Bhagavatam-daily 13 – 11.07.03 – Our choice of faith attracts the gift of faith
First GRC Mold Sample
- TOVP.org
An interview with Parvata Muni das, Director of Research and Development.
GRC (glass reinforced concrete) is a composite material made out of white cement, white sand, polymers from 6 plasticizers, and fiberglass. It is an alternative decorative element. Our temple will have so many decorative pieces. To make them out of carved marble would be extremely time-consuming and fabulously expensive.
First of all, we make a model of the piece we need. Then we add different decorative elements to it. When it is finished we cover it with rubber or silicone to create a mold. From that mold we can produce up to a hundred more pieces. We are doing such a sample at the moment. It is 3.4 meters (11 feet) long. From that mold we can produce a hundred pieces which gives us 340 meters (1,100 feet) total length.
Originally we looked at using outside contractors. But it was my idea to make it by our own efforts. We have devotee-artists here who we can give the job to and produce the GRC here. We bought necessary equipment and raw materials and started production. When the first sample is finished it will go on the front part above the temple entrance. Other parts will also be made out of GRC such as: 24 parts going down from the Kailash, different front decorative columns, and other elements.
Other advantages of making the GRC in-house are: it would be less expensive, it could break up during transportation from outside sources, and when the manufacturing process grows we can employ people living in Mayapur and pay them a reasonable wage.
We will finish our first sample by Gaura Purnima 2015.
The post First GRC Mold Sample appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.
Govardhan Parikrama with HG Deena Bandhu Prabhu on 28-Oct-2014…
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Govardhan Parikrama with HG Deena Bandhu Prabhu on 28-Oct-2014 (Album 80 photos)
Living entities are in the air, in the water, in the holes, everywhere. And the vibration of this sound is so powerful because it is spiritual that it will act even on the... Read more ›
Oaklawn/Cedar Springs Halloween Block Party Street Kirtan w/…
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Oaklawn/Cedar Springs Halloween Block Party Street Kirtan w/ Giriraj Swami (video)
Every year during this time of the year we have a wonderful kirtan with thousands of folks attending the Oaklawn Halloween Block Party. The event has more than 100,000 ... Read more ›
The Most Sacred Of All
→ travelingmonk.com
Scripture says that Vrindavan is the most sacred place within the universe. Within Vrindavan, Govardhana Hill is considered the most holy. And on that transcendental mountain the lake of Radha Kunda is most sacred of all. The photography of Ananta Vrindavan das shows us why …
Srila Prabhupada’s Disappearance Day in Vrindavan (2014)…
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Srila Prabhupada’s Disappearance Day in Vrindavan (2014) (Album with 108 beautiful photos)
37th Annual Disappearance Festival of Srila Prabhupada in Vrindavan (27-Oct-2014)
http://goo.gl/NsJyrI
Why does the Bhagavad-gita immediately after rejecting bodily identity address Arjuna with names which reinforce that very identity?
→ The Spiritual Scientist
Answer Summary: The Gita conveys that we can’t wish away our bodily identity – we have to work our way through it and for that work we can dovetail the impetus coming from our bodily identity.
Answer:
“You are not the body” is the first lesson given in the Bhagavad-gita (02.13). Yet the very next verse (02.14) refers to Arjuna twice based on his bodily connections: Kaunteya, son of Kunti, and Bharatarashabha (illustrious descendant of Bharata dynasty). In fact, out of the 25 names it uses to address Arjuna, 14 refer to his bodily connections: Bharata, Bharatarshabha, Bharatasattama, Bharatashreshtha, Dehabhritama-vara, Kaunteya, Kurunandana, Kurupravira, Kurusattama, Kurushreshtha, Pandava, Partha, Purusharshabha and Purushavyaghra.
The sheer variety of the names used indicates that the usage is not just for functional purposes. If just some name were needed for addressing the soul while it was in a body, then any one name would have been enough – and a name unconnected from the body could have been chosen.
Then, why does the Gita use so many names?
To encourage seekers through appreciation to persevere on the path of dharma that will eventually free them from bodily identification.
