The post Should we really pray to Krsna for protection from bad planets, meteors, serpents, scorpions, tigers, ghosts and lightening? appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.
Should we really pray to Krsna for protection from bad planets, meteors, serpents, scorpions, tigers, ghosts and lightening?
April 24th, 2014 – Darshan
→ Mayapur.com
The post April 24th, 2014 – Darshan appeared first on Mayapur.com.
Making turbans for small Gaura Nitai deities step by step (Album 70 photos)
→ Dandavats.com
Nice and easy tutorial! Read more › Festival of Chariots Dallas 2014: Ratha Yatra (Album 172 photos)
→ Dandavats.com
Experience the vibrant, colorful culture and festivities at Kalachandji's Hare Krishna Temple in Dallas's annual Festival of Chariots through these photos. Children's Carnival, Henna & Face-painting, Free Asana Yoga, Live Entertainment, Delicious Vegetarian Food & much much more .. Read more › Devotess Grinding Chandan @ Iskcon Vrindavan (Album 24 photos)
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Chandan Yatra is coming on May 2nd! Read more › Easter holiday Harinam in London (4 min video)
→ Dandavats.com
"Sankirtan will always be appreciated because it is the special blessings of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu on the people of this fallen age of Kali"
Letter to Achyutananda 1975
The general public of London are appreciating more and more the devotee's Kirtan on the streets. There was a time when we would get arrested for chanting and book distribution, now the police just walk by and nod to us with a smile. We started the Maha Harinam at 1pm and continued till 6pm took prasad and went out again till about 10pm. 350 books were distributed, 280 medium and 70 maha big. This was organised by Sutapa Prabhu of the Manor brahmacaris and the Soho temple devotees. The first part of the video show the "Hari Haris" Kirtan band chanting on Soho street, then Guru Das brahmacari leads Kirtan and then HG Parividha Prabhu.
Enjoy the movie (put together by Achinta Rupa Prabhu) Read more › Srimad Bhagavatam 3.1.2 Bhakti Caru Swami
→ Gouranga TV - The Hare Krishna video collection
Srimad Bhagavatam 3.1.2 Bhakti Caru Swami
New Vrindaban’s Transcendental Throwback Thursday – 04/24/14
→ New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit
New Vrindaban’s Transcendental Throwback Thursday – 04/24/14.
Each week we highlight an earlier era of ISKCON New Vrindaban.
This week’s challenge: In this photo, there are twenty five devotees and pretty much all of their faces are recognizable. How many can you identify?
Extra Credit: What year was this photo taken and where?
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.
Tuesday, April 22nd, 2014
→ The Walking Monk
Durban, South Africa
Something About Family
After four days of intense devotional output at this 26th annual Festival of Chariots in Durban, there was happy fatigue. The attendance at the temple’s morning program was skimpy for that reason, and more. Some of the visiting monks from Europe, the US and India, had already departed for other destinations. You can say things are back to normal. The party’s over. Members of the spiritual family have gone to their respective areas of what they call home.
The few of us lingering folks sat down for listening to a recording of our guru, Srila Prabhupada, speaking about the concept of family from the Vedic perspective. Imagine stretching out to beyond extended family. “It is not just a man with wife and children, it is generations,” Srila Prabhupada explained from a pravachan (talk) he delivered on October 5th, 1976, Vrindavan, India. He went on to say that the family consideration was so important in Vedic culture. If there was some misbehaviour on the part of a member of the family, it would leave a great scar on the dynasty.
This is a major issue raised at the inception of the dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna in the “Bhagavad Gita”. Arjuna was concerned about improper action impacting the family. From his standpoint, the proper action was no action, in the case of the Kurukshetra war. From Krishna’s point of view, failure to perform meant cowardliness and irresponsibility. Krishna’s constant reminder to Arjuna, being of a dignified clan, was saying that there was an obligation to act in their defense, making it honourable.
While some Krishna followers I know have little or sometimes no tie with biological family, there is, however, a strong allegiance to their spiritual family. Another case, family in the broad sense, needs protection from ill repute. You want to try to avoid doing that which is embarrassing to yourself, and above all, your allegiances.
May the Source be with you!
3 KM
Something About Family
After four days of intense devotional output at this 26th annual Festival of Chariots in Durban, there was happy fatigue. The attendance at the temple’s morning program was skimpy for that reason, and more. Some of the visiting monks from Europe, the US and India, had already departed for other destinations. You can say things are back to normal. The party’s over. Members of the spiritual family have gone to their respective areas of what they call home.
