Thursday, August 21st, 2014
→ The Walking Monk


Toronto, Ontario

Tiny Spirit


Hanuman is a Columbian visiting us for some time in the ashram.  He and I, and Praveen, took a stroll before Surya (the Sun) poked his head over the horizon.  We were in the downtown on Yonge Street, so you couldn’t actually very well see that ball of glory beyond all the buildings unless you peeked east at a street running longitudinally. 

There are a number of men who work at the waste management plant nearby.  They are getting accustomed to seeing us on our devotional daily walk.   While they carry huge coffee cups in hand, they make a point to greet us with a, “Good morning”.

I had a humbling thought, “I am waste, I’m garbage.  Maybe they can manage me.”  It’s not for you to worry about a perceived low self-esteem issue, but I’m definitely not made of all clean stuff.  I’ll be the first to admit to the refuse within me.  I’m working on it though, I stay in positive company, hear positive sound, and eat positive prasadam(food that’s blessed).  I try to stay positively engaged in Krishna’s service.  I had the good fortune to deliver a class each day this week, it’s very purifying for me.  We have been speaking about the progenitors of the world, their rule and their counsel.  Reading and teaching from the ‘Bhagavatam’ reminds me of the smallness that I’m in and putting things in the real perspective.  I am a tiny spirit set in this universe.  I am a servant trying to get clean. 

May the Source be with you!

5 KM

Wednesday, August 20th, 2014
→ The Walking Monk


Toronto, Ontario

Spook Trail


It was an obscure trail and it lead me upwards under welcoming shade.  It meandered a bit up to the ridge’s ascension along Bayview Avenue.  “No one comes here,” I figured, and then I doubted my conclusion, “Well, someone has to, otherwise, it wouldn’t be here.”  It was just by chance I spotted this path in the first place.  It’s totally off the beaten path.  I trekked it and started to question the trail’s direction.  I went up and then it indicated that it’s descending already. 

There, along this super attractive trail was the secret home, a cylindrical tarpaulin structure to a not totally homeless person.  I assumed vacancy at this time of day, 5 PM.  I forged ahead and then decided to retrace steps.  The direction it went was north and I wanted south.

When I came back to this secret lodge, if you will, I noticed a pair of hands at one end of the person’s plastic home, just inside the aperture.  Anticipating some clear directions from the person inside, I said, “Hello, hello?” a few times.  Only the hands were visible, the rest of the body was bundled up and in darkness.  One hand pulled in at the sound of my voice, and the remaining one was jittery.  It was thin and bony and light skinned, and it was moving in a jittery way over a small game board of sorts.  The utter silence spooked me a tad, but rather, helped me to think of Krishna.  I was hoping that at least I’d here a caveman’s grunt. 

With zero answer I was compelled to let instincts guide me, and so I eventually found myself hobbling over the hill into sunshine and stepping right into a healthy patch of poison ivy.  Too late!  I’m done!  I’m susceptible to this ornery plant.  That’s what you get for being slightly adventurous and leaving a main trail.  It’s all fun.  You just keep rolling fingers on the beads and moving your lips to the mantra. 

May the Source be with you!

6 KM

Our Default Japa Setting
→ Japa Group

Whatever level we set during our Japa one day will determine the level for the next. If we raise the default level of our chanting, then this will become the new default level for our minds - if we try to raise the level of our Japa quality, then we will be able to reach a default setting of 10.

What is reality and what is the dream?
→ KKSBlog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 23 July 2014, Prague, Czech Republic, Lecture at Govindas)

VrindavanImagine! Imagine that we had no other duties, only one duty. Imagine that we would be free to just serve Krsna. What would it be like?

It would be amazing, wouldn’t it? So, that is possible in Vrindavan. That is the most amazing thing about Vrindavan. You can just go there and worship Krsna and people will help you. There, it is possible to do just that. No need for any compromise.

“Yeah, but that is a dream! Nice dream but not realistic!”

I understand.

Or, is Prague the dream and Vrindavan the reality? Are we now in the dream and will we wake up in Vrindavan? What is reality and what is the dream? What if you wake up one day and you are in Vrindavan?

“My God! Prague was only a dream! I never thought of that!”

Actually, that is the truth but who will believe me?  But, if you chant Hare Krsna, one day you will see that Vrindavan is the reality and Prague is the dream. So, all I will say is chant Hare Krsna and one day you will wake up in Vrindavan.

 

 

i-Gnore
→ Tattva - See inside out

Good advice is easy to give but hard to take. As soon as we’re offered those words of wisdom, the defence systems kick in and the mind reels off a thousand justifications. A man is seldom corrected without significant resistance. A shame, since the critical feedback of others is an invaluable component of spiritual growth. Developing an unapproachable character and persona, making it difficult for others to offer correction, is one of the top causes of spiritual inertia and internal dry-up. By repeatedly ignoring good feedback and advice, we send a clear message to our constructive critics – just leave me to it. And more often than not, they will.

So why is it so hard to humbly receive the sincere feedback of others?

