Skeptical Origins
→ Servant of the Servant


Not sure what to make of this but surely science is less convincing in answering the fundamental aspects of life such as origin of life on earth, creation of planetary systems, evolution etc. In Vedic scriptures such as Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam, there is in-depth explanation of life and its origins. Granted, we cannot prove those theories via modern science or by collecting physical evidence. So in one sense, even theories from the Gita and Bhagavatam are highly skeptical from a modern scientific perspective. However, the reason Gita and Bhagavatam will score higher than science for me at least is because it was presented by great saints such as Mahamuni Vysa, Sukadev Goswami and Bhagavan Sri Krishna Himself. Our validation of the subject is based on the speaker and not so much based on return of evidence. Modern science gives no credence to the character of the scientists per se, it is all about the ability to collect, and interpret data. 

Unless we transcend sensual science, it is very difficult to understand the concept of life, creation and the value of saintly speakers such as Sukadev Goswami.

Hare Krishna

ISKCON appreciations
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Appreciation of ISKCON

The Hare Krishna movement arose out of next to nothing in less than twenty years and has become known all over the West. This is an important fact in the history of the Western world ... for the first time since the days of the Roman Empire, an Asian religion is being openly practiced by people of western origin in the streets of western cities.
- Dr. A.L. Basham; Eminent scholar of Hinduism, Author of A Cultural History of India

The ISKCON movement has few parallels in the world in terms of its rapid global spread, its trans-national, trans-ethnic, and trans-professional appeal, its outward simplicity, and the devotional energy of its followers. In the less than three and a half decades since its inception it has established temples in practically all parts of the world, and many of them are marvels of beauty, such as the one that is being opened in New Delhi today.
The maha-mantra of Hare Krishna Hare Rama reverberates to the dancing feet of ISKCON devotees each morning and evening in temples from Stockholm to Sao Paulo and from Miami to Mäyäpur. What ISKCON has achieved is indeed globalization of the Gita appeal.

-  Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Former Prime Minister of India

Guess again if you think Bollywood, or Indian writing in English, is the country's biggest cultural export. You may not come across any of these if you visit Cochabamba in Bolivia or Gaborone in Botswana, what you will find instead is a centre of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) ...  It is easy to see where the Krishna movement's global appeal lies. In the midst of today's impersonal institutions and vast bureaucratic collectivities, it promises an intimate relationship with a personal god.

- Times of India editorial, Jan 6, 2006

Appreciation of Srila Prabhupada:

He was a genuine holy person with enormous integrity and compassion, and he had a powerful impact on those who met him. He never claimed authority and respect for himself; what he said and did was always in the name of Krishna... It (Srila Prabhupada's life-story) is an astonishing story. If someone told you a story like this, you wouldn’t believe it. Here’s this person, he’s seventy years old, he’s going to a country where he’s never been before, he doesn’t know anybody there, he has no money, has no contacts. He has none of the things, you would say, that make for success. He’s going to recruit people not on any systematic basis, but just picking up whomever he comes across and he’s going to give them responsibility for organizing a worldwide movement. You’d say, ‘What kind of program is that?’ There are precedents perhaps. Jesus of Nazareth went around saying, ‘Come follow me. Drop your nets, or leave your tax collecting, and come with me and be my disciple.’ But in his case, he wasn’t an old man in a strange society dealing with people whose backgrounds were totally different from his own. He was dealing with his own community. Bhaktivedanta Swami’s achievement, then, must be seen as unique”

 - Dr. Thomas J. Hopkins,  Chairman, Department of Religious Studies at Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Appreciation of ISKCON's global Food for Life program:

Here they [the Hare Krishnas] have a reputation like the one Mother Teresa has in Calcutta: it’s not hard finding someone to swear they are saints...

 

- The New York Times, “Grozny Journal”

Appreciation of ISKCON Food Relief Foundation: 

Your program has became the single largest feeding program in the world. Your example of using advanced technologies in the central kitchen to reach such a huge number of school or children is an imaginative approach that has the potential to serve as a model for other nations.

— Barack Obama, President of the United States[4]

This is a very important and great mission.

— A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, Former President of India, at ISKCON Bengaluru[4]

 

 

Out of control
→ KKSBlog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 10 October 2013, Melbourne, Australia, Srimad Bhagavatam 2.3.14)

This movement of Caitanya Mahaprabhu is a mercy movement but we have to take it seriously; we have to take responsibility. A devotee has to take responsibility for what he does wrong and then correct it. We can’t just say, ‘Oh, these things are just happening to me, what can I do? I mean, I am trying so much but it’s just not working, it’s out of control!’

