Friday, March 21st, 2014
→ The Walking Monk

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

A Genuine Pilgrim

I met Joyce in 2006 when I trekked through Saskatoon at that time.  She, along with other walkers, runners, cyclists and yoga people, sat down to hear some of my Tales from Trails stories, and lessons learned on the road.  The venue was a place called Yoga Republic, a cozy setting in a building dedicated to healing, and which was formerly a convent for nuns located on Idylewild Road (most people around here call it Iddly Widdly). 

I was happy to connect with her again.  At that time, in 2006, she sent me an e-message, saying she had an aspiration to do the Camino de Compostela, the famous pilgrim walk in Spain.  She also asked me in that message if she could join me for part of my trek while I was in the province of Saskatchewan. 

Meeting someone like her is rare, with all this passion she has for pilgrimage.  She regularly walks.  I expressed at the time that it would be a little bit awkward since I’m a monk, and she’s a woman.  If a third person was there, especially a male, it would be different.  Culturally, traditionally, that’s the way it would work.  I hadn’t heard from her after that.  In any event, I kept walking eastbound to complete a third walk across Canada.  It wasn’t until now that I heard from her and that I saw her for the first time in person at this night’s event.  She mildly persisted in the most gentle way, “Would you be willing to guide a group in a walk across Canada?” 

I could not give a complete answer to that, and I expressed that we could talk after the presentation is over.  My thought on the matter is, “Here is a real live pilgrim who in the meantime did walk the Camino.  How can I inspire and/or facilitate someone like this?”  I will give some thought to it and see if on a small scale something can be accomplished.

Those in attendance at the Yoga Republic joined us in kirtan, followed by halava snacks.  They left feeling lighter in heart and a little heavier in stomach.  I would really like to thank our facilitator, Lorel.  I was also thinking, “This is the silent time of year (winter’s end) when you have big dreams that you have to put in to plan and action.”  Earlier on in the day, my host, Kasyapa, and I were walking on soil as well as on ice and dry snow.  With our feet we were crushing the stuff under us with a crunch and a crackle.  This is the most quiet season of the year, but it’s a time when you can make the most noise. 

May the Source be with you!

5 KM



Sweet surrender
→ KKSBlog

 

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 03 October 2013, Melbourne, Australia, Srimad Bhagavatam 2.3.8)

The strong elements of the material world, of the heaviness of our suffering, are the symptoms of Krsna’s strong love. If you really love your son, let’s say a teenager with puberty and everything, you love him but at the same time, he is totally “off” but what can you do?

photo (71)Names withheld but there was one son, who grew up in Krsna consciousness, who went to a party and got drunk to a point where he had to be brought home in an ambulance. The insurance would not pay the bill for such cases. The parents said, “Sorry it is your bill. We are not paying.” A big bill from the ambulance, so suddenly the son had a big debt. Yeah, so it was so heavy. One has to learn to take responsibility for one’s actions. It is a child who does not take responsibilities for their actions but an adult is meant to take responsibility. How many lifetimes are we going to remain children – under eighteen year old children and next life again! When will we actually become mature and accept responsibility for our actions?

That is dharma – that is the path of dharma. It may sound heavy but it sounds only heavy to those who are rebellious. It sounds heavy to those who have had a heavy case of rebelliousness and now say, ”Actually of course, I do want to surrender but I just  cannot surrender!’”

This translates to, ”I do not want to surrender. I do not want it and I am just looking for any damn excuse I can find to not surrender. So to get you off my back I would say, I want to surrender but I cannot surrender.’”

Prabhupada Letters :: Anthology 2014-03-22 15:40:00 →

1972 March 22: "I am always glad when my disciples exhibit good sense. Now you simply stick very closely to the regulative principles and always keep yourself so much engaged that you will be too much busy serving Krishna to think about other things. Your husband shall remain with me to learn Sanskrit. I do not think it will be practical for you to join your husband just now, but perhaps later we shall see."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972

Prabhupada Letters :: Anthology 2014-03-22 15:34:00 →

1974 March 22: "Our Vrindaban temple is perhaps our nicest building in the whole movement and I want at least 25 good men here at all times. Those who come here must be exemplary and whether grhasthas or sannyasis, must behave like real Goswamis so that all the people of Vrindaban will see that we are actually followers of the six Goswamis headed by Rupa Goswami."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1974

New Vrindaban Daily darsan @ March 21, 2014.
→ New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit

01

The real goal of my life is to attain the nectar of confidential devotional service to Sri Sri Radhika-Krsna. I shall some day renounce everything and live in Vrndavana. These are the words of feigned renunciation spoken by one addicted to the affairs of household life. The holy abode of Vrndavana will not give shelter to such a person.

