Planet ISKCON

Giriraj Swami and Radhanatha Swami accepted disciples for first and second initiation.

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[Please note: CC daily 7 was accidentally posted earlier, so for maintaining the sequence, we are re-posting it today; and for providing fresh content daily, we are also posting CC daily 8]

Bhagavatam-daily Podcast

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Harinama in Auckland NZ: Chanting our way Back To Godhead! (Album 45 photos)
Srila Prabhupada: “If one’s heart does not change, tears do not flow from his eyes, his body does not shiver, and his bodily hairs do not stand on end as he chants the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, it should be understood that his heart is as hard as iron This is due to his offenses at the lotus fee of the Lord’s holy name.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 2.3.24)
See them here: http://goo.gl/3jovb0

WSN December 2014 – World Sankirtan Newletter – best year since 1996!
Good news about the Prabhupada marathon: Although we hardly ever see a score from Govindadvipa, an small island temple in Ireland, the devotees there went for the mercy of Srila Prabhupada and did 10,226 book points. Also, Bhaktivedanta Manor did a huge marathon, with 74,253 book points, fired up by Visvambara Prabhu and Sutapa Prabhu. In the USA Bhrgupati Prabhu was pouring out the books. Although he’s 63, he scored 13,326 book points. Amazing!
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=15302

Hare Krishna!
Devotees Remember Sankara Dasi on 30th Anniversary of Her Passing
“Sankara was easy to do service with; having an insightful and creative nature,” says Rupa Dasi, who worked with her on a sewing project. “She had a keen sense of focus for the project and really put all her heart into the service. She also was always very concerned for the welfare of her children. And this was a frequent topic of her talks. She knew her time was limited, and she was determined to use it to the very best advantage she possibly could on their behalf.”
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=15297

Read everything, listen to everybody, believe nothing, unless you can prove it with your own research - William Cooper

William Cooper is a controversial figure but I found his quote interesting and very much fits the spiritual paradigm of life. From a spiritual perspective, we must be diligent and serious in our studies of the scriptures. If necessary, study all World religious scriptures to get a broad perspective. In fact we should also study modern scientific literature seriously to understand how science is conducted. Then, we should listen submissively to leaders of the respective faiths and science. We should ask questions if necessary to clear our doubts in a cogent and comprehensive manner. Then only, finally, we should embark on the journey of life be it spiritual or material and discover life for ourselves. Otherwise, either religious, spiritual or scientific, if we do not follow the above steps, it is simply dogmatic to follow a particular way of life.

This quote is very much related to Bhagavad Gita and Krishna Consciousness. Unless, we deeply understand the inner meaning and essence of Bhagavad Gita, listen to the experts, how can we practice Bhagavad Gita in our own life and prove to our selves that Krishna exists? How can we gather evidence towards the existence of a Supreme Being? Therefore  it is paramount to study, listen, and practice to prove to ourselves of a higher dimension. Blind following is not a sustainable and eco-friendly formula for a Bhagavad Gita way of life.

Hare Krishna

A new program to assist and inspire communities to increase their public kirtan programs!
Vaisesika Das launched a new program along with an accompanying e-newsletter and website, kirtanparty.com, to assist and inspire communities to increase their public kirtan programs.
Vaisesika is inviting ISKCON community leaders and members all over North America to join the Kirtan Party Google group through www.kirtanparty.com and begin reporting every two weeks on how many times they’ve sent kirtan parties out to chant publicly.
Read the entire article here: http://goo.gl/Kn1BmG

“What gets measured gets improved,” says Vaisesika Das, quoting leadership expert Robin S. Sharma. “Just by becoming aware of how many times they’re doing it, and how many times others are doing it, devotees will naturally become encouraged to do it more.” The Kirtan Party program isn’t just interested in increasing the quantity of kirtan parties going out, however.

According to the most recent American Diabetes Association report, 29.1 million Americans are diabetic. 