Far from summarily rejecting bodily identity, Vedic culture created an elaborate structure for systematically accommodating and engaging that identity.
Let’s consider the Gita (02.14): It urges Arjuna to stay unswerving on the path of dharma and tolerate the pleasures-pains inevitable in bodily existence. As such tolerance is difficult, it encourages him to take up the challenge by using two laudatory names. Srila Prabhupada points to this purpose in his purport, “To address him as Kaunteya signifies his great blood relations from his mother's side; and to address him as Bharata signifies his greatness from his father's side. From both sides he is supposed to have a great heritage. A great heritage brings responsibility in the matter of proper discharge of duties; therefore, he cannot avoid fighting.” This example of using laudatory body-related epithets is not an exception – it is the norm in the many epithets used for characters throughout the Vedic literature.
The acknowledgement of our bodily identity comes also in the social structure endorsed by the Vedic literature: varnashrama. Far from summarily rejecting bodily identity, Vedic culture created an elaborate structure for systematically accommodating and engaging that identity. Its purpose was to help people fit into occupations that suited their bodily nature. If bodily identity could have been simply wished away, then Vedic culture wouldn’t have stressed varnashrama. But it recognized that realizing our spiritual identity requires a lifetime (and sometimes even more) of dedicated practice of dharma. And during that practice, we need to arrive at a steady and healthy truce with our bodily nature so that we can focus on dharmic practices. Varnashrama provides a social structure that enables us to work our way through our bodily identity by practicing dharma.
Often a reminder of our respectable connections, that is, connections with those whom we respect, invokes our sense of honor and inspires us to act honorably.
And because the path of dharma is often demanding, we need encouragement to persevere on that path. One of the greatest sources of encouragement is appreciation from others. And that appreciation can be offered for different things – for one’s sincere practice of dharma as well as for one’s worldly positions. Often a reminder of our respectable connections, that is, connections with those whom we respect, invokes our sense of honor and inspires us to act honorably.
The Srimad Bhagavatam (04.08.26) reports the transcendental sage appreciating the sense of honor among kshatriyas. This sense of honor has intrinsically nothing to do with transcendence, but Narada Muni expertly uses it to guide prince Dhruva towards intense devotional service that helps him attain Lord Vishnu.
When appreciative reminders of our honorable bodily connections come from teachers of dharma, it activates our sense of honor for following their instructions to live strong in dharma. When we are thus inspired, we can work our way through our bodily nature towards our eternal spiritual nature of devotional service that is forever free from all bodily designations.
Thursday, October 23rd, 2014
→ The Walking Monk
Toronto, Ontario
Under Siege
“Under Siege!” read the headlines today. The news from Canada’s national capital, the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa, received global attention. For many countries it became the top story. A gunman managed his way into the Parliament Buildings and fired away, killing one security guard, and in the process of his madness, lost his own life. People are rather shocked that such a crazed person was able to enter the nation’s inner sanctum.
We live in very disturbed times. It is a feature of the era of ignorance, kali. In the case of the gunman who lost his life, apparently it was the shadow of irreligion that clouded the man’s consciousness. Obviously he was not at peace with himself. And once again the jihad notion gives religion a bad name.
After I had heard the news from a friend who informed me by phone from New York, I felt a shake up feeling inside. What was ironic about this sad day, however, is that many calls came in from people, but not to do with the tragedy in Ottawa. The calls were actual inquiries about Diwali, the New Year. This event commemorates Rama’s glorious victory over evil forces. “When are we celebrating Diwali?” and “How are we celebrating Diwali?” people asked. It was hours of this that I played telephone reception. A good crowd came in the evening to chant, hear readings of the Ramayan, and partake in prasadam.
By the day’s end I could get out to walk to take time to reflect and perhaps even to redefine my take on this dual world in which we live. On the one hand you have darkness and on the other hand you have something that lights up.
May the Source be with you!
5 KM
Under Siege
“Under Siege!” read the headlines today. The news from Canada’s national capital, the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa, received global attention. For many countries it became the top story. A gunman managed his way into the Parliament Buildings and fired away, killing one security guard, and in the process of his madness, lost his own life. People are rather shocked that such a crazed person was able to enter the nation’s inner sanctum.
