Planet ISKCON

Answer Podcast

Answer Podcast

When I think about my Japa I ask myself - do I chant because I have to? Or is it because I want to chant!
If we want to chant then we are attached to the Holy names and we look forward to it - that comes from concentration and dedication to hearing.
If we find ourselves chanting because we have to chant - we need to start to hear the Holy names and develop a taste through concentration on the sound.

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 29 September 2014, Pretoria, South Africa, House Program)

There are many stories to tell of Brahmananda. In the early days, Brahmananda became Prabhupada’s trusted representative. His nature was that he was completely surrendered to Prabhupada’s desire. Whatever Prabhupada would say, he would do it. I think if any quality is outstanding in his character, it is loyalty. He is the most loyal servant you can imagine, completely loyal to Prabhupada. Whatever Prabhupada said, “Okay, that is what we are going to do, whatever it is.” That is not so easy and that is not so often found in anyone. That is why Brahmananda got this unique position of being so close to Prabhupada.

In fact, of all the devotees in the early days, Brahmananda was the leader. Prabhupada chose him as the leader. When they were saying that we should select a treasurer, we should select a secretary and a president, then Brahmananda said, “Satsvarupa would make a good secretary.” Gargamuni, his nickname was Garga-money, so he was the obvious person for the treasurer. Prabhupada said, “You should be the president.” That was it and from that day on, Brahmananda was in charge of everything and it was quite amazing.

First of all, Prabhupada had this Bhagavad-gita manuscript which he wanted published. It was very difficult to do so but he told Brahmananda, “Just get it published.” Easier said than done, you know. Get it published? How? Well anyway, there was one man who worked for the Macmillan publishing company who had put in an order through the mail. So, Brahmananda decided to do some follow up and go there hoping to get some connection but it turned out the man was just working in the accounts department and had nothing to do with publishing. So, it did not look good at all.

Just then, the chief editor came into the office of the accountant and Brahmananda saw this opportunity. He said to the man, “Here, I have a Bhagavad-gita by A.C. Bhakivedanta Swami Prabhupada and I would like to offer the manuscript to you for publication.”
The man said, “A Bhagavad-gita? A Bhagavad-gita!? We just finished a series of spiritual topics and we need a Bhagavad-gita to complete it! I will take it.”
That was it! Macmillan, a big company, was publishing Prabhupada’s Bhagavad-gita. That was Brahmananda. Prabhupada was very eager to carry on with book publication.

Eventually they got to Japan and got some cheap prices. The Krsna book was meant to be printed there. Brahmananda was negotiating with the printers and telling them how to do and so on… But it was not ready when Brahmananda had to leave, he had go back, catch his flight. Although they promised it would be ready, it was not ready. So he was very disappointed and he knew that Prabhupada would be really disappointed. As he was going up the steps of the plane, suddenly this limousine, this large limousine just pulled up onto the tarmac and drove right up to the plane and all the executives of Dai Nippon printing company came out. Brahmananda saw all these people he had been working with and he went down the staircase. They just brought out this box and they gave it to him.

Brahmananda went on the plane and he just ripped open the box and took out a silver copy of the Krsna book and the man next to him asked, “What is that?”
He said, “That is a book, it is about Krsna. It is published by my spiritual master, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami and it is been sponsored by George Harrison.”
The man said, “How much is it?”
“$20.”
The man said, “Okay, I will take it.” (laughing). He bought the book!

 

So when Brahamanda came to America, he felt a little bit embarrassed to give Prabhupada this box that was ripped open and Prabhupada said, “How many books are there?” 

He said, “Twenty-four, Srila Prabhupada. There were twenty-five but now there are twenty-four.”
Prabhupada said, “Oh.”
He said, “Yes, I sold one book on the plane.”
Prabhupada said, “That is very nice.” Then Prabhupada had a copy in his hands and said, “All these other ones can be sold also.” He looked at his copy and he said, “This one can be sold also.”

They were all sold and Prabhupada was very, very pleased. So Brahmananda was a very close and intimate representative of Srila Prabhupada and practically like his son in so many ways, so close.

Recently, Arjuna Krishna Das and Ram Lakshman Das took a month-long tour of seven farm communities across India to report on and unite them all. Both devotees represent ISKCON Daiva Varnashram Ministry, which promotes the development of spiritual eco-communities in India. Their travels took them first to ISKCON Juhu’s satellite farm project Nilachal Dham.

Bhagavatam-daily Podcast

We live in an age that that cherishes equality of opportunity for all and celebrates the breaking down of barriers such as race. Intriguingly, a similar egalitarian spirit is enshrined in the Bhagavad-gita written millennia ago.

For many years, health researchers have been interested in the potential of copper to help stem the spread of dangerous infections.

A chronic lack of sleep not only affects your work, your relationships, and your enjoyment of life, it also wreaks havoc with your immune system.

he Krishna Kidz Camp has grown from 25 kids to over 100 as word spreads about the fun and exciting immersion into Krishna-consciousness during this four-day camp. The camp is filled with energy and excitement as these wonderful children begin to experience the spiritual bliss of learning about Lord Krishna.

