Giriraj Swami read and spoke from Srimad-Bhagavatam 8.7.33 during the morning class.
“Lord Siva said, ‘My dear beautiful Parvati, have you seen the greatness of Vaisnavas?’ He was referring to Citraketu. ‘Although you are beautiful and glorious, you cannot compete with the beauty and glory of devotees who are servants of the servants of the Supreme Lord Hari. They are great souls and are not interested in any kind of material happiness.’ Then he said,
narayana-parah sarve na kutascana bibhyati svargapavarga-narakesv api tulyartha-darsinah
‘Devotees solely engaged in the devotional service of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Narayana, never fear any condition of life. For them the heavenly planets, liberation, and the hellish planets are all the same, for such devotees are interested only in the service of the Lord.’ (SB 6.17.28)
“After Parvati heard Citraketu’s discourse and her husband’s (Siva’s) explanation, she became peaceful; she realized that Citraketu had not actually been offensive to Lord Siva, and she felt ashamed for having misunderstood him and cursed him.”
The problem with mainstream religion such as Hinduism, Christianity, Islam and Judaism is that at some point the practitioner has to give up rational thinking and just start to "believe". Rational thinkers including the empirical ones have a field day with such dogmatic belief. Actually, there is lot of unverifiable dogma in science too that forms the very basis of modern science. So there is dogma in both except in science belief or as they call it assumptions only form the basis for a theory but in religion the whole experience is on the mental platform (dogmatic) with no verifiable experience. Therefore as science is advancing especially through tech trinkets or science fiction gadgets, religion is losing its value.
Another reason I think religion is becoming less of a reference point in modern day living is because it has no practical relevance to people. For example what does religion have to say about social ills such as poverty? Is there a strategy to use religious values as espoused in popular scripture to solve poverty? How about household problems such as divorce or domestic violence? Do we have religious solutions? Rarely you will find a pastor or priest heading a panel dealing with social, political or economical problems. So mainstream popular religions are happy just to use God in manner of "belief" versus "non-belief". Beyond this there is little religion can offer to society today. I agree it is important to "believe" in a life beyond life as it provides some hope for the after-life but if mainstream religion does not offer real-world solutions confronting households and society at large, then religion will simply become a hobby of sorts or merely armchair philosophy.
Bhagavad Dharma, on the other hand as enunciaed by modern day saint Srila Prabhupada, provides us with practical methods or strategies to deal with mental, physical and spiritual problems on an individual level, community level and or global level. If we adopt the methods given by Prabhupada rest assured our social, economic and political problems can be solved and simultaneously cultivate our dormant spiritual attraction for God.
Below is a statement that provides a glimpse into the magnanimous thought of Prabhupada and how he saw Bhagavad Dharma's capacity to change the entire world.
"Human society, at the present moment, is not in the darkness of oblivion. It has made rapid progress in the fields of material comforts, education and economic development throughout the entire world. But there is a pinprick somewhere in the social body at large, and therefore there are large-scale quarrels, even over less important issues. There is need of a clue as to how humanity can become one in peace, friendship and prosperity with a common cause. Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam will fill this need, for it is a cultural presentation for the respiritualization of the entire human society" - Srila Prabhupada
We only have to accept his words and practically apply it in our lives.
Dear Devotees,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Matchless Gifts is looking for a residential devote to preach in London, service include preaching programs, prasad distribution, and keeping the temple in order.
your servant
Parasuram Das
contact me on foodforalluk@gmail.com
Photo is off singer/artist Pete Doherty who kindly donated £2,500 last week
19 July 2014
Cathedral Gardens, Manchester
6th Ratha-yatra festival of chariots
Travelling up for the Welsh Valleys in the pouring rain to an even wetter Manchester City Centre to join the local devotees celebrate their 6th Ratha-yatra festival.
The cart arrived along with some amazing Prasadam by HG Parsharam Das who arrived at the same time as HH Mahavishu Swami and within a few minutes the festival started and Manchester rocked to the sounds of the Holy Names of Krishna.
Given how wet the day was the Manchester clouds broke and the sun came shining through, the children pushed a small Rath-cart whilst those a little older helped pull the slightly bigger cart; a short route but one that definitely was worth the long journey.
The sun shone up till I started my journey back to the Welsh Valleys, but the effort was well worth it, so I would encourage you all to join us all next year for Manchester 7th Ratha-yatra festival, and just to wet your appetite the video of this years should inspire you.
