One Last Round
→ Japa Group

You have been given 10 minutes before you have to leave your body...you have enough time to chant 1 round before leaving...how good would that last round be? How much concentration and attention would you invest in that last round?
When I started my Japa...this meditation stayed with me and it helped me greatly with quality chanting and concentration on the Holy Name. I was able to chant some very nice rounds as a result.

The lazy mind!
→ KKSBlog

www.hdnicewallpapers.com(Kadamba Kanana Swami, September 2008, South Africa, Ratha Yatra Lecture)

We have to always be strict with our lazy mind because our mind says, “Well, you know, you can’t be fanatic!” which translates to, “Oh well, let’s just be lazy,” actually.

So the tendency to be a little lazy about standards and rules is very strong in all of us and we should never think that that will not happen.

How can we best offer prayers from the Bhagavatam?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Please give some details  regarding prayers offered  by different exalted devotees in srimad bhagavatam, can we choose any particular prayer and recite everyday as part of our sadhana if it is so, how much importance should we give/in what way we should understand  the  translation of the slokas  while we recite as a daily routine.

Answer Podcast

Harinama and Prasadam distribution in Mayapur (Album 42 photos)
→ Dandavats.com

Often called "Food For Life," Prasadam is food that has been cooked by love and devotion by devotees of Krishna and offered to Krishna. After Krishna has enjoyed the meal the remnants become "Prasadam." Hare Krishna devotees distribute this prasdam to the general public with the understanding that when they eat prasadam they become purified of all material contamination and become qualified to develop love for God, Krishna Read more ›

Bhaktimarga Swami: Female gurus: Yes or Not? Without a right and left wing a bird can’t fly!
→ Dandavats.com

The dilemma my companion was going through was who was right and how can there be differing opinions? To this, I responded that there is no dispute that the guru principal is essential in aiding the spiritual student towards spiritual progress. We all agree with that. For many issues such as this one, you have a right and left wing circumstance. Without two wings a bird can’t fly. Let the two positions be deliberated upon and something fairly satisfactory should be the outcome. Read more ›

New Vrindaban’s Semi-Annual Joint Boards’ Meeting Minutes – November 10, 2013
→ New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit

Board Members and New Vrindaban residents & well-wishers outside Srila Prabhupada’s Palace.

New Vrindaban board members, residents & well-wishers outside Srila Prabhupada’s Palace.

Minutes of the Semi Annual Joint Board Meeting Of New Vrindaban

November 10, 2013

Day 3 of 3

ISKCON New Vrindaban (INV) Vision Statement: Founded in 1968, Srila Prabhupada boldly envisions New Vrindaban as a sacred place known worldwide for Cow Protection, Self-Sufficiency, Holy Pilgrimage, Spiritual Education, and, above all, Loving Krishna.

ECO-Vrindaban Mission Statement: ECOV (Earth, Cows, Opportunities & Vrindaban Villages) is dedicated to cow protection, sustainable agriculture, self-sufficiency and simple living — all centered around loving service to Sri Krishna, as envisioned by the ISKCON New Vrindaban Founder-Acharya, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.

INV Board Members:  Dayavira, Chaitanya Mangala, Ranaka, Jaya Krsna, Gopisa, Tamohara

ECOV Board Members: Navin Shyam, Kripamaya, Madhava Gosh, Ranaka, Chaitanya Mangala, Anuttama

GBC: Malati, Tamohara, Anuttama

Recording Secretary: Laxmi Honest

Guests: Keval Patel, Bhima Walker

Chaitanya Mangala gave a report on the ECO-Vrindaban integrated auxiliary transformation.  An issue arose when ECOV realized that most of its income would soon come from gas royalties. Unless the organization obtained an integrated auxiliary status, similar to that of a church, the IRS would reclassify it as a private foundation and it would have to pay annual tax to the IRS on royalty and investment income.

