Planet ISKCON

1973 July 22: "The translating of my books is of the utmost importance and I am very thankful that you are seriously taking on this practical work for spreading Krsna Consciousness in your zone."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1973

1973 July 22: "You have done a nice job with the French edition of Back to Godhead, and I am especially looking forward to the next issue which will be color 32 pages. You should more and more improve this magazine until it becomes superior to all other magazines in the French language."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1973

When we come to festivals and give our heart to the festival, listen with a desire to advance, apply the knowledge the speaker has spoken in our lives, chant from the heart and dance in kirtan we make a quantum leap in our devotional lives.

The post July 22nd, 2014 – Darshan appeared first on Mayapur.com.

And Manjari asks about the connection between devotees’ lifestyle and ability to follow vows.

The post Rajen ask of the relevance of the caste system in this age of equal opportunity appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

The post Evening kirtan in NVD on July 21nd appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

I’d like to inform you that our family (_______ prabhu, myself and our daughter ______) had to to move to Krasnodar (Russia). Before the war started we had lived in the downtown of Lugansk and planned to stay at the downtown and perform service in the yatra of Alchevsk. When the military operations intensified, our home turned out to be on the front line but till the last moment I had hoped that the war would be over soon. With great disappointment I can tell you that I am still quite strongly attached to everyday material conditions of life. It was difficult for me to leave everything: my friends, yatra, job, career, relatives - and go to some unknown situation. We left the very day when Lugansk was attacked by mortars and the next street became the battlefield. My brother followed me and found himself under air bombardment. We failed to evacuate my father. By Krishna’s mercy all of us survived. I was really scared to cross the border, which was fired on by snipers. _______ turned on the Narasimha kirtan in the car and we thought that if we are shot we might hear the Holy Name at the last moment. For the month we had lived in the area of military operations we had prayed to the Lord for help many times but perhaps our material attachments were stronger than intelligence, which insisted on moving to some safe place. Read more ›

On 20 th July few days ago ISKCON in Jogjakarta held Ratha Yatra for the 1st time in Jogjakarta. It was in Bantul one of Jogjakarta's region. Actually we got invitation for 183 Anniversary of Bantul City. After we attained the Anniversary ceremony than we did the Ratha Yatra parade. The Ratha Yatra end in Mayor's office of Bantul city. At the Anniversary ceremony of Bantul city, Sultan of Jogjakarta Sultanate and also a governor of Jogjakarta was there to lead the ceremony. And HH Subhaga Swami Maharaj had chance to gave one copy of Bhagavad-gita As It Is (Bahasa) to the Sultan. Not only that Maharaj also gave the Bhagavad-gita to the Mayor of Bantul City, Hj. Sri Surya Widati. Ratha Yatra started late so we can distribute the prasadam in the time of the people break their Ramadhan's fast. Many people took our cookies with simle in their face. They also took picture especially our Krishna. Janaspriya prabhu colored his body with Blue paint and dance as Krishna with the gopis. Many devotees come from many part of Indonesia to join the festival Ratha Yatra in Jogjakarta. More than 200 devotees chanting and dancing ecstatically in the street of Bantul. Local people also dance with them. Srila Prabhupada and Lord Jagannath so mercyful that the Ratha yatra came to Jogjakarta. Next Ratha Yatra will be in Binjai, North of Sumatra (August 10th, 2014) than Prabhupada Festival and Ratha Yatra in Denpasar, Bali (23-24 August 2014). Read more ›

"In this age of Kali, there is no alternative, there is no alternative, there is no alternative for spiritual progress other than the Holy Name, the Holy Name, the Holy Name of the Lord." The usage of repetition in the above verse as a means of emphasis is rare in Vedic literature, and should be taken to indicate, without a doubt, the paramount position of importance this method of attaining self-realization holds in this era, the Kali-yuga ("the age of quarrel"). The Holy Name of Sri Krishna and Sri Krishna Himself are inseparable, and therefore wherever the Holy Name is, so is Krishna. Read more ›

ISKCON (Hong Kong) participates in the HK International Book Fair, as usual, we have 2 booths selling books. over 1.200,000 visits were recorded last year, and this year the organizer is expecting another record. Read more ›

