Gita Verse-by-verse Study Podcast:
Gita 03.43 – Use intelligence to pursue transcendence and subdue lust
HG Narottamananda Prabhu / SB 10.74.53
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Gita 03.42 – In the line of fire from lust the soul is the last
→ The Spiritual Scientist
Gita Verse-by-verse Study Podcast:
Naked Feminine Hearts
→ The Enquirer
स्रस्तस्रस्त निरुद्धनीवि विलसद्गोपीसहस्रावृतं
srasta-srasta niruddha-nīvi vilasad-gopī-sahasrāvṛtaṁ
Those flute vibrations loosen all tightly bound, dazzling skirts (and all bonds of ignorant infatuation with superficial glitter) which fall away to reveal thousands of splendid gopīs, who surround and smother him.
The key phrase in this line (line 3 of Krishna Karnamṛta, Verse 2) is निरुद्धनीवि (niruddha-nīvi) the nīvi is the more original style of dress that eventually evolved into the sārī. It’s a short skirt. Under Muslim influence, presumably, this became longer and longer and also covered the head (but at least still shows the belly button and face, unlike the Muslim burka). Indian girls used to wear nīvi and kanchuki (a cloth tied around the breasts). This evolved into sārī and sewn cholī (kanchuki is not sewn. It’s simply tied).
Bilvamaṅgal Kavirāja describes the gopīs in this attire. Generally gopīs are painted in this attire as well, although their nīvi are painted much longer than they probably should be. ISKCON artists sometimes paint gopīs in sārī. Artists and poets also depict the gopīs often wearing dupatti (top cloth) which is a third piece of cloth (essentially the saree fused the dupatti and neevi into a single garment).
Anyway, the literal meaning of nīvi is “tied-thing, tied-cloth.” So it allows the line to take dual-meaning. On one hand it means, “the skirts tied around the gopīs’ hips.” On the other hand it means, “the ignorance that binds the jīva (soul) to māyā (illusion).”
The direct meaning of the line appears when we take the direct meaning of nīvi as “skirt.” Then it means “Krishna’s flute makes a vibration that loosens the gopīs’ tightly bound skirts, and makes them fall off. This reveals their splendid beauty as they smother and cover Krishna.”
So Krishna is covered in two things, flower petals (line 1) and beautiful young girls!
Therefore we cannot approach him with male mentality. We must adopt a female identity and perspective, then we can participate. Otherwise we have to access some compromised version of this most primordial reality which BIlvamaṅgala Ṭhākur describes. The direct reality of the primordial absolute truth is only accessible through a feminine perspective.
The male mentality is niruddha-nīvi – a very tight bondage. It is the tight bondage of attraction to vilasat, the sparkle and glitter of external objects which seem to be feminine (i.e. sources of happiness and pleasure). [psychologically, “male” means enjoyer of pleasure and happiness, while “female” means origin of happiness and pleasure. The male mentality is an imposition on the original nature of the spiritual entity, “soul.”].
If we listen to the sound of Krishna’s flute, this male mentality which keeps our soul tied as a hostage to māyā will loosen and fall away. Then we will be anāvṛtam / avṛtam (un-eclipsed) in our true spiritual nature, which is patently feminine through and through by design. At that time we will be able to join this incredibly primevally blissful, decadent, joyful scene as a gopī smothering Krishna in joy.
But how can we listen to the sound of Krishna’s flute?
The flute was described in the previous line as the prastuta of the vastu. The vastu is Krishna, and the prastu is the thing that is integrally proximate to the vastu. In short, the flute is an integral part of Krishna, like a limb is part of a body. Therefore the flute sound is within the Hare Krishna mahāmantra, which is non-different from the vastu Krishna. Therefore we must listen for the flute vibration within the name and the name-mantra.
It is also noted that the flute sound is present in the klīṁ kṛṣṇāya govindāya… mantra, upon which we should carefully meditate.