We can’t see – it’s difficult to see the picture when you’re inside the frame. Entangled in our own emotions, perceptions, habits, and opinions, we struggle to go beyond. A neutral observer can clearly see things that we are completely oblivious to. Our modes of functioning, however, become so engrained that we convince ourselves we must be right, and conveniently disregard any opinions to the contrary.

We don’t want to see – success, we feel, is to be ‘perfect,’ and when that perfection is questioned, our pride awakens to defend. More important than perfection, however, is progress. A spiritually successful day is one where we improve, refine and develop ourselves, and how is that possible if we’re unaware of our shortcomings? Stagnate in the illusion of perfection or progress in the reality of struggle – the choice is ours.

Constructive critics actively craft our spirituality. Why not take their words seriously and embrace the opportunity to improve? Even when their feedback is out-and-out wrong, we’d do well to avoid disregarding it completely. Can we still learn a principle from what is being said? Even if the details are wrong, could the feedback apply to us in a different way? Can we see it as a warning of what not to do? Can we use their seemingly inaccurate analysis as an opportunity to exercise humility? All high ideals, I know, but that’s what makes a sincere spiritualist so special. The great saints demonstrated how even the harsh criticism of a faultfinder can enrich our spiritual growth, what to speak of the earnest words of concerned friends.

Vyasa-puja Homages, August 18, New Dvaraka, Los Angeles
Giriraj Swami

SP_AbhisekLAse“Srila Prabhupada said that even if the disciple cannot follow all the regulations strictly, simply by the spiritual master glancing favorably on him, the disciple can make spiritual advancement. The best offering we can give to Srila Prabhupada and the predecessor authorities is that we actually become advanced in Krishna consciousness, and become empowered to do the impossible—because to spread Krishna consciousness around the world is virtually materially impossible for people with our backgrounds. But by the unlimited mercy of such a close associate of Krishna as Srila Prabhupada, it becomes very possible.”

—Banabhatta dasa

The following Devotees shared their heartfelt remembrances and realizations during Srila Prabhupada’s Vyasa-puja (birthday) celebrations.

  1. Naikatma dasa
  2. Balai dasi
  3. Drutakarma dasa
  4. Kriyashakti dasi
  5. Satyanarayana dasa
  6. Devadahiti dasi
  7. Mriganatha dasa
  8. Jagajannani dasi
  9. Bhargava dasa
  10. Mukunda Datta dasa
  11. Banabhatta dasa
  12. Gopal Ananda dasa
  13. Punyattama dasa
  14. Narahari dasa
  15. Bhojadeva dasa
  16. Arcita dasa

Vyasa-puja Homages

Lord Balaram Appearance @ New Vrindavan.
→ New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit

05

Lord Balarama was incarnations of Lord Krishna glorified in the Vedic Puranas and Itihasas. Krishna is the spiritually manifest Supreme Person, whose internal spiritual energy is the all-pervading Brahman. He is glorified as Narayana, Vasudeva, Mahavishnu, Hari, Vishnu, and many other names. Shiva and Brahma are said to be His qualitative expansions. He is the Supreme Lord, the Lord of all universes. Everything emanates from Him and dissolves back in Him. He is the cause of creation, maintenance, and dissolution of everything and every living entity.

Please click here for more photos

 

 

Janmasthami-Samskaras at Iskcon Mayapur (Album 44 HR photos)
→ Dandavats.com

As soon as you offer yourself to be enjoyed by Krishna as servant, according to His order you serve, then immediately you are in the spiritual world. If you want to remain in the spiritual world, this temple is the spiritual world. We are not living in Melbourne. This temple is not Melbourne. It is Vaikuntha. It is Vrindavan. So if you stick to this temple service, Krishna's service, then you are not in this material world. Melbourne, June 25, 1974 Read more ›

Meet the glorious crew of GOVINDA Cafe in IRKUTSK, Russia (Baikal lake) (Album 9 photos)
→ Dandavats.com

To say nothing of the spiritual advancement of persons who see the Supreme Person face to face, even a person born in a family of dog-eaters immediately becomes eligible to perform Vedic sacrifices if he once utters the holy name of the Supreme Personality of Godhead or chants about Him, hears about His pastimes, offers Him obeisances or even remembers Him. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 3.33.6 Purport) Read more ›

Historical Pics of ISKCON Toronto (Album 38 photos)
→ Dandavats.com

The best policy to control the mind is to desire how to spread Krsna consciousness. This is the best. Kamah krsna-karmarpane. Narottama dasa Thakura has said that you cannot be free from desire. That is not possible. This is useless attempt. They say that "You become desireless." No, that is not possible. How can I...? If I become desireless, I become dead. So long I am living entity, I must desire. I cannot check it. Therefore kama means desire. So at the present moment, we are desiring how to become happy in this material world, how to acquire so much money, how to acquire this, how to acquire this, how to get this, how to get that. This is kama. So this brain taxation, if you engage in Krsna's service -- how to spread Krsna consciousness, how to convince people about Krsna, how to take them to the Krsna's desire, sarva-dharman parityajya [Bg. 18.66] -- and in this way, if you go on making plan for spreading Krsna consciousness, then your mind is controlled. Ref. VedaBase => Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.26.27 -- January 4, 1975, Bombay Read more ›

