Planet ISKCON

Gita verse-by-verse Study Podcast:
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Holy Name Meditation Podcast:
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I went from the concrete world of New York City to the emerald world of New Gokula. I'm breathing in jasmine, cow dung, the river, and now the rain. I can feel it all on my skin, in my lungs. The day was hot and sweet, and now the night and rain is falling and it's cool and sweet.

Here in my room, I can hear sashes of kirtan from the temple wind down the hill and tickle my ear. My life has boiled down to one directive: chant the holy name. For someone who has been religiously tending to her agenda, juggling a dozen duties every day, I find myself unarmed.

My only agenda is to chant. Eat, sleep, then chant more. And dance.

When I'm in kirtan, I just want to stay, stay, stay. I am discovering an addictive peace. I have to tear myself away to eat. Life literally melts way and I am right here, right now.

A couple hours remain in 2014. Dear reader, I'm glad we got to spend the year together. I pray that wherever life takes you, life takes you to love.

The ticklings in my ear are getting so insistent!! Oh my God. I must run up the hill and dash into the templeroom because I know some crazy dancing is going down.

Gotta go party with God.

Happy New Year ;)

Part 1
In the midst of my sneezing and a hacking cough this morning I discovered a fantastically beautiful sunrise—breathtakingly inspiring for me—when I went downstairs to wake our home Deities. These days I am very taken by the natural world, the sunrise and sunset, phases of the moon, and my favorite for super variety, the ever-changing clouds. These daily occurrences are often missed in our hectic world, and thus it is no wonder that people are ever more depressed and lonely, feeling the cities are like a fast paced void. Behind Nature, and within it (and our hearts), is the Presence of the Almighty, patiently waiting for us to turn to him.

And when we are in the peace that nature can afford (if we can turn off our phone) we can feel closer to the Source of Everything, who for Gaudiya Vaishnavas, is the charming, extraordinarily gorgeous, irresistible flute player and cowherd, Shri Krishna. So I felt inspired and happy in the midst of a distressful condition—which gives a clue on how to be happy. This is the opening for today’s topic on happiness.

My wife and I gave a class last week titled, "Is Happiness a Choice?" guided by the 14th chapter of the Bhagavad Gita on the three modes, or qualities, that govern the material world. Our answer to this question was a conditional yes, since happiness is really an attitude toward life, and not the result of our material adjustments or attainments. Another way of thinking of happiness is that it is not a “thing” but a by-product of a state of consciousness. Thus we might reframe the question to read, “What state of mind is required to choose to be happy?”

From a higher spiritual perspective, one of the qualities of the soul is happiness, so the closer we come to the spiritual platform, the more joy we will naturally feel, and the less we will be searching for happiness in the world of ephemeral things. The potentiality of material goodness (sattva) is that it is the portal, or gateway, to the soul, since it can bring wisdom and spiritual illumination. The downside of material goodness—and all material qualities or things have shortcomings—is that one can become attached to being a happy, virtuous, and wise person, and remain materially bound.

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"As far as controlling the mind, two senses engaged are sufficient. If we engage the process of hearing and the process of chanting with the tongue, then these two senses can capture the mind on the Hare Krsna mantra."

From Japa Reform Notebook
by Satsvarupa dasa Goswami

From the KKSBlog Team, we wish you a Krsna conscious, devotional-service-filled 2015! This year, the Blog enters its tenth year of existence! Initially, a mailing list was created where devotees shared with each other the latest news and updates about Kadamba Kanana Swami. In 2005, at the request of Nama-rupa, Uddhava created the blog in an attempt to widen the reach of our audience and formalize the KKS media library. From humble beginnings, by the efforts and dedication of some devotees, the KKSBlog has developed over the years to its current format.

Thank you to our readers, financial backers and transcribers for your support. Our appreciation to those who take photos and recordings. Finally, our gratitude to our dear Kadamba Kanana Swami for being the main inspiration behind the existence of the KKSBlog.

 

Even in cold winter, Srimati Radharani’s home in Varsana teems with locals and pilgrims alike visiting the holy places of that sacred abode. A day before leaving Vrindavan we joined them, all the while begging Radharani to bless our upcoming festival programs in Maharashtra. “I emphatically say to you, O brothers, you will obtain your [...]

