Ecstatic Kirtan by HG Madhava das- Toronto Rath Yatra 2014

The forms of Radha’s maidservants are wonderful bubbles from the particles of foam from the effulgent spiritual ocean of sweet transcendental love that flows from the beauty of Radha’s lotus feet. These young girls are filled with all artistic skill, and their wonderfully beautiful limbs are decorated with splendid garments and ornaments. O friend, please become the follower and servant of these maidservants of Sri Radha.

[Source : Nectarean Glories of Sri Vrindavana-dhama by Srila Prabodhananda Sarasvati Thakura, Sataka-2, Text-86, Translation.]

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I write this in Brooklyn, New York in a room with white walls, high ceilings, and bright wooden floors.  My suitcases are lined up against the wall, slightly open.

I look around at this small yet lovely room and breathe in deep. This place shall be my home for the next one to two years.

Today I moved from my temporary home in upstate New York to this room. There is something profound for me to call a room MY room. I have been flying from room to room over the past two years. Now, like a bird that has circled and circled a particular perch, I have come in to land.

Wondrous things shall unfold over the next 1-2 years while I live in this very room, like a bird who constantly flies off to adventures during the day and then returns to rest upon her perch. Tonight is my first night in this place, may many adventures take wing.

Thank you for sharing in this moment with me.

Lecture Podcast

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This video is a strong reminder of how a global economy doesn’t mean everyone gets to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Cocoa farmers on the Ivory Coast earn their living growing the beans. It’s hard work and they earn very little money for their harvest. Many of them do not even know what the cocoa beans are used for. So when this journalist gives them chocolate for the first time, it’s a revelation.

HG Madhava das Kirtan – Dundas Square- Toronto, Canada – 2014

Srila Prabhupada visits young calves at the Bahulaban barn, June 27th 1976.

Srila Prabhupada Emphasizes the Value and Practicality of Engaging Oxen in New Vrindaban – January 1974.

From a series of letters written by Srila Prabhupada outlining his vision for New Vrindaban.

Thanks to Vanipedia for the source material.

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7th January, 1974

Dear Kirtanananda Maharaja,

Please accept my blessings. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated December 30, 1973.

I was very pleased to hear your report of our cow protection program, and I had part of your letter read aloud to a group of devotees how you have one cow who will be giving 70-80 pounds a day. The cow is so wonderful and valuable in society. But you should also use the bulls by engaging them in tilling the ground. People may call this the primitive way but it is very practical for engaging the bulls–have them work in cart loading, transporting, etc.

Regarding Srutakirti, I proposed to him that he go to New Vrindaban but he said he did not like farm work and so he wants to go to Caracas and perform deity worship in the temple. So I have already asked him but I will say again, how you require him at New Vrindaban and how he should work nicely there with the cows, under your guidance.

You inquire whether you can make cheese? Why cheese? Make sufficient ghee. If you can send ghee to India that would be nice service as there is scarcely any ghee there. Cheese is not good. We should produce ghee so all our centers can have enough ghee.

Hope this meets you in good health.

Your ever well-wisher,

A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

Many of the devotees of Radha Rasesvara temple in Bali are disciples of Srila Gaura Govinda Swami and Srila Bhakti Svarupa Damodara Swami. These two great devotees have since left this world and are with the Supreme Lord.

Report by Antardvip das and Bhaktin Klara

After teaching at that Kirtan Course in Radhadesh, Maharaj arrived in Prague, Czech Republic late on Saturday night (19 July).

After taking rest in the Luzce temple, Maharaj left for the Prague city center where at Wenceslas Square, the 7th annual Ratha Yatra was just ready to start. Upon getting there, without further ado, Maharaj started the festival by offering the coconut and then led a rousing kirtan in the procession. Other honored quests at this immensely auspicious event were Bhakti Nityananda Swami and the Mayapuris who concluded the harinam with their energizing bengali melodies and mrdanga playing. What followed was a stage show with many nice performances, like: sitar recitals, bhajans, bharat-natyam dances and a Mayapuris show. In between, Maharaj gave a charming lecture about the meaning of the Ratha Yatra festival. The evening culminated with a rocking kirtan and Maharaj, supported by the Mayapuris, made many of the guests dance.

After such exhausting program on Sunday, the next day at the temple was dedicated to resting. Still, in the evening, Maharaj gave a Bhagavad-gita lecture. He raised a question of what will we do to sustain our Krsna consciousness and what will we do to preserve our movement as a whole?

On Tuesday morning, Maharaj gave the Srimad Bhagavatam lecture and in the afternoon he moved to Prague’s relatively new preaching center, the Harinam Mandir, where he stayed until Friday. Local devotees were happy because although Maharaj had already lectured there a few times, until now, he never stayed for several days.

Before Maharaj gave the morning lecture on Wednesday, he agreed that some devotees could be present at his puja for Giriraja, even with a video camera! During the puja, he explained various details about the worship of a Govardhan sila. After the lunch, Maharaj took a short walk with several disciples along the river and in the evening, by his presence, he favoured one of Prague’s Govindas restaurants where, taking us to Vrindavan, he gave a public lecture preceded by tumultuous kirtan.

Thursday started in the Harinam Mandir again with a Srimad Bhagavatam lecture. In the evening, there was public program with amazing kirtan and lecture from Caitanya Caritamrita on the topic of Ratha Yatra.

On Friday, Maharaj left for the airport. Czech devotees are really blessed because after attending Kirtan Mela in Germany, Maharaj will shortly come back on Balarama Purnima for the opening of the new temple in Nove Sady. Maharaj will also celebrate Janmastami in Czech, on the farm. Everyone is invited for these wonderful events!

Photos

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Audio

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