Planet ISKCON

The glories of Navadvipa Dham excel all the splendors of all other holy dhams. It is said that as Kali yuga progresses the majesty of other holy places will be more covered, hidden from view. But the spiritual excellences of Navadvip Dham will become more and more manifest. Navadvipa dham is audarya dham, or a most magnanimous dham. Anyone who visits Navadvip Dham will find his heart changed. His life will change and he will experience, and ultimately achieve, full love for Krishna. Read more ›

Sacred verses of Gita could help these medical students to be fresh and humble, said P C Das of Hare Krishna Movement, based out of Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh. Das visits the GMC every week to take the classes that are held in boys' hostel Read more ›

The Hare Krishna Food for Life (FFL) Program is a global body that serves millions worldwide. Its affiliate, ISKCON Midrand Hare Krishna Food for Life, continues to make inroads as a local food relief network in the community of Midrand, located north of Johannesburg, South Africa Read more ›

This week I have been thinking about the Gayatri mantra and how it is chanted at sunrise, noon and sunset. Although the Hare Krishna maha-mantra can be chanted without following any ‘hard and fast rules,’ the Gayatri does have rules attached to it, and they must be followed in order to achieve the full effect Read more ›

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The post My phone got stollen. In any case we are traveling today and also tomorrow. Today I cannot put up a podcast. I will try tomorrow. appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

“I am very glad to hear how the book distribution is increasing more and more. This is our greatest weapon. The more the books are distributed, the more the ignorance of the age of Kali will be smashed. The world is feeling the weight of this Hare Krsna movement, especially in your country. We have to increase this book distribution work more and more to firmly establish this movement, which is the only hope for the suffering living entities.” Read more ›

ISKCON devotees in Central New Jersey are in the process of purchasing a beautiful Methodist Baptist Church and turning it into a Krishna temple. The new 18,000 square foot property will help accommodate the growing ISKCON Central New Jersey (ICNJ) congregation Read more ›

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From Karuna Sindhu P

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From Karuna Sindhu P

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Minutes of the Semi-Annual Meeting of the Joint Boards Of New Vrindaban – November 8, 2013

Day 1 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.

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

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

GBC: Tamohara, Anuttama, Malati

Department Heads: Vrindavana, Jayadevi, Vasudeva, Nityodita, Gaura Nataraj, Abhinanda, Bhaktin Leslie, Hari Bhakti, Tripad, Lilasuka, Vyapi

Recording Secretary: Laxmi Honest

The meeting began with kirtan followed by Dayavira Prabhu reading a letter from Srila Prabhupada regarding his vision for New Vrindaban.

Jaya Krsna Prabhu gave a presentation about the process of transformation for the community.  This was followed by presentations by each of the department heads discussing the accomplishments of each department in 2013and goals for 2014.

Lilasuka Prabhu shared information regarding devotee care, devotee relations and communications.  Many articles are being published to the web and also posted in the temple.  Articles have been published in local newspapers as well.  A new email list is under development to better inform all devotees of events and community information.  She is also involved in training new devotees, counseling young couples, providing health care assistance and sponsoring Vishvadhika, our homeopathic doctor.  She hopes to improve these services in the next year by publishing more articles, arranging seminars and improving our websites.

Madhava Gosh suggested that department heads write articles for the Brijabasi Spirit, which he noted posts to the New Vrindaban Facebook page as well.

Jayadevi Prabhu reported on the pujari department mentioning that Abhinanda Prabhu has encouraged a friendlier mood among the pujaris.  She noted that Their Lordships seem pleased with this new mood.  She reported that three new pujaris are coming to New Vrindaban and will be trained in service to Sri Sri Radha Vrindaban Chandra.  In the coming year it is hoped that a higher standard in cooking for the Deities may be developed and increased punctuality among the pujaris is a goal along with increased sadhana.   The department also would like to see specific duties assigned to the pujaris such as jewelry, outfits, cleaning, etc.  There are needed improvements to the pujari room such as new cabinets, cleaning and repair of the ceiling, covers for the dressing drawers and air conditioning for their Lordships.  Also it is important to make improvements in the Deity kitchen.

Tamohara Prabhu complimented the pujaris on a job well done.  Madhava Gosh suggested the creation of a jewelry department and a sewing department.  Jaya Krsna remarked that shops for these departments could be created at Bahulaban.  Gopisa noted that a new washing machine had been installed for the Deities.

Vasudeva Prabhu gave a report on the Palace Lodge.  The second floor has been renovated and a new welcome center created.  The Lodge exceeded financial projections for the season and met expectations for cleanliness and guest services.  He would like to see improvements in the Lodge appearance and introduce green cleaning products.  He sees a need to upgrade the cabins as well as the temple guest rooms.  He would like to acquire staff uniforms with name tags to better serve the guests.  He also suggested a welcome package for guests with maps, schedules and perhaps a Bhagavad Gita.  Updated signage would be helpful as well as a Lodge logo for vehicles.  He mentioned the outside Lodge appearance needs work. More renovation is needed in the reception area and a more efficient accounting system.  Jaya Krsna commented that department heads desire improvements; however they need budgets and funding. Madhava Gosh mentioned that ECOV has been helping with landscaping.  Jaya Krsna noted that the Lodge would need approximately $30,000 for non-structural improvements, such as new furniture for temple guest rooms and cabins, fresh paint, etc.

