Websites from the ISKCON Universe
Winter In Vrindavan (Album 54 photos)
An afternoon walk in downtown Vrindavan with my camera reveals the beauty of the town and it’s people on a cool winter afternoon.
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Holy Name Meditation Podcast:
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Harinama in Asunción, Paraguay (Album 11 photos)
Srila Prabhupada: It is the aspiration of a devotee that while he chants the Hare Krishna maha-mantra his eyes will fill with tears, his voice falter and his heart throb. These are good signs in chanting the holy name of the Lord.
(Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, 7.81 Purport)
See them here: http://goo.gl/Ob0P6n
Iskcon Devotees In Lagos, Nigeria. Participants On, Oba Alafia Multicultural Dialogue. (Album 22 photos)
Organized by chief Alafia Ifaladeoba Odubola Shalom. held at, national gallery of arts hall, national theater, contain, iganmu, Lagos, Nigeria. December 28, 2014
See them here: http://goo.gl/qlJL2w
UMANG (A Festival of Joy) at ISKCON-Delhi: 28-12-2014 (Album 36 photos)
Srila Prabhupada: There is competition of loving Krishna even in the party of Srimati Radharani. It is a kind of rasa to compete in loving affection centering around Krishna. Letter to Brahmananda, November 18, 1967.
See them here: http://goo.gl/BNWuJy
BY AJAMILA DASA (ACBSP)
MAYAPUR - Over the last two days the Superintendent and his next in charge of the Krishna Nagara Jail, which holds around 850 prisoners, came to Mayapur and received VIP prasadam and a warm Hare Krishna welcome after taking an ecstatic darshan of the Deities.
Amazingly, they expressed very keen interest in ISKCON cooking Daily nutritious prasadam funded by the Government at the prison for all the prisoners. They also want us to do a monthly preaching and Hari nama program in the jail since around 70% of the prisoners there are from Hindu Vaisnava backgrounds, as is the Superintendent and all his key staff. With a little inducement from any dancing white elephant, they and most of the prisoners happily chant Hare Krishna. (But they are still perplexed as to how a few unfortunate Mayapur locals had a 64 year old dancing white elephant falsely jailed, more on that later.)
One of the top officers in charge of the Krishna Nagar Jail said he heard that ISKCON Bangalore, with Government funding, supplies daily all the very nice nutritious prasadam that is fed to the 1,000 plus prisoners in the Bangalore Central Jail. He said that the Government trusts ISKCON with such funding but can't find any other trustworthy parties because in their experience such people pocket around 50% of the funding and the prisoners thereafter get fed a severely undernourished diet.
So there is an immense preaching and prasadam distribution opportunity there in the Krishna Nagar Jail - which is within Navadvipa Dhama - and it won't cost us any money, the Government will fund it. Many Hindu prisoners while in jail are very receptive and will come out of prison with much spiritual benefit. While I was there for 51 days I saw how easy it was to get them chanting and how receptive they were to the message of the Bhagavad-gita. The 'distress' and restrictive nature of the jail makes it most suitable for preaching to such people. And if meat is completely eliminated from the jail diet the entire jail preaching will be so much more potent. We will negotiate that with the authorities, citing Bangalore's jail being supplied Government funded pure Krishna prasadam by ISKCON. It is possible to turn the entire Krishna Nagar prison into somewhat of a Krishna conscious ashram. They call it a "correction home", and what better way for Hindus to become corrected. We could convert a Muslim or two as well. The Christians are regularly trying to convert inmates in the jail so we can also. Krishna Nagar is within Navadvipa Dhama so a preaching program there will most appropriate and this should have already been initiated. In fact, the Superintendent inquired why we had not already approached them like ISKCON did in Bangalore.
When I got dumped into that jail head first in the midst of what was a most blissful month of Kartik on October 17th, I was surprised to see that there was an altar in Ward 3 where I stayed with around 30 other prisoners. So I was able to continue offering lamps to Lord Damodara most days which was a great source of solace in my painful separation from Mayapur and the devotees.
