by Vyasasan das

Back in August of this year, I began the overwhelming task of rebuilding the barn at New Vrindaban, West Virginia. As you will be able to see from the following pictures, the neglected barn was sadly in a state of disrepair and dilapidation. The building had been completely abandoned and neglected for over twenty years, and was filled with unspeakable garbage and debris. You could say it was a hazard and an eyesore. Actually the building was scheduled to be torn down…but then a remarkable thing happened. Male bulls started being born here at New Vrindaban. One after another, ten in a row, male bulls were appearing and the oxen program was born.

It was decided at one of the cow meetings that we should have an oxen program, and that teams of oxen should be trained up. It was all very exciting and devotees became enlivened by the prospect of an oxen program. There had been some talk in the past about doing something along these lines, but suddenly with new male cows being born one after another it was time for action.

Varsana Maharaja, asked me one day, if I would take a walk over to the old barn at Bahulaban, and have a look at the building with him. I gladly agreed, and together we looked at the existing structure, and both agreed it looked very good. The barn was built with rough sawn oak timbers, and planking, and it did in fact look very good. Of course there was a lot that needed to be removed, but the basic core was very solid and structurely very sound. So I began to draw up some plans for renovation to present to the New Vrindaban Board to see about getting some financing approved.

Srila Prabhupada and Krsna must have wanted this Oxen Program for New Vrindaban, because there were no obstacles in getting the project underway. So I quickly put a crew together and began the demolition and clean-up.

The Existing Building Before Renovation

The Clean Up

I would like to thank all the persons who helped in the clean up of the building. It was very nasty, dusty, dangerous, laborious work. It took over a month of demolition and clean-up before any actual construction even begun. Those I would especially like to thank are; Varsana Maharaja and Davada Prabhu for the heavy machinery operation. To the crew of dedicated workers, who shoveled and raked and swept up over 17 dump truck loads of garbage and debris, they are; Kevin, Tamala, Okey, and Josh. To Shyam Gopal Prabhu for joining the team for the re-construction, and adding to the spiritual flavor, and a special thanks to Pipalada Prabhu for doing such a nice job in finding a burial home for all this debris.

New Construction

The improvements to the barn include, city water, 200 amp electrical service, new roof and siding, two decks and staircases, hay manger for feeding up to 16 cows or oxen, 5 individual stalls, tact area, machinery and ox cart storage area, and the entire 2nd floor which can later be developed for resident quarters.

For me personally, the most rewarding aspect of the project has been seeing the young oxen move into their new home before the onset of cold weather. The barn no longer smells of dust and debris, but rather the sweet smell of hay and manure is beginning to permeate the new space. Through the hard work, and dedication of the many who labored, a new home for the New Vrindaban Oxen Project has been created.

P.S. If anyone is wondering what I will do after the Building is completed…I would like to start construction on an Ox Cart in my shop this winter. Hare Krishna!

“May cows stay in front of me; may cows stay behind me; may cows stay on both sides of me. May I always reside in the midst of cows.” —Hari Bhakti Vilas 16.252

 

1974 December 20: "So far others, unfortunately they cannot give any faultless message. Nobody is greater than Bhagavan, Krsna. If we take Krsna's message we will be benefited - otherwise not."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1974

1974 December 20: "When one associates with one who is in illusion or who is mislead, naturally he will also become influenced by that illusion. So we must pray to Krsna to protect us from such bad association."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1974

"We should not minimize the hearing. What are we hearing? Krsna’s name. Hearing oneself calling on Krsna’s name is really not different from addressing Krsna. It should not be that we are repeating the name dully, or unconsciously. So let your consciousness be that you think of calling on Krsna’s name while you actually recite that name. This is called attentive chanting."

From Japa Reform Notebook
by Satsvarupa dasa Goswami

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 22 June 2012, Czech Republic, Caitanya Caritamrta Adi lila 7.83)

 

Simple devotees are the ones who become advanced. Srila Prabhupada said that Krsna consciousness is so simple that one might just miss it. That is a very nice point because we have to become very simple by giving up our false ego and giving up our false identification. False ego is what we add to our identity, something which is external. Gradually all these things become part of us, “I am that. I am my body, my possessions, my diploma. I am not an ordinary person, I am actually very educated…” We identify with external things in this world and then add them to our glory. It is said that one must give up all material designation, only then can one become free of contamination.

 

 

 

New Gokula farm looks very beautiful due to the amount of rain that has fallen recently. The cows are happy and devotees are growing vegetables and cultivating gardens.

