The First 50th
→ NY Times & Bhagavad Gita Sanga/ Sankirtana Das


Next year marks the 50thanniversary of Prabhupada’s arrival  in the West.  This is the time for devotees to develop  projects as an offering for Srila Prabhupada in 2015. Think about some project that you would like to offer to honor Srila Prabhupada for his selfless and untiring efforts to help humankind. There should be hundreds and even thousands of events and projects manifested in 2015.

 IMHO, as ISKCON makes plans for 2016, equal attention should be paid to 2015 commemorating  Prabhupada’s historic journey to the West.  For 2015 I am planning to develop a power point presentation  to take to colleges, churches and various events to share Prabhupada’s story so that people may know of his remarkable contribution to humankind.

In the public eye, the story of individual effort always trumps the story of an organization.  People can certainly make a more visceral connection with Srila Prabhupada since they would be natural inspired by  his struggle against great odds.  (Look at how the world responded to the story of Nelson Mandela) And now especially as baby boomers head into their senior years (myself included), Prabhupada’s accomplishments will seem even greater.

We have to understand the potency of  STORY as way  of winning the hearts of people. STORY is a valuable tool.  This has been my personal experience as a professional storyteller and workshop leader for over 25 years.

And Prabhupada’s is a remarkable story.  He came with practically nothing save for the three volumes of first canto of Srimad Bhagavatam that he had prepared for the West.  He hitched a ride on a freighter, braved a month long voyage and struggled through a New York winter to present an ancient and venerable teaching to the West. And sociologically speaking, he came at a remarkable time when young people in the West were dissatisfied with materialistic culture and rejected the unprecedented wealth and education available to them.  

For 2015, we can each make some special offering. Imagine the impact of thousands, or tens of thousands of devotees all over the world,  sharing  Prabhupada’s story with the general public. 2015

Please visit www.Mahabharata-Project.comabout my new book. 

Huge Rathayatra at Brisbane 07 June 2014 (Album 266 photos)
→ Dandavats.com

Coming from the New Govardhan farm, Lord Jagannath’s chariot pulled down Elizabeth, Creek and Adelaide Streets. Accompanied by sweet kirtan lead by Sri Prahlad Prabhu, we sung and danced our way to the colourful festival at King George Square. Kirtan, drama, boutiques, kids craft activities, face painting and delicious prasadam cooked by Garuda Prabhu were just some of the attractions enjoyed by all. We had the fortune to have the sanga of HH Vedavyasa Priya Swami, HH Ramai Swami and HH Mukunda Gosvami who graced us with their presence. The last Ratha Yatra in the Brisbane CBD was fifteen years ago when the Rath cart was entered as a float in the Warana Parade. However, this June was the first time that the city council closed down some of the main streets in the city just for Lord Jagannath. Read more ›

Radhakunda Seva: May 2014 Photos and Updates (Album 18 photos)
→ Dandavats.com

We are excited to report that, thanks to your contributions, we will be serving evening meals to the widows of Radha Kunda for at least the next couple of months! During these months, we hope to find a few more generous Radha Kunda Bhaktas to join the endeavor so that it can continue long term. Thank you to those who have given already! Please visit http://radharani.com/evening-meals-for-widows/ to contribute to this cause. The daily cleaning seva continues despite the oppressive heat. We are seeking permission to start the previously described (see the April album) renovations and gardening at Sakhi Kunda. Please browse our latest photos and join our efforts by visiting www.radharani.com. Thank you for your support! Your servants, Mayapurcandra dasa and Campakalata Devi dasi. Read more ›

Long-time New Vrindaban Resident achieves Finalist for an Indie Book Award
→ New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit

Sankirtana Das is a disciple of Srila Prabhupada and a 38 year resident of New Vrindaban. He is a sacred storyteller, workshop leader and author of Mahabharata: The Eternal Quest. He was interviewed by Lilasuka Devi Dasi, Communications Director at New Vrindaban on May 11, 2014

mahabharata by sankirtan

Q. Congratulations. So how does it feel that your book was just selected as Finalist for the 2014 Next Generation Indie Book Awards?

