What are the odds?
→ Servant of the Servant

In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna says that devotional service unto Him is very very rare, so rare that even if accept Krishna as Supreme, it is impossible to understand Krishna. These are pretty tough odds to beat especially if this statement is coming directly from the Supreme Being Himself.

So let us try to "quantify" the odds in our very own idiosyncratic sense.

Our criteria for devotion is anyone who chants the Holy Names of Krishna consistently everyday because in this age of Kali, there is no other way to be His devotee. So what are the odds one will chant the Hare Krishna Mahamantra everyday in this kali yuga setting?

Odds of being born in this kali yuga

When Brahma goes to sleep, there is partial destruction of planets of this universe and when he wakes up during the day, creation takes place again. So in that sense since this day of Brahma has begin, 2 billion years have passed in earthly time. Krishna appears once every day of Brahma. It is in this 28th divya yuga in dwapara yuga of 7th manvantara Krishna has appeared and Lord Chaitanya only appears every time after the appearance of Krishna. Those reading this post happened to also be born just at the cusp of the appearance of Krishna and Chaitanya. This is important because we cannot chant the Hare Krishna Mahamantra without Lord Chaitanya.

So the odds to be born in this kali yuga just after Krishna and Chaitanya is 1 in 2 billion.

Odds of being born as a human being

In the Padma Purana, it is said that there are 8.4 million species of life (84 lacs). For the sake of this calculation, we will assume we take birth once in each species  (this is unlikely because typically we take multiple births within the same species).

So the odds to be born as human is 1 in 8.4 million.

Odds of meeting a devotee

Currently, there are estimated 7 billion humans in this world. Of them say 3.5 billion are between 25 to 64 (active adults). If anything we would most likely come in touch with a devotee within that age range. Of course Prabhupada was beyond that age when he initiated this whole movement but of course Prabhupada is special. Of the 3.5 billion, I estimate there would be 1 million devotees in that age range (this is very liberal the odds actually will be much higher)

So the odds of meeting a devotee is 1 in 1 million

Combining all, the odds of being born in this kali yuga and meeting a devotee is 1 in 2.01 billion. Assuming you meet a devotee and take up chanting seriously, you are looking at an odd akin to winning the powerball lottery at least 11 times in one life. This is equivalent to a prize money of 440 million dollars.

This is an illustration to show that on our own, one cannot serve and love God because the odds are stacked against us. To the degree we are free from false-prestige and pride, and with utter humility and tolerance take shelter of Krishna, to that degree Krishna will nourish the seed of bhakti within our heart.

Hare Krishna

Rama-navami Evening, April 8, Houston
Giriraj Swami

sita-rama-forest-2It is stated that in Satya-yuga demons and devotees lived on different planets; in Treta-yuga demons and devotees lived on the same planet but in different families—like Dasarstha and Janaka on the one hand and Ravana on the other; in Dvarapa-yuga devotees and demons appeared in the same family—like the Kauravas and the Pandavas; and in Kali-yuga the divine and demonic propensities reside in the same person. Unfortunately, we almost all have that experience. We have love in our hearts, Krishna in our hearts, but unfortunately, we also have Ravana—that lusty, greedy, angry entity. So the question is: Are we going to follow Rama, or are we going to follow Ravana? The idea is that we can use even anger in the service of the Lord. We should use the anger in our heart and say, ‘I am not going to take this misbehavior anymore. I am not going to chase after this or that, do this or do that. I am not going to tolerate it.’ In this way we can make progress.

Rama-navami Evening Kirtan
Rama-navami Evening Talk

A laborer cannot claim ownership of a thing just because he manufactured it
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Take, for example, our dwelling, which is made of earth, wood, stone, iron, cement and so many other material things. If we think in terms of Sri Isopanisad, we must know that we cannot produce any of these building materials ourselves. We can simply bring them together and transform them into different shapes by our labor. A laborer cannot claim to be a proprietor of a thing just because he has worked hard to manufacture it.

- Srila Prabhupada, Sri Isopanishad Mantra 1

The last verse of the Srimad Bhagavatam!
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Dear Maharaj/Prabhus,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

What is the last verse of the Srimad Bhagavatam ???

Here it is:

“I offer my respectful obeisances unto the Supreme Lord, Hari, the congregational chanting of whose names destroy all sinful reactions,and the offering of obeisances unto whom relieves all material suffering.”
SB 12.13.23

Pandu Putra Prabhu from Italy, and Saksi Gopal Prabhu lead the Kirtan on the streets of London,
enjoy the movie,

Your servant
Parasuram Das

Massive Prasad Distribution in Brussels
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I was talking to one very respectable lady from Emerates, she was busy chopping vegetables for my subji. It was her first time to Europe, she was to attend some diplomat meetings and had only two days before returning home. She told me that she was loving the chopping service and this was a much more important way to spend her time.

