Planet ISKCON

1972 June 19: "Now we have got so many students and so many temples but I am fearful that if we expand too much in this way that we shall become weakened and gradually the whole thing will become lost."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972

1972 June 19: "Just like milk. We may thin it more and more with water for cheating the customer, but in the end it will cease to be any longer milk. Better to boil the milk now very vigorously and make it thick and sweet, that is the best process."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972

1972 June 19: "You must encourage the students to read our books as much as possible. Let us concentrate on training our devotees very thoroughly by discussing always and in so many ways instruct them in the right understanding."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972

1974 June 19: "A difficulty has arisen in that we have not yet received visa permission from the Australian government. Do not go outside of India. I want to discuss on some important subject matter and want to meet you."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1974

As the soccer world cup fever heats up, an African soccer star visits an elephant orphanage in Nairobi, Kenya, to help draw attention to the importance of saving wild life in Africa.

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 ›

As the soccer world cup fever heats up, an African soccer star visits an elephant orphanage in Nairobi, Kenya, to help draw attention to the importance of saving wild life in Africa.

A video from Govinda Vision with a team of devotees: Alex Pashuk, Julia Pashuk, Pandu Das, Vaikuntha Priya Devi Dasi, Anastasia Remizova, Vaninatha Vasu Das, and Brahmacharis from ISKCON Minsk.

This video is about the 2013 devastating floods in Uttarakand, India, caused by uncontrolled dam-building, mountainside destruction, and other irresponsible human activities. To help their investigation, the film has been presented to the Supreme Court of India.

His Holiness Tamal Krishna Goswami Maharaja, ISKCON Governing Body Commissioner and initiating spiritual master, was accepted as a disciple by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in 1968. He quickly emerged as a leader in ISKCON, establishing temples around the world. As one of Srila Prabhupada's most trusted disciples, he also worked closely with Srila Prabhupada as his personal secretary. Read more ›

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 snan vedi, or bathing ground. Our pujaris, headed by HG Jananivas Prabhu, offered the first abhishek, of various substances such as milk, ghee, honey, yogurt, juices, and water. After the initial abhishek was started all of the devotees that had gathered in a long line came to give their offering of abhishek. The bathing continued for the next four hours or so, until the time came for the final shower. Read more ›

With Sivarama Swami. Read more ›

With Bhakti Chaitanya Swami. Read more ›

sadhu sanga retreat north carolina 2014 day 1 acyuta gopi

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.

Listen audio...

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

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

"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

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

Jagadananda 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.

 

SB 10.27.18-23 Govardhan Hill and the Cows, Durban, South Africa.mp3

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 [...]

“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 ]

San Antonio Village, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines. Read more ›

1968 June 18: "You should know that you are always with me. Because you are sincere servitor of Krishna and following my direction sincerely, so you are always with me. In future I shall try to keep you in my association."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1968

1969 June 18: "Rest assured this Sankirtana Movement is specifically benedicted by Lord Caitanya for achieving all kinds of success. Stick to the principles seriously and faithfully, and there will be no difficulty."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1969

1970 June 18: "Rathayatra day feast should consist of bhuni kitchari which you make by first frying the dahl and rice in ghee. Other preparations may be a fruit salad, sweet rice, puris, a chutney, and a vegetable which is neither wet nor dry."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1970

Friday’s talk in Istanbul.

The post Making yoga into a lifestyle starting with cleanliness and eating habits (Part 2) appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

1973 June 18: "You have asked what is meant by illicit sex. Sex should be used only in marriage for begetting nice children to raise in Krsna Consciousness. Sex life for any other purpose means illicit sex."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1973

1974 June 18: "You are traveling widely and managing many projects. Krsna will give you stamina and intelligence provided you are sincere and remain strong spiritually by following the regulative principles."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1974

1974 June 18: "I am always eager to hear that Gurukula is going well so be very vigilant that this program is just to the standard as I introduced it. There is no more important school in the world."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1974

1974 June 18: "You have very carefully considered the candidates and had several interviews. I am especially concerned that second initiation not be taken cheaply and devotees who do not even rise early be recommended for brahmana."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1974

1975 June 18: "Biological evolution is taking place on account of the soul's desire. It takes place because of infection. By the desire of the living entity, he becomes infected with a certain disease or material body. Krishna Consciousness is the vaccine for all such diseases."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1975

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.

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 ›

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.”

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.

“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. 

“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. 

“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.”

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.

 – Vraja Kishor das

www.vrajakishor.com

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

 

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).

 

 

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.

 

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 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 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.

 

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.

 

 

 

 

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 ›

43rd Kolkata Rathyatra 29 June - 7 July 2014. A masterpiece trailer video from Govinda Vision with a team of devotees: Alex Pashuk, Julia Pashuk, Pandu Das, Vaikuntha Priya Devi Dasi ,Anastasia Remizova, Vaninatha Vasu Das, and Brahmacharis from Iskcon Minsk. Our heartfelt thanks to the team. Read more ›