Majority Says Publishing Cartoons Was ‘Okay,’ But About Half of Non-Whites Say ‘Not Okay’.

ISKCON Detroit Sunday School children wond second place at the Future City Competition held at the Suburban Showplace in Novi, Michigan, USA. These youth competed with 23 other groups. Their city called as Vaikuntaville won five other special awards as well.

The post The Vaisnava community in Marfino and our trip from Budapest to Mayapura appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

As plans for ISKCON’s 50^th anniversary in 2016 ramp up, thel 50^th Anniversary Committee is on the lookout for a new international coordinator.

The post January 30th, 2015 – Darshan appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Bhaktivedanta Manor - Sanctuary for the Soul (13 min video)
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. See the rooms of the famous Hare Krishna guru Srila Prabhupada, to whom George Harrison gifted this iconic mock Tudor mansion. Visitors may participate in inspirational talks, yoga classes, mantra meditation, vegetarian cooking classes and various retreats.
Watch it here: http://goo.gl/yBMDLd

ISKCON Adelaide - Ratha Yatra 2015 (Album 543 photos)
Srila Prabhupada: People should be given the chance to hear the chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra, but in the beginning they should not be instructed about the glories or the spiritual significance of the holy name. By constant hearing of the holy name, their hearts will be purified, and then they will be able to understand the transcendental position of the holy name.
(Sri-Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, 8.21 Purport)
See them here: http://goo.gl/cQF1f1

Harinama at the Kuznetsk bridge, Moscow (Album 24 photos)
Srila Prabhupada: If one somehow or other come in contact with the Hare Krishna movement, without consideration of his being a sudra, vaisya, Jagai, Madhai or even lower, he becomes advanced in spiritual consciousness and immediately develops love of Godhead. (Sri-Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, 8.21 Purport)
See them here: http://goo.gl/nTr9wT

Religion in Utah - Hare Krishna (17 min video)
Recorded at the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, Utah, Caru Das discusses the Hare Krishna religion as it exists and is practiced in the State.
Watch it here: http://goo.gl/Dp6qh4

Radhadesh Mellows 2015 (Album 49 photos)
Srila Prabhupada: One must engage his tongue in the service of the holy name. Our Krishna consciousness movement is based on this principle. We try to engage all the members of the Krishna consciousness movement in the service of the holy name. (Sri-Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, 8.16 Purport)
See them here: http://goo.gl/zy0r3N

Hare Krishna! Nityam Bhagavata Sevaya # 5 Nityananda Trayodasi - Special Edition
On the most auspicious occasion of Nityananda Trayodasi, we have put together this special edition of NBS. In this issue, we have covered:
1) Nityananda Prabhu - The most munificent incarnation
His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
2) If you do not believe in Lord Nityananda, you will fall down
Srila Krishna das Kaviraj Goswami
3) The Divine Command of Çré Godruma-Candra”
Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur
4) The Glories of Lord Nityananda
Srila Vrindavana Das Thakur
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=15276

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 28 February 2013, Vrndavan, India, Caitanya Caritamrta Seminar 3)

So, we are looking at mercy. Lord Caitanya is very merciful. Lord Nityananda is described to be more merciful because he is intoxicated with love of God. He is tasting the nectar of serving. By serving Lord Caitanya, Lord Nityananda becomes so intoxicated. So, this is the key. Devotional service is the key to mercy; there is no doubt about it. Mercy does not seem to be free; that is true.

ye yatha mam prapadyante
tams tathaiva bhajamy aham, (Bhagavad-gita 4.11)

“As you surrender unto me, I reward you accordingly.” As we are engaging in service, then there will be reciprocation from Krsna and that of course, is our saving grace. So, our main connection is service. That service attitude. Servitude is truly our path.