This week was spent with HH Kadamba Kanana Swami. The students learnt all about the history and tradition of kirtan and how music is an integral part of the spiritual world. The students also learnt about the prominent/pioneer kirtaniyas in ISKCON from Yamuna devi and Acyutananda to Vishnujana Swami and Govinda Maharaja to Aindra prabhu and Madhava Maharaja also shared with the students his realisations from being an expert kirtaniya. The importance of listening and being attentive to the mood of the congregation is paramount. The essence is to include everyone, bring people in; there must be not only the communication and relationship with Krishna but also with the devotees present Then the students got a unique opportunity to compose their own melody to the maha mantra with Maharaja which they then sang in the temple room for Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha the following evening. Read more ›

Remembrance of the Lord is the most effective penance; the Vedas always recommend imperiled brahmanas to meditate upon the lotus feet of Lord Visnu for protection. Remembering the Lord's name is the same as meditating upon His lotus feet. The holy name can disperse all previous offenses, for it acts as the devotee's best friend. The Lord is an ocean of mercy and forgiveness. Like a dear friend, he forgives one for previous mistakes. Read more ›

Listen audio...

This talk is a part of the "Fascinating Mahabharata Characters" series. To know more about this course, please visit: bhakticourses.com

“If they are not spoiled by an artificial standard of sense gratification at an early age, children will turn out very nicely as sober citizens, because they will have learned the real meaning of life…So organize everything in such a way that we can deliver these souls back to Krishna.”

- Letter to Satsvarupa das, November 25, 1971

Answer Podcast

Answer Podcast

Answer Podcast

Answer Podcast

The 2014 Srila Prabhupada Tributes book–“the open Vyasa-puja book”– is now available as a pdf file from www.sptributes.com. The book should be available later this week in epub format. Physical books are on schedule for delivery soon, well in advance of Vyasa-puja.

Why so far in advance? So that devotees can start reading the offerings in the book before the day of Vyasa-puja.

Each year, all initiated disciples of Srila Prabhupada are welcome to write offerings for the book. And any disciple who sends an offering will receive a physical copy of the book.

If you were initiated by Srila Prabhupada but didn’t receive an invitation to contribute, please write to sptributes (at) gmail.com in order to be added to the mailing list.

The post 2014 Open Vyasa-puja book: pdf now online appeared first on Jayadvaita Swami.

"One who con­stantly says he is a poor soul sur­ren­dered to Lord Krishna and who constantly chants Krishna’s name is a real sadhu. He con­sid­er­ing him­self lower than a blade of grass and more tol­er­ant than a tree offers all respects to oth­ers with­out expect­ing any­thing for him­self. The holy name of Krishna grants such a sadhu divine love of God­head."

Sri Hari­nama Cin­ta­mani
Hari­dasa Thakura to Lord Cai­tanya

We just released the latest and greatest album by Kadamba Kanana Swami called “Heart and Soul“. If you are fortunate enough to already own one yourself then you know this is the best album to date. We couldn’t agree more so if you don’t have a copy yet, then make haste and get one immediately!

When purchasing this new album, and older releases, you directly support KKSBlog and Kadamba Kanana Swami’s preaching efforts in South Africa.

You can support us in two ways:

If you live in Europe you can directly transfer unto our bank account. This is the preferred way to avoid high transfer fees. Contact us for the bank account details.

What are Our Costs?

KKS Blog is made possible by volunteers. These volunteers bring you the latest news, transcripts and other media about Kadamba Kanana Swami and Jayadvaita Swami. The blog has been very successful for 8 years with 3000+ articles and 7000+ images published. With your help we can cover the hosting costs to continue…

Here is a summarized list of expenses:

• Webhosting & Domains
• Software
• PR costs (Flyers, CD’s DVD’s, etc )
• Processing Orders (shipping, media)
• Banking costs

On average our yearly costs are 750 euro.

You can view our financial reports here.

 

This weekend is Labour weekend and on the Monday 27 October is Wellington’s Free Yoga Day!

Bhakti Lounge will be hosting a free 5pm Yoga + Kirtan class to encourage newcomers, please bring a friend! The class will run for 45 minutes followed by half hour Kirtan then cookies & chai.

