Planet ISKCON

1973 January 26: "It does not matter that you are not so expert at Sanskrit. If by your presence the devotees become enlivened - that is the sign of successful preaching. It is not very difficult. Just read from my books and try and explain the meaning in your own words."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1973

1974 January 26: "If you sincerely preach everything will become smooth, and our preaching work will become smoother and smoother. Let us work cooperatively all over the world. It is a great task. Let us be cognizant of our responsibility."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1974

1974 January 26: "You have dedicated yourself therefore you are always glorious. I'm very much indebted that you have gone so far away from your comfortable country. Please go on preaching like that and you will be blessed."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1974

1974 January 26: "I think Krsna wants to see you all work independently of me. I'm getting old and cannot move, so if you all my students work ten times more than me that will be great pleasure for me."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1974

What if all of Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati’s disciples had worked together to spread Krsna consciousness as Srila Prabhupada did? The world would now be a different place.

The post Gaura Nitai’s installation festival appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

Our book distribution scores keep going up every year, and we were over 25K in 2013! We currently have 6 university programs which bring a lot of students to evening programs. We call it the "Discover Yourself Course." We even got a class at the university titled "Marketing the Krsna Conscious Way" which instills moral values over just trying to work hard and make money. The university programs include lectures regularly and we have also attracted international students and a year ago we opened a Krishna House, and it is big hit. Students there pay rent and that helps pay for the house. We have 16 Bhakti Vrksha programs. These are all around Illinois and in WI also. -- Read more ›

No one should neglect to control the mind. If one does, the mind becomes so powerful that one immediately forgets his real position. Forgetting that he is an eternal servant of Krishna and that service to Krishna is his only business, one is doomed by material nature to serve the objects of the senses. One should kill mental concoctions by the sword of service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead and His devotee.

- Srila Prabhupada, Srimad Bhagavatam 5.11 Summary

SRS: Ahimsa milk presentation by Tukarama Prabhu (TP of Laguna Beach) at the NA GBC and presidents gathering last week.

The post Cow Protection appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

Bhakti Vrksa programs, book distribution, weekly harinama in the summers, shiksha programs (a tool of congregation development ministry), and a theater preaching program (a young Indian man who had grown up in the US, read Srila Prabhupada’s books, and came to the temple and said he would like to do some service for Srila Prabhupada; he had a movie theatre with 7 screens, and now he advertises a temple program w/prasadam and a movie and there are many new families coming from it. This program has a mailing list of 18k people; he uses all his screens to advertise the Bhagavad Gita study programs) -- Read more ›

We now sell packed hot meals. We started with Illinois Institute of Technology two days a week; now going five days a week, and have expanded over at Northwestern University. We’ve noticed how this program helps in converting people to vegetarian. -- Read more ›

Krishna Temple is a Labor of Love – Back to Godhead – January 1979.

by Ed Kozel

Reprinted from the Wheeling (West Virginia) News-Register

Something of a minor marvel is taking shape in the hills of Marshall County, where members of the Hare Krishna religious community have sacrificed over the past four years to complete a “labor of love” a temple in honor of their spiritual master.

Formally named Prabhupada’s Palace, after His Divine Grace Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the temple will be known to those who visit it as the Marble Temple, complete with formal gardens and incorporating more than 50 kinds of imported marble.

The temple sits atop a hill near the rural community of Limestone, midway between Cameron and Moundsville. The site was a garbage dump four years ago when members of the sect began their project. Today, with yet another year of work remaining before completion, the temple and grounds afford a striking view of the surrounding hills and valleys.

Visually, the temple is stunning. Designed in the Jaipur style of Indian architecture, it features arched doorways, brass and copper balustrades, and marble inlays in intricate and delicate patterns, all constructed by Hare Krishna devotees.

The temple and grounds occupy about 50 acres of the 1,500-acre community. Landscaping will begin this fall with a final goal of including several fountains and a reflecting pool into the design of the grounds.

As much as the architectural style differs from the local style, so do the construction workers themselves. Absent are the hardhats and salty language commonly associated with any construction site, and in their stead are the quiet attitudes and robed figures of Hare Krishna devotees.

Every aspect of construction and design was undertaken by the devotees, some traveling to India to learn the detail of Jaipur architecture from some of the finest craftsmen. Others traveled the world in search of the finest marbles from Italy, Iran, Canada, and other spots.

The time invested on the temple can best be realized by an example that it takes two months to complete one of the marble-inlaid panels used on the temple interior. Ten panels are needed for one room alone. The plaster casts for the temple doors are intricately hand-carved and take over one month to prepare.

Windows combine stained glass and joli screens carved out of teakwood. Teak also comprises the main arches, a delicate pattern of animals and flowers.

The temple is crowned with towers and spires; the dome to the highest tower will be capped with gold.

