Monday, January 27th, 2014
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto, Ontario

Nick and Choices

 Nick was my ravine companion today.

“What an awesome serenity it is!”  I said to him trying to stir a response.

“Absolutely, you forget what it’s like because we’re always in the city.”

Before we embarked on this evening trek, Nick was a little apprehensive, “It’s going to be quite dark, isn’t it, Maharaja?”

“Not really, the snow lights up the way.”

During the entire trek, we saw not a soul in the ravine, until what appeared to be an apparition, a dark and hazy image of a human who then separated into three.  There it was, heavily clothed, and out of the form manifest two dogs on either side of this woman, leashed by her hands.  Funny thing was, when we got about two arms lengths close to her as we stuck to the tight trail, she, the dog owner, appeared more spooked of us than we were of her.

I swear to God, they were our only encounterees on the trail.  It contributed to the shanty (peaceful) nature of the place.  It was such a far cry from the quick encounter Durjoy and I had on Yonge Street the night before, right outside a strip joint.  Two young men were just initiating a brawl.  There were foul words, shouting began, then the breaking of a beer bottle as a lethal weapon.  It was Kali Yuga in full swing.  This is not what you are likely to see in a natural ambience which is so passive.  We kept walking on hoping to report to the police.  No luck. 

If we have a choice towards a passive or passionate life, and we do, why not act smart?  Make the right decision.  Don’t let anger block the intelligence.

May the Source be with you!

7 KM

In the registry office the bride came in a sari, and the guests sang mantras!
→ Dandavats.com

(Automatically translated from Russian) Nadia was in a beautiful white and gold sari and flowers in her hair, and on the forehead the groom was wearing the tilak - a sacred sign of devotion to Krishna. Instead of "Kiss!" Guests shouted "Haribol!" Which means "Call the names Hari" or chanting of the Holy Name. And when you exit the registry office a young family showered rose petals under the chanting of mantras and music of drums, flutes and other instruments. -- Read more ›

Dancing God
→ Tattva - See inside out

Nowadays you have to use the word “God” with great caution - it can conjure up all kinds of images. Some think of God as a strict and unforgiving judge; the old man who sits on a grand throne and hurls down thunderbolts every time someone deviates. Others consider Him a crutch for the weak; an imaginary being who brings peace, hope and comfort, but has little to do with objective reality. Some think of God as a mythological tool of the power hungry elite, used to keep the masses in line and maintain the status quo. For many, God is simply the cosmic order-supplier; a convenient port of call in times of need and want.

The Vedic canon paints a slightly different picture. Their extraordinary revelation is not only that God exists, but that He is bursting with colour, character and bliss. God is “Raso vai sah”  – the very embodiment of affectionate relationships, loving relish, and transcendental sweetness.

"I would only believe in a God that knows how to dance" - Fredrick Nietszche

Sri Krishna, the Supreme personality, eternally resides in the spiritual world. That realm is known as Vaikuntha, the place of no anxiety, the place where every step is a dance, every word a song, and where all relationships are infused with selfless love. In that abode the spontaneous and natural relationships with Krishna transcend ritual, formality and reverence; fully satisfying the heart’s yearning. Song and dance, two of the most intense forms of emotional expression, are very much a part of the daily schedule.

Maybe Nietszche was searching for Krishna, the enchanting flute-player who dances with the cowherd maidens in the moonlight. Maybe we all are.

16th Annual Day celebrations of the Bhaktivedanta hospital
→ Dandavats.com

On the 10th of January’ 2014, Radhanath Swami addressed guests, doctors and the Directors of the Bhaktivedanta Hospital. He was attending the 16th Annual Day celebrations of the hospital, which was founded, and is presently managed, under his direct vision. Radhanath Swami was accompanied by his dear friend Giriraj Swami, Dr. Ajay Sankhe, the Director of the hospital, and the Trustees Rishikesh Mafatlal, ND Desai, and Sanjeev Maheshwari. Addressing over a fifteen hundred people, Radhanath Swami spoke of the need to constantly meditate on the purpose of the hospital; that is to offer compassion for the body, mind and souls of all human beings. -- Read more ›