When I arrived at the jail all the prisoners looked at me very suspiciously because they saw my picture which immediately came in the Bengali newspapers - I was portrayed as a rapist. A few extremist local devotees in Mayapur had assisted the ISKCON banned pedophile who got me falsely jailed for rape by going to the media and getting me and ISKCON simultaneously defamed in the newspapers. They wanted to teach me a lesson not to be so outspoken about following strictly Srila Prabhupada's instructions for Mayapur. But when all the prisoners soon saw that this 64 year old dancing white elephant with a young heart was not a rapist but was giving them some genuine blissful enlivening chanting and preaching the good name of ISKCON was not only restored but was significantly enhanced. During the latter part of my stay in the jail, after getting sufficiently adjusted and acquainted in hell, I would conduct animated ecstatic Hari nama chanting in Ward No 1 for around 30-50 imprisoned Vaisnavas where they had an altar with a beautiful picture of Gaura Nitai.
Two days ago in Mayapur I introduced the Krishna Nagara Jail Superintendent to Sankarsana Nitai Prabhu who enthusiastically said he would follow up with the jail preaching.
Although I'm out of prison I'm still imprisoned by my materialistic six senses and mind and am most unfortunate that I don't have a taste for chanting the names of Gauranga Mahaprabhu. But for sure as long as I breathe I will not give up trying and I will live my life with the intense hope that Gauranga will fulfill His promise that He will shower His mercy on the most fallen as am I. The 51 days in jail humbled me greatly but I still have a long way to go which makes me a perfect candidate for getting Gauranga's mercy since I am a wretched rascal and most unworthy.
But actually I don't really mean that, I'm am just saying that so that you will think I'm soooo humble and this again proves I am a total rascal. I will never really be humble, that's an impossibility.
But still, this is the age for getting causeless mercy and I can only plead loudly to the Lord for His help and mercy to give me just one tiny little drop of Gauranga Prema and then I'll be changed eternally, I will be able to see, beyond Praudha Maya, Lord Gauranga in Mayapur dancing with His associates, I will be able to give up the desire for sense gratification completely and just swim eternally in the ocean of Krishna Prema. With such ambitious desires, although completely unqualified, I was somehow able to live in a hellish jail because I got really serious about chanting and praying with some urgent intensity and desperation and was able to see in the far distance at the bottom of my wretched heart some Gauranga Prema light way at the end of the tunnel of my uncontrolled senses and mind.
Praying for an iota of the shade of the lotus feet of Srila Prabhupada and all his sincere servants and followers.
Hoping this meets you well. Hare Krishna.
N.B. This is India. Around 30% of the prisoners in the jail have been falsely implicated. There are around 6 prisoners I contacted there who have no one to help them with warm clothing, and that jail is freezing cold and has no windows except for bars. If you have any unwanted usable warm winter male clothing like chaddars or sweaters or head scarfs you could give away I will have it collected from you and delivered to those who really need them in the jail. One man is 83 years old, he always chants Gaura Nitai when reminded. He really needs some warm clothing. Please email me privately if you can help and I'll arrange to have it collected. Thanks. Hare Krishna!
BY SJMKL PATRON TEAM
KUALA LUMPUR - The much anticipated fun-filling event of the year for Sri Jagannatha Mandir, besides all other immensely delightful spiritual festivals, is the Family Day Carnival! This was specially organized by the patron board with the theme “By Patrons For Patrons”.
While the name itself tells it all, this special day is to bring all devotees of sweet Lord Krsna together, to bind them closer than ever and to build them stronger as a family to do more and more service to the lotus feet of Lord Krishna. With Him playing around in the backdrop, it can only turn out to be completely spectacular as expected! On Sunday 14th December, the day begun with devotees gathering at the temple for Mangala Arathi and Guru Puja, and right after that, all devotees made their way to Bukit Jalil International Park, a mere 10 minutes’ drive from the temple.