The few of us lingering folks sat down for listening to a recording of our guru, Srila Prabhupada, speaking about the concept of family from the Vedic perspective. Imagine stretching out to beyond extended family. “It is not just a man with wife and children, it is generations,” Srila Prabhupada explained from a pravachan (talk) he delivered on October 5th, 1976, Vrindavan, India. He went on to say that the family consideration was so important in Vedic culture. If there was some misbehaviour on the part of a member of the family, it would leave a great scar on the dynasty.
This is a major issue raised at the inception of the dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna in the “Bhagavad Gita”. Arjuna was concerned about improper action impacting the family. From his standpoint, the proper action was no action, in the case of the Kurukshetra war. From Krishna’s point of view, failure to perform meant cowardliness and irresponsibility. Krishna’s constant reminder to Arjuna, being of a dignified clan, was saying that there was an obligation to act in their defense, making it honourable.
While some Krishna followers I know have little or sometimes no tie with biological family, there is, however, a strong allegiance to their spiritual family. Another case, family in the broad sense, needs protection from ill repute. You want to try to avoid doing that which is embarrassing to yourself, and above all, your allegiances.
May the Source be with you!
3 KM
Monday, April 21st, 2014
→ The Walking Monk
Durban, South Africa
Trail Break
I had been pining for an African trail to come my way, and so it came to pass that Tamohara dispelled the dream, and had in most practical terms, arranged for a drive by his dad, Thayalan, to take Kala, Jambavan and I to a gorgeous gorge at Krantz Kloof. We arrived there at the hour of dawn when trees drop dew and the aromas of plants perk the nostrils. The rubber tree was there to greet us, perfectly circular mushrooms of a rustic tone were also there. Fortunately, or unfortunately, no big game crossed our paths. In fact, the largest form of wildlife that we sighted came in the form of a microphone length (you can tell I’ve been on the stage lately) centipede of sorts. It was perfectly coiled as it clung on to the side of a tree. A creek appeared and disappeared, snaking its way to its own natural whim, and making its own descension to manifest as waterfalls.
Being in this green zone was a great break from the asphalt at the festival site. And, as always, when you trek the softened and uneven path under nature’s canopies, it is such a far cry from moving over the hardened, flat surfaces of city constructs. I felt certain leg muscles stretch – muscles that become lazy from plying over the terrain of manmade evenness.
‘Twas a treat.
Back to a baking sun at the old Durban Drive-In Theatre grounds, and this day, at the Bhakti Cloud tent, we danced out the eight stanza “Chaitanya’s Verses”. Verse three especially resonated with volunteers as I rapped out,
It is best to chant with humility
To be as humble as you can possibly be
It’s like a blade of grass you see
And be more tolerant than a tree…
From executing the dance I could appreciate the dynamics of flatness.
May the Source be with you!
5 KM
Trail Break
I had been pining for an African trail to come my way, and so it came to pass that Tamohara dispelled the dream, and had in most practical terms, arranged for a drive by his dad, Thayalan, to take Kala, Jambavan and I to a gorgeous gorge at Krantz Kloof. We arrived there at the hour of dawn when trees drop dew and the aromas of plants perk the nostrils. The rubber tree was there to greet us, perfectly circular mushrooms of a rustic tone were also there. Fortunately, or unfortunately, no big game crossed our paths. In fact, the largest form of wildlife that we sighted came in the form of a microphone length (you can tell I’ve been on the stage lately) centipede of sorts. It was perfectly coiled as it clung on to the side of a tree. A creek appeared and disappeared, snaking its way to its own natural whim, and making its own descension to manifest as waterfalls.
Being in this green zone was a great break from the asphalt at the festival site. And, as always, when you trek the softened and uneven path under nature’s canopies, it is such a far cry from moving over the hardened, flat surfaces of city constructs. I felt certain leg muscles stretch – muscles that become lazy from plying over the terrain of manmade evenness.
‘Twas a treat.
Back to a baking sun at the old Durban Drive-In Theatre grounds, and this day, at the Bhakti Cloud tent, we danced out the eight stanza “Chaitanya’s Verses”. Verse three especially resonated with volunteers as I rapped out,
It is best to chant with humility
To be as humble as you can possibly be
It’s like a blade of grass you see
And be more tolerant than a tree…
From executing the dance I could appreciate the dynamics of flatness.
May the Source be with you!
5 KM
New Vrindaban Daily darsan @ April 23, 2014
→ New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit
May Lord Syama’s beloved Radha, who from each of Her limbs floods Vrindavana forest with charming, effulgent, wonderful golden nectar oceans glistening with drops of intense sweetness flowing from the original source of the nectar of all love and filled with the happiness of wild amorous pastimes, play within my heart.
