Don’t offend bhakti by minimizing its potency unfavorably in comparison with the problems of grihastha ashrama (g. a.)
Pessimistic attitude towards g a becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy
Pendulum in definitions of success:
Extreme: adopt grihamedhi’s definition eg “all this bhakti is too much.” Regular practice of sadhana ensure that we don’t get carried away by materialistic conceptions of success
Extreme: adopt renunciate's definition eg. “see wife and children as temptations”
Balanced: see as opportunity to serve Krishna
Find individual comfort level for practicing bhakti
Success is not just leaving the world and coming to Krishna in the temple, but also taking Krishna from the temple to the world
Have healthy respect for profession – don’t alienate professionals
Don’t alienate children – “My parents made me feel bad about myself for not being a reincarnation of Prahlad Maharaj”
ISKCON’s maturation from the revolution mode to the re-establishment mode
Revolution – get joy in breaking down things including respected and essential edifices of social and spiritual stability including g. a.
SP adopted a hands-off policy towards g. a. because no sense of commitment
To glorify giving up of family responsibilities to those who never had an ethos of responsibility leads to a culture of irresponsibility
But re-establishment requires patience, learning and a service mood
I had asked the fellow dressed like Benjamin Franklin what his favourite quote was. It is my second visit to the Chariot Festival in Philly, and it being such an historical city, and one of their proud father of the nation, in fact, was Mr. Franklin, whom had an incredible brain. So I asked him for some wisdom. The local man in period costume answered my question, “I have many sayings, but my chosen favourite is about talent that is hidden and not put to use is like a sundial in darkness.”
“I like that. I thank you,” I said. And then he went to Rome through the booths at the festival which is one block from the steps that the famous icon, Rocky Balboa, ran up and down at the art museum.
I had a chance to hear and see talent from the main stage. Yadunatha from New York is a standup comedian, who pokes fun at ourselves, the Krishna monks. He always cracks me up. Talk about hidden talent. I don’t happen to know his stage name, but he’s a great entertainer. Just after his act came a local dance troupe presenting Odissi dance items. The dancers were good, it just went on too long, leaving the audience with no break. Then came our group performing “Little Big Ramayan”. Now, I cannot speak objectively on the performance, but from my side I believe they executed their parts quite well despite challenges such as the slippery floor causing Ravana to fall off the stage. All the performers had the chance to display their abilities – talent that’s not exhibited unless someone comes along to present the opportunity and discovers something wonderful.
Regarding walking I believe that in this day of sophisticated mobilization, walking is a hidden talent, we have it in us. If one gives it a chance, one will see how it benefits us in so many ways.
I made sure to trek a trail before the long 8 hour drive to Philly. A group of 11 of us split between two rented vans made the pleasant journey through a portion of upstate new York and Pennsylvania which is absolutely scenic. The 11 of us were the invited drama troupe to the city’s Chariot Festival. But one more person from California was to meet us in Philly to make the cast complete. He was number 12. I’m sorry to say that his cancelation at the last minute was disappointing. He chose to be lazy. He’s talented, this was a golden opportunity for him, he just didn’t make it to the airport in time. Missed his flight and the ticket we paid for became dissolved. He was just unable to get it together, although he had all the time. This threw off our plans for a full cast. Fortunately a capable actor/devotee was contacted and came to save the day. My consideration is that everyone in life should endeavour to be that team player. I am reminded of a phrase by Jean Paul Sartre, “Only the guy who is not rowing has time to rock the boat.”
Two elements checked what could have been an anger fit for me. Number 1, the people I do have, 11 or so, are just a dream to be with. They are cooperation personified. Secondly, I was moved with some pity for the lost soul who lost our confidence, especially after not having apologized. He must really be struggling in life. He’s young, and it’s obvious he’s making some mistakes. I will not give up on him should he choose to reach out for help.
Anyways, once reaching the city of brotherly love, we worked with our extra (Jon by name) and he was a fabulous replacement.
I trekked some of the streets today in Toronto (what else is new?) but I felt my mind to be miles away on a lonely but what's become a popular trail. After an article about a trail-blazing walker was forwarded to me I felt to be backtracking and backtracking with this person.
The person referred to is Emma Rowena Gatewood. An excellent book was recently published delineating her story and how she saved the well-known trail in America's east coast - the Appalachian Trail.
In 1955 Emma, known to many as Grandma Gatewood, became the first woman to hike the entire 2,168 mile (3,489 km) trail. She did so in sneakers and carried an army blanket, a raincoat, shower curtain, and a change of clothes. She took to harvesting wild plants and also carried cheese, nuts, and dried fruit along with dried (well you know we Hare Krishnas don't eat meat).