 

 

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Sunday Love Feast

When? Sunday,Dec 21st,2014 Program starts at 11 am Where? 6 George Street South Brampton, Ontario L6Y 1P3, Canada Park underground(free) @ City Hall Phone:416-648-3312 New! Listen Click here to listen to previous class recordings on our blog Make a Donation

Srimad Bhagavatam 7.11.35 yasya yal lakṣaṇaṁ proktaṁ puṁso varṇābhivyañjakam yad anyatrāpi dṛśyeta tat tenaiva vinirdiśet Translation If one shows the symptoms of being a brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya, vaiśya or śūdra, as described above, even if he has appeared in a different class, he should be accepted according to those symptoms of classification.     Program Schedule 11.00- 11.15      Tulsi Puja                                            11.15 - 11.30     Guru Puja                                             11:30 –11:55     Aarti & Kirtan                                       11.55 - 12.00    Sri Nrsingadeva Prayers                   12.00 – 1:00     Vedic discourse   1:00 –  1:30      Closing Kirtan   COMING UP AHEAD Putrada Fasting.....................on Dec 31st,2014 Breakfast.................on Jan 1st,2014  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. Bhakta Santa is coming to town on Dec 25th 2014 from 11am-1.00pm at ISKCON Brampton Celebrate Holidays with us with your family and friends.Do register your kids with our Sunday School teachers so we may reserve surprise gifts for them or  Email:sundayschool108@gmail.com **Details of the program will be posted shortly** New Year's Eve(Grand Kirtan Night)  Celebration on Dec 31st from 8pm-12pm **Let's welcome 2015 in a devotee way.....Details of the program will be posted shortly** 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.   Sunday School To register,contact us Email:sundayschool108@gmail.com Call:647.893.9363 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 happy

Holy Name Meditation Podcast:

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Saranagati Village, BC
 
You Canʼt Miss the Mist
 
 
Some of the mist was tucked between mountains. Some had escaped and softly drifted into higher heights. For the most part the sun was the king today as it gazed over a silent world of green snow. I had just completed giving a class at the elementary school on my recollections of Yamuna devi, a saintly woman who had resided in this valley.
 
She passed away three years ago today.
 
Phoebe the dog accompanied me on my trek through the valley as I visited households.  When it came to the team of goats that Francis herds, Phoebe, in her efforts to get to know them, would slowly nose her way towards them. Once she would get real close, she wasnʼt sure, and sheʼd jolt backwards. Goats have these marble-like eyes, almost transparent. Youʼre not quite feeling they actually are looking at you. Phoebe would just freak each time the dozen or so spooky-eyed creatures came in close proximity.

Eventually Phoebe abandoned me once I visited Sarvaʼs house. As Sarva and I chatted about this medic work he does up north, we could see Phoebe outside taking the last of Sarvaʼs brick of ice cream, which was in the perfect fridge lain on the snow. A good at that and Phoebe decided itʼs time to go, while Sarva thought nothing of losing his dessert.
 
My day wound up at Yamunaʼs house. Now uninhabited, this straw-bale built home, was the cozy gathering for the release of her biography by thirty-eight year partner, Dinatarini. Yamuna had a full life, so the book reveals, according to Kartamasa the presenter. A slide show highlighting the pictorial contents of this smart-looking publication became the charmed promotion of the text.
 
I remember Yamuna as the major anchor, the pure stabilizing factor for the devotees in the valley. Her experience and seniority, along with Dina, gave the place a family feel.  Her presence, which still exists, along with the students of the Govardhana Academy as well as the group in between make Saranagati a very “whole” community.
 
May the source be with you!

5 KM

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Please keep Nassasira Prabhu in your prayers.Timeline PhotosToday my Gurumaharaja sent me a message to say that my dear Godbrother Nasasira Livingstone from Mbarara in Uganda, a blissful gausevak who had started a project to protect the Ankole cattle i... Continue reading →

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From Rishit P:

I came across one of the posts in face book by a friend in face book which said:

God: "Dear atheists, Thank you for not killing any children. You are doing great without religion."

Can you please comment on this?