The IRS will take approximately one year to process the application.  During that time, ECOV may act as though it is approved.  While this more accurately represents the relationship of the two entities for IRS purposes, it was also noted that it brings the two entities closer in service. By terms of integrated auxiliary status, INV has the authority to place one director on the ECOV board. That requirement could be met if either Ranaka or Chaitanya Mangala, who are currently on both boards, is officially chosen as the INV representative.

Devotees currently serving with ECOV are:

Anuttama – GBC

Kripamaya – President

Madhava Gosh – Vice President

Navin Shyam – Chairperson

Ranaka – Secretary-Treasurer & Lead Cowherd Man

Chaitanya Mangala – Board Member

Cow Protection Staff are:

Ray Kudurski,  Ananda Vidya, Lalita Gopi and Caitanya Bhagavat

Project Managers in 2013:

Nityodita – NV Protected Cow Dairy Initiative

Tapahpunja – Vegetable gardens

Rafael – Fruit trees and bushes, Deity flower garden

Chota Jay Krsna – “Green” Lodge remodeling

ECOV plans to submit its 2013 financial reports to the INV board during the March/April 2014 bi-annual meeting.

In the operations review it was reported that there are 48 cows and 6 are being milked. The milking cows provide cream, butter and ghee daily for the Deities.  Hay and potatoes were being grown and harvested all summer.  More fruit and nut trees and berries were planted.  Deity flowers were grown all summer.  Eco friendly housing was built near the Garden of Seven Gates, a greenhouse was renovated and a garden irrigation system was installed.

ECOV provides broad community support.

$70,000 to INV for multiple projects

$45,000 for Dham Seva projects through the purchase of a bulldozer

$15,000 for Small Farm Training Center garden related projects

$12,000 to Gopal’s Garden School

$6,000 to ISCOWP for hay and general farm assistance

A total of $148,000 has been invested in the NV community so far in 2013.

In 2014 ECOV plans to:

Expand the Deity flower garden

Further develop bulk grain storage

Hire a Project Coordinator

Continue building more eco-housing

Plan an eco-village

Plant more fruit and nut trees and berries

Continue to support other efforts that are in line with the ECOV mission.

A report was given regarding gas royalties. The Snyder gas well net mineral acreage footprint has been reduced by about 100 acres. Of the total acres, INV has approximately 23 and ECOV has approximately 257.

The initial royalty checks received for gas income were incorrect.  There were some errors in calculation and the amounts were smaller than anticipated. Gopisa has been talking to representatives at Chevron in this regard, but they have been unresponsive thus far.

Devotee care, counseling and spiritual enlivenment, encompassed the next topic.  It was suggested that the old clinic building could become a clinic again, with counseling available.  It could also service as a gathering place for new members.

Another suggestion was that some festivals should be developed specifically for the local devotees.  A question was raised that since New Vrindaban has primarily evolved as a place of pilgrimage and a tourist attraction what can we do to strengthen relationships within the community?  It was pointed out that Srila Prabhupada’s appearance and disappearance are festivals that are specific to devotees and could be good for this purpose.

Another suggestion was to figure out ways to get more community members involved in the other festivals.

Anuttama mentioned that in DC there is an annual appreciation dinner which has been very well received and could be incorporated in New Vrindaban.

The Palace Sangams with Srila Prabhupada at his Palace are going well with 20-30 devotees regularly in attendance, but there is still a sense that it is a place for tourists and not so much for the devotees. We have to continue to diligently work to change this mindset.

It was noted that 2016 is the 50th anniversary of ISKCON and 2018 is the 50th anniversary of New Vrindaban and the 20th anniversary of ECOV.

Planning for 2014, as well as the anniversary years, was discussed.  There is a long list of desires. It was suggested that we need a list of projects with costs to set priorities.  In view of the upcoming anniversaries, renovations at the Srila Prabhupada’s Palace are a top consideration.

Anuttama discussed world-wide plans for the ISKCON anniversary starting in 2015 in India when Srila Prabhupada departed for the US, then in Boston, Butler, New York etc.

This led to more discussion about Srila Prabhupada’s Palace as it should be in the best possible condition for the celebration.

