Answer Podcast:

Download by "right-click and save content"

Answer Podcast:

Download by "right-click and save content"

Answer Podcast:

Download by "right-click and save content"

Answer Podcast:

Download by "right-click and save content"

Answer Podcast:

Download by "right-click and save content"

Answer Podcast:

Download by "right-click and save content"

Gopisa das recently went, for his first time, on a pilgrimage to India.  First, he traveled to Switzerland, and then on to India.

He wrote a daily journal back to his family, which he shared, below.

DAY 1

Dearest family,

Arrived in Delhi at 1am Sunday morning to an assault on the mind and senses that is hard to put into words. First impression was like walking into a Fellini film of gypsies with a mix of spirituality and subterfuge. There is a palpable air of wonder amidst the bustle of crushing third world humanity and mixed technology of BMWs and rattle-trap trucks with colorful paintings and hubcaps tied to the back. The air is thick and smoky with strange smells that are not necessarily displeasing but carry the awareness that one is not in Moundsville, WV any more.

We’re in the apartment of Kavita having just finished eating rohtis and cream cheese with herbal tea over discussions of identifying the self, giving up the false ego and anticipation of visiting Sri Bankey Bihari.

Coming from Switzerland with its immaculate towns, clean air and water and precision EVERYTHING, it is certainly an exercise in opposites. We leave tomorrow for Varsana and the first leg of our journey, the japa retreat. Till tomorrow!

Love and Krsna to you all!   g

DAY 2

Dearest family,

Today we took a taxi to Varsana. Now in the daylight the world is even more profound. Our tax driver spent as much time honking his horn as he did steering. We dodged everything from motorcycles and covered three wheeled people carriers to bullock carts, one elephant, the ever present trucks and Krsna’s cows that roam calmly through the streets, occasionally laying down in the medium amidst the traffic.

It is all so strange yet familiar. Somehow I feel very calm and undaunted by the filth and poverty. Everything is just as it should be. The insecurity of fathers, wives and children piled on a small motorcycle with no helmets, jousting with death, the electrical transformers close enough to the ground to electrocute the careless and women with machetes stripping branches to be bundled and carried on their heads for sale or fuel…all of it strikes a chord of destiny.

In the first evening of the japa retreat with Sacinandana Swami and Bhurijana Prabhu, we’ve begun our journey into the deeper realms of the Holy Names which are non-different than Krsna Himself. They challenge us with the prospect of revealing Their unlimited splendor of loving pastimes directly in our hearts if we will just call on Them with the kind of sincerity that begs reciprocity.

It is 9 pm, the accommodations are simple but adequate and I’m off to sleep with anticipation of the new day. May Srimati Radharani’s merciful glance watch over us and give us inspiration to call to Her beloved with heart deep prayers of japa.

Love and Krsna to you all! g

DAYS 3 AND ONWARD TO BE PUBLISHED SOON! STAY TUNED!

Gopisa das

Here’s a reminder!

We would be honored to have your association at New Vrindaban’s New Year’s Bhakti Retreat starting the evening of Wed. Dec. 31, 2014 through Sun. Jan. 3, 2015.

Spend this New Year’s Eve along with your whole family in the scenic, rolling hills of West Virginia, getting spiritually re-charged.  Associate with experienced Prabhupada disciples and listen to their enlivening Krsna Katha and Prabhupada Katha.  Feel the purification of the New Year’s Eve Maha Yajna, and greet the new year in a most auspicious atmosphere.  Attend enlightening devotional workshops, soothing bhajans and ecstatic kirtans. Enjoy sumptuous, healthy Krsna prasad.  Does life get any better than this?