The Mathura Vrindavan Development Authority (MVDA) has made a blue print to beautify the approach roads leading to the different heritage sites of Vraj, which fall under the Mathura District. While beautifying the approach roads, the surrounding lanes around the heritage temples will also be repaired. The plan also includes the building of public conveniences around the heritage sites. The plan includes Mathura, Vrindavan, Goverdhan, Nand Gaon,Varsana, Gokul and Baldeo. Gokul, Baldeo and Varsana don’t come under the periphery of the MVDA. Varsana will be soon included in the MVDA area, as the proposal of its inclusion has been resolved in its board meeting. Read more ›
The Lord, considering the jivas' welfare, descended in Kali-yuga along with His holy name to propagate the yugadharma (the religion of the age). By taking up the yugadharma the jiva attains love of Krsna: he has only to remember the Supreme Lord's name (namasmarana or japa) and chant the Lord's name congregationally (namasankirtan). Read more ›
Lecture – Srimad Bhagavatam 7.7.10 Can a devotee of Krishna be murdered or killed? 2012-12-10 Los Angeles “Are we devotees or are we demons?” Protection. Pakora Das.
The temple is situated in New South Wales’ picturesque Tweed Valley, full of lush green mountains, rolling farmland, and towering rainforests, and often capped by neverending blue skies. The climate is sub-tropical, and the temple lies forty minutes from the beach. The nearest town, Murwillumbah, has a population of only 13,000, mostly farmers, but has an alternative flair with many vegetarians and lots of other religious/spiritual denominations. Read more ›
1967 July 20: "I am feeling too much to return to Vrindaban at the lotus feet of Vrindaban Bihari Lord Krishna; and therefore I have decided to return to India immediately. By the mercy of Krishna somehow or other, I have received air passage, and I am expecting to leave Saturday next." Prabhupada Letters :: 1967
1967 July 20: "The Holy Name of Hare Krishna is now being chanted not only in this country but also in England, Holland and Mexico, that I know of. Therefore it is a need that this movement must be spread all over this country. Please therefore fully cooperate with me." Prabhupada Letters :: 1967
1969 July 20: "We have so many other things to discuss; what is the soul, what is bhakti. To understand Radha and Krishna's Pastimes, that is our aim, but we should not indulge in this at present. Then there is sure to be misunderstanding." Prabhupada Letters :: 1969
1969 July 20: "Krishna Consciousness is not brought to America in an altered form. It is the bonafide process. If you continue to associate with the devotees you will see practically how you are making very, very nice spiritual advancement." Prabhupada Letters :: 1969
1973 July 20: "So you have sufficient engagement there? Because if we are not full time engaged then the mind is free to do its fickle business. Maya will immediately enter - we do not even have to call her." Prabhupada Letters :: 1973
1973 July 20: "Krsna understanding is very easy for those who are simple and submissive devotees. We know well the havoc that results when a non-devotee gives his interpretation of Krsna. We want all our foreign language books to be translated by devotees only." Prabhupada Letters :: 1973
1973 July 20: "I am awaiting anxiously your report on my meeting with the Emperor of Japan. As to when I shall be able to go, in September I will stay in L.A. Then whenever you call me to Japan I shall be able to go." Prabhupada Letters :: 1973
1973 July 20: "You proposed to move to another building but I do not appreciate this idea. Go directly to the Columbia Club building so we can purchase and move directly there. I am praying to Krsna that He will favor you with that new house for conducting His preaching work." Prabhupada Letters :: 1973
Gandaki Das: I would like to share an amazing story that a devotee announced this morning here in Kolkata.
Yesterday, Jananivasa Prabhu, our head priest in ISKCON Mayapura, was repainting the Lord Jagannatha Deity. He left without finishing the job, because he had to go to another program, the Disappearence Festival of H. H. Bhakti Tirtha Maharaja. He was planning to continue the painting work the following day.
Last night, Jananivasa dreamt that Jagannatha's brother, Baladeva was angry and chasing him, and Jananivasa was running. Baladeva pushed him into a ditch shouting : "Don't leave my brother Jaganatha in such a condition!"
Jananivasa awoke, and found himself on the wooden floor next to his low bed. It was only a fall of 2.5 feet. There were no sharp objects. However, He was bleeding from wounds on his head and on cheeks. He required 5 stitches. Read more ›
Indradyumna Swami: Every day we chant the holy names of the Lord for hours along the beaches of the Baltic Sea coast. Each evening thousands of people attend our festivals and many chant along with us. We are happy and satisfied serving the mission of our glorious spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada.
"When people properly glorify the Supreme Personality of Godhead, or simply hear about His power, the Lord personally enters their hearts and cleanses away every trace of misfortune, just as sun removes the darkness or as a powerful wind drives away the clouds."