Immediate projects were listed as:

Wrought iron work

Outside wall/windows

Four chatras

Front steps

Entry path railing

Gopisa will get costs and details on each of these specific areas and share these details with the Palace restoration subcommittee members.

Community Dialog

11/10/13

The program opened with kirtan led by Jaya Krsna who then welcomed the devotees and gave a presentation regarding Srila Prabhupada’s vision for New Vrindaban.  As part of the presentation he discussed the transformation of New Vrindaban as a spiritual community and noted that some stages are very difficult.  He explained that we are currently in one of those stages and we must keep our vision of developing a strong community and maintain our Brijabasi Spirit.

Jaya Krsna then introduced the GBC representatives Anuttama Prabhu, Malati Prabhu and Tamohara Prabhu who have volunteered their time and devotion to assist the boards.  This was followed by introductions of the board members and of Keval Patel and Bhima Walker as guests of the boards.

INV Department heads then gave presentations of their activities throughout the past year.  These were from the same slide presentations that were discussed in day one of the minutes.

Caitanya Mangala discussed the ECOV integrated Auxiliary plan for the benefit of the gathered devotees.  He highlighted the work ECOV does in and around the community.

Anuttama discussed the ISKCON 50th anniversary in 2016 and asked for suggestions on how New Vrindaban would like to celebrate. Nityodita Prabhu suggested creating a data base of people who were here in the early days and also putting together a slide presentation from the old days.  Oral histories could be recorded and a discussion of the importance of the movement begun.  Other projects suggested were: a book and a documentary of the history, of New Vrindaban, a traveling art exhibit, interface with colleges, and prasadam distribution.  As outreach the ideas were put forth of holding a type of cultural festival at Heritage Park or Wesbanco Arena in Wheeling.

It was suggested that we start something in 2015 to coincide with 50 years since Srila Prabhupada left India and traveled to America, which would make the focus more about Srila Prabhupada and then in 2016 it would be about his organization.

Madhavananda Prabhu expressed concerns about Tapahpunja. Jaya Krsna explained the arrangements between Tapahpunja and the INV management.

Jayasri Prabhu asked who would tend the gardens instead of Tapahpunja, and Jaya Krsna explained that going forward ECOV has agreed to manage the gardens.

Lalita Gopi Prabhu asked about Dham Seva and how that project is being served by INV. Jaya Krsna outlined the support that INV has given in the past year and assured her of continued commitment.

A proposal was made for the creation of an advisory committee made up of community members who are not board members. The idea is that this group would regularly meet with Jaya Krsna and discuss issues and concerns.  It was generally agreed that something of this nature would be helpful and the details can be worked out for consideration at the December board meetings.

Spoiler Alert: A Gita Jayanti Trailer!
→ The Toronto Hare Krishna Temple!

Curious as to what's in store for you next Thursday, December 12th at our Gita Jayanti Celebrations?

You might have read the Bhagavad Gita As It Is tens of times or maybe you've never read it before!  Either way, beware... the surprising, spiritually profound, message that might jump at you may stun you and probably even change your life forever.

Too much of a stretch? Come find out next Thursday!  Fasten your seat-belts! Join us for the reading of the Bhagavad Gita from 6pm to 9pm on Thursday, December 12th.  Check out this amazing trailer which captures the incredible messages of the Gita!

