There Is No Secret
→ Japa Group

“There is no ‘secret’ to japa; it is a struggle. There is no easy shortcut. The secret is to surrender to the struggle. The secret is to be afraid of death and take it as very urgent that you must chant Hare Krishna."

From Japa Reform Notebook
by Satsvarupa dasa Goswami

Be the change! Friday Harinam in Brisbane, Australia (Album 117 photos)
→ Dandavats.com

Sri-KRSNA nama is the sweetest among all things that are sweet, and it stands supreme amongst all that is auspicious.It is the eternal, fully ripened spiritual fruit of the wishfulfilling tree of the Vedas. O best of the Brighus, if anyone even once offenselessly chants Sri-KRSNA nama, either with faith or indifference, Sri-KRSNA nama immediately delivers that person from the ocean of material existence. Read more ›

Vrindavan in the past (Album 22 photos)
→ Dandavats.com

On this earth, the place known as Vrndavan in the district of Mathura, ninety miles southeast of Delhi, is a replica of that supreme Goloka Vrndavana in the spiritual sky. In all of India, that eighty-four-square-mile tract of land is considered to be the most sacred place of pilgrimage because Krishna sported in it, and many devotees still linger there in ecstasy in search of Krishna and His childhood associates. Srila Prabhupada has explained that "It is not that such devotees meet Krishna face to face in that tract of land, but a devotee's eagerly searching after Krishna is as good as his seeing Him personally. How this is so cannot be explained, but it is factually realized by those who are pure devotees of the Lord." Read more ›

Kirtan Yoga with Sri Prahlada – ISKCON New Govardhana – Australia 06 July 2014 (Album 28 photos)
→ Dandavats.com

Even if in the beginning one chants the Hare Krishna mantra with offenses, one will become free from such offenses by chanting again and again. Papa-kshayas ca bhavati smaratam tam ahar-nisam: one becomes free from all sinful reactions if one chants day and night, following the recommendation of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Read more ›

Yet an other year of the famous Festival of India tour along the Baltic Sea coast in Poland! (Album 40 photos)
→ Dandavats.com

Indradyumna Swami: This summer we are celebrating the 25th anniversary of our Festival of India tour along the Baltic Sea coast in Poland. It began auspiciously yesterday with our first program in Kolobrzeg. As always, thousands of people came and were introduced to Krsna consciousness in a most attractive way. The festivals continue every day through the summer up until August 29. Srila Prabhupada, it is all for your pleasure. Please give us your blessings! Read more ›

Srila Prabhupada Sees Deity Worship in New Vrindaban as Being of “the Highest Standard” in ISKCON – December 1974.
→ New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit

Prabhupada New Vrindaban Vrindaban Nath 1976

Srila Prabhupada greets Sri Radha Vrindaban Natha at the original New Vrindaban farmhouse – June 1976.

Srila Prabhupada Sees Deity Worship in New Vrindaban as Being of “the Highest Standard” in ISKCON – December 1974.

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

Thanks to Vanipedia for the source material.

———————————————————————-

December 19, 1974

Bridesville, Canada

My dear Bahudak,

Please accept my blessings. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated Dec. 3, 1974 and have noted the contents.

The pictures of your newly installed Deities are very very nice. And you can name them Sri Sri Radha-Madan Mohan. The Deity worship should be done very carefully and nicely. Sri-vigraharadhana-nitya-nana, srngara-tan-mandira-marjanadau, yuktasya bhaktams ca niyunjato’pi, vande guroh sri-caranaravindam. You should make sure that there is nice arati program; six arati daily at least. You should make sure that there is nice fresh, clean dress every morning, nice bathing ceremony every morning, nice offerings of prasadam. You should see that the Deity is tended for and cooked for only by the duly second initiated brahmanas. The Deity should have nice flowers everyday etc., etc. You should try to bring Them up to the highest standard, such as we have in Los Angeles or New Vrindaban. Sri Sri Radha-Madan Mohan have kindly descended in Their arca vigraha form now you must receive Them with that consciousness. And by serving Them you will all develop pure love of Krsna.

Thanking you for helping me in my mission. Occasionally send me report of how things are going on there. I hope this meets you in good health.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

ACBS/ps

Thursday, July 3rd, 2014
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto, Ontario

Reflections Of


In my afternoon stroll, a break from desk work, the most prominent and endearing thoughts and words of that walk with Patrick, I thought I would share. 