Nityodita Prabhu gave a report on Govinda’s restaurant.  The facility has been completely made over with an updated dining room and kitchen and a new walk in cooler.  The electricity has been brought up to code and a new freezer room added along with more storage areas.  They have added some western food options for guests and all breads are made in house.  They have created a new logo and sign.  Restaurant staff wear T-shirts with the new logo.  In addition to regularly serving guests the restaurant has also hosted a wedding, birthday parties, bus groups and college groups.  In addition temple devotees were served an evening meal daily throughout the season.  Receipts were substantially greater in 2013 increasing by about 25% over the prior year.

In the way of improvements he would like to finalize the concept they have begun by adding lighting, a more organized seating plan and finishing the décor.  An order and serve system similar to Panera Bread is considered practical.  Addition of central air conditioning and a sound system would make guests more comfortable.  A display in each booth as well as increased advertising locally would be helpful as well as an increase in bus tours.  Again the matter of funding is an issue.

Malati thanked the restaurant staff for their breads and the evening meals.  Anuttama pointed out that having businesses that employ devotees is in line with our plan for self sufficiency.  Vrindavana mentioned that there were many compliments from guests.

Gopisa Prabhu gave a report on the community facilities.  He discussed the renovations to the Lodge and the expanded Lodge laundry.  Drains were upgraded along with the renovation of the restaurant and the welcome center.  The ashram bathrooms were finished and the temple offices remodeled.  City water has been brought to Srila Prabhupada’s Palace and to Apartment Building #1.  There is also a back- up system for the entire Palace/Temple Complex area. The water hook up has been improved for the Festival of Inspiration and the retention tank repaired at the water treatment plant. Lighting has been improved around both the Temple and the Lodge. New lighting has been installed on Lord Jagannath’s altar.  New lighting is also planned for the main altar.  Installation of back- up generators for the Temple & Lodge is in progress and filter systems have been installed on all drinking fountains and in the Prasadam room and devotee kitchen.  A new transformer was installed at Srila Prabhupada’s Palace.

As improvement suggestions he listed that he needs to be more conservative in the number of projects progressing at the same time.  He pointed out that he needs better management of materials and should coordinate better with other departments.  He believes he should schedule projects with a timeline and exercise stricter budget control.  Adding personnel to the planning department could help in these regards.  A stable maintenance team would be ideal.

New projects would include improvements to the playground and the bathrooms nearest the play area.  The Swan Boat House needs work as well as the roofs on the cabins.  The Temple room floor is in need of repair and the construction of a Tulasi house is desired.  There needs to be better parking for buses at Srila Prabhupada’s Palace and work on the window and doors of the Temple ground floor.  It is planned to construct a pole barn at the Garden of 7 Gates and there is much to be done at the old Vrindaban farmhouse.  Signage is an ongoing need and there is a plan for new apartments.

Nityodita enquired as to the timeline for installation of the generators.  Gopisa informed the board members that it should be done before the end of the year.  He is currently seeking a sub contractor to do the installation.  The generators are already purchased. Jayadevi expressed hope that the temple room floor might be repaired over the winter. Gopisa agreed that it is a priority, but cited budget issues.  Malati suggested getting a sponsor for the temple room floor project.  Nityodita proposed a priority for the Deity kitchen.

Vrindavana Prabhu reported on the main festivals hosted this year, which are Festival of Inspiration, Festival of Colors and the 24 Hour Kirtan.  The Festival of Inspiration was attended by approximately 500 devotees.  It created a very positive impression of New Vrindaban along with a new awareness of what INV represents.  In the near future it is hoped that attendance will be closer to 700 devotees and that it will be promoted through ISKCON worldwide, attracting more key speakers.  He suggested that the festival schedule could be improved as well as the quality of the prasadam.

The Festival of Colors attracted three times the number of participants as last year.  It was written up in numerous newspapers and publications and created good media coverage for the Palace.  We distributed over 200 books and the festival was an excellent preaching opportunity.

In 2014 he hopes to attract twice as many attendees as in 2013.  He is working with local business for sponsorship and with the local tourism board for promotion.   He intends to expand promotion to more cities such as Morgantown, Columbus and Pittsburgh.  He is considering inviting local politicians to participate as well.

The 24 Hour Kirtan is now held twice a year.  There has been enthusiastic participation and positive feedback.  In 2014 it is hoped to increase participation in both the spring and fall events.

