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I recently received a nice message from a Japa Group subscriber. Here is the message:

"I continue to keep up my daily rounds and adding more rounds. I enjoy being in communion with Sri Krsna. I feel as if in a safe and warm cocoon of the Holy Names, surrounding me, and filling me up. At times there is only the Name, all discursive thought gone...for a time. I am much better now at keeping the attention on the sounds of the Holy Names. Much better concentration and focus than ever before."

If you would like to share any Japa realisations, send me your message and I can post them on the Japa Group blog.

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 hours 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 [...]

The post August 27th, 2014 – Darshan appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Sadhu-sanga, or association with a devotee, means always engaging in Krishna consciousness by chanting the Hare Krishna mantra and by acting for Krishna. Specifically, chanting the Hare Krishna mantra purifies one, and this chanting is therefore recommended by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 4.24.59 Purport) Read more ›

The post This human form of life, so rare, is our golden opportunity and one not to be risked or missed appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

The Merciful Glance of Rādhā — Rādhā Kṛpa Kaṭākṣa Stava, from Ūrdhvāmnāya-tantra, sung by Lord Śiva

(1)
munīndra-vṛnda-vandite — triloka-śoka-hāriṇi
Hosts of the best sages pray to her — She removes everyone’s sadness.
prasanna-vaktra-paṇkaje — nikuñja-bhū-vilāsini
Her smile is like a blossoming lotus — She dwells in the pastime forest groves.
vrajendra-bhānu-nandini — vrajendra-sūnu-saṅgate
Resplendent daughter of Vraja’s Bhānu — Companion of the son of Vraja’s king.
kadā kariṣyasīha māṁ — kṛpā-kaṭākṣa-bhājanam
When will you look upon me — with the corner of your merciful glance?
(2)
aśoka-vṛkṣa-vallarī — vitāna-maṇḍapa-sthite
In an expansive pavilion of Aśoka trees, embraced with vines…
pravāla-vāla-pallava — prabhā ’ruṇāṅghri-komale
…your soft feet shine with the color of rising sunlight, newly sprouted leaves, and coral.
varābhaya-sphurat-kare — prabhūta-sampadālaye
Your hand grants benedictions of fearlessness —
You are the storehouse of good fortune and divine power.
kadā kariṣyasīha māṁ — kṛpā-kaṭākṣa-bhājanam
When will you look upon me — with the corner of your merciful glance?
(3)
anaṅga-raṅga-maṅgala — prasaṅga-bhaṅgura-bhruvāṁ
During cupid’s auspicious battles, your curved eyebrows…
sa-vibhramaṁ sa-sambhramaṁ — dṛganta-bāṇa-pātanaiḥ
…suddenly unleashing a beautiful flurry of arrows —
Shot from the corners of your glances.
nirantaraṁ vaśī-kṛta — pratīti-nanda-nandane
Forever conquering Nanda’s son into humble submission.
kadā kariṣyasīha māṁ — kṛpā-kaṭākṣa-bhājanam
When will you look upon me — with the corner of your merciful glance?
(4)
taḍit-suvarṇa-campaka — pradīpta-gaura-vigrahe
Your fair complexion outshines campaka flowers, gold, and even lightning.
mukha-prabhā-parāsta — koṭi-śāradendu-maṇḍale
The luster of your face surpasses an assembly of countless autumn moons.
vicitra-citra-sañcarac — cakora-śāva-locane
Your restless cakora-eyes express myriads of amazing feelings.
kadā kariṣyasīha māṁ — kṛpā-kaṭākṣa-bhājanam
When will you look upon me — with the corner of your merciful glance?
(5)
madonmadāti-yauvane — pramoda-māna-maṇḍite
Your exquisite youthfulness is intoxicating — decorated with delightful sulking.
priyānurāga-rañjite — kalā-vilāsa-paṇḍite
Your beloved’s love delights you — You are the Paṇḍit in the affairs of romance.