[Source : Nectarean Glories of Sri Vrindavana-dhama by Srila Prabodhananda Sarasvati Thakura, Sataka-2, Text-21, Translation.] ·
Please click here for more photos
The First Regulative Principle
→ Japa Group
Caitanya-caritamrta Antya 11.24 purport
Real relationships
→ KKSBlog
(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 01 April 2014, Cape Town, South Africa, Evening Lecture)
We may think, “What about my security? I need some security; like a little money in the bank, a credit card maybe. You know, just in case, something happens. Need to be prepared. What about my security?”
But a vaisnava’s security is his goodwill; his goodwill with the people. That is the best security because goodwill goes much further than the bank. You know, the banks may say, “Well, sorry!” If you have maybe 150 000 and the bill is 160 000. The bank is not paying the extra 10 000. No way! But goodwill, oh, goodwill can pay anything. Yes!
“A million? Alright, what to do. We’ll pay.” Goodwill is like that because goodwill has a heart and the bank has no heart; that’s for sure. The bank is just cold, making profit and impersonal. So what kind of security is that?
You know, plastic! Plastic money, plastic card and one day, there might be no money in the bank! It happened already, in some places there was no money in the bank. People went to the bank to take their money and the bank had no money. What do you do? Put your money in the bank all this time and when you want to take it out, it’s not there! So what kind of guarantee is that? But goodwill will never be depleted. So this is really how the vaisnava community functions, away from this artificial society which is based on impersonal security.
Insurance!? Previously, again goodwill was the insurance. When relationships were there, that was the insurance. It still works for many people in the world. The family is your insurance and life was going on as much it is going on now. It is not like, “Oh my God, before we invented insurance, life was so terrible. People were dropping dead like flies, left and right! Serious! Imagine – they were depending on their friends and family and maybe even on the village! That must have been terrible!” No, it worked fine! It helped also to have good relationships.
In countries where the government took over – an interesting country is Sweden because it has a very socially supportive structure, a socialistic structure actually. Basically the idea is the state takes care of everything. So family is something that is really not relevant. You rely on the state and not on your family. Therefore people don’t really want families.They want to minimize families – less family and more state; everything comes from the state. It’s interesting how it really works like that. The state is very benevolent, gentle and always provides. No problem! Everything provided by the state. But you know, everything is impersonal, very impersonal in such a condition.
In a family situation, everything depends on relationships. So vaisnavism depends on that, depends on service, depends on giving people something valuable, giving them valuable knowledge so that they become indebted. Giving them valuable support, giving answers, real answers… It works, there is no difficulty at all in maintaining in such an environment and yes, that is how the world should be. The world should not depend on an artificial, global economy and so on. No need for families to be spread out over six countries; every family is sort of going that way these days. A relative in one corner, a relative in another corner. What a weird world? Strange!
Just a village – everyone in the village and then, it all is simple because there are relationships and relationships become important. It’s like when you live in a city, it doesn’t really matter because people are just faces. You don’t know them. There are all these faces of people you don’t know. So it’s just endless faces, meaningless faces. But living in the village, you know everybody and well, you have to live with them, so you, you know, you better invest in the relationships so that it works. So that is actually the natural way of life.
How Cooking Can Change Your Life
→ ISKCON News
Renowned activist and author Michael Pollan argues that cooking is one of the simplest and most important steps people can take to improve their family's health, build communities, fix our broken food system, and break our growing dependence on corporations.
Constant Change
→ ISKCON News
Constant change has become the underlying theme of the age – update your fashion, contrast your scenery, evolve your goals and upgrade your gadgets. After all, variety is the mother of enjoyment.
New Vrindaban Festivals Inspire and Build Relationships
→ ISKCON News
The Vaishnava tradition is famous for its festivals. And within ISKCON, the New Vrindaban community in West Virginia has become one of the most renowned places to celebrate. As New Vrindaban finds a fresh start and rebuilds itself, festivals have been found to be one of the best ways to inspire and bring together devotees, as well as to develop a mutually appreciative relationship with the local public.
Easter holiday Harinam London
→ simple thoughts
“Sankirtan will always be appreciated because it is the special blessings of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu on the people of this fallen age of Kali”
Letter to Achyutananda 1975
The general public of London are appreciating more and more the devotee’s Kirtan on the streets. There was a time when we would get arrested for chanting and book distribution, now the police just walk by and nod to us with a smile.
We started the Maha Harinam at 1pm and continued till 6pm took prasad and went out again till about 10pm. 350 books were distributed, 280 medium and 70 maha big. This was organised by Sutapa Prabhu of the Manor brahmacaris and the Soho temple devotees.