New year eve Harinam: Queen st Auckland New Zealand (Album 3 photos) Srila Prabhupada: “Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare-these sixteen names composed of thirty-two syllables are the only means to counteract the evil effects of Kali-yuga. In all the Vedas it is seen that to cross the ocean of nescience there is no alternative to the chanting of the holy name.” (Kali-santarana Upanisad)
See them here: http://goo.gl/DNzFqG

Bhagavatam-daily podcast:

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When devotees of ISKCON preach, most often than not, it will be categorical in the sense that Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead and everyone else is subservient to Krishna. In fact, sometimes, you will hear that the Gaudiya vaishnava siddhanta as Lord Caitanya is the supreme refuge for all living beings. In this, there seems to be an apparent implication that other paths perhaps are not correct or bonafide. For the untrained ear, this might sound sectarian and even fanatic hence offensive.

Our acharyas actually present Gaudiya siddhanta as the supreme occupation for mankind. In other words, they recognize other valid spiritual paths but simply focus their energy on the ultimate fruit of the soul. Of course, not all will be interested in the supreme fruit of the soul. We are all living entities with free will, so not many will be interested in the highest dharma. In fact only few will be interested in the highest dharma of love of God in a mood of separation as Srimati Radharani exhibited as Lord Caitanya. True love even of this world is the sweetest in separation than in meeting.

So the Gaudiya philosophy inspires the soul to love God in a mood of sweetness. This does not mean other paths are not bonafide. There are so many paths beginning from pure materialism to material religion to nihilism to sayujya mukhi to personalism. If you imagine these paths to be the different rungs of a ladder of dharma (material to spiritual), the Gaudiya vaishnava siddhanta of pure love in separation is the top rung after which there is nothing more for the soul to aspire. The spiritual journey of the soul is complete and hence ends in that topmost rung. Anyone aspiring for the highest fruit of life will ultimately take refuge in Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu.

As I am writing this, perhaps it is already New Year 2015 in parts of the world. I wish everyone a Happy 2015! Of course there is no steady state happiness in material endeavors. Only pure love of God will nourish the soul and bleed unending happiness. So in that mood to seek unending happiness, I wish everyone a Happy 2015!

Hare Krishna

Lecture Podcast:
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The post December 31st, 2014 – Darshan appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Mantra Choir inspired by the success of their recent Virtual Choir, shall be kicking off the New Year with a brand new initiative!
Following hot on the heels of “Giri Govardhan” are now creating an even more adventurous piece namely… “Mahaprabhu”
Read more about this event in which you can participate from whatever part of the world you are simply with your mic and webcam here: http://goo.gl/f7pCLo

Answer Podcast:
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Answer Podcast:
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The post Being appreciative, practical and grateful for the greatest gift appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

Radhakunda: 108 tons of bhoga offering on 31 December! (Album 3 photos)
Srila Prabhupada: “The essence of all Vedic knowledge-comprehending the three kinds of Vedic activity, the Vedic hymns, and the processes for satisfying the demigods-is included in the eight syllables Hare Krishna Hare Krishna. This is the reality of all Vedanta. The chanting of the holy name is the only means to cross the ocean of nescience.” (Narada-pancharatra)
See them here: http://goo.gl/amDBdS

Pablo Zalaquet, mayor of Santiago, Chile, receives Srila Prabhupad’s books
Srila Prabhupada: In the material world, everything is full of anxiety
(kuntha), whereas in the spiritual world (Vaikuntha) everything is free from anxiety. Therefore those who are afflicted by a combination of anxieties cannot understand the Hare Krishna mantra, which is free from all anxiety.
(Sri-Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, 7.74 Purport)

SRI JAGANNATHA MANDIR, ISKCON Malaysia Head Quarters helps school children (Album 32 photos)
As we head towards year-end, one powerful way to exit it brilliantly is by giving out, even a little would suffice to those really in need. Sri Jagannatha Mandir took the opportunity to exit the year in this manner, by reaching out to needy school children around the area of Bandar Kinrara, Puchong. Some 75 children were identified and provided with basic school items such as school bags, shoes and uniforms. They were also awarded with small treasures, Srila Prabhupada’s books that could transform lives. Devotees from Sri Jagnnatha Mandir have been performing house preaching activities in the said area and it was during this time that the sponsor thought this small assistance could help ease the burden of parents living in that area. As how any noble act gets appreciated, this sponsorship program too received kudos from the public as well as devotees. YB Senator Dato Dr Logabala Mohan Jaganathan(Deputy Minister, federal Territories) @ His Grace Logabandhu Gauranga prabhu and His Grace Simheswara Prabhu, ISKCON Malaysia regional secretary gave away the gifts for the students. The students were very happy receiving their gifts and also being part of the Sunday love feast. Hari Bol!
See them here: http://goo.gl/SbVxZJ

HG Urmila Mataji at ISKCON Mayapur on 2014-12-26, Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 06 02 18 19

Answer Podcast:

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Answer Podcast:

