Ayurvedic wisdom teaches that our bodies can respond to this food-touch by producing the needed enzymes and digestive juices before the food even meets our lips.
Eating with Your Hands is Healthier
→ ISKCON News
Eating with Your Hands is Healthier
Tuesday, September 23rd, 2014
→ The Walking Monk
North York, Ontario
Watch Where You Sit
Everyone was very careful where to plop their buttocks. Those Canada geese do a fairly good job at leaving their droppings on the campus grass.
York University was the venue near what everyone calls, ‘The Fountain’. Some students, some monks and I received full approval via the Krishna Club to help ourselves to the green grass for chanting, drumming and schmoozing. One of our monks, Hayagriva, took his bag of bhakti books around trying to interest students in the sublime philosophical outlook of bhakti¸devotion. There were takers.
There were also takers to our kirtan. One young Ethiopian student sat with us, with care, on the grass, soaking in the sound. Many other students very indifferently walked by and some even nonchalantly helped themselves to the grass, with prudence, to sit or lie down near us. I believe that in their own way they were expressing interest in our sound.
I particularly enjoyed when some students, two guys and a gal, came armed with djembes and one dundun. This thumping lent itself to our musical efforts. It’s always great to have back up to the sound of Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare.
Our drive home was crazy. There was so much traffic and construction, all in preparation for next year’s PanAm games. You have to watch the traffic like you do the geese dung. Frankly, I would rather come face to face with organic bird mush over oncoming metal monsters in the form of cars.
May the Source be with you! Watch where you drive, sit, stand, walk, run and lie down.
6 KM
Watch Where You Sit
Everyone was very careful where to plop their buttocks. Those Canada geese do a fairly good job at leaving their droppings on the campus grass.
York University was the venue near what everyone calls, ‘The Fountain’. Some students, some monks and I received full approval via the Krishna Club to help ourselves to the green grass for chanting, drumming and schmoozing. One of our monks, Hayagriva, took his bag of bhakti books around trying to interest students in the sublime philosophical outlook of bhakti¸devotion. There were takers.
There were also takers to our kirtan. One young Ethiopian student sat with us, with care, on the grass, soaking in the sound. Many other students very indifferently walked by and some even nonchalantly helped themselves to the grass, with prudence, to sit or lie down near us. I believe that in their own way they were expressing interest in our sound.
I particularly enjoyed when some students, two guys and a gal, came armed with djembes and one dundun. This thumping lent itself to our musical efforts. It’s always great to have back up to the sound of Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare.
Our drive home was crazy. There was so much traffic and construction, all in preparation for next year’s PanAm games. You have to watch the traffic like you do the geese dung. Frankly, I would rather come face to face with organic bird mush over oncoming metal monsters in the form of cars.
May the Source be with you! Watch where you drive, sit, stand, walk, run and lie down.
6 KM
Monday, September 22nd, 2014
→ The Walking Monk
Toronto, Ontario
Loss Versus Gain
Officially for a day or so now, it’s fall. The temperature dip proves it. Nevertheless, Karuna, Wade and I, took to the ravine. Colours are starting to show like only autumn can do. You’ve got red sumac, blue chicory, orange touch-me-nots, black choke cherries, purple asters, goldenrod, and all kinds of greens.
Our First Nations people for thousands of years enjoyed this colour festival within nature’s pharmacy – the forest. Medicinal properties were known to them, and also, to some degree, the European settlers. Are we as enlightened today? No. We must be honest and claim ignorance. Furthermore then, are we forest wise? Are we able to survive? No.
Our indigenous people were gurus when it came to knowing how to survive in natural surroundings.
Wade hastened to say, “But it’s almost too late. Some Native elders may have the wisdom, but once they go…” Fortunately some of that wisdom is recorded. I guess you could say that such classic concern regarding lessons on life, which get lost, are a reality. In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna gives mention of the science of the self being buried in time. It was then necessary to reestablish this ancient science. This was then taught by Krishna, Himself, to Arjuna, in order that humankind would benefit.
Lost wisdom is the greatest loss. Wisdom revived is the greatest triumph.
On the topic of the ultimate science we may ask, “Do I have a good grip on my own identity? Who am I after all? What is my real purpose in being in this world? Do I just live to die?” Explore the answers and gain some freedom.
May the Source be with you!