We live in very disturbed times. It is a feature of the era of ignorance, kali. In the case of the gunman who lost his life, apparently it was the shadow of irreligion that clouded the man’s consciousness. Obviously he was not at peace with himself. And once again the jihad notion gives religion a bad name.
After I had heard the news from a friend who informed me by phone from New York, I felt a shake up feeling inside. What was ironic about this sad day, however, is that many calls came in from people, but not to do with the tragedy in Ottawa. The calls were actual inquiries about Diwali, the New Year. This event commemorates Rama’s glorious victory over evil forces. “When are we celebrating Diwali?” and “How are we celebrating Diwali?” people asked. It was hours of this that I played telephone reception. A good crowd came in the evening to chant, hear readings of the Ramayan, and partake in prasadam.
By the day’s end I could get out to walk to take time to reflect and perhaps even to redefine my take on this dual world in which we live. On the one hand you have darkness and on the other hand you have something that lights up.
May the Source be with you!
5 KM
Wednesday, October 22nd, 2014
→ The Walking Monk
Mississauga, Ontario
It’s For You
I was hosted by Dharma and Manasi Ganga, a couple from Mississauga. After the overnight stay, I helped myself to the streets before dawn. It’s somewhat easy to get lost, being in the dark, and in the area of cookie-cut homes (where all looks the same), and lastly, when you put priority on the sound of the early morning – the maha mantra.
Emanating from this humble servant’s mouth is Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, etc. Outside of that, the odd car drives by, someone’s en route to work, or on a return, home after a graveyard shift. And, as far as sound goes, I did hear a peep out of one bird. Vayu, the wind god, didn’t help with the sound, he seemed to be asleep, and this was indicative of the pervading quiet. Not even leaves were rustling. At the edge of a forest signage tells of the presence of coyotes, and that from dusk to dawn it was not advisable to lurk there with a pet.
No problem for me, my only pet is the strand of beads of benevolence that I’m carrying. I was determined to put them to my usual vigilant use. Beads have an anchoring effect in much the same way that a murti or deity of Krishna anchors the mind. With that tactile sense, the fingers roll over those precious beads and gain a feeling of groundedness.
I felt quite at home, though the sounds of summer are now silenced and the air, to my rating is fresh. The enhanced solitude after days of crowds, queues and traffic, was quite welcome. The early morning is meant for that, solitude and meditation.
Take advantage of it, it’s for you.
May the Source be with you!
8 KM
It’s For You
I was hosted by Dharma and Manasi Ganga, a couple from Mississauga. After the overnight stay, I helped myself to the streets before dawn. It’s somewhat easy to get lost, being in the dark, and in the area of cookie-cut homes (where all looks the same), and lastly, when you put priority on the sound of the early morning – the maha mantra.
Emanating from this humble servant’s mouth is Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, etc. Outside of that, the odd car drives by, someone’s en route to work, or on a return, home after a graveyard shift. And, as far as sound goes, I did hear a peep out of one bird. Vayu, the wind god, didn’t help with the sound, he seemed to be asleep, and this was indicative of the pervading quiet. Not even leaves were rustling. At the edge of a forest signage tells of the presence of coyotes, and that from dusk to dawn it was not advisable to lurk there with a pet.
No problem for me, my only pet is the strand of beads of benevolence that I’m carrying. I was determined to put them to my usual vigilant use. Beads have an anchoring effect in much the same way that a murti or deity of Krishna anchors the mind. With that tactile sense, the fingers roll over those precious beads and gain a feeling of groundedness.
I felt quite at home, though the sounds of summer are now silenced and the air, to my rating is fresh. The enhanced solitude after days of crowds, queues and traffic, was quite welcome. The early morning is meant for that, solitude and meditation.
Take advantage of it, it’s for you.
May the Source be with you!
