Gita 01.08 – Attachment makes the absent present
How can we stay open to new ideas without weakening our convictions?
→ The Spiritual Scientist
From Vaishakh R
Very often it happens that discussions invariably bring in topics of spirituality and what follows is each one defending his views. Usually such discussions end without any conclusion but nevertheless brings to the table a pool of new ideas.
Sometimes these new ideas affect one’s conviction, especially when it’s not possible to reconcile with them satisfactorily. So how does one remain steady, at the same time not considering oneself closed out to new ideas?
HG Dharma Prabhu / BG 09.06 – Sunday Feast
→ Kalachandji's Audio Archive
Changing ashram
→ KKSBlog
(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 24 June 2013, Czech Summer Camp, Srimad Bhagavatam 8.2.33)
Sometimes, household life is compared to a deep dark well in the scriptures. It maybe that one is a brahmacari or brahmacarini and then one feels, “I cannot do this anymore. It is time to get married.”
Some people, when they get married, it is like they go to a deep dark well and dive in head first! They think, “Oh, now I am changing ashram, now I am really going to do it and go straight down to the bottom.” But that is not intelligent.
Generally speaking, in these wells – I have seen many in India – they usually have some brackets inside that are made like levers so that maintenance work can be done. So there is no need to go to the bottom; one can keep a strong spiritual culture. In fact, that is the idea, that in the brahmacari or brahmacarini ashram we are cultivating good spiritual habits and then we maintain them in our household attachment. Because after all, we do not forget the long-term goal. All right, we want something in this life but, we cannot risk that we lose our opportunity for going back to godhead.
In some letters or in some other occasions when speaking about the household ashram, Srila Prahbupada made statements like, “Fifty percent less chance of going back to godhead,” or sometimes even stronger statements. So what can we say? The grhasta ashram is also meant for going back to godhead, all the ashrams are meant for that purpose and that is what we are doing.
Yesterday we had initiations but initiation into what!? Initiation into the process that takes us back to godhead! So that should be our result. We should always act in such a way that we are faithfully on the path back to godhead, from the very beginning of spiritual life.
When we are new and when we accept the four regulative principles, sixteen rounds, we are under the directions of the spiritual master and other spiritual authorities, then we are on the path back to godhead and we must stay there our whole life – no detours in the forest or in the hills, no vacations. No we must stay within the boundaries of Krsna consciousness.
Chanting Is A Privilege
→ Japa Group
If you have the time, please chant Hare Krishna.
ys
Muniraja dasa
The Cleaning of New Vrindaban’s Sacred Kundas
→ New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit
Cleaning the Kundas in New Vrindaban Dhama
by Sukhavaha dasi, Madri dasi & Lilasuka dasi
Radha Kunda, the crest jewel of Govardhan, is now beautifully shining, and freshly lined.
New Vrindaban’s replica Radha Kunda up on the replica of Govardhan Hill got a fresh lining at the end of this summer of 2014. It’s called “Rhino”, a type of cement which hardens into enamel, and is guaranteed for 30 years not to leak. This took two weeks, and lots of time and energy to shovel all the muck at the bottom. After seeing the beauty of Radha Kunda, and understanding that Lalita Kunda is also leaking, Gopisa Prabhu suggested that we also line Lalita Kunda and Shyama Kunda.
Radha Kunda, “before”, awaiting renewal.
During the lining of Radha Kunda
Renewed Radha Kunda
Sukhavaha dasi relates the story:
“We had the rare opportunity of immersing ourselves (literally) in the sacred mud of those kundas, thus receiving some very special mercy. There was only two days to clean out the other two kundas. Tilak das and I worked along with some help from Lalita Gopi dasi, Ananda Vidya das, Madri dasi and Gaura Shakti, and some extra help from Venkatta das, TK das, Navin das, Daivata das and Bhaktin Autumn as we all proceeded to clean out Shyama Kunda, which was going to be really simple, because it was only 3 and ½ feet deep, according to Varsana Maharaj. No big deal. “We will have this done in no time”, we thought. Well, see the story in pictures below.”
1 Lalita, how fortunate we are- now we are receiving Lord Shyama’s mercy.
2 Good thing we got more “Man” power.
3 The more . . . the merrier.
4 We need a bucket brigade.
5 Keep those buckets moving.
6 The Sacred Mud from Shyama Kunda.
7 There’s a lot of rocks down here.
8 How did all this mud get in here anyway?
9 We need Varsana Maharaj’s help.
10 Maharaj comes to the rescue.
11 Maharaj, I thought you said this kunda was only 3 and ½ feet deep.
12 There’s a big rock right down there. And a heavy tarp.
13 Maharaj gets the rock out.
14 Venkatta holds the tarp on the bucket.
15 . Maharaj, that was the best ride I ever had.
