Websites from the ISKCON Universe
We received numerous requests to share more photos of the construction of buildings in and around New Vrindaban. So, here you go!
This week’s challenge: Do you recognize this building (in its partially completed state) and what year was the photo taken?
What to do: Post your guesses on the “who, what, when, where & why” in the comment section at the Brijabasi Spirit website.
Lecture Summary:
1. How we are at war with the mind:
Battle of attrition between us and the mind. e.g. Trench warfare, staring match
2. How the mind deludes us:
Incorrect auto-correct eg. sat as Saturday,
Pseudo-hunger - untimeliness and selectiveness
The mind's ventriloquism: 2.61-62 (contemplation, attraction, obsession, irritation, delusion, oblivion, stupefaction, destruction)
3. Long-term strategies for dealing with the mind: sama, dama, bheda and danda
Sama: Preach to the mind to behave itself e.g.. bhajahu re mana ..., ma viramasva citta rantum...
Dama: Within the circle of what we like to do and what is compatible with devotion, we let the mind do something it likes to do if it does something it doesn't like to do.
Bheda: Divide the mind's likes into vaasanaas that need to be given up and svabhaava that needs to be dovetailed
Danda: When we beat the mind with the holy name, we should be attentive, otherwise the mind is expertly evading the beating
4. Emergency measure for dealing with the mind: Pause button - find some devotional activity that can quickly and strongly connect with Krishna
Someone just asked me: “If a person can’t really relate to ISKCON’s past, where else can they go to become Krishna conscious?”
First let’s consider the offshoots of ISKCON.
I don’t recommend many of them, because most of them seem to be obsessed with being antithetical to some specific detail in ISKCON’s history, so you don’t really wind up getting outside of ISKCON by going to them. The one that comes to mind first as being very worthy of recommendation is called Sri Caitanya Sangha, led by Śrīla Prabhupāda’s disciple Tripurāri Swāmī. It strikes me as a well-balanced group suited for intellectuals, without being overtly academic and dry.
A second group which seems similar is Sri Narasingha Chaitanya Ashram. There is also a group called VRNDA. Both strike me as worthwhile, but I don’t have any personal experience interacting with them, so I can’t say more.
There is also something called the World Vaishnava Association which is an attempt to form a cooperative platform for the many different groups of Vaishnavas. Again, I’m not experienced with them, but it seems like an interesting place to get some exposure to a wide variety of Gauḍiya Vaiṣṇava groups.
Regardless of the group, ISKCON offshoots don’t stray too far from ISKCON in general. If you want to get further removed one option is to go “up the tree” a little. ISKCON is a basically separate branch of an older organization called Gauḍiya-Maṭh. There are two chapters of Gauḍiya-Maṭh besides ISKCON which I know of that still show vitality. One is Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math, founded by Śrīla Prabhupāda’s close friend and godbrother, B.R. Śrīdhāra Swāmī. The other is the branch very recently vitalized by B.V. Nārāyaṇa Mahārāja, which I think may be called the Keśavajī Gauḍiya Maṭh.
Both are active in the Western hemisphere. Both are really quite similar to ISKCON in most ways. Of course they all have different social and political history, and they all have a different management authority and structure. Besides these obvious points, I would say Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Maṭh is different from ISKCON in that it is (1) even more conservative about rāgānugā sādhana, (2) requires less quantifiable-commitment from its initiated members, and (3) grants more access to directly studying Śrīla Prabhupāda’s gurus: Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta and Śrīla Bhaktivinoda. Nārāyaṇa Mahārāja’s effort, on the other hand, distinguishes itself by (1) Expressly bringing rāgānugā sādhana into a clearer, more prominent focus among the followers of Bhaktivinoda, (2) requiring similar quantifiable-commitments from initiated members, and (3) having a more recent founding ācārya who was prolific in lecturing and producing books.
All-in-all, Gauḍiya Maṭh branches don’t really get that different from ISKCON. For something still further removed, go still further “up the tree.” The challenge here is that not many other groups “up this far from ISKCON” are all that accessible to English-speaking people living outside Vṛndāvana. But, I can think of two options that are genuine Gauḍiya Vaiṣṇava exponents not out of reach of people not living in Vṛndāvana.
Neither of them are in a lineage stemming from Bhaktivinode Ṭhākur, although both of them began their devotional journey as a result of Bhaktivinode Ṭhākur’s efforts.
The first is Ananta-dās Paṇḍit, who is recognized as the mahānt (“leader”) of the sādhu bābājīs living at Rādhā-kuṇḍa. Although I think he has no international branches or organization, he has nearly 5,000 disciples from all over the world, and many books in English. His focus is, as you would guess, entirely on rāgānugā-sādhana and is extremely liberal in granting practices and discussing the details.