The temple is the only one of its kind in the United States and already nearly 50 people visit the temple daily. Members of the sect hold worship services there twice daily, in keeping with the regimens of their faith.

In addition to work at the temple grounds, devotees have begun work on a new access road to the temple, one that provides several beautiful views, prompting some visiters to comment that the temple looks as though it had “descended” from above.

Perched on a hilltop with the blue skies of the Ohio Valley as a background, the temple is reminiscent of the residences of kings and deities told of in old mythologies.

The image of ancient grandeurs is continued in the marble inlays, as colors of red, blue, green, and gold mix and play in a man-made design that compares adequately with the grandiose veining in the marble provided by nature.

This exotic beauty will be continued in the main sanctuary ceilings, whereupon will be hand-painted pastimes of Krishna.

Only a handful of the community’s 200 members work on the temple at any one time. The remaining members are involved in ensuring the continued self-sustenance of the community, which was founded in 1968.

Because of the community’s standing as a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization, the cost of the project has been greatly reduced. However, several million dollars would have been invested had the temple been built by a commercial interest.

The community is primarily supported through the sale of its books, although some support does come from residents of surrounding communities and several area businessmen. However, in the community the concentration is on personal fulfillment through love, although the community is very much like any secular community in other aspects.

Visitors are welcome to visit the grounds, located near U.S. 250, from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily. Devotees expect the number of visitors to grow following the temple’s completion sometime next summer.

Meanwhile, the Marble Temple is still something at which to marvel.

On August 16, 1979, the devotees will dedicate the completed temple (artist’s rendering below) and commemorate the day, in 1896, when Srila Prabhupada made his appearance in the world.

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30-12-2013 Caitanya Lila Part 4, ISKCON Cape Town, South Africa.MP3

2014 Sri Sri Radha Madhava Elephant Parade – Kirtan by H.H.Kadamba Kanana Swami

Toronto, Ontario

A Hardy Hearty Trail

Dan is a diabetic person who comes around our ashram.   We had a great meal together, and as we did honour the prasadam (blessed food), a group from a walkers club came in for the same.   You are looking at a dozen or so people who seem to be retired folks.  Even in the 20 below Celsius weather, they brave the trails of hardened snow and ice.  Once I was told of a trail, one I’m familiar with, I got inspired, and asked Dan if he would go for a trek before the coming blizzard.

“Let’s go, Dan, it’ll be fun,” I said.  So he went home to put on extra layers of clothes and we headed for the ravine.

Dan loves to talk in a lively optimistic way.  But I let him know that with us so bundled up with two sets of hoods over our ears, we wouldn’t be able to communicate much.  He quickly resigned to the procedure of a meditative watch where you step type of trek. 

He at times asked, “Where are we, I’ve lost my sense of direction?”  as we snaked along trails that were marked by the footprints of previous trekkers.  Otherwise, the whole snow laden area was up for grabs, including the frozen ponds.  Actually, you make your own path.  I’ve never experienced a more severe winter in my six decades on this planet. 

Once Dan and I came out of nature and more to the street level, he got his bearings together, “You know, I really like this.  It’s a little tough, but I know it’s good for my health.”

“Yes, Dan, do a bit of this every day.”

When we reached the ashram, the redness of our exposed faces lingered for a good hour or so, even after a good shower.  It was an accomplishment that Dan and I felt great about, like an Arctic Conquest.  I got a lot of chanting in and worked up an appetite.  “Shall we do it again, Dan?”

“Absolutely,” he said.

May the Source be with you!

7 KM

Toronto, Ontario

From The Balcony

Whatever I trekked today was indoors for the second consecutive day.  It’s a rather ideal walkway that is located in our temple room.  Formerly a Methodist church, its high ceiling accommodates a balcony which I use as this walkway.  It is a horseshoe shaped area with different levels on which to walk.

From any angle on that height you can see all the pilgrims and meditators that come and go.  It’s a marvelous vantage point.  From the south standing position on the balcony you look north and angle low to see the sacred images of Krishna.  It’s a very special place.  And just behind you is a temperature controlled area which houses the auspicious plant, Tulasi.  It’s great being in the presence of this exotic basil species used in devotional rituals.  She stands in green glory – several dozens of her. 

On the western wall of the balcony, three fair sized arched windows open up to reveal the active outside street called Avenue Road.  Peering out I could see the chilly dynamic of weather this winter.  Exhaust from vehicles curl up into clouds and then dissolve eventually in its ascension.  It is such a consistently frigid winter in most of North America, with plummeting temperatures all around. 

From the balcony you have three worlds at your exposure – the tropical house of Tulasi, the ice world of the outside, and the spirit world of Krishna deities sheltered in shringasan domes, very ornately decorated. 