Atlanta Krishna Camp
→ Dandavats.com

This year ISKCON Atlanta hosted its first ever summer camp, “Atlanta Krishna Camp,” attended by 16 enthusiastic kids. The week long camp was from July 20th – 27th and was held on the temple premises. The camp was possible by the vision, dedication, and commitment of a core team of devotees headed by Vedasara Prabhu, the temple president, and a few of the local youth, namely Purna Chandra Nitai Das, Rangadevi Chakraborty, Dina Dayal Madhava Das, and Nandapriya Devi Dasi. Read more ›

Planetarium Chandelier Model Developement
- TOVP.org

The сenterpiece of the temple complex is the grand chandelier which will hang in the main dome of the TOVP serving as a model of the universe to provide visitors an enlivening tour of the various regions of the cosmic creation.

This giant model will be built according to descriptions in the Fifth Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam and detailed instructions in the 1976 letter of Srila Prabhupada to Mr. Dhani. In this letter Srila Prabhupada explains 15 different elements which he wanted to be present in the model beginning from Patalaloka, rising through the middle and higher planetary systems, and ultimately ascending to Vaikuntha and finally, Goloka Vrindavana.

In these photos you can see a miniature replica of the Universal chandelier. Devotees worked hard to create and put all the parts of the miniature chandelier together. At the bottom of the chandelier you can see the 7 lower planetary systems. Then Jambudwip – the central island of Bhumandala with the golden Meru mountain in the center. This island is surrounded by the Loka-Loka mountain range. Large elephants stand on top of Loka Loka mountain to balance Bhumandala. Above Bhumandala is Bhuvarloka which is the residence of the Caranas, Siddhas, Yakshas and Gandharvas. And above this realm is Svargaloka beginning from the sun and extending up to Dhruvaloka, the Pole Star, where the moving part of the Universal chandelier begins. Different planets and stars will be situated there. Next are the heavenly planets, and above them is the border of our universe, and finally the spiritual planets up to Goloka Vrindavana.

In one of the photos you can see people in their scaled size standing on the 2nd floor of the museum in comparison to the chandelier.

The post Planetarium Chandelier Model Developement appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

Should the loudspeakers be banned at shrines?
→ Dandavats.com

NEW DELHI: Journalist-turnedactivist Vineet Narain has moved the Supreme Court seeking a ban on use of loud-speakers at religious places. The ban would also control noise pollution, “as usually it is found that loudspeakers installed at religious places emanate sound much higher than the prescribed limits and loudspeakers are mostly used irresponsibly at most of the religious places.” “Originally, all religious places were the main source to attain peace, calm, tranquility and meditation. The purpose of bhajan/aarti, namaz, shabad is to enlighten the human soul and to establish high moral values, compassion and courage in the human. The same should be restored by this honourable court to increase human worth and safety and for respectful co-existence of all religions in India,” Narain said in his PIL. Read more ›

Krishna Janmastami Celebration celebrated in ISKCON NEPAL (Album 251 photos)
→ Dandavats.com

There was always Blessings from Srila Prabhupada, HH Mahavishnu Swami and all the Vaishnavas to Us. So that ISKCON NEPAL Proudly Celebrates 2nd Day of Sri Krishna Janmastami as Vaishnava Calendar on 18th August 2014 also. There was Avisheka of Sri Sri Radha Govinda Hari by all the devotees in the day time that was followed by a Big Cultural Program with Dance, Drama, Bhajan Kirtan Glorification. Quiz & also Fasting. Then Program lead at temple by Dancing Kirtan and Glorification by HH Mahavishnu Swami & Mid night Avisheka with Full Feasting Prasadam was WOW. :) It was another grand successful Day of the Celebration..... Sri Krishna Bhagawan Ki Jai!!!!! Read more ›

World Holy Name week 2014
→ Dandavats.com

This year ISKCON`s World Holy Name Week (WHNW) will take place between September 5th and the 15th, 2014. The sole purpose of WHNW is to celebrate the Holy Names globally and share this treasure with others. This can be done in many ways, although some suggestions and ideas by World Holy Name Week committee are given: 1. Nagar Sankirtan - Harinaam processions with WHNW and mahamantra banners. 2. Japathon - Pledges from devotees and congregation to chant extra rounds during this period. 3. 24 hours or 12 hours Sankirtan - non-stop chanting for 24/12 hours, at least once or twice. 4. Morning classes on Holy names as the theme - Morning Bhagvatam classes emphasizing on glories and importance of Holy Names. 5. Japa Seminars – Seminars on japa related topics e.g japa reform, 10 offenses, types of japa etc 6. Japa Retreats camps – Group of devotees go japa retreat camps under proper leadership. Read more ›