Now I was only 3 when this remarkable person accomplished this amazing feat, with her feet. She is regarded as a pioneer for ultra-light hiking. Awesome also is that she hiked the Appalachian Trail once again in 1960 and again at age 75 three years later.
This give me hope that age (I'm almost 62) is not a restriction for achieving long distance pilgrimage. Her journey reminds me of the incredible hikes of yogis in the Himalayas who carried nothing, sometimes not even clothes on their back. It is also reminiscent of what I've read about the Pandava princes of the Mahabharat when they made their final foot trek through the mountains.
A few days ago the fourth ring of the main dome was completed, and almost immediately the fifth ring was begun. Each of the segments will be installed every two days. We look forward to seeing the finished gigantic main dome, and how this transcendentally unique structure which will attract the minds of the entire population of the world.
If one simply chants the Hare Krishna mantra and does not commit sinful activities and offenses, one's life is purified, and thus one comes to the fifth stage of perfection, or engagement in the loving service of the Lord. (Sri-Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, 8.21 Purport) Read more ›
Hare Krishna Movement - Hyderabad is presenting current work status report on the project: Renovation of Svayambhu Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple.
By the mercy of our SPIRITUAL Master Srila Prabhupada, Lord Narasimha Deva and with the support all our donors, well wishers and the state government, lot of development happened in the temple premises after the Bhumi Puja program on 2nd May, 2014.
Foundation work is expected to start from the last week of Aug'14. We are working towards completing the temple construction by 2016 by the blessings of the Lord. Estimated cost of the temple is Rs.15-20 crores.
May Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy bless those souls who participate in BUILDING A HOME for the Supreme Lord in this world.
Jai Srila Prabhupada!! Read more ›
If one simply chants the Hare Krishna mantra and does not commit sinful activities and offenses, one's life is purified, and thus one comes to the fifth stage of perfection, or engagement in the loving service of the Lord. (Sri-Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, 8.21 Purport) Read more ›
If it is sometimes found that a kanistha-adhikari (neophyte devotee) shows artificial tears in his eyes while chanting the Hare Krishna mantra but is still completely attached to material things, his heart has not really changed. The change must be manifested in terms of one's real activities. (Sri-Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, 8.24 Purport) Read more ›
"If one's heart does not change, tears do not flow from his eyes, his body does not shiver, and his bodily hairs do not stand on end as he chants the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, it should be understood that his heart is as hard as iron This is due to his offenses at the lotus feet of the Lord's holy name." (Srimad-Bhagavatam 2.3.24) Read more ›
People should be given the chance to hear the chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra, but in the beginning they should not be instructed about the glories or the spiritual significance of the holy name. By constant hearing of the holy name, their hearts will be purified, and then they will be able to understand the transcendental position of the holy name.
(Sri-Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, 8.21 Purport) Read more ›
The ISKCON Disciples Course is a training program which deepens devotees’ understanding of guru tattva and guru padasraya within the multiple guru environment of ISKCON. Designed for new devotees preparing to take initiation in ISKCON, the course is also recommended for leaders, preachers, councilors and educators in ISKCON.
The course was developed under the direction of the Guru Services Committee, with the combined efforts of leading educators in ISKCON. The course is based on the teachings of Srila Prabhupada and current ISKCON Law and references the writings of the broader Gaudiya Vaisnava tradition. The 14 lessons include Powerpoint presentations, interactive workshops, forums, quizzes and assessment exercises.
The ISKCON Disciple Course is designed so that your time zone is not of primary importance. You just move along the materials to be found on the web pages. During the course, we will meet for two or three live Q&A sessions, but we decide on the timings together so that the majority of participants will have the opportunity to take part.
Disciple Course can be attended without special requirements. By clicking here you will be redirected to Bhaktivedanta College page, where you can proceed with registration and payment for this module. The Paypal fee is €79 fully inclusive.
Here is a video which gives an overview of the course. If you cannot view it then please click here to visit the website.
Influential lawmaker Tulsi Gabbard, the only Hindu member of the US Congress, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New York and presented her personal copy of Bhagavad Gita to him, saying it was a gesture to express her love for India. Read more ›
One must engage his tongue in the service of the holy name. Our Krishna consciousness movement is based on this principle. We try to engage all the members of the Krishna consciousness movement in the service of the holy name. (Sri-Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, 8.16 Purport) Read more ›
"The chanting of the holy names of Kṛṣṇa is so sublime that if one chants the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra offenselessly, carefully avoiding the ten offenses, he can certainly be gradually elevated to the point of understanding that there is no difference between the holy name of the Lord and the Lord Himself."