By 8.30 am, most of them completed registering to participate in various activities that have been planned out by the organizers. While waiting for more people to join in, Kripa Sindhu Krishna Prabhu filled in by leading a very melodious bhajan together with the devotees. Curious on-lookers were also held captive absorbing the pleasant sight of the congregational members clapping hands and singing together in sync.
By 9am, special breakfast with an array of delicious variety of sandwiches prepared by the Matajis were served. There were also sales of buns, nasi lemak, tidbits and canned drinks. After taking in such an energy boost, devotees moved on to participate in the events they have registered for. With much joy and laughter in the air, devotees who were split into several teams to participate in games such as futsal, tug-of-war, treasure hunt and telematches were all in excitement and full of spirit of sportiveness!
There were some who were engaged in the quieter indoor games such as chess, and some others who were well absorbed in chanting the Maha Mantra. Lots of prizes were given away to winning teams and individuals, and a special birthday cake was presented to Kripa Sindhu Krishna Prabhu during this fun-filled day. This was then followed by something unexpected, the liquid downpour HOLI! The splashing of colors on everybody caught the devotees by surprise, but needless to say, this was giving too much of joy to everyone and made the carnival even more memorable. With the end of all the events organized, lunch prasadam was served. A great combo of rice, sambar, taufu sambal, savoury and sweet halwa was truly a feast to the hungry brood of devotees. With that, the Family Day Carnival 2014 came to an end. It was indeed wonderful to see devotees mingling together in harmony, united in chanting together and helping each another in as many ways as they could.
Everyone enjoyed themselves thoroughly and left Bukit Jalil looking forward now to Sri Jagannatha Mandir Family Day 2015!
The post December 29th, 2014 – Darshan appeared first on Mayapur.com.
Radio live broadcast from the MBC (Album 16 photos)
MBC = Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation. With Vidura Prabhu and Kartick Mohes. New Year’s message, semi-monthly radio live broadcast organized by Vidura Prabhu, one of senior devotees at Mauritius. The broadcast program is for 15 minutes. Pictures from the broadcast studio and from outside the MBC buidling, near Moka, Mauritius.
See them here: http://goo.gl/dRORn4
Snowy Radhadesh, Belgium (Album 20 photos)
Srila Prabhupada: These four principles: Always think of Krishna, become Krishna’s devotee, worship Krishna and offer your respect, obeisances to Krishna. That’s all. This is Krishna consciousness. Hyderabad, November 17, 1972.
See them here: http://goo.gl/l7uoJ9
Panihati and Snana Yatra at Hare Krishna Melbourne (Album 32 photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Everything belongs to Krishna. So by His favor we get opulence, riches, but when we are opulent we forget Krishna, because maya is very strong. Delhi, November 16, 1971.
See them here: http://goo.gl/vwsPHA
‘Religion is so personal’
“Das recollects his favourite session with inmates of Tihar jail. He led a lilting kirtan session but found that most prisoners were unresponsive, when the DIG informed him that they were Muslims. “I asked them, do they not believe in Allah, who corresponds to the Hindu Krishna and Christian God? They said, ‘yes’. Then I explained to them how similar all religions were — if Islam had jannat and jahanum, Christianity had paradise and hell, and Hindus had the concept of swarag and narak, were they not all the same? I pointed out that the life source, energy, was provided by what Hindus call Surya, Muslims call Suraj and Christians, Sun, all the same, is it not? They said ‘yes’. And while Islam talked of Ruh, Hindus of Atman, Christians called it Soul, is it not? They said ‘yes’. Then what was the difference, I asked, were we not all addressing the same thing? We are all souls in different bodies — Krishna only says ‘you are all part of me and I am the Supersoul.’ After, that, all barriers were broken and everyone joined us in singing,” says Das.
Read the entire article here: http://goo.gl/UTGozZ
The post Sunday’s kirtan for Radha Syama appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.
