Coming Soon: Radhanath Swami’s New Book ‘The Journey Within’
→ ISKCON News

In this long-awaited follow up to The Journey Home, renowned spiritual leader Radhanath Swami shares intimate stories from his forty years as a teacher of devotional (bhakti) yoga. His heartfelt down-to-earth writing makes accessible topics that have remained esoteric for generations: explanations of the material and spiritual selves, the way of righteousness (dharma), and what happens at death.

New Vrindaban Daily darsan @ January 30, 2014.
→ New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit

01

O brother, please reside under the trees of Vrndavana, and from time to time enter the villages to beg alms. Drink as much Yamuna water as you like. Dress in some rejected pieces of cloth. Consider others’ praise of you the most bitter poison, and their disrespect sweet as nectar. Serve Sri Sri Radha-Muralidhara, and never leave this land of Vrndavana.

[Source : Nectarean Glories of Sri Vrindavana-dhama by Srila Prabodhananda Sarasvati Thakura, 1-48 Translation.]

Please click here for more photos

Endless Loop on YouTube
→ View From a New Vrindaban Ridge

When I was getting the YouTube address for Pete Seegar chanting Raghu[ati Raghava Rajarama I saw a lot of more traditional versions so I thought for my readers who weren’t familiar with it to post one of them.

Then I got obsessed with it and was playing it over and over again which was a pain because I had to keep hitting start. So I searched on “YouTube” ” loop” and found a lot of places you can do it.

Here is one of them.

You paste the 11 character YouTube video identifier  in the box on the right (everything after the = in the YouTube url) and you are off to the races, it endlessly loops it or maybe you can set how many times to loop it but I didn’t get that far.


Filed under: News, Ramblings or Whatever

TEXAS FAITH 122: Can you have morality without the existence of God?
→ Nityananda Chandra Das' Blog, ISKCON Dallas

Dallas Morning News,

Each week we will post a question to a panel of about two dozen clergy, laity and theologians, all of whom are based in Texas or are from Texas. They will chime in with their responses to the question of the week. And you, readers, will be able to respond to their answers through the comment box.

When President Lyndon Johnson declared war on poverty exactly 50 years ago, advocates called it the moral obligation of a wealthy nation. Johnson said he was doing it not because it was efficient or helpful or politically expedient (which, of course, it was for liberals), but because it was right. The idea of advancing public policy in moral terms is hardly new. The Civil Rights movement invoked a moral imperative in its quest of public policy. Social conservatives want a government that reflects values they consider fundamental and unchanging. The impetus of President Obama’s health-care initiative and its various government precursors was, at least at some level, a moral one.

Robert Barron, a Catholic priest, notes in a column that one of the most common observations made by opponents of religion is that we don’t need God in order to have a coherent and integral morality. After all, aren’t there plenty of good, moral people who don’t believe in God? But supporters of religion warn that without God, there’s moral chaos.

Barron suggests removing God is tantamount to removing the ground for basic good, and once the basic good has been eliminated, all that is left is the self-legislating and self-creating will. Thus, he says, people of faith should be wary when atheists and agnostics blithely suggest that morality can endure apart from God.

So what is the relationship between morality and the existence of God? Can you have one without the other?

For all the talk by politicians and policy advocates about the morally in advancing various programs, good government typically means managing a competition between various secular interests in a way that benefits the common good. It’s about reaching a consensus in the community. It’s relative. But can morality ever be relative? And if not, doesn’t that mean it requires, at its heart, something absolute — like God.

What is the relationship between morality and the existence of God? Can you have one without the other?

NITYANANDA CHANDRA DAS, minister of ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness), Dallas 

Morality requires spiritual vision. For example if there is accident on the highway, what should be cared for first? The passengers in the car or the car itself? Similarly, a person with spiritual vision will know what is of greater importance, the body, or the soul within the body. That person who is in ignorance cannot see the soul and thus cannot make proper moral decisions.

"The foolish cannot understand how a living entity can quit his body, nor can they understand what sort of body he enjoys under the spell of the modes of nature. But one whose eyes are trained in knowledge can see all this. The endeavoring transcendentalists who are situated in self-realization can see all this clearly. But those whose minds are not developed and who are not situated in self-realization cannot see what is taking place, though they may try." -Bhagavad Gītā As It Is15.10-11

It is just like someone who is not trained in automobile repair. He can see the car and the mechanic can see the same car but he will not be able to see what the mechanic sees unless he has been trained to see it. Thus it is mechanic who can make decisions rather than the ignorant person.