Ananta-dās Paṇḍitjī sometimes seems to adopt an oppositional attitude towards Bhaktivinoda and (especially) his son, Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvati. This may be an important consideration for many who have been introduced to Krishna through the mercy of Srila Bhaktivinoda, Bhaktisiddhānta and Bhaktivedānta Swāmī, as it may be too difficult for them to accommodate Ananta-das Paṇḍit’s apparent viewpoint on these personalities.
Another viable option is Dr. Satyanārāyaṇa dās Bābājī — a Gauḍiya Vaiṣṇava devotee of unparalleled erudition, whose scholarship extends to all branches of Vedic philosophy, is recognized even by academics and universities, and particularly focuses on the teachings of Śrīla Jīva Goswāmī, especially the Ṣaḍ-sandarbha (essentially the “constitution” of Gauḍiya Vaiṣṇava siddhānta). He lectures and writes in English, and maintains an organization called the Jiva Institute, through which one can interact with him relatively easily. He is headquartered in Vṛindāvana but travels internationally on a regular schedule.
It should also be noted that while ISKCON does continue to cling to many mistakes, it has made progress and is not as monolithic and fanatically shallow as it formerly was. Within ISKCON today, one can find a wide spectrum of teachers with different outlooks, personalities, and comprehensions. So it is also possible for many people to find a productive and fertile soil for their bhakti-latā-bīja amongst the teachers within and adjunct to ISKCON. I do not feel it is necessary to abandon ISKCON, but I’ve provided this article as service to those who will flourish more fully without being entirely under the ISKCON structure.
Gabbard, a 33-year-old US Democrat Congresswoman from Hawaii, presented to the Prime Minister a copy of Gita, which she had placed in her hand when she took oath while being sworn in to the US House of Representative.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted with a garland by Member of House of Representatives Tulsi Gabbard during a meeting in New York on Sunday. (Source: PTI) Read more › 
(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 01 October 2011, Govinda Valley, Australia, Faith Retreat – Introduction)
It is so nice to be focusing on Krsna, whether it is through his holy name, through some Krsna katha or whether it is through serving the vaisnavas. These are like the main ingredients of our Krsna consciousness. Especially by serving the devotees, one develops the taste for hearing about Krsna. Such taste for hearing about Krsna is important, as taste is the key in anything we do; if there is no taste, life gets difficult! So serving the vaisnavas is the beginning of developing taste for hearing and chanting about Krsna. That is quite an important element. Many of us hear about very exalted philosophy, we hear about the spiritual world, we hear the pastimes of Krsna which are just very rich and playful…
For example, Rupa Gosvami describes how the gopis feel that the flute of Krsna is stealing away their property, by touching the lips of Krsna. Therefore, the gopis have an ongoing relationship with that flute – they try to steal the flute. Again and again, they are trying to steal that flute. Radharani also once had a plan to steal Krsna’s flute but it was very difficult because of her effulgence. It is explained that due to her ecstatic love, she is shining so bright that even in the dark of night as she was trying to steal the flute, everyone could see that she was doing it. So again it did not work! And so far, the gopis have not been able to steal Krsna’s flute although they have been after it for a long time, for an eternity!
Once Radharani was established as the undoubted queen of Vrindavan and her prime minister, Visakha, was controlling who was allowed to meet the queen, as you don’t just walk in on the queen like that; you have to apply for the audience and so on. So, Visakha was deciding about that and she said that Krsna could not have any audience with the queen. But Krsna said, ‘No, I am not coming just like that – I am coming to offer my services.’
‘All right’, Visakha said, so Krsna was appointed as the chief of police and everything was going well in the court. Krsna as the chief of police was doing great but at one point in the middle of the whole thing, Krsna started to complain that somehow or other his flute was stolen. The prime minister was staring at him, ‘What kind of police chief is that if he cannot look after his own flute! How can you feel secure with such a person who gets his own flute stolen? What kind of security is that?!’ But Krsna then started to do a serious investigation in the ways of Sherlock Holmes and then found out that the prime suspect was the prime minister herself! So, he managed to recover the flute from the dress of the prime minister who, of course, claimed that the police chief had planted the flute there!
In conclusion, such pastimes are going on and politics are certainly there in the spiritual world, not only here in the material world, but it is politics for pleasure, for fun. So this is very nice and in this way, the pastimes of the spiritual world are very wonderful. If we absorb ourselves and forget everything about this material world that would be great. The key to that absorption is the service to the vaisnavas, as such service will give us the taste by which we can do so. Therefore, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu emphasized humility as the means to go deep in our Krsna consciousness.
Does God Exist is a must watch to get interesting rational, factual and authoritative information about God's Existence and His role as a creator of the Universe. It is a perfect blend of Science and Spirituality.
