Planet ISKCON

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For over 50 centuries worldwide tense debate about who this really Sri Krishna? Simply extraordinary person? Or invincible hero? Or maybe, as the powerful intellect, aware of the movement of atoms, energy and moods in the universe? It is also true, and the second and the third ... But the main thing is still more. Most of the inhabitants of our planet are convinced that Krishna is invisible and that the original source and creator of the universe, as mentioned in the ancient Vedas. Read more ›

“Goloka-Fest” is a festival of joy and happiness, based on healthy lifestyles and Vedic knowledge. Coming into contact with the Vedic culture, one experiences another beauty, another fun and discovers in themselves things they had never suspected before, but was looking for! “Golok-Fest” is a live and electronic music, theatre, communicating with different creative and spiritual people, lecturers, musicians, the Vedic tradition and a lot of joy, a charge of energy and vibration of nectar for the soul! Read more ›

The post May 19th, 2014 – Darshan – Chandan Yatra – Day 18 appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Each Saturday 16:30 at the Tel-Aviv beach! Read more ›

During processions Chariot pulled by ropes, and sweeping tracks whisk before it is considered a very confidential service to God, that trust only important figures and honorable citizens. Simultaneously with the Chariot procession throw fruit and flower garlands - who caught that lucky in life. The procession is accompanied by the singing of Vedic hymns and favorable mantra Hare Krishna prayer, as well as the sounds of sea shells, horns, cymbals and drums. Read more ›

Temple Hall Prabhupada Desh combines both Indian and Italian styles. Ceiling spacious and bright rooms of the temple is painted with scenes from the life of Srila Prabhupada. Italian Vaishnava famous all over the world for their hospitality. And if we add such traditional treats as pizza, pasta, crostini, radicchio, tiramisu and, of course, ravioli, Huge abundance of lush and colorful salads and fruit, after all of this we did not want to leave. Read more ›

The Balkans has been hit by some of the worst natural disasters in history. Three months' worth of rain fell on the region in just a few days, causing rivers to burst their banks and sweep into people's homes. In Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia, the floods killed at least 35 people and forced tens of thousands to evacuate. ISKCON devotees in Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as in Serbia immediately responded.

Report by Bhaktin Nicole who is currently on a year long visit to Manchester

Following his Vyasa Puja celebration in Radhadesh, Kadamba Kanana Swami went on a short tour of England with programs at Bhaktivedanta Manor, Soho Street temple and Leicester. He also attended Birmingham’s 15^th Annual 24 Hour Kirtan from 10^th- 11^th May. It is the longest running event of its kind outside of India and Maharaj was an honoured guest.

After the traditional breaking of coconuts and an opening ceremony, Sacinandana Swami welcomed everyone and gave a short talk highlighting the importance of the prescribed yagna of this age: the sankirtan yagna or congregational chanting of the holy names of Krsna. Many international visitors to the UK, as well as local devotees were in attendance. Wonderful décor was provided by devotees from as far as Kenya.

Kadamba Kanana Swami, Sacinandana Swami, Madhava Prabhu, Tulasi Harrison and many UK kirtaniyas kept the kirtan going for what turned out to be in excess of 24 hours. Teen sensation Bhakta Nimai Prabhu from the UK moved everyone with his expert singing of Aindra Prabhu’s sweet melodies. In addition to the traditional kartalas, harmonium and mdranga, many musicians made their contributions to the kirtan with violins, flutes, trumpets and even bass guitar.

Sunday morning saw an elaborate abhishek of Sri Sri Gaura Nitai. Kadamba Kanana Swami mentioned that Lord Caitanya is sometimes described as dancing with grace and sometimes as dancing like thunder. Maharaj himself also danced ecstatically with grace and like thunder on Sunday afternoon during Sacinandana Swami’s kirtan. In his final slot, Maharaj rocked the house, ending off the festival with a bang!

On Monday (12 May), Kadamba Kanana Swami left for Simhachalam in Germany to join the Nrsimha Caturdasi festivities.

Photos

If you cannot view the slide show, then please visit flickr.

With Indraduymna Swami and the blissful vaishnavas from Russia. Read more ›

In Iskcon's beautiful temple of Prabhupadadesh, near the city of Vincenza, Italy Read more ›

A layer of protection is being applied to the cement floors of the super-structure and other areas where a surplus of water passes.