A. Well, I have a good, warm feeling about it. On the other hand, I also feel that I didn’t write the book, that somehow, Krishna just let it all fall into place. I’m amazed that all the major elements and personalities of Mahabharata are all there in just 280 pages.

Q. That’s certainly a major feat. Mahabharata is 100,000 slokas. How did you manage to fit it into 280 pages?

A. It took ten years of strategizing on how to piece it all together to make it work. The writing was at times both a joyous and a nerve wracking experience. It’s like a huge puzzle, and every piece had to fit into place. Sometimes I had serious doubts about pulling it off and if it would actually work. I wanted the book to be for college courses, so the text couldn’t be too long. The book is fast-paced. The art of storytelling is to focus on the action and the characters with only minimal description. The idea is to just give enough description to activate the imagination of the reader or listener that they themselves can fill in the scenes. Now that it’s out, the response from scholars and readers has been tremendous.

Q. How did you go about writing the book?

A. I knew bits and pieces of Mahabharata from Prabhupada’s first and tenth canto of Srimad Bhagavatam and from performing scenes from it over the years. But I didn’t know the details of how the whole story unfolded.  I wrote the book, primarily, to get a better understanding of it for myself. So I looked at those chapters from Bhagavatam and also referred to the first complete English translation of Mahabharata written by Mohan Ganguli in 1896.

Q. There have been a number of Mahabharatas in the last few decades. What is the need for another Mahabharata?

A. Several devotees have asked me that. When Lokamangala prabhu and I toured with our two-man drama of Mahabharata, people would sometimes say we should do a movie. That never happened. So my other intention with this book was: what would the Mahabharata look like if I had the chance to make it into a movie. In my rendition of Mahabharata I bring to bear my background in theater, cinema and literature. I wanted to get to the essence of the Mahabharata and offer a very dramatic and cinematic reading experience. A book that is character driven.

Q. I think you’ve accomplished that. Who was your target audience?

A. Mahabharata: The Eternal Quest is meant to help devotees introduce Mahabharata to the public in general, and especially to their college audiences and contacts. I structured Mahabharata to be used in college courses that could easily be studied and enjoyed. Right now many courses are using William Buck’s version.

Q. And what’s the difference between the two?

A. There are many discrepancies in his book. For instance, Yudhuisthira’s Rajasuya sacrifice is totally omitted. It’s a major scene, and so there’s really no motivation for Duryodhan to sink into his profound depression and envy. Buck often departs from the meaning and intention of the original text.

Q. So, what’s the message of your book? You spoke about getting “to the essence.” What do you consider the essence?

A. The essence is Krishna’s intimate relationship with the Pandavas. Also, I wanted to give people a proper understanding of dharma, and to show succinctly that this ancient text is still relevant today. In making Krishna Consciousness available to the public, devotees need to demonstrate its relevancy to today’s issues and concerns. And Srila Prabhupada explains that our philosophy is very relevant on many levels. Mahabharata does all this while telling a fantastic story. It’s for story lovers. So I think my book can be a vital tool.

Q. What advice do you have for writers?

A. Be very organized. It will save you a lot of headaches. I’m speaking from personal experience.

B. When did you begin to think of yourself as a writer?

A. When I was a kid – twelve or thirteen – I was struck by the impact books and movies made on me. I wanted to give that experience to others.

Q. And finally, what projects are you working on?

A. One thing – just promoting Mahabharata takes up a lot of time. And although I have two uncompleted book projects, I want to work on a third which I feel is more important. Also, I plan to do several storytelling CD’s. I’m just about ready with – Brahma’s Song. It’s subtitle is: A Concert of Storytelling, Music and Chants.

Q. And if readers want more info about the book they can go to www.Mahabharata-Project.com Thanks for a great interview.

A. And thank you.

Tuesday, June 3rd, 2014
→ The Walking Monk

Fort Steele, British Columbia 

Of the Day


Images of the day.