It is also understood from Brahmā-saṁhita and Bhāgavatam that Brahma chanted this very mantra (klīṁ kṛṣṇāya…) and eventually heard the flute-sound in it, which filled him with knowledge, which he later put into words as the veda, which in its most mature, ripe form is Śrīmad Bhāgavatam.
So listening deeply to Śrīmad Bhāgavatam and hearing deeply the holy name in meditation and in kīrtan… this is how to listen to the sound of Krishna’s flute. These sound vibrations will untie our souls bound in the false, perverse gender-abnormality of masculine psychology (female embodied persons are only slightly less immersed in the masculine mental psychology), and allow us to exist in true spiritual form as a participant in Krishna’s absolute, original, primeval festival of wanton bliss, from the perspective of a nīvi-kanchuki tying (and retying and retying) gopī.
Hari bol.
Lecture – SB 1.15.47-48 Attraction to a Dead Goat’s Beard
→ Prahladananda Swami
SB 01.15.47-48 Attraction to a Dead Goat’s Beard 2013-02-10
Lecture – Srimad Bhagavatam 1.15.47-48 Attraction to a Dead Goat’s Beard 2013-02-10
By pure consciousness due to constant devotional remembrance, one attains the spiritual sky, which is ruled over by the Supreme Lord Krishna. External Pastimes
Prahladananda Swami en conferencia sobre Ayur Veda
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Lecture – SB 1.15.46 Analysis of Bhagavad Gita 7.15-16
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SB 01.15.46 Analysis of Bhagavad Gita 7.15-16 2013-02-09 (Cows, Vegan)
Lecture – Srimad Bhagavatam 1.15.46 Analysis of Bhagavad Gita 7.15-16 2013-02-09
Melbourne: Happiness of being Brahman realized multiplied by billions of times is nowhere close to even a drop of happiness derived from ocean of devotional service. Your own special private hell
?udras mudhas. Without submission.
Vaisyas naradhama seem to have Culture
Mayaparitya jñ?n? Kshatriyas
Vaisyas naradhama seem to have Culture
Mayaparitya jñ?n? Kshatriyas
Krsna conscious theory
→ KKSBlog
(Kadamba Kanana Swami, October 2014, Mayapur, India, Siksastakam Seminar: Verses 1&2, Part 1)
I have a story of my spiritual master, Jayadvaita Swami. He comes up with good titles of seminars and he came up with the title: The hopes and horrors of household life. Even before the seminar, there was a storm of discussion and people were saying all kinds of things, “The hopes and horrors of household life – what does he know about it? He has never been married. Why doesn’t he speak of the hopes and horrors of sannyasa!” There were all kinds of comments going around. So it was a good title as it got people going even before the seminar started.
I was supposed to go to the first session but I got stuck in traffic somewhere, so I was late and I missed it. I just arrived as people came out of the room. There was someone else who had also missed it and he asked another devotee, “So, how was it?”
The devotee said, “Oh, it was all theoretical, just quotes from the scriptures!” I thought that was such an amazing statement, really, because when the quotes from the scriptures are just theoretical it means that you are not following the scripture! I mean, when you live by the scripture, it is not theoretical anymore, then it becomes realised and it becomes very relevant… as simple as that!
This Will Protect You
→ Japa Group
Letter to Sudhindra Kisora Raya - 10th June, 1975
Tuesday, December 30th, 2014
→ The Walking Monk
Toronto, Ontario
Find Light
I was drawn to Casa Loma this morning. They call it Canada's best known castle. Going for a japa (chanting) walk with two American friends and another from Montreal, I take a dual role as their mentor and tour guide simultaneously.
This impressive structure is a mere 20 min walk from our ashram. It sits gracefully atop a hill. Developers dare not rival its majestic presence. I believe it's law that you cannot put this edifice into obscurity. It's a good law.
