The Bhakti-sastri course is a systematic study of Srila Prabhupada’s books. Srila Prabhupada wanted all of us to deeply study his books, so that we could be better preachers, teachers and, very importantly, achieve a clear understanding and application of the beautiful science of devotional service. Sri Vrindavan Dham mercifully provides a unique environment to enhance one’s taste and appreciation of the treasures of direct bhakti. -- Read more ›
The Hare Rama Hare Krishna or ISKCON Temple in Juhu (Mumbai) is thronged by devotees of Lord Krishna throughout the year. But foodies with a huge appetite also have a big reason to visit the temple, provided they have a fat pocket. That reason is Govinda’s, a restaurant situated inside the premises of ISKCON. -- Read more ›
The materialists, who are strongly attached to the objects of sense gratification, the ascetics, who cannot tolerate even a glimpse of sense happiness, the earnestly endeavoring yogis, the impersonalists, whose minds are merged in Brahman happiness, and the devotees whose minds have entered the lotus flower of Lord Govinda’s feet, are all enchanted by the transcendental qualities of Sri Vrindavana.
[ Source : Nectarean Glories of Sri Vrndavana-dhama by Srila Prabodhananda Sarasvati Thakura, 1-21 Translation ]
The most merciful environment of the holy dhama in the association of sincere seekers of mercy helps us to go deeper in developing spiritual taste and becoming devoted servants of the Holy Names and Srila Prabhupada’s legacy! -- Read more ›
Every year at the end of month Kartik VIHE holds the annual Govardhan Retreat. Devotees from all around the world come to participate in a wonderful week of Krsna-katha, ecstatic kirtans and many breathtaking darsanas of Giriraja Govardhana. The sublime atmosphere of the sacred Govardhana Hill enables those who live and preach outside of the Holy Dhama to immerse themselves in the magical world of Krsnas pastimes -- Read more ›
The whole force of nature seemed to have that bonding effect on everyone in Toronto. In the ashram at meal time where there’s no access to light in the eating room, all the monks were getting together hovering around a single candle. Everyone was quite liking it. It was as it should be, perhaps. -- Read more ›
1967 December 30: "You will be glad to know that yesterday I have signed the agreement with MacMillan for publishing Gitopanisad. So far my health is concerned, Gaurasundara is keeping me fit by massaging and Govinda dasi is supplying me upma." Prabhupada Letters :: 1967
One east Indian gentleman had a question regarding dietary principles, “The meat diet is something that’s been going on for generations because in colder climates, western people in particular were forced to hunt as nothing else was available. People are habituated to this diet, what do you have to say about that?” -- Read more ›
1970 December 30 : "Enclosed is one letter to the editor of the Times replying the several letters you sent me. Hand it in personally so it is published immediately. We invite all kinds of men to discuss on this high philosophy of life." Prabhupada Letters :: 1970
1970 December 30 : "On the 4th we are all going to Bombay and from there my party of about 25 men will go to Allahabad for Ardhakumbla mela. I am reaching Calcutta on the 5th and shall attend an important meeting & then come back to Allahabad & then to Gorakhpur, etc." Prabhupada Letters :: 1970
1971 December 30 : "Increase our preaching programs by using all the mass media which are available. We are modern day Vaisnavas and we must preach vigorously using all the means available." Prabhupada Letters :: 1971
1971 December 30 : "The success of our Movement is due to my books and BTG being distributed throughout the world. So I hope you will see that the magazine comes out regularly and that my books can be published in Hindi." Prabhupada Letters :: 1971
1971 December 30 : "Please see that we acquire land in Vrindaban immediately. We are ready to begin construction of a large Temple there. So do whatever is required, but somehow secure the land." Prabhupada Letters :: 1971
1972 December 30 : "There is no question that he is only pure devotee and no one else is pure devotee. All of my disciples, as soon as they surrender themselves to Krsna, they become pure devotees." Prabhupada Letters :: 1972
1972 December 30 : "If you simply do as I am doing, then without doubt you will remain always fresh and enthusiastic for working very energetically on Krsna's behalf, without any falldown." Prabhupada Letters :: 1972
Before and after treks near the local green houses I engaged in a nine hour drama practice. Rekha Sharma Wilson is a pro in drama and she made a difference in helping to hold down the reigns. What I mean by that is that apart from her expertise in stage presentation, she helped in calming the participants, all rather young (in their teens). They are rather wild, but wonderful. Fidgety, feisty and fun. Totally loveable.
Our assignment, or shall I say, volunteer passion, was to pull together the story of Ram and Sita and to take it’s epical scale down to a modest 30 minute production without losing colossal quality. In it I have the Divine couple along with brother, Laksman, portray a wandering of the wilderness trails in the Dandak forest. I couldn’t resist inserting some walking. The piece is called, “Little Big Ramayan”.
