New Vrindaban’s Transcendental Throwback Thursday – 06/19/14
→ New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit

New Vrindaban

New Vrindaban’s Transcendental Throwback Thursday – 06/19/14.

Each week we highlight an earlier era of ISKCON New Vrindaban.

This week’s challenge: There are no people in this photo and we’re looking for answers to when and where. Can you identify the location?

Extra credit: What year do you think it was taken?

What to do: Post your guesses on the “who, what, when, where & why” in the comment section at the New Vrindaban Facebook Page.

Technical stuff: We share a photo Thursday and confirm known details Sunday. Let’s keep it light and have a bit of fun!

Special request: If you have a photo showing New Vrindaban devotees in action, share it with us and we’ll use it in a future posting.

New Vrindaban Daily darsan @ June 10, 2014.
→ New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit

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Srimati Radharani’s maidservants are very beautiful. The vines of their arms and wrists are charmingly decorated with bracelets and armlets. The bells on their sashes and anklets tinkle melodiously. Their jewelled earrings are lovely. Their glistening braided hair is charming and splendid and the flower buds of their breasts are nicely decorated with necklaces of jewels. They have given all their love to their mistress, Sri Radha. In this way please meditate on the golden-complexioned maidservants of Srimati Radharani.

Source : Nectarean Glories of Sri Vrindavana-dhama by Srila Prabodhananda Sarasvati Thakura, Sataka-2, Text-59, Translation.]

Please click here for more photos

Roof Top Rounds
→ Japa Group

"When one is chanting loudly he may be "grinding out" the Holy names at a feverish pitch, but the mind and heart may be a million miles from Krsna.
Loud chanting can be very beneficial, especially when the mind slips into monotony or the ghosts of desire surface from the depths. At times like this a brisk walk in the fresh air, and a few loud "roof top rounds" will help revive one's interest and attention in japa."

From Art of Chanting Hare Krsna
by Mahanidhi Swami

Transcendental Vision
→ KKSBlog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 03 April 2014, Cape Town, South Africa, Evening program lecture)

mayapur_gaurangaJagadananda was a great devotee and he had a very strong individualistic mind. He also had a temper and he had his own ideas of what service he wanted to render. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu was in this world, the Supreme Lord was playing the part of a devotee, now in the dress of a sannyasi, but he was the Supreme Lord without a doubt.

Jagadananda was not going to be bothered with this temporary external feature. He was more interested in the eternal, true nature of the Lord and not what he showed to people here on earth, who are all entangled in their own network of karmic activities.

Although externally Lord Caitanya was acting as a sannyasi, Jagadananda understood the real truth. Therefore he did not follow the principles of sannyasa but offered the Lord a big clay jar with scented oil. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu refused to accept it. He said, “You give this oil to the deities, not to me. What will I do with it?”

Jagadananda became so angry that he took the oil, went to the courtyard of the house and smashed the jar with great force on the ground. It made a loud crash and everyone exclaimed, “What happened? What happened?”

Even Caitanya Mahaprabhu came to see what happened. Jagadananda said, “Nothing happened! Nothing!” and then he went home and started fasting.

He refused to eat, so after some days Caitanya Mahaprabhu sent his servant to Jagadananda and asked him to come and cook. That he did. He cooked and Caitanya Mahaprabhu took some of it and asked Jagadananda to take the remnants. That he did.

So in this way, the devotees of Caitanya Mahaprabhu had transcendental vision. They could see his transcendental nature. It is always like that – that there is a minority that can see. A few can recognize the Supreme Lord. Others do not.

 

The Dust Of Their Feet
→ travelingmonk.com

Tatarstan is a republic in Russia with a large ethnic Muslim population. Known for it’s religious tolerance it is home to many mosques and churches … and one Hare Krsna temple. Devotees have permission to distribute books but are only allowed one harinam a month in downtown Kazan, the capitol. The kirtan party is restricted [...]

Harinama Samkirtan
→ travelingmonk.com

“I surrender to merciful Śrī Caitanya, astonishing in His activities, who revived the world covered with ignorance and made it mad with the abundant nectar of His prema.” [ Govinda Lilamrta, Chapter One, Text Two ] [ Photo: Harinama samkirtan, Kazan, Tatarstan, June 15, 2014 ]

Snana Yatra
→ Mayapur.com

Please view the full gallery: Snana Yatra Pictures Devotees from all over the area came to participate in the annual abhishek our most beloved Lords in their forms as Jagannath, Baladeva, and Subhadra. The festivities started early in the morning with a beautiful darshan of their lordships, and a grand ceremony of bringing Them to Their […]

The post Snana Yatra appeared first on Mayapur.com.

