Planet ISKCON

"...Chanting is very simple, but one must practice it seriously."

Chaitanya Caritamrta Adi 7.32 purport

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 23 September 2012, Durban, South Africa, Radhastami Lecture)

Wherever in this world there were great manifestations of love between Radha and Krsna, not only was it an extraordinary experience for those who were present there, but actually that entire place also became transformed.

Various places in Vrindavan, where Radha and Krsna had great exchanges of love, are very potent with powerful mercy that becomes available to us as well. The appearance of Radha-kund, the lake of Srimati Radharani, is a most special occasion, as it is said that Radha kund is the most sacred space in the entire universe – because it is made of liquid prema, pure love of Radha and Krsna who perform many pastimes on the banks of those sacred waters.

In the tenth canto of the Srimad Bhagavatam, there is a little anecdote given by Visvanath Cakravarti Thakur on appearance of Radha-kund. Krsna, at one point, killed the demon Aristasura that appeared in the form of a bull. Aristasura was a demoniac personality who took the form of the bull and came to kill the residents of Vrindavan, but then Krsna killed him. At that point, the innocent young gopis said, ‘Ah Krsna, do not touch us now, O killer of a bull! Alas, even though Aristasura was a terrible demon, still he was a male cow, so you will have to undergo atonement, just as Lord Indra did after killing Vritasura. But how can you purify yourself without taking trouble of visiting every single holy place in the three worlds?’  Krsna replied to them, ‘Why should I have to wonder throughout the entire universe? I will at once bring all the countless pilgrimage places here and take my bath in them. Just watch!’

Lord Mukunda struck his heel on the ground and said, ‘This is the water from the Ganga River coming from the Patala region! Now, oh holy places, all of you, please come here!’  When the Supreme Lord had spoken these words, all the holy places appeared before him. Krsna then addressed the gopis, ‘See, all the holy places!’ But the gopis replied, ‘We don’t see them, as you have described!’  Then the presiding deities of all the holy places, joining their palms in supplication, spoke up, ‘I am the salt ocean, I am the ocean of milk, I am the river Sindhu, I am the Tamraparni, I am the holy place Pushkar, I am the river Sarasvati. We are: Yamuna, Godavari and Reva rivers, and also the confluence of rivers at Prayag! Just see our waters!’

Then, after purifying himself by bathing in their waters, Lord Hari became quite arrogant and said, ‘I produced a pond that contains all the various holy places, whereas you gopis never executed any religious duties on this earth for the pleasure of Lord Narayana!’  Then Srimati Radharani addressed her gopi friends as follows, ‘I must create an even more beautiful pond, so please go to work!’  Having heard these words, the gopis saw that Aristasura’s hooves have dug a shallow ditch just west of Sri Krsna’s pond and at that nearby spot, all the gopis started digging lumps of earth. In this way, a divine pond manifested in an hour. Krsna was astonished to see the lake they had produced! The gopis wanted to make a human chain from Manasi Ganga and fill the lake with its waters with help of buckets, but Krsna was thinking that this would take too long. So, he ordered all the holy waters to enter into Radharani’s kund.

Thus in Vrindavan, we have Syama-kund and Radha-kund, divine lakes of Krsna and Srimati Radharani. Such eternal places that exist in the spiritual world are manifested within the material universe by the divine arrangement of the Supreme Lord in order to make his mercy widely available. These places are evenly accessible, at least to a degree, to the conditioned souls like us  – and that is just extraordinary! Such is the inconceivable mercy of the Lord!

 

Giriraj Swami read and spoke from Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.9.18.

“Everybody is offering Krishna prayers and worship, and He appreciates it and accepts it. But He enjoys more when He forgets that He is God and reciprocates with intimate, confidential associates who also forget that He is God. This is the special feature of Vrindavan. In His original form of Krishna—who is the unlimited supreme—He allowed himself to be bound by ropes by Mother Yasoda. Still, within that pastime, or lila, He also manifested His unlimited potencies. But her love for Him was so intense that His display of mystic power did not eclipse her conception that He was her son. He manifested His unlimited potencies to test her determination—and to show the world that He is God—but she always maintained the conviction that He was her son.”

