness. That gave everything meaning. Freedom from entanglement is one thing, but to actually get entangled in something you love, to get involved because you love it, that is something else!
Hare Krishna! Real life on the razor’s edge
We are always on the razor’s edge, even when, by the mercy of Krsna-Guru-Vaishnava, we return back home, back to Godhead. Our original existence there is also on the edge of a razor – there is no room for inattentiveness or imperfection. Consider this statement by Srila Prabhupada: “Usually anyone who has developed his relationship with Krsna does not fall down in any circumstance, but because the independence is always there, the soul may fall down from any position or any relationship by misusing his independence” (Letter to Jagadisa February 27 1970).
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=16380
Naam Ramayana Podcast
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CC daily Podcast
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Bhagavatam-daily Podcast
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Hare Krishna! Response to Criticism of the Founder-Acarya Book
Srila Prabhupada: The Founder-Acarya of ISKCON—A “Soft-Ritvik” Work? ISKCON Now A “Fifth Sampradaya”? A Reply to These And Other Criticisms.
Ravindra Svarupa dasa: As part of a strategic planning effort by ISKCON’s Governing Body Commission to undertake certain foundational projects to secure the long-term future of ISKCON, I devoted considerable time and effort to researching and writing a scholarly essay on the significance of Srila Prabhupada’s position as ISKCON’s Founder-Acarya. In February 2015 an accusation against Srila Prabhupada: The Founder-Acarya of ISKCON began to be propagated on Facebook and other social media frequented by devotees in and around ISKCON.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=16356
Conflict, friction and human disagreement is, unfortunately, a major part of daily life. Whether it’s the erratic driver who cuts in front of you, or crafty and cunning work colleagues pulling a fast one, unsavoury interactions can spoil our day really quickly.
Produced by Inci Milano.
Hare Krishna Dear Devotees and Friends
We would like to invite you all for the celebration of Ramanavami (The appearance day of Lord Ramchandra) on 28th March 2015.
The details are as follows
4.00pm – Kirtan
4.30pm – Tulasi Arati
4.45pm – Class on the pastimes of Lord Ramachandra by HG Ameyatma das
5.45pm – Offering Gifts and Announcements
6.00pm – Gaura Arati
6.30pm Onwards – Prasadam
7.30pm – Clean-up
A humble request:
“Drivers, please be aware of children and drive safely on temple grounds. Parents, please ensure children are supervised at all times. “
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SPONSOR A FEAST OR HELP IN ANY SERVICE, PLEASE CONTACT:
Syama Sarana das - 0439 969 002
Hema Krisnha das – [Program Co-ordinator] 0411 018 849
Sitaram Lakshmana das - 0422 045 525
Hare Krishna
Atmarama Das Presents Cultural Program in ISKCON Vrindavan (6 min video)
Watch it here: http://goo.gl/xuIFDl
Hare Krishna! Sankirtan Orientation Seminar 101 at ISV on Apr 24-26 2015
Do you want to become an expert in distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books? All over the world people are searching for these books filled with the treasure of spiritual wisdom. The Sankirtan Orientation Seminar 101 will help you acquire the tools of your trade by learning the nuances of book distribution, basic laws, codes of conduct and success stories along with hands on sessions in a fun filled environment. You’ll learn tips and strategies to successfully distribute Srila Prabhupada’s books to anyone and everyone. Join us for this enlivening course and boost your self-confidence!
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=16353
On Sunday, March 15th, 2015, the TOVP North American Tour rolled into Dallas, Texas for its second presentation. Bhakta Jason Starkey was amongst the devotees in the audience and was so inspired that he pledged a Silver Gratitude Coin for $11,000. In this video he explains why, and encourages everyone else to help also.
The post Bhakta Jason Starkey from Dallas, Texas Encourages Everyone to Help the TOVP appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.
At the TOVP Tour visit to Los Angeles on the weekend of May 2 & 3, Ambarisa prabhu made this presentation on the evening of Nrsimgha Caturdasi.
The post Amazing Talk About the TOVP Project by H.G. Ambarisa Prabhu in Los Angeles appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.
His Holiness Bhakti Rasamrita Swami expresses the importance and need of spreading Krishna consciousness as this Kali Yuga progresses and it is an integral part of ISKCON’s overall preaching program to develop the TOVP project.
The post His Holiness Bhakti Rasamrita Swami Speaks About the TOVP appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.
Mahatma prabhu talks about the importance of Mayapur and the TOVP, answering questions about its effect on the world, its place in ISKCON, etc.
The post His Grace Mahatma prabhu Speaks About the TOVP appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.
His Holiness Indradyumna Swami expresses his appreciation for the progress of the TOVP and the hard work of the TOVP Team to fulfill Srila Prabhupada’s desire to establish the World Headquarters of ISKCON. It also takes the support of every member of the sankirtan movement to make this desire of our acharyas come true, and they have kindly left this service for us to do.
The post His Holiness Indradyumna Swami Speaks About the TOVP appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.