After Ganga, Indian govt to form committee for cleansing of Yamuna river
→ Dandavats.com

New Delhi: Close to the heels of a secretaries-level group to rejuvenate Ganga river, Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti on Tuesday announced a separate committee for cleansing the polluted Yamuna river in Delhi. "We have already formed a group comprising secretaries from the ministries of environment, transport, tourism and water resources to clean up Ganga. Similarly, we would be constituting a committee of officials from the ministries of Urban Development, Rural Development and Central Water Commission to cleanse Yamuna," Bharti told reporters here. Read more ›

Brahmā’s Inexcusable Immorality
→ The Enquirer

Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 3.12.28 ~

 
Maitreya said, “We’ve heard that self-born Brahmā created a daughter, Vāk (the power of speech), whose beauty captivated his mind. Although she had no desire for him, he greatly desired her.”

“We’ve heard” indicates two things. (1) “It has to be said, for the sake of instruction, but I don’t want to say it myself, so I will just tell you what others have said.” (2) We haven’t seen, we’ve only heard, because it occurred in a previous kalpa.
 
There are two improprieties here: (1) The girl is his daughter. (2) She does not consent to the relationship.
 
Brahmā is the father of Veda, and the daughter is the power of speech so naturally he would be infatuated with her. Also, it is not possible for him to be attracted to any woman who is not his daughter, because he is the forefather of all beings.
When Brahmā’s sons noticed that their father’s heart had developed this immoral inclination, Sage Marīci spoke for them, very respectfully restoring Brahmā’s intelligence.

This is an important lesson. When a person in a position of leadership has a problem, we who are junior, inferior, etc. are not to ignore it and pretend that we are not qualified to judge. We must correct even our superiors when they err. But the manner we should use in doing so is also illustrated here — with sufficient respect.
“Powerful Lord,” Marīci submitted, “Never before have you been pushed by uncontrolled sexual desire towards your own daughter. And never again should you, or anyone else, behave in this way. 
 
Now the point that no one is not Brahmā’s daughter would become an issue, so Marīci will admit that Brahmā is in a unique position, but has to set the proper example. Although marriage with his daughter is exemptible for the forefather of all beings, union with an unconsenting partner is not excusable for anyone, therefore Marīci insists that Brahmā must stop and never again behave in this way.
 
“Certainly you are in a unique position. As the forefather of everyone, no woman is not your ‘daughter.’ But still, it is your duty as the guru of the world to set the example of good behavior, for your behavior sets the example that all others will embrace and consider proper and correct. Thus you must not push yourself sexually upon an unconsenting partner. 
 
Now, Marīci will invoke a blessing of the Supreme to help his father correct himself.
 
“Let us offer our respects to the All-Attractive, who is self-causing and whose beautiful luster reflects in all attractive entities. May he kindly protect the morality of our father.”
 
Marīci excellently reminded Brahmā to direct his desire for happiness towards the All-Attractive, for the origin of all attraction, including the attractiveness of Vāk, is in All-Attractive Bhagavān.
 
Hearing his sons speaking like this, the Forefather Brahmā regained his former clear sight. Out of embarrassment and shame, he cast off the body which had fathered all these children. The directions of space took it, and it became known as the terrifying fog of darkness.
 
According to this, the “reason” why space is dark is that it has accepted the blame for Brahmā’s immoral conduct. The dark fog that envelops the directions of space is the remnant of the body of Brahmā which he gave up.
 
This demonstrates that, as in Japanese culture, suicide is a proper atonement for some types of crimes. Brahmā could not fully commit suicide, for the universe would collapse, but he gave up the body that had fathered the children so far, and then manifest a new body.
 
This may be why Vāk later could tolerate the affections of Brahmā enough to accept a distant marriage with him. (He is no longer the same body that fathered her, so her disgust may have been somewhat mitigated).
 
The important lesson from this section is that even great people have problems, and the lesser people are supposed to help correct them, although they should do so respectfully.

 – Vraja Kishor das

www.vrajakishor.com


The Latest Additions to the New Vrindaban Herd
→ New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit

Throughout the winter in New Vrindaban, four new bull calves have joined the herd.