Please note the 6pm Yoga + Dinner class will not be on. Regular schedule will resume on Tuesday 28 October.

For more info about Wellington’s Free Yoga Day, please visit here http://freeyogaday.wix.com/wellington2014#!schedule/c2271

Whilst at Manchester Rathayatra I was told about a wonderful event that was to happen the following day, made even special as it involved some great devotees who have enhanced and brought great joy to my life due to their smiling lotus face and enthusiasm for Krishna Consciousness.

Sadly I found out a little too late to change plans and attend in person however I feel the need to share this wonderful news as HH Mahavishnu Swami accepts 4 amazing devotees as disciples and welcome them to the greatest family in the world that of the devotee’s:

Robert Mavers was given the name Mantra Chaitanya Das
Lee Keen an amazing devotee who always greets me with a smile and no matter how busy always stops for a chat was given the name Lila Jaggannatha Rather Yatra Das, given his great association with Rathayatra

My dear friend Bhaktin Shireen who is just by her presence and smile an inspiration and who’s welcome will always bring you running back for more is now Sri Radha Devi Dasi

And finally Hari Dasi whom I met briefly at Manchester Rathaytra and who’s family is an inspiration as to how all devotee families should be and who’s name encapsulates her completely is Hema Mukhi Devi Dasi

It is a special day that will change their lives forever and so I wish to pass on my blessing’s to them all and pray that Krishna’s love increases in their hearts each day and in this lifetime they return back home.

A notation also is the news that another two lovely devotee friends got initiated Matty was given the name Bhima Das and his wife Lainey was given the name Jai Sri Radha Devi Dasi and I extended the same heart felt blessings

Report by Dahani devi dasi

After his stay in Holland, Kadamba Kanana Swami travelled to Serbia and arrived at the Fruska Gauranga Summer Camp on Monday afternoon (7 July). Devotees were eagerly awaiting his visit. On day one, Maharaj gave a short seminar (two lectures) on Sri Caitanya Candramrita by Prabhodananda Sarasvati, which was accompanied by lovely bhajans.

On the second day of his stay, a Ratha Yatra festival was held in Novi Sad, the capital of the province Vojvodina. Together with Sacinandana Swami, Prahladananda Swami, Bir Krishna Goswami and Pankajangri Prabhu, Maharaj led devotees in kirtan along the town’s main streets. The ambassador of India also attended the festival. At one point, near the end of the Ratha Yatra procession, the devotees came to a square where loud music was playing on stage, so Kadamba Kanana Swami started leading a fiery kirtan and all the devotees joined it.

On day three, a ten hour kirtan took place where Maharaj sang twice – once in the morning and again in the evening. After his wonderful evening bhajan, he left us with these thoughts that just like in Bengal, where the discussion stays in the bus throughout the day although those who started it already left the bus, in the same way, we should continue to chant and pray even when he leaves us the next morning.

At three o’clock on Thursday, Maharaj departed for his next destination, Villa Vrindavan in Italy. After the kirtan weekend in Italy, Maharaj visited Radhadesh and participated in the kirtan course. Over this past weekend, he attended the Ratha Yatra in Prague!

Audio Files

Courtesy of Nama-rupa devi dasi

Bhajans - 7 July 2014

Download audio

Bhajans – 8 July 2014

Download audio

12 Kirtan – part 1 – 9 July 2014

Download audio

12 Kirtan – part 2 – 9 July 2014

Download audio

Srimad Bhagavatam 1.2.16 – Kadamba Kanana Swami & Prahladananda Swami

Download audio

Caitanya Candramrta – Part 1 – 7 July 2014

Download audio

Caitanya Candramrta – Part 1 – 8 July 2014

Download audio

 

Photos – Ratha Yatra Novi Sad

Courtesy of Nama-rupa devi dasi and Murari Caintanya das

Photos – Arrival and first days

Even more pics

Giriraja and Departure

1967 July 21: "When you come to India, you must pack nicely and bring my trunk and also the tape recorder and finally the big Royal typewriter. I shall let you know my arrival news from India. Hope this will find you all right."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1967

