Thursday, March 20th, 2014
→ The Walking Monk

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Shoe Guru

I’m not a shopper, but sometimes you have to…  In my possession I have summer Crocs and winter snow boots.  There is nothing that is appropriate for the seasons in between, so I decide I have to secure something for the feet.
 
It’s spring today, officially, but not in reality.  Colossal snow sculptures, remnants from the recent Voyagers Festival, still adorn some of the medians at city boulevards.  They are impressive.  Still, it’s winter.
 
To address my need the generous Daruka, my benevolent support person throughout this recent cross-country walk, drove me to Canadian Footwear Limited on Adelaide Street.  Billy was the name of the clerk dealing with us.  He was terrific and did a super job.  He sold me a pair of Gortex hiking shoes.  I did joke with him,” I was initially thinking along the lines of getting flippers,” considering the pools of water being formed outside, a result of the snow’s thaw.  He was inquisitive about the order I belong to.  My robes usually hit people’s curiosity button.  His presumption was that I was Buddhist. 

“Krishna!”  I said, “Hare Krishna!  Origins – India.”

Pleasantly he asked, “What brought you to this?” 

And I responded by explaining my thirst for simplicity of life.  He asked about my fourth time walking the country, and I explained, “To promote pilgrimage.”  But more so, I remained attentive to getting the shoes I needed and to achieving the best buy for the best product.   Billy was also focused on the sale and the product.  I continued the conversation.  “In my youthful days of quest, I listened to the Beatles.  They went to India, they went spiritual.”

“Oh yeah, the sitar and all that,” Billy recalled.  Billy was smooth as ice.  A super sales person.  He’s like a shoe guru. 

Now, for the test on my shoes.  Doug, a friend also with us, who put in half towards the purchase, took a stroll with me through the business district of town.  What a slush world it is.  My new booties held out, and I thank Krishna for seeing to it that I had provisions for my tootsies.  Hare Krishna.

May the Source be with you.

5 KM

 Billy at Canadian Footwear in Winnipeg helps the Walking Monks buy a new pair of shoes

 Snow Sculptures in Winnipeg

Snow Sculptures in Winnipeg

Wednesday, March 19th, 2014
→ The Walking Monk

Winnipeg, Manitoba
Up-Cycling

It sounds a little bit like celebrating reincarnation.  The term ‘up-cycling’ is used when rejected matter is turned into something practical.  We are talking about scrap items, old building material, broken down furniture, parquet floor pieces and such.  It is all reinvented in a useful way as stunning art forms.  So, matter that would normally be destined for the landfill, now has value. 

I was a fortunate one to be there for the ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of a shop called “The Scrap Came Back” located on Saint Anne’s Road where on shelf display and for sale there were unique one of a kind art pieces made of various what would be rejected materials.  Fred Penner, the renowned children’s entertainer, who became popular for his song, “The Cat Came Back”, was there to snip with scissors, the ribbon, marking the opening of some real nifty art work ranging from ornamental pieces to birdhouses, all assembled by disabled citizens. 

It was a pleasure to meet some of the artists as well as Karen Fonseth Schlossburg, representing DASCH, which stands for Direct Action in Support of Community Homes, the legal entity behind the project.  The sale of items goes to support these worthy folks of disability.  Thus far, DASCH has built 55 home to accommodate such folks. 

I also met Carol, who recently returned from Pune, India, for a yoga upgrade.  And me, being a bhakti yoga instructor, allowed for us to share a lot in common.  But believe me, I was the only monk at the party, and was happy to be wedged into an art crowd and their supporters. 

In practice and in spirit, this art community lives by the slogan, “Re-purposed, re-imagined, recycled, and fair trade”.  Sounds much like the transmigration of the soul. 

To live up to my claim as a bhakti yoga instructor, I put this into practice in the evening, but at another location.  Leading kirtan, discussions in devotion, and carob flavoured goodies embellished our night. 

May the Source be with you!
0 KM

 Fred Penner cuts ribbon at The Scrap Came Back Store in Winnipeg

 
Bhaktimarga Swami at ribbon cutting ceremony

Searching for signs
→ KKSBlog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 28 December 2013, Mayapur, India, Srimad Bhagavatam 5.10.24)

One journalist came to Srila Prabhupada. He had done some homework. He said to Srila Prabhupada that he heard that the pure devotee always represents Krsna and acts according to Krsna’s will.

So he asked, ”How does the pure devotee know Krsna’s will?” Then Rameshwar, who was a sannyasi, volunteered an answer. He said, “He knows it because Krsna reveals it all within the heart”.
Prabhupada said, “No. Not like that. When I wanna know what Krsna wants, I just ask him”.

So that kind of connection with Krsna, being so close, so direct that Krsna is so present whenever you want, that is another level.

fallen flowerIt is different from praying to Krsna and saying, “Please, give me a sign?” And a flower fell! A flower fell! Yes, that is different,

“I had this amazing dream!”