Varsana Maharaj was unable to attend the meeting but sent a report regarding land management.  He set up a new shop and restored much equipment.   A Parakram path for guests and devotees has been built and a road has been built on Kadhiraban property to access the properties for sale.  The pink building at Bahulaban has been taken down and the rubble used for fill and to complete the Old Vrindaban road dam.  Asphalt has been installed at the propane tank and a clean-up of the parking lot was completed.  Manure has been hauled to the Garden of Seven Gates and the original road from Bahulaban to Old Vrindaban and on to the barn has been restored.  A culvert was installed along the way.

The transport of tools and equipment needs improving and better coordination of projects would be helpful.  He also needs an assistant in this department or perhaps a project manager. Gopisa mentioned that the asphalt used by Varsana Maharaj was from gas company road work.  Also we received a substantial amount of fill dirt from the water line installation.

Bhaktin Leslie gave a report on the improvements in the accounting department.  New systems have been put in place to properly credit income, especially from credit cards, to the proper departments.  Also a new system has been established for disbursements, whether by check or cash. This helps to streamline the accounting process and allows for better reporting to department heads and management.

In 2014 she hopes to revise the chart of accounts and institute month end closings to submit accurate monthly profit and loss statements to management.

Jaya Krsna reported on behalf of Tripad Prabhu in relation to Srila Prabhupada’s Palace.  He reported that promotions have improved with increased TV spots.  There has been an increase in the number of visitors and an increase in the gardens.  There were three young, enthusiastic tour guides this summer and that was a great help and appreciated by guests. Prasadam distribution has been initiated thanks to Malati Prabhu. A new wheelchair ramp has been installed which brings guests to the top level. Previously, ramps only went up to the 2^nd level, leaving several steps to the entrance area.

A contract with Soma for work on the main stairs is ready and should be finalized by March. In the next year it is hoped that all the stair work can be completed and a new roof put on the old ghee factory building.  It would also be good to hire more young tour guides.

Hari Bhakti Prabhu reported on the ladies ashram.  There are now 7 residents who plan to stay long term.  A Bhakta program has been introduced and enthusiastically accepted.   The rooms and bathrooms have been renovated and repairs were made to the back stairs.

In 2014 they would like to institute a mentorship program and improve current standards.  Two new ladies will be arriving soon.

Gaura Nataraja Prabhu reported for the Congregational Development department.  He reported that income has increased 30%.  He credited Bhakta Josef Prabhu with creating an atmosphere of better cooperation, more effective meetings and improved pilgrim care.  The Parikram program instituted by Bhakta Josef has been a great success.  Guests enjoy the tour and are very inspired.  There has also been improved sadhana for all members.

In 2014 there is a goal to raise funds for further improvement of the Lodge and cabins.  They aspire to better manage information and have more productive outreach.  There is a new call center in Mumbai which has been effective and they plan to institute a donor “insurance” program.  There are plans to begin a child camp and a youth camp.  Telephone classes on Srila Prabhupada’s books are on-going and well received.

Nityodita Prabhu discussed the New Vrindaban Protected Dairy Initiative.  Currently Ananda Vidya, Lalita Gopi and Caitanya Bhagavat are working with the cows in an effort to supply our own milk products to the kitchens.  They are milking twice daily and making butter.  The goal is to have both the Deity kitchen and the devotee kitchen using only dairy products from our own cows.  It was mentioned that there is some disconnect between the program and the cooks as far as using only our products.  Jaya Krsna stated that Vasudeva Prabhu will begin kitchen management as soon as he returns from travels and will make an effort to institute a system of using only dairy from our own cows.

Vyapi Prabhu reported on the apartment complex and improvements that have taken place there. He presented needed improvements for the near future: a new roof on apartment block 1 and new steps to the upper level. The parking lot needs better lighting. A new contract for tenants is planned which includes regular service, program attendance and keeping quiet hours. The basketball court and picnic area are in need of repair. The parking lot should be paved.

Following lunch prasadam reports were given by representatives of other non-profits in New Vrindaban.

Ruci Prabhu spoke regarding Gopal’s Garden.  This is the 7^th year for the school in this incarnation.  There are currently four students all at different teaching levels.  Sukavaha Prabhu is doing a weekly class on compassionate communication and Krsna Bhava Prabhu teaches a weekly art class for the students.  Sankirtan Prabhu is teaching a poetry/writing class.  Overall things are going well with the school but there is a problem with the internet not working there.  Chaitanya Mangala asked about plans for next year and Ruci explained that it is difficult to plan before August as it is never assured how many students will be attending.  Jaya Krsna mentioned that new families are coming who have children who will likely attend our school.  M. Ruci gave a tour of the classroom and the members were impressed with the high standard that is being met there.

Chaitanya Mangala gave the ECO-Vrindaban report.  ECOV is now an “Integrated Auxiliary“ of ISKCON New Vrindaban, Inc. This affords ECOV the same tax benefits as INV, which is critical with royalty income while maintaining its corporate independence.  ECOV has adjusted it bylaws to allow INV control of one seat on the Board of Directors of ECOV.  Also, ECOV will report annually to INV regarding finance and operations. So far in 2013, ECOV has contributed $148K to projects around the community.