16 How could this much mud fall in here? Is it frog stool?
17 How deep is this, Maharaj?
18 It’s seven feet deep. Keep digging….
19 Maharaj, I need to see the bottom. Is there really a bottom to this??
20 Yes . . . . it’s in there. Keep going. This is a practice in going deeper.
22 So, Maharaj, where DID all this mud come from?
23 Did no-one realize that maybe I put it there for a good reason – to protect the deer or humans from drowning in such a deep Kunda?
24 There’s the bottom, finally
25 Sukhavaha, we’re done. Come out now. Stop scrubbing.
26 Shyama Kunda, Ki Jaya. A job well done!
26 So, TK, how was your experience of the “Brijabasi spirit”?
27 This is what we are here for: the service of beautifying the Dhamas and purifying our hearts.
THE END
Harinama in Budapest’s subway (3 min video)
→ Dandavats.com
"My heart is always burning in the fire of material existence, and I have made no provisions for getting out of it. The only remedy is hari-nama-sankirtana, the chanting of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, which is imported from the spiritual world, Goloka-Vrndavana. How unfortunate I am that I have no attraction for this. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 5.1.22 Purport) Read more › How can we keep our mind steady amidst outer agitation and inner temptation?
→ The Spiritual Scientist
From Ayushi Mataji
Can you please tell me how to keep mind steady and calm because our mind is driven by many factors beyond ones control and is subjected to evil which he never wants to do.Than we regret but krishna will not always forgive us.so how can we make our mind steady
What should we do when we are blamed for something?
→ The Spiritual Scientist
Why do we offer prasad and how is it to be offered?
→ The Spiritual Scientist
Children Rath Yatra … World Holy Name Week Celebrations@ISKCON Punjabi Bagh (Album 210 photos)
→ Dandavats.com
You expand the empire of Krishna consciousness. Krishna has given you the ability. Do it enthusiastically with the courage of an Englishman and the heart of a Bengali mother. Vrindavan, August 10, 1977. Read more › Are fish vegetarian or non-vegetarian?
→ The Spiritual Scientist
If they are non-vegetarian, why do many people consider them to be vegetarian?
Why are the divisions of different scriptures called differently – skandha, kanda and parva
→ The Spiritual Scientist
(My thanks to Hari Parshad Prabhu for providing this answer)
How can the spiritual soul taste or enjoy a material sweet?
→ The Spiritual Scientist
How should we respond to classes that seem confusing and contradictory to the standard philosophical understanding
→ The Spiritual Scientist
What is the difference between object and concept – and how does it apply to our philosophy?
→ The Spiritual Scientist
What is the difference between phenomenal and numinous in Gita 7.2
→ The Spiritual Scientist
HG Narottamananda Prabhu / Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 10.87.29
→ Kalachandji's Audio Archive
HG Nityananda Chandra Prabhu / SB 10.70.7-9 What is better External Lila VS Internal Lila?
→ Kalachandji's Audio Archive
Narendra Modi calls for International Yoga Day during his UN General Assembly speech
→ Dandavats.com
NEW YORK: Yoga got a strong leg up on the world stage when Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for observing an International Yoga Day, describing the ancient science as "India's gift to the world." Modi's unexpected reference to yoga during his UN General Assembly speech came when he was talking about climate change and going back to basics. Yoga is not just about fitness or exercise, it is about changing one's lifestyle, Modi said, Read more › Preaching program in Pecs and then New Vraja-dhama, Hungary (Album 36 photos)
→ Dandavats.com
Krishna takes special appreciation for His devotees who are engaged in risking for His preaching work, and He will give you special care and guidance at all times because you are sincerely trying to serve Him in this way. Letter to Amogha, August 9, 1972. Read more › Harinama in Bardovci, Karpoš, Macedonia (Album 95 photos)
→ Dandavats.com
A devotee always thinks of the Lord continuously. While chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, the words Krishna and Hare immediately remind him of all the Lord's activities. Since his entire life is engaged n the service of the Lord, a devotee cannot forget the Lord at any time.
(Srimad-Bhagavatam, 5.1.6 Purport) Read more › Philly Ratha Yatra 2014, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA (Album 57 photos)
→ Dandavats.com
In the material world everyone is envious of his fellow man. Animalistic envy exists in human society as long as there is no performance of sankirtana-yajna, the chanting of the holy names - Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.
(Srimad-Bhagavatam, 4.30.35 Purport) Read more › Scenes of the installation of samadhis in Krsna Valley on 27th of September
→ SivaramaSwami.com
The post Scenes of the installation of samadhis in Krsna Valley on 27th of September appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.