Some of the highlights are (times subject to change):
Wed. Dec. 31,2014  –              8:30 to midnight – Kirtan
Thurs. Jan. 1, 2015-             8:00 to 9:00 AM – Special Srimad Bhagavatam Class
10:30 AM -New Year’s Fire Yajna for Auspiciousness

Special Afternoon Classes & Workshops

Afternoon to Evening – Kirtan
Fri. Jan. 2, 2015 –               11:00 AM to 12:30 PM –   Special Presentation in Anticipation of the 2015  50th Anniversary of Prabhupada’s Arrival in   America by HG Sankirtan das

4:30 PM to 6:00 PM – HG Gopal Hari das speaks

Evening Kirtan

Sat. Jan. 3, 2015 –               8:00 to 9:00 AM – Srimad Bhagavatam Class by H G Gopal Hari das

11:00 AM to 12:30 PM – Her Grace Malati dasi speaks Prabhupada Katha

Daily-Bhagavatam Podcast:

Download by "right-click and save content"

How movies embraced Hinduism (without you even noticing) (theguardian.com)
“Look at the first Matrix movie,” says producer Peter Rader. “It’s a yogic movie. It says that this world is an illusion. It’s about maya – that if we can cut through the illusions and connect with something larger we can do all sorts of things.
Read the entire article here: http://goo.gl/TnXQhO

New York City Harinam celebrating 33 months!! (Album 9 photos)
Srila Prabhupada: If one wants success in practical yoga practice, it is advised that he take to the chanting of Hare Krishna and he will actually feel himself making progress. In Bhagavad-gita this practice of Krishna consciousness is prescribed as raja-vidya, or the king of all erudition.
(Srimad-Bhagavatam, 3.15.45 Purport)
See them here: http://goo.gl/bMFVVT

Symptom of a false ego – Radhanath Swami (4 min video)
Srila Prabhupada: A devotee is not afraid of going to hell if he has the opportunity to hear the glories of the Lord constantly. This is the advantage of chanting Hare Krishna. One may be put in any condition, but God gives him the prerogative to chant Hare Krishna. In any condition of life, if one goes on chanting he will never be unhappy. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 3.15.50 Purport)
Watch it here: http://goo.gl/kgdbDU

A Vision for London - Fulfilling Srila Prabhupada’s dream (20 min video)
Looking at Srila Prabhupada’s vision for London and plans for a new, larger London Temple. Shown to an audience of 1000 at the 45th Anniversary celebrations of the installation of Sri Sri Radha Londonisvara
Watch it here: http://goo.gl/pQAb94

School children on a visit to the Radha Krishna Temple in Soho, London (1 min video)
Srila Prabhupada: If a person does not cry or exhibit bodily changes after chanting Hare Krishna without offense, it is to be understood that he is hardhearted and that therefore his heart does not change even after he chants the holy name of God. These bodily changes can take place due to ecstasy when we offenselessly chant the holy names of God. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 3.15.25 Purport)
Watch it here: http://goo.gl/o14aXD

The householder life is an equal opportunity to go back to Godhead (3 min video)
Srila Prabhupada: The demigods are pleased when sacrifices are performed, just as prison officers are satisfied when the prisoners are turned into obedient subjects. Lord Caitanya, however, has recommended only one yajna, or sacrifice, called the sankirtana-yajna, the chanting of Hare Krishna, in which everyone can take part. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 1.6.20 Purport)
Watch it here: http://goo.gl/dH2Vkn

‘Christmas packages’for all in Budapest, Hungary (Album 48 photos)
One eye crying, the other laughing after another one of these large-scale prasad distribution. Crying to see how many people are living in poverty and unhappiness and laughing because we can help them at least a little bit. The pictures reflect this duality. Thank you to everyone who has contributed the least amount of effort in the program!
See them here: http://goo.gl/3lRSm7

Massive Prasad distribution in Hungary by Iskcon devotees (Album 23 photos)
December 24th and 25th, hot meals and about 10 tons of solid food were distributed. Thanks to all the contributors and enthusiastic volunteers who care about people so much.
See them here: http://goo.gl/bzWa4N

24.12.2014 H.G.B.A.Janardhan Swami_BG-9.6

Holy Name Meditation Podcast:

Download by "right-click and save content"

Vaikuṇṭha is the most desirable abode. Everything there is absolute unity in tangible form. The All-Attractive Original Person, whom words yearn to describe, personally resides there, exhibiting radiantly pure existence and showering his companions with ever-increasing joy.

Everyone there has a body free from limitation or trouble. They have no duty except to follow their constant inspiration to adore Hari.