Ananga Manjari Prabhu represented Dham Seva and reported that Varsana Swami is very hopeful for the projects at hand.  He feels that communications have improved and relationships are better.  He is doing some writing at this time and the Dham Seva board has agreed to the proposed land deal to transfer the property title to INV.

Devotees are looking for a place for him to live year round, perhaps a small cabin. It was suggested that INV could build him a cabin perhaps in exchange for the land.  Jaya Krsna reported that there should be funding for such a project in February so construction could begin next year.

A request for the formation of an advisory committee was discussed. It was agreed that structured well this could be a good way to increase communication and cooperation between community residents and INV management. Members of the group will bring concerns to Jaya Krsna, as the Community President, and together they will address the issues. Jaya Krsna would bring to the board any concerns that may require board attention.

And the tree of celebration is up at the city centre, encouraging all those who look, to continue to enjoy more than they have done in the months before.

In the spiritual world also there are trees called Desire Trees, which can grant anything you wish for so you can enjoy more than what you have achieved before but – in the company of Lord Krishna.

That difference makes a huge difference.

H.H Lokanatha Swami – SB 4-30-49

Special Day Meditation

Can this metaphorical explanation supplement the literal explanation?

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Everyone can become a fearless and honest person if his very existence is purified by discharging the prescribed duty for each and every order of life. One can become fixed in one's prescribed duty by faithful aural reception of Vedic instructions and assimilation of the essence of Vedic knowledge by devotional service to the Lord.

- Srimad Bhagavatam 2.2.5 purport

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So, in a plastic yoghurt tub, i am growing my own basil. Hows that? Planning on more herbs, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, carrots and even flowers for the prayer altar.

There is so much to gain from farming – the ideal occupation for humans. If thats not possible, then at least gardening. If you are in an apartment, there are so many innovative ways to grow your grocery. Check out the internet and Pinterest in particular for ideas and motivation.

Good Luck!

When there are ample earthly flats to lie on, what is the necessity of cots and beds? When one can use his own arms, what is the necessity of a pillow? When one can use the palms of his hands, what is the necessity of varieties of utensils? When there is ample covering, or the skins of trees, what is the necessity of clothing? (Srimad Bhagavatam 2.2.4)

Commentary by Srila Prabhupada

The necessities of life for the protection and comfort of the body must not be unnecessarily increased. Human energy is spoiled in a vain search after such illusory happiness. If one is able to lie down on the floor, then why should one endeavor to get a good bedstead or soft cushion to lie on? If one can rest without any pillow and make use of the soft arms endowed by nature, there is no necessity of searching after a pillow. If we make a study of the general life of the animals, we can see that they have no intelligence for building big houses, furniture, and other household paraphernalia, and yet they maintain a healthy life by lying down on the open land. They do not know how to cook or prepare foodstuff, yet they still live healthy lives more easily than the human being. This does not mean that human civilization should revert to animal life or that the human being should live naked in the jungles without any culture, education, and sense of morality. An intelligent human cannot live the life of an animal; rather, a human being should try to utilize his intelligence in arts and science, poetry and philosophy. In such a way he can further the progressive march of human civilization. But here the idea given by Srila Sukadeva Gosvami is that the reserve energy of human life, which is far superior to that of animals, should simply be utilized for self-realization. Advancement of human civilization must be towards the goal of establishing our lost relationship with God, which is not possible in any form of life other than the human. One must realize the nullity of the material phenomenon, considering it a passing phantasmagoria, and must endeavor to make a solution to the miseries of life. Self-complacence with a polished type of animal civilization geared to sense gratification is delusion, and such a “civilization” is not worthy of the name. In pursuit of such false activities, a human being is in the clutches of maya, or illusion. Great sages and saints in the days of yore were not living in palatial buildings furnished with good furniture and so-called amenities of life. They used to live in huts and groves and sit on the flat ground, and yet they have left immense treasures of high knowledge with all perfection. Srila Rupa Gosvami and Srila Sanatana Gosvami were high-ranking ministers of state, but they were able to leave behind them immense writings on transcendental knowledge, while residing only for one night underneath one tree. They did not live even two nights under the same tree, and what to speak of well-furnished rooms with modern amenities. And still they were able to give us most important literatures of self-realization. So-called comforts of life are not actually helpful for progressive civilization; rather, they can be detrimental to such progressive life.

ETYMOLOGY OF THE WORD “DEMOCRACY”

In popular historical accounts the word democracy was first used in ancient Greece to denote a contemporary system of governing. In ancient Athens, the word democracy was a compound term which could be broken into two parts: demos meaning ‘people’ and kratein ‘to rule.’ This ideal of governing inspires us even today. Democracy echoes the ancient ideals of equality and freedom among the modern governing systems.