"The humble sages, by virtue of true knowledge, see with equal vision a learned and gentle priest, a cow, an elephant, a dog and a dog-eater." -Bhagavad Gītā As It Is 5.18

Thus a moral person who has spiritual vision does not condone harm to anyone regardless what their race, species, or position within or out of a womb, if such harm is for personal gratification.

 

To see all responses of the TEXAS Faith panel click here.

TEXAS FAITH 121: Is Christmas a religious holiday or a cultural one?
→ Nityananda Chandra Das' Blog, ISKCON Dallas

Dallas Morning News,

Each week we will post a question to a panel of about two dozen clergy, laity and theologians, all of whom are based in Texas or are from Texas. They will chime in with their responses to the question of the week. And you, readers, will be able to respond to their answers through the comment box.

A new Pew Research Center Religion and Public Life survey reports that 90 percent of Americans — or almost all of us — celebrate Christmas in some fashion. The study shows that most still view it as a religious holiday, but certainly not all. In fact, only a slim majority consider it a religious holiday.

Interestingly, there appears a sharp generational difference in the way Americans see Christmas. According to Pew, Americans under age 30 are far more likely to see Christmas as a cultural holiday. Likewise, they are less likely to attend religious services at Christmas or to believe in the Virgin Birth.

The survey also reports on the similarities in the ways Americans celebrate Christmas. Most of us observe the holiday with families and friends.

You can read more about Pew’s Christmas survey at this link.

And here’s the question for this week:

How do you view Christmas: Is it a religious holiday or a cultural one?

And, if you like, share how you plan on observing the day, if it is one you will observe.

Read on for a variety of answers from our panelists:

NITYANANDA CHANDRA DAS, minister of ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness), Dallas 

In the Vedic tradition, religion, culture and everyday life are intertwined. The Sanskrit term Dharma means "The constitutional nature of an object."

Sometimes this term is misinterpreted as religion. However, a person can change their religion but they cannot change their dharma.

For example, the dharma of sugar is that it is sweet, the dharma of fire is that it is hot. It is not fire if it is not hot.

Śrīmad Bhāgavatam teaches that the dharma of the self is to serve and love God. This nature of desiring to love and serve someone or something is always present in a person and is properly situated when directed towards God.

A follower of the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam and the Bhagavad Gītā dedicates every action as an offering unto the Supreme. Thus ordinary things such as cooking, eating, and even sex to produce children are seen in relation to Krishna.

That is why it is called Krishna Consciousness because one is consciously and lovingly engaging their mind, body, and self in the service of the Supreme Lord, Śrī Krishna.

To see all responses of the TEXAS Faith panel click here.

Our best friend
→ KKSBlog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 12 December 2013, Midrand, South Africa, Evening Lecture)

prabhupada chanting and talkingPrabhupada was saying, “How did this miracle happen to me? I’m an old man, I’m an old man. I am a foreigner. I came to America, I didn’t have any money.”

Old man, foreigner, no money. Who’s gonna listen to him? Nobody will care for him. He said, “How did this miracle happen to me?”

By the grace of guru and Gauranga! When guru is pleased then Krsna is pleased then Krsna will do, Krsna will make it all possible. Then anything can be done. Prabhupada was so successful and Prabhupada became so glorious but he never accepted any glory.

He would always point at Krsna or his spiritual master, “If you see any good qualities in me, then know it to be the good quality of my spiritual master.” He said, “Just like the moon, the moon actually has no effulgence of it’s own. It’s just reflecting light of the sun. In the same way, if you see any good quality in me, then know it’s just a reflection of the good quality of my spiritual master.” Like that, Prabhupada is not claiming any fame. Oh no. Prabhupada was pointing at Krsna.

Prabhupada said, “Krsna is your best friend.”

“Oh Prabhupada, you are our best friend,” the devotees said.

Prabhupada said, “No, no. I may disappoint you but Krsna, he never will, he never will because Krsna is omnipotent. He can do anything and everything. He is your best friend. I may disappoint.”

So like this, Prabhupada was pointing at Krsna as our shelter, as our friend, always Krsna, putting Krsna in the centre. 

 

Serving the Lord in Dwarka
→ travelingmonk.com

“The heavenly planets are more celebrated than the earth. But the celebrity of earth has defeated that of the heavenly planets because of Dwarka where Lord Sri Krsna reigned as a king. Three places, mainly Vrindavan, Mathura and Dwarka, are more important than the famous planets within the universe. These places are perpetually sanctified because [...]