Sesa prabhu expalins that, as the Minister of Education in ISKCON he sees the TOVP as an educational project and an integral part of our missionary work to educate the general public about Vedic knowledge. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity we are part of and he encourgaes us to give our “might” to help in it’s completion.
The post His Grace Sesa Das, ISKCON GBC and Minister of Education, Speak About the TOVP appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.
Bhaktin Sakshi from Delhi, India decides that the scholarship money she received from her college would best be spent on “higher education” by helping to build the TOVP to fulfill Srila Prabhupada’s desire to bring millions of people to Mayapur, and ultimately back to Godhead. This is truly the best use of intelligence in the Lord’s service and a wonderful example of sacrifice.
The post Bhaktin Sakshi Donates Scholarship for TOVP Construction appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.
Hare Krishna! Other Ways To Challenge Atheistic Scientists
Scientists are fond of saying that there is no purpose to life, and yet they live their lives full of purpose. They like to marry and have children, and keep pets. They like to keep photographs of loved ones and they love their families, even though love is simply a chemical stimulant for them. Scientists have purposeful ambitions within a ‘purposeless’ world. They want to see purposeful improvement within human society while at the same time they say that determinism and sheer survival is the rule.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=16350
The TOVP North American Tour with the Lords’ Padukas and Sitari, along with Jananivas prabhu, can be viewed live on many North American temples’ live broadcasts available through Krishna.com and mayapur.tv. Go to the link below to see the tour schedule, connect to the live broadcast, and travel with us across North America.
The post Watch the TOVP Tour With Jananivas Prabhu Live appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.
Yuga Dharma explosion in Nepal (Album 97 photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Others, who are not devotees, may think, “How can people devote so much time simply to talks of God?” The chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra is simply the repetition of three words, Hare, Krishna, Rama, but still devotees can go on chanting this Hare Krishna mantra twenty-four hours a day without feeling fatigued. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 4.13.1Purport)
See them here: http://goo.gl/3UAVps
Hare Krishna! Holy Name Retreat at Goloka Dham -Germany
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=16345
Today we received a visit from the Italian Consulate General, Cesare Bieller. He came from Kolkata to visit and meet with a few devotees and to see the TOVP.
He has heard a lot about the Temple and immediately upon his arrival he was very eager to see the project. He was very inspired and impressed by the detailed plans, and looking forward to his next visit later this year.
The post Italian General Consulate Visits the TOVP appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.
Mantra — Sounds into Silence is a feature-length documentary in production that, through the eyes – and ears – of its’ protagonists, explores the new music and social phenomenon of chanting.
A chatri is the roof section on top of a temple dome. On the TOVP there are 8 small domes with their chatris and they are yellow in color.
As part of our preventive maintenance program to help the temple withstand the test of time and the onslaughts of nature we are waterproofing the chatris. Half of them are now done.
The post Waterproofing the Chatris appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.
As you enter the gates of Sridhama Mayapur’s ISKCON complex, you will see rising before your eyes the enormous structure of the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium, built by the efforts of many devotees throughout the world who have contributed their hard-earned income for constructing this historic mandir.
A new addition to the TOVP area is the TOVP office situated right in the walkway across from the temple itself. And on top of the TOVP office is a very special bell, a bell that rings for a very important and meaningful purpose. Every time someone steps into the office and gives a donation to the TOVP project, the bell rings, signaling yet another forward movement towards its completion. So, as the TOVP bell tolls, the TOVP rises.
The post As the TOVP Bell Tolls appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.
Hare Krishna! Zonal Assignments 2015
This is from the ISKCON GOVERNING BODY COMMISSION SOCIETY’s annual global meetings which took place at SRI MAYAPUR DHAM, FEBRUARY 6 – 16, 2015. Zonal Assignments for GBC Members, Zonal Assignments for Special Committees, Zonal Assignments for Non-GBC Members, according to areas that can be effectively supervised and realistically and regularly visited – based on geographical, cultural, linguistic, and geo-political considerations. His Grace Praghosa Das is elected GBC Chairman. His Grace Sesa Das is elected First Vice-Chairman. His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami is elected Second Vice-Chairman.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=16338
2015 03 13 SB 10 59 04 21 Compassion Over Brutality Prahlad Priya prabhu ISKCON Chowpatty
The post March 24th, 2015 – Darshan appeared first on Mayapur.com.
Krishna Balarama Mandir, Vrindavana: 40th Anniversary Grand Festival Adivas ceremony (32 min video)
Watch it here: http://goo.gl/9Fu6rh
Below is an excerpt from the introduction to “Nava Vraja Mahima,” a nine volume series on the glories of Sri Vrindavana Dhama, written by His Holiness Sivarama Swami.
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Among Srila Prabhupada’s many innovations is the concept of “farming communities,” of which the first was New Vrindaban. The instructions that Srila Prabhupada gave the leaders of New Vrindaban were extrapolated from two of the seven “purposes” included in ISKCON’s original articles of incorporation: “To erect for the members and for society at large a holy place of transcendental pastimes dedicated to the Personality of Krsna” and “To bring the members closer together for the purpose of teaching a simpler and more natural way of life.”