 

Please share your realisations with other devotees from around the world...simply send me an introduction email and I will be happy to make you a member:

rasa108 ::_::{.at.}::_:: gmail dot com

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Rasa Rasika dasa

HH Radhanath Swami is invited by US President Baraka Obama, Indian PM Narendra Modi and President Shri Pranab Mukherjee for dinner tonight!

Today I visited the Temple Of Vedic Planetarium ( TOVP ) here in Mayapura. Envisioned by Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur and now finally manifest by the strong desire of Srila Prabhupada it is gradually taking shape. I was amazed at the progress the management team, headed by Ambarisa das, Sadbhuja das and Bhavananda dasa have made [...]

“Chanting sincerely means that one feels oneself to be very fallen and in need of mercy. Ones chanting should be infused with prayer for mercy. There are many prayers by our previous acharyas that exemplify the mood of dainya or humility. There is one — Amara jivana by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura. So, we need to chant in that mood of dainya or humility. Humility comes when we realize that we are helpless to do anything on our own and we depend completely on mercy.”

Talk in Srila Prabhupadas Room

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An inside view of TOVP (Album 101 photos)
Indradyumna Swami: Today I visited the Temple Of Vedic Planetarium ( TOVP ) here in Mayapura. Envisioned by Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur and now finally manifest by the strong desire of Srila Prabhupada it is gradually taking shape. I was amazed at the progress the management team, headed by Ambarisa das, Sadbhuja das and Bhavananda dasa have made in organizing the construction over the past year. Everything is on schedual and due to be completed in 2022.
See them here: http://goo.gl/tTO7PA

"Vaikunthaville" won 5 special awards!
Congratulations to Iskcon Detroit Sunday School kids for winning 2nd place at the Future City Competition held at the Suburban Showplace in Novi. These youth competed with 23 other groups. Their city called as Vaikuntaville won 5 other special awards as well. Congratulations again!
Read the entire article here: http://goo.gl/DDzu6Y

Toronto, Ontario

Plan in Jan


January is a great month for planning your year, so how this fits into my world is that I have plans to be walking in the States for pilgrimage purposes once again.  We are looking at the month of September as the start up send off time which means a walk from the northeast in Boston to Butler, Pennsylvania, and then finally to New York City. 

This is all to coordinate with the time that our guru, Srila Prabhupada, landed on US soil 50 years ago.  It’s a milestone event, really, since in one way or another, he affected the lives of many North Americans and people all over the world. 

I look to this project with anticipation and have been thinking about trekking in the US for many years now.  Back in 1997 I had done a pilgrimage presentation to a group of Krishna devotees in the communications department in Detroit.  I had, at that time, asked the group what they thought about me doing a trek across the US, which I expect to execute next year in 2016.  The consensus was totally favourable. 

To my Canadian friends of whom some have expressed concern for reasons that America’s wild, violent, gun happy, redneck, Bible thumping evangelical cowboy condemnists, I say that that is not my experience.  I am looking toward an adventure, and being in the place where a small holy man from India was accepted back in ’65.  He had been received by the American public at that time with a glance embrace, or at least were very curious. 

May the Source be with you!

9 KM

Dallas/Detroit/Toronto

From Airport To Airport


Hours were given to air, little on ground.  Hours were also given to mantra, and not words, shastra (holy texts).  I was not able to carry on much of anything.  Baggage on flight was stowed as check-in, and so I was left with mantra only, but that’s okay, it’s positive providence.  In the Detroit airport, I went for a juice at a newsstand.  The woman at the counter asked about my clothes. 

“I’m a monk, a Hare Krishna monk,” I answered.  After I made the purchase, done in a hurry due to a tight flight connection, the young black woman was waiting.  Her eyes looked at me with an anticipation as I grabbed change and the receipt.  She asked another question.

“Well, aren’t you gonna tell me somethin’?”  When I said, “Hare Krishna”, the term didn’t register even when I gave its origins, “An ancient tradition from India.  By now a lineup occurred behind me, and so hastily I offered her a, “God bless,” and so, I believe, she felt it. 