It’s a very high but tucked away place on that balcony.  I contemplated, “if ever there was truth to the global warming theory with ice caps melting, and Lake Ontario starting to rise with serious flood breakouts, this would be the obvious place to be. “

May the Source be with you!

5 KM

Here is a cow made out of wrenches from a guy who makes sculptures out of wrenches.

Check out some more here.

Filed under: Cows and Environment, News, Ramblings or Whatever

Here is some more nectar from the latest Japa workshop given by Giriraja Swami Maharaja in Houston, Texas:

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, February 2011, Stockholm, Sweden, Lecture)

I would say that the world is oversexed, this is the issue. There is nothing wrong with sex – sex is fine. Vedic culture is not hiding it; it is not putting it behind closed curtains. In fact, Vedic culture is very open about it. A couple that wants to conceive a child asks everyone for blessings, which is something you wouldn’t usually do these days!

So Vedic culture, in one way, is quite open about it. It is not hiding sexual activity but rather, it is done in a blessed way. First, one must prepare to conceive a child – not in the back of a car on a Saturday night or something like that, after having drunk quite a bit of liquor – not like that but actually, by purifying the consciousness. It is mentioned that whatever the state of consciousness the parents have, that is the kind of child they will attract at the time of conception. When the male and female secretions mix then from a subtle platform, the living entity enters and the living entity that enters is in a state of consciousness that corresponds with the consciousness of the parents. So if they are drunk, then what do you get!? And so on.

So in Vedic culture before you go ahead, first some purification is required.

They who somehow or other remain up to the moment of death here in Vrindavana, which with its splendor bathes all moving and non-moving creatures in an ocean of bliss, are at the head of all great Vaisnavas.

Source : Nectarean Glories of Sri Vrindavana-dhama by Srila Prabodhananda Sarasvati Thakura, 1-43 Translation ] ·

Please see the link for all photos

This evening at our festival in Rajkot, Gujarat people came in by the droves. At one point I turned to a security guard and asked, “Sir, how many people are here?” Not taking his eyes off the entrance to the field he replied, “Eight thousand and counting.” As I walked onto the stage to give [...]

Devotees in Malaysia were privileged to have the blissful association of H H Jayapataka Swami. His Holiness arrived in Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia on 21 January morning. There was also class in which Srila Jayapataka Swami encouraged everyone to preach and follow Bhakti vriksha to expand the congregation. -- Read more ›

Answer Podcast

Taken at ISKCON Goshaala Vrindavan -- Read more ›

Lecture Podcast

The post January 25th, 2014 – Darshan appeared first on Mayapur.com.

To offer your help write at krishna_cuba@yahoo.com -- Read more ›

Caitanya-caritamrta class at the Manor.

The post Keeping alive our Vaisnava legacy (Part 2) appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

28-12-2013 Caitanya Lila Part 3, ISKCON Cape Town, South Africa.MP3

Nabadwip lies on the western side of the river Bhagirathi at a distance of about 20 K.M. from Krishnagar and it is associated with birth of Lord Sri Chaitanya and the advent of the Vaishnab religion in Bengal. -- Read more ›

Sraddhadevi Dasi: Ravindra Swarupa prabhu is thinking his first book to be a deeper look at Boisen and the Cure of Souls material. It seems to be a series that has continues to help a lot of people. -- Read more ›

In the family combination of a man and a woman there is much labor and responsibility for both of them, yet when they are single they feel more trouble for want of their united activities.

- Srila Prabhupada, Srimad Bhagavatam 3.5.47 purport

1966 January 25:
"Lectures delivered in the studio on the test of spiritual realization. People appreciated. Decided to purchase one Martel Tape Recorder from the advertisement in the New York Times."
Prabhupada Journal :: 1966

1967 January 25: "Let me know if there is any possibility of publishing my commentary on the Bhagavad-gita in USA. I shall now begin Caitanya Caritamrta Essays & Text. If I am assisted by one expert typewriter we can publish every three months a book. And the more we have books, the more we become respectable."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1967

1969 January 25: "You say the Londoners are very anxious to meet me, so I am also very anxious to meet you and the Londoners. If the Beatles come forward, you can take the risk. Therefore the five-story house you mention may be immediately occupied."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1969

1969 January 25: "The conclusions we have tried to explain are the same conclusions as Arjuna. Press two leaves and if the taste is the same you can understand that both leaves are from the same tree. The taste is the conclusion."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1969

1970 January 25: "I wish that all manuscripts, before finally going to the press, must be thoroughly edited so that there may not be any mistakes especially of spelling and grammar or of the Sanskrit names."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1970

1972 January 25: "Ideally husband and wife live separately in the temple. It is best to do the most ideal thing but whatever mode of living you chose the most important thing is to always remain one hundred percent in service of Radha-Krishna."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972