(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 30 July 2014, Swiss Retreat, Switzerland, Candramrta and Chandradoya Nataka Seminar, Part 4)
We don’t know our eternal identity in the pastimes of Krsna at present. You never know how much of our eternal identity is coming through in our current identity. Maybe that brahmacari with the tattoos on his arm is a gopi in the spiritual world! Who knows? (laughter) It’s hard to say who is whom at present.
Now we are not really accessing our eternal identity and are acting according to a conditioned one. The pure functions of the soul are now temporarily covered by sleep. The soul is in a dormant state and the mind has taken over the functions of thinking, feeling and willing. Thinking, feeling and willing comes from the mind now, whereas originally these are from the soul.
In the spiritual world, we have no mind. What a relief! That is reason enough to go there!
Youth preaching at Pune has broughtforth hundreds of dedicated youths from various Colleges and all these students are gradually becoming trained as preachers of Krishna consciousness. Not only do these youth preach to other youths ; they also preach to children, congregation devotees and youth alike. Read more ›
Nama, a singular number, one name, Krishna or Rama, is sufficient. It is not that one has to chant all the holy names of the Lord. The holy names of the Lord are innumerable, and one does not have to chant all the names to prove that he has already undergone all the processes of Vedic ritualistic ceremonies. (Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.33.7 Purport) Read more ›
No one in this life can chant the holy name of the Lord unless he has passed all lower stages, such as performing the Vedic ritualistic sacrifices, studying the Vedas and practicing good behavior like that of the Aryans. All this must first have been done. (Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.33.7 Purport) Read more ›
The late summer has brought us a bounty of vegetables and a mountain of work preparing for the fall. The teaching garden is filled with fall colors as the mums, calendula, daisies, and lilies have begun to bloom. As the summer flowers and vegetables have completed their season the beds containing annual flowers (one that do not grow back in the spring) are being cover cropped. In the photo above daikon radishes are growing around daises yet to bloom. Other cover crops in the teaching garden include vicia vilosa (winter legume), wheat, and rye.
In the Garden of Seven Gates it has been all about harvesting, building, and planting. Yes, I said planting; this time of year it is difficult to keep up the same early summer pace in the garden. Weeds start to win the epic battle with the garden, some plants start to struggle, and just keeping up with the harvest in a daunting task all its own. However, to really get the most of your garden don’t miss out on the often forgotten benefits of fall planting. In early August we seeded cabbage, spinach, lettuce, radishes, and beets which all love the fall weather and are fairly quick to harvest (none more than 60 days). At the end of August we seeded for our winter greens high tunnel with many of the same crops and added kale. The buckwheat field is now filled with an infinity of beautiful radish greens. In the terraces where vegetables like tomatoes and sweet potatoes were growing it is now cover cropped for the fall and will return early in the spring. For weeks we had beautiful fields of giant sunflowers, the seeds are now drying to be shared with the community. Their former home is now a field of rye.
With more green beans to come, squash harvest, greens, and amaranth we still have a lot of picking to do. The test plot of giant golden amaranth has proven not only to be sustainable (no irrigation, no fertilizer, no pesticides), beautiful (most plants are over 9 feet tall filled with seeds) it produced an incredible bumper crop of amazing gluten free complete grains. Which will be harvested after the first frost.
Another exciting harvest this year was sweet potatoes. This is a crop I suggest for everyone that can create some form of raised bed in their garden. When planted under the right conditions a single plant slip yields 8-10 lbs of sweet potatoes. We had enough to set up a “grown on site” sweet potato fry booth at the Festival of Colors. We had a wonderful response and were very excited to share our harvest with people from many different communities.
As the New Vrindaban gardens transition to fall I will leave you with a quote from Rose G. Kingsley….. “In the garden, Autumn is, indeed the crowning glory of the year, bringing us the fruition of months of thought and care and toil. And at no season, safe perhaps in Daffodil time, do we get such superb colour effects as from August to November.” The Autumn Garden 1905
Macedonia, a landlocked country of 2 million people, is located in southeast Europe. It is bordered by Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece and Albania. It is the birth place of two famous personalities: Alexander the Great in ancient times and Mother Teresa in recent history. ISKCON has a small community of sincere and dedicated devotees with a [...]
Yesterday, as soon as my flight arrived Skopje, Macedonia I was whisked away to a live 30-minute talk show on “24 News,” one of Macedonia’s main television channels. The theme of the program was, “Cultural Origins.” The show was viewed by 50,000 people. Amongst the many topics covered, I elaborated how our Krsna consciousness movement [...]
