Planet ISKCON

Sraddha Nrsimha asks why we have to be clean to chant japa when we can wear kanti-mala to the toilet.

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Not sure what this is about but is beautiful :-) (Album 18 photos)
When the living entity understands the target of his life, he takes the arrow of his purified life, and with the help of the bow - the transcendental chanting of pranava, or the Hare Krishna mantra - he throws himself toward the Supreme Personality of Godhead. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 7.15.42 Purport)
http://goo.gl/ZkSGAx

Vrindavana residents participate in “Clean India” push coming from the Prime Minister
Students of Standard IX of the BGIS cleaned the Yamuna riverfront near Vanshi Vat. Friends of Vrindavan’s volunteers and cleaning equipments assisted them in the cleaning operation.
http://www.dandavats.com/?p=14081

Aerial photos of Vrindavan!
Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu has openly declared, niyamitah smarane na kalah. This includes desa, kala, and patra-place, time and the individual. Therefore anyone may chant the Hare Krishna, without consideration of the time and place. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 7.15.31 Purport)
http://goo.gl/e7g7VE

Harinama at Perth City - 07 November 2014 (Album 41 photos)
Comparing one’s own suffering to the suffering of others, one should be kind to all living entities. Once cannot avoid the sufferings inflicted by providence, and therefore when suffering comes one should fully absorb oneself in chanting the Hare Krishna mantra. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 7.15.24 Purport)
http://goo.gl/5WjuA9

Srila Prabhupada Ki Jai! ISKCON devotee Premamaya Vasudeva Das (Pierre Edel) has reached the third stage in Season 3 of the Russian version of TV singing competition show The Voice, an international phenomenon.
http://goo.gl/f9h60b

Miley Cyrus is reading Bhaktivedanta Swami’s Bhagavad Gita! Just now on Instagram. (7 November 2014)
http://goo.gl/PlZqwl

Prabhupada: “You are actually learning in New Vrindaban the self-sufficient mode of living, simple living, high thinking, that is our policy, and as long as Krsna remains in the center of all these activities, then you are actually in Vrindaban.”

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

HH Maha Vishnu Swami Srimad Bhagavatam 10 73 10 14 20141016075456

Krishna katha at the Radha Gokulananda temple (Album 70 photos)
Indradyumna Swami: The day after our last Kartika parikrama we all assembled at the Radha Gokulananda temple to share our memories and realizations. There was laughter, joy, amazement… and a touch of sadness as well. Sadness with the realization that a month spent in each other’s loving association, hearing the pastimes of the Lord, chanting His glories and seeing His transcendental forms in so many temples was finally over ….
http://goo.gl/8XbzhO

Parikrama in transcendental Varsana (Album 154 photos)
Indradyumna Swami: On the final day of our Kartika parikrama we visited Varsana, the home of Srimati Radharani when she was a young girl. We spent hours traversing the beautiful area, sometimes stopping to have kirtan and katha. All along the way we prayed for service to the Divine Couple.
http://goo.gl/1OVvNm

 

On August 5, 2014, Mother Sita (daughter of Malati) gave birth to her first calf, a bull who was given the name Ishaan. Shortly after his birth Ishaan was blessed with the association of H.H. Radhanatha Swami. What an auspicious start to life! Ishaan was born with an under bite which is a perfect match for his rather goofy personality.

Ishaan is a rambunctious little fellow who is always ready to play. He could care less about the mood or size of his playmate, he will challenge anyone for a run around the pasture. He’s not playing around when it comes to drinking milk — so much so that he will try to extract milk from any object he can get his mouth on, be it animate or inanimate.

A favorite pastime of Ishaan is to suck on the collar of his Mother, in hopes of getting a different flavor of milk. So far his attempts have been unsuccessful in finding new sources of milk.

 

On September 9, 2014, Mother Manjari gave birth to a white bull calf who was given the name Balaram. Balaram is a rather shy & peaceful guy. He spends his days peacefully resisting Ishan’s attempts to engage in frivolous activities. He’s too much of a sage to pass his days like that. Nonetheless, when it comes to milking time, he’s not shy to find his mom.

Manjari is very much attached to Balaram & will call out for him throughout the day & night checking in on his welfare. While in pasture with Balaram, Manjari would call out for the rest of the herd to see what they were up to. Either with her son, or with the rest of the ladies, she always wants to be in the loop with what’s happening in both places.

Both Ishaan & Balaram are sons of Dharma, the resident bull in New Vrindaban. Everyone is invited & encouraged to come meet the latest additions to the herd during milking times at 7am or 6:30pm daily.

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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

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