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
Wednesday, October 22nd, 2014
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…
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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
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WE WILL ROCK YOU
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The post WE WILL ROCK YOU appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.
Reciting my morning prayers
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Scenes from New Vraja Dhama Community in Hungary (64 HR…
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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
→ ISKCON Desire Tree
31 Oct 2014 – Gopastami, Gosthastami
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31 Oct 2014 – Disappearance Day of Sri Gadadhara Dasa Goswami
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HG Narottamananda Prabhu / SB 10.71.1
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HG Narottamananda Prabhu / Kalachandji’s Bhagavad-Gītā Meditation Course – 37
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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.
Approaching Krsna
→ KKSBlog
(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 26 September 2014, Durban, South Africa, House Program)
Even if we do not have great qualifications, when we are fortunate, we will come into contact with a great devotee of the Lord and that will awaken in our hearts, a desire to serve the Lord. One who has this desire to serve the Lord is very fortunate. Why? Because the service to Krsna is the real goal in life, as the fruits of that service are eternal.
In karma-kanda, we approach the Lord and ask him for some benediction, ‘Give me health, give me wealth, give me beauty!’
But when the devotee approaches Krsna, the devotee only asks for one thing, ‘My dear Krsna, you are indeed the most wonderful person I have ever come across! Oh Krsna! Please allow me to render some service as you are the perfection of my life – there is no greater goal. Therefore, Krsna, I have nothing to ask from you. Krsna, I will not ask you for any benediction, like wealth, beauty or health. No! I will not ask you for that. I will ask you for one thing only: Krsna, may I serve you again and again!’ This is the nature of Krsna, that actually one who attains Krsna desires nothing but Krsna.
Russell Brand Revolution Launch Supports Food For All UK
→ ISKCON News
Bhagavatam-daily 12 – 11.07.02 – Krishna is the object of prayers for everyone – even those who are the object of prayers
→ The Spiritual Scientist
Govardhan-puja: The Glories of Govardhan Hill, October 24, Houston
Giriraj Swami
“We may approach the Lord for something material and he may fulfill our desire, but in such a way that we don’t approach him again for that desire. So, it is better if we approach the Lord and great souls like Giri Govardhan with spiritual desires like the gopi’s—just to serve and please Krishna—without any desire for themselves. By serving and pleasing Krishna we become pramodah—we become exceedingly happy. That is how we become happy. Not by trying in our own independent way to enjoy but by serving and pleasing Krishna and His devotees. That was the benediction the gopis wanted from Govardhan Hill and he fulfilled their desires.”
____________________________________________________
Govardhan-puja Evening Talk
Govardhan-puja: Ecstatic Feelings of Separation, October 24, Houston
Giriraj Swami
Giriraj Swami read and spoke from Sri Caitanya-caritamrta Antya-lila 14 during the morning program.
“Lord Caitanya descended for the purpose of feeling ecstatic separation from Krishna and it is happening now in these pastimes and it is very intense—Radharani’s love for Krishna in separation. What Caitanya Mahaprabhu is experiencing in essence is what Srimati Radharani experiences in separation from Krishna and it is very extreme. But although externally it appears like agony, internally it is ecstasy and that also becomes revealed in this pastime.”
October 28th, 2014 – Darshan
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Bn. Eva asks about the function of the mind and intelligence and whether they continue in the spiritual plane
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Niranjana Swami leads Prabhupada’s tirobhava guruvastaka
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