This waterproofing ensures that water and the elements will not penetrate and degrade or corrode any part of the super-structure.

The post Waterproofing appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

Greeting Deities & Guru Puja – 12.05.2014

"In the word Pra-Da-Kshi-Na the syllable Pra dispels sin, the syllable Da bestows what is desired, the syllable Kshi causes the destruction of Karman and the syllable Na is the bestower of salvation."

Skanda Purana Ch.9 v.68

Bhakti means application of love. Bhaja sevaya. When you love you serve somebody. That is called bhakti. (Lecture on Srimad Bhagavatam, 1.2.6 Hyderabad, November 26, 1972)

Answer Podcast

Transcript:

This is a personal question that has to be analyzed and applied on individual level with guidance from one’s own personal counselor or guide and based on one’s own understanding of one’s personal situation. So I cannot give a specific answer in terms of ‘yes’ or ‘no’ but I can explain broad principles.

The principle of no illicit sex especially when Srila Prabhupada talked about it in the context of initiation, whether it was initiation lectures or letters which he sent at the time of initiating devotees, he primarily talked about in terms of no sex outside marriage, and that is the primary trust of the vow of initiation. Of course Srila Prabhupada has written about in his books that even sex within marriage which is not for procreation is also considered illicit. But at the same time there is a substantial amount of difference between the two. For example, we could say illicit sex outside of marriage is illicit sex with a capital ‘I’ and illicit sex within marriage is the small ‘i.’ The capital ‘I’ indicates that it’s a very serious violation and it’s a violation not just devotional vows; it is also a violation of moral principles and legal principles and it can disrupt many many lives, many families by that. So it has far graver implications.

When Srila Prabhupada was personally questioned about this Srila Prabhupada was on one level uncompromising but on another level he was understanding. At one time there was a devotee who came to Mayapur and then in Mayapur that devotee went to some local society girl over there, and the news spread among the devotee community and then they told Prabhupada. And then Prabhupada called the devotee and Prabhupada asked him, “Why did you do that?” He said, “I couldn’t control myself. I was too much tormented by lust.” And Prabhupada said, “But you are married! Why did you have to go to a prostitute!?” He said, “No Prabhupada, my wife wanted to follow the principle of no illicit sex so she refused and I didn’t want to force her.” So Prabhupada said that actually the violation within marriage is extremely minor as compared to what is outside of marriage. So Srila Prabhupada was actually very clear about this.

And if you look at the broad Vedic principles, if you look at Prabhupada’s broad context, he talks about various standards. Prabhupada sometimes quotes standards from Manu Samhita  where one can have sex once a moth during the time when a woman is likely to bear a child so that one can get a child. So there are various things that Srila Prabhupada is talking about; there is not one absolute standard for within marriage. And if you look in the 6th canto of Srimad Bhagavatam it is described there that because a woman took part of the karma of Indra – one thing that happened is that a woman can enjoy sex life even while pregnant as long as it’s not injurious to the embryo. So that is a facility that is given; but it is not something that is recommended or glorified. Certainly that is discouraged, but that was something that was given to them – not as a blessing but because they took up part of the karma.

So if you look at the broad Vedic context, the emphasis of Srila Prabhupada, if you look at his purports – was that actually in the traditional Indian culture, and not just Indian culture in all cultures – the act of copulation, sexual union, what was naturally connected with procreation, with begetting new children, it is the artificial separation of the two. That is what Srila Prabhupada is condemning. So actually speaking, when there is artificial separation of the two there is contraception or abortion and abortion is nothing but cold blooded murder of the child which has serious karmic complications. So actually if you look at Srila Prabhupada’s statements, he condemns animal slaughter and abortion far far strongly and far far more repeatedly in his purports than this principle of no illicit sex in marriage. So it is not that the principle of no illicit sex in marriage is meant to make married life perpetual torture for a person where a person has to live with the spouse and still restrain ones desires.