“ISKCON-Krish” India at Giving Back NGO India 2014 (1 min video)
→ Dandavats.com
ISKCON - Krish aims to protect village culture and stop the exodus from villages to the cities. Simultaneously, ISKCON- Krish will work to develop a role model village community, which is completely focused on education, especially for girls and vocational training, cow protection, organic farming and nature friendly technology. Read more › Prabhupada Letters :: Anthology 2014-09-28 06:34:00 →
1968 September 28: "You are speaking in the University as my representative. I may inform you these books which I have already prepared are the ultimate source of knowledge. Simply reproduce what I have explained in those books and you will surely come out victorious even in the midst of so many great scholars."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1968
Prabhupada Letters :: 1968
Prabhupada Letters :: Anthology 2014-09-28 06:30:00 →
1968 September 28: "The description given in my books are not mundane speculations but they are authorized versions of liberated souls presented by our humble self. So the strength is not in us but the strength is in the Supreme Lord. We simply must present them without adulteration in humble service spirit. That is the secret of success."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1968
Prabhupada Letters :: 1968
Prabhupada Letters :: Anthology 2014-09-28 06:29:00 →
1970 September 28: "Improve the standard as far as possible that should be our constant care. Turn over your intelligence to Krishna, He will bestow upon you more and more intelligence how to serve the Spiritual Master. Do not divert your attention elsewhere."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1970
Prabhupada Letters :: 1970
Prabhupada Letters :: Anthology 2014-09-28 06:25:00 →
1971 September 28: "I am always thinking of you and praying to Krishna when you will be relieved and join us again. Your hospitalization is an opportunity. Simply go on chanting and think of Krishna always."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1971
Prabhupada Letters :: 1971
Prabhupada Letters :: Anthology 2014-09-28 06:22:00 →
1971 September 28: "He is yet to learn a little more. Unless one is in our line of thought it is very difficult to translate nicely. He may associate with us and it will take some time to come to the perfectional stage."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1971
Prabhupada Letters :: 1971
Prabhupada Letters :: Anthology 2014-09-28 06:18:00 →
1972 September 28: "I am especially interested in your college program because students are intelligent and inquisitive so approach them nicely and lead them gradually to Krsna Consciousness. It is a very good sign that they are allowing us to reside on campus and propagate Krsna Consciousness. "
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972
Prabhupada Letters :: Anthology 2014-09-28 06:17:00 →
1972 September 28: "It appears the new Deities that I have entrusted to you are being very well cared for, thank you very much. As long as Radha and Krsna are pleased, everything will operate very smoothly in your temple activities. Krsna gives all facility as much as He is pleased."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972
Prabhupada Letters :: Anthology 2014-09-28 06:16:00 →
1975 September 28: "It is the great mercy of Krishna that you want to serve me. Do not lose this opportunity. The best thing will be for you to immediately come and live with me. I will be glad to keep you as my constant companion for sometime so that you can learn Krishna consciousness and be useful for Krishna's service."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1975
Prabhupada Letters :: 1975
HH Janananda Goswami – SB 10.72.7 – 19.09.2014
→ Gouranga TV - The Hare Krishna video collection
HH Janananda Goswami – SB 10.72.7 – 19.09.2014
Gita 01.07 – Repetition of known information conveys prioritization
→ The Spiritual Scientist
Most Important Part Of Your Day
→ Japa Group
From Bhajana Kutir #101
by Satsvarupa dasa Goswami
Join us for Sunday Feast From 11.00am to 2.00pm — Hear and associate with Her Grace Prema Gaurangi Devi Dasi for this Sunday’s Vedic Discourse**Developing the quality that attracts the lord**
→ ISKCON Brampton
Sunday Love Feast | ||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||
Special Sun Feast to honor HH Bhaktimarga Swami
Govardhana Puja(Celebration)
ISKCON Brampton Yoga and Wellness
Aerial view of Fazenda Nova Gokula – ISKCON Brasi (3 min video)
→ Dandavats.com
Krishna says that his devotee is never vanquished. Therefore all the disciples practicing Krishna consciousness should obediently follow the regulative principles and remain fixed in chanting the holy name of the Lord. Then there need be no fear. Otherwise, one's position is very dangerous, especially in this Kali-yuga. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 6.1.58 Purport) Read more › Harinama in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA (Album 17 photos)
→ Dandavats.com
The process of chanting the holy name of the Lord is always superbly effective, but it is especially effective in this age of Kali. All the great authorities of bhakti-yoga recommend the devotional process beginning with the chanting of the holy name of Krishna (tan-nama-grahanadibhih).
(Srimad-Bhagavatam, 6.1.21 Purport) Read more ›