The Man in the Machine
→ Dandavats.com

“A person is not considered a great sage unless he disagrees with another sage”. This adage suitably describes the career of La Mettrie, whose contentious writings during the eighteenth century were almost universally reviled by his contemporaries during the age of the Enlightenment. Read more ›

Surrender Of The Fewest
→ Dandavats.com

A conversation took place between a senior devotee and a young, active devotee youth member (initiated). The senior devotee said that previously, devotees were more surrendered to Iskcon, to which the younger devotee replied by saying that today’s congregation are just as surrendered, but in different circumstances. Can we compare and quantify such surrender? Read more ›

Wednesday, September 11th, 2013
→ The Walking Monk

A Rooted Routine

East End, Saskatchewan

Daruka and I routinely sing a bhajan in honour of the guru while we’re on our route to the spot from where I left off the day before. We used no instruments. Of course, he can’t, he’s driving. We just rely on our voices to sing what is an integral part of our morning. We apply as much devotion as possible.

It’s also a good idea, particularly today, to start off on the best note, given what 9/11 means to a lot of people. Out here in the Prairie, for the people we meet, the anniversary of New York’s twin tours descent, appears rather irrelevant. Here we are far removed from an urban world.

I could clearly see what’s called Cypress Hills. They are beautiful smooth, rounded hills with coulees – a bit barren and looking like the badlands, but most interesting. Sage plants are all about “dry as a bone” would be an appropriate expression to describe some of the area. It’s great being away from billboards and retail strip fast food joints. Here it’s more or less raw nature, pastures and wheat fields, but a true sense of rawness.

A bus driver pulled over and offered words of thanks, “We appreciate the inspiration you are giving to humanity.” Then a newspaper delivery man came to walk his dog with me, also a woman by the name of Wendy came with a bag of apples from her backyard tree. A family also came to trek with me for a while in a very remote section of the highway. A farmer loading his hay for the winter’s feeding of his cows, stopped, and asked for prayers, “Rolin’s, the name. My wife is Susan. Please pray for us,” (of course I’ll oblige). Then Brenda Furerstein came to our inn for the evening. She assisted her late husband, George, in a translation of the Bhagavad Gita. She also gave me a copy. She will gather friends for mantra meditation with us for tomorrow.

And speaking of the Inn, Ed Sanford, owner/proprietor of Riverside Inn, so kindly let us stay for as long as we need. We invited Ed in for our kitcheri dinner, which we prepared in the kitchenette. This dish is great for travelling. Ed, also loved it. We consecrated it, in other words, made it prasadam. A mellow fellow, big hearted person, this Ed is. We will tag him on to our growing list of new friends.

Please remember, the pessimist complains about the wind, the optimist expects it to change, the realists adjusts the sails.

31 KM

YOU HAVE TO REPEAT
→ Gita Coaching


If you simply hear and hear in the class of Krsna consciousness, and go outside and forget, oh, that is not nice. That will not make you improve. Then what is? Kirtitavyas ca: "Whatever you are hearing, you should say to others." That is perfection.

Therefore we have established Back to Godhead. The students are allowed, whatever they are hearing, they must be thoughtful and write. Kirtitavyas ca. Not only simply hearing. "Oh, I am hearing for millions of years; still, I cannot understand"—because you do not chant, you do not repeat what you have heard. You have to repeat.

Srila Prabhupada
Srimad-Bhagavatam Lecture in San Francisco, USA on March 23, 1967

Burdens do not burden the Lord
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Sometimes we see a picture of Atlas holding the globe on his shoulders; he seems to be very tired, holding this great earthly planet. Such an image should not be entertained in connection with Krsna’s upholding this created universe. He says that although everything is resting on Him, He is aloof. The planetary systems are floating in space, and this space is the energy of the Supreme Lord. But He is different from space. He is differently situated. Therefore the Lord says, “Although they are situated on My inconceivable energy, as the Supreme Personality of Godhead I am aloof from them.” This is the inconceivable opulence of the Lord.

Bhagavad Gita As It Is 9.5 purport 

02.07 – Those who overestimate their intelligence underutilize their potential
→ The Spiritual Scientist

When things go wrong, we may appeal to Krishna for help. If no help appears forthcoming, we may doubt Krishna: “Why doesn’t he help me?”

