Express your Convictions for Krishna – Passionately. Don’t be a fence-sitter!
→ The Enquirer

“When we don’t hear about the heroism of the Hero, the holes of our ears might as well be snake holes. When we do not sing about the One Worth Singing About, we might as well have the tongues of frogs. When our head does not bow to the Liberator, it is nothing but a heavy burden, even if it is decorated with a silken crown. When our hands do not serve Hari, they might as well be the hands of a corpse, uselessly decorated with glittering golden bracelets. When we do not look upon the forms of Viṣṇu, our eyes might as well be the eyes of a peacock feather. When our legs do not move us to Hari’s sacred places, our legs might as well be the roots of trees? If we mortals never touch the dust from the feet of blessed devotees, we might as well be dead! If we do not smell the scent of Tulasī from the beautiful feet of Viṣṇu, what is the use of breathing? We might as well be a breathing corpse.”

Sūta was speechless with delight to hear Śaunaka so boldly declare such strong devotional sentiments. “Worst of all,” Śaunaka continued, “If we pronounce Hari’s name but our heart does not melt into emotions like tears and goosebumps, what is the use of our heart? Is it really a heart or is it a chunk of iron?”

Ugrashravas_narrating_Mahābhārata_before_the_sages_gathered_in_Naimisha_Forest


Sunday, December 8th, 2013
→ The Walking Monk

Ghostly Kids

Burnaby, British Columbia

There’s this boarded up school house that I trek by on my walks in the Burnaby area.  There’s always something heart sinking when I see an image like that.  If you put school bullying to the side and rewind in your mind what the school yard may have looked like in recess or lunch hour, what would you see?  In particularly in a suburban school that ran for at least three decades?

You would likely see, and hear, a bunch of energetic and electrifying bodies out there.  Future hopefuls, future influentials – leaders and followers.  Yes, you would see kids playing.  Doesn’t bring out the parental instincts?  Even in a monk’s world, you can’t help feeling an urge of protectiveness.  You are left in question, will the kids achieve?  Will they make it in a world that has become so harsh and selfish?

These are some of my mental thoughts while going by an abandoned school.  What to speak of a school yard that is real, with real kids, alive and teaming with energy.

I did manage to speak to the security guard on site.

“So, you’re walking?” he asked me.

“Yes, I do a bit of that,” I said.  And then we got to talking about his keeping vandalism at bay.  The young folks who usually commit to pranks and property damage are often times those who didn’t do so well in school.  They may very well be the ones who got too neglected at home.  Even sometimes a good kid gets caught up in the wrong crowd.  The security guy spoke more about the homeless who are potential squatters, the other reason for his being there.  He told me that he’s on a four hour shift then someone else comes in to take over.  With dumpsters in front of the building, it looked more to me like the beginnings of a demolition, and then a follow up coming new subdivision.  Please!  In any event, there’s some readiness for a change.

In spiritual life you endeavour towards an overhaul – within, and there’s always a need to become a child again – innocent and full of wonder, back at playing (in kirtan), perhaps after years of work and stuffy offices or contending with challenging conditions at a construction site.

Life is not easy in a non devotional setting.  That’s why I feel even for the security guard who talked but who couldn’t get into devotional parlance.  We ended on a good note and I kept walking.

May the Source be with you!

4 KM

Saturday, December 7th, 2013
→ The Walking Monk

An Argentine Article
 
Toronto, Ontario
 
The following is an article that appeared in the Argentine Magazine, "El Clarin", by Luis Aubelle.  Translation by Ananda Buddhi.
 
“I Wanted To Go Out For A Walk”
 
In Buenos Aires for a visit, The Walking Monk tells how long walks can lead to the Divine. He is back from a journey of over 5,000 miles during which he walked from the East coast to the West coast of Canada.
 
“I felt I was under the influence of rahu – in Vedic astrology, a particularly gloomy planet, full of rage. At first, I sought refuge in an ashram, a large community of monks in Canada, and from observing this religious order and following their ways, my need to live another way, to find my spiritual horizon, was born,” recollects Bhaktimarga Swami, “The Walking Monk”, the walking Hare Krishna monk who arrived in Buenos Aires after completing his fourth journey walking across Canada, over 5,000 miles from East to West.
 
“Why walk? The very same monks gave me the idea. They would take long hikes on dirt roads to purify themselves, to meet people, and to grow closer to others. But there was a second motive: 1996 was speeding by, and it was the 100th anniversary of the birth of my teacher, Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who had been born in Calcutta, India, on September 1st, 1896.
 
Bhaktivedanta Swami passed away in November of 1977, and I wanted to remember him by offering him my heart and my feet, that is the reason for the walking. It was an enriching experience which gave me the opportunity to grow closer to the Divine. To suffer the consequences of being exposed to snow, to cold, then to heat and mosquitos, I began to practice detachment from worldly affairs. Besides, I thought my trips would be a good example for the people. Imagine a monk impervious to the fury of the elements, tirelessly crossing the Canadian landscape.”
 
Bhaktimarga Swami, John Peter Vis, his original name, was born on October 5th, 1952 near Toronto, Canada. He met monks on the campus of the university where he was studying Fine Arts, they put him in contact with the one who would be his teacher, Swami Prabhupada, founder of the Hare Krishna movement, and of ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness), and most important, translator of classic works such as the Bhagavad-Gita.
 
Bhaktimarga followed the footsteps of his teacher and is in actuality, a leader in the movement. Also, an instructor of bhakti yoga and interactive dance, and a kirtan leader, or yogic singing. He is world renowned as author and director of theatrical morality plays within his community.
 
How do you see the world today?
 