Our small walking team was awed by Casa Loma. But even more so by a lit up yuletide ornament at the building's front door. There we marveled at this classy illuminated horse and sled display. Our interpretation is that here we see the chariot that was meant for Krishna and Arjuna. It glows in the dark and is totally attractive.
I guess we are always fascinated by anything that gives light in the dark. Try walking in the night alone under an aurora borealis sky like I have experienced and you will have gone through a sensation.
I believe it is practically everyday that I look for something that casts an effulgence. I was really pleased to read from the "Journal of Vaisnava Studies" the first article by a friend, Shukavak N Dasa, author of "Hindu Encounter with Modernity", on the life of spiritual luminary Bhaktivinode Thakur. His article made my heart shine in the dimness of an often dark world and provided what newspaper articles cannot.
May the Source be with you!
5 KM
Monday, December 29th, 2014
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Toronto, Ontario
The Avatar Who's Known to Walk
I anticipated a day of excitement in the environment of devotional service which was to include an evening practice on our drama, "Blue Mystic". Rising on a usual day, the thrill of early morning sadhana sparks before a 4:30 am arati. We start with song and dance, an offering to guru and Krishna. Then a trek through the neighborhood with eager devotees becomes a real catch for fresh air. We return for more mantra meditation followed by a class facilitated these days by myself. The current topic being the walking avatar who goes by the name of Vamana.
So the story of Vamana and his interesting encounter with Bali, conqueror of the universe, entails the unfolding of rich traits of human character. Personally I have read the epical scale book Bhagavatam several times over and I still become stunned at each new reading by the depth of dimension in regards to the interaction of these two personalities. I find myself venturing new territory even though I've been down this trail before.
What comes as a "new to me" is the respectful response to words and actions projected by the two characters. Their very dealings embody humility, introspection, a purging and other dynamics. To me it is totally fascinating, particularly how the events lead to the modest voluntary post taken by the walking avatar. He becomes a doorman to Bali's domain. Content with menial service and relishing the place where adulation generally doesn't find itself. There is something for all of us to learn from this story.
May the Source be with you!
5 KM
Sunday, December 28th, 2014
→ The Walking Monk
Be Adjustable
North York, Ontario
The temperature rating for today was above freezing. Still, our newly arrived monk from Brazil found it quite the adjustment to make. Nevertheless, this fine young man who bears the gift of a smile appreciated our including him in a breezy walk through residential Rosedale where "quiet" prevails.
Vitaliy, originally from the Ukraine, now residing in Detroit, has no issue with the freshness of air, nor does his fiancée, Anandarupa, who is visiting us from Miami. Natalia, from Columbia, has already acclimatized herself to winter in our North. All five of us meandered through the streets for a mere hour as we chanted on our individual chanting beads.
My thoughts are that anyone who makes a move physically, from one geographical location to another, is always up for needing to adjust, or being like a chameleon who changes his color. To be versatile or to turn with ease from one thing to another is a skill much in demand even in a spiritual environment.
It becomes a tough task at times to deal with people (devotees of Krishna included) who do not develop the art of flexibility. For example, those who keep to ways that worked well in 1965 will find that those ways do not necessarily apply in today's world. Change is a reality as much as permanence is. They run in parallel lines. People's attitudes change. Lifestyles change. Strategies change. But basic values such as respect should be a perpetual anchor, just as the soul is a constant principle. Finally, certain ways of doing things out of the box should be welcome while core principles be sustained.
May the Source be with you!
5 KM
Saturday, December 27th, 2014
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Mandate for the World
Scarborough, Ontario
I am convinced that you are not going to find something more beautiful coming from humans until you see them in unison in song and dance.
It was my pleasure to facilitate with two rhythmic souls, Keshava and Rukmini, another Kirtan Standards Seminar. The venue this time was at the ISKCON Centre just off of Markham Road in Scarborough. For me, the highlight of the event was the mantra–and–dance segment with everyone. It’s remarkable what humans can do.