·         Loons on the lake at Norbury
·         Ravens encircle the sky while I attempt napping on a gravel mound.
·         Lumber trucks haul just that – lumber.
·         Pickup trucks whiz by.
·         Coal miners speed to work.  So do those to the trout hatcheries. 
·         Nice to me were the road construction crew on the Wardner Steele Road.
·         Beef cattle graze, a calf is milking.
·         Deer stare at me from behind a bush.
·         Fir, pine, spruce, cottonwood trees stand proudly.
·         The alternative route is peaceful, a change.
·         An old man stopped, wondered what I was about.  He grabbed for his teeth so he could talk.
·         Two bikers, Jake and Sigrid, stopped too. Theirs was a journey, a journey towards looking.  Maybe they will find.  Happy to meet them.
·         Today was a treat right to the last minute. 
·         Legs and feet – sore.
·         The road was more steep than usual.
·         More angles work more muscles.
·         A swim at Norbury Lake.  Awesome and great.
·         Relaxing with Karuna’s massage.  Much needed, much.
·         Many mantras I say today on top of everything else. 


Thank you, Paul and Sarah, for putting us up for the night. 

May the Source be with you!

36 KM

Monday, June 2nd, 2014
→ The Walking Monk

Jaffray, British Columbia

Pulling Over

A man pulled over as I was walking on the Crowsnest Pass.  He just came from his nightshift work and asked, “Can I give you a ride?”

Quite routine, as far as my reply is concerned, but with some heart, I mentioned that I can’t accept a lift because my project doesn’t call for that.  I handed him my card with my name and short bio.  On the reverse side is the fully spelled out maha mantra beginning with “Hare Krishna”.  I qualified my role as a monastic person with a portfolio as a walker, a pilgrim, and how I wanted to see more people take care of their physical and spiritual selves.

The man wanted to know where I stay at night, and I let him know that I tent-it-out with a small support team.  He was compelled to reach into his pocket and pull out a twenty dollar donation.  This, I very much appreciated, and let him know that putting energy into this healing-the-heart while-hurting-the-heels is a worthy project. 

It was a rather brief exchange and wonderful.  This kind soul took the opportunity to be of service to others.

In the afternoon I met another man who pulled over, but it was obvious from his questions and gestures that his intentions were not very sattvic or clean.  I relayed to Michael the story and Michael who had also trekked the country mentioned that he had also met those types while on the journey. 

In a more compassionate moment, I managed to pull out a thought in wishing the man well after the incident, and I hoped that he would seek the opportunity for higher tastes in life, namely, the spiritual component.  I chose to reflect on the image that I saw between the exchanges of the two pulling-over people.  I had watched a herd of elk cross the river in the valley.  That was awesome, God’s mercy.  It left me sleeping with good thoughts.

May the Source be with you!

35 KM

Birthday blues
→ KKSBlog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 29 April 2014, Radhadesh, Belgium, Srimad Bhagavatam 6.4.49-50)

birthday-cake2In India, in village life, some people grow up very simple. When you ask them, “How old are you?” they do not know…

Some people do not know their birthday.
“How old are you?”
“25, 26.”
“Are you 25 or are you 26? What is it?”
“25, 26.”
“What do you mean? When is your birthday?”
Silent. No answer. “Date of birth please?”

They do not know. They do not know. They do not know the date, they do not know the year. Can you imagine when you were a child and there was never, “Happy birthday…” (singing)

No “happy birthday” for them. Only Janmastami! (laughing) They never miss Janmastami. We, how many Janmastami’s have we missed but we never miss our own birthday. But they miss their own birthday and not Janmastami. So, they grow up in a totally different way; not so self-centred and not so much ego.

A lot of ego in us and then everything really becomes more important. The more ego you have, the more when somebody sneezes next to you, you go, “Aah, gosh.” It is like this. So we have a lot of ego, especially from the so-called “first world”, then you know, you have a first world passport and it makes the head a little bigger.

 

Do Not Compromise, June 1, Baltimore, Maryland
Giriraj Swami

SPinDC“I looked at our friend with an expression that asked, ‘What is happening here?’ He looked me straight in the eyes and said, ‘I am a devotee of Krishna, and all my family members are devotees of Krishna. My family has worshiped Lord Krishna for many generations. Actually, I was just testing you. And you did not compromise. So I am very pleased, and I will be honored to become your life member.’