One of my fellow monks is an extremely prayerful person. He has regular stories of the reciprocation and interaction that comes from conversing with God. Though inspired, I personally find it difficult to pray.
As the General Assembly of the United Nations convened in New York, events around the world drew attention to the issue of climate change. In New York City, more than 400,000 people took to the streets in the People's Climate March to make a big statement about the urgency of the issue. Among the marchers were thousands of people representing the full spectrum of faith groups, coming together in the belief that all people are steward's of God's creation.
Performance of the Song of God at the ISKCON Hare Krsna Temple in Granby Street, Leicester for Janmastami The Appearance day of Lord Krsna on 17th August 2014. With Sanjay Gadhia as Krsna and Jay Anadkat as Arjuna.
They are coming out the woodwork. And suddenly it seems that half the people I know are secretly meditating. They range from casual transcendental meditators to practically full-blown Hare Krishnas.
"Sri Krishna, the Personality of Godhead, who is the Paramatma (Supersoul) in everyone's heart and the benefactor of the truthful devotee, cleanses desire for material enjoyment from the heart of the devotee who relishes His messages, which are themselves virtuous when properly heard and chanted." (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 1.2.17). Read more › 
"For one who wants liberation from the fruitive reactions of material activities, the chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra, or glorification of the name, fame and pastimes of the Lord, is recommended as the most perfect process of atonement because such chanting eradicates the dirt from one's heart completely." (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 6.2.12) Read more › 
Svalpam apy asya dharmasya trayate mahato bhayat: even a little devotional service can save one from the greatest danger. Devotional service, which begins with chanting of the holy name of the Lord, is so powerful that even if one falls down, he can be saved from all calamities if he somehow or other chants the holy name of the Lord. This is the extraordinary power of the Lord's holy name. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 6.1.63 Purport). Read more › 
Kirtan London - we are a small team of kirtan lovers, setting out to make this musical form of meditation easy, accessible and fun for everyone. Read more › 
The purpose of pronouncing omkara is to address the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vasudeva (om namo bhagavate vasudevaya). And the purpose of chanting the Hare Krishna mantra is the same. Hare: "O energy of the Lord!" Krishna: " O Lord Krishna!" Hare: "O energy of the Lord!" Rama: "O Supreme Lord, O supreme enjoyer!" (Srimad Bhagavatam, 9.14.48 Purport). Read more › 
At At every step there is danger. Therefore, because the Krishna consciousness movement provides the opportunity for the human being to get out of this material world simply by chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, this movement is the greatest benediction in human society. (Srimad Bhagavatam, 9.7.7 Purport)every step there is danger. Therefore, because the Krishna consciousness movement provides the opportunity for the human being to get out of this material world simply by chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, this movement is the greatest benediction in human society. (Srimad Bhagavatam, 9.7.7 Purport) Read more › Если мы ищем совершенство, то ничто не может стать нашей преградой. Этому можно найти множество подтверждений и следующий рассказ как раз служит доказательством.
18 сентября Виласини деви даси, представитель команды ТОВП и наш главный архитектор, прибыла в Шанхай, с целью встретиться с технической командой местной Корпорации металлов – ведущей в производстве и поставке металлов и сопутсвующих товаров.
Для Калаша, Чакры и нескольких других элементов снаружи Храма была выбрана нержавеющая сталь с золотой отделкой. Необходимыми требованиями с нашей стороны были – не менее 500 лет стойкости покрытия и низкие затраты на его поддержание. После интенсивных поисков Бхаскара дас и Парвата Муни дас решили нанести на покрытие из нержавеющей стали нитрид титана. Китай всегда занимал лидирующие позиции на рынке в производстве металлических изделий высшего качества. Так же было установлено, что китайцы владеют инфраструктурой, которая позволяет выполнить поставленую задачу за 45 дней, тогда как их индийским коллегам понадобилось бы 5 лет. По этому мы выбрали Шанхайскую Корпорацию металлов (ШКМ) – компанию, зарекомендовавшую себя очень хорошо.
Благодаря значительной поддержке Садбхуджи даса ( исполнительный директор), Парваты Муни даса и Бхаскары даса (команда по исследованиям), Виласини провела предварительные переговоры с ШКМ, после которых вышеупомянутая встреча была назначена на 19 сентября 2014. Ключевой темой стало обсуждение с технической командой методологических особенностей и используемой логистики.
Шанхай показался Виласини модернизированным и мультикультурным мегаполисом с необычным сочетанием старого и нового.
ШКМ с большой теплотой встретили Виласини. Их мастерство можно было видеть на образцах, находящихся в офисе. Первое впечатление дало нам большие надежды.