The ultimate expression of speaking appears more in the form of the song and the optimum expression of moving can be found in the form of a dance. When executed, gracefully, for the pleasure of the Supreme, we can have an almost perfect world.
In what in my opinion is usually a crammed space, in a unit of an industrial plaza, the train-car shaped, stuffed space we found ourselves in, transformed into a Vaikuntha, “world of harmony”. With the termed “swami step” we swayed in a “to the right, to the left” fashion. In a more Manipuri-style movement the mantra we encouraged was “Forward and back and forward and back….” These and other varying dance forms make the kirtan complete. Uniformity in the matter of both voice and body expression is the proven factor of bliss.
I wish the world could unite on the mandate of moving and mouthing for the Creator’s pleasure.
May the Source be with you!
7 KM
Friday, December 26th, 2014
→ The Walking Monk
Man of Understanding: J.W.
Toronto, Ontario
The Christmas frenzy is on, perhaps post Christmas or more popularly known as Boxing Day when goods are at a discount.
I was taking my walk down Yonge Street. It became obvious that reverence to Jesus just did not linger. Frankly the commercial push at this time of the year appears more gruesome than the crucifixion. What would Christ say? It’s all about bargains, things, money, waste and stress.
My criticism and absolute Scroogeism does not reflect on the good Son himself, nor on truly reverential followers of the Christ.
Members of our local community as well as members from all over the world act as opportunists to the occasion. My God, you won’t blame them for being out amidst the post Christmas shoppers. It’s really more like Christmas shocking during the Christmas shopping – on unfortunate cultural norm.
It’s at this time of the year that is sacred to pagans, sacred to Jews and Christians and Hindus. It was in December that the most famous penetrating dialog of all times was spoken by Sri Krishna. Local devotees of Krishna converged at Yonge and Dundas to chant and distribute profusely Bhagavad-Gitas. I was swift on my feet to meet and join in the pleasure of the disbursement. Fate had it that I was late. I missed the group by five minutes. I rapidly returned to the ashram only to find by e-mail that J.W. Windland passed away. Who was he? Well, he was a magnanimous soul who died of oral cancer on Christmas Day. It’s a loss because he built many bridges and took down many walls – bridges of communication and walls of misunderstanding on the subject of varying spiritual expressions amongst us.
It was a pleasure to have known J.W. who established the organization “Encounter”. Fortunately a succession plan was in place as I understand from the news I received from Brian Carwana.
My mantras I dedicate to J.W.
May the Source be with you!
7 KM
Thursday, December 25th, 2014
→ The Walking Monk
Brick and Bark
Toronto, Ontario
A Reflective Track
Squirrels. They’re all over the place, scurrying about, digging from earth storage of nuts and other concealed treats. On ground or tree level, they’re making an incredible appearance, a response to mild weather, I guess.
It’s features of nature like this that make the day complete. Just one little guy perched on a branch at eye level became a mere reminder for me of the glory of anti-urbanization, because during my outdoor ventures through concrete zones, I am provided with a break. “Thanks little fella,” I pensed, “you just brought me closer to Krishna with your jerky tail and animated loveliness.”
When looking at concrete and doing some building gazing, it just doesn’t do the same for a person when compared to being in a pastoral presence. I’m grateful for green, or even brown spaces in the city that reflect a gentler world. I pass through Allan Gardens and also ambled along through Jarvis Street which has this unique blend of Victorian stateliness, and glass modernity. It still doesn’t beat seeing the community of the black bushy chaps. I can always appreciate the artistry of man, but it never measures up to the creativity of the natural world’s artist.
On my return journey from a satsang at the home of a sweet Bangladeshi household, other ashram dwellers had joined me, retracing steps through brick and bark regions. I’m of the opinion that no one should remain in one building or machine all day. Life can be more reciprocal than that. Our guru, Srila Prabhupada, walked through beach and through park in this town in the 70’s, so I’ll always bear in mind the good fortune of being on a reflective track as he had done.
May the Source be with you!