KKS_Dbn_RY_2014No, IT is not out of control – YOU are out of control! We say, ‘My mind is out of control!’ No, it’s not your mind that is out of control, you are out of control – you see the point? But we tend to just shift responsibility away from ourselves, ‘My mind is out of control, kali-yuga is out of control, everything is out of control – what can I do? There is nothing I can do, it’s all out of control. If things were more in control then I will chant Hare Krsna! I would… I want to be a devotee, I really want to.’ No, nothing is out of control, except you!

So begin to get yourself under control – maybe you cannot conquer everything within one day, but do something. Start to do the things that you can do. Some people lament about what they cannot do, ‘I really want to chant sixteen rounds but I cannot!!’

Bengali_potsNo problem, do what you can first. What can you do? Can you do some service, can you clean? Okay, then clean! Can you wash pots? Yes, come and wash pots, wash sixteen pots! After washing sixteen pots for a while, then try it again – maybe you would be able to chant sixteen rounds.

It works like this, while doing the things you can do, you get purified and after a while you can start doing things you could not do before. Take responsibility for what you are not doing right and correct it step-by-step. Don’t do it again, stop it and correct it. For example, ‘How can I stop smoking?’ By stopping! When you drive a car you simply push the brakes and stop.

But we are not used to taking responsibility and we have excuses – millions of excuses. ‘It’s my mom, it’s my dad, it’s my big brother – because of them I am not doing these things. Because of what they did to me, now I am doing all this nonsense.’ Endless excuses to justify and to shift our responsibility away.

But we must take responsibility because Hari-katha is not just some automatic thing. Sometimes in India, people consider it to be. Some of these pandits give very dry lectures; they sound like a door squeaking and everyone is in deep sleep but they go anyway because sat-sanga is considered a religious thing. Even if it is very painful, still we must do it. They take it that you just do these things and then you get the blessings – some automatic ritual and you get the blessing.

No! It is not like that! Through hearing we get knowledge and then WE have to make arrangements to change. We, us! We have to do it, change ourselves. But we say, ‘Oh, but I cannot change.’ Who says you cannot change? You changed a lot so far but now you have to change in a certain direction, in the direction of Krsna rather than change in the direction of maya. So one has to take responsibility – with intelligence.

 

 

New Vrindaban Daily darsan @ April 21, 2014
→ New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit

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Within the boundless, all-pervading effulgence of the brahmajyoti is the extremely blissful and effulgent realm of Lord Visnu. Within that realm of Lord Visnu is an other effulgent realm of immeasurable transcendental bliss. Within that place is this forest of Vrindavana.

[Source : Nectarean Glories of Sri Vrindavana-dhama by Srila Prabodhananda Sarasvati Thakura, Sataka-2, Text-19, Translation.] 

Please click here for more photos

I Became Determined To Reform
→ Japa Group

"I became determined to reform, to chant my japa pronouncing each word and syllable. My japa improved immediately. I then understood the chanting was most important and could not be neglected. I felt I was learning a crucial, confidential secret, although Srila Prabhupada was constantly repeating it, "Chant sixteen rounds and avoid the offenses in chanting." It is a practice. It takes practice. Whatever you practice, the body can learn to do it. Chant, chant, chant!"

From Japa Reform Notebook
by Satsvarupa dasa Goswami

Lotus Room Asrama
→ Ramai Swami

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Friday night kirtana at Lotus Room Asrama in Darlinghurst is always looked forward to by guests and devotees. The evening starts with a bhajan sit down style of chanting then by the end everyone is up swaying and dancing.

After the kirtan finishes a big feast, which is brought over from our Govinda’s restaurant, is served to the delight of all. Yasodeva das has been organising functions at the asrama for the last couple of years.
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Dhaneswara Prabhu on Harinam in central London
→ simple thoughts

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Dear Maharaj/Prabhus,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

Dhaneswara prabhu (acbsp) author of ‘Spiritual Economics’ joins the Saturday Night Harinam in London.
The Harinam started at 1pm and continued till 10pm, with a prasad break at 6pm.
Everybody who came on that Harinam felt surcharged, walking on air.
This would have been an average length Harinam in the seventies.
Hundreds of books went out and hundreds of prasad sweets.