8 KM
Tuesday, October 21st, 2014
→ The Walking Monk
Hyderabad, India
Woe Is Me
I merely spent a few hours at ISKCON Hyderabad. Hyderabad is a progressive city in the south, population I was told is 8 million. Traffic is very full. You are a hero to cross the street in the downtown rush. Cars rule here, walkers have a tough time to triumph. I had asked about a quiet walking trail near ISKCON’s guest house where I stayed overnight. The response, in the local language (Telegu, I believe) was, “No way.” Consolingly, the temple itself has a shanti or peaceful atmosphere where one can pace up and down in a safe fashion.
The night prior I was asked to chant and then to speak from the Gita, 2.60, “The senses are so strong and impetuous, Oh Arjuna, that they forcibly carry away the mind, even of a man of discrimination who is endeavouring to control them.”
This entire day, however, was an in the air experience. Embarking from Hyderabad to London and then Toronto, I had given most time to reading devotional material. It was in the beginning of the trip that mercy came my way – love really. The person looking after me with room service in Tirupati, and a much needed massage, is actually from Hyderabad. And while I was waiting for the day’s first flight, airport authorities sought me out at the waiting area and handed a phone to me. The call came in from this same fellow, Vijay Kumar by name, but I couldn’t decipher who he was or what he was saying. I took the call as a mistake. Minutes later Vijay had driven all the way to the airport and had prasadam (divine food) of dosas and sambar, South Indian specialties, packaged in a small bag which was sent through security tagged and all. He left a note inside the bag.
I was surprised at Vijay’s kindness. He went through such an extent to cook a meal for me and to see that I didn’t have to fully rely on airplane food. With this loving sentiment, I left India. As I always experience, I am left with heart melting gestures from people of that devotional land. Yes there is this crazy hustle bustle about the place, but there is always an underlying spirit of bhakti in the atmosphere. I only feel bad that I can’t reciprocate with Vijay. I did not pick up his number during my stay. Woe is me!
May the Source be with you!
0 KM Except for all the walking done in the corridors of Heathrow Airport.
Woe Is Me
I merely spent a few hours at ISKCON Hyderabad. Hyderabad is a progressive city in the south, population I was told is 8 million. Traffic is very full. You are a hero to cross the street in the downtown rush. Cars rule here, walkers have a tough time to triumph. I had asked about a quiet walking trail near ISKCON’s guest house where I stayed overnight. The response, in the local language (Telegu, I believe) was, “No way.” Consolingly, the temple itself has a shanti or peaceful atmosphere where one can pace up and down in a safe fashion.
The night prior I was asked to chant and then to speak from the Gita, 2.60, “The senses are so strong and impetuous, Oh Arjuna, that they forcibly carry away the mind, even of a man of discrimination who is endeavouring to control them.”
This entire day, however, was an in the air experience. Embarking from Hyderabad to London and then Toronto, I had given most time to reading devotional material. It was in the beginning of the trip that mercy came my way – love really. The person looking after me with room service in Tirupati, and a much needed massage, is actually from Hyderabad. And while I was waiting for the day’s first flight, airport authorities sought me out at the waiting area and handed a phone to me. The call came in from this same fellow, Vijay Kumar by name, but I couldn’t decipher who he was or what he was saying. I took the call as a mistake. Minutes later Vijay had driven all the way to the airport and had prasadam (divine food) of dosas and sambar, South Indian specialties, packaged in a small bag which was sent through security tagged and all. He left a note inside the bag.
I was surprised at Vijay’s kindness. He went through such an extent to cook a meal for me and to see that I didn’t have to fully rely on airplane food. With this loving sentiment, I left India. As I always experience, I am left with heart melting gestures from people of that devotional land. Yes there is this crazy hustle bustle about the place, but there is always an underlying spirit of bhakti in the atmosphere. I only feel bad that I can’t reciprocate with Vijay. I did not pick up his number during my stay. Woe is me!
May the Source be with you!