The trees of that wonderful realm fulfill all wishes in response to the sound of Hari’s all-auspicious name…

I was not aware of this detail before, “in response to the sound of Hari’s all-auspicious name.” I always knew that Vṛndāvana trees are kalpa-vṛkṣa (wishing-trees), but I didn’t know how to “rub the genie-bottle.” The gist of this detail is that we have to chant Krishna’s name to have our wishes fulfilled. One who chants for a devotee attains every blessing.

…In the forests of that realm, all of nature’s seasons are resplendently beautiful and opulent.

This is pramāṇa for the Goswāmī’s description of Vṛndāvana having six seasonal forests.

The place abounds with delightful fragrances of so many exotic flowers, but all of them respectfully worship Tulasī, because, after great effort, she gained the honor of always being worn as Hari’s necklace.

Their fragrance of the residents of that realm makes even the honey of blossoming lotus flowers feel envious. They wander in splendid vehicles, constantly singing amongst friends about Hari’s deeds, glorifying him as their faultless husband.

Aindra prabhu’s activities in New York city prior to coming to Vṛndāvana mirror these. He created a splendid vehicle and traveled about glorifying Krishna in madhurya-kīrtan amongst his friends. 

Everyone in that abode sings together in kīrtan ~ even the turtle-doves, cuckoos, swans, cakravāka, cranes, partridges, and peacocks. But they all stop to listen when the foremost of all bumblebees begins very loudly singing Hari Kathā!

Perhaps the “foremost of bumblebees” is the supreme bhakti-rasa-āśrayī, Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī?

Everyone there is exclusively devoted to Hari’s feet. They cannot be stimulated by any selfish lust because their entire existence is enrapt in Krishna.

This is pramāṇa that we who are currently enrapt in selfish lust did not literally have a former position directly active in Vaikuṇṭha.

Thus, with voluptuous hips in delightful postures and coy smiles decorating their beautiful faces, they laugh intimately with Hari as they travel together in vehicles made of gold, emerald, and opal.

This is very special. First Brahmā stipulates that there is no scope for lust, then he describes how the Lakṣmīs/gopīs therefore can fully utilize sensual, romantic beauty for the delight of Śrī Hari. It is fundamentally different in character from the sensuality we are familiar with, which is fully scoped within lust. The primary trait evidencing this distinction is that it is very carefree.

The Goddess of Personified Beauty, whose blessing everyone works hard to attain, wanders amidst the crystal golden hallways of Hari’s house, creating beautiful music with the bells on her lotus feet, and holding a lotus in her hand.

Everyone is looking for beauty and love, but beauty and love (personified as Śrī Rādhā) is looking for (and eternally finding) All-Attractive Hari. Therefore if we look for All-Attractive Hari, we will automatically find beauty and love.

We have to endeavor with concentration to create musical beauty, but musical beauty which surpasses the compositions of history’s greatest virtuosos effortlessly emanates from Śrī Rādhā’s ankle bells.

When she sees herself reflected in the sparkling walls, she sees a maidservant sweeping the halls, because her humble heart is so faultless and pure.

Isn’t this so nice? Rādhārāṇī is the origin of all virtues. The essence of beauty is the service of the all attractive. Śrī Rādhā sees her most beautiful quality as her desire to serve him in any way. Thus she sees a broom in her hand, rather than a lotus.

The friends who surround her worship Hari with Tulasī garlands in their own forest gardens.

This is pramāṇa against the notion that Śrī Rādhā’s friends and servants never have any personal association with Hari directly.

On coral sands bordering ponds of pristine, nectarean water, they glance at the reflection of their faces. When they see their incredibly beautiful hair and faultlessly refined nose, they think, “Hari’s kisses are the elixir of our beauty!”

The ultimate cosmetic is kṛṣṇādharāmṛta – the nectar from Krishna’s kisses.

This is from Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, Canto Three, Chapter 15, Texts 13 ~ 22

Giriraj Swami read and spoke from Sri Caitanya-caritamrta Madhya-lila 15 text 158.