Actually in a traditional Indian society it is not that woman and man will be living together and sleeping on the same bed and room constantly. Generally the woman would have the anta-pura and the woman would be associating with other women in the family. There would be joined families. And the men would be working with other men and living with the men, and it would not happen that the man and woman would sleep together every day. So in such a situation the man and woman, even when they are married it is not that they would come together regularly. And when they would come together there would be bodily union and then there would be the begetting of children. So in a traditional Indian society there would not be such thing as a question of abortion.

The important point over here is that at one level if one becomes unrestrained in sexual life then one can have the consequences of aborting the child which is very unfortunate and massively sinful. And of course another level is that if one gets very caught up in sex cannot focus on Krishna and that will certainly be a major distraction in the practice of one’s spiritual life. But at the same time when we are committed to the practice of devotional service and we are seriously wanting to advance in devotional life and we are striving towards the standard, so we should make a serious attempt and a serious commitment to attaining the standard but it is not absolutely essential or mandatory that one be able to follow the principle of no illicit sex within marriage to be able to take initiation.

Certainly one should not reject the principle as impractical and become completely unrestrained and not even trying for any kind of restraint, saying that it’s just impractical. If that is one’s attitude and one has no intention of developing restraint and one is not trying for restraint then certainly one should not take initiation. But if one is seriously determined and is trying one’s best even if one has not come to that level of self-control but at least one is surely confident and completely determined to not break the principle by seeking illicit sex outside of marriage or before marriage then that is the primary trust of the vow of initiation.

In our consciousness, lust is like the constant background noise but occasionally there are peaks of that lust when the desires increase very strongly. But a devotee who is seeking initiation should be able to restrain  the peaks within certain limits. That means as one practices Krishna consciousness more and more the general level of lust in consciousness goes down. But even as it’s going down by purification, sometimes peaks will come which will suddenly make us feel agitated and at that time also one has to remember one will not go beyond certain limits. So if one is confident that one will not break the regulative principle beyond the bounds of marriage then that is the essential trust of qualification for initiation.

In general one has to observe sudden peaks of lust, how frequently they come and how often they force one to engage in illicit sex, even within marriage. And if that is too frequent; if it is too irresistible then one may have to wait for adequate purification. But in general this may not be taken as an absolute prerequisite for the practice of commitment to initiation. So in a broad sense the basic emphasis of principle is that there should not be sex outside of marriage and sex within marriage should not lead to heavy karmic complications like abortion. So for that purpose the best way to do is it to avoid sex that is not meant for procreation and one should at least be strongly determined to go towards that; and if one is not determined and is not able to move towards that goal then certainly one may have to think again about initiation. But if one is seriously trying for that one is gradually progressing towards that goal but one may not be fully confident to sticking to that level, but one is fully confident that they will not allow the peaks of lust make one go into illicit sex outside of marriage then one can also go for initiation.

The ultimate decision should be taken by considering and discussing with one’s spiritual guides and looking at one’s consciousness. This answer is a broad guideline and is not a specific answer to this question. Thank you.

"O Krsna! Thakura Bhaktivinoda has warned us that inattention is the main door into the house of aparadhas. O Krsna! Please let me taste some pleasure in Your names, so I can focus my full attention on chanting. May Your holy names become deeply impressed in my mind."

From the Art Of Chanting Hare Krsna
by Mahanidhi Swami

In a startling development Mahesh Keshavam, Gangadhar Yadav and Akbar Patel have announced that they've deciphered the Indus Valley script. Their task was made simple by the discovery of an Indian equivalent of the Rosetta Stone. For those who don't know, the Rosetta Stone, an ancient Pharaonic-Egypt decree discovered in the 18th century, helped decipher the ancient Egyptian script. Read more ›

With Jayapataka Swami. Read more ›

The post May 18th, 2014 – Darshan – Chandan Yatra – Day 17 appeared first on Mayapur.com.

