Planet ISKCON

Srila Prabhupada Disciple Profile
Ragatmika Dasi concluded that the goal of life was to “merge with the totality of spirit.” However, not wanting to achieve liberation alone, she wished to share her new-found discoveries with her friends. In pursuance of meeting them, she had a timely meeting with Bhuta Bhavana das on the subway in 1971, who told her that “Buddhists want to go home alone, but devotees of Krishna want to take others with them.” This resonated deeply with her. He invited her to the Sunday Love Feast the next day. Having previously gotten a BTG in Central Park, wherein there was an article describing the four regulative principles of freedom, which had appealed to her, she felt she had nothing left to do in this world but go to that Sunday feast. At the Brooklyn Temple, hearing the Panca Tattva mantra brought tears to her eyes. The story of “Liquid Beauty” also impressed her. When it came to honoring prasadam, she not only ate the prasadam from her own plate, but also the remnants from all the other plates at the Sunday program, disregarding her identification as a macrobiotic. She finally felt “at home.” The next day (4th of July) she was in a sari on Jones Beach, distributing BTG’s with the devotees.
Read the entire article here: http://goo.gl/jch4Gx

The fifth day of the Annual General Meeting of ISKCON’s Governing Body Commission focused on celebrating the 50^th anniversary of ISKCON’s incorporation in 2016. Pancaratna Dasa, a member of the 50^th Anniversary International Steering Committee, presented an elaborate report on the progress made so far along with the list of events being planned. 

Navadwip Mandal Parikrama 4th Day (Album 14 photos)
Srila Prabhupada: “Whatever state of being one remembers when he quits his body, that state he will attain without fail.” If one practices chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, he is naturally expected to chant Hare Krishna when he meets with some accident. Even without such practice, however, if one somehow or other chants the holy name of the Lord (Hare Krishna) when he meets with an accident and dies, he will be saved from hellish life after death.
(Srimad-Bhagavatam, 6.2.15 Purport)
See them here: http://goo.gl/Zd3CQp

Rasika Nam prabhu: From hippy to bhakta to departed soul. (4 min video)
During the night from 23 to 24 February Rasika-nama Prabhu wonderful devotee, with the voice of a Gandharva, who has spent a lifetime performing Harinam left his body. He is remembered by many for his wonderful kirtans at Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama 2014. He was like a Vishnuduta with a constant smile, carrying on his shoulder an accordion, always singing the holy name with enthusiasm and faith!.
During a Harinam Rasika-nama Prabhu (while he was leading it) became ill and he was taken to the hospital for “emergency” with a suspected heart attack, and that same night he went to Krishna. Rasika-nama Prabhu left the body, looking at Prabhupada, with his japa mala in his hands, and while he was conscious. He told the doctor that Prabhupada is our spiritual master. He was 32. Rasika-nama prabhu ki jaya! Srila Prabhupada ki jaya!
Watch it here: http://goo.gl/Wq4Bnx

The post February 25th, 2015 – Darshan appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Power Of Devotional Service – Murlidhar Prabhu

class

Everyone is invited to GAURA PURNIMA FESTIVAL in New Vrindaban.

Thursday March 5, 2015

5:00 AM                 MANGAL  ARATI
5:30 AM                 NRSIMHA PRAYERS
5:45 AM                 TULASI PRAYERS
6:00 AM                 JAPA
7:30 AM                 GURU PUJA
8:00 AM                 GREETING THE DEITIES
8:20 AM                 SRIMAD BHAGAVATAM CLASS
11:00 AM              GOVARDHAN PARIKRAMA ( weather permitting)
1:00 PM                ARATI
1:30 PM                CLASS
2:15 PM                *Lunch  Prasadam (for those  who are not fasting)*

2:30 PM                GAURANGA BHAJANS
4:00 PM                Special Presentation by Sankirtan das:How & Why the Hare Krsna Mantra Came West

5:00 PM                ABHISHEKA ON THE ALTAR
6:00 PM                LECTURE BY HIS HOLINESS VARSANA SWAMI
7:00 PM                ARATI
7:40 PM                MAHA KIRTAN
8:00 PM                PRASADAM FEAST
Your preparations for the Lord are welcome.  Please bring them by 5:45 PM.     Thank you!