Iskcon members attended the gala to celebrate the Day of the Republic of India (Album 35 photos)
→ Dandavats.com

(Automatically translated from Russian) Number of people apparently turned if not record, it is very impressive - at a rough estimate of about a thousand people. Among them were the ambassadors of Nepal, Sri Lanka and other countries, as well as famous scientists, politicians and public figures, members of the government commissions on economic, trade and cultural cooperation, representatives of public organizations. Fully stocked huge reception hall guests luxury hotel was another sign of the strong interest of Russia to India, including its people, traditions, rich spiritual heritage. -- Read more ›

ISKCON Pandharpur Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra’ held on 14 January (Album 33 photos)
→ Dandavats.com

Pandharpur - the city of Lord Sri Vitthal. Village preaching, Nagar Sankirtan, Prabhupada's Book Distribution and distribution of large amount of Krishna Prasad to lacs of pilgrims in month of Ashadha are the major activities of ISKCON Pandharpur. Also festivals like Janmashtami, Gaur-Pornima, Ram Navami and Jagannatha Rathayatra are celebrated with great pomp and gaiety. Devotees also celebrate Dindi – the walking festival, many times in the year. We invite you to give a visit to Holy Dham Pandharpur and be blessed by Lord Vitthal and Sri Sri Radha Pandharinath. ISKCON Pandharpur has now a beautiful guest-house with all facilities to stay with your family and participate in daily spiritual programs in the temple....Hare Krishna! -- Read more ›

Pete Seegar 1919-2014 Sings Raghupati Raghva Rajaram
→ View From a New Vrindaban Ridge

Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram is a popular bhajan (Hindu devotional song) that was a favorite of Mahatma Gandhi. It is also a favorite amongst devotees in New Vrindaban.

Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram
Patita Pavan Sitaram

Sitaram, Sitaram,
Bhaj Pyare Mana Sitaram
Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram
Patita Pavan Sitaram

Ishwar Allah Tero Nam,
Sabako Sanmati De Bhagawan
Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram
Patita Pavan Sitaram

Mukhmen Tulsi Ghatamen Ram,
Jab Bolo Tab Sitaram
Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram
Patita Pavan Sitaram

Hathose Karo Gharka Kam,
Mukhase Bolo Sitaram
Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram
Patita Pavan Sitaram

Kaushalyaka Vhala Ram,
Dashrathjika Pyara Ram
Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram
Patita Pavan Sitaram

Bansivala Hay Ghanshyam,
Dhanushya Dhari Sitaram
Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram
Patita Pavan Sitaram

The song starts with the praise of Raja Ram (Lord Ram). Lord Ram is an incarnation of Vishnu (the preserving aspect of Brahman). Lord Ram is an embodiment of Dharma (Right duty, righteousness) and Virtue.

Raghupati Raghav mean one who has attained all spiritual knowledge, who is strong and firm in righteousness, who is radiant like the thousand suns and who has viveka (spiritual discrimination) and vairagya (dispassion for worldly thing). Such is Raja Ram.

Patit Pavan means the uplifter of those who have fallen from the path of righteousness and virtue. So, we call upon Mother Sita and Raja Ram who are the uplifters of the fallen. Mother Sita is the daughter of Earth. She signifies selfless Love and purity. Mother Earth gives us everything she has without asking anything in return. Mother earth is always pure and everything we get comes from that purity.

Bhaj Pyare Tu Sita Ram means — O beloved Lord Ram and Mother Sita we praise you for what you are and what you signify.

Ishvar Allah Tero naam means — People call you by many names, some call you God “Ishvar” while some call you Allah, but you are the one and only Holy Spirit that is within us all and we are all within you.

Sabko Sanmati De Bhagvan means — Bless everyone with this very wisdom that we are all the product of the same Holy Spirit and that all of us strive towards the path of righteousness and virtue.