SB 10.68.2-24, The Marriage of Samba Part 1, Durban, South Africa.mp3

1969 July 21: "Unless a man is Krishna Conscious, his external advancement of knowledge has no value. So your present engagement is very nice; neither I think you can be better educated in the universities. A person who is in Krishna Consciousness is the topmost educated man."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1969

1969 July 21: "In a Krishna Conscious marriage the basic principle is to serve Krishna nicely and to help the partner advance in spiritual life. Husband and wife are true benefactors for one another and there is no question of any serious conflicts or separation."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1969

1969 July 21: "The hippy philosophy is nice in that they are disgusted with materialistic life. Therefore they want to renounce. Unfortunately, they have no good leader, neither they have information that there is another beautiful life in Krishna Consciousness."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1969

1970 July 21: "Early next year some forty of my students will visit Vaisnava temples in India and perform kirtana there. They are observing all the regulative principles and Vaisnava sadacara. People of India as well as the priestly order should receive them properly."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1970

1971 July 21: "Yes, it is encouraging news that he is favorably inclined toward giving us land in Raman Reti. Another nice news is that all of you women are going out daily for preaching. Very good. Continue it whole heartedly."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1971

Calgary, Alberta

Calgary Too


Calgary’s 8^th Avenue is the most promising thoroughfare for another chariot event.  Café sitters and people strolling about could hear a distant booming of the bhangra and mrdanga  drums.  At 12 sharp, high noon, coconuts were ceremoniously crashed to the pavement sending exploded juices in different directions before the oncoming march of people chanting Hare Krishna. 

I think anything ‘new’ bedazzles people.  It challenges monotony.

So, for two hours, our parade went straight on 8^th Avenue up to the armory, its usual route.  This then makes it a pilgrimage because of the nature of the event.  It is not a military march, a protest, or an aimless stroll.  This festival, known as Ratha Yatra, is a reenactment of Krishna’s consort, Radha, attempting to lure Krishna back to His home rural village of Vrindavan.  At least this is one aspect of the event. 

Hundreds came to partake in this walk, which to my guess is a simple 3 to 4 kilometre stretch.  My interpretation is an attempt to lure people away from their cars and get them on their feet.  This is good.  To me, Calgary seems to be a real car town, not so pedestrian prone, except for the trails along the Bow River.  This is where you find runners, walkers, and cyclers a plenty.

Meanwhile, all went well with the parade, and the truck pulled a flat bed wagon, on which I sat part of the way.  I am not getting lazy, it is on that wagon that the musicians sat churning out the mantra, along with a cheerful turbaned Punjabi man who tapped rhythmically on the two ends of his bhangra drum.   Outside of the chariot this guy looked the brightest. 

May the Source be with you!

6 KM

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Will Perpetuate


Rain has hit the prairies more than once, especially for farmers.  It also makes conditions very conducive for mosquito proliferation.  This is not everyone’s cup of tea.  Our bus’s front window gets plastered by the bugs.  The very faithful and dutiful, Dravanaksha, one of our chief drivers, pulled over the large heap of metal with precious cargo inside (22 nice teenage boys), and lathered with huge brush, water and soap, that expansive window, causing bountiful bodies of bugs to slide off.  It didn’t take long, though, before a new splatter of bugs replaced the old ones. 

Today, I squeezed in 4 kilometres through Willow Grove subdivision, walking with 14 year old Jay.  This was not at bug hour, but at midday.  Sun and wind were forceful, though.  Will anything be other than an onslaught in this world? 

At 5:30 PM, the first Chariot Festival for Saskatoon kicked off.  It was somewhat chaotic at the start, understandably so, and total order never really manifest, especially at our presentation time at the quaint Lakshmi Narayan temple.  The building was crammed, joyfully, by yogis, Hindus, new agers, and bhaktas or devotees of Krishna.  It was stuffy and seating was inadequate.  However, I am forever proud of what one devotional couple can do in mobilizing a whole crew of people in a town curious as to what The Festival of India, and and Indian chariot for that matter, would look like.  Kashyapa and Panchami organized this first event with lots of enthusiasm.  The numbers of people that showed up surprised us.  People liked what they saw and heard.  An improved venue should be on the prairie horizon in the future.  Once such a program begins, it is likely to perpetuate.  We thank donors and all who physically contributed to the event. 

May the Source be with you!

6 KM