With temperatures expected to fall below freezing in less than two weeks, getting the new shelter for Ukrainian devotee refugees up in double-quick time is more urgent than ever. The ten-room shelter, which is going up just outside of Kiev, will include a communal kitchen and a sawdust-fueled boiler for cost-effective heating and hot water. The property will also have four wells for water and septic.

The Seattle ISKCON temple is a happening place. When someone enters on a Friday or Saturday, it feels like a Sunday feast.  The classrooms are filled with teachers presenting a successful seminar called Discover Yourself, a crash course on the Bhagavad Gita that wets their appetite to delve deeper into the ancient wisdom of Lord Krishna. In the main temple hall there is a Bhagavad-gita class for curious visitors. 

“Prasadarians” is a prime example of just how powerful Facebook can be when used in the right way. Started by Mexican devotee Mahattama Dasi in 2012 when she was in remission from cancer and looking for a service she could do from home, it immediately exploded into a hugely popular group of 7,000 members, all sharing beautiful photos of food offerings (prasadam) to their Deities, along with recipes and stories.

Toronto, Ontario

The Bloor Walk


A drizzle did not restrict me from walking on Bloor Street West this night.  This street is always vibrant with young folks who infuse the area which is the location of the largest university in Canada.

I caught a glimpse of some people at tryouts at a dance academy.  I peeked through the window at the dance studio and it looked like guys and gals at salsa.  Somehow or other that visual helped me to see in my mind’s eye Krishna’s dalliance with the cowherd maidens, a function of His in a world far beyond Bloor.

Christmas décor and trinkets for sale are starting to creep up in window displays and shop shelves.  I’ve been a scoffer at the Yuletide event for years.  I’m fond of Jesus, but the mundane nature of Christmas in current times leaves one to wonder.  I’m reminded of the cynical comedic take on Christmas from a CD delivered to me recently, it makes me crack up to hear it.

Ekendra, the vocalist and music composer behind the piece called “Christmas Is Not On Vaishnava Calendar” actually pokes fun at Krishna culture as a fanatical Krishna monk named Yama Niyama Das Brahmachari, Ekendra’s lineup of tracks features songs like, “Simply Hell” to the likes of Jingle Bells, and “Santa Claus is Coming To Town” parallels “Yamaraja (the lord of death) Is Coming To Town”.  For more info: www.youareinmaya.com

It’s always therapeutic to laugh at yourself and your own community, which like any, has its own in-house quirky habits.  On my return stretch on the walk on Bloor, I reflected on how our ashram crew delighted in listening to it at the tail end of our Bhagavatam class. 

Down Prince Arthur I went, and passed by a high-rise where an acquaintance had thrown herself from her balcony some years back.  She did not survive.  When I walk on this street, in particularly past that building, I do so in the spirit of deeper contemplation on the fragility of this world. 

I also passed by Lee’s Palace, rock concert hall/dance club, I recall seeing the punk straight edge band, Shelter.  Those guys were in their prime in the 90’s and in the turn of the millennium.  I might be the first monk to have stepped into that place.  I was there to give support, of course, to their show.  The boys are good human beings, good devotees.  Still practicing Krishna Consciousness to my knowledge. 

May the Source be with you!

7 KM

Toronto, Ontario

People Walking
 
I could not help but notice a potpourri of people as I stepped southbound on Yonge Street this evening.  It left impressions of people who stood out.
 
The first person: a young man - head protruding forward, not disabled, just bad posture.  Curved bangs for his hair reached the eyebrows He looked sad.
 
The second person: looking chipper, confident stride in his walk. Tall, big boned and head was swaying from side to side. His smile also went from side to side. At the same time, self-absorbed because when I nodded to him, no response.
 
The third person: tall fellow, bespeckled. Noticed me and said, "Yeah!"  Head was tilted. He was puffing on a cigarette. Face expressed beatitude.
 
The fourth person: short, bald man in his seventies (my guess), looked with utmost caution at both sides of the street for oncoming vehicles. Had a slight limp to his walk as he crossed the street.
 
The fifth and sixth: two towering thin chaps with hair gelled upward. Holding hands. Same sex, but are spirit souls. I am not judging them.
 
The seventh: a petite young woman, dark skinned in dark tight attire. Sexy demeanor. She is a spirit soul too.
 
The eighth: a man with large head, somewhat distorted, perhaps homeless. Made me think of Charles Laughton's rendition of both "The Hunchback of Notre of Dame". I remember the film when I was a child. His acting was damn good.
 
The ninth: a young student of UT from India. At peace with himself. Happy to see me. We met before at the ashram. Feeling was mutual. He took my advice to keep coming, keep chanting, keep in the good association of renunciants and devotional people. His name? Nanda Kumar.
 
"Like Krishna" he said of his name. We parted.  Glad to see him and all the people walking.
 
May the Source be with you!
 