ananya-dhanya-kuñja — rājya-kāma keli-kovide
In cupids kingdom of peerlessly blessed groves — You are the expert in the art of Krishna’s delight.
kadā kariṣyasīha māṁ — kṛpā-kaṭākṣa-bhājanam
When will you look upon me — with the corner of your merciful glance?
(6)
aśeṣa-hāva-bhāva — dhīra-hīra-hāra-bhūṣite
Endless emotions decorate you like a pearl necklace.
prabhūta-śāta-kumbha — kumbha-kumbhi kumbha-sustani
Your breasts are like effulgent golden waterpots.
praśasta-manda-hāsya — cūrṇa-pūrṇa-saukhya-sāgare
You display a gentle smile — perfumed with scents from the ocean of happiness.
kadā kariṣyasīha māṁ — kṛpā-kaṭākṣa-bhājanam
When will you look upon me — with the corner of your merciful glance?
(7)
mṛṇāla-vāla-vallarī — taraṅga-raṅga-dor-late
Your arms are like lotus-stalks — gently swaying in the water’s currents.
latāgra-lāsya-lola — nīla-locanāvalokane
Your restless blue eyes move like a vine in the breeze.
lalal-lulan-milan-manojña — mugdha-mohanāśrite
Meeting him, your playful charms comprehend his mind — casting him into a bewildered and intoxicated joy.
kadā kariṣyasīha māṁ — kṛpā-kaṭākṣa-bhājanam
When will you look upon me — with the corner of your merciful glance?
(8)
suvarṇa-mālikāñcita — trirekha-kambu-kaṇṭhage
Your neck is smooth as conch, decorated with three lines and a golden necklace…
tri-sūtra-maṅgalī-guṇa — tri-ratna-dīpti-dīdhiti
…the three threads of a married woman — and three brilliantly sparkling jewels.
salola-nīla-kuntala — prasūna-guccha-gumphite
Your bouncing blue-black locks are decorated with clusters of flowers.
kadā kariṣyasīha māṁ — kṛpā-kaṭākṣa-bhājanam
When will you look upon me — with the corner of your merciful glance?
(9)
nitamba-bimba-lambamāna — puṣpa-mekhalā-guṇe
Around your heavy, round hips is an exquisite belt of flowers…
praśasta-ratna-kiṅkiṇī — kalāpa-madhya mañjule
…held together by jeweled bells that dangle and tinkle between the flowers.
karīndra-śuṇḍa-daṇḍikā — varoha-saubhagoruke
Your beautiful thighs descend in a taper like an elephant’s trunk.
kadā kariṣyasīha māṁ — kṛpā-kaṭākṣa-bhājanam
When will you look upon me — with the corner of your merciful glance?
(10)
aneka-mantra-nāda-mañju — nūpurā-rava-skhalat
As you move, the tinkling of your ankle-bells is more sonorous than countless mantras…
samāja-rāja-haṁsa-vaṁśa — nikvaṇāti-gaurave
…and destroys the pride of countless flocks of the most melodious birds.
vilola-hema-vallarī — viḍambi-cāru-caṅkrame
Your gentle gestures defeat the grace of swaying, golden vines.
kadā kariṣyasīha māṁ — kṛpā-kaṭākṣa-bhājanam
When will you look upon me — with the corner of your merciful glance?
(11)
ananta-koṭi-viṣṇu-loka — namra-padmajārcite
Lotus-born Lakṣmī, goddess of infinite billions of Viṣṇu’s realms…
himādrijā-pulomajā — viriñcajā-vara-prade
Parvatī (born from the Himālaya), Śaci (born from Puloma), and Sarasvatī (born from Brahmā)… all offer you prayers.
apāra-siddhi-ṛddhi-digdha — sat-padāṅgulī-nakhe
Because multitudes of incomparable perfections sparkle from the mere nails of your toes.
kadā kariṣyasīha māṁ — kṛpā-kaṭākṣa-bhājanam
When will you look upon me — with the corner of your merciful glance?
(12)
makheśvari kriyeśvari — svadheśvari sureśvari
Sacrifices, pious deeds, mantra, gods…
triveda-bhāratīśvari — pramāṇa-śāsaneśvari
Knowledge of the three Veda, understanding of authentic philosophy…
rameśvari kṣameśvari pramoda kānaneśvari
Love, forgiveness, and delighted playfulness…
vrajeśvari vrajādhipe śrī rādhike namo ’stu te
And even Vṛndāvana itself…
O queen of Vraja, you are the supreme mistress of all these.
I offer my respectful obeisance unto you.