Our energy is coming from God, recycle it back to him!
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Everyone's energy is generated or borrowed from the reservoir of energy of the Lord; therefore, the resultant actions of such energy must be given to the Lord in the shape of transcendental loving service for Him. As the rivers draw water from the sea through the clouds and again go down to the sea, similarly our energy is borrowed from the supreme source, the Lord's energy, and it must return to the Lord. That is the perfection of our energy.

- Srila Prabhupada, Srimad Bhagavatam 1.9.27 purport

The Power of Story (2)
→ NY Times & Bhagavad Gita Sanga/ Sankirtana Das



In a letter of March 18, 1971 Prabhupada writes, “So when they will read Krsna book, certainly they will enjoy this as a story or as philosophy, morality, religion, etc. and gradually they will become perfect in Krsna consciousness.”
Just like Prabhupada in his presentation of Krsna Book, the idea behind storytelling is to weave story and philosophy together to make it both an entertaining and enlightening experience for the reader. The storyteller, according to the audience, has to determine the right mix of story and philosophy. What would be the appropriate balance for your audience to be engaged. See what is the major point of the story. Look for one or two additional points.
Storytelling is not a platform to convince the listener. Rather, we want the listener to open their minds and get absorbed in the dynamics of the story and  “enjoy” the story. The listener should walk away with a satisfying experience. Prabhupada concludes that  “gradually they will become perfect in Krsna consciousness.” 


See www.Mahabharata-Project.com  for reviews and info about my recently published Mahabharata: The Eternal Quest. 


The pilot: “I’m George, from Lebanon, and I’m your servant”!
→ Dandavats.com

Govinda Swami: Just sat down to take a flight and the gentleman man, in charge of the cabin, came to speak to me. He said, I'm George, from Lebanon, and I'm your servant. If there is anyway I can serve you, please let me know. When he said that I went into a sort of ecstasy !! I told him that's the topmost viewpoint a person could have in his life, and I try to follow that, though most of the time I fail. I shook his hand and said, "George, you just made my day." -- Read more ›

What is Radhadesh Mellows? (Album 192 photos by SouLphotography)
→ Dandavats.com

Radhadesh Mellows is one of the most anticipated events of the year. It is a kirtan festival organised by and held in a 19th century Belgian castle which now serves the purpose of being one of the most stunning temples in Europe dedicated to Radha-Krishna. Kirtan is the call-and-response chanting performed by the devotional traditions of India, although now it is found to be practiced in every country by millions of people, regardless of their race, caste or creed; Kirtan simply means to glorify God by chanting His Holy Names. -- Read more ›

Krishna Fest in Dwarka – western devotees mix with the local ones for Sankirtana! (Album 90 photos)
→ Dandavats.com

Indradyumna Swami: "The heavenly planets are more celebrated than the earth. But the celebrity of earth has defeated that of the heavenly planets because of Dwarka where Lord Sri Krsna reigned as a king. Three places, mainly Vrindavan, Mathura and Dwarka, are more important than the famous planets within the universe. These places are perpetually sanctified because whenever the Lord descends on earth He displays His transcendental activities particularly in these three places. They are perpetually the holy lands of the Lord, and the inhabitants still take advantage of the holy places, even though the Lord is now out their sight." -- Read more ›

Temple of Vedic Planetarium: Main Dome Progress
→ Dandavats.com

The second ring of the main dome has begun. This supporting structure is an epic coil of over 200 pieces of steel designed to fit together. The entire process involves intricate calculations accounting for forces such as counter-weight and weather hazards. The rising ring will form the base of the new temple's centerpiece, the main dome, which will be finished in tile work. -- Read more ›

Chandan Yatra, Durban 2014
→ KKSBlog

Chandan Yatra - DurbanFrom Mayapur, Kadamba Kanana Swami travelled to Abu Dhabi and then to Johannesburg to meet with engineers & other professionals in the construction field, to assist him with his report on the Mayapur project.

Amidst all of this, for the pleasure of the devotees, Maharaj travelled to Durban for a day, to celebrate the Chandan Yatra festival of Sri Sri Radha Radhanath (19 January). It is the middle of summer in Durban with soaring temperatures & high humidity, and during this festival Their Lordships were smeared with sandalwood paste (chandan) to cool Their transcendental form. Lord Radhanath manifested his Syamasundar form (black in colour) which was truly a rare sight to behold!