I could understand from this that the living entities are by nature servants of the Supreme, and real happiness can come from a simple thing like chopping veg. There were dozens of volunteers sacrificing their time, with great pleasure, to help distribute Subji and popperdoms to 6,000 people in the centre of Brussels,near Grand Place, on the 1st April.

The atmosphere was buzzing. We cooked Prasad with perfectly good veg that was going to be dumped into landfills in an attempt to highlight the positive solutions to the global food waste scandal. The event attracted so much media,and politicians, as the “action” came the day before the “European Parliament’s Sustainable Food Conference.”

Our team consisted of Dharmatma Prabhu (my brother in law), Sanaka Prabhu and Achinta Rupa Prabhu, we had driven over with all the kitchen equipment and the Deities Sri Sri Nitai Gaura Sundara.

Other devotees had driven from Croatia with Mukunda Prabhu as we will be holding the event there soon. Then the local Belgium devotees came for a delicious plate of prasad followed by a wonderful Harinam with Jamastami Prabhu.

It looks like the next similar event will take place in Paris this May at a big rock concert.

Enjoy the slide show.

Your servant
Parasuram Das

Tuesday, April 8th, 2014
→ The Walking Monk

Owen Sound, Ontario

Who’s The Artist?

In the midst of this morning’s meanderings I stumbled upon Tom Thompson’s Art Gallery.  Who is Tom Thompson?  A noted Canadian impressionist landscape artist he was.  His body was found mysteriously in the wilderness while on a canoeing trip. A result of foul play?  It’s not really known.  He’s loved and remembered for defining the natural esthetics of the north.  I admit, it’s nice work indeed. 

I’ve been an art lover for years, including the art of nature. The artist behind the elemental combinations of the out of doors should not be denied.  “Who’s behind the placement of patterns of life?” we might ask.  “Does it have to be a person?”  If we settle for intelligent design, as some people use the term, then we admit to personal implication.  Where there’s intelligence there is a brain.  Brain refers to a person.  Where there’s design, we should come to terms with a designer. 

Being that it is Ramnaumi today, a small group of us at the quiet place of Owen Sound, reflected on the classic Vedic personalities known as Ram, Sita and Lakshman, who spent a long and interesting 14 years in the jungles.  A good part of that phase was the travel by foot from the north of India to the south at Rameshvaram.  Shastra, ancient texts like “The Ramayan”, tells of how the three wanderers enjoyed the features, smells, sights and sounds of the wilderness.  Their apparent exile or banishment was actually a blessing. 

Our trip back to the big city, Toronto, allowed our eyes to see a transition.  Behind us was not only the green spirit of the docks at Georgian Bay, but also rolling hills, farms and forests, all now to be replaced by highways, high rises and high expectations of tantalizing pursuits.  Frankly, there’s nothing more boredomsome than peering at square warehouses and the monotonous looking apartment buildings of a modern day city.  You have to ask, “Who’s the author of such pathetic creations?”  Not the Great Spirit, that’s for sure. 

May the Source be with you!

6 KM



Grand Rama Navami Festival at Sri Jaganntha Mandir Kuala Lumpur (Album 114 photos)
→ Dandavats.com

Sri Rama Navami was celebrated in grand manner at Sri Jaganntha Mandir Kuala Lumpur with tumultuous kirtan , 600 devotees and guests partaking in milk abisheka for Sri sri Sita Rama Laksman Hanuman . We are grateful by the presence of HH Bhanu Swami Maharaja and guest of honour the Deputy Minister of Federal Territories YB Senator Datuk Dr.J. Loga Bala Mohan (HG Loka Bandhu Gauranga Prabhu). Read more ›

Harinama at Union Square, New York, US (Album 20 photos)
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Prabhupada: Yes, by sankirtana. By hearing, hearing, hearing -- this is a medicinal process -- the heart will be cleansed and they will take up the knowledge. Now the heart is unclean, so he cannot take up. So this is the medicine. Kalau nasty eva nasty eva nasty eva gatir anyatha. Harer nama harer... [Cc. Adi 17.21]. Chant Hare Krsna mantra wherever possible, and whoever will hear, he will gradually become cleansed. Ceto-darpana-marjanam [Cc. Antya 20.12]. And then bhava-maha-davagni... Then his material pangs will be over. This is the only medicine. Therefore chant Hare Krsna. Some way or other, let them have the chance of hearing, and then it will act as medicine. Even he does not will, you chant, you let him hear by force, and he will be cured. Morning Walk -- April 7, 1975, Mayapur Read more ›