[Source : Nectarean Glories of Sri Vrindavana-dhama by Srila Prabodhananda Sarasvati Thakura, 1-94 Translation.]

Please click here for more photos

Chaitanya Charitamrita – Adi lila 13.91-92 – HH Bhakti Caitanya Swami
→ Mayapur.com

[Kindly transcribed by Sheela Ravishankar Mataji) Audio for this lecture may be downloaded here: Download From: Sri Mayapur Candrodaya Mandir! Date: 15 March, 2014 Verse: CC Adi 13.91-92 Speaker: HH Bhakti Caitanya Swami a-kalanka gauracandra dila darasana sa-kalanka candre ara kon prayojana Translation: When the spotless moon of Caitanya Mahaprabhu became visible, what would be […]

The post Chaitanya Charitamrita – Adi lila 13.91-92 – HH Bhakti Caitanya Swami appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Chaitanya Charitamrita – Adi Lila 1.4 – HH Prahaladananda Swami Maharaja
→ Mayapur.com

[Kindly transcribed by Swetha Ganeshan Mataji] Download the audio for this lecture here: Download From: Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir! Date: March 14, 2014 Speaker: HH Prahaladananda Swami Maharaja Subject: C.C Adi Lila 1.4 HH Prahladananda Swami: I am going to read from Sri Caitanya Caritamrita, Adi Lila, Chapter 1, Text number 4. I am just […]

The post Chaitanya Charitamrita – Adi Lila 1.4 – HH Prahaladananda Swami Maharaja appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Srimad Bhagavatam 5.13.24 – HH Bhaktivaibhava Swami
→ Mayapur.com

[Kindly transcribed by Sheela Ravishankar Mataji) Audio for this lecture should soon be downloadable from here: Download From: Sri Mayapur Candrodaya Mandir! Date: 13 March, 2014 Verse: Srimad Bhagavatam 5.13.24 Speaker: HH Bhaktivaibhava Swami sri-suka uvaca ity evam uttara-matah sa vai brahmarsi-sutah sindhu-pataya atma-satattvam viganayatah paranubhavah parama-karunikatayopadisya rahuganena sakarunam abhivandita-carana apurnarnava iva nibhrta-karanormy-asayo dharanim imam […]

The post Srimad Bhagavatam 5.13.24 – HH Bhaktivaibhava Swami appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Sannyasa initiation ceremony of Bhakti Gauravani Goswami (Album 27 photos)
→ Dandavats.com

Bhakti Gauravani Goswami (previously known as Vedavyasa Prabhu ACBSP), born in Germany, in 1951, met devotees in Hamburg in the summer of 1971, while doing mandatory military service. After reading "Sri Isopanisad" and receiving guidance from Srila Prabhupada's disciples there, he became a vegetarian, shaved his head, and lived (as far as circumstances allowed) a devotional life while still in the army. To help him focus, devotees asked him to translate the Second Canto of Srimad‐Bhagavatam into German. Shortly after his discharge, he traveled to Paris in June of 1972 to meet Srila Prabhupada and receive initiation. For the next eight years, he translated books and managed the German BBT. After marrying a Spanish devotee and arriving in Spain, in 1981, he oversaw printing for the Spanish BBT and assisted in the administration of the Spanish temples. In 1985, he established the European office of the Spanish BBT (previously, he worked through the Spanish BBT office in Los Angeles). During the next ten years, the "Srimad‐Bhagavatam" and several other books were published, and the "Sri Caitanya‐caritamrita" was translated and prepared for publication. For the occasion of Srila Prabhupada's centennial celebration, Vedavyasa wrote and published a book called "Srila Prabhupada and His Disciples in Germany," which narrates the history from 1969 to 1977 and features the memories of Prabhupada's disciples. Vedavyasa is the president of both the Malaga temple and the New Vrajamandala farm community, and the Euro RGB Commissioner for ISKCON's activities in Spain. He is also serving as an initiating guru in ISKCON. Read more ›