“Ah, that’s nothing! I had more than a dream. I had a vision in broad daylight!”

Amazing, grace. Amazing mercy. Moments of mercy. Krsna says, “Yes, take a crumb. Here, take a crumb of mercy. Yes, take some inspiration. Yes, I’ll give you an experience. Yes, take it. I’ll give you, I’ll drop a flower for you. Yes, no problem. You’ll hear a voice, yes”. All these things may be there but that is mercy, absolutely. Krsna makes so many arrangements for us. But ultimately, this mercy of Krsna is not yet fully available because our impurities are blocking us access to that mercy.

naham prakasah sarvasya
yoga-maya-samavritah (Bhagavad-gita 7.25)
 

Krsna covers himself, becomes covered. So that covering is still there and that is the problem, that Krsna remains always covered even if a little bit of mercy comes our way but as for Prabhupada, Krsna was always accessible.

Join us for Sunday Feast — 11.00am-2.00pm
→ ISKCON BRAMPTON


Sunday Love Feast

When?
Sunday, March 23rd
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
 Bhagavad-gita As It Is 9.34
 
man-mana bhava mad-bhakto
mad-yaji mam namaskuru
mam evaisyasi yuktvaivam
atmanam mat-parayanah
TRANSLATION
Engage your mind always in thinking of Me, become My devotee, offer obeisances to Me and worship Me. Being completely absorbed in Me, surely you will come to Me.
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
Papamocani Ekadasi
Fasting on Wed March 26th,2014
Dvadasi/Breakfasti on Thu March 27th,2014 b/w 7.08-11.18(am)
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.
Youth Program
On April 5th,2014 @ 12.00pm
Brampton's youth program is back. Everyone is welcomed to come and participate.This program is being fcilitated by Bhaktin Samita Sarkar.The main focus of this program is Harinama Sankirtan and to learn the instruments used for this purpose.


Ramanavami[Appearance Day of Lord Ramacandra]
On April 8th,2014 @ 7.00 pm
Fasting till sunset
If you'd like to help with this event,please ask Prema Gaurangi Devi Dasi how.
To sponsor/finance this event contact Krsna Smaran Devi Dasi in person or via kavitabalram@yahoo.com.
Details of the program will be posted shortly.  
ON GOING EVERY SATURDAY        
Bhagavad-Gita Classes 
Join Bhagavad Gita Course with His Grace Vaisnava Dasa from 9.00am-12.00pm and get certified from Bhaktivedanta College at the completion of this course towards Bhakti Sastri Degree. To register please contact Vaisnava Dasa Prabhu in person or via email[vaishnavadas@icloud.com]
ON GOING EVERY SUNDAY
Govinda'sNatural Foods Snack Bar
Govinda's has always been a giver of love and friendliness, food with a home cooked feel, Check out this Sunday your own Govinda’s Snack Bar at ISKCON Brampton for dine in or take out. This snackbar definitely has the best selection of cruelty-free eats with a bang for your buck.
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
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!

Flying Solo
→ Tattva - See inside out

It’s a brave and bold step to strive for purity in a world of degradation, to embrace simplicity amongst rampant materialism, and to cultivate selflessness in an atmosphere surcharged with exploitation. Anyone who cuts against the grain will face temptation, doubt, ridicule and moments of weakness. Without the encouragement, support and good advice of spiritual friends how can one continue? We can’t do it alone.

Yet the Bhagavad-gita repeatedly highlights the transitory nature of life: the body changes, fortunes change, people change, and ultimately, relationships change. Individuals, even spiritualists, come in and out of our lives. Thus, while drawing inspiration from others, we must learn to stand on our own two feet. Camaraderie is essential, but there is a simultaneous need for self-sufficiency – even if everyone disappears, one must have the tenacity to continue. This deep conviction and individual strength is an essential element of spiritual success, which actually allows us to contribute more when we do come together in spiritual circles.

Etymologically, the word ‘guru’ means ‘heavy.’ The great saint Bhaktisiddhanta gives an interesting illumination: spiritual preceptors are so heavy that they cannot be budged from their spiritual resolve. Come what may, hell or high water, challenges and changes, their determination remains steadfast and unaffected. Our individual connection with God must become substantial and meaningful, strong enough to carry us through this turbulent world. Then, the inevitable chaos of life becomes simply background noise in our resolute internal journey towards purity.

With the kind help of the saintly, always feeling grateful for and dependent on their good wishes, we must learn to fly our own plane.

Reaching Our Destination
→ travelingmonk.com

Yesterday we reached Kagbeni, our final destination on the Kali Gandhaki river. Tibet is only a few hours away. Kagbeni is over 9,000 feet above sea level so there is little, if any, vegetation or trees. Upon arriving in the village we began preparations to immerse Bimal Prasad’s ashes in the river the next morning.