You are all the limbs of my body. Unless you cooperate, my life will be useless. Letter to Brahmananda, July 17, 1968. Read more ›

San Francisco Rathyatra is the first Rathyatra outside India & Iskcon's oldest. Photography Courtesy: Arjun Bhattacharyya Read more ›

(Automatically translated from Russian) In Lower Park in Lipetsk the festival of Indian culture, according to, inter alia, vesti48.ru. The crowd gathered around lipchan imrovizirovannoy chariots listened mantras glorifying Krishna, and even sang 'Hare Krishna, Hare Rama. "So usually celebrate the Indian festival of chariots - Rathayatra. As it is necessary in the traditional Indian culture, the people themselves are harnessed to the chariot, which is headed by God Jagannath, and carry it around the city once a year. Indian religious tradition gladly supported the Orthodox lipchane. Makeshift wagon pulled by ropes and pushed back through the lower park. During stops dancing beautiful girls in Indian costumes and the Hare Krishnas handing around fruits and Indian sweets. Followers of the Hindu religion and not miss an opportunity to spread their literature, as he called it one of the organizers of the festival, "yoga of the mind." On the central stage chariot stopped, and everyone prepared a feast - a three-meter cake. Look at him, however, was not all, as wanting surrounding the wagon had accumulated hundreds, but got a piece of everything. Cake decorated with fruits, was really tasty, says the media. Read more ›

"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 ›

The monastery of Saint Roman - is 20 km from Krusevac. Krishna is everywhere. Simply you have to catch Him. And He's also ready for being caught. Yes, if somebody wants to catch Him. Suppose you are a devotee. If you want to catch Him, He comes forward ten times than your desire.  He's so kind. Therefore, we have to simply receive Him. London, August 21, 1973. Read more ›

Punya-sravana-kirtana refers to the process of devotional service. Even is one does not understand the meaning of the Lord's name, pastimes or attributes, one is purified simply by hearing or chanting of them. Such purification is called sattva-bhavana. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 6.2.12 Purport). 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 ›

1967 August 27: "Becoming compassionate to the fallen bum is very good, but the best way to deliver a bum is to revive his dormant Krishna Consciousness. Simply supplying food and shelter is serving the Maya. We are concerned with Reality, not Maya."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1967

1967 August 27: "I have received news that they have opened a nice branch there and it is very much pleasing to me. Now I expect that all of you will combine together to open at least 108 centers before I leave this world."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1967

1967 August 27: "Go on chanting with heart and soul and surely it will be successful. I have nothing to instruct you newly, but the same: simply chant in the beginning for 30-45 minutes then read something from the Gita or Bhagavatam, and then chant again in the usual way."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1967

1969 August 27: "We are not concerned with any other movements save and except Krishna Consciousness in its pure form. A little bit of a pure thing is much better than huge volumes of impure, adulterated things."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1969

1971 August 27: "Do not bother about Indira Gandhi. For some political reason she cannot join our movement. I shall find some nice Vaisnava to do the function, or else I will do it myself. Also there will be no GBC meeting. It is not necessary. So stay there and develop things nicely."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1971

1975 August 27: "I am in due receipt of your letter. Regarding the English editing discrepancies, that how can I know? Let them point out which part and on which page so I can see."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1975

1975 August 27: "Long, long ago when I was alone I was thinking like this, but there was no way to do it. Now you American boys and girls are helping me, so I thank you. I pray to Krishna for your continued enthusiasm in spreading Krishna consciousness."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1975

1975 August 27: "Now you have everything, respect, philosophy, money, temples, books, all these things I have given, but I am an old man and my notice is already there. Now it is up to you all how to manage it. If you cannot increase it, you should at least maintain what I have given you."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1975

20 August ’14 Sringar Darshan at ISKCON Juhu, Sri Sri Radha Rasabihariji Temple

Lecture Podcast

 

The United States Department of Agriculture has listed ISKCON’s Gita- nagari Farm in Port Royal, Pennsylvania as one of the most important success stories of preservation and sustainability in 2013. 

A ban on soliciting donations at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) does not tread on Hare Krishna members' free speech rights, the 9th Circuit ruled Wednesday. A city ordinance forbids the immediate solicitation of money at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), including the terminals, the parking lots, and adjacent sidewalks.

"The International Society for Krishna Consciousness for Indonesia has been celebrating Ratha-yatra festival for twelwe years,” Bala Krishna das head of this year’s Ratha Yatra committee says. "Every year the festival changes its location, moves from regency to regency within Bali. Now, after twelwe years, we have reached a full circle, and the festival arrived back in Bali's provincial capital Denpasar."

Govindas Restaurant in Adelaide in situated in the temple itself to the left as you walk in. At the moment it is open only three nights a week but it is proving so popular that the devotees want to increase to more days.