———————————

Kirtan
Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.9.18

Sringara-vat is just off the parikrama marg, not far from Kesi Ghat. It is a site of Radha and Krsna’s eternal pastimes and the first place that Lord Nityananda visited when He came to Vrindavan. Our parikrama party, now numbering close to 400 devotees, absorbed the mercy of Srngara -vat with many hours of kirtan [...]

From Vighnesh P

Answer Podcast

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It is essential that one constantly associate with pure devotees who are engaged morning and evening in chanting the Hare Krishna mantra. In this way one will get the chance to purify his heart and develop ecstatic pure love for Krishna. (Nectar of Devotion, 17) Read more ›

The Deepavali Damodara Festival had always been one of the highly anticipated festival by devotees of Sri Jagannatha Mandir KL each year and this time around, this festival’s grand launch was held at Kandiah Hall, Brickfields Kuala Lumpur. A popular local political figure, Dato Dr J. Loga Bala Mohan, Deputy Minister of Federal Territories was invited to grace the launch of Deepavali Damodara Festival. The launch took place on 6th October 2014, before the commencement of Damodara Masa. Read more ›

The Kartik Challenge! I nominate my disciple Janava Mata and her husband Dina Dayadra along with Emma from Brighton to sing the 3rd verse of Damodarastaka in aid of Radha Krishna Records! Continue reading →

The post October 14th, 2014 – Darshan appeared first on Mayapur.com.

And how it differs from Gaudiya Vaisnavas’ perspective of Balaji and Govinda.

The post The general spiritual perspective of Balaji’s devotees of their Govinda appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

The post Anuttama Prabhu’s Bhagavatam class in Titupati appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

Indradyumna Swami: Sringara-vat is just off the parikrama marg, not far from Kesi Ghat. It is a site of Radha and Krsna's eternal pastimes and the 1st place that Lord Nityananda visited when He came to Vrindavan. Our parikrama party, now numbering close to 400 devotees, absorbed the mercy of Srngara -vat with many hours of kirtan and Krsna katha. Every day on our Kartika parikrama is divinely special. Read more ›

1)
namamisvaram sac-cid-ananda-rupam
lasat-kundalam gokule bhrajamanam
yasoda-bhiyolukhalad dhavamanam
paramrstam atyantato drutya gopya

I bow down to Damodara, the form of full joy,
eternity and wisdom, within Vrindavan.
Whose shining earrings swung as he so swiftly ran
from mother Yashoda who caught that naughty boy.

(2)
rudantam muhur netra-yugmam mrjantam
karambhoja-yugmena satanka-netram
muhuh svasa-kampa-trirekhanka-kantha-
sthita-graivam damodaram bhakti-baddham

Captured by Yashoda, crying repeatedly,
he rubs his reddish eyes with his trembling hands.
On his conchlike neck his necklace shakes as he pants.
I bow down to Damodara, bound but by bhakti

(3)
itidrk sva-lilabhir ananda-kunde
sva-ghosam nimajjantam akhyapayantam
tadiyesita-jnesu bhaktair jitatvam
punah prematas tam satavrtti vande

Thus bathing Gokula in a great lake of bliss;
he shows love defeats him, devoid of reverence.
Conquered only by those in complete confidence,
I offer him unlimited loving praises.

(4)
varam deva moksam na moksavadhim va
na canyam vrne ‘ham varesad apiha
idam te vapur natha gopala-balam
sada me manasy avirastam kim anyaih

I beg not from you Lord, who can grant any boon,
even liberation or life in your abode.
Let memories of Gopala be ever bestowed,
for what other favour offers such great fortune?