Celebrations for the day included the Book Marathon Awards ceremony that glorified the efforts of the devotees during the month of December. Devotees were given the chance to share with everybody their experiences and realizations about book distribution. Afterwards, gifts were handed out by Kadamba Kanana Swami and Ksudi Prabhu (ACBSP).

The day culminated with Maharaj leading an ecstatic Gaura Aarti kirtan. There was definitely some added mercy from the Lord’s special darshan and blessings from the high book scores!

Earlier on the same day, Maharaj lectured at the weekly program at the New Jagannath Puri Temple in Phoenix, about 40 km away from Durban.

Thereafter, it was back to work for Maharaj as he returned to Johannesburg to continue his meetings and he also checked out a potential new home for Iskcon Sandton. On 23 January, he departed South Africa for Radhadesh where he participated in the Radhadesh Mellows kirtan festival which took place last weekend and tomorrow, he returns to India!

Recordings and photos are presented below.

Audio

KKS_SA_DBN_19 January 2014_Bhajan

KKS_SA_DBN_19 January 2014_Lecture

KKS_SA_NJP_19 January 2014_Bhajan

KKS_SA_NJP_19 January 2014_Lecture SB 2.9.36

KKS_SA_NJP_19 January 2014_Nrshimadev Prayers

 

Photos

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

ISKCON Juhu Celebrates Temple Anniversary with Prasad Distribution & Maha-abhishek (Album 27 photos)
→ Dandavats.com

Hare Krishna Land (ISKCON Juhu) is set upon four acres of prime land and a stone throw away from Juhu beach. A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, founder of ISKCON, inspired the construction of one of India’s most beautiful temple of Lord Krishna in Mumbai. The presiding Deities at the temple are Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai, Sri Sri Radha Rasabihari and Sri Sri Sita Rama Laxman Hanuman.The Deities were personally installed by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. -- Read more ›

New Vrindaban’s Transcendental “Throwback Thursday” – 01/30/14
→ New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit

NV TBT 01-30-14

New Vrindaban’s Transcendental “Throwback Thursday” – 01/30/14.

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

This week’s challenge: Identify the two devotees in the photo.

Extra credit: Name the two horses as well.

Post your guesses on the “who, what, when & where” in the comment section at the New Vrindaban Facebook Page.

Technical stuff: We share the 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.

Candra and The Fawn
→ New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit

fawn leaving body

By Gopish das

As another manifestation of the temporary nature of this material world weighs heavily in the air, I’m reminded of the unlimited kindness of Krsna’s devotees.

At lunch Prasad a couple of days ago, Jaya Govinda Prabhu was relating the story of Kala Krsnadas who was attracted away from Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu by the Battatharis. Mahaprabhu was obliged to save his servant from an imminent plunge into darkness. Thereupon the Lord continued to travel with Krsnadas but on returning to Jaganatha Puri, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu informed the devotees about the pollution of His servant and sent Krsnadas away. It was Sri Nityananda Prabhu and the devotees that engaged Krsnadas by sending him to Bengal to inform the Navadvipa devotees about the return of Sri Caitanya to Jaganatha Puri.

By the mercy of Sri Krsna one gets the association of devotees. But it is by the association of devotees that one is able to receive the mercy of Krsna!

An example of this has just played itself out on my doorstep. Chandravali was headed down our driveway towards the temple when she came upon a very young fawn dying in the road. She gently picked it up, placed in on a blanket
in the back of her car and with tears in her eyes, brought it back up to the house. Kalindi comforted her daughter and called me down to take the fawn out of the car.

Kalindi retrieved Srila Prabhupada’s garland and draped it around the neck of the fawn while she and Chandra gently chanted to the deer. I placed the blanketed fawn on the back porch and Chandra came out with a picture of baby Krsna, placed it in front of its open eyes and continued to chant softly to this most fortunate living entity. Kalindi turned up Srila Prabhupada’s chanting and faced the speaker towards the back door.

I took a picture of the pastoral scene and came up to write this short description. Kalindi just came in to inform me that she lit a stick of incense, offered it to Sri Jaganatha Swami and asked for Him to kindly take this spirit soul back to His loving embrace. She went outside and the fawn had left its body…

What fortune has smiled on this living entity that, by the grace of these kindly matajis, the path to Sri Krsna’s lotus feet has been cleared and illuminated?

Once again I am awakened to the true greatness of Krsna’s devotees and made acutely aware that it is by their grace alone one will cross the ocean of nescience and obtain the mercy of Krsna!

(Editors note: this was submitted last spring when fawns were small but it fell through the cracks and didn’t get published until now)