8 KM
Loss Versus Gain
Officially for a day or so now, it’s fall. The temperature dip proves it. Nevertheless, Karuna, Wade and I, took to the ravine. Colours are starting to show like only autumn can do. You’ve got red sumac, blue chicory, orange touch-me-nots, black choke cherries, purple asters, goldenrod, and all kinds of greens.
Our First Nations people for thousands of years enjoyed this colour festival within nature’s pharmacy – the forest. Medicinal properties were known to them, and also, to some degree, the European settlers. Are we as enlightened today? No. We must be honest and claim ignorance. Furthermore then, are we forest wise? Are we able to survive? No.
Our indigenous people were gurus when it came to knowing how to survive in natural surroundings.
Wade hastened to say, “But it’s almost too late. Some Native elders may have the wisdom, but once they go…” Fortunately some of that wisdom is recorded. I guess you could say that such classic concern regarding lessons on life, which get lost, are a reality. In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna gives mention of the science of the self being buried in time. It was then necessary to reestablish this ancient science. This was then taught by Krishna, Himself, to Arjuna, in order that humankind would benefit.
Lost wisdom is the greatest loss. Wisdom revived is the greatest triumph.
On the topic of the ultimate science we may ask, “Do I have a good grip on my own identity? Who am I after all? What is my real purpose in being in this world? Do I just live to die?” Explore the answers and gain some freedom.
May the Source be with you!
8 KM
World Holy Name Week, Nepal (5 min video)
→ Dandavats.com
By chanting the Hare Krishna mantra without offenses, one increases his love for Krishna. As stated by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, preme pum-artho mahan: one's main concern should be to increase one's attachment to the Supreme Personality of Godhead and to increase one's love for Him.
(Srimad-Bhagavatam, 6.3.24 Purport) Read more › India to Cut Red Tape and Issue Visas on Arrival in a Bid to Boost Tourism
→ ISKCON News
The scheme is expected to be rolled out by October. It will allow holidaymakers to pick up a 30-day visa at the airport upon arrival.
Devotee Contestant at the Russian “The Voice” Talent Show
→ ISKCON News
Pierre Edel (Premamaya Vasudeva Das) a beautiful soul carrying French and Russian origins started his journey at the Russian 'The Voice' programme. Having Lord Jagannath upfront and kanthimala on his neck, he started sharing his loving heart with hundreds of thousands of people.
Brijbasi Children Organize Shoba Yatra For Holy Name Week (Album 143 photos)
→ Dandavats.com
Over fifty children from Varaha Ghat and Goghat organised a maha harinam and shobha yatra in glorification of the holy names this past Sunday. Brajabasi Roti and Subji sponsored the festival with the Namahatta Department of our Krishna Balaram Temple. Under the able leadership of His Grace Radheshyam Sundar Das, who lead the harinam, the children danced and sang in ecstasy. This was the temple's first outreach program with the local residents. The parents of some of the children also attended the program and were enthralled and repeatedly asked to have it every Sunday. Our visiting guest Rasa Vilasini DD from Brazil loved the kids so much that the next day she sponsored soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste for them all. And our Zaritsa Mataji, from America on holiday with her children, also sponsored some clothing for them. Her son's were playing the mrdanga. The brijbasi girls in their sari's and gopi dots had the visitors in our temple mesmerized by their beauty. After the procession they were treated to a sumptuous feast cooked in our temple devotee kitchen. We are planning to have bhakti vrksha programs for the children in the future. The preaching program started in these area's nine months ago by devotees living in the area. Read more › Spiritual Leadership Course in Mayapura
→ ISKCON News
“Spiritual Leadership: Being a Guru in ISKCON” seminar wiill be offered once in 2015, at Mayapura from February 22-25. Per ISKCON Law this Seminar is mandatory for devotees who take up the service of diksha guru and for sannyasa candidates. The GBC also “highly recommends” it for siksa gurus, senior managers and other ISKCON leaders.
Spiritual Short “Long Lost” Hits the Film Festival Circuit
→ ISKCON News
“Long Lost,” a new 25-minute short film about a young man encountering Krishna consciousness as he searches for answers in life, is being well-received at film festivals and other events internationally. In August at the Russian film festival “I See God,” which features different film-makers’ interpretations of how they perceive the Almighty, Long Lost was chosen for third place out of 65 shorts by the audience themselves.