Some authors like John Keane (author of Life and Death of Democracy) think that democracy has much older origins. He traces the meaning of the word democracy back to the Mycenaean period, which preceded the rule of Greece in the Mediterranean region. There the word demos (a person) is slightly changed to be pronounced damos. John Keane discovered the word demos in the Sumerian language, where it is pronounced dunu, meaning ‘inhabitants of a designated region.’ In the ancient world many of the different languages enjoyed a greater connection to one another than they do today. That is due to the fact that they all kept close phonetic link to their unifying origin, the prototypic Sanskrit. In Sanskrit or devanagari (lit. “language spoken in the cities of the demigods”) dham means “place.” Dhamu means “one who hails from a particular region.” Kratu implies intellectual ability. Therefore in ancient times, dhemokrat meant to employ the thinking ability of every person and utilize it for the welfare of the total society.

ANCIENT APPLICATION OF DEMOCRACY

How democracy was applied in ancient times can be seen in an incident that is recorded in the Srimad Bhagavatam (10th canto, 89th chapter). When the local king failed to protect one citizen from a disease in the family, the citizen, every time the disease occurred, walked straight into the king’s assembly hall to voice his protest, concern, and demand protection. The king vowed to protect the citizen even at the cost of his own life. Numerous such incidents are described in the Puranic literature, the literature which consists of accounts of the ancient Vedic culture.

When it comes to queens, they were equal to the kings in making decisions. One such example is illustrated by the story (Srimad Bhagavatam 1st canto, chapter 7) of punishment applied to Ashvatthama. When Ashvatthama killed the five sleeping and helpless sons of Draupadi, he was captured by Shri Krishna and Arjuna. When Krishna and his friend were determined to kill Ashvatthama, Draupadi was also consulted for a verdict. Her choice of punishment was much milder and considerate of the mother of Ashvatthama; therefore, Shri Krishna only disgraced Ashvatthama.

As long as there was true princely order, the aristocracy (kshatriyas), the citizens were protected. But the moment the kings became corrupt, the people decided to take the reigns of power into their own hands. In ancient Athens, democratic votes were given every day. Whenever there was a predicament, all the people discussed the situation. For this reason the governments constructed large places for congregation. Every citizen had a turn to rule the city at some point in their life; a big city being considered to be a village of 10,000 people, which made the application of democracy easier. In Manu Samhita and Shukra Niti it is noted that an ideal city should not exceed a population of 56,000.

DEMOCRACY IN MODERN TIMES

What is the situation today? We live in gigantic conglomerates. The idea of democracy is stronger than ever in our modern world. But although it may be one of the most used words in political accounts and discussions, democracy remains an elusive dream when it comes to practical application.

Words have vast power in today’s world of the variegated media. Words in the form of information rule the world today; they change and shape the global perception of each generation. When we hear “democracy” we think equality and freedom. But there are many different forms of democracy and all of them are meant to discourage the straightforward practice of control by the people.

DIFFERENT FORMS OF APPLYING DEMOCRACY

In representative democracies, the people elect a few candidates amongst themselves and those representatives run in an election. The problem with representation is that not all people in the population of a country are politically active and only the political parties elect representatives. Many end up voting for candidates they do not like or do not identify with. In this form of democracy the president is not able to stand for all the views and wants of all the citizens at large. The main reason is because in this form of democracy the rule is wielded by the majority. This situation creates an oppressed minority. The oppressed minority acts in opposition to the elected representative. Because the opposition wants a share in the decision making process, a situation is created in which a consecutive election is inevitable. Thus no one remains on top of the political game for too long. No president has enough time to solve the major problems concerning his country and the world. Most presidents come to power, enrich themselves for their term of four or five years and then go away for the next elected “leader” to come along and repeat the performance.

Because the representative democracy, depending on the winner amongst the two leading parties, is inevitably partisan to their own party’s agenda, some societies employ another type of democracy called parliamentary. In this form of democracy, there is an extended representation of the citizens in the form of a parliament. In the parliament, all major political parties in a country have their representatives. The parliament has the right to vote against the decisions of the prime minister and the president. Although this is a better version of democracy than the representative democracy, it is noteworthy to mention that an ordinary person has little or no access to the parliamentary decisions. The high officials who supposedly represent the citizens are sitting in big chairs behind many closed doors. Their cabinets have high security alarms and the so-called “representatives” are virtually inaccessible to the ordinary citizens. Hence, the fellow on the street has a tough time influencing the decisions of the parliament.

Although the deputies are supposed to represent the opinions of the people, they have their own political agenda. Often politics and corruption go hand in hand. On the surface, parliamentary democracy may seem fairer than other forms of democracy but in practice it does not provide better results. This form of democracy is confusing to the general public. The ordinary citizens are deceived to believe that they personally take part in the government via their representatives. In fact, the chosen few in the parliament are only looking after the citizen’s interests in theory. In this unfair form of democracy only a chosen few can truly represent themselves and those few are the deputies in the parliament. When the citizens realize that nobody is truly looking after them, they do not know how to overcome this social imbalance.

