Udupi Krishna (Album 112 photos)
Indradyumna Swami: The city of Udupi is situated in the southwest state of Karnataka in India. It has a population of 165,000 people, but is filled with visiting pilgrims throughout the year. Devotees come specifically to take darsan of the beautiful deity of Krishna [ Udupi Krishna ] who was established by Sripad Madhvacarya in the 13th century. Udupi is the headquarters of the followers of Madhvacarya. ISKCON identifies with the personal philosophy expounded by Madhvacarya, calling ourselves part of the ‘Brahma Madhva Gaudiya Sampradaya.’ Lord Caitanya visited Udupi during His travels in South India. During our 3 day visit we appreciated how Vedic culture is very much intact in Udupi and recommend it as a place devotees visit for Krsna conscious inspiration. Unfortunately, we did not get permission to take a photo of the deity of Udupi Krishna.
See them here: http://goo.gl/yxsuuD
“Agriculture and protecting cows, this is the main business of the residents of Vrindaban, and above all simply loving Krishna.” – Srila Prabhupada, July 1973.
Click here to read the rest of the letter at the Vanipedia website.
Why is Srila Prabhupada special? - Of course, personally he is my beacon of light. I have not seen any person (not exaggeration) as intelligent and humble as Prabhupada. That being said, the point here i want to make is among the jet paced global spiritual gurus of his time, I think Prabhupada was the only person who was not afraid to call a spade for a spade.
For those who were serious of spiritual life, like an expert doctor, he clinically isolated the bad from the good. Prabhupada was not afraid to point out bogus philosophy, watered down vedanta, pure word jugglery and outright cheating. After clearing the dirt, Prabhupada injected pure organic vedanta as have been taught through the ages without adulteration. This style of presentation of God was actually a systematic scientific presentation found only in academia.
Prabhupada presented the topic of God with such clarity (distinguishing the fake from real), it was hard to find fault. The only way one can disagree was if one simply was not interested in the real message of God. Even today, so called spiritual gurus beat around the bush explaining the metaphysics of life. I don't think there will be anyone as clear as Prabhupada in explaining the science of God.
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.
Not the ideal face for this article, but you can see examples of nīvi-kanchuki here (also look at the green in the back). It’s definitely pre-muslim!
By pure consciousness due to constant devotional remembrance, one attains the spiritual sky, which is ruled over by the Supreme Lord Krishna. External Pastimes
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
(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!
"Do not give up chanting the Hare Krsna mantra simply due to some external difficulties. Under all circumstances you should always chant Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare. This will protect you from all danger of being influenced by maya or the material energy."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Srimad Bhagavatam 2.3.17 ayur harati vai pumsam udyann astam ca yann asau tasyarte yat-ksano nita uttama-sloka-vartaya
Translation
Both by rising and by setting, the sun decreases the duration of life of everyone, except one who utilizes the time by discussing topics of the all-good Personality of Godhead.
Sat-tila Fasting.....................on Fri Jan 16th,2015 Breakfast.................on Sat Jan 17th,2015 b/w 7.47am-10.54am
Every fortnight, we observe Ekadasi, a day of prayer and meditation. On this day we fast (or simplify our meals and abstain from grains and beans), and spend extra time reading the scriptures and chanting the auspicious Hare Krishna mantra.
Appearance of Sri Nityananda Prabhu Celebration on Sun Feb 1st 2015 @ 11am
Nityananda Prabhu appeared in the village of Ekachakra, in West Bengal, India, around 1474. In the Caitanya Caritamrita and other scriptures He is declared to be the avatar of Lord Balarama, the direct expansion of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna.
**Details of the program will be posted when we come closer to the event**
ON GOING EVERY SUNDAY
Indian Classical Dance Classes For more info please do contact Syamesvari Devi Dasi at the temple or write to syamesvaridasi@yahoo.com. The dance is performed mainly with the theme of Infinite love of Sri Sri Radha and Krishna.
The Sunday School provides fun filled strategies through the medium of music, drama, debates, quizzes and games that present Vedic Culture to children. However the syllabus is also designed to simultaneously teach them to always remember Krishna and never forget Him. The Sunday School follows the curriculum provided by the Bhaktivedanta College of Education and Culture (BCEC).
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 happ
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 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
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.
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 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 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
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 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
Sat-tila
Appearance of Sri Nityananda Prabhu
Indian Classical Dance Classes