ШКМ одна из лидирующих компаний не только в Китае, но и во всем мире. Она имеет 13 офисов и филиалов в Азии, Европе и Америке. Их технологии и технические знания впечатляют, хотя не сильно промотируют свою продукцию.
Виласини пришлось приложить некоторые усилия, чтобы получить всю необходимую информацию.
Слева направо: Марк, Майкл, Брайан (управляющий директор), Виласини, Нишантх.
В общем, встреча прошла успешно. ШКМ также предостваили образцы 1.2 мм нержавеющей стали, покрытой нитрид титаном, с золотым и голубым оттенками, которые будут использоваться для Калаша и других архитектурных элементов.
Встреча была успешной для обеих сторон. Были достигнуты следующие соглашения:
У Виласини также была возможность встретиться с некоторыми местными преданными и поучаствовать в киртане.
По милости Кришны и благодаря усилиям Виласини поездка была успешной. 3 дня она практически ничего не ела. Итог можно подвести последующими впечатлениями из ее дневника:
Узкие глаза, автомобилей гонки,
Откуда-то бегут все и куда-то.
В Китай приехала я не на отдых
Но дом чтоб возвести для Гауранги,
Как минимум на сотень пять лет стойкий
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When it is perfection that is being pursued, there is nothing that can deter your success. There isn’t a dearth of corroborative examples and the following account is surely one such.
As a representative of the team, Vilasini devi dasi, the Head Architect for ToVP arrived at Shanghai on 18th September. The purpose of this visit was a meeting with the technical team of Shanghai Metal Corp., a leading name in the manufacture and supply of metal and allied products.
Going the conventional way, Stainless Steel with a gold finish, was the material of choice for the Kalash, Chakra and a few other elements on the temple exterior. The key requirements for the coating included a longevity of at least 500 years and low maintenance. After intensive research by Bhaskara Das and Parvata Muni Das, Titanium Nitride was picked as the material for coating the stainless steel . China has always been one of the forerunners in providing metal products of unmatched quality in the market. Also, it was found during the research they had the infrastructure to complete the task at hand in around 45 days which their Indian counterparts took at least 5 years to finish. Hence, a Chinese company of good repute, Shanghai Metal Corp. (SMC) was identified.
With extensive support from Sadbhuja Das (Managing Director), Parvata Muni Das and Bhaskara Das (Research team), Vilasini conducted the preliminary discussions with SMC, post which the a fore-mentioned meeting was scheduled for the 19th of September, 2014. The key agenda of the meeting was to consult with the technical team on the methodological specifics and logistics involved.
On her arrival, Vilasini found Shanghai city to be a modernized and multicultural metropolis with a charming mix of the old and new.
Vilasini was warmly welcomed at SMC. Their excellent workmanship was visible in the samples on display in their office. This was definitely a reassuring first impression.
SMC is one of the top companies in China as well the world with around 13 offices and subsidiaries located throughout Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Their technology and technical knowledge is most impressive although they were unforthcoming about promoting their products.
With much prodding and nudging, Vilasini did succeed in gleaning all the required information from them.
From left to right: Mark, Michael, Bryan (Managing Director), Vilasini and Nishanth
By and large, it was a successful meeting. SMC also provided samples for 1.2mm Stainless Steel with Titanium Nitride coating in gold and blue shades which will be used for the temple Kalash and other architectural elements.
The meeting was concluded satisfactorily on both ends with the following points agreed upon
Vilasini also had the wonderful opportunity to meet with a few devotees in Shanghai and be a part of the kirtan during a yoga convention while she was there.
It is Krishna’s mercy and to Vilasini’s credit that this was indeed a successful trip and that she managed to survive those 3 days on food almost amounting to nothing. The trip could be summarized in the following impressions from her diary:
Racing cars, stretched eyes, babies in pairs,
People running hither and others running thither,
I enter the Chinese realm, not to holiday,
But to put a cap on Gauranga’s home,
For 500 years that it should stay.
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With barely two weeks to the start of the auspicious Damodara month, which according to the Vaisnava scriptures is the holiest of all months, we are happy to offer you a user-friendly “Damodara-kit” to facilitate your celebration of this wonderful pastime. This can be used in the temple, devotees’ homes and where ever you may conduct the Damodara program. The Damodara program has been developed to assist the collective participation of congregations and has an outstanding success reaching over a 100,000 people in just one month in Malaysia. The Congregational Ministry wants to assist you in implementing this amazing program in your area. Read more › 
Simply by taking prasada and taking part in chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra, ordinary persons are being considerably elevated. Saubhari Muni regrets that he had bad association even in the deepest part of the water. Because of the bad association of the sexually engaged fish, he fell down. A secluded place is also not secure unless there is good association. (Srimad Bhagavatam, 9.6.51 Purport) Read more › Mangala Arati – 27.09.2014 Iskcon London