Am I anti-iskcon? Or can we hold different views?
→ simple thoughts

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So several months ago it was highlighted that some felt my blog postings were anti-iskcon an interesting notation coming from a closed conversation were I was not given even a trial or right to reply.
interesting given my blog and social media outlets allow the right to reply and although i may not agree with the individuals point of view that this is alright indeed to disagree but still get on is not always a bad thing.
it does however highlighted the sensitivity when it comes to social media and commets whilst revealing the mind of some of the readers and so I want to clarify a few points.
1) This is a personal blog it is representitive of my mind and my own faulty understandings
2) You do have a right to reply and we can agree to disagree or hold views that are diverse this is healthy and productive
3) I do like the concept of mentorship but not in it’s current form
4) I do like and agree with some of the precepts of what is now called Krishna west (we need many valid paths to make the whole world Krishna conscious)
5) Yes I do make mistakes and get things wrong.

However I take exception at being labled anti-iskcon for even in my working life outside of Iskcon I don’t have to agree with my boss unless we are saying that no one can hold or say anything unless they agree or toe a party line.

So ending on a question, is disagreeing an anti-iskcon traight?

Ramayana Collection to Open at Villa Vrindavan Museum
→ ISKCON News

On Friday July 11th, the second floor of the Museum of Spiritual Art (MOSA) in Villa Vrindavana, Italy will be completed and receive an internal opening ceremony attended by devotees. The museum is the second branch of MOSA in ISKCON, modeled after the original in Radhadesh, Belgium. It is located in the most historic part of Villa Vrindavana’s Villa, dating back to the 16th century.

Green Revolution at ISKCON’s Headquarters
→ ISKCON News

Guests staying at Mayapur's largest and new guesthouse, Ishodyan, had the privilege of having their morning shower with hot water heated by solar power. Due to the new “Green Revolution”, it is not long before residents and visitors see ISKCON Mayapur transforming into being a truly sustainable Krishna-community. 

Harinam at Beau Bassin, Mauritius (Album 85 photos)
→ Dandavats.com

Our weekly Wednesday evening harinam party started in 1996 and has been going strong since. The party organisers locate the routes so that each year all towns, villages and streets of Mauritius will have had the opportunity to join in the jubilant chanting of Hare Krishna. On the Sunday evening prior to the harinam, a team of devotees goes to the village where the next harinam will be held to invite the inhabitants of the area to the event. They also collect donations for prasadam distribution during the harinam and a feast at the end of the procession. Read more ›

New Vrindaban Greets Sally Aggarwal
→ ISKCON News

One elderly American lady and two younger ladies wandered into the lobby of Sri Sri Radha Vrindabanchandra temple the afternoon of Thurs. March 13, 2014. “Rhis is my mother, Sally Aggarwal!" a younger one says. "She sponsored Srila Prabhupada on the Jaladuta from India in 1965!” she proudly declared.

Lord Gauranga Ki Jai !!
→ TKG Academy

Mother Nrtya kishori says”For Gaura Purnima My little ones absorbed themselves the last couple of weeks in meditation on Lord Caitanya and His transcendental pastimes. We read stories about the thieves who try to steal His jewels, the Brahmana who tried to make an offering but was “interrupted” by little Nimai repeatedly, and several others. Then, spontaneously, the students made play-dough preparations to be offered to Lord Caitanya”.
Our class worked on a poster for the third verse of the Siksastakam. We discussed the meaning of humility, tolerance and respect and how we may be able to apply it in our daily lives and in dealings with each other. Then those little hands squeezed little pieces of green tissue paper to glue as leaves on our tolerant tree, made green brush strokes for our humble grass and carefully traced the words of the verse.

More than one million watch live in the TV the Boat Festival at Iskcon’s Krishna Balaram Mandir in Vrindavan Dham!
→ Dandavats.com

The Iskcon Temple of Vrindavana, Krishna Balarama Mandir, has its own live broadcasting facility on their http://vrindavan.tv/ website where they have two channels trasmitting 24/7 in different video qualities to fit everybody's internet speed connection. In addition to this their stream from this year's Boat Festival, occured today, was simultaneously picked and redistributed by the DishaTV cable television which has a vast audience as also by other national networks! This resulted to a fenomenal crowd watching simultaneously that superated the 1.000.000 number according to their facebook page announcement Read more ›

Overview of Gaura Purnima Festivities
→ Mayapur.com

Please view the following galleries: Darshan Abhishek Boat Festival Ganga Puja Ratha Yatra Hati Procession Maha-Abhishek Kirtan Mela This year we had a wonderful Gaura Purnima Festival that was unmatched like any previous years. Each year more and more devotees are coming for the festivities, and we are becoming more prepared. We had our newest guesthouse […]

The post Overview of Gaura Purnima Festivities appeared first on Mayapur.com.