How is a day like in Sri Mayapur International School? (12 min video)
→ Dandavats.com

A Day in SMIS is a short video which shows how the school gives a unique opportunity for young devotees to progress in their academic education, while at the same time having the unique experience of living in Sri Mayapur Dhama. If you are interested in admitting your child in Sri Mayapur International School we have a few places left in Grade 4 and waiting lists for other primary classes. Places are available in Grades 7, ( 11 and 12 year olds) 8,9,10 and 12. From Grade 7 upwards classes are separate for boys and girls. Read more ›

Thursday, March 20th, 2014
→ The Walking Monk

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Shoe Guru

I’m not a shopper, but sometimes you have to…  In my possession I have summer Crocs and winter snow boots.  There is nothing that is appropriate for the seasons in between, so I decide I have to secure something for the feet.
 
It’s spring today, officially, but not in reality.  Colossal snow sculptures, remnants from the recent Voyagers Festival, still adorn some of the medians at city boulevards.  They are impressive.  Still, it’s winter.
 
To address my need the generous Daruka, my benevolent support person throughout this recent cross-country walk, drove me to Canadian Footwear Limited on Adelaide Street.  Billy was the name of the clerk dealing with us.  He was terrific and did a super job.  He sold me a pair of Gortex hiking shoes.  I did joke with him,” I was initially thinking along the lines of getting flippers,” considering the pools of water being formed outside, a result of the snow’s thaw.  He was inquisitive about the order I belong to.  My robes usually hit people’s curiosity button.  His presumption was that I was Buddhist. 

“Krishna!”  I said, “Hare Krishna!  Origins – India.”

Pleasantly he asked, “What brought you to this?” 

And I responded by explaining my thirst for simplicity of life.  He asked about my fourth time walking the country, and I explained, “To promote pilgrimage.”  But more so, I remained attentive to getting the shoes I needed and to achieving the best buy for the best product.   Billy was also focused on the sale and the product.  I continued the conversation.  “In my youthful days of quest, I listened to the Beatles.  They went to India, they went spiritual.”

“Oh yeah, the sitar and all that,” Billy recalled.  Billy was smooth as ice.  A super sales person.  He’s like a shoe guru. 

Now, for the test on my shoes.  Doug, a friend also with us, who put in half towards the purchase, took a stroll with me through the business district of town.  What a slush world it is.  My new booties held out, and I thank Krishna for seeing to it that I had provisions for my tootsies.  Hare Krishna.

May the Source be with you.

5 KM

 Billy at Canadian Footwear in Winnipeg helps the Walking Monks buy a new pair of shoes

 Snow Sculptures in Winnipeg

Snow Sculptures in Winnipeg

Wednesday, March 19th, 2014
→ The Walking Monk

Winnipeg, Manitoba
Up-Cycling

It sounds a little bit like celebrating reincarnation.  The term ‘up-cycling’ is used when rejected matter is turned into something practical.  We are talking about scrap items, old building material, broken down furniture, parquet floor pieces and such.  It is all reinvented in a useful way as stunning art forms.  So, matter that would normally be destined for the landfill, now has value. 

I was a fortunate one to be there for the ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of a shop called “The Scrap Came Back” located on Saint Anne’s Road where on shelf display and for sale there were unique one of a kind art pieces made of various what would be rejected materials.  Fred Penner, the renowned children’s entertainer, who became popular for his song, “The Cat Came Back”, was there to snip with scissors, the ribbon, marking the opening of some real nifty art work ranging from ornamental pieces to birdhouses, all assembled by disabled citizens. 

It was a pleasure to meet some of the artists as well as Karen Fonseth Schlossburg, representing DASCH, which stands for Direct Action in Support of Community Homes, the legal entity behind the project.  The sale of items goes to support these worthy folks of disability.  Thus far, DASCH has built 55 home to accommodate such folks. 

