Giriraj Swami and Tamal Krishna Goswami’s brother and sister-in-law, Kalachandji das and Sraddhanjali dasi, shared memories and realizations of Tamal Krishna Goswami Maharaja via Skype with devotees in Israel.
“My understanding is that like everything else he did his entering academia was not out of a personal preference but out of what he saw as necessary for his service to Srila Prabhupada. And we can see that in the result of his dissertation, which is totally a glorification of Srila Prabhupada. I had been in academia for many years already, but it was like I was the tortoise and he shot ahead of me as the hare. But actually it was a great austerity for him as well. Although he loved to have his intellect engaged in many ways and he saw how he could use the university and academia to preach Krishna consciousness, it was not academia or the university in itself that appealed to him. When he first arrived there he was very excited to be engaged in that way. His letters from when he first arrived in Cambridge are full of excitement, exuberance, and energy. But his letters from shortly before he went to Mayapur are a very different tone. They express much more the austerities involved in that enterprise. He was known as such a strong and heavy guru, but I think by nature he was very much a man of the heart—very soft and loving. But to be a spiritual master required great strength. Engaging that aspect of his personality was as much a service as it defined his personality.”
Toronto's Hare Krishna Center is participating in the 21st Annual Astaprahar (24 Hour Kirtan) on June, 21-22nd 2014. The 24 Hour Kirtan is taking place from 10:00am on Saturday, June 21st to 10:00am on Sunday, June 22nd, 2014. The event is being held at the Tagore Centre (140 Millwick Dr. Toronto, ON M9L 1Y6). For more information please see the event flyer below:
With summer in full swing, the excitement surrounding the 42nd Annual Festival of India (Ratha-Yatra) is growing as each day passes!
The Festival of India has always relied on the power of volunteer efforts to make it the amazing success that it is today. Volunteering also means meeting incredible, new people while helping to make one of Toronto’s most astonishing summer events a reality. Whether posting flyers and posters across the city or helping on the days of the festival itself, the heart and soul of the Festival of India are the volunteers who make it happen!
Join our enthusiastic and energetic team and be part of the Festival of India family!
To sign up and register to be a volunteer, please click here and you will be directed to our online form. Once you have signed up, one of our friendly Volunteer Coordinators will be in touch.
For all general questions and/or concerns, please feel free to contact: Volunteer Coordination Team Festival of India (Toronto) 1-888-535-3378 ex: 52 volunteers@festivalofindia.ca
Stay tuned for more exciting information about the festivities leading up to Festival of India!
In the heart of the Belgian Ardennes, near Durbuy, lies the fairytale castle of Petite Somme. The castle has a long history which now houses the spiritual community, Radhadesh Ardennes. The new residents have thoroughly restored the castle and transformed it into a true spiritual oasis where you can explore the colorful culture of the Indian traditions. The castle is now one of the main attractions of the Ardennes and is open to visitors every day. Read more ›
Krisnakert Balamodaka Das: A few days ago I managed to guide troop movements above Krishna-Valley. This is my dear friend Kántás Andor and thanks to his courtesy this aerial footage has become a reality. We thank him for the kind offer! Read more ›
A healthy diabetes plan together with exercise, and fruits with high vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are effective at managing blood sugar to help those with diabetes.
" I have given you everything, so read and speak from the books and so many new lights will come out. We have got so many books, so if we go on preaching from them for the next 1,000 years, there is enough stock. Just like we have spent one day discussing one sloka, so you introduce this system in all of the temples, and very quickly the devotees will make spiritual progress by getting knowledge." Read more ›
Sharing our experiences in our search for bhakti and the practice of bhakti enables us to tap a hitherto untapped opportunity to share Krishna consciousness opened by post-modernism.
Novosibirsk is the third most populous city in Russia after Moscow and St. Petersburg and the most populous city in Asian Russia, with a population of 1,523,801. Read more ›
Fran was struggling up the summit with her bicycle which was weighed down with her goods, namely her tent, sleeping gear, clothes and food, which were equally balanced on either side of her conveyance. Her one third of the way up the mountain and my two thirds of the way down at a road’s switchback, became the meeting point, a spot ideal to stop and take a few breaths. We naturally had something to share about the glories of road travel, and as we did so, the strong scent of sage was ever present, enhancing the already pleasant sensation of overlooking the Okanagan Valley at the city of Osoyoos.
Happy trails, friend!
Down at the Osoyoos Beach, where Karuna was waiting for our ritual wraps in the morning, I also met Keith Lacey of the ‘Osoyoos Times’. Both he, and then minutes later, Brian Highly, of Okanagan Times, raised great questions about the walk. Hey, here we also met the local pot dealer. No, he didn’t even bother to try to sell us weed, we’re monks, right?