Friday, December 6th, 2013
→ The Walking Monk

Mirror Walk
Toronto, Ontario
I guess you could say I’m a multitasking swami, I learnt this from my guru, Srila Prabhupada.  He gave classes, personal advice, showed how to cook and clean, and how to make your own toothpaste.  He did the accounts and bookkeeping, wrote books, and sang, even composed bhajans.  He managed a worldwide organization and became a forerunner for vegetarianism and eastern thought in the west.  He saved thousands of people’s lives from self destructiveness and gave purpose.  He demonstrated the ancient ways of rituals and taught how to love the Creator and His creation.  Etc., etc.
I can’t claim a fraction of his work and talents, but in my pride I feel I do a lot of varying things.  For instance, today’s walking took me to a shop on Bloor where I went to pick up a  set of mirrors to be placed outside my  office.  Why mirrors?  Well, to give some size to the corridor where they were placed, and secondly, I felt that many people who visit our Govinda’s dining and temple rooms would like a glance at themselves in this public setting.  They are Peruvian with hand painted frames, they look smart.  I have taken on the responsibility with three other persons to make the place look nice.  And that is what I meant by multitasking.
Traditionally, monks have taken on the role as building contractors to temples.  Sometimes even manually raising the bricks or stones themselves, and then going on to all aspects and tiny details of colour and design to the building.  I know that our guru, Srila Prabhupada, was meticulous about how things look.  Impressions count, and hence, I took to the mirror walk.
Mirrors are mentioned in the Gita in connection to a dusty one that blocks the clear image.  What Krishna is trying to convey is that one’s consciousness should be clear in order to reflect one’s true self.  The self is servant.
May the Source be with you!
4 KM

A Common Problem
→ Japa Group

Today I was thinking about a common problem that most devotees have....chanting Japa and doing other things at the same time.
It reminded me of how our hands are an extension of our mind - if the mind wanders then the hands tend to wander and we find ourselves doing all sorts of things during our Japa (that sometimes we're not even conscious of).
I found the best thing in this situation is to just sit down, close your eyes (thereby removing visual stimulation) and try to give yourself over totally to the sound of the mantra (and ignoring the mind's noise).

Moments with the Moon
→ Seed of Devotion

Moments of beauty flash before my eyes like someone spinning the Rolodex of my life. Choose one, Bhakti. Choose a moment. I close my eyes and the images speed up and whirl. 

Choose one.

There. 

My mind has landed upon one evening in the holy land of Mayapur in India. I'm wearing a light purple sari, and my bansuri flute is slung over my shoulder in its black case. Twilight has set in. I'm on the outskirts of Mayapur village, meandering my way home after a long day. I'm about to turn down my walkway when I halt in my tracks.

The moon. The moon hangs over a field of swaying green grasses; it seems to fill the horizon, full and golden. If I reached out my hand, maybe I could touch it. I've never seen such a moon.   

I slip off my shoes and walk out onto the dirt path that leads into the field. The dirt is soft powder between my toes. I walk out a ways and settle right to the ground. I pull out my flute. 

I play. I play to the moon. In my purple sari in the twilight surrounded by an ocean of grass, the moon is my giant companion. 

(photo by deityworship.tribe.net)


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Eagerness to Hear, December 1, Bhaktivedanta Ashram, Govardhana
Giriraj Swami

12.01.13Giriraj Swami read and spoke from Srimad-Bhagavatam 5.12.3 for the morning class at Bhaktivedanta Ashram.

“At the end of the Bhagavad-gita Lord Krishna explains that this science should not be explained to those who are envious or not austere or not engaged in devotional service—in other words, that it is for devotees. But Srila Prabhupada said that sometimes a preacher, who knows the heart of the Lord—ultimately the Lord wants everybody to come back to Him—will take a risk and speak in an open audience where there may be people who are not devotees. But they take the risk because they know how important it is to Krishna to get His lost children back to Him. Therefore Srila Prabhupada sometimes did meet challenges. Even Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura met challenges. All the acharyas who preached in a big way met challenges from the envious. But they took the risk for Krishna.”

Srimad-Bhagavatam 5.12.13

The Inner Life of a Devotee: Energizing the Best Thoughts, Feelings, and Intentions
→ Karnamrita.das's blog

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 580037_523234621053373_1840735234_n_zps43bca241.jpg
All there is in existence is Krishna, which includes His unlimited expansions and energies. I have experienced how seeing everything externally and internally as different types of energy can be helpful in life and service. I am speaking about developing sensitivity to what we are taking in, or being affected by, and what we are giving out, focusing on, or contributing…I will explain. The soul is one type of energy, matter another. Let me direct you to two Gita verses which show the broadest divisions of matter and the soul which animates them, [Bg 7.4-5]: “Earth, water, fire, air, ether, [and the components of the subtle body of] mind, intelligence and false ego – all together these eight constitute My separated material energies. / Besides these…there is another, superior energy of Mine, which comprises the living entities[the souls]who are exploiting the resources of this material, inferior nature.”