Long Lost – Trailer
→ ISKCON News
'Long Lost' explores the anxieties, the hope, the questions that arise within us all including, 'what is love? - as in, REAL love?' This film is attempts to encourage others to also delve deep within. Watch Long Lost and share Tim's ordinary night out and the extraordinary (re) connection. Directed by Shaktyavesa Avatara Das.
Why are ISKCON temples so commercialised?
→ The Spiritual Scientist
Budapest temple: An oasis in the desert! (Album 60 photos)
→ Dandavats.com
In the sastras it is said that if a person only once chants the holy name and completely surrenders unto the lotus feet of the Lord, the Lord immediately considers him His ward and is always inclined to give him protection. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 6.2.49 Purport) Read more › Video answer to Bhakta Cedric on the difference between sins and offenses and their results
→ SivaramaSwami.com
Can sick devotees adopt a diet of only raw foods if it improves their health?
→ The Spiritual Scientist
One Of ISKCON’s Finest! (Album 81 photos)
→ Dandavats.com
Indradyumna Swami: The rural community of New Vraja Dhama in Hungary, with 207 devotees and 50 cows, is Sivarama Swami's offering of love to his spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada. Over two decades of selfless hard work by the Hungarian devotees has produced one of the finest projects in ISKCON. The presiding deities, Radha Syamasundara, are worshipped with one of the highest standards I have seen in our movement. Read more › How should we counter when a respected ex-SC judge says that scripture contains poetic exaggerations?
→ The Spiritual Scientist
He said that there is no scientific evidence of any of the astras described in scripture.
Harinama in Israel (Album 121 photos)
→ Dandavats.com
If a devotee once utters the holy name of the Lord, or if it penetrates his mind or enters his ear, which is the channel of aural reception, that holy name will certainly deliver him from material bondage, whether vibrated properly or improperly, with correct or incorrect grammar, or properly joined or vibrated in separate parts. (Sri-Caitanya-caritamrta, Antya-lila, 3.60) Read more › September 25th, 2014 – Darshan
→ Mayapur.com
The post September 25th, 2014 – Darshan appeared first on Mayapur.com.
Varnasrama Training Courses
→ Mayapur.com
Dear Devotees, The daiva varnasrama ministry, promoting rural development in INDIA, in association with Mayapur Institute, are conducting various courses during the next few months, the details are below, For registration you can write at Ram.lakshman.brs@pamho.net or visit our website www.iskconvarnasrama.com Varnasrama Training Courses 2014-15 Course 1 – Cow Care Management – By Dr. Sreekumar 13th […]
The post Varnasrama Training Courses appeared first on Mayapur.com.
Vedic cosmology by HG Drutakarma Prabhu, 09.24.14 (video)
→ Dandavats.com
God's another name is ajita. A means "not," and jita means "conquered." Nobody can conquer God. He conquers everyone. But devotee can conquer. Although God is ajita, He becomes jita, conquered by His devotee. New York, March 5, 1975. Read more › New York City Union Station Harinam (Album 22 photos)
→ Dandavats.com
This has been on my Bucket List for a long time and it wasn't disappointing. 24/7, 365 days a year, six hours a day, rain, snow or shine, Rama Raya prabhu has a wonderful group of sweet and sincere devotees and friends that are totally absorbed in this blissful service. It was very enlivening for and old crudgeon as my self to be in the association of these very serious and sweet young devotees. It was also ecstatic having Vishnujana, Harinamananda and Gaura Karuna from the World Samkirtan Party there during my visit. If in NY do yourself a big favor and sit in and be captivated. Read more › Harinama in the University Of Pittsburgh, USA (Album 26 photos)
→ Dandavats.com
While dying, Ajamila chanted the holy name of the Lord, intending to call his son Narayana. Nevertheless, he attained the spiritual world. What then to speak of those who chant the holy name with faith and reverence? (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 6.2.49) Read more › How to Become Free from a “Ghost-like” Existence, September 20, Phoenix, Arizona
Giriraj Swami
Giriraj Swami read and spoke from Srimad-Bhagavatam 2.3.23.