8 KM
Toronto, Ontario
A Reflective Track
Squirrels. They’re all over the place, scurrying about, digging from earth storage of nuts and other concealed treats. On ground or tree level, they’re making an incredible appearance, a response to mild weather, I guess.
It’s features of nature like this that make the day complete. Just one little guy perched on a branch at eye level became a mere reminder for me of the glory of anti-urbanization, because during my outdoor ventures through concrete zones, I am provided with a break. “Thanks little fella,” I pensed, “you just brought me closer to Krishna with your jerky tail and animated loveliness.”
When looking at concrete and doing some building gazing, it just doesn’t do the same for a person when compared to being in a pastoral presence. I’m grateful for green, or even brown spaces in the city that reflect a gentler world. I pass through Allan Gardens and also ambled along through Jarvis Street which has this unique blend of Victorian stateliness, and glass modernity. It still doesn’t beat seeing the community of the black bushy chaps. I can always appreciate the artistry of man, but it never measures up to the creativity of the natural world’s artist.
On my return journey from a satsang at the home of a sweet Bangladeshi household, other ashram dwellers had joined me, retracing steps through brick and bark regions. I’m of the opinion that no one should remain in one building or machine all day. Life can be more reciprocal than that. Our guru, Srila Prabhupada, walked through beach and through park in this town in the 70’s, so I’ll always bear in mind the good fortune of being on a reflective track as he had done.
May the Source be with you!
8 KM
Join us with your family & friends for this Sunday, January 4th,2015 from 11:00am to 2:00pm. Hear and associate with His Grace Vaishnava Dasa
→ ISKCON Brampton
Sunday Love Feast for All | ||||||||||||||||||
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Sat-tila
Appearance of Sri Nityananda Prabhu
Indian Classical Dance Classes
ISKCON Scarborough – Recently uploaded videos
→ ISKCON Scarborough
Here are some recently uploaded youtube videos:
Bhagavatam-daily 78 – 11.07.68 – In scriptural study focus on practical application, not historical precision
→ The Spiritual Scientist
Bhagavatam-daily podcast:
GITA COACHING INTERVIEW BY A STUDENT
→ Gita Coaching
December 2014An interview with Life Coach/Spiritual Coach Mr Aleksandar Akrura Todorović (as a part of a student assignment at the university in one of the major European cities)1. Why you decided to become a coach?Because I saw that education and training is not enough. Coaching helps apply what has been learnt in education and training. It builds skills and confidence and it draws inspiration.2
New Year Kirtan Mela 2015, Iskcon Los Angeles (Album 125 HR…
→ Dandavats.com
New Year Kirtan Mela 2015, Iskcon Los Angeles (Album 125 HR photos)
Srila Prabhupada: The difference between a devotee and a nondevotee is this, just like the bee and the fly: the bee always is attracted by the honey and flies go to the open sores. So the devotee is only attracted by the good qualities in other people and does not see their faults. Letter to Badrinarayana, November 7, 1971.
See them here: http://goo.gl/ERLHFd
Gita 03.41 – Regulation is the foundation for purification
→ The Spiritual Scientist
Gita Verse-by-verse Study Podcast:
Gita 03.40 – Lust has taken over our knowledge-acquiring mechanism
→ The Spiritual Scientist
Gita Verse-by-verse Study Podcast:
Gita 03.39 – The eternal enemy blinds, binds and burns
→ The Spiritual Scientist
Gita Verse-by-verse Study Podcast:
Those spare 10 minutes I have during the day
→ simple thoughts
Preachers living in ISKCON temples follow this advice daily. They rise early and gather for maṅgala-ārati before the temple Deities, chant kīrtana and japa, hear Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam class, and honor prasādam in the association of devotees. Strengthened by this morning program, they go out to preach in the most materialistic places in the world, offering people a chance to receive Krishna’s mercy in the form of literature, prasādam, or hari-nāma. In the early evening the preachers return to the temple for more chanting and hearing. While they are with the nondevotees, they do not compromise their devotional principles, and thus they keep their hearts aloof from the modes of material nature and bad association.