Program in Istanbul – March 27, 2014 (Album 91 photos)
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Last night we had a wonderful program in Istanbul. Even though the local devotees are not able to go out on harinamas or propagate too visibly in the public here in Turkey, they have found other means through the internet to advertise their programs. Of the thirty-five people who attended our program last night, thirteen of them came for the first time. A few had attended only one or two programs before. Read more ›

Offering to HH Jayapataka Swami
→ ISKCON Malaysia

BY RASIKA MURARI DASA

KUALA LUMPUR - HH Jayapataka Swami Guru Maharaja Vyasapuja_2014 offering:

Dear Srila Gurudeva,

You have always been more than our guide, showed us the way, our eyes opened wide. Taught us the importance of faith and to serve. If we are good, Krsna's home we'll deserve.

Thank you for leading the path to the light, you taught us, that our faith is our sight. Each Sunday we come to learn, how our sins, others do burn.

Thank you for your dedication, teaching us about salvation. Bringing us closer to the Lord, is the most beautiful award.

A great teacher that knows how to to teach. When someone needs help, you willingly reach. Explain things real well, beyond just a preach. Real life examples, connect with us each. You taught us the importance of excellent speech. Thank you so much, for the way that you teach.

You have been there from the very start, took care of us, gave us your heart. Thank you so much, for believing in us. You gave us everything, the sky and the sea.

We have been blessed with father so kind. When we made mistakes, you didn't mind. What we're trying to really express, without you, we would have been less.

Thank you for teaching us how to live, how to love others and to forgive. Thank you so much for being our light, for so many lives, you're a big part.

How could we ever thank you enough? You stood by us when times were real rough. Comfort we felt, we truly did need. We appreciate, your very kind deed.

How could we ever thank you enough, you listened to us, we talked about stuff. From your heart, you gave us advice, important to us, beyond any price.

How could we ever thank you enough? You molded us, now we are tough. Hope to make you very proud, just want to thank you sincerely and loud.

Niranjana Swami: “Loyalty to the Parampara”
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The man then further challenged Prabhupada. He said, "But Swamiji, but what are you doing? All you are doing is just quoting somebody else. Why don't you speak for yourself? And then Prabhupada got very strong with him and he said, "No. This is our system. We stand solidly on the strength of the words spoken by Krsna in our disciplic succesion. This is my duty. This is my qualification. I do not deviate. We stand on this position firmly. That is our qualification. To repeat what Krsna says." Read more ›

Amazing Accomplishments by Srila Prabhupada
→ ISKCON Malaysia

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

(Founder Acharya of International Society for Krishna Consciousness) Proponent of Sanatan Dharma

1. Between 1968 and 1977 he dictated total of 22,000 pages of text

2. He translated and wrote purports to 18,000 verses of only Srimad Bhagavatam.

3. Reading one verse with purport daily would take the reader 9.31 years to complete

4. He translated and wrote the purports to the 700 verses of Bhagavad Gita

5. Reading one verse with purport daily would take two years to complete

6. He translated and wrote the purports to the 17 volumes of Caitanya Caritamrita - in total 2,170 pages or 11,555 verses!!

7. Reading one verse with purport daily would take the reader 31.6 years to complete. Reading one page daily would take 5.9 years to complete

8. He also wrote Teachings of Lord Caitanya, Nectar of Devotion, Teachings of Lord Kapiladeva, Sri Isopanishad...

9. He created Back to Godhead magazine of which 1 million copies were being distributed

10.He wrote 7000 letters to His disciples, which were published in 5 volumes of books

11.Just the Srimad Bhagavatam lectures which he gave, are compiled in 11 volumes of books

12.Bhagavad Gita lectures are compiled in 7 volumes of books

13.His conversations have been compiled in 42 volumes of books

14.He produced inumerable recordings

15.He established 108 temples

16.He published 147 books. Reading one book monthly would take 13 years

17.If one started to read one book monthly now, in 2014, he would not finish till 2031

18.He traveled around the world 14 times

15.Beside this, he changed the lives of at least 5000 people who become his initiated disciples

16. And all of this Srila Prabhupada did in ONLY 9 years!! in the ages between 70-80!!!

New Vrindaban’s Transcendental Throwback Thursday – 04/10/14
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NV TBT 04-10-14

NV TBT 04-10-14 V2

New Vrindaban’s Transcendental Throwback Thursday – 04/10/14.

Each week we highlight an earlier era of ISKCON New Vrindaban.

From the Holy Scriptures we hear about the sacred nature of all things in Vrindaban, both animate AND inanimate.

Here’s a photo of a public pay phone that, for many years, faithfully served the New Vrindaban residents, pilgrims and guests.

This week’s challenge: What was the location of this phone and when was it there?

What to do: Post your guesses and share your memories 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.

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