In general, society reacts to corruption by exposing the culprits. However, the ones who want to fight for their rights by bringing about a revolution in society, lose track of priorities. They start by looking into the lives of the alleged high personas, and end up popularizing their mistakes. They do this by focusing on the flaws themselves instead of developing a pragmatic alternative for people to follow. Although they have good intentions to make a change, it ends up backfiring; the freedom fighters inspire society to follow the same path of corruption as the ones in charge instead of following a higher standard.

Some countries prefer another form of democracy called presidential. In this form of democracy the president has the right to oversee the work of the government. His power is close to that of a king because he can interfere with all decisions made by the administration. The problem with this democracy is that the president is elected through one political party. He is supposed to be without bias and represent all political parties equally. In practice this is impossible because the president is always loyal to the party that promoted him. But a perfect ruler is not created in one or two days and he does not rule a country for one or two terms for a limited number of years. A real well-wisher of all citizens is born as a king and trained since birth to follow dharma. Thus the problem with the presidential democracy is that the imposed leader ends up being a mere panderer in the hands of certain powerful political parties or corporations.

In some countries there is semi-presidential democracy where the prime minister and the president have equal powers and are supposedly checking and correcting each others’ errors. The problem here is that the president and the prime-minister go into endless error fining. Instead of working constructively and solving real problems like tax, poverty line, employment, and medical care, they only add new meanings to political correctness.

Since all democracies in the above list have failed to properly represent all citizens, political masterminds have made one last attempt to make democracy work by using the power of law. Supposedly, in the face of law, the political parties, the president, the prime minister, and the ordinary citizens are equal. The chains of law, ideally, stop all unfair and underhanded techniques and secure true representation of all citizens. But the problem with liberal democracy is that it does not make the democratic system more workable. In practice, it actually makes the drawbacks of the system legalized.

Finally, to cast the historical mistakes of modern classlessness as iron clad, the last and supposedly perfect form of democracy is created, the constitutional democracy. This democratic system is based on a constitution and it is a derivative of the liberal democracy. The difference is that the constitution is supposed to be permanent while the law can be changed. The problem with the constitutional democracy lies in the truth that the constitution is not a perfect document. It is written at a particular time, which has its own trends, by a handful of people with limited experience. The constitution is a weak call to rewrite the laws of the universe, a task only God can be capable of.

We should also note that democracy cannot possibly represent spiritual equality. Krishna devotees, for example, know the futility of voting for any listed political party because there is no representation for followers of Krishna consciousness. The truth is that if we wait for the mundane world of repeated-birth-and-death type consciousness (samsara) to represent us, those of us who are on the spiritual path will never be heard or noticed. We cannot be apart of a world where selfishness dictates to the majority of representatives, from whichever party they originate.

DEMOCRATIC LOSS OF FREEDOM

Today in the name of democracy, gigantic corporations threaten to swallow even the little remaining freedoms of the ordinary citizens. People have been tricked in the name of democracy into voting away their autonomy. They have sacrificed their free time, the right to drink pure water, the need to breathe fresh air, and to work at home producing their own God-given food. Big businesses assure the people that they do not have to do hard labor because all their needs will be taken care of. The corporations will bottle the water and sell it to the people in pretty containers. They will sell them air purifiers; they will open big supermarkets with all imaginable fruits and vegetables in every season, and they will vend them to the obedient citizens. The human beings do not need to do anything but surrender their freedom and in return they will receive plenty of money to spend back into the system. Though such big corporations create a motherly image, they induce everyone to model their life after their unscrupulous principles. The big corporations console the sleeping souls with the promise that in the next election each citizen can vote for whoever one chooses.

However, every civilian has but one time to vote every four or five years. And even then, many are watching how he, the civilian, exercises his vote. Family members who are politically oriented will also try to sway him into voting for their representative. The company he works for will also try to buy his vote. Around the time of the election campaign, certain faces become famous for a short period of time. They are supposed to be the candidates of the ordinary citizen who usually has never met them in person. There is nothing personal about the aggressive way the candidates approach him from their posters, television, radio, and internet. They talk about themselves and how they are going to solve his problems, but they do not care to personally know the voter. Because the candidates are also ordinary people, it is impossible for them to know every single person who is going to vote for them in the elections. In the aftermath, a person is not counted as an individual but as a vote.

ACHIEVING PERSONALISM THROUGH SPIRITUALITY

Personalism is possible only in spiritual, Krishna consciousness. Shri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, knows every single soul in the universe regardless of the size of their body, from an insect to a demigod. It does not matter what form of democracy, monarchy, or patriarchy society adopts. If Shri Krishna is not put in the center, there will always be a failure in the establishment. The system’s principles would stay elusively in the realm of idealism. Democracy is theoretically a very good system, but in practice its ideals have been unreachable. On the contrary, Vaishnava philosophy does not claim that everyone is born equal. Every single entity has different karma and has to suffer different consequences in life. Though advocates of democracy claim that vox populi can provide equality, sameness will not exist. A man and a woman have different bodies with different requirements. A person with godly inclinations is also not equal to a person with demonic propensities. People have to be treated according to their individual karma, their respective characters, and their goals in life.