Most folks on flights were on business trips.  The clothes, the demeanor, and their talking revealed their convictions.  I can appreciate that they were in that mode.  It would just be nice if God could be inserted here and there, like the juice lady who wanted just a small hint of the spiritual as an insertion for the day.

May the Source be with you!

0 KM

Dallas, Texas

Have Life


The packed room of the newly renovated Sanctuary had reached that capacity to delight in our drama, “Blue Mystic”.  Unfortunately I failed to achieve such numbers in joining me on a follow up walk.  One of the actors, however, Jagannatha, took up the offer.  For him it was the first trek on the Santa Fe Trail.  We committed to one hour of walking.  We also made a vow to chant japa on our beads, while keeping our eyes and ears open.  What did we see or hear or smell during this nighttime walk?

A stationary cyclist, a young woman with cigarette in mouth, was taken by surprise as we came from behind.  It was not our intent to spook her.  She rode off in a huff and a few puffs.  Jagannatha and I were left to wonder what issues might be there in her life.  Or, to put it in a slightly different way, “What drama is she going through?”

There was also a man who couldn’t walk a straight line.  Alcohol?  Most likely.  We were sure that he has some drama going on as well. 

On this same Santa Fe Trail, our third pedestrian to come within our purview was actually a confident walker, that was refreshing.  The fourth traveller on the trail actually crossed the trail and did so in haste.  He was not human, he was clearly a fox, gorgeous tail, four legs and all.  Does he have a drama?  He’s probably out for groceries, checking out what else lurks on smaller four legs. 

All souls that you meet on the trail of life have some story.  Most are trying to make some sense of the world.  When we contemplate, it shows we have a life. 

May the Source be with you!

6 KM

Dallas, Texas

The Mode of a Monk


At the end of the fifth day of sanga (spiritual gathering) we entertained the group with our drama, “Blue Mystic”.  Now it was my time to unwind and do due diligences to my physical self.  I hit the usual trail, the Santa Fe Trail.

By nightfall you are seemingly alone.  There’s the very irregular pedestrian, mostly male.  If I were in a female body I wouldn’t trust the area.

With the old growth of trees running along this former railway line, it attracts the usual wilderness.  Rabbits I see.  Raccoons I hear.  There’s the owl from the other day.  And the partial moon lies on its back set as a punctuation in a vast sky, a sky you would expect over Texas, a glare of utter openness.

“Hare Krishna….” I’m chanting with right thumb and mid-finger rolling over bead-by-bead.  I contemplated, “Yes, I left behind, decades behind, a world of rock ‘n’ roll for a world of mantra ‘n’ roll, with no regrets.  With only rewords like abstinence of the standard Saturday night mish-mash of a karmic world, I can boast that I’m getting my satisfaction from a social/spiritual life (I just entertained).  I am so content to submit to mantra and to the oxygen that projects from the trees and coolness from the moon.

Life can’t be better in the mode of a monk.

May the Source be with you!

7 KM

North American Leaders Focus on Kirtan, 50th Anniversary, TOVP
Dallas, Texas—-Sixty leaders of ISKCON Temples in North America met in Dallas Texas for four days, beginning on January 22, to plan the society’s priorities for 2015 and to prepare for the upcoming 50th Anniversary of ISKCON in 2016.
Read the entire article here: http://goo.gl/A9tPMK

There seems to be a tension between comfort and aspiration in our lives. We seek to explore, to grow, to achieve, yet we also desire security, safety and certainty. It’s clear, however, that we often have to sacrifice one to get the other.

As the community in Mayapur expands at an unprecedented rate, so too does the needs of Sri Mayapur International School. This school, presently home to over 220 Vaishnava children and prestigiously affiliated with Cambridge International. For further information on the positions available please contact the SMIS principal, Gunacuda dasi at :  mayapurschooloffice@gmail.com