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 ›

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Photos of Harinam along with kichari prasadam distribution to local people in various parts of Mayapur. Harinama happens every day, but prasadam distribution only when there is a donation for it. Read more ›

1966 May 18:
"Chaturdasi: Today I paid Paul for expenditure $1.25 In the evening there was meeting 12 ladies and gentlemen attended. Contribution -- $7.00. One letter received from Atmasing Bombay."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1966

1971 May 18: "Presently we are holding huge Hare Krishna Festival in which 35,000 to 40,000 people are attending daily and hearing Srimad-Bhagavatam and Bhagavad-gita discourses. It is so much enlivening to see how the people are being so receptive to this message. It is all Caitanya Mahaprabhu's mercy."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1971

1971 may 18: "It is very much encouraging that you have made final arrangements for going to Jerusalem. You all have my full blessings and may Krishna help you all in this noble venture. Just as soon as you arrive there, you can let me know."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1971

1973 May 18: "So, now what can be done? We can understand from this incident that the most important point is that everyone, especially the leaders, must always stick to the basic regulative practices that I have given, especially 16 rounds each day. I expect to be going to London shortly. You may come there at that time."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1973

1973 may 18: "Yes we are all unqualified, but we become qualified by the mercy of Guru and Krishna. Go on and prepare fourth canto as quickly as possible. As soon as you have finished third canto synonyms join me immediately wherever I am and we can finish it up in good time. Keep up good pace with Caitanya-caritamrita then we may print one 400 page book per month."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1973

Mangala Arati of Sri Sri Radha Gopinath, ISKCON Temple,Chowpatty,Mumbai;10th May 2014

Invigorate your body, mind and consciousness for the upcoming week with our Super Yogi Sundays – it just couldn’t be a better line up!

5pm Yoga with Muni = core power and laughter at the same time :D

6pm Soul Feast = Beautiful, uplifting kirtan beats, consciousness expanding wisdom and foodthat will blow you out of this world!

Every Sunday starting April 13th.
Cost – from your heart. You give what you can, and what it’s worth to you. Simply for the love of it :D

Srila Prabhupada Advocates A “Common Sense” Approach When Using Modern Conveniences To Develop New Vrindaban – December 1968.

From a series of letters written by Srila Prabhupada outlining his vision for New Vrindaban.

Thanks to Vanipedia for the source material.

——————————————————————

December 08, 1968

My Dear Kirtanananda,

Please accept my blessings. I have received today your letter dated 4, December 1968 and have carefully read the contents.

You have asked whether you may use charcoals to use for fuel during the winter and since this is the simplest thing to use in your present situation certainly it is all right. In all such questions as this you need only use your good common sense and depend upon Krishna as always to guide you nicely. So far as the government making repairs on the roads, If they are willing to do it this is very good. With nice roads we can invite many people to New Vrindaban as well as facilitate our own activities there so such proposal is welcome. For construction of ponds I don’t know if you will be able to use them for bathing in the cold winter so it is better if you can construct a well if this can be more used in the winter. So if you are pressed now for time, the ponds may be constructed in the spring.

I have noted from your letter that you have available a Lincoln automobile which you are able to donate to us in Los Angeles. At the present we are requiring just such a car so I think you may make arrangements to have it brought here. This is all Krishna’s Grace so as you are able please make arrangements for this. So far as your utilizing machinery at New Vrindaban, if such machinery is helpful than you may take advantage of them. We are not enemies of machines. If they can be used for Krishna’s service then we welcome them.

You will be glad to know that we have now signed lease for a new temple for the Los Angeles center. It is very large, fine chapel and now there is program being organized here to set everything up very nicely and invite many new people to participate in our programs. Krishna has been very kind to grant us such facilities and now there are many efforts to be made to use it nicely.

Please convey my blessings to Hrsikesa and I hope this letter finds you in good health.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

Simply you have to develop your service attitude. Service attitude is already there. We are servants by constitution, but we are serving maya [illusion]. We are so constitutionally servant that after very, very high education, taking all these degrees, oh, we are moving door to door, that “Give me some service.”

(Lecture on Srimad Bhagavatam, 7.9.9 -- Montreal, July 6, 1968)

Saint Petersburg is the 2nd largest city in Russia. Founded by Tsar Peter the Great in 1703 it now boasts a population of over 5 million people. St. Petersburg is also graced by a community of 1,000 ISKCON devotees from all walks of life. Over the last 3 days myself, Bada Haridas and Chaturatma celebrated [...]

What to do is more than just chanting with the lips. Bhaktivinod Thakur says that Hare Krishna mantra does not appear simply by chanting with the lips, moving the vocal cords but one has to chant with one's heart. One has to hear with one's heart and that is a very difficult thing to do.

Bir Krsna Goswami