All living physical bodies are a particular combination of material elements (energies) revolving around the mind, uniquely combining together to facilitate the desires and destiny (karma) of the soul. Of more importance for this blog is that not only is the body energy, but it is an energy generator and receiver. We have to be careful of what we allow to influence us as we endeavor to be absorbed in spiritual consciousness. Here I am going to emphasize the importance of what we focus our mind on even when we may be externally engaged in devotional activities or visiting a temple or holy place.

Our intentions, or reasons for acting, are all important, as is what we are thinking about, or are focused on while chanting the holy name or engaging in any of the nine main limbs of bhakti (hearing, chanting, remembering Krishna, etc.) This mental culture of bhakti is sometimes assumed to be in place, yet neglected, especially if we are very busy or rushed for time, don’t have a good spiritual foundation, don’t regularly study and hear the philosophy of bhakti, or have developed bad internal habits. I am speaking from personal experience.

read more

The Tree of Devotion
→ NY Times & Bhagavad Gita Sanga/ Sankirtana Das


A couple of days ago a 12 ton, 76 feet high Norway Spruce at Rockefeller Center in NYC  lit up with 45,000 lights.  The tree lighting event at Rockefeller Center started in 1933.  But the  Christmas tree event goes back to when it was introduced to English high society by Prince Albert who put up an evergreen for the holidays in Windsor Castle in 1841. It had been a pre Christian German symbol, and most Christians at that time loathed the idea of connecting the tree with Christmas. But within 10 years the fanciful custom took root in England and by the end of the 1800’s it also become an established tradition in America with Woolworths stores selling Christmas tree decorations and all.

The tree seems to be a universal symbol in religious and cultural traditions around the world. In Judaism  the Torah is referred to as the Tree of Life. The Torah is likened to the branches of a great tree spreading into the sphere of our lives, and it calls upon us to make every act an act for God.

In Buddhism the Buddha attained enlightenment sitting beneath a tree. At one point in his meditation when he was assailed by raging storms and other strange occurrences, a divine serpent arose from the roots of the Bodhi tree to protect him.

Nearly a thousand years ago on this continent, Deganawidah, known as the Peace Maker, called for a great council by the shores of Lake Onondaga. There, he carefully uprooted a Pine tree and urged all of the warriors from the gathered tribes to throw their weapons into the hollow of the earth. Then the tree was replanted over the weapons. The tree (the Tree of the Long Leaves) became known as the Tree of Peace. Thus the Great Peace was declared and the five nations of the Iroquois was established.

500 years ago Caitanya Mahaprabhu implored us to be as tolerant as the tree which patiently endures the rain and cold and heat. Another time, Caitanya  declared to his followers “As a large fig tree bears fruit all over its body, the tree of devotion to Krishna also bears fruit, and when that fruit ripens it becomes as sweet as nectar. All the wealth in the world cannot purchase even one such fruit of devotion. I request everyone to accept this Krishna consciousness and take it everywhere. I am the only gardener. How can I  act alone? How many places can I go? How many fruits can I pick and distribute?  It is certainly  very difficult for Me, alone. So all of you must take this fruit of loving devotion to God and  give it away freely to all people, in all directions, all over the world. Do not consider who is fit or unfit, whether people ask for it or not. Let people eat these fruits and become free from old age and death.”

Symbols of spirituality and peace from whatever tradition can surely be revered by all.

FREE shipping in Dec on my new book Mahabharata: The Eternal Quest
281 pgs/6X9/$16   -1 Book – $16; 2 Books – $32; 3 Books – ONLY $45; 5 Books ONLY $70 – all prices include shipping. For reviews and info and more –
 www.Mahabharata-Project.com