“Srimati Radharani is a tenderhearted feminine counterpart of the supreme whole, resembling the perfectional stage of the worldly feminine nature. Therefore, the mercy of Radharani is available very readily to the sincere devotees, and once She recommends such a devotee to Lord Krsna, the Lord at once accepts the devotee’s admittance into His association. The conclusion is, therefore, that one should be more serious about seeking the mercy of the devotee than that of the Lord directly, and by one’s doing so (by the good will of the devotee) the natural attraction for the service of the Lord will be revived.”
—SB 2.3.23 Purport
Comemmorating Srila Prabhupada’s Arrival in America, September 20, Scottsdale, Arizona
Giriraj Swami
Giriraj Swami read and spoke from Srimad-Bhagavatam 2.4.18.
“Anyone from any part of the world who becomes well conversant in the science of Krsna becomes a pure devotee and a spiritual master for the general mass of people and may reclaim them by purification of heart. Though a person be even the most sinful man, he can at once be purified by systematic contact with a pure Vaisnava. A Vaisnava, therefore, can accept a bona fide disciple from any part of the world without any consideration of caste and creed and promote him by regulative principles to the status of a pure Vaisnava who is transcendental to brahminical culture.”
—SB 2.4.18 purport
HH Bhakti Vidyapurna Swami at ISKCON Mayapur on 2014-09-21
→ Gouranga TV - The Hare Krishna video collection
HH Bhakti Vidyapurna Swami at ISKCON Mayapur on 2014-09-21, Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 05 24 25
Prabhupada Letters :: Anthology 2014-09-25 05:32:00 →
1969 September 25: "Dress has to be accepted according to the taste of others and foodstuffs accepted according to the eater's taste. So if you think this kind of dress will attract more people, you can dress yourself in that manner. But our real dress is the tilaka and sikha."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1969
Prabhupada Letters :: 1969
Prabhupada Letters :: Anthology 2014-09-25 05:30:00 →
1970 September 25: "It appears they were advised to come to India and join Tirtha Maharaj. It is now clear that my Godbrothers take objection to my being called Prabhupada and on this point they want to poison the whole Society - that is now clear."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1970
Prabhupada Letters :: 1970
Prabhupada Letters :: Anthology 2014-09-25 05:25:00 →
1970 September 25: "You will remember I called you not Gargamuni but Gargamoney. Whenever I required some money I approached you and you were kind to pay me immediately. So please continue your capacity in this way. That will please Krsna."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1970
Prabhupada Letters :: 1970
Prabhupada Letters :: Anthology 2014-09-25 05:23:00 →
1971 September 25: "Krishna will give you all intelligence how to push on this movement. Now we are giving commentary on the Western philosophers. I never studied philosophy or science but Krishna has given me the intelligence how to defeat their nonsensical proposals."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1971
Prabhupada Letters :: 1971
Prabhupada Letters :: Anthology 2014-09-25 05:15:00 →
1971 September 25: "Secure the tape of me reciting Gayatri mantra and hold a fire yajna. Then the devotees should hear the tape individually, privately, through the right ear. They should repeat each word. Then get the threads on their bodies."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1971
Prabhupada Letters :: 1971
Prabhupada Letters :: Anthology 2014-09-25 05:08:00 →
1975 September 25: "The District Court has given us the permission 'for as long as the country lasts.' By the grace of Krishna may your country last forever, and may the justice also live a long time and may you go on selling my books. That is my desire."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1975
Prabhupada Letters :: 1975
Prabhupada Letters :: Anthology 2014-09-25 05:06:00 →
1975 September 25: "In your country the girls are being exploited. They are taught to be independent so they become playthings for sex. So where is the freedom? I want that they live, man and wife together, chant Hare Krishna and be happy."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1975
Prabhupada Letters :: 1975
New Vrindaban’s Transcendental Throwback Thursday – 09/25/14
→ New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit
This week’s challenge: Who are the two people and what are they doing?
Extra credit: When and where was this photo taken?
What to do: Post your guesses on the “who, what, when, where & why” in the comment section at the Brijabasi Spirit website.
Gita 01.04 – Our inner frame of reference shapes our outer focus of reference
→ The Spiritual Scientist
HG Gopi Gita Mataji & TKG Academy / SB 10.70.02-03
→ Kalachandji's Audio Archive
Special TOVP Presentation – October 5, 2014
→ The Toronto Hare Krishna Temple!