(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.)

Stuck in an airport with a delayed flight I struck up a conversation with a business person:
“You want to know a secret?’
“Maybe?”
“I’ll take that as a yes. You are often your own worst enemy.”
Getting his attention, he turned toward me and said: “I think many people know this.”
“True, but there is another part to this secret: Most people don’t do anything about this, and aren’t motivated to change, or believe they can.”
Reaching into my computer case I take out some writing I did.
“What papers do you have there?”
“I wrote a blog on the topic of being our worst enemy, and what to do about it…want to read it?”
“Sure, looks like we have a few hours to kill, and besides, [the clincher, I guess] the Wi-Fi is down.”
“Let me know what you think.”

Our Own Worst Enemy

As I was thinking of the topic for this blog I found a graphic illustration to demonstrate what I wanted to say. Every week I go shopping to pick up organic veggies at a garden supply shop about 20 minutes from here. Sometimes there is a beautiful, young, though full grown, German Sheppard dog. Though he used to lazily lie around the shop, and then come closer wagging his tail to get petted, now he has taken up the startling, and for some, frightening, habit of barking loudly at shoppers—which hasn’t been real good for business. As a result he is now kept in a cage in the corner.

read more

Simply our prayer should be, “My dear Krishna, please remind me to always chant Your Holy Name, please do not put me into forgetfulness. You are sitting within me as Supersoul, so you can put me into forgetfulness or into remembering You. So please do not put me into forgetfulness. Please always remind me to chant, even You send me into the hell, it doesn't matter, just so long as I can always chant Hare Krishna.”

Letter to Devananda 1968

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 04 October 2013, Melbourne, Australia, Srimad Bhagavatam 2.2.9)

Prabhupada many times said, “A society of cats & dogs.” Some of his favourite sayings were rascal and cats & dogs. Prabhupada had the power to call people rascals because in front of him, everyone could realize, “I am a rascal.”

Ravindra Svarup das brought a professor of Hinduism who was introduced to Prabhupada. Prabhupada asked him what the definition of Hinduism was. The professor said, “That is hard to say.”  Prabhupada turned to Ravindra Svarupa, “What would you call that… Cheating!”

Prabhupada said, “That is right, cheating!” Professor cannot give a definition of Hinduism. Then, in moments, they had serious argument. They were raising their voices to each other and then Brahmananada, who used to be a wrestler, he came up to the professor and said, “You better get out of here before you make more offences!” 

The professor looked at him and got the point. He just got up and left. Twenty years later, Ravindra Svarup das met the professor. He said, “Oh, do you remember when I met Swami Bhaktivedanta!” Ravindra Svarup was about ready to sink into the ground. Then the professor said, “You know, he was right!”

So that is the power of purity. Then one can say rascal and one can do so many things.

This video is about The killing of Aghasura. The Krishna kids of San Diego perform a nice play for the pleasure of the Lord and His devotees. Read more ›

Devotees met in Srila Prabhupada’s quarters in the evening for an intimate sharing of Srila Prabhupada memories.

“My parents invited a family friend who was a psychologist. She came in my room and began to inquire, ‘Tell me, Glenn, did you feel that your parents didn’t love you?’ ‘Which parents?’ I asked. ‘I have passed so many lifetimes, and in every lifetime I have had different parents.’ It went on like this for some time, and she left the room. Then I overheard her speaking with my parents. ‘I am sorry, I but I don’t think there is anything I can do.’ Then I realized that she had come to ‘cure’ me. When I related this incident to Srila Prabhupada here, he responded, ‘Yes, you have been permanently infected; you can never be cured.’ ”

Sril Prabhupada Vyasa-puja Evening

ISKCON-guru and well-known academic, Krishna Kshetra Das (Dr. Kenneth R. Valpey) took sannyasa (entered the renounciate order) at Goloka Dham, Germany, on Janmastami, 2014. His new name now is Krishna Kshetra Swami. An interview about his academic activities, upcoming book projects and future plans. 

Devotees worked hards to create a Swan Vyasasan for Srila Prabhupada. There was also an exhibition on life of Srila Prabhupada. Go Puja, Abhishek, Glorification, Puspanjali culminating in feast Prasadam for everyone. AGTSP. Read more ›

The new Shri Swaminarayan Mandir covers 160 acres, and the primary mandir, or temple, on the premises measures 133 ft long and 87 ft wide.