 

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For the most part it is mythology. Here is one example: http://bit.ly/1Aj0li1

The post Don’t blindly believe anything you learn in school appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

Kirtan at Klyde Warren Park- Dallas Tx (Album 24 photos)
Klyde Warren Park, one of the most popular gathering places in Dallas, advertises our bi-monthly kirtans on their event filled website.
Srila Prabhupada: “What to speak of others, even Krishna, the son of Nanda Maharaja, personally descends to taste the nectar of love of Godhead in the form of the chanting of Hare Krishna.” (Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Antya-lila, 3.265 Purport)
See them here: http://goo.gl/PUcU0v

A visit to Live Earth farm of Iskcon Silicon Valley (Album 39 photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Pure devotees chant the Hare Krishna mantra, and simply by hearing this chanting from a purified transcendental person, one is purified of all sinful activities, no matter how lowborn or fallen one may be. (Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Antya-lila, 3.126 Purport)
See them here: http://goo.gl/pq51iT

Preaching program at ISKCON Punjabi Bagh (Album 30 photos)
Srila Prabhupada: There may be so many impediments for a person who is chanting Hare Krishna. Nonetheless, tolerating all these impediments, one should continue to chant so that at the end of one’s life one can have the full benefit of Krishna consciousness. Bhagavad-Gita 8.5 Purport.
See them here: http://goo.gl/HNUCzQ

Beautifil Darshans @ ISKCON Punjabi Bagh (Album 10 photos)
Srila Prabhupada: The easiest way to control the mind, as suggested by Lord Caitanya, is chanting “Hare Krishna,” the great mantra for deliverance, in all humility. Bhagavad-Gita, 6.34 Purport.
See them here: http://goo.gl/uymTyC

“I have got ambition to construct there 7 temples as follows: 1. Radha Madan Mohan, 2. Radha Govinda, 3. Radha Gopinatha, 4. Radha Damodara, 5. Radha Raman, 6. Radha Gokulananda, 7. Radha Syamasundara.” – Srila Prabhupada, November 1968.

Click here to read the rest of the letter at the Vanipedia website.

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"O Supreme Personality of Godhead, when someone desires to chant Your holy name, sins tremble in fear, the glory of material illusion faints unconscious, Yamaraja's scribe Citragupta becomes happy and gazes at the chanter's toenails with awe and reverence...."

Padyavali Verse 20

Memories of Srila Prabhupada series 57 and 58 now available.
Siddhanta Dasa: It is with great pleasure that we continue the “Memories of Srila Prabhupada” series with the latest contributions from Aditi devi dasi, Nanda devi dasi, Ballavhi devi dasi, Caitanya devi dasi, Yogesvara das and Udayananda das. You will learn what it actually takes to be rejected by the spiritual master and a unique understanding of why we think the daytime dream is more real than the nighttime dream besides many other topics. Close the year out and bring the New Year in with inspirational stories about His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=14713

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Their is always one thing that makes me stop and ponder but also puts me into a little anxiety and that is when asked for advice on spiritual matters especially surrounding japa.
Sometimes the individual wants me to validate their actions I’m not doing my round’s but it’s OK here’s my reasons, so it’s not real advice but a simple coconspirator in inaction rather than action; to those whose circumstances have changed of the flavour has gone from chanting the holy name of Krishna.
As one listens over the years their is one interesting theme that I’ve noted whilst we look to reduce spiritual activity when things get tough depending on the circumstances in a majority of cases the material aspect is not reduced.
Time is a factor to do 16+ good rounds of japa is time consuming some forward planning and regulations are needed and its easy to say I have no time, whilst prioritising the 8 hour working day plus commuting time added with family time and time to chill and wind down. Overtime work deadline and the added insecurity in the workplace means even for devotees like myself some awareness of work based needs is required and also running a house is a costly affair so a loss of work and the reduction of income is a focus so forced by material nature work takes priority.
Sickness is also a factor last year after calapsing at the temple and spending some time in hospital japa was difficult and being honest as to quality well hum needless to say it was very poor indeed. So reduce after all best do 1 good round than 16 poor rounds right prabhu.
Thankfully I’ve avoided the whole marriage children lifestyle but know this brings its unique challenges as consideration for the needs of the other family members is needed, the children demand attention along with the life partner.
Then theirs the new devotee just setting out and let’s face it the learning curve can be steep even after over 10years of practice I’m still learning new things and making mistakes thankfully devotees are very merciful and don’t take offence.
It is however to simply say do your rounds and almost browbeat the individual into doing 16 rounds for not doing so is an epic fail to hell do you go anything under 16 rounds means your in maya.
I’ve found first and for most listening carefully and understanding were the individual is at, that means taking time analysis their day, health both physically and spiritually, then and only then do we prescribed a route to improved japa.
It reminded me that certain medications used in my work, it is not that we start at the best dose but start with a smaller one and as the body gets used to it gradually increase, this reduces sideeffects and also aids compliance.
Japa is the medication needed to free the spirit soul from the delusion of material energy and thus great care has to be given best slow and steady increase or a constant number of rounds daily.
But japa is not the be all and end all it is part of a wider prescription and if we are struggling with japa over the years both personally and listening and advising others the other essentials to a health devotional life is missing or eroding.
Listening to and reading Srila Prabhupada books should be a part of everyone’s daily routine along with some sort of seva.
Ineffective japa and japa reduction usually parallels with a lukewarm approach to reading, listening and association with devotees and in the worst case scenario were their is an overtaking of the mind and simply put fault finding and ill speech about others is taking place.
So personally when my own japa is weak it’s time for a complete spiritual health check and when approached by others who are struggling in their own japa I take the same approach so how is the rest of your spiritual life going.
The and only them advice as my deepest desire is not to give the incorrect advice and set the person up to fail but to inspire then to do as much as they can whilst increasing the underlying desire to do more as circumstances or health allows.
So personally I’m less inclined to simply so do your rounds but to enter into a journey with them similar to the journey I enter with my clients and overtime good steady progress in made.
In conclusion if were struggling in japa then this should be a loud warning sign that other areas in our spiritual progress is also in need of some fine tuning
Chant and be Happy
And serve others in such a way they remain inspired to develope and remain Krishna consciousness
Hare Krishna