·         Gratitude for the unpaved trails in the city.
·         Let’s keep in the shade as much as possible on this steamy day.
·         There are hundreds of berry trees in this city, Saskatoons and mulberries, ripe and ready, and we sample them.
·         People are darned friendly on the trail.  The green brings out the best.
·         Thoughts of gratitude for Daruka and Karuna who were with me in the just completed 4 th walk across Canada.
·         A  park bench so inviting that can lead to a 7 minute lie down while Patrick chanted some mantras.
·         I have hardly a clue what’s going on socially and politically in the world due to being away from it all – walking.  No regrets – in fact, ignorance is bliss.
·         I find myself fortunate when occupied in soft chanting.  Others on this trail don’t have this experience.
·         Upon seeing me, a runner offers pranams (palms together). This I accept on behalf of guru.  I reciprocate with his gesture on the same point.
·         Patrick’s joke:  What did the one cannibal say to the other when he showed up late for dinner?  Answer – Everyone’s eaten. 

May the Source be with you!

8 KM

Join us for Sunday Feast from 11.00am-2.00pm with a guest speaker & experience bliss
→ ISKCON BRAMPTON



Sunday Love Feast

When?
Sunday,July 6th,2014
Program starts at 11 am

Where?
6 George Street South
Brampton, Ontario
L6Y 1P3, Canada
Park underground(free) @ City Hall
Phone:416-648-3312

New! Listen
Click here to listen to previous class recordings on our blog
Make a Donation

Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.5.38
iti mūrty-abhidhānena
mantra-mūrtim amūrtikam
yajate yajña-puruṣaṁ
sa samyag darśanaḥ pumān
TRANSLATION
Thus he is the actual seer who worships, in the form of transcendental sound representation, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Viṣṇu, who has no material form.
Program Schedule
11.00- 11.15      Tulsi Puja                                          
11.15 - 11.30     Guru Puja                                           
11:30 –11:55     Aarti & Kirtan                                      
11.55 - 12.00    Sri Nrsingadeva Prayers                 
12.00 – 1:00     Vedic Discourse 
  1:00 –  1:30      Closing Kirtan

COMING UP AHEAD
Sayana Ekadasi
Fasting..................... on July 8th
                              Breakfast................. on July 9th b/w 5.44am-10.50am
Every fortnight, we observe Ekadasi, a day of prayer and meditation. On this day we fast (or simplify our meals and abstain from grains and beans), and spend extra time reading the scriptures and chanting the auspicious Hare Krishna mantra.

Temple Closure Notice

Temple will be kept closed on Sun,July 13th on account of  the Festival of India-Toronto so that our congregation may attend and participate in the festivities at Centre Island.Tickets will be available for purchase at ISKCON Brampton on Sun,July 6th.If you'd like to do some service on the Centre Island,contact Bhagavat Dasa or Krsna smaran Devi Dasi for details.

Bhagavad Gita Classes(New Session)
Starting on Aug 2nd,2014
Course fees: $125.00 per Student and  $75.00 for family members of Student(Prasadam and study material included).Monies payable to Iskcon Brampton....tax receipts will be provided.
Join our new session of  Bhagavad Gita Course with His Grace Vaisnava Dasa from 8.45am-12.00pm and get certified from Bhaktivedanta College at the completion of this course towards Bhakti Sastri Degree.The course duration is approximately 10 weeks.To register please contact Vaisnava Dasa Prabhu in person or via email[vaishnavadas@icloud.com]

Kirtan Etiquette Workshop

will be conducted at ISKCON Brampton on Saturday August 16th by His Holiness Bhaktimarga Swami. This workshop is open to everyone. We encourage all of those who are engaged in kirtan seva at ISKCON Brampton -Kirtanyas, kartal players, Mrdanga players and othermusical instruments to attend this workshop. This is one of the GBC's resolutions to follow proper kirtan etiquette in all ISKCON centres. Please contact Aindra Dasa for more details.

IB's 2ND Festival of Chariots

will be held on Sat,Aug 23rd,2014.....We are pleased to announce that His Holiness Bhaktimarga Swami will be present at IB Ratha Yatra.For Festival updates,please check this out click here for updates.For more details and service opportunity contact Aindra Dasa,Nimai Nitai Dasa or Prema Gaurangi Devi Dasi.

ON GOING EVERY SUNDAY
ISKCON Brampton Yoga and Wellness

Empower your mind and strengthen your body as you move through a series of meaningful poses.Mother Rashmi Ahuja will be conducting Yoga Classes every Sunday from 10am-11am before our Sunday Feast Program at ISKCON Brampton.These classes will be focussed on promoting our physical and mental well being.(Please bring your yoga mat)
Please Register here:
Email:rashmis.yoga@facebook.com 
Facebook page:Yoga and Satvic Nutrition with Rashmi
Contacts:416.569.6373 or 905.488.7272
Nutrition Help & Diet Tips

Mother Rashmi Ahuja is offering free one to one consultations and development of Individualized Nutrition Plans on Sundays between 1:30 - 3pm. Please contact (416)569-6373 or (905)488-7272 to book an appointment.

