On the 1st day of the Indian Year, Caitra, Shukla Pratipada, when the sun is now officially in the North, the Baba who donated Vrinda Kunda to Iskcon left this world 21 years ago. The night before we did all night kirtan! Read more ›

Caitanya Mahaprabhu says: "I have brought medicine to awaken very living being from perpetual sleep. Please receive the holy name of the Lord, the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, and awaken. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 5.13.9 Purport) Read more ›

HH Devamrita Swami SB 3.1.26

1967 August 29: "Our Guru Maharaja injected his Spiritual Vision in some of us, and the work is continuing in different branches, as far as possible by Bon Maharaja, Tirtha Maharaja, my humble self and others. Similarly in the Western world, Krishna has sent me some good souls like you."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1967

1967 August 29: "I am also feeling your seperation; it is all Krishna's design. Physically I am trying to go back as soon as possible. I have got a fancy for your country, and being inspired by that, I first went to your country, and still I feel that way."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1967

1967 August 29 : "Krishna wants that everyone should utilize his talent as far as possible. That is real sannyasa. As you are devoted already to the service of the Lord, without any personal consideration, you are always sannyasa at heart."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1967

1967 August 29: "That is the secret of Krishna Consciousness - not that we all have to become preachers, but that we all dedicate our lives or our consciousness - no matter in what capacity - to Lord Krishna."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1967

1972 August 29 : "If there is good reason, you may have to become angry just to chastise the evil-doers and blasphemers. So if there is offensive behavior to the pure devotees you may become like Nrsimhadeva and punish them severely."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972

1974 August 29: "So you have returned, but now you must be very careful not to become rubbish. If you are keeping long hairs, they must be removed. All of my disciples must be clean shaved. Even anyone who stays with us must be clean shaved."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1974

1975 August 29: "Even from the lower modes, a human can come up to the higher stage. That is our Movement. Animal stage of life is very dangerous. There is no chance, only in the human form. Unfortunately modern education is to kill that chance."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1975

1975 August 29: "I am glad that you have keen interest in the Institute program. Be ready, as I am negotiating. In the meantime request all GBC's to send lists of all our disciples who have B.A., M.A. or Ph.D. degrees."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1975

"Prayers to Prabhupada help. These are the progressive stages to work at. I keep coming back to the very beginning needs: wakefulness, clear pronunciation, attentive hearing, looking for purity."

From Begging for the Nectar of the Holy Name
by Satsvarupa dasa Goswami

We hear excited shrieks coming out of the Middle Elementary Classroom today.  A “spotted leopard gecko” has visited the classroom.  His name is “Gil-Phil”.  He’s climbing up the students and has even leapt to the ground!

Gil-Phil was adopted by the Kelley family from Mathuranath Prabhu.  He had almost died, but TKG Academy student, Gopal Chandra, age 8 and his family, rescued him and nurtured him back to life.

Why has he come to visit?  The students have begun the year with a Desert Unit.  They are studying different features of desert animals; behavioral and physical adaptations.  How is it that they survive in such a hostile environment?

Krishna loves each and every living entity, in such a personal way, that he has made every living entity different and unique.  Each of these differences are for a very specific purpose.  These traits protect each animal in this intense environment.

Did you know?  Geckos have sticky feet to help them stay on the sandy ground, during a sand storm.  Elephants have large ears that flap, to keep themselves cool in the desert heat.  Meercats have dark circles around their eyes to cut down the sun’s glare and enable them to see.  Zebra’s have stripes to confuse predators, like lions, when in a group.

Students researched, re-wrote, illustrated and compiled their list of facts about fifteen desert animals.  They created Mini Books.  Take a look!

When Gil-Phil arrived, Gopal lovingly placed the timid lizard in each willing child’s lap.  We saw camouflage, feet, and other physical traits up close and in person.  We chanted Hare Krishna to it and students felt the Unit literally come to life.

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 06 August 2012, Ljubljana, The Balkans, Lecture on the Pastimes of Krsna)

When Krsna walks in Vrindavan as Madhava, carrying his flute tucked in his belt, then the trees which have branches laden with fruits and flowers, are trying to touch Krsna’s feet. The bees are just singing the glories of Krsna. Bhagavatam says that these bees must have been great devotee sages in their last life, to be bees in Vrindavan.

The trees are thinking, ‘We are so unfortunate. It is due to our sinful activities that we have taken birth as trees and therefore we cannot follow Krsna on his pastimes in the forest.’