Here is a wonderful Japa question and answer session with Giriraj Swami and Sacinandana Swami in Philadelphia. Email subscribers please click the large blue link above to hear the audio.

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 16 January 2014, Bhaktivedanta Manor, England, Srimad Bhagavatam 9.10.21-22)

Devotees of Krsna have somewhat of a different mood than devotees of Lord Rama. Devotees of Rama are very strict about dharma as Lord Rama himself, was extremely strict with executing dharmic principles in this world, even to the point of abandoning Sita devi.

From the other side, Krsna promises that he would not take up any weapon in Kuruksetra but in the middle of the battlefield, we see what happens. Bhisma, who is the best fighter, gives a bit of trouble to Krsna’s friend, Arjuna. And what do we see then? Immediately, Krsna abolishes his promise, just like that. He takes up the wheel of a chariot and storms at Bhisma, ready to kill him! Just see! He broke his promise just like that!

Therefore, kaunteya pratijanih na me bhaktya pranasyati. “Declare it boldly, o Arjuna, that my devotee will never perish!” (Bhagavad-gita 9.31) Why Arjuna? Because nobody will believe Krsna, as he does not always keep his promises, as say the acharyas, but Arjuna is a man of his word and would not break it.

So we see that the principles of dharma are meant for this world. When the Supreme Personality of Godhead comes to show how to live in this world, then he displays the principles of dharma. But when the Supreme Personality of Godhead comes to show what it is like in the spiritual world, then he breaks all the rules of dharma, because his devotee is more important to him than his own reputation, and more important than dharma. He is ready to put his devotee before anything and that is Krsna, bhakta vatsala – one who places his devotee before anything and who is ready to fully dedicate himself to his devotee.

It is said that Krsna even takes the form that a devotee desires. Krsna is known as daksa – the one who is expert and who is fulfilling different purposes at the same time. So, as he was breaking his promise to show that he is even transcendental to dharma, he was also reciprocating with his devotee, Bhisma, with whom had the vira-rasa, the relationship of chivalry. So Bhisma was fighting with him, shooting arrows at Krsna and making wounds on his body, and Krsna took it as offerings of flowers. It is so amazing how Krsna reciprocates and takes the form that his devotee desires. It is so wonderful how the Lord becomes controlled by the desire of his devotee! That is Krsna! And that is why there are so many forms of the Lord, as each form reciprocates with devotees who have different moods.

 

Gita Verse-by-verse Study Podcast

Download by "right-click and save content"

Holy Name Meditation Podcast:

Download by "right-click and save content"

CC-daily Podcast:

Download by "right-click and save content"

Bhagavatam-daily Podcast

Download by "right-click and save content"

Lecture Podcast:

Download by "right-click and save content"

Great and young kirtaniya Rasika Nam prabhu (Roman Shkirya) has left us.
See the gallery and amazing video here: http://goo.gl/sjkBb1

Parikrama Day 3 (Album 208 photos)
Today the Parikrama headed to Madhyadvipa, the island of Smaranam ( remembering). The fisrt Holy place visited was Hamsa Vahana, where the devotees prayied for eagerness toLord Shiva. Then the Parikrama reached Naimisaranya where Guru Puja was held followed by speeches by HGPankajanghri Prabhu, HH Vigna Vinas Narasimha Swami. The highest peak of the day was the Maha Harinam at Navadwipa town ( Koladvipa) led by HH Sacinandana Swami,followed by a wonderful visit to Dhameswara Mahaprabhu. There Agnidev Prabhu led the devotees in an ocean of sweet kirtans.
See them here: http://goo.gl/Ttgqp3

Hare Krishna! From Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir: HH Sivarama Swami
“The conditioned soul has desires and the Supreme Soul fulfills them.” I have a desire to lift my arm and Supersoul fulfills that desire. But He is also the permitter. That means that He is not obliged to lift my arm. He is not obliged to move the senses so that my arms actually..…my muscles, so that my arms can lift up. And so what determines that someone can lift their arms and some else cant? And then that will be the karma. So you have your free will, oh yes, I want to do something. And then the Supersoul takes that into consideration, and says this person deserves to lift his arm.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=15746