I also met Carol, who recently returned from Pune, India, for a yoga upgrade.  And me, being a bhakti yoga instructor, allowed for us to share a lot in common.  But believe me, I was the only monk at the party, and was happy to be wedged into an art crowd and their supporters. 

In practice and in spirit, this art community lives by the slogan, “Re-purposed, re-imagined, recycled, and fair trade”.  Sounds much like the transmigration of the soul. 

To live up to my claim as a bhakti yoga instructor, I put this into practice in the evening, but at another location.  Leading kirtan, discussions in devotion, and carob flavoured goodies embellished our night. 

May the Source be with you!
0 KM

 Fred Penner cuts ribbon at The Scrap Came Back Store in Winnipeg

 
Bhaktimarga Swami at ribbon cutting ceremony

Searching for signs
→ KKSBlog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 28 December 2013, Mayapur, India, Srimad Bhagavatam 5.10.24)

One journalist came to Srila Prabhupada. He had done some homework. He said to Srila Prabhupada that he heard that the pure devotee always represents Krsna and acts according to Krsna’s will.

So he asked, ”How does the pure devotee know Krsna’s will?” Then Rameshwar, who was a sannyasi, volunteered an answer. He said, “He knows it because Krsna reveals it all within the heart”.
Prabhupada said, “No. Not like that. When I wanna know what Krsna wants, I just ask him”.

So that kind of connection with Krsna, being so close, so direct that Krsna is so present whenever you want, that is another level.

fallen flowerIt is different from praying to Krsna and saying, “Please, give me a sign?” And a flower fell! A flower fell! Yes, that is different,

“I had this amazing dream!”

“Ah, that’s nothing! I had more than a dream. I had a vision in broad daylight!”

Amazing, grace. Amazing mercy. Moments of mercy. Krsna says, “Yes, take a crumb. Here, take a crumb of mercy. Yes, take some inspiration. Yes, I’ll give you an experience. Yes, take it. I’ll give you, I’ll drop a flower for you. Yes, no problem. You’ll hear a voice, yes”. All these things may be there but that is mercy, absolutely. Krsna makes so many arrangements for us. But ultimately, this mercy of Krsna is not yet fully available because our impurities are blocking us access to that mercy.

naham prakasah sarvasya
yoga-maya-samavritah (Bhagavad-gita 7.25)
 

Krsna covers himself, becomes covered. So that covering is still there and that is the problem, that Krsna remains always covered even if a little bit of mercy comes our way but as for Prabhupada, Krsna was always accessible.

Join us for Sunday Feast — 11.00am-2.00pm
→ ISKCON BRAMPTON


Sunday Love Feast

When?
Sunday, March 23rd
Program starts at 11 am

Where?
6 George Street South
Brampton, Ontario
L6Y 1P3, Canada
Park underground(free) @ City Hall
Phone:416-648-3312

New! Listen
Click here to listen to previous class recordings on our blog
Make a Donation
 Bhagavad-gita As It Is 9.34
 
man-mana bhava mad-bhakto
mad-yaji mam namaskuru
mam evaisyasi yuktvaivam
atmanam mat-parayanah
TRANSLATION
Engage your mind always in thinking of Me, become My devotee, offer obeisances to Me and worship Me. Being completely absorbed in Me, surely you will come to Me.
Program Schedule: 
11.00- 11.15      Tulsi Puja                                           
11.15 - 11.30     Guru Puja                                            
11:30 –11:55     Aarti & Kirtan                                      
11.55 - 12.00    Sri Nrsingadeva Prayers                  
12.00 – 1:00     Vedic Discourse 
  1:00 –  1:30      Closing Kirtan
 
COMING UP AHEAD
Papamocani Ekadasi
Fasting on Wed March 26th,2014
Dvadasi/Breakfasti on Thu March 27th,2014 b/w 7.08-11.18(am)
every fortnight, we observe Ekadasi, a day of prayer and meditation. On this day we fast (or simplify our meals and abstain from grains and beans), and spend extra time reading the scriptures and chanting the auspicious Hare Krishna mantra.
Youth Program
On April 5th,2014 @ 12.00pm
Brampton's youth program is back. Everyone is welcomed to come and participate.This program is being fcilitated by Bhaktin Samita Sarkar.The main focus of this program is Harinama Sankirtan and to learn the instruments used for this purpose.