[Srimad Bhagavatam 12.12.48 ] Read more ›
"One who chants the holy name even once is considered a Vaisnava devotee, and the householders should be very attentive to respect such a person. But the devotee who constantly chants Krsna's name is even a better Vaisnava, for he is endowed with all good qualities. The most advanced Vaisnava of all is he who inspires others who see him to immediately chant the Lord's name. When he chants the name even once, attraction to rendering eternal devotional service to the Supreme Lord is irrevocably established. Kindly tell Me how the nondevotees can be made to accept the chanting of the holy name of Krsna." Read more ›
Festival of India (Ratha Yatra) ISKCON Toronto took place Yong & Bloor to Central Island 12th & 13th of July 2014. With Chanting Maha Mantra and Dancing the main part of the festival. Read more ›
The holy name is both the means and the end The only method or means (sadhana) in this age is the holy name of the Lord. The only goal (sadhya) to be attained in this age is Krsnaprema. Even in the stage of perfection, the name is not given up but is chanted all the more, for it is intrinsic to the activities of prema. Indeed, the name is not different from the Lord: it is the very embodiment of prema. If the means is the end, then the end and the means never contradict one another. If process is identical to the objective, then it is easy for the jivas to attain the desired goal of life, Krsnaprema. By the mercy of His holy name, Krsna easily delivers the jivas in the age of Kali. Read more ›
Family life (and the home itself) should be an ashrama, a place for spiritual culture. • The grihastha ashrama is considered higher than the brahmachari ashrama, an opportunity for personal and spiritual growth by extending one’s responsibility. • Mutual respect between the ashramas is an essential feature of a healthy society. • Personal growth and character formation are integral to the process of spiritual development. • Though Vaisnava theology values ultimate renunciation, such renunciation has to be internal and mature. Otherwise it is inappropriate and may be dangerous both individually and socially. Read more ›
A short visit to the Holy sites of Kamyavana with H.G Deena Bandhu prabhu. Kama means "desires." The Adi Varaha Purana states that this is the forest where all the desires of the demigods and devotees are fulfilled. This forest has a parikrama of 22 km (14 miles). The town here is called Kaman and it is a fairly good-sized town.When the three original Deities of Vrindavana, Radha Madana-Mohana, Radha Govinda and Radha Gopinatha were taken from Vrindavana to Jaipur to avoid being destroyed by Aurangzeb, they stayed in Kamyavana for three nights. Since these Deities stayed here, three temples have been established here dedicated to Radha Govinda, Radha Madana-Mohana and Radha Gopinatha, Radha Gopinatha is worshiped in a house of a grihasta.There are 84 kundas here where Krishna would have pastimes with the cowherd boys. Read more ›
Please accept my blessings. I have learned from Mandali Bhadra and Vrndavanesvari that you have been disturbed in your center by some rascal boys, and now you are living with Mandali Bhadra. So what is your program? Would you like to close the Vancouver center, or are you finding out some better place? I have received one letter from Rupanuga in Buffalo that two boys are going to Toronto to open a center there. Would you like to go there for the time being, or will you try for another place to keep yourself in Vancouver?
At present I am living in New Vrindaban. It is a very nice place, but there is no facility of modern amenities. It is completely aloof from city life, and we have to adopt so many things. In comparison to city life it is very inconvenient. But still the atmosphere here is very pleasant. As of yet I have still received no answer from Annapurna.
I am awaiting your reply to the above points. I hope this will meet you in good health.
"A sincere student should not neglect the discussion of such conclusions, considering them controversial, for such discussions strengthen the mind. Thus one's mind becomes attached to Sri Krsna."
Today’s newspapers reported a terrible plane crash, crimes, scandals, murders and ongoing fighting in wars around the world. We live in troubled times. The only hope is Krsna consciousness, which quickly brings relief from the miseries of material life. That antidote is delivered in the form of blissful chanting and dancing to the holy names [...]
For thousands of years, Yogis have been incorporating Yoga as an indispensable way of living. It is and was a rigorous practice in daily life. Yoga is more than a simple physical exercise; it’s a way to enhance our lives with genuine happiness, letting go of anxiety and focusing the mind on the present moment. […]
"Regarding Acyutananda's preaching, what is the use of criticizing SaiBaba and creating some enemies? Do not do this in public meetings. It is different to do it in a private meeting."
Giriraj Swami read and spoke from Srimad-Bhagavatam 8.7.33 during the morning class.
The Mathura Vrindavan Development Authority (MVDA) has made a blue print to beautify the approach roads leading to the different heritage sites of Vraj, which fall under the Mathura District. While beautifying the approach roads, the surrounding lanes around the heritage temples will also be repaired. The plan also includes the building of public conveniences around the heritage sites. The plan includes Mathura, Vrindavan, Goverdhan, Nand Gaon,Varsana, Gokul and Baldeo. Gokul, Baldeo and Varsana don’t come under the periphery of the MVDA. Varsana will be soon included in the MVDA area, as the proposal of its inclusion has been resolved in its board meeting. 