“Srila Vasudeva Datta knew very well that Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu was the original Personality of Godhead, Transcendence itself, above the material conception of illusion and maya. Lord Jesus Christ certainly finished the sinful reactions of his followers by his mercy, but that does not mean he completely delivered them from the pangs of material existence. A person may be relieved from sins once, but it is a practice among Christians to confess sins and yet commit them again. By getting freed from sins and again engaging in them, one cannot attain freedom from the pangs of material existence. A diseased person may go to a physician for relief, but after he leaves the hospital he may again be infected due to his unclean habits. Thus material existence continues.” — CC Madhya 15.163 purport.

“Giriraj Swami: We have the same tendency: to abuse the provisions of the scripture — and that is offensive — to commit sin on the strength of the chanting of the Holy Name. We make a transgression on either the subtle or gross level and think that because we are devotees and are chanting the Holy Names we won’t have to suffer the reaction. We take to the process of Krishna consciousness, we surrender to the spiritual master, we become free from sinful reactions but we have to be very careful not to engage again. The best protection is to keep association with devotees. Otherwise if we start straying from the association and get influenced by other people — man is a social animal, they will have different ideas and we can fall away. We have to cling very closely to the association of devotees. And from that position of strength we can go out and help others.”

CC Madhya 15, 158

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 10 October 2014, Melbourne, Australia, Srimad Bhagavatam 3.3.18)

There was a pujari in Mayapur, in the early days, worshipping Radha Madhava. He was a grhasta; he had a family and a few children.

One day, he went to an astrologer and an astrologer who looked at his chart and his palm and he said, “Oh, within three months from now, you will leave your family and you will start a new family.”

He said, “Ah, come on, you know. Nah, that is too much!” Time went by. Six months went by. Nothing happened. “He is a useless astrologer.”

One day, he was again in Calcutta and he walked passed the astrologer and he thought, “Let me drop in and let me tell him that his prediction did not come true.”
So he said, “You know, you made that prediction within three months, I shall leave my family etc. etc. Nothing happened. Six months passed. Nothing happened.”
The astrologer said, “Okay. Let me do a calculation and see why.”
So, he did a calculation and he said, “According the calculation, it shows that the deity that you are worshipping has protected you.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah. I could have said that also.” So he did not immediately believe it.

But then, then shortly after that he got a business offer and the business offer meant that he had to move to Calcutta. He gave up his service to the deity that he had been worshipping for many years, Radha Madhava in Mayapur. He went to do business and then it happened! Within two months, this lady appeared and somehow or other, it was Kamadeva, Cupid and this and that and you know, and he left his family and he left everything and started a new life, somewhere else. Okay, that may happen and I mean, I hope that everything is going well for him and for everyone else. The reason why I am telling this story is to show that the deity actually did protect. The deity did protect all along.

So Radha Vallabha is protecting us here (in Melbourne). Radha-Vallabha knows very well who comes for mangal-arati. Oh yes, they come every day for mangal-arati and that one never comes. The one who comes every day, I will give some special protection. Yes, the other one, a little less.

ye yatha mam prapadyante 
tams tathaiva bhajamy aham (Bhagavad-gita 4.11)

As you surrender unto me, I reward you accordingly. That is Radha Vallabha, very personal…yes. Hmmm (laughing). Anyway Gaura-Nitai are very merciful… very merciful and because Gaura-Nitai are the presiding deities of the yuga, their influence touches all the others also. Radha-Krsna are especially merciful now. Radha Vallabha especially merciful at the moment and Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra also. So there is a lot of mercy to get and that protects us. That protects us. It is like that.