The real high power time of the day was a trip up to Kelowna. The stay over at Karuna Shakti and Aaron’s place, and then the program arranged at the Italian Cultural Centre. The hall is not large, but it did accommodate 50 plus. Just imagine a snug group of kirtan lovers who came to indulge in chants and dance after a brief “Tales From Trails”. I witnessed this enthusiastic group. There were no shy folks, no transcendental wall flowers. All was good. Also, our bhakti books, music CD’s and meditation mala beads sold very well. This is also a barometre that gauges the interest of devotion in a location.
A restaurant in Nairobi is subsidizing its sanctified vegetarian food, or prasadam, so that it’s affordable for low-income workers, while at the same time developing an ambitious plan for large-scale free prasadam distribution. Located on the ground floor of the Golok Dham building at ISKCON Nairobi, the Jagannath restaurant projects a warm and welcome vibe even before you enter.
During my walking break time, I converged with my backup team in Rock Creek Trading Post. We met Steven, a former TM teacher from Toronto, who came up to us to sing the ancient song in Sanskrit, "Govindam adi purusham tam aham bhajami..."This means, “Oh Creator, I consider You totally awesome, for You are the original person.” This is a popular song sung in Krishna temples all over the world, and Steven happens to know it. Amazing how when and where you meet the most ordinary but special people.
Today I also met Derek, Jared and Kim, all of Bridesville. And even though perception may have it that we are looking at just ordinary people, because they reached out and offered to help me by proposing a ride or giving directions, I considered them extraordinary. Also, along the walk, I met a Dutch couple who pulled over their RV (recreational vehicle) and wondered if I was the monk they read about in the Creston News. Right they were. He is from Holland and she, from Surinam. What a fabulous gesture it was of them to invite me into their mobile home in sheltering me from the rain for a time.
My last installment of walking permitted me to meet cyclist, Mark, from Ireland. What an upbeat fellow he is. His journey, like many who traverse the vast track of land, happens to end up being one of pursuing self discovery. It’s not what he initially anticipated. He admitted about his trip, “I’m learning a lot about me. It’s meditative.”
Usually there’s a railway line that parallels the road. There may also be a creek running along, or a river. In today’s case it is Kettle Creek. We also have the Trans Canada Trail which I’ve been tempted to trek from time-to-time. That path is practically visible from the road’s view, Hwy 3 or the Crows Nest Pass. I also happened to be walking close to another line, the invisible 49th parallel that separates the U.S. and Canada in the western section of North America.
Despite the various divides and lines that man has created, our wildlife just doesn’t understand our grids. As I was leaving Greenwood I saw a large moose leap a fence, cross the highway, and then occupy ground on a grassy mountain slope.
Motorists stopped to flick their cameras at the majestic creature. The moose, apparently, was not alone. It turns out she’s a mother and her two calves were left on the other side of the road and fence. She boldly crossed the road once again to unite with her young. Somehow, instinctively she leapt the fence once again quite close to my spot of standing.
The two adorable calves just couldn’t make the leap their mother made. They were once again separated by fence, road, traffic, and ditch. It was a real drama when she leapt back leaving her kids confused and she disappeared beyond the trees.
I and a number of motorists stood in awe seeing the interaction of kids and mum in a natural adventure. How absolutely heart-warming it was at that pivotal moment when the two calves ran to their parent in a most anxious mode.
Love is a powerful thing. It is especially powerful when it takes Absolute status. And speaking of love I want to offer my congratulations to all the dads of this world on this Father’s Day. My reflection goes to my own father who is deceased but was a great dad.
On the weekend of Friday June 6th to Sunday June 8th, around 500 yoga practioners from Tuscany and beyond attended a yoga festival with a difference: the third annual Bhakti Festival at Villa Vrindavana, Italy. The festival was established in 2012 by ISKCON Villa Vrindavana and Yogendra, leader of the Samadhi yoga school in Florence
Let’s increase, expand and push the boundaries. This is where we experience the divine presence first-hand. After all, ‘impossible,’ Bhaktivedanta Swami said, is only found in a fool’s dictionary.
The festival of Fiji was organised by disciples of HH Tamal Krsna Maharaja and was attended by hundreds of devotees from different countries of the world.
It started at Suva temple where devotees gathered to hear lectures, attend arotis and celebrate the Vyasapuja of Srila Gurudeva.
There were also big harinama processions through the streets of Suva and prasadam was served, “picnic” style in parks afterwards.