Srila Prabhupada envisioned that these purposes could be realized in New Vrindaban if the devotees there concentrated their efforts on cow protection, sustainable agriculture, simple village life, and higher learning. It was also essential, he instructed, that they make New Vrindaban into a place of pilgrimage and an environment in which anyone could learn to love Krsna. Though perhaps never presented as such, these principles can be seen as New Vrindaban’s founding principles.
Srila Prabhupada saw that the expansive area of New Vrindaban provided an opportunity not only for his followers to live as Krsna did, but also to remap Krsna’s land on the natural topography of the Appalachian Hills. As was the case in Visnupura, Srila Prabhupada had the natural features of New Vrindaban identified with those of Vraja – the hills would become Govardhana, the lakes Radha-kunda and Syama-kunda – indeed, Prabhupada wanted New Vrindaban to be a “replica of Old Vrindavana.” In his transcendental ambition to glorify Krsna, Srila Prabhupada also envisioned that seven hills of New Vrindaban should each feature a separate temple with its own Radha-Krsna Deities to commemorate the seven main Deities of Bhauma Vrindavana. In short, Srila Prabhupada envisaged that his American followers “should have a place like Vrindavana.”
While encouraging the development of New Vrindaban, Srila Prabhupada was also constructing a temple in Bhauma Vrindavana. ISKCON’s history testifies to the great pains Srila Prabhupada endured to establish the Krsna-Balarama temple in Vrindavana. It would be a place where his disciples could visit the original land of Krsna and where their children could study in Gurukula and naturally become Krsna conscious.
And while pouring energy and resources into ISKCON Vrindavana, Srila Prabhupada knew that it would not be possible for all of his followers to visit, what to speak of reside there. Thus he continued to encourage the global development of farming communities based on the template of New Vrindaban – holy dhamas in the Western world. Devotees could be successful in their efforts to establish these Western dhamas provided that they followed Prabhupada’s instructions. The potency to invoke the dhama was with Srila Prabhupada, and those who sincerely followed His Divine Grace could be empowered instruments in his will.
While other farming communities were established during Srila Prabhupada’s time, His Divine Grace did not directly instruct that they “replicate” Vraja, as he had done in the case of New Vrindaban. Instead he emphasized self-sufficiency and communal living based on the principles of varnasrama-dharma. In all cases, however, he installed Deities at the center of the community, and by his disciples’ adhering to the activities of pure devotional service, those farming communities also became holy places.
CLICK HERE for more info about Sivarama Swami’s book.
Lecture Podcast
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Bhagavatam-daily Podcast
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The Ultimate Origin is the entity upon whom the cosmos exists, becoming manifest and unmanifest to the perception of living beings. It is known by words like Brahman and Paramātmā. [2.10.7]
Here, the words “manifest” and “unmanifest” refer to the creation and destruction of the cosmos. “Upon whom the cosmos exists” refers to the sustained existence of the cosmos.
The phrase “to the perception of living beings” indicates that the Ultimate Origin is the power which allows individual living beings to percieve the cosmos through their senses.
Thus, the Ultimate Origin is the entity whose power enables the cosmos to exist and persist through its creations and destructions, and is the entity who enables all other entities to percieve and interact with the cosmos. This superb and perfect Ultimate Origin is denoted by famous terms like “Brahman” and “Paramātmā”.
The word “like” in the phrase “known by words like” permits the existence of another word appropriate for denoting the Ultimate Origin. That word is “Bhagavān.”
Let us begin a detailed discussion of this topic: the Ultimate Origin.
[Śrī Tattva-Sandarbha 58]
When he heard that her father, Dakṣa, had ruined her marriage, Vidura asked, “Bhava is the best among the virtuous, and Dakṣa was affectionate towards his daughters. So how could he have done something so hateful and uncaring towards his own daughter, Satī?
“Bhava is calm, self-satisfied, and inimical to no one,” Vidura continued. “And even if he did have any fault, he is the guru of everyone and everything. Who could possibly feel hatred towards that great deity of the world?
“Oh brāhmaṇa,” Vidura concluded, “please tell me the story of the argument between son-in-law and father-in-law, which caused Satī to throw away the life that we all cling to.”
[Śrīmad Bhāgavata 4.2.1~3]
Giriraj Swami read and spoke from Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.2.12 during the Sunday Feast in Houston.
“We should know in perfect consciousness that human life is bestowed upon the conditioned soul to achieve spiritual success, and the easiest possible procedure to attain this end is to chant the holy name of the Lord. In the previous verse, we have discussed this point to a certain extent, and we may further be enlightened on the different types of offenses committed unto the feet of the holy name. Srila Jiva Gosvami Prabhu has quoted many passages from authentic scriptures and has ably supported the statements in the matter of offenses at the feet of the holy name.
— SB 2.1.12 purport
Giriraj Swami: In a previous purport Srila Prabhupada has discussed all of the ten offenses but here he is going to discuss further. The holy name is a person — it is Krishna — so it has feet and feelings. The holy name is actually hurt, Krishna is actually hurt — he feels pain, when we commit these offenses. So, we should be very conscious that we are dealing with a person — the supreme person.