Daily-Bhagavatam Podcast:

Download by "right-click and save content"

Sastra Dana of Bhagavad-gita As It Is at Iskcon Maraimalai Nagar Admin (Album 11 photos)
225 gitas donated to orphans and elderly. Cheif guest: Shri KT Raghavan, Tamil Nadu State Secretary, BJP. Function as also graced by HG Sumithra Krishna Das, President, ISKCON Chennai Event was covered by the media.
See them here: http://goo.gl/VfljEf

About this time here on my blog I write a small summery of the year and my thoughts, this year I was going to give it a miss however whilst reflecting the highs and lows the one thing that has sustained me in devotional life is very caring friendship’s.
Reflecting on how if I want to understand were I’m at in devotional life it is simply a deep look at whom I associate with the most; and I have many truly amazing devotee friends for if I didn’t have their association no spiritual progress could be made.
Those who’s vision simply sees good even if their is non, and who lovingly smile when mistakes are made, who by their simple smile brings more encouragement than words to those whose words of correction is timed and given with great compassion.
Were would I be without each and everyone of them?
Staring into an empty glass lamenting what was and what could have been, opportunities lost and a love that never was?
But somehow or other in this lifetime I had a gift given to me directly from Sri Krishna that of association with the devotees of the lord a fact many many times I have neglected; ow what fool I am.
So as I simply reflect on a year that has had more downs than up, great disappointments and the false ego kicked rather than massaged; the greatest friends one could every wish for were their picking me up, brushing me down and keeping me focused on my own spiritual progress.
My pray them is simply this may I never loose the association and friendships of the devotees for without them my heart and mind will be more of a plaything for maya.
Hare Krishna

Lord Nrsimhadeva’s Dome is Rising (Album 8 photos)
The design of the TOVP is such that it will have three domes; one main dome in the center, flanked by two smaller domes on either side. The main dome is 58 meters (198 feet) in height and the two side domes are 30 meters (98 feet) and will be taller than Srila Prabhupada’s samadhi. Under the main dome will reside the Deities on Their altar along with the Vedic chandelier/planetarium. Under the left smaller dome will be the Exhibits Wing. And under the right dome, Lord Nrsimhadeva on His beautiful marble and gold altar will reside.
Each small dome will be composed of four stainless steel rings, and each ring will consist of eight segments. We are planning to build both of the small domes at the same time. When the first two segments of Lord Nrsimhadeva’s dome will be in place we will start work on the left dome over the Exhibits Wing.
Work has now begun on the dome above Lord Nrsinghadeva’s altar and the first segment has just been lifted into place. Two cranes are involved in this procedure, one outside and one inside the TOVP structure.
It’s so exciting to see how the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium is coming up! We are blessed to be able to witness the daily progress of this historic project taking place.
See them here: http://goo.gl/nN7fA7

Mantra Choir event in London on December 15th. (video)
Jayadeva prabhu engages everybody to chant Hare Krishna and brings joy to all!
Watch it here: http://goo.gl/7zIrRU

Book Distribution @ BJP Meeting at Maraimalai Nagar (Album 12 photos)
Amit Shah’s meeting meant that thousands of people gathered. And that was when we jumped on the chance to give out Srila Prabhupada’s mercy in the form of his books. In one evening: 266 Bhagavad-gitas, 56 Ramayanas & 102 small books. Srila Prabhupada ki jaya!
See them here: http://goo.gl/Zg1TEC

The Toronto Hare Krishna Temple would like to wish you and your family a very Happy Holidays!  During this time of gift-giving and warmth, we hope everyone is having a Krsna conscious holiday season!

Gita Verse-by-verse Study Podcast:

Download by "right-click and save content"

The post December 25th, 2014 – Darshan appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Special Day Meditation Podcast

Download by "right-click and save content"

Best way to spend the night before Christmas (Album 136 photos)
Indradyumna Swami: Last night, accompanied by a police escort, we took a small Ratha Yatra cart on harinam through old Hong Kong, distributing the gift of the holy names to everyone. Being Christmas Eve the people were in good spirits and many smiled, waved and even danced with us as we made our way through the crowded streets. A most perfect way to spend the night before Christmas!
See them here: http://goo.gl/3lv3za

Sri Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama 2015 (6 min beautiful video)
ISKCON Mayapur invites all of you to join our Sri Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama 2015 from 22nd to 28th February 2015. This year we are celebrating the 500th anniversary of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s visit to Sri Vrndavana Dham. Special evening classes by different sannyasis and senior devotees will be the highlight of this Parikrama. Our Adhivas will take place on 21st at Yoga Pita. See you there! Hare Krsna!
Watch it here: http://goo.gl/Gljsry