Worry is a natural human response to life’s uncertainties. Yet what is natural can become unnatural if it becomes our only response, for then worry overwhelms us, reducing us to emotional wrecks.

We may not be able to stop worry from attacking us, but we can stop it from overwhelming us. If we allow the worrisome thought unfiltered entry, it soon expands to fill our consciousness, making us paralyzed or frenzied, incapable of any constructive action. What allows worry entry and space in our consciousness is our thinking about the problem. The more we think about it, the more worry penetrates and pervades.

I hear the protest, “How can I not think about the problem? If I don’t think about it, how will I deal with it? And if I don’t deal with it, it will destroy me.”

We industriously hold on to the worrisome problem, thinking that we are tackling it, but actually we are being tackled by it – tackled to the ground and even below it.

Yes, we do need to deal with the problem, but thinking undiscerningly about it may well be the worst way of dealing with it. When we feel threated by a problem, our thinking often becomes undiscerning in the sense that we lose control of our thoughts – they take control of us. Acquiring a life and momentum of their own, they drag us down into feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. Through it all, we industriously hold on to the worrisome problem, thinking that we are tackling it, but actually we are being tackled by it – tackled to the ground and even below it.

To prevent such a downslide of our consciousness, we need to provide it an uplifting hold. The best such hold is the highest reality, God. One of his names is Hari, the Lord who steals away impurities including worries. When we meditate on him, praying for strength and guidance, the Bhagavad-gita (18.58) assures that we pass over all obstacles. We feel ourselves emotionally, intellectually and spiritually raised above our circumstances, somewhat akin to a person airlifted from the arena of an exploding volcano. When we view the problem from a distanced and detached perspective, we perceive aspects and conceive solutions that we had missed earlier when the problem was looming above us.

Devotional meditation thus provides tangible relief, but to effectively access its potency, we need an appropriate process and adequate practice.

Mantras comprising the holy names of God are the best airlifting process. And regular meditation on those divine sounds comprises the background practice for averting acute anxiety attacks. During those attacks, our practice will enable us to hold on to the divine and thus rise above the problems.

By thus retraining ourselves to hold on to Hari instead of worry, we can go and grow through problems gracefully.

Edmonton, Alberta

Live the Movement


The offer was on by my host, Yogendra, to try out the track at the new Meadows Rec Centre, located in his neighbourhood.  With this agreeable proposal, I took to the 4.25 laps that make 1 kilometre.  I completed my desired 6 km for a morning jaunt before my first engagement for the day. 

I find it awkward to do the counter clockwise walk.  I understand they alternate the direction each day.

I got a charge from the caption I read on the back of one woman’s tshirt, “Live Your Movement”, is what it said.  I’m sure that this is a take on how you move your body, but this was a good message which I took as a queue to voice my feelings in regards to the movement that I’ve joined.  Sometimes I’m a little concerned regarding some immature dynamics that I find go on even in a spiritual community.  In my talk to the community, I mentioned that a person behaves at school, behaves at work (might even behave at home), but when in a devotional environment, it should not be the time to vent or to emote.

“In a spiritual setting it calls for shanti –peace.”  To add to the message, I expressed that as long as humans come together, there will eventually be a collision of opinions.  A decision needs to be confirmed in order to unlock an apparent stalemate.  It is structure, a respected managing team, that carries the responsibility of breaking the dam that hinders the flow. 