Hare Krishna! From Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir: HH Candramauli Swami
It is explained that there are six enemies of the conditioned soul: lust, anger, greed, illusion, pride, and envy. Bhaktivinoda Thakura explains that in anger, lust is there. In greed, lust and anger are there. In illusion, lust, anger, and greed are there. In pride, lust, anger, greed, and illusion are there. In envy, you get the whole package. So Daksa, also, was affected by envy. But at the same time, he was so proud. Because he had so many good qualifications. He did not understand the principle of how to honor a great personality. Because he got so much respect, honor, and attention, and had so many good qualities, he committed an offense to a great soul.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=15742

Hare Krishna! Sita Devi’s Inner Harmony
Sita Devi’s example shows that one who acts according to God’s desire is peaceful and has harmonious relationships, regardless of circumstances. Sita Devi exhibits her inner harmony throughout her ordeal, whether she’s hearing of her husband’s fourteen-year banishment to the forest, being abducted and imprisoned by Ravana, or being reunited with Lord Rama.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=15738

Mayapura Bhagavatam Class.

The post Offering our respects to the Supersoul appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

The post Evening kirtan, February 23rd appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

Beautiful gallery about the shooting of the new “Acharya” film, Srila Prabhupada’s biogaphy. India Reenactment Shoot, Behind The Scenes and Archival Shots Of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
See them here: http://goo.gl/XJOvgQ

https://flic.kr/s/aHsk89GaVR

The post Scenes from Gurukula Parikrama to Godrumadvipa appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

Sri Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama Day 2 (Album 64 photos)
Gauranga!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Very Very special day. Agnidev prabhu sang Boro Sukhe Gabor gai at Surabhi Kunj leading amazing kirtan. The devotees stood up and danced in ecstasy! HH Jayapataka Maharaj delivered amazing talk full of ecstatic love for Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
See them here: http://goo.gl/KPhnGu

The post February 24th, 2015 – Darshan appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Mayapur, India


Firm Feet


My legs are well looked after.  A brahmacari (monk) from Ujain, gives daily massages before the night's rest.  Normally I get a decent reflexology session by walking the uneven terrain (not today unfortunately).  I keep ankles and feet covered with thick socks during sitting times.  Mosquitoes look at your ankles like succulent drum-sticks.  It is also doctor's recommendation to have my legs above the level of my head.  So I kick those lower limbs up to where two walls meet allowing my blood to flow down.  Apparently this is a way to treat varicose veins.  Tiny as they are, they are a part of my karmic reality. 

It is important to get a good footing in life.  To do so, you should identify with your natural dharma, your natural psycho-physical nature and engage yourself accordingly.

I was sitting with two people I much admire - Anuttama and Jayananda both from DC - and we were talking just briefly about two passions.  I mentioned about my love for walking and also my love for working with youth and engaging them in drama.

Anuttama is a good teacher.  He's in his element.  He delivers classes in spiritual leadership.  He does it well.  Jayananda is a teacher in the area of puja (rituals for the deities).  They are both very grounded - kind of people because they are engaged according to their own propensity.

Find a good footing in life and balance like two feet, your spiritual and material endeavours.

May the Source be with you!

3 KM

Mayapur, India

Holy Holy Holy is His Name


A sincere friend from London, Canada forwarded an excerpt from John Michael Talbot, founder of a monastic religious community.

"My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord
And my spirit exalts in God my Saviour
For He has looked with mercy on my lowliness
And my name will be forever exalted
For the mighty God has done great things for me
And His mercy will reach from age to age

And holy, holy, holy is His name."

Here resonates a massage that transcends the borders of religious denomination.  This is an across-the-board reality expressed by one evolved soul.

Along these lines, chanting sacred sound did take the prominent seat on Mayapur grounds.  In what is called "The Panca Tattva Hall" the final day of a five-day sacred sound extravaganza played itself out.  Personally I found myself caught up in the kirtan frenzy and so did others.  We were chanting and dancing almost as if intoxicated.  At one point I was hoisted and put to crowd-surfing.  When it was time for what I considered was my expiry I tried to make an exit, but a group of these young men formed a fun-loving human barricade.  Then to make matters more challenging the act of shutting the doors to block me demonstrated their determination.  The compromise was that they take up again the swami in the air and bring him to his room!  The frivolity took no less than forty men to go three blocks and up three levels of stairs where to come to my doorstep at 504 Gada Building just minutes before midnight.

All done in good fun!

May the Source be with you!