To hold down a good production, much energy is required. We have it. When working on one scene which required undivided attention, those actors from our crew who are off the set also have their own undivided attention in other corners of the room. I thought at times that our crew was a galaxy of planets. Yoga, discipline, control, harmony, didn’t seem to be full reality. Rekha and I strove for cohesion. I am not complaining as much as I was admiring the hyped nature of things. It seems sugar levels were high. Seeing this dynamic I thought I was going to lose it.
After six hours of bhakti engagement, we then got down to a full run through of the play and just by seeing all the participants in action, everything got redeemed for me.
These young folks are at an age where they can be out drinking, smoking dope, having casual sex and so many other things. They’ve chosen instead to involve themselves in a superior engagement. They have a taste for what’s sweet and they take pride in keeping it clean.
We completed our practice and I took that last trek of the day to wind down the creative and mental affairs in my head. All is good. Om tat sat.
Maharaj’s stay in Mayapur continues. His service keeps him busy. We catch glimpses and short exchanges with him during and after the morning program. From time-to-time, he leads kirtan and gives Srimad Bhagavatam classes. In this way, our hearts get fulfilled.
Here are the latest recordings and pictures. To download an audio file, please right-click on the title and save target as.
Vedic Discourses at the ISKCON Brampton Vedic Education and Learning Center. The discourse, a main part of the Sunday program, consists of a speaker basing their talk on popular Vedic scriptures such as the Bhagavad-gita, Srimad Bhagavatam or Chaitanya Charitamrita.
Appealing to everyone, from the most experienced of Bhakti-yoga practitioners to a new-comer who has come for the first time, the class focuses on the practical application of Vedic philosophy in our lives. This may range from how we can become more determined and focused individuals, to how we can help our fellow loved ones. Soaked with the time-tested knowledge of the Vedas, these discourses will stimulate your intelligence and give you food for thought. Below are audio recording from these lectures:
Vedic Discourse by His Grace Acharya Thakur Das Vedic Discourse by Her Grace Prema Manjari Devi Dasi Vedic Discourse by His Grace Ananda Gauranga Prabhu Vedic Discourse by His Grace Gadadhar Pandit Prabhu
While I’m still not completely finished with the testing (and sort of feel like I’ve only begun), here’s another photo I took with what I’m calling the Polaroid EE100BSL (EE100 with a Big Swinger lens). I had been calling it the Frankencamera, but that’s just dumb.
This was taken before I (might have) figured out a way to get the focus to “infinity” (you can read about that here. I tramped around the Ballard neighborhood trying to remember that since the camera on focused upon things around five feet away from me, I really had to find subjects and backgrounds. Doing most landscape stuff, it’s not so easy to remember.
I took three photos and only one of them worked out (this one). For the other two, I just thought “well, hey, maybe it’s close enough.”
Over this next week, I’m going to try to do more testing and sharing, but we’ll see if I can manage that.
The Bhakti-sastri course is a systematic study of Srila Prabhupada’s books. Srila Prabhupada wanted all of us to deeply study his books, so that we could be better preachers, teachers and, very importantly, achieve a clear understanding and application of the beautiful science of devotional service. Sri Vrindavan Dham mercifully provides a unique environment to enhance one’s taste and appreciation of the treasures of direct bhakti. -- Read more › 
The Hare Rama Hare Krishna or ISKCON Temple in Juhu (Mumbai) is thronged by devotees of Lord Krishna throughout the year. But foodies with a huge appetite also have a big reason to visit the temple, provided they have a fat pocket. That reason is Govinda’s, a restaurant situated inside the premises of ISKCON. 
The most merciful environment of the holy dhama in the association of sincere seekers of mercy helps us to go deeper in developing spiritual taste and becoming devoted servants of the Holy Names and Srila Prabhupada’s legacy! 
Harinama Sankirtana ki Jaya! 
Every year at the end of month Kartik VIHE holds the annual Govardhan Retreat. Devotees from all around the world come to participate in a wonderful week of Krsna-katha, ecstatic kirtans and many breathtaking darsanas of Giriraja Govardhana. The sublime atmosphere of the sacred Govardhana Hill enables those who live and preach outside of the Holy Dhama to immerse themselves in the magical world of Krsnas pastimes 
The whole force of nature seemed to have that bonding effect on everyone in Toronto. In the ashram at meal time where there’s no access to light in the eating room, all the monks were getting together hovering around a single candle. Everyone was quite liking it. It was as it should be, perhaps. 
Dec 2013 
One east Indian gentleman had a question regarding dietary principles, “The meat diet is something that’s been going on for generations because in colder climates, western people in particular were forced to hunt as nothing else was available. People are habituated to this diet, what do you have to say about that?” 