7 KM

HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj visits ISKCON Delhi: 07-11-2014
(Album 32 photos)
http://goo.gl/0Du2kK

The post Candramauli Swami’s talk on Srimad-Bhavatam at a public program in Coimbatore 6th November appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

The post Sivarama Swami’s talk on Srimad-Bhavatam at a public program in Coimbatore 6th November appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

How our determination to attain Krsna, our performance of sadhana and our vows should be as fixed as lines in stone.

The post From the Kanya-kumaris we can learn appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

Amazing aerial view of Govardhana and Radhakunda (Album 71 photos) By Prananatha Das and his flying “drone”
http://goo.gl/5c5zOz

October 2014 Photos and Updates from the wonderful Radhakunda Seva team (Album 66 photos)
Please browse our latest photos and join our efforts by visiting www.radharani.com. Your servants, Mayapurcandra dasa, Campakalata Devi dasi, and Padmavati Devi dasi
http://goo.gl/PVuaWg.

Preaching in Athens, Greece (Album 6 photos)
From the recent visit of Kavicandra Swami
http://goo.gl/kek8MW

Circumambulating Govardhan (Album 158 photos)
Indradyumna Swami: As the auspicious month of Kartika drew to a close, our parikrama party choose to circumambulate sacred Govardhan Hill one more time. We knew well that Giriraja is very merciful to those who pray for eternal residence in Sri Vrindavan dhama.
http://goo.gl/q5aAsq

Nigerian Devotees on High Sea, chanting.
Nigerian Devotees embark on a two hours journey in a high sea to a popular and oil rich town called Bonny Island, for Sankirtan and Harinam. They were invited by a Barrister Devotee, Tilaka Das. It was an interesting journey despite the fact that some devotees were scared due to the heavy waves on the sea. So many people were made devotees as they were so excited on seeing devotees dancing and singing strange songs they have not seen or heard before. And lots of Srila Prabhupada books were distributed.

Lessons in beauty, crowd control and cleanliness for TOVP :-)
Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi (Album 47 photos)
http://goo.gl/d2VVo7

Bhagavatam-daily Podcast

From Anuj Agarwal P

 

As far as I know Srila Prabhupada readily accepted milk from all breeds of cows. But, some spiritual teachers say only indigenous indian cow breeds are go-mata. Foreign breeds are from Raksasas. Is this correct? If so should we not rear and drink milk of foreign breeds?

Answer Podcast

From Dipin Preet Singh Bhangoo

Answer Podcast

Answer Podcast

Holy Name Meditation Podcast

Please share your realisations with other devotees from around the world...simply send me an introduction message and I will be happy to make you a member:

rasa108 ::_::{.at.}::_:: gmail dot com

ys

Rasa Rasika dasa

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 29 September 2014, Pretoria, South Africa, House Program)

Srila Prabhupada came to the Western world. In the Western world, he began his movement and after a short time, he was successful in the Lower East Side. He began to attract some devotees. One of these devotees is Brahmananda Prabhu. I have been reading a new book which is not yet on the market but somehow or other I got an advance copy. Since I was reading it, it is on my mind.

Somehow or other, Brahmananda is a very big and powerful man. Spiritually, first of all and also physically. He has a big body. Brahmananda was a wrestler before Krsna consciousness and even a little bit in Krsna consciousness. Brahmananda, over the years, certainly became very big in size. Even big people look small next to Brahmananda.

One time Srila Prabhupada gave a big sweet ball – a simply wonderful, quite a big size one, maha-large – to one devotee. Prabhupada put it in front of the devotee, on the plate and then just looked at it. Brahmananda also looked at it and just popped it into his mouth and ate the whole thing! Prabhupada said, “Yes, that is the nature of mercy. If you do not take advantage of it immediately, it might just disappear!”

Giriraj Swami spoke on Srila Gaura Kisora dasa Babaji Maharaja during the Sunday program.

“Although one could say that Srila Gaura Kisora dasa Babaji Maharaja didn’t preach, he did through Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura. He had an immense wealth of spiritual realization and he gave that to Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura who then distributed it. If I have $1 million but I don’t distribute it myself but give it to someone else and tell them to distribute it it, is as if I had distributed it myself. So Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura distributed that wealth of Krishna consciousness that he received from his guru maharaja. Although Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura was very busy he would meet his guru maharaja on occasion. Once someone questioned him that. ‘The spiritual master is the pivotal point in one’s devotional service yet you don’t meet him that much.’ Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura replied. ‘What you say may be true but my spiritual master is like the motor that powers the boat. Although you don’t see it, all the power that propels the boat comes from the motor. Similarly with all the preaching I am doing, the power comes from my guru maharaja.'”

Jaya Radha Madhava
Disappearance Day of Srila Gaura Kishore dasa Babaji Maharaja 

Food for Life Global Inc, the headquarters for the world’s largest food relief is moving its headquarters to Melbourne, Australia. The non-profit will continue as usual but with the functions and services now running from Australia. All international affiliations will continue as before.

On May 28, 2008, Adam LeWinter and Director Jeff Orlowski filmed a historic breakup at the Ilulissat Glacier in Western Greenland. The calving event lasted for 75 minutes and the glacier retreated a full mile across a calving face three miles wide. The height of the ice is about 3,000 feet, 300-400 feet above water and the rest below water.