The problem is not that Krishna doesn’t help, but that we demand his help on our terms. We overestimate our intelligence and underestimate his intelligence.

When faced with problems, we often assume that we know the solution. All we need from Krishna is to implement that solution. We want him to use his omnipotence to fix things up as per our plan. Thus we seek only Krishna’s power and not his intelligence. By  overestimating our intelligence, we deprive ourselves of the growth opportunities hidden in problems.

Problems come upon us due to our own past karmic misdeeds. But Krishna expertly orchestrates problems so that they can also become growth opportunities. Provided we make the right choices, of course.

If we are to make those right choices, we need to open ourselves to Krishna’s guidance internally and externally. Empowered by his guidance, we can unleash our latent potentials as spiritual beings and grow.

In the Bhagavad-gita’s first chapter, Arjuna wanted to solve his problem on his terms. He wanted Krishna to support and implement his plan. But soon Arjuna realized that his own intelligence was getting him nowhere. So in the Gita (02.07) he surrendered to Krishna and asked for guidance. And thus he was blessed by Gita wisdom, which enabled him to discover his hidden potentials as a spiritual being, as a part of Krishna. By tapping into both Krishna’s intelligence and power Arjuna gained emotional and spiritual strength to use his abilities for individual and social wellbeing.

We too can similarly discover of our hidden potentials if we stop seeking Krishna’s help on our terms and instead open ourselves to his guidance.

***

02.07 - Now I am confused about my duty and have lost all composure because of miserly weakness. In this condition I am asking You to tell me for certain what is best for me. Now I am Your disciple, and a soul surrendered unto You. Please instruct me.

 

 

Maha-Mantra Week!
→ The Toronto Hare Krishna Blog!

** PLEASE SEE UPDATE ON DOUBLE DECKER BUS BELOW! **
On September 18, 1965, His Divine Grace A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada stepped off the ship Jaladutta onto American soil in Boston. The rest is history!

After Srila Prabhupada came to the US, within 12 years he was able to establish over a hundred temples and inspire thousands of followers and share with them the strength of the Hare Krishna Maha-Mantra. Today, ISKCON has grown to a world wide confederation of over 400 centres around the world!

Starting Sep 17th, ISKCON centres all over the world will celebrate the arrival of Srila Prabhupada in the West 45 years ago, the day that changed the life trajectory of millions all over the globe. The celebrations this year in ISKCON Toronto will be marked by 10 days of non-stop activity. We encourage you to make the most of this occasion, participate in the numerous activities, help organize them and most importantly - spread the word around!

Daily Highlights:

Morning Conference Call 
Readings from Sri Namamrta about the glories of the Holy Name - the perfect way to start your day!

Daily from 7:00 - 7:15am
Toll-free dial-in: 1-(877) 860-3058
Conference code: 837956#

500 "Chant and be Happy" Distribution Challenge!

The book that shares the mantra journey of the legendary Beatles. Help us bring it to others! How many does it take to distribute such transcendence in 10 days? 5 books per 10 people every day! Simple enough? Are you up for the challenge?

Special Themed Morning Bhagavatam Classes

Interactive sessions based on how to overcome the ten offenses of chanting-one for each day!

Special Events During Maha-Mantra Week:

Inaugural Tuesday Sanga

A presentation on how Srila Prabhupada fulfilled Bhaktivinoda Thakur's prophecy.
Tuesday, Sept 17: 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Srila Prabhupada Movie Night 

An inspirational Thursday with viewing from "Following Srila Prabhupada" with popcorn and juice!
Thursday, Sept 19: 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Downtown Street Harinam 

Friday evening Kirtan down the streets of Yorkville.
Friday, Sept 20: 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Saturday Double Decker Bus Harinam

The popular bus harinam is back! Enjoy the chance to do kirtan aboard a double decker bus as we drive around Toronto! With a modest fee of $25 for the upper level and $10 for the lower level, get your tickets fast!
Saturday, Sept 21: 2:00pm - 5:00pm - Pre Registration Required - Limited Seating! Please sign up by clicking here!