Real equality means to treat every single person according to their situation while at the same time providing them with equal possibility for self-realization. This is the goal of the spiritual varnashrama system taught by Shri Krishna (See Bhagavad Gita 4.14).

SPIRITUAL-AGRARIAN LIVING IS FREEDOM

The varnashrama principle is “simple living and high thinking” because it relies on the resources of nature. Self-sufficiency, which is a normal consequence of agrarian living, is the key to freedom. Freedom is not possible if a single person is dependent on countless individuals; as it is the situation in the modern world. For example, we would be surprised to learn how many people handle the distribution of electricity before it reaches the consumer. How many individuals have been engaged in producing the devices which allocate the electricity, and how many devices are there that receive the electricity? How many people handle the bureaucratic side of electric distribution? How many people handle the invoices? Before someone receives a single kilowatt-hour of electricity, countless people have participated in its production. On the contrary, agrarian community makes the individual dependent on a small and intimate community, but mainly on their family. In this way the family becomes the basic unit of society.

Today families are being destroyed by the artificial dependency on technology. Technology dooms human relations and destroys the feelings associated with human interaction. In modern society new psychological diseases are on the rise. We cannot disregard the fact that human beings are mainly emotional creatures. And despite the fact that in modern society all material needs may be met, the need for emotional security is not. The original position of the living entity is to find his close relationship with the Supreme Lord Shri Krishna. All other relationships are based on this fact. Reviving our lost relationship with Krishna is the most comprehensive way to solve emotional disorientation. Democracy can be a manifestation of a confusion regarding our innate need to be close to another, to be close to the Supreme.

In the name of democracy we see all kinds of atrocities being conducted by the big powers of the day. The large and powerful establishments force others into becoming democratic in the name of consumerism, which they control.

The need of the hour is that we try to entrench ourselves in secure situations. We need to own land, grow our own food, and we need to develop small communities which will grow to enact the vision of self-sufficient society which gives freedom and equality to all individuals to love God, our common source. Then the utopia of direct democracy (when everyone’s desires, opinions and rights are fully counted) can be accomplished.

The futility of democracy at work: American elected officials check sports scores, visit Facebook, or play video card games while the Speaker of the House addresses the “dignitaries.”

Hare Krsna my dear devotees, I hope everything is well with your chanting and that you have been able to concentrate on your rounds. I would like to share with you some doubts I had on chanting and the message from Bhakti Dhira maharaja answering them. It inspired me a lot and after his email I took my beads and prayed and started chanting, it was a nice and pleasant experience. Here is my question:

I got tired of swiping a metallic looking thing to the right to open up my personal-universe-slash-smartphone. It got boring. But today, there is a new iOS! iOS7! Seven!!! Now I don’t have to swipe that same old boring metallic looking thing to the right. Now I have… well, I don’t really even know how to describe it, it’s so light and airy and freeform. It’s so fun. It’s like right-swiping cotton candy.

My personal-universe-slash-smartphone is fun again! Yippie!

And other neat things abound. I can have an “active background.” That means little bubbles can blurb around animated in the background. That’s a relief. I was bored solid of those static, standing-still photo-images I had to use for the last twelve years as the backdrop to my personal universe.

And there are other neat things. Well, there are other things that look neater, and there are a few things that even work better. Actually, everything looks neater. Kinda more like, you know… one of those other smartphones – like the Galaxy or whatever else is out there.

So, that’s what you do. You repackage.

Here is a bit of meal that’s already been chewed. That’s alright, we can serve it again, just put it on a new plate. The customer will love it, because the plate is more modern. So I get my new iOS and feel like a kid again, for fifteen minutes, or maybe fifteen days. Then I’ll want a new plate again, a new package, a new update, some new way to swipe, some new two-finger screen-gesture to flick… and they’ll give it to me. iOS7.0.0.0.0.1. They’ll keep giving it to me because they like my money.

And it seems that I like giving them my money.

It’s nothing “evil” about Apple, or smartphones, or technology, or the modern world. It’s just the way things are. Everything has always been this way.

A zillion aeons ago, a brilliant young boy named Prahlād ingeniously expressed what it’s like to live in this world:

“Again and again, chewing the chewed…”

We’re chewing something that doesn’t have flavor. But it’s so nicely packaged! The plate is so well presented, and so nicely decorated! The user interface is so simple, clear, minimal, and effective!!! So, let’s try it!

OK, once the packaging is opened, the content is… well, the same… basically, something without much flavor.

“Waiter! This is tasteless. Send it back to the chef!”

OK, the chef will try again… a new platter, new decorations, a new interface – same food.

Oooo, so attractive. Let’s try it again. Chew it again.