Kirtan program in Joyo Kyoto, 2014/12/27 (Album 52 photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Philosophy is the highest, but even higher than philosophy is the practice of philosophy. So if you simply remain pure, your preaching will have effect. Letter to Brihaspati, November 15, 1971.
See them here: http://goo.gl/7WvaY9
The post Instructing our minds is part of our sadden and part of our preaching appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.
ISKCON Rohini of Punjabi Bagh celebrated Rath Yatra festival on 28th December, 2014 (Album 67 photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Chant Hare Krishna as many times as possible and be liberated. Thank you very much. Vrindavana, November 14, 1976.
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Prasadam in Norwich, UK
If you happen to be passing through or staying in Norwich, or visiting the North Norfolk coast, you may be interested to know that there is a lovely devotee cafe right in town. I stumbled upon Lili Cafe one day when I walked by and noticed Srila Prabhupada’s books in the window. I walked in and received a warm welcome from Vijay prabhu and Urmila mataji , had a lovely chat and delicious prasadam and they gave me information of Sunday evening meetings. I was staying at the coast in late October and trains, one an hour, would have left me walking in the pitch dark alone when I returned. But hopefully next time…
Read the entire article here: http://goo.gl/MOxS2E
Croatia Spiritual Retreat 2015
We are very honoured to have His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami as the chief guest for the upcoming European Spiritual Retreat to Croatia in May 2015. This will be a fabulous 7-day spiritual retreat to the beautiful Croatian island of Iz.
Read the entire article here: http://goo.gl/GX69m6
“Why does the dust that falls from my lotus-like feet immediately destroy all impurities? Why does Goddess Śrī not leave my side even though I do nothing to keep her there, while everyone else struggles to attract the slightest fragment of her attention? I am so pure and blessed only because I am so thoroughly devoted to serving those pure, blessed souls who listen deeply to my kīrtan.”
Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 3.16.7
Iskcon London Greeting Deities & Guru Puja – 23.12.2014
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On New Year's Day, Thursday, January 1st, 2015, Toronto's Hare Krishna temple will be hosting our annual Srila Prabhupada Festival! Promising to be a great way to start the new year, the festival is usually one of the biggest of the year.(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 01 December 2014, Mayapur, India, Srimad Bhagavatam Lecture 6.1.50)
Question: You have said that we are on our own and it is up to us to go back home, back to Godhead. What are we supposed to do?
Take devotional service very serious. Take it very serious! That is what we are supposed to do. Really, all I can say is: Be serious about serious things.
We can have lots of fun. Everyone wants some fun – so we can joke, we can play, we can feast and so on, but let’s be serious about serious things! Serious about chanting sixteen rounds, serious about following four regulative principles, serious about reading Srila Prabhupada’s books, serious about devotional service, serious about our ashram. Let’s be serious about serious things and then we will find that gradually we have become very focused and that we have become very serious about going back to Godhead.
Urban Yoga advertised the title of my lecture, “Spiritual Life in the Modern Age,” for another night at the centre, which has now been beautifully renovated.
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Harinama in Vladivostok, Russia (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: No one can be more pure than devotees. Anyone who once utters the name of Vishnu immediately becomes purified, inside and outside. Since a devotee constantly chants the Hare Krishna mantra, no contamination of the material world can touch him. He is, therefore, actually purified.
(Srimad-Bhagavatam 4.12.37 Purport)
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ISKCON Radha Golokananda temple, Phoenix, Mauritius (Album 21 photos)
Srila Prabhupada: A devotee, either in danger or in happiness, constantly chants the Hare Krishna mantra. When he is in danger he is immediately relieved, and when he is in a position to see Lord Vishnu or His associates directly, by chanting this maha-mantra he can please the Lord. This is the absolute nature of the maha-mantra. Either in danger or in happiness, it can be chanted without limitation. (Srimad-Bhagavatam 4.12.21 Purport)
See them here: http://goo.gl/hsMgss