Priya Darshana, chief in soliciting neck scratches

Priya Darshana, chief in soliciting head scratches

 

On Christmas Eve Priya Darshana aka “Priya D”was born to Asha & Dharma. Priya D is a sweet, innocent & goofy calf. He LOVES to have his head scratched endlessly & is known to lick faces & chew on arms.  He’s a gentle, obedient fellow (unless he is drinking milk!) & always goes straight to his mom, Asha when milking time approaches.

All in all Priya D is a big baby that the cowherds think might have part pig or goat in him due to his voracious & indiscriminate appetite. Priya D. has recently graduated & been sent down to Bilvavan (aka the big barn) with his older oxen friend, Pundarik (aka Rico).

 

Amani

Amani hanging out in the calves’ pasture

 

On March 7th, Amani was born to Anjali & Dharma. Amani is quite a character! Unlike Priya D, Amani is a trickster — he’ll do the opposite of what you like him to do on most occasions. He’s learned to relish the nectar of head-scratching from Priya D. Amani will follow you around the pasture, rubbing his head up against your leg until you to surrender to give him the scratching that he’s after. When it’s milking time, he’s always quick to find his mother. He’s a very outgoing calf & from day one has been running & jumping around like a bull. He’s a very sweet, loving & outgoing fellow.

 

Hari Chand & Amani, brothers from another Mother

Hari Chand & Amani, brothers from another Mother

On March 10th, Nandi was born to Laxmi & Hari Chand was born to Anjani.  Laxmi & Anjani came to New Vrindaban on November 11, 2013. That being the case Nandi & Hari Chand’s father are unknown to the Brijabasis as their mothers were pregnant upon them taking shelter at New Vrindaban Dham.

 

Nandi licking his lips in the pasture

Nandi licking his lips in the pasture

Nandi much like his mother is shy & silent. He’s got long, lanky legs & is a little awkward as he’s still growing into his body & figuring out how to use it gracefully. Nonetheless, he’s strong as an ox already! He doesn’t discriminate when drinking milk & will go to whichever cow he can get to first.

Hari Chand, the gentle sage

Hari Chand, the gentle sage

Hari Chand was slow to get started with drinking his mom’s milk. It took him a few days to get the hang of it, but now he’s a pro. Hari Chand is the sage of the group. The cowherds described Hari Chand as the perfect calf as he’s very, well behaved & mellow. Despite he’s sagelike persona, he’s quite strong & will hopefully get the proper training to become a good working ox when he grows up.

 

The four oxen calves hanging out in the pasture

The four oxen calves hanging out in the pasture

As of right now these 3 out of the 4 new Brijabasis are residing at Radha-Vrindaban Chandra’s Goshalla across the street from the temple. Priya D. has been transferred down to Bilvavan & is currently hanging out with Pundarika. We encourage all pilgrims & Brijabasis to come visit these beautiful boys during morning (7am) or evening (6pm) milking times. Please consult the cowherds present before feeding them anything.  Kindly bestow your blessings & prayers upon these fellows that they may be engaged nicely in Krishna’s service throughout their lives.

 

 

 

 

A Reunion of The UK Hare Krishna A-Team From The 1970′s (14 min video)
→ Dandavats.com

14th of June is the Saturday before Sunday's London Rathayatra. Letchmore Heath is a very small village which lies between Radlett and Watford. There is a small village hall situated there which today hosted a get-together with many of the older Hare Krishna devotees who joined and were active in the 1970's. This is the kirtan that took place later in the day. If you are familiar with ISKCON and the Hare Krishna devotees you should recognise some of these famous devotees. It was a very nice afternoon and if you would like to see more I'm uploading photos every day onto FaceBook. So I'll repeat my usual mantra here, if you are sad, bad or just plain mad, chant Hare Krishna and be happy :-) PS. It might take a little time for some of you but don't despair, you'll get there soon. Read more ›

Devotees allowed only one Harinama each month in Tatarstan, Russia (Album 149 photos)
→ Dandavats.com

Indradyumna Swami: Tatarstan is a republic in Russia with a large ethnic Muslim population. Known for it’s religious tolerance it is home to many mosques and churches … and one Hare Krsna temple. Devotees have permission to distribute books but are only allowed one harinam a month in downtown Kazan, the capitol. The kirtan party is restricted to a small area and must not come within 50 meters of a mosque or a church. It was our good fortune to be present for June’s harinam. The devotees were given 3 hours to chant and they gave it everything they had. I take the dust of each and every devotee preaching Krsna consciousness in the lands of Islam upon my head. Read more ›