ISKCON’s center in Budapest is a charming temple situated near the center of the city. Devotees run a popular vegetarian restaurant downtown and are much appreciated for their daily Food For Life prasdasam distribution. Both locals and tourists watch with interest when devotees perform regular harinam samkirtan and book distributors are a regular sight on [...]
Oh, how glorious are they whose tongues are chanting Your holy name! Even if born in the families of dog-eaters, such persons are worshipable. Persons who chant the holy name of Your Lordship must have executed all kinds of austerities and fire sacrifices and achieved all the good manners of the Aryans. (Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.33.7 Purport) Read more ›
1967 September 29: "Your service attitude for Krishna and your sincere attempts at being advanced in Krishna Consciousness will work with you and make your life more and more glorious and a happy state. I've nothing new to instruct you, the same old instruction namely constant chanting and attentively hearing the transcendental vibration Hare Krishna is the only process for self realization in this age." Prabhupada Letters :: 1967
1967 September 29: "The secret of success in the matter of Krishna Consciousness is devotion to the Lord and the Spiritual Master. So I am sure that even if I am not physically present before you, if you follow the above principles, still you will be able to execute all spiritual duties in the matter of Krishna Consciousness." Prabhupada Letters :: 1967
If one simply chants the Hare Krishna mantra and does not commit sinful activities and offenses, one's life is purified, and thus one comes to the fifth stage of perfection, or engagement in the loving service of the Lord. (Sri-Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, 8.21 Purport) 
Hare Krishna Movement - Hyderabad is presenting current work status report on the project: Renovation of Svayambhu Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple.
By the mercy of our SPIRITUAL Master Srila Prabhupada, Lord Narasimha Deva and with the support all our donors, well wishers and the state government, lot of development happened in the temple premises after the Bhumi Puja program on 2nd May, 2014.
Foundation work is expected to start from the last week of Aug'14. We are working towards completing the temple construction by 2016 by the blessings of the Lord. Estimated cost of the temple is Rs.15-20 crores.
May Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy bless those souls who participate in BUILDING A HOME for the Supreme Lord in this world.
Jai Srila Prabhupada!! 
If one simply chants the Hare Krishna mantra and does not commit sinful activities and offenses, one's life is purified, and thus one comes to the fifth stage of perfection, or engagement in the loving service of the Lord. (Sri-Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, 8.21 Purport) 
If it is sometimes found that a kanistha-adhikari (neophyte devotee) shows artificial tears in his eyes while chanting the Hare Krishna mantra but is still completely attached to material things, his heart has not really changed. The change must be manifested in terms of one's real activities. (Sri-Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, 8.24 Purport) 
"If one's heart does not change, tears do not flow from his eyes, his body does not shiver, and his bodily hairs do not stand on end as he chants the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, it should be understood that his heart is as hard as iron This is due to his offenses at the lotus feet of the Lord's holy name." (Srimad-Bhagavatam 2.3.24) 
People should be given the chance to hear the chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra, but in the beginning they should not be instructed about the glories or the spiritual significance of the holy name. By constant hearing of the holy name, their hearts will be purified, and then they will be able to understand the transcendental position of the holy name.
(Sri-Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, 8.21 Purport) 
Hanuman, the mighty monkey deity is among the most popular gods in the Vedic pantheon. 
Influential lawmaker Tulsi Gabbard, the only Hindu member of the US Congress, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New York and presented her personal copy of Bhagavad Gita to him, saying it was a gesture to express her love for India. 
One must engage his tongue in the service of the holy name. Our Krishna consciousness movement is based on this principle. We try to engage all the members of the Krishna consciousness movement in the service of the holy name. (Sri-Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, 8.16 Purport) 
Recorded on 06.15.2014, ISKCON of Silicon Valley 
Youth preaching at Pune has broughtforth hundreds of dedicated youths from various Colleges and all these students are gradually becoming trained as preachers of Krishna consciousness. Not only do these youth preach to other youths ; they also preach to children, congregation devotees and youth alike. 
Nama, a singular number, one name, Krishna or Rama, is sufficient. It is not that one has to chant all the holy names of the Lord. The holy names of the Lord are innumerable, and one does not have to chant all the names to prove that he has already undergone all the processes of Vedic ritualistic ceremonies. (Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.33.7 Purport) 
No one in this life can chant the holy name of the Lord unless he has passed all lower stages, such as performing the Vedic ritualistic sacrifices, studying the Vedas and practicing good behavior like that of the Aryans. All this must first have been done. (Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.33.7 Purport) 
Oh, how glorious are they whose tongues are chanting Your holy name! Even if born in the families of dog-eaters, such persons are worshipable. Persons who chant the holy name of Your Lordship must have executed all kinds of austerities and fire sacrifices and achieved all the good manners of the Aryans. (Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.33.7 Purport)