Narada Bhakti Sutra 3-45
I was reflecting back on my year and noticed how much easier devotional life is whilst stopping at the temple, even my 16 rounds are usually completed before 4-30 and their is always time to read and discuss Srimad Bhagavatam with the many inspirational devotees.
However a majority of my time is spent outside of the temple, the work devotional duties become a fine balance especially when looking at japa and reading/hearing from both the Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam
This got me thinking and analysing my day, and how I use my time is it productive and wise?
My thoughts turned to this and it was something I discussed during my last stay at The Manor, in the day their is always a few spare 10minutes either waiting for one thing or another. How am I spending this time?
It occurred to me in this small 10 minute break I could do one steady unrushed round of Japa and one complete verse including purport of a chosen scripture; the smart phone also allows me access to HH Sivarama Swami’s podcast which is always short and inspirational, or to read a small article written by one of our amazing devotees either using the link on planetiskcon or dandavats.com.
Many devotees like myself who spend a long time outside of direct association use social media, it is wonderful so many images of Sri Krishna and postings of devotee activities but be careful if your like me it could easily distract
Each of these spare 5 or 10 minutes soon add up, used wisely I noticed an increase which also meant a more joyful productive day.
As Srila Prabhupada said “Don’t waste time chant Hare Krishna”
It occurred to me I have been a first class fool misusing these precious 10 minutes studying the inside of my eyelid’s, so that’s my New Years resolution right their to not waste time and make the most of these spare 10 minute’s.
May be you may want to join me after all what’s 10 minutes in your day, it too will make a difference in your day.
Hare Krishna
Should conversions be banned in India?
→ The Spiritual Scientist
Goura Vrindavana, Brazil (Album 120 photos)
Half way between Sao…
→ Dandavats.com
Goura Vrindavana, Brazil (Album 120 photos)
Half way between Sao Paulo & Rio there is a beautiful farm of 800 hectares of Atlantic Rain Forest.
See them here: http://goo.gl/NmFo6x
Village preaching with Harinam kirtan in Farrukhabad…
→ Dandavats.com
Village preaching with Harinam kirtan in Farrukhabad UttarPradesh (Album 9 photos)
Srila Prabhupada: If one renders even a small amount of sincere devotional service, Krishna becomes obliged to elevate such person; and what to speak of one whose entire life and soul has been dedicated to Krishna’s service. Letter to Harer Nama, November 6, 1969.
See them here: http://goo.gl/s4ARPo
New Year Kirtan Program in Dubai (Album 74 photos)
Srila…
→ Dandavats.com
New Year Kirtan Program in Dubai (Album 74 photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Although materialists who are addicted to experimental knowledge and the so-called “scientific method” cannot place their faith in the chanting of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, it is a fact that simply by chanting the Hare Krishna mantra offenselessly one can be freed from all subtle and gross material conditions. (Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, 7.74 Purport)
See them here: http://goo.gl/9vw8uz
The miracle of the holy name – kirtan evening in Swansea
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The post The miracle of the holy name – kirtan evening in Swansea appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.
Vraja Parikrama (Album 250 photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Lord…
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Vraja Parikrama (Album 250 photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Lord Caitanya’s spiritual master instructed Him that one must read Srimad-Bhagavatam regularly and with scrutiny to gradually become attached to the chanting of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra. (Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, 7.73 Purport)
See them here: http://goo.gl/O1YA4u
News Year Eve Harinam in Gold Coast, Australia (Album 40…
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News Year Eve Harinam in Gold Coast, Australia (Album 40 photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu says that since His spiritual master ordered Him only to chant the holy name of Krishna, He always chanted the Hare Krishna maha-mantra according to this direction (“krsna-mantra” japa sada-ei mantra-sara). (Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, 7.72 Purport)
See them here: http://goo.gl/9ftFIm
05 Jan 2015 – Sri Krishna Pushya Abhishek
→ ISKCON Desire Tree
January 2nd, 2015 – Darshan
→ Mayapur.com
The post January 2nd, 2015 – Darshan appeared first on Mayapur.com.