“We went back to his office, I took out the forms, he took out his checkbook, and he paid the whole amount in one installment and became a life member.

“Then I was really confused. I started thinking, ‘Well, maybe I haven’t been doing the wrong thing after all’—but I still wasn’t quite sure.

“When I got back to the room where I was staying, there was a letter from Srila Prabhupada. Receiving a letter from Srila Prabhupada was always a great occasion. When I opened the letter, the words practically jumped out of the page: ‘The fact is that I am the only one in India who is openly criticizing, not only impersonalism and demigod worship, but everything that falls short of complete surrender to Krishna.’ Prabhupada’s words continued: ‘My guru maharaja never compromised in his preaching, nor will I, nor should any of my students. We are firmly convinced that Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead and that all others are His part and parcel servants. This we must declare boldly to the whole world, that they should not foolishly dream of world peace unless they are prepared to surrender fully to Krishna as Supreme Lord.’

“So I got my answer from Prabhupada.

“That was Srila Prabhupada’s mood—his guru maharaja’s mood and his mood—and that was the mood he wanted us to have. We don’t compromise in our philosophy.”

Do Not Compromise

Join us for Sunday Feast from 11.00am-2.00pm to hear from His Grace Ananda Caitanya Dasa.
→ ISKCON BRAMPTON



Ananda Caitanya Prabhu joined ISKCON in 1979.  From 1984-89, he printed and distributed Srila Prabhupada books underground in Russian language.  He served as the temple president in the first temple in former USSR, Kaunas city.  He also served as the regional secretary for Volga and West Siberia regions, in Russia.  Since 1998, Ananda Caitanya das has actively been involved preaching in Germany, Switzerland , South Africa and in Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia Lithuania.. 





COMING UP AHEAD
Pandava Nirjala Ekadasi
Fasting..................... on June 9th
                              Breakfast................. on June 10th b/w 5.35am-6.50am
Every fortnight, we observe Ekadasi, a day of prayer and meditation. On this day we fast (completely), and spend extra time reading the scriptures and chanting the auspicious Hare Krishna mantra.

Bhagavad Gita Classes(New Session)
Starting on June 21st,2014

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]

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)
To Register
Email:rashmis.yoga@facebook.com 
Facebook page:Yoga and Satvic Nutrition with Rashmi
Contacts:416.569.6373 or 905.488.7272

Canadian Bus Tour
Young men ages 12 – 19 years, who wish to come on the bus tour, it is starting in early July or late June.  It runs for one month and takes it across Canada from Montreal through to Calgary.  This is the opportunity of a lifetime.As you may know its about  chanting, travelling , visiting our temples, helping with the set up of Ratha Yatra, doing plays, doing  kirtan, doing shows for the Ratha Yatra.

If you have any questions about the Canadian Bus Tour regarding timing, cost etc. here is the information you can refer to:

www.summertrip.org, also you can email boysummertrip@gmail.com or call - Dattatreya-352.213.0136  or Ananta - 352.213.6412.

ON GOING EVERY SUNDAY
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

New Curriculum is starting on June 8th,2014.
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!

Vedic Vaisnava Wedding in Cebu City, Philippines (Album 358 photos)
→ Dandavats.com

Radhavallabha Das with Bhaktin Hezell. The wife of King Puraïjana was lying on the ground because she was neglected by her husband. Actually the woman must always be protected by her husband. We always speak of the goddess of fortune as being placed on the chest of Narayana. In other words, the wife must remain embraced by her husband. Thus she becomes beloved and well protected. Just as one saves his money and places it under his own personal protection, one should similarly protect his wife by his own personal supervision. Just as intelligence is always within the heart, so a beloved chaste wife should always have her place on the chest of a good husband. This is the proper relationship between husband and wife. A wife is therefore called ardhangani, or half of the body. One cannot remain with only one leg, one hand or only one side of the body. He must have two sides. Similarly, according to nature's way, husband and wife should live together. Srimad Bhagavatam 4.26.17 Purport Read more ›