Hope that you will find peace and joy in singing this bhajan. We will get utmost spiritual benefit of this devotional song if we can remember its meaning and significance while singing.
Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram

Courtesy: http://truehinduism.wordpress.com/201


Filed under: Poetry

If a person feels spaced out after chanting 16 rounds daily and more focused after chanting less rounds, what should be done?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

From Ram Charan das

A devotee whom I know said to me that when he chants 16 rounds a day he finds himself out of focus

and spaced out.  So he cannot concentrate on anything throughout the day and his mind is always wandering

from one thing to another and he seems to have no control over it.  When he does not chant his 16 rounds but

as many as is possible i.e. 4 or 5 or 9 or 13  then his focus is better and his work is better.

Please advise how he can chant 16 rounds a day and still maintain focus on the work that he is doing?

Answer Podcast

Please see this answer too:

My obsessive thoughts dont allow me to chant and if I force myself to chant i feel haterful towards the Lord. Please advice.

 

Fatal Attraction Part 2: Illuminating the Shadow of our Past
→ Karnamrita.das's blog

I am continuing the reposting of this 5 part series as a way to commemorate this month which marks my 45th year of coming to Krishna. The basic premise of this series is to posit that our greatest challenges, problems, reverses, difficulties, hurts, or pain, have the power to crush us (if we let them), or offer the greatest opportunity for personal and spiritual growth. Specifically here, I am speaking of our childhood, and how huge a shadow it casts on our life—which could be good or bad, or likely, a mixture. Our parents are instruments of our karma and are meant teach us valuable lessons for living our lives. Many people don’t really worry about this and simply live without a lot of deep introspection about how their past has shaped them, which isn’t a bad fact if one is happy and fulfilled.

Author: 
Karnamrita Das

(this blog is recorded on the full page: quick time player is needed; works best with Firefox or Explorer; if you are using Google Chrome it will automatically play, so to not listen, mute your speakers.)
photo MuthandbabyKarnam2_zps0a820a91.jpg

(Fast forward sixteen years from the marriage spoken about in part 1.) This seemed like any typical San Francisco summer morning, foggy and cool, but it was anything but normal to Chris, who was going to do something he didn’t want to do, while his Dad, Johnny, was happy. They were driving to the courthouse for a divorce settlement. Parking, they walked up the stairs and into the building. John found the appropriate courtroom and they took their seats to wait their turn. Chris felt sick to his stomach and wished he could just run away, but knew he couldn’t, so instead, he retreated deeper into himself. It was like he wasn’t even there. Disassociation was how he survived childhood and it had served him well. While a good temporary protection strategy, it was a poor way to live at all times. Later in life, Chris would find his biggest challenge was learning to be present, and to feel, whether sadness or love, but depression became a way to be numb, though it gradually became his clue that something was wrong, very wrong.

For all practical purposes, the memory of this courtroom experience was gone, buried under the debris of pain and disappointment. He only knew it happened on the rare occasions his dad recounted how proud he was hearing that Chris, when asked by the judge, wanted to live with his father—which was totally untrue. Even though Chris couldn’t remember the last time his dad beat him, he still was afraid of him and on guard in case his father would become angry and hit him, so he didn’t speak his mind at court, or for that matter, much at all.

read more

Do Yamadutas commit mistakes by taking some person other than the intended?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Sometimes some people report incidents when they were taken while in sleep or unconsciousness to Yamaraja, who says, "This was not the Amit you were supposed to bring - that was another Amit. Take this person back."

How then is God's system of justice perfect? Do the Yamadutas identify souls' by their this lifetime's names?

Answer Podcast

New Vrindaban Daily darsan @ January 28, 2014.
→ New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit

IMG_8615

Is this the wonder of the Supreme Personality of Godhead’s opulence? Is this the wonderful sweetness of the shoreless nectar ocean of transcendental bliss? Is this the seed of many splendid kalpa-vrksa forests? Is this Vrndavana, the glorious and wonderful transformation of pure love for Krsna?

