Thursday, October 2nd, 2014
→ The Walking Monk

You Want Lasting Happiness for Them

Brampton, Ontario

I believe it was the first engagement I ever attended.  A young couple from our community exchanged rings with a low-key type of ceremony.  Actually the ceremony took the shape of none other than kirtan which I lead.

I chose a melody not used often but one I've heard from Vaishnavas in Vrindavan.  The family of the young man who master-minded the quiet function responded so well to a tune they had not heard before.  It just came natural to them.  I was impressed.

Although I am who I am with socail status as a monk, I do participate in such functions which involve couples when it comes time to solemnize marriages.  Persons like myself in the renounced order want to see people succeed in their dharmic relationships.  We wish to see couples stay together.

In fact, on my way to the Brampton destination while I was on foot a rather committed couple I've known through the years spotted me on Eglinton Ave trudging along.  They pulled over in wonder to my being in their neighborhood.  It's a Sri Lankan couple in their mid-life age.  With their children of university age the family's done good.  I recall how for years they delivered newspapers daily in our ashram neighborhood.  They were highly regimented at this.  You have to be.  I used to admire watching them take turns behind the wheel of the car and the doing that door-to-door delivery.  They kept physically active putting in a few kilometers every day.

A happy couple they are.  Happy couples means happy children.  A positive contagion.

You know, it never fails.  Each time I trek a major thoroughfare there's always someone to recognize you, they will stop, turn around and get to where you are and make re-acquaintance.  It's just one more plus behind exposing yourself to the out-of-doors and using those legs.

The young engagement couple picked me up at Eglington and Martin Grove in order to have a great stir-fry Thai type of dinner.

May the Source be with you!

15 KM

Offering a lamp
→ KKSBlog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 09 October 2010, Melbourne, Australia, Lecture)

lampWhen we offer a lamp to the deities, we try to lock the deities in our heart! We follow the shape of the deity as we are waving our lamp and we are trying to lock the deity into our heart. As we are waving the lamp, we are seeing the form, we are contemplating on the form of the deity and we pray that that form may be burned into our consciousness. That is our desire… because that will be our saving grace. All these activities will prevent us from becoming so distracted.

Realizing Our Personal Life Adventure–Part 1 and 2
→ Karnamrita.das's blog

Author: 
Karnamrita Das

(this blog is recorded on the full page: quick time player is needed; works best with Firefox or Explorer; if you are using Google Chrome it will automatically play, so if you don't want to listen, mute your speakers.)
photo d628c2733_zpsaaff9de8.jpg
Today has brought beautiful fall weather, with a cold morning, and now a warm—but not hot—day at 12 noon. I sit on the deck under a bright cloudless sky and appreciate the wonder of Krishna’s material energy, and his many blessings to me, pondering what is on my mind to share with you. I have been reading some fantasy and adventure novels to imagine what I might do with a book idea that has been percolating within me for quite a while now. This has been a useful exercise that has given me hope that I can write a novel meant for teaching about life and spirituality. Though I read many acclaimed books in their genre, I haven’t been very satisfied with them. Even when the characters, or the story line, are interesting and can hold my attention—and some don’t—I still feel sorry for want of a spiritual theme. Only occasionally God is mentioned, and usually not as a guiding principle of life.

Sometimes I think: “All that invested time for this ending?” or there is no ending, but just a lead-in to the next volume. To me, other than in devotional literature, I find there is little of specific spiritual merit, or personal benefit other than “entertainment,” or at best some moral message or social commentary. That has value, but is never enough for me, as a person concerned with meaning and purpose in everything. Yes, there are spiritually themed books which can inspire readers, but at this stage of the writing project, I have avoided them for contrast, and this endeavor has borne fruit, albeit, in ways I never imagined.

From my readings I became curious why we feel compelled to seek out entertainment and adventure—while I was reminded of my attraction adventure stories and the search for treasure, especially of the mystical variety. In a general sense what we have intense attraction to, or interest in, gives us hints as to an important aspect of our life direction. Part of the work of the spiritual aspirant is to make whatever we want or yearn for, part of our spiritual/Krishna conscious /yogic practice. Some spiritual paths shun all attachments and action, but in bhakti, we use our attachments and inclinations in relation to service to Krishna, and in that way purify them. Otherwise we may be diverted from self-realization by our unfulfilled natural propensities or inner conditioned compass.

read more

Join us in celebrating Damodar Festival from 7pm to 9pm this Wednesday October 8th, 2014 — Hear and associate with Her Grace Kamala Gopi Devi Dasi for our Special discourse on**The Spirit of Kartik**
→ ISKCON Brampton


Special Kartik Feast

When?
Wednesday,Oct 8th,2014
Program starts at 7.00pm

Where?
6 George Street South
Brampton, Ontario
L6Y 1P3, Canada
Park underground(free) @ City Hall
Phone:416-648-3312

New! Listen
Click here to listen to previous class recordings on our blog
Make a Donation
In this Kartik we may get the same mercy as Nalkuber and Manigrive g0t at that time...