“I see a polarized world. On one side, anguish; confused people, struggling with apparently unresolvable issues in their lives. An uncertain horizon where the family unit has been severed, and the moral values that guided life have been lost. A great internal growing void is created as a consequence, and many try to fill it with alcohol, drugs, or other forms of escape without avail. But on the other side, I see many persons that are widening their spiritual horizons. Folks who seek and find the light and that is really exciting! United States author, Mark Twain, who had been in India, used to say that East was East and West was West. And that never the two would meet, but I believe he was wrong.”
 
What is your idea?
 
“I think that both cultures can learn from each other. To recapture that deep and liberating concept that says that I am not this body. That I am my soul, the spirit that is inside my body. When the recovery of these principles is achieved, we are ready to obtain deeper and long lasting relations. To obtain peace, solidarity, the joy of living. To discover superior levels where obstacles can be resolved to begin anew. The wise men of India have, for many centuries, concluded that in order to remedy social ills, people had to find places to gather, to converse, dance, sing, and also exchange food prepared with love.”
 
What exercise can a common man do to draw one close to the Divine?
 
“I walk 7 to 8 hours on a daily basis, but this is an extreme. The truth behind walking is to use it as a means to seek the Divine. We begin our journey by looking all around us trying to discover the sacred in everything we meet on our path. Then, bit by bit, the landscape transforms, time seems to stand still, and slowly we begin to construct a world whose main protagonist is the Divine,” concludes The Walking Monk.
 
Geniuses, giants, and Aladdin’s lamp…
 
Mark Twain visited India between January and April of 1896. The following are a few of his remarks written in his diary of the journey: “India, land of dreams and of romance, of fabulous wealth and fabulous poverty, of splendor and of rags, of palaces and huts, of hunger, pestilence, of geniuses, giants, and Aladdin’s lamp. Of tigers and elephants, of the cobra and the jungle. The country with hundreds of countries and hundreds of languages, of thousands of religions and of two million gods. Cradle of the human race, birthplace of human language, mother of history, grandmother of legend, great grandmother of tradition…”
 
May the Source be with you!
 
6 KM

The most important person
→ KKSBlog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 8 September 2013, Lenasia, South Africa, Sunday Feast Lecture)

We have temples where we can associate of devotees and get new inspiration because after all, this is a movement. Srila Bhakisiddhanta said, “It’s not an addendum in life.” It is not that Krsna consciousness is something we add on. “You know, I really feel that Krsna consciousness takes an important part in my life.” No, if we think like that then it’s an add on. That is not good enough.

Krsna consciousness is our life. There’s nothing else. There’s nothing else. That’s all there is. Therefore Srila Bhaktisiddhanta said, “Krsna consciousness is not an addendum in life.” It is a total revolution. Complete, total change. It is meant to touch every aspect of life and become the priority.

Therefore, I sometimes say that when you look your beloved in the eyes, you can say, “Darling, you are the most important person in my life… after Krsna.”

That is kind of how it is. Everything else comes after Krsna. We can try that and if you can’t make it, if you can’t say that from the heart, then you are in maya (laughter)! Just think about it. So that means we have to gradually cultivate our Krsna consciousness more and more until we get there, to that stage where vāsudevaḥ sarvam iti.

bahūnāḿ janmanām ante
jñānavān māḿ prapadyate
vāsudevaḥ sarvam iti
sa mahātmā su-durlabhaḥ (Bhagavad-gita 7.19)

A great soul is very rare, is one who after many, many births comes to that stage where he is says, Vasudeva, Krsna is everything.

Krishna-Balaram

 

Being Sober
→ travelingmonk.com

Srila Prabhupada always appeared very blissful and joyful but he was never frivolous. Every once in a while he used humour in his lectures but he was always sober. Preaching is a serious business, to convince people about futility of material life and awaken their love of Godhead.

Srila Prabhupada on New Vrindaban: 7 Temples, Starting a Trust Fund & Earning Income from the Land
→ New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit

Srila Prabhupada reading at the original New Vrindaban farmhouse, 1969.

Srila Prabhupada reading outside the original New Vrindaban farmhouse, Spring 1969.

A Letter From Srila Prabhupada About New Vrindaban: 7 Temples, Starting a Trust Fund & Earning Income from the Land.

October 27, 1972

My dear Kirtanananda,

Please accept my blessings. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated October 19, 1972, and I have noted the contents with care.

Now we are in Radha-Damodara Temple staying, and the programme of speaking morning and evening in the courtyard is going on very nicely. It is the same peaceful atmosphere as your New Vrindaban, and just as in New Vrindaban everyone present is devotee. Actually, everywhere wherever Krishna is being glorified, that is Vrindaban.

Regarding your questions, try to  finish the temples in New Vrindaban as quickly as possible using whatever materials you have. Later on they can be improved more and more and eventually they will be the first-class opulent temples in the world.

So far starting a trust fund, yes, that is very good idea, so that the deities may never be neglected. The thing is, there must be continuous income, so if there is income from land that is all right. In Los Angeles we are getting income from rents from two apartment houses because there is always certain income.

As for bathing the deities in milk from time to time, that is not required. The smarta or caste brahmanas, they think if someone inattentively touches deity it becomes impure, so they bathe. But that is not needed by us, only when they are installed.

Regarding the cook-book, that is a nice proposal to divide into two parts. There is no harm if devotees have invented recipes, so long they are strictly vegetarian, no garlic, no onions, like that.

Upon your recommendation I am happy to accept Sudhakari dasi for second initiation. Now you hold a fire yagna, give her copy of gayatri mantra and teach her to count on the finger divisions. You may play the tape of me reciting gayatri mantra into her right ear. The ceremony should be held in the company of devotees only.

Hoping this will meet you in good health.

Your ever well-wisher,
A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

ACBS/sda

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