0 KM Except for all the walking done in the corridors of Heathrow Airport.
Monday, October 20th, 2014
→ The Walking Monk
A Premier Pilgrim’s Spot
Tirumala, India
He said it like it was a mantra, repetitiously. “See the Swami! See the Swami! See the…”
It was one of the pandas (priests) repeating these words in reference to us, the pilgrims, viewing Balaji, a self-manifested Visnu form who stands sternly at His shrine. His white marking is iconic – bold and beautiful, and perhaps overdone. The explanation is that the white paste covering His eyes is because He is not prone to see the evil of man in this world. A similar white marking at the chin represents remedial herbs applied because once, when manifested as a young man, a furious fellow hurled an iron rod at His chin which left an injury.
The place is Tirumala, which translates as “the mountain of the abode of Laxmi (the Goddess of Fortune).” And the big attraction at the mountain’s peak is Balaji Himself who draws a bigger crowd and more funds than the Vatican. Each day, faithful people contribute collectively crores of rupees as donations.
The place is fascinating. Myself and peers, mostly my monk brothers and sisters from North America and Europe had the viewing of Balaji at which time, we also did a tight circumambulation around this temple, followed by a trek on a more wide angled path. Incidentally on this path was a beautiful dance formation of young men who routinely stepped in circular fashion around a zealous drummer’s beat. The dancers held a shaker to make sound in the right hand, and a red cloth which they’d flick at a particular rhythmic beat in their left hand.
All the while that we were on the grounds there, there was an audible mantra recorded. It was in praise of Balaji: “Om namo venkatesvarayah.” The reciprocation for visiting with your voluntary donation is a bowling ball-sized sweet called laddu. This I will save for the monks in the ashram back in Toronto. It will be the sure proof that I did some serious pilgrimage at this unique place in South India.
May the Source be with you!
4 KM
Tirumala, India
He said it like it was a mantra, repetitiously. “See the Swami! See the Swami! See the…”
It was one of the pandas (priests) repeating these words in reference to us, the pilgrims, viewing Balaji, a self-manifested Visnu form who stands sternly at His shrine. His white marking is iconic – bold and beautiful, and perhaps overdone. The explanation is that the white paste covering His eyes is because He is not prone to see the evil of man in this world. A similar white marking at the chin represents remedial herbs applied because once, when manifested as a young man, a furious fellow hurled an iron rod at His chin which left an injury.
The place is Tirumala, which translates as “the mountain of the abode of Laxmi (the Goddess of Fortune).” And the big attraction at the mountain’s peak is Balaji Himself who draws a bigger crowd and more funds than the Vatican. Each day, faithful people contribute collectively crores of rupees as donations.
The place is fascinating. Myself and peers, mostly my monk brothers and sisters from North America and Europe had the viewing of Balaji at which time, we also did a tight circumambulation around this temple, followed by a trek on a more wide angled path. Incidentally on this path was a beautiful dance formation of young men who routinely stepped in circular fashion around a zealous drummer’s beat. The dancers held a shaker to make sound in the right hand, and a red cloth which they’d flick at a particular rhythmic beat in their left hand.
All the while that we were on the grounds there, there was an audible mantra recorded. It was in praise of Balaji: “Om namo venkatesvarayah.” The reciprocation for visiting with your voluntary donation is a bowling ball-sized sweet called laddu. This I will save for the monks in the ashram back in Toronto. It will be the sure proof that I did some serious pilgrimage at this unique place in South India.
May the Source be with you!
4 KM
Sunday, October 19th, 2014
→ The Walking Monk
Tirupati, India
Climbing is Walking
It’s been a nice change, leaving the shoes behind in the room and going for several days everywhere barefoot. I’m making brief trips generally going from one building to the other at the temple campus. It also means taking to flights of stairs several times over.
Instead of waiting for the elevator, Devamrita Swami decided to climb the stairs to the 4th floor of one building where we were holding meetings. I followed him. Tirtharaj, another friend from Australia, followed. A chain began. Moving at a good speed, Tirtharaj remarked, “We will all do a cardio test after this.” The three of us are all in our 60s and are not yet struggling too much physically. We ascended with little sweat.