Dhaneswara Prabhu has a new book coming out called “Change the Karma”, aimed at helping protesters worldwide to understand the root cause of our global problems.
Enjoy the movie,
your servant
Parasuram Das

Prabhupada Letters :: Anthology 2014-04-21 18:46:00 →

1968 April 21: "In his past life he must have cultivated this science of Krishna Consciousness and therefore he has automatically been attracted with this movement and who knows if all the boys and girls joining me were not born by the Supreme Will of Krishna just to help me in this great task of distributing Krishna Consciousness in the Western World specifically."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1968

an alternative to "just do it!"
→ everyday gita

Verse 4.33: O chastiser of the enemy, the sacrifice performed in knowledge is better than the mere sacrifice of material possessions. After all, O son of Pṛthā, all sacrifices of work culminate in transcendental knowledge.

I read a beautiful blog post by a teacher today. He was speaking about how important school is, but not for the reasons a student might think. He spoke of how every mundane activity such as going to class, studying for an exam or listening to a teacher's advice actually has a much deeper meaning. In particular, when it came to discussing the need to study, he emphasized how it isn't the mark you get that's the "win". It's about taking advantage of of an opportunity to practice a life skill - that of sacrificing time and effort to master something that may seem impossible without succumbing to distractions, or worse yet the feeling of "I can't do it".

How fitting that it ties in so well with today's subject where Krsna is telling Arjuna that sacrifice performed in knowledge is a much better way to act! Or in other words:

Doing something with understanding is much better than just doing it

This may seem ridiculously intuitive to some, but I'll be the first to admit, I struggle with this for a couple of reasons. For one thing, society doesn't really encourage us to question and look deeper than what meets the eye. Secondly, if one does attempt to look deeper, in some cases that understanding may not come right away and could require an investment of time and effort and who wants to do that! In a world where we want things immediately, it doesn't satisfy persons such as myself.

That said, in those instances where I've sought to understand why I'm doing something before doing it, I've noticed that I get a much more holistic picture of life. No longer does that simple action stand separated from everything else, but instead I gain insight into how my actions in one area of my life can be reflective of those in another.

When I started writing, I didn't just start writing. I sat down and clearly figured out what I wanted to accomplish which was pretty simple - I wanted to share my own love and appreciation for the Gita in a way that made it practical and relevant to everyday life. Now, whatever I write, I filter through that lens and if it doesn't meet that intention, I don't publish it. This theme of practical and relevant has now seeped into all other spheres of my life. Whoever I speak to, whether it's giving a workshop or offering advice to a friend, practical and relevant has become my motto.

All of us do things on a regular, if not daily basis. But have you ever really asked yourself why you do it? If you haven't, I extend the invitation to you to ask. You might be surprised by what you find if you understand first and then act with that understanding.

(If you'd like to read the article I alluded to in the beginning, please find it here: http://affectiveliving.wordpress.com/2014/03/08/what-students-really-need-to-hear/)

Just doing Good work is not enough, it will also bind one to this Material world like Bad work
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Ordinary men wish to perform good work in order to be recognized and achieve some higher status of life in this world or in heaven, but more advanced men want to be free altogether from the actions and reactions of work. Intelligent men well know that both good and bad work equally bind one to the material miseries. Consequently they seek that work which will free them from the reactions of both good and bad work. Such liberating work is described here in the pages of Sri Isopanisad.

- Srila Prabhupada, Sri Isopanishad Mantra 2

Constant Change
→ Tattva - See inside out

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. If someone maintains the same job for over ten years they may well be viewed as dull, unambitious and dysfunctional. Stability and steadiness just isn’t valued in the same way. Being ‘original’ no longer relates to doing something authentic – it means to do something new! But does this constant adjustment improve the quality of life? Is the age of mass distraction leaving us perpetually restless? Have we developed an artificial culture that diverts us from the real source of satisfaction?

The phenomenon of constant change exposes the inability of external adjustments to satisfy our internal yearning. Looking for a ‘secret solution’ in material variety will never succeed in addressing our spiritual vacuum, since deep satisfaction goes beyond the immediate titillation of the mind and senses. Real fulfillment is born from the state of our consciousness, and excessive focus on the externals can distract us from this cardinal principle. Next time we feel the need to change our ‘externals’, we may want to stop and consider whether it’s really necessary.

There is something beautiful about simplicity and sameness. With the proper attitude, it can help one become more conscious, more aware and more reflective. When activities and surroundings remain consistent, it opens up unique opportunities to invest energy into the quality, purpose and consciousness with which one functions. Simple living high thinking. Having practiced an identical spiritual discipline and lifestyle for quite some years now, I’m beginning to appreciate how much depth it can create. Spiritual technology is timeless and limitless. Eternally perfect. No need for upgrades, add-ons or adjustments – just more attention and conscientious application on my part.