Our Founder Acharya, Srila Prabhupada stated, “Now you all together make this Vedic Planetarium very nice, so that people will come and see. From the description in the Srimad Bhagavatam you prepare this Vedic Planetarium. My idea is to attract people of the whole world to Mayapur” Thus this project is a fulfillment of Srila Prabhupada’s wish and devotees from all over the world are coming together to help in the construction of what has been dubbed the “temple for the next millennium”.
Earlier this year, the TOVP Canada team was formed in order to have a coordinated effort to participate and collect funds for selected key elements of the TOVP project. Our initial collections from Canada will go towards the purchase of a “lightning arrester system” which will protect the temple and in particular the central dome from lightning strikes.
The inaugural event for TOVP Canada is a special visit of H.G. Radha Jivana Prabhu on the weekend of October 4th and 5th with a special discourse at ISKCON Toronto’s Sunday Feast on October 5th.
Radha Jivana Prabhu comes from a well established Vaishnava family in Rajasthan. He was educated in Doon School and graduated from St. Xavier’s College Mumbai, after which he joined ISKCON in Shri Dham Mayapur in 1978. He served as the Vice President of Calcutta temple, director of BBT in Mayapur and a member of the administrative council in India. After serving in Mayapur for 14 years he shifted to Alachua, Florida, a large devotee community in America. Over the last two decades he has become a successful businessman who also provides employment for numerous devotees.
Radha Jivana Prabhu is a dedicated disciple of H.H. Tamal Krishna Goswami and actively supports a preaching center in Guanzao China. He has been a major donor in the construction of ISKCON Dwaraka, Rajkot as well as projects in Mayapur. Currently he is active in building the beautiful Las Vegas ISKCON temple.
For the last few years Radha Jivana Prabhu has headed a team of devotees to undertake the challenging service of persuading the government to clean the Yamuna River by organizing major public demonstrations throughout Braj. Last year he even marched to Delhi with fifty thousand people to highlight the plight of Yamuna River.
Most recently he has been asked by the GBC to take up the challenging work of raising $50 million in funds for the construction of the TOVP and is coming to present this “Once in a Millennium” opportunity to devotees in the Greater Toronto Area.
Devotee Participates as Contestant on Russian TV Show
→ The Toronto Hare Krishna Temple!
Check out the video below!
6 Hour Kirtan, Jam Sessions + more…
→ Bhakti Lounge - The Heart Of Yoga in Wellington
Programme
Kirtan + Dinner
Wednesdays & Sundays 6pm
Each evening will introduce a fresh topic for contemplation interwoven with music, mantra and meditation.
Wed 1 Oct Jumping Power for Life’s Hurdles
Sun 5 Oct What is Kirtan?
Wed 8 Oct Chant 4 Change
Sun 12 Oct Roots of Kirtan
Wed 15 Oct Intro to Yoga Psychology
Sun 19 Oct Being for Real in a World of Labels
Wed 22 Oct Sweeter and Smoother Relationships
Sun 26 Oct The Heart of Yoga – 6 Hour Kirtan*
Wed 29 Oct Happy Heart Everyday Wednesdays
Wednesdays $10/$5 for students w ID
Sundays Koha
Yoga + Kirtan + Dinner
Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Sundays 5pm
A warm-up 45 minute Vinyasa Flow Yoga Class to free the body, then fly high into the Kirtan Programme at 6pm.
Tuesdays & Wednesdays $12
Sundays Koha
Drumming Workshop + Dinner
Tuesday 7 & 14 October 6pm
Learn introductory techniques to the Mridanga, a two-sided clay drum originating from India. If you have your own mridanga please bring it, otherwise some will be available.
$10
Jam Night Kirtan + Dinner
Tuesday 21 & 28 October 6pm
Bring your ukulele, tambourine, guitar, your own voice, come clap your hands, any instrument welcome! or sit back and absorb the Kirtan. Open for everyone.
$10
*6 Hour Kirtan! + Dinner
Sunday 26 October 5pm–midnight (includes 1 hour dinner interlude)
Indulge in the ultimate sound experience. A variety of Kirtan leaders & bands will lead us through a non-stop evening. Come by for as much as you can, for what promises to be an awesome night!
Koha
Announcement: BCGC Events – August 2011 to November 2014
→ Bhakti Centre Gold Coast
We host Events occassionally for the Local Community. The programs are posted on this page for coming up Festivals or Events.