** UPDATE: Due to rain today, we are postponing the Double Decker Harinam event to a later date. HOWEVER, there is still a wonderful program in the evening. So please come out for a sweet evening as the local disciples of our dear most Srila Prabhupada all come together to share their personal experiences with him! **

Srila Prabhupada Memories 

After a beautiful day driving around Toronto, spend an intimate evening with Prabupada disciples from the Toronto region as they share their memorable experiences.
Saturday, Sept 21: 6:00pm - 8:30pm

48+ Rounds Day 

Grab the opportunity to connect deeper with the holy name by chanting 48+ rounds in association of other devotees on Sunday!
Sunday, Sept 22: 4:30am onwards

"What is the Difficulty" Tuesday Sanga

Tuesday, Sep 24: 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Grand Finale : Kirtan and Pizza Party 

A fantastic way to cap off 10 days of fun and bliss at the Hare Krishna Temple!
Thursday, Sep 26: 6:00pm - 8:30pm

It is going to be busy 10 days but we hope to see you at these events! For more information please feel free to contact:

Hina - 647-989-1806

You can also send an email to toronto.sankirtan@gmail.com .

Radhastami Festival of Flowers 2013 at Kalachandji’s Hare Krishna Temple in Dallas (133 photos)
→ Dandavats.com

Five hundred years ago in India, Kalachandji, literally translated as "the beautiful moon-faced one," was worshipped as the Supreme Personality of Godhead by thousands of devotees. Impeccable craftsmen constructed an elaborate temple for Him; famous artisans decorated it. Accompanied by drums, cymbals and tambouras, His followers filled the halls with melodious prayers throughout the day, and the air was sweet with myriad varieties of richly fragrant incense. Read more ›

Radhastami 2013-Greetings and Initiation ISKCON Durban (30 photos)
→ Dandavats.com

The Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple (Hare Krishna Temple) places the bustling suburb of Chatsworth on the map as a tourist destination. Situated approximately 20km south of the Durban City Centre, its three domes of white and gold rises above a dazzling octagonal roof. The temple has been acclaimed as an architectural masterpiece – a spiritual wonderland. Although, designed and constructed in the 1980′s, its design is a combination of the traditional, contemporary and futuristic; and simultaneously a fusion of concepts showcasing “east meets west”. The ancient “vastu purusha mandala” formula is imbibed in its geometrical lay-out with shapes such as circles, triangles, squares and octagons, holding great spiritual symbolism and philosophical meaning enhanced by its unique setting in the midst of a moat of water and water features, surrounded by a sprawling luscious lotus shaped garden. Read more ›

Radhastami flower dress @ ISKCON Vrindavan (108 photos)
→ Dandavats.com

“Srimati Radharani is the mother of the universe, the spiritual mother of all souls. And the concept of mother is the most sacred symbol—that of purity, selflessness, caring, sharing, nurturing, and love. That is why our sacred mantra is the holy names. It is the holy names in the vocative. Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare / Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare Read more ›

Sri Radhastami Morning Program and Abhishekam in Mayapur (75 photos)
→ Dandavats.com

An abhisheka is a religious bathing ceremony. The word abhisheka means a sprinkling. It is derived from the root sic, to wet, and with the prefix abhi, "around," abhisheka is literally, "wetting around." An abhisheka is the bathing part of a puja that usually is done with sacred water. In puja, a Deity is called, seated, greeted, bathed, dressed, fed and praised. The bathing of the Deity is the abhisheka part of the puja. In some cases, the main focus of the puja is the bathing ceremony itself. Read more ›

Giri’s Mechanic Shop
→ New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit

(next to Nityo’s house on the road to the old Vrindaban farmhouse)

Giri provides the following auto services:

Brakes, shocks, struts, bearings, bushings, some exhaust welding, starters, alternators, ball joints, tie rod ends, radiators, cv boots and joints AND just about any other mechanical problem that may occur.

Mechanic's_Shop.small

Thanks,
Giri

304 843 1765

How can an IAS officer help in sharing Krishna consciosness since India is a secular country?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

From: Rishi
Please tell how can an IAS officer serve Srila Prabhupada and his mission.
How can he help in preaching and book distribution ?? As India is a secular country and IAS officer in his public life is expected to be secular and not promoting any particular religion. Despite all that, if an IAS officer is a vaishnava, how can he help in preaching activities and book distribution especially, with all the resources and power he possess ?

Answer Podcast