Message From the Chairman (Year of 2014)
- TOVP.org
2014 was a banner year for the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium in Sridham Mayapur.
Construction continued to outpace expectations, buoyed by a robust fundraising campaign. The construction of the main dome is nearing completion, and the auxiliary domes are now being constructed. The project has entered a new phase of construction beginning a new contract for laying the brick walls. The brickwork reveals a new dimension of progress as the construction site becomes gradually transformed into a recognizable and massive temple.
The construction of the main altar is also progressing rapidly. In the future, thousands of people from all over the world will stand in the vast temple room to chant and dance before Sri Panchatattva, Sri Sri Radha Madhava and the Guru parampara. Simultaneously, the altar for Lord Nrisimhadev is progressing under His separate dome beside the main temple room.
The centerpiece of the temple complex will be the grand chandelier which will hang in the main dome of the TOVP. It will serve as a model of the universe to provide visitors an enlivening tour of the various regions of the cosmic creation according to descriptions in the Fifth Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam and detailed instructions in the 1976 letter of Srila Prabhupada to Mr. Dhani. The TOVP team of artists and scholars have worked diligently to create a scale model of this chandelier inside a model of the main dome. This will help demonstrate how the mechanism of the planets will work as an exhibition inside the dome space.
As far as fundraising, our very competent team headed by Radha Jivan prabhu and Braja Vilas prabhu have been traveling around the world collecting for the project with enthusiastic success.
$5,000,000.00 has been collected from around the world in 2014, mostly from sincere supporters in South Africa under the leadership of Bhakti Chaitanya Swami, as well as in the Middle East. An additional $3,500,000.00 has been pledged. The BBT continues to generously support the project year after year, as outlined by Srila Prabhupada.
During Kartik this year my wife, Svaha devi dasi and I traveled to Vrindavan where an evening session was organized in the gardens of the MVT lawn. 200 + devotees attended, and several sanyasis. Radha Jivan and Braja Vilas prabhus introduced the Gratitude Platinum, Gold and Silver Coins to the audience and the total collection that evening was $1 million. One devotee from Doha took a platinum coin, Jayasri devi dasi from Sydney took 2 platinum coins at $250,000 each. Also donated was one gold coin at $108,000 and several silver coins at $11,000 each.
After Vrindavan we travelled to Dubai, Bahrain and Doha, where just in the devotee community we collected in pledges $2 million. Our ISKCON congregation is identifying with this “Gratitude Coin” program and many are finding it possible to pledge participation in one of the three levels. The gratitude is in reference to expressing gratitude to Srila Prabhupada as the 50th anniversary of Iskcon approaches in 2016. The others in the audience were gladly contributing $1600 for a gold brick and this way were are able to solicit participation from the devotees of every category.
I also want to mention some specific donations. Devamrita Swami kindly steered one of his disciples to give one million dollars to the TOVP project, for which we are extremely grateful for his exemplary leadership. Also Guru Gauranga from South Africa and Florida has given and pledged well over a million dollars. For these and the countless smaller donations which are propelling this project towards completion, may Srila Prabhupada give unlimited blessings.
In 2015, the TOVP team will be carrying the “holy shoes of Lord Nityananda prabhu” to many of the major temples in the world, asking the congregation to come forward to fulfil the Prophecy of Nityananda Prabhu in building this adbhut mandir. The tour will travel to South East Asia, Australasia, North America and parts of Europe with the intension of unifying the congregation of the world, and together offer this temple to Srila Prabhupada as our collective gratitude for giving us ISKCON for the last 50 years.