Of course, Bhagavatam points out that Lord Brahma is praying to become a tree in Vrindavan. So, how can it be that they have committed sinful activities and offenses? Rather, these trees are the most fortunate because, after all, one moment of association with the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one moment of devotional service to the Supreme Lord, is such great fortune!

Even if Krsna walks past these trees only sometimes, still, they are in the forest of Vrindavan! They may not be able to walk behind him, but they can hear him. It is stated in the Mahabharat that trees have eyes and ears. It is said that trees can see and hear. So these trees are hearing and seeing Krsna! Quite auspicious, actually! They are better off than we are.

Generally, all conditioned souls in the material encagement are influenced by the mode of passion because every one of them is trying to lord it over the material nature to fulfill his individual desire. But in spite of the individual mode of passion, there is always the chance of being influenced by the other modes of nature by association. If one is in good association he can develop the mode of goodness, and if in bad association he may develop the mode of darkness or ignorance. Nothing is stereotyped. One can change his habit by good or bad association, and one has to become intelligent enough to discriminate between good and bad. The best association is the service of the devotees of the Lord, and by that association one can become the highest qualified man by the grace of the Lord’s pure devotees.
SB 2.10.41

Over the past few months my mind has been pondering that of association and how valuable it is in spiritual progression and bhakti, coinciding with this the perception of prasadam in my own short spiritual life.

Initially I was captivated by the eccentricity of the devotee’s not fully appreciating their association, little understanding prasadam other than the fact the food was amazing and I was sent away with more than any individual could hope for.

Over time perceptions changed their association was so sweet a moment away from it was bitter to taste, they encouraged me to offer my foodstuffs to Sri Krishna, encouraged my reading of Srila Prabhupada books whilst making me feel a centre of their small group.

Time moved on the devotees one by one left and all one has is distant memories of the finest association on occasion I hear or read an update and remain inspired by how fixed and determined they remain in spreading Krishna Consciousness.

Slowly but surely being introduced to each festival each overwhelming in their unique way, and an expectation of excitement whilst lining up for prasadam listening to the sweet interactions of the devotee’s around.

Prasadam was indeed the first big attraction indeed Prasadam makes each festival unique and awe inspiring each one unique and shows the loving devotion to detail.

However for me prasadam has changed it gives me:
The opportunity to give association when running programs and to get to really know individuals in a relaxed manor
The opportunity to take association from inspirational devotees, from wiser senior devotees are to sit quietly and listen to the many and varied discussion’s

Recently however I’ve been in places were due to commitments work has required me to leave early the festival, or no prasadam was offered, disappointing? Well NO! For being in a position were I get very little association my appreciation of association of devotees has increased, for this small association keeps me grounded and focused in my own devotional life.

Yes realistically you can’t have one without the other
But for me the association of devotees in more valuable as time passes on.

But as always I end with the same tired and somewhat provocative answer for some what’s your thoughts?

As always I would love to hear and read them.
Humbly
Me

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TSlPkg9JboMahavishnu Swami Night Chanting Hare Krishna - Glastonbury Festival 2014Mahavishnu Swami chanting Hare Krishna in Glastonbury Festival. 26 June 2014. Continue reading →

In celebration of Shri Krishna’s birthday, ISKCON Moscow has organized a beautiful and spiritually deep cultural show in the prestigious Concert Hall “Russia” in Luzhniki, Moscow. Fabulous were not only the performances, which included singing, dancing, and theatrical acts of Krishna lilas and Vedic philosophy, but also the sound and the scene illumination.

The post August 28th, 2014 – Darshan appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Welcome to the wonderful world of Hare Krishna Crosswords, where every crossword is full of transcendental clues and answers. Most of the words are from the Bhagavad-Gita As It Is, Shrimad-Bhagavatam , Chaitanya Charitamrita, Krishna Book and other books (also letters and diaries ) by HDG AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. A few of the words are from other books by different devotees. No matter what your age or position is, we are sure that you will find these transcendental crosswords spiritually rewarding and will help you get free from birth, death, old age and disease. Read more ›

Janmasthami celebrations 2014, in Nigeria, Nanda Gram temple. A memorable event that wont be forgotten in a hurry. Different religious group gathered in the temple to celebrate Krishna. Read more ›

“Unless one is initiated by a bona fide spiritual master, all his devotional activities are useless. A person who is not properly initiated can descend again into the animal species.”