Jagannath Snan Yatra 2014, ISKCON Kolkata (Album 208 photos)
→ Dandavats.com

Snan Yatra Maha Mahotsav of Iskcon Kolkata. Like every year this festival was celebrated with huge glory. This festival marks the countdown for Rathyatra. 43rd Kolkata Rathyatra is on 29th June, 2014. Srimati Moon Moon Sen and Srimati Shashi Panja were amongst the honourable eminent guests to the grand festival of Snan Yatra. Photography Courtesy: Souvic Das, Avanish Krsna Das Read more ›

Food Workshops
→ Bhakti Lounge - The Heart Of Yoga in Wellington

BL_food_June_web_banner

June 3rd – Whole-foods for Health
You’ll gain confidence and knowledge how you can optimise your health and vitality through a plant-based diet. At this workshop we will look into:
- Where we can get the essential nutrients we all need – without taking pills!
- Common myths about plant-based diets lacking in nutrition and therefore causing fatigue and bad health.
- How to identify the unnecessary and harmful ‘non-food ingredients’ in many foods today.
- Tips how to prepare wholesome meals amidst a busy lifestyle!

June 10th – Plate Power!
We are exposing the secrets of Krishna food!!! In this workshop we will allow the yoga knowledge to reveal how our food choices, the way we prepare and the way we eat all have an impact on other living beings, on the planet and mostly our own consciousness and therefore our experience of life. It’s scientific and amazingly tangibly true!

June 17th – Positivity from Within
How much does modern society affect our lifestyle choices, our conceptions of diet and our body image? This workshop will highlight this and then we will explore knowledge of our blissful true-self identity. We’ll find ways to practically apply this new found positivity in our personal lives and actualize freedom from any negative and limiting conceptions of ourselves.

June 24th – Practice the Magic 6pm-7:15pm
A much desired and asked for cooking class! All this talk is now going to end up on your plate :D as they say the proof is in the pudding! Learn some basic skills to prepare divinely delicious meals, that are totally affordable and easy to make in this hands on workshop!


Our Cancún Trip–Part 1
→ Nityananda Chandra Das' Blog, ISKCON Dallas

Last Friday, the family and I took a nice trip to Cancún, Mexico.   A sweet Gujarati family had asked me if I could officiate their destination wedding in Cancún.  We arrived on Friday night with all the Vedic equipment in our suitcases ready to perform the wedding fire ceremony on Saturday.   We were to take care of all the wedding ceremony which included purchasing flowers for the wedding garlands.  

Uddhava kindly picked us up from the Cancún airport to take us to Gopal’s Vegetarian Restaurant. We were treated to a delicious meal of Mexican prasadam, and then we were off to the late hour flower shops to get ready for our Vedic Oceanside Weddings, or what Mother Kunti likes to call V.O.W. After a swim in the pool the next morning, we went to an organic restaurant seeking something suitable for Vaisnavas to eat.  There were no real supermarkets in the hotel zone so finding food was a little difficult.  Devotees working at the 5 star hotels said that even the more wealthy hotels did not have much to offer for the vegetarian and Hindu community.   After a short trip to Restaurante Natura, we got busy with all the wedding preparations.

The wedding turned out very nicely, and neat things happened during it.  During the wedding, I was playing a bhajan by Krishna Kisor that he performed at the Festival of the Holy Name in Alachua.  The bhajan was playing from a bluetooth speaker, and I would turn it up and down from my iPad while I was doing the arati to the fire.  Then something really cool happened. During the pronouncement of husband and wife, I turned up the kirtan and there was an ecstatic “Nitai Gaura Premanande Hari Hari BOOOOLLLL!! Nitai Gaurapremanande Hari Hariboolll!” Everyone in the audience followed in response.  The surprising thing was that it happened in the bhajan at the perfect time to complement the wedding.

In addition to the wedding, we were also asked by the local devotees of Cancún to do the foundation laying ceremony for the new upcoming temple at their farm community.   After getting all the details from Dallas temple President Nityananda Prabhu, the devotees decided to postpone the ceremony until they had the proper items for the ceremony.  However, they did invite us on a trip to visit the farm for kirtan and prasadam.   They are in the process of building a grand temple there. The farm has peacocks, and they grow okra as well. The prasadam was wonderful. They even had a swimming pool!  During the ride back, we were pleasantly surprised to see the well-attended open air churches from which we could hear devotional songs wafting into the air through the traffic of the night.

 

to be continued….