The first part of the video show the “Hari Haris” Kirtan band chanting on Soho street, then Guru Das brahmacari leads Kirtan and then HG Parividha Prabhu. Enjoy the movie:
(put together by Achinta Rupa Prabhu )
Your servant Parasuram Das
Finish It
→ Seed of Devotion
About two years ago, I so happened to be staying the night in a house across the street from Satsvarupa Maharaj. I had never met this swami before. All I really knew about him was that he was one of the very first people to join the Hare Krishna movement in 1966. Also, he - along with a team - was the writer of the voluminous biography of Srila Prabhupad, The Lilamrita.
He being a writer and a saint, I relayed my request to meet with Satsvarupa Maharaj and I was given permission to come. So early afternoon, I entered the old house and walked up the creaking stairs. The sun slanted in through the window and illuminated a man who was seated in an armchair wearing orange clothes. I bowed to him, offering my respects. He peered at me through his glasses. I remember how the sideways light seemed to make his brown eyes glow.
A little ways in to the meeting, I said, "Maharaj, I want to write a novel for Krishna, but I have such hard time in completing a project. Would you be willing to share with me some words of wisdom for writing?"
Immediately Satsvarupa Maharaj declared, "Lower your standards and finish it."
He being a writer and a saint, I relayed my request to meet with Satsvarupa Maharaj and I was given permission to come. So early afternoon, I entered the old house and walked up the creaking stairs. The sun slanted in through the window and illuminated a man who was seated in an armchair wearing orange clothes. I bowed to him, offering my respects. He peered at me through his glasses. I remember how the sideways light seemed to make his brown eyes glow.
A little ways in to the meeting, I said, "Maharaj, I want to write a novel for Krishna, but I have such hard time in completing a project. Would you be willing to share with me some words of wisdom for writing?"
Immediately Satsvarupa Maharaj declared, "Lower your standards and finish it."
Honesty and Duplicity
→ HH Bhakti Caitanya Swami
24-09-2013 SB 8.20.16-19 Simplicity and Duplicity, ISKCON Cape Town, South Africa.mp3
Prabhupada Letters :: Anthology 2014-04-23 18:15:00 →
1970 April 23: "Materialism means forgetfulness of Krishna. A man may possess the whole world and be a perfect transcendentalist or one may be a gross materialist without possessing a farthing. This distinction must be made on the basis of consciousness."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1970
Prabhupada Letters :: 1970
Twenty-Two Years Ago Today
→ travelingmonk.com
This weekend myself and Bada Haridas prabhu will continue with our travels. Our first destination is Moscow. While studying the itinerary, I suddenly realised that 22 years ago on the same weekend in April,1992 I was doing samkirtan in Moscow with my godbrothers. Srila Prabhupada, may we continue to serve your orders until our dying [...]
Long life is meaningful only if it is God-centered
→ The Spiritual Scientist
A tree lives for hundreds and hundreds of years, but there is no point in living a long time like trees, or breathing like bellows, or begetting children like hogs and dogs, or eating like camels. A humble God-centered life is more valuable than a colossal hoax of a life dedicated to godless altruism or socialism.
- Srila Prabhupada, Sri Isopanishad Mantra 2
Prabhupada Letters :: Anthology 2014-04-23 17:27:00 →
1971 April 23: "You and your university are interested in hearing about Krishna philosophy. My life is dedicated to spreading this culture all over the world. This culture is so well planned that it would be acceptable by any thoughtful man throughout the whole world."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1971
Prabhupada Letters :: 1971
Prabhupada Letters :: Anthology 2014-04-23 17:22:00 →
1972 April 23: "Our latest edition Krsna Book can be distributed to every student and to the whole English speaking public. Make one advertisement: 'Read KRSNA the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Available in all bookstores, 3 Volumes - Rs. 15.'"
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972
Prabhupada Letters :: Anthology 2014-04-23 17:19:00 →
1972 April 23: "Our temple should be the via media for feeding the poor with food and spiritual knowledge. So we invite all hungry and naked people to come to us and we will give them food and clothing as well as Krishna consciousness. Our program should be based on this."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972
Prabhupada Letters :: Anthology 2014-04-23 17:09:00 →
1973 April 23: "So it is very nice Mr. Neil Diamond has given $3,000.00to my Book Trust, that is practical help. Now you have to impress upon him that when talent is used to glorify the Supreme Lord, that is perfection of talent. So you become convinced of this Krishna consciousness movement and you will get the strength to convince others nicely."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1973
Prabhupada Letters :: 1973
Prabhupada Letters :: Anthology 2014-04-23 17:06:00 →
1974 April 23: "The first preaching work is to become an ideal devotee. That will be strong preaching by behavior. There is no point in telling a man to stop smoking if you are still smoking. First make yourself perfect and then attempt to instruct others."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1974
Prabhupada Letters :: 1974
The Science Behind Temple Bells
→ ISKCON News
The bell works as anti-dote to the chaos of your mind. Before you enter temple, it prepares you for the calming taste of of spiritual awareness you are going to experience.