(5)
idam te mukhambhojam atyanta-nilair
vrtam kuntalaih snigdha-raktais ca gopya
muhus cumbitam bimba-raktadharam me
manasy avirastam alam laksa-labhaih

Your dark, crimson hued curls encircle your face,
lovely like a lotus, with lips of ruby red;
kissed by Yashoda; within my mind be seated.
A billion other boons could not grant such grace

(6)
namo deva damodarananta visno
prasida prabho duhkha-jalabdhi-magnam
krpa-drsti-vrstyati-dinam batanu
grhanesa mam ajnam edhy aksi-drsyah

O Damodara, Ananta, O almighty Vishnu,
I fall down prostrate, pray be pleased upon me.
Blinded and sinking in a sea of misery,
grace me with your glance that I shall ever see you.

(7)
kuveratmajau baddha-murtyaiva yadvat
tvaya mocitau bhakti-bhajau krtau ca
tatha prema-bhaktim svakam me prayaccha
na mokse graho me ‘sti damodareha

Dear Damodara, the sons of Kuvera you saved,
while a baby, by breaking the trees they became.
As you granted them prema, pray grant me the same,
I want not salvation, your love alone I crave.

(8)
namas te ‘stu damne sphurad-dipti-dhamne
tvadiyodarayatha visvasya dhamne
namo radhikayai tvadiya-priyayai
namo ‘nanta-lilaya devaya tubhyam

I bow down to the bright rope that binds your belly,
within which the cosmos is completely contained.
To your beloved Radha I bow yet again,
and to you the hero who plays wonderfully.

Eger is the county seat of Heves, and the second largest city in Northern Hungary. "What to speak of others, even Krishna, the son of Nanda Maharaja, personally descends to taste the nectar of love of Godhead in the form of the chanting of Hare Krishna." (Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Antya-lila, 3.265 Purport) Read more ›

A Hare Krishna Devotee Participates As Contenstant Of Russian ' The Voice' Tv Show. Read more ›

1967 October 14: "I am very sorry he is exploiting his position. He has no right to dictate as he is without my sanction. He has cut all link with me, therefore any instruction given by him is unauthorized & should at once be rejected."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1967

1967 October 14: "Please therefore stop Kirtanananda from making his mental concoctions. Do not be misled by him. This is very much disturbing to me & has caused me much pain. He should not be allowed to indulge in such nonsensical activities."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1967

1968 October 14: "When a devotee is seriously prepared to serve Krishna, the Lord gives him both intelligence and opportunity. Please therefore utilize the opportunity of service diligently and it will be a great spiritual achievement for you and a great service to your country."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1968

Six Gita, including Darma, Prabhupada, Hare Krishna Challenge, Life comes from Life, and other books was donated to the State library in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. While, 3 Gita and other Prabhupada books making total of 26 books in all was donated to the Unesco World Book Festival 2014, festival to the Organizers. It was donated by Iskcon Nanda Gram, led by Mother Mahavrata Devi and Bhakta Eli. Read more ›

1971 October 14: "I consider Sivananda as one of my foremost disciples. I always remember his smiling face and when I was in Hamburg he was my constant companion and my personal attendant also. So I cannot forget Sivananda's good behavior and gentle nature."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1971

1971 October 14: "I have noted your several complaints against the devotees but it would be better for you to set the example by your personal behavior and try to reform the others not by criticism but by your friendly behavior."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1971

1971 October 14: "Young boys and girls sometimes commit mistakes due to age but rejection of illicit sex life is our first motto. So stop immediately all this nonsense and remain fixed up in your good character so that there may not be any more accusations against you."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1971

1971 October 14: "Regarding children, when you are married you will have children undoubtedly, but you should wait for the opportune moment when Krishna will bestow upon you all good fortune. Our line of action is enthusiasm and patience."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1971

Pure devotees chant the Hare Krishna mantra, and simply by hearing this chanting from a purified transcendental person, one is purified of all sinful activities, no matter how lowborn or fallen one may be. (Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Antya-lila, 3.126 Purport) Read more ›

NEW DELHI: The Delhi government has embarked on an ambitious project to rejuvenate the Yamuna with an aim to rid the river of pollutants, stop discharge of all sorts of effluents into it and making its river-front beautiful as well as environment friendly. The "Rejuvenation of River Yamuna" project is being implemented by the Delhi government with assistance from the Centre and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). Read more ›