Praghosa prabhu, our vice chairman, has made the proposal to make 2015 “The Year of the TOVP”. We will be presenting this idea in Mayapur for the blessing of the GBC. In 2015 we are looking forward to the auspicious event of placing the kailash and chakra on the top of the main dome. It will be fabricated of stainless steel and coated with a gold, mirror finish of titanium nitrate. We pray to continue to receive the blessing and well wishes of Vaisnavas from around the world.
Thank you very much.
Ambarisa das
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ECO-Vrindaban Board Meeting Minutes 12/21/2014
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ECO-Vrindaban Board Meeting Minutes 12/21/2014
Mission Statement: ECO-Vrindaban promotes a simple, sustainable lifestyle centered on the care and protection of cows, local food production and the loving service of Lord Krishna, as envisioned by Srila Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of ISKCON New Vrindaban.
Participating Members of the ECO-V Board of Directors: Bhima, Chaitanya Mangala, Navin Shyam, Kripamaya (partial), Madhava Gosh (partial), and Ranaka.
Participating Advisors: Radha-Krishna, Sri Tulasi Manjari
Participating Managers: Mukunda
Recording secretary: Jordanna
1. Eco-Friendly Housing Committee
WHEREAS: The ECO-V Board wishes to authorize an executive committee to plan and oversee the building of an eco-friendly house, which will be utilized both as ECO-V staff housing as well as a showcase/prototype for future eco-friendly housing in New Vrindaban.
RESOLVED: The ECO-V Board authorizes an executive committee of Ranaka, Navin Shyam, Madhava Gosh, and Chaitanya Mangala to work on the eco-friendly housing project. This committee will bring a budget request to the full board for approval when ready. Mukunda will soon be a full time ECO-V manager with certain powers and responsibilities designated to him throughout the planning and building process.
2. Introduction of New ECO-V Advisors
The ECO-V Board Members welcomed Radha-Krishna and Sri Tulasi Manjari to their first meeting as Advisors to the Board.
3. Gopal’s Garden Grant Proposal, 2014-2015
WHEREAS: The ECO-V Board wishes to continue its support of a school in the New Vrindaban community.
RESOLVED: The Board approves a grant of up to $15K for the 2014-15 school year of Gopal’s Garden.
4. $31K for Purchase of Two Used Tractors
WHEREAS: The ECO-V Board wishes to continue supporting gardening initiatives in New Vrindaban.
RESOLVED: The Board allocates up to $31K for the purchase of a hay tractor and a garden tractor.
$24K will be reallocated from previously approved funds for auction purchases, plus $7K of additional funding.
5. $1K for ECO-V Crew T-Shirts
WHEREAS: The ECO-V Board wishes to increase awareness of the organization by creating t-shirts for crew members and giveaways.
RESOLVED: The Board approves up to $1K for the initial printing of ECO-V t-shirts.
6. New Vrindaban Eco-Village
WHEREAS: The ECO-V Board wishes to support the creation of an eco-village in the New Vrindaban community.
RESOLVED: The Board resolves to make the following changes to the current Madhuban Eco-Village projects:
· combine the “Madhuban House Design” and “Madhuban Pond and Road” projects
· rename the combined project “Eco-Village at New Vrindaban”
· defund “Madhuban Ox Barn Design”
The balances for these projects (a combined total of $3,500) will be reapplied as seed funds for the new Eco-Village project.
7. Protected Dairy Processing
Ranaka reported that the topic of improving protected dairy processing at the Temple Kitchen was raised during the December Joint Board Meeting. At that time it was agreed this is primarily an INV Temple management issue. Jaya Krsna and other managers are aware and addressing it.
8. Spring 2015 Onsite Meeting
The next onsite meeting will be held March 14-15, 2015.
Mangla Arti of Sri Sri Radha Gopinath;29th Dec 2014
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Mangla Arti of Sri Sri Radha Gopinath;29th Dec 2014
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Gita 03.38 – No one is exempt from lust’s delusion
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