It was announced at today’s meeting that I’ll be embarking on a walk from Boston to New York via Butler, Pennsylvania next year to honour a golden jubilee event. It will be 50 years since our guru Srila Prabhupada made a historical milestone – landing on American soil as an ambassador to the spiritual world. In any event, this anticipated effort of my walking to commemorate the unofficial kick start of the Hare Krishna movement was really appreciated by peers.
The several days meetings came to a close. With the hot topic of ‘female gurus’ a consensus was concluded. The majority of the group are generally in favour of having qualified ladies to function and be official teachers as diksa gurus. After a three day intensive on the subject we came to a happy conclusion.
May the Source be with you!
4 KM
Climbing is Walking
It’s been a nice change, leaving the shoes behind in the room and going for several days everywhere barefoot. I’m making brief trips generally going from one building to the other at the temple campus. It also means taking to flights of stairs several times over.
Instead of waiting for the elevator, Devamrita Swami decided to climb the stairs to the 4th floor of one building where we were holding meetings. I followed him. Tirtharaj, another friend from Australia, followed. A chain began. Moving at a good speed, Tirtharaj remarked, “We will all do a cardio test after this.” The three of us are all in our 60s and are not yet struggling too much physically. We ascended with little sweat.
It was announced at today’s meeting that I’ll be embarking on a walk from Boston to New York via Butler, Pennsylvania next year to honour a golden jubilee event. It will be 50 years since our guru Srila Prabhupada made a historical milestone – landing on American soil as an ambassador to the spiritual world. In any event, this anticipated effort of my walking to commemorate the unofficial kick start of the Hare Krishna movement was really appreciated by peers.
The several days meetings came to a close. With the hot topic of ‘female gurus’ a consensus was concluded. The majority of the group are generally in favour of having qualified ladies to function and be official teachers as diksa gurus. After a three day intensive on the subject we came to a happy conclusion.
May the Source be with you!
4 KM
Saturday, October 18th, 2014
→ The Walking Monk
Tirupati, India
News That Hurts
There are 70 monks who live on the premises here at Tirupati. They are a happy group. I recognize some of the older as well as younger ones from my visit two years ago. I’m sure there’s some turnover. Naturally, there will be a departure for some. Not culturally, but vocationally. Some will get married. There will also be a hardcore portion of them that will make this monastic life their lifestyle until they reach their physical end.
I had received an emergency call from Canada. The news was about a young couple who are splitting. When I heard this my heart sank to hear of this failure. Vows of commitment were made and yet the relationship didn’t have strong “go” for a very extended time. Naturally the two were struggling and were strained in their communication. Tolerance and patience did not take a priority on either end of the stick.
Though the two individuals have called it quits on each other, by some divine revelation a glimmer of hope may cause a relook and a return of the situation. There’s always that chance. It’s always good to keep the doors open. If you can imagine at one time there was love that has now become faded. Romance is like a pickle (stimulating), but know it to be fickle. We forget that real love is service to each other.
If there’s anything about kali yuga (dark age) that is dominant it appears to be this one. The breakup of couples. Who wants it? Neither he nor she, friends, family, guru, or God find joy in a bond broken.
A word of caution: before tying the knot, know whom you’re hooking up with. Be assured that there are elements about the other person that you will not like. Who is perfect after all? Concentrate more on your own shortcomings. There is so much to be said about relationship issues. Some people are better off as permanent monks or nuns who make firm their relationship with the Divine.
May the Source be with you!
5 KM
News That Hurts
There are 70 monks who live on the premises here at Tirupati. They are a happy group. I recognize some of the older as well as younger ones from my visit two years ago. I’m sure there’s some turnover. Naturally, there will be a departure for some. Not culturally, but vocationally. Some will get married. There will also be a hardcore portion of them that will make this monastic life their lifestyle until they reach their physical end.
I had received an emergency call from Canada. The news was about a young couple who are splitting. When I heard this my heart sank to hear of this failure. Vows of commitment were made and yet the relationship didn’t have strong “go” for a very extended time. Naturally the two were struggling and were strained in their communication. Tolerance and patience did not take a priority on either end of the stick.