1973 October 14: "For transcendental writing one must be an authorized Vaisnava and should write to purify oneself, not for credit. It may or may not be published, but one who is actually sincere in writing, all his ambitions will be fulfilled."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1973

Bhuta Bhavana prabhu Caitanya Caritamrita Madhya 18 101 20141011075229

Bracebridge, Ontario

Duntroon, Ontario

Toronto, Ontario

Moving Bodies


Well, we had a bit of a problem this morning at the ashram.  It had something to do with bodily contortions, moans and groans and twitching eyes.  The woman, a visitor, who exhibited these unique features, was asked to be less distractive because she persisted and refused tone down advice we gave her. 

To her credit, she wore meditation beads and chanted on them.  Even some of her physical stretches demonstrated remarkable ability.  It’s just that the psychological diversions and the various moanings began to become non-condusive to our devotional atmosphere, and most unfortunately, the authorities had to be called in to deal with this incommunicable individual.  I was impressed by the cautious way and their handling of the situation.  From the depths of our hearts, we wish the lady well. 

The evening continued to be a time of bodily movement.  After the beautiful and tasty birthday cake that I received (and yes, the supportive community did sing “Hare Krishna to you…”  instead of the usual “Happy Birthday to you…”), an enthusiastic group headed to Queen Street for some stimulative dancing.  It was the annual Nuit Blance, an evening of artistic expression in the downtown.  Our kirtan with its drumming got people gyrating and coming up with all kinds of interesting and creative moves. 

Being a celebratory day in honour of this humble servant, I was pleased to receive words of gratitude at our temple ashram, but it was equally as exciting to co-lead the kirtan with Ajamil and watch the various happy contortions of people’s physical frames.  At some intervals of the chanting sessions, people came up one by one to the mic to recite the maha mantra. 

All this ecstasy took place in front of the stately Old City Hall.  When the tower’s massive clock struck midnight, from there I walked with friends from Michigan back to the ashram.  In the course of the walk as we trailed through, or struggled through crowds which numbered at 1 million strong, a meagre realization came about.  There has to be as many different ways of walking as there are people.  Body movement has no limit it seems.

May the Source be with you!

5 KM

Toronto, Ontario

Moving Bodies


Well, we had a bit of a problem this morning at the ashram.  It had something to do with bodily contortions, moans and groans and twitching eyes.  The woman, a visitor, who exhibited these unique features, was asked to be less distractive because she persisted and refused tone down advice we gave her. 

To her credit, she wore meditation beads and chanted on them.  Even some of her physical stretches demonstrated remarkable ability.  It’s just that the psychological diversions and the various moanings began to become non-condusive to our devotional atmosphere, and most unfortunately, the authorities had to be called in to deal with this incommunicable individual.  I was impressed by the cautious way and their handling of the situation.  From the depths of our hearts, we wish the lady well. 

The evening continued to be a time of bodily movement.  After the beautiful and tasty birthday cake that I received (and yes, the supportive community did sing “Hare Krishna to you…”  instead of the usual “Happy Birthday to you…”), an enthusiastic group headed to Queen Street for some stimulative dancing.  It was the annual Nuit Blance, an evening of artistic expression in the downtown.  Our kirtan with its drumming got people gyrating and coming up with all kinds of interesting and creative moves. 

Being a celebratory day in honour of this humble servant, I was pleased to receive words of gratitude at our temple ashram, but it was equally as exciting to co-lead the kirtan with Ajamil and watch the various happy contortions of people’s physical frames.  At some intervals of the chanting sessions, people came up one by one to the mic to recite the maha mantra. 

All this ecstasy took place in front of the stately Old City Hall.  When the tower’s massive clock struck midnight, from there I walked with friends from Michigan back to the ashram.  In the course of the walk as we trailed through, or struggled through crowds which numbered at 1 million strong, a meagre realization came about.  There has to be as many different ways of walking as there are people.  Body movement has no limit it seems.

May the Source be with you!

5 KM

I have heard that all relationships other than our relationship with Krishna are Maya.

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