Eating Legumes Improves Cardiovascular Health
→ ISKCON News
Just a single serving of legumes a day can significantly improve cholesterol levels and lower your risk of cardiovascular disease.
The 5 Most Prevalent Toxins Destroying the Body
→ ISKCON News
With thousands of toxins circulating in the world it can be very easy to become overwhelmed. These are 5 toxins to be especially concerned about.
2014 Kirtan Mela in Tallin, Estonia
→ ISKCON News
The 3rd Annual Baltic's Kirtana Festival - Kirtana Mela Tallinn 2014 - will take place in Sri Harinam Mandir, Tallinn, Estonia on April 25 - 27th. To register: http://kirtana-mela-tallinn.weebly.com/
GBC Releases Book On Srila Prabhupada’s Position
→ ISKCON News
“Srila Prabhupada: The Founder-Acarya of ISKCON,” was written by ISKCON scholar Ravindra Svarupa Das and published by ISKCON GBC Press. “Our main concern [in writing this book] was that, in the very near future, our movement faces a time when all the devotees who had direct experience of Srila Prabhupada will no longer be on the planet,” says Ravindra Svarupa. “And I know from the history of religions that this is always a critical time.”
Local Preaching Update
→ Mayapur.com
Hare Krishna, dear devotees, for your kind information, On the 21st of April, 2014 in the evening we had a huge and enthusiastic Nagar Sankirtan program at Krishnanagar BARODOL MELA, at Rajbari mela prangan. Altogether there were 20 devotees from Sri Mayapur, including 14 foreign devotees. The Nagar Sankirtan started from Sree Radha Krishna Chandra […]
The post Local Preaching Update appeared first on Mayapur.com.
Material solutions to the problems of life become further problems, the only solutions lie in the orders of the Lord, in dharma
→ SivaramaSwami.com
Srimad-Bhagavatam.
The post Material solutions to the problems of life become further problems, the only solutions lie in the orders of the Lord, in dharma appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.
Programs in Durban, 2014
→ KKSBlog
In the days preceding the Ratha Yatra festival, Kadamba Kanana Swami did programs around Durban. Audio recordings and photos are presented below. These include Maharaj’s address at the disciple program which took place on 12 April as well as lectures on the glories of Hanuman in commemoration of Hanuman Jayanti.
Audio
KKS_SA_12 April 2014_DBN_Disciple Meeting
KKS_SA_13 April 2014_Tongaat_Lecture_Hanuman
KKS_SA_15 April 2014_PMB_Lecture_Hanuman
KKS_SA_16 April 2014_DBN_Lecture_SB 1.7.34
KKS_SA_16 April 2014_NJP_Kirtan
KKS_SA_16 April 2014_NJP_Lecture_NOD
Photos
If you cannot view the slide-show below then please visit flickr.
Radhanath Swami brakes his meditation to learn a God-sent lesson! (12 min video)
→ Dandavats.com
Radhanath Swami uses a humorous incident to impart a profound lesson. Read more › Ratha Yatra at Durban Beachfront (Album 46 photos)
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The Durban Ratha Yatra festival has evolved into one of the biggest, if not the biggest, of its kind outside of India. Read more › Earth Day Celebration 2014 in Quezon City Memorial Circle, Philippines (Album 73 photos)
→ Dandavats.com
Every April 22, the world celebrates Earth Day. It is the single biggest environmental celebration in the world participated in by more than 150 countries and over a billion people worldwide.
This year it was held @ Quezon Memorial Circle. Various Group hand in hand to thank Mother Nature as well as Private and Business Sector and Government Agencies such as DENR. Different Prayers from Various Group has been contributed for Mother Earth.
ISKCON Devotees introduced Krishna Consciousness and had performed bhajans on the stage and ecstatic harinam. Food For Life team distributed 500 plates of prasadam (pancit, lilot, bread and cookies).
Lord Krishna states in Bhagavad gita(18.69) that there is no one in this world dearer to Him than one who preaches His message.Preaching is an integral part of our temple's activities. Srila Prabhupada writes "Preaching is the easiest way to realise the Supreme Personality of Godhead" (Srimad-Bhagavatam,7.6.24 purport). Read more ›