Ramanavami[Appearance Day of Lord Ramacandra]
On April 8th,2014 @ 7.00 pm
Fasting till sunset
If you'd like to help with this event,please ask Prema Gaurangi Devi Dasi how.
To sponsor/finance this event contact Krsna Smaran Devi Dasi in person or via kavitabalram@yahoo.com.
Details of the program will be posted shortly.  
ON GOING EVERY SATURDAY        
Bhagavad-Gita Classes 
Join Bhagavad Gita Course with His Grace Vaisnava Dasa from 9.00am-12.00pm and get certified from Bhaktivedanta College at the completion of this course towards Bhakti Sastri Degree. To register please contact Vaisnava Dasa Prabhu in person or via email[vaishnavadas@icloud.com]
ON GOING EVERY SUNDAY
Govinda'sNatural Foods Snack Bar
Govinda's has always been a giver of love and friendliness, food with a home cooked feel, Check out this Sunday your own Govinda’s Snack Bar at ISKCON Brampton for dine in or take out. This snackbar definitely has the best selection of cruelty-free eats with a bang for your buck.
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
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!

Flying Solo
→ Tattva - See inside out

It’s a brave and bold step to strive for purity in a world of degradation, to embrace simplicity amongst rampant materialism, and to cultivate selflessness in an atmosphere surcharged with exploitation. Anyone who cuts against the grain will face temptation, doubt, ridicule and moments of weakness. Without the encouragement, support and good advice of spiritual friends how can one continue? We can’t do it alone.

Yet the Bhagavad-gita repeatedly highlights the transitory nature of life: the body changes, fortunes change, people change, and ultimately, relationships change. Individuals, even spiritualists, come in and out of our lives. Thus, while drawing inspiration from others, we must learn to stand on our own two feet. Camaraderie is essential, but there is a simultaneous need for self-sufficiency – even if everyone disappears, one must have the tenacity to continue. This deep conviction and individual strength is an essential element of spiritual success, which actually allows us to contribute more when we do come together in spiritual circles.

Etymologically, the word ‘guru’ means ‘heavy.’ The great saint Bhaktisiddhanta gives an interesting illumination: spiritual preceptors are so heavy that they cannot be budged from their spiritual resolve. Come what may, hell or high water, challenges and changes, their determination remains steadfast and unaffected. Our individual connection with God must become substantial and meaningful, strong enough to carry us through this turbulent world. Then, the inevitable chaos of life becomes simply background noise in our resolute internal journey towards purity.

With the kind help of the saintly, always feeling grateful for and dependent on their good wishes, we must learn to fly our own plane.

Reaching Our Destination
→ travelingmonk.com

Yesterday we reached Kagbeni, our final destination on the Kali Gandhaki river. Tibet is only a few hours away. Kagbeni is over 9,000 feet above sea level so there is little, if any, vegetation or trees. Upon arriving in the village we began preparations to immerse Bimal Prasad’s ashes in the river the next morning.

Am I anti-iskcon? Or can we hold different views?
→ simple thoughts

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So several months ago it was highlighted that some felt my blog postings were anti-iskcon an interesting notation coming from a closed conversation were I was not given even a trial or right to reply.
interesting given my blog and social media outlets allow the right to reply and although i may not agree with the individuals point of view that this is alright indeed to disagree but still get on is not always a bad thing.
it does however highlighted the sensitivity when it comes to social media and commets whilst revealing the mind of some of the readers and so I want to clarify a few points.
1) This is a personal blog it is representitive of my mind and my own faulty understandings
2) You do have a right to reply and we can agree to disagree or hold views that are diverse this is healthy and productive
3) I do like the concept of mentorship but not in it’s current form
4) I do like and agree with some of the precepts of what is now called Krishna west (we need many valid paths to make the whole world Krishna conscious)
5) Yes I do make mistakes and get things wrong.

However I take exception at being labled anti-iskcon for even in my working life outside of Iskcon I don’t have to agree with my boss unless we are saying that no one can hold or say anything unless they agree or toe a party line.

So ending on a question, is disagreeing an anti-iskcon traight?