Sunday School

To register,contact us
Email:sundayschool108@gmail.com
Call:647.893.9363

The Sunday School provides fun filled strategies through the medium of music, drama, debates, quizzes and games that present Vedic Culture to children. However the syllabus is also designed to simultaneously teach them to always remember Krishna and never forget Him.
The Sunday School follows the curriculum provided by the Bhaktivedanta College of Education and Culture (BCEC).
 
Please note that ISKCON Brampton is a nut free environment in order to support those with allergies. Your cooperation is appreciated.
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Chant and Be happy!

Tell Me Something About Krishna…
→ Seed of Devotion

Over a year ago, I received a random text message from my friend Balaram:

"Tell me something about Krishna." 

I was taken aback. How often do I get asked that kind of question?? I wanted to just write back, "Um, He's God." But I took some time to deeply reflect, and then I sent him back a meditation.

Over the past year, Balaram and I have taken turns in writing the random text message: Tell me something about Krishna. Usually Balaram will ask me, and it always catches me off guard. Sometimes we share something silly, sometimes something profound.

Some time ago, I asked Balaram to tell me something about Krishna. Several weeks later, he finally responded.


"Krishna is in the rare moments when I truly connect with a person who is also in the pursuit of simultaneously living and understanding what it means to be alive.


That's one thing I can say about Krishna."

I can't help but feel that if you, dear reader, are in the pursuit of living and understanding what it means to be alive, then Krishna is alive and present in this very moment, as you read the words off this screen. I am honored to be in your association. Thank you.

It's your turn: tell me something about Krishna. Or better yet: tell the world something about Krishna.

Subscribe

There Is No Secret
→ Japa Group

“There is no ‘secret’ to japa; it is a struggle. There is no easy shortcut. The secret is to surrender to the struggle. The secret is to be afraid of death and take it as very urgent that you must chant Hare Krishna."

From Japa Reform Notebook
by Satsvarupa dasa Goswami

The time is now
→ KKSBlog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 11 April 2014, Cape Town, South Africa, Lecture at House Program)

srila prabhupada_writingI remember a Vyasa puja offering from Bhurijana, a senior disciple of Srila Prabhupada. He joined in 1968 and then around 40 years later, Bhurijana wrote an offering to Prabhupada. In the offering he wrote, “I do not really have anything to report. I did not really do anything extraordinary this year. I did not distribute many books. The only thing I can say is that I am still here.”

I liked that offering because he made a deep point – 40 years and still here! That is something. There are many who have been around for more than 40 years and are still here. If we are still here that makes all the difference. At the end of the day, we can try to convince the world but are we ourselves convinced?

We have to be convinced; we have to really dedicate ourselves and to give everything we have. It has to come to that, we can take some time to get there, no problem. It is not that we have a burnout program where everyone has to push themselves beyond their limits, but for how long are we going to drag our feet? A few more grey hairs and still dragging our feet! How many years do we have anyway. Actually, what guarantee do we have that we are going to get old so how long can we postpone? This is not only for you – it is for me also. How long can I postpone? So many things I am postponing. How long can I postpone?

I have books I want to finish. I always find a reason why I cannot do it – too busy, too tired, health, this that, always reasons not to finish and I was thinking, “Yeah, but Srila Prabhupada just focused. He just focused.” So if we focus, it will be done. If we focus, so many things will be done. If you really focus then I think so many things become possible! So when will we focus?

Those kinds of thoughts we have and we think, ‘Yeah, but I also want some happiness in this world.’ All right, have some happiness in this world but understand that it is going to be ‘some’. Have a piece of cake with lots of cream, and it is tasty, but then afterwards you have to deal with the thing, you know. Once you have swallowed it, the fun of it is over. Once it has passed the tongue then the fun of the cake is over. It blows up in the stomach like a sponge, ‘That was a heavy cake!’ Oh God, how many heavy cakes is it going to take? How much enjoyment? Have some but it is over in a snap.

‘I want some love.’ Okay have some love in the world. Love, love, love and then it gets down to business. It is not only love but it is also bills, it is also duty, it is also responsibility! There is also maintenance and taking care, and when you do not want to then it is not so romantic at all. Fine have all these things but when are we going to focus on Krsna and on going back to Godhead, and making that a priority? That is the question?

 

July 3rd 2014 Krishna Lounge Kirtan & Talk
→ Krishna Lounge

oldman-kltalk
 
Kirtan lead by Vrndavana dasa:


 
Kirtan lead by Giriraj Gopal dasa:

 
Talk by Giriraj Gopal dasa:


 

Ratha Yatra festival on 29th June 2014 at ISKCON Salem, Tamil Nadu (Album 29 photos)
→ Dandavats.com

Located two hundred kilometers southeast of Bangalore, Salem is home to a very enthusiastic group of ISKCON devotees, mostly young brahmacharis, who have recently relocated to a new property, a three-acre plot of land, just a half kilometer from Periyaar University and the Government Engineering college (which is part of the reason they purchased land in this area). Read more ›