Now, I joined a movement which sometimes is on pause.  I pray to be instrumental as much as possible, in pressing ‘play’ if not, ‘forward’.  I pray to ‘live the movement’ and to practice what I preach.

May the Source be with you!


6 KM

Toronto, Ontario

Not Bored


The seductive woman, the boy smoking dope, the ungratified corporate man, the hungry grizzly, the curious kid wanting to know if I could walk on water, the generous donors in the poorest town in Canada – these were the people and entities I talked about from cross-country treks before a group of people.  It was the second day to talk to a Russian speaking group.  It was inspiring to see their enthusiasm as they listened.  Except for the three kids, the 8, 9 and 10 year olds, who admitted to being bored, all else were quite perked up.  Believe me, I take no offense to kids and their remarks. 

After three months of silence from Dana, the trekker who vied for challenging the cross-country trail, I had succeeded in reaching him by phone.  Last month he had completed 20,000 kilometres on that trail.  He told me he’s in great shape, and has been doing speaking engagements on the glories of walking.  He also informed me about his receiving sponsorship from Keen, the shoe company.  It will be a great day to meet him in person.  We are trying for that.  And as I get enthused in hearing what he is doing, he mutually gets inspiration by my efforts.  There is a walking bond going on here, even though we’re thousands of miles apart from each other.

As I completed my phone call with him, I was in the airport at the time, waiting for a flight to Edmonton.  A fellow by the name Ahmed, asked if he could sit next to me.  My robes struck his enthusiasm, or his inquisitiveness, and so he then expressed his wish for spiritual input into his life.  Like many people, he is feeling a vacuum.  This sparked a fulfilling conversation which continued until it was time to line up for boarding. 

Not everyone was bored that I met today.  It was more like one long ribbon of exchange with motivated people. 

May the Source be with you!


3 KM

Vancouver, British Columbia

Path of Simplicity


Our local pujari (priest), Swiss born, Hadai Pandit, offered to take me to see a god-sister.  Her name is Padyavali, she is a small gal from Newfoundland, and she joined the ranks of Krishna Consciousness back in the early 70’s.  At the seniors’ home where she resides, we found her lying down.  Her Parkinson’s disallows her from moving with speed.  And when it comes to hearing, with her mature years, it means you have to raise your volume a bit. 

Hadai, his wife, Mahatma, and I, took Padyavali for a short, slow stroll down the hallway and back.  Being rather sedentary today, this little short stroll is something I needed more than she did.  She encountered some dizziness from that brief walk, which is a mark that she is not in her best health.  We sang a devotional song by her bedside, and she participated.  If walking and talking doesn’t help very much in the communication department, then you can always use mantra power, correct? 

We will see our dear sister on the next visit to Vancouver. 

And you know, those Russian speaking people that I had the honour to see as part of a weekly get together, was also really sweet.  Here I gave an option on what I should speak about, “Do you want a verse from the Bhagavad Gita which to dissect, or a reading from the book, “Krishna”, or an abbreviated 9 Devotions Workshop, or a talk, “Tales from Trails”.  They opted for the latter, and so we trekked the road together as I recalled crazy but cool experiences of pedestrian pastimes.  It was nothing short of leading people on the path of simplicity. 

May the Source be with you!


3 KM

Port Coquitlam, British Columbia

I Was Driven


I was driven to Port Coquitlam in one of those new electric cars, a Tesla model.  It drives real smooth, still, I wouldn’t trade walking for a fancy car ride anywhere, any day.  It was simply practical taking this mode of travel. 

What was the attraction to Port Coquitlam?  Food, rather, the people who prepared it.  Jogender and family invite like routine each time I come to Vancouver.  It’s custom to host a sadhu, holy person, to one’s home, bathe the person’s feet in clean water, after his long walk, and then feed that same mendicant.  In exchange, the mendicant will offer words of inspiration. 

Now, in my case, I was a guest who was not worthy of a soothing foot wash.  I didn’t trek to Jogender’s home, I was not a weary or worthy traveller.  I wish though, that I could put in more time to trekking. 

I did slide a few minutes in with Peter near the Chinese farms in Burnaby.  Peter is a gardener and looks after the grounds at the ISKCON temple.  As an outdoors type of person, he thrives on physical activity.  With the gardening, he earns his keep, and also washes his feet, and all that above those feet after a day’s work. 

As  bhakti yoga practitioners, cleanliness becomes a part and parcel of habit.  One get cleansed with water externally, and with mantra internally. 

Back to Jogender’s home and the food.  What can I say?  Good hosts, great food.  Thank you. 

May the Source be with you!


5 KM