5 KM

Mayapur, India

Just That Place


Mayapur is just that place where you meet old acquaintances and anticipating that even new ones to become lasting friendship connections.  Everyone here is a pilgrim in residence or have come from afar.  You meet Aussies, Indians, Yankees, Canucks (Canadians), Ruskies, Euros, Africans, Spaniards, Chinese, everything that represents the globe.

After all, it is an international centre which draws people of the bhakti line.  I wouldn't exactly call it the place for spiritual seekers because those who are visitors have actually found what they are looking for.  It's Krishna!

When pacing up and down along the veranda, I pass by a room of brahmacharis (monks) who were listening to a recording of our guru, Srila Prabhupada.  The message was, "Sri Chaitanya is teaching you how to love Krishna!"

That message just about sums up the reason for Mayapur existing.  It is in this place that Sri Chaitanya began His mission.  He was born just down the road, was raised here, and roamed the pathways in the area.  How sacred are these grounds that benedicts the earth!  And as there are many such tirthas (sacred spaces) that are identified by people of distinctive spiritual traditions around the world, we the Vaishnavas (followers of Vishnu) hold sacred to our hearts this vicinity of Gaudadesh and Mayapur as the domain where one becomes purged.

May the Source be with you!

6 KM

Mayapur, India
Be Smart About Your Spiritual Fervour

It is quite astonishing to hear of another death today.  However you measure this one, auspicious or not for a relatively small town the frequency seems high.
This time it was a young man from the famed Krishna place called Vrindavan.  He and colleagues went for a sacred bath in the Ganges.  He stepped into an area which was not an official safe bathing location, slipped into a truly slippery slope, vanished into the water and was not seen from there on.  

It was around 7 pm when I heard of the loss of life from one of the swamis from India.  Nava Yogendra Swami informed me that one of his students standing next to him was there at the scene of the incident.  He tried to dive and swim for the victim's whereabouts, for a rescue but his efforts went in vain.
The young man who attempted the heroic feat and who was rather athletic-looking gave a look of regret, pain, and helplessness.
No one actually gave a name to the drowned victim.  I made some inquiry but only found out that the boy didn't know how to swim.  On the one hand you have someone who left his body to the holy liberating waters of Mother Ganga.  On the other hand it would seem quite unfortunate to have lived a short life.  Bless the young man who's death wasn't even mentioned by name at morning announcements in the large temple although notification was given at the kirtan wrap-up messages in the evening.
What to learn from this?  Perhaps, one should not get carried away in one's spiritual fervour to the point where your smarts have gone for a nap.  That's hard to make such a remark but these things are going on.
May the Source be with you!
5 KM

Mayapur, India

Lesson On Life


Phil's dad came from Canada to see his son.  Also from Quebec, to be more specific, is Michelle.  Both Luke and Michelle happened to visit India for their first time.

Their arrival was timely for more than one reason.  Yesterday was day one of the Kirtan Mela, the chanting fest.  Pilgrims from around the world, have come to indulge in what is usually an unforgettable event.  The couple had come to peak, out of interest, the portion where I took the lead in singing but also in dancing.  The half-hour slot I was given, turned out to be a dance lesson in as much as singing (it had been a year's wait for this opportunity).

For Luke and Michelle it had also become their first exposure to a cremation.  Just as one of the very saintly women from Mayapur, Manarupa, had passed away yesterday and was cremated, a second person, Gnanagamya, a friend of mine from the USA, also departed today.  That came as a surprise to the community.  Cancer had taken his life, and now residents took full advantage of sending him off.

Here again I was to lead the chant, and in the procession.  The couple from Canada, and even I - had come to witness the cremation.  It was a first for me as well, seeing it all in the raw format as opposed to the sophisticated arrangement of the West.  It was quite the eye-opener as the sun began to decline behind the horizon at the Ganges.  As Phil said, "A lesson on life" was observed.

Can one be consoled from the experience such as this?  We just need to recall the Gita’s message that we are not these bodies.

May the Source be with you!

6 KM

Holy Name Meditation Podcast:

Download by "right-click and save content"

Nashik was the abode of Lord Rama during His 14 years in exile and one of the most popular places of pilgrimage in present day India. The beautiful Pancavati forest once covered the entire area. Nashik is located on the banks of the sacred Godavari river and is one of 4 cities where the famous [...]