From the New Vrindaban Gardens 4-21-2014 — Volunteers Welcome
→ New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit

 

New Vrindaban teaching garden 4-21-2014

James and Kacey working in the Apothecary Teaching Garden

Spring is in full swing this week in the gardens. The Apothecary Teaching Garden across from the temple is getting a beautiful make-over. Marty Wach a volunteer from Wheeling has designed the garden and already has 15 of the beds cultivated and ready for planting. The Apothecary Teaching Garden will be the home to many medicinal herbs, flowers both perennial and annual, as well has greens for the temple and restaurant. A new fence will also be installed in the next few weeks.

In the Garden of Seven Gates we are preparing beds for new asparagus plants and awaiting the first delicious shoots to break through the ground from the previous year’s plantings. Lots of spring clean up and weeding is being completed as well. Rhubarb will be planted this week along the fence line near the asparagus. Both plants are hardy perennial vegetables that grow well in our climate. The long term goal for the Garden of Seven Gates is to line the lower fence line with perennial vegetables. This will give us a ample spring vegetable harvest in a few years.

There are many volunteer opportunities in both of the gardens for either groups or individuals. On the weekends volunteers are welcome anytime during the day and we are also available through the week. My office is the first door on the right as you entire the far side of the temple (closest to the road). I am in the office each day from 9-9:30, if you would like to come later just come join us in the garden. I can also be contacted by email at Korr.ecov@gmail.com. Volunteer hours can also be tailored to individual interests such as: flowers, vegetables, greenhouse, landscaping, organic methods, agro-foresty, fruits, and many more. We are also open to groups coming to work and enjoy the gardens. May-July we will be planting regularly and can always use the extra help, no experience necessary. Robert Rodale once said, “The best crop of a garden, year after year, is hope.” We hope to see many new faces in the garden this season.

Boat Festival Insights 2014 at ISKCON-Delhi (Album 14 photos)
→ Dandavats.com

The boat festival marks the symbolic event occurred between Radha and Krishna before 5000 years at Rajghat in River Yamuna. The Gopis often carried the milk products from Vrindavana and sold at Mathura to earn their living. Srinivasa Acharya says, “Krishna started the boat festival from this Raj Ghat with the beautiful Radha and Her associates to cross the River carrying pots of milk products. See the amazingly beautiful face of Krishna. On the riverside remained Krishna on a worn out boat. Radha and Her associates urged to Krishna, “Please take us to the other side of River Yamuna.” Krishna rowed them down to some distance with great pleasure. Let us describe Krishna’s playful pastimes with them.” When the old boat floated in violent waters, the Gopis said, “You are troubling we young girls. O Madhava, You reap the seed of all troubles and You alone can make us cross this River.” Krishna said, “All food you carry will be drowned. Please throw away all you carry in water including your unwanted clothing.” Even at this dreadful moment, Krishna was cutting jokes at the Gopis and clapped hands showing no worries. The Gopis said, “We desperately throw water from the sinking boat with our bare hands. Even if we escape from here, we will not surrender to You.” Read more ›

Lakshmi Narasimha Karuna Rasa Stotra 8 – Beware of the fruit that promises happiness but delivers misery
→ The Spiritual Scientist

samsara-vriksha agha-bijam ananta-karma

shakha-yutam karana-patram ananga-pushpam

aruhya dukha-phalinam patitam dayalo

lakshmi-nrisimha mama dehi karavalambam

The tree of samsara, or material existence, is sprouted from the seed of sinful desire. The unlimited reactions to fruitive activities are its branches, the senses are its leaves and its flowers is Cupid’s attraction of sex desire. O merciful one, I climbed up this tree but I have only obtained the fruit of misery and am now fallen. O Lakshmi-Nrisimha, please bless me with the touch of Your lotus hands.

Holy Name Meditation Podcast

New Vrindaban’s Pittsburgh Festival of Colors: a Colorful Day of Peace and Fun
→ New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit

New Vrindaban and the Palace of Gold would like to offer a  big THANK YOU to everyone who helped at the Festival of Colors in Pittsburgh this weekend  Sat. April 19, 2014,  and to everyone who participated, from the color throwers to the dancers to the T-shirt wearers to the bands to the staff and everyone there!

You all helped to make it a great success in throwing our worries to the wind and establishing a fun day of peace and love in Pittsburgh.

Hare Krishna!

color wheel

lila and pink dave

srimati kalindi (2)