Why doesn’t the content have any flavor? We should ask! Our smart-phones are fun to use, but what do we use them for? Talking to friends? It can be fun to swipe, pinch and point to call and text our friends, but do our friends really even like us? If we stopped driving them here or there, or flattering their ego – would they keep speed-dialing and SMS / Line / Skyping us? And how delicious is that reality?

The real operating system is the mind. And the real content is the heart.

Our content is stale. Only love is fresh.

Instead of love we all are saturated with various permutations of selfishness – the anti-love. That’s why life tastes bitter. Even if you taste a bitter thing from a penthouse on the top of the Empire State Building, it’s still bitter. Even if you read it on your amazing iOS79c transported by Mr. Spock to you from the future – it’s still bitter.

So, you might be thinking, “What? I’m selfish?”

It’s not like it’s just you – it’s the entire material universe. So when you compare yourself to the creature standing next to you in the line for the cashier, you might look pretty awesome and unselfish.

So, again, you might be thinking, “What? This whole universe is selfish?”

Yeah. You haven’t noticed? The only unselfish thing that exists is love. But is there any true love in the material world??? When you’ve got the patience and guts, think about that honestly for a while. Like I said with your friends, are they really texting you, or are they texting someone who enhances their image, or maybe makes them feel “good” etc. etc.? How about your significant other? Do they love you, or what you do for them? The only love that’s pretty darn close to true love in this world is the love of a really good mother; and it only gives you a hint of the reflection of real, true love.

If you want to get a taste for true love, I really think you’ll need to put yourself in contact with Śrī Krishna Caitanya – the fountainhead of true-love-divine. It’s a very deep and beautiful ocean of bliss you can access there. It won’t fit in this short article about a gadget’s latest crappy update.

Suffice to say that as long as we are charmed by the allure of repackaging a selfish, bitter outlook on life – every revision is going to be disappointing (as iOS7 turned out to be). As soon as we forget the fluff and get to the real stuff – right down into our heart and work on finding the infinite pool of rāsa (FLAVOR) that ripples like nectar in the goblet of our spiritual being – then we really won’t give a damn for any OS updates. We’ll be too busy dancing, singing, celebrating, and shedding tears of loving joy.

This is the most powerful mantra that will update the kernel of your soul’s inner heart. Download it now:

Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna

Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare

Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma

Rāma Rāma, Hare Hare

Chant this mantra constantly and you will discover the fountainhead of all delightful flavor, Krishna – the honeymoon-faced divine darling surrounded by the limitless beautiful love.

Indradyumna Swami: Today I had a hernia operation in a hospital in Durban, South Africa. After the surgery I had a surprise visitor to my room: His excellency King Goodwill Zwelithini, king of the 30-million strong Zulu nation. He was at the hospital to visit his daughter who is recovering from an illness in the room next to mine. When he learned I was next door he immediately came see me. We reminisced about my visit to his kingdom last December and our discussions about God, South Africa and social cohesion. He invited me back to his palace in Zululand as soon as I'm better to continue our discussions. I was so honoured by his visit Read more ›

On 30th November 2013, Maharaj was invited to install the new altar at Gita Nagari, the spiritual farming community in rural Pennsylvania, USA. Watch the video here:

BG 02.16 All Meant to Please 2010-07-25

Lecture – Bhagavad Gita 2.16 All Meant to Please 2010-07-25 Timisoara, Romanian

BG 02.15 Pebble, Stone, Macbook Pro 2010-07-24

Lecture – Bhagavad Gita 2.15 Pebble, Stone, Macbook Pro 2010-07-24 Timisoara, Romanian

BG 02.14 No lipstick, I Will Die 2010-07-23

Lecture – Bhagavad Gita 2.14 No lipstick, I Will Die 2010-07-23 Timisoara, Romanian

The larger Iskcon community of Latin America Read more ›

Lecture Podcast

The easiest and most sublime process to awaken love for God is to chant his Holy Names.

The post I apologize but since I am travelling today I cannot post a podcast appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

1970 November 29 : "I have received so many encouraging reports. So long our students remain fixed up to the regulative principles without deviation they will be enthusiastic for spreading this sublime movement."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1970

Narottama dasa Thakura has sung: goloker premadhana, harinama-sankirtana, ratina janmila kenetay samsara-visanale, divanisi hiya jvale, judaite na kaimu upaya Sankirtana is imported from Goloka Vrindaban it is not material musical rock and roll. It is actually imported from Goloka. Narottama sings, Everyone is burning in the materialistic way of life. That burning can be extinguished only be employing Hare Krsna maha-mantra. It is a fact that the western countries are in blazing fire of material enjoyment. But as soon as they take to Hare Krsna surely they will find peace and happiness. There is no doubt about it. Read more ›

1970 November 29 : "The university community is a prime target for our propaganda work so please try your best to convince the students of the necessity for chanting Hare Krsna Mahamantra."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1970

Srila Prabhupada's Bhagavad Gita As It Is Read more ›