Though the two individuals have called it quits on each other, by some divine revelation a glimmer of hope may cause a relook and a return of the situation. There’s always that chance. It’s always good to keep the doors open. If you can imagine at one time there was love that has now become faded. Romance is like a pickle (stimulating), but know it to be fickle. We forget that real love is service to each other.
If there’s anything about kali yuga (dark age) that is dominant it appears to be this one. The breakup of couples. Who wants it? Neither he nor she, friends, family, guru, or God find joy in a bond broken.
A word of caution: before tying the knot, know whom you’re hooking up with. Be assured that there are elements about the other person that you will not like. Who is perfect after all? Concentrate more on your own shortcomings. There is so much to be said about relationship issues. Some people are better off as permanent monks or nuns who make firm their relationship with the Divine.
May the Source be with you!
5 KM
Prabhupada Letters :: Anthology 2014-10-29 11:15:00 →
1966 October 29: "I am glad to learn that you are chanting regularly and I hope you are gradually getting some enlightenment in Krsna Consciousness. Our path is genuine sublime and easy. So there must be a world wide organization for pushing the movement in the Human society. This is only medium to save the people from ruination."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1966
Prabhupada Letters :: 1966
The Most Sacred Of All (Album 218 photos)
Indradyumna Swami:…
→ Dandavats.com
The Most Sacred Of All (Album 218 photos)
Indradyumna Swami: Scripture says that Vrindavan is the most sacred place within the universe. Within Vrindavan, Govardhana Hill is considered the most holy. And on that transcendental mountain the lake of Radha Kunda is most sacred of all. The photography of Ananta Vrindavan das shows us why …
http://goo.gl/Qz6Uj3
Prabhupada Letters :: Anthology 2014-10-29 11:11:00 →
1966 October 29: "Here things are improving and people in New York are taking in the importance of the Kirtana movement. The enclosed newspaper cuttings will give you an idea. We have already published some new literatures. I think there is good prospect for this Society being a World organization and you must try to have a centre at Montreal as soon as possible."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1966
Prabhupada Letters :: 1966
Prabhupada Letters :: Anthology 2014-10-29 11:08:00 →
1967 October 29: "I am a bonafide teacher as long as I follow the instructions of my Spiritual Master. That is the only one qualification for becoming a teacher. As soon as one deviates from this principle one is no longer a teacher."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1967
Prabhupada Letters :: 1967
Prabhupada Letters :: Anthology 2014-10-29 11:06:00 →
1967 October 29: "Everyone of my disciples may become a teacher strictly following my instructions. I do not know how he is speaking but if there is any deviation you can point it out & adjust things between yourselves."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1967
Prabhupada Letters :: 1967
Prabhupada Letters :: Anthology 2014-10-29 11:03:00 →
1967 October 29: "I can understand your anxiety about your husband & rest assured I shall never advise him to leave you. Both of you are very good souls. We are concerned more for Krishna Consciousness & if that work is executed more nicely by cooperation of husband & wife, there is no necessity of thinking wife as impediment to Krishna Consciousness."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1967
Prabhupada Letters :: 1967
Prabhupada Letters :: Anthology 2014-10-29 10:59:00 →
1968 October 29: "I thank you very much for your nice letter. You will be glad to know that I have been admitted in your country as permanent resident and it is learned my initiated students may be saved from the military service. Please inform this matter to all others."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1968
Prabhupada Letters :: 1968
Prabhupada Letters :: Anthology 2014-10-29 10:58:00 →
1973 October 29: "Regarding your book, I have already given you the points, so you can inquire from me any intricate question and I shall try to reply. In my presence both of you can discuss threadbare all questions."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1973
Prabhupada Letters :: 1973
Prabhupada Letters :: Anthology 2014-10-29 10:56:00 →
1973 October 29: "To your book may I add one concluding heading: 'Original Life is God.' Because the whole world is full of demons we have to fight with all these so-called leaders, scientists, and philosophers, just like Krsna came to kill all the demons."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1973
Prabhupada Letters :: 1973
Initiation Ceremony in Polonia (Album 120 photos)
This chanting…
→ Dandavats.com
Initiation Ceremony in Polonia (Album 120 photos)
This chanting of Hare Krishna is welfare work for all sentient beings, even the worms, the microbes, the cockroaches. So many living entities are in this room and by hearing this vibration of Hare Krish... Read more ›
October 29th, 2014 – Darshan
→ Mayapur.com
The post October 29th, 2014 – Darshan appeared first on Mayapur.com.