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Answer Podcast:

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From Manish P

Answer Podcast:

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In theology, there are so many "isms" such as;

1. Atheism - no belief in an Almighty God
2. Theism - belief in an Almighty God
3. Apatheism - lack of any interest in a single Almighty God
4. Agnosticism - Belief in a higher power but without any definite knowledge about it
5. Monotheism - belief in a single Almighty God
6. Polytheism - belief in many gods
7. Transpolytheism - belief that there is a transcendent undifferentiated spiritual state beyond worship of different god
8. Naturalism - belief that everything can be explained by the physical laws of nature
9. Deism - belief in the existence of a God on the evidence of reason and nature only, with rejection of supernatural revelation
10. Henotheism - belief in and worship of a single God while accepting the existence or possible existence of other deities that may also be worshiped
11. Pantheism - belief that God and nature are identical. Do not believe in a distinct personal God.
12. Panentheism - belief that God contains the universe while also transcending beyond it infinitely

"Practically we see that as we sincerely try to improve our chanting for the pleasure of Krishna, Krishna reciprocates and we feel our greatest pleasure which is devotional service to the Lord...."

Letter to Syamasundara - November 24, 1968

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, November 2014, Mayapur, India, Youth Class Lecture) 

Without mercy, we will die. There is no doubt about it. Without mercy, we will not survive in spiritual life.  So if anyone has any mercy – share it, because if you share whatever mercy you have today, then maybe others will share with you also. So that is the system. It is not like, ‘I have got mercy and I am holding it here and I will make sure nobody gets any because I do not have so much.’ Because if you keep mercy like that, then it disappears; at one point it dries up or goes stale. So like that, we are sharing mercy because then there is a lot more.

We remember that story about Narada Muni who had received some amazing maha prasadam from the Supreme Lord and then he became very ecstatic. He came before Lord Siva. He said to Lord Siva how ecstatic he was because he had some amazing prasadam. Then Lord Siva asked, ‘Have you got some for me?’ And Narada Muni said, ‘No, actually I ate it all.’

Lord Siva said, ‘What? Narada, how could you do that? You did not save me any.’ And then there was a whole thing and finally Narada Muni realized that there was a little bit between his teeth and said, ‘Okay, I will give you this.’ He dug it out and Lord Siva was very happy as he also got some mercy. You can see this sharing of the mercy! So friendship is there amongst devotees, honour is there amongst devotees, to be ready to give all respect to others and whatever mercy we got, let us share it!

 

Bhagavatam-daily podcast:

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Krishna Sambandha Expoyoga GAM in Chile, 2014 (3 min video)
KRISHNA Sambandha, is an innovative musical Hare Krisha group whose main aim is to preserve and spread the classical and devotional music of ancient India look.
Through melodies, percussion and singing classical and devotional compositions, the audience is transported to the sacred lands of India, in an atmosphere of meditation, joy and spiritual bliss.
This group has exclusive classic instruments in Chile and northern India such as Sitar (20-string instrument), Santoor (90 string instrument), Subahar (20-string instrument), mrdanga (devotional Drum Bengal), Moorsing (Harpa Lip), Kartalas (hand cymbals), Harmonium (Keyboard to wind), Udu (Vessel Barrro used to strike).
Watch it here: http://goo.gl/0NVrhs

Altar renovation News: The Team (12 min video)
Srila Prabhupada: “O Lord, Your transcendental name and form are not ascertained by those who merely speculate on the path of imagination. Your name, form and attributes can be ascertained only through devotional service.”
(Srimad-Bhagavatam, 10.2.36)
Watch it here: http://goo.gl/wPpRHR

Mama Mana Mandire is a song in Bengali by the 18th century saint-poet Bhaktivinoda Thakura. He prays, Mama Mana Mandire, ‘Let my mind be your temple. Throughout the day and the night, I will worship you with all my heart.’
Listen to this extraordinary performance by Jahnavi Harrison here: http://goo.gl/VfrwoX

Kavicandra Swami: Togo is a small poor country in French speaking West Africa. ISKCON has been in a rented property for many years. a few years ago on Mr Kumar donated for the entire years rent. That was a great help for the preacher.
The property was for sale but ISKCON was notable to raise the price.. I met with Mr Kumar to discuss about buying the property. He was favorable and said the he does what God tells him to do.. We prayed that Krsna would inspire..
A few days ago I got news that Mr Kumar has purchased the property in the name of ISKCON and is working on plans to build a nice temple there.
See more photos of Iskcon Togo here: http://goo.gl/1607dO

http://youtu.be/T1nID8m4y7c

The post Hello from Mayapura appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.