[Source : Nectarean Glories of Sri Vrindavana-dhama by Srila Prabodhananda Sarasvati Thakura, 1-46 Translation.]

Please click here for more photos

Should We Quit Chanting?
→ Japa Group

It is recommended that even if one commits offenses, one should continue chanting the Holy name.
In other words, the chanting of the Holy name makes one offenseless.

In the book Nāma-kaumudī it is recommended that if one is an offender at the lotus feet of a Vaiṣṇava, he should submit to that Vaiṣṇava and be excused; similarly, if one is an offender in chanting the holy name, he should submit to the holy name and thus be freed from his offenses.

SB 7.5.23-24 purport

Remnants of Vedic culture
→ KKSBlog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 11 April 2010, Durban, South Africa, Lecture)

Angkor_WatIn Germany, in the area where I’m preaching in, there was an archaeological statue or a finding. The statue was the body of a man and a head of a lion. What do you think of that!? What would you make out of that!?

It is like that all over the world, we find remnants of Vedic culture. Long ago, Vedic culture spread all over the world and now India is getting smaller and smaller. In 1947, there was a petition and Pakistan was separated.

But, if we travel around Asia – we see Angkor Wat, the biggest Vishnu temple in Asia. The biggest Vishnu temple in the world is in Cambodia – what do you think of that!?

Then you go to Thailand and it is all ‘Rama Rama’ where ever you go!

New Harinam movie
→ simple thoughts

Share

Dear devotees,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

HG Adi Karta Prabhu, leads the Kirtan on the streets of London.

The Sankirtan movement of Lord Caitanya started in the house of Srivas thakur, them the chanting party left the house, went on to
the streets and they never went back.

This movement will always be street based.

Quotes in the movie are from the Kali Santarana Upanisad.

Your servant
Parasuram Das

Srila Prabhupada Has Given Us Everything We Need, January 26, Bhaktivedanta Manor, London, England
Giriraj Swami

prabdskGiriraj Swami read and spoke from Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, 7.166-168 on Sunday morning.

“We should not be swayed by romantic tales of instant enlightenment. It is stated by the previous acaryas—and here in the purport by Srila Prabhupada—that chanting the full Pancha-tattva mantra will free us from offenses and bless us to chant the Hare Krishna maha-mantra without offenses. And if we do that, all our spiritual desires and aspirations will be fulfilled—because everything is in the Hare Krishna maha-mantra. By offenseless chanting of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra everything is revealed. One gets that mercy, that blessing, by serving the Pancha-tattva, which includes their devotees—gaura-bhakta vrinda. And in that effort we should not compromise.”

Caitanya-caritamrta Adi-lila 7.166-168

God’s Water Supply System – Mind boggling design
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Thus the Lord has preserved water on three fourths of the globe and has made it salty to preserve it. Salty water does not decompose, and that is the arrangement of providence. The Lord has engaged the powerful sun to evaporate the water of planets like earth and distill it into clear water in the clouds and then stock it on the peaks of mountains, as we stock water in overhead tanks for later distribution. part of the stock of water is refrigerated into ice, so that it will not flood the earth for no good purpose. The ice melts gradually throughout the year, flows down through the great rivers, and glides down to the sea again for preservation.

- Srila Prabhupada, Light of the Bhagavata 3, Purport

Cold weather awareness
→ View From a New Vrindaban Ridge

(this is funnier in an email with large text size and you have to scroll down to see the picture)

Please remember, now that it’s winter, animals seek out the heat of vehicles to stay warm. Before starting your car, please check around the wheels and engine for these cold animals. You may not even notice they are there.

cow on car

This is how our cat James came into our family — Madhu found him curled up as a kitten in his engine compartment.


Filed under: Cows and Environment, Jokes

Entering Dwarka
→ travelingmonk.com

As soon as our bus arrived in the sacred abode of Dwarka we all jumped out and began harinam through the town. Chanting and dancing for hours we finally ended up in front of the 2,500 year-old Rukmini Dwarkadish Temple. As we continued kirtan many of the brahman priests came outside to watch. At one [...]