WE WILL ROCK YOU
→ SivaramaSwami.com
The post WE WILL ROCK YOU appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.
Reciting my morning prayers
→ SivaramaSwami.com
The post Reciting my morning prayers appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.
Scenes from New Vraja Dhama Community in Hungary (64 HR…
→ Dandavats.com
Scenes from New Vraja Dhama Community in Hungary (64 HR photos)
My dear Lord, when will My eyes be beautified by filling with tears that constantly glide down as I chant Your holy name? When will My voice falter and all the hairs on My body stand erect... Read more ›
2014 10 18 SB 10 51 51 53 The Art of Hearing Candramauli Swami ISKCON Chowpatty
→ Gouranga TV - The Hare Krishna video collection
2014 10 18 SB 10 51 51 53 The Art of Hearing Candramauli Swami ISKCON Chowpatty
31 Oct 2014 – Disappearance Day of Sri Dhananjaya Pandita
→ ISKCON Desire Tree
31 Oct 2014 – Disappearance Day of Sri Srinivasa Acharya
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31 Oct 2014 – Gopastami, Gosthastami
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31 Oct 2014 – Disappearance Day of Sri Gadadhara Dasa Goswami
→ ISKCON Desire Tree
HG Narottamananda Prabhu / SB 10.71.1
→ Kalachandji's Audio Archive
HG Narottamananda Prabhu / Kalachandji’s Bhagavad-Gītā Meditation Course – 37
→ Kalachandji's Audio Archive
Do animals have mind – how do they control it?
→ The Spiritual Scientist
From Ujwala Mahajan
Which dictionary meaning of the word ‘mind’ does the Gita refer to?
→ The Spiritual Scientist
From Prof Phadnavis:
The Oxford Dictionary gives the following meanings of the mind:
mind |mʌɪnd|
noun
1 the element of a person that enables them to be aware of the world and their experiences, to think, and to feel; the faculty of consciousness and thought: a lot of thoughts ran through my mind.
2 a person's ability to think and reason; the intellect: his keen mind.
- a person's memory: the company's name slips my mind.
- a particular way of thinking, influenced by a person's profession or environment: he had a deep contempt for the bureaucratic mind.
- a person identified with their intellectual faculties: he was one of the greatest minds of his time.
3 a person's attention: employees should keep their minds on the job.
- a person's will or determination to achieve something: anyone can slim if they set their mind to it.
Which of these meanings does the Gita refer to when it says that the mind can be our enemy or friend?
What does panentheism mean?
→ The Spiritual Scientist
From Anuj P
Brahma Samhita foreword Para 6 mentions a word - "panantheist". I tried to look into the dictionary but could not find this word. Can you please tell what does it mean?
Govardhana Puja
→ Ramai Swami
“The hill named Govardhan is the king of mountains. It was born from Lord Hari’s own chest. It has come here by the power of Pulastya Muni and by seeing it one becomes free from having to take birth again in this world”
The anniversary of Krsna lifting Govardhana hill is celebrated by millions all over the world. Krsna lifted Govardhana to protect his devotees from the wrath of Lord Indra.
The devotees at the Southport preaching centre built a replica hill commemorating this lila and performed ecstatic kirtan, which was followed by wonderful prasadam.
Must Not Let A Day Pass
→ Japa Group
Letter to Niranjana
23 April, 1974
Oaklawn/Cedar Springs Halloween Block Party Street Kirtan w/ Giriraj Swami
→ Nityananda Chandra Das' Blog, ISKCON Dallas
Every year during this time of the year we have a wonderful kirtan with thousands of folks attending the Oaklawn Halloween Block Party. The event has more than 100,000 attendees and can be quite PG-13 but everyone loves the chanting. In fact many costumed partiers chant along with us for several hours throughout the night.