Mahavishnu Swami Kirtan at London Ratha Yatra - 15 June 2014Mahavishnu Swami singing at the London Ratha Yatra Chariot Festival of Lord Jagannatha. 15 June 2014. Continue reading →
The Carpathian Mountains or Carpathians are a range of mountains forming an arc roughly 1,500 km long across Central and Eastern Europe, making them the second-longest mountain range in Europe. "The holy name of Krishna is transcendentally blissful. It bestows all spiritual benedictions, for it is Krishna Himself, the reservoir of all pleasure. Krishna’s name is complete, and it is the form of all transcendental mellows. It is not a material name under any condition, and it is no less powerful than Krishna Himself. Since Krishna’s name is not contaminated by the material qualities, there is no question of its being involved with maya. Krishna’s name is always liberated and spiritual; it is never conditioned by the laws of material nature. This is because the name of Krishna and Krishna Himself are identical.’ Padma Purana " Read more ›
1966 June 20 : "Tritiya. One artist has drawn a picture of Sri Sri Radha Krishna. So I have hung over the present Lord Chaitanya's picture. It is looking nice. There was meeting: 16 persons attended and the contribution was $9.00, book collection $1.25." Prabhupada Journal :: 1966
1968 June 20: "Your simplicity is a great asset for Krishna Consciousness. Krishna is very kind to the meek and simple. Better to remain dull and simple as you are, and thus make advancement in Krishna Consciousness." Prabhupada Letters :: 1968
1968 June 20: "This is very good opportunity that your mind, hand, and attention are all absorbed in Krishna samadhi, and tongue chanting Hare Krishna. This is first class samadhi, and the highest position of the greatest yogis." Prabhupada Letters :: 1968
1972 June 20: "We have got enough followers, let us train them up perfectly. Unless all of my students become very much fixed up in their spiritual progress, what is the use of so many programs for expansion?" Prabhupada Letters :: 1972
1972 June 20: "If we are able to make a whole generation of our children into fine Krsna Conscious preachers, that will be the glory of our movement. But if we neglect or if we lose even one Vaisnava - that is very great loss." Prabhupada Letters :: 1972
1975 June 20: "It is my habit to see that money is not being squandered. We are collecting with great effort, if money is spent unnecessarily, I feel very badly. Now I am very much doubtful. I think there has been some cheating." Prabhupada Letters :: 1975
1975 June 20: "Yes, I shall arrange to pay. Don't worry. This I have already said. Why are you speaking of a loan when you have already taken two lakhs from the Book Fund? What do you mean that you want another loan?" Prabhupada Letters :: 1975
1975 June 20: "My mission started by selling my books, and still whatever money we are getting it is coming from selling my books. You simply have to apply your brain to selling my books - then you will have plenty of money." Prabhupada Letters :: 1975
On Sunday 15 June, London's most famous landmarks were brought to life in a dazzling display of sound, music and colour, as thousands of devotees came to the streets of London's West End to celebrate the 46th annual Rathayatra festival. Three chariots began their journey in Hyde Park and were pulled by hand to greet a huge gathering of devotees, visitors and tourists in the city's iconic Trafalgar Square.
Please share your realisations with other devotees from around the world...simply send me an introduction message and I will be happy to make you a member:
Giriraj Swami and Tamal Krishna Goswami’s brother and sister-in-law, Kalachandji das and Sraddhanjali dasi, shared memories and realizations of Tamal Krishna Goswami Maharaja via Skype with devotees in Israel.
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in honor of Tamal Krishna Goswami 
Prasadam cooking live demonstration. 
With Bhakti Dhira Damodar Swami. 
In the heart of the Belgian Ardennes, near Durbuy, lies the fairytale castle of Petite Somme. The castle has a long history which now houses the spiritual community, Radhadesh Ardennes. The new residents have thoroughly restored the castle and transformed it into a true spiritual oasis where you can explore the colorful culture of the Indian traditions. The castle is now one of the main attractions of the Ardennes and is open to visitors every day. 
Krisnakert Balamodaka Das: A few days ago I managed to guide troop movements above Krishna-Valley. This is my dear friend Kántás Andor and thanks to his courtesy this aerial footage has become a reality. We thank him for the kind offer! 
" I have given you everything, so read and speak from the books and so many new lights will come out. We have got so many books, so if we go on preaching from them for the next 1,000 years, there is enough stock. Just like we have spent one day discussing one sloka, so you introduce this system in all of the temples, and very quickly the devotees will make spiritual progress by getting knowledge." 
Novosibirsk is the third most populous city in Russia after Moscow and St. Petersburg and the most populous city in Asian Russia, with a population of 1,523,801. 
Something useful to learn today :-) 
The Carpathian Mountains or Carpathians are a range of mountains forming an arc roughly 1,500 km long across Central and Eastern Europe, making them the second-longest mountain range in Europe. "The holy name of Krishna is transcendentally blissful. It bestows all spiritual benedictions, for it is Krishna Himself, the reservoir of all pleasure. Krishna’s name is complete, and it is the form of all transcendental mellows. It is not a material name under any condition, and it is no less powerful than Krishna Himself. Since Krishna’s name is not contaminated by the material qualities, there is no question of its being involved with maya. Krishna’s name is always liberated and spiritual; it is never conditioned by the laws of material nature. This is because the name of Krishna and Krishna Himself are identical.’ Padma Purana " 