The post Anuj Verma, uninitiated but chanting and servings wants clarification on this appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

Indradyumna Swami: We took our final bow of the season last night after 48 festivals along the Baltic Sea coast. Devotees held back their tears as they performed our 5 hour stage show for the final time. Many people in the large crowd cried being touched by the devotional bhajans, theatrical performances and Krsna conscious atmosphere the festival generated. Now devotees are going back to their respective temples to serve in their local areas - and prepare for the 2015 summer tour in Poland. Please everyone give these devotees your blessings! They worked tirelessly for 2 full months to spread the mercy of Krsna consciousness far and wide. Read more ›

On Sunday, August 17th, there was the annual Vaishava festival at Fisher Mansion in Detroit. Read more ›

If You Are Too Foolish to Worship Rādhā… by Bhaktivinode Ṭhākur

rādha-bhajane jadi mati nāhi bhelā
If you are too foolish to worship Rādhā…
kṛṣṇa-bhajana tava akāraṇa gelā
Your worship of Krishna will be fruitless!

ātapa-rohita sūraya nāhi jāni
Can anyone see the Sun, without seeing his blazing light?
rādhā-virahita mādhava nāhi māni
Can anyone hope to meet Mādhava without Rādhā?

kevala mādhava pūjaye so ajñānī
He who worships Mādhava alone is a fool!
rādhā anādara koro-i abhimānī
He who disregards Rādhā is too proud!

kabańhi nāhi korobi tāńkor sańga
Never become close with such people,
citte icchasi jadi braja-rasa-rańga
If your heart desires the delightful mellows of Vṛndāvana.

rādhikā-dāsī jadi hoy abhimān
If you consider yourself Rādhikā’s maidservant…
śīghra-i mila-i taba gokula-kān
You will soon meet the one who delights Gokula.

brahmā, śiva, nārada, śruti, nārāyanī
Brahmā, Śiva, Nārada, the Vedas, and Lakṣmī…
rādhikā-pada-raja pūjaye māni’
Consider even the dust from Rādhikā’s feet worthy of worship.

umā, ramā, satyā, śacī, candrā, rukminī
The Apsāras Umā & Ramā; Goddesses Satyā, Śacī,
and even Candrāvalī and Rukminī…
rādha-avatāra sabe — āmnāya-vānī
…are all avatāra of Rādhā — the wise conclude.

heno rādhā-paricaryā jāńkara dhan
To be of service to this Rādhā is the only goal I cherish.
bhakativinoda tā’r māgaye caraṇ
Bhaktivinoda therefore begs for her feet.

The event was first launched by ISKCON’s Governing Body Commission in 1996 as a one-day celebration to commemorate 100 years since ISKCON Founder Srila Prabhupada’s birth. It was lengthened to a week-long event in 2008, and has been held every year since. Scheduled for September 5^th through 15^th this year, WHNW will be packed with sacred Vaishnava holidays.

The End Begins Janmashtmi 2013

1968 August 28: "Service to Laksmi-Narayana, and Radha Krishna, it requires highly elevated position. To worship the Lord in the Form of Jagannatha is more congenial. Jagannatha is especially favorable to those who are not strictly advanced to the Brahminical culture. He accepts service even from those who are fish-eaters."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1968

This year ISKCON Atlanta hosted its first ever summer camp, “Atlanta Krishna Camp,” attended by 16 enthusiastic children. The week long camp was from July 20^th – 27^th and was held on the temple premises.

1968 August 28: "The decision is now complete and I am going to New York to arrange for the press opening. I wish to meet Satyavrata; if he does not like to come to our temple, then I wish to go there to his place. Please arrange for this on Sunday."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1968

1969 August 28: "At present my activities are from Hamburg to Tokyo, a distance of 14,000 miles. The circumference of the earth is 25,000 miles. So this should be covered by some of our Godbrothers. There is immense potency of preaching the philosophy of Krishna Consciousness and I wish that all my Godbrothers should preach this sublime message everywhere."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1969

1970 August 28: "If you all continue to follow the rigid schedule with vow, going on Sankirtana and studying our literatures, it is sure and certain to increase your spiritual power to attract more and more sincere persons to Krsna Consciousness."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1970

1972 August 28: "My special blessings for those who are doing so much for our Lord. They must be specifically blessed to go back home, back to Godhead without any delay for waiting for the next life. Thank them very much on my behalf."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972

1973 August 28: "If you can arrange for meetings with Professor Dimock and other professors then do it and I shall come. Krishna is very kind upon you. He has given you so many responsible tasks. Bhaktivinode Thakura used to say all difficult tasks he had to execute for Krishna were considered as great pleasure for him."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1973