The Lord, considering the jivas' welfare, descended in Kali-yuga along with His holy name to propagate the yugadharma (the religion of the age). By taking up the yugadharma the jiva attains love of Krsna: he has only to remember the Supreme Lord's name (namasmarana or japa) and chant the Lord's name congregationally (namasankirtan). 
The temple is situated in New South Wales’ picturesque Tweed Valley, full of lush green mountains, rolling farmland, and towering rainforests, and often capped by neverending blue skies. The climate is sub-tropical, and the temple lies forty minutes from the beach. The nearest town, Murwillumbah, has a population of only 13,000, mostly farmers, but has an alternative flair with many vegetarians and lots of other religious/spiritual denominations. 
Gandaki Das: I would like to share an amazing story that a devotee announced this morning here in Kolkata.
Yesterday, Jananivasa Prabhu, our head priest in ISKCON Mayapura, was repainting the Lord Jagannatha Deity. He left without finishing the job, because he had to go to another program, the Disappearence Festival of H. H. Bhakti Tirtha Maharaja. He was planning to continue the painting work the following day.
Last night, Jananivasa dreamt that Jagannatha's brother, Baladeva was angry and chasing him, and Jananivasa was running. Baladeva pushed him into a ditch shouting : "Don't leave my brother Jaganatha in such a condition!"
Jananivasa awoke, and found himself on the wooden floor next to his low bed. It was only a fall of 2.5 feet. There were no sharp objects. However, He was bleeding from wounds on his head and on cheeks. He required 5 stitches. 
Indradyumna Swami: Every day we chant the holy names of the Lord for hours along the beaches of the Baltic Sea coast. Each evening thousands of people attend our festivals and many chant along with us. We are happy and satisfied serving the mission of our glorious spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada.
"When people properly glorify the Supreme Personality of Godhead, or simply hear about His power, the Lord personally enters their hearts and cleanses away every trace of misfortune, just as sun removes the darkness or as a powerful wind drives away the clouds."
[Srimad Bhagavatam 12.12.48 ] 
"One who chants the holy name even once is considered a Vaisnava devotee, and the householders should be very attentive to respect such a person. But the devotee who constantly chants Krsna's name is even a better Vaisnava, for he is endowed with all good qualities. The most advanced Vaisnava of all is he who inspires others who see him to immediately chant the Lord's name. When he chants the name even once, attraction to rendering eternal devotional service to the Supreme Lord is irrevocably established. Kindly tell Me how the nondevotees can be made to accept the chanting of the holy name of Krsna." 
Festival of India (Ratha Yatra) ISKCON Toronto took place Yong & Bloor to Central Island 12th & 13th of July 2014. With Chanting Maha Mantra and Dancing the main part of the festival. 
The holy name is both the means and the end The only method or means (sadhana) in this age is the holy name of the Lord. The only goal (sadhya) to be attained in this age is Krsnaprema. Even in the stage of perfection, the name is not given up but is chanted all the more, for it is intrinsic to the activities of prema. Indeed, the name is not different from the Lord: it is the very embodiment of prema. If the means is the end, then the end and the means never contradict one another. If process is identical to the objective, then it is easy for the jivas to attain the desired goal of life, Krsnaprema. By the mercy of His holy name, Krsna easily delivers the jivas in the age of Kali. 
Abridged from Strengthening the Bonds That Free Us VTE Grihasta Training Course compiled by the North American Grihastha Vision Team 
Family life (and the home itself) should be an ashrama, a place for spiritual culture. • The grihastha ashrama is considered higher than the brahmachari ashrama, an opportunity for personal and spiritual growth by extending one’s responsibility. • Mutual respect between the ashramas is an essential feature of a healthy society. • Personal growth and character formation are integral to the process of spiritual development. • Though Vaisnava theology values ultimate renunciation, such renunciation has to be internal and mature. Otherwise it is inappropriate and may be dangerous both individually and socially. 
A short visit to the Holy sites of Kamyavana with H.G Deena Bandhu prabhu. Kama means "desires." The Adi Varaha Purana states that this is the forest where all the desires of the demigods and devotees are fulfilled. This forest has a parikrama of 22 km (14 miles). The town here is called Kaman and it is a fairly good-sized town.When the three original Deities of Vrindavana, Radha Madana-Mohana, Radha Govinda and Radha Gopinatha were taken from Vrindavana to Jaipur to avoid being destroyed by Aurangzeb, they stayed in Kamyavana for three nights. Since these Deities stayed here, three temples have been established here dedicated to Radha Govinda, Radha Madana-Mohana and Radha Gopinatha, Radha Gopinatha is worshiped in a house of a grihasta.There are 84 kundas here where Krishna would have pastimes with the cowherd boys. 