Program Schedule
7:00PM       GURU PUJA                                
7:15PM       GAURA AARTI                              
7:45PM       NRSINGADEV PRAYERS                        
                       Welcome announcements
7:55PM       SPIRIT OF KARTIK by Kamala Gopi Mataji    
8:30PM       DAMODAR AARTI AND KIRTAN              
                       Festivities will be concluded by honoring DAMODAR MAHA FEAST
 About Damodar Festival
Kartik (Damodar) is the best, the purest of purifiers, and most glorious of all months. Kartik month is particularly dear to Lord Sri Krishna. This month is full of bhakta vatsalya. Any vrata, even the smallest, will yield huge results. The effect of performing a Kartik Vrata lasts for one hundred lifetimes, Kartik or the festival of offering lamps to Lord Krishna, glorifies Lord Krishna’s pastime of being bound with ropes by Mother Yashoda.One should daily offer a ghee lamp to Krishna and sing the Damodarastakam, meditating on meaning.
Check this link out for Damodarastakam http://www.krishna.com/damodarastakam

The essential lesson that we learn from Damodar lila is that the all-pervading,all powerful Lord is easily conquered by the love of His devotee and love saturated devotees desire nothing else except to constantly hear and glorify His pastimes.
Damodarstakam 4-5 specially signifies the essence and the sweetness of this month.
Following are excerpts from some scriptures (Puranas) describing the glory of the pious Kartik month:

“If somebody performs even a little worship of Lord Shri Hari in this month, He offers that devotee His own abode.”

“If somebody burns a lamp in the temple of Lord Shri Hari even for a short time (in the month of Kartik), then whatever sins, he has acquired for millions of kalpas (one kalpa equals 1000 yugas) are all destroyed.”

“A person, who for the entire month of Kartik eats only once a day, becomes very famous, powerful and heroic.”

“A person who happily reads the Bhagavad Gita in the month of Kartik does not return to the world of birth and death.”

“Of all gifts, the gift of a lamp during the month of Kartik is the best. No gift is its equal.”

“The pious result obtained by bathing in all holy places and giving all charities is not equal to one ten-millionth part of the result obtained by following the vow of Kartik."

Please note that ISKCON Brampton is a nut free environment in order to support those with allergies. Your cooperation is appreciated.
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Chant and Be happy!

“Simple Living, High Thinking” Gathering, October 3, Houston
Giriraj Swami

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA“Giriraj Swami spoke at the ‘Simple Living, High Thinking’ gathering in Houston, a regular program for seekers who want to learn about Krishna consciousness. After his talk—and many questions and answers—Giriraj Swami led an ecstatic kirtan during which everyone present danced very joyously.”

—Nila Madhava dasa

First Kirtan
Talk
Second Kirtan

The ‘Kartik Challenge’
→ The Vaishnava Voice

Dear Readers, the holy month of Kartik is now upon us, the time of year when it is that little bit easier to engage in bhakti, and the rewards that little bit more.

Its a Vaishnava tradition to make an extra endeavour at this time and I thought you might like to hear about my ‘Kartik Challenge.’

There’s no ice buckets involved, and no funds to be raised, but there is wonderful song to sing that is sure to give you pleasure and inspiration. Just one Sanskrit verse is all I’m asking for, filmed and uploaded to facebook. First, please watch this short video prepared by my young friends from Radha Krishna Records.

If you’re unfamiliar with the song, here is a version for you to listen to:

http://youtu.be/T_c7QzDXa9Y


Srila Jagannatha Das Babaji Maharaj
→ Servant of the Servant



An original photo of Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji, the spiritual master of Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur, recently discovered by the Bhaktivedanta Research Centre in Kolkata. The photo was found inserted between the pages of an old book previously owned by a disciple of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati. 

Srila Jagannatha Das Babaji Maharaj was the sovereign emperor of the Gaudiya Vaishnava world. No human talent can ever describe his fathomless love for Lord Goursundar (Gauranga). He spent many years in the adoration of Sri Radha-Govinda in Sri Vrindavan. He was a highly revered personality. Everywhere he was renowned as "Siddha Baba" (a great devotee who has reached the Goal or attained Ultimate Success).

Generally devotees talk about the contribution of Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji in confirming the birth place of Lord Caitanya. However, there is also one more very important contribution, which probably is even more important than confirming the birth place of Lord Caitanya, which is never or rarely discussed. This is that, Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji is the first person in our guru parampara who chanted the Pancha tattva maha mantra as with "Jaya Sri Krishna Caitanya...".Before the time of Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji, the Panhca Tattva maha mantra was chanted as " Jaya Sri Gauranga Prabhu Nityananda....". Devotees following the guru parampara from Srila Jaganatha dasa Babaji then followed the same.. "Jaya Sri Krishna Caitanya.."

Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur beheld his lotus-feet for the first time in Vrindavan in 1880 and received many precious pieces of advice about Haribhajan from him. Srila Babaji Maharaj said 'there is the danger of committing ten offences while chanting Hare Krishna mahamantra. But there is no consideration of offence in uttering Pancha Tattwa –"Sri Krishna-Chaitanya Prabhu Nityananda, Sri Adwaita Gadadhar Srvasadi Gour-bhakta-vrinda."

Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur met Srila Babaji Maharaj for the second time at Amlajora village in the district of Burdwan in the month of Falgun 1298 Bangabda (Year of the Bengali era). Srila Babaji Maharaj observed the holy fast enjoined on the eleventh day of a lunar fortnight (Ekadashi) at Amlajora village and discoursed on God day and night. Though he was very old, he was fond of devotional dance and congregational singing of the Holy Name. Next day Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur established 'Sri Prapannashram' at Amlajora village. Srila Babaji Maharaj was very happy to see the ceaseless loving efforts of Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur in preaching and propagating the gospels of Lord Gouranga.

While staying in Navadwip, Srila Babaji Maharaj would remain absorbed in his Nam-Bhajan (the adoration of the Holy Name) on the bank of the Ganges at Kuliya. (His Bhajan-cottage and his Samadhi-temple still exist there) Srila Babaji Maharaj asked Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur to construct a shed in front of his cottage for the devotees. Srila Thakur gladly carried out his order.

In 1893 Srila Babaji Maharaj came from Kuliya, Navadwip to Sri Godrum Suravi Kunja and made Thakur Bhaktivinode and other devotees extremely happy. Srila Jagannatha Das Babaji Maharaj paid a kind visit to Sri Mayapur. It was with the divine inspiration of Srila Babaji Maharaj that Srila Thakur Bhaktivinode discovered the Birth-site of Mahaprabhu. Srila Babaji Maharaj ascertained that the discovery was true. He pronounced it to the entire world and danced in ecstatic joy in the holy Birth-place of the Lord. Devotees marveled at his wild dance at such a ripe old age. Dancing impetuously with loud roars, he swept the devotees away on the wave of transcendental enthusiasm. The sound of Sankirtan filled the three worlds and maddened the Vaishnavas present there.

Srila Babaji Maharaj had a great affection for Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Thakur whom he asked to prepare a Vaishnava Almanac. From Srila Babaji Maharaj, the world has learnt that the fifth day of the bright fortnight in the month of Magha is the day of Sri Vishnupriya Devi's appearance. 

Srila Babaji Maharaj disappeared from this world in Navadwip in 1895 at the age of about 147. Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur described him as "the Old Commander of the army of devotees".

Some of his immortal messages to this world are;

  • Those who make money by interpreting the Bhagavatam are offenders at the feet of the Holy Name. The transcendental words of Krishna never appear on their lips. Their attitude is more abominable than that of prostitutes. Those who listen to the talks of such speakers will be ruined.
  • If you want final success in your Bhajan, you must maintain strict regularity in chanting the Name. Don't go to bed before completing the fixed number of chanting everyday. Stick to your vow even at the cost of your life. If you adore the Holy Name with such sincerity, you are sure to attain perfection or final success. At first you will have to toil hard. But ultimately you will get eternal rest at the blissful feet of Lord Gouranga.
Hare Krishna

Only By Causeless Mercy
→ travelingmonk.com

According to Srila Rupa Goswami even great devotees may not have the qualifications to visit Radha Kunda, the sacred bathing place of Srimate Radharani. What then of us aspiring devotees? It was only by the causeless mercy of our spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada, that we walked the sacred parikrama marg around Radha Kunda this afternoon [...]

Gokul Garden Sunday School Of Sjmkl- Trip To Goshala At Janda Baik, Pahang (Album 13 photos)
→ Dandavats.com

On 16th September 2014, a total of 33 children from SJMKL's Gokul Garden Sunday School gathered excitedly at Sri Jagannath Mandir Taman Yarl KL as early as 7.15 am to board a bus to Janda Baik, Pahang to visit Goshala farm which is approximately 52 kilometres away from Kuala Lumpur city. The children were accompanied by 10 teachers. The rain showers that morning did not dampen the children's spirit for the trip, instead it was taken as a shower of blessing from Lord Krsna. Read more ›

Enthusiastic kirtan in a Russian vaishnava temple (4 min video)
→ Dandavats.com

"Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare-these sixteen names composed of thirty-two syllables are the only means to counteract the evil effects of Kali-yuga. In all the Vedas it is seen that to cross the ocean of nescience there is no alternative to the chanting of the holy name." (Kali-santarana Upanisad) Read more ›

Krishna lila, music – dance from a professional group of artists (5 min video)
→ Dandavats.com

"The essence of all Vedic knowledge-comprehending the three kinds of Vedic activity, the Vedic hymns, and the processes for satisfying the demigods-is included in the eight syllables Hare Krishna Hare Krishna. This is the reality of all Vedanta. The chanting of the holy name is the only means to cross the ocean of nescience." (Narada-pancharatra) Read more ›

Back In Vrindavan!
→ travelingmonk.com

“Oh my beloved Giriraj, I will take bath in all the holy rivers and bathing places near you. I will quench my thirst by drinking the ambrosial waters adorning your foothills and I will walk eternally in this